65746_Tom_Rich
Vincent Thomas Rich was born May 19, 1935, in rural Algona, Iowa, the son of Edward and Lucille (Wilson) Rich. He grew up near Algona and attended Union School #7 and later graduated from Algona High School in 1952. While in high school he acquired an electronics degree from DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago and worked for Merryman Vault. After graduation he worked at Algona Refrigeration for Harry Barton.
On December 14, 1954, Tom was united in marriage to Arliss Adams at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona. In 1957, Tom opened Tom~s Radio and T.V. He continued operating his business until March of 2007.
Tom enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and his many trips on and around the water.
He served on the Algona Ambulance for 11 years as an EMT and was a member of the Lion~s Club. Tom served in many different capacities on many boards in the Algona Community including the Algona Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development, Algona Racing Board, Stinson Prairie, Exceptional Opportunities, Care Team, St. Ann~s Hospital and Kossuth Regional Health Center. He was a member of St. Cecelia Parish where he had served on the school board.
Tom died Saturday, September 28, 2013, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 78.
He is survived by his wife, Arliss of Algona; children, Jeanne (Rick) Nehman of West Des Moines; JoAnn (Dan) Curran of Ankeny; Jackie (Steve) Tielbur of Grinnell; Jerry (Bev) Rich of Roland; Jon Rich of Pleasant Hill; Janet (Pat) Harper of Meridian, ID; Judy (Tom) Terwilliger of Algona; Jane Christensen of Ankeny; Joel Rich of Pleasant Hill; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Jeanne Platt of Albuquerque, NM; RoseAnn Mondragon of Algona and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Jim and Jeff Rich; sisters, Mary Gappa, Phyllis Lamuth and brother, Edward Rich.