| Donald Thomas, 63 |
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Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 1:17 pm
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Donald R. Thomas, age 63, a prominent Bridgewater Township farmer, died suddenly from heart failure on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at District One Hospital in Faribault.
Don was born Sept. 12, 1946, the fourth child of Matthew P. and Margaret (Fox) Thomas. He attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from Bethlehem Academy with the class of 1964. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
On Aug. 1, 1970, Don married the love of his life and best friend Betsy Sauber at the All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, Minn.
Don was a grain farmer and livestock producer all of his adult life. He loved the yearly challenge of planting and harvesting against the seasonal changes. His home farm was a Minnesota Century Farm that was in his family for over 140 years. Don was a member of the Dundas Jaycees, J.C. Investment Club, Fredricksberg Dairy’s Young Cooperators, and various co-ops including Central Valley and Genesis.
He was an avid hunter and spent deer opener every year with family at his cabin in Remer, Minn. He enjoyed fishing and pontooning with his grandchildren on Big Bass Lake. Sandbar parties, Christmas fireworks and bonfire gatherings with family and friends filled his summers and winters between planting and harvesting.
In November 2005, Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and in July 2008 he learned that it had invaded his bones. His advice to his male friends was always, “Make your wife happy, have a PSA test.”
Don is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betsy; children, Spencer (Katie) of Medina and their children Ava, Parker and yet-to-be born son due in January, Jesse (Megan) of Faribault and their children Taylor and Tytan, Matthew (fiancée Stefanie Henry) of Faribault, and Lesley (Brian Farmer) of Minneapolis and their children, Kaidence and Bennett, and Adam (special friend Becca Gramse) of Faribault; brothers, Matt “Mike” (Judy) Thomas of Medford, and Dan (Paula) Thomas of Maple Grove; sister, Sr. Theresa Thomas O.P. of Faribault; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Thomas of Dundas; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Martin Thomas; and in-laws, Arnie and Pat Sauber.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault, and continues for one hour prior to the services Thursday at the church.
Memorials are preferred to Divine Mercy Catholic School and Bethlehem Academy.
For online condolences, visit www.ParkerKohlFuneralHome.com. |
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