Mary Julia Neuhaus, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Friends and family may visit on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity, 1225 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. A tribute ceremony will be held by the Nursing Honor Guard prior to mass starting at 11:00 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity with Fr. Craig Steimel officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Mary was born the only child of Charles S. Dugan and Louise Taylor Dugan on September 13, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa. Raised by her father, Charles, and her beloved Aunt Agnes Dugan, Mary grew up at 116 Nevada Street—the very home where she would later raise her own family and reside for more than 80 years.

Mary graduated from the Visitation Academy in Dubuque in 1948 and began her professional journey at Federal Discount. She married Kenneth A. Neuhaus on February 14, 1953. They shared 66 years of marriage and welcomed eight children who, as Mary loved to tease, challenged her patience daily. After raising her family and driven by a deeply rooted desire to care for others, Mary returned to school. She graduated from Northeast Iowa Community College in 1973, with a degree in nursing and went on to dedicate 30 years to Finley Hospital’s Ortho/Neuro team. Mary was widely known for providing compassionate care to all of her patients and excelled in her dedicated mentorship to new nurses.

Mary’s heart for service extended far into her community. She was an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, a lifelong blood donor, and served as a dedicated troop leader for both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Deeply invested in community, she also volunteered her time to support the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, Dubuque Main Street, and Art Gumbo Dubuque. She was a generous patron of local arts and culture and rarely missed a downtown gallery hop.

When she wasn’t volunteering, Mary was a passionate sports fan. She avidly cheered for Iowa Hawkeyes basketball, the Chicago Cubs, and the WNBA— well, let’s be honest, she was cheering for her girl, Caitlin Clark. At home, Mary was an avid bird watcher with a special affinity for hummingbirds and cardinals. She possessed a green thumb, excelling in cultivating roses—particularly her prized Mister Lincoln hybrid tea rose and happily sharing her perennials with friends and neighbors. Above all else, Mary will be remembered for her warmth; she always had a spry smile, a quick wink, and her signature little wave.

Mary is survived by her children: Mary Lynn (James Jarrard) Neuhaus, Patricia (Steven Paetz) Harrison, Catherine (Dean “Moe”) Dolphin, Tom Neuhaus, Roger (Theresa) Neuhaus, Gregory (Chris Nardone) Neuhaus, and Paula Neuhaus; her daughter-in-law, Karen Neuhaus; her 22 cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary was reunited into Heaven with her parents and Agnes Dugan; her beloved husband, Kenneth A. Neuhaus; her son, Kenneth S. Neuhaus; her grandsons, Tyler, Christopher, Ryan, and Taylor Neuhaus; her daughter-in-law, Crystal Neuhaus; and her son-in-law, Jamie Jenkins.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Bethany Home and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital for their compassionate care during Mary’s final hours. Memorials in Mary’s honor can be sent to Bethany Home, 1005 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque, Iowa, 52001.