Michael "Mike" Thomas

Michael “Mike” Thomas, 65, of Hermantown, MN, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 9th, 2024. 

Born to Ron and Arlene (Rappana) Thomas on May 27th, 1959, Mike grew up on the north shore of Lake Superior and graduated from Silver Bay High School. He was a four-sport letterwinner in baseball, football, hockey, and track and field. 

Mike attended college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 1977-1981 earning degrees in physical education and psychology. A regular on the football field all four years, winning NSIC conference honors in ‘79 and ‘80, the E.L. Duce Rasmussen award for scholastic achievement, and All-American honors. Mike continued his passion for sports into coaching as an assistant baseball and football coach at UMD for 20+ years. Mike was a member of the ‘88 Class A National Fastpitch Championship team, Stewart Taylor. 

Mike met his wife, Kelli Ritzer, in ‘89 through friends at UMD. While they planned to get married on the 2nd, it was postponed a week due to the Halloween mega storm of ‘91. Together they created a home in Duluth/Hermantown where they raised their four children. Mike’s avid love of sports extended into his children where he helped coach and support each of their active sports careers. Sports also led him to build his business and career of running Jersey City for 30+ years. Besides traveling around the Midwest watching his kids’ games, Mike enjoyed the outdoors, bird hunting and spending time at the family cabin on Fish Lake. 

Mike is preceded in death by his father Ron, mother Arlene, father-in-law Robert Ritzer, and sister-in- law Michelle.

He is survived by his wife, Kelli; sons, Jared, Jace, Justin; daughter, Jordyn; brothers, Ryan, Cory (Anne), Kyle (Gerilyn); mother-in-law, Marlene Ritzer; brother-in-law, Kevin Ritzer (Heather); and many nephews and nieces. 

Visitation will occur from 1pm-3pm on Thursday, November 14th, at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church (5007 Maple Grove Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811) followed by memorial service at 3pm. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Skyline Social at 4:30pm. 

Funeral arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.