Jean Ann Heckelsmiller, age 93, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To celebrate Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Nativity Church, 1225 Alta Vista Street, where the rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m.  Funeral services will be held after visitation at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday at the church with Father Stephen Audu officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Jean’s family.

Jean was born on August 18, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy (Adams) Meyer.
Jean graduated from the Visitation Academy, Class of 1949 and from Clarke College, Class of 1977.  She was employed as a clerk with Dubuque County for 18 years until her retirement in 1994.  She was very devoted to her Catholic faith.  Jean was a member of Nativity Church where she was a Guild member, a member of the Rosary Society, helped with C.E.W. weekends and was part of Wee Care.  Jean loved children and was a part of the Foster Grandparent Program at Lincoln School for 15 years.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, working in her gardens and stargazing.  Her beloved dogs, Jolene and Sparky, also held a special place in her heart.  She will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her children,
Karen (Ronald) LeClaire, Peotone, IL,
Dennis Heckelsmiller, Dubuque, IA,
David (Jennie) Heckelsmiller, Palatine, IL
and John Heckelsmiller, Key West, FL;

12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great great-grandson.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Betty (Norris) Trevethan.

Jean’s family would like to thank Dr. Runde and his staff, the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care of Jean.

Cards and memorials in Jean’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jean Heckelsmiller Family, and will be distributed to the Catholic Extension Society.

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