Kristin Ann Thompson, age 70, was born on December 4, 1952 the daughter of Lowell and Beverly Feathers (Manawa, WI).
After battling a lengthy illness, Kristin earned her “Angel Wings” on May 5, 2023 passing into eternal life with her Lord.
When Kris was young, her family enjoyed taking many trips within the United States to scenic destinations and several World Fairs. Her love of travel continued throughout her life vacationing with her family and close friends in Florida, Mexico, Alaska and New York.
Kristin’s love of education began at St Paul’s Lutheran School in Manawa and then advanced to Little Wolf High School graduating in 1971. Kristin was very active in high school as a cheer leader, played clarinet in band, was a Majorette/baton twirler leading the marching band and her desire to run created the need to start a girls track team. During summers Kristin was a life guard and taught swimming lessons at the Manawa Beach.
Upon graduation, Kristin attended and graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in English Education. In 1975 she was hired by the Stevens Point School District where she was employed for 33 years teaching English and Literature classes at SPASH. Kristin offered a great deal of support and kindness to the students through numerous support groups. She also served as an Assistant Varsity Volleyball and Track coach until starting her family. During her career, Kristin earned her Masters Degree from UW-Stevens Point and began working on her Doctorate.
In 1977 Kristin married Pete Thompson, the “Love of her life”. They have resided in Iola, WI for 45 years and were approaching their 4æ wedding anniversary this summer. Together they raised 4 children who were very active in school activities and sports. Kristin always attended and supported their children’s activities. She also took an active role in coaching some of her children’s teams. She was once the only female coach in her son’s flag football league and they won the championship.
Kristin would identify a need and take action to fix it. When the school did not have a basketball program for .5ff grade girls, Kristin organized and coached a traveling team for her daughter and friends. She was also very active in the Iola-Scandinavia Recreation Association. Initially, it only offered a limited number of baseball/softball activities for area youth. Kristin was very proud that she helped the ISRA expand the number of opportunities available to include flag football, soccer, softball and volleyball leagues; tennis, golf and swimming lessons; and a basketball camp for all ages run by a college coach and players.
Kristin and Pete enjoyed playing in couples volleyball leagues with friends and often included their children on the roster. Over the years she collected many garden gnomes and loved to display them throughout the yard. Family and friends enjoyed finding her latest “Just one more” addition.
Kristin is a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church – Iola. Although she was unable to attend church the past several years, she enjoyed listening to the Radio or Facebook broadcasts.
Kristin A. Thompson was preceded in death by parents, Lowell and Beverly Feathers; Uncle Chan and Aunt Nancy Gorges and Aunt Valarie Nechkash.
She is survived by her husband Peter A Thompson (Iola) and their four children who all reside in Appleton, WI:
Ryan (Katie) Thompson and children: Ava, Janie, Daniel and Greta.
Wade (Sara) Thompson and children: Tristan and Hunter.
Drew (Nicole) Thompson and children: Payton, Logan and Taylor.
Daughter Rochelle Thompson.
Sister Kay Altfeather (McFarland) and brother Bruce (Christine) Feathers (Rockford, IL); Uncle Cameron and Aunt Judi Gorges; Uncle Jake Nechkash; many cousins and her dearest friends: Jill Murrow, Sara Thomack, Sheni Holland and MaryPat Dean.
Family and friends are invited to Kristin’s Celebration of Life party on Sunday, June 11th 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The party will be located at The Iola Car Show Activity Center: 400 Main Drag Way, Iola, WI 54945. Luncheon and fond memories will be shared. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a monetary donation to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or Iola Public Library in honor of Kristin. Here is the family page. https://everloved.com/life-of/kristin-thompson/