Thomas E. Kerstein of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on May 28, 2025, his 67th birthday.  After returning home from a personal birthday celebration, he was later found deceased on his property by an attentive neighbor.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, June 7, beginning with Military Funeral Honors at 2pm at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.  Visitation for friends and family will follow from 3:00 to 4:30 at Friendship Baptist Chapel, 320 E. 20th St., Dubuque.  Final service will be held there at 4:30 with Pastor Victor Mowery officiating.  Tom’s remains have been cremated and will be placed with his parents’ graves in Lansing, Iowa at a later date.

Thomas E. Kerstein was born May 28, 1958 in Iowa to Charles A. and Irene C. (Kelly) Kerstein.  He served honorably in the United States Army from 1976 to 1979.  From 1998, he was married for a time to the former Laura Latham.  Tom had worked at the Dubuque Packing Company and also found satisfaction helping his best friend Rick Brokus run a small resell business.  Tom enjoyed country music and was active in local car clubs, participating regularly in Graffiti Nights.  Tom enjoyed a loving relationship with his son, Cassidy “John” Radetzki, who was born to Rhonda Radetzki in 1997.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William and Charles, Jr., and sisters Mary (Kerstein) Thoma and Alice (Kerstein) Thoma.  He is survived by his son, one sister, and many friends and beloved neighbors.

The family would like to thank Tom’s helpful neighbors and friends, the car club, Leonard Funeral Home, the American Legion and Friendship Baptist Chapel for their assistance through this difficult time.