Orin James Thompto

We are sad to announce the death of Orin James Thompto, who passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He was born on June 15, 1929, in New Auburn, Wisconsin, to Harry E Thompto and Florence Kaiser Thompto. He grew up in New Auburn and graduated from the New Auburn High School. In 1947 he went to college in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

He then went into the Army from 1948 to 1952. After the army he earned a Business & Letters & Science degree at UW Madison in 1955. In 1957 he worked for New York Life Insurance, in 1964 he owned General Insurance Company, L.F. Collins which later in August 1973, merged into Klipstein, Lane, & Thompto. After selling the business in January 1980, he worked at a variety of places including, WPS, Brown & Bigalow, he volunteered with the State Historical Society and also as a Security Guide for the Capitol Building Museum & outer deck.

He is survived by his wife, Lois L. Thompto; five children: Dustin G Thompto (Nancy Bernards) of Madison, WI, Stuart M Thompto (Jennifer Redington) of Park City, Utah, Roxanne Thompto Lindgren (Brian) of Barnes, WI, Jilreen Thompto Morris (Mel Mertens) of Little Suamico, WI, and Carilee Thompto Lamb (Troy) of Merrimac, WI; six grandchildren: Michelle L. Thompto Rohan (Aaron), Kathryn L. Thompto McMurray (Matt), Chelsie H Thompto (Tim), Justin S Thompto (Angela), Alexander T Morris, and Frances D Morris (Logan); and 11 Great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his brother, Harry E Thompto Jr., died October 24, 1993; sister, Phyllis Thompto Dawson, died July 17, 2011; brother, Robert Thompto, died September 12, 2020; and twin brother, Owen Thompto, died January 11, 2019.

OJ and Lois were married in 1960 and raised their five children in Madison. They enjoyed many years of camping and traveling. After the kids were out of the house OJ and Lois bought property in Lake Delton WI, and built a Bed and Breakfast which they operated for eight years. They then moved back to Madison, the town OJ loved.

OJ always had a smile on his face, he enjoyed telling stories of growing up in the small town of New Auburn, living next to the railroad and having the towns telephone switchboard downstairs just off their kitchen.

He enjoyed watching Badger football games whether it was in person at Camp Randall or on TV he always rooted for Bucky Badger. His smile will be sadly missed.

To honor OJ’s wishes there will be no formal funeral or service. The family would like to thank both the staff at Renaissance Senior Living and the staff at Harbor Memory Care for taking such great care of OJ in his final years. Lois continues to live at the Renaissance Senior Living at Hilldale in Madison, WI.