David F. Thomas

David Fraser Thomas, 92, of Eagan, formerly of Red Wing, died Sunday, January 30, 2011, at his home. He was born April 14, 1918 in Minneapolis, to David and Jessica (Robertson) Thomas. He was a 1937 graduate of Washburn High School in Minneapolis, and then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1941. He married Winifred Webster on July 25, 1942 in Milwaukee. They lived in Palmerton, PA and moved to Minneapolis in 1943, where they lived until 1951 when they moved to West St. Paul, where they raised their family. He worked for Northwest Airlines during the war effort and later began his career at the Waterous Company in St. Paul, where they manufactured pumps and hydrants. He became head of engineering and later vice president before retiring in the late 1980's. In 1989 he and Winifred moved to Red Wing. They enjoyed spending their winters in Tucson, Arizona, and he also enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

He is survived by four children, Mary (John Atkins) Bourn of Reserve, New Mexico, Ruth Herring of San Francisco, Calif., Barbara Rakstad of Normal, Ill. and William (Lisa Sell) Thomas of St. Paul; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one sister, Alice Griffith of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Winifred in 2006 and two sisters, Helen and Mary.

Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at Christ Episcopal Church with Father Theo Park officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home.
www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com