Donald L. Thomas, age 95, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Riverview Health Services. Don was born in Arena, Wis., on January 25, 1929, to the late Edward and Florence (Wheeler) Thomas.
Don grew up in Arena and moved to Racine, Wis., where he attended junior high and high school. He later was employed as a machinist at Twin Disc, retiring in 1988 after 33 years. Following retirement, Don moved to the Tomahawk area. He worked at the Town of Little Rice Collection Site for 12 years, a job he truly enjoyed and was known to many of his friends as “Dumper Don.” He loved the outdoors ATVing, fishing from “Dumper’s Bridge” near Boomba Bar, and hunting. Don looked forward to Happy Hour with his friends, always sharing stories and laughs. He was a Packers enthusiast and enjoyed listening to country music. Don lived a full life; a life well-lived by any standard. When you think of Don, remember an interaction you had with him that warmed your heart or made you smile. Ironically, Don’s last words to his family were “Keep Smiling.”
Survivors include his daughter, Janice (Dale) Rank; and his granddaughter, Amy (Brendan) Bobylak. He is further survived by his great-grandson, Benjamin Bobylak.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Florence; his wife, Loretta Thomas; his son, Edward Thomas; and his significant other, Barbara Wood.
The family wishes to thank his friends, Scott and Linda Garbe, and the Milazzo Family, and so many others that checked on him over the years. A special thank you to Aspirus Tomahawk and Riverview Health Services for the excellent care provided to him.
Memorials are appreciated to the Little Rice Fire Department or the Little Rice ATV Club.
Memorial services for Donald will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Generations Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Mathein will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Don’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
