Gene W. Thompson, 78, of Waterloo, died at Lakeview Landing of Friendship Village on Sunday, May 14, 2017.

Gene was born on March 31, 1939 in Elmore, MN, son of Hervie Theodore and Arlene Marie (Drew) Thompson. He grew up on a farm near the small town of Rake, Iowa, before his parents moved his family to Waterloo, where they owned the Cedar Falls Maid Rite.

He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1957. Gene served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957-1960. He married Rebecca Fleider; they later divorced. Gene then married Denise Thede on April 24, 2015.

Gene worked for the Waterloo Police Department 1963 to 1994, retiring as Sergeant. He was then hired in 1994 as Chief of the Hudson Police Department, where he retired in 2001.

Gene was a member of Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Elks #290, and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends, attending bowling league, and shooting pool. Gene was a gentle soul of few words; he was well admired and respected by those who knew him.

He is survived by: his wife, Denise Thede of Waterloo; two sons: Troy Thompson of Jacksonville, FL and David (Rebecca) Thompson of Vancouver, WA; a daughter, Diane (Aaron) Burrage of Traer; a stepdaughter, Jennifer (Deric) Dozark of Reinbeck; a stepson, Ryan Thede of Nashua; six grandchildren: Bryce Thompson, Kasey Thompson, Alexis Burrage, Krystal Thompson, DJ Thompson, and Alex Thede; two great-grandsons: Chayse Thompson and Gavin Long; a brother, Ron (Carol) Thompson of Bella Vista, AR; and a sister, Sharlene (Jack) Waskow of Dubuque.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Todd Thompson; and a sister, Sharon Kae Atwood.