Virginia Mae Thompson

Born Virginia "Ginny" Mae Horvath on September 12, 1938, in Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI, at the age of 85. 

Ginny is survived by her children: Monte (Jodi) Thompson of Williams Bay, WI, Alex (Angela) Thompson of Newport Beach, CA, Ann (Andy) Hulen of Waukesha, and Sarah (Malcolm Muller) Thompson of Mandurah, West Australia, as well as her grandchildren: Michael (Jenny) Thompson of Williams Bay, WI, Alex (Ashley) Barker of Quantico, VA, Mark Thompson of Newport Beach, CA, Kelli (Calvin) Moore of Waukesha, Evan Thompson of Tuscon, AZ, Eric Thompson of Newport Beach, CA, Ivy Muller of Mandurah, West Australia, and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Anna Horvath; her sisters: Janet Stouder, Lydia Kurtz, Judith Schultz, Wilma (Billie) Schultz, Susan Horvath; and her brother, Albert "Butch" Horvath.

Ginny attended Williams Bay School, kindergarten through 12 grade, graduating in 1956. She married William "Bill" Thompson right out of high school and moved to San Diego, CA. She pursued a career at R.L. Bess Company in La Jolla, CA, from 1958 to 1963. She was an active member of her church in San Diego and also proudly served on the committee for Citizens United for Racial Equality (CURE) from 1967-1969. In 1970, she and Bill made the decision to move back to Wisconsin to raise their children. She became very involved with the United Church of Christ in Williams Bay, sang in the choir, served on the Christian Education Committee, held position for Deaconess, and taught Sunday School. In 1974 she co-founded and operated Full Circle Cooperative which,  gave her better insight into the Christian Community and counterculture. She started to volunteer at the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn, which led to her serving on their board of directors. For work, she was self-employed and co-owned "Tom Thumb" Lawn Maintenance Service in Williams Bay, WI. After divorce, she had decided to change careers and attended Gateway Tech in Elkhorn and earned a degree in Mechanical Drafting. She worked for Crispell-Snyder for several years. After retiring in 2005, Ginny moved to her lake house in Pearson, WI., where she enjoyed the wildlife, pontoon boat rides, fishing, and the peacefulness. There she made many wonderful memories with her family and friends. 

Her hobbies included cheerleading, baton twirling, chorus, painting, drawing, tropical fish, gardening, singing karaoke, swimming, waterskiing, and photography. She loved challenges and used her creativity to see them through. Ginny was an animal lover, always had a dog by her side and cats to cuddle. Her family appreciated her delicious cooking, her wisdom and wit, her stories of childhood and achievements, and her kind ear. She will most certainly be missed.

Ginny's family would like to express a sincere thank you to Aspirus Langlade Hospital and Volm Cancer Center staff in Antigo, Prohealth Care Home Hospice team in Waukesha, and Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, who all showed extreme compassion and utmost care throughout her cancer journey. 

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life in honor of Ginny will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 46 Stam Street, Williams Bay, WI, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with the church service beginning at 1:00 pm.