Obituaries

Richard "Rick" Thompson-Knuteson

November 28, 1977 - January 29, 2023

...
Text:

Obituary For Richard "Rick" Thompson-Knuteson

McFarland – Richard “Rick” Thompson-Knuteson, age 45, passed away on January 29, 2023 unexpectedly. Rick was born on November 28, 1977 in Madison, Wisconsin to parents David and Nancy (Anderson) Thompson.

He attended Oregon High School and was in the class of 1996 and most probably heard his famous soccer story. Rick had been employed at GE Healthcare for 12 years where he made a lot of good friends over the years, also doing snow plowing on the side. He was a man of stories and loved to exaggerate every story he told. Rick and Jeni had been together since 1998 and later married on August 1, 2009. Together they had one son Ricky, whom he loved dearly. Rick loved to go camping, sitting around a bonfire and singing karaoke, smoking meat, hunting and fishing, and playing disc golf. His friends were everything to him as well as his dogs Marley and Bandit. He thought he was a meteorologist letting everyone know what the forecast would be.

Rick is survived by his wife Jeni; son Ricky (Skylar); parents Nancy and David Thompson; siblings Billy (Lindsey) Thompson, nephews Brayden and Layton; sister Stacy Thompson, niece and nephew Khia and Jeremy; mother-in-law Pat Olson; brother-in-law Andy (Nichole) Gundlach, nephew and niece Aiden and Addy; furbabies Marley and Bandit. He is furthered survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews. He was loved by so many close friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his uncle, and many close friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. A luncheon will follow the visitation at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, 2109 Bartillion Drive, Madison.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. 608-249-8257

Services

5 Feb

Memorial Visitation

01:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • February 07, 2023

    This makes it seam like a dream and I can not believe this still!!!! its been years!!! And I wish that I would of reached out along time ago, time Flys things happen now its this and I'm at a loss my heart go's out to your family & freinds gone but never forgotten miss you man.

  • February 05, 2023

    Rick helped me a lot with questions regarding our union. It's because of him that I learned of Beef Butter Barbeque. I liked listening to him talk about sports with the guys at work. He always said "Hi" too me and was also courteous and good natured. I didn't know him very well, but he was a kind man, and I'll miss him all the same.

  • February 05, 2023

    "They who have known the dearest joy, know the deepest sorrow." (Anne Parker). I extend heartfelt sympathies to Jeni, Ricky, Pat and the rest of the Thompson-Knuteson family on the passing of your dear loved one. I pray that your sweet memories of Rick will comfort you during this most difficult time. May God continue to bless each of you.

  • February 05, 2023

    So sorry, Ricky was friends with my brother Tim growing up and he was one of the nicest kids. Our thoughts are with all of you! Jan, Tim, and Tina Quinlan.

  • February 04, 2023

    As I sit here with my tears streaming down my face, I feel such sorrow. I know you were a man with a restless sole, I feel a sense of peace, a sense of freedom, and a sense of content as you RIP. But feeling deep sorrow for the loved ones that are trying to make sense of this awful tragic accident. The only way I can make sense of this tragic accident is through passion. My bro, was a man of passion , he lived life through passion. He died living his passion! Another passion of my brother was story telling. He would tell a story just like he would fish, he would catch you with his charisma and pull you in with his passion. He could connect through his excitement, passionate and exaggerated stories. At the end of the story you would ask yourself what was true and what was exaggerated. He was a great narrator and at the end of the day it didn't matter the truth of the story cause you know it was what he believed. I came across this quote that gave me a sense of peace, it went something like this " you're only gone, when you're forgotten. My brother surrounded himself around people. Another passion of his was connecting to people through his passionate hobbies, stories, cranks, and helping hand. I know he has so many loved ones with good, bad, and funny memories that my brother Rick will live on forever! I love you big brother, we went through a lot together, and you will always be tied to my sole, and one day we will meet again but until then you will live through memories, laughs, and cranks! I hope grandma is tickling your back. RIP bro

  • February 04, 2023

    My son Joey has been friends with Ricky since grade school, and they play a lot of softball games that I attended along with Billy. Rick was a good person to be around. I pray his family will be strong to carry on.

  • February 03, 2023

    Our condolences to the family. I only knew Rick for a couple of years and in that time he showed to be a true and genuine person to me and my family. I say this with a heavy heart, You will be missed man. One of the kindest persons I've met.

