Belva Thompson

Belva Victoria Michaelsen was born February 14, 1923, to Victor Sievers Michaelsen and Pearl Erma Cornelius Michaelsen on a farm north of Dow City in Paradise Township. Belva graduated from Dow City High School with the class of 1941. After graduating she married Emmett Elwood Thompson who farmed southeast of Dow City. To their union three sons were born – Larry Emmett, Bruce Alan, and Curtis Arlan. In 1945 they moved to their own farm in Union Township, where Emmett passed away on December 2, 1965.
Bruce took over the farming operation and Belva remained on the farm until Curtis graduated from high school and eventually moved to Dow City when Bruce married in 1973.
Belva was employed as a bookkeeper and receptionist for Thams Insurance and Real Estate in Denison for 18 years. She retired in December of 1989. In retirement Belva continued to read avidly, enjoy TV, take adult education classes like oil painting, and spend time with family and friends. She was an active member of Community of Christ Church in Dow City of which she became a member in April 1949. Belva held many offices including youth and women’s leader, auditor, and book steward. On August 12, 1990, she was ordained to the office of Deacon.
Belva was also interested in politics and helped Dow City citizens vote for many years. She was an excellent cook who made the best potato salad anywhere. She hosted all holiday dinners for her family well into her 80s.
In November of 2010 Belva was hospitalized and needed to go on dialysis. She was unable to return home so settled into Eventide in Denison for her remaining years of life. While there, she enjoyed visits from family and friends, crossword puzzles, the music entertainment, and Bingo. In 2012 she was proud to win the spelling bee between Denison Care and Eventide.
Her family gathered last February 17 to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was honored with an open house which was well attended.
Belva passed away at Eventide on Wednesday afternoon, July 31, 2013, having reached the age of 90 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Emmett; and her stepfather, Wilson Weir. She is survived by her sons, Larry (Kathy) of Harlan, Iowa; Bruce (Connie) of Dow City, Iowa; and Curtis (Renee) of Omaha, Nebraska; her sister, Waldene Ramesbotham of Sioux City, Iowa; four grandchildren and their spouses; three great-granddaughters; and also nieces, nephews, and friends.