Vernon Thompson

Racine – Vernon Lee Thompson, 90, passed away at Becker-Shoop Center on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. He was born in Racine on December 20, 1923, son of the late Henry and Meta (nee: Young) Thompson. Vernon was a member of the Washington Park High School Class of 1943. He served with pride in the US Army Air Corps from 1943 – 1946, attaining the rank of Sergeant. On March 20, 1948 he was married in Immanuel Lutheran Church to May Inga Heide.

Vern devoted 37 years to In-Sink-Erator, where he worked as a supervisor in the experimental department, retiring in 1983. From 1985-2010 he and May lived in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where he was a member of the Lions Club, and enjoyed ballroom dancing and golf.  Vern was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

We all have big events that shape our lives, but it is the small events, day to day, that build our memories.  Our dad was a fun and caring man and our life on Mertens Avenue was a good life. Our dad loved projects. He remodeled and rebuilt and created many beautiful things. He fixed our bikes, helped with school projects, and in the summer took us up north to our grandparents cabin.  Dad and mom took us fishing and walking in the woods and taught us how to appreciate the simple joys of life. We have years of stories at our family cabin in the northwoods.

He believed in family and loved celebrating birthdays and holidays.   There was always music in our house, and Vern and May were great dancers. He cared about others and our parents had many great friends.  His wife, our mother, May Heide, was the love of his life. We are blessed to have a life with special parents and will miss our dad and his great love of life spirit…

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, May Thompson of Racine; their children, Scott (Julie) Thompson of Frederic, Mark (Joan) Thompson of Kansasville, LuAnn (Ray Shindler) Thompson of Borrego Springs, California, and Kurt Thompson of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Paul (Heather), Ben (Erica), Kelli, Kate (Josh), Erik, and Emily; and great-grandson, Brock; as well as many other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lyle “Fritz” Thompson, and Earl (Esther) Thompson.

Memorial services will be held in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 with Rev. Dr. Melvin A. Miritz officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation in the funeral home will begin at 10:00 a.m.