David F. Thompson, 73, of Shawano, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015, with his family by his side, after fighting a long courageous battle against leukemia with class and dignity. He was born March 30, 1942, in Browning, Illinois, son of the late Benjamin and Nelcine (Batterton) Thompson.
David married Rita Barszcz on April 28, 1962. He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked for the Menasha Police Department for 32 years, retiring as a detective in 1997. David then worked as a freelance polygraph service, helping various companies and events. David and Rita owned and operated Thompson Shelter Care, which gave troubled youth a temporary home, for 35 years. They were also foster parents for 15 years.
David loved to hunt — especially bow hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening, living on the lake and cooking. His greatest love came from time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
David is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rita; six children, Michael, Neenah, Jeffrey (Morag), Crown Point, Indiana, Joseph (Lisa) Shoreview, Minnesota, Steven (Cynthia), Appleton, Jennifer(Chad) Oeftger, Neenah, and Melissa (TJ) Schmidt, Appleton; 13 grandchildren, Hailley (Jeremy) Holcombe, Hannah Thompson, Graeme Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Brooke Hoffman, Sebastian Thompson, Matthew Hoffman, Sofia Thompson, Madison Oeftger, Lily Schmidt, Mariana Oeftger, Alayna Schmidt and Max Oeftger; two brothers, Royce (Nancy), and Randall (Norma); four sisters, Gloria June Davis, Rosemary (Donald) Sjoquist, Marcia (Gene) Van Enkenvoort and Linda (Ray) Fehlen; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for David will be at noon Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at Valley Funeral Home, with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. www.lls.org.
David’ family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Phillips and the entire staff at both Appleton Medical Center and Shawano Medical Center for all of their care and compassion, and to Father Luke Ferris and Father Gerald Falk, for helping David with his spiritual guidance.