Pat Marie Thompson Obituary May 22, 2026 | Des Moines, IA
Pat Marie Thompson, 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Pat Marie Thompson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, entered into eternal rest on May 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her warm heart, gentle spirit, infectious laughter, and unwavering faith, Pat lived a life filled with kindness, dedication to family, and quiet acts of service that touched everyone around her. She will be remembered as a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and brought comfort and joy to all who knew her.
A Life Well Lived
Pat Marie Thompson was born on March 12, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up in a loving family that taught her the values of faith, hard work, and compassion. After graduating from East High School, Pat attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse.
She enjoyed a long and rewarding career in healthcare, working for over 35 years at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Pat specialized in labor and delivery, bringing comfort, encouragement, and compassionate care to countless families during some of the most important moments of their lives. Colleagues and patients remembered her as the calm, caring nurse whose presence brought peace during stressful times. She retired in 2010 but continued volunteering with local health initiatives and church outreach programs.
In 1970, Pat married the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Thompson. Together they built a beautiful home and raised a family grounded in love, faith, and strong values. She was a longtime active member of First Christian Church of Des Moines, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and organized many fellowship events. Pat had a passion for gardening, baking, quilting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her famous chocolate chip cookies and homemade quilts were treasured gifts at family gatherings and baby showers.
Surviving Family Members
Pat is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Richard “Rick” Thompson of Des Moines; her children: daughter Lisa (Mark) Reynolds of Ankeny, Iowa, and son Michael (Jennifer) Thompson of West Des Moines, Iowa; her cherished grandchildren: Emma, Jacob, and Abigail Reynolds, and Noah, Sophia, and Benjamin Thompson; and many loving siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Nelson, and her brother, James Nelson.
Funeral Details and Arrangements
A Celebration of Life service for Pat Marie Thompson will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church of Des Moines, with Pastor David Whitaker officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 29, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dunn Family Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Pallbearers will include her son, son-in-law, and grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church’s Missions Fund or to the American Heart Association in Pat’s loving memory.
A Heartfelt Tribute
Pat Marie Thompson was the heart of her family and a source of gentle light to everyone she met. She lived with grace, loved without condition, and served others with humility and joy. Whether caring for new mothers and babies at the hospital, nurturing her own family, or offering a listening ear and warm hug to a friend, Pat gave from a heart full of compassion.
She taught her children and grandchildren the beauty of faith, the importance of kindness, and the value of cherishing every moment together. Her warm presence, wise counsel, delicious home-baked treats, and peaceful spirit created a home filled with love, security, and laughter. Pat faced every season of life with quiet courage and an unshakable trust in God.
Though our hearts ache with her passing, we find great comfort knowing Pat has gone home to her Heavenly Father, reunited with loved ones who preceded her. Her legacy of love, faith, and gentle strength will continue to live on through her family and all the lives she so beautifully touched.
Condolences and Guestbook
The Thompson family warmly invites relatives, friends, former colleagues, and church members to share memories, stories, and words of comfort in the guestbook below. These tributes will be treasured as the family celebrates Pat’s beautiful life and finds strength during this time of sorrow.
