Joseph “Joe” Thomas, 94, Dickinson, died Sunday, November 14, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Joe’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team following the Mass. Visitation will be on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Jerry Volk presiding.
Joe was born on May 13, 1916 the son of Joseph and Susanna (Jordan) Thomas in Hettinger County of North Dakota. He served honorably in the United States Army from July 11, 1941February 20, 1942. Joe married Sue Dassinger on October 6, 1942, and together they shared 68 years of marriage.
Throughout his lifetime, Joe was a long term member of several fraternal organizations in Dickinson. Joe was also the first Fire Chief of the Dickinson Rural Fire Department. Joe’s love of vehicles was surpassed only by his love and commitment to his family. Everyone who knew Joe could testify to his feisty spirit. He loved a competitive game of Gin Rummy, dancing to old time music and never backing down from a challenge. He was the proud owner of Thomas Motor Sales for over 17 years.
Grateful for having shared his life is his wife Sue, their four daughters; Joyce (Bryan) Olson, Mary Ann (Mitch) Chaska, Peggy (Jim) O’Brien, JoLynn (Lee) Magstadt, their grandchildren; Jason (Karissa) Hassebrock, Blaine (Sheila) Hassebrock, Julie (Dana) Olson-Martin, Bethany Olson, Leslie (David) Wilkie, Brian Chaska, Amanda Kubik, Matthew Kubik, Amy Magstadt and Nathan Magstadt, seven great-grandchildren, brother, Fred Thomas, two sisters; Lena Kelsch and Mary Thomas. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; John Harle and Pete Thomas, sisters; Rose Mayer, Ann Schank, Kathy Messer and Ellie Marx.
