Obit: Thomas, Gayle M. (1931 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bargender, Cain, Dunn, Engelking, Graham, Hoffmann, Schraufnagel, Smith, Thomas

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 11/30/2016

Thomas, Gayle M. (Schraufnagel) (15 APR 1931 - 27 NOV 2016)

Gayle M. Thomas, age 85, of Dorchester, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27 at Golden Living Center-Continental Manor under the tender care of hospice surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gayle was born on April 15, 1931, the daughter of Elmer and Margaret (Engelking) Schraufnagel in Abbotsford. She graduated from Abbotsford High School.

On Jan. 24, 1953, Gayle was united in marriage to George Thomas in Ashland. He preceded her in death in 1979.

Gayle worked as a dental assistant prior to her marriage, raised her three children and later worked at Ben Franklin in Abbotsford and designed flowers for Thomas Floral in Medford. Her family was always her top priority. She was a gifted seamstress, enjoyed crafting in her later years, was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Gayle is survived by her three children, Guy (Barbara) Thomas of Janesville, Gary (Carla) Thomas of Abbotsford and Gwen Thomas of Dorchester; four grandchildren, Jami (Rich) Thomas Dunn of Chicago, Ill., Killian Cain of Athens, Tana Thomas of Green Bay and Jade Thomas of Abbotsford; and one great-granddaughter, Ellison Gayle Dunn of Chicago. She is further survived by her six siblings, Alan (Nancy) Schraufnagel, Beth (Lawrence) Bargender, Noel (Darlene) Schraufnagel, Karin (Robert) Hoffmann, Lynda Graham and Trudee (Gus) Smith; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George, and a brother, Owen Schraufnagel.

The Thomas family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Continental Manor for the excellent care their mother received the past few months.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.