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
