Benjamin E. Thompson
December 21, 2011
Benjamin E. Thompson, 81, of Eau Claire, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire with his family near his side.
Ben was born in La Crosse on February 4, 1930, the son of Edwin and Ludmila (Novak) Thompson. He pursued a lifelong teaching career spanning 50 years including all grades from kindergarten through graduate school and substituted in the Eau Claire Public Schools for 22 years.
Ben married Barbara Ann Hall on November 14, 1952, at Olivet Lutheran Church in La Crosse.
Ben is survived by his wife, Barbara; three children, Kimberly (Brent) Austin of Strum, Benjamin of La Crosse, and Kathleen (Brian) Thiess of Cleghorn; three sisters, Katherine, Beverly, and Marilyn; and a brother, Wayne. In addition there are seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Eau Claire Wesleyan Church with Pastor Dwayne Winterberg officiating.
Memorials are preferred to Feed My People Food Bank online at www.fmpfoodbank.org or at 2610 Alpine Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54703
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services is serving the family.
Service
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Eau Claire Wesleyan Church.
Condolences
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Jan Marchese I met Ben at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center where he was a faithful blood donor - saving many lives. He often came in with quizzes about blood for the staff - always the educator! He often brought a "friend" with him - one of the children that he and he wife provided daycare for. I was deeply saddened the day Ben came in and told me he would not be donating blood any longer. You will be missed and THANK YOU for all the lives you saved!
January 7 at 6:29am
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LOIS AND EVERETT PAPKE Barb and Family,
We have so appreciated the care that you and Ben gave to Devin and Damin while they were growing up. You were truly a great Grandma Barb and Grandpa Ben. Thank you!
We also enjoyed the get togethers when we celebrated some great events in the lives of "the boys".
I did also enjoy being one of Ben Thompson's students while attending UWEC. He was one of my favorite teacher's.
Our Sincere Sympathy and know he will be missed.
The Papke's
January 6 at 11:11pm
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Brian Bartel I knew Ben from his work as historian with WSST (the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers). At board meetings, Ben always had a little twinkle in his eye as he passed around candy. In addition to being historian, Ben donated his time in writing many articles about science history for the WSST newsletter, and compiled a 50-year history when the organization came of age. Ben will definitely be missed by many of Wisconsin's science instructors.
December 31 at 8:38am
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Judy Herrell Dear Barb. My thoughts are with you this season as you and you family remember Ben. He inspired me as I watched him with Caleb each time he would bring him to see Annie and I. He was kind and gentle and most of all loved that little boy and his family like no other. He had a ready smile and was most intellectual in a natural way. Here is hoping that there are puddles to jump into in heaven as he will be seen splashing around and smiling. My best to you...Sincerely, Judy Herrell
December 30 at 3:13PM
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Major Dave T. Teddy, Wisconsin Wing CD Officer (CAP) Barb and family, it is with great sadness to hear of Ben's Passing. From my family to yours, we wish you our consoling condolences and our love and admiration for all of Ben's inspiring work and deeds. He had been a great teacher, leader, mentor, as well as highly respected member of the Civil Air Patrol Community and will be sorely missed. It is with great reverence that I wish you all the best and know he will be remembered. Respectfully, Dave, Yvonne, Jessie Teddy
December 28 at 7:05PM
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Guy Stewart I am so sorry to hear about Ben. I knew him through CAP. I worked with him on many projects though the years and talked with him at many meetings. I liked Ben a lot. He always had that great smile on his face. I can still see it now!
December 27 at 3:18PM
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Chaplain Tom Bauder I am very sorry to hear of Ben's home going, but I know he was sure of his eternity. Ben ws an excellent gentleman and one of the best CDI's in the Wing. We shall miss Him.
December 26 at 6:01PM
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Jessica E Elkins Ben was such a kind man. From my college professor in the early seventies, to substituting in my fourth grade classroom, I was able to get to know him well. The world lost a great man.
December 26 at 5:22PM
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Dave and Darlene Sanders So sorry to hear about Ben, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember his happy smile....Dave and Darlene Sander (your old neighbors)
December 26 at 3:17PM
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Annette Mott I enjoyed working with Ben. I retired 6 years ago from the E.C. school district. Ben was a kind and loving spirit. He always had that calmness about him. I am sorry to hear about his passing.
December 26 at 1:54PM
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Donna Daniels, WIWG DDRA I am saddened by the loss of Ben. His smile and encouraging words were always an inspiration to me and gave me the courage to grow in the DDR Program for CAP. I am proud to have called him my friend.
December 26 at 12:35PM
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Chaplain Lt. Col. Steven E. Thomas, GLR CAP Chaplain It was such a pleasure and an honor to work with your husband, I could always count on him not only to get the job done. but to be a good friend. His presence will be sorely missed within our ranks as a Moral Leadership Officer and as Character Development Officer.
December 26 at 10:37AM
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MAY DAWSON 3427 MAYO ST> My deepest Sympathy to you and your family. May and sons.
December 24 at 6:54AM
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Sue and Patrick Michels Our condolences to Barb and the entire family. He will be greatly missed. Pat and I will be unable to attend funeral services on January 7 as we will be out of state. But we will be thinking of you and praying your many wonderful memories will help you find peace. Love to all. Sue and Pat
December 22 at 11:02PM
