Clyde Thomas

Clyde J. Thomas, 89, De Pere, passed away January 16, 2013. He was born on January 9, 1924 to Francis and Mary (Van Boxtel) Thomas. Clyde was a graduate of De Pere High School and NWTI. He served his country in the US Army during WWII in the 30th Infantry Division, 118 Field Artillery Battalion. Clyde fought in six major battles of WWII, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded medals for each of the campaigns in which he fought. Clyde married Helen Daul on June 9, 1951 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom. Together, they raised a family of six children and called De Pere their home. Clyde enjoyed golf, traveling, bowling, and a great game of Sheepshead. He founded Thomas Electric in 1963. Clyde retired in1986 and Thomas Electric continues as a family business today. He was a member of the De Pere Men’s Club, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Community, De Pere. Clyde is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Helen, as well as many loving family members: children Ken (Sandy) Thomas, Sue (Paul) Fritsch, Robert Thomas, Bill (Shelly) Thomas, Larry Thomas; daughter-in-law Amy (Scott) Sorenson; 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his younger brother, Richard (Doris) Thomas. Clyde was preceded in death by a son, Steven; brothers: Dave Thomas, Vincent Thomas, Cyril Thomas and a sister, Germaine Schmidt. Family and friends may call at St. Mary’s Parish, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Town of Ledgeview, on Sunday, January 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, from 9:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Richard Getchel officiating and the homily offered by Fr. Jack Harper. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Clyde’s grandson, Jesse Qualley for going above and beyond in caring for his grandpa, Angels on Arcadian, Heartland Hospice, and Sheila Steinfeldt for their care and compassion throughout this difficult time.

Reception:
St. Mary Catholic Community
4805 Sportsman Drive
De Pere, WI 54115