Orin A. Thompson, 73, of Manchester, Iowa, formerly of 2930 Ranchero Road in Waterloo, died at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Orin was born September 6, 1935 in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Orlando ‘Len’ and Genevieve ‘Gen’ (Anderson) Thompson. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1954.

He married Helena M. Kotscher on September 10, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo. She died December 14, 2003.

He worked at Morris Printing right out of high school until 1968; then worked in the composing room at the Waterloo Courier until retiring in 1991.

Orin is survived by daughter Leanne and her husband Tim Swope Jr. of Waterloo, two grandchildren: Carter and Addyson Swope, three step grandchildren: Brandi Lonetto, Brittany Swope and Brody Swope, sister Doris and her husband Harold Saathoff of Dike, Iowa, and brother-in-law Richard Schwab of Waterloo. Also, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister Dianne Schwab.

He enjoyed building and collecting model cars, going to flea markets, attending stockcar races, and especially watching his son-in-law race. He was a big fan of racer Richard Petty.