Ryan Michael Thomas

Ryan Michael Thomas, 19, Winnebago, died at 4:21 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2009 as the result of a traffic accident.  Born February 9, 1990 in Rockford, son of Michael G. Thomas, Sr. and Ilana Beth Linnabary Thomas.  Graduated from Winnebago High School in 2008 and was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.  Employed by DeLong Grainery.  Ryan was a dedicated volunteer member of Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department in Winnebago.  He was a quiet, caring young man with a talent for mechanics.  He had the ability to take anything apart, but had a habit of not always putting it back together.    Survivors include his mother, Ilana Beth Thomas, Winnebago; sister, Jennifer (Toby) Bartelson, Loves Park; brother, Michael G. (Melissa) Thomas, Rockford; special friend, Robert (Joanne) Thomas, Rockford; nephew, Jacob Bartelson, Loves Park; niece, Malia Thomas, Rockford; maternal grandparents, Ivan and Irene Linnabary, Rockford; paternal grandmother, Doris Thomas, South Haven, MS; aunts and uncles, Benson and Joyce Linnabary, Nashville, Ohio, Burr (Dee) Linnabary, Dallas, TX, Ian Barton (Cynthia) Linnabary, Roscoe, Juanice Hook, Alamo, TN, Larry (Linda) Thomas, Machesney Park, Terry (Karen)  Thomas, South Haven, MS and many cousins.  Predeceased by his father, Michael G. Thomas, Sr; grandfather, James Ralph Thomas and uncle, Darrell Thomas.   A visitation for Ryan will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2009 in the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department, 110 E. Main St. Winnebago.  You may also visit at noon on Tuesday at the Fire Department and a procession will leave from there at 1:00 p.m. to go to Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. in Rockford.  A visitation will begin there at 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m.  with Rev. Reid Matthias officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.  Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.