Robert William Thomas
Robert “Bob” William Thomas, a man referred to by his children as “The Mayor,” died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after a battle with ALS. Bob, 70, of Charlotte, formerly of Gwinn, MI was born on May 17, 1955, the son of Clarence and Janetta (Medlyn) Thomas. He graduated from Negaunee High School in 1974. In school Bob was very involved in sports, he played basketball, football, track, and fast pitch softball. In his younger years Bob enjoyed the summer spent at their family camp on Big Shag Lake in Gwinn. On April 28, 1989, Bob married his former high school classmate, Nita Koski, and together they spent the next 36 years creating many lasting memories. Being born and raised in the UP, Bob was a huge Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan, although he did enjoy U of M football and MSU basketball. Many will remember Bob for his jokester personality and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone that he crossed paths with. In 2018, Bob and Nita moved to Charlotte to be closer to their grandchildren. He loved spending any time he could with them and enjoyed watching their sporting events. Bob loved his dog Tai, and his grand-dogs, Tank and Maverick. He found great comfort in having them around.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nita; children, Danielle (Wayne) Thomas of Dallas, TX, Kenna (Gus) Farrach of Dallas, TX, Amy (Travis) VanAlstine of Charlotte, MI, Jeramie (Susan) Soderberg of Midland, MI, and Jason (Kendall) Soderberg of New Ulm, MN; 23 grandchildren; siblings, Jane Nordeen of Gwinn, MI, Sally (Archie) Mitchell of Ishpeming, MI, Richard (Barbie) Thomas of Gwinn, MI; sister-in-law, Marilyn Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, John Thomas, and Jim Thomas.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.