Thomas ‘Gimpy’ Felcyn, 34

July 23, 1986 —

May 16, 2021

 

Protivin - Thomas Joseph “Gimpy” Felcyn, age 34, of Protivin, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2021.

Visitation will be held for Thomas on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. Memory sharing will be at 7:30 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Father Brian Dellaert officiating. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to service on Saturday.

Thomas was born on July 23, 1986 in Rock Springs, Wyo. to Khristine Elaine Gallagher. He grew up in Houston, Minn. and later moved to a farm in Protivin, where he was employed at AMKK Farms. 

Thomas loved farming, riding his side-by-side with friends, fishing, hunting, playing pool and hanging out with his friends and nieces and nephews, as well as animals. 

Thomas was a quiet person but had friends everywhere he went. He loved making people laugh and helping anybody he could. Many people saw him as a son, brother, a leaning post, a friend and a father. He endured a lot of tough times after he broke his neck in high school and was paralyzed. He never gave up, he never complained, and he was always there for others. 

Thomas loved life. Many people have said he was the strongest, most selfless man they ever knew. The saying, the brightest candle always burns out first, holds true with Thomas for he was the brightest candle, burning for others, not himself. He will definitely be missed by many people.

He is survived by his mother, Khristine Gallagher; stepfather, Kenneth Humpal; his brothers, Joshua Bessler and Stuart (Stephanie) Bessler; his uncle John (Tammy) Gallagher; several nieces and nephews; and his brothers from another mother, Brad Brevig and Jed Kappauf. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Amber Anderson and several close friends.