Pamela J. DeMeester
Pamela Jean DeMeester, age 75, of East Dubuque, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on October 9, 2025, after courageously living with Alzheimer’s disease for ten years. Her family is deeply grateful for the unwavering care and devotion provided by her husband, Bob, throughout her illness.
Pam was born on August 7, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Janet (Schuster) Kirmse. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School (1968) and earned an associate degree from Northeast Iowa Community College.
On July 8, 1972, Pam married Robert (Bob) DeMeester, the love of her life. They shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family, building lasting friendships, and creating countless joyful memories together.
Pam devoted 30 years of her career to Head Start, where she touched the lives of many children and families with her patience, warmth, and creativity.
A devoted member of GracePoint (Third Presbyterian Church) of Dubuque, Pam’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She taught Sunday School for many years, directed Vacation Bible School, and also served as a deacon and elder on the church board.
Her lifelong passion for the water was centered on the Mississippi River, where she spent countless hours boating with her family—from peaceful days on sailboats to the excitement of waterskiing and tubing from power boats. Following her retirement, she fulfilled a personal dream with her own jet ski and enjoyed taking extended cruises with her husband on their 26-foot vessel.
Pam is survived by her husband, Bob, and their four children: Dawn (Nick) Buol of Winter Garden, FL; Craig (Melanie) DeMeester of St. Johns, FL; Angie (Jason) Mock of St. Joseph, IL; and Stephanie (Rich) Naylor of Ponte Vedra, FL.
She was a proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren: Allison (Michael) Fortin of Windermere, FL; Makaela (Tyler) Moores of Marion, IA; Evan, Ayden, Gracia, Ella, Briana, Myles, and Aaron DeMeester of St. Johns, FL; Elijah, Isaiah, and Hannah Mock of St. Joseph, IL; and Madison and Colton Naylor of Ponte Vedra, FL. She was also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren: Oliver and Presley Fortin and Sarai Moores.
Pam is survived by her sister, Cher (Joe) Hoffmann of LaMotte, IA, along with two nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Janet Kirmse, and her sister, Debra Stein of Marion, IA.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12th, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 3100 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque. The Funeral Service will be on Monday, October 13th, at 10:30 a.m., also at GracePoint, with Pastor Jeff Durham officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to GracePoint, Dubuque, IA, in Pam’s memory.
The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©