Richard E. Thoma, 90, of Dubuque, died Thursday, September 3, 2026, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Richard will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish- Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Robert Gross as the Celebrant. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Richard was born October 21, 1935, the son of Joseph and Frances (Meisenburg) Thoma. On May 14, 1960, he married the love of his life, Ethel Ehrlich in Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on July 20, 2019.

Richard worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 34 years prior to retiring in 1992.

Richard loved time spent in his garden where he was known for growing delicious watermelons and apples. He loved hunting with his beloved hunting dogs by his side. Following his retirement, he spent most of his days on the family farm in St. Donatus, where he enjoyed helping his brothers, Larry and Don. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family.

Survivors include his son, Rich (Lynn) Thoma of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Gina (Joe Pregler) Weber and Jordan (Melissa) Weber; three great-grandchildren, BreeLyn, Olivia, and Griffin Weber; one sister, Patricia Klaas; siblings-in-law, Mary Thoma, Bertha Thoma, Bernice Ehrlich, Lois Ehrlich, Delores (Cletus) Ambrosy, Norbert (Nancy) Ehrlich, Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding, and Linda Ehrlich; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Richard was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill (Edna), Marie (Alfred) Barth, Arnold (Phyllis), Louis (Bernice) Pottebaum, Joe (Betsy), Victor (Viola), Francis, Ernest (Alice), Larry, and Don; and siblings-in-law, Thomas (Rosie) Ehrlich, Ina (Robert) Hohmann, Fred Ehrlich Jr., Mark Ehrlich, Paul Ehrlich, Barbara (Dan) Gaul, Vince (Dianne) Ehrlich, Carl (Frances) Pfeiler, Ernie Ehrlich, Fritz Ehrlich, and Edwin Klaas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Richard’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially his nurses, Nicole, Karla, Betsy, and Jamie B., for all of their loving and compassionate care.

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