Thomas D. Oberbroeckling

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Mr. Thomas "Tom" Dale Oberbroeckling, age 83, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2025, in Dyersville after a 9-1/2 year battle with bladder cancer. Born on September 5, 1942, in Greeley, Iowa to Gregor and Celia Oberbroeckling and married Joanne Brimeyer Hoeger on November 21, 1964, in St Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville. Tom lived a life defined by dedication to family, service to his country and community, and an unwavering work ethic.

Tom graduated from St. Boniface High School and proudly served in the United States Army and Army Reserves for eight years, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his service, he performed with distinction as part of the Honor Guard at Fort Dix, New Jersey—a role that reflected both his discipline and deep respect for our country. He continued his unwavering commitment to helping others by serving his community on the Dyersville Fire Department and was very proud to be a member of Dyersville’s American Legion Post 137.

He went on to build a long and industrious career which included owning and operating the V&R Tap and Heartland Blacktop and was employed across several companies over the years including the Holy Cross Creamery, Jack Link Truck Line, Tri-State Paving, Jensen Transport, and River City Paving. Whether behind the wheel or on the job site, Tom was known for his tireless energy and commitment to getting the job done right. His motto — “Down the Road, Wide Open!” — was more than just a saying; it was how he approached every aspect of life.

Tom’s life was rich with personal joy as well. He found great happiness in reading and solving crossword puzzles, only cheating a little with the toughest clues. He always loved a good cookie and traveled many a mile for a dish of ice cream. He loved hunting and spending time in the timber—places where he felt most at peace. He enjoyed his days snowmobiling locally and on trips up North and out West and was an avid volunteer in the Dyersville Driftskippers Snowmobile Club. Tom and Joanne enjoyed many years hosting friends and family at their cabin on Lake Delhi next to his brother Bob’s cabin. Travel brought him new experiences and memories as he visited his boys during their careers in the Air Force among many other travels that he cherished deeply.

Above all else, Tom valued time spent with family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joanne (he affectionately called Joey); sons: Pat (Angie) Oberbroeckling and Mike (Sandy) Oberbroeckling; son-in-law, Larry Soppe; grandchildren: Nick (Allison) Oberbroeckling, Bethany (Devin) Johnson, Sadie Oberbroeckling, Luke (fiancé Casey) Oberbroeckling, Jack (friend Addison) Oberbroeckling, Hunter Thomas (Margeaux) Oberbroeckling, Savanah Oberbroeckling, Samuel Oberbroeckling, and Maxwell Oberbroeckling; great-grandchildren: Rhett and Reis Oberbroeckling, Brooks and Brooks and Mila Johnson; sister, Jan (Ron) Bockenstedt; and many cherished in-laws: Dianne Duwe, Mary Lou Meyer, Judy (Dick) Boeckenstedt, Kenny (Dottie) Brimeyer, Darlene (Larry) Boeckenstedt, Marlene Errthum, Steve (Bonnie) Brimeyer, and Karen Turner.

He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Sue Soppe; oldest grandson, Austin Oberbroeckling; parents, Greg and Ceil Oberbroeckling; siblings: Bob (Lois) Oberbroeckling, Phyllis (Jim) Kraus, Jim Oberbroeckling; parents-in-law, Ray and Alvina Brimeyer; and in-laws: Patsy (Clark) Lange, Roger Meyer, Jerome Errthum, Kathy Brimeyer, and Tom Turner.

Tom’s presence filled every room he entered—larger than life with a spirit that led people to laugh. Known for fun times as much as for hard work, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter shared around a table and stories told over coffee cups.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to live each day “Down the Road, Wide Open!” A Wake will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 03:00 PM to 07:00 PM and again 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Kramer Morris Funeral Home 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa. American Legion Post #137 will provide a service at 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at St Francis Xavier Basilica 104 3rd St SW and burial in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #137 immediately following.

The family would like to thank all the professionals who helped Tom nearing the end, especially Mercy One Dyersville providers, nurses and aides; Hospice of Dubuque professionals, most notably Kris O., Morgan, Jennie, Kelly, and Buffy; and finally, the professionals from No Place Like Home especially Dianne, Ruth and Nubia. The world is a better place because of these wonderful professionals.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.