Wallace O. Thomas

Wallace (Wally) Owen Thomas was born May 22nd, 1924 to Alvina and Louis Thomas, on a farm near Kragnes, Minnesota. He was the second son born in a family of 4 sons and one daughter. He grew up during the Great Depression without luxuries like electricity or indoor plumbing, attending the Richards country school through 8th grade and graduating from Moorhead High School in 1942. After high school Wally pursued his lifelong passion for farming. He farmed with his older brother, Aubrey Thomas.

Wally was a lifelong member of North Buffalo Lutheran Church and served as a past president as well as several other positions on the church council. On December 28, 1953 Wally married Carol Louise Swanson. During their many happy years farming together they raised 5 children and a lot of sugar beets. Grain harvest was usually finished a week or two before school started and the family would travel, sometimes camping. When the kids got older, they’d also go on skiing vacations in the winter.

When he wasn’t farming, Wally enjoyed fishing, and he loved a good golf game. In the 1960’s he got his pilot’s license and co-owned a small plane for a few years.  Carol and Wally enjoyed their occasional nights out at one of their neighbors’ houses and sometimes couples would go out to dinner to a local restaurant or supper club. Early in their marriage (before children) they also square danced.  Once their kids were grown and gone, Wally and Carol became snowbirds and would head to Corpus Christi, Texas to escape the cold Minnesota winters. Wally served on the Moorhead School Board and was also on the American Crystal Board Association.

Wally was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. Wally passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 in Eventide Moorhead.

He is survived by Carol Thomas, his wife of 65 years; his children, Lee (Noreen), Lori Oberg, Glenn (Sandy), Wayne (Gerry), Karen (Craig) Brenden; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His younger sister, Marlys Burkett, lives in Eugene, Oregon.

He is preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Aubrey, Robert and Roy.

There will be a visitation Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M.,  at Wright Funeral Home, 605 2nd Ave. S., Moorhead and funeral service Friday, March 1, 2019 at 11am at North Buffalo Lutheran Church, 2542 120th Ave N. Moorhead MN.

Memorials preferred to North Buffalo Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice.