Dr. Thomas,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, Bill. Frequently we would see you at our favorite restaurants in Cedar Rapids and Mt. Vernon and know that we shared an interest in good food. We are thinking about you with our hearts and remembering you in our prayers.
Sincerely, Judy and John Bryant
Judy and John Bryant
April 9, 2014
Well...Now I know the true love story between Julie and William, and its a romantic comedy for sure. I met Bill when he was camping over at Gladys house with his wife, and he's a Mark Twain(y) personality for sure. I can only wish I had a bigger bit part in their five act comedy, and If it ever happens I do get a part, it will for sure be in heaven, for what would heaven be like without Bill and Julie. God Bless you All, and let the curtain rise on your eternal reunion.
Lee Chauser
March 8, 2014
DEAR Dr. Thomas,
I remember Judge T. from our Christmas parties and a wedding. They were all so long ago, the only remaining memory I have when I think of Bill is a his humor. I see his smile and hear my laugh. You have made it through many trying times, so I know you will make it through the deep grief of missing your life-long pal. I'm sorry it hurts so bad and will be praying for you peace and comfort.
Warmly, Cheryl (Carl, Sara, Josh, JW, and Hannah, too)
P.S. If you think a harp session would be soothing, let me know and I'll be right over.
Cheryl Kissling
February 28, 2014
Julie,
I never met you and Bill only a few times. But I know him as a gentleman and supporter of paddling and Sticks in the Water. I hope that some how he gets his chance at the Lewis and Clark Trail on the Missouri.
Best regards,
Tom
Tom Sabotta
February 28, 2014
Dearest Julie: Although I was there for the visitation and funeral, shared all of the flowers, condolences and cards with you at the house over the last week, I don't think anyone has taken note of one important fact that I think Bill would want submitted into evidence, in addition to all of the other accolades and kind wishes that have been recorded. That is that he passed away only two days after Valentine's Day, holding out to have one more to share with you. Yours was one of the great love stories I have known, in addition to your being two of the finest human beings anyone could hope to call friend or family. He loved you and life with more devotion than is normally humanly possible for anyone, but you also gave him a lot to love, and so provided an example to so many others. I know he would have enjoyed his honorary Viking send off. Thinking of you back in San Diego...Katherine
Katherine Nakamura
February 26, 2014
Julie: I was so saddened to hear about Bill. We always enjoyed your frequent visits to the Lincoln Cafe and Bill's kind smile and conversation. I wish you peace. Elizabeth
Elizabeth Gibson
February 23, 2014
Bill: Sorry you missed the service yesterday, you would have been delighted. Father Bob did an excellent job on behalf of The Establishment and Judge B. and Harold combined efforts to recall a life and a career you would have recognized and appreciated. Though I did not see you in the house, your presence was felt, and it was suggested that you were there. Thanks for everything... professional and personal... over the years. Say Hello to my Dad, Alvin, if you see him... He's up there somewhere. Regards to the family.
Henry Keyes
February 22, 2014
Dear Dr. Thomas,
We were so sad to read about the passing of your husband. Our family wants to offer you our condolences.
Very sincerely,
Bob and Janet (Boddicker) Rampulla
Ryan Rampulla
Elise Loan
Michaela Fishell
Bob & Janet (Boddicker) Rampulla, Elise, Michaela and Ryan
February 22, 2014
We have been gone on vacation for several weeks and just read about Bill. We are so saddened and heartsick to read he had colon cancer and lost his brave fight. We will always carry with us his warm smile whenever he came to the office with the dogs. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
Heartfelt Sympathies,
Terry & Boni Moore
Dr. Terry K. & Boni Moore
February 21, 2014
Dr. Thomas, I just heard the news today. The girls and I would like to express our deepest condolences on your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers now and always!
Lisa, Sydney, & Emily Stodola
February 21, 2014
My most recent memory is of seeing the two of you at the croissant place on Mount Vernon Road. It sounds like you shared a number of good meals there. I will always think of that when I go there with my mom.
Judge Thomas always had a cool hobby. I can't see myself in a kayak but it sounded like fun. The two of you took such great trips. I know you will have many good memories from those.
He and Harold were so funny together. I always admired their friendship.
This week I have thought about Barney and Jake. I really enjoyed dog sitting. I do remember one time when Jake saw a fox. I really thought he would get away from me then.
laurie craig
February 21, 2014
Julie, my deepest sympathies to you. I was both extremely saddened and stunned to learn of Bill's death since I had just seen the two of you again at CSPS a couple weeks ago. Although he didn't get up for any zydeco dancing, he seemed in good health and spirits as always. You and he obviously were able to and did enjoy life together to the very end. I enjoyed all my experiences with him as a lawyer and a judge - a great mind and an even better person who will be fondly remembered by all.
Dick Mundy
February 20, 2014
You, my dear Dr. Thomas, have been one of the most influential people in my life and my heart aches for you this evening. What a wonderful man Bill was. Much love to you, my friend.
