- Born on: May 23, 1940
- Departed on: August 10, 2026
- Resided in: Anamosa, IA
Thomas Benjamin Welch
Thomas Benjamin Welch
If you knew him well, you knew there would be humor—even in this time of sorrow.
The bridge was wide enough for the hearse, although we all know Tom would have preferred the skid loader. We checked to see if he had any ice cubes stuffed in his pockets, and Dorothy honked the horn of the “Hot Rod Lincoln”—better known as the walker horn—as he was wheeled out the door on the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026.
Thomas Benjamin Welch’s life of hard work, traveling the world, and creating memories with all who had the privilege of knowing him concluded in a way that was truly a sight to see.
Tom made the brave decision to enter hospice care on July 31. The days and hours that followed filled the home he and Dorothy had shared for nearly 60 years with friends, neighbors, and family who came to share great memories, tell stories, and say their goodbyes.
Highlights of traveling with Friendship Force alongside his bride of nearly 64 years, and stories and stories and stories—well, you know Tom—were welcomed by whoever happened to be standing in the room. Most did not leave without a dry eye and asking to hear just one more joke.
His humble heart was in disbelief at the amount of love he felt during those final days. He stated many times, “I’m just so thankful the good Lord has given me this time to say goodbye to my friends.”
Thomas Benjamin Welch was born May 23, 1940, to Thomas Francis and Amanda Welch of Manchester, Iowa. Manchester is a town that holds plenty of stories of Tom tearing up the streets from time to time.
He graduated from Dundee High School in 1958 and would proudly tell you that he was in the top 10 of his class. Of course, he would chuckle and remind you that there were only 10 kids in his class.
Following graduation, Tom honorably served in the National Guard from 1958 to 1963 and in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966.
At 8 p.m. on a Friday night in Hawkeye, Iowa, a church was filled as Tom was united in marriage to his bride, Dorothy Engelhardt. It is no joke that Tom was one lucky man to have had Dorothy by his side throughout their entire journey together.
On Halloween night in 1966, a farm on Landis Road became the place they would settle and create a home where absolutely everyone felt welcome.
Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Dorothy, who always made the best Sunday pancakes; his brother, Doran; sister-in-law, Janice; many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends from as near as down the road to as far away as across the ocean.
For now, Tom will be resting at a place called Memorial Gardens in Iowa City. He picked the spot himself, but we’ll keep the secret as to why.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Bonfire Bar in Olin, Iowa. Military honors will be provided by the Anamosa Honor Guard and nephew Staff Sergeant David Brown with a luncheon to follow.
Bring a chair. Bring a story. Bring a joke if you want. But mostly, remember the chair so you’ll have something to sit on.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Tom’s name may direct donations to FOES in Olin, Iowa, or Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa.
Tom lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, friendship, family, laughter, and love. He traveled the world, but perhaps his greatest adventure was the life he built at home with Dorothy and the countless people who became part of their story.
And if you knew Tom, you know there is probably one more story to tell—and one more joke waiting to be heard.
Rest easy, Tom. You’ve earned it.
If you knew him well, you knew there would be humor—even in this time of sorrow.
The bridge was wide enough for the hearse, although we all know Tom would have preferred the skid loader. We checked to see if he had any ice cubes stuffed in his pockets, and Dorothy honked the horn of the “Hot Rod Lincoln”—better known as the walker horn—as he was wheeled out the door on the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026.
Thomas Benjamin Welch’s life of hard work, traveling the world, and creating memories with all who had the privilege of knowing him concluded in a way that was truly a sight to see.
Tom made the brave decision to enter hospice care on July 31. The days and hours that followed filled the home he and Dorothy had shared for nearly 60 years with friends, neighbors, and family who came to share great memories, tell stories, and say their goodbyes.
Highlights of traveling with Friendship Force alongside his bride of nearly 64 years, and stories and stories and stories—well, you know Tom—were welcomed by whoever happened to be standing in the room. Most did not leave without a dry eye and asking to hear just one more joke.
His humble heart was in disbelief at the amount of love he felt during those final days. He stated many times, “I’m just so thankful the good Lord has given me this time to say goodbye to my friends.”
Thomas Benjamin Welch was born May 23, 1940, to Thomas Francis and Amanda Welch of Manchester, Iowa. Manchester is a town that holds plenty of stories of Tom tearing up the streets from time to time.
He graduated from Dundee High School in 1958 and would proudly tell you that he was in the top 10 of his class. Of course, he would chuckle and remind you that there were only 10 kids in his class.
Following graduation, Tom honorably served in the National Guard from 1958 to 1963 and in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966.
At 8 p.m. on a Friday night in Hawkeye, Iowa, a church was filled as Tom was united in marriage to his bride, Dorothy Engelhardt. It is no joke that Tom was one lucky man to have had Dorothy by his side throughout their entire journey together.
On Halloween night in 1966, a farm on Landis Road became the place they would settle and create a home where absolutely everyone felt welcome.
Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Dorothy, who always made the best Sunday pancakes; his brother, Doran; sister-in-law, Janice; many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends from as near as down the road to as far away as across the ocean.
For now, Tom will be resting at a place called Memorial Gardens in Iowa City. He picked the spot himself, but we’ll keep the secret as to why.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Bonfire Bar in Olin, Iowa. Military honors will be provided by the Anamosa Honor Guard and nephew Staff Sergeant David Brown with a luncheon to follow.
Bring a chair. Bring a story. Bring a joke if you want. But mostly, remember the chair so you’ll have something to sit on.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Tom’s name may direct donations to FOES in Olin, Iowa, or Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa.
Tom lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, friendship, family, laughter, and love. He traveled the world, but perhaps his greatest adventure was the life he built at home with Dorothy and the countless people who became part of their story.
And if you knew Tom, you know there is probably one more story to tell—and one more joke waiting to be heard.
Rest easy, Tom. You’ve earned it.
