VINTON: Thomas F. Gerber, 57, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

His family plans to celebrate his life with a visitation at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street, Vinton, IA 52349) on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Blessed Hope Church in Vinton on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Tom was born on August 26, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Max and Bonnie Gerber. He graduated from Eldora-New Providence High School in 1986 where his lifelong love for sports started. He lettered in golf, track, football and baseball all four years. He later attended Kirkwood Community College, where he met his wife of 36 years, Shawn Veach. They united in marriage on April 28, 1990 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, Iowa. Together they built a beautiful life filled with hard work, laughter, faith, and a family that became Tom's greatest source of pride. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton and later attended Blessed Hope Church.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Tom, it was that he never shied away from work. He worked two jobs for the majority of his career; UPS (36 years), Verizon Business (29 years), and General Mills (8 years). Coworkers would describe him as a hard worker, and the best teammate they ever had.

Tom wasn't one to sit still for long. If something was broken, he was already halfway to the toolbox before anyone else noticed. He had a gift for fixing just about anything, especially family vehicles. Although he never had formal training as a mechanic, his family will tell you the repair shop rarely saw their cars—because Tom always figured it out. He enjoyed home projects, camping, hunting, golfing, riding his side-by-side, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and finding any excuse to be outdoors.

But more than anything, Tom loved being a husband, dad, and "Papa." Whether he was coaching his children's sports teams, lending a helping hand, offering advice (whether you asked for it or not), or simply showing up whenever someone needed him. He made those around him feel loved and protected. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and nothing made him smile more than watching them grow. He leaves behind not only lessons on how to fix things, but how to work hard, have fun, and always put family first.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Shawn; his children, Brady (Justice) Gerber, Brinkley (Bobby) Sargent, Bristi (Warren) Rouse, and Brandis (David) Bray; his cherished grandchildren, Cali, Palmer, Daylin, Whitley, Wrenley, Truett, Luxon, Walker, and more precious grandchildren coming in the near future, his sister, Ann (Ed) Hogle; his brother, Max Gerber; his brother-in-laws; Shane, Shannon, and Shamus Veach; his nephews, Nick and Andy Kirkpatrick; his three sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and coworkers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Bonnie Gerber.

The world feels quieter without Tom in it. His steady presence, laughter, quick wit, and willingness to help anyone will be deeply missed. Though our hearts are broken beyond words, we are endlessly grateful for the years we shared with him. His legacy lives on every memory he created, every laugh he inspired, and in the family he loved so completely. He was loved beyond measure, and if love alone could have changed the outcome, he would still be with us.

Donations can be made in his name to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.