Joanne Patricia Thompson

Joanne Patricia Thompson, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby. Joanne was born on September 6, 1936, to Hjalmer and Hildur (Swiggum) Holte. She grew up on the family farm on Lovaas Ridge, went to Leum School, and graduated from Westby High School in 1954. On December 11, 1954, Joanne married the love of her life, LaVern Thompson, and went on to have 4 children.

In the late 1960s, Joanne took night classes in keyboarding, leading her to work in the insurance and billing departments at hospitals in Kenosha, Wisconsin Rapids, and Viroqua. She also worked at the Family & Children’s Center in La Crosse and Schmidt Motors in Viroqua. After retiring, she bought and ran Main Street Designs in Westby until selling it to Leah Crume.

She was grateful for being able to winter out west for many years before her husband’s health declined. Joanne and LaVern were in charge of Wednesday night Bingo at the Westby VFW for many years. In 2014, she was declared an honorary member of the Westby VFW Post 8021, recognizing her support and active involvement.

Joanne is survived by her 4 children: Kathy (Monty Foster) Turben, Bob (Deb) Thompson, Pat Furrer, and Janice (Brian) Turben; 1 grandson, Cory (Theresa Aide) Turben; 6 granddaughters, Heather (Mark) Thompson, Nichole Schultz, Tina (Leo) Diaz, Randi Rydberg, Sara (Josh) Keenan, and Jill Pagel; 16 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her GG; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and numerous step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and life-long friend, Elida Anderson; sisters-in-law, Pat Holte and Anita Thompson; sister Rachel Iverson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern in 2014; her parents; her brother, Verdel Holte; brothers-in-law, Charles Anderson and Harlan Thompson; and son-in-law, Don Furrer in 2023.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A reception at the funeral home will follow the service. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.vossfh.com.

The family extends a special thank you to Norseland Nursing Home and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice, or the American Cancer Society / Chaseburg Sole Burner.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory in Westby is serving Joanne's family.

708 S. Main Street

Westby, WI 54667

(608) 634-2100