Randy L. Thompson

Randy L. Thompson

Randy L.Thompson passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 22, 1951 in Monticello, Iowa to the late Ralph and Anne Thompson.

 Randy is survived by his wife and soulmate of 45 years, Nickie; his loving children Chris (Jenni) Thompson, GwenAnne (Eric) Clyse, and Will (Morgan) Thompson; and he was the most wonderful Opah to his precious grandchildren Kaitlyn and McClane Thompson, Cole and Rhys Braeger, Grant Clyse, and Henley Thompson. He is further survived by his brother, David (Katherine) Thompson, sister-in-law Diane Thompson, brother-in-law Kent (Denise) Barbee, aunt Gail Johnston, 7 nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends he met and cherished through the years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Thompson.

Randy was a graduate of Manchester High School in Iowa, where he played football, wrestled, was a member of the National Honor Society, Choir, and Boys State. He graduated from the University of Iowa with BA’s in Journalism, Sociology, and Pre-Law. 

 Randy began his career after college in the advertising agency business, later becoming Vice President of Strategic Communications for AT&T Global Information Solutions and then Director of IDG Global Marketing Services. He finished out his career with IBM Technology Group as Vice President of Marketing and later as Chief Client Advocacy Officer for IBM Research, where he earned the Outstanding Innovation Award for IBM Research Client Advocacy. 

He traveled extensively with his job, visiting and making life-long friends all over the world, from the Middle East, China, South America, Europe, and Canada. He and Nickie loved traveling together as well, making memories through the years visiting France, Spain, St.Thomas VI, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada, with a favorite trip they took last summer to celebrate their 45th Wedding Anniversary in Greece and Italy. 

Randy referred to his family as his “treasures” and treated them as such. He and Nickie were all about creating memories with and for each of them…from the annual Family Camp at Ft. Wilderness in northern Wisconsin, to Christmas Eve at Nana and Opah’s where, after Christmas dinner, the whole clan (14 at last count) dressed in nativity costumes and marched down to the tiny log cabin Opah built in the back yard. We’d all cram inside to sing Christmas carols, where Opah would lead us on guitar while the grandchildren accompanied him with drums, bells, and recorders. Opah and Nana also loved doting on their ‘treasures’ by holding annual king or queen for a day birthday celebrations for their grandchildren, where each grandchild got to pick what they alone wanted to do with Nana and Opah (ranging from shopping, shooting at the gun range, rock-climbing, or driving for the first time for hours in the church parking lot after getting their driving temps). The night was finished off with either a steak dinner at a local supper club or a favorite sushi restaurant. Randy always had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren who learned to greet him with the “Opah Sign”, a beloved family tradition.

Music was always a big part of Randy’s life and although he never learned how to read notes, he could often be heard playing guitar and singing a variety of rock (Eric Clapton being a favorite), blues, gospel, and Christian worship. One of the favorite memories for his family was when he would play and sing the gospel song, “Shadrach” to his grandchildren from the time they were babies. 

Randy loved Jesus with all his heart and never passed up an opportunity to share that love with others. He and Nickie based their 45 year marriage on the Bible’s scripture of Ecclessiastes 4:12, “A Cord of Three Strands”, symbolizing their union, with God at the center. Now with his passing, his family will have peace that surpasses all understanding by continuing to keep God at the center of their lives. 

 A Celebration of Life to honor Randy will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI on Saturday, April 12. The family will greet guests from 10:00-12:00 prior to the service, which will begin at 12:00, with a luncheon immediately following. 

Memorial contributions may be made, in memory of Randy, to Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI or Fort Wilderness Camp in McNaughton, WI.