Erik Thompson, 49, of West Des Moines and formerly of Grinnell, died on Saturday, May 9, 2026 with his mother, Karen at his side at Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Eric Schubert officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 AM.

Memorials may be designated to Iowa River Hospice or to MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Erik's family online at www.smith.com.

Erik Eugene Thompson was born on May 20, 1976, in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was raised in Grinnell, where he was baptized and confirmed at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. He graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1995.

While in high school, Erik began working at Pagliai's Pizza, where his love for the culinary arts first began. He went on to pursue that passion and earned a degree with honors from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York on March 24, 2006. Following his education, Erik served his residency as a chef at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. His culinary career also included serving as a chef at the White House and in the Hamptons.

Erik later returned to Iowa, making his home in West Des Moines, where he worked as a chef at the Embassy Club in Des Moines. He enjoyed traveling, being with his friends, and spending time on his computer.

Erik is survived by his mother, Karen (Ron) Edgington of Grinnell; his uncle, Keith (Jean) Beasley; and his good friend, Doug (Danielle) Bailey of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lee and Elizabeth Beasley; and his aunt, Vicki Beasley.