1927
Charles
2015
Charles "Phil"
November 12, 1927 — September 4, 2015
Charles Philip Thomas "Phil", age 87, life-long resident of Frazee, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2015, under the care of Red River Valley Hospice, surrounded by family.
Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. A time of fellowship will be held from 9 a.m. until service at the church Saturday morning. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery following with service with military honors provided by the Heart-O-Lakes VFW Post #7702.
Phil was born November 12, 1927, in Frazee to Charles J. and Paula (Moen) Thomas. Phil spent much of his childhood in Frazee, spending a few meaningful years in Oregon. He attended Frazee High School graduating with the class of 1945. Following his graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Damato Destroyer traveling the east coast and in Cuban waters.
He went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he studied Agricultural Economics and Animal Husbandry. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950.
He made his home on the family dairy farm for a number of years before taking a job with Swift Company as a meat cutter working on in Michigan and Utah. Eventually he moved back to Frazee where he farmed until retiring in 1989. He then enjoyed retirement at home on Wymer Lake.
Phil married Doreen Kimball in June of 1959, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Together, the couple raised 7 children: David, Gary, Joan, Joylene, Lynn, Dana and Michael. Doreen passed away in February of 1993.
Later, Phil married Evelyn Lawrence at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. The couple enjoyed their time at Wymer Lake and his new extended Lawrence family. Evelyn passed away in January of 2015. Phil spent the last two years at the Frazee Care Center.
During his life, Phil served as the Hobart Township Treasurer for many years and was active in the Wymer Lake Association. During his retirement, he was active in processing maple syrup, planting trees, enjoyed time gardening and was well known for his raspberries. He was an avid reader; especially of history, enjoyed old-time dancing, and volunteered with Neighbor to Neighbor.
Phil is survived by 7 children: David (Karen) Haataja of Lakewood, CO, Gary Haataja of Frazee, Joan (Kent) Lund of Little Falls, MN, Joylene (Bob Skerbitz) Thomas of Zim, MN, Dana (Sharon) Thomas of Frazee, Lynn (Scott Polstein) Thomas of Apple Valley, MN and Michael (Kathi Bastyr) Thomas of Gilbert, MN; 9 grandchildren: Scott, Tracy, Joya, Joel, Michael, Nathan, Jena, Amy and Cole; 8 great grandchildren: Bridgette, Pierce, Cameron, Kallie, Makai, Nation, Judo and Valor; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Phil in death was his wife, Doreen, and wife, Evelyn; infant son, John; and sister, Ruth Thomas.
Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. A time of fellowship will be held from 9 a.m. until service at the church Saturday morning. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery following with service with military honors provided by the Heart-O-Lakes VFW Post #7702.
Phil was born November 12, 1927, in Frazee to Charles J. and Paula (Moen) Thomas. Phil spent much of his childhood in Frazee, spending a few meaningful years in Oregon. He attended Frazee High School graduating with the class of 1945. Following his graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Damato Destroyer traveling the east coast and in Cuban waters.
He went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he studied Agricultural Economics and Animal Husbandry. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1950.
He made his home on the family dairy farm for a number of years before taking a job with Swift Company as a meat cutter working on in Michigan and Utah. Eventually he moved back to Frazee where he farmed until retiring in 1989. He then enjoyed retirement at home on Wymer Lake.
Phil married Doreen Kimball in June of 1959, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Together, the couple raised 7 children: David, Gary, Joan, Joylene, Lynn, Dana and Michael. Doreen passed away in February of 1993.
Later, Phil married Evelyn Lawrence at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee. The couple enjoyed their time at Wymer Lake and his new extended Lawrence family. Evelyn passed away in January of 2015. Phil spent the last two years at the Frazee Care Center.
During his life, Phil served as the Hobart Township Treasurer for many years and was active in the Wymer Lake Association. During his retirement, he was active in processing maple syrup, planting trees, enjoyed time gardening and was well known for his raspberries. He was an avid reader; especially of history, enjoyed old-time dancing, and volunteered with Neighbor to Neighbor.
Phil is survived by 7 children: David (Karen) Haataja of Lakewood, CO, Gary Haataja of Frazee, Joan (Kent) Lund of Little Falls, MN, Joylene (Bob Skerbitz) Thomas of Zim, MN, Dana (Sharon) Thomas of Frazee, Lynn (Scott Polstein) Thomas of Apple Valley, MN and Michael (Kathi Bastyr) Thomas of Gilbert, MN; 9 grandchildren: Scott, Tracy, Joya, Joel, Michael, Nathan, Jena, Amy and Cole; 8 great grandchildren: Bridgette, Pierce, Cameron, Kallie, Makai, Nation, Judo and Valor; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Phil in death was his wife, Doreen, and wife, Evelyn; infant son, John; and sister, Ruth Thomas.
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