William S. Thompson, 76, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully with family at his side Monday, June 28, 2004, at his home. Bill was born in Chippewa Falls on April 27, 1928, the son of Thomas "Orville" and Cassie (Smith) Thompson. He attended high school in Eau Claire and then entered the U.S. Navy in November 1945, serving until his honorable discharge on October 17, 1947.\r\nBill married Mildred I. Ede on October 16, 1948 at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.\r\nBill was employed as a lithographer at Johnson Printing Co. in Eau Claire for 29 years and then in Torrance, CA, until his retirement in 1988. Bill and Millie moved back to Eau Claire in 1992.\r\nHe was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and VFW Post #305.\r\nSurvivors include his wife of 55 years, Millie; three daughters, Connie Clarke of Bloomington, MN, Cathie Rao and Christine Jalbert both of Eau Claire; his son, David (Julie)Thompson of Eden Prairie, MN; six grandchildren, Angela Clarke, Shaun Rao, Nicole Jalbert, Marisa, Nathan and Kieran Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Lorentz, Donald, and Robert Thompson.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor David K. Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and an hour prior to services Friday at the church.\r\n

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