MICHAEL J. THOMA

MICHAEL J. THOMA

     Michael John Thoma died Wednesday, March 6, peacefully at his home. Mike was born Feb. 21, 1955, the son of Virginia (Holtz) and Henry Thoma, and lived his entire life on the family farm in Globe, WI.

     Mike attended Neillsville Public Schools and graduated in 1973. He was a farmer with his father for many years. After his dad passed away in 1999, Mike attended Chippewa Valley Technical Institute and graduated with an associate degree in collision repair in 2001. He then went on to work at Abby Vans of Neillsville.

     Mike enjoyed history of all types and could be found on his computer reading and researching different eras, both ancient and modern, and could tell you about any period of time. He also enjoyed watching videos and looking up pictures of famous TV stars and music of the 60s, 70s and 80s as well as browsing the internet, doing crosswords, and playing Solitaire. One of his favorite hobbies was historic train preservation, and he took an active part in trying to locate abandoned engines and cars and then helping to restore them. He was a member of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Historical Society and he enjoyed his visits to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in Freedom, WI.

     In later years, Mike became interested in old furniture restoration and was proud of the vintage phones and radio cabinet he restored. He also loved animals, but his latest passion was organic gardening where he planted, nurtured, and harvested organic vegetables calling it his “Happy Place.”

     Mike was truly an interesting guy if you took the time to listen to him regale you with his knowledge on a variety of subjects. His voice and laugh could fill a room, but he could also be found quietly praying. He was quietly preparing to meet his maker where he is now enjoying those who have gone before him and the freedom of the physical limitations of disability.

     Mike was preceded in death by his father, Henry Thoma. 

     He is survived by his mother, Virginia Thoma of Neillsville to whom he was devoted and cared for at home; his sister, Patsy McLean (Thoma); and brother-in-law Rod McLean of Monona, WI.

     Visitation for Mike was from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Globe, WI, with services held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nathan Wilke officiating. The service was also be live-streamed.

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Mike’s family with funeral arrangements.