Thomas Banke, 70, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2018, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Thomas was born on August 2, 1948 in Robbinsdale, MN at North Memorial Medical Center
to Morris and Grace (Holes) Banke.  Thomas graduated from Robbinsdale High
School in 1966. After graduation he worked for Northern Burlington Railroad. He
went on to work as a quality control supervisor at Circuit Science for many
years prior to his retirement.

Thomas will be remembered most for his love for his grandchildren.  He loved
classic cars, hunting and shooting his guns by himself and with friends and
family.

Thomas had a memorable sense of humor.  He was notorious for the pranks he pulled
both at work and at home.  He found entertainment in his jokeful fibs, as
he was highly skilled in keeping a straight face while everyone around him fell
for his jokes.

Thomas was dependable and enjoyed his routines.  He could often be found sitting
in his favorite spot at the kitchen table, next to the window, where he would
greet and wave goodbye to visitors.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Grace; nephew Derrick Bennett;
sister-in-law Beverly Banke; and former wife Ginny Lee Banke.

Thomas is survived by Debra Banke, his wife and partner of 31 years. He is also
survived by his children: Dawn Johnson; Heathere Willoughby (Jason); Sabina
Coolen; John Coolen (Brenna); Angela Banke (Eli); Nicole Varhol (Jason); sister
Jackie Matison (Bill); and brother Dave Banke (Cathy).  Thomas is survived
by 16 grandchildren: Coy Coolen; Devon Coolen; Nicholas Rhode; Haley
Czanstkowski; Lijah Willoughby; Jasmine Coolen; Clark Willoughby; Nevaeh
Varhol; Brielle Brown; Bret Coolen; Adrian Coolen; Autumn Varhol; Maxwell
Willoughby; Audrie Varhol, Sophia Riedberger; and Dallas Coolen.  He has
one great-grandchild, Cashton Coolen.

Services will be held on December 30, 2018. Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to
the family at 2317 Buffalo Run Rd, Buffalo, MN 55313.