Sylvia A. Hitzler

Sylvia A. Hitzler, age 74, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on October 9, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Sylvia’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Avenue in Dubuque, with Rev. Jeff Frieden officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Sylvia’s family.

Sylvia was born on August 1, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Leo and Leona (Waters) Birch.  She was blessed with a sweet and gentle soul which she proudly carried throughout her entire life.  Sylvia eventually found the love of her life, Tony Hitzler, and the couple was united in marriage in 1979.  They faithfully began their life together and were inseparable from that point on.  Sylvia not only shared her natural abilities to love and nurture at home, but also invested her working career as a rehab specialist with both Luther Manor and Heritage Manor.  She found great satisfaction in helping others where they couldn’t help themselves and never regretting one day she spent caring for those around her.

Sylvia knew quite well how to enjoy life at home to its fullest also.  Primarily with her dear family members right by her side whenever possible, you could easily find her tending to gardens, working on her next wonderful meal for all to enjoy, or even harvesting walnuts when the fall season had arrived.  She never turned down the opportunity to tackle her latest puzzle when time allowed and if some time at the sewing machine could fit in her schedule, you could be sure Sylvia would take advantage of the chance to work a little magic and create a precious keepsake for those around her to enjoy for years to come.  She was also beyond content to find a comfy chair and put her knitting needles to work when a request from a beloved family member made its way onto her list.  The beautiful blankets and other keepsakes she has invested so many hours of love and devotion into still remain today to help comfort the broken hearts of those who possess them.

Sylvia’s heart was larger than life on so many levels and she always met everyone she met right where they were on life’s path.  Her love and empathy were boundless indeed and to even think of a world without her strong, yet loving soul walking among us is absolutely heartbreaking.  Thank you, Sylvia, for leading by example, for continually reminding us that you can never love too much, and for always living by the scripture do unto others as you’d have done unto you.  May your legacy of love be so vivid in the hearts and minds of those left behind that others may never notice your absence.  May the Lord bless and keep your beautiful soul safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Sylvia include,

her loving husband of 46 years,

Anthony M. “Tony” Hitzler, Dubuque, IA;

her five adored children,

Jim (Kim) Hitzler, Dubuque, IA,

Tammy (Matt) Lawrence, Sioux Falls, S.D.,

Tim Hitzler, Dubuque, IA,

Jenny (Kevin) Hitzler, Dubuque, IA,

and Mike Hitzler, Dubuque, IA,

and Sharon Hitzler, Dubuque, IA;

her beloved grandchildren,

Allyssa Krier, Derrick (Sedi) Lawrence, Marissa Hitzler, Sera Morgan, Jack (Vanessa) Lawrence, Anthony Hitzler, Ashton Hitzler, Brielle Hitzler, Aisha Hannah, Zoey Hannah and Lakera Hannah;

her great-grandchildren,

Sidon, Jayden, Marianna and Rhett;

her siblings,

Dave (Dianne) Birch, Dubuque, IA,

Burton Birch, Redwood City, CA,

Ellen (Jim) Hitzler, Dubuque, IA,

Laini (Jim) Harry, Dubuque, IA,

and Jerry (Nancy) Birch, East Dubuque, IL;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Leo “Jr”, Alan “Bobby”, Darlene, Velma, Leona “Tiny”, Barbara, Judith “Jeannie” and Theresa.

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

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