Susan Kay Duster

Susan Kay Duster, wife of the late Ronald E. Duster, entered eternal life with the Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Susan was born in Dubuque, Iowa, the only child of Frank J. Paar and Jaymis (Billingsley) Paar.

Susan is survived by her children: Laura (Jason) Ozenkoski, Lisa Barklow (Jeff Frick), and Brian (Stacey) Duster. Susan’s life was richly blessed with eight grandchildren: Codey (Tiffany) Ozenkoski, Jake Atchison, Whitney (Dalton) Foley, Noah (Samantha) Barklow, Keagan Duster, Payton Duster, Jaylen Duster, and Rylin Duster; and five great-grandchildren: Grayson, Remy, and Serena Ozenkoski, Ada Atchison, and Reese Foley. She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law: Darlene (Jim) Mullen, Rosemary Arensdorf, Mary Duster, and Gary (Patti) Duster; several nieces and nephews; and special friends who were like family, especially her travel buddy, Mary Ricke.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Duster; her parents, Frank and Jaymis Paar; her in-laws, Edwin and Rita (Freiburger) Duster; and brothers-in-law Elmer Arensdorf, Roger Duster (and sister-in-law Carol Duster), and Robert Duster.

Susan graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1963. After dedicating many years to raising her children at home, she worked at Target in Dubuque and at Weber Chiropractic. Following retirement, Susan and Ron embraced life on the road, traveling extensively in their RV, snowbirding in Arizona and Florida, and forming friendships across the United States.

Susan’s greatest joy was her family—her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved watching her children and especially her grandchildren participate in sports. When she wasn’t at a game, she could often be found cheering on the East Dubuque Warriors, the Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the Miami Dolphins, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed a good hand of six-handed Euchre, had a passion for reading the novels of James Patterson, Stuart Woods, Janet Evanovich, and Patricia Cornwell, loved traveling cross-country with her family, and treasured lunches and dinners with family and friends.

Susan did not wish for her family and friends to mourn her passing. Instead, she wanted everyone to hug their loved ones, say “I love you” often, and truly enjoy life, as she watches over them until they are reunited again.

A private Celebration of Life luncheon will be followed by a public gathering of friends on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a Susan Kay Duster Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences for Susan’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com