Michael E. Thompson

Michael Eugene Thompson, age 68, of Wisconsin Rapids died on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Marshfield Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was born April 27, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Merl Dean Thompson and Mary Ellen Shepherd. He spent his adolescent years in Corning, Iowa. Mike married Linda Rodgers on June 9, 2005, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

He enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1976, before being honorably discharged in 1986. In his own words, "I didn't like it too good at first, but got to enjoying it more and more every year, and right now, I don't think you could kick me out of the guards, because it's part of my life."

Mike's work experience in his early years included working in oil fields in Texas to farmer's cooperatives in various capacities in Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1995, he migrated to Wisconsin Rapids and drove for Sparhawk Trucking from 1995 to 2017. In his own words, "I like driving very much and really enjoy meeting the other people." He loved a good laugh and had a joke for almost every occasion. If you knew Mike, you can easily picture him laughing with his head tipped back.

Even after falling ill in 2018, Mike frequently "terrorized" medical staff during his treatments. Mike was a very happy, giving and hardworking man. He loved living in his beautiful Wisconsin Rapids home and working in his yard and gardens. He had recently taken up carpentry and occupied himself in his workshop until he was physically unable to do so.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 20 years, his son, Nathan (Kim) Thompson, daughters, Alison Tafoya, April Tafoya and Summer Binkley; five grandchildren, Martha Kelley, Aliyah Tafoya, Layla Tafoya, Selena Stashek and Kingston Stashek. Mike is further survived by his brother Marvin Thompson, sisters, Judy Godwin, Barbara Thompson, Diane (Jimmy) Bolt, and Kay Thompson.

A gathering to remember Mike and celebrate his life will be held at his home from 4pm to 6pm, Friday, September 19, 2025, 7641 Greeler Lane, Wisconsin Rapids.