Ronald “Ron” E. Thompson
Ronald “Ron” Eugene Thompson, 69, of Whitehall, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer which was diagnosed last May. Reports indicated that he had conquered it but the treatments apparently took a toll on his body and ultimately, he gave up the battle.
Ronald was born August 15, 1955, at Black River Hospital in Black River Falls, to James E. and Dolores (Halverson) Thompson. It was 102 degrees that day and no air conditioning, so no wonder he had red hair. Ron was raised on the family farm in rural Northfield where, as a child, he learned the ethics of farming and appreciation of nature.
Ron attended Northfield grade school, then Pigeon School and graduated from Whitehall High School with the Class of 1973. He attended Western Wisconsin Technical School in La Crosse, majoring in auto mechanics. Ron worked for a short time in La Crosse. Then, for nearly 20 years, he worked as an auto mechanic at Krueger’s Service in Black River Falls before changing careers by working at Ashley Furniture in Arcadia for 20 years prior to his retirement in 2022. He also attended Chippewa Valley Technical College for police and worked as a deputy reserve for Jackson County for many years.
Ron married Susan Kersting in 1996, at South Beef River Lutheran Church in rural Osseo. They lived in the Northfield and York area for many years. A son, Mason, was born to this union. Ron and Sue separated and he moved to Whitehall where he was currently living with his brother, Robert (Bob). They shared the housework, yardwork and going to various events.
Ron was a lifelong member of South Beef River Lutheran Church in rural Osseo. He was baptized, confirmed and married there. Ron took special interest in God’s “Great Outdoors” programs. He loved to hunt, fish, go to car races, tractor pulls and especially enjoyed the local bands. After retirement, Ron liked to fish, read and watch television, especially Gunsmoke, and outdoor related programs.
Ron is survived by his wife, Susan “Sue”; his son, Mason; a stepson, Douglas Marshall; a sister, Sandra (Richard) Isaacson; a brother, Robert “Bob” Thompson; a nephew, Wayne (Ivy) Thompson; aunts: Betty Simmons and Kathy Halverson; along with many cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded his grandparents, John and Tonette “Nettie” Thompson and Calmer and Alice Halverson; aunts, uncles and several cousins. Ron will be deeply missed by many.
Formal funeral services are tentatively scheduled for some time in the spring when it should be safer travel for family and friends who may wish to attend.
Ron’s family would like to thank Gundersen Health System for the wonderful care and compassion given, especially the last hours.
