Theodore 'Ted' R. Thompson Jr.

Theodore “Ted” R. Thompson, Jr., age 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 06, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital System in Racine. He was born June 28, 1931, in St. James, Minnesota, to Theodore R. Thompson, Sr. and Esther O. Thompson. Ted graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in 1957.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1954, serving both in the U.S. and Japan during the Korean War. He lived in Chicago following his time in the service and on December 21, 1963, he married Janet M. Finsen at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. They had three sons, Christopher, Kevin and Craig and enjoyed 45 years of marriage together.

Ted worked for Allstate Insurance Company as a Senior Account Agent from 1967-2001. He was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, as well as a member of Meadowbrook Country Club since 1979. Ted also had over a decade of volunteer service at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital and gave generously of his time to various charitable groups. He was actively involved in his community, including having served as a Caledonia Town Board Supervisor for two terms. Ted was a truly likable and vibrant personality who enjoyed telling a good story, spending time on the golf course with Janet and countless friends, traveling, listening to classic jazz and big band music, attending the theatre and tackling crossword puzzles. He and Janet’s time in Pensacola Beach, Florida, each winter was a treasured time for them both and McGuire’s Irish Pub will never be the same.

Ted was unbelievably proud of his family and enjoyed all the times they spent together, be it in Racine, Madison or Florida. His life impacted so many and all he will continue on within each of us.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, Christopher of Racine, Kevin (Audra) of Madison and Craig (Michelle) of Madison. Ted had seven grandchildren, Zachary and Caleb; Hailey, Allison and Lauren; and Bridget and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the church Wednesday from 9:30 until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials to the American Cancer Society or St. Catherine’s High School.

A special thank you to all the physicians and staff at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital for their kindness, guidance and support over the past six months – it is truly appreciated.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888