Helen E. Thompson

Helen E. Thompson, 79, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away on October 15, 2024 at Oak Park Place in Madison surrounded by the love of her family. Helen was born on November 3, 1944 in Columbus, Wisconsin, the daughter of Reinhold and Elsie Hafenstein. She was a lifelong resident of Waterloo, Wisconsin. She graduated from Waterloo High School in 1962 where she was selected to Badger Girls State. She worked for more than 20 years with UW – Madison Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and enjoyed supporting graduate students satisfy degree requirements. 

 Helen was a special mentor to her grandchildren and loved spending time with them talking, crafting, cooking, playing games, and always cheering for their academic, athletic, and professional success. She modeled perseverance in the face of health challenges and never let them diminish her quality time with family or wonderful sense of humor. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo, including past service as children’s choir pianist. She loved attending service and fellowship with members. In 2018, she moved to Hyland Park Assisted Living in Sun Prairie. She enjoyed getting together with friends and playing cards. 

 Helen is survived by her children Tania (Jeff) Holzhueter and Troy (Melissa) Thompson, grandchildren Brandon (Karly Ready), Evan, and Makenna (Rory Schultz) Holzhueter and Madeline, Danielle, and Katherine Thompson, brother Carl (Pat) Hafenstein, dear lifelong friend Doris (Ken) Wolff of Lake Mills, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

 Her family thanks Hyland Park and its staff for all their kindness, care, and friendship to Helen over the last several years. The family gives extra special thanks to Oak Park Place and Agrace Hospice, and their respective caregiver staff, for their exceptional professionalism, empathy, and care over the last six weeks.

 A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at St. Paul‘s Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A private burial with family will take place after the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.