Wesley Eugene Thomas was born on August 4, 1941, to Richard and Margaret (Weik) Thomas in Fergus Falls, MN.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep at Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN on September 2, 2025.
He attended Lake Park (MN) school, graduating in 1959. He voluntarily enlisted in the Army and spent most of his three years stationed in Germany working as a tank mechanic.
Upon his discharge he began his 50-year career selling GM vehicles at Overvold Motors in Fargo. Through buyouts, he stayed with the same company as it became Heritage Motorcar, Selland’s and finally Luther Buick, Pontiac, GMC except for a few years when he bought the GM dealership in Ada in 1977. From his time going back to work in Fargo to his retirement in 2013, he made a daily commute to Fargo-Moorhead from Ada.
He married Audrey Bjerke on June 16, 1968, in Cavalier, ND. Together they raised three kids, Ryan, Heather and Kati. Her passing in 2024 was devasting to him.
He was remarkably generous of his time and willingness to volunteer. This began with the Moorhead Jaycees, where he rose to the level of a State Vice President, earning the organization’s highest honor, the JCI Senator award.
He continued on with the Moorhead Masons, working countless pancake and taco feeds and onion sales, culminating with the prestigious Hiram Award. He attended Masons meetings and events until he could no longer make the drive.
Additionally, he was a volunteer firefighter, was a longtime usher at Grace Lutheran Church and was active with the local VFW and American Legion. Meanwhile, he donated more than 10 gallons of blood.
Wes was a bona fide cribbage enthusiast. In retirement, Wes enjoyed repairing and building toy tractors and trucks.
Wes is survived by his kids, Ryan (Heidi) Thomas of Bemidji, Heather (Eric) Schmidt of Fargo and Kati Sorenson of Barnesville; eight grandchildren, Dylan Thomas, Lily Thomas, Zoe Thomas, Ezekiel Schmidt, Zane Schmidt, Olivia Sorenson, Cora Sorenson and Thomas Sorenson; one brother, Merl (Mary Kay) Thomas of Cambridge; one aunt, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 55 years.
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, September 8, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM.
Interment with full military rites: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.
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