Lyle E. Thompson

Madison -- Lyle E. Thompson, age 88, died on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg surrounded by his family. He was born on November 27, 1920 to Lawrence and Rosa (Magnuson) Thompson in Barneveld. Lyle grew up on a farm around Barneveld. While in college at UW -- Platteville, he became the lead trumpet player in the Dan Garson Band. Lyle was united in marriage to Frances Bongard on September 24, 1946. For many years, Lyle was a public relations writer and editor. In his retirement years, he was a greeter at Walmart in Madison. Lyle was an animal lover and enjoyed coaching baseball when his children were little. Lyle is survived by his wife, Frances; four children, Sue (Steve) Brink of Hazel Green, Mark Thompson of Madison, Larry Thompson of Madison, and Jackie Thompson of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Hoeper, Dan (fiance, Erika) Brink, Jenny (Gabe) Bernhardt, Jessica (Tim) Miller, Alison Brink, Emily and Hannah Unger; his great-grandchildren, Sophia, Gracyn, and Kaden Hoeper, and Kaylyn Miller; his sister, Ruth Hanson of Onalaska; many other friends and relatives; and his beloved dog, Calvin. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Mary Ellen; and grandson, Michael Brink. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Memorial donations are suggested to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, 53711. The family would like to give a special thanks to Meriter Hospital and to the caring staff members at HospiceCare for the dignified and reverent manner in which they cared for our husband, dad, and grandpa.