JoAnne Thompson, age 85, of New London, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at St. Joseph Residence following a lingering illness. She was born on June 13, 1934, in New London, daughter of the late Leonard & Eileen (Carey) Rusch. On October 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to Elvin “Boots” Thompson. JoAnne raised five children and loved to cook, bake, and quilt with her mother. She loved to travel and made many trips over the United States and abroad, including Hawaii, London, Scotland and Ireland.
JoAnne is survived by her husband, Elvin. Two daughters, Lisa ( Bill) Gillespie, LaCrosse, Kristine (Ron) Suchan, Scottsdale, AZ. Three sons, Steve (Chris) Thompson New London, Carey (Cindy) Thompson, Appleton, Paul (Renee) Thompson, Appleton. Three brothers, Dave (Fern) Rusch, New London, Len (Ellen) Rusch, Greenville, James (Kathy) Rusch, Huntington Beach, CA. She is further survived by14 grandchildren, Hans, Ross, Cole, Meghan, Joel, Amy, Matthew, Spencer, Taylor, Lily, Hazel, Myles, Morgan, and Macy and 16 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The Funeral Mass for JoAnne will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2019, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home and on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Residence and the Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to JoAnne.
