Sylvester "Ves" F. Ploessl

Cherished and respected family patriarch, Sylvester Francis Ploessl, 92, was welcomed into heaven on September 20th, 2024. Sylvester (Ves) passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024, at St. Raphael Cathedral. Funeral Mass for Ves will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Dave Ambrosy officiating. Burial will be at Holy Rosary Cemetery in La Motte with military honors accorded by the Bellevue American Legion. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Sylvester Ploessl was born on October 30th, 1931 in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, son of Albert and Alvina (Heying) Ploessl. His family moved to New Vienna, Iowa and then to a farm outside of LaMotte, Iowa where he spent the majority of his childhood. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte. Ves married Wilma Ries, his devoted wife of 69 years, on February 8, 1955 at St. Donatus Catholic Church in St. Donatus, Iowa. Ves and Wilma lovingly brought seven children into the world, raising them all in LaMotte.

Ves took great pride in serving his country and providing for his family.  He served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954.  He took part in the Honor Flight in 2011 and attended many Army reunions in numerous cities over the years.  Following his time in the military, he was employed at Dubuque Pack/FDL Foods for 42 years.  He also enjoyed playing softball with friends and coached his sons in baseball when they were young.  Ves served on the LaMotte Fire Dept and LaMotte City Council, was a member of the American Legion, Post #273, and was a longtime blood donor of the American Red Cross. He demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout his life and undoubtedly instilled that in all of his kids.

Ves was a quiet man with a gentle smile. That smile (and his teeth), came with a story that most were shocked to hear and see.  He always had a tender heart for children and he loved to watch them run, play and laugh.  Before moving to Dubuque in 2014, Wilma and Ves hosted holiday gatherings at their home in LaMotte for many years.  It was always a special day when the Ploessls celebrated the 4th of July together; his grandchildren knew that sharing a Snickers or two with Grandpa after the parade would make him very happy. He was loved by 19 grandchildren: Carrie, Christopher, Jenny, Sarah, Shelby, Emma, Tyler, Danielle, Jamie, Katelyn, Matt, Jessica, Kelli, Alli, Megan, Ryan, Tana, Corbin, and Keenan, and 2 step-grandchildren, Traci and RJ. His biggest joys in recent years were provided by his 34 great-grandchildren, (With 2 more expected soon) and 8 step-great grandchildren who all knew him as “Grandpa Great.”  

In his earlier years, Ves enjoyed hunting and gardening and was meticulous about his lawn care and snow removal.  On most evenings in recent years, you could find Ves next to Wilma, putting together a jigsaw puzzle at their kitchen table, welcoming visitors who stopped by, or watching the 5 o’clock news, the Chicago Cubs, or a Hawkeye game on Television. 

Ves is survived by his loving wife, Wilma Ploessl, and his children: Cathy (Ray) Lang, Pat Puls, Dave (Gail) Ploessl, Dan (Karen) Ploessl, Sue (Steve) Berkley, Mary Weis, Marty (Laural) Ploessl. He is also survived by his brothers: Cyril (Marilyn) Ploessl and Larry (Linda) Ploessl, his sisters: Ruth Ambrosy and Mary Lou Heinricy, his brother-in-laws: Milo (Mary Jo) Ries and Lawrence (Windy) Kalmes, sister-in-laws: Martha Holden and Jean Noonan, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: Albert Jr. and Arthur Ploessl, sisters: Helen Kalmes and Judith Herrig Nemmers, Brother-in-Laws: Harold Ambrosy, Ed Herrig, Roger Heinricy, Paul Ries and Richard Ries, Sister-in-Laws: Rosalie Ploessl and Mary Ann Knudson, and Son-In-Laws:Tim Puls and Ronnie Weis.

Ves was a beloved husband and father; the family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque for the love and compassion they provided; your kindness will be forever remembered. Sister Sharon, your prayers were felt and your visits appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St Raphael Cathedral.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.