John William Huseman, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 17th, 2026, at home and surrounded by his family.

In keeping with John’s wishes, private arrangements will be held for family members to honor John’s memory. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque is assisting the family.

John was born on June 7th, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Rudolph and Bernice Huseman. On February 24th, 1962, John married the love of his life, Betty Darlene Mary Huseman (Buol), at Holy Trinity Church. As the eldest brother, John began working young to help support his family. Throughout his life, he worked as a bus driver for the Dubuque Community School District, working at Aladdin Magic, and in the foundry at John Deere.

John was a man of humor, joy, and simplicity, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, playfulness, and devotion to his family. He met Betty at the Point Roller Rink where they rolled away in a pink Cadillac, and together they made Dubuque their forever home. Their love would lead to a beautiful marriage of 62 years and a family of four children, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

John’s sarcastic grin and quick wit were alive and well up until his last days. He loved making everyone laugh, giving people a hard time, and sitting back to enjoy the life that quickly grew around him. He loved being the center of attention, especially when celebrating his birthday. Over the years he earned a few affectionate names: “Johnnie Boy,” “Jack,” the beloved “Grandpa Cheeto,” for always having all the snacks, and “Jackpot Johnnie” for his love of game shows, casino trips, and his unwavering belief that he was about to win big. Above all, John was a devoted family man. He was an adventurous, sarcastic, and loving father who took his children camping most weekends, beginning a tradition that carries forward into the next generations of Husemans. He was an active, funny, and playful grandfather who always had candy, played along with any silly game, and let the kids sit on his lap and poke his belly until his dentures fell out. He was spoiled and well taken care of by his wife Betty who loved him dearly, and by his children until his final days.

John’s zest for life showed in his love for travel, camping, fishing, shooting pool, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. He filled his home inside and out with decorations for every holiday with an emphasis on Halloween, for the fun costumes, passing out candy, and playing pranks. He and Betty spent many years traveling to some of America’s most iconic sites, including New Orleans for Mardi Gras on their honeymoon and anniversaries, the beginning of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. They loved driving to enjoy the scenery and the changing of the seasons. John treasured the Mississippi River and the views from the Julien Dubuque Monument and Eagle Point Park. John William Huseman’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched. As we bid farewell to this funny, joyful, and beloved man, may we carry forward his spirit with laughter, playfulness, and a deep love and commitment for family.

John is survived by his children Jeffrey (Tonya) Huseman, Mark (Terry) Huseman, Heidi Huseman, and Christopher (Jennifer) Huseman; sons-in-law Jason Stecklein and Michael Duehr. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Amber (Travis) Lohneis, Cortland Huseman, Samantha Duehr, Mathew Huseman, Riley (Shelby) Duehr, Nicholas Huseman (Cassie), Emma Duehr, Dakota (Madison) Freiburger, Aunna Huseman, and Taya Huseman; his 15 great-grandchildren Jordan Lohneis, Taylor Huseman, Carter Collins, Ryder Duehr, Aubri Duehr, Carson Lohneis, Asher Huseman, Jaxson Freiburger, Carli Huseman, Rory Huseman, Elliotte Duehr, Brayden Lohneis, Alex Freiburger, Jace Huseman, and Jack Duehr; his siblings Billie Huseman, Edward Huseman, and Jerry (Jean) Huseman and sister-in-law Marylin Buol.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty; his grandson Chad J. Huseman; his sisters Barbie (Ray) Jaeger, and Joanne (Dick) Maas, sister-in-law Mary Lou Huseman, his brothers-in-law Frank Buol and Carl Buol and his sister who passed as an infant.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Bethany Home (Wednesday Night Happy Hour), Hospice of Dubuque, and Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory for the care he received in his final days.