Virginia Gelwicks

I can’t wait to go to Heaven

I can’t wait to see that lovely place

I can’t wait to see God’s Glory

And to gaze upon my Savior’s face.

I can’t wait to hear the angels

And to join them in their songs

I can’t wait to see the multitudes

Of the glorious heavenly throngs.

I can’t wait to hear the prophets

And the stories of long ago

Some faced persecution and death

But their faces were all aglow.

I can’t wait to smell the flowers

Their perfume will fill the air

The bees and birds will have their fill

For nectar will be everywhere.

In that land beyond the sunset

There will be no tears or pain

Our loved ones will be together

Never more to part again.

I can’t wait, but yet I will

I know that it all will come

When God will say,

“My child you’re here with Me forever.

Welcome Home”.

The wait is over.

Virginia Gelwicks, 96, of Thurmont passed away on January 21, 2026, at Citizen’s Care and Rehabilitation Center. Born November 19, 1929, in Thurmont she was the daughter of the late Lester and Blanche Penwell.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Robert Gelwicks, brother Leonard Penwell, daughter Jody Lawyer Hahn and sons-in-law Kenneth Slick and Paul Hahn.

Virginia graduated from Thurmont High School in 1946. She was a homemaker and worked for the family business, Gelwicks Trash Service, and was very proud of their special contracts serving Catoctin Mt. Park, including Camp David.

She was a Sunday school teacher while her children were growing up and in later years, she taught Adult Sunday School with the late Dorothy Clever. She was secretary of Mary Circle, a group of women at Weller UMC who focused on needs of women and children around the world. Virginia maintained a Greeting card ministry, sending encouragement and birthday cards to shut-ins, and Get Well and Sympathy cards to Weller members and friends. She also served on the Altar Guild with Jody.

For many years Tuesday mornings were reserved for Breakfast Club with the “Girls” at Roy Rogers. She enjoyed writing poetry with some printed in Weller’s newsletter over the years and she wrote the poem at the beginning of her obituary. Every time she passed the 3 crosses along Rt. 15 in Lewistown, she recited Psalm 103:1-4.

Surviving are daughter Connie Slick, son Ernie Gelwicks and wife Peggy, and daughter Angie Brown and husband Keith. Grandchildren Stacy Muntz, Amy Karaschak, Chad Lawyer, Monica Crone, Keisha Brown and Karlea Brown Orrison. Great Grandchildren Gwen Muntz, William “Lee” Muntz, Heather Muntz, Kadee Montgomery, Noah Karaschak, Stella Lawyer, Hazel Lawyer, Jacob Crone, Ethan Crone, Haley Crone, Wyatt Orrison and Archer Orrison. Great-Great Grandchildren Gabe, Lliam, Grasyn, Christian, Fred, Riley and Olive.

There will be no viewing. Private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.

A memorial service will be held at Weller United Methodist Church in the Spring, her favorite season. Date will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weller United Methodist Church, 101 N. Altamont Ave, Thurmont, MD 21788 or to Meals on Wheels, Frederick County Government, Senior Services Division, 1440 Taney Ave, Frederick, MD 21702 or to Frederick Health Hospice, 1 Frederick Health Way, Frederick, MD 21701.