Michael Wayne Thompson

Our beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, Michael Wayne Thompson of Freeport, Illinois, finished his heroic battle with interstitial lung disease, lung cancer and a double lung transplant on March 23, 2026, at age 69. Mike was born in Kountze, Texas to the late Virgil and Freda (Osborne) Thompson. Mike met the love of his life and best friend, Judith (“Judy” Schnoes) Thompson, at Texas A&M University in the Aggie Symphonic Band in 1976, sitting side by side playing clarinet while completing his BS degree in Industrial and Safety Engineering. Mike married Judy in St. Michaels Catholic Church in Houston, Texas on June 6, 1980, selecting that date (D-Day) knowing his love of history! Mike is survived by his loving wife Judy and their three children, Steven (Denise) Thompson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Kathryn (Andrew) Wilson of Georgetown, Texas and Joseph (Lauren) Thompson of Fredericksburg, Texas. Mike is also survived by his sister, Alana (Ron) Hickerson of Godley, Texas and is pre-deceased by his brother Duane (Joy) Thompson of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also pre-deceased by his Father-in-Law, Robert F (Jinx) Schnoes.

Adoringly known as “Papa Mike,” he has been blessed with 10 awesome grandchildren, Caroline, Tyler, Elizabeth, Reagan, Charlotte, Gavin, Evelyn, Juliet, Michael, and Matthew (along with two very special angels in Heaven.) Papa Mike taught each grandchild valuable lessons like “work hard, play hard” when having them do farm chores such as picking up pinecones and giving them a nickel per pinecone and by being the best hot cocoa barista ever.

Beginning his career with Chevron in 1980, Mike eventually moved on to Amoco, Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago, BP, and then Co-owner with his wife Judy of Ultrasonic Power Corporation, and together, operating their beloved Twin Creeks Family Farm. In 2019, Mike retired from his successful and varied career, not only in the Industrial and Safety discipline of the oil industry but also in manufacturing.

“Servant-leader” was his life philosophy! Mike was an active Board-Certified Safety Professional in the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) throughout his career. He achieved many acknowledgments such as Safety Professional of the Year, President, Fellow and other Lifetime Achievement Awards. Mike was passionately involved in the University of Wisconsin Urology Board of Advisors, Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis and the Board of Regents of the Augustine Institute. A man of integrity and faith in every discipline, Mike’s goal was to educate others professionally and faithfully, synthesizing his expert knowledge with ethical conduct and a servant’s heart. A man of faith, Mike was an engaged member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church as a lector and a member of the Pastoral Council, Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You, You Will Be My Witness Capital Campaign, and the Bishops Council.

Those that knew Mike knew he took things seriously with structure and process, and he also knew how to enjoy life and not procrastinate! Mike’s many hobbies included fly fishing in the mountains of Wyoming, trying to perfect the game of golf, hiking and backpacking in the mountains with his family and traveling and exploring God’s beautiful world with his wife Judy. The absolute highlight of Mike’s travel was the transformative journey on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Dr. Tim Gray of the Augustine Institute, to follow the footsteps of Christ, which afforded him the courage and grace to face the daunting medical challenges thereafter.

Mike persevered, standing firm through the many difficult trials, sufferings and challenges of his disease. He relied on his steadfast faith in God, the love and devotion of his family, and the strength of thousands of prayer warriors around the world lifting him up. He kept his eye on THE PRIZE! Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Mike’s soul and the souls of the all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, April 10 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1400 Kiwanis Drive, Freeport, Illinois. The Reverend Peter Snieg will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 9 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, Illinois, with a Rosary service beginning at 3:30 pm. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service on Friday at St Thomas Aquinas. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, our family invites you to consider a gift to the Augustine Institute (16805 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, Missouri 63034). Your generosity will support scholarships for students, known as the “Mike and Judy Thompson Scholars,” building on Mike and Judy’s foundation of forming others to understand, live and share our Catholic faith. All are invited to sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.