John E “Jack” Thomas, 77, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after a brief battle with lymphoma. He was grateful to be home, cared for by his loving family until his peaceful end. Jack was born to Edward and Verneil Thomas on January 30, 1948, in Faribault, Minnesota. When he was six years old, the family moved to Hastings, where he was the oldest of ten siblings. He grew up in Nininger Township, spending much of his time exploring the countryside. Jack graduated from Hastings High School in 1966, excelling in both track and cross-country running. He was also an active member of the 4-H Klover Klub and the Spiral Riders Saddle Club, where he showcased and rode his beloved horse, Duke. After graduating from high school, Jack joined the U.S. Army and proudly served for four years, including a period stationed in Japan. Jack married Virginia “Ginny” Leifeld on July 13, 1973, at Guardian Angels Church in Hastings. Together, they raised their three children while Jack worked as a carpenter. He was a dedicated member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, serving as an usher, and was also involved with the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, Jack was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion, holding various offices in both organizations during his tenure. Jack loved spending time with family and friends, participating in countless gatherings, and playing men’s league softball, volleyball, and golf. He also enjoyed watching the Twins and the Vikings. Jack and Ginny were blessed to have their long-time “Card Club” friends and enjoyed many small and large group adventures, some of which even involved playing cards. After retirement, he volunteered with Hastings Family Service, Just Friends, and Meals on Wheels. Throughout his adult life, he proudly donated over 21 gallons of blood. Jack had a knack for striking up conversations with anyone and was known as a handyman, always willing to lend a hand and share his tools to help others. He could have been the inventor of dad jokes and was a self-proclaimed music aficionado, with an extensive collection of reel-to-reel, vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs. He will be most remembered for his unwavering faith and deep love for his family. He was an actively supportive brother, husband, father, and grandfather, cherishing every moment spent together. He particularly enjoyed cooking his special burgers on the grill, playing card games, and spending time outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He was always their biggest cheerleader in their sports and activities. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Verneil; son-in-law, David Hoffman; sister, Julie Zgoda; brothers-in-law, Dave Lobejko, John Zgoda, Jack Caudill, and Scott Myers. Jack is survived by his wife, Ginny; children, Beth Johnson, Cindy Hoffman, Michael (Jenny); grandchildren, Ian, Neila, Noah, Zoe, Annistyn, Pacey, Huck, Scout, Sailor; siblings, Becky Petersen, Don, Cathy (Mike) Norgaard, Pat “Stumpy” (Mark) Freeman, Mary Caudill, Michele (Jerry) Russell, Sandy Myers, Peggy (Tom) Fox; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), Hastings Family Service, or through an appointment to donate blood.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, May 15, at 11:00 AM at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (2035 15th Street West, Hastings, MN 55033). A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, from 4-7 p.m. at the same church, as well as one hour before the Mass on Thursday. Interment will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. Arrangements are made through Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.