  • February 02, 2023

  • February 02, 2023

    Rick I cannot believe this happened. My sympathy goes out to your family. I will never forget all the good times we had. I love you man. Rest in peace. I will see you on the other side. Dale

  • February 02, 2023

    Our deepest sympathies to you Jen and RIcky. We have all been thinking about you and your families. Hugs from the Stanis family (Sandy, Haley & Noah).

  • February 02, 2023

    Jimmy will forever have a puppet named four headed wiener ❤️. LLR.

  • February 02, 2023

    Jeni and family, Sending our deepest condolences to you all... thinking of you... Alicia Jazdzewski and family

  • February 02, 2023

    I did not know Rick well, but I know the effect he had on some close family members. That is such a tribute to him and what a difference he made and will always make to them. The tears are gratitude for his life and how important it was. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Much love, Jackye Thomas

  • February 02, 2023

    Our hearts go out to you. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our prayers. Uncle John and Aunt Sharon.

  • February 02, 2023

    I am at a loss of words. Rick you will be missed so very much. I have so many great memories of camping with you. Watching you and Dwayne having so much fun together. I will miss your laugh for the rest of my life. Jeni and Ricky I am so sorry for your loss I cannot begin to imagine the pain you both must have. Uncle Dave and Aunt Nancy just remind yourselves every day that you raised a wonderful son that turned into a wonderful man that became a wonderful husband and father. Rick you were and still are loved by so many people. Rest in peace cousin.

  • February 02, 2023

    Ive known Rick for a long time he always had a positive attitude and was a person who cared for others. We always shared a good laugh and had nick names for each other and other friends. Ill miss his laugh his sense of humor and his zest for life. My sincerest condolences to Jen and family. Rest in Peace Rick Ryan Kvammen

  • February 02, 2023

    I still can't believe this, he was such a jokester and good friend to many of us my thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of need🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️💚💚

  • February 02, 2023

    Jeni, Little Ricky, Our sincerest condolences to you and family on Rick's tragic death. Know we are thinking of you at this difficult time and sending our sympathy to all. Sincerely, The Tresses

  • February 02, 2023

    I think we are still in shock, as well as the rest of his Family and Friends. Condolences to his Wife, Jeni and Son, Ricky. We haven't seen Rick in awhile, but still Loved him for the Man he was, a Great Husband, Father, and Friend. We will Miss that Bright and Mischevious smile and stories that he always had. RIP Rick You will Never Be Forgotten Loving Aunt and Uncle, Tess and Russ Thompson

  • February 02, 2023

    My deepest condolences to his family. Sending prayers.

  • February 02, 2023

    Ooh Ricky I have so many memories. I will keep you close in my heart and talk about our memories that we made as cousins growing up. I so sorry this happened to you. I bet Gaga wrapped her arms right around you and held you tight. God must of really needed you cause i cant think of any other reason for this. I love you and our whole family. I hope Jeni and Little Ricky Aunt Nancy Uncle Dave Billy and Stacey will all be ok as much as they can be. Im so sorry you guys. I love you all. Tammy

  • February 01, 2023

    So sad about Rick's tragic death. Sympathies and prayers to all the Family Paul & Kathy Greisen

  • February 01, 2023

    Our condolences to Jeni, Ricky, and the entire family. Sky High will miss Rick and his humor. The bag tourneys won't be the same. RIP Rick.

  • February 01, 2023

  • February 01, 2023

  • February 01, 2023

    We are very sorry for your loss. Jeni,Ricky,Dave,Nancy and the entire family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our most sincere condolences. Brian and Kelly Rake.

Tributes

  • Heavenly & Harmony

    Heavenly & Harmony was sent for Richard "Rick" Thompson - January 01, 1970

  • Rays of Life Bouquet

    Rays of Life Bouquet was sent for Richard "Rick" Thompson - January 01, 1970

  • Cherished Friend Bouquet

    Cherished Friend Bouquet was sent for Richard "Rick" Thompson - January 01, 1970

  • Ocean Devotion

    Mark Bloss sent Ocean Devotion for Richard "Rick" Thompson - January 01, 1970

    Wishing you peace during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences, Handy Harry, LLC (Mark and Tammy Bloss)

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.

Loading...
what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

Madison North East

2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-249-8257

Madison West

5701 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Tel: 608-274-1000

Verona

220 S. Enterprise Drive
Verona, WI 53593
Tel: 608-845-6625

DeForest / Windsor

6924 Lake Road
DeForest, WI 53532
Tel: 608-846-4250