In Memory of Thomas D. Ghrist, Sr., M.D.

Written by: John Ghrist, M.D..

Doctor Thomas David Ghrist, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2005 at the age of 76. Tom was the son of John and Edna Ghrist and had an older brother, William.  After growing up in Des Moines and graduating from Roosevelt High School, Tom went to the University of Iowa for college and medical school. This lead to further training at St. Louis University and Rush Presbyterian before entering the U.S. Army for two years serving at Camp Walters, Texas in primary health. After the armed services, Tom returned to Ohio State University at Columbus where he completed his medical training in Hematology sub-specialty.

Following his training, Tom worked for one year in the multi-specialty Jackson Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin. After this start he rapidly decided that he liked the Midwest and returned to Des Moines where he joined Drs. Dennis Kelly and Rotkow in 1962.  Dr. Tom was one of the first hematologists in Des Moines along with Dr. Jack Spevak.  Drs. Ghrist and Kelly successfully ran their practice at 1428 Woodland Avenue for the next 28 years. Tom retired in 1990 after having been joined by me and Dr. Charles Lozier.

Throughout his life, medicine was only a small part of his varied, and rarely if ever, static career. He was married to his wonderful wife, Jo, with whom he had six children who formed the center of his life. His hobbies included beautiful and unusual trips throughout the world with family and friends as well as being an avid golfer and advocate for many charities and organizations. These included the Central Iowa Blindness group, the Blank Zoo, the Nature Conservancy in Iowa, and his dream made real the Des Moines Public Schools Library Support Group (supplying books to the elementary schools).

Good-bye Uncle Tom, you will be missed.