Reuel Norman Thompson of rural Dorchester, Wisconsin died on April 25, 2018 at the age of 99 years and 9 months, in the Palliative Care Unit of Marshfield Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones. The son of Anders and Emma (Madson) Thompson, he was born on July 26, 1918 on the family farm near Valders, Wisconsin. The family moved to Gilman, Wisconsin in December 1931. He attended country schools in both of these areas.
Reuel enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in October 1941. He served in WWII in the 8th and 9th Air Force as an armorer on P47 Thunderbolt fighters. He was stationed in Europe for 22 months and was discharged in September 1945. He married Ruby Arlys Knudson at Hartland Lutheran Church in Hartland, Minnesota on December 8, 1945. They farmed in the Gilman area until 1960, when they moved to a farm in rural Stetsonville, Wisconsin. They relocated to Dorchester in 1973, where they currently reside. He worked for the Dorchester Co-op until his retirement in 1984.
Reuel was a member of the Stetsonville American Legion. He was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Gilman, followed by Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, serving in various offices. He enjoyed traveling, sports and wood-working.
Reuel is survived by his wife of 72 years, Arlys; two daughters, Sharon (Bill) Stecklein of Derwood, Maryland, Nancy Thompson of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and one son, John (Jean) Thompson of DeForest, Wisconsin; one granddaughter, Tracey (Kenny) Gulden and two great-granddaughters, Ellen and Megan Gulden, all of Toano, Virginia. He is also survived by many relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Reuel was preceded in death by one son, Brian Thompson, in April 2012; one brother and two sisters, along with brothers- and sisters-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, Wisconsin with Pastor Richard Russow officiating. Burial will follow at the Abbotsford Cemetery. Military rites will be rendered. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Zion Evangelical Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given in Reuel’s honor for future designation.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nurses in the Palliative Care Unit at Marshfield Medical Center for their compassionate care during Reuel’s final days. A special thank you is extended to Henry and Sharon Blume for always being there for Reuel and his family. Your friendship, help and support have meant so much to all of us throughout the years.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
