David Robert Thomas

Stoughton- David Robert Thomas, age 87, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born in Wood County on September 21, 1936, the youngest of four children, to John and Grace Thomas. 

David graduated from high school in Auburndale. On June 23, 1958 he married Janet Gaffney. Together they enjoyed raising their five children and playing cards with friends. David worked as a Tool and Die maker for several companies, including Sundstrand in Rockford, the Chrysler Plant in Belvedere, and Madison KIPP where he retired after 28 years. David enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, gardening, and watching the Cubs and the Packers. 

The family moved to Edgerton in 1991 where David was active in the community, serving as an alderman, starting the Senior Center, and was a beloved school bus driver. In 2016 the Cubs won the world series and David and Janet returned to Stoughton to be closer to family. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, taking them to watch magic shows and different activities at the Stoughton Senior Center, baking a special treat at home, and cranking up old country music in the car. David was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton and looked forward to Wednesday night church supper. He also looked forward to Thursday lunches at the Senior Center with friends.

David is survived by his children, Michelle (Gary) Clancy, Mary Thomas Mertz, Jean (Kevin) Johnson, and Michael (Andrea) Thomas; grandchildren, Sarah (Peyton) Redding, Joseph (Jessi) Clancy, Erin Rexha, Emily (Matthew) Shoop, Teresa Thomas, Kelly Thomas, Zach (Abby Bowe) Thomas, Mikayla Thomas; great grandchildren, Benjamin, Besa, Olivia, JoAnna, John, and Abigail; and special friends, Tammy Houser, Jim Hanson, Jerry Graffin, Tom Swenson, and Gerry Ross. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet; daughter, Peggy; granddaughter, Emma; son-in-law, Al Mertz; brothers, Bill (Janice) and Merton “Jack” Thomas; and sister, Betty Plummer.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Road B, Stoughton, with Rev. Paula Geister-Jones officiating. Internment will follow at Lutheran Cemetery South. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Stoughton Senior Center.

A special thank you to the staffs of Stoughton Hospital and Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care.

Please share your memories of David by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244