Mary L. Schulte, age 75, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 18, 2024, at her home.  To honor Mary’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m., on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held immediately after visitation at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday at Behr’s with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Following cremation, burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date.

Mary was born on April 17, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Art and Dorothy (Heisler) Phillips.

She graduated from St. Boniface High School in New Vienna.  After school Mary attended hospitality training in Waterloo and then went to work with Ertl for a time.  She was married to Robert J. Schulte on November 29, 1969, at St. Boniface Church.  After they married Mary and Bob owned and operated RJ’s Septic Service and Excavating until Bob passed away on November 16, 1984.  Mary was never afraid of hard work, and after Bob’s passing she held 5 jobs at the same time.  She was employed at the Regal 8 Motel, The Big 10 Mart, Merry Maids, Suzanne’s Tanning and she bartended at Antonio’s.  Eventually Mary went to work at DuTrac Community Credit Union, retiring on August 20, 2020, after 39 years of service.  Mary’s faith was very important to her, helping her to weather the storms that life sent her way.  She was proud to be a long time member of Holy Ghost Church.  Mary loved her family and getting together with everyone.  Cooking for them was a favorite activity.  She was an excellent cook who started with a recipe, but always added her own special touches to make it even better.  She loved the water and whenever she could work a boat ride into her day she was thrilled.  Mary also enjoyed vacationing with her family.  Our hearts are deeply saddened at losing her so suddenly and unexpectedly.  Mary was an extraordinary woman, always wanting to help others and made the world a better place for all that knew her.  She was dearly loved and will be missed every day.

Those left to cherish Mary’s memory include

her daughter,
Paula Schulte, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
Larry (Jan) Phillips, Peosta, IA,
Janet Phillips, Dubuque, IA,
Loras Phillips, Dyersville, IA
and Diann (Dan) Michels, Cedar Rapids, IA;

her sister-in-law,
Susan Schulte, Earlville, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert J. Schulte; her daughter, Sandy Schulte; a granddaughter, Taylor Marie Schulte; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Francis Schulte; her sister-in-law, Melanie Phillips; and a brother-in-law, Ron Schulte.

Mary’s family would like to thank the 1st responders from the Dubuque Police and Fire Departments for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.  Also a special thanks to Dr. Kahn, Dr. Whalen and their nurses and staff for all of the care they have provided for Mary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mary’s honor which will be distributed in support of her favorite charities.  Cards may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Mary Schulte Family.

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