June A. Brandenburg, 85, of Epworth, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:04 p.m. at Stonehill Community Care Center in Dubuque, surrounded by the unwavering love of her family. After a courageous battle with cancer and other illnesses, June’s final moments were filled with the same grace, strength, and warmth that defined her life.

Visitation will be held at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service in her honor beginning at 2:30 p.m. Additional visitation will take place on Friday, August 1, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Father Steve Garner presiding. Assisting Deacon will be Nick Elliott.  June will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth.

Born in 1940 in Farley, Iowa, June was the cherished daughter of James and Mabel (Wall) O’Meara. A proud 1957 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, she later married the love of her life, Richard J. Brandenburg, who preceded her in death on October 25, 1999. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on love, laughter, and shared devotion to family.

June dedicated 34 years of her life to Western Dubuque High School, where her radiant smile and kind heart left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike. She retired in 2006, but her legacy of compassion and service continues today.

A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society, June also served her community through the Western Dubuque School Board and as a long-time volunteer at the Epworth Food Pantry. Her selfless spirit was recognized in October 2018 when she was honored with a KCRG “Show You Care” spotlight.

June’s greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into every moment spent with her children and grandchildren—playing cards, assembling puzzles, and sharing stories that kept family memories alive. She was also a long-time member of the Hawkeye Motorcycle Club, embracing the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that came with it. Her love was constant, her presence comforting, and her memory will forever be a guiding light.

She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her five children: Daniel (Sue) Brandenburg of Le Mars, Sherry (Steven) Horsfield of Peosta, Robin (Joe) Shultz of Dubuque, Dick (Don) Brandenburg of Tampa, FL, and Terry (Cindy) Brandenburg of Epworth; 12 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Helen (Bill) Hartman of Epworth and James (Carol) O’Meara of Des Moines; brother-in-law Clarence Brandenburg of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ries, Nurse Angie, and Dr. Engelman of Medical Associates – Dubuque, Dr. Ringold of UnityPoint Health – Dubuque, the Epworth Fire Department, the compassionate staff at Stonehill Community Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque—especially Jeremiah—for their exceptional care and kindness throughout June’s journey.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws Arthur (Edna) Brandenburg; her devoted husband, Richard; her sisters, Lois (James) Konzen and Mary (Kenny) Hartman; brothers-in-law Harold (Patricia) Brandenburg, William Brandenburg, James Brandenburg, and Bruce (Teresa) Brandenburg; and sister-in-law Donna Kahrs. Though she has left this world, the love she gave so freely continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Epworth Food Pantry in honor of June Brandenburg—a tribute to her lifelong commitment to helping others and her enduring legacy of kindness.