Dennis Thompson

Dennis H. Thompson, age 83, of Rapid River, MI passed away early Saturday morning January 1, 2005 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba where he had been a resident for the past month.
Dennis was born April 28, 1921 in Alberta, Canada, the son of Barney and Clara Rose (McCormick) Thompson. Dennis’ family immigrated to Chicago when Dennis was 6 years old. In 1932 his family bought their farm in Stonington where they relocated and Dennis attended and graduated from Rapid River High School. Following high school Dennis joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country in World War II. Following his return from the war he married the former Bernadette “Betty” Barker-Courier on August 6, 1943 in Escanaba. When he returned from his service in the U.S. Marines they moved to Milwaukee and raised their family. Dennis worked as a cement finisher and was a member of Milwaukee Local #558 Union until retiring in 1975. Upon retirement Dennis and Betty returned “home” to the family farm in Stonington where they both lived out their remaining years.

In addition to being a member of the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 and a lifetime member of the N.R.A., Dennis enjoyed life and had many special interests and hobbies. Although Dennis was not a teacher by profession, he had a gift for teaching people about life and nature in particular. Dennis loved the nature that surrounded his home and even rescued and raised orphaned animals that had the luck to come across his path. One of his greatest joys was feeding and watching the birds. Other hobbies included reading about current events, gardening, hunting and fishing, morning coffee with friends and neighbors, weekend visits with family and watching the Packers play football (especially when they played the Lions!).

Dennis will be affectionately remembered and dearly missed by his many surviving family and friends.

Survivors include:

Daughter: Barbara (Nick) Bagles of Tomahawk, WI.

Sons: Dennis (Debby) Thompson of Colgate, WI; Gary (Mary) Thompson of Menomonee Falls, WI; Robin (Chris) Thompson of South Milwaukee, WI; James (Tai Rissman) Thompson of Dearborn, MI.

Brother: Kenneth (Tempie) Thompson, of Madison, Alabama

Special Companion: MaryLou Seton and her children.

Caregiver: Ted Roberts

19 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren

Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dearly loved friends.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Bernadette on October 21, 1980.
Others who preceded him in death include: 1 brother Carl Thompson and 2 sisters Agnes Christiansen and Anna Tahlman.

The Family would also like to express a sincere thank you to Sam at Christian Park Health Care Center for the compassionate care he provided our father.

Dennis’ family will receive friends on Saturday January 8, 2005 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rapid River American Legion Post #301 Military Rites will follow at 3:45 P.M. Funeral services celebrating the life of Dennis H. Thompson will follow at 4:00 P.M. with Rev. Stephen Gauger and Richard Groleau officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Burial will be in the spring at Rapid River Cemetery.