Obituaries

Terry A. Thompson

June 09, 1949 - October 12, 2023

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Obituary For Terry A. Thompson

Terry A. Thompson (74), of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday October 12th, 2023, in Mercedes, Texas (where he and his wife Jackie spent the winter months for past 9 years). Terry was born to Frank and Charlene (Duerst) Thompson June 9th, 1949, in Madison Wisconsin.

Terry is survived by the love of his life Jackie and their three children, Angela (Shane) Starkey, James (Jennifer Hellenbrand) Thompson, Tonia (Matthew) Gregg; six grandchildren, Rebecca Starkey, Elijah Gregg, Anna Starkey, Brody Gregg, Molly Hellenbrand, and Aaron Hellenbrand. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Leonard) Monday, brother Russell (Tess) Thompson, and brother David (Nancy) Thompson. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Charlene (Duerst) Thompson.

In the enormous and tight-knit Thompson clan, Terry was a pillar. The baby brother, the older brother, the hard-working husband, doting son, the protective father, the Bronze Star Vietnam veteran, the handyman, the fiscal hawk…he was a lot of things to a lot of people. He was the rock. He usually had the loudest voice in the room but chose his words carefully. He had a great sense of humor but was often stone-faced in his delivery. He was an exceptional rule follower but never afraid to speak truth to power. For all of these reasons, and many more, he will be missed.

Until we meet again.

Love you Terry/Dad/Brother/Grandpa/Friend

Visitation services will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, from 11 – 2pm. The family would like to welcome those who wish to attend the military burial service to honor Terry at Highland Memory Gardens, 3054 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, Wisconsin following the visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Club, 2109 Bartillon Dr., Madison, Wisconsin from 4pm – 7pm on Wednesday, October 25th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign (VNAORRC). www.VN-AgentOrange.org. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Services

25 Oct

Visitation

11:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
25 Oct

Military Honors

02:30 PM

Highland Memory Gardens County Highway BB Madison, WI Get Directions »
25 Oct

Celebration of Life Service

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

The Eagles Club 2109 Bartillon Drive Madison, Wi 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 14, 2024

    Becki Clark

    On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Terry A. Thompson. We are forever grateful and thankful for Terry's service to our great country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • October 28, 2023

    Katherine Fulkerson

    I was lucky enough to work with Terry for many years. He was a truly exceptional person who was always ready to help, & always had a funny story to tell in his own inimitable way. He will live on in many, many, many peoples hearts and memories.

  • October 24, 2023

    Lola R. Gregg

    Terry was such a big man in every way, with room in his heart for everyone. He became a father to my son because his daughter chose my boy, but grew in that relationship beyond all bounds. The Gregg family is blessed to have been gathered in. The relationship is timeless.

  • October 21, 2023

    Sue Davis

    Terry will be missed by many. I always enjoyed seeing him and playing Mexican train with him and Jackie. Love u both

Tributes

  • America the Beautiful

    Therese Ann Thompson sent America the Beautiful for Terry A. Thompson - October 21, 2023

    We Love You and Will Miss You Terry. Tess and Russ Thompson

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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