David C. Thompson

David C. Thompson, a kind and gentle soul, passed away on May 18, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. David faced the difficult challenge of metastasized prostate cancer and endured many treatments to be able to spend more time with his family. He gave them six more years because of his strength and fighting spirit.

 He was born into the wonderful family of Clarence and Evelyn Thompson of Black Earth, WI on February 3, 1945, the second oldest of seven children. He graduated from Black Earth High School in 1963, where he lettered all four years in baseball, basketball, and football. The lessons he learned from his years of playing sports instilled an exceptional work ethic and a determination to succeed.

 The majority of David’s work career was with Kohl’s Food Stores, advancing from a meat cutter to store manager. At age 50, David switched careers and became an agent for American Family Insurance , his first office being in the basement of his home. At the time of David’s retirement, he was one of the most respected and largest producers in the state, earning numerous awards. He met some of his best friends through American Family and they enjoyed many golf outings and ski trips together.

 David had a passion for carpentry, which he learned from his father. His expertise was building beautiful furniture that will undoubtedly become family heirlooms. He built furnishings for family, school classrooms, friends, friends of friends, and the coveted adirondack chairs for the Down Syndrome Association of WI - Fox Cities each year. If it was built by David, it was certain to be sturdy and long-lived.

 David loved fast cars and put the pedal to the metal on the hills and curves around Black Earth with his souped up Ford Fairlane. His love of fast cars culminated with the purchase of his treasured 1970 T-Top Corvette with a 454 engine. Golfing was a favorite pastime. Many hours were spent on the courses with his friends. He enjoyed hunting out west with his brothers and nephews, creating good laughs and stories to last a lifetime. He loved fishing up north and ingrained this love in his children and grandchildren, hosting many fish fries.

 David and his wife, Ginny, purchased a cabin ‘up north’ in 1983. He poured his heart into making the cabin a place of peace for so many, rebuilding and adding on as the family expanded. This was where he spent much time fishing, having game nights, exploring the woods, hunting, and enjoying the majestic sunrises, peaceful quiet of the woods, and the call of the loons at dusk. He loved that place.

 David is survived and deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Ginny: his three children, Chad Thompson, Courtney (Robert) Velpel and their children: Rowen, Ethan, and Liam, and Stephanie (Dustin) Birling and their children: Olivia, Avery, and Harper. He is further survived by his siblings: Joan (Dave) Haugen, Ginny (Steve) Nelson, Julie (Bill) Butler, Dale (special friend Kathy), Debbie (Dave) Becker, and Dennis (Rose Theis); his sisters-in-law Bernita Meidl, Mary Lou (Tom) Rolland, Beverly Markvart, Kathryn (David) Lich, and Mildred Pritzl; and brothers-in-law Tom (Gina) Pritzl, Jerry (Darcy) Blaha, and Tom Hughes; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Evelyn Thompson, parents-in-law Arthur and Bernice Pritzl, sisters-in-law Kit Thompson, Nancy Blaha, Judy Hughes, and brothers-in-law Anthony Pritzl & Kenneth Meidl.

 The family would like to thank ThedaCare Cancer Center and Moments Hospice, especially Kaitlin, Jaime, and Ally for their guidance and compassionate care. The family also expresses gratitude to Father Michael Lightner of St. Mary Menasha, the many prayers and support of the parish family, and our many friends who sent words of strength, comfort, and compassion.

 David left a legacy that will never be forgotten. His absence will be felt deeply. He taught us to help others, to work hard, to be on time, to take care of the things you are fortunate to have, and to treasure those you love. This is exactly what we will do during this difficult time and always - be each other’s strength, love, and support, as he always was for us. Dad, thank you for teaching and loving us.

 A time of visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday May 29, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home - Tri County Chapel on Oneida St. A Funeral Mass and funeral will be held at St. Mary Menasha on May 30, 2025 from 9am to 11am with the Mass starting at 11am. David will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program or the Down Syndrome Association of WI - Fox Cities in support of his grandchildren.