John H. Ploessl

John H. "Sonny" Ploessl, 75, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, July 21st, 2015
at Home surrounded by his family. John was a fighter, having fought Crohn's
Disease for 35 years and cancer for the last three years. He never gave up
and always hoped for the best.

 A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25th, 2015 at St.
Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Gabriel Anderson Officiating. Burial
will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery where Military Rights will be accorded
by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Friends may call from 3:00 tp 7:00 p.m. Friday, July
24th, 2015 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. where a
parish wake service will be held at 3pm with Deacon Bill Biver officiating.

            John was born on September 3rd, 1939 to Andrew and
Eleanor (Brunsman) Ploessl. He was one of 14 children and was raised in the
Rickardsville-North Buena Vista area. John served in the United States
Marines and later went to work for John Deere where he was employed for 42
years.

            On August 29th, 1970, he was united in marriage to Lorene
Kennedy at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque and has been a faithful
member at St. Columbkille Catholic Church for the past 45 years.

            John was a very kind and gentle man who would do anything for
anybody and never asked for anything in return. His family meant the world
to him and his greatest joy was his 6 year old grandson; Kyle who he
affectionately called "Little Sport".

            He loved the outdoors and liked to spend the summers picking
berries on the farm and hunting in the fall and winter. He was also a
die-hard Cubs fans because there was always next year.

            The visits from his nieces and nephews were especially
meaningful to him. He enjoyed them so much and the family sincerely
appreciated they're kindness and thoughtfulness.

            They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach and
ladies you touched his heart with you're pies and sweet treats. He always
looked forward to them, thank you so much.

            John is survived by his wife Lorene, three sons; Andrew of North
Liberty, IA, Adam (Heidi Sieverding) of Dubuque, and Aaron of Dubuque. One
grandson; his best buddy, Kyle Ploessl of Dubuque. A brother Andrew Ploessl
of Dubuque, sisters-in-law Rosie Ploessl of Holy Cross, IA, and Eldora
Ploessl of Guttenberg, IA, brothers-in-law Jim Paisley of Rickardsville, IA
and Marvin (Linda) Brimeyer of Sherrill, IA.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers; Joe,
Lewis, Ed (Margaret), Alvin (Katherine), Frank, Donnie, LaVern (Rita) and Jim.
Three sisters; Pearl (Jim) Klein, Mary Brimeyer, and Joan Paisley. A
sister-in-law; Mary Ploessl, and father-in-law and mother-in-law; Marvel and
Wilfred (Goody) Kennedy.

            The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all
they're care and compassion. A special thanks to all the neighbors for
they're prayers and support and to Deacon Bill Biver for guidance through a
very difficult time. Lorene would like to thank all her friends and exercise
buddies who gave her so much love and encouragement. "You ladies were my
Angels, God bless all of you".

            The family requests no flowers. A John Ploessl memorial fund has
been established.
 

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