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Jack Thomas, born on November 21, 1945, in Carthage, Missouri, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, and love. Except for two years in Wausau, he grew up in Rice Lake, where he graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1963. He furthered his education at a vocational school in Eau Claire, earning an associate degree in engineering.
Jack honorably served his country for a year in Vietnam before marrying the love of his life, Diane Rust, in 1973. Together, they built a life in River Falls, where Jack worked at Bob and Arnie’s TV before beginning a 43-year career at Ecolab as a mechanical engineer. He retired in 2016.
An avid outdoorsman, Jack enjoyed trap shooting, camping, and trips to Disney World. He also dedicated time to coaching high school trap shooting at both St. Croix Central and Tartan High School. Jack was a problem solver and always willing to lend a hand, earning a reputation for being able to fix anything.
Jack was a devoted member of the Methodist Church in New Richmond, serving as Chairperson of the Trustees. He was also a Mason and dedicated member of the Zor Shrine Club. His hobbies included Ham radio communication, trap shooting, baking and most recently embroidery.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellwood and Beth Thomas, and his adopted mother, Ardis Campbell Thomas, as well as his sister Cathie Campbell and brother Don Campbell.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane, daughters Katie (Dan) Shipman and Pam (Olin) Glick, and granddaughter Asher Shipman. He also leaves behind his sister Jill Thomas, sister-in-law Sally Campbell, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Jack’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital. A Celebration of Jack’s Life was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12 pm at the New Richmond United Methodist Church 209 E 2nd Street New Richmond, WI. Visitation was also on Thursday from 10 am – 12 pm at the church. Interment was in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Jack’s service
36 Comments
We have lost a great guy and a wonderful friend. Our coffee group will never be the same. Rest in Peace Jack, we will never forget you.
God bless you and keep you Jack. Rest in eternal peace.
So sorryto hear of Jacks passing. Our sympathy to Jill Diane and family
I’ll always remember our pheasant hunts together at LeBlanc Rice Creek Hunting in Little Falls, MN. You were always the best shot and also a good friend. I will truly miss you.
Our condolences to the family. Jack will be missed.
It condolences to Jack’s family. He was a great coach for the SCC Trap team for many years and will be greatly missed.
Jack you will be missed by the amateur radio community. Thank you for all that you did for ham radio.
73’s my good friend you will be missed!
To Jack’s family and friends,
I met Jack through the Road Runners and always enjoyed his friendship and smile. While at the Wisconsin state high school trap shoot a couple of years ago I was lucky enough to bump into him again coaching. He truly loved to help kids.
He will be missed by so many.
Jack was one of the good guys. We worked together at Ecolab R&D on many projects and he was always a professional, knowledgeable, fun, team member to work with. Everyone always loved working with Jack and appreciated his input. My condolences go out to his family.
Our condolences and sympathy to Jack’s family. We enjoyed Jack, his stories and knowledge at a small Ecolab luncheon group he frequently attended
Deepest sympathy to Diane, Jill and all who knew and loved Jack.
You are all in my prayers. I really loved visiting with Jack, he always stopped by my desk to say hello. Great guy
What a fun part if my youth! Spent a lot of time at his home in Rice Lake. So sorry to hear about his death.. he will be missed!
Oh Jill and family, I am so sorry for your loss! May all your warm loving memories guide you through this difficult time. Hugs!
I worked on many R & D projects with Jack. He was very creative and was always very helpful in getting it done right. I want to be on his team.
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack and I were among the first high school trap coaches in the newly formed league and we both coached the Tartan High School trap team for many years. Jack was a good coach and friend, he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Dear Diane and Jill so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I worked with him at Ecolab for many years. He was such a great co-worker, mentor and friend to many. He was never too too busy to help or answer a question. Peace & comfort to Jack’s family. RIP Jack – you will be missed!!!
Diane and family,and Jill,
I know I share with the RLHS Class of 1963
in sending our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all of you! Jack was a wonderful classmate and friend to all. I, personally, don’t recall ever seeing Jack without a big smile on his face. He was always eager to help with reunions in any way possible. Please know that we care and will hold you all closely in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed!!!
Diane, Katie and Pam
We are saddened by Jack’s passing. He was a dear, gentle soul. Smart, kind, and giving. We have so many fond memories of our family gatherings. May he rest in peace with the angels.
Diane; Jack was one of my husband’s dearest and longest friends. (Gary (Doc) Soliday, I will forever remember Jack coming all the way to Superior for Doc’s funeral in March 2022. May you find comfort in the memories and love you shared.
I am sorry for your loss.
Diane and family- I’m so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you all!!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack always was a tremendous help to us all at Ecolab. I ran across Jack and his friends pretty regularly at the Kinni Cafe and they were always a table of guys having fun.
Diane. and Jill, We were so sad to hear of Jack’s death. May God surround you with His love and comfort. Our Love–Gary & Carole Kruger
Diane and Jill, We are so sad to hear of Jack’s death. .May God’s peace and comfort surround you. Our love, Gary a d Carole Sent
Jill, Diane, and family. So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Every time we saw him his beautiful personality beamed. Please accept our condolences.
Jack Thomas was a great guy,
Kind generous and a leader
He was so smart the coffee group gave him the well deserved name “Mr Wizard “
I will miss him!
Jill, Diane, and family. So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Every time we saw each other at church, I remnded him that is my birthday buddy and like a big brother! Enjoyed his friendship and know that he will be missed ALOT Please accept my condolences.
I am glad that Jack and I shared some years of our life’s journey together. It is with joy that I remember him. Personal peace to all.
Dearest Jill and Diane. Sending you all my love during this difficult time. Jack was a very special man.
Jack volunteered to help out the ham radio community of Wisconsin by becoming the VP of an organization called WeComm. This select group of hams maintains a statewide radio repeater network serving nearly every county. For several years Jack travelled throughout the state maintaining the equipment and installing new transmitters. Jack was an extremely thoughtful man who put the community first. Thank you Jack, it was my honor to be your friend.
Jack was incredibly generous and selfless. He was the epitome of doing good deeds in silence. I’ll always remember how he gave my husband a ride to a hospital in Minneapolis so he could be at the bedside of a young woman who, unfortunately, had collided with his semi. My husband wanted to be at her side but his employer wouldn’t let him turn the truck around. So he parked and called Uncle Jack to see if he would give him a ride. I don’t know how far Jack had to go to pick him up but it was no short distance. And he expected nothing in return. Thank you Uncle Jack so much for being there! We love you and you are greatly missed.
Diane, we are so sorry to hear about Jack. He was always so thoughtful and willing to help on all our band trips. Ages ago but we were like a family of gipses, every weekend traveling to parades. Fond memories !
Kathy and Tom Bowman
I’m so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him at Ecolab for many years, and he was a wonderful co-worker, mentor, friend, and sometimes partner in crime. Jack was always generous with his time, never too busy to help or answer a question. Wishing his family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jack—you will be deeply missed.
I was sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. Although we saw each other only infrequently in recent years there was a time long ago in River Falls when Sharon and I spent considerable time with Jack and Diane. We will treasure our memories and extend our condolences to Diane and the family.
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