"Memorial:When I was a child, I had a crush on Ron. He was big as life and more handsome than James Dean.(In fact, I had a crush on all of the handsome Thommes brothers, my cousins.) When he got in trouble, his mom would yell, "Ronald Gene"! Long ago at a family reunion on the Thommes farm, Ron and his brothers tipped the outhouse while I was in it. I screamed and they all laughed. I was about 6 or 7 years old. Ron's laughter was distinct and it still rings in my ears today. Heaven is lucky to have him, but I hope there are no outhouses up there. Although time and distance separate us, please know you and Ron are in my thoughts and prayers. Irene Hesch (Phoenix, AZ)"
In loving memory of
Ronald Thommes
September 19, 1946 - February 25, 2012
Ronald "Ron" Thommes, age 65, of Royalton, MN, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 25, 2012 following a three year journey with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Buckman, MN, with Fr. Gerald Dalseth officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN, with a Rosary at 4:30 followed by Parish Prayers at 6:30 and Knights of Columbus office of the dead at 7:30. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the mass on Wednesday. Ronald "Ron" Gene Thommes was born on September 19, 1946 in Little Falls, MN to John & Doloris (Hesch) Thommes. He grew up on a farm West of Buckman. He attended school in Pierz and graduated from Royalton High School, Class of 1966. He was united in marriage to Judy Jendro. The couple had two children, Steve and Kellie and later divorced. Ron was then united in marriage to Jeanne (Gall) Erickson on June 16, 1979 at St. Francis Xavior Catholic Church in Sartell, MN. They made their home in Sartell and later moved to their home in Bellevue Township near Royalton. Ron worked most of his life as a Correctional Counselor with the Minnesota Department of Corrections in St. Cloud from which he retired in 1999. Ron's talents were many and included building projects to mechanics. His life revolved around the outdoors, especially fishing and any kind of hunting and his dogs. He grew up doing all these things and was passionate about passing on the traditions to his family and friends. Those are the times his family will remember and treasure forever. Ron was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Buckman and the Knights of Columbus. Ron took part in a TEC in his early thirties. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jeanne of Royalton, MN; children, Steve Thommes of St. Cloud, MN and Kellie Thommes of Cumberland, WI; step-daughters, Lynn Erickson of Alexandria, MN and Lori (Eric) Metzger of Monticello, MN; siblings, David Thommes of Pierz, MN, Delroy (Mary Ella) Thommes of Royalton, MN, and Roger (Diane) Thommes of Fairbanks, AK and grandchildren, Marissa and Brittni Kreifels and Landon and Eva Metzger. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John & Doloris (Hesch) Thommes; sister, Jeanette Thommes.
Tributes
"Memorial:When I was a child I remember Ron was so handsome and had such a sense of humor. In my eyes he was bigger than James Dean. In fact, I had a crush on him and all of his brothers, my cousins. I distictly remember when he got in trouble his Mom would yell,"Ronald Gene"!. Once at a family reunion on the farm, he and his brothers tipped the outhouse while I was in it. I screamed and they all had a big laugh. His laughter still rings in my ears. Heaven is lucky to have him, but I hope there are no outhouses up there. Although we are separated by time and distance, please know my thoughts and prayers are with Ron and all of his family. With Love, Irene (Phoenix, AZ)"
"Memorial:Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the peoples lives that Ron has touch. Ron was such a loving and giving man. He will be missed by all of us. Love Peace and Prayers."
"Memorial:I work with Ron for over 20 years. I learned alot from Ron and have good memories of him. He is one of the best I have worked with. He will be missed."
"Memorial:I will miss you Ron but will always remember the good times we had! Thanks for helping me shoot straight!"
"Memorial:Jeanne and All of the Thommes family. You have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Memorial:Dear Jeanne, cousins David, Roger, Delroy, and all the Thommes family and friends: My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very sad time. I was so glad that my husband, Daniel, and I got to visit with Ronald and Jeanne during our vacation to Minnesota two years ago. Thank you, David, for remembering to contact me so that I could send my condolences. I have let my sisters know and have sent a message to our brother, John. All of us remember those times when all the Hesch aunts, uncles and cousins would picnic together at the Thommes farm. Your mother, my aunt Delores, was my Godmother, and always held a special place in my heart, as do all of you. Take care and God Bless you all. Anne Varner 5320 W. Belmont Ave Glendale, AZ 85301 623-842-5809 aevarnermtm@gmail.com"
"Memorial:Jeannie & all the Thommes family members, Know that we are with you all in spirit, thought and prayer. Memories of a life time never leave the heart. Love & Hugs, Linda & Jerry"
"Memorial:I am truly blessed to have had a wonderful step-father in my life. Though I lost my father at age 3 I'm so glad my mother met Ron as I couldn't have asked for a better person for her in not only her life but mine as well."
"Memorial:Thinking of you all. Thoughts and prayers. XOXO"