Ann Minkner Millard (clhs 1959) sent this article in for our web site..."
"This was forwarded to us by one of my husband's classmates (from Mason City, IA) Sounds like quite a distinguished CLHS graduate. With your interest in all things related to Clear Lake, thought you (all) might enjoy reading it."
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Clear Lake man is humble visionary (North Iowa Neighbors)
By PEGGY SENZARINO, peggy.senzarino@globegazette.com
CLEAR LAKE - Donald O. Thompson has been involved in some of the most dramatic scientific accomplishments in the last 55 years, including the Apollo space program, the space shuttle program and development of the B1 bomber.
The Clear Lake native has also been named one of the 150 Visionaries who built Iowa State University.
"I was very, very pleased and also surprised that this happened. To be listed among them is something that surprised me and at the same time you feel pretty humbled at being part of that sort of listing," Thompson said.
"He is a very humble, unassuming type of individual. He is just a terrific guy to work with," said Morris Norem of Clear Lake.
Norem and Thompson have worked on the Benevolent Ministry team at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.
Thompson, 80, graduated as valedictorian of his Clear Lake High School class in 1945 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Navy.
Thompson holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in physics from the University of Iowa.
Thompson came to Iowa State University in 1979. He is currently a scientific adviser for the Institute for Physical Research and Technology at ISU as well as a distinguished professor emeritus of engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
Thompson and his wife, Barbara, moved to Clear Lake on a permanent basis in 1998. The couple has three children and nine grandchildren.
He had an interest in science from a young age.
"My dad (Oscar Thompson) was a very inventive person and I think that some of that probably rubbed off on me," Thompson said. "Certainly by the time I was in high school I had decided what my interests were."
One of his biggest accomplishments was the establishment of the Center for NonDestructive Evaluation at Iowa State University.
The NDE technology is aimed at detecting structural flaws in materials, buildings and machines that could grow into catastrophic failures.
The NDE technology is useful in catching problems in aging aircraft, nuclear reactors, pipelines and energy systems.
Before going to ISU, Thompson worked at the Rockwell International Science Center from 1964 to 1979. While at Rockwell, he was involved in the B1 bomber program, Apollo space program, space shuttle and shuttle main engine programs.
"That was one of the best periods in U.S. science and engineering," Thompson said.
"I think some of the accomplishments were just huge."
The Rev. Dean Hess, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, called Thompson "a remarkable guy."
"He is the only real rocket scientist we have around here," Hess said.
"I just have a tremendous respect for his intelligence, his humbleness and his way of thinking things through. He doesn't go into detail about his accomplishments unless you out and out ask him," Norem said.
"He just relates and gets along with everybody," Hess said.
Long past the age when he could have retired, Thompson has no interest in slowing down.
"My interest remains there. I have a passion for science and technology and I like to be involved in that," he said." (End of story)
