Bruce Thomas

Bruce Gerald Thomas, age 79, of St. Charles, formerly of Des Plaines, IL, passed away at his home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family following a short but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer, on Monday, July 27, 2015.

He was born June 16, 1936, in Chicago, IL, the son of Howard and Lily (Bryntesen) Thomas.

Though he was born in Chicago, Bruce’s family moved to Park Ridge where he spent most of his growing up years. He attended local schools and graduated from Main Township High School, what is now Maine East.

Before leaving Lincoln Memorial University in TN with his diploma, Bruce was elected senior class president.

Bruce was proud of his county and of his service as a Sgt. in the National Guard.

During this time, Bruce worked at A.B. Dick, a manufacturing company in Niles, IL. There was a certain lady who walked down the halls and caught his eye, but when Marsha Scheunemann caught his heart, the only walking they did was down the aisle. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1961.

They began their life together in Des Plaines. As their family began to grow, Bruce found work at General Business Forms in Skokie. In 2000, Bruce and Marsha moved to St. Charles near their family in Geneva.

Bruce was a member of the Fox Valley Aero Club in St. Charles, and loved it!

Bruce loved making model airplanes that flew through the sky and model boats that sailed across the pond. He also enjoyed casting a line and hoping for the best when he fished at his favorite spot. He didn’t necessarily drink wine often, but he loved to taste it. Bruce often came home from tastings excited to share a new find. His tastes were well rounded and his opinions were unwavering and unapologetic, especially when it came to “bad wines”. Photography was also a hobby that consumed his time, but all things stopped when his beloved Bears or Cubs were playing on T.V. Bruce was known for his own unique brand of “phrases” fondly referred to as “Bruce-isms” by his grandsons. He will be long remembered for his favorites. His family was his most prized possession and included not only his grandchildren, but also his four legged best friends. Dachshund was his breed of choice but there was nothing miniature about the home they made in his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marsha Thomas; One daughter, Kimberly Jo (Greg) Czaruk and three grandchildren: Dan (Lyn) Czaruk, Jonathon Czaruk and Steve Czaruk.

He is preceded by his son Michael Bruce Thomas, his brother Howard Thomas Jr. and his parents, Howard Sr. and Lily Thomas.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. Private family services and interment will be held Friday, July 31, 2015.

Donations are kindly requested for the pediatric oncology program at Central DuPage Hospital; those gifts can be sent to: Cadence Health Foundation, 0S050 Winfield Rd., Suite 200, Winfield, IL 60190.

Private family services and interment will be held Friday, July 31, 2015.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn.