09/03/2025
William E. “Bill” Thompson, 54, Blanchard, IA
Graveside services for Bill will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2 pm at Blanchard Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the family to be designated later.
William Edward Thompson, known as Bill to all who knew him, left us with a treasure trove of laughter and memories on August 30, 2025. Born on May 24, 1971, in the bustling city of Omaha, NE, Bill's journey began with a sparkle that only grew brighter as the years passed. His departure in Clarinda, IA, has left a void in the world of humor that will be felt deeply by all.
Bill's life was as vibrant and varied as his jokes. After graduating from South Page High School, he ventured into the workforce with a smile and a wisecrack, spending his days at Sara Lee Bakery and as a construction worker.
Religion was important to Bill, not in a preachy way, but in the sense that he believed the man upstairs must have a sense of humor too. How else could one explain the platypus or the fact that humans spend roughly six months of their lives at red lights? Bill's Christian faith was the quiet backbone of his life; often he would help others in need.
Bill's sons, Preston Scott and Dominic William, were the proudest moments of his life story. His mother, Wanda Thompson, and siblings, Karrie, Richard, and Mary, along with his nephews Dennis and Blaine and nieces Heather, Hannah, and Jenna, all enjoyed his wisdom and sense of humor. Bill's father, William Thompson, who had passed before him, no doubt met him with a high five and a "Well played, son" at the pearly gates.
An avid fisherman, Bill often said that he was a "professional angler," which was code for "I sit by the lake a lot." Poker nights with Bill were less about the cards and more about the side-splitting laughter. He was also a minor celebrity in the world of social media streaming, where his followers tuned in not just for his cooking and grilling tips but for his unique ability to make them snort their morning coffee with his latest antics.
Bill was a man who never needed Google to tell him how to have a good time, but he sure loved looking up weird facts to share with friends and family. Did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? Bill did, and he'd tell you with a twinkle in his eye, right before serving up his famous BBQ ribs.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Bill was a breath of fresh air. His life was a reminder that laughter is a gift we can give to one another, no matter the circumstances. So, let us not say goodbye, but rather, "See you later," because a man like Bill never really leaves; he simply takes his show on the road to a venue with a larger audience, leaving us all with an encore of chuckles and warmth in our hearts.
Preceded in death by his father, William; both maternal and paternal grandparents; and niece, Angel.
Bill is survived by his sons, Preston and Dominic; mother, Wanda; siblings Karrie, Richard (Deb), and Mary; nephews Dennis and Blaine; nieces Heather, Hannah, and Jenna; great-nieces Evelynn and Zelda; and great-nephew Halo.
