Pauline Thomas

pauline thomas
Pauline Gloria Thomas passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Fargo, ND at the age of 79. Pauline Gloria Keely was born on March 2, 1937 in Grand Forks, ND to David and LaVerne (Boyd) Keely. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1955. Pauline married William Brooks and they had four daughters together, eventually relocating to Fargo, ND. She later married George Bertek and they had one son. Pauline was also married to Gerald Thomas. Pauline worked various jobs, but most notable were her 18 years at Skateland, in Fargo and the Minneapolis area, United Savings Credit Union and 25 Christmas seasons at Carol Widman’s Candy. Pauline enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was considered a second mother to many, especially during her Skateland days. Pauline was a very skilled Bingo player with the ability to not only watch her cards, but also those who she played with. She took pride in her perfectly styled hair, and of course her exact shade of pink Covergirl lipstick. Pauline was a great hostess famous for her potato salad and ensured that no one went without “Chippers”. Pauline will be dearly missed but never forgotten by her children, Kristi (Dennis) McKenzie, Holly Franson (Gerry Melo), Jami Drabbs (Mike Ambuehl), Nancy (Jim) Steichen, Michael (Tami) Bertek; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Ann Craven; many nephews and nieces including David and Carol Kennedy; and many cherished friends, especially Linda and Gloria. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and sister, Coleen Hull. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo, ND with a luncheon immediately following the service.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. She is roller skating in heaven. Aunt Pauline I loved you and your humor. You always had me laughing. I will miss you greatly, but you will live on in me forever. My thoughts and prayers to all my cousins and their family. I loved your mom.
    Roy 3rd

  2. Thanks for taking care of hundreds of kids! You did a great job raising us all!
    You’re perfect hair will now have a beautiful halo! We know you’re still watching over everyone…much love and many great memories!

    -One Skateland Brat

  3. Kids that grew up in the 80s have truly lost an icon. Skateland days were truly the best days of my life.
    Pauline always looked out for me. She took me to Nebraska to watch professional rollerskating in Jr. High. I was so grateful for that opportunity. I thought I was so cool watching all of the graceful skaters.
    I started going to Skateland when i was 11 years old. I just turned 48. A few months ago I saw Pauline at Walmart. She was checking out few isles away but saw me, smiled and gave me a wave. She said, how are you??
    Thank you Pauline for all of the wonderful memories!
    Nancy, Tiffany, Jim and family I am so very sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed but not forgotten. She will live on in all of our hearts.
    It’s never goodbye it’s, until we meet again. RIP dear friend.

  4. I miss you dearly my friend and will cherish you forever in my heart. Love you my true friend and bingo partner. Love Linda and family.

  5. Pauline truly was a special lady and a role model with her friendly attitude. I remember going with my mother to skate on Weds. morning when I was young. I continued going from Jr High thru High School and some Monday nights and meeting my future husband at Skateland. Wonderful memories and you were part of them Pauline! You will be missed it was nice running into you occasionally at Big Top Bingo too.
    Rosanne & Bobby Lively

  6. I am so sorry about the death of Pauline. I know she was very loved by her family and she was also loved by us at Dialysis. I work in Guest services so would assist her in any way I could to keep her comfortable. We developed a deep bond and wonderful relationship. I will dearly miss her. I apologize I cannot make the funeral for I am out of town this week. You are all in my prayers as you work through this time of sadness in your life.

  7. You will be missed! You taught many of us to skate with grace. Skateland was a second home for many and everyone I know who “grew up” there learned to treat others with respect and kindness. Something you always insisted on. I am proud to a former skateland brat.

  8. Aunt Pauline was very special lady with a bit heart and was a total Hoot! I say that because she was always joking or laughing about something. We grew up spending time with her and her family for many years. Then we grew apart as we started our own families and didn’t get the opportunity to be together very often but when we did see you Pauline it was as though we had seen you only the day before. There wasn’t a time that I didn’t see a smile on your pretty face!. I looked forward to talking to you every time I was with you! You will be missed by many, and we will see you again! God Bless you lovely lady. Rest in peace!

  9. Rest in Peace Aunt Pauline, sorry that I could not be there with my family today but my mother and father will be there to celebrate her life. She was a wonderful women, most noted is her smile and the bright pink lipstick, and how much she resembled Grandma Coleen. I remember holidays at Skateland with the family as a young child. Many hugs and love to my family on this difficult day. God Bless!

  10. She was one of a kind lady who seem to know just how to handle all of us way ward teenagers who lived at the rink. We were definitely her rink rates. Rest in peace Pauline.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide