Rodney Earl Thom

Center in Yakima, Wa., where he had been twice, trying to gain back his strength after 7 hospital stays

beginning in January. He was able to return home June 6 but had another hospital stay on June 12

where he then needed to return to Landmark June 14. He was in the process of coming home on

September 30 for in home hospice care. God chose to give him rest from his pain.

Rod was born August 12, 1940 in Niagara, Wisconsin. Son of the late Julius & Marjorie Paige Thom.

He was raised in the Upper Peninsula & Milwaukee area of Wisconsin.

Rod served 2 enlistments in the U.S. Army, one of which where he was stationed in Korea. He was a

Heavy Vehicle Driver & guard duty at the demilitarized zone in Korea. Rod resided in Washington

state the remainder of his life's journey, living in the Tacoma, Kennewick & Yakima areas.

Rod owned his Janitorial Service over the years. Spent lots of time cleaning at the Red Robin & many

other businesses. His last employment was Janitor for Jeld-Wen Windows from 1990 to being disabled

in 1995. He lived with short-term memory loss for 27 years, due to the heart event in 1995. It never

stopped him from continuing to read & work on his crossword puzzles & playing games on the

computer. He was able to reunite with his brothers & sisters, with many memorable reunions in

Wisconsin & Las Vegas trips.

Rod loved to make people laugh. He always had a great sense of humor & always had a "snappy

comeback". He loved interacting with everyone he was around. He was shown so much love & caring

while at Landmark. He appreciated their trying to help him get strong enough to return home, all the

nurses, aides & physical therapists.

Karen became apart of his life in 1994 & was able to call 911 when he suffered his heart event in 1995.

They were married October 16, 2001. He had many happy memories & reunions with his family which

he could recall when looking at all the many pictures taken each reunion.

Rod is survived by his wife, Karen & his daughter Michelle, 5 step children: Robbie, Paul & Ray

(deceased), Terri & Mike Williams of Yakima, 21 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, nieces

& nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene, Wayne & Lyle & his sisters, Elaine & Beverly

Thom.

One of the best things about Rod was that he loved those around him unconditionally.

There will be no memorial services per Rod's request. Funeral arrangement provided by Keith &

Keith, Yakima. Family members may remember him as they choose.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Thom family.