Bernard J. “Ben” Brady, age 84, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Saturday evening, September 13, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL. Burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be said at 3:30 p.m.

Ben was born on June 17, 1941 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Louis E. and Emily R. (Kuhl) Brady.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1959.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving from 1959 – 1962 in locations throughout Europe.  Upon his return from service, Ben married Evie Slaats on February 23, 1963 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.  While raising their children, he was employed at Flexsteel Industries retiring in 2003 with over 40 years of service.

Ben was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque throughout the years – including acting as an altar server after retirement.  He was an avid sports fan, continuing to play baseball and softball for decades and rarely missing a broadcast of Cubs or Bears games.

Ben never met a stranger.  He was quick with a smile and to strike up conversation with everyone he encountered.  He brought fun and joy to every situation.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He also believed that anything worth doing, should be done right – no matter how long it took.

Surviving is his wife Evie; three daughters, Shirley (Chad) Biermeier of East Dubuque, IL, Lisa (Stephen) Schmittgall of Wilmette, IL, and Vickie Jones of East Dubuque, IL; seven grandchildren, Benjamin Brady of East Dubuque, IL, Vanessa Jones of East Dubuque, IL, A.J. Jones of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew Leibold of Peosta, IA, Robin Leibold of Charleston, SC, and Stephen and Anna Schmittgall of Wilmette, IL; and six great-grandchildren.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emily; his siblings, James Brady and Therese Schuster; and his infant daughter, Dawn Marie Brady.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.