David C. Thomas

David C. Thomas, 91, of Janesville, WI, died on March 6, 2026. David was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on May 11, 1934, the son of Chester and Vivian Thomas. He attended school in Port Edwards, WI, graduating from John Edward High School. David married Dorothy E. Hirsch of Boscobel, WI, on March 25, 1956, in Boscobel. David earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts from Wisconsin State College in Platteville, WI, and his Master’s degree in Industrial Arts from Stout State College at Menomonie, WI. After having served two years in the US Army, achieving the rank of Specialist Third Class, David was an Industrial Arts teacher and instructional manager for 33 years in Janesville. He began his teaching at Marshall Junior High School and then, for the greatest portion of his career, at Franklin Junior High School. As a member of the Janesville Education Association, David served for several years on the Insurance Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Janesville Education Association Credit Union.

David was an active member of Cargill United Methodist Church, serving as Trustee, Lay Leader, Chairman of the Administrative Council, a member of the Board of Directors on the Cargill Foundation, and on numerous committees and task forces. He was also an Assistant Scoutmaster of Cargill’s Boy Scout Troop, where his two sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After retiring from the teaching profession, he spent several years as Caretaker at Cargill, delivered meals for the Meals-On-Wheels program, and was a 30-year volunteer at Rotary Garden, serving as a “Grumpy.”

David enjoyed working with wood, both carpentry and cabinet making. He was proud of the fact that he designed and built his own house in Janesville with the help of friends. David loved nature, and the family spent many summers hiking and camping. He was also a family history buff and compiled a family history that included not only facts about family members but also information about the circumstances in which they lived.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Vivian Thomas, and sister Marian (Rodger) Schwartz. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Thomas, son Stephen Thomas, son Daniel (Kay) Thomas, grandchildren Elizabeth (Timothy) Upper and Joshua (Danielle) Thomas, and great-grandchildren, Gideon Upper, Phoebe Upper, Luke Upper, and Violet Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Friday, May 29, 2026, at Rotary Botanical Gardens, Janesville, WI. Entombment will be in the Milton Lawns Mausoleum. Memorials can be made in David’s name to Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545. Henke-Clarson Funeral Home assisted the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com