Grace Riley, 99, of Dubuque, passed away on March 30, 2022 at Luther Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April, 9, 2022 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street, Dubuque with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Forest Hills Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin. Condolences may be shared and a live-stream of the funeral service can be viewed on Grace’s obituary under the Photos and Videos tab at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, or by clicking this link: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/grace-riley-funeral-service  

Grace was born on September 10, 1922, to Alvin and Hilma (Anderson) Johnson in Highland Park, Michigan.

Grace graduated in 1940 from Crystal Falls High School (now Forest Park High School).  She moved to Detroit, Michigan, and worked as a secretary.  She enjoyed Detroit’s culture of theater, musicals, big bands, dancing and dining. She met John Riley, a US Army captain in the office of Chief of Ordnance, Detroit. They were married on September 2, 1944, in Central Methodist Church, Woodward at Grand Circus Park in Detroit.

In 1946, they moved to Dubuque, Iowa, to begin their journey to a long and rewarding life.  They became involved in the community and happily welcomed friends and family into their life.  Grace was a natural hostess who enjoyed company, Mitch Miller Sing-Alongs, and a good meal.

Grace was employed at Younkers for several years and was the go-to person for many Younkers shoppers. She also exercised her artistic flair by designing the ever-changing window displays at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop.

Grace enjoyed volunteer work.  She dedicated her time and talents in many departments throughout Unity Point Health organization: as a longtime member of the Sunshine Gift Shop at the Unity Point Health Finley Hospital and as a member of the Finley Auxiliary. She volunteered as a poll worker for most of her adult life.

Grace was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street.  She belonged to the Ruth Circle study group and was a member of the “Quilting Ladies.”

For fun, Grace enjoyed golfing, dancing, symphony concerts and socializing.  Grace enjoyed watching sports and after learning all about hockey from her son-in-law, Sam; she confidently knew more about any sport than her son-in-law, Steve.

Grace is survived by her children; Elizabeth “Betsy” (Samuel) Engbrecht of Dubuque, Iowa, and Jane Riley (Stephen Murray) of Madison, Wisconsin.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, parents in law Edgar F. and Louise Riley; brother, Robert (Nella) Johnson; sister, Evelyn Gipe; and brother in-law, Edgar (Trudy) Riley.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary nurses and staff at Luther Manor for the kindness and care given to Grace over the years and to Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.