Donald J. Fluhr, age 76, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away suddenly on September 3, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL, with Rev. Bart Timmerman officiating, and Deacon Larry Tranel assisting. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque.

Family and friends may call from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, and from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary’s Church, where a parish scripture service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.  Members of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept. will meet at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is assisting the family.

Don was born on January 26, 1949, to Carl and Florence (Roth) Fluhr in Dubuque, IA. He graduated from St. Mary’s School in East Dubuque, IL, and Wahlert High School in Dubuque, IA. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 during the Vietnam era, stationed in Texas and Colorado Springs.

On June 17, 1972, Don married Rita Tranel, and together they raised six children. He was an active member of the East Dubuque Drum Corps, served as a volunteer for the East Dubuque Fire Department for 18 years, retiring as Fire Chief. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Dubuque, where he also served on the school board, and retired from John Deere in Dubuque. He was also a member of U.A.W. Local # 94.

In his spare time, Don enjoyed woodworking, coaching baseball, camping, spontaneous road trips, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rita; their six children: Jennifer (Pat) Ready, Jason (Angie) Fluhr, Jeremy (Lara) Fluhr, Joleen (Bob) Fink, Jim (Kristin) Fluhr, and Jared (Alicia) Fluhr; fifteen grandchildren; sister Karen (Mike) Neyens, brother Ron (Donna) Fluhr; in-laws: Roseann (David) Wiederholt, Karen (Dan) Timmerman, Mary Lou (Richard) Donovan, Judy (Owen) Adrian, John (Connie) Tranel, Tom (Lin) Tranel, Joan (Mike) Bellrichard, Dan (Jennifer) Tranel, Larry (Tina) Tranel, and Joann (Tony) Jansen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Florence; his in-laws, Ossie and Mary Agnes Tranel and Steve Tranel.

The family would like to thank the East Dubuque Police and Fire Departments, Dr. Ram and Emergency staff at MercyOne.

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