Ralph Thomas Obituary
Ralph Lee Thomas, 96, died August 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in his home in Moville Iowa, January 22, 1929. Ralph grew up and lived in western Iowa completing through 8th grade while working on the farm. Ralph entered the army April 30, 1946 and was stationed at Ft. Snelling in Minnesota. Ralph accomplished his GED and was given an army education, operating heavy equipment. Ralph was stationed overseas in Korea for two years. In Korea, Ralph ran heavy equipment to salvage equipment and supplies left behind in the wartorn country. Ralph was honorably discharged April 1, 1949. When Ralph returned to civilian life he worked on the road across the United States building infrastructure such as interstates, bridges, and dams. In 1958, Ralph married Janice Lange of Sutherland, Iowa. Ralph and Jan were blessed with three children Randall Lee, Annette Maria, and Scott Eugene Thomas. Ralph left working on the road to have more time with his family.
He then started his own excavating business. Ralph and Jan made their home in Sioux City, Iowa. Ralph had many hobbies including fishing, hunting, wood carving, and dancing with his wife Jan. On the GI Bill he went to flying school to become an amateur pilot. Ralph never wasted a moment and always lived his life to the fullest.
Ralph is survived by Randall Thomas of FL, Annette Laudanskas (Richard) SD, grandchildren Austin Thomas (Andrea) FL, Bradley Laudanskas (Courtne) SD, Lisa Hanson SD, Laura Scroufe (Scott) SD, Allesha (Dalton) Swick NE, Tristan Thomas IA, Amber Thomas IA, and great grandchildren Skyler and Kyleigh Thomas FL, Mackade, Addie, Ryder, and Lennox Laudanskas SD, Isla Hanson SD, Jackson, Lillian Scroufe SD, Kamdyn, Kingston, and Kora NE, brother Dennis (Bonnie) Thomas, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Janice Thomas and son Scott Thomas, his parents, and his siblings Rosemary, and Frank Thomas.
Graveside services will be held for Ralph and Janice Thomas in Sutherland, Iowa at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
901 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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