Rita Mae Gilligan Mennig

Rita Mae Gilligan Mennig, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 29, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 4th, 2019 at St. Raphael Cathedral with Father Gregory Bahl officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3rd at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Rita was born on February 21, 1928 in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Frank and Diana (Arnold) Heckelsmiller. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1946.

Rita work at Finley Hospital starting in 1972 as a printing coordinator and retired in 1987. In 1997 she was a fee collector for the City of Dubuque Leisure Services – Eagle Point Park.

Rita married Joseph “Bud” Gilligan on July 4, 1947 at the Church of the Nativity and he preceded her in death on May 8, 1986. She later married Allen Mennig on June 6, 1987 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, he preceded her in death on February 17, 1991.

She was a member of St. Raphael Cathedral, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court #1287 Dubuque, and the Finley Hospital Auxiliary. In 1998 she received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award.

She is survived by her children, Philip E. (Mary) Gilligan, of New Orleans, LA, Mark J. (Mary) Gilligan, and Paul F. Gilligan, both of Dubuque. Stepsons Allen M. “Mike” Mennig, of St. Louis, MO, Louis J. (Judy) Mennig, of Dubuque, and stepdaughter Rebecca (Dave) Hermsen, of Farley. Eight grandchildren, six step grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren; along with many special nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; two sons in infancy Raymond and John, and her brother Delbert Heckelsmiller.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Dubuque Arboretum or a charity of your choice.

Rita's family would like to thank Dr. Alexander Johnson and Dr. Pazhoor along with the Unity Point staff especially the nurses on 4th floor for all their professional and compassionate care of Rita. The family would also like to thank special friends: Betty (Mike) Fishnick and Debbie (Gary) Nadermann for their love, support and strength through Rita's walk of life. 

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