John Paul
Thompson
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with a Masonic service at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek, WI 53154. Another memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00am-12:00pm followed by a Mass at 12:00pm at ST. MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 9306 Beloit Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53227. Inurnment will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00am at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. (Please meet at Cemetery)
John Paul Thompson
Passed away suddenly on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the age of 77. Beloved husband of 47 years of Linda Jean Thompson (Nee Zeise). Dear brother of Judith Lesko , Karen (Dennis) Skonecki, William Thompson, and sister-in-law Katherine (Janissee) Thompson. Further survived by his mother-in-law (Gloria [Schwarz] Zeise), sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws (Christine and Peter Probst, Susan and James Piper, and Richard and Sheri [Koporetz] Zeise), as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Preceeded in death by his parents Floyd Arthur and Margaret Imogene (McHugh) Thompson and his brother Thomas Thompson, as well as other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
John enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, spending his active duty time stationed in Hawaii. He continued his naval career in the Naval Reserves, never making it onto a ship. When he was no longer able to find slots in the Navy, he switched to the Army where he received his commission. He finished out his military career of 42 years as a Major in the U.S.Army. He was very honored in November of 2023 to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC, accompanied by his nephew Ryan Piper.
He was employed as a Milwaukee County Sheriff where he was the first D.A.R.E. officer in the state of Wisconsin, his favorite position during his career with the Sheriffs Department.
John joined Wisconsin Freemasonry in May of 1977 and continued with the organization until his passing. In 2022 John joined the Advisory Chapter of DeMolay – Doric chapter, the youth organization. He became a member of the Legion of Honor in 2024. Legion of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon individuals for outstanding leadership, service to DeMolay, and contributions to humanity.
He was a charter member of the Glacial Garden Railway club for G-Scale trains where his love of trains continued to grow . Soon after he designed a layout in the back yard, complete with trestles and a bridge. During his time with the club he designed a 3’ red, white, and blue hot air balloon which was filled with helium and would be raised and lowered over their display. After that he turned an Oscar Meyer Weinermobile into an engine which was followed along the track by 5 “Slinky” dachshounds. It was always a hit with kids and adults alike. More recently, he became a member of both the Milwaukee Model Railroad Society and the Metro Milwaukee Z-Scale Club. He had big plans of making a layout in the living room coffee table.
John loved working with his hands and making things out of wood. He was a member of the Milwaukee Area Woodworkers Club as well as a Penturners club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the youth oganizations associated with the Masons : DeMolay-Doric Chapter or Job’s Daughter-Bethel 6 at Lake Lodge.
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Dearest cousin Linda, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband John. The picture that is shown on his obituary page brings back my memories of a man that alway had a big smile for everyone that came into his personal space. Always lots of kindness and laughter in the spirit of this great guy.. Are there train sets in heaven? If not, I’m sure there will be. God Bless you Linda and God Bless John on his journey. Love to all The Family…..Cousin Kathie
John was a longstanding and faithful member of the Milwaukee Area Woodturners. For the last several years he had managed the club’s lending library. He was always cheerful and positive. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
John was a wealth of stories from his life and a valued member of Milwaukee Metro Z Scale Club.. He always had photos to share and had a mind that was always working, planning, crafting his next project. He will be missed immensely.
I occasionally worked with John Paul Thompson as a Milwaukee Co Sheriff. John was always kind and compassionate when doing his Duty . John always had a smile on his face and calm demeanor. John protected the public and served justice will be remembered and cherished. Till we meet again.. William Bushman
I had met John thru his wife Linda, whom I had known since 5th grade .. John was always so sweet and soft spoken. What made him so amazing in my eyes was he was so proud of his wife, he’d show everyone the different cakes she would decorate and also he was so proud of his woodworking.. I will miss seeing John on my trips to Milwaukee … But I’m glad I have another angel watching over me … My deepest condolences to John’s entire family.
I met John and Linda through my mother. My mom, daughters & I always enjoyed listening to John’s stories when we’d visit Wisconsin. He was always so excited to show us his newest creations and share his favorite pictures with us. I feel so fortunate to have seen him during our last visit and had no idea it would be our last. John was a very kind man and we’ll miss him dearly. My sincerest condolences to his family.