Walter
Thomas, 88
Thief River Falls - Walter Thomas, 88, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000 at his home in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Tim Bauer officiating. Ruth Stenson was the organist, and Les Torgerson was the soloist. Casketbearers were Stephen Bendickson, Brian Bendickson, Mark Paulson, Bob Rugland, Dennis Erickson and Vernon Lee. Interment was in East Bethlehem Cemetery in Strathcona. The Green Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Walter Spencer Thomas was born on June 16, 1911 in Galesville, WI, the son of Richard and Amelia (Heineck) Thomas. He grew up and attended school in Galesville and also lived in New Jersey for a time.
On May 29, 1941, Walter was united in marriage to Minnie Aletta Haugtvedt at Greenbush. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls and later in Grand Forks, ND. They returned to Thief River Falls, building the Dairy Queen in 1951 and operating it until 1980. Walter also managed Western Oil and Fuel Conoco Station in Thief River Falls for many years. He also drove truck for Arctic Enterprises for over 20 years and then for North Star Transport until he was 77 years old.
He enjoyed politics and followed them very closely. He also enjoyed snow skiing and especially spending time with his family.
Walter is survived by his wife, Minnie; two daughters, Odette (Orren) Bendickson of Thief River Falls and Pamela (Tim) Holloway of Hillsborough, ND; three sons, Lowell in Bowsman, MT and Walter Jr. and Wayne, both of New Jersey; two sisters, Abbie LeBakken of Galesville, WI and Hazel Buttke of Wisconsin; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Vera Wilber; and three brothers, Elmer, Earl and George. A00003B2000AP12