"I am so very sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in Gods sure promise of a resurrection as set forth in the Bible. (Consider Acts 24:15; John 5:28,29) Those who are raised to life will have the prospect of never again being subjected to misery, sickness, or death. (Revelation 21:4) I hope that reflecting on these thoughts will give you some relief during this difficult time."
In loving memory of
Mark C. Thomas
August 23, 1951 - September 6, 2015
Mark Charles, son of Wesley Lynk and Mary Elizabeth (Tumbleson) Thomas, was born August 23, 1951, in Carroll, Iowa. He spent his entire childhood in Coon Rapids, Iowa, graduating with the Coon Rapids High School Class of 1969. Following high school, Mark moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa, where he majored in medieval history. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1973, Mark briefly pursued a graduate degree in medieval history and worked as a telephone installer in the Iowa City area. He later enrolled at the University of Iowa College of Law and earned his J.D. in 1982. On February 16, 1980, Mark was united in marriage with Jacquelyn (Jacci) Fisher in Clinton, her hometown. After Mark finished law school, the couple purchased an acreage outside Coon Rapids, where Mark established a thriving law practice. He soon took to "farming" trees and vegetables on his spread, starting his plants from seed indoors during the spring. During his time on the acreage, he cultivated an affinity for woodworking and target shooting, and became quite skilled at both later in life. Mark was a pillar of the Coon Rapids community. He served as city attorney for 27 years; member of the Coon Rapids Development Group for more than a decade; member of the Coon Rapids - Bayard School Board for 14 years; and president and treasurer of the Rotary Club at various times. Mark was active in the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church as well, singing in the church choir, playing in the bell choir, and serving on the finance committee. He was also a longtime member of the Iowa Bar Association and an early member of the recently formed Community Foundation of Carroll County as well. After Jacci's death in June 2014, Mark remained in the family's home and continued to practice law until August 2015, a month after he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Though he put up a strong fight against the illness, his health declined precipitously through late August. Mark passed away at the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids on Sunday, September 6, 2015, aged 64 years and 14 days. Mark was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Helen (Nelli) Thomas and her husband Brian Martucci of Minneapolis, MN; brother John Thomas and his wife Leneice Wu of Falls Church, VA; nephews Mark Thomas and family of Annandale, VA, and Charles Thomas of Los Angeles, CA; and many other relatives and friends. REVEREND JOYCE WEBB, OFFICIATING MUSIC "BE STILL, MY SOUL" "HOW GREAT THOU ART" CONGREGATION LULA GARNES, ORGANIST "LONG WALK HOME" NEIL YOUNG RECORDING CASKET BEARERS LARRY SCHWENK MARK CODER THOMAS CHARLIE NIXON ALAN BOLGER MARK TEXTOR RON BROWER
Tributes
"You will be missed, Mark. Whenever I came back to Coon Rapids, and I had a question about finding a handyman or professional to help with Moms house, Mark could supply me with several leads. Always smiling and offering support. His gentle demeanor accomplished much. j"
"God Bless you Mark. I was a buddy in the early years and I treasure the memories of growing up with you and our local friends. I didnt have the pleasure of your company after my teen years, but the years I had with you were special. Lots of love all the way from California. God Bless! Jay Corbett"
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"I will miss hearing your voice Mark when you would miss-dial and then wish me a good day. May you Rest In Peace!"
"You have our sympathy."
"You will be missed by many, Mark. My heart breaks for you, Nell."
"Sad to hear of Marks passing. I guess it is fitting that after his struggle with his health that he passed through the veil before Labor Day, his labors ended. I believe that if Mark had been paid for all the Pro Bono work he did over the years he probably could have retired 20 years ago. But you could almost set your watch at what time he came to the office, Monday through Saturday. And you knew that it was court day if he didnt hit the door by 9:00. God grant you rest Mark and I can never thank you enough for what you did for my family."
"An honest lawyer. Thank you, Mark, for being one of the first to welcome us to the Coon Rapids community so many years ago, and for continuing that welcome for 13 years. You will be remembered kindly. -Doc and Lori Outhier"