Richard "Uncle Richard" Matthew Thomas

Richard was born June 21, 1945 in Faribault, MN to the late Matthew & Florence Thomas.

Richard graduated from Faribault High School in 1964, he served in the US Army Reserves from 1965-1972. Richard worked at Northland Electric in sales from 1967-1982, and started in 1982 at Electro -Tech Inc, in 1984 he was named a principal in the firm and director of operations and retired from that position in 2001.

He purchased his retirement cabin in Solon Springs, WI in 1988, and he moved to the area permanently in 2001 after his retirement.

Richard enjoyed fishing, downhill skiing, golfing, shooting pool, playing cards, spending time with his dog, and listening – singing to the oldies.

Richard was a member of the North Central manufacture Electric Club for many years, the Solon Springs Lions Club, Men’s Pool League, Hidden Greens men’s, couples, senior and open scramble Golf Leagues. He was known to many as “Uncle Richard”.

He is survived by his niece Cedra Thomas Martinez and her four sons, Robert, Andrel, Jacob and Garett Martinez of CA. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law James (Barb) Pettit of Solon Springs; three niece-in-laws Debbie (Tim) Gengenbach of Solon Springs, WI, Kathy (Jim) Dahlberg of Solon Springs, WI, two nephew-in-laws Scott (Diane) Pettit of Solon Springs, WI and James (Diane) Pettit of Duluth, MN; and several great nieces and nephews; and special friend Mary Ann Pettit He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and William Thomas, and one nephew Charles Pettit.

A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 p.m., May 4th, 2014 at the St. Croix Inn, 11390 South Fifth St. in Solon Springs, WI 54873. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Service Assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.brownfuneralhome.net