Obituary: Cora Thompson-French

Cora L. Thompson-French, 89, of Cedar Falls, passed away on March 2, 2026, at Unity Point Allen Hospital.  

Cora was born on April 4, 1936, in Des Moines, to Harold A. and Helen L. (Baker) Whitham. She  was a 1954 graduate of Des Moines High School and attended Iowa Lutheran Hospital Nurses Training  for one year. Cora married John A. Thompson, Sr. on July 19, 1955, in Des Moines; he preceded her in  death on July 20, 1994. Cora later married Arlan R. French on February 13, 1999, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL;  he preceded her in death on July 18, 2012.  

Cora and her husband John operated Lanter Courier Service. Upon John's death in 1994, Cora resumed his responsibilities as operations manager, retiring in 2000.  

Cora and Arlan enjoyed summering in Prairie Du Chein and spending winters in Mesa, AZ. Cora enjoyed golfing and was an avid bowler-she belonged to the Women's Golf Association and lifetime member of the Metro Bowlers Hall of Fame. In her later years, Cora actively planned activities for her residence at The Village Coop in Cedar Falls. Cora enjoyed playing 500, Bridge, and lots of other games whilst living there. Cora cherished her time spent with her family and loved getting to know country singer, Chris LeDoux, and frequented many of his concerts with her family.  

Cora is also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jim Whitham.  

Cora is survived by her children, Deb (Jeff) Lickness of Hudson, Janice Winkelmann of Gladstone, MO, and John Thompson, Jr. of Centreville, AL; grandchildren, Jen Thompson, Megan (Brent) Waters, and J.D. Lickness; great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Emelia, and Estelle Thompson; brothers, Bill  (Betty) Whitham and Dick (Carolyn) Whitham all of Des Moines; along with many nieces, nephews, and  cousins.  

Memorial Gathering and Service: The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.  on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo. Memorial Service to follow at 11:30 a.m.  

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.  

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.