John J. Hail, Jr. Jr.

John J. Hail passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family on August 11, 2025.

A prayer service will be held at 2:45 pm Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 6:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be 10:30 am Friday, August 15, 2025 at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs and Lyle Wilgenbusch as Concelebrants. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

John J. Hail was born September 15, 1943 son of John Joseph Hail and Elaine Ludescher Hail. John was raised in Dubuque, and attended Wahlert High School and Loras College. He joined the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) in 1963. John served our Lord as a religious brother during his twenties in Huntsville and Phoenix City, Alabama. He was deeply committed to the Civil Rights Movement during his time of service in Alabama in the 1960's. He taught classes at St. Joseph's School and coached citywide sports for the Huntsville parochial schools. He also ran a large thrift store for the needy.

After leaving the Salvatorians, he married Patricia Murray in 1974 and embraced his life as a devoted husband and father. He joined the Dubuque Park Department as a park ranger and eventually became Park Division Manager, retiring in 2005. Dubuque parks were his pride and joy! After retirement, he moved to Florence, Arizona to be closer to his children and grandchildren who were living in Arizona and California. He was never happier than when he was spending time with Joe and Carolyn, and Jim and his grandchildren. John continued to serve others during his retirement years by leading Catholic Communion Services with Pat each week at 3 units of the Arizona State Prison in Florence, Arizona for a period of ten years. John's life was directed and characterized by his devotion to his faith, his family, and his beloved hometown, Dubuque.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Joseph Hail; daughter, Carolyn (Dr. James) Sheehan; three granddaughters, Miriam, Alexandra, and Adonai Sheehan; sister, Mary Jo Shinkunas of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Dr. Inga Talbert of Highland, CA; beloved nieces and nephews, Mike Winegard of Omaha, NE, Scott (Leah) Shinkunas of Raleigh, NC, Todd (Laura) Shinkunas of Iowa City, IA, Sara (August) Sandberg of Titusville, FL, Evan (Kaylyn) Tosino of Columbus,OH, and Carrington (Connor) Smith of Nashville, TN; as well as his beloved Ludescher and Chicago cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law, Margaret Duncan, Eileen (Dan) Painter, and Mary Murray, nieces, Allison Painter and Tanya Winegard, and nephew, Aaron Painter.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Kelli, Hillary, Kevin, Ryan, and Jesse, as well as, Stonehill at Home caregiver, Dalton, and the Church of the Resurrection staff, Deacon Mike, Mary and Father Phil for their wonderful support during John's Alzheimer's journey.