Harold Thomas “Tom” Birch, age 72, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 12, 2026, at Sunnycrest Manor while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on April 10, 1954, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Alfred and Norma (Waechter) Birch.  He was gifted with a kind-hearted and generous spirit which he carried faithfully throughout his 72 years among us.

Tom spent the majority of his working career it the trucking industry.  He was an over-the-road driver for many years, but the main focus and passion in his daily life was Harold’s Trailer Wash which he owned and operated for most of his working years.  Tom enjoyed the ability to do what he enjoyed and thankfully spent the majority of his life making a living in a way that brought his both joy and satisfaction at the end of the day.

Tom eventually met and married the love of his life, Debra Hayes, on Valentine’s Day in 2000.  They were blessed with 26 wonderful years together and even until the very end while Tom was facing his health battles, Debra was right by his side without wavering.

In his free-time, Tom always did his best to keep life simple.  Whether he was enjoying a little quality time fixing the world’s problems with his friends over a great cup of coffee, or quite often traveling around the area with his beautiful bride as his co-pilot, Tom found true contentment in keeping life reigned in with both of his feet planted securely on the ground beneath him.  He also enjoyed going out to the stock car races in earlier years with his son, Andy, when those days were available, but could be just as happy to relax around the house with a little old school music playing ever so perfectly in the background.  Tom’s greatest joy though was clearly when his family was nearby and the world outside seemed to be resisted at just the right distance to allow the peace to flow effortlessly in the day.  He treasured his family and friends to a fault and his legacy was undeniably created over years of devotion evidenced for all to see.  Thank you, Tom, for all of the love, lessons and memories you leave behind and may they help to comfort our broken hearts until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his loving wife of 26 years,
Debra Hayes-Birch, Dubuque, IA:

his daughter,
Kayla (Bryce) Green, Bellevue, IA;

his three adored grandchildren,
Cooper Green, Rylee Green and Kye Green;

his brother,
Chris Birch, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Andy Birch; and his daughter, Amanda Birch.

Tom’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sunnycrest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com