Joseph Thompson,

Joseph M. "Joe" Thompson Jr., age 69 of Darlington, WI passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at his home in Darlington. He was born December 6, 1948 in Dodgeville, WI the son of Joseph and Rose (Moran) Thompson. Joe graduated from Darlington High School in 1967 and later went on to receive his associate's degree in Automotive Mechanics from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, WI. Joe was raised in rural Darlington. On September 2, 1969 Joe enlisted into the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. After serving in Vietnam, Joe was stationed in Morocco for two years. "Moroccan Joe" was honorably discharged in 1972. After the service, Joe lived and worked in Monroe, WI for 10 years then moving to Madison, WI where he worked in maintenance at the UW-Hospital for 25 years. After his retirement in 2010, Joe returned to Darlington where he spent the rest of his life close to his family.Joe is survived by his siblings: Connie Wiegel of Darlington, Judie (Rick) Coenen of Rockford, IL, Karen (Tom) Kammerud and Mary (Jim) Polkinghorn both of Darlington, and Jerry (Ann) Thompson of Dodgeville, WI; 9 nephews: Scott, Adam, Tad, Sean, Andrew, Ryan, John, Tommy and Marc; 6 nieces: Sara, Lisa, Katie, Courtney, Kallie and Dana. He was preceded in death by his father Joe in 1982; his mother Rosie in 2011; and two brothers-in-law: Al Wiegel and Tom Keyes.Joe was a proud veteran who served in the United States Marine Corp during one of the Nation's most difficult times. He had a very dry sense of humor but always found a way to make people smile. He loved watching stock car racing and collecting model toy tractors. Joe will be sadly missed by his family and friends.A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) with Rev. Russell Paul of Community Evangelical Free Church in rural Shullsburg, WI officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Joe's name.