Douglas Leon Thoma, child of God and brother in Christ was called to his Savior’s side on Monday, July 5, 2021 at the age of 83.
He was born in New London on September 14, 1937 to Leon and Adela (Rohloff) Thoma. Doug was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Sugar Bush. He was united in marriage to Joanne Marecek on October 7, 1961. He graduated from New London High School in 1955 and shortly after attended agriculture courses in Madison, WI. Doug continued the family farm well past its 100 year anniversary in 1996; first with his father Leon and finally his brother, Steve and son, Ben. All together, they achieved numerous dairy awards and Doug took pride in his herd. Doug sold his cows in 2008 and continued cropping until 2018 before retiring. In addition to farming, Doug was a volunteer Lebanon fire chief and 4-H leader. He also enjoyed the privilege of being on the board at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI during the early days when the Marvin Schwan Library was constructed and dedicated. He also was a faithful supporter of Time of Grace ministries and served on numerous church committees. Doug enjoyed spending time with immediate and extended family.
Doug is survived by his wife Joanne; his children: Dawn (Tom) Crain, New London; Denise (Bill) Skewes, Madison; Margo Thoma, Monona; Phil (Christine) Thoma, Oconomowoc and Ben Thoma, New London; grandchildren: Jena (Bryan) Macpherson, Karlee (Austyn) Walbruck, Kelly (Jake) Borth, Heidi Skewes and Beckett and Gavin Thoma; great-grandchildren: Lillian, Emellia, Lucille and Allidya Macpherson; siblings, Karen (Wilfred) Grieser, Cambridge; Kaylene (Bob) Dailey, New London and Glenna (Tom) Bleck, New London; sister-in-law, Judi Thoma, Hortonville and in-laws Edward and Violet Broschka, Hinsdale, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Adela Thoma; brother, Steven Thoma and in-laws, John and Eleanor Hastings.
The Christian funeral for Doug will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sugar Bush with Rev. Kenneth Rodrigue officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church Friday. Burial will be at Ruckdashel Cemetery, Town of Lebanon.
We are saddened by his leaving us, but we rejoice at his entrance to heaven. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Ps. 116:15).
“You have touched so many lives throughout your years and it is a privilege to call you husband, Dad and Grandpa, to have had your guidance to follow, your stories to cherish and your love to treasure……we hope you have known how important you are to us and how much you are loved.” Love, your family
A memorial fund has been established.
Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family.