Francis G. Thoman 1928-2005

MAHER, THOMANN, THOMAN

Posted By: michael (email)
Date: 1/13/2005 at 15:16:48

Francis G. Thoman, 76, of 619 Brown Street died peacefully Wednesday evening, January 12, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 10AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev, Rudolph Juarez officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by local military organizations will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 3 to 8PM at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, where a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Regina Education Center c/o the Catholic Community Foundation.

Frank , known to many as “Bear” was born February 22, 1928 in Iowa City, the son of Giles and Katherine Maher Thomann. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and served in the US. Marine Corps and later in the US Army in Korea, where he earned the Bronze Star. Frank married Dorothy Penney on January 3, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Church.

Frank was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service and for many years carried mail on Route 24 in Manville Heights. He retired in 1991. Frank was proud that four generations of the Thoman family have worked with the Postal Service.

Frank was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, where he had once ushered, the Marquette Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Postal Carriers Union, the American Legion and the Regina Boosters of which he was a charter member. Frank played Santa Claus for many organizations through the years and often delighted the children of friends with his attire. On Memorial Day, 2004 Frank was honored by the Iowa- Johnson County American Legion by having his named placed at the Veterans Trail at East Overlook. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a jack of all trades. Frank cherished the time spent with grandchildren, watching the Hawks and caring for his pets.

Frank is survived by his children: Joseph of Cedar Falls and his children Jeremy and Jennifer; Francis Jr. “Bill” (Debbie) of Iowa City and their children Susan, Steven and Tim; Daniel James Thoman of Iowa City and his daughter Naomi; John “Jack” (Deceased) and his daughter Elise; Ann Frances (Eric) Seydel of San Diego and their children Alexandria, Jacqueline, Halle and Luke; Deborah (Michael) Engaldo of Santee, California and their sons Anthony and Andrew; Mary (Rick) Cross of Iowa City and their children Shane, Caitlin and Melanie; Elizabeth “E.J.’ Thoman of Iowa City; and his cat Tagger.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy and son John “Jack.”

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com by clicking on obituaries/ condolences.