Susan Ann Metcalf, 74, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully, holding the hand of her beloved husband of 52 years, on November 13, 2024.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to begin at 11:45 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 18th, 2024, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Susan was born on June 24, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alcuin and Mary “Susie” (Vandendriessche) Blatz. She graduated from Marquette High School in 1968 and then Capri Cosmetology College in 1970. On October 28, 1972, she married Lawrence “Larry” Metcalf at St. Catherine’s Church in Dubuque, IA.

She worked at Vogue Beauty Salon until transitioning to a stay-at-home mom for many years.  After her kids were grown, she worked at St. Joseph’s Key West School and later at Jefferson Middle School for 14 years as a paraprofessional.  She spent a lifetime caring for others and selflessly giving of herself.

Susan was a devoted wife, loving mother, wonderful grandmother, and loyal friend, always quick with a smile or a kind word. She cherished camping with family and friends, treasured playing cards and spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved bowling, traveling, going on walks, and cutting the hair of family and friends.

Susan fought Alzheimer’s for many years. Although the disease took away precious time with her loved ones, it never diminished her beautiful spirit which made her so special.  Her struggle serves as a reminder that time, though limited, should be cherished. It is essential to live fully in the moment and love those around us unconditionally.

She is survived by her loving husband Larry Metcalf and their five awesome children: Christopher (Kamyra) Metcalf of Suwanee, GA, Michelle (Jamison) Winders of Iowa City, IA, Travis Metcalf of Dubuque, IA, Brenda (Nick) Wilson of Dubuque, IA, Nicole (Zach) Thill of Peosta, IA; eleven adorable grandchildren Olivia, Christopher (CJ) and Grant Metcalf, Spencer and Etta Winders, Lyla, Everly and Hadley Wilson, Vincent, Lorelai, and Silas Thill. Her eight siblings Barb (Joe) Lyons, Joanne (Jim) Oberbroeckling, Larry (Sheila) Blatz, Mike (Karen) Blatz, Kathy (Tony) Reiss, Mark (Jean) Blatz, Tom (Sarah) Blatz, Mary (John) Giesemann; In-laws Angie Blatz-Malott, Jerry (Donna) Metcalf, Judi (Jim) Dolan, Patti (Kevin) Metcalf-Murray, Kenny (Deb) Metcalf; her Godchildren Matt, Scott, Sara, and Kelly and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alcuin and Susie Blatz; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Walter and Eleanor Metcalf; brother Joseph Blatz; two nephews and two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the Susan Metcalf Memorial Fund will be established.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially Peggy, Nichole, Sasha, and Kortney as well as the wonderful staff at Luther Manor for their loving care for the last year and a half.  Also, a very big thank you to our longtime neighbors Paul and Cindy Breen and countless other family and friends.