John Philip Thomas

John Philip Thomas, age 79 of May Township (Hugo), passed away on March 28, 2026.

John was born on May 20, 1946 in St. Paul, MN to Theodor and Winifred (Taylor) Thomas. He graduated from Cretin High School (1964) and attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business.

John was united in marriage to Constance Fischbach on September 6, 1968 at the Church of the Nativity in St. Paul. A few months later, John was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with a Military Police unit in Europe. He later served with the Army National Guard from 1978 to 1999, retiring as a First Sergeant and having earned the Meritorious Service Medal. John worked for the State of Minnesota as a Manager of Unemployment Tax.

John was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 620 in Hugo and served as their Commander twice. He also belonged to the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) an organization that works to improve and protect the benefits of the men and women serving in the National Guard, and their families. He was also a longtime member of the Junior Pioneer Association of Ramsey County and the Church of St. Michael in Stillwater.

John cherished his family and enjoyed cross-country road trips, going to concerts with Connie, and gardening.

John will remain in the hearts of his wife of 57 years Connie; children Jen (Dwight) Parker and Chris (AnnMarie); 5 grandchildren Kennedy (Chad), Colton, Kayla; Sage and Grace; siblings Barbara Schaffhausen and Rich (Teena Moy) Thomas; and sister-in-law Helen Thomas. He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Larry, Paul, and Br. Robert Thomas.

Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Church of St. Michael, 611 3rd St S, Stillwater, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. A luncheon will follow after the Mass. Interment with military honors at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Cretin-Derham Hall High School.