Richard Thomas

Richard "Dick" Thomas, age 81, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Tuesday, February 5th, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11th, at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, with the Rev. Jill Torgerson officiating. Interment will be in Vernes Lutheran Cemetery in the spring. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com. Richard LaVerne Thomas was born on November 29, 1937 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Earl and Della Christianson Thomas. He grew up in Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School. Dick entered the United States Air Force in February of 1955 and faithfully served his country until his honorable discharge in September of 1958.Dick was united in marriage to Helene Terese "Rene" Wycoskie on June 1, 1960 in Denver, Colorado. After their marriage, they lived for a short time in Denver before being transferred back to Minneapolis. In 1971, they moved to San Antonio, Texas and, in 1982, they moved to Fosston.Dick worked for Braniff International for 25 years, Fosston Civic Center for one year, operated "Dick and Helene's" cafe in McIntosh for 9 ½ years and at Stenberg's in Fosston until his retirement. After his retirement, Dick enjoyed doing volunteer driving for six years. His loving wife of 57 years, Helene, passed away on January 3, 2018.Dick loved animals, birds and enjoyed nature. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.Survivors include his four daughters, Lori (Robert) LeCuyer of Duluth, MN, Deborah (Arlen) Halvorson of McIntosh, Erin (Ryan) Solberg of Goodridge, MN, and Ashley Tofsly of McIntosh; 10 grandchildren, Amanda LeCuyer (Dallas), Stephanie Westall, Rebecca (Mitch) Johnson, Ben Halvorson, Nicole (Kameron) Anderson, Ashlynne Solberg, Casey Solberg, Sydney Solberg, Jacquelyn Tofsly, and Christopher Tofsly; 11 great grandchildren; one sister, Opal Beltz; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his faithful dog, Muffin.He was preceded in death by his wife, Helene; his parents; and brother, Don Thomas.