Michael (Mikey) Anne Thompson

With her family by her side Michael (Mikey) Anne Thompson, age 64, passed on to eternal life on April 7th at Wheaton Franciscan, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born February 5, 1952 in Racine. She attended St. Rita’s Catholic School and was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School. She and her husband Michael L. Thompson were married on July 15, 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Florence (nee: Rose′) Stupar; sister, Mildred Stupar; sister-in-law, Nancy (Timothy) Thompson and brother-in-law, Donald (Priscilla) Thompson. She is survived by husband, Michael L. Thompson; daughter, Elaine M. Thompson; son, Michael R. (Vanessa) Thompson; and grandchildren: Elias, Hollis, Jack, Eva, Liam, Finn, Spencer Rose, Michael Jr. and sisters, Lynn (Mark) Landvatter and Mary Ellen Stupar; brother, Steven (Gitte) Stupar; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Timothy (Nancy) Thompson, Karen (Dan) Larsen, Priscilla (Donald) Thompson and many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all including her closest friend Sherri Noha and pet companions: Lenny, Rodeo, Spot, Squeakers and Reggie.

Michael (Mikey) enjoyed being outside fishing and gathering wild asparagus in the spring, a skill that she learned from, and enjoyed doing with her dad when he was alive. She continued this spring tradition with her family later in years. She coached her children’s softball teams for many years and enjoyed bowling on her women’s league, which brought their team to the state competition quite a few times. She appreciated traveling and liked experiencing new places and meeting new people. Her many trips included places like Las Vegas, Mexico, Hawaii, New Orleans, Florida and the southwest to name a few. Her favorite destination, however, was Utah; where a day of “rock hounding” was a must do. Her love of life included yearly outings to concerts, festivals, flea markets and visits to casinos with family and friend, Sherri.

Never a person to sit idle; you could always find her busy working in her yard in the flower beds or attending to her koi pond. She was an avid and skilled seamstress and enjoyed canning and cooking. Her skills for all things culinary was reflected in the many parties that she hosted over the years for those she loved and cared for.

Michael (Mikey) worked at JQ Foxes for over 20 years where she developed friendships with many of the patrons. She and her son, operated their business, Northern Aquatics, for over ten years; along with her mom Florence. She was affectionately known as the “pond lady”. She was a pioneer in water gardening and shared her knowledge with everyone.

Her love of animals started out in childhood as she tended to her chickens, cared for her horses and loved her beloved canine King. In her adult life, this nurturing and loving spirit for animals continued. Michael (Mikey) was involved in many organizations that promoted pet adoption and rescue. She volunteered at Hope Safehouse Animal Rescue after the hurricane Katrina disaster. She also was a member of the Greater Racine Kennel Club (voted most valuable member 2015), the Ruff Readers program at the Racine Public Library and a member of the Dog Goners drill team, to name a few.

Michael (Mikey) was a person who gave everything, but asked for nothing. She was a caring, loving and kind mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her presence will be missed; her spirit never forgotten.

A celebration of Michael’s (Mikey’s) life will be held this summer, both in Racine and Wautoma, WI. Memorials to H.O.P.E. Safehouse, 1911 Taylor Ave., Racine have been suggested.