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

Jerry Dean Thompson

June 29, 1936 - December 25, 2025

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