Gretchen M. Thompson

Gretchen M. Thompson (Leick), 78, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on November 12, 2022, after a long and valiant battle with vascular dementia.

Gretchen was born on January 28, 1944, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Gretchen graduated from St. Francis in 1962. She enjoyed her work in banking and retail while also being a mother to five children. Being a mother to five children under five made her the matriarch of our family. Being a mother to her five children was her absolute pride and joy.

Gretchen met her beloved late husband, Richard (Dick) Thompson, and they wed in 1963. Gretchen and Dick were blessed with five children; Jeff, Kathy (passed 2011), Mark, and twins Jennifer and Julie.

Gretchen held several passions. Motherhood, gardening, and bowling were just a few. Her most favorite pastime was camping with her late husband, Dick, and their dog Trixie. She enjoyed camping and lounging by a campfire. She radiated an infectious and loving personality that made everyone call her mom and be a part of her life.

Gretchen’s love for her family never wavered and was clearly evident to anyone that knew her. Gretchen was predeceased by her late husband, Richard (Dick) Thompson, parents, Edward, and Gertrude (Longeway) Leick, brother Bernard Leick, and daughter Kathy Thompson, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Thompson (Hagen). She is survived by sons, Jeff and Mark, daughters Jennifer and wife Lillian and Julie, sisters Mary Kathleen Jensen and Geraldine Shestak, 5 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and friends who were her extended family.

Gretchen was an inspiration to all who knew her and she will be missed.

Visitation is Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory, with a Rosary beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial service is Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs.

Interment is in the Garner Township Cemetery.