Roland C. Thomas, age 90, of West Bend, passed away Sunday November 22, 2009 at his home
He was born on February 13, 1919 in Plymouth to the late Herman and Marie (nee Sasse) Thomas. On October 12, 1950, Roland was united in marriage to Heidi Heidemann at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Louis Corners, WI.
Roland was a master plumber and electrician, and the co-owner of Thomas Bros. Implement Co. in Cleveland from 1948-1963. In 1963 Rollie and Heidi moved to West Bend and he worked for the City of West Bend as the City Building Inspector until his retirement in 1984. Rollie then served on the West Bend Board of Appeals for many years.
Roland was a 4H leader in Sheboygan County for 35 years. He was a volunteer Fireman and Assistant Chief in Cleveland, WI from 1948-1963. Rollie was a member of the State Building Inspectors Association from 1963-84, and President of the Association in 1968. He was a member of the West Bend Noon Kiwanis Club from 1972-2009, and club President in 1984-1985. Roland was Lt. Governor of Wis. Upper Michigan District for Kiwanis from 1986-87. Rollie received the Paul Hixon Award in 1997, which is Kiwanis's Highest Honor. Heidi and Rollie also have spent many years giving of their time and talent to the Ventures In People Project in Haiti.
He was an Elder and the 1st Lay President at Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend, and a member of the "Churchmen's Chorus" at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum, where he was currently a member. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, playing Scat and Sheepshead. He was always ready to lend a helping hand as a repairman for friends. Rollie enjoyed story telling and had a great sense of humor.
Roland is survived by his wife, Heidi; five children, Mary (Roger Wong) Thomas of Milwaukee, Kathy Thomas of Milwaukee, Peter (Natasha) Thomas of West Bend, Mark (Cheryl) Thomas of Wadsworth, IL and Laura (James) Stevens of Oshkosh; eight grandchildren, Robert, Shannon, Brandon, Sara, Noel and Anna Thomas, Kara and Will Stevens; many other relatives and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jacob Stevens; three brothers, Arno and Edna Thomas, Herman Thomas and Allan Thomas; two sisters, Laura and Walter Siegert, Alice and Frederick Wedepohl; three sisters-in-law, Marian and Ted Hansmann, Henrietta and Rev. Ralph Maschmeier, Marquerite and Karl Wernecke; along with two brothers-in-law, William and Nancy Heidemann, Frederick and Lucille Heidemann.
Funeral services in remembrance of Roland will be held on Sunday November 29th at 2:00 pm, at Peace United Church of Christ (343 First Street) Kewaskum. Rev. Eric Kirkegaard will officiate. Visitation will be at the Myrhum - Patten Funeral Home on Saturday November 28th from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, and Sunday at the church from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will be held in Washington County Memorial Park on Monday at 11:00am.
Memorials to Peace United Church of Christ or Cedar Community Hospice are appreciated by the family.