Born in McGrath Minnesota in 1942, Thomas lived in the Roseville area and then enlisted in the US Army and finally enrolling in the University of Minnesota. Toebe played hockey for the Minnesota Gophers and received a BS in Art Education. He went on to teach and coach for the Roseville School District from 1970- 2000. Thomas retired to Florida and taught art for a division of Ringling Bros College of Art. Toebe’s art was also featured in six galleries from across the country from Montana to Florida.
His life in Roseville, MN gave him opportunities to be taught by the best teachers and to teach and coach the best students. The people in the community have high morals and family values. The people of Roseville played a major part in Toebe’s life and it is portrayed through theses facets in the rose design.