Charles Edward Thomas

Charles Edward Thomas, 97, of Strawberry Point, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on January 11, 1928, near Edgewood, the son of Charles Butler Thomas and Alda (Pilgrim) Thomas. Charles attended Greeley Elementary School and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1946.
He worked as a farm laborer, auto mechanic and an interior decorator for most of his life. Charles was drafted and served his country in the United States Army from 1950-1952, and was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division, 160th Battalion at Camp Cooke, California, and reached the rank of SFC. His foreign service was in Japan and Korea.
Charles was baptized as an infant and was a member of the Methodist Church all his life. He served as Trustee for many years as well as other offices in the Strawberry Point United Methodist Church. Charles served on the Strawberry Point Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion for 40 plus years.
On Thursday, August 17, 1950, Charles was united in marriage to Helen Krieg in the Methodist Church in Edgewood. To this union were born four children, Patricia Ann Ahrens Loso, Kimberly Kay Schroeder, Tamara Sue Kraus, and Steven Charles Thomas.
Charles was quick to help anyone in need, enjoyed woodworking, fishing and traveling. He was devoted to his wife and family. He will be remembered as a loving, faithful friend, husband and father.
Survivors include his three daughters, Patricia (Brian) Loso of East Dubuque, Illinois, Kimberly Schroeder of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Tamara (Marv) Kraus of Elkader; daughter in-law, Carol Thomas-Schlee; 13 grandchildren, Nicolette (Brian) Welter, Melanie (Tyler) Tretsven, Zachary Schroeder, Lindsey (Patrick) Murphy, Hannah Schroeder, McKenzie (Braden) Bottenberg, Wyatt (Felisha) Schroeder, Ashley (Josh) Entler, Andrew (Amber) Kraus, Autumn (Jalen) Bergman, McKenna (Aaron) Zitelman, Landon Thomas, Morgan Thomas; 22 great grandchildren, Emma, Owen, Cora, Claire and Grant Welter, Lochlann, Lydia, Liam and Isabella Murphy, Lena Schroeder, Charlotte Bottenberg, Bennett Schroeder, Mason and Clayton Entler, Miles and Aspen Kraus, Ardith Bergman, McCoy, Jade, Selena, Taya, and Deacon Zitelman; his sister, Mary Jane Meyers; sisters-in-law, Una Swanson and Beverly (Walter) Clauson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen Thomas; son, Steven Thomas; his granddaughter, Annalissa Grace Schroeder; his brother, Garth Thomas; and his son-in-law, Ronald Ahrens.
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