Blanche Louisea (Miller) Thomas

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 8th 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; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 17 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; sisters, Dora and Gloria; half-brothers, August and Otto; and 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.

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