Jerry M. Thompson
Jerry M. Thompson age 70 of Durand, died peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his gentle, nurturing manner, his great wit, and his caring spirit.
Jerry was a wonderful man who lived life to the fullest. His love for his wife was an inspiration to all who knew him. He greatly enjoyed playing golf, relaxing at his cabin in northern Wisconsin, travelling with his great friends and family, and watching the Green Bay Packers. Jerry was a long time member of the Durand Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Independent Insurance Agents of Western Wisconsin. Above all, he really loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Jerry was born July 26, 1944 in Durand. He was the son of Martin and Blanche (Hetrick) Thompson and grew up on the family farm in Buffalo County in rural Durand. Jerry and his family moved in to Durand after the death of his father. Jerry graduated from Durand High School in 1962. After high school, Jerry began working at Roger’s IGA in Durand. He married Marcia M. Krings on October 24, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. Jerry joined the Army National Guard in 1965. He began his Insurance career with American Family Insurance in 1976 and then became an independent agent and started the Jerry Thompson Agency in 1996, retiring in August of 2012 due to ill health.
Jerry is survived by his wife Marcia of 50 years, two daughters, Kim (Kevin Erickson) Wardean of Altoona, Brenda (Dave) Christopherson of Durand; five grandsons, Brady, Austin and Logan Wardean; Tyler and Cole Christopherson; one brother, Mitch (Julie) of Eau Claire; four sisters, Rita (Bob) Segar of Vadnais Heights, MN; Carol (LaVerne) Bauer of Arkansaw; Joan Longsdorf of Stockholm; Sharon (Wayne) Roatch of Spring Valley; a sister-in-law, Diana Thompson of Shoreview, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Dan.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the incredible care providers throughout Jerry’s cancer journey: Dr. Uhm of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the Mayo Clinic Cancer Clinic staff in Eau Claire, and Mayo Hospice Outreach including Pastor Dale, Trudi, and Char.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Hospice Outreach or Pepin County Food Pantry.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM Monday April 6, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with burial in the church cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. There will be no visitation at the church before services.