Mark Thomas

Mark David Thomas, a/k/a ?Cowboy,? was born on October 9, 1958, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joyously entered the gates of Heaven on December 29, 2011, welcomed by his dear grandmother, Ruth Walker and mother, Carol LeMieux. He was also preceded in death by grandfather LeRoy Thomas, step-grandfather Herb Walker, and maternal grandparents John and Minnie Deutsch. He is survived by his beloved 1976 Mercury Cougar XR7, father William Thomas, Sr. (Mary) of Duluth, and siblings Cherryl Hebert (Pat), Karen Cote? (Joe), William Thomas, Jr. (April), Patricia Oknich (Mark), Elizabeth Fay (Jack), and Katherine Kronlund (Zach). Also survived by nieces and nephews Wendy Brees, Patrick Hebert (Amy), Timothy Cote?, Matthew Cote?, Kelly Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Jessica Oknich, Carson Kronlund, Brigid Fay, Jack Thomas Fay, Alexis Hitchcock, many cousins, step-cousins, great-nieces and nephews, his dear aunt, Ruth Amundson of Alexandria, and the many caregivers and special friends from Prairie Community Services. Mark will be remembered by his sweet, gentle spirit, his generous nature, his great sense of humor, infectious chuckle, sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile. He was a talented artist and created many woodworking items that he enjoyed presenting to those he loved. He was also gifted with natural mechanical abilities in which he lovingly poured out upon his car. He was rarely seen without his black leather cowboy hat, for which his extended family at Prairie Community Services gave him the nickname ?Cowboy.? He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and root beer barrels. He was blessed with a uniquely close relationship with his grandmother, Ruth Walker, who loved Mark unconditionally, and led him to a close relationship with the Lord. Mark was deeply spiritual and loved his family very much. While his family is sad at his early passing, we rejoice in the knowledge that he was welcomed into the Presence of the Almighty God. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Reverend John Peshek officiating. Randy Morken provided the music. Inurnment was in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, MN Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net