Charles William Thompson

Charles (Tommy) William Thompson, 93, of Markesan, Wisconsin passed away January 7, 2020. Charles was born on February 18, 1926, in Clayton, Georgia to Lon and Grace Thompson at his grandmother’s house. He lived in Franklin, North Carolina at the family home for the first 16 years of his life. He then left for Kent, Ohio where he trained for Davey Tree Company and worked for them in various states. He was transferred by Davey Tree to Illinois and then left the company after four years and went into the US Army. He bunked with Red Skelton and Mickey Rooney while stationed at the Camp Roberts Base in California. After his service to the country, Charles worked at various jobs including bartending at Arrowhead Country Club in Wheaton, IL and driving a taxi. It was while driving a taxi he met Loretta Harper when she hailed for a cab. They eventually got married on September 10, 1949, in West Chicago, IL where they made their home and raised seven children.

Never one to shy away from work to support his family, Charles worked multiple jobs including bartending at St. Andrews Country Club in West Chicago, IL, driving a garbage truck in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, IL, and a stint at the Hudson Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan where he and Loretta lived from 1950-1951. Upon returning to Illinois, he was re-hired by Davey Tree as a supervisor, and then served as landscaping supervisor for the State of Illinois. Charles continued bartending at several establishments including We-Go Bowl, Tumble Inn and the Paddock Club until he purchased the Old Stone Jug tavern in West Chicago, IL in 1965.

In 1975, Charles and Loretta purchased Pineview Resort on the Fox River in Princeton, WI, and operated that business for ten years. After selling the resort they moved to County Road K in Markesan, WI, and Charles took part-time, then full-time employment with Power Packaging in Rosendale, WI, where he worked for 26 years until 2009, when he became caretaker for Loretta.

Charles never received a traffic citation his entire life and was proud of that. He was always fussy about the lawn and ensured it was meticulously cut and trimmed, especially for weekends and holidays. He loved peanut butter, and dark chocolate covered cherries.

He belonged to three bowling leagues in Illinois and attended the national American Bowling Congress (ABC) tournament in Des moines, IA, and Buffalo, NY, with his team. Charles loved to golf, shoot pool and fish. A boat ride up the Fox River in the early morning or evening was always a treat. He wouldn’t miss a football or basketball game, or other activities the children were in.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Loretta, his parents Lon and Grace Thompson, brothers Furman and Andrew and sister-in-law Mona Thompson.

Survivors include seven children, Ellen Krisolofsky and life partner Paul Sabatini of Manchester, CT, Edmond (Lynne) Thompson of Cleveland, WI, Edie (John) Freund of West Chicago, IL, E. John Thompson of Spring, TX, Enita (James) Jubrey of Windsor, CT, Eric Thompson of Elroy, WI and Elise (Michael) Bishop of Colorado Springs, CO.

Twelve grandchildren, Jason (Heather) and Ryan (Kim) Krisolofsky, Charlie, Becky (Billy) Kilps and David Thompson, Leah and Kayla Freund, Kelly Sarvis and Tracy (Dustin) Bowling, Austin and Brenna Jubrey, Jessica Thompson, and four step grandchildren, Courtney, Destiny, Brandon Bishop and Mryassa Allen. Eleven great grandchildren, Emma and Addyson Krisolofsky, Alex Krisolofsky, Wynn Kilps, Lily and Mason Sarvis, Eleanor and Abigail Bowling, Orlando Blea, Luciano Bishop and Brayden Thompson. Also his brother-in-law, William (Tootie) Harper and many nieces and nephews.

Charles wished to be cremated and requested that there be no memorial service. The family will honor Charles’ life with a private gathering at a date to be determined.

A memorial has been established in Charles’ name to Marquardt Hospice and Barrett House Alternative Living. Donations can be sent to Markesan Community Funeral Home, P.O. Box 344, Markesan, WI 53946.