Larry "Bucky" Gale Thompson

"It's been a good ride my friends SYOTOS"

Susan says Larry is: One of a kind, a true "gentle" man, kind & caring to all generations, romantic, seriously intelligent, forever Phi Sig brother, thoughtful, amazing grin, twinkling blue/green eyes, a playful tease, loyal friend, always ready to play, awesome husband who spoiled her, always ready for a party, "it's just physics", "it doesn't matter", "it is what it is", "just because", and sincere.

Larry was born August 9, 1949 to Gale & Bonnie Thompson, raised on the family farm northeast of Van Meter with his 3 sisters. He served on the Van Meter City Council and as Mayor for 20+ years. Lifetime friends were made in Van Meter and at UNI where he became a passionate member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity; & where he met his forever love, Susan Hand (while she was on a date with another frat brother). He told her on their 2nd date that he was going to marry her and he did 6 months later on January 23, 1971.

They shared many passions and travels, but most of all their 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Susan taught him to love to sing out loud (he mostly hummed) and dance. They will be forever dancing to the music.

Larry was an amazing Investment Manager with IPERS & MFPRSI, growing the funds into the billions. He was well known on both coasts in the investment world.

He suffered a massive stroke in August 2020 which robbed him of his speech, memory and comprehension; thankfully leaving him with his physical capabilities and an amazing grin. Two more strokes followed and the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2023.

His family continued a treasured & ongoing love, working with him to regain as much speech as he could; treasuring every moment they did. He passed on August 3, 2025 with his wife, his sons and his grandchildren with him.

Larry was preceded in death by daughter, Kim; sister, Mary Allen; parents, Gale & Bonnie (Forret) Thompson; the Thompson and Forret grandparents; parents-in-law, John & Marylou Hand; and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Hand Thompson; son, Brett (Janine); grandchildren, Ben, Sam (Rylan) and Lilly; son, Brian; grandchildren, Shiloh, Crystal and Harley; sisters, Betty (Hugh) Stone and Sharon (Larry) Hicok; brother-in-law, John (Sue) Hand; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Memorial contributions may be sent to “Child Serve” in Johnston, Iowa or “Imagine the Possibilities” in Corning, Iowa. Both facilities were wonderful, loving places Kimberly has lived.