Walter Malcolm Thompson Sr

Walter Malcolm Thompson, Sr., age 74, of Trenary, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at his home. He was born on June 3, 1940 in Marquette, Michigan to the late Malcolm and Elizabeth "Libby" (McNally) Thompson. Walter grew up on the family farm in Trenary and during the summers of high school, he would go out to Kalispell, Montana and work with family members in the woods of Montana. Walter graduated from Trenary High School. He was working for the Richmond Sawmill when he met and married Janet Lynn DeGrave on June 22, 1963. Walter then worked at Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba for nineteen years. After the company moved out of the area, he worked for Sun Saver in Escanaba, Lakeshore Incorporated in Marquette, and in the woods. Walter was hired by the Alger County Road Commission as a mechanic and worked there for many years. He retired in 2003. Walter loved to dance and he and Janet could glide across the floor. He enjoyed playing his washboard and spoons while at the Senior Dances, and he enjoyed listening to the Grand Ole Opry and old country music. Walter enjoyed spending time with his family and drinking coffee at the gas station in Trenary. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding his Ranger, and harassing those he loved.

He is survived by his wife of over fifty-one years - Janet Thompson of Trenary; their five children - Robin Thompson Seymour of Trenary, Ellen (Dan) Kotowski of Slinger, WI, Sharon (Casey) Trobridge of Trenary, Walter (Becky Knoph) Thompson, Jr. of Cooks, and Jennifer (Bill) Cornish of Gladstone; twelve grandchildren - Matthew, Marcus, Mackenzie, Nicholas, Andrew (Lauren), Daniel, Justin (Brianna), Adam, Caitlyn, Evan, Maci, and Dylan; great-grandson - Carter; brother - Charles (Sandra) Thompson of Rapid River; sister - Elizabeth (Bob Case) Thompson of Munising; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong best friend - Gerry Stover. Walter was preceded in death by his parents Malcolm and Libby.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Thursday, January 22, 2015. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Pastor Jason LaFlamme will conduct Walter's funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Limestone Township Cemetery on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.