Thomas J. Reilly

Thomas J. Reilly, 83, of Panora and Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Everystep Kavanagh House in Des Moines surrounded by his proud and loving family.

Thomas was born on May 6, 1943, to Joseph and Mildred (Piskawowicz) Reilly. He later moved with his family to Wisconsin, where he attended and graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison. He continued his education in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later attended Drake University in Des Moines, where he earned his law degree.

On January 1, 1977, he married Gretchen R. Fisher, and they made their home in Des Moines, where the two of them build their careers and family. Thomas dedicated his career to building his own law practice in Des Moines, where he served the community until his retirement. Thomas was a fierce advocate for the underdog. He was a 50+ year member of the Iowa Bar Association.

In his free time, Thomas enjoyed spending time with friends, horse racing, riding his bike, and watching his children play sports. Thomas was a Green Bay Packers fan and proud shareholder. In 1994, Thomas and Gretchen purchased their lake home at Lake Panorama, where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, birdwatching, cooking and broomball. The lakehouse was a special place for Thomas and Gretchen where they created and shared many joyful memories with family and friends. Their children and grandchildren still enjoy the lakehouse to this day.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Gretchen, who passed away on August 21, 2012.

He is survived by his two children, Kyle (Tasha) Reilly and Kera (Tada) Oestreich; and five grandchildren, Kinley, Landrick, and Laiklyn Reilly, and Rae and Levon Oestreich.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 16, 2026, at Iles Jordan Creek Chapel, 7150 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Memorials may be directed to the Gretchen Reilly Memorial Trust Fund for children of the Easter Seals of Iowa.

Online condolences may be left at www.ilescares.com.

Iles Jordan Creek Chapel is in charge of arrangements.