Michael John Thompson

On March 7th, 2025, Michael John Thompson, born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 28th, 1944, passed away after a lengthy illness. He received excellent care from the Hospice of Petaluma as he was surrounded by close family and visited by many longtime friends.

An accomplished athlete in high school and college, Michael led an active life; hiking, cycling, beach walking and maintaining his stationary bike regimen. Tennis and basketball were his strong high school and college sports, followed by golf in later years.

After graduating from Beloit College in Illinois in 1966, he served his country as a U.S. Army Lieutenant in Korea during the Viet Nam War. He earned a Masters Degree in Education at San Francisco State following his tour of duty and California attracted his allegiance.

Petaluma gained an excellent teacher when he was hired by the Old Adobe Union School District. His 6th grade reading program at La Tercera School won Sonoma County-wide recognition and the Old Adobe Outdoor Education Program which he was instrumental in starting continues as “camp” after many successful decades. So many students looked forward to becoming counselors when in high school. Among his many friends are former students with whom he golfed and met regularly for lunch after he retired in 2007.

Michael is survived by Olivia Reischling Thompson, his loving partner and wife of more than fifty years, his daughter Kirsten Smith (Barton) and granddaughters Simone Levenda (Haydon) and Ella Rae Smith. Michael had great love for and was very proud of Kirsten, Simone and Ella’s accomplishments. He had much affection for his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mark and Terri Reischling of Petaluma and their sons Kyle (Christine) and Matt Reischling. His late younger sister Jackie Botsford is survived by his niece Elizabeth Boyle of Appleton, Wisconsin.

Michael loved teaching and the influence of “Mr. T” on large numbers of former students and colleagues is notable.

During school breaks and after retirement, he and Olivia traveled extensively. Major trips included Australia, New Zealand and Peru with occasional journeys to Canada, Mexico and various European countries.

His favorite, though, was exploring vast areas of the US by truck; from camping in the Grand Tetons to meandering down the Florida Keys.

When not on the road, Michael enjoyed watching the Warriors and the Giants on the big screen at home and slowly reading through almost all the volumes of the Harvard Classics, a quest he was unable to finish.

Michael was a wonderful man; loved, admired and respected by so many. He was kind, intelligent and had a great sense of humor. He was caring and generous, a man of integrity. Those who knew him will not soon forget him. Those who loved him will hold him in their hearts forever.

In his honor, please consider a contribution to Hospice of Petaluma. A Celebration of Michael's Life is being planned for late April.