Maureen Rae Thompson, age 78, of Wausau, Wi, passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at The Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care Unit, in Wausau. For the past 10 months, she had suffered the effects of Alzheimer's, two falls which resulted in breaking both hips, as well as numerous seizures. Maureen was born on March 29, 1947, in Thief River Falls, MN. She was the first child born to Reuben and Avis Netterlund.

Maureen attended elementary and high school in Karlstad, MN, where she grew up on a small family farm. She came to trust Jesus for her salvation at an early age, and was actively involved in church activities all her life. She attended Thief River Falls Junior College, completing her undergraduate degree at Bemidji University, with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She married

Curtis Thompson on August 9, 1969. She taught Kindergarten at Island Lake School in Shoreview, MN, for 3 years, helping Curt finish his seminary training. Her first experience as a pastor's wife was at an African-American church in St. Paul, MN.

From 1972 – 1977, they served as pastor and wife at First Baptist Church, Pillager, MN. During those years, Curt and Maureen adopted two children from Ecuador, Misti and Brent. From 1977 – 1983, they served at First Baptist Church, Roseau, MN. Then God called them to serve as Baptist General Conference missionaries in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1984-1994. Maureen ministered to wives of seminarians during that time, as well as helping to plant two new churches. From 1994 –

2000, they served Bethel Baptist Church in Marinette, WI.

Maureen and Curt have lived in Wausau, WI, for the last 23 years. For some of those years, Maureen taught 4-K at the Wausau YWCA. She also helped Curt minister in six different interim pastorates. Maureen is survived by her husband, Curtis Thompson of Wausau, WI, daughter Misti Joy Wery (Jim), of Menominee, MI, son Brent David Thompson (Chris), of W. Hollywood, CA, brothers Wayne Netterlund of Karlstad, MN, and Rick Netterlund (Carmen) of Wannaska, MN, and grandson Caleb Wery of Menominee, MI, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Reuben and Avis Netterlund, sister Dawn, and brother Leland.

Maureen loved her Lord Jesus Christ, serving and joyfully following Him throughout her life. How she loved being mother of Misti and Brent; she also had a close relationship with grandson Caleb. She had deep joy and satisfaction in teaching and serving alongside husband Curt in many churches and situations. She always had a deep compassion for the ones that others ignored. She loved and devoted herself particularly to her immediate and extended family. She also loved being a parent to two special exchange students, Mario of Mexico, and Deyci of Honduras, both of whom lovingly call her "Mom". She was always delighted in cooking, entertaining, and making others feel very much at home. She loved the celebrations of family birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas. She was the glue that held our family together in so many ways.

Maureen's memorial service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, Schofield, WI, on Wednesday, July 16th.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00AM, with a lunch to follow.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com