Kathleen Kepner Thomson was born March 30, 1929, in Raton, New Mexico, and died on October 27, 2017 in La Crosse, Wisconsin at Mayo Healthcare System at the age (as she’s been saying since 1959) of twenty-nine.

Kathleen grew up in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. She had red hair and was six feet tall, which she always said was “taller than all the boys.”  Her imposing stature was surpassed only by her fierce intellect and dogged determination. Early on, she resolved to make her own way in the world through careful study, informed statement of facts, and insistence on ethical conduct on the part of those in authority. Her deep knowledge of public affairs, social issues, and the environment provided for endless interesting conversations. Her infectious laugh made every conversation joyful.

Kathleen graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies in 1951. She received her Master of Science in Political Science in 1955 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Beginning in 1954, she served at the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, a non-partisan resource for Wisconsin legislators. She moved to Detroit in 1966 to serve as a Senior Research Associate for the Citizen’s Research Council, providing factual, unbiased information on state and local governments for policymakers.

She met George W. Thomson, a tall Scotsman, chemical engineer, avid botanist, and frequent singer of Scottish ballads in Detroit, where they were married in 1979. Kathleen and George participated in leadership roles in the Michigan Botanical Club, and the Cactus and Succulent Society. They enjoyed exploring nature and photographing the natural world around them. George died in 1996.

Kathleen was a generous and active advocate for her various causes. One of her many notable accomplishments was getting the endangered Dwarf Lake Iris named as Michigan’s State Wildflower in 1999, for which she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Botanical Club.

Kathleen moved to La Crosse in 2012 to be closer to family. She was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship and one of their Covenant groups. She continued to avidly follow and support her favorite causes.

She is survived by her sister, Madeline Kepner, four nieces, Ruthe (Lee) Batulis, Deborah Stanage, Kelley (Charles Avila) Stanage, and Lisa (Don) Brosious, and nephew, Whitford (La Donna) Dwyer.

Kathleen devoted her life to advocating for political integrity, social justice, and environmental stewardship. All who knew her will miss her, but her life provides inspiration to strive for a more ethical, just, and beautiful world.

A memorial service will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the University of New Mexico Foundation, UNM Foundation Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas NE, Suite 108, Albuquerque, NM 87102; Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; National Resources Defense Council, NRDC, 40 W. 20^th St., NY, NY 10011; or the Sierra Club, at their National Chapter, 2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland, CA 94612 or a local chapter near you.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.