MARY JANE THOMPSON
MARY JANE THOMPSON
Mary Jane Thompson, 85, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side in Millston, WI, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was born May 5, 1940, in Viroqua, WI, to Torger and Tillie (Skrede) Johnson. Mary Jane graduated from Viroqua High School and soon after married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Thompson, in Viroqua, WI, Aug. 16,1959. They enjoyed four years of dating and 66 years of wedded bliss. Mary Jane worked many years at Parker Pen in Janesville, WI, while raising her family.
Mary Jane was a loving, caring and creative woman. She had a strong faith, and throughout her life, she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI, St. John Lutheran Church in Janesville, WI, and most recently Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, WI.
Mary Jane played in a card club for many years with her daughter, Nancy, and her very loving friends, Pat, Mary Ellen, Marsha, Jessie, Vivian and Martha. She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed her annual trips to see her dear friend, Margie, in Ohio where more cards and shopping ensued. Every summer, Mary Jane and Ronnie traveled with their children across the United States and Canada in their RV and enjoyed numerous trips with their friends.
Mary Jane’s world revolved around her family and was quick to make you feel part of that family. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her Christmas tree sparkled with pearls and Victorian-themed decorations. Mary Jane made a beautiful bisque Nativity Scene, which was prominently displayed throughout the season in the living room. Of course, with Christmas came endless shopping hours with her granddaughters, Taylor and Jordan, and anyone else that wanted to join up! She loved her grandsons Alex, Travis, and Cameron along with Mark and Larry, grandsons by marriage. She loved her son-in-law, Dan, and daughter-in-law, Jody, as if they were her own. Mary Jane enjoyed playing games, especially Dominoes, so she could show them how it was done.
Ronnie and Mary Jane lovingly built their home in Millston, WI, with help from their children, family and friends. Here they enjoyed years of snowmobiling, traveling to lutefisk feeds and hosting family Christmases where they enjoyed a favorite family meal of vegetable soup, with lefse made by her son, Paul. She also enjoyed the times when her son, David, would visit Millston to hunt, fish and snowmobile.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Ronald Thompson; children David (Jody) Thompson, Nancy (Danny) Hawkinson and Paul Thompson; grandchildren Stephanie (Ben Ruetten) Metcalf, Meg (Clara Dorfi) Metcalf, Mallory (Adam) Leonard, Travis Hawkinson, Jordan (Mark) Brady, Cameron Thompson, Taylor (Larry) Riley and Alexander Thompson; great-grandchildren Jack, Genevieve, Aksel, Theodore and NoraJane, who was named in honor of her great-grandmother; a brother, Duane (Karen) Johnson; sisters-in-law Laura Berg and Edwina Strait; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in law Joan and John Philosophos, Beverly and Roger Hinzman, Verla and Thomas Quamme and Gene Berg and Leon Strait; and her mother- and father-in-law, Alma and Howard Thompson.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Dr, Janesville, WI, with Pastor Bond Haldeman and Pastor Jenny Hatleli officiating. Visitation was Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. Fellowship and a luncheon followed the burial at the Elks Club, 2100 N. Washington.
Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville assisted the family.
The family would like to thank Hospice Touch staff, Hannah and Elizabeth and dear friend Julia, for being there and providing loving care throughout these past months of her earthly journey.