Blanche Louisea Thomas – Strawberry Point

Blanche Louisea Thomas, 94, of Strawberry Point, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Edgewood
Convalescent Home in Edgewood. She was born on October 31, 1931, in the family home in Strawberry Point, the
daughter of Louis and Flora (Williams) Miller. Blanche was raised in the area and attended a one room school
house thru 8 th grade. Growing up she enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and baseball with family and listening to her
dad play the accordion.

On January 25, 1948, Blanche was united in marriage to Donald Thomas at the United Methodist Church in
Strawberry Point. Five children were born to this union, Elaine, Christine, Bonnie, Jay, and Kay. Once Blanche and
Don were married, they started farming eventually farming on their family farm northwest of Strawberry Point for
40 years.

Blanche was involved in The Grange, American Legion Auxiliary, Social Sisters Club, and the United Methodist
Church. She enjoyed camping, fishing trips up north with fishing buddies, trips to the Iowa State Fair, cooking,
playing cards, babies and little kids, and most of all time spent with her family.

Survivors include her five children, Elaine Vaske of Strawberry Point, Christine Lenaers of Virginia Beach, Virginia,
Bonnie Goodell of Strawberry Point, Jay (Joan) Thomas of Greene, and Kay (David) Sheckles of Strawberry Point;
ten grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Janice) Miller of
Earlville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years, Donald Thomas; son-in-law, Jerry Vaske;
brothers, Wilber, Raymond, and Herbert Miller; sisters Dora and Gloria; half-brothers, August and Otto; half-
sisters, Helen and Melba.

Blanche would most like to be remembered for “having my five kids and being a wife and mother.”

The family would like to thank the Edgewood Convalescent Home and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care of
their mother.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point is assisting the family at this time.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa,
with Reverend Lisa Schroeder officiating

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point,
Iowa. Friends may also call on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist
Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa

Interment: Cass Township-Strawberry Point, Iowa