Robert J. “Bob” Thomas

Bob was born Oct. 20, 1953, in Norway, son of the late Gordon and Claradean (Amond) Thomas. He was a 1972 graduate of Kingsford High School and worked as a coating plant operator at the Niagara Paper Mill for 38 years before retiring in 2008. Following retirement, he continued his education and earned an associate degree in business from Bay College. On June 30, 2001, Bob married the love of his life, Elaine Engman, in Kingsford.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time at camp. One of his favorite pastimes was operating heavy equipment and he could fix almost anything. Bob was caring and big-hearted and would lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in 2011.

Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Matthew (Mary Grace) Thomas of Iron Mountain; Stacey (Jose) Navarez of Port Huron, Mich.; and Stephanie (Amy) Mauk of Green Bay, Wis.; stepdaughter, Christy Lynn (Robert) Kafka; and stepson, John (Maygen) Thomas; six grandchildren and seven stepgrandchildren. He is also survived by his five sisters, Jean Marcell (Fred Antonissen) of Quinnesec, Margaret (Mike) Wilcox of Lillian, Ala., Elaine (Christine) Pasinski Thomas of Madison, Wis., Diane Thomas of Middleton, Wis., and Phyllis (Scott) Rappi of Kingsford; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia (Larry) Easley; and a nephew, Daniel Wilcox.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Condolences to the family of Robert J. “Bob” Thomas may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.