Theresa “Tess” Hochrein

“Here I am, Lord. Take my hand, lead me home.”

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Theresa “Tess” Hochrein, who went home to the Lord on Friday, February 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She shared nearly six decades of marriage with her devoted husband, Harold “Harry” Hochrein, whom she married on July 30, 1966, and with whom she shared a partnership marked by loyalty, commitment, and enduring love.

Born on August 19, 1943, Tess was raised in Eldorado, Wisconsin, and later made her home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where her life was shaped by faith, family, and a strong work ethic. For decades, she lived with devotion and purpose before later facing health challenges with the same resolve and determination that characterized her life.

Tess was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Prayer was central to her life, and she drew constant comfort and strength from her relationship with God and the promises of Scripture. Her faith grounded her through both life’s joys and its hardest seasons.

Family and friends were central to Tess’s life. She expressed her love in many ways—freshly baked treats, gifts shared from her garden, and her consistent presence at her grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed time with friends on the golf course, cheering on the Brewers and Packers, and tending to her garden. Tess was deeply invested in the people she cared about.

She took great pride in her career as Fond du Lac City Clerk, where she served for many years with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. Her work mattered deeply to her, and she valued doing her job well and contributing meaningfully through it.

In later years, Tess faced Parkinson’s disease and its related dementia, a journey she met with courage, dignity, and perseverance. Throughout this time, she was lovingly cared for by her husband, Harry, whose steadfast support and devotion allowed her to remain at home with him for as long as possible. His care, patience, and unwavering presence were central to her strength and well-being, and to the life they continued to share together.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Harold (Harry) Hochrein; her children Kim (John) Dineen, Amy (Steve) Gitter, and Jeff (Kate) Hochrein; and her grandchildren Cole, Shannon, Chandler, Evan (Allison), Kenzie, Chase (Kendra), Kaitlyn, and Hudson. She is also survived by her siblings Kathleen (Vernon) Baus, Rose Giebel, Francis (Marilyn) Giebel, Gerardine (Michael) Hoch, Geralyn (Rick) Toetz, and Gerard (Janice) Giebel; siblings-in-law Ruth Mathers, Janice (Donald) Hoffman, and Mary (Mark) Ryan; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helena (Schneider) Giebel.

This Thursday, February 12, 2026, a visitation will be held from 9:00-10:45 am, followed by Mass at 11:00 am and a luncheon, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at Liberty House and SSM Hospice for their loving care and support.

“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.”