Obit: Thompson, Joseph O. “Joe” (1937 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Thompson, Olson, Frank, Kreitlow, Nokes, Anderson, Kling, Stevens, Balliett, Entwistle, Ott, Janicek, McKearn, Murphy, Mesenbrink, Jelinek, Arnold, Cowles

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co, WI) 9/11/2013

Thompson, Joseph O. “Joe” (23 May 1937 - 6 September 2013) With Flag

Joseph O. “Joe” Thompson, 76, Black River Falls died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, in his home in the Town of Albion, Jackson County, while under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice.

Joe was born in Blair, May 23, 1937, to Earl and Bertha (Olson) Thompson. He graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1955. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army. He married Avis Frank in Merrillan July 6, 1968. The couple were later divorced in 2010.

For many years, Joe sold life insurance for the Sons of Norway. He also managed his rental properties for 46 years, and most recently, he was employed in the paint and hardware departments at Walmart. He was very proud of his Norwegian Heritage. He traveled several times to Norway. He and others were instrumental in organizing the Fossen Lodge of the Sons of Norway in Black River Falls, and he assisted other communities in organizing their lodges. He also sang in the Norwegian Choir in Blair. He enjoyed watching birds and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a loving father and grandfather.

Surviving are his former wife, Avis; his children, Melanie (Dusty) Kreitlow, Neillsville, Sandi (Steve) Nokes, Spokane, WA, Terry (Betty) Anderson, Wisconsin Dells, Jeffrey (Sheila) Anderson, Lodi, Patrick (Cindy) Anderson, Marshfield and Todd Kling, Black River Falls; one brother, Michael Thompson, Black River Falls; three sisters, Judy Stevens and Deborah Balliett, both of Black River Falls and Lana Entwistle, Hurley; 18 grandchildren, Jennifer (Todd) Ott, Stephanie (John) Janicek, Nicole (Matt) McKearn, Austin (Amber) Anderson, Todd Kling, Jr., Kylie Kling, Natocia (Chad) Murphy, Sean Mesenbrink, Kelsey Jelinek, Derek, Mason and Max Kreitlow; Caleb, Lydia, Isaac, Miriam, Malachi and Nehemiah Nokes; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bertha Thompson; and two brothers-in-law, Butch Arnold and Ned Balliett.

Funeral services followed by military honors for Joseph O. “Joe” Thompson will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, from the Family Worship Assembly Church, 740 Alder St. Black River Falls. Services will be conducted by Pastor John Cowles. Relatives and friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home (715) 284-2231, 106 S. 2nd Street, Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Online condolences may be sent to www.buswellfuneralhome.com.  Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.