Michael Harry "Mike" Thomas died 2019

THOMAS, MCDERMOTT, SKOLNICK, DOLPHIN

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 10/31/2019 at 14:32:00

Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, IA) - Thursday, February 14, 2019

INDEPENDENCE, Iowa — Michael Harry "Mike" Thomas, age 60, of Independence, Iowa, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019, after battling cancer.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at St. John Catholic Church, Pleasant Grove Road, Epworth, Iowa.

Mike was a proud and devoted father to his three sons. He admired their many talents and valued spending time with them. A recent trip with all three to the West Coast will forever be cherished memories. His grandchildren fondly called him "Papa." They held a special place in his heart, added sparkle to his hazel eyes. He was a devoted family man loving all members of his family. He also was a committed, generous and kind-hearted friend.

Mike was an entrepreneur in the cable TV industry during its inception in Atlanta. He was a dedicated professional with high standards and a proud, strong work ethic. With a charming demeanor, he enjoyed being in sales and reveled in "sealing" the deal. Golf was his passion, taking up most of his free time. His endless patience served him well on and off the course. He was selfless with a gentle soul and often texted "one-liners" that immediately put life in perspective. He didn't "sweat the small stuff" but prioritized time with family and friends. He was a loving son, calling his parents daily. His four sisters adored and admired him. His wit and smile lit up the room. To know him was to love him, we miss him.

Those left to honor his memory are his parents, Harry Thomas and Ramona "Mona" McDermott Thomas; his sons, Niq, Andy and Jake (Lexi); his grandchildren, Ivy and Parker; his sisters, Julie Skolnick (Ken), Jill Thomas, Patti Thomas (Dan Rehm) and Annie (Chris Clark); nephews, Jack and Michael Skolnick and Tommy Clark; nieces, Laura Skolnick Lienhart (Mark and Sophie) and Katie Clark; aunts and uncle, Elaine Brown, Sr. Jeanette McDermott, Marlene (Dan) Reid, Jean McDermott and Gail Dolphin; and many cousins.