Leonard Thompson

1936 - 2021

Leonard (Len) Thompson

Leonard (Len) Thompson, age 85, passed away February 20, 2021 with his family by his side.

Len was born February 3, 1936 to Evelyn and Orin Thompson in Madison, Wisconsin. He spent his youth in DePere with his sisters Marlene and Beverly before traveling the world as an Army medic and a teacher. He shared his knowledge with students close to home in Albany, WI and across the globe in Nigeria. He met his beloved wife, Kathleen, in Duluth; they were married on October 17, 1975. Len taught reading to 1st, 7th and 8th grade students in Port Edwards before retiring in 2000.

Len loved time spent with his family. He and Kathleen explored hundreds of miles on Wisconsin's bike trails and traversed forests and fields on their cross country skis. He took his children camping, taught them to ice skate, and never missed a sporting event. He showed his grandchildren endless generosity and patience, and spent countless hours playing "grandpa games" and watching them grow. Their lives are documented in the thousands of photos he took, notes he wrote, and books he compiled.

Len was a talented pianist, a gifted birder, and an avid reader. He was renowned for his elaborate meals (especially family favorite corn chowder) and admired for his quiet intelligence and his vibrant gardens. He is remembered for his uncontainable laughter, his gentle kindness, and the best hugs.

Len is survived by his wife Kathleen, his children Kristin (Andy) Carlson, Karlyn (Troy) Oleson-Hall, Caitlin (Marcus) Shaw, and Kyle (Casey) Thompson, and his grandchildren Brant, Gavin, Kyle, Evy, Mason, Rylan, Macy, Quinn, and Marlo. He is remembered lovingly by his sister Marlene (Bob) and family in Virginia and many nieces and nephews.

A small memorial service will be held in the summer.

He is greatly missed.