Monica A. Kilgore, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital – Quad Cities after spending the day surrounded by family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Monica was born on June 18, 1952, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Margaret “Peggy” (Garvey) Dubert. Monica married Michael J. Kilgore on September 15, 1973 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, Iowa.

Throughout her life, Monica’s greatest passion was her family, to whom she gave her unwavering love and devotion. She was the heart of family life—always hosting gatherings and creating warm, welcoming spaces filled with laughter and connection. Monica never let a day go by without reaching out to loved ones, whether in person, over the phone, or online. She was deeply dedicated to the family farm where she grew up, and she instilled in her children a strong appreciation for its beauty and legacy. Monica’s home reflected her love for aesthetics, adorned with beautiful art, decorations, and flowers. She also found genuine joy in watching the birds through her window. A true connoisseur of film and television, Monica took delight in great storytelling and always found time to complete the New York Times crossword, a quiet pastime that spoke to her sharp mind and love of puzzles.

Monica is survived by her husband Michael Kilgore, five children Maureen Kilgore, Paul (Michelle) Kilgore, both of Dubuque, Christopher Kilgore (Melissa Flamand) of Iowa City, Susan Kilgore (Eric Wilberg) of Smithtown, New York, and Justine Kilgore (Tommy Kehoe) of Dubuque, three grandchildren Julia Kilgore, Ada Kilgore, and Wallace Kilgore-Wilberg. She is also survived by her siblings Madge Dubert of Cuba City, Wisconsin, Kathleen (Andrew) Lenaghan of Dixon, Iowa, Thomas (Carrie) Dubert of Boise, Idaho, and David (Lynne) Dubert of Ogden, Iowa, and in-laws Patrick (Sherry) Kilgore of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Joyce (Brian) Carlin of Fitchburg, Wisconsin,  Charles (Jo Anne) Kilgore of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Helen Kilgore of Elizabeth, Illinois, along with her dear friend Sheila Harjehausen of Dubuque, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Peggy, grandson Tadhg Kilgore, sisters Mary Dubert and Jane Dubert, brothers Rev. James Dubert and John Dubert, in-laws Curtis Kilgore, Gordon Kilgore, and Marilyn Kilgore.

The family would like to thank the teams at MercyOne Dubuque, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Select Specialty Hospital – Quad Cities for their efforts on Monica’s behalf.