MARYJANE THOMPSON

MaryJane Thompson, age 92 of Menasha, WI, peacefully rested in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 27,2022 at home with family at her side.

MaryJane was born on October 30, 1929, to Mayme (Meyer)and Carl Mielke of Neenah, WI.  She graduated from Brillion High School, Brillion, WI in 1947.  After high school she returned to Neenah, married her adoring husband & dance partner, George E. Thompson, of Valders, WI on January 13, 1951. They lived in Menasha, WI, raising four children, until her retirement from Penske Truck Leasing in 1990.

Throughout her life, MaryJane continued her education through the UW Extension and had a fulfilling 28-year career in the truck leasing industry. Prior to Penske Truck Leasing, she spent 17 years with Ryder Truck Leasing.  MaryJane traveled extensively as a Ryder Field Analyst and Administrative Development Manager, covering one third of U.S. and Canada District offices. In her career she was a pioneer breaking through numerous glass ceilings.

MaryJane & George were very active at Faith United Methodist Church of Neenah, where she was baptized, married, served as Church Membership Secretary, Sunday School teacher, Woman's Guild, and numerous leadership roles including publishing a successful cookbook "Favorites of Faith". 

Together they participated in their children's activities of Boy/Girl Scouts, Faith UMC Youth, Menasha H.S. sports & music interests.  Their children are thankful for their dedicated attendance and support of all their events and interests. As an only child, MaryJane was a very dedicated daughter, providing a home, support, and caregiver for her mother.  In addition, Mom assisted two families with financial management for several years, through the City Guardianship Program.  Mom had a servant's heart and was happiest helping others and her family in whom she took great pride and joy.

MaryJane and George loved northern WI and family time boating & water skiing.    In 1972 they purchased their beloved summer home on beautiful Lake Lucerne, Crandon, WI, and enjoyed 40 years of family gatherings, friends, waterskiing, days in the lake and nights around the fire. 

Upon retirement in 1990 they resided summers at the lake and 30 winters in Brownsville, TX, near South Padre Island. In Brownsville Mom enjoyed volunteering at the Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Valley Regional Hospital & Gift Shop, the Brownsville School District, Christ Church of the Valley and led numerous activities & dinners within their retirement community.  They loved TX, the many dear new friendships and introducing TX sites to family.

In 2015, after 11 years without George, MaryJane relocated to Lyndale Village Senior Apartments in Appleton, WI and the last nine months with her daughter, Ruth Paul.

MaryJane is preceded in death by her parents, husband George Ervin Thompson, his parents, siblings and spouses, Son-In-Law Cameron Paul, and infant grandson Michael Thompson.  Her surviving legacy are their children: Peter (Kristin)Thompson - Iola; Sara (Tom) Austin- Crandon/Winter Haven, FL; John (Tammy) Thompson- Hilbert and Ruth Paul-Appleton.  Nine Grandchildren: Ryan (Katie)Thompson-Appleton; Wade (Sara) Thompson-Appleton; Drew (Nicole)Thompson- Appleton; Rochelle Thompson-Appleton; Heather (Tom) Armistead- Peoria, IL; Denae (Adam) Yates- Eustis, FL; Karissa Thompson-Hilbert; Rebecca (Joseph) Fischer-Shiocton; Emma (Alex)Bohn-Appleton; and 21 Great Grandchildren.  Also, the children of Betty & Terry Weiland: Missy Weiland & Patricia (Weiland)Everson are Grandchildren by heart. MaryJane is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she enjoyed a close connection through calls, cards, and visits.

MaryJane's family & friends will remember her for her amazing memory, her generosity of spirit and strong loving dedication to her husband, family, friends, and faith. She was a woman of action including retiring twice to walk both her mother and her husband, George, through many medical trials and end of life - providing constant support and tender care. She imparted strength of conviction, independence, taught us that everything is achievable through hard work, and she had complete confidence and appreciation of her loved ones. She was the rudder in our lives and the ever-encouraging wind in our sails. Join us in resting in "well done good and faithful servant", with confidence, that all is well with her soul and that she is rejoicing in heaven.

A heartfelt Thank you for the kindness and care Theda Care Hospice team provided Mom and family throughout her cancer journey.

Visitation and Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Faith United Methodist Church 1025 Tullar Rd, Neenah, WI.  10:00am Visitation, 11:00am Memorial Service with Rev. Tim Albrecht officiating with luncheon to follow.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.  In lieu of flowers a Memorial Missions fund has been established for Faith United Methodist Church.