Benedict Dennis "Denny" Thomas

Benedict “Denny” Thomas, 66 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at Sanford Medical Center on Broadway, Fargo with his loving family at his side.  

Benedict Dennis, son of Benedict G. and Eileen (Grimsley) Thomas was born on July 16, 1952 at Devils Lake, ND.  He attended St. Mary’s Academy and attended Devils Lake High School.  He would call Devils Lake his home his entire life. 

He entered the United States Army on November 30, 1970 and proudly and honorably served his country in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He was discharged on April 30, 1972.  He returned to Devils Lake and worked at various job.  Denny then began a more than 25 year career with Burlington Northern Railroad.  

Denny was united in marriage to Becky Frueh on June 15, 1985 at Goodrich, ND.  They were the proud parents of 2 daughters, Sarah and Meghan. Denny treasured spending time with his family and relished his new title of “Grandpa.”  Denny loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, golfing and the companionship of his dogs.  

Those who were blessed to share in Denny’s life include his wife Becky; daughters Sarah (Ty) Skarda, Watford City, ND and Meghan Thomas (Chance) of Devils Lake and twin grandsons Jax and Miles Skarda; Amanda (Travis) Flax of Kansas; siblings Bernadine (Jim) Solwey, St. Michael, ND, Colleen (Bucky) Joramo, Kathy Hanson and Barbara “Bobbie” (Bruce) Bock all of Fargo, Jim (Jani) Thomas, Minot, ND, Mick Thomas, Bismarck, ND, Margie (Steve) Giauque, Bemidji, MN and Billy (Lynne) Thomas of Pierre, SD; in-laws Lois (Ken) Helmer, Mandan, ND, Nancy (Fred) Felchle, Bismarck and Randy (Sue) Frueh, Goodrich; many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law Alvin and Esther Frueh; brothers-in-law Gil Hanson, Neil Elverud and Larry Frueh and nephews Travis Thomas, Kevin Frueh and Kyle Thomas.  

Casket Bearers for Denny will be: Jim Shanks, Richard Gehrtz, Sean Lovin, Carson Lovin, Matt Schultz, David Elverud, Jerad Felchle, Ty Skarda, and Chance Sotvik. 

Denny’s many friends will serve as honorary bearers.  

Funeral Services for Denny will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10:30 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Tom Wescott officiating.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Army. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, July 27^th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m.   Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.