Janet R. Thompson, 83 of Rockwell passed away Friday, April 19, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE, Mason City, IA 50401 with Rev. Ben Valentine, celebrant.
She will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Rockwell, IA.
Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA.
The Rosary will be prayed beginning at 4:45pm and a Scriptural Wake service will begin at 7pm.
Janet Rose was born December 1, 1940 in Oelwein, IA the daughter of Raymond Conrad and Olive Marie (Lammers) Keppler. Growing up on the family dairy farm near Strawberry Point, Janet attended country school, later graduating from Strawberry Point High School in 1959. She moved to Des Moines where she worked in Records at the State Department before moving to California for two years to work as an Opthamalogist’s Technician. Following her mother’s unexpected death, Janet returned home to help care for her younger siblings. She met Thorvald John “Tommy” Thompson and on July 9, 1966 the couple was married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City by her uncle, Father Daniel Keppler. To this union four children were born: Jody, Jackie, John and Jason. The family made their home on a farm north of Rockwell where they would raise their children.
A woman of faith, hard work, and unwavering dedication, Janet’s life revolved around her family and her farm, where she tended to her pristine lawn and flourishing garden with unmatched care. Janet ensured every important family gathering was accompanied with great food and all the sides. Grounded in her faith, she drew strength from her daily morning scripture readings, a practice that anchored her through life’s trials. Janet’s involvement in various community organizations including the VFW, Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge and Eagles, alongside her husband Thorvald, spoke volumes about their commitment to service. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle, Janet’s greatest joy resided in the role of motherhood. Whether nurturing her own children or helping to raise and guide her siblings, she embodied positivity, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the bright side of life. Her warmth, compassion, and forgiving nature created a tapestry of love that enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 58 years, Thorvald; children, Jody Thompson of Hungary and formerly of Rockwell, IA, Jackie (David) Weill of New Orleans, LA, John Thompson of Rockwell and Jason Thompson of Kirksville, MO; grandchildren, Jacob Thompson, Hannah and Ava Weill; siblings, Charles “Chuck” (Ruth) Keppler, Mary (Tom) Weber, Mark (Betty) Keppler, Dan (Nancy) Keppler; step-siblings, Mary Jane (Terry) Cole and Betty Sands; Thorvald’s sister, Janice Hetland; sisters-in-law, Bonnie, Diane and Patty Keppler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many cherished friends.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Olive Keppler and step-mother, Anita Cunningham; siblings, Shirley (Bob) Cisna, Robert Keppler, Thomas Keppler, LaVerne (Jane) Keppler and Terry Keppler; step-brother, Jim Cunningham. She was also preceded in death by Thorvald’s parents who cherished her dearly, Orville and Ruth Thompson and brother-in-law, Eugene Thompson.
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