Charlie Thompson Obituary

Thompson, Charlie

Charlie Thompson, age 72, died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 2, 2016. While receiving treatment for stage 2-esophageal cancer, Charlie developed strep pneumonia. Charlie's battle ended peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Survivors include Charlie's wife Charlene Thompson; daughter Heidi (Thompson) Brooks (DJ); step-sons Alex Sansone (Michelle) and Nick Sansone (Amanda); grandson Desi Cruz Brooks and step-grandchildren Eva Sansone and Sam Sansone. Charlie was preceded in death by parents Thomas and Elizabeth (Erdlitz) Thompson, brother; Tommy Thompson and son-in-law Todd Jeanquart.

After graduating from Menasha High School in 1964, Charlie attended the University of Wisconsin Madison. His early career endeavors included positions at the Neenah Foundry and Banta Corporation. In 1974, along with several good friends, Charlie founded Mailing and Printing Services, which eventually became Outlook Graphics/Outlook Group. While at Outlook, Charlie took great pride in President George H. Bush's 1992 visit to the company. Outlook was one of seven area businesses involved in a youth apprenticeship program that drew praise from President Bush.

Charlie retired from Outlook in 1993 after serving as vice president for eighteen years. Unable to walk away completely, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant. Charlie's drive for success and excellent entrepreneurial skills led him to become part owner of Packaging Partners in 1998. At this time, Charlie was also co-owner of Willow Creek Press and the LeLure Tackle Company.

Retirement allowed Charlie more time to travel as well as time with his grandchildren. As a sports enthusiast Charlie especially enjoyed placing bets on favorite college and professional teams. He was an aspiring chef, lover of great wine and an avid outdoorsman. His quest for big game prompted him to travel to New Mexico elk hunting and to Alaska in search of a trophy bear. Charlie's greatest passion, however, was fishing. Charlie enjoyed fishing the lakes of Hayward and Minocqua, but his blood flowed in the Canadian waters where he proudly landed a 55-inch musky. The family takes comfort in knowing Charlie has joined life long friend, Dave Erdmann, at the big lake in the sky. It's time for Charlie to catch the elusive 60-inch monster he has been trolling for.

Special thanks to the team at St. Luke's for their exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time. Please join the family for a celebration of Charlie's life on Monday, January 11, 2016 at St. Robert's Parish 4019 N Farwell Ave. Shorewood, WI. Visitation will be at 9 am with mass at 11 am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charlie Thompson

7 Entries

January 14, 2016

Hi! My name is Pat Neumeier. I had the pleasure to be Charlie's barber for 'bout 30 yrs. Charley I already miss you! You always made my day when you came in!May our blessed Father in heaven receive you with open arms!! Love you Charley!!

Jean Berens

January 9, 2016

Charlene - you are in my thoughts and prayers at this moment. I pray for those surrounding you to provide comfort.

Randy Heling

January 9, 2016

CHARLIE YOU WERE ONE OF MY IDOLES VISITING WITH PRESIDENT BUSH. YOU MADE ME A TRUE VOTER KNOWING MY VOTE COUNTS. THANK YOU

Charlie rattled in this nice buck, but think I did most of the dragging

Randy Hanson

January 7, 2016

Charlie started out as a guest at our resort in Canada many years ago and over the years turned into a close friend who we spoke with or emailed throughout the season with. So glad I was able to fish and hunt with you one last time last year and every time I stop by one of your muskie spots I will think of you and Dave in the big green Ranger. I will miss our discussions about those big whitetails and am proud to say we were able to help one another outsmart a few. Happy trails old friend, guys like you don't come along very often or leave as big a wake as you. So long from all the Hanson's and the rest of your Canadian friends.

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Tom Petrie

January 7, 2016

Charlene and family, my heartfelt condolences to you all. The news of Charlie's death just reached me now in Florida. I'm shocked and saddened. I knew Charlie going back to the 1970's and in the 1990's was honored to have him as a partner in Willow Creek Press. In business, he was a true gentleman; as an angler and hunter, a most ardent sportsman.

John Dettloff

January 7, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Heidi, Charlene, and all of Charlie's family & friends for we have all lost an unforgetable soul. Charlie has given us all much joy, love, & friendship during his lifetime. He was a very close friend for many years with whom I've had many memorable fishing adventures. In fact, when I think of him I can't help but smile because of all the good times and laughs we've had while enjoying our pursuit of Mr Musky.

Suzanne Blum

January 7, 2016

My deepest sympathy to his daughter Heidi, to his grandson Desi and to Charlene and the rest of Charlie's family and friends. This was such hard news to process. He will be missed by all who's lives he touched. RIP peace my friend. Suzanne Blum

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