Jacque Frye, a woman of boundless warmth, exceptional kindness, and fierce devotion, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, just days before her 70th birthday. She left us after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer, fighting tirelessly and without a single complaint. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love that will forever be cherished by everyone who knew her.

Jacque was born on October 27, 1956, the daughter of Lue and Bill Frye. She was born and raised in Dubuque and graduated from Hempstead High School, the Class of 1975. Jacque was a remarkably hard worker who gathered a community of lifelong friends everywhere she went. Over the years, she welcomed countless smiling faces as a cashier at Bishops Buffet for 20 years, dedicated another 20 years to clerical work at Premier Drycleaning, and ultimately retired after 5 years at Loras College, where she served as a talented cook and Pub Manager. Jacque devoted many Friday Nights to the Elk’s Lodge, starting as a waitress and eventually sharing her culinary dishes. Members often requested her to share her talents and smiles.

Not only was she an incredible cook both professionally and for her family, but her food was an expression of her love. We all looked forward to the annual Frye Family Picnic that she meticulously organized at Eagle Point Park. Jacque possessed a rare, beautiful ability to connect with others, creating an environment where everyone instantly felt safe, valued, and deeply loved. To Jacque, her family was her entire life. She shared an extraordinary, unbreakable bond with her siblings, who were not just her family, but her closest friends. One of her absolute favorite traditions was meeting them at a restaurant each week, where they would catch up, laugh, and share stories.      

She lived for the simple moments, frequently stopping by her siblings’ houses just to spend the afternoon together. No grand plans were ever needed; simply being in one another’s presence and sharing each other’s lives brought her the greatest joy.      

This love extended effortlessly to the next generations. Jacque was the ultimate cheerleader and supporter for her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She was always celebrating their victories. You knew you could count on her unconditional support, because Jacque would always be standing right by your side. She had a gift for making each and every one of them feel profoundly seen, deeply cherished, and loved.      

Beyond the family picnic, Jacque absolutely adored the magic of Disney, visiting over 20 times throughout her life. It was a joy she couldn’t keep to herself; she lovingly included her nieces and nephews on these magical vacations, creating lifelong memories together. She took immense pride in watching that beautiful tradition pass down to their own families, keeping the wonder alive for the great-nieces and nephews she cherished so much.      

Her heart was too big to be contained only by bloodlines. For Jacque, people were never strangers for long. She possessed a rare gift of hospitality, accepting new faces into her circle as instant family. She took care of people as if they had been a part of her life for years, offering a warm meal, a listening ear, or a place to call home without a second thought. She was extremely kind and giving, always placing the needs of others above her own.      

She is survived and deeply missed by her siblings and best friends: Sharon Frye, Terri Gabel, Patti (David) Grothe, Steven (Kelly) Frye, and Dan (Marlene) Frye. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Randy Gabel, Suzy Bierman, Jennafer Kenna, Jenny Armbruster, Josh Frye, Megan Michel, and Emily Schoeny, as well as her 15 adored great-nieces and nephews who brought endless joy to her life.      

Jacque was welcomed home into eternity by her beloved parents, Lue and Bill Frye; her brother-in-law, Randy Gabel, Sr.; and her special grandmother, Margaret Bradley.     

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Jacque’s incredible care team who fought so fiercely alongside her: Dr. Eric Engelman and the entire Medical Associates Oncology staff, Dr. Jennifer Mohr, Dr. Laura McGuire, and the compassionate staff at the UW-Madison Neurosurgery-ICU. Your unwavering support, skill, and deep compassion provided immense comfort during her journey.      

Though her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, her spirit lives on in the family she anchored, the siblings she adored, and the nieces and nephews she so beautifully supported. She taught us all how to love without limits, and her tireless, brave spirit will inspire us every day.      

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church (3200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52003) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place in Linwood Cemetery. Fittingly for Jacque, who absolutely loved Halloween, this day will be a celebration of a life filled with joy, magic, and sweet memories. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their continued work on Ovarian Cancer research, or the family asks that you perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone else, just as Jacque always did.