Gregory Ronald Thomas

Gregory Ronald Thomas, 71, of Kasson, MN passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his home.

Greg was born on November 2, 1950, in Austin, MN to Ronald and Betty (Selle) Thomas.  He graduated from Austin High School in 1969.  He worked for Culligan Water, Erdmans Supermarket, Hy-vee Grocery Store, and as a bartender at the Kasson American Legion.  On April 27, 1991, he married Marilyn Kruckeberg in Kasson, MN.

Greg’s life might be best summed up as one filled with the simple, but most meaningful, pleasures one could have - spending time with his beloved friends and family.

Growing up, Greg enjoyed time outdoors pheasant hunting and always looked forward to the annual rabbit hunt with his brother and uncles. Greg would often pave the way in the deep snow so that his younger brother, Bryan, could quite literally follow in his footsteps. He would later share his love of hunting in the field and the woods with his own children.

One of Greg’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandkids. Grandpa enjoyed fixing breakfast for the grandkids, cheering them on at their sporting events, and simply being with them on the living room floor, hiking trails, apple orchards, fright farms, escape rooms, sleigh rides, pumpkin patches, and many other adventures he and grandma would surprise them with.

Greg also made it apparent, sometimes too apparent, how deeply he loved and adored his wife of thirty years, Marilyn. When not with his grandkids, he loved spending some quieter time with his wife, taking Fall trips to Duluth and nights out to the VFW and American Legion, pulling tabs and socializing with their many friends and family that they would inevitably run into. When finding himself with some alone time, Greg could be found relaxing in front of a Minnesota Twins or Vikings game, working on a puzzle, or watching the birds and deer that visit his well-tended backyard feeders.

Every year Greg made it apparent how important it was to him and how deeply it touched him that his broader family would come together for his annual Thomas Invitational golf tournament. As far as social gatherings go, there may not have been anything more important to Greg than bringing together and surrounding himself with family at his annual golf tournament.

Thank you all for contributing to one of the most fulfilled lives one could ask for.

Greg’s warm, light and carefree heart will be deeply missed.

Greg is survived by his wife, Marilyn Thomas of Kasson, MN; children, Jason (Stacie) Thomas, Steve (Ann) Thomas, and Jamie Thomas; Damon (Jennifer) Knudson, Dustin (Amber) Knudson, Darin (Ann) Knudson, grandchildren, Karleen, Breanna, Brooke, Gavin, Tanner, Karley, Quinn, Maddox, Arabella, Sydney, and Leighton; brother, Bryan Thomas; sister, Sandy Thomas; in-laws, Glenn and Carol Kruckeberg; Jim and Pat Hoffmann; Mark and Nancy Dean; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Betty Thomas; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Lorene Kruckeberg and many aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2021, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th Street SE in Kasson with Pastor Roger Langworthy officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the funeral home and one hour prior the service on Friday.  You are invited to join a live stream of the funeral service on the Czaplewski Facebook page starting at 10:50 a.m.;

https://www.facebook.com/336420016774213/videos/4594269817323838

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.