Dian G. Bradbery, age 92, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on August 3, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Dian’s life, a private family burial will be held at the Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dian’s family.

Dian was born on December 25, 1932, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Oliver and Mary (Garrett) Merz.  She was gifted with a selfless and strong independent spirit which she carried proudly throughout her entire life.  Dian spent her working years with the Dubuque Community School District mainly in the custodial department at Dubuque Senior High School and Audubon Grade School, but also invested a few years as the administrator and caretaker at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.  She took great pride in her work and always brought her best to the table each and every day.

For those who knew Dian best, it was no secret that family was her main priority in life.  Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was unwavering and her uncanny ability to be there just when any one of them needed her most was undeniable.  Her first battle with cancer reinvigorated her strength and stamina when she needed to be stronger than she already was, but the second time around simply proved to be more than she was going to conquer, but never did she surrender and simply fought each day with what she had.

In her free-time, you could easily find Dian doing a little traveling, working on her next bingo card, catching up on her favorite game shows, and even babysitting the 5 grand-dogs when necessary.  Dian didn’t seek to overcomplicate life and always took time to enjoy the simple blessings such as watching her birds at the feeder or even just taking in the majesty of the trees around her.  Life isn’t easy, but with a little determination coupled with a sassy, yet silly attitude, life can surely be tolerable enough to be content.  We will miss our dear sweet Dian more than she could ever imagine and our hearts break at the mere thought of facing the days and years ahead without her loving heart right by our side.  Thank you, Dian, for leading by example, always knowing when to be firm or soft with your touch, and for continually reminding us that life is a journey to be embraced no matter what the day offers up.  May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dian include,

her loving children,
Sue Rae Schumacher, Loxey, AL,
Calvin Bradbery III, Janesville, WI,
Howie (Jill) Bradbery, Dubuque, IA,
Lori Bradbery, TX,
Linda Abitz, Dubuque, IA,
and Trudy Bradbery, Dubuque, IA;

her son-in-law,
Gary Vogel, Ft. Atkinson, WI;

her adored grandchildren,
Dennis Schumacher, Stacey Vogel, Gary Vogel, Calvin Bradbery IV, Jodi Bradbery, Tiana Gohl, Tasha Remington, Tabatha Barreras, Tajia Dorsey, Tiarra Marugg, Crystal Abitz, Lee Abitz, Jenna Bauer, Timothy Gillenwater and Trenton Gillenwater;

her 38 amazing great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Nancy (Denny) Hermsen, Farley, IA,
Janice Peil, Dubuque, IA,
Donny Merz, Graf, IA,
Terry (Carol) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Vince) Lopez, Dubuque, IA,
and Dennis Merz, Cedar Rapids, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Dian was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Calvin Bradbery Jr. in infancy; her daughter, Carol Vogel; her ex-husband, Calvin “Whitey” Bradbery, Sr.; her siblings, Charles (Maxine) Kirkpatrick, Betty Vogt, Oliver (Ray Marie) Merz, Gloria (Ralph) Cockrell, Beverly McDermott, Carol (Jim) Henkel and Joseph Merz; her brother-in-law, John “Jack” Peil; and her sister-in-law, Joan Merz.

Dian’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris Weber, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Dian and her family.

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