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Thomas M. “Tom” Fleming, age 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on July 17, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Tom’s life, a memorial mass will be held at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.
Tom was born on October 8, 1936 in Freeport, Illinois. Tom developed a love for family, friends, hard work and the theater at an early age. He honorably served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army before beginning his working career. Tom provided for his family as a devoted salesman with H & H Industries for many years, before eventually retiring in 2007. After his family, Tom’s greatest devotion was undeniably to the local theatre community of Dubuque. He was a member of the Dubuque Civic Theatre, a founding member and the first President of the Barn Community Theatre, and a proud long-time member of the Grand Opera House. Tom appeared in many plays and musicals throughout his 6 decades of commitment to the local arts, including Oklahoma, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Pajama Game, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, along with many others. Tom was also known to be an avid sports fan who always found a little downtime to cheer on his Packers, Cubs and Hawkeyes. The world around Tom was continually impacted by his love, determination, and devotion. His legacy can be seen vividly through the countless places and faces he touched and may his spirit continue to shine through the generations to follow. Thank you, Tom, for being the best you could be at all you did, and may peace and rest finally be yours after all the earthly struggles you’ve courageously carried over the last decade. God Bless and God Speed.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,
his partner in love,
Dixie Husemann, Dubuque, Iowa;
his children,
Sara Jane (Daniel) Fleming Held, New York City, New York,
and Matthew Thomas (Kristin Graziano) Fleming, Chicago, Illinois;
his grandchildren,
Iris Graziano-Fleming, Maeve Fleming, Sophie Held, Beau Fleming, and Samuel Held;
Dixie’s family who lovingly welcomed Tom,
Julie (Steve) Bartman, Dubuque, Iowa,
Theresa (Clint) Moore, East Dubuque, Illinois, and Nick Fluhr
Larry (Brenda) Husemann, East Dubuque, Illinois, and their children, Abigail, Michael, Annika and Natalie “Bug”;
along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lucille (Steingraeber) Fleming, and his brother, Patrick (Colleen Nelson) Fleming.
Tom’s family would like to thank Dr. Ringold, and the nurses and staff at Tri-State Dialysis, Finley 4 med surgical, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their calls, professional care and compassionate hearts throughout Tom’s 10 year journey. Also, to our family and friends, thank you for your generous outpouring of love and support. Your time, visits, food and phone calls have surely helped us through a very difficult time; we couldn’t have done it without you!
Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor Tom’s life, a memorial mass will be held at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church at a later date.
Forever in our hearts, Papa Tom.
It was my pleasure to cross paths with Tom through his years at dialysis. He was always kind, appreciative and kept an interest in life despite medical issues. We will miss his smiling face among us. My sympathy for your loss.
To Sarah, Matt, and Fleming Families:
Sorry to learn of Tom’s passing.
Know you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dave Howe and JoAnn
I always loved talking to Tom and he always seemed to have time for me.
I loved the time we were in Dubuque Visiting or seeing Tom in one of his many plays or musicals.
He was always so good to Aunt Lucile (his Mom ) and my parents whenever we came to visit or they came to Decatur. He was one I looked up to . Thanks Tom for being you, I miss and love you. May you live with God in Heaven and I hope to meet you there when my time comes.
Met Tom in the mid 90’s at the Grand Opera House. He was a very warm and welcoming person and my daughter Holly and I have great memories of him as we were privileged to share the stage with him in a number of productions. I’ll never forget his portrayal of “Hines” in The Pajama Game. He truly was a gifted actor.
God Bless all of you.
I first met Tom when I joined the BCT shortly after moving to Dubuque. What a great group of people. The memories of those years (1976- ) were filled with laughter, fun, friendships. Tom was often the center of fun… and I can honestly say I never saw him without a smile. Such a positive person who loved life and loved the people who crossed his path. RIP Tom, You’ll be missed here… but welcomed in heaven.
Most sincere sympathies for Dixie, and the rest of Tom’s family. He was always fun to be around and was the ultimate professional on stage. RIP Tom!
Dixie and all, you have my sympathy.
Deepest Condolences.