Thompsons named Fourth of July parade marshals after decades of service

The Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce has named longtime community members and pharmacy owners Larry and Shirley Thompson as the 2026 Fourth of July parade marshals.

The Thompsons have lived in the Eagle River area since 1983 and spent more than 40 years serving Northwoods residents through local pharmacies, most recently Wall Street Hometown Pharmacy in Eagle River and Land O’ Lakes Hometown Pharmacy.

Shirley Thompson began her pharmacy career at Eagle River Hospital’s Kalmar Clinic Pharmacy, serving both inpatient and outpatient customers and frequently preparing emergency medications after hours. She also worked as a relief pharmacist in Three Lakes and St. Germain. In 1984, following a fire that destroyed the Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy, she helped reopen and manage the rebuilt business.

Larry Thompson began his career at St. Germain Pharmacy in 1983. Four years later, he and Shirley partnered with Fred Prange at Wall Street Pharmacy in Eagle River to form Health Care Pharmacies. As their ownership stake grew over the years, Larry assumed management of Wall Street Pharmacy following Prange’s retirement in 2001.

The pharmacies closed earlier this year amid increasing financial pressures facing independent pharmacies.

“Since we had to close the stores, the outpouring of appreciation from our customers has been heartwarming and overwhelming,” the couple said in a statement to the Eagle River Chamber. “We wish that we could have seen the business reach the 100-year milestone, but circumstances prevented that. We hope that in some way, we have helped improve the health of our patients and our community.”

In addition to their professional careers, both have been active in numerous community organizations, civic groups and volunteer efforts throughout the years.

Shirley held leadership roles with the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime volunteer and board member of the Eagle River Figure Skating Club, where she helped organize ice shows, coordinate guest skaters and create event backdrops.

Larry was active in local chambers of commerce and volunteered at numerous community events throughout the years. He has been a member of the St. Germain Lions Club for nearly 40 years, serving on various committees and in leadership positions. He also coordinated the club’s medical equipment program and helped organize the St. Germain Lions-Fire Department blood drive for four decades.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple helped administer vaccinations and screenings throughout the community, including at assisted living facilities and for homebound residents.

The Thompsons raised their two children, Abby and Steven, in the Northwoods and now enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, Emmitt and Arthur.

The Thompsons will serve as parade marshals for the Eagle River Fourth of July Parade, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 4, in downtown Eagle River.

“We have always tried to support community events and have had a float in the parade for many years,” Shirley said. “The Fourth of July parade is a great time to get the community together and show the pride of our great nation. It has been our pleasure to serve the people of the community for more than 40 years.”

For more information on Eagle River’s Fourth of July celebrations, visit eagleriver.org or contact the chamber at 715-479-6400 to register a float.