David J. Thompson, age 80, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, from complications of heart surgery. He was born on September 18, 1931 in Arena, the son of the late Pirl J. and Stella (Peart) Thompson. He graduated from Arena High School and UW-Madison. David was a US Navy veteran, having served as a radio operator aboard the USS Raymond 341, Escort Squadron 10, during the Korean War.



David began making cheese along with his father and brother in Arena and after his discharge from the Navy, returned to making cheese with his father and brother in Linden, Wisconsin. In 1959 he purchased the Bunker Hill Cheese Factory near Cazenovia, which he operated until 1969. On July 31, 1970 he was united in marriage to Judy A. Fritz of Boscobel. In later years he became a trucker, working for several companies for close to 50 years. In 1993 he was named Driver of The Year for Trac., Inc. of Eau Claire. He ended his driving career in 2008 at the age of 77 as a relay driver for Filmore Express of Cannon Falls, Minnesota.



He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy of Lyndon Station; three sons, Tom (Gayle) of Montfort, Jerry (Jane) of Janesville and James (Mandy) of Madison; two daughters, Sharon (Clarence) Johnson of Monona and Diane (Brent) Vickers of Lake Delton; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosie Pope of Houston, TX; other relatives and friends.


In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley; a son, Jeffery; a brother, Vince; and a sister, Thelma.


Funeral services will be held at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, 702 Emily Rd., Mazomanie, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011 with Pastor Daniel Grimes officiating. Burial, with military rites conducted by Arena American Legion Post 441, will follow in the Arena Cemetery. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.