Thomas M. “Tom” Gockel, 86, of East Dubuque, IL, formerly of LaMotte, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Ahva Living Center in East Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Edilberto Jarapa officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Family and friends may call from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025, and from 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be said at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tom was born on October 8, 1938, in Dubuque, the son of Celestine J. and Theresa C. (Adams) Gockel. He was a graduate of St. Columbkille’s High School and was member of the U.S Air Force from 1958-1962 stationed in Crete, Greece.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Bennet on October 10, 1964, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. They moved to East Dubuque in 1969 and raised four children.

Tom was employed as a truck driver for Flynn Ready Mix until his retirement and was a proud member of General Driver’s Local 421.

Tom enjoyed gardening, playing horseshoes and euchre, but most of all he loved watching his Green Bay Packers with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include Lori (Randy) Hancock, Steve (Kim) Gockel, Chris (Joanne) Gockel, daughter-in-law Keri Gockel, 9-grandchildren; and a brother, David (Joanne) Gockel. He was preceded in death by wife Patricia and son Brian Gockel.

Family would like to express their gratitude to Avha Living of East Dubuque, and Hospice of Dubuque.