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Thomas, Fred R.
Fred R. Thomas, 87, founder and owner of Freddy's Beach, Delhi, Iowa, went to rest with his Lord on Sept. 21, 2011. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Earlville. Memorial services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Delhi United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Lorraine Hartman. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church. An additional memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Grace Point Church on Windsor Avenue (formerly Third Presbyterian) in Dubuque, where the family will greet friends one hour before the service.
Fred was born March 3, 1924, in Dubuque, the son of Roscoe and Letta Thomas. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1942. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1942 and retired from that position in 1980. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1943-1946.
In 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hennings, enjoying 65 wonderful years together. In 1950, Fred founded Freddy's Beach, ClairView Acres in Delhi, and operated that resort until 2006 at which time he retired to enjoy “his” lake.
Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy Thomas of Delhi; two devoted children, Kristine Thomas Cooey and Fred R. “Ross” (Jill) Thomas Jr.; five blessed grandchildren, James Thomas (Linda) Pingel, Ryan Cooey, Joseph Cooey, Joshua (Lauren) Thomas and Amber (Chris) Thomas Froemming; 11 great-grandchildren, Harlie, Aubrey, Adia, Cherylyn, Hunter, Dakota, Sierra, Satine, Aspen, Devin and Blake; and several wonderful nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Letta Thomas; brothers, Bill and Bob Thomas; a sister, Berniece; and an infant daughter, Priscilla.
As generous in death as in life, Fred has donated his body to the University of Iowa for research.
Due to his love of the lake, any friends who wish to honor his memory, may send a memorial to Freddy's Beach/ClairView Acres Restoration Fund, c/o their friend, Shirley Christensen, 20862 262nd St., Delhi, IA 52223.
Fred's family would like to especially thank the staff at Garden View for their loving care of my husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Please sign the online guest book for Fred at under obituaries.
Published Sept. 23, 2011, in The Gazette
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