On July 13, 2016 at his home in Prior Lake, Gary J. Thomas was 68 years old, when he passed away peacefully surrounded by beloved family and devoted friends.
All of Gary’s services will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, July 20 from 4-7 pm and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, July 21 at 11 am, led by Father Tom Walker and Deacon Dick Roy. Urn bearers will be Norman Sticha and Thomas O’Keefe. He will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The Prior Lake VFW Post 6208 Honor Guard will provide military honors. Memorials are preferred to St. Michael Catholic School
On September 13, 1947 in Albert Lea, MN, Gary was born to Joseph and Bernadette (Stencel) Thomas. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1969. Gary married Annette Lilledahl on February 1, 1969 in Minneapolis, MN. They were blessed with a daughter, Robyn.
Gary retired from the John Deere Company after serving 30 years. He also owned and operated the Prior Lake Mini Storage from 1990-2010. Gary was a 16 year cancer survivor and was very active in his faith at St. Michael Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards. Gary was determined, had a great sense of humor and relished everyone’s friendship.
Left to honor Gary’s life and mourn the death is his beloved wife of 47 years, Annette; daughter, Robyn (Chris) Lipscomb; grandchildren, Ashtun, Mariah; brothers, Roger Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Tim (Laura) Thomas, Lowell (Debbie) Thomas, Donnie (Joan) Thomas; sisters, Carol (Denny) Racette, Barb Racette, Colleen (Dennis) Cole; sister-in-law, Sharon (Richard) Peterson; brother-in-law, Richard (Karen) Lilledahl many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Gary was welcomed home in heaven by his parents, Joseph and Bernadette Thomas; sister, Pat Walk; sister-in-law, Devon Thomas and brother-in-law, Cliff Racette.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Thomas family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Theresa Tobish
So sorry for your loss, may God be with you robyn and your whole family. Angel’s are with your family now. Always, Theresa
Sharon & Steve Schirmers
Annette and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing….you both have been so good to Steve and I and such a wonderful gift to our St. Micheal’s community. Blessings to you and your family. We will miss his smiling face dearly!
Rita Ryan
Annette and Family,
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.
Keeping you all in my prayers.
Carla Ferguson
Dear family, We are so sad to here of Gary’s passing . Sending you love and prayers.
Carla and Dan Ferguson
Bethany Snesrud
My prayers and thoughts are with you all sorry for your loss.
He was a great Uncle to me and my siblings he would dearly be missed.
Carol Vetsch
Robyn I was so sadden hearing about your Dads going home happy for him but I know you have a large hole in you heart right now. I really do feel your pain and mine and Bruce’s prays are with you and your family at this time know if you every need to get away and talk you can always knock on my door.
Carol
lloyd drilling
Dear Annette and Family, Sorry for your loss, out thoughts and prayers go out to you. LLoyd, Linda, Joe and Jack Drilling
Judi Dahl
Gary, would stop in at our Prior Lake home frequently for a friendly visit when my husband was having medical issues, they always had a great chat.
When Lee passed in August 2014 , Gary was there to offer his support.
God bless them both & no pain in heaven.
Toni Stagliano
Barb and family, I am very sorry to hear about your brother passing. I will keep you all close in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs coming your way,
Toni Stagliano