Tyler D. Thompson

MADISON - Tyler Dean Thompson, age 30, of Madison, passed away suddenly on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, after a long and hard-fought struggle with mental illness.

He was born on Aug. 4, 1993, in Madison, the son of Stephen Thompson and Tanya (Folgate) Thompson-Jahnke. From the moment Tyler was born, he radiated happiness and brought us so much joy. As a child, he loved playing any type of sport and was on numerous basketball, soccer, baseball, and football teams-often honing his skills with his Grandpa Thompson. Tyler often tinkered with different contraptions and spent many days with his Grandpa Bob in his woodworking shop, which usually followed by a large bowl of ice cream with his Grandma Cheryl. He had quite the entrepreneurial spirit and authored (with a group of wonderful friends) a series of children’s books titled, “Captain Concussion,” which he sold at recess. Tyler and his friends went on all sorts of adventures-cruising garage sales, creating YouTube videos, even sawing his sister’s bike in half to make a go-kart. Tyler was incredibly selfless and sensitive. Even as a child, he would gladly give up whatever he had for someone else.

Tyler attended Monona Grove High school where he was very involved in all sorts of extracurricular activities. He played on the tennis team and participated in numerous clubs, including Model UN, Spanish Club, and DECA. Tyler was very intelligent and took nearly every advanced placement class offered. One guidance counselor even told Tyler he was too smart for homework-much to Tyler’s amusement and his mother’s frustration. Towards the later portion of high school, he discovered ultimate frisbee, which became one of his most treasured pastimes.

Tyler later attended Edgewood College where he studied English Literature. During college, his love of music took off-much to the delight and support of his Grandma Thompson who was one of his biggest fans. True to his degree, Tyler was a voracious reader and enjoyed everything from Dante to Kurt Vonnegut. Even though Tyler was busy in college, he always made time for his family, especially his little sister, Laney. It was in his final year of college that his mental health struggles began-what we now know is the age of onset. Despite these challenges, Tyler successfully earned his degree in 2015.

Over the past seven years, Tyler’s life was significantly affected by mental illness. Yet, Tyler persisted to find joy and purpose wherever possible. Tyler was a strong writer and often wrote beautiful poems, short stories, and songs. He had dreams of becoming an author one day. Tyler was such a good son and spent many afternoons getting lunch with his mom, helping her around the house, or just going on car rides together. Even during hard times, Tyler was a phenomenal brother and always indulged his sisters’ whims. Tyler was so protective of his little sister, Laney. Every year on her birthday, Tyler created elaborate scavenger hunts or treasure boxes filled with homemade gifts and letters. No one brightened up his day more than Laney-the two were as thick as thieves. Tyler became an uncle or “funcle” (fun uncle) last year. He was such a natural with his nephew, Atticus, and knew exactly how to hold and soothe him from the moment they met. Tyler was a gentle soul with the biggest heart.

In the week that Tyler died, he called his mental health provider seven times, but was unable to receive treatment. The last text Tyler received was from his mom letting him know she was on her way to pick him up for lunch and a haircut.

Tyler is survived by his parents and stepfather Tim Jahnke; sisters, Veronnica (Tyler Lynch) Thompson and Alayna Jahnke; nephew, Atticus; maternal grandfather, Bob Beck; and paternal grandparents, Mary and Gerald Thompson as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Cheryl Beck; grandfather, Ronald Folgate; and uncle, Tim Folgate.

Tyler, we love you more than you can ever realize. You are the light in our world, and we are so proud of you. It was our greatest honor to be your family. We are so, so sorry and would do anything to bring you back. You are irreplaceable and we will miss you with every fiber of our being for the rest of our lives.

To those experiencing mental health concerns, please know that recovery is possible and that your life matters. And to those caring for a loved one with mental illness, do whatever it takes.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date and Tyler’s ashes will be spread in all the beautiful places of the world he could not go in life. Wherever we go, you go, Tyler.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420