Donna Thompson

Donna Mae Thompson, age 73, of Merrill, Wisconsin entered her Eternal Home on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was born on April 30, 1948, in Merrill, Wisconsin to Herman Jacob and Viola Erna Emma (Gruling) Mohrland.

Donna married Rodger “Rod” William Thompson on September 19, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin. They would have celebrated 52 years of marriage in September.  Donna went through and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran School and remained a very active and a lifelong member of the Church.

After graduating Merrill High School in 1966, she worked as an insurance professional for 40 years, mostly at Wausau Insurance.

Donna lived her life leading by example of service.  Her greatest joy was helping others: her husband, her family, and her community. Almost everything she did was helping others; from her youth in 4H, as a Dairy Princess, or in FFA.  As a mother, volunteering as a Cub Scout den mother; a Girl Scout leader, and helping at Trinity School.  Her service continued in the Dorcas Society and helping Trinity School achieve its accreditation.

After retirement, she would regularly fill-in as the secretary for Trinity Church. She continued to volunteer reading stories to young students at school, serving on the Church Council, helping with Vacation Bible School, the South Blue Lake Association where the family cottage was located, and as a poll worker.  She never stopped looking for ways to help others.

Donna loved flowers, birds and being outside. She especially enjoyed the regular trips she and Rod would make to the Upper Peninsula.  She loved sewing, cooking, baking, and canning with her grandchildren. She was known for her pickles! Donna grew up on a farm and was a lifelong participant of 4H Fair, winning many ribbons throughout her life for her sewing or canning entries.

Donna is survived by her husband Rodger “Rod” Thompson, children; Jeremy (Jan) Thompson of Merrill, WI, Nikki Thompson of Tomahawk, WI, and Andy (Holly Peterson) Thompson of Merrill, WI, grandchildren; Caleb Thompson, Abigail Thompson, and Eleanor Thompson all of Merrill, WI, brothers; Gene (Pam) Mohrland of Merrill, WI, Terry (Robin) Mohrland of Leesburg, FL, half-brother; Richard Mohrland and step mother Joan Mohrland of Janesville, WI,  sisters-in-law; Joyce Mohrland of Allegan, MI, Virginia Dorcey of Wausau, WI, Joann Thompson of Ft. Myers, FL and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Villas Mohrland, brothers-in-law, Terry Thompson and Tom Thompson, and sister-in-law Jane Allen.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI. Visitation will be held that same day from 9:00 am until the time of service, also at the church.

Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln County Humane Society, and/or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of Donna Thompson.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.