Edwin Bill Thompson, 94, passed away on December 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born August 16, 1930, to Edwin and Myrtle Thompson. Bill graduated from Chetek High School in 1948. During high school, he played and excelled in football, basketball, and also did some boxing. Outside of high school Bill enjoyed ski jumping. He was lucky to train under Lloyd (Snoball) Severude, who was the US and Canadian Olympic Ski-Jumping coach. This hobby carried over to teaching his 4 children to ski.

Bill married LaVerna Lundholm on May 14, 1950. They lived in Red Wing and Stewartville, MN for 4 years before moving back to Chetek where they started their family business - Bill’s Trading Post. They operated the store for 44 years (1954-1998). Bill’s Trading Post later became Bill’s Supermarket. Their specialty was their meat processing of beef, pork, and venison. It was not unusual for the store to process 400 deer during any given deer season.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing and had a great passion for trapping. He continued doing all these lifelong hobbies well into his 80’s. Bill had a great teacher, leader, and mentor—his mother, Myrtle Thompson (Great Grandma T), who hunted and fished into her 90’s. Bill especially enjoyed deer hunting up north near Barnes, WI. He and his Mom would go up early to set up the tent (years later, the cabin) to get it ready for the family hunting crew. As grandkids came along they joined the group. They all learned to appreciate the sport alongside Papa Bill. Bill also enjoyed cheering on his Wisconsin sports teams, the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers.

Bill never liked being the center of attention, but the year they retired, Bill and LaVerna were honored with being Grand Marshalls of the 4th of July Liberty Fest Parade in 1998.

Bill and LaVerna were married for almost 75 years. That is a milestone not many get to share. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are his legacy.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Myrtle Thompson; and siblings, Robert Thompson, James Thompson, and Gertrude Taft.

Bill is survived by his wife, LaVerna, his children, Mitchell (Diana) Thompson, Steven Thompson, Julie (Tony) Olson, and Richard (Paula) Thompson, and brother, Ken Thompson. He is survived by his grandchildren, Adam (Kelly) Olson, Brett (Nicole) Olson, Daniel Thompson, Molly Thompson, Melissa (Jeff) Secraw, Malery Thompson, and Jake Thompson. Great grandchildren; Mason, Cy, Tris, Luke, Emma, Malia, Bennett, Arla, Kayla, Ryan, and Chase, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Bill loved his family and took great delight in seeing them all. He had a real soft spot for the little ones. They always brought a big smile to his face.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Funeral Home in Chetek, Wisconsin on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Last Update: Dec 30, 2024 1:42 pm CST