Thomas W. Howes

Thomas W. “Tucker” Howes 74, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, December 14th at Mercy One in Dubuque with his family at his side after a courageous month-long battle with COVID.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Bill Biver officiating. Following the service military honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. Please remember to wear your mask and practice social distancing. The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook Page.

Tucker was born on April 11th, 1946 in Dubuque, son of Lloyd and Mary Vivian (Conroy) Howes.   He attended Dubuque Senior High School. He served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969 and was a Vietnam Veteran.  He married Linda Lou Viertel on August 9th, 1967.

Most of his working years were spent at Dubuque Packing Company. His later years were occupied with jobs at Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino and Dubuque Community Schools as a bus driver and attendant.

Tucker spent many years playing fast-pitch softball as a catcher who didn’t wear shin guards and had many scars to prove it. Later, he enjoyed playing in multiple golf leagues and tournaments, mostly at Birchwood Country Club. Tucker loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Iowa State Cyclones, and participating in various fantasy sports leagues. Many summers were spent with family and friends camping and fishing at Bailey’s Ford Campground in Manchester, Iowa.

Tucker is survived by his wife, Linda of 53 years, son Kevin (Sabrina) Howes of Nora Springs, IA, daughter Kim (Jamie) Ubersox of Hazel Green, WI. Fourteen grandchildren: Kristopher (Abigail Hayes) Howes of Lawler, Iowa, Max, Zach, Will & Mya Howes of Nora Springs, Iowa, Nate (Catrinia Fagan) Kennicker of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, Nick Kennicker of Platteville, Wisconsin, Jake Ubersox of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, JayJay Onyeukwu of Dubuque, Iowa, Bruno Onyeukwu of Boulder, Colorado, Dino Onyeukwu of Phoenix, Arizona, Jillian Brown of Beloit, Wisconsin, Brandi (Robert) Miller of Benton, Wisconsin, Cheyanne Ubersox of Muscoda, Wisconsin and 4 great-grandchildren Bradley Hayes of Lawler, Iowa, Bentley and Trinity Miller of Benton, Wisconsin, and Elijah Onyeukwu of Dubuque, Iowa. Also surviving are his brother William Howes of East Dubuque, IL and sister, Roxanne (Ron) Bahl of Dubuque, his mother-in-law Lou Viertel, and in-laws: Jake Welu, Doris Howes, Tom (Carolyn) Viertel, and Sue (Butch) Korman. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Robert Howes; his sister Beverly (Howes) Welu; and father-in-law Merle Viertel. 

In lieu of flowers, a Tucker Howes Memorial Fund has been established and gifts can be mailed to Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003.

The family would like to offer their heart-felt gratitude to the dedicated nurses and doctors on the 3rd floor and ICU of Mercy One Dubuque for their compassionate and empathetic care and support.

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