H. Thomas "Tom" Hierl

H. Thomas "Tom" Hierl, 88, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024 at his home at Lake de Neveu with family by his side. He was born on April 30, 1936 to the late Harry T. and Marie K. (Isaac) Hierl in Fond du Lac, WI.
Tom graduated from St. Mary's Springs Academy in 1954 and Marquette University School of Business in 1958. He was married on June 2, 1956, to Mary Sue Bisenius at St. Joseph's Church in Fond du Lac by Msgr. Henry G. Riordan. Following Sue's death, he later married Beverly Actis on August 9, 2018.
Tom was a humble, thoughtful, and tenderhearted man. He had a gift of making people feel accepted, welcomed, and loved. Tom's words of kindness and encouragement had a positive impact on the lives of many throughout his life. All who had the privilege to know him will miss him dearly.
Tom loved the outdoors, whether he was on his land in Florence County, walking the fields of his HF&D Hunting Club, or living at his home in the woods of his beloved Lake de Neveu. Tom relished sharing this love of nature with his family and friends.
Tom's commitment to servant leadership was on display throughout his 35-year career at Hierl Insurance along with his dedication to many community organizations that include St. Francis Home Board of Directors; Inaugural Chairperson of Walleye Weekend; Fond du Lac Advisory Park Board, FDL Association of Commerce; FDL Noon Rotary Club; FDL YMCA; Fond du Lac Festivals; St. Francis Home Foundation; Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin; Independent Insurance Agents of America; assisted in starting Hospice Home of Hope; assisted in the fundraising for Holy Family Catholic Church.
Tom's involvement and contributions to these important civic and professional organizations was characterized by integrity, enthusiasm, and grace. He was a man of great faith and his values and actions were rooted in his Catholic beliefs.
Ultimately, Tom's greatest joy and his lasting legacy is his family. He firmly believed that time spent as family was at the core of his unconditional love. He was extremely proud of his seven children and never missed an opportunity to share a story, laugh, or a loving hug with them. His sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren lovingly called him "Opa". They were his pride and joy. He made each one of them feel special and loved and they never missed an opportunity to get one of his warm embraces.
Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 6 years, Beverly; son Thomas Hierl and his children Kyle and Gabriella; daughter Susan Hierl; daughter Lisa (John) Bakken and their children Eric, Emily, Joshua, and Christopher; daughter Kathryn (Bill) Fisher and their children Lachele (Rachel) (children Grant and Mya), Joseph (children Ethan, Addison, and Clayton), and Megan (Scott) Hietpas (children Austin, Marley, and Zoey); son Michael (Melissa) Hierl and their children Anne and Kellie; son James and his children John and Michael; daughter Jennifer (Brian) Baker and their children Jacob, Katherine, and Samuel. Tom is also survived by his sister Mary Reich; his wonderful in-laws; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of over 60 years, Sue; his parents; his sisters Patricia (James) Hauer and Norma (Richard) Tyson; and other relatives and friends.
Visitation and Services: Tom's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 2:30-4:15 PM at Holy Family Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 4:30 PM. Burial of cremated remains will be in the Hierl Family plot at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for Tom Hierl may be directed to St. Mary's Springs Academy, Holy Family Catholic Community, or to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes.
Zacherl Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com