John Howard Thompson
December 28, 1927 ~ December 8, 2024
Born in:
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Resided in:
Westminster, Colorado
John went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 8, 2024, peacefully and with joy in his heart.
John Howard Thompson was born to Martha Berdahl Thompson and Reverend Martin Christian Thompson on December 28, 1927 in Emmetsburg Iowa, joining his sister Ruth. Music was encouraged in their home with his mom playing the piano for church on Sunday while his dad was the minister at Bethany Lutheran Church. A good education was important along with sports, as he lettered in basketball, track, and football. John met his future wife, Marilyn, and they welcomed children along with John attending St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where the choir took him on concert tours including Carnegie Hall in NYC. He taught high school English for 2 years in Randolph, MN, and English and vocal music in Pomeroy, Iowa for 4 years.
In 1956 and 1957 the family that now included 4 children went to Colorado for the summer where John earned his master’s degree in administration. In 1958 a new home was established in Boulder. John worked for the Boulder Valley School District with most of his career as the principal of Base Line Junior High School from 1964 to 1983. Retirement was in 1983 and that brought the continuation of what he always said was a wonderful life.
Family travels were enjoyed and John and Marilyn had an endless curiosity of the world and traveled to 37 foreign countries. They lived in China for 3 semesters while John taught English to college students and they continued a life of teaching others through their willingness to learn and enjoy new cultures. Teaching as a foreign expert in Advanced English at Shanghai International Studies University and at the Beijing Normal College of Foreign Languages brought them both great friendships and opportunities.
Many friends were made by John and Marilyn through activities and leadership at Mt. Calvary and Atonement Lutheran Church. Friendships and curiosity were combined with the Questers antique club, poker, coin and stamp collecting groups, the Good Sam camping club and a woodworking hobby. John was the charter president of the Sons of Norway Vesterheim Lodge in Boulder. Extensive travel for genealogy research included 5 trips to Norway with his family genealogy records spanning fourteen generations. He used each moment of his day with purpose, led by faith with joy in his heart and curiosity of mind. His smile was boundless, as was his love for his family. As children we are so very proud and honored to have been witness to the love and joy created by our parents, for us, but especially for them for more than 75 years together.
John’s inurnment beside Marilyn at Atonement Lutheran Church in Boulder, Colorado has brought him to rest with his beloved wife.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church, 685 Inca Parkway, Boulder, CO 80303.
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Memorial Service: July 21, 2025 11:00 am
Atonement Lutheran Church
685 Inca Parkway
Boulder, Colorado 80303
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JohnHowardThompsonMemorial Service
Memorial Service
685 Inca Parkway,Boulder, Colorado 80303
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John was my Principal at Baseline Junior Middle School with Assistant Principal John Knox. ( School Years 1973 — 1975 ) . I’ll always remember John for something that he taught me, I had problems reading till one day John showed me how to always go back to the last sentence I read in case if I couldn’t remember the topic. To this day I still use John’s advice I’m a better reader thank you John.
REST IN PEACE .