Mary L. Gerlach

Mary L. Gerlach, age 59, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey suddenly on May 14, 2026, at home.  To honor Mary’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2025 Jackson Street, with Rev. Jonathan Crawford officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship from 8:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on December 24, 1966, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to William and Jeannine (Clough) Gerlach. Growing up, she found joy in dancing and singing like nobody was watching. She cared deeply for her family and friends. Her main career path was in customer service as she enjoyed interacting with others, joking and laughing. Her laughter was so very contagious. One of her most meaningful work experiences was when she worked side-by-side with her sister at Sherry’s House of Hair where they made many great memories together. When she transitioned to work at the Julien Inn Dubuque, she met her future husband Jim. Her “Happy Place” was with family, enjoying the simple things like soaking up the sun’s rays on a nice day, while her husband Jim did a little grilling out. If the neighborhood kiddos happened to be passing by, they could always trust that she had a cool popsicle ready for all of them to enjoy. Mary and Jim also made it a point in their lives to take care of those around them who were less fortunate. 

Mary made the most with what the Lord gave her and faced each day with the goal of being the best self she could be. Although taken so fast, through her faith and dedication to Jesus, she now lives in eternal perfection with Jesus at her side and only has to wait for those of us whom she loved and adored to join her once again. Not one more difficult day will Mary ever have to face and in that we find both hope and peace even with our broken hearts forced to endure the difficult days ahead. Thank you, Mary, for leaving sweet memories where you thought it was just another moment mixed within another day and may the Lord keep you held so securely in His loving and grace-filled arms that you only have to think of us when we suddenly appear before you in time. We will love and miss you dearly until we meet again.  

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her loving husband of 14 years,

James “Jim” LuGrain, Dubuque, IA;

her children,

Sean Stevens, Dubuque, IA,

Amber (Jason) Jones, Bixby, OK,

Jordanne Stevens, Anamosa, IA,

and A.J. LuGrain, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,

Zion Stevens, Zayn Stevens, Jeannasea Stevens Fullbright, Irina Jones, Aria Jones, Naomi Jones, Ciaran “Ezra” Jones and Aila Jones;

her siblings,

Diane (Ed) Ernst, Monroe, WI,

Sherry (William) Trickel-White, Asbury, IA,

Tammy Danz, Platteville, WI,

Sylvan Gerlach, Cambodia,

Ronda Jasper, Dubuque,

and Ron (Missy) Gerlach, East Dubuque, IL;

her brother-in-law,

Ron Regich, Tucson, AZ;

her sister-in-law,

Angela Gerlach, Brooklyn, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jeannine (Clough) Gerlach; and her siblings, Linda Regich, Tina (Steve) Udelhoven and Bill Gerlach.

Mary’s family would like to thank everyone at the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Medical Examiner’s Office for all of their professional and compassionate care during this most difficult time.

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