Mary A. Montag, age 76, of Dyersville, IA, completed her earthly journey on February 26, 2024, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Mary’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, beginning at 5:00 p.m., at Denny’s Lux Club, 3050 Asbury Road in Dubuque, IA.  A private family burial will be held in the East Dubuque Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on April 18, 1947, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Delbert G. and Lillian L. (Jestice) Hooks.  She grew up with a love for family and all that is good in this life.  She eventually met and married the love of her life, Thomas J. Montag, Sr., and the couple was blessed with many wonderful years together and five children of their own to love and nurture throughout life’s journey.  Thomas was sadly called home ahead of Mary and she spent her remaining years showering her children and grandchildren with as much love as her heart could express.  Mary did work as a pharmacy technician for many years with Fry’s Pharmacy before finally retiring in 2010 and making her way back home to Dubuque from Phoenix. 

Mary’s greatest joy was found in her time with family.  In her free-time, retail therapy and creating magic at her craft table were among her favorite activities, but ultimately, most of those simply led to gifts to be shared with her loved ones.  Mary possessed a generous soul, an energetic spirit, and even a little bit of a stubborn streak when necessary, but all in all, Mary’s tender and kind heart was always on display.  When time allowed, she also enjoyed swimming and traveling as her zest for life was not only unquestionable, but unquenchable as well.  We will miss Mary’s bright light and love shining vividly in our days moving forward.  We find peace in knowing that she can rest now and only wait patiently to see her beautiful smile once again.  Thank you, Mary, for continually living life on your terms, leading by example, and for never surrendering when it looked like retreat was the logical option.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her four children,

Tamara (Burke) Cano, Phoenix, AZ,

Tricia (Lawrence) Blaylock, Phoenix, AZ,

Thomas J. Montag, Jr., Galena, IL,

and Terrance (Sunshine) Montag, Dyersville, IA;

her adored grandchildren,

Karma A. (T.J.) Fortmann, Jade M. Montag, Trinity F. Montag, Hannah E. Schadey, Claudia G. Blaylock, Jack M. Blaylock, Matthew T. Blaylock, Elizabeth L. Montag, Shelby H. Montag, Alyssa J. Montag, and Jordan W. Habben;

her great-grandchildren,

Hunter Croschere, Andrew Montag, Evalynn Montag, Parker Osterhaus, and Skylee Fortmann;

her siblings,

Ervin (Deb) Hooks, Dubuque, IA,

Karen (Mike) Kenline, Urbandale, IA,

Linda (special friend, Chuck Carr) Melloy, Dubuque, IA,

and Lisa (John) Habben, Denver, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert (Lillian) Hooks; her loving husband, Thomas J. Montag, Sr.; her son, Troy A. Montag; and her brothers, George Hooks and Brian Hooks.

Mary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com