One unique feature of the funeral home is a stained-glass window, restored in 1999, which remains on display today. The window depicts a young couple embracing as they shield each other from a storm, inspired by the romantic 1880 painting “The Storm” by Pierre Auguste Cot. The original artwork is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is believed the stained-glass piece was created shortly after the original painting and brought from the East Coast to North Dakota by Martin Jacobson, who installed it as a centerpiece in his home. During the 1920s and 1930s, the house also served as a boarding residence for nurses from Trinity Hospital and other community members.
About Us
Our History
Ben Thomas returned to Le Sueur, Minnesota, after serving sixteen months overseas in France during World War I. His original plan was to reopen his veterinary practice, but his in-laws encouraged him to consider a career in funeral service. Their suggestion made sense, as his wife Lydia’s family was deeply involved in operating the Welander-Quist funeral homes in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
In 1924, Ben—often called B.J.—earned his embalming certificate from the University of Minnesota. After gaining two years of experience in the Twin Cities, he received advice from his brother, Evan J. Thomas, one of Minot’s earliest engineers, to explore opportunities in Minot, North Dakota. Taking that advice, B.J. purchased the Van Fleet Undertaking Company in 1926, located at 121 South Main Street.
The funeral home operated out of a busy building that housed several other businesses at the time. Sullivan’s Floral Shop was next door, Mowbray’s Plumbing occupied the lower level, and the YWCA was located upstairs. In those early years, B.J. was supported by staff members including Rosena Musch, Almond Strong, Del Hurd, and Charles Prine. Later, others such as Dene Taylor, Dale Niewoehner, Weyburn, and Warren Tollefson contributed to the operation during his ownership.
After World War II, B.J. recognized the growing need for a larger, more accommodating facility. In 1944, he purchased the former home of Martin Jacobson at 304 South Main Street. With only minor renovations, the stately white house—originally built in 1903—was transformed into a funeral home and opened in May 1945. The building has remained a landmark on the south end of Main Street and has served the community for the last ten decades.
B.J. Thomas passed away on March 3, 1964, at the age of 73. Throughout his life, he was not only a dedicated funeral director but also an active civic leader. He contributed his time to numerous organizations, including the YMCA, the Minot School Board, the Boy Scouts, the American Legion, the Masons, the Shrine, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the First Presbyterian Church, and the Order of Eastern Star.
Following the completion of World War II, Ben Thomas foresaw the need to upgrade and enlarge his facility to better serve the families that called upon him for assistance. He purchased the former residence of Martin Jacobson, located at 304 South Main Street, Minot, in 1944. After minimal remodeling, the beautiful white house was converted to a funeral home in May of 1945. The stately old home that dates back to 1903, graces the south end of Main Street. It has withstood the test of time and has served as the funeral home for Thomas Funeral Service, Inc., for more than 79 years.
B.J.’s eldest son, John W. Thomas, joined the family business in 1952 after graduating from the University of Minnesota’s College of Mortuary Science. Following a brief period of military service in the U.S. Army during the mid-1950s, John became a partner in the funeral home and later assumed full ownership after his father’s passing.
John was deeply involved in the Minot community. As a young man, he participated in organizations such as the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps, the Downtown Merchants Association, and the Minot Curling Club. He was also active in the Masonic organizations, achieving leadership roles within the Knights Templar and Royal Arch Masons. Over the years, he served as Northwest District Governor of the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association and remained engaged in many civic and social groups, including Kiwanis, the YMCA, and local service clubs.
He was also passionate about youth sports, coaching basketball, softball, and baseball teams that went on to win multiple city championships. His dedication to recreation extended to serving on the Minot Recreation Commission Board. In addition, John was an accomplished curler, winning five state senior men’s championships and a national title in 1986. Later in life, he found joy in volunteering, including helping serve annual Thanksgiving dinners at the Parker Senior Center.
The next generation continued the family tradition. Bradley J. Thomas joined the funeral home in 1984 after graduating from the University of Minnesota, followed by his brother Bryan D. Thomas in 1989 after completing his education at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon. Both had already been helping in the business part-time since the early 1970s, along with their mother, Lorraine Thomas, who assisted with services beginning in 1983.
In 1995, Brad and Bryan purchased the funeral home from their father and became co-owners. John remained active in the business until his passing on November 9, 2001.
In 2001, Mark Roth became a licensed funeral professional after graduating from Arapahoe College in Littleton, CO. Since entering the profession, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to compassionate service and excellence in funeral care.
In January of 2017, Mark became a partner alongside Brad and Bryan Thomas, further solidifying his leadership within the organization. Following Bryan Thomas’ retirement in 2025, Mark assumed the role of majority owner of the Thomas Family Funeral Home. Over the course of his 26-year career, he has proudly served alongside the Thomas family, continuing a tradition of dedication, integrity, and personalized service to the families and communities we serve.
