Allan “Juggy” Ehlinger, 74, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at home of Alzheimer’s, surrounded by his loving family on September 25th, 2024.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Key West at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Internment will be at St. Joseph’s Chapel Mausoleum, Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Bellevue American Legion.  Following the burial all of Allan’s family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for him at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with food provided from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Allan was born the 6th of 19 children to Loren and Mary (Bonifas) Ehlinger on January 9, 1950, in Maquoketa.  He attended catholic schools in LaMotte and Bellevue and graduated from Marquette High School in 1968.  Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Airforce from 1968 until 1972.  He worked as a laborer including time at Vanguard Countertop and Red Jacket/ Marley Pump Company, and most recently as a groundskeeper at Clarke University.  In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful items that are now cherished by family. He also sang with the Joy Singers at Holy Rosary & St. Joseph Key West for over 40 years. He had a playful and gentle spirit about him and enjoyed a good “tease” as a way of letting you know he cared.  He also coined many one-liners that his children lovingly refer to as “Juggyisms”.

He married Julie Thole (always referring to her as his “beautiful bride”) on June 28, 1980, at St. Lawrence Church, Otter Creek, Iowa.  They are proud parents of Kyle (Katie) Ehlinger, McKenzie (Matthew) Timmons, and Kollin (Jolene) Ehlinger.  He was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Ayden and Gavyn Miller, Kinsley Horsfield, Wyatt and Sophia Timmons, and Adeline and Abigail Ehlinger.  His children and grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he loved nothing more than watching his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers surrounded by them.  He made sure they were all well-versed on the history and traditions of the Hawkeyes! We’re hoping Juggy will find there is indeed beer in heaven, and that he is enjoying a cold Blue Moon while his Hawkeyes and Packers have winning seasons.

He is survived by his wife Julie; three children Kyle (Katie) Ehlinger, McKenzie (Matthew) Timmons and Kollin (Jolene) Ehlinger all of Dubuque. His seven grandchildren: Ayden and Gavyn Miller, Kinsley Horsfield, Wyatt and Sophia Timmons, and Adeline and Abigail Ehlinger.

18 siblings; Jim (Penny) Ehlinger of Dubuque, Paul (Vivian) Ehlinger of Houston, TX, David (Louise) Ehlinger of Dubuque, Bob (Beth) Ehlinger of Cedar Rapids, Tom (Linda) Ehlinger of Cape Coral, FL, Diane (Greg) Hird of Decorah, Mick (Deb) Ehlinger of La Motte, John (Pamela) Ehlinger of Omaha, NE, Steve Ehlinger of St. Donatus, Mary Ann (Denny) Knight of Maquoketa, Dan (Terri) Ehlinger of La Motte, Delores (Ron) Gansemer of Sherill, Carla Sommers of Solon, Margie (Phillip) Brinker of Maquoketa, Suzy (Paul) Nemmers of La Motte, Patrick (Carol) Ehlinger of Winona, MN, Donna (Steve) Bormann of La Motte, and Darla (Mike) Lyons of La Motte; many nieces, nephews & other extended family. In-laws Verna Hoke of Battle Creek, MI, Mary Ann Merfeld of Dubuque; Aloysius (Julia) Thole of Maquoketa, Bruce Thole of Maquoketa, Frank Thole of Otter Creek.

Al was preceded by his parents; a great nephew, Dalton Knight. Julie’s parents; & her twin brother, Jeffrey Thole; two brothers-in-law Kenneth Manders & Wilfred Merfeld.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Sullivan, Conner Golden, PA-C, Cozy Corner on Pennsylvania, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Buffy, Morgan, and Jennifer.  Your care made this incredibly difficult journey a little more bearable, and for that we are truly grateful.