Wayne Thompson, 71, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at his home.
He was born Dec. 23, 1942 in Merrill to Evelyn (Krahn) Thompson of Merrill and the late Lee Thompson. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Roosevelt during the Bay of Pigs. After being honorably discharged, Wayne returned to Merrill and on Jan. 4, 1964 he married Sharon Kleiber. While raising their three children, Wayne worked as a custodian at Holy Name Catholic Church, Wausau and then at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill until his retirement. He was a member of American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10. Wayne was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at Merrill, Trappe River and the Legion. In his earlier years, he enjoyed squirrel and deer hunting. Wayne was a supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers through the Mendota Club and devout Packer fan.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon of Wausau; mother, Evelyn Thompson of Merrill; three children, Michelle (Paul) Berger of Wausau, Brian (Kelly Ryder) Thompson of Wausau, Beth (Rick) Falkowski of Rothschild; grandson, Tyler Falkowski; granddaughter, Leah Thompson; and his sister, Mary (Charles) Sapp of Wausau; five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave., Wausau. Father James Horath will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.