Obituaries & Guestbook

Jim Thompson, 68, Stiles, died Sunday morning, February 4, 2024 at a Green Bay area hospital of an acute illness, surrounded by family.  He was born June 15, 1955 in Oconto Falls to Kenneth “Babe” and Myra (Ludeman) Thompson.  Jim grew up in Oconto Falls where he attended public schools, graduating with the class of 1974.  While in school, he was employed in the meat department of Witt’s Piggly Wiggly.

In 1977, he married his high school sweetheart Karen Haluska.  Following their marriage, the couple moved to Milwaukee where Jim completed his apprenticeship in meat cutting for Sentry Foods.  Following the birth of their first born son Kenny, the family moved back to Stiles and Jim worked for Lyle’s Red Owl in Lena and later at Thompson Foods in Oconto.  In 1995, Jim and Karen purchased Wayne’s Family Restaurant in Oconto which they ran for many years.  In 2008, together with partners, they built and ran Stiles Junction Food and Fuel on Highways 22/141 which was sold in 2016 and is now a Kwik-Trip.  The couple sold Wayne’s Family Restaurant in 2019 so Jim could enjoy time with his loved ones and work in his yard.  He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Stiles and the Oconto Elks Club.  Jim was fondly known as the Lawnmower King, his no brainer relaxation.  When his lawn was perfectly mowed, you could find him cutting and beautifying the side of Cty. Tk. I.

Survivors are his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Karen Thompson, Stiles; his two cherished children, Kenny (Kelly) Thompson, Green Bay and Jennifer (Jeff) Wilinski, Oconto Falls; he was Grandpa, Papa or Pops to Hunter Thompson and special friend Arianna Kubsh, Aubrey and Jemma Wilinski, Avery and Emery Thompson; five sisters, Barbara Murphy and Kathy Thompson, Green Bay; Jean (Jim) VanHulle, Oconto; Mary Thompson and Nancy Fish (Bart Magnin), all of Oconto Falls; five brothers, John (Colleen) Thompson, Green Bay; Jerry and Steve Thompson, Oconto Falls; Mike and David Thompson, Green Bay; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Thompson, Altoona; Susan Zoromski (John Magee), Coleman; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Richard Thompson, one sister Patricia Thompson, four brothers-in-law, Tim Murphy, Jeff Fish, Walter “Butch” (Marlene) and William “Bill” (Nancy) Haluska and in-laws, Walter and Gertrude Haluska.

Visitation will be held after 2:00 PM Friday, February 9, 2024 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls with an Oconto Elks Club service at 7:00 PM Friday.  Visitation will continue after 8:30 AM Saturday, February 10, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Saturday at the church with the Rev. Fr. Walter Stumpf officiating.