Molly Jean (Frantzen) Weinschenk, 50, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away on June 27, 2026, in Saint Donatus, Iowa.

Visitation for Molly will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Donatus Catholic Church. Additional visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Molly was born on January 27, 1976, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Dwaine and Mary (Kenneally) Frantzen. The third of three children, Molly grew up in Saint Donatus, Iowa.

Growing up in a small town brought days outside playing, weekend camping trips near and far, and church/family events throughout the years.  At a young age, Molly showed a propensity to be welcoming to everyone, including every stray animal she could find and drag home.  She was always smiling and when the cameras came out, she was our #1 star!  Her one request on her birthday growing up was a meal of liver and onions, to the dismay of everyone but her dad and god-father.    Later in life she became “the fun” aunt, always picking up her nieces and nephews for a day of laying out in the sun and swimming in the pool!   She loved the sun and her weekly pool excursions.

In 2010, Molly met Ben at Kalmes Store.  He instantly became her rock, her anchor and the love of her life.  Ben and Molly got married August 9, 2014, in East Dubuque.  She loved Ben more than any words could ever truly capture and she always looked forward to her annual dinner at the Log Cabin with Ben to celebrate.  Molly was told at a young age that she would never be able to have children.  Her greatest desire in life was to be a mother and God blessed her in 2019 when she found out she was pregnant with her “miracle baby”.  Billy arrived in 2020 and from the moment he was born, he was the light of her life.  She adored Billy and loved being his mom more than anything in this world.

Molly never missed a family get together whether holiday, special occasion or random family time.  Her favorite Holiday was Halloween. She loved dressing up and going to “Trick or Treat” with her nieces/nephews and Billy.  It was one of the highlights of her year.  She loved spending Sunday afternoons at her parents’ home, as well as, visiting her husband’s family.  Family was so very important to her throughout her life.  She enjoyed playing board games and Euchre during holiday get-togethers and loved having some good-hearted banter over the results of the games.  Spending time with friends/family at cook outs, going out to dinner, or stopping in for some fun at a local bar brought Molly a lot of happiness and joy.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1994.  After High School, she served as a Waitress and Bartender for many years.  She loved being around people, having fun, laughing and socializing.  Her gift of gab earned her the loving nickname “Jaws” from friends and family.  In 2012, she earned her BA in Psychology from Loras College.  After years of working various jobs, she found her true calling as a Paraprofessional at East Dubuque High School.  She absolutely loved her students and found pure joy in seeing them grow, learn and succeed.   She took great pride in helping others and she would do anything for anyone in need.

Molly is survived by her husband, Ben and son, Billy, of East Dubuque, her parents, Mary and Dwaine of St. Donatus; her brother, Joey, of St. Donatus, and her sister, Amy (Ratha) Tath, of Dubuque; parent-in-laws:  Jim (Sheila) Weinschenk, of Bellevue and Kim Weinschenk, of Dubuque; sibling-in-laws, Chad (Lindsay) Weinschenk, of Iowa City and Kurt (Sara) Weinschenk of Bellevue; Nieces and Nephews: Gabby, Jacob, Grace, Kristopher, Cydney, Casey, Shayla, David and Johnny; God-Parents: John Frantzen, of Dubuque and Lynda Kenneally.

She was preceded in death by her beloved dogs, Peanut and Dottie, and her Aunt Lynda Kenneally.

Molly always loved the song “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, so if you hear that song come on the radio or being played in the local bar – feel free to sing along loud and out of tune.  Put your drink in the air and toast one to our beloved Molly.  She was one of the good ones, gone to soon, never forgotten.

The Frantzen and Weinschenk families sincerely appreciate the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.

The family would like to thank the Jackson County Sherriff’s Department, Bellevue Fire Department and their EMTs for their quick response, compassion, and efforts.