Thomas Wendell Gingerich

On Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, Tom Gingerich - loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather - passed away in Mobile, AL at age 76 following a valiant battle with the Covid virus.

Tom was born December 10, 1945, in Iowa City, IA, to Marvin and Maxine (Liebig) Gingerich. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Goshen, Indiana where he enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and track. Tom learned the value of hard work on his father’s farm that would define his future career. Growing up, Tom enjoyed attending Notre Dame football and Chicago Cubs baseball games with his father and brother.

Following high school, Tom worked odd jobs all over the country for two years, then earning an Associate of Arts degree from Central Florida Junior College before enrolling at the University of Florida where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  After graduation, Tom began work with Eckerd Drugs for a short period of time before embarking on a 30-year career in Internal Audit with Southland Corporation (7-Eleven) where he retired in 2009.

Tom married the love of his life, Roberta, on July 23rd, 1981, in Dallas Texas and raised their two daughters Tami and Michelle in Rowlett, TX.  They enjoyed a collaborative and caring relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other.  While travel and multiple adventures created lasting memories, family, specifically grandchildren, consumed all of their available free time.  After retirement, Tom and Roberta relocated to Alabama to enjoy the beach and all the Gulf Coast has to offer.  They would come back to Texas multiple times per year to spend time with family.   Tom was a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church.

In addition to Tom’s love and admiration of his grandchildren, he had many interests.  Tom loved sports, was a huge fantasy football fan and 3-time winner of the family league, history buff, and avid reader.  Tom was a master storyteller and author, writing 5 books upon retirement: Tango - A Life In The Forest, Tango – The Course, Gladius, ABADDON, and Shadows - all available on Amazon under his pen name, Wendell Thomas

Tom always had a hug for you and loved to brag about his grandchildren.  Tom’s children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of Tom’s kind spirit, passion for sports, history, love of reading, and zest for life will live on through them.  He provided constant guidance for them to achieve their highest potential.

He is survived by his adoring family; Wife Roberta of Alabama; Daughters Tami (Kris) Kirpes of Boerne, TX, Michelle Busch of Athens, TX; eight grandchildren, James, Lianna, Jacob, Austin, Zachary, Makayla, Nick, and Cristina; three great-grandchildren, Emma, James, and Landin; Sisters, Barbara, Julie, and Cindy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Maxine, and brother Kirby.

Cremation will take place and with no service arrangements at this time.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Florida at uff.ufl.edu.

Tom, Dad, Grandpa – you have left an indelible mark on our lives and we are forever grateful for your unconditional love, support, wisdom, and memories.  May you rest easy in God’s grace and love until we see you again.

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