Gretchen Thomes

Gretchen Thomes, age 69, of Glenbeulah, WI, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on July 17, 2024.
She was born on March 30, 1955 in Fort Atkinson, WI to Adalbert and Dorothy (Plamann) Geiger. She graduated from Lemmon High School in South Dakota and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Education and MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She retired after 25 years of service from the Sheboygan Area School District, holding various positions but most recently as Assistant Superintendent in 2013. True to her nature of staying busy, she soon returned to part time work as Administrative Assistant at the Oostburg School District, where she worked until her very last day. She enjoyed her work and flourished in her incredibly accomplished professional career.
Gretchen had a zest for life that was obvious to anyone and everyone she met. She was an avid traveler, who never needed to be asked twice to go on a trip. She was always ready for adventure, with fire under her feet. She loved the mountains and found her true self when surrounded by nature.
She was also an animal lover, and fittingly, a "Grammy" to fur babies (dogs and horses) over the years. She herself was actively involved with fostering countless dogs through Green Acres Boxer Rescue of Wisconsin, while also having a few Boxers of her own (Maggie, Pappy, Lucy, Henry) that were excitedly awaiting to greet her at the Rainbow Bridge. She also dedicated her time and passion as a handler on the Great Lakes Search and Rescue team with her late Black Shepherd, Gage. This role allowed her to combine her passion for animals with her passion for helping people.
She was a devoted, loving and selfless mom to Adam and Lindsay. To qualify all her best qualities as a mother would be an impossible feat. She loved fiercely and supported their passions, hockey for Adam and horses for Lindsay. She was at every event, practice, lesson, clinic, show there was; cheering from the stands, running for things and being each of our #1 fan! She had an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up any room and easily made friends with anyone she met.
Gretchen carried this same love to her role as aunt and sister. She is survived by sister Karla (Dave) Buhler; nieces Erin Buhler, Katie (Mike) Witkowski – great nephew Jaxson, great nieces Harper, Riley and Kinsey, and Jamie (Justin) Wakefield – great nephew, Easton. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Karen Rhoads.
Please join us in remembering Gretchen and sharing your favorite stories with us during her Celebration of Life service on Thursday, July 25th from 4-7pm at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gretchen's name to your chosen Animal Rescue/Shelter.