Thompson, Earl 1927 - 2017

THOMPSON, NESS, KETTLESON, THRASH, CHRISTENSEN, RUFLALO, RAASCH, DEATES

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/20/2017 at 11:20:50

Earl “The Squirrel" Thompson, 89, of St. Francis, Minn., passed away peacefully with his family by his side May 4, 2017, at Abbott Northwesten Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. Friends and relatives are invited to St. Patrick's Parish, N5705 County Rd. T. New London, Wis. Saturday, June 17, for a celebration of Earl's life. Visitation is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. A service is at 11:30, followed by the burial. There also is a luncheon to follow at Cedar Springs Golf Course, E7005 Cedar Springs Rd. Manawa, Wis.

Earl was born May 22, 1927, in Ridgeway, to Elmer and Clara (nee Ness) Thompson. He grew up in the Decorah area, which he always referred to as the “garden spot of the world.” He married Eleanor Marie Kettleson of Manawa, Wis. April 26, 1952, and he was then drafted by the U.S. Army in the Korean War shortly after the wedding. Earl served honorably on or near the front line of battle with the 7th infantry. Rather than being promoted to sergeant Earl opted to come home to be with his wife and his nearly one year old son, Kendall.

Earl and Ellie soon purchased a home in Milwaukee and the family continued to grow. They ultimately moved to Menomonee Falls. Earl became a world -lass dry-wall finisher and has left a legacy of excellent work in thousands of homes.
He generously passed these skills down to many family members giving them a start in a professional trade. Earl was a hard-working man who was dedicated to caring for his wife and children. Earl was incredibly funny and lighthearted, performing characters and singing humorous versions of popular songs while he made breakfast for his four children. He also enjoyed fishing and cuddling up with the family dog, though his favorite leisure was spending time with family.

Although Earl was not big in size, he was a giant of a man who excelled in everything that matters. The life Earl lived was not an easy life, but he was always quick with a joke and a welcoming smile and had a remarkable quality of having a big heart and a desire to care about and help others. Along with being the best husband and father. Earl was a beloved grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.

Earl is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; children: Kendall Thompson of Brookfield, Wis.; Mary (Gary) Thrash of Andover, Minn.; Pamela Thompson (Todd Christensen) of Santa Fe, N.M.; and Bradley (Deb) Thompson of Wrightstown, Wis.; grandchildren: Kaleb Thompson, Brandon (Kali) Thrash, Tyler Thrash, Kendra Ruflalo, Ava Thompson and Trae Thompson; and great-grandchild, Jackson Thrash. Earl also had sisters and brothers-in-law who were more like sons and daughters to him, as well as many nieces and nephews who he cherished like his beloved grandchildren. He also had a close relationship with his cousins in Iowa and Minnesota.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Raasch and her husband, Bill; brothers-in-law Jerry and Patrick Kettleson, Lee Deates, and his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Ted Kettleson.

2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Source: Decorah Newspapers May 20, 2017