Lester Thompson (91) passed away on March 14, 2023, at Northcrest Community in Ames, Iowa. A graveside service will be held on April 15th, at 1:30 at the Arcola Cemetery in Arcola, Illinois. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church of Ames, Iowa, in Lester's name. Online condolences can be made to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Lester Thompson was born on May 20, 1931, to Harold and Madge (Cole) Thompson in Arcola, Illinois. He would graduate from Arcola High School with the class of 1949. Following his primary education, Lester took up farming with his father, though he would later move on to working at a chemical plant in Tuscola, Illinois.

Later in life, Lester met his wife, Mary, at a square dance. The two were united in marriage in 1951, at a country church in rural Illinois. Together, the two continued to square dance throughout their lives.

After 10 years of marriage, Mary and their four little boys joined Lester as he strived to complete his education. Lester enrolled at the University of Illinois, in their Agricultural Engineering program. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at the University of Illinois, Lester continued his studies and obtained his master's in mechanical engineering. He then enrolled at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. While at Purdue, Lester received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Following his doctoral studies at Purdue, he found employment in Tennessee before moving to Ames, Iowa, and working at Sunstrand, which later became Danfoss. Lester retired from Danfoss in 1999. During their time in Ames, Mary became the Assistant Director of the College of Engineering Career Services. In 1995, Mary passed away after a long battle with cancer.

In addition to his square-dancing activities, Lester contributed to the Ames community as a member of the Kiwanis Club through various service projects. He was also a dedicated member of the Golden K Singers as well as a member of the First Christian Church.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clyde Thompson and Anna Seaman; wife, Mary Thompson; sons, Michael, Paul, Nelson and Doug as well as a daughter-in-law, Annise.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sisters, Margaret (Larry) Nagreski of Bloomington, Illinois, and Linda (Bethel) Turner of Kirksville, Missouri; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.