Ronald Eugene Thompson, age 69, of Whitehall, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer which was diagnosed last May.  Reports indicated that he had conquered it but the treatments apparently took a toll on his body and finally he gave up the battle.

Ronald was born on August 15, 1955 in the Black River Hospital in Black River Falls to James E. and Dolores (Halverson) Thompson.  It was 102 degrees that day and no air conditioning, so no wonder he had red hair.  Ron was raised on the family farm in rural Northfield where as a child he learned the ethics of farming and appreciation of nature.

Ron attended the Northfield grade school, then Pigeon School and graduated from the Whitehall High School with the class of 1973.  He attended the Western Wisconsin Technical School in LaCrosse majoring in auto mechanics.  Ron worked for a short time in LaCrosse then for nearly twenty years he worked as an auto mechanic at Krueger's Service in Black River Falls before changing careers by working at Ashley Furniture in Arcadia for twenty years prior to his retirement in 2022.  He also attended the Chippewa Valley Technical College for police and worked as a deputy reserve for Jackson County for many years.

Ron married Susan Kersting in 1996 at the South Beef River Lutheran Church in rural Osseo.  They lived in the Northfield and York area for many years.  A son, Mason, was born to this union.  Ron and Sue separated and he moved to Whitehall where he was currently living with his brother, Robert "Bob".  They shared the housework, yardwork and going to various events.

Ron was a lifelong member of the South Beef River Lutheran Church in rural Osseo.  He was baptized, confirmed and married there.  Ron took special interest in God's Great Outdoors programs.  He loved to hunt, fish, go to car races, tractor pulls and especially enjoyed the local bands.  After retirement, Ron liked to fish, read and watch television, especially Gunsmoke and outdoor related programs.

Ron is survived by his wife, Susan "Sue"; his son, Mason; a stepson, Douglas Marshall; a sister, Sandra (Richard) Isaacson; a brother, Robert "Bob" Thompson;  a nephew, Wayne (Ivy) Thompson; aunts Betty Simmons and Kathy Halverson along with many cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded his grandparents. John and Tonette "Nettie" Thompson  and Calmer and Alice Halverson; aunts, uncles and several cousins.  Ron will be deeply missed by many.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the South Beef River Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Osseo.  Pastor David Christianson will officiate.

Visitation will be Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Ron's family would like to thank the Gundersen Health System for the wonderful care and compassion given, especially the last hours.