Jean Ann Frances Zillig Ries Noonan

Jean Ann Frances (Oswald) Zillig Ries Noonan, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Jean's life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating. Private family burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Behr Funeral Home is assisting Jean's family.
Jean was born on July 17, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Marion (McAllister) Oswald.
Jean was a life long resident of Dubuque. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy, Class of 1956, and shortly after married Richard Zillig on October 20, 1956, at St. Patrick's Church. Sadly he passed away on August 11, 1966. A few years later, Jean would marry Richard Ries on June 22, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church. He too would precede her in death on January 14, 1985. Jean lastly found love with Leighton Noonan and they married on November 10, 1990, at Sacred Heart in Dubuque. Leighton passed away on July 24, 1993. She was a devoted wife and mom, who worked as a medical secretary at Xavier Hospital, in the lab at Finley Hospital, and at the Wendt Regional Cancer Center from 1984 until 1999. Jean was always on the go. She was a member of the ICA Alumnae where she served as Officer of the Alumnae Association and Holy Spirit Parish Sacred Heart Church. Jean had an extensive collection of Precious Moment figurines and enjoyed attending conventions with other collectors. She also liked bowling with her friends and was a member of the 600 Club. She was also an avid reader. Jean was one of a kind. You could always expect a greeting card for any occasion. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or holiday. She was kind, loving, and the life of the party wherever she went. We will miss our wonderful mom, grandma, and sister tremendously.
Those left to cherish Jean's memory include
her children,
Thomas C. Zillig, Rockford, IL,
Jodie (Ed) DeAngelo, Dubuque, IA
and Jennifer (Mark) Hammerand, Dubuque, IA;
a granddaughter,
Gwendolyn Jean Hammerand, Dubuque, IA;
a sister,
Judy Palm, Dubuque, IA;
her in-laws,
Kay Zillig, East Dubuque, IL,
Wilma Ploessl, Dubuque, IA,
Milo (Mary Jo) Ries, Dubuque, IA
and Martha Holden, Des Moines, IA;
and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; 3 husbands; 2 sons, Francis Paul Ries in infancy and Tim J. Zillig; a grandson, Zachary Richard Zillig; and a sister, Carol M. Oswald.
Jean's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.
Cards and memorials in Jean's memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jean Noonan Family. Donations will be distributed among her favorite charities including Hospice of Dubuque, and the retired Sisters at Mount St. Francis.