1999 Assembly Joint Resolution 67
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of former Representative Robert M. Thompson.
Whereas, Robert M. Thompson was born in Madison on November 25, 1927; and
Whereas, he married the former Ruth H. Lanzendorf on August 14, 1948, in Arlington, and was the proud father of Karol (Bob) Tomlinson and grandfather of Eric Tomlinson and Kari Tomlinson; and
Whereas, Bob owned and operated the Columbia Electric in Dekorra for many years; and
Whereas, in 1980 Bob was appointed United States marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin, and during his tenure received the Justice Department's Silver Star for Bravery Award for his management of the nearly 15,000 Cuban refugees during the Cuban deployment at Fort McCoy, and was the highest decorated civilian law enforcement officer in the country at this time; and
Whereas, Robert Thompson, always interested in government, served as chairman of the Dekorra Town Board and served for 9 years on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors; and
Whereas, Bob served for 5 terms in the Wisconsin legislature as state representative from the 80th assembly district, and served 3 years as senate sergeant at arms; and
Whereas, Bob served as administrator for the Division of Emergency Government from January 1991 to March 1993, where he brought openness and local government participation to the State Emergency Response Board through the implementation of advisory committees. Under Bob's tenure, the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Team System was implemented in the state of Wisconsin and now serves as a model for the nation; and
Whereas, Bob was a fixture at Poynette High School softball games, which were coached by his son-in-law Bob Tomlinson, and helped with batting practice and was like a grandfather to the players, as well as their number one fan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the legislature of the state of Wisconsin commend Robert M. Thompson's years of dedicated public service and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide copies of this joint resolution to Mr. Thompson's wife, Ruth; and to his daughter, Karol.
