It is with deep sorrow and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Lloyd S. Gudenkauf, age 87, on December 30, 2024, at Eagle Pointe Place in Dubuque, Iowa. He was born on November 6, 1937, in Hopkinton, Iowa, the son of Carl and Salome Gudenkauf. Lloyd lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion to his family, friends, and country.

Family and friends may visit from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, January 3, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Key West.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church with Mgsr. Thomas Toale officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Private burial will take place at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lois (Callahan), on February 10, 1962, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa. They spent 60 years together building a beautiful family and creating cherished memories. Lois and their beloved daughter, Cheryl, preceded him in death.

Lloyd proudly served his country in the United States Navy (1956-1958) and the United States Air Force (1958-1962), where he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After his service, he worked as a Dubuque firefighter, followed by a long and successful career as a carpenter and home builder, working tirelessly for over 30 years to create beautiful homes for others.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting deer, elk, and turkey, golfing, and traveling in his motorhome. When he wasn’t exploring the world, he could often be found in his shop, working on projects, or tending to his lawn with his trusty John Deere tractor. He was known for his infectious good mood, constant smile, and warm and welcoming hugs.

Lloyd will be deeply missed by his children, Steve (Tami), Scott (Heather), Mark (Carie), and Dan (Robyn), his twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna (Paul) Hammerand of Dubuque, Joyce Peterson of Phoenix, Arizona, and Florabelle Ornelas of Tucson, Arizona, along with his sister-in-law, Barb of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Salome; his beloved wife, Lois; daughter, Cheryl; and his brothers Carl Jr. (Mary), Alfred “Al” (Bernice), Godfrey “Fay” (Carol), and John Gudenkauf; sisters Lois (Edwin) Fangmann, Edna (Gerald) Wolter, and Mae (Jack) Venneman; as well as his mother- and father-in-law, Ann and Joseph Callahan, and his brothers-in-law Joe Ornelas, Keith Petersen, and John Callahan.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Stille, Hospice of Dubuque, and Eagle Pointe Place Assisted Living for the excellent care Lloyd received.