Edward J. Conlan

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our brother Ed, on May 3, 2025, at Mercy One Hospital in Dubuque.
Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The Rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Raphael with Very Rev. Dennis Quint officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.
Ed was born on November 6, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Orville and Lucille (Kress) Conlan. He grew up on a farm south of Bernard and received his early education in a one room schoolhouse before going to St. Patrick's North Garryowen. He then graduated from Aquin High School in Cascade, Iowa.
For many years after graduation Ed was a friendly and familiar face at Conlan's Service Station in Bernard. Later in life, Ed moved to Dubuque, where he built a new circle of cherished friends. He possessed a truly kind and loving heart which he extended to everyone he met. Family was incredibly important to Ed, and he especially treasured spending time with his nieces and nephews, who were always overjoyed to have him join their celebrations.
A faithful parishioner of St. Raphael's Cathedral, Ed found comfort and community in his faith and enjoyed quiet moments of prayer – especially reciting his daily rosary. He was a dedicated usher at St. Raphael's; and as a member of the Knight of Columbus he actively participated in helping with bingo and serving meals at their various functions.
In his leisure time, Ed found joy in playing cards, especially euchre and UNO. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, passionately following NASCAR, NFL, and the Chicago Cubs. He had a great love for country music; and was so very proud of his Irish heritage. He wore kelly green anytime of the year and was extra happy on St. Patrick's Day.
Ed is lovingly survived by five siblings Sister Patricia Conlan of Marion, Iowa, Francis (Darlene) Conlan of Bernard, Iowa, Mary Konrardy of Dubuque, Iowa, Doris (Allan) Sauser of Cascade, Iowa, and Dan (Barb) Conlan of Key West, Iowa, sister-in-law Gail Conlan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, brother-in-law Ron "Zip" (Margie) Gassman of Bernard, Iowa, and 17 nieces and nephews.
He is reunited with his parents, siblings Grace Gassman and Joe Conlan, and brother-in-law Roger Konrardy.
Our family thanks Very Rev. Dennis Quint, Sister Sharon Rezmer, and Monica Daly for their prayers and visits to Ed. Thanks also to Jim Betzner and Bob Arensdorf for their loyal friendship to Ed. Our family extends deep gratitude to Dr. Brian Loc for his compassionate and professional care, along with the Cardiac Medical staff, especially Tammy, Beth, and Katie. We are grateful to the staff at Harmony Care Center for your kindness to Ed; and will always remember his good friends at the Ecumenical Tower and Harmony. Our family thanks Pat Leonard, Kristin, and Eddie for your kindness to us at this sad time: your concern and friendship will never be forgotten. Most importantly, our family thanks our dear sister Mary; Ed's guardian angel on earth.
Ed's gentle, warm smile, and kind heart will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. May he rest in peace.
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