Charles Thomas Obituary
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Chuck was preceded in death by his parents William and Ruth (Jenson) Thomas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Cynthia "Cindy" Thomas; children, Dean (Terri) Thomas, Lynn Thomas, Natalie (Chad) Johnson, Brett (Amy McFadden) and Susi (Jamie) Chaplin; grandchildren, Nicholas Anderson, Page (Nick) Koch, Bryan (Stephanie) Kula, Jess (Andrew) Trombley, Alexis Johnson (fiancée Carson Stadel), Scott Thomas, Alec Thomas, Perrin Chaplin and Marli Chaplin; great-grandchildren Brooks, Miles and Sutton Trombley; Harrison and Hendrix Kula, Kayson and Paxton Koch and a baby girl on the way.
Also survived by his brothers John (April) Thomas and Wayne (MaryJo) Thomas and the Bakalyer family.
Chuck served honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War in the Signal Corp.
He was an auto racing fan. Chuck raced on dirt and asphalt tracks in the local area. His car number was #06. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR a great deal.
Chuck was very active in his children's sporting activities, coaching hockey and soccer. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing with friends and family. During the winter he was a member of the Sno-Ghost's snowmobile club and then in the summer he was the official Swap-Tent coordinator at the Outlaw Grass Drags.
Chuck loved interacting with his family, friends and his beloved dogs. His love of fire-works were on full display during many 4th of July gatherings.
Chuck was highly involved in the churches that he attended with his wife Cindy. He was the President of the congregation at Trinity Lutheran at Blackduck, MN and an Elder, a security and building maintenance person at Okeechobee Presbyterian church in Florida.
"Chuck lit up the room, like his fireworks lit up the sky. We will surely miss him."
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home Friday April 25, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Private interment will be at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery, Ft. Ripley, MN
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2 Entries
Margaret Caswell
May 2, 2025
Hi Cindy. I just learned of Chuck's sudden death. I don't have your address, so am contacting you this way. Gary and I really enjoyed our friendship with you and Chuck. He never did anything halfway, did he? The first time I ever met him was at Roy's wedding and his ready open smile was the first thing I noticed. The second thing was his interest in you! If I'm not mistaken, that is where your love story started, isn't it? I wish I had some wise words to share with you as a new widow, but all I can say is take time to grieve Chuck and to reminisce about all the memories you made together. God be with you in this sad time Love, Margaret Caswell
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Estelle Gunkel
April 25, 2025
Chuck was my daughter's soccer coach for many years in Elk River. That was more than a few years ago. He was very well liked and respected. He had a very full life. Estelle Gunkel
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311 Ashland St S, Cambridge, MN 55008
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