EDGERTON - Donald James Thompson, age 85, of Edgerton, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Watertown Health Care Center. He was born on May 30, 1941, in Madison, the son of James and Dorothy (Conway) Thompson.

Don graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1959 where he began a long, very successful sports career. He went on to earn his business degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he continued his life in football. Don earned All-Conference honors in one of the top performing small schools in the country. He was later inducted into the UW-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame. Don was invited to try out with a number of NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Minnesota Vikings. Don continued to play football at a high level for many years with semi-pro football teams, Madison Mustangs and Delavan Red Devils.

Athletics came naturally to Don and even after his football career, he continued in sports by playing competitive basketball and volleyball with a team of his brothers. Don also officiated basketball and high school football for many years.

At UW-Whitewater, Don was a local hero and was affectionately known by his nickname, “Gouger”. That name stayed with him throughout the years, and many in Whitewater knew him simply as Gouger. He made lasting friendships wherever he went and was someone many people looked up to and respected. Don was a huge sports fan and continued to attend UW- Whitewater football games throughout the years.

Don worked in the accounting area for the State of Wisconsin as a student loan officer for 26 years. But his greatest joy came from his many friendships, and especially his family. Don had nine siblings and deeply loved his family.

Donald is survived by his son, Kris (Ursula) Thompson; daughter, Kami (Jim) Gallaher; grandson, Declan Gallaher; granddaughters, Cara, Ava and Ella Thompson; brothers, Dale (Jean) Thompson, Jerry Thompson, Bob (Linda) Thompson, Rick Thompson and Ron Thompson; and sisters, Barbara Reierson, Betty Lou (Al Keup) Thompson and Rhonda (Bill) Flemming. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy; brother, Jim Thompson; as well as his beloved dog, Rex.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Donald J. Thompson

May 30, 1941 - August 21, 2026

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