John F. Muenster, 84, of Dubuque, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Church of the Nativity with Father Stephen Audu as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Mid-Atlantic Region Navy Honor Guard.

John was born on March 20, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of John and Mary (Herrig) Muenster. On September 22, 1973, he married Barbara “Bobbie” Brennan at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

John graduated from Loras Academy in 1959. Following graduation he joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era, serving from 1959-1963. John was a Radioman 2nd Class and earned a Good Conduct Medal. He later attended Loras College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1967.

John began his career as a Controller for Mercy Hospital in Clinton, IA, he then worked as the Director of Finance for Finley Hospital in Dubuque and Mercy Hospital in Davenport, IA. John retired as the CFO for the Visiting Nurse Association in Davenport.

John’s faith was very important to him.  He was a former member of Church of the Resurrection and most recently, a member of Church of the Nativity where he was involved in Bible Study and served as a Eucharistic Minister to those in nursing homes.  John was a member of the Mississippi Valley Patriots, an organization that organized and displayed Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients. He was also a member of the Health Care Financial Management Association and was proud to have received the Follmer Bronze Merit Award for outstanding service to Health Care.

John had a passion for learning about history and was an avid reader. He loved flowers, gardening and decorating for Christmas.  Having a cookout in the backyard with family surrounded by his beautiful garden always made him smile.  After retirement, John and Bobbie took many trips around the country with their camper and also traveled abroad.  Memories of those trips were some of his favorites.  John was so very proud of all of his grandchildren.  He could often be found rocking them or napping with them when they were babies and as they grew, he loved to watch their ball games, meets, concerts, performances and every other activity.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” of Dubuque; seven children, Christofer (Stacie Swenson) Muenster of Minneapolis, MN, Kelly Jo (Matt) Hunt of Broken Arrow, OK, Renate “Rennie” (Corey) Root of Dubuque, Katy (Danny) Kieffer of Eagan, MN, Erin Muenster of Dubuque, Ryan (Kally) Muenster of Eagan, MN, and Colin (Elizabeth Enzler) Muenster of Dubuque, IA; 17 grandchildren, Dylan, Jay, Ian, Lydia, Alexa, Maddie Jo, Sam, Nathan, Joseph, Johnny, Clara, Tommy, Quinn, Willie, Olivia, Josie, and Elena; two siblings, Joe Muenster and Barbara Mary Armstrong both of Dubuque; and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Brennan and Geri Kay (Paul) Frommelt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by one sister, Lumilda (George) Frommelt; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Armstrong and Jim McNamara.

John’s family would like to extend a Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, the nurses and aides at Mercy Hospital, and the Staff at Luther Manor for all of their care.

A memorial has been established.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.