Mark Andrew "Otis" Amberg

Mark "Otis" Andrew Amberg, 53, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 16th, 2025. His loss leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday August 30, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Very Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mark was the beloved son of Sandy and Tony Amberg. He is survived by his parents, his siblings Eric (Amy Noonan) Amberg, Amy Amberg, Andrew Amberg, and Sara Amberg (Alin Muresan), as well as his cherished nieces and nephews: Tom, Cassie (Nick Huseman), and Jenna (Walter Rupert) Amberg; Sophia and Rachel Zurita-Amberg; and Zachary and Jesse Buzzacott. To his family, Mark was not only a son, brother, and uncle, but also a source of endless laughter, warmth, and support.

A graduate of Wahlert High School, Mark later earned a degree in Radiology from NICC. He proudly served patients in Alliance, Nebraska, Clay Center, Kansas, and eventually at the Iowa City V.A. Hospital until his retirement in 2021. Retirement marked the start of a joyful new chapter for Mark, as he returned to Dubuque, where he fully embraced life's simple pleasures.

Mark had a passion for golf, walking 18 holes at Lacoma Golf Course no matter the weather. He found peace and joy at his home (jokingly called "Butler Cabin South"), which he filled with music, art, history, literature, and the beauty of nature. His backyard became a sanctuary for the deer and squirrels he faithfully fed, and he shared his space with his two beloved cats, Skippy and Pippy, who brought him constant companionship.

Known for his eccentric spirit and sharp wit, Mark was the life of the party, always dressed to impress. He was a jack of all trades and the go-to person whenever anyone needed help-armed with determination, resourcefulness, and often, a little help from YouTube. Mark's caring and generous nature touched everyone who knew him, and his love for his family was unwavering.

He lived life on his own terms and made it happen. His family finds peace in the fact that he spent his last few years mostly hitting golf balls, strumming the guitar, being with family, and chasing his own happiness. Mark will be remembered for his humor, his creativity, and the unique light he brought to every gathering. His absence will be felt deeply, but the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

In honor of Mark's deep appreciation for the outdoors and his love of nature, the family kindly asks that friends consider planting a tree in his memory or supporting local conservation efforts in lieu of flowers. By doing so, his legacy will continue to grow and flourish in the places he cherished most.