David “Charlie” Thomes passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at home in Arlington on Sunday, May 15, at the age of 59. He courageously battled metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma for seven years.
A visitation and funeral were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arlington on Wednesday, May 18. The visitation started at 3 p.m. while a funeral mass followed at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials were preferred. Cremation Society of Minnesota was in charge of arrangements.
Charlie was born to Ralph and Marilyn Thomes in Arlington on March 23, 1957. He graduated from the Arlington-Green Isle High School in 1975. He was united in marriage with Brenda O’Brien on Dec. 1, 1979. The couple welcomed five children into their family between 1985 and 1992. Charlie’s family was the most important part of his life. His children will always remember him as a loving, caring, hard-working, jack-of-all-trades, best dad in the world.
Charlie called himself a PD -- “professional driver,” driving for Locher Bros., Kamps, Inc., Trebelhorns & Associates, and Cemstone until he was forced to retire in 2014 due to his illness. He was highly dedicated to his career and had an unmatched work ethic. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was active on the Arlington Sportsmen’s Park Board and enjoyed playing slow pitch softball with his brothers and friends for many years.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Brenda; children, Billy  (Bethany Trout), Sally  (Brandon Barth), Tricia (Luke) Westphal, Mick, Mary  (Taylor Trimbo and son, Mason Trimbo); and his “little buddy” Seger. Siblings include Dick (Carol) Thomes, Margo (Harlan) Otto, Susie (Mike) McCarthy, Norma Thomes (Scott Wheeler), Barry (Connie) Thomes, Lorie Thomes, John (Amy) Thomes and Bob (Gail) Thomes. In-laws include Colleen (Mark) Trebelhorn, Dan (Pam) O’Brien, Lisa O’Brien, Marie (Scott) Brau and Tony (Lynn) O’Brien; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marilyn Thomes; brother, Dan “Buck” Thomes; in-laws, Bill and Dorothy O’Brien; and brother-in-law, Willie O’Brien.