Francis A. Thoma, 91, of Dubuque, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 pm Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Francis will be 10:00 am Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque with military honors rendered by the American Legion Post 6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Francis was born March 21, 1932, in Saint Donatus, IA, the son of Joseph and Frances  Meisenburg Thoma. On July 29, 1967, he married Mary Kerstein at St. Mary’s Church East Dubuque IL.

Francis was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 39 years.  He later worked with his son-in-law for 15 years at Horsfall Construction.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, taking long walks, traveling and being with his family. He thoroughly loved trips to Dairy Queen and also enjoyed sharing stories with everyone he knew.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Mary; one daughter, Janet (Doug) Horsfall of Dubuque; two granddaughters, Anna Horsfall, and Abby Horsfall; one brother, Richard Thoma of Dubuque; one sister, Patricia Klass of Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in laws, Charles and Irene Kerstein, and siblings, Bill (Edna) Thoma, Marie (Alfred) Barth, Arnold (Phyllis) Thoma, Bernice (Louis) Pottebaum, Joseph (Betsy) Thoma, Victor (Viola) Thoma, Ernest (Alice) Thoma, Larry Thoma, Donald Thoma, Ethel Thoma and Edwin Klaas.

A special thank you to his family, friends, and neighbors for all their love and support for the last several years.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Francis’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.