Thomas Brobston

Thomas M. Brobston, 79, of Gerlaw, IL, passed away on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

Tom was born on May 14, 1944, to Evelyn and Richard Brobston in Fairfield, IA. As soon as he turned eighteen, Tom began working at John Deere-Harvester Works. Three years later, he made the best decision he has ever made, and married his wife of 56 years, Karen Brobston (Skiles). At the age of 48, Tom retired from John Deere after thirty years of dedicated service. After retirement, he enjoyed volunteering as an EMT, farming, owning a sporting goods shop, spending time with his grandkids, and was actively involved in his local community and church. Tom especially loved cooking large meals for his family, creating animal shaped pancakes for his grandkids, and teaching them to draw, wrestle, fish, and cook. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed working around his farm while also dedicating his time to go golfing, hunting, and fishing. Tom’s guilty pleasure was the occasional diet coke, his wife’s homemade baked goods, and visiting pawn shops, auctions, and the grocery store. While he was strong willed and stubborn at times, he also had a wonderful sense of humor, was an avid storyteller, and loved to share the knowledge he gained throughout his life with others.

He will be remembered for the good humor and fierce love he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and will be dearly missed. Tom is survived by his wife, Karen Brobston (Skiles), and daughters, Angela Evans, Michelle Stanley (John Stanley) and Brenda Brobston-Anderson (Shawn Anderson), their grandchildren, many loyal friends, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and five brothers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Tom’s favorite charity, Talking Bibles, at https://www.talkingbibles.org/donate.

There will be no service by request. We invite you to share memories and express condolences at mvcremation.com.