John L. Willmes, 82, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 4, at Church of the Nativity, 1225 Alta Vista St., Dubuque. Msgr. James Miller will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

John was born January 8, 1944 in Dubuque, the son of LaVerne and Rosella (Huss) Willmes. He graduated from Wahlert High School, and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. After his honorable discharge, John used the GI Bill to earn his B.A. in Engineering from University of  Wisconsin at Platteville. He was employed as Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering Manager at Barnstead Thermolyne in Dubuque until his retirement at age 55.

John married Marion Randall on May 4, 1973 at Church of the Nativity. He loved crossbow hunting and turkey hunting, and along with his best friend, Greg Kubitz, made the best deer sausage. He built his own home, was quite the handyman, enjoyed woodworking, and always made himself available to help others with projects. He took great joy in spending time with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife, Marion, of Dubuque; three sisters, Connie Schiffman, of Caledonia, IL, Karen Drissi, of Dubuque, and Nancy (Dana) Wilcox, of Ellison Bay, WI; his sister-in-law, Cindy (Richard) Kahle, of Palm Harbor, FL; his nephews and niece, Kevin, Jeff, Scott, Nick, and Aubrey; his chosen family, Mike and Sonya and their children, Michael and Abi, and Kristopher; and his best friend of 41 years, Greg Kubitz, of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, David Schiffman, and Thomas Wayne Randall; and his nephew, Vern Schiffman.

The family requests no flowers or plants. Memorials may be made in his name to the donor’s favorite charity.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.