Gary Grap

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

  Visitation will be on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.  

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, where friends may gather after 9 a.m.  

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greenwood, Wis., at a later date. 

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory of Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

  Gary was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis., to Edna (Hinker) and Franklin “Kaiser” Grap on Feb. 23, 1951.  

He began his education at St. Raphael’s School in Madison and later at St. Francis DeSales Catholic School in Ossian, Iowa. Gary graduated from DeSales High School in 1969 and then from Loras College in 1973.

  In 1973, Gary married Margaret Patzner.  

Gary married Theresa Ernst in 1990.

  Over the years, Gary was employed at AY McDonald, Dubuque Pack /FDL, Tom Maher Insurance, Hillcrest Family Services, and finally with the U.S. Postal Service, from which 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 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 seven children, Conan Grap, Mya (Kevin) Calaro, Martia Ernst, Kaiser (Candis) Grap, Garrett Grap, Magdalena and Lola Grap and one grandchild Elle B.  

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; his stepfather, Greg Huinker; a brother, Wayne Grap; a sister, Patty Ann, in infancy; and beloved extended family members.

   In lieu of flowers, a Gary S. Grap Memorial has been established.           40u40