Robert Stanley Thommes, 81, of Owatonna, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Milestone Senior Living in Faribault.

He was born May 29, 1943, in Morton Grove, Illinois to Stanley Thommes and Dorothy (Lang) Thommes. Bob grew up in Morton Grove and graduated from Niles Township High School in 1961. He attended Northern Illinois University receiving his Master's Degree in Music Education. Bob and Bonnie (Tompkins) were united in marriage on June 13, 1964, in Park Forest, Illinois. Bob taught music in Illinois for 26 years leading the marching band and concert band to many awards. He then continued his teaching in Kansas and Nebraska where he retired to help Bonnie run her flower shops. Bob and Bonnie ultimately moved to Owatonna to be closer to their family.

Bob and Bonnie loved to travel together. They would travel across the country sticking to Bonnie's packed itineraries. Bob had a fascination for trains, and would many times visit vintage museums or take train rides on their voyages together. Bob also loved animals and nature and wouldn't miss an opportunity to take nature photographs whenever possible.

He is survived by his children, Gerald (and Billie Jo) Thommes of Owatonna, Jeffrey (and Staci) Thommes of Clear Lake, WI, Lori (and Scott) Colaw of Lonsdale; grandchildren, Jeffrey Thommes, Alissa (and Rhett) Thompson, Rylan Thommes, Zachary (and Jessica) Colaw, Blaine (and Amy) Colaw; great-grandson, Grayson Colaw; and his brother James Thommes, of Cottage Grove.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Thommes, and parents, Stanley and Dorothy Thommes.

Funeral services will be held December 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be served following the service. Memorials are preferred to the Steele County Humane Society.