Julitta “Jill” M. Rokusek, 95, of Dubuque, died Friday, May 30, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jill will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Julitta was born April 1, 1930, in Cuba City, WI, the daughter of Oscar and Florence (Bode) Slaats. She married John “Jack” J. Rokusek on July 5,1952. They were the proud parents of three daughters, Jan Marie, Jeralyn “Jeri”, and Jolene, and one son, Jay. Jack preceded her in death in 2018, and Jay in 1986.

There are not many people in the Dubuque area that Jill did not know. So many of you have touched Jill’s life in a positive way and she graced you with hers–her presence brought an energy that made it clear that “Jill was in the building.” Jill lived faithfully, loved deeply and gave generously. She led a very fulfilling life and was most uplifted if there was something she said or did that brought a smile to your face, made you laugh, or just made you feel good about yourself.

She was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She was one of the first to be installed as Eucharistic Minister, and also ministered to the elderly and shut-ins. She was also a cross bearer at funerals. Jill was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society, a mentor at Holy Trinity School, and a member of the Seven Sisters Apostolate. She was active in the Prayer Line of the Holy Spirit Parish. Jill was also an active member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for over 60 years. She attended mass daily, and if she could not get to church, she watched mass on TV.

Jill was known as the “Hat Lady of Dubuque and Tri-States.” She enjoyed presenting “Creative Hat and Fashion Shows” for over 40 years. One of her highlights was presenting a hat show at the Governor’s Mansion in Des Moines, IA. Her biggest joy was giving all of her proceeds to charity, especially to Rev. Thomas Vos, a former pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church who built the first Catholic church in the Appalachian Mountains.

In her early years, Jill tap-danced with her three daughters and performed in several shows. Her love for tapping resurfaced as she tapped with musical performers at Stonehill.

Survivors include her three daughters, Jan Mussmann of Guttenberg, IA, Jeri (Terry) Noonan of Edmond, OK, and Jolene (Dave) Goedken of Potosi, WI; three grandchildren, Michelle Spadin, Angie Spadin, and Casey (Nikki) Noonan; two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Zachary Friedley; and two brothers, Merlin (Doris) Slaats, and Roger (Mary) Slaats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son; one brother, Guerdon (Donna) Slaats; one sister, Betty (Jerome) Kuepers; one brother-in-law, Cletus (Germaine) Rokusek; and father- and mother-in-law, John and Lucille Rokusek.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name.

Jill’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to all of those who have had a positive presence in her life.

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