Thomas Lee Ehrichs, known to his family and friends as Tom, was born on May 20, 1962, in Denison, Iowa, to Wilmer and Berdine Ehrichs. Tom was the youngest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his sisters Beverly Ehrichs, Deborah Ehrichs, Janet Cornelius, and Judith Messenbrink. He is survived by his siblings Barbara Siemer, Bonnie Davenport, Sandra Ahrenholtz, and Randal Ehrichs.

Tom spent more than 40 years in the laser industry, specializing in the repair of argon-ion lasers and working with laser shows. He continued working on lasers even in his later years. His career allowed him to travel to five of the seven continents and see much of the world. His work was a natural fit for his lifelong curiosity and fascination with understanding how things worked.

That curiosity followed him home. Tom loved taking apart broken machines, electronics, and just about anything else he could get his hands on—not always because he intended to fix it, but because he wanted to see what was inside. He simply enjoyed figuring things out.

Tom also loved playing Texas Hold'em. He was known for chasing the river and playing his hand to the very end, even when his cards weren't particularly good. He enjoyed the game, the competition, and the laughter that came with it.

Music was another great love of Tom's. He enjoyed Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, and Rush. Among his favorite songs were Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" and Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig in the Sky."

Above all else, Tom loved his family.

As a father, he was deeply involved in the lives of his sons, Michael Thomas Ehrichs and Joshua Lee Ehrichs. He was playful, encouraging, and always wanted his boys outside playing and enjoying life. He had an almost untamed ability to spoil his sons and took great joy in doing so. He was supportive, uplifting, and always ready to make them laugh.

Tom's love for family continued into the next generation. His granddaughter, Viola Lynn Ehrichs, brought him a renewed joy that was impossible to miss. He often said that seeing Viola made him feel twenty years younger. She held a very special place in his heart.

Some of his sons' favorite memories came later in life, including a night when Michael, Joshua, and Tom went to the casino together as adults. They shared an adventure, laughed together, and all three managed to win before leaving. It was never really about the money—it was about having the three of them together and making a memory they would always carry with them.

Tom had a warm presence that made people comfortable around him. He loved a genuine laugh, especially when something was truly hilarious, and he brought that warmth and humor into the lives of the people around him.

Tom is survived by his former wife, Sheryl Anne Ehrichs; his sons, Michael Thomas Ehrichs and Joshua Lee Ehrichs; his granddaughter, Viola Lynn Ehrichs; and his siblings Barbara Siemer, Bonnie Davenport, Sandra Ahrenholtz, and Randal Ehrichs.

Memorial Service A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1004 1st Avenue S, Denison, Iowa 51442.

For those closest to Tom, his absence will be felt in countless ways. Perhaps the hardest part is no longer being able to pick up the phone and call him—to talk about anything and everything, hear his voice, ask his advice, or simply share a moment of life with him.

Tom lived a life filled with family, curiosity, adventure, laughter, music, and a career that took him around the world. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, tinkerer, poker player, traveler, and lifelong learner.

Most of all, he was someone who loved his family deeply and made the people around him feel supported, encouraged, and loved.

His warmth, laughter, curiosity, and love will remain with all those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.