Jerry Dean Thompson

Jerry Dean Thompson

June 29, 1936 - December 25, 2025

Obituary

Fitchburg - Jerry D. Thompson, age 89, of Fitchburg, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on June 29, 1936, in Madison, Wis., the son of Donald Thompson and Viola (Farrell) Hagen.


Jerry graduated from Evansville High School. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy, including in Japan, where he met lifelong friends with whom he stayed connected. He worked in telecommunications logistics management for 36 years for General Telephone & Electric (GTE) and then had a second career as director of facilities at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Queen of Apostles - St. Dennis Catholic Parish in Madison. He loved helping others.


On June 28, 2008, Jerry married Rosemary Troia. Together, they enjoyed traveling around the U.S., including Florida, Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona. In addition, he enjoyed playing cards and watching old movies. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 531 and was known to be a generous and kind person with an infectious laugh. He was always very social and a great conversationalist. He had a sweet tooth, and especially loved candy and cookies.


Jerry is survived by his wife, Rosemary; daughter, Tania (Jeff) Holzhueter; son, Troy (Missy) Thompson; grandchildren, Brandon Holzhueter, Evan Holzhueter, Makenna Holzhueter, Madeline Thompson, Danielle Thompson and Katherine Thompson; sister, Bonnie Hagen; a niece and a nephew; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, with Father Drew Olson presiding, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. A graveside service with military honors will be held at JUG PRAIRIE CEMETERY, Smith Road, Town of Brooklyn, at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
 

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


Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002


Events

05
Visitation
Mon Jan 5, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Parish at St. Joseph's Church • 1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713
05
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Jan 5, 2026 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Good Shepherd Parish at St. Joseph's Church • 1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713
05
Luncheon After Service
Mon Jan 5, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
Good Shepherd Parish at St. Joseph's Church • 1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713
05
Military Honors
Mon Jan 5, 2026 @ 1:29 PM - 1:45 PM CDT
Good Shepherd Parish at St. Joseph's Church • 1905 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713
AT
A Memorial Tree was planted for Jerry Thompson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg
DK
David Kurkowski
Other •
So sorry for your loss, prayers to you and your family.
AP
Ann Pitz
Other •
So sorry to hear about Jerry's death Rosie.....he was a special person....know of my prayers and thoughts for you.
MO
Margaret O'Brien OP
Other •
Rosie, my sympathy to you and your family. I remember working with you at St. Dennis and Edgewood College. My prayers for all.
ML
melanie lichtfeld
Other •
My plumbing firm worked a lot with Jerry at St. Dennis. Jerry did the cabbage soup diet one season and lost a lot of weight. I was helping my Dad and Jerry by handing them tools while they were up on ladders. Jerry climbed up and his pants fell down. He admitted he had to buy a new belt.....He was a great guy who always had a smile on his face and good words to say.
JW
Jon Walsh
Other •
Jerry and I first met while we were stationed in Japan. we have been friends ever since. He will be dearly missed. This is a photo of Jerry and me (Jon Walsh) with Father Daniel McCoy, SJ former chaplain for Kami Seya Navy base. Taken in 1987.

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