Al Heitzman, 97, of Dubuque, passed away September 2, 2024 at home.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00a.m., Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Inurnment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 6 of Dubuque.

Al was born on July 23, 1927, to Adolph and Mathilda (Kiefer) Heitzman in Dubuque, IA.  Other than his years in the Navy and University of Iowa he was a lifelong Dubuquer.  He would regale stories of playing pranks with his Lowell Street gang growing up.  He treasured fond memories of visiting Sherrills Mound during his youth to visit his grandparents at the Heitzman Homestead or Kiefer’s Place (The Barn).

He graduated from Loras Academy and cherished lifelong friendships with the class of 1945. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the recruitment station in downtown Chicago.  After leaving the Navy, he attended Loras College, and in 1950 graduated from the University of Iowa. When the Korean War began, he served at the 10th Naval District Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  He was Past Commander of American Legion Post 6, a 72 year member and frequent visitor to the “club” to play a game of euchre and enjoyed time with friends.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann (O’Connor) Heitzman on November 4, 1961 at Corpus Christi Church in Fort Dodge, IA. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2018.  Together they raised five children.

Al was employed by the City of Dubuque for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 1992 as Finance Director. He served as President of the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association and was appointed by Governor Branstad to the State of Iowa, Cities Finance Committee.

He was an avid fisherman with the Twelve Mile Slough and Lake Lacoma as two of his favorite spots.  During retirement he and Shirley golfed most weekdays at Fillmore Fairways.  They enjoyed gardening, Caribbean Cruises, bus trips around the United States and winter vacations to Las Cruces, NM.  He also served as Treasurer of the Dubuque Food Pantry.

Al is survived by his children, David Heitzman of Dubuque, IA, James Heitzman of Dubuque, IA, Mary (Paul) Prososki of Spirit Lake, IA, Ann (Tim) Gillispie of Tucson, AZ, and Joseph (Shelly) Heitzman of Urbandale, IA. He is survived by grandchildren Will Shellenberger, Jake and Josh Prososki, Kendall and Jordan Gillispie, and Anna and Emily Heitzman.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Charlie Shellenberger; son-in-law, Timothy Shellenberger; and five siblings: Loretta (Francis) Berens, Richard (Celeste), Harold (Marie & Bernice), Walter (Mary) and Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Dubuque Food Pantry, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Steeple Square, Archdiocese One or Hospice of Dubuque.

Al’s children would like to express their gratitude to his medical professionals and primary caregivers:  Dr. Mark Moore and his nurses, Christine with 24 HR Care and Meghan, Angelia, Ryan, Kim with Hospice of Dubuque staff.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory are entrusted with arrangements.