Florence Elizabeth Thomas

Florence Thomas, 96, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 24, 2026 surrounded by her family.

Florence was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota and grew up in Duluth and Superior, graduating from Superior High School. Upon graduation, she worked at Marshall Wells where she met her husband of 71 years, Donald Thomas. Florence also spent time working at Sears Department Store and at Duluth Public Schools as a Special Education Aide. She was a proud member of the Duluth Garden Society and also served as president of the Lester Park Garden Club where she met lifelong friends and received numerous accolades and awards for her flower displays. For years, Florence worked as an election judge in Lakeside, something she looked forward to each year. She had a passion for reading books and was a frequent presence at the Duluth Public Library. She added a special touch to the last page of each book she read with a distinctive pencil mark.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her son, John; parents, Edwin and Alma Stromberg; son-in-law, Jim Kuettel; and her three sisters. She will be greatly missed by her daughters, Pat (Dale) Sundin, Peggy Kuettel, Ann (Marsh) Tousignant, and Susan (Bob) Cannon as well as sons, Paul, Peter (Lisa), and Mark (Brenda); and daughter-in-law, Jill Thomas. Because family was so important to her, she would want every grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchild in her tribute. Grandchildren Kim, Nikki, Jimmy, Donna, Jean, Jenny, Marsha, Paula, Rob, Dan, Ashley, Kristin, Ryan, Heather, Elizabeth, Chase, and Samantha. Great-grandchildren Maria, Thomas, Caiden, Nora, Joseph, Wil, Jake, Ellie, Hannah, Morgan, Addy, Aiden, Taylor, Hunter, Jordyn, Kendall, Isabella, Levi, Holly, Jonah, Alexander, Jackson, Victoria, Noelle, Clara, Lexi, Nick, Abby, Johnathan, Lincoln, Archer, Charlotte, Hudson, Gwendolyn, Ryker, and Luke. Great-great-granddaughter, Reni. Her 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and great-great granddaughter are all evidence of the legacy she will leave.

Florence’s family would like to thank Dr. McDonald and the Essentia Health Hospice Center - especially Christa & Lisa for helping Florence thrive throughout her final months.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thur., Oct. 1st at 10:30 with a visitation at 9:30 am in St. Michaels Catholic Church, 4901 E Superior St, Duluth. Interment at MN State Veterans Cemetery. A live-stream will be made available at www.facebook.com/dfhduluth