Birdeann M. Thomas

Birdeann Thomas was born July 11, 1949 in Virginia, Minnesota to Benny and Birdie Hill. She grew up in the Lakeland area. She graduated from Biwabik High School in 1967, then studied at the Minnesota School of Business; later working as a medical secretary. She retired from the East Range Clinics, following many years of service which she greatly enjoyed. Birdeann married the love of her life, Bruce Thomas, on December 27, 1969, shortly before Bruce was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. Birdeann made her home in Lakeland, in a house built by her husband and father, where she and Bruce raised their daughter, Heather. Birdeann was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, and aunt; she spoiled rotten all the people she loved. She was a member of the Community United Church of Christ in Biwabik, where she volunteered for the monthly pasty sales. She was a member of the Lakeland Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary which she represented with pride in many Fourth of July parades. Birdeann loved to cook and bake, especially the authentic Norwegian and Finnish recipes handed down to her by her mother. Although a talented seamstress, she was very fond of her 1970’s-vintage, one-piece snowmobile suit, and would be seen wearing it while celebrating at a winter bonfire or raising hell on her four-wheeler, grandkids in tow. She would spend her spare time at her cabin on the Whiteface Reservoir, and had no trouble launching and landing the boat by herself. She always tended a large garden, and helped her daughter Heather, and later her granddaughter Taelor, raise their beloved horses. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, Taelor and Brennan, and would be there, faithfully cheering them along at their various sporting events. She also liked to show them off with the photo album she kept in her purse. Birdeann’s favorite thing, however, was to be with her husband, Bruce. After nearly 16 years apart, we whom are left missing her dearly, can find peace knowing they are together again. She is preceded in death by her mom, Birdie Hill; dad, Benny Hill; and husband, Bruce. She is survived by daughter Heather (Jason) Malmstrom, granddaughter Taelor and grandson Brennan; brother, Dwight “Bunker” (Carrie) Hill; nephews: Bryan (Lindsey) Hill & great-niece Sylvi Hill of Duluth; Kevin Hill of Biwabik; sister, Pam (Jim) Christensen and daughter, Marisa of Duluth and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and her beloved dog, Chance. Birdeann died Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband on what would be the date of their 48th wedding anniversary. Graveside service will be held at 12pm noon Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik with Pastor John Szarke officiating. A luncheon and gathering of family and friends will immediately follow at 12:30pm the Community United Church of Christ in Biwabik. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.