Mark Aldro Thomas (73), a beloved family man known for his joyful smile, witty nature, and celebrated career as an award winning social worker, claimed the promise of his baptism while in hospice care in his home in Broomfield Colorado on May 29, 2025. Mark was born on October 19, 1951 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin to a loving family who farmed near Cobb, Wisconsin. His parents, Aldro and Melva Thomas, had three older children Deane, Beverly, and Kay. Mark was baptized (2/10/52) and confirmed (6/6/65) at Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb, where his parents and siblings were all actively involved.

Mark graduated from Iowa-Grant High School with special interests in band, chorus, forensics, and football. His brother Deane got him involved in 4H, and his Hereford steer won him the grand championship one year. In 1973, Mark graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a double major in psychology and social work. While at Wartburg College, he met the love of his life, and on June 9, 1973, he married Patricia Fuerst at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hildreth, Nebraska. Mark earned a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1976. He spent most of his career as a social worker in three school districts surrounding Independence, Iowa. Mark’s days were filled working with individual students, doing group work, providing consultation to teachers and parents, networking with community agencies, and offering evening parent education. He held many leadership roles in professional social work organizations promoting the values of school social workers. Mark was honored by the Iowa School Social Work Association as the Iowa School Social Worker of the Year in 1991. Staff members enjoyed Mark’s greetings as they were often accompanied by a joke. Mark’s playful delivery always got a laugh. The spark in his blue eyes, his happy smile, and witty nature made him a pleasure to be around.

As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence for 35 years, his involvement in the work of the Lord was also important to him. He served on the church council and call committee, taught Sunday School, and sang in the Senior Choir.

In 2000, a brain tumor was discovered and removed, causing Mark to retire early. In 2011, Mark and Pat moved to Colorado to be near their two sons, Jason and Brian, and their families. Their love and support brought forth many wonderful family memories. In 2012, Mark and Pat joined Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, and became members of the Chancel Choir. Declining health kept Mark from being able to stay involved, but he always participated in worship as best he could.

Mark is predeceased by his parents, Aldro and Melva Thomas; his brother, Deane; his sister, Kay; his brothers-in-law, Nick Nice and Arlyn Fuerst; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Fuerst; and two nephews, Casey Nice and Jeremy Fuerst. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Thomas, and his two sons and their families: Jason (Melissa) Thomas of Westminster, Colorado, and their children, Sydney and Bryce; and Brian (Katie) Thomas of Lafayette, Colorado, and their children, Carson and Aliana. He is also survived by his sister Beverly Nice of Boscobel, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Nancy Thomas of Cobb, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Curt Nodolf of Milton, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Dick Fuerst of Kearney, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Carolyn Fuerst of Lakeville, Minnesota; and by fourteen nephews and nieces and their families.

A Liturgy of Resurrection for Mark will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope on June 7th, 2025 at 3:00pm. The liturgy will be webcasted live and archived for later viewings at www.lchope.org/watch. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Foundation of Hope Fund of Lutheran Church of Hope at www.lchope.org/give or by mailing to 1305 W. 10th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020, or to Lutheran World Relief by a gift online at www.lwr.org.