Thomas J. Roseliep

Thomas John Roseliep, age 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 19, 2020, at home. A private family service will be held to honor Tom’s life, in accordance with his wishes. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tom was born on July 23, 1943, in Dubuque, a son to Louis John and Cathryn Louise (Heim) Roseliep. He graduated from Loras Academy, and Loras College with a degree in History. He also earned a degree in Journalism from Iowa State University.

Tom worked as a journalist first in Minnesota and later for outlets in the Tri-State area, including the Telegraph Herald. Tom also worked for the US Postal Service in Dubuque, and for Divine Word Theological Seminary. In 1992 he joined his brother James L. Roseliep at Security Products of Dubuque, where he stayed for 28 years.

Tom was a devout Catholic and attended mass every week. He also paid visits to nuns, priests, and fellow parishioners within the Dubuque Catholic family.

Tom was a devoted listener to old-time radio Sunday nights on KDTH. He also listened to classical music on KSUI, and made time for Cubs and Bears games. He was an avid reader and museum-goer, and took in plays, musicals, and live music. He enjoyed strolls on the Mississippi Riverwalk, but could most often be found at Lock & Dam No. 11 on warm afternoons, watching the tows and river traffic.

Tom was an inveterate communicator in his signature ALL CAPS text messages, as well as in daily emails, and particularly and most memorably in snail-mail envelopes full of news clippings, cartoons, and notes. Whenever a family member, friend, or old North End acquaintance moved, Tom’s letter would be the first to greet their arrival.

Tom leaves behind his two brothers, James L. Roseliep, of Dubuque, Iowa, and Daniel G. (Susan) Roseliep, of Naples, Florida; two nieces, Justine Roseliep of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Nanette Barnard (Shawn) Owens, of Kansas City, Kansas; his three nephews, Will (Andreea Nicolae) Roseliep of Berlin, Germany, Andrew (Alexia) Roseliep of Phoenix, Arizona, and Eric (Kezia) Barnard of Madison, Wisconsin; two great-nephews and a great-niece; along with extended family, friends, and numerous people with whom he kept regular correspondence.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

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

A private family service will be held to honor Tom’s life, in accordance with his wishes. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

5 comments on “Thomas J. Roseliep
  1. Lois Lex says:

    Jim and Dan, my heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of Tom. I thought of him just the other day, that I had not heard from him for awhile. Would see him at church until the virus hit. Will always remember all of you as good neighbors. Tom is with God now, looking down and keeping an eye on you and yours.

  2. Ann Schaal says:

    Dan and Jim-It is with real deep sadness that I write to you today concerning Tom. Dan, I went to Holy Ghost with you (Ann Roth) and Justine was in the YWCA summer program with me(Summer SACC). I remember your whole family very fondly and my heart goes out to you. I send you my prayers and love and teddy bear hugs. Always remember good times and I will be praying for you whole family. Ann Schaal

  3. Margy Becker says:

    To The Roseliep Family, I was sorry to read about Toms passing. He and I kept in touch by cards, Christmas and a couple of times throughout the year. My mom always enjoyed Tom, they would reminisce about relatives . My mom was Marcella Anderson Becker, her mom was Kathryn Brophy and her dad Albert Anderson. Mom died Jan 2008. As a kid, I remember going to visit Anna and Ida up on Lincoln Ave. Then there were the times Fr. Raymond would come to a meal, my sister and I had to be on our best behavior.

  4. Marc and Helen Leute says:

    Hello. We would like to send our sincerest condolences to the Roseliep family on the loss of Thomas. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Paul McNamer says:

    So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We were kids together and went all through Holy Ghost Grade School and Loras Academy. He went on to Loras College while I went into the Air Force. Never had a chance to see him after that. HE WILL BE MISSED!!

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