Elmer J Thomas

Elmer J. Thomas August 9, 1925 - January 10, 2014

Elmer J. Thomas, age 88, of Faribault, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2014 at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Monday from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Elmer John Thomas, son of Peter and Anna (Steinmetz) Thomas, was born on August 9, 1925, in New Market, MN. He attended parochial school in New Market. Elmer worked for various farmers for a period of time. He was united in marriage to Veronica Cihak on October 19, 1948. They worked for a farmer near Owatonna then moved to a farm near Lakeville and farmed until 1955. Then they purchased a dairy farm near Dennison where they raised their five children and farmed for 41 years. In 1996, Elmer and Verna decided to retire, had an auction and moved to a beautiful home in Faribault. In December 2012 they moved to Keystone Communities in Faribault. Elmer suffered a stroke in December of 2013 and was subsequently cared for at St. Lucas Care Center.

Throughout life Elmer had a very strong work ethic and was a strong advocate for financial responsibility. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards and sight seeing. He was an active member of St. Michael''s Church in Kenyon as a trustee and usher for many years and was also a member of the Faribault Council 889 Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Veronica; five children, Inez (LeRoy) Thomas of Mankato, Ed (Jan) Thomas of Cannon Falls, Judie (Mike) Eotvos of Faribault, Kevin (Lora) Thomas of Northfield, and Duane (Kristen) Thomas of Faribault; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brothers, Ambrose Thomas, Bill Thomas, and Alvin (Germaine)

Thomas; sister, Dorothy Carpenter; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sylvester and Leander Thomas; sisters, Genevieve and Alvina; and other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church and River Bend Nature Center in memory of Elmer.