Gerald "Jerry" C. Thompson

Gerald "Jerry" Thompson, 76, passed away at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 surrounded by his family. Jerry was the son of Clifford and Edna (Peterson) Thompson. He was husband to Linda, who he met in junior high school. They were married August 21, 1965.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; children, Jeff (Sheryl) Thompson, Jody (Tom) Coleman, and John (Kathy) Thompson; grandchildren, Bethany Thompson, Calista Thompson, Sydney Thompson, Jensen (Haley) Hinton, Jack (Meghan) Hinton, Jenna Thompson, and Taylor Thompson (Ryan); great grandchildren Nora, Knox, Lincoln, Nash, Hayes, and Sutton (arriving in December) and his bonus grandchildren, Kyle (Alling), Quin (Tyler), Chad, Katlin (Kyle), Karissa, Kenton, Grant and Kira.

He graduated from Logan High School, class of ‘65, and attended UW-L before starting his career at the G. Heileman Brewing Company. He also worked as a Realtor at Hoppens Realty until the Brewery reopened as City Brewery.  He retired in 2012.

Jerry lived by the words faith, family and friends. He enjoyed playing, coaching and watching sports. He was a mentor to all. He started his coaching career at the Boys & Girls Club.  He coached his sons and also coached his grandsons. His 12-under baseball team won the Stars of Tomorrow tournament in 1978.  He took pride in watching his children and grandchildren also participate in music, sports, and dance. He was their #1 supporter.  He also loved fishing with his sons and helping his daughter around the farm.

He grew up on the northside of La Crosse and took pride in that all his life, creating friendships that lasted his lifetime. He was named Torchlight Parade Marshall in 2009 which extended his family even more. His parade was canceled due to rain but he was proud and took that honor to extend his love of his community.  He was a member at North Presbyterian Church. They were all family to him.

Whether it was his phone calls, visiting family/friends, cheering at sporting events or helping someone in need…that was his passion. Jerry was always there with a kind word or advice. It was his mission. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law Archie and Peggy Paulson, his brothers Sylvan Thompson, Warren Thompson, and sister Delores Sheffer.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on November 16 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral home and also from 10:00-11:00 AM on November 17 immediately before the service on November 17 at 11:00 AM at North Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be directed to the Boys & Girls Club of La Crosse, Logan High School Booster Club, or charity of your choice.