WILMA THOMAS
December 28, 1917 - January 28, 2011
Obituary
Thomas, Wilma F. (Phillipsen) Wilma Thomas, nee Phillipsen, began her life journey on Dec. 28, 1917. She was born to Eva and William in their Miller, South Dakota, prairie home. Later, the family moved to farm in Barron, Wisconsin, where her sisters (Joyce and Fern), brother (Wilfred) and she grew up learning the satisfaction of hard work done well, the strength of family love, and the appreciation of natures beauty in sunsets and summer thunderstorms. Wilma found her spiritual strength through Wisconsins seasonal beauty in flora and fauna, especially in the quiet of the woods. Her love of plants showed in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Wilma instilled her love of nature in her children and their children. Wilma graduated from Rice Lake High School and went on to earn her Dental Hygienist Degree from Marquette School of Dentistry in 1936. Wilma was generous with her love and time for friends and family. She enjoyed her many friends taking part in her favorite activities. Wilma was an avid card player, golfer, bowler, dart player, and Packer fan. She loved to travel and traveled the world with her family and good friends. Wilma, and her husband Ralph, managed the family business (Tri Cty Oil) for over 40 years before their retirement in 1980s.Wilma was very active in her church (The First Presbyterian Church of Neenah) for 77 years, serving on committees and as Deacon. Her life was the mirror of her faith. Wilma was preceded in death by her husband Ralph W. Thomas; her parents, Eva Skinvik Phillipsen, and William J Phillipsen; and her brother, Wilfred Phillipsen. Wilma is survived by her sisters, Joyce Phillipsen Borum Chaffe (Scottsdale, AZ/ Spooner, WI), and Fern Phillipsen Schultz (Rhinelander, WI); her children, Susan Thomas-Berzill (Spring Valley, CA), Mary Thomas (Bayfield WI), Becky Thomas (Pete) Fleischman (Neenah, WI), and Ralph C (Karen) (Menasha, WI); and her grandchildren, Pilar Thomas Shepard, Kirk(Dawn) Moore (Hilbert, WI), Kelley Moore (Duluth, MN), Carrie Thomas (Richard) Passavant (Crystal Lake, IL), Aimee Thomas (JD) Oelke (Menasha, WI), Molly Thomas (Eric) Vossler (Minneapolis, MN), and Katie Fleischman (Milwaukee); 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Celebration of Wilmas life will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church Street, Neenah. Friends will be received at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Events
There are no events for WILMA yet.
Photos
No photos of WILMA have been shared yet.
Memories
JD
Jean & Dennis Dingmann
Other •
We will miss your dear wit and warmth and patience for enduring the role of middle sister. We always felt more understood and accepted in your presence.
FR
Fern Riedel
Other •
I didn't remember that sadness and grief felt so heavy. As I'm already missing my Aunt Wim being in my life, I'm also smiling over so many fabulous memories of love and acceptance and laughter and awe. I felt special whenever I was with her; I felt great comfort and safety and love always. I asm seeing the enormous sheets of ice piled up on the shoreline and hearing her explain the nighttime booming! I loved following her around her garden and being made to feel helpful. I think it's time to walk a Mexican beach and just remember her.
JB
Joy Borum
Other •
Two of my memories of my Aunt Wilma are of how kind she always was to me and of "cracking wise" with her over all manner of irreverent matters, laughing even when we said, "Oh, we shouldn't;" then laughing even harder. Bless you, Aunt Wim, and God speed.