Thomas G. McElmeel July 22, 1939 – June 9, 2022


Thomas G. McElmeel

      Thomas G. McElmeel, age 82, of Amber died June 9, 2022 at Jones Regional Medical Center, Anamosa.

    A graveside service will be held at Monticello Oakwood Cemetery on July 16, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. (bring a lawn chair and dress casually). All are welcome for a luncheon to follow at Monticello New Life Community Nazarene Church for family and friends.

    Thomas was born July 22, 1939 at John McDonald Hospital, Monticello, to Gene Owen and Florence Evelyn (Wolfe) McElmeel. Tom was raised in Cascade where he lived until he was 16. As a teenager Tom worked with his father in the timber and learned how to recognize trees at a glance. This is where his love of the timber came from.

    Thomas married Doris J. Burns on Friday, Jan. 13, 1961. They made their home in the Langworthy area on an acreage and raised calves until 1988. They moved to Amber in 1991 where he lived until his death.

    Tom was a heavy equipment operator in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa City area and a member of the Local 2345 Operating Engineers for 30-plus years. He retired in 2001.

    Tom loved his quiet times in the timber. He spent 18 years cutting wood for his home heat. He loved it so much he made it a family affair. He loved to mushroom hunt and was an avid deer hunter. Tom loved westerns, especially Gunsmoke and collected Lois Lamour western paperbacks. Tom enjoyed taking his boat out on the Wapsi River. His favorite family, camping vacation was to South Dakota Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the Grand Teton Mountains. Tom enjoyed hanging out with his best drinking buddy Red-Jack, who gave him his nickname, Terrible T.

    Thomas began attending New Life Community Nazarene Church in 2012.

    Survivors include his wife, Doris (D.J.) of 61 years, two daughters, Lori Ehlers (Gerald Jr.) of Monticello, and Jennifer Marion (Chad) of Fairfax, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and five siblings.

    Tom is preceded in death by a daughter, Robin Weber, and an infant great-granddaughter, Lily Jo Schladetzky, one sister, three brothers, and his parents.

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