Gary S. Grap

Gary Sylvester Grap, 67, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully holding his beloved daughter’s hand on Friday, September 28, 2018 following a reoccurrence of leukemia.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, where friends may gather after 9:00 a.m.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greenwood, Wisconsin at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin to Edna (Hinker) and Franklin “Kaiser” Grap on February 23, 1951.  He began his education at St. Raphael’s School in Madison, and later at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Ossian, Iowa.  Gary graduated from De Sales High School in 1969 and then from Loras College in 1973.

Gary was previously married to Margaret Patzner (1973) and Theresa Ernst (1990).

Over the years, Gary was employed at AY McDonald, Dubuque Pack /FDL, Tom Maher Insurance, Hillcrest Family Services, and finally with the US Postal Service from where he retired.

Faith and family were very important to Gary, and he was active in his parish of St. Joseph The Worker serving as lector, Eucharistic Minister and usher.  He was also involved in the Community of the Living Word, Emmaus and CEW.   Gary belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 510, Wahlert Booster Club, and NALC Branch 257.  Gary also enjoyed his affiliation with Dubuque Jaycees, Midwest Club Volleyball, Galena Spikers Volleyball, Dubuque Soccer Club and various softball leagues.

He is survived by his 7 children: Conan Grap, Mya (Kevin) Calaro, Martia Ernst, Kaiser (Candis) Grap, Garrett Grap, Magdalena Grap, Lola Grap, and one grandchild Elle B. Grap. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Robert) Werner and sister-in-law Vickie Grap, along with treasured nieces, nephews and cousins, including Louie Cota.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Greg Huinker; brother, Wayne Grap; sister, Patty Ann, in infancy; and beloved extended family members.

Gary and his family would like to express their gratitude to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 4 JPP East Team, Dr. Margarida Magalhaes-Silverman, and Stonehill for their kindness and care during his courageous battle with leukemia.

In lieu of flowers, a Gary S. Grap Memorial has been established.

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