Theresa M. Merkes, 87, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, surrounded by family at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Friday, February 9, 2024 at Church of the Resurrection followed by visitation until 8:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Theresa will be 10:30 am Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Msgr. James Miller as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Theresa was born November 1, 1936, in Worthington, IA, the daughter of Alfred and Malvina Bonert Offermann. On November 24, 1959, she married Aloysius “Al” Peter Merkes at St. Francis Basilica in Dyersville, IA. He passed away December 1, 2014.

Most of her life, she helped her husband on their farm. After retirement from farming, she worked at Burger King.

She was a long-time member of Church of the Resurrection. She was a great baker and her family loved her apple pie. She was always feeding people and everyone loved her treats. She loved to play Euchre, dancing, taking care of her cats, and spending time with her grandchildren. One day, shortly after Al passed away, a guinea fowl showed up at her home. They formed a special bond and “adopted” each other. She called him “Guinea”.

Survivors include six sons, Paul (Valerie Canby) Merkes of Peosta, IA, Mark (Terri) Merkes of Dubuque, Pat (Sandy) Merkes of Epworth, IA, Mike (Tammy) Merkes of Dubuque, Roger (Christina) Merkes of Holy Cross, IA, and Kevin (Cindy) Merkes of Dubuque; 28 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Doris A. Offerman of New Vienna, IA, and Doris M. Offermann of Earlville, IA; and one brother-in-law, Joel Glennon of Dubuque.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Leon and Ernie Offermann, two sisters, Norma (William) Stevens and Lois (James) Jasper.

A memorial has been established.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque and especially the staff at Hawkeye Assisted Living Memory Care Unit for taking special care of Theresa.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Theresa’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.