Holly (Jones) Nauman, 70, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on October 25, 2026, with her loving husband by her side.

Born on November 4, 1955, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, to John and Dorothy (Smith) Jones, Holly grew up in a lively household as one of 15 children. She learned at an early age how to stand out, a quality that stayed with her throughout her life. On February 25, 1977, she married Dean Nauman in Dubuque, beginning a devoted marriage filled with love, companionship, and countless cherished memories.

Holly spent her career caring for others, working in a nursing home, serving as a phlebotomist, and assisting patients in a doctor’s office. Later in life, she took on cleaning work and lovingly cared for the dogs of friends and family. Practical, organized, and dependable, Holly was the kind of person who didn’t just help—you could count on her to be halfway through the task before you finished asking.

Holly never met a stranger. Her big personality, contagious laugh, and lively spirit lit up every room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. She enjoyed treating her loved ones, indulging her sweet tooth, and trying her luck at the casino. She had a deep love for dogs and wildlife, especially birds, and cherished every moment spent outdoors. Holly wasn’t one to sit still; if something needed doing, she was already on it, usually with a laugh and a Diet Dew in hand.

Holly will be remembered for her vibrant personality, infectious laughter, love of family and animals, appreciation for nature, and the special connections she formed with so many. Though she will be deeply missed, her warmth and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dean, of Dubuque; her siblings Judy Kurt of Utah; Carolyn Suby of Polk City, Iowa; Craig (Becky) Jones, Cheryl (Charles Stewart) Cullum, Tracy (Steve) Terry, and Vickie (Timothy) Callahan, all of Dubuque; Dorothy Fuller of Peosta; Todd Jones and Sharon (Jeff) Wischmeyer of Michigan; and Lisa (Michael) Miller of Rockford, Illinois; sisters-in-law Diane Jones and Judy Nauman of Dubuque; brothers-in-law Peter Nauman of Arizona, Lorin (Virginia) Nauman of Pennsylvania, and Ken Nauman of Florida; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Charles and Delores Nauman; her brothers, John, Keith, and Darren; her sister, Pamela Sloan; and her brothers-in-law, Tom Sloan, Dave Suby, Kurt Cullum, and Harold Fuller; nephews, Greg Nennig, Timothy Fuller, and Adam Fuller.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

The family requests no flowers.