Obituary of David John Thomes

David “Charlie” Thomes passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home in Arlington, May 15, at the age of 59. He courageously battled metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma for seven years. Charlie was born on March 23, 1957 in Arlington, MN to Ralph and Marilyn Thomes. He graduated from AGI High School in 1975. He was united in marriage with Brenda O’Brien on December 1, 1979. The couple welcomed five children into their family between 1985 and 1992. Charlie’s family was the most important part of his life. His children will always remember him as a loving, caring, hard-working, jack-of-all-trades, best dad in the world. Charlie called himself a PD - “professional driver,” driving for Locher Bros., Kamps, Inc., Trebelhorns & Associates, and Cemstone until he was forced to retire in 2014 due to his illness. He was highly dedicated to his career and had an unmatched work ethic. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was active on the Arlington Sportsman’s Park Board and enjoyed playing slow pitch softball with his brothers and friends for many years. Charlie is survived by his wife Brenda, children Billy (Bethany Trout), Sally (Brandon Barth), Tricia (Luke) Westphal, Mick, and Mary (Taylor Trimbo and son Mason Trimbo), and his “little buddy” Seger. Siblings include Dick (Carol) Thomes, Margo (Harlan) Otto, Susie (Mike) McCarthy, Norma Thomes (Scott Wheeler), Barry (Connie) Thomes, Lorie Thomes, John (Amy) Thomes, and Bob (Gail) Thomes. In-laws include Colleen (Mark) Trebelhorn, Dan (Pam) O’Brien, Lisa O’Brien, Marie (Scott) Brau, Tony (Lynn) O’Brien, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Marilyn Thomes, brother Dan “Buck” Thomes, in-laws Bill and Dorothy O’Brien, and brother-in-law Willie O’Brien. A visitation and funeral are scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arlington. The visitation will start at 3:00 pm with a funeral mass to follow at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.