Evelyn Thompson

Evelyn Marie Thompson, 98, Marshalltown, passed away on November 1 at Green Hills, Ames. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 16 (please note date) at 2 p.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown. Visitation with the family will be at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, T.R. “Tommy” Thompson, at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens, in a private interment rite. A memorial fund is being established in lieu of flowers. For condolences, please visit www.mitchell.com.

Evelyn Marie Muckler was born on November 14, 1925, in Grinnell, the daughter of Irvin and Mary (Ahrens) Muckler. She graduated from Newburg schools. She met her husband of 72 years at a high school dance. Then shortly after, he wrote her a letter to “officially” ask her out. Evelyn and Tommy were married on June 8, 1945, at her aunt’s house in Gilman. Tommy was in the military and he and Evelyn lived in Washington, DC while he worked at the Pentagon. The couple then moved to Iowa City for Tommy to attend the University of Iowa.

Evelyn and Tommy made Marshalltown their home, where he worked at Lennox Industries and she, a homemaker. The couple travelled the world during Tommy’s career, but their favorite place was Okoboji, IA, where the family vacationed annually for more than 40 years. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at the lake with the family. Evelyn was a big Bobcat, Cyclone and Hawkeye fan and enjoyed attending her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities and sports. She was an avid bowler, at one time bowling on four leagues a week.

Surviving are her children: Rick Thompson, Marshalltown; Craig Thompson, Iowa City; Jill (Tony) Bussan, Webster City and Lori (Tracy Wildman), Marshalltown. Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Amy (Dean)Schmidt, Andy, Tyler and Evie, St. Paul, MN; Kelly Knight, Emma and Anne, Katy, TX; Aaron (Bridget) Knight, Callista, Finn and Miles, St. Paul, MN; Vanessa (Nicky) Jhangiani, Chicago, Nina; Sean Thompson, Cedar Falls; Corey Thompson, Cedar Rapids; Joe Bussan Wichita, KS; Rachel Bussan, West Des Moines; Danielle Wical (Brandon Street), Gwen and Finley, Marshalltown; Megan Greenwood, Aubree, Grace, Lane and Rhett, State Center and Kyle Wildman (Steph Kupka) State Center, Briley, Brinley, Bexley and Berkley. Evelyn is also survived by her sister, Nancy Kunce, Grinnell. She was proceeded in death by her husband Tommy, daughter Jann Knight Ryerson, daughter-in-law Nancy Thompson, granddaughter, Tahler Wildman and brother, Lyle Muckler.