Charles “Rommel” Fuerste, M.D., age 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by Donnelle, his wife of over 37 years, and the family he cherished. Visitation will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd., with visitation from 9:15-10:15 AM.

Rommel was born in Dubuque on February 18, 1957, to Frederick Jr, M.D., and Marion (Skagen) Fuerste. He attended Bryant Elementary, Washington Middle School, and Dubuque Senior High School before earning his undergraduate degree from Cornell College in 1979. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1983, completed an internship at the University of Southern California, and completed his ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Returning home to Dubuque, he continued the family legacy at Fuerste Eye Clinic, joining his father, brother, Hunter, and sister, Gretchen, in the practice founded by his grandparents, and dedicating his career to restoring sight and caring for generations of patients.

Rommel married his beloved wife, Donnelle, in Dubuque in December 1988—after only six months, they knew it was meant to be. He became a model of a devoted husband and father to Jamie and Ryan, and was thrilled to welcome twins Wade and Cole in 1993. He led with love, order, humility, compassion, and true charity—qualities he carried into every part of his life.

Later in life, Rommel devoted significant time to volunteer medical work in Haiti through Haiti Health Promise of Holy Name at Hopital du Sacré-Cœur in Milot. He loved caring for children there, providing free eye care and surgery, recruiting medical volunteers, and organizing Dubuque food packathons to support the mission.

Beyond medicine, Rommel embraced life with enthusiasm. He served for many years on ski patrol at Sundown Mountain and loved skiing with family and friends in Dubuque and the Colorado Rockies, especially Steamboat Springs. He was also an avid golfer who enjoyed playing at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club and on courses around the world with his golf buddies.

Rom was grateful for his life and blessings. During his two-year battle with glioblastoma, he grew in gratitude and charity, appreciating each “great day God gave us,” especially on walks and meals with John Ottavi, Dave Meyer, Tim Martin, his dear brother-in-law Mark Liaboe, and time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. On the last day he could speak, he was still whispering: “We’re the luckiest people in the world, because of our family.”

He is survived by Donnelle and his children: Jamie (Tim) Johnstad, Ryan (Trisha) Roach, Cole (McLaine) Fuerste, and Wade (Taylor) Fuerste. He was a proud grandfather to Elijah and Lauren Roach; Iver, Leif, and Meri Lucia (“Pippy”) Johnstad; Ford and Francesca Fuerste; and another Fuerste grandchild soon to join the family.

He is also survived by his siblings, Nan (Bob) Smith, Hunter Fuerste, Gretchen Fuerste (Mark Liaboe), Madelin Fuerste, and Garth Fuerste; sisters-in-law Barb (Mike) Hall and Marlis (Kevin) Carl; brother-in-law Art Erickson; many nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Linda Erickson.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and the many loving friends and clergy who visited Rommel during his final weeks.

Memorial donations may be directed to Almost Home Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, or Haiti Health Promise of Holy Name/CRUDEM Foundation.