Thomas Burchland

Thomas Edwin Burchland, 88, of rural Gilman, died Monday afternoon, May 31, 2010, at Grandview Heights Nursing and Rehab in Marshalltown. Per Toms wishes, the family will have a private graveside service at Prairieview Cemetery in Gilman. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund is being established. For condolences please visit www.mitchellfh.com . The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Thomas and his family. Phone 641-844-1234.Tom was born March 10, 1922, in Van Cleve, Iowa. He was the son of Edvin and Thea (Larson) Burchland. He graduated from Gilman High School in 1940. On November 28, 1943, he was united in marriage to Frances Michaels at her familys home in Newburg, Iowa. They farmed in the Gilman community where they raised their family. He had a great passion for farming and was a steward of the land. Tom was a hard working man who enjoyed yearly fishing trips with his family and friends, playing cards, but most of all being with his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren have many fond memories of good times at Grandpa Toms farm. Seeing them always brought a smile to his face. Tom had been a member of the Gilman Community Church, Gilman Lions Club, Gilman School Board and Gilman Farmers Cooperative. Tom will be greatly missed by his four children; Sonja (the late John) Wilhau of Grundy Center, Karen (Steve) Freeborn of Ankeny, Kathy (Tom) Knoll of Clarinda and Mike (Nancy) Burchland of Gilman, 11 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and his sister Dolly (Ray) Schnur of Colo and extended family members.In death he has rejoined his wife, Frances, his parents, sister, Margaret Lamberti, brother, Nils Burchland and son-in-law John Wilhau.