Obituary of William James Thomas

William "Bill" J. Thomas, 83, of Dyersville, Iowa died Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at his home. Friends may call from 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a Vigil Service will be held at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Bill was born October 16, 1929 in Worthington, Iowa, the son of Reginold and Leta (Tippe) Thomas. He married Rosemary Roling on November 23, 1948 in Farley, Iowa. She preceded him in death in 1976. Bill later married Mary Lou Lansing Reittinger on March 13, 1978. Bill worked for the Dubuque Packing Co. for about 30 years. He had a passion for golf and was a long time member of the Dyersville Golf & Country Club and Superintendent of Lone Pine Country Club for several years in the 80's & 90's. Bill loved the outdoors spending time fishing & hunting. He was a member of the Dyersville Sportsman's Club. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou, children: Dan (Lori) Reittinger, Mike (Gina Judkins) Reittinger, both of Dyersville, Mark (Tracy) Reittinger of Castle Rock, CO. and Jay (Molly Lammers) Reittinger of Dyersville, 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild (with one on the way in November), son-in-law, Bob Tegeler of Dyersville, a niece, Connie Pline of Cedar Rapids, IA, in-laws: Betty (James) Boeckenstedt and Don (Becky) Lansing both of Dyersville and Carol (George) Davis of Farley. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Rosemary, an infant child, one brother, James Thomas, step-sister, Fay Melton, step-brother, Clyde Seltzer and daughter, Sandy Tegeler.