Thomas C. Thompson, 70, of Allouez, Wis., died on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, due to complications of many illnesses.

Tom was born on May 24, 1942, in Madison, the son of the late Walther THOMPSON ’28, and Grace (Holl) Thompson. He was a graduate of Madison West High School with the class of 1961, Luther College in 1967 majoring in history and political science and Northern Illinois University in 1973 with a Master’s in special education. Tom studied at Lund University in Sweden in a program sponsored by the Waisman Center at UW-Madison in 1972, 1973 and traveled throughout Europe. He received his Learning Disabilities Certification from Eau Claire in 1988. Tom taught special education in Waukegan, Ill; Rochester, Minn.; Rochester State Hospital, Cambridge State Hospital and at the Veterans Home in Minnesota. Tom and his wife, Carolyn loved traveling. They went to the Amazon taking medical and school supplies to tribes that lived along the river. They traveled as well to Paris, Canada, Nova Scotia and throughout the United States. Tom and Carolyn loved classical music, film and stage entertainment. Tom loved to read, especially history and political science. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and Badgers and Packers Games.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; children, Jennifer (Adam Cain) Ruef, Rebecca (Ben) Weaver and Kristofer (Lisa) Ruef; grandchildren, Kristofer Meyer-Ruef, Adrian Cain-Ruef, Berit Weaver, Rune Weaver, Joshua Weaver and Cameron Weaver; one brother, Philip Thompson; one sister, Mary (Dan) Olszowy; and one brother-in-law, William (Celeste) Larson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and so many good and dear friends.

In honor and respect of Tom's wishes, private services were held at Ascension Lutheran Church in Allouez. A Memorial Fund has been established in Tom's name.

The family would like to offer a special thank-you to the first responders and neighbors for all of their support.