John A. Lease, 87, of Asbury, died Sunday, August 30, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Raphael with Father Gary Mayer as the Celebrant and Rev. Monsignor Thomas E. Toale as the Concelebrant. Burial will be in the Asbury Cemetery.

John was born August 29, 1939, in Sioux City, IA, the son of John C. and Dorothy (McDougall) Lease. He graduated from Heelan High School and obtained a Bachelor of Music Education from Morningside College in Sioux City. He was awarded a Master of Music in Voice from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. He also participated in the Professional Opera Program at the American Academy of Opera in New York City.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Stephan on August 8, 1964, in Sioux City, IA.

John taught vocal music in Lisbon and Waukon, Iowa. He also taught at Wahlert High School. In 1967, he began teaching at Clarke College, where he taught for almost 45 years amongst cherished colleagues. He was the founder and director of the Clarke-Loras Singers, later the Clarke Collegiate Singers, who performed all over the world. As he proudly liked to say, his “choirs sang for popes, kings, presidents, and saints.”

He enjoyed a 50-year professional relationship with the Little Singers of Tokyo, for which he conducted master classes and taught voice lessons.

Teaching was his passion, and even after retirement, he kept a private voice studio. He was a mentor, father figure, confidant, and inspiration to hundreds of students over the years. The outstanding musical legacy he built at Clarke and beyond will live on through his students.

Most importantly, he was a loving partner and best friend to Nancy, a devoted and adoring father to Darcy, Jim, and Jennifer, and the best “Poppy” to Madison, Kathryn, Trae, and Kendrick.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy Lease of Asbury; three children, Darcy (Jon) Gubrud of Willmar, MN, Jim Lease of Dubuque, and Jennifer (Eric) Mond of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Madison Mond, Kathryn Gubrud (fiancé, Jack), Trae Lease, and Kendrick Lease; as well as, all of his former students who he considered family and many other extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Paul Lease; and nephew, Scott Lease.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in John’s name to Centrally Rooted Music School or the Grand Opera House.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the nurses in the ICU/CVU Units at Mercy Hospital, Dr. Eltibi, Dr. Bland, Dr. Sleep, and Dr. Peracha for all of their compassionate care.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.