Charles Thomas
March 16, 1925 - April 23, 2018
Obituary
Charles E. "Charlie" Thomas, age 93 of Darlington, WI passed away Monday, April 23, 2018 at his home in Darlington. He was born March 16, 1925 in Shullsburg, WI the son of Walter and Mary Grace (Moore) Thomas. Charlie graduated from Darlington High School in 1943. He was united in marriage to Marion E. McGowan on May 29, 1947 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Together, they raised seven children. Charlie was a lifelong farmer in Darlington and preformed an array of jobs including; rural mail carrier, manager of Lafayette F.S., carpenter for Hinkins Construction and the bookkeeper for the Lamont Central Cheese Factory. Charlie is survived by his children: Therese (Jim) Gratz; Diane Douglas, Kathy (Tom) Johnson, Beth (Dan) Prine, all of Darlington, Ted (Amy) Thomas of Argyle, WI Clara (Greg) Mathien of Knoxville, TN; 20 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren; He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marion on August 16, 2015; one son: Tom in 1968; one grandson: Jay Schwartz in 2013; great-grandchildren: Riley Schwartz in 2005 and Elsie Millie in 2012 and Alyvia Prine in 2015; and four siblings: Connie, Donald, Dwayne, and Gaylord. Charlie was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington, served on the parish council, and was a member of the KC's. He was a board member of Lafayette Electric, President of the Lafayette County Holstein Breeders Association and President of the Lafayette County 4-H Leaders Association for many years. Charlie enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years. He found a great appreciation for golf in his later years, and he and Marion enjoyed many golf trips to Florida. Also, he was an avid Packer, Brewer, Badger, Redbird fan. Since leaving the farm Charlie and Marion enjoyed making new friends and memories at Darlington Heights Apartments.A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Rev. Sudhakar Devarapu of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Shullsburg, WI officiating. A joint burial with the love of his life will be at Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, April 27, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) and on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Steil-Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Charlie's name.
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Memories
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Jim Larson
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Sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Charlie and Marion at the Club when I was there. Always a good time, a great smile and kindness. Thinking of you all during this time . Jim(Big Jim) Larson
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Sue Hamilton (Ward)
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I don’t know where to begin-there are so many wonderful memories of the Thomas family. Our families grew up together...beginning in Mt. Horeb and then we moved even closer to Darlington. I remember how excited we would get when we found out we were going all the way out to Lamont to see the Thomas kids!! It seemed like it took forever to get there. I had the honor of working with Charlie back in 1976 or 1977 when I worked at the post office part-time for a stint. He always could make anyone smile-he certainly made it an enjoyable place to work. Charlie and Marion were two of my folks closest friends. Your folks will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Sue Hamilton (Ward)
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Marilyn Whalen
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Good memories of your Dad and Mother. They lived in cheese factory next door to us and I got to go to their chivaree, first grown up thing I'd been to and then got to babysit for them when they lived on Hwy 81. Such a great couple. Charlie was a great guy and wiil be remembered by me as a wonderful l family man and such a good example.
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Chuck and Chris Gratz
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Thomas family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your Dad was a true family man, starting with the love of his life--your Mom--then his kids, grandkids and so on. He always knew you and had a smile on his face. He will be missed! Hold close your memories as I know there are many. God Bless, Chuck and Chris Gratz
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Bev Mulcahy
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My first memories of your Dad was when he was our mailman n if I was out he would hand me the mail n chat a few minutes! Than when I lived in the Conda I got to know your Mom too...A lot omg great memories sitting up on deck visiting n maybe a drink! They were great people n now they are together again...My thoughts n prayers are with you all!♥️
JM
Joanne McComish
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this difficult time.