David Thompson

David was born September 18, 1943, in Marquette, a son of Harold and Cora (Barshaw) Thompson. He was raised in South Marquette with his youth best described as a little on the “wild side”. Dave always loved South Marquette and often said it was where “men are men, and women love ’em.” After graduating from Graveraet High School, he entered the US Navy, proudly serving during the Vietnam War for four years. He served aboard the USS Bennington at several duty stations overseas and at home, loading ordnance onto aircraft. Upon his honorable discharge, Dave returned to Marquette where on November 19, 1966, he was united in marriage to Gretchen Gregorich.

The couple made their home in Marquette and Dave began a long career with the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), beginning as a laborer and ending at retirement as maintenance manager. Together, the couple raised two daughters, Shelley and Lori. His wife, Gretchen, passed in 1999 and Dave retired in 2000. In 2005, Dave married Rita Hiltunen and the couple made their home on Division Street, plus he gained two bonus kids, Harold and Amy.

In retirement, Dave was able to devote more time to his principal hobby, photography. He was a talented photographer, taking thousands of photos of landscapes and wildlife, taking the camera everywhere he went and always eager to return home to his darkroom to see what he captured. At home, he enjoyed the backyard gatherings of family and friends, presiding at his grill, and often just relaxing sharing a beer. One of his favorite past times was time spent with his brother, Wayne. Together, almost daily, the duo enjoying each other’s company on walks, car rides, or relaxing in the backyard.

David is survived by his wife, Rita Thompson; children, Shelley (Michael) Bal of Marquette, Harold Robinson of Engadine, and Amy (Gregg) Hyppolite of Wheaton, IL; son-in-law, Jay McGuggan of Chocolay Township; his grandchildren, Taylor Thompson, Andrew Lozo, McKenna (Tim) Clymer, Jordan (Roze) Bal, Nicole Bal, Olivia Hyppolite, Madison Piar, and J.D. Piar; great-grandchildren, Gabby, Graysen, Lilly, Bryce, Rowen, and Arabella; his sister, Mary Kay Fletcher of Marquette; brother, Wayne (Linda) Thompson of Marquette; a special sister-in-law, Mary Mahaffey of Marquette; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his first wife, Gretchen; a daughter, Lori McGuggan in January 2018; a brother, Michael Thompson.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, October 29, beginning at 11:00 am and concluding with veterans honors and a time for sharing tributes at 1:00 pm.

Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.