Sara J. (McGovern) Dalsing, age 77, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:20 p.m., on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at Bethany Home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Sara’s life, funeral services will be held at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Sara’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m., until the time of services at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Sara was born on July 16, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Robert and Jane (Bierie) McGovern.

Sara was a proud life-long resident of Dubuque who graduated from the Visitation Academy, Class of 1959, and went on to attend the University of Mexico for 2 years in Mexico City, and later Clarke College. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward Dalsing, in November of 1968, at the Church of the Nativity, and they were blessed with 31 years and 2 adored children together, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on October 18, 1999. Sara was a devoted wife and mother, who also put her many talents to use with American Realty as a realtor for 8 years, and then went on to work for several years at Clarke College, NICC, and lastly as a paraprofessional at Lincoln School, until her well earned retirement. In her free time Sara enjoyed spending time outside tending to her beautiful gardens and going for long walks. She was also very excited to do some traveling whenever the opportunity arose, and has visited many interesting places throughout the years. Without a doubt the greatest joy in Sara’s life was her family, she loved spending time with Ed and the kids and when the grandchildren were born they brought immeasurable happiness into her days. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our sweet mom, grandma and sister today, but take some comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and free of the health challenges she has faced these past years. The world is definitely a better place for Sara being in it for the past 77 years, and we will do our best to continue to honor her legacy of spreading kindness and love to those around her.

Those left to cherish Sara’s memory include

her children,
Todd (Candace) Dalsing
and Megan (Paul) Horstman, both of Dubuque, IA;

her 4 grandchildren,
Austin and Morgan Dalsing and Asher and Rowan Horstman;

and her siblings,
Bill (Dixie) McGovern, Dubuque, IA,
Joe McGovern, Waterloo, IA
and Jim (Jane) McGovern, Baraboo, WI.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward Dalsing; and a sister, Ann Sanchez-Philip.

Sara’s family would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate and loving care of Sara and her family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com