Joseph Thomas, 92, Velva, passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his bedside Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva. Joseph A. Thomas, the son of Michael and Magdalena (Schumacher) Thomas, was born Jan. 15, 1915, in his parents’ home near Verendrye. He was raised near Verendrye, worked with his parents on the farm and attended grade school and high school in Verendrye. Joseph married Frances Duchsherer Oct. 21, 1940, in Karlsruhe. Joe and Frances moved to a farm north of Velva where they raised cattle and farmed small grains. They were also in the dairy business selling milk to Winger Cheese in Towner. In 1980, they retired and moved into Velva and have continued to reside there since. Joe was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Velva, for 65 years. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge, both of Minot, and was a former member of the Velva Senior Citizens. He also served on the Velva Township Board for many years. He was an avid bowler and loved to dance. Joe enjoyed visiting with his friends and relatives, and playing cards. He loved his wife and children dearly. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to tell of his younger years and how he met Frances and carried her over the puddle at Penroys Pavilion near Verendrye. His loving family includes: wife of 66 years, Frances, Velva; five sons, Leo (Sandie) Thomas, John (Sheryl) Thomas, Jeff Thomas, all of Velva, Andrew (Debbie) Thomas, Great Falls, Mont., and Ronald (Sue) Thomas, Seattle; six daughters, Marcy (Patrick) Roehrich, Washburn, Bertha Abel, Deborah (Mike) Thiesen, both of Bismarck, Mary (Donald) Aaseth, Frances (Scott) Shivley and Rose (James) Hystad, all of Velva; daughter-in-law, Paulette Thomas Dailey, Minot; 39 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; sister, Katherine Duchscherer, Velva; brother, Andrew Thomas, Bremerton, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Robert and Joseph Jr.; son-in-law, Gerald Abel; daughter-in-law, Williminia "Billie" Thomas; grandson, Tommy Roehrich and Adam Harding; great-granddaughter, Karlea Gall; brothers, John, Philip, Wendlin and Michael; sisters, Helen Weninger, Annie Marie Duchsherer and Elizabeth Liebham.