Thomas was a United States Air Force veteran. He served as Weather Squadron Commander in Vietnam, Vice-Wing Commander First Weather Wing, Hickam AFB, HI and Division Chief Aerospace Science Shop, Headquarters Air Weather Service, Scott AFB, IL. He was a devout catholic and volunteered for over 20 years with the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Teresa Catholic Church. Thomas was a family man and was adored by his wife and daughters. He also loved golf, gardening, reading and bird-watching.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Amandus and Hazel, nee Finn, Studer; and ten siblings.
Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Claire, nee Dumoulin, Studer, whom he married on January 6, 1973;
two daughters, Carrie Studer of Belleville, IL, and Cathy (Kurt) Vogel of St. Louis, MO;
a brother, Bill (Edna) Studer of Minnesota;
two sisters, Dot (Dick) Lorentson of Minnesota, and Mary Ann Studer of Minnesota;
and a sister-in-law, Chari Studer, spouse of deceased brother, Ret. USA Col. Bob Studer of California.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic Urban Programs. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.