Robert Thomas

Robert J. Thomas, 79, of Mandan, passed away July 6, 2020 at Missouri Slope Care Center, Bismarck, ND.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Frank Schuster as celebrant. Luncheon to follow at Mandan Moose Club. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, 2020 from 9:00-10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, ND.

Robert J. Thomas was born November 2, 1940 to Albert and Katherine (Schell) Thomas in Mobridge, SD. He attended grade school at Trail City and graduated from Timber Lake High School in 1958.

Robert was united in marriage to Theresa Leingang on June 13, 1964 at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Selfridge. With their family growing with 2 daughters Robin and Rachelle. He was a family man who was known for loving to spoil his girls.

Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1963. He started working for Farmers Union in Selfridge, ND as a mechanic and delivered fuel. Later, he went on to work for Raymond Ford/Norby-Rath as the parts department manager. He was very devoted to his job until a back injury no longer allowed him to work.

One thing that was very important to Robert was his family. He was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A favorite memory of the grandchildren was him sharing stories of all his shenanigans as a young boy. He loved cooking, gardening, and going camping. One of his greatest hobbies was his love for old cars, especially Fords, which led to his wonderful collection of diecast cars. Tinkering around in the garage building things was another great hobby of his. He loved to travel with Theresa on bus tours and going to the car races.

Robert will be deeply missed by daughters, Robin (Ken) Axtmann of Huron, SD, Rachelle (Scott) Thompson of West Fargo, ND; 6 Grandchildren, Samantha (Nick) Brandenburg, Matthew (Andrea) Axtmann, Jacob Axtmann, Chelsea Hermanson, Gunnar Thompson, Dessirae Thompson; 2 Great-Grandchildren, Raelynn and Maren Brandenburg; Sisters-in-law, Glenda Thomas, Maggie Schlosser, Florence Leingang, Paula Leingang; Brothers-in-law, Lucas Leingang and Robert Leingang; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Katherine (Schell) Thomas; Stepfather Tony Leintz; wife Theresa (Leingang) Thomas; Brother Richard Thomas; Brothers-in-law Tom Schlosser and Leonard Leingang.