Thomas John “Tom” Gelwicks

Thomas John “Tom” Gelwicks, 85, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Marietta’s Place in Manchester. He was born on June 16, 1941, in Freeport, Ill., the son of John and OrLou (Kearnaghan) Gelwicks. Tom was raised in Freeport and was a graduate of Freeport High School. He then earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees at the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.

On August 1, 1964, Tom was united in marriage to Carol Storm at Ash Grove Christian Church in Windsor, Ill. Three children were born to this union. Tom worked for Growmark for 32 years. The family lived in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. In 2024 the couple settled in Manchester.

Tom loved woodworking, camping, traveling, and fishing, especially in Canada. Tom and Carol were members of the Community Presbyterian Church in Lac du Flambeau, where he served as Deacon and Elder. They currently were members of First Presbyterian Church in Manchester. Tom always enjoyed visiting people. He loved his family and cherished spending time with them.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Carol Gelwicks of Manchester; three children, Janet (Michael) Nelson of Sun Prairie, Greg (Laura) Gelwicks of Manchester, and Kevin (Melissa) Gelwicks of Laramie, Wyo.; six grandchildren, Jimmy (Yaneth) Gelwicks, Mark (Kara) Gelwicks, Will Nelson, Michaela Nelson, Morgan Gelwicks, and Helen Gelwicks; and four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Connor, Maeve, and Marlowe. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William Gelwicks. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Funeral Service:  11 a.m., on Monday, November 9, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Rev. Nathan Lamb officiating. 

Visitation: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on Monday, November 9, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Manchester, Iowa.

Interment: 11 a.m., on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Ill.