Frances Susan Thompson

With full hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Frances Susan Thompson, who died May 27, 2025, just days before her 101st birthday—likely to avoid all the fuss.

Born in Sauk City on June 3, 1924, she was the eldest child of Frank and Rose (Endres) Bongard. Frances lived through a century of extraordinary change with grace, laughter, and a sparkle in her eye that never faded.

One fateful evening while dancing with friends at a nightclub, that sparkle caught the attention of a handsome trumpet player in the band. His name was Lyle Thompson, though she'd forever call him "Eddie." He later confessed it was her “nice legs” that first caught his eye—but it was her spirit, humor, and smile that kept it. They married on September 24, 1946.

Frances stood just 4 feet, 11 inches, but her presence was mighty. She walked everywhere because she never learned to drive (and if you’ve heard the story of her one and only attempt, you’ll understand why), but she managed to run a household of six and to always prioritize her family. Her stubbornness, we mean, “fierce independence,” was evident well into her 90’s, as she would still climb onto stools to reach the top cupboards, brushing off help and insisting that she could do it herself. And she could!

She had a mind as sharp as a tack, a smile and laugh that lit up any room, and a soft spot for dogs. Over the years, she spoiled many four-legged friends—among them Wags, Vinnie, Calvin, and even “Hank,” a stuffed dog gifted by the Milwaukee Brewers for her 90th birthday (who, let’s be honest, may have gotten just as much attention as the real ones). She loved sports and rarely missed a Brewers game—neither did her neighbors with the TV volume at 100+! We’re certain that Yelich’s game-winning walk off grand slam the day Frannie died was all her doing.

Fran found great joy crocheting and sewing, tending to her yard and flowers, and she always saved room for dessert. In her later years, she even kept what passed as a rosary pouch in her purse, not filled with beads, but with Mike and Ikes. While she was known to have a sweet tooth, her family would argue that it was her homemade buns that made her famous—especially the cloverleaf ones, which for reasons no one could explain, always tasted better and were the first to disappear.

Frances leaves behind a legacy of strength and love. She is survived by her three children, Sue (Steve) Brink of Hazel Green, Jackie Thompson of Portsmouth, N.H., and Larry Thompson, who was her caretaker for the past 13 years in Madison; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Hoeper, Dan (Erika) Brink, Jenny (Gabe) Bernhardt, Jessica (Tim) Miller, Alison (Chris) Wiegman, Emily (Matt LaPine) Unger, and Hannah (Max) Mitchell; 14 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); her brother, Bud (Carol) Bongard, sister-in-law, Virginia Bongard, and brother-in-law, Leon Breunig; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; her in-laws, Lawrence and Rosa Thompson; her infant daughter, Mary Ellen; her son, Mark; her grandson, Michael Brink; her brothers, Victor, Eugene, Charles, infant Joseph; and her sisters, Clarice Hug, Mary Jo Pape, and Karen Breunig; and recently, her sister-in-law, Liz Bongard.

Larry’s care and companionship allowed Fran to live independently at home until the last month of her incredible life. Thanks to Meriter Hospital, Hebron Oaks, and Agrace Hospice staff for the kindness and support they provided her and our family during her final days.

A celebration of life (with birthday cake) will be held June 3, 2025, 2-4 p.m., at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on what would have been Frannie’s 101st birthday. We will celebrate her extraordinary life with a short service at 3:00. A livestream at the time of the service will be available. Pre sign-up is encouraged by going to https://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituaries/frances-thompson.

As we say goodbye, we envision her standing on her front step, waving with her infectious smile and laugh. Maybe there’s music playing somewhere in the distance, and Eddie’s waiting—trumpet in hand—ready for another dance.

We love you always, Mom/Grandma/Frances. And yes—your buns really were the best!

Cress Funeral Home

608-238-3434