Dr. Donald E. (Doc) Thompson

Dr. Donald E. (Doc) Thompson, 86, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on March 27, 2011 at Hillside Manor Hospice care after a brief illness surrounded by family and loved ones. Don was born in Superior, Wisconsin on November 30, 1924, the youngest child of loving parents Edwin and Anna (Anfinrud) Thompson. He graduated from Superior East High School before serving with the US Army in the 79th Infantry Division during WWII, and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious conduct. Don attended Superior College and later graduated from Northern Illinois College of Optometry. On May 30, 1948 he was joined in marriage to Lorraine J. Olson and settled in Randolph to open his optometry practice. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Cambria and previously Bethany Presbyterian Church in Randolph. Don was very involved in his community with the Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, PTA, Church Council and several local choirs. He had a passion for golf, song and local sports.

Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Lorraine, his parents Anna and Edwin, brothers Norm (Pearl), Wally (Ella), Ralph (Virginia) and sisters Jane and Ruth. Don was a loving father to Ellen Thompson of Madison, WI, Wayne (Sandy) Thompson of Franklin, TN, Paul (Ginger) Thompson of Rochester, MN and Anne (Bea Schindler) Thompson of Arlington, TX; grandfather to Gregory, Jeffery, and Noah Thompson and Christopher Brazil and great-grandfather to Lauren, Christopher and Michael Brazil. Don is also survived by his special friend and companion Mary Gloe, many nieces, nephews and friends. Don’s love, compassion and sense of humor will be missed by all.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Beaver Dam Hillside Manor and UW Madison Hospital for their kind and compassionate care in his final days. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Optometric Association Foundation.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 2, 2011 at 11am at the First Presbyterian Church, 121 W Florence St, Cambria, WI with Pastor Julie Waterdu officiating. Inurnment will be in the Randolph Cemetery with Military honors provided by Randolph VFW Post 9510. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.