Rufus Thompson, 98

Winnebago — Former area farmer, Rufus Thompson, age 98, died Monday morning, Dec. 1, 2008, at Parker Oaks Nursing Home in Winnebago, where he had been a resident in assisted living for the past two years.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore. Rev. Robert Roettger and Rev. Victor Vriesen officiated. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery in Elmore.

Rufus Thompson was born and baptized at Radcliffe, Iowa to Annie (Hendrickson) and Oscar Thompson on April 22, 1910. They moved to their farm south of Elmore when he was one. He farmed in the area until the age of 75.

On Aug. 21, 1935, he married Mabel Ingebritson near Frost. After retirement, he took care of Mabel during her long illness. He enjoyed mowing his farm lawn as well as the church lawn for many years. He also enjoyed having coffee with his friends in Elmore.

He is survived by his daughters Darlene (Richard) Block of Thompson, Marilyn (Ken) Balvance of Buffalo Center and Jan (Maynard) Spitzack of Winnebago; son Royce (Sue) of Ackworth, Iowa. Also surviving are his sisters Ivah Erickson, Donna (Maynard) Gjerde and Murtis Johnson; sister-in-law Elvira Thompson; grandchildren Sherry, Carolyn, Linda, Julie, Dean, Amy, Laura, Michael and Beth; and great-grandchildren Phil, Sarah, Katie, Mitchell, Kayla, Michael, Tom, Dylan, Alex, Jason, Kelsey, Noah, Francine and Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mabel in 1992, brothers Norman, Herman and Harlan; and sisters Hazel, Lorraine and Bernice.

Online tributes or personal emails may be left at www.winterfuneralhome.com