Marge Gassmann

Marge M. Gassmann, age 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully November 9th, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, with a prayer service to follow at 6:00 pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge will be 10:30 am Monday, November 17, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Joseph Wolfe as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.
Marge was born on March 25th, 1939 in Worthington, IA, to Silverius and Irene (Dehner) Leyendecker. She graduated from St. Paul's Catholic school in 1957 and worked at American Trust Bank in Dubuque from 1957-1960. She married LeRoy Gassmann on May 9th, 1959, at St. Paul's Church in Worthington, IA. LeRoy and Marge loved dancing the night away together. From the first time LeRoy took her hand on the dance floor, Marge knew he was the one-they moved together with a magic that was unmistakably theirs.
She joined LeRoy in Hanau, Germany, where he served in the US Army for twenty months, creating cherished memories with their close friends Rich and Bonnie Gibson during that time. Back in the States, Marge worked at Target, where she served as a beloved cashier for 21 years until her retirement. Customers would often wait in her line even when others stood empty, drawn by her warm presence and the genuine care she brought to every interaction.
Marge treasured long conversations with family and friends, building deep connections with her neighborhood friends, especially Diana and Dale Wels and Jan and Dave Germain, along with countless cherished friends from her years at Target. She maintained a close friendship throughout her life with her dear friend Theresa Kotnour who she met at her job at the bank. Her aunt and beloved friend Rita held a special place in her heart-their card games played for quarters became legendary, but it was their deep bond and shared laughter that made those moments truly precious.
Two priests in the family had a lasting impact on Marge. Father Dan Knepper, a first cousin, was a devoted priest who guided the family through the good and the hard times. Father Joseph Wolfe, her godchild, was an integral part of her faith journey. Even from his home in Alabama, he made time to visit when Marge could no longer travel, and those visits remained among her most treasured memories.
Beyond cards, Marge was an avid reader who passed her love of books to her three daughters and grandchildren, creating a legacy of stories shared across generations. She also loved putting puzzles together with her kids and grandkids, finding comfort and joy in the quiet moments spent side by side, piece by piece, creating something beautiful together.
Surviving are her 6 children: Brenda (Russ) Pfab, of Peosta, Mark (Toni) Gassmann, of DeWitt, Stacey (Eric) Ruff, of Bettendorf, Gary (Lynette) Gassmann of Dubuque, Tony (Tiffany) Gassmann, of Dubuque, and Sara (Matt) Higgins, of Spirit Lake, 15 grandchildren, Aaron, Drew, Ashley, Bryce, Jaide, Kayla, Kelsey, Kora, Gavin, Logan, Ethan, Gabi, Maci, Bode, and Ty; 6 step grandchildren, Benjamin, Samantha, Courtney, McKenzie, Broderick, and Faith; 9 great grandchildren, Harper, Hayden, Gwen, Gus, Graham, Carson, Turner, Elsie, and Porter; 2 brothers: Steve (Christa) Leyendecker of Northbrook, IL and Rick (Carla) Leyendecker of Iowa City, 5 sisters: Judy Lammers of Dyersville, Jean Polfer of Peosta, Linda (David) Burger of Worthington, Mary Kay Leyendecker of Hazel Park, Michigan, and Kathy (Pat) Hayes of Milwaukie, OR, brother in law Gerald Gassmann of Davenport, and sisters in law Mary Agnes (Jim) Schnier of Bellevue, and Bev Gassmann in Opelousas, LA.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy, parents, Silverius and Irene, her stepfather Francis Till, her sister Rose (Nick) Wolfe, brothers in law Lyle (Shirley) Gassmann, Robert Gassmann, Kenneth Gassmann, Marvin (Pat) Gassmann, John (Grace) Gassmann, Jerry Lammers and Dick Polfer and sisters in law Eileen (Bill) Besler, Betty (Butch) Gotto, Gladys (Paul) Knepper and Connie (Merle) Lueck of Bloomington, Wisconsin.
The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli, Jennie, Morgan, Hilary and Julie. A special thank you to Rose for finding the perfect nurse to care for our mom in Kelli- two peas in a pod.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Dubuque American Legion Post #6.