Thomas A. Fessler
March 4, 1944 ~ March 21, 2025
Thomas A. Fessler, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Stonehill Care Center.
Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity, 115 Alta Vista Street.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.
Tom was born March 4, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa to Victor and Mary Rita (Marshall) Fessler. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1962, and married Pamela Dow on July 27, 1968, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.
Tom was a Police Officer for the City of Dubuque for 32 years. He was the former president and member of the Dubuque police officer’s association, member of the Dubuque Story Book Children’s Zoo Board, lifelong member of Nativity parish, built bluebird houses for Swiss Valley for the Dubuque County conservation.
Tom was a loving husband of 56 years to his wife Pam. He was an amazing father to two wonderful daughters. His grandchildren described him as compassionate, strong, determined and brave. He was a dedicated public servant for 32 years. During his lifetime Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was loved by many and will be missed every day.
He is survived by his wife Pamela Fessler; daughters, Rachel (John) Jennings, and Sarah (Justin) Friske; Four grandchildren, Madilyn Jennings, Thomas Jennings, Paige Friske, and Evelyn Friske; brother, Victor Fessler, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Mary Rita Fessler, brother Robert Fessler, sister Rita Jean Moser, and “brother from another mother” Fred Timmerman.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque and the Dubuque Food Pantry.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the caregivers at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque.
