Thompson, Dr. William R.Dr. William R. Thompson, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., age 91, a resident of Manitowoc, and formerly of Madison, slipped peacefully into his heavenly home on Friday, February 10, 2017 with his beloved wife, Joanne right beside him. He had been ill for about eight years with congestive heart failure and passed away at his home.Bill was born on July 13, 1925 in Baraboo, WI to the late Dr. Rufus and Margaret (English) Thompson of Reedsburg, WI. He attended schools in Reedsburg thru his junior year in high school. The family then moved to Madison, WI and he graduated from Madison West High School with the class of 1943. Immediately after high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and entered pilot training. He served during World War II in the Pacific. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and then graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry in 1952. He practiced general dentistry at 2945 Monroe Street in Madison for 43 years, retiring on December 15, 1995 at 70 years of age. On June 7, 1972, Bill married the former Joanne Graham at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Bill was a great believer in continuing education and was an active member of numerous groups, including the American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, Dane County Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, Wisconsin Dental Study Club (former president), Annual Midwest Seminar of Dental Medicine (former executive director), Academy of Dental Practice Administration, American Equilibration Society and the Academy of General Dentistry, which made him a fellow in 1982. He served on a number of committees for the state dental society, especially those relating to prevention, children's dental health and access to dental care. Bill researched, wrote and lectured on oral evacuation systems and was a pioneer in the area of solo corporations and profit-sharing programs. He was a charter member of Madison West Rotary and proud of having over 40 years of perfect attendance by always attending Rotary meetings whenever he was out of town. Bill was named a Paul Harris fellow by the Madison club. His favorite volunteer activity in Madison was the Boy Scouts. Bill was a scoutmaster for eight years and served as vice-president of the Four Lakes Council. In 1970, he was recognized in the "Know Your Madisonian" column for his work with the Boy Scouts.After his retirement, Bill and Joanne moved to Manitowoc where he quickly became an active member of the community serving on the boards of a number of organizations including Shady Lane Nursing Center, University of Wisconsin - Manitowoc Foundation, Conservation Education Inc., the Capitol Civic Centre, Lincoln Park Zoological Society and the Salvation Army. He was also a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee and was a Master Gardener and Master Composter, giving lectures on composting. Bill was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where he ushered and participated in the Men's Club and the Shut-in Ministry. He continued his Rotary membership with the Manitowoc Noon Rotary Club and enjoyed helping with their fundraisers at the Packer games and county fair. Bill was instrumental, along with other neighbors, in establishing the Little Manitowoc Prairie.Survivors include Bill's loving wife of 44 years, Joanne; his son, David (Brinda) Thompson of Oregon, WI and his children, Jason and Michelle; his daughter, Nancy (Ron) McFarland of Merrimac, WI and their children, Jackie (Nathan) Yorke, Rob (Ashley) McFarland and Carly (Spencer) Gullick; his son, Brian Thompson of Brooklyn, WI and his children, Bryan (Jessica) Thompson, Christopher Thompson, Adam Thompson and Jonathan (Ashley) Thompson; his step-daughter, Adelle (Kevin Keeter) Graham of Missoula, MT; his great-grandchildren, Bailey Thompson, Maxwell and Carson Yorke, and Wyatt Thompson. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Thompson, his father, Rufus W. Thompson, D.D.S., his stepmother, Evelyn Thompson and his brother, John.Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1712 Menasha Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Zachary DeArmond will officiate with cremation to take place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel at a later date. Military rites will be accorded immediately following the funeral service at the church. Following the military rites, a luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall. The family will greet relatives and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.comThe Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.Bill loved talking to people as all who knew him will appreciate. He was the ultimate dental professional: caring, expert in his work, committed to improving his knowledge and skills and devoted to his patients - as they were to him. When he retired and turned to volunteer work, he brought that same dedication and work ethic to the organizations he served. Although Bill was confined to home for the past eight years, he was always positive - looking at the bright side of things, actively interested in and knowledgeable about what was happening in the world and focused on the pleasures he could still enjoy. When he was able to work outdoors, all the neighbors knew him by his whistling. A sincere thank you to Dr. Pradeep Giriyappa and the Holy Family Memorial Hospice team for their care and support.