Thomas Fiedler

Thomas W. “Tom” Fiedler, 64, of Platteville, died on Saturday, April 1, 2017 in Greenville, Alabama.  Friends may call from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be an Elk's Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service.  Pastor Scott Craddock and Rev. Brenda Whitford will officiate.  Memorials may be made to the Thomas W. “Tom” Fiedler Memorial Fund.  Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Tom was born on April 24, 1952 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the son of Gertrude (Northouse) Fiedler and the late Joseph W. “Bill” Fiedler.  Tom graduated from Lancaster High School in 1970 and from Southwest Technical College in 1971 with a degree in Welding.  Tom was united in marriage to Linda Smith on October 21, 1972 in Lancaster.  He worked as a welder at John Deere Dubuque Works from 1972 until his retirement in 2010; where he was a member of the UAW Local 94.  Tom joined the Elks Lodge in 1981 where he was a very active member for the past 36 years, as an Honorary Lifetime Member.  He was a Past State Vice President, ER (Exalted Ruler) from 1989-1990 and from 1991-1992, and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler from 2012-2014.  Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, golfing (most recently with his granddaughters), putzing in the garage, home projects, gardening, spending the summers at Whitetail Bluff and winters at Orange Beach, Alabama.  He was a great man and would lend a hand to anybody in need. Tom will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Linda, of Platteville; son, Jason (Jennifer) Fiedler, of Platteville, and granddaughters, Jadyn, Jasmine, and Jillian; mother, Gertrude “Gertie” Fiedler; three sisters, Kathy (Jim) Dunn of Bellevue, IA; Julie (Nick) Nixon of Silvis, IL; Bonnie (Terry) Vaassen of Platteville; brother, Dan (Christine) Fiedler of Platteville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Orville (Carol Hutchcroft) of Lancaster, Anna (Gerald) Lawrence of Prairie du Chien, WI; Michael Buss of Platteville; Micki Smith of Lancaster; and Donna (Mark) Landon of Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph “Bill” Fiedler; mother and father in law, Herbert and Gladys Smith; brothers-in-law, David and Bernard Smith; sisters-in-law, Judith Buss and Jean Vogt; niece, Katie Vaassen; and nephews, Mark and Duane Smith.