Ben Errol Thomas

Ben Errol Thomas, age 86, of Rockford, IL, died on Monday, June 2, 2025 at River Bluff Nursing Home in Rockford.  He was born September 6, 1938 in Moline, IL to Ben and Mildred (Nelson) Thomas. Ben married Mary Jo Pierce in 1959. He and his second wife, Patricia "Pat" Meinholdt (Hensel) were married on August 5, 1989.

In 1956 Ben graduated from Rock Island (IL) High School, where he sang in the choir and played baseball.  He lived in the Quad Cities much of his life,  working for the Rock Island Railroad for 22 years riding a route between Silvis, IL and Des Moines, IA. He had a lifelong love affair with trains, pursuing hobbies of model railroading and rail-related photography.

Ben loved to express his creativity through photography and later through woodworking.  He won numerous awards for his works in both hobbies and gifted creations to family and friends.  He took great pride in the many pictures of bald eagles and pelicans he captured along the Mississippi, Rock and Illinois Rivers. After he and his wife Pat moved to Henry, IL, they took day trips to photograph the local scenery -  covered bridges, riverboats and trees in every season were some of his favorite subjects. Ben also became a supporter and organizer for Henry's Bald Eagle Days, through which he developed expertise and shared his stunning photos of the majestic birds.

Ben was also a passionate music lover, with extensive knowledge of many genres and eras.  He owned hundreds of CDs, LPs, tapes and even 78 rpm recordings of everything from old vaudeville, big band, ragtime and early jazz, to his favorite, the Beatles.  The Fab Four were subjects of many books, posters, memorabilia items and even socks in Ben's collection.

Ben is predeceased in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Jo Osborn; his wife of 31 years, Pat Thomas (whom he always referred to as "Deary"); sons Craig and Mark Thomas; and step-son-in-law Jaime Scott.

Survivors include his daughter Karen (Patrick) Liddell, Rockford, IL; son, Mike (Jill) Thomas, DeKalb, IL; step-children Rob (Cece) Meinholdt, Sadler, TX; Beth Meinholdt, Lehigh Acres, FL; Barb Scott, Woodhull, IL; grandchildren John (Molly) Liddell; William "Alex" (Madeleine Fitzgerald) Liddell; Taylor (Eddie Harding) Thomas; Mitchell Thomas; step-grandchildren Audrey Meinholdt, Bailey Meinholdt, Brianna Meinholdt; brother Frank (Paula) Thomas and sister Barb (Randy) Hines; nephews and nieces, Jason (Charitty) Hines; Jeff (Joy) Hines; Sarah (Daniel Breyer) Thomas; Kim (Jason) Thomas; three beautiful great granddaughters, Aoife, Maya and Saoirse; and numerous great-nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for an upcoming date.

The family would like to thank the Frances Krasse Fund and the Sisters of OSF who provided financial support with Ben's medical procedures. This generosity was indispensable to his care and is deeply appreciated. We also thank the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute (BCDI) doctors and staff for their care through all procedures, falls, cuts and scrapes over the years, and for educating others caring for Ben about hemophilia. Thanks also to his team at OSF Hospice for their care at the end of his life.

Most of all, we thank the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home who embraced Ben the last two years of his life. As he battled the effects dementia had on his mind and body, we are thankful he had knowledgeable, patient, caring professionals who loved him and helped him along his journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping one of the three organizations below who were instrumental in Ben's life.

BCDI Foundation

OSF Foundation

Designate tribute gifts to "OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Area of Greatest Need"

Donors may call 309-566-5666 and make a donation or mail to: OSF Healthcare Foundation

124 SW Adams St.

Peoria, IL 61602

River Bluff Nursing Home

Activities programming

Mail checks to:

4401 N Main Street

Rockford, IL 61103

Cremation rites were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.