"A year and a half Bob, and I'm still missing you a lot. Ed"
In loving memory of
Robert L. "Bob" Thomas
April 6, 1941 - December 6, 2018
Robert L. "Bob" Thomas, 77, of Monticello, Iowa and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Thursday morning, December 6, 2018, at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Monticello, Iowa.
Friends and family may gather in remembrance of "Bob" from 5 to 7 P.M. on Friday, December 14, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Immediately following the gathering, the family invites all friends and relatives to share in One Last Party® for "Bob" beginning at 7 P.M. in "The Bistro" at Carson's. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will be held from the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.
Robert Lee Thomas was born on April 6, 1941 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Edward and Melva (Quelle) Thomas. He grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1959. He married Karen Schulze on August 4, 1962 in Appleton, Wisconsin.
After high school, "Bob" worked as stock boy for Woolworth's Department Store and after a short time worked his way up in the company. He would become part of a team that would set up branch locations. Eventually, he became a store manager, first in Clinton, then Fort Madison and lastly in Davenport. In 1971, he moved to Maquoketa and began working for Vern Beatty at the Ben Franklin Store. He later became the store owner until 1985. He then worked as the branch manager for Midland Financial for a couple years, and later as the business manager at Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa for a year. Lastly, he sold Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance for many years until retiring in 2013. He moved to Arizona in May of 2015 and in November of this year returned to Iowa.
"Bob" was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and had previously served on the Jackson County Public Hospital Board of Trustees. He enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and was known as a "hands-on-do-it-yourself-fix-it-kind-of-guy".
Those left to honor "Bob's" memory include his children, Dawn Roe of Monticello, IA, and Bradley Thomas of Cedar Rapids, IA; a foster-daughter, Rosalee (Tom) Pollard of Lyndon, IL; 4 grandchildren, Ben, Valerie, Janessa and Miranda; and a brother Edward (Karen) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Karen on October 22, 2010.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Dawn and Family, your Dad was a fun Guy! Mom has him for Insurance, and he was always fun when saw him out and about, my Deepest Sympathy to you all"
"I want to extend my condolences to Mr. Thomas' family. He was always a nice person and very friendly whenever our paths crossed. May God bless you all."
"Sorry for your loss. Bob was my insurance man for some years and I got to know him well. If ever I had a question I was to call him. He will be missed. RIP"
"Sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Thomas. He was my first "boss" when I was stock boy at Ben Franklin's. He was a fine man for whom I have the highest respect. "
"Rosalee, Dawn & Brad your Dad was an awesome man and a mentor to me. It was a privilege to work with Bob!"
"Dawn and Brad-So sad to read about your dad's passing! May your hearts heal with time!"
"Dawn, Brad and families, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's death. What a good man! I remember lots of fun times with both he and your mom. Always had a smile on his face and stories to share. Hopefully all the great memories will help you through this difficult time."
"So sad I got to know Bob while working at Green Mill. He would come in for coffee with downtown group. He was a very sweet man. So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for family and friends!"
"Brad & Dawn, So sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. He always had a smile for me and I remember when he escorted Brad & I on a date and drove us around! I loved shopping in the Ben Franklin store as a kid and seeing your parents together at church. Your dad was so kind to give me financial/insurance advice when I was single in San Diego and was concerned I was being taken for a ride by this financial advisor. My parents happened to mention this to your Dad and he said, "tell her to give me a call!" and he helped me understand what the guy was pitching to me. I still remember his kindness. Kim Steigerwaldt Carter"
"To Dawn and your entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers, you Dad was truly one of a kind and had at least 7 lives over the years. I enjoyed caring for him and transporting him on many occasions. He had a heart of gold and loved to share his stories. He will be missed, may you find comfort in the days ahead during this difficult time. Love Kelly Schmidt"
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a warm and friendly guy. Him and his wife were friends with my parents through church activities. So I grew up with them often stopping by the house or going to dinner as a group. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers."
"You have my sympathy. Bob was a very nice, friendly man. "
"So sorry for your loss "
"Sorry for your loss, Bob was a great guy."
"Thinking of you Dawn and Brad and your children, wishing you comfort and peace knowing your folks are now rejoined in Heaven. R I P Bob . . ."
"Sorry for your loss. Bob was a good companion on our fishing trips to Minnesota, and will be fondly remembered."
"Such a good friend we we will miss him"
"Dawn - So sorry for your loss. Such fond memories of Bob when I was at Sedona. Prayers to you and your family."
"Very sorry to hear about Bob?s passing. He was always fun to be with on fishing trips and always first in line at the dinner table! Bob was a great guy! "
"He was a fine man to know in business and in community activities. Robert & Bonnie Christensen"
"Dawn, Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time."