Stephen Thomas

Stephen L. Thomas, 81, formerly of Algoma and Green Bay, Wis., died May 29, 2025 at his home in Tower, Minn.

Steve was born on March 16, 1944 to Arlene (Stika) and Norbert Thomas and was later joined by siblings Tom and Mary at their Algoma residence.

He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Reinhart in Algoma Sept. 30, 1967. Their children, Stephen Jr., Stacie and Stephanie were the center of their lives. And they cherished many activities with the kids: from attending the annual Iola Classic Car Show with son Stephen and friends, to watching Stacie perform in theatre and dance companies (many at St. Norbert College); to receiving beautifully written prose from daughter Stephanie.

An automobile accident tragically claimed the lives of all three children on Dec. 26, 1994, while en route to visit their grandmother in Sturgeon Bay. As a result, the Thomas’ along with community leaders and others, formed a group to successfully advance the State Highway 57 construction timeline which is now a four-lane highway.

As a graduate of Computer Science from NWTC, Steve progressed in his career to become the Brown County Director of Information Technology Services until his retirement.

Later, following Shirley’s passing, Steve moved to Tower, Minn. on Lake Vermilion to enjoy family time with Diane, Mike Pettinelli, Daryl and Crystal Lobe and their children, Addison and Jax.

During his retirement Steve enjoyed barbecues and fire pit conversations with the neighbors, volunteer work, travel and as an avid Packer fan and proud stockholder: Green Bay Packers football. Steve was also active in the Governmental Information Processing Association of Wisconsin, the Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, and the Green Bay Yacht Club.

Steve is survived by his friend Diane Pettinelli, brother Tom (Connie) brother-in-law Al (Lana) Reinhart; sister-in-law Ellen Reinhart; nephew Rob Reinhart; nephew Matt Reinhart and his son Dane and niece Ann Maedke. In addition, Steve remained close to his children’s spouses and families including Randy and Ronda Kopchinski and their children, Courtney and Nathan; Lisa (Dumke) and Jeff Ziegert and their children, Mason and Jordan.

He is preceded in death by his children, Stephen Jr., Stacie Thomas Kopchinski, and Stephanie; his wife, Shirley Thomas, his sister, Mary Thomas, his parents Arlene and Norbert Thomas, niece Melissa Reinhart Paschke, and his brother-in-law Don Reinhart.

A visitation for Steve will be held at the Cotter Funeral Home at 860 N. Webster Ave, in DePere, Wis. on Thursday, June 5 from 10 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00a.m. Burial will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Special thanks to Dr. Nicholas Vidor at Scenic Rivers Health Care Center in Cook, Minn. as well as Essentia Health Services. Also special thanks to Mike Pettinelli and John Vukelich for always being there to help after moving to Lake Vermilion.