Barb Lofton
February 20, 2014
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. It was very enjoyable listening to Bill tell his stories in the courthouse. Even though I didn't get to see him much it was a pleasure when I did. He will be truly missed by our office.
Julie James
February 20, 2014
Ahhhh....Dearest Julianne,
The words from the obit and certainly all of the kind statements/ remarks of Bill totally capitalized him!
I have many memories of your sweet husband and times spent with the two of you. (That make me smile)You have been a most fortunate woman to marry your best friend and for Mr Bill-he could not have done better. He had his match in wit, intelligence, and a kind soul.
Can we have lunch or dinner or breakfast? I am only a call away.
My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with-
Cindy
Cindy Bowers
February 20, 2014
Julie, I cannot adequately express how sorry I am for your loss. I hope you will take some small comfort in that fact that many of us share in that loss. Although the phrase is a cliché, Bill truly was a “gentleman and a scholar”. More importantly, he was a good man. I treasure many memories of the old days at the firm. I am proud that he was my friend.
Bill Roemerman
Bill Roemerman
February 20, 2014
Julie, what can one say at a time like this? Our hearts reach out to you. Bill was indeed a remarkable man, and the two of you were so compatible and had so much fun together. Our deepest sympathy,
Gerry and Hope Solomons
Gerry and Hope Solomons
February 20, 2014
Dr. Thomas, I wish to extend to you my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Judge Thomas. I will always remember him for the remarkable and exceptional judge and person that he was. He was a bright, fair and compassionate judge who treated all who appeared before him with dignity and respect. The judiciary has loss a great judge and we will miss him at the courthouse.
Jerry Vander Sanden
February 20, 2014
Julie, Bill's obituary made me smile. It is written with humor and obvious deep love. I have always enjoyed running into both of you out and about. There was always a wonderful energy with the two of you. You, the court system and the community have lost a true gentle and honest man. May you be held by God and friends as you enter this next chapter. With love and respect,
Laurie Crawford
February 20, 2014
Dr. Thomas, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find peace knowing that Bill is at rest and free of any pain that he was in. I remember working with him when I was appointed to be on a grand jury in 1978. I always enjoyed your stories you would tell us while you were making your hospital rounds. He will be missed. Bill may not be next to you in the flesh but he will always be by your side in the spiritual.
Nancy Kennedy
Nancy Kennedy
February 19, 2014
Julie,
Bob and I have been thinking of you and Bill. It seems we found you at every restuarant or bookstore, places we all loved. We will miss Bill and his wonderful humor and satire. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Lois Buntz
Lois Buntz
February 19, 2014
Julie,
Our thoughts and understanding are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Hal and Dalia Vietor
Hal and Dalia Vietor
February 19, 2014
Julie, That is truly the most beautiful obituary I have ever read and he is deserving as his life was a wonderful story. I went to CSPS last night and heard Carrie Rodriguez and was filled with longing for both of you. We have had so many wonderful conversations during intermissions of live music events. I so enjoyed talking with your husband. He was above all smart and extremely cordial and interesting. I am so sad for your loss and will miss talking with him.
Linda and Gary Lindsay
February 19, 2014
Julie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bill. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. I was happy to have a chance to talk briefly with both of you at the reunion. As so many say, his kindness and wittiness were still with him and so much in evidence.
Jan Wright
Janice Wright
February 19, 2014
Dr. Thomas, Betty and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you at the loss of your best friend and husband Bill. We know what cancer can do to a person and hope that he did not have to suffer greatly. We thank you for sharing of yourself with us for the years at Pediatric Center. May God bless and keep you in peace.
Charles and Betty Kutin
Charles and Betty Kutin
February 19, 2014
Julie:
I am so saddened by the loss of Bill for you and for all the people and places that he touched. Even though I had only a small slice of time working with him when he was on the Foundation 2 board, his wisdom and compassion tempered by that wonderful wicked humor made me eager to spend time in his presence.
The world is richer, kinder and fairer because of his life and I am sure you were the source of his ability to carry on.
With deepest sympathy,
Deb Peddycoart
Deb Porter Peddycoart
February 19, 2014
Judge Thomas' Family: From the other side of the bench, I believe Bill Thomas was among the finest persons and jurists in District 6. He was patient and witty when he came to visit The Gazette and exchange ideas about the court. I didn't cover state court regularly, but when I did he was helpful and never patronizing. Please know that your loss is shared by all who knew Bill. God bless.
Dale Kueter
February 19, 2014
Oh Julie, We so wanted to become your next-door neighbors many years ago, but of course it did not work out. In the various ways our lives have crossed, we consider ourselves blessed to have worked for you in several capacities--and known you and Bill. It was always an encouragement to see the two of you working on those Gazette puzzles, and spending time relaxing together at the Croissant. Our prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of this terrific guy. With love, Jerry and Althea Anderson
Jerry and Althea Anderson
February 18, 2014
Judge Thomas, Bill, was an inspiring and caring person. He was also very intelligent and perceptive; a fine judge to be in front of, or participate on judicial affairs with. He had creative ideas for improving the system, especially for children involved in family law matters. His knowledge of computers, and how computers could help implement his ideas, were ledgendary.
