Albert Theodore Thompson

Albert Theodore Thompson

October 08, 1942 - October 23, 2023

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Obituary

MADISON- Albert T. Thompson, 81, of Madison passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, at home.  Al was born at home in Collingswood, N.J., on Oct. 8, 1942.


Al graduated from Collingswood High School and moved from New Jersey to attend Winona State University in Winona, Minn., where he met the love of his life and future wife, Mary Kay Modjeski.


Al was a passionate and dedicated teacher and coach for the Madison Metropolitan School District for many years.  He shared his love of learning with his students in varied and creative ways.  To “Mr. Thompson” or “Mr. T” as his students called him, every student was special; he gave each one a nickname that reflected the student’s interests and personality.  


Al loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, or canoeing in the Boundary Waters.  Special adventures with family and friends included dogsledding and winter camping, whitewater rafting, and fishing in Canada.  Al and Mary Kay enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy, Fripp Island, South Carolina, and the Jersey Shore.  Al loved to cook, especially Italian dishes.


Al will be greatly missed by his loving family:  wife, Mary Kay; twin sisters, Carolyn Bartsch and Karin (John) Read; brothers-in-law, John (Jane) Modjeski and Michael (Janet) Modjeski; nephew Jay Read (Christina Frank); nieces, Ashley (Andrew) Parker, Karin (Bryan) Bearss, Sara (Mark) Schoonveld, Lisa (Scott) Bents, Amy (Bob) Boudrot, and Angela Modjeski (Cory Davis); and many great-nieces and -nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Thompson, Pauline Thompson-Bartsch, and Arthur Bartsch.


Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. A private family Mass will occur later.  


The family would like to thank Dr. Albert Musa as well as the wonderful caregivers at SSM Health Cancer Care, particularly Dr. Shannon O’Mahar, and Agrace HospiceCare.  Memorials may be gifted in Al’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


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



Events

06
Visitation
Mon Nov 6, 2023 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
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Albert
RW
Rollie Willan
Other •
As Principal of Gompers Middle School, 1980-1988 it was my privilege to work with Al. Al was a caring, creative teacher. His relationship with his students (kids) was superlative. He was a genuine, great guy. His sense of humor was infectious. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Rollie Willan
JK
James kanvik
Other •
Going to the boundary waters with Al was one of my favorite things to do each spring. My sincerest condolences to you Mary Kay and the rest of Als family. Because of my health condition I will not be able to attend visitation, Jim Kanvik
DB
Dorit Bergen
Other •
Al was a wonderful colleague when we taught together at Gompers Middle School. His devotion to his students and to teaching was very evident and I've always been grateful for the knowledge and skills he shared so generously.
MM
Margie McGraw
Other •
Mr. T was my high school softball coach. We had a lot of fun times and won a lot of ball games. I’m very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a top notch guy. Please accept my sincere condolences. RIP COACH THOMPSON
AP
Annette Porter
Other •
I am thankful that as a young teacher I can a’s able to work at the same middle school as Al. What a fun, kind man! My thoughts are with you, Mary, and all of the family.
MH
Michel (Mike) Hartnett
Other •
Mary Kay, I will always remember the time that I spent with the family on Long Beach Island. Al was enough to dance with me. It was very special and he will always be in my heart. Love, Mike Hartnett.

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