James E. Thompson, 90 of Kendall passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
A Graveside Service and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
The Smith Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting http://www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Update 9/9/2025
James E. Thompson, 90 of Kendall passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was born on August 7, 1934, to William and Laura (Ormson) Thompson at a family home in Juneau County, Wisconsin. He attended Kendall High School, graduating in 1952.
Jim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Jim was in the Army for three years JAN 1955-JAN 1958. He had Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and went to Transportation School at Fort Story, VA where he became an Amphibious Vehicle driver. He served as both a Harbor Craft Boatswain and Deckhand. Jim also served at Fort Eustis, VA and above the Arctic Circle in Alaska and Canada where he piloted Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) unloading fuel and other petroleum products from ships. During this mission, Jim saw many polar bears, musk oxen, walrus and seals. He often shared the story of the snowstorm that occurred on August 7th, his birthday and how when his ship got stuck in the ice, an Ice Breaker had to come to their rescue and towed them free. On April 18, 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Donna F. Wardwell at Fountain Lutheran Church. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage together before her passing in 2014. For the majority of Jim’s life, he worked as a firefighter at Fort McCoy retiring as assistant fire chief. He was a member of the Kendall American Legion, and a lifelong member of Fountain Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and married. In his free time, Jim was an avid fisherman enjoying all types of fish as well as hunting.
He is survived by his son, Robin of Kendall, siblings, Brian (Elaine) Thompson of Elroy, Richard (Judah) Thompson of Tomah, Joan Pasch of Kendall and Mary (David) Weber of Webster, SD. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Donna, siblings, Carl Thompson, Lyle Thompson and Beverly Hensel, brothers-in-law, Gilbert Pasch and Fred Hensel and sisters-in-law, Julie Thompson and Clara Thompson.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11:00 AM at Fountain Lutheran Cemetery, Township of Fountain with military honors by the William J. Schriver American Legion Post ##309. JP Olson will officiate. A Celebration of Life Gathering to follow from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM at the Kendall American Legion.
The Smith Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
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