Thomas Edward Walske, 75, passed away on August 15, 2026, surrounded by his family.

 Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday August 20, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque. Military Honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Tom was born January 17, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Agnes and Wilmer Walske. He grew up in Fairplay, Wisconsin, and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1969.

Tom served in the United States Army and was stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. He spent most of his career at the Interstate Power Plant, later known as Aliant Energy, where he worked for more than 30 years.

Tom was married to Kathy Walske, and together they raised their children, Heather and Curt. Tom and Kathy remained close and shared a friendship that continued long after their marriage ended.

On May 5, 2012, Tom married Barb Larrison Walske. They enjoyed spending time on their pontoon boat, vacationing in Fort Myers, Florida, and playing many games of Scrabble together.

Tom was a talented craftsman who could build, fix, or figure out just about anything. Woodworking was one of his greatest talents, from building furniture to turning pieces on his lathe. His handmade bowls and pepper mills became treasured pieces in the family, and nearly everyone has something Tom made with his own hands. He also loved fishing and hunting with his son-in-law, Steve, and Steve’s father, Jeff. More than anything, Tom enjoyed time spent with his family and his grandchildren.

For 50 years, Tom started his mornings having coffee with the same group of friends. They met every single morning except Christmas Day, only because Village Inn was closed. This tradition and the friendships were an important part of Tom’s life.

Tom made a lasting impact as an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years. As a sponsor, he shared his own experience and gave his time and support to many others, helping them find their own road to recovery.

Tom is survived by his children, Heather Davis (Steve) and Curt Walske (Madi); his stepson, PJ Larrison (Stacy); his grandchildren, Ben, Alec, and Leah; Kathy Walske; his siblings, Russ (Sara) Walske, Ronda (Bernard) Runde, and Linda (Jeff) Richard; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb Larrison Walske, and his parents, Wilmer and Agnes Walske.

Tom’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Medical Associates Oncology, MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Pam and Jeff Davis for the care, kindness, and support they provided to Tom and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a Thomas E. Walske memorial fund has been established.