Carl M. Metz, 90, died Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Luther Manor Retirement Home.

Visitation will be held from 11:30am – 1:30pm, Friday Oct. 16, 2026, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:30pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Carl was born February 23, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was the sixth of eight children born to Cecilia M. (Dolter) and Louis F. Metz.  Carl grew up in a bustling Washington Street neighborhood among neighbors and friends, several of whom later became his relatives.

Carl attended St. Mary’s School and Dubuque Senior High School (class of 1954).

At age 17, Carl started work at the Telegraph Herald, in the commercial pressroom.  He went on to work in photo engraving, lithography, and prepress production, then transitioned to digital publishing. Carl earned the nickname “Ace” in recognition of his dedication and expertise. He retired after 47 years at age 65.

Music was always an important part of Carl’s life.  As a teenager, Carl played the steel guitar and belonged to a band called “The Oak Ridge Riders”.  Later, he joined a band with his childhood friend, Bob O’Connell (Bob and his Country Pride). Carl loved country music and frequented area dance halls like Moonlight Gardens and Melody Mills.  His love of music introduced him to such greats as Jimmy Day, Wanda Jackson, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Charlie Pride.

Carl met his future bride, Diane Disch, at Melody Mill on an evening when Johnny Cash was performing.  They married on August 6, 1960, and raised three sons – Steve, Dan, and Dave.  They are proud grandparents to 5 and great-grandparents to 10.

Carl continued to play steel guitar throughout his lifetime. He transitioned from playing at night clubs to playing at nursing homes. In the later years, he partnered with Tom Bedtka (keyboard & vocals) where they frequented local nursing homes like Luther Manor to play for the residents. He entertained not only by playing music; he also shared jokes and stories between sets. He always rooted for his favorite sports team, the Chicago Cubs. Carl also played euchre and enjoyed performing card tricks.

Carl’s focus on faith, family and friendship endeared him to everyone.  His wit and humor made him a natural storyteller. He would often share little-known personal stories conveying his love and affection for those in his life. Family and friends gathered at Luther Manor in February 2026 to celebrate Carl’s 90th birthday.

Carl’s survivors include his wife, Diane, and sons, Steve (Lili), Dan (Teri), and Dave; grandchildren Corin (A.J.) Cogan, Tanner (Ashley), Alec (Sierra), Jessica (Drew) Waddill, and Jeremy (Britany); and great-grandchildren Ledger, Pryce and Crue Cogan; Keagin and Kinley; William Barlow, Madison Waddill; Savanna, Parker, and Summer; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Predeceasing Carl were his parents, Cecilia and Louis Metz, his parents-in-law, Lue and Al Disch; siblings & spouses – Joe (Mary Lou), Roy (Hazel), Kate (Ken) Caldwell, Sue (Jim) Gregory, Louie (Verna), Harry, and Mary; and two grandchildren, Erica and Isaac, who died on their birth dates.

Diane was born March 8, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa. She is the third of seven children born to Lue and Al Disch. Diane’s siblings include living (deceased) – Theresa (Ed) Heim; (Joan and Otto Eiffes); (Judy Disch); (Mary Lou and Jim Nachtmann); Norma and Gerry Meyer; and Joe and Patty Disch.

The family would like to thank Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, for their love and care of Carl.