- Born on: May 9, 1932
- Departed on: June 17, 2025
- Resided in: Wadena, IA
Milton "Woody" Lavern Thomas
Milton Lavern “Woody” Thomas, 93 of Wadena, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at his home. Woody was born to James and Luseva (Voshell) Thomas on May 9, 1932, in Oelwein, Iowa.
Woody married his high school sweetheart, Corrine Kay Kuhens, on October 22, 1953. They were married for 71 years. To this union four children were born, Debra, Kevin, Cindy, and Brian. A nephew, Donald Shippy, joined the family.
Woody graduated from Wadena High School in 1950. He joined the US Marine Corps on July 3, 1952, and served four years of active duty. He was employed by the Fayette County Highway Dept. as office manager from July 10, 1956, to June 17, 1994. Woody was chairman of the 911 Service Board and was a Wadena volunteer fire fighter for 50 years. He became an EMT in 1973 and served with the West Union Ambulance Service until December 31, 1989, and started the First Responders in Wadena. He was a member of the Post 631 Wadena American Legion; was one of the committee members of the All Veterans Memorial in Wadena, Iowa and the Wadena Lighted Cross; served in several offices for the City of Wadena; was a member of the Fayette Co. Pioneer Cemetery Commission and constructed flag poles for the Wadena cemetery; and was a member of the Wadena Community Church.
Woody is survived by his wife Kay Thomas; three children, Debra (James) Dahl, West Union, Iowa, Kevin (Kathy) Thomas, Fayette, Iowa, Cindy (Eric) Boehm, Wadena, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Krista Thomas; nephew, Donny (Sandra) Shippy, Waterloo, Iowa; grandchildren, Kodi (Rasoul) Khadivar, Kelsi (Matthew) Solheim, Brandon (Amanda) Thomas, Kaitlin Johansen, Samuel Thomas, Jamie (Travis) Benning, Andrew (Lauren Willis) Boehm, Allison Boehm (Carter Dollen), Bridget (Tanner) Creery, Abigail Thomas, Heather (Jeremy) Hills, Hallie Thomas (Collin Morris); 21 great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren, brother-In-law, Garry (Pat) Kuhens; and many nieces and nephews.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Thomas; grandson, Brenton Thomas; 6 brothers, 9 sisters, two half-brothers, and two brothers-in-law.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Woody married his high school sweetheart, Corrine Kay Kuhens, on October 22, 1953. They were married for 71 years. To this union four children were born, Debra, Kevin, Cindy, and Brian. A nephew, Donald Shippy, joined the family.
Woody graduated from Wadena High School in 1950. He joined the US Marine Corps on July 3, 1952, and served four years of active duty. He was employed by the Fayette County Highway Dept. as office manager from July 10, 1956, to June 17, 1994. Woody was chairman of the 911 Service Board and was a Wadena volunteer fire fighter for 50 years. He became an EMT in 1973 and served with the West Union Ambulance Service until December 31, 1989, and started the First Responders in Wadena. He was a member of the Post 631 Wadena American Legion; was one of the committee members of the All Veterans Memorial in Wadena, Iowa and the Wadena Lighted Cross; served in several offices for the City of Wadena; was a member of the Fayette Co. Pioneer Cemetery Commission and constructed flag poles for the Wadena cemetery; and was a member of the Wadena Community Church.
Woody is survived by his wife Kay Thomas; three children, Debra (James) Dahl, West Union, Iowa, Kevin (Kathy) Thomas, Fayette, Iowa, Cindy (Eric) Boehm, Wadena, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Krista Thomas; nephew, Donny (Sandra) Shippy, Waterloo, Iowa; grandchildren, Kodi (Rasoul) Khadivar, Kelsi (Matthew) Solheim, Brandon (Amanda) Thomas, Kaitlin Johansen, Samuel Thomas, Jamie (Travis) Benning, Andrew (Lauren Willis) Boehm, Allison Boehm (Carter Dollen), Bridget (Tanner) Creery, Abigail Thomas, Heather (Jeremy) Hills, Hallie Thomas (Collin Morris); 21 great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren, brother-In-law, Garry (Pat) Kuhens; and many nieces and nephews.
Woody was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Thomas; grandson, Brenton Thomas; 6 brothers, 9 sisters, two half-brothers, and two brothers-in-law.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
