Leroy Thompson

WAUNAKEE
LeRoy A. Thompson, 86, of Waunakee passed away on Sunday, February 25 at Agrace Hospice after a courageous battle with Leukemia. LeRoy was born January 18, 1932 to Andrew and Anna (Mickleson) Thompson.

January 15, 1950, he joined the United States Air Force. He was assigned to the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron during the Korean War. The unit flew supplies and aeromedical evacuation missions throughout Korea and Japan. Saving countless lives and for the evacuation of close to 4,700 casualties from the Chosin Reservoir (nearly 4,000 of those causalities were transported in a single day on Dec. 5, 1950), the men and women of the 801st MAES distinguished themselves as the very first to earn the Air Force Distinguished Unit Presidential Award. In addition to receiving the first Air Force Distinguished Unit Presidential Award ever awarded in theater, he also received the Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Although he never spoke of his days of service, his family is proud and honored by his contributions and felt it most important to share his (and his units) heroic service.

On June 29, 1957, LeRoy married his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Wipperfurth). Together they raised three children and shared a great life. Their adventures were many, the stories are countless, and their time together cherished. He was always in search of the thrill in catching a Musky, a good euchre game, planting the perfect vegetable garden, delivering a great punch line or the perfect joke - but mostly spending time with his family and cherished grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Katherine Thompson of DeForest, Gary (Barb) Thompson of Sun Prairie, Viki (Dave) Prochaska of Waunakee and his ultimate pride and joy, grandchildren Chad (Alex) Nachtigal, Justin Nachtigal, Bill Thompson, Caitlin Prochaska and Mathew Prochaska. He is also survived by his sisters Ellen (Ted; deceased) Appledorn and Alice (Elmer - deceased) Sutherland as wells as his "in-laws" who were as much brothers and sisters to him as his own, and many much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty. In addition, his parents, Anna (Mickelson) and Andrew Thompson, sister Betty (Ernie - deceased) Strander, brother Harold (Wilma - deceased) Thompson, brother Ernest (Pearl - deceased), brother Thomas (Buella - deceased) Thompson, and brother Sidner (Cora - deceased) Thompson.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their care, as well as Dr. Williams of UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Dombach of UW Health and the many caregivers who helped us support our Dad and provide services as well as comfort.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2017 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 5460 Mary Lake Road, Waunakee. Msgr. James Gunn will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday after 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A reception will follow.

...what can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world, someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped show the way? What do you say to Someone who stood by to help your grow, provide love, strength
and support so you could become the person you are today? What can you say to let him know that he's the best there is and that you hope you've inherited some of his wisdom and strength? What words would you say if you got the chance? We just say, I love
you Dad/Grandpa - and hope he always knew how much he was loved and treasured. Forever in our hearts...

Please share your memories of LeRoy.

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513