Bob Jilek
February 18, 2014
With most sincere sympathy and caring. One of the best memories I have, which I have frequently shared, is when I had to give a medical testimony. He was the judge and I had never been in a courtroom before. He made me feel comfortable and dismissed me with a very humorous comment. Maybe I can get back to CDJ and share some things. God Bless.
Dr. Marian Barnes
February 18, 2014
Dear Julie - We are so very saddened to hear of the loss of Bill. Such a good and thoughtful man… but that's not something you need to be told, it it? We're so happy that we were able to visit with the two of you last year at CSPS. We think of you often, and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.
Kathleen and Larry Braun
Kathleen Braun
February 18, 2014
My deepest sympathy to you, Dr. Thomas. While I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Bill, the sparkle in your eye when you talkied about Bill during office visits made your love for each other obvious. I am sure you will greatly miss him, but hopefully you can find comfort in all the special time you had together.
Chris Galligan
February 18, 2014
Dr. Thomas, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Judge Thomas. I was one that benefited from the mediation program and found Judge Thomas to be a fair judge during my family dissolution. As you were not going to pull the wool over his eyes.. We are thinking of you in your loss and miss you greatly as our doctor. God Bless.
Karen Beyer-Smith, Tristan & Cole
February 18, 2014
Julie, I was sadddened to learn of Bill's death. The RHS Class of 1963 has lost one of our most distinguished and respected members. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Loren Palmer
February 18, 2014
Dear Julianne,
My heartfelt condolences to you at the loss of your friend and husband. It was obvious that he was both to you. I had no clue that Bill was ill at the reunion--which does not surprise me at all. Just want you to know that I respected and liked him. He was a good man and the world is the worse without him.
Best regards.
Mike Haarris
Mike Harris
February 18, 2014
Dr. Thomas, we are so very sorry for your great loss. We are sure Judge Thomas will be remembered for his innovations in the judicial system and for just being a very nice man. Who he was and what he did for so many will live on. Be well.
Joyce & Carl Sefl
February 18, 2014
Julie--We will always remember Bill for his warmth and wit. He was a joy to be around in law school, and Tom found at Chip and Kathy's anniversary party that he had not changed. "He finally had the good sense to marry his best friend.", brings Bill to the minds eye and ear. Felicity of expression was part of his charm. Please accept our condolences for your loss, together with our congratulations on your many good years with Bill. We shall always remember him fondly.
Tom and Terrie Leake
February 18, 2014
Julianna, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your life long love. I did not get to spend time with you at the class reunion but was nice to at least say hi. Having lost my daughter to cancer I can understand your heart ache. My prayers will be with you.
Judy Smith
February 18, 2014
Julianne - I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so greatful I got to see the two of you at the 50th reunion this past summer in Pierre. I so enjoyed visiting with both of you. Blessings to you.
Mary
Mary Parlet
February 18, 2014
Julianne - I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so greatful I got to see the two of you at the 50th reunion this past summer in Pierre. I so enjoyed visiting with both of you. Blessings to you.
Mary
Mary Parlet
February 18, 2014
Dr. Thomas I very saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I count it a pleasure to have met him and only wish I had known him better. Please know my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Steve Drobot
February 18, 2014
Dr. Thomas we are very sorry to learn of your husbands passing. It sounds like he was an amazing person. Even though we never met him he seems to have been someone who lighted up a room when he walked in. Many your wonderful memories sustain you. With deepest condolences. Steve and Debbie Tyson
Debbie and Steve Tyson
February 18, 2014
Julie, we are devastated at the news of Bill's death. Not only our years together in the County Attorneys office but all the many years following which were filled with good times with the two of you! Bill had great integrity and how blessed we have been in the last few years to see you almost weekly.
We count you among our dearest friends and we will be there to support you . Bill had such wonderful outlook on life and he was such an example of strength during his most difficult diagnosis. We always came away feeling better having been with the two of you!
We share in your pain and in your loss of this wonderful man. Let's get together real soon and know we are sending our blessings and our love...Gene and Sally
Gene and Sally Kopecky
February 17, 2014
We sure enjoyed seeing you and visiting with you at Croissant Du Jour. We loved our chats and he will be missed. Our sympathies and prayers at this sorrowful time goes out to you.
Bob and Jill Jones
February 17, 2014
Dr. Thomas,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Judge Thomas was a wonderful jurist, and I shall miss him. He had a very pragmatic approach to the issues before the court. I will truly miss his sense of humor as well. I do not think that I will ever forget sitting down in his courtroom for a meeting and having him tell me "The last person who sat there got twenty years, but don't let that discourage you!"
Carol J. Kirkley
February 17, 2014
Dear Dr. Thomas,
I am so very sorry about your loss of Bill. I will miss running into you the two of you. I enjoyed Bill's quick wit, he always made me laugh. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sara Riley
Sara Riley
February 17, 2014
Judge Thomas was a good man. Iowa is a better place because of his service.
Thomas L. Fiegen
February 17, 2014