Russell Albert Thompson, Waupaca, WI. (June 18, 1930-October 30, 2010).
Russell Albert Thompson passed away on October 30, 2010 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Never complaining and always hopeful, Russ was on the golf course shortly after his diagnosis, and continued to enjoy life with his beloved wife Debbie until the illness overcame his strength. Russ is survived by his wife Deborah, and his son James, nephew David Holmes and his family, niece Elizabeth Pawlak and her family, Fred the Cat, and numerous other caring and steadfast friends and relatives. Russ was quite the figure in Waupaca, with friends in every corner and in every walk of life. Russ was proud to serve his country in the armed forces post-WW II. He will be remembered for his years as a catcher with the Waupaca Lakemen, and his enthusiastic adventures on the golf course. He was also dedicated to his work at Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed a loving relationship with staff and congregation members. For 40-plus years, Russ worked at the Wisconsin Veterans Home as a power plant superintendent and also in wastewater management. He met his future wife Debbie there, and while a dedicated employee, he certainly had no regrets when he retired and enjoyed his post-working years fully. Later in life Russ found a new pal, his sometimes cranky cat Fred. Fred and Russ shared deep conversations and the many moments of special beauty one can only find through the love of a pet. Russ also became interested in gardening and was amazed this past summer when one of his Tiger Lilies had some 70 blooms. Lilies, dahlias, marigolds, and hibiscus were his favorite flowers. Russ also had a blast drinking coffee and playing dice and cards with the guys, surely while discussing high-level Waupaca County gossip! Russ was robust as a public person but actually quite introverted in his private life. Reflective, thoughtful and always ready for a one-on-one visit, he wrestled with his demons, as we all do. Still, he was open to all kinds of people and ideas and even approached death with an inquisitive spirit. Russ and Debbie remain soul mates and would have celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary on November 19, 2010. Companions to the end, they were often seen about town golfing at the Waupaca Country Club; attending church services and providing tasty cookies for friends; breakfasting at The Woods or King’s Table; dining at Simpson’s; attending “old-timer” baseball games; and enjoying Friday fish at the Scandinavia Bowling Alley. Russell, you are going to be missed by many! The family wishes to extend its thanks and gratitude to all who have been so caring during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life for Russ will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 206 East Badger St. in Waupaca, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 27 at 1:00 p.m., preceded by a Family Visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m., also at Trinity. A time for sharing will conclude the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Russ requested that gifts in his name be made to one or both of the following worthy charitable causes: