Howard L. Thompson, age 80, of La Crosse, formerly of Hustler

Howard L. Thompson, age 80, of La Crosse, formerly of Hustler, died on Thursday May 8, 2008 at his home with his family by his side. He was the son of James Edward and Agnes (Bashe) Thompson and was born on Nov. 23, 1927 in Chicago, Ill. Howard was raised in Chicago and lived there until the age of 49.  

He was employed by Western Electric Company for 30 years in Chicago. Howard was a veteran who served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne during WWII. While in service he also was a boxer.

He was married to Ethelene Boykin in Chicago and she preceded him in death. On October 24, 1987 Howard was united in marriage to Delores (Pfaff) Felland at St. James Catholic Church in Camp Douglas. He was a past member of St. Leonard's Parrish in Berwin, IL, and a current member of Mary Mother of the Church in La Crosse.  

Howard moved to Wisconsin in 1977 and enjoyed operating his hobby farm for many years. He later worked for Handishop Industries in Tomah for over 18 years. He enjoyed ballroom dancing, and loved fishing and was a member of the Bohemian Athletic Club in Illinois. He served as chairman of the Fountain Town Board for 14 years. He was known for his signature saying "You Bet."

He is survived by his wife, Delores, of La Crosse, his sons Howard (Kathryn) Thompson of Mondovi,     David (Nancy) Thompson of Saint Charles, IL,  daughter Beverly (Robert) Cousineau of Elroy, two step-daughters Joan (Eric) Swenson of La Crosse, and Brenda (Lynn) Benson of Camp Douglas, and a sister Joanne (George) Gawenda of Rensselaer, IN,  and 17 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dana C. Thompson, a brother, Richard Thompson; sister-in-law, Mary Kay Thompson; and a sister Rita McGee.  

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Camp Douglas, with Father David Kunz presiding. Burial with military honors will be in the Brewster Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon on Sunday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gundersen Lutheran Hospice.