Robert "Bob" Thomas

On October 27, 2021, God called Bob home into his loving arms. Bob was 80 years old and will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and great-grandfather. Nothing made him happier than playing with his children and grandchildren and spending time with his best friend and wife, Jan. Everyone who met Bob experienced his unforgettable sense of humor and lighthearted nature. 

Bob was born on September 7, 1941, in Iron Mountain, MI to the late John and Otilia (Pennoni) Thomas. On May 5, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Jan Vanevenhoven and they celebrated 59 years together this year. Following high school, he attended Fox Valley Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in business administration. After graduation, Bob went to work at Friden for nine years selling calculators and then became part owner of Office Tec. He continued his successful sales career for seven years at Monroe. He additionally had an exclusive contract with Xerox for special accounts. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Jan Thomas, his six children, Rob (Kathy) Thomas, Colleen Albrecht and special friend Mike Goodreau, Joelle (Mauro) Draghicchio, Paula (Peter) Goeben, Holly (Dr. Tim) Roarty, and Leah Roberts and special friend Jason LaCrosse; 12 grandchildren, Robbie (Christine), Bryanne (Riley), Chloe (Eric), Austin, Jacob, Stefania, Marina, Miles, James, Josephine, D.J., and Maggie; sisters Barbara Pontow and Cindy Thompson; sister-in-law Mary Ellen (Chip) Lamers and brother-in-law Mike (Meg O’Brien) Vanevenhoven, great grandchildren Sophia and Noah and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Nancy (Milton) Marasch, brother-in-law Dick Pontow, and brother-in-law Tom Thompson. 

Family and friends may gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish, 2771 Oakwood Drive, Green Bay, on Monday, November 8 from 9:00 am until 10:45 am.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with Father Jim Neilson officiating.

A special thank you to Unity Hospice and the exceptional care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org or by mail to Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.