Obituary
Brian Paul Thomson
Brian Paul Thomson, 55, of Holmen, died April 19th, 2024. He is survived by his best friend and his soulmate Sarah Thomson and their children Callie, Bailey (Colin Haines), and Jack, his brother Dodd (Julie) Thomson, his mother Sandra Thomson, his aunt Susan Retzer. He is further survived by his nieces and nephew, Emma Basch, Elizabeth and John Thomson, his cousins Kris and Eric Jensen, and his sisters in-law Susan (Fred) Basch and Betsy Pringle. He was preceded in death by his dear father, Kenneth Thomson, his uncle John Retzer, aunts Carol (Ed) Matthews, and Jan Jensen, his grandparents Raymond and Laimi Thomson, and John and Irmgard Retzer, and his in-laws Homer and Alice Pringle.
Brian was born March 29th, 1969 in Duluth, MN. He grew up in Superior, WI playing hockey, hunting, fishing, and getting into harmless mischief with his friends, especially his life-long best friend Pete Bachman. Brian, his brother Dodd, and many of their friends had their first jobs at the family business Shamrock Bar and Pizza in Superior, WI. Brian graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Wisconsin-Superior, and then completed an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Madison College. He began his law enforcement career in Hayward, WI. When he was hired in Fitchburg, WI he met Sarah. They moved together to La Crosse, WI in 1998 where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Brian and Sarah started their family in La Crosse and then moved to Holmen, WI.
Anyone who worked with Brian knows he was a great cop; he was passionate about his job and his role in the community. He loved heavy metal music, racing RC cars with his son Jack, riding his ATVs and dirt bikes, and a good meal. Every day off he was at the family cabin in Barnes, WI. He was notorious for his bright smile, joyous laugh, and his never-ending one-liners. His biggest pride and joy was always his family. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with Sarah and his kids. He also had a deep love for animals, especially his bulldogs.
To know him was to love him, and to be known by him was to be loved by him. Brian will be remembered for his smile, his strength, his kindness, and his love.
A celebration of his life is planned for May 2, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at the Gathering Place on Mason Street in Onalaska, WI.
My condolences to Brian’s family. Working with Brian at Target was truly a blessing as he was a wonderful, cheerful, and kind soul.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending all of my love to your family. We always remember your family with fondness when we think of your children moving through the grades at Evergreen.
-Carolyn (Green) Wodele
We will forever miss Brian! I remember the first time I met him and Sarah and the rest of that crazy crew at the baby shower for Callie! He was always smiling and cracked me up as soon as he opened his mouth! He will always be in our hearts! God bless you all and Brian know you will be remembered and loved for eternity!
I worked on the PD when Brian was just starting his career. He was a good guy and loved his job. He was an excellent Commander and I know his shift appreciated his support. May Brian rest in peace and I’d like to offer his family my deepest sympathies. God bless you and Brian.
Every time I saw Brian he was always in a good mood. He was always kind to everyone around him. Certainly a great guy who touched a lot of lives and will be missed by many people. My deepest sympathies to Brian’s family.
Brian was the funniest, most jovial guy you’d never want to mess with! He was a newer sergeant when I was hired and I was glad to know him and I quickly gravitated to him. He always had a joke and a bit of wisdom to pass along during every chat. He is missed and remembered and the funny stories still get retold. Peace to him and comfort to the family, my prayers are with you.