Robin Earl Thompson

MADISON - Robin E. Thompson, age 73, of Madison, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at UW Hospital. He was born on April 5, 1951, in La Crosse, the son of Gjeruld and Therese Ann (Guentner) Thompson.

Robin attended Aquinas and Onalaska High Schools in the La Crosse, WI area. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on radar jamming systems for the F-111 fighter-bomber. He later earned his Associate’s Degree in biomedical electronics from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute in 1977.

After his military service, Robin started his career as a Biomedical Electronics Technician in Madison, WI, working for Olson and Associates and later Biotronics. His entrepreneurial talents led him to own and operate multiple Madison-area businesses, starting with Midwest Biomedical Services in 1986 and the Water Tower Pub in 1991. He also became a landlord in the late 1980s, owning and managing multiple real estate properties in the Madison area. Robin retired at age 48 but later worked part-time, advising his son as he grew his own biomedical firm, BioTech Services.

Robin enjoyed social clubs and was a quiet leader in whatever he was involved in. He served as Vice President of the McFarland JayCees, Treasurer of the Hope Rod and Gun Club, and was a member of American Legion Post No. 534. In his younger years, Robin was drawn to everything fun and fast. It began with guitars and cars, including his 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, and later evolved to snowmobiles, boats, and jet skis-instilling those same passions in his children. As his grandchildren entered the picture, he enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, often creating memories with them at Disney World. Robin also enjoyed many hobbies, especially those that culminated in drinks with friends: bowling and card clubs, Badgers and Packers football, trap and skeet shooting, and especially Karaoke.

Robin was married to Kathy Stranc from 1971-1978, to Karen Dunnum from 1981-2009, and to Geraldine “Gerry” Bristol on December 25, 2019, until his passing.

Robin is survived by his wife, Gerry; sons, Nicholas (Stacy) Thompson and Erik (Rachel) Thompson; stepson, Heath (Amy) Bristol; grandchildren, Brannon (Ariel) Thompson, Dalton Green, Marisa (Brandon Looman) Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Aidan Thompson, Karah (Chris Burkhaner) Thompson, Ian Thompson, Garrett Bristol, Haley Bristol, Brooklyn Bristol, and Khloe Bristol; great-grandchildren, Hazel Looman, Kaiser Thompson, Willow Looman, Becket Thompson, and Saylor Thompson; siblings, Kathi (Bob) Travis, Mark (Trish) Thompson, Paula (Dennis) Enger, Gjeruld (Holly) Thompson Jr., and Erica Griffin; sister-in-law, Nadine (Ronald) Paulsrud; brother-in-law, Erick (Lisa) Dickman; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Blooming Grove Cemetery (Pflaum Road). A reception luncheon for family and mourners will be held after the burial. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday.  

Memorials may be gifted in Robin's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the

McFarland American Legion Post 534. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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