Bill Thompson passed away suddenly on August 20, 2024 in the company of his loving family in Aurora. He was born on February 3, 1936 in Fargo, North Dakota. The family later moved to Salem, Oregon, where Bill graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1953. Four years later, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame College of Engineering, majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and received his commission as Lieutenant in the Air Force. He maintained a strong loyalty to Notre Dame throughout his lifetime. He worked briefly as an engineer for Sperry & Company in Great Neck, NY. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as a pilot, beginning training in Florida, and was subsequently assigned to Laredo AFB, Texas. He married Nancy Hagglund in 1960 and then moved to Dyess AFB, Texas where he was assigned to Strategic Air Command to fly B47's.

Three beloved children were born into the family over the next few years. In 1963 he was assigned as a Launch Control Operator with the Minuteman Missile Program at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. His next assignment took him to C-130's at Pope AFB, North Carolina. With increasing involvement in the Vietnam conflict, he was moved to Southeast Asia and flew sorties throughout the region, supporting our country's efforts. In 1966 he was moved to Southeast Asia and flew sorties throughout the region, supporting our country's efforts. In 1966 he was moved back to Dyess AFB, Texas, where he served as a combat crew commander, instructor pilot and tactics advisor. In 1967, after 10 years of active duty, he separated from the Air Force and began flying for United Air Lines, the family settling in Aurora. He served 18 years in the Air Force Reserves, most of it with HQUSAF as an Air StaƯ Action OƯicer at the Pentagon, retiring in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was a life member of Am Vets and VFW. With United Airlines, he served 30 years as a pilot, flying various aircraft, most recently the Airbus A320. He served as B-737 and DC-10 Captain, FAA designated Check Airman Flight Instructor, and retired in 1996. Much of his focus was devoted to family and family activities, supporting his children's efforts educationally and in extracurricular activities. A successful athlete in his own right, seeing Bill in Lincoln Park pitching baseball practice to his sons and softball practice to his daughter was not uncommon, as was his supporting them from the stands at their athletic competitions. He loved spending time with his family. In addition to family life, he always found time also for other things. He always felt that giving back to his community and church was important. He was active on various Commissions/Councils at Holy Angels and St. Peter Catholic Parishes in Aurora, and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years.. He initiated the St Peter Citrus program in 2002 and managed it successfully for 13 years. He was a charter member and officer of the St. Peter Knights of Columbus Council 14289 and a 4th degree Knight. With the local community, he served on the Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees as Board Secretary, Park Foundation Board, and FVPD/Aurora Aquatics Advisory Board. He also served on the Aurora Airport Advisory Board, Aurora Catholic Charities Advisory Board of Directors (Chairman), Aurora Fastpitch Softball Association Board of Directors, Aurora Kiwanis Club Board of Directors, and Marmion Academy Christmas Tree sales volunteer.

Bill is survived by his wife Nancy, of 64 years; son Timothy, and his spouse Nancy of Florida, and beloved grandson Kyle of Aurora; son Michael and his beloved daughter Katie and twin sons Joseph and James of Annapolis, MD; grandsons Ryan and Daniel and granddaughter Sarah of Maryland; daughter Leigh Bavone (late spouse Scott) of Sugar Grove, IL; brother-in-law John Colloton (late Mary Ann), Iowa City, IA; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

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High Flight
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds…and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of…wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trog
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God

John Gillespie Magee Jr

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25 at Daleiden Mortuary from 2:00-6:00 P.M

Funeral services will begin Monday, August 26, 2024 at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 9:30 A.M. to St. Peter Church at 10:00 A.M. Funeral mass will be offered by Fr. Ruben Herrera. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Funeral services were handled by DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL. 60506 (630) 631-5500. Please remember to sign the virtual guestbook where you may also leave condolences for Bill's family.