Charles L. Thomas Obituary (1923 - 2010)

Charles Llewellyn Thomas, age 86, of Menomonie passed away on January 10, 2010 at Dunn County Health Care Center. Born in Menomonie, April 27, 1923, son of Harry and Clara (Youngren) Thomas. Attended Menomonie schools, served in the US Army Signal Corps during WWII. Graduated from UW Stout - BS 1951, MS 1955 and University of Northern Colorado - EdD, 1964. Married Ruth Mathey and together they raised 3 children: Larry, Lynn, and Paul. His teaching career included Colorado Springs High School, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Northern Illinois University, and University of Wisconsin - Stout in the field of printing and graphic arts. He loved flying and was a private pilot. He also was a "ham" radio operator, enjoyed photography, hunting and fishing. Chuck was probably most proud of his aerospace education accomplishments. For eight summers he organized an aerospace education course for Industrial Education teachers to establish airplane construction classes in their high schools. Each summer, a small plane was constructed at Stout and displayed at the EAA Air Show in Oshkosh. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 62 years, two sons, Larry (Evelyn) Thomas of San Jose CA and Paul (Shelley) Thomas of Roberts WI; a daughter Lynn (Bruce) Peterson of Pepin WI; nine grandchildren; Brian (Angie) Tremblay, David (Lauren) Tremblay, Steven (Wendy) Tremblay, Jamie (Jason) Seeba, Rachel Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Allison Thomas, Russell Thomas; three great-grandchildren; Nicholas Tremblay, Elia Tremblay, Arwen Thomas, several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Alan Reed and brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Virginia Thomas. His family expresses deep appreciation for the compassionate care he received at Care Partners Assisted Living, Red Cedar Medical Center, and Dunn County Health Care Center. Visitation will be at the Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie on Tuesday Jan. 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00, with a Masonic Service at 6:30. Memorial Service will be at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Avenue, Menomonie, WI on Wednesday Jan. 13th at 1:00 with Pastor Rob MacDougall officiating. There will also be visitation one hour preceding the service at the church. Following the service Military Honors will be conducted by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to First Congregational Church UCC - Building Fund or Stout University Foundation, Charles Thomas Memorial.