Earl Thompson

Earl J. Thompson, of Wausau, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at Aspirus Hospice House under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born to the late Theodore and Marie (Antoney) Thompson on September 18, 1926, in Merrill, Wis.
Earl served in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1946 during World War II. During his deployment he was in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Japan.
During his career he worked as a machinist for the former American Can Company and James River Corporation, from which he retired.
He was a well-liked person that people enjoyed being around. Part of Earl's personality was to put people at ease and people felt good around Earl. There was always a joke to be told or a story from years past to share with the grandchildren.
Earl enjoyed the outdoors and had a great passion for baseball. He was either coaching baseball or watching his grandchildren play. He closely followed the Milwaukee Brewers.
To be outside fishing or hunting was a time that Earl treasured as well. He spent time at the cabin or getting all the families together to go on camping trips.
Earl is survived by a son, Daniel (Karen) Thompson; daughter, Sandra (Henry) Yach; grandchildren, Lorrie (Carlos) Hernandez, Heidi (Ken) Imhoff, Henry III (Emily) Yach, Danny (April) Thompson, and Julie Thompson; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Phillip (Norma); and sisters, Kathy (Leonard) Baker and Irene Streeter.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nina Thompson; second wife, Shirley Emmerich; parents, Theodore and Marie; and five brothers, Theodore, Kenneth, Raymond, Donald, and John.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 am, on Friday, April 27, 2012, at First English Lutheran Church, 402 North Third Ave., Wausau, with the Rev. Erik Olson officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:30 am at the church until the time of service. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, with military funeral honors provided by VFW Burns Post #388.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.