Obituaries : Thomas “Tom” George Engledow

Thomas "Tom" George Engledow, 70, passed away of a heart attack on Thursday, September 19, 2024, while snorkeling with his family in the crystal clear waters of Curaçao in the Southern Caribbean, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 4, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Vinton, and all are welcome to join together at the American Legion in Vinton afterwards. Friends may visit with the family Thursday, October 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Tom was born June 12, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Wilbur "Shorty" and Elsie (Bickel) Engledow. He was a graduate of Vinton High School and Kirkwood Community College. On September 21, 1974, Tom was united in marriage to Carilyn Rosekrans at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton.

Tom started his career selling insurance, and working at farm implement dealers in Northern Iowa until 1980 when they moved back to be closer to family. He then worked at DC Taylor and purchased the Farmers Exchange Tavern in Mt. Auburn, Iowa, where they made many lifelong friends. Tom later returned to parts sales and management in the farming industry, and retired from P&K Implement in 2019.

A proud, long-time member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Tom valued community and camaraderie. He held numerous offices and made countless friends who became extended family. He currently served as Iowa State Worthy President-Elect. Tom had numerous hobbies, each of which showed his love for the simple pleasures in life. He had a love of animals, especially his incredibly spoiled cat, Charlie, who was always by his side. Gardening took up most of Tom's spring and summer. Carefully starting hundreds of plants from seeds, tending to large gardens filled with more vegetables than he knew what do to with. In turn sharing them with anyone wanting fresh produce. His cat, Charlie, was always underfoot in the garden, or riding along on his shoulder. When not busy volunteering or tending to his gardens, he enjoyed going to country concerts with Alesia, helping grill food at weekly racing events with Dan, road trips along the Mississippi and trips to the casino with his family.

Tom is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Carilyn; son, Dan, of Vinton; and daughter, Alesia (Tony) Lewis of Waterloo. He shared a special bond with sister Carol (Bob) Smith of Wilton. Also surviving are two sisters: Connie and Karen; 3 step-granddaughters; 2 step-great-granddaughters; friend and ex-brother-in-law, Albert (Lynette) Muschaweck; along with many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; and his favorite feline companion, Charlie, on July 19, 2024. Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.

A memorial fund has been established.