Obituary of CJ Thomas

THOMAS CAROL JEAN

“CJ” Carol Jean Thomas, age 88 of Yankton, SD passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House, Yankton, SD.  Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with Rev. Casey Holencik officiating.  Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parkston, SD at approximately 1:00 PM, Saturday afternoon.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Scripture service at 7:00 PM.  Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

To view CJ’s service, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/R6L3K.

Carol Jean Farmer Thomas was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on October 19, 1936.  She was the daughter of Charles Burrson and Dorothy Grace Scandrett Farmer.  She was raised in the Westfield area southwest of Grinnell.  She attended Grant 9 School and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1954. 

Carol married Jerry Renbarger in 1956, and they had 3 children.  She married Michael Thomas in 1994 and moved to Yankton, SD. 

She was employed at St. Francis Hospital and at Golden Sun Feeds, Inc., in Grinnell—the first woman in management for Golden Sun Feeds, as Office Manager.  After moving to Yankton she was employed at Utica Grain, Inc.

During her children’s younger years Carol was a den mother, campfire leader, and PTA President.  She was active in St. Mary’s Church and in 4-H.  She enjoyed family, especially having them around her to cook for.  She also liked crafts and made every family member several Afghans—everything for family.  Her faith in God and prayer was a great part of her daily life.

Carol is survived by her husband Michael Thomas; children Michael (Jean) Renbarger of Chamberlain, SD and Kathryn (Troy) Andrews of Coralville, IA; grandsons Kyle and David Renbarger and Cory Andrews; granddaughters Abby, Emily, and Elizabeth “Libby” Renbarger; two great-grandsons Aiden and Nolan; two great-granddaughters Piper and Ramsey Renbarger; sister Stella (Dennis) Fleener of Grinnell, IA; and two nephews and daughter-in-law Karen Renbarger.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son Steven Renbarger and 6 little angels.

In Leu of flowers gifts can be made to: American Macular Degeneration Foundation at PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515 or “PALS” at Poweshiek Animal League Shelter, PO Box 123, 4167 20^th Street, Grinnell, IA 50112.