Dana J. (Frost) Conroy, age 53, of Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully on September 12, 2025, at Mercy Hospital while surrounded by those that love her most.  To honor Dana, her Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00-4:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, at Stone Cliff Winery, 600 Star Brewery Drive in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is supporting Dana’s family.

Dana was born on October 2, 1971, in Des Moines, IA, a daughter to Frank and Shirley (Livingston) Frost. While in elementary school, she moved to Dubuque with her Dad and big brother Scott.  She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1990 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Loras College in 1994.  In 1998 she married Kevin Rokusek and in 2000 she fulfilled her dream of becoming a mom when her daughter, Kaitlyn was born. Later, she married Basil Conroy, and they welcomed her “baby boy”, Patrick in 2009.

Dana spent many years as a manager in the hotel and retail industries before finding her best professional fit in Human Resources as the Learning and Development Manager for the Theisen’s corporation.  Dana brought passion, empathy and an unforgettable presence to everything she did.  Her work was driven by a genuine belief in people and their potential.

If you know Dana, you know her love for gardening, excitement for travel, and joy of reading. Well known for her green-thumb, she was always quick to give advice on how to save any plant in despair that fell victim to one of her friends or family members who weren’t as gifted as her. She cherished any opportunity to travel, one of her most memorable trips being to Rome, Italy. She never passed up an invitation to visit a winery or explore a new antique shop where she always kept an eye out for McCoy Pottery to add to her collection. She was an avid reader when a little quiet time found its way into her day.  So much so that when she found an error in one of Stephen King’s books, she made a point to let him know, and in turn received a letter back from him sarcastically thanking her for her concern and attention.

Dana was a fiercely independent woman but enjoyed being with those closest to her most.  She was quick witted, always at the ready with a comeback, historical reference or movie quote.  She could watch a movie once and be able to quote the entire movie, much to her loved ones’ dismay. Dana was an amazing listener and had an uncanny ability to take a diplomatic approach to all situations.  She was able to see all perspectives and encourage others to see the bigger picture. Her loved ones often jokingly referred to her as “Switzerland”.  Everyone could learn a thing or two from her about handling adversity and supporting others.

Those left to cherish the memory of Dana and carry on her many “Frostisms” include,

her two adored children,
Kaitlyn (Ryan Luft) Rokusek, Chicago, IL,
and Patrick Conroy, Dubuque, IA;

her significant other,
Kurt Schmidt, Dubuque, IA;

her beloved cat,
Bentley “Fuzz-butt”;

her sister-in-law,
Jennifer Frost, Wesley Chapel, FL;

her niece and nephews,
Nathan (Rachel) Frost, Olwein, IA,
A.J. Frost, Quantico, VA,
Addison Frost, Wesley Chapel, FL;

her best friend and family,
Brenda (Jeremy) Duvel, Peosta, IA,
and their children,
Ryan (Courtney) Konrardy, Cedar Rapids, IA,
and Lizzy Konrardy, Iowa City, IA;

her in-laws,
Bill and Lori Rokusek, Asbury, IA;

along with countless extended family, friends, and co-workers.

Dana was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Shirley (Livingston) Frost; and her beloved brother, role model, and biggest critic, Scott Frost.

Dana’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy and the University of Iowa Hospitals for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Dana’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com