Laura Eleanor Thompson, 99, of Kendall died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro.
She was born Sept. 29, 1915, to Benjamin and Lena (Lee) Ormson in the town of Clifton. She was baptized and confirmed at Fountain Lutheran Church. She attended Little Ireland Elmwood Country School. She was united in marriage to William Thompson on April 18, 1934, by Rev. A.M. Rusten in Elroy. He preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 1999.
They moved their family to her family homestead in the town of Clifton in Monroe County. They farmed there for 10 years, and then bought the Harris place in the village of Kendall in 1944. Laura was a housewife and mother first and foremost, taking care to make sure everyone had what they needed, whether it was a hug, a meal, or a good conversation.
Later in life, she worked at Badger Ordnance, Rayovac Factory and as a seamstress at the Mauston Garment Factory. Laura was a faithful and lifelong member of the Fountain Lutheran Church; she was active in the Ladies Aid, made quilts for missions overseas, and helped make and serve the lutefisk suppers. She enjoyed spending her free time gardening, canning and rosemaling. She will be remembered by many as a good cook, being very generous, loving everyone, and in turn being loved by all.
She is survived by three sons, James Thompson of Kendall, Brian (Elaine) Thompson of Elroy and Richard Thompson of Milwaukee; two daughters, Joan Pasch of Kendall and Mary (David) Weber of Webster, S.D.; two daughters-in-law, Donna Thompson of Paris, Ky., and Clara Mae Thompson of Mauston; 27 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Carl and Lyle Thompson; a daughter, Beverly Hensel; four grandsons, Boyd Severson, Doug Weber, Freddy Hensel and Lester Pasch; two great-grandsons, Toby Pasch and Tyler Pasch; and two sons-in-law, Fred Hensel and Gilbert Pasch; two daughters-in-law, Donna Thompson and Julie Thompson; four brothers, Archie, Orville, Donnie and Benny Ormson; and a sister, Olga Knutson.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Fountain Lutheran Church, W10815 Church Road, Kendall, WI 54638. Pastor Wesley Dunbar will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall from 4–8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
