Mona Ann Udelhofen, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 10, 2024, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday June 13, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steve Garner officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church on Thursday. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Mona was born on January 30, 1934, in Dubuque, the daughter of Gerald and Bernice (Kressig) Scherrer. She married Glen W. Udelhofen on August 18, 1956. They had a loving, happy marriage for almost 46 years until he passed away on April 19, 2002.

She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1951 and went on to Clark College. She taught at St. Joseph the Worker School for two years (1953-1955) and was told she was the first (full time) lay teacher in the parochial schools of Dubuque, although part time lay teachers had been in several schools. Working with the Dominican Sisters was a wonderful experience, and she knew at that point that she loved teaching. She returned to continue her education at Wisconsin State College – Platteville.

After her marriage, she taught at Lincoln School.  Mona then stayed home for several years as four children were born and raised. She returned to teach at Fulton School and later at Marshall School until Glen was ready to retire. He, jokingly, asked if she was going to quit teaching willingly or if he had to drag her out by her feet. She retired, a decision she never regretted as one year later Glen was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. Luckily, they had nine more years together.

The remaining years were filled with family and friends. Bridge filled many hours as well as Mothers Club, High School Class Club, traveling by car or with Americlub, and playing the slots at casinos. She also did flower arranging at home, decorating for family and friends. Every holiday was fully decorated in her home.

Surviving are two daughters Janet (Craig “Rett”) Rettenmaier of Dubuque, the “angel” Mona lived with for several years, and Jayne (Terry) Puls of Peosta the daughter who kept Mona organized and eating the latest Trader Joe’s snacks; two sons, Jeffrey (Denise) Udelhofen of Peosta the son who made sure Mona had everything safely installed and working, and Jerry (Colleen) Udelhofen of Robins who made a bright spot in Mona’s day with frequent visits, treats, and phone calls; six grandchildren Jessie Puls, Erik Puls, Melissa Puls, Randi Jo Rettenmaier, Cody Udelhofen, and Alli Udelhofen, one great grandson Rett Rettenmaier; a sister-in-law, Joan Udelhofen; and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Glen; uncle Charles Scherrer, two brothers-in-law, Claire (Dorothy) Udelhofen, Jerry Udelhofen; sisters-in-law Lila Udelhofen, Eileen (Red) Schroeder, Vera (Arne) Vertanen, Jenny (Bob) Burns

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Hawkeye Care Center for all of their amazing care of mom, especially the nurses and aides of Penn Suites.