Fred R. "Fred" Thomas
March 3, 1924 — September 21, 2011
Fred R. Thomas, 87, founder and owner of Freddy's Beach, Delhi, IA went to rest with his Lord on September 21, 2011. Visitation will be 4-8 pm, Friday, September 23 at Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Earlville. Memorial Service: 10:30 am, Saturday, September 24 at Delhi United Methodist Church by Rev. Lorraine Hartman where the family will greet friends one hour prior to service. An additional Memorial Service will be at 4 pm, Saturday, September 24 at Grace Point Church on Windsor Ave. (formerly the 3rd Presbyterian) in Dubuque where the family will greet friends one hour prior to service.
Fred was born March 3, 1924 in Dubuque, the son of Roscoe and Letta Thomas. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1942. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1942 and retired from that position in 1980. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 - 1946.
In 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hennings; enjoying 65 wonderful years together. In 1950, Fred founded Freddy's Beach, ClairView Acres in Delhi, IA and operated that resort until 2006 at which time he retired to enjoy "his" lake.
Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy Thomas of Delhi; two devoted children, Kristine Thomas Cooey and Fred R. "Ross" (Jill) Thomas, Jr.; five blessed granchildren, James Thomas (Linda) Pingel, Ryan Cooey, Joseph Cooey, Joshua (Lauren) Thomas, and Amber (Chris) Thomas Froemming; eleven great-grandchildren, Harlie, Aubrey, Adia, Cherylyn, Hunter, Dakota, Sierra, Satine, Aspen, Devin and Blake; and several wonderful nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Letta Thomas; brothers, Bill and Bob Thomas; a sister, Berniece; and an infant daughter, Priscilla.
As generous in death as in life, Fred has donated his body to the University of Iowa for research.
Due to his love of the lake, any friends that wish to honor his memory, may send a memorial to Freddy's Beach/ClairView Acres Restoration Fund in care of their friend. Shirley Christensen, 20862 262nd St., Delhi, IA 52223.
Fred's family would like to expecially thank the staff at Garden View for their loving care of my husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Please sign the online guestbook for Fred at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Fred was born March 3, 1924 in Dubuque, the son of Roscoe and Letta Thomas. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1942. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1942 and retired from that position in 1980. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 - 1946.
In 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hennings; enjoying 65 wonderful years together. In 1950, Fred founded Freddy's Beach, ClairView Acres in Delhi, IA and operated that resort until 2006 at which time he retired to enjoy "his" lake.
Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy Thomas of Delhi; two devoted children, Kristine Thomas Cooey and Fred R. "Ross" (Jill) Thomas, Jr.; five blessed granchildren, James Thomas (Linda) Pingel, Ryan Cooey, Joseph Cooey, Joshua (Lauren) Thomas, and Amber (Chris) Thomas Froemming; eleven great-grandchildren, Harlie, Aubrey, Adia, Cherylyn, Hunter, Dakota, Sierra, Satine, Aspen, Devin and Blake; and several wonderful nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Letta Thomas; brothers, Bill and Bob Thomas; a sister, Berniece; and an infant daughter, Priscilla.
As generous in death as in life, Fred has donated his body to the University of Iowa for research.
Due to his love of the lake, any friends that wish to honor his memory, may send a memorial to Freddy's Beach/ClairView Acres Restoration Fund in care of their friend. Shirley Christensen, 20862 262nd St., Delhi, IA 52223.
Fred's family would like to expecially thank the staff at Garden View for their loving care of my husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Please sign the online guestbook for Fred at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
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