Daniel Kent Thompson

Daniel Kent Thompson passed away early September 8, 2025, peacefully and surrounded by love. Dan was born in Urbandale, Iowa on July 22, 1949 to Fay and Bob Thompson. As the youngest of six, he grew up in a loud, close family filled with pranks, jokes, and love. Dan was a talented runner, known as the "Flash" in high school and held a state record. He joined the Navy in 1967, and spent time in Naples and Malta on the USS Everglades and the USS Yellowstone where he trained as an engineman.

In 1982, he met the love of his life, Denise Goedke, and they married in 1984. They recently celebrated their 41st anniversary on September 2nd.

Dan started his own business,Thompson Communications in 1988, where he did telecommunications and consulting work, earning a reputation as an honest, capable businessman. He sold the business in 2016 and retired, and then he and Denise traveled across the States and Canada during his new found free time.

Dan loved trains. He rode all the major loops in Colorado and traveled almost exclusively by either car or train. Flying was never an option. As a result, the family had many roadtrips all across the country - seeing National Parks, camping, and visiting family. Sunday drives were a common occurrence, leaving before noon and returning after dark. There's not a part of Colorado Dan hasn't seen. Later, he would go on cruises with Denise to Alaska, New England, and Canada.

Dan loved jokes and comedy - he always had a joke, impression, prank, or another goof ready for whoever crossed his path next. His favorite short joke was something he often repeated: "A man walks into the bar with a duck on his head. The duck says "Bartender, can you get this guy off my ass?""

His biggest joy was family. His nieces and nephews were the lights of his life, and loved taking them on their own adventures when they were young. He was the favorite, fun "Uncle Dan."

Dan's children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishment, and he'd tell you as much. Nothing gave Dan as much joy as driving in the car with his kids and Denise, listening to 1940s radio episodes and drinking terrible McDonald's coffee. Dan dropped anything to be with his kids, helping with yard care, flat tires, gas, or free babysitting, or whatever else he could do. He would frequently show up with no notice to mow the yard or drop off junk mail.

Dan was able to connect with his eldest daugher, Jenny, in 2024. This completed the Thompson family with the additions of Jenny, her husband Rob, and daughters Olivia and Samantha. They were the missing pieces in Dan's life.

Dan is survived by his siblings, John, Greg, and Diane. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Dave and Jim. He is also survived by wife Denise and children Jenny, Sarah, Amanda, and Patrick, and grandchildren Olivia, Samantha, and Ellison, and son-in-laws Rob, Matt, and Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following organizations close to Dan's heart:

The Colorado Railroad Museum

https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/donate-now/

The Cumbres Toltec Railroad

https://cumbrestoltec.com/donate/

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