Richard “Dick” R. Holdridge, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday September 26, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Dick came into this world on January 20, 1938, the fifth child of Willabelle and Pete Holdridge. He grew up on White Street in Dubuque alongside his siblings: Everett, Donna, Oscar, Pat, and Roger. To hear the stories tell it, the Holdridge boys found endless joy wreaking havoc on the North End—and while their mother tried to keep a firm hand, those boys were always on the hunt for fun!

Dick was a natural athlete, playing basketball and baseball for the mighty Dubuque Senior Rams. He was never shy about reminding everyone that he played under the legendary coach Johnny Orr, or bragging that he, his son, and his grandson all made it to State.

In 1958, Dick met the love of his life, Joyan Driscoll—either in Swartz’s Tap or outside on the sidewalk (a point of lively household debate, as Joyan insists she would never have been caught inside!). Sparks flew, and they married on October 24, 1959. Soon came Julie, followed by Donny, and Cheri.

The Holdridge home was blessed with a big, wonderful family. Holidays surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins were legendary. The brotherly shenanigans never stopped, spilling over into trips to the racetrack, afternoons at the casino (where, according to them, they always won), and visits to many local Dubuque taverns. If there was an excuse to get together, they took it.

Dick worked at the Dubuque Pack for 20 years, where he somehow managed to get paid between goofing off and running the floor on the Pack’s basketball team. When the plant closed, Dick and Joyan opened Sweet Memories candy store on 4th Street, right at the foot of the Fenelon Place Elevator. Dick was in his absolute glory scooping ice cream and handing out treats, mainly because sugar was his personal favorite food group.

Their close-knit circle of friends was another cornerstone of Dick’s life. They vacationed together, raised their kids together, and threw parties—lots of them. Cherished memories of rowdy Bears vs. Packers game days and famous “Christmas Go-Arounds” will keep his family smiling for years to come.

Dick truly never met a stranger. He greeted everyone with a quick, “Where you from?” followed immediately by, “What high school did you go to?”—always bursting with pride for his hometown of Dubuque. Known far and wide as the ultimate jokester, he carried printed jokes and riddles in his wallet ready for any audience. He popped his false teeth out to the endless delight of his grandkids, leaving behind a treasure trove of one-liners his family will quote forever.

Dick will be dearly missed by his devoted wife, Joyan; his 3 children; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and countless friends and relatives who will carry on his legacy of laughter.