Ronald Lee Thompson

Ronald Lee Thompson, 85, of Sand Creek, Wisconsin passed away on September 3, 2026 at the Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland in Barron, Wisconsin.

Born Ronald Lee Buckmaster on May 20, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa to Ronald Jeffers Buckmaster and Elizabeth L. Cotter. In 1950, he was officially adopted by his stepfather Merland T. “Tommy” Thompson. Ron spent much of his childhood in the care of his grandparents Frank P. and Elizabeth F. Cotter on their farm south of Waterloo, Iowa. There he developed lifelong passion for the outdoors, especially hunting.

Ron graduated from Jesup High School in 1959 followed by Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1964. Ron was a stellar collegiate athlete and distinguished himself in 1962 by being the first wrestler from Coe to qualify for the NCAA Wrestling Championships. He was also a loyal Brother of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity where he made many memories and lifelong friends.

Ron began his working life teaching high school in LaPorte City, Iowa where he was their head wrestling coach for the 1969-70 season going 12-1. Follow teaching, he worked for Black Hawk Broadcasting in radio time sales. Later in life, Ron substitute taught for many years and loved interacting with students.

Ron’s life was enriched by relationships across different chapters. In 1970 he married Martha Jo Anton (Muller) of La Porte City, Iowa where they had his two children. They later divorced in 1978. In 1984 he married the late Deborah “Debbie” Jean Hayes (Hurst) of Dysart, Iowa , spending 12 years together. His last 25 years was spent with his partner, Irene Loftus of Sand Creek, Wisconsin.

Ron lived a full life. He was a good father and very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a Patriot and a staunch believer in conservative American values - especially the 2nd Amendment and Veteran issues. He loved to travel and lived for good food. His passion for hunting defined and impacted his life the most.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Ron and Betty and his step-father Tommy. He is survived by his partner Irene Loftus; his children Antony “Tony” (Michelle) Thompson and Amanda (Steve) Johnson; his six grandchildren, Tom, Nick, Anna, Martha, Maggie, and William; and his sister Linda Cocchi and half siblings Barbara Rice, Bret Thompson, and Bart Thompson.

There will be two celebrations of Ron’s life. The first will be Saturday, September 26 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Old School in Sand Creek, Wisconsin. The second will be Friday, 23 October from 4:00-7:00pm at The Old Stone Bistro in La Porte City, Iowa.