Bernard "Bernie" Thompson

Bernard Thomas (Bernie) Thompson, 91 , Denmark passed away Friday, March 5, 2010 at Harmony of Denmark. He was born October 26, 1918 in the town of De Pere , WI, son of the late Otto and Matilda (Fonferek) Thompson. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII, as a Master Sergeant stationed in the Marshall Islands , South Pacific. He married Marcella Gajeski on November 17, 1945, and she preceded him in death in March of 1962. Bernard married Gertrude (Sipiorski) Kozlovsky, February 8, 1964, and she preceded him in death on February 27, 2009. Bernie worked for Chicago-Northwestern Railroad, and later for Hoffer Glass and H J Martin and Sons as a glazier. He was a member of the Local Glaziers Union. Following his retirement Bernie was very active in Holy Trinity Catholic Church-Pine Grove. He was a member of the Bellevue VFW Post 9677. He also farmed with his wife, Gertie. He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially with his family. Survivors include nine children: Dolores (Fred ) Heezen, Denmark, Robert (Gail) Kozlovsky, De Pere, Pat (Dan) Gaffney, Oconto, Mary (Dick) Malewiski, Phoenix, AZ, Carol (Randy) Levenhagen, Sun Prairie,WI, Kate (Mike) Helgeson, Denmark, Joe Thompson, Denmark, Larry (Lisa) Thompson, Edwardsville, IL, and Michael (Janice) Thompson, Maribel; 28 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Myrtle Pagel, Ruth Christiansen, and Elsie (Ray) Hansen; sister-in-law, Eleanor Thompson; and numerous brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Marcella and Gertrude; grandson, Thomas Heezen; four brothers: Marvin, Oscar, Robert and Norman; and a sister, Esther; as well as brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws. Family and friends may call Friday, March 12, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Road , Green Bay , followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., with Fr. Ralph Merkatoris officiating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery , Pine Grove. Knutson-Cotter Funeral Home, Denmark , is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Harmony of Denmark and Unity Hospice.