Paul Alan Thomas, age 58, lifelong resident of Virginia, died unexpectedly Thursday, October 4, 2012, at his home. He was born December 23, 1953 in Virginia, the son of Charles and Clara (Fitzgerald) Thomas. Paul played football for and was a 1972 graduate of Virginia High school and Mesabi Junior College in 1974. He married Darlene "Dusty" Stenlund on September 21, 1991 in Virginia.
Paul worked at Erie Mining Co. and LTV as a millwright until its closing, a videographer, bartender, was a Night Manager of the MGM Night Club in Hibbing, worked at Super One, and most recently was a Water Aerobics Instructor at the YMCA.
He was a true sports fan. Paul coached elementary football, was actively involved in the Cherry School sports, was a rabid, 150% Vikings fan and a loyal Twins fan. He loved playing softball, and was fondly known as "Gramps" by his Bauman Team. Paul was a member of the Virginia Jaycee's and the Virginia Men's Bowling Association. He always had a smile, and a joke. Paul's mission was to leave everyone with a laugh.
Paul is survived by his wife: Darlene "Dusty" Thomas; sister: Linda (Jim) Bozich of Virginia; brother: Mike Thomas of Richfield, MN; brothers & sisters-in-law: Arlene Asuma, Les (Sandy) Stenlund, Bunny (Rick) Varani; mother-in-law: Betty Stenlund; aunt: Eleanor Spehar; nieces and nephews: Tim (Kelly) Thomas, Todd (Chris) Thomas, Kris (Mark) Doering, Dana Bozich, Andy Asuma, Ted (Jenna) Asuma, Jake Stenlund, Karl (Katrina) Stenlund, Becky (Eric) Cox, Heather Stenlund, Matt (Amanda) Stenlund and Shannon Stenlund; numerous great-nieces and nephews; the extended Briski family; and a host of friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law: Charles Stenlund; and brother: Tim Thomas; brother-in-law: Jim Asuma, and sister-in-law: Sue Thomas.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia. The gathering will continue Monday, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Celebration of Life Service. Reverend Father Ron Gagne will officiate.
Memorials are preferred.
Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Sunday October 7, 2012 , 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Monday October 8, 2012 , 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Celebration of Life Service

Monday October 8, 2012 , 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: December 23, 1953
Place of Birth: Virginia, MN
Death: October 4, 2012
Place of Death: Virginia, MN
Occupation: Paul worked at Erie Mining Co. and LTV as a millwright until its closing, a videographer, bartended, was a Night Manager of the MGM Night Club in Hibbing, worked at Super One, and most recently was a Water Aerobics Instructor at the YMCA.
Hobbies: He was a true sports fan. Paul coached elementary football, was actively involved in the Cherry School sports, was a rabid, 150% Vikings fan and a loyal Twins fan. He loved playing softball, and was fondly known as "Gramps" by his Bauman Team.
Organizations: Virginia Men's Bowling Association

Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to:
Memorails are preferred.