Lawrence "Larry" Michael Thomas

Lawrence M. “Larry” Thomas passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly family on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born on November 2, 1930, in Berlin, Wisconsin, to Benjamin and Leocadia Thomas, and grew up as one of seven children alongside Kathleen, James, Rosemary, Kenneth, Tom, and Joan. On April 28, 1956, Larry married the love of his life, Phyllis Kathryn Gehrke, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Berlin, Wisconsin. Together they raised five children—Michael (Troya), David (who preceded him in death in 2013), Gerald (Jackie), Kay, and Scott—and built a family life filled with love, laughter, and enduring values.

Larry graduated from Berlin High School in 1948 and went on to earn his B.S. degree from the University of Madison, Wisconsin in 1952. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954, working as a field lab tech.

Following his military service, Larry dedicated 36 years to the Borden Company in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where he worked in research and quality control. Larry was blessed with 11 grandchildren—Sandra Lee, Michael Ben, Jason, Jordyn, Nicholaus, Tara, Kyle, Tanya, Crystal, Chris, and the late Joshua, who preceded him in 2022, and 8 great-grandchildren---Jordan, Jax, Finn, Layla Luca, Ryland, Avaelyn and Elliana. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Larry found happiness in golfing, bowling, and playing cards.

Larry’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved the lessons he shared, and the countless lives he influenced. Larry will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, quick wit and love for jokes.

Larry's committal service with military honors will take place at Florida Memorial Gardens, located at 5950 Highway US 1 Rockledge, FL 32955, on April 25th at 2:00 pm, where he will be laid to rest. Compassionately cared for by Fountainhead Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Palm Bay, Florida.