George Walter Thompson

George Walter Thompson, 90, of Davenport Passed Away peacefully on January 30, 2017surrounded by his loving family. Per his wishes, cremation rights have been accorded. A celebration of George’s extraordinary life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday February, 07, 2017 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral: visitation will be at 9:00am until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the Outing Club. Memorial donations may be given to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

George was born June 21st, 1926, the only child of George William and Gertrude Laverenz Thompson. He attended Davenport High School and was active in sports, including basketball with the legendary Davenport coach Paul Moon. George enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corps V-5 program during high school and entered the Navy on July 1st 1944. He first attended St. Ambrose University and the University of Wisconsin, and then graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering while receiving his commission from the U.S. Navy. While attending ISU, George affiliated with his brothers and lifelong friends in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity

In 1948 George obtained his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder. Before re-enlisting in the Navy, he worked a short time for Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric. A natural leader, George proudly served his country as Commanding Officer of the Mine Sweeper USS Heron AMS-18 during the Korean War. He was deployed for 2 years.

George was engaged to Mary Ann Hersom in April of 1950. On September 1st of that year, George and Mary Ann were married at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Davenport.

By 1955, George worked in sales for Torrance Electric in Rock Island, IL. He was promoted to manager in 1960, eventually becoming majority owner in 1974. George invested his life and career in Torrance Electric; he retired and successfully sold the business in 1996 at the age of 70.

At age 60, George ran his first of many Quad City Bix 7 races; he continued to graciously support the race for 30 years as a volunteer. He served on the Board of Directors for the Quad City Times plus 60 Club and was a member of the Catfish Jazz Society. George also travelled the world with friends new and old.

Throughout his life George enjoyed recreational sports: running, swimming, bowling, tennis, and of course golf. He was an avid skier until age 88, and spent many years vacationing in and around Vail, Colorado with Mary Ann, family, and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his children and their spouses: Bill Thompson (Theresa) of Davenport and Ann Vandehaar (Mark) of Spencer, Iowa; his grandchildren Ryan, Adam, Emily, and Stephen; his great grandchildren Pilar, Lukas, and Ben, and a special friend Rosemary.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George “Poppy” and Gertrude “Gam”, and his wife Mary Ann after 57 years of marriage. George was a friend to many and the foundation of his family.