Roger Earl ‘Bud’ Thompson

Roger Earl “Bud” Thompson, age 85 of Baldwin WI, died on Wednesday evening, February 1, 2017 at the Park View Home in Woodville. Bud was born May 31, 1931 in Onalaska, WI to parents Ellsworth “Al” and Evelyn (Rogers) Thompson. Bud attended schools in Onalaska, and graduated from Onalaska High School with the Class of 1949. After high school, Bud enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he fought in the Korean War. He would be united in marriage to Barbara Jean Grand on December 1, 1957. Their union in marriage would be blessed with four children and over 69 years of love and devotion.

Bud worked for over 33 years driving semi truck for Indianhead Truck Line out of Newport, MN. Upon retirement Bud did what he really loved, farming. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. When in the company of friends, loved ones, or complete strangers, Bud loved visiting, and storytelling. Whether buying a candy bar for a child, or a bushel of apples to share with his friends, Bud loved to put a smile on the faces of others. He will be missed by many.

Bud is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his children, Julie (Randy) DeRoche of Woodbury, MN, Keith (Rene) Thompson of Hammond, WI, Daniel Thompson of Baldwin, WI, and Tammy (Todd) DeGraw of Baldwin WI; grandchildren, Melissa Mueller, Sara DeRoche, Matthew Thompson, Joseph Swearingen, Holly Swearingen, Heather Wolfe, Michael DeGraw, Jillian DeGraw, Kaytlin Thompson, Lindsey Thompson; great-grandchildren, Taytum, Daniel, Avery, Brielle, Gwenyth, Olivia, Cole; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Ellsworth “Al” and Evelyn; sister, Victoria Thompson; brother-in-law, Michael Buben; sister-in-law, Patricia Thompson; niece, Cheryl Thompson; and grandson, Kim Jo DeRoche.

Memorial Services honoring the life of Roger “Bud” Thompson will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, with Pastor Paul Backstrom officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00am at the church. Military honors will follow the service. A luncheon will follow. Memorials may be given to the discretion of the family. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434