John “Tom” Hottenstein

John Thomas “Tom” Hottenstein, age 81, of Davenport, IA, formerly of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, IA.  To honor John’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Big Bill’s Sandwich Shop, 301 North Main Street in Galena.  Burial will be in the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on September 12, 1944, in Maquoketa, IA, a son to Henry and Evelyn (Reyner) Hottenstein.  He had two passions in life, teaching and sales and took great pride in both.  He faithfully invested his time and talents in the classroom in Arthur, IL and New Port Richey, Fl, but many in the area will remember John from his years at Galena High School, 1974-1983.  He made friends quickly and was always willing to share his love for sports with his students outside of the classroom as well.  He loved coaching football, basketball, wrestling and baseball throughout his career and also enjoyed playing football and soccer.

John was also a successful salesman from 1983-2012.  He always gave his best and savored every opportunity to bring his skills to the table.  In his free-time, John was a lifelong and avid sports fan with the Cubs and Bears always holding his favorite team’s position.  If you were to ask John what his favorite song was; “Go Cubs Go” would surely be his answer.  We are going to miss John moving forward and his passing during the Christmas season has definitely added an extra level of pain to his absence.  We pray that he now finds peace from his earthly health battles and are grateful for all of the memories which he leaves behind for those who knew and loved him to treasure.

Those left to cherish the memory of John include Jeanne Theisen, Dubuque, IA, Andrew “Andy” Hottenstein, Dubuque, IA, Harlan (Liz) Hottenstein, Wilson, WY, and Brian Hottenstein; his grandchildren, Jesse Theisen, Deanna Theisen, Alec Theisen and Vanessa Kelly; his great-grandchildren, Madelyn Peiffer, Julie Peiffer, Benjamin Peiffer, Lydia Kelly and Liam Kelly; his brother, Dick (Beth) Hottenstein, Miles, IA; his former wife, Cathy (Pete Corby) Elwell, Galena, IL; his favorite canine companion, Teddy; along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ina (Rains) Hottenstein; and his brothers, Henry Hottenstein and Bill Hottenstein.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

John’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com