Barry C. Thomas, 52, of rural New Lisbon and formerly of Elroy passed away Jan. 15, 2015, at his home.
He was born March 24, 1962, in Rockford, Ill., to Mike and April (Berg) Thomas. Barry graduated from Royall High School in 1980. He was united in marriage to Elaine Weed on April 23, 1983, in Elroy.
Barry was a hard worker, and while in high school he worked for Milt Wiesner at the blending facility in Elroy. Ultimately he became president/owner of BARDO Custom Blending in 1989, which continued to grow and expand its operations.
He had many other things he enjoyed; at the top of his list was the love for his wife and girls. He was a diehard and lifelong Green Bay Packers fan as well as a Milwaukee Brewers fan. Barry was a history buff and collected antique guns; enjoyed classic rock, especially the Beatles; enjoyed “The Three Stooges”; was a Ford Mustang buff; and enjoyed working on projects and fixing things. Barry enjoyed playing cribbage with his father-in-law for a “buck.” He was a baseball player during high school and continued being a supporter of Joe Vitcenda and the Royall baseball program.
Barry was a light-hearted, positive person who enjoyed life and loved his friends. He is survived by his best friend and loving companion of 35 years, Elaine; his daughters, Rachel (Joe) Miller and Ali Thomas; a grandchild, Troian; his mother, April (Jan) Van Rens; his father, Mike (Trish) Thomas; his brothers, Bryce and Ross Thomas; his sisters, Laurie Thomas, Jessica (Chris) Hannes, Jessica (Doug) Portnoy and Elizabeth (Chris) Ferrell; Elaine’s family, father-in-law, Duane Weed; sister-in-law, Maria Lannes; brothers-in-law, Tom (Gina) Labansky and Doug (Lisa) Weed; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Doris Berg; his mother-in-law, Joyce Weed; and his brother-in-law, Danny Bender.
Friends may call from 2–4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Picha Funeral Home, 1600 Academy St., Elroy. A time of reflection will be at 4 p.m. A private family burial will take place at Fowler Prairie Cemetery in Elroy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for the Elroy City Summer Recreation Program.
