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In observance of its 100th anniversary, Thomas Family Funeral Home will host the community at an open house Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 4-7 p.m. at 304 S. Main St., Minot.
There will be complimentary food and beverages, tours, presentations and exhibits.
Special guests expected to attend include a great-granddaughter of Martin Jacobson, the previous owner of the 1903 house that became Thomas Funeral Home in 1945.
Still present in the funeral home from the original house is a stained-glass window featuring Pierre-Auguste Cot’s 1880’s painting “The Storm,” depicting an embracing pair of young lovers as they shelter each other. In 1999, it took four men to remove the 8-foot tall window, weighing about 250 pounds, so it could be restored and reinstalled.
Another special guest at the open house will be Waldo Krueger, who had assisted at the funeral home under original owner Ben Thomas while in high school and later assisted Ben's son, John Thomas. In retirement, he assisted the third generation, Bryan and Brad Thomas.
Others represented will be members of the Peterson family. Roy Peterson had worked for Ben Thomas, and Jerome "Wheaties" Peterson had worked for John Thomas. Mark Grunenwald, son-in-law of Jerome, currently assists on staff.
Members of the North Dakota congressional delegation also could attend or send a representative.
Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer will present a proclamation declaring Aug. 12 as Thomas Family Funeral Home Centennial Day in Minot. The proclamation highlights the lasting impact of the family and business through charitable giving, civic leadership, volunteerism, youth mentorship and active involvement in community organizations.