Robert "Bob" Donald Thompson, age 83, of Merrimac passed away in the comfort of his own home on Sunday, June 22, 2025 surrounded by his family.  He was born May 9, 1942 in Belvidere, Ill to the late Dock and Iola "Mickey" (Canode) Thompson and was nicknamed "Robin" by his dad.  His family moved and settled in the Merrimac area where Bob attended the Merrimac Elementary School. He graduated from the Prairie du Sac High School in 1961.

Bob was united in marriage to Nancy Rhinehart on Sept 21, 1963 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Reedsburg.  Bob was a milk hauler, log sawyer and master wood cutter. He went on to join the Local 314 North Central States Carpenters Union where he worked hard for 43 years; working for Jim Steele, Koppes Drywall, AC Linley and Findorff Construction Co.  Bob was the type of guy who couldn't say "no" to a friend, neighbor, or family member in need, and was always willing to lend a hand.  He was known as "Bob the Builder" by many. Bob and the rest of the Merrimac Drywall Team would tackle anyone's weekend project when needed. Bob loved to hunt, fish, and looked forward to camping with his family.  His favorite places to camp were Castle Rock and Duck Creek Campground. Bob believed in keeping the home fires burning with wood heat in winter and family campfires in the summer. He enjoyed being part of the Merrimac baseball team, the races at the Dells Race Track, horseshoes, playing a game of euchre, and loved to dance - his family members called him, "Cha, Cha" when he was on the floor.  Bob was a charter member of the Merrimac Conservation Club and was instrumental in the construction of the building, and was a past member of the Merrimac Sno-busters.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Brett (Kathie) and their children, Trent (Maggie) and Clint and his children, Adalynn, Reilynn, Brayden; Bobbi Lynn (Jeff) Dobratz and their boys, Spenser and Richard; Teresa (Michael) Krysa, and their daughters, Dr. Samantha (Derek Campos) Krysa and Sabrina (Tommy) Cochran; Eber (Kristy) and their children, Olivia, Mallory (Jacob) Roelke and Alison (Luke) Klosiewski and their kids, Linus, Gemma, Zeile, and Giorgio; siblings, Alice (Tom) Frosch and Linda (Ron) Greenheck; in-laws, Lorraine Thompson, LaVonne Kamnetz, Barb Clark, Dan McClung; 3 special god children, Julie Thompson, Kenda Taylor, and Jeff Rhinehart; Bob is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Gary (and Gary's wife Linda), Neil, Dock Jr. "Tony", Gale and a sister, Tracie McClung.

Bob's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at UW Hospital in Madison, Dr. Adam Levin, Melissa O'Rourke and the entire Oncology team at St. Clare's Hospital. NP Christina Disch; the Merrimac EMT's and first responders, the Sauk Prairie Ambulance crew and the Agrace Hospice staff including, nurses, Jamie, Nikki, Katie, Kristy. As well as Veke and Cory.

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on July 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of service.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com