Mary Jane Thompson

1940 - 2025

Millston, WI - Mary Jane Thompson, 85, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side in Millston, WI on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was born on May 5, 1940, in Viroqua, WI to Torger and Tillie (Skrede) Johnson. Mary Jane graduated from Viroqua High School and soon after married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Thompson, in Viroqua, WI, on August 16,1959. They enjoyed four years of dating and 66 years of wedded bliss. Mary Jane worked many years at Parker Pen in Janesville, WI while raising her family.

Mary Jane was a loving, caring and creative woman. She had a strong faith and throughout her life she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI, St. John Lutheran Church in Janesville, WI and most recently Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, WI.

Mary Jane played in a card club for many years with her daughter Nancy and her very loving friends, Pat, Mary Ellen, Marsha, Jessie, Vivian and Martha. She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed her annual trips to see her dear friend Margie in Ohio where more cards and shopping ensued. Every summer Mary Jane and Ronnie traveled with their children across the United States and Canada in their RV and enjoyed numerous trips with their friends.

Mary Jane's world revolved around her family and was quick to make you feel part of that family. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her Christmas tree sparkled with pearls and Victorian themed decorations. Mary Jane made a beautiful bisque Nativity Scene which was prominently displayed throughout the season in the living room. Of course, with Christmas came endless shopping hours with her granddaughters, Taylor and Jordan, and anyone else that wanted to join up! She loved her grandsons Alex, Travis, and Cameron along with Mark and Larry, grandsons by marriage. She loved her son-in-law Dan and daughter-in-law Jody as if they were her own. Mary Jane enjoyed playing games, especially Dominoes, so she could show them how it was done.

Ronnie and Mary Jane lovingly built their home in Millston, WI with help from their children, family, and friends. Here they enjoyed years of snowmobiling, traveling to lutefisk feeds and hosting family Christmases where they enjoyed a favorite family meal of vegetable soup, with lefse made by her son Paul. She also enjoyed the times when her son David would visit Millston to hunt, fish, and snowmobile.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Ronald Thompson; children: David (Jody) Thompson, Nancy (Danny) Hawkinson, and Paul Thompson; grandchildren: Stephanie (Ben Ruetten) Metcalf, Meg (Clara Dorfi) Metcalf, Mallory (Adam) Leonard, Travis Hawkinson, Jordan (Mark) Brady, Cameron Thompson, Taylor (Larry) Riley, and Alexander Thompson; great grandchildren: Jack, Genevieve, Aksel, Theodore, and NoraJane, who was named in honor of her great grandmother; a brother Duane (Karen) Johnson; sisters-in-law: Laura Berg and Edwina Strait; a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in law: Joan and John Philosophos, Beverly and Roger Hinzman, Verla and Thomas Quamme, Gene Berg and Leon Strait; her mother and father-in-law, Alma and Howard Thompson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, 302 N. Parker Dr, Janesville, WI with Pastor Bond Haldeman and Pastor Jenny Hatleli officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville. Please join the family at the Elks Club, 2100 N. Washington, for fellowship and a luncheon following the burial. Visitation will be on Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank Hospice Touch staff, Hannah and Elizabeth and dear friend Julia, for being there and providing loving care throughout these past months of her earthly journey.