Dallas J. Thompson
Dallas Jordan Thompson, 31, of Clinton, formerly of Monona, died in the early morning hours on May 1, 2021, at his brother’s home near Spook Cave after living with (his words) synovial cancer for over two years.
Dallas was born on July 24, 1989, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader, to James Thompson (Monona) and Denise (Marmann) Thompson (McGregor). He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Church in Monona.
Dallas was a tried-and-true farm kid and had a strong work ethic. He played an active role on the family farm as well as other neighboring farms. Dallas had an easy calm that made him a natural for working with animals and people. Dallas set high expectations for himself. He took pride in maintaining high grades in school and being active in activities outside of academics. Dallas was active in football, speech, drama, men’s chorus, show choir and competed in chess tournaments. He especially enjoyed showing cattle at the Clayton County Fair and being active in his 4-H club.
In 2008, Dallas graduated from MFL MarMac High School as senior class president with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. In 2013, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English and, in 2016, earned his teaching degree at Ashford University. Currently, Dallas was just a few classes short of achieving his master’s degree in special education.
Dallas was rarely idle and typically worked at a least two jobs. In addition to teaching, some of his other jobs included working at area bowling alleys, a horse training farm, concrete work, at a lumberyard, bartending, milking cows and field work for family and friends.
He first taught in an at-risk program and then as a high school science/special education teacher at Clinton High School. Dallas was also very active as a speech and drama coach at Clinton. He loved teaching and challenged his students to do their best and be their best. Dallas was an excellent mentor and role model. It was his greatest wish to return to the classroom even if meant teaching and coaching from a wheelchair.
Dallas truly loved being around people, whether working or playing. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and taking road trips with friends and family. His most memorable trips were to Sturgis, S.D., and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He was a life-long Green Bay Packer fan and rooted for the Iowa Hawkeyes, his alma mater team. Dallas cheered them on to victory at the Florida Orange Bowl in 2010. Some of his interests and talents included reading, wine making, gaming, hunting, horses, black Ford trucks, bowling, bartending, building things, problem solving, philosophy, history, smoking meats, cooking, mechanics and, most recently, canning varieties of spicy pickles. Most of all, Dallas cherished his time with family and friends.
Dallas is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Virgil Thompson, and his maternal grandfather, Donald Marmann. He is survived by his parents; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Blake (Andrea) Thompson of Clinton, Brock (Megan) Thompson of Monona, Dillon (caretaker Kayla) Thompson of McGregor, Collin Thompson of Monona, Marty Adam (Jessica Greve and daughter Amber Pensel) of Monticello; sister and brother-in-law, Casey (Cody) Radloff of Severn, Md.; nieces and nephews, Evelyn Thompson (goddaughter), Charlotte Thompson and Madeline Thompson, April Upton, Marshall Thompson and Kinsey Thompson, Alyssa Thompson (goddaughter) and Jonathon Thompson, Kayden Knox, Mira Radloff and Jacob Radloff; paternal grandmother, Mary Lou Thompson (Monona); maternal grandmother, Shirley Marmann (Farmersburg); aunts, uncles, cousins and an enormous number of great friends.
Dallas has been described as having a “dorky, caring coolness about him.” A “unique and genuine person.” As a middle child, he was a natural mediator, and always an advocate for fairness. Most will remember Dallas for his wit, sarcastic banter and “wicked-awesome” (his words) sense of humor. He was true to himself and authentic with others.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 7, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona. A private funeral will be held.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona is assisting the family with arrangements.
