Joseph Thomas, 92, Velva, ND, passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his bedside Friday, February 23, 2007, at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.

Joseph A. Thomas, the son of Michael and Magdalena (Schumacher) Thomas, was born January 15, 1915, in his parent's home near Verendrye, ND. He was raised near Verendrye, worked with his parents on the farm, attended grade school and high school in Verendrye.

Joseph married Frances Duchsherer October 21, 1940, in Karlsruhe, ND. Joe and Frances moved to a farm north of Velva where they raised cattle and farmed small grains. They were also in the dairy business selling milk to Winger Cheese in Towner. In 1980, they retired and moved into Velva and have continued to reside there since.

Joe was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva, for 65 years. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge, both of Minot, and was a former member of the Velva Senior Citizens. He also served on the Velva Township Board for many years.

He was an avid bowler and loved to dance. Joe enjoyed visiting with his friends and relatives, and playing cards. He loved his wife and children dearly. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to tell of his younger years and how he met Frances and carried her over the puddle at Penroys Pavilion near Verendrye.

His loving family includes: wife of 66 years, Frances, Velva; five sons, Leo (Sandie) Thomas; John (Sheryl) Thomas; Jeff Thomas, all of Velva; Andrew (Debbie) Thomas, Great Falls, MT; and Ronald (Sue) Thomas, Seattle, WA; six daughters, Marcy (Patrick) Roehrich, Washburn, ND; Bertha Abel; Deborah (Mike) Thiesen, both of Bismarck, ND; Mary (Donald) Aaseth; Frances (Scott) Shivley; and Rose (James) Hystad, all of Velva, ND; daughter-in-law, Paulette Thomas Dailey, Minot, ND; 39 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; sister, Katherine Duchscherer, Velva; brother, Andrew Thomas, Bremerton, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Robert and Joseph, Jr.; son-in-law, Gerald Abel; daughter-in-law, Williminia "Billie" Thomas; grandson, Tommy Roehrich and Adam Harding; great-granddaughter, Karlea Gall; brothers, John, Philip, Wendlin and Michael; sisters, Helen Weninger, Annie Marie Duchsherer and Elizabeth Liebham.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva.

Interment: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva, ND.

Visitation: Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva; and one hour prior to the Rosary at the church.

Rosary/Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.

Service Participants
Father James Gross - Celebrant of the Liturgies
Leo Thomas and Joleen Thomas - Readers
Joe's Great-grandchildren - Gift Bearers

Music
Prelude CD: "Sweet Queen of Peace" by Daniel O'Donnell
Processional Hymn: "On Eagle's Wings"
Offertory Hymn: "Amazing Grace"
Communion CD: "Only A Shadow" by Daniel O'Donnell
Meditation Solo: "Daddy's Hands" by Jennifer Hildre
Commendation: "Song of Farewell"
Recessional Hymn: "How Great Thou Art"
Andrea Irmin, Song Leader
Marilyn Anderson, Organist

Honorary Bearers: Joe's grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Active Bearers: Kenny Thomas, Duane Ayers, Greg Abel, Mark Thomas, Jerrod Thomas Doug Aaseth, Eric Dailey, Jeff Guevara, Jerod Harding, Jake Hystad, Dylan Theisen

To sign the online guest register for Joseph
To view the online guest register for Joseph

To view the inside of Joe's folder
To view the outside of Joe's folder
To view the insert for Joe's folder

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