Ray R. Yager, Jr. 74, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center surrounded by his family. He handled his 7-year battle with cancer with grace and cherished every moment with his family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. Sharing time and concluding prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Ray was born in Dubuque, IA on November 22, 1951, the son of Ray Sr. and Lillian (Brenner) Yager. He drove semi for Crete Carrier for many years until his retirement. Dianne would ride along when given the chance and those moments were always special for them.

Ray loved fishing, camping and Nascar Racing. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was always his favorite. Ray especially loved doing body and mechanical work on cars with his son Josh. A favorite project was always working on his son’s Nova with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, William Brimmer and Betty Brimmer.

Those left to cherish Ray’s memory include his wife of 45 years, Dianne; son, Joshua Yager of Dubuque, granddaughter’s Makayla (River) Yager, Alexis Yager and Isabella Yager all of Dubuque; his brother, Dwight (Janet) Yager of Dubuque; brothers and sisters-in-law: Noel Fries, Lianne Brimmer, Pat (Brimmer) Mohr, James and Susan Brimmer, Susan E. (Brimmer) Welsh and Charles Brimmer, Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Eric Engelman and nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center for the special care they gave to Ray.