KEITH BENEDICT THOMA 1918-1957

SCHORI, THOMA, MILLER

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 7/11/2007 at 14:19:57

Keith B. Thoma

Keith Benedict Thoma, son of Max and Ida Schori Thoma, was born at Elgin, November 24, 1918 and passed away on Sunday, November 10, 1957, at the age of 38 years, 11 months, and 10 days.

He was baptized in St. Paul's Methodist Church at Elgin on June 11, 1922 and joined the Baptist church on March 25, 1934.

After graduating from Elgin high school in 1937, he studied forestry at Iowa State college and Upper Iowa University.

On June 18, 1942, he was united in marriage with Chrystol Miller of Clermont, in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he was employed at the air base for six months prior to joining the United States Air Corps, October 28, 1942. He saw service in England and France during World War II and following his honorable discharge on October 18, 1945, he made his home in Clermont.

Mr. Thoma was interested in Animal Husbandry and put this interest to use through experience and testing. At the time of his death he was known as a breeder of Hampshire hogs and owned one of the finest herds in Northeastern Iowa. For 10 years he was a member of the board of directors of the Farmer's Savings Bank of Clermont, serving as vice president for the past two years. For seven years he served on the board of directors of the Clermont Cooperative.

He was a member of the Commercial Club, served for seven years on the Town Council, was chairman of the Clermont Dairy Days general committee for four years, and served as chairman of the local Executive Council of the Boy Scouts of America. For the past two years he represented Clermont township as a member of the Fayette County Extension Council, served as Adjutant of the American Legion, Sheehan-Olson Post Unit 375, and was vice president of the Clermont-Elgin Board of Education.

His passing is mourned by his wife, Chrystol; his sons, Michael, Jeffrey, and Christie of Clermont; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Max Thoma of Elgin; one brother, Louis of Springville; two nieces and one nephew; his wife's mother, Mrs. Louise Miller, and numerous other relatives and friends. One sister preceded him in death.

On Wednesday afternoon, November 13, services were conducted in the First Baptist Church of Elgin by the Reverends H. John Vanderbeck and Paul F. Zoschke. Directed by Schutte Funeral Service of Postville. Interment was made in the Clermont cemetery.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection. Submitter has no further information.