John Gallagher, 89, of Dubuque passed away Monday May 9, 2022 at Stonehill Communities in Dubuque.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday May 12, 2022 at Stonehill San Damiano Chapel, 3485 Windsor Avenue in Dubuque.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Sacred Heart in Oelwein, Stonehill Communities in Dubuque, or Hospice of Dubuque.  The Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein is caring for arrangements.

John James Gallagher was born in Oelwein on January 22, 1933, the son of Dr. John and Agnes (Mealey) Gallagher.  He graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1951 and then attended Upper Iowa University, Loras College, and the University of Iowa.  In 1954 he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany.  John worked at Grimes Clothier in Oelwein, was a copy editor for KOEL and WMT, wrote greeting cards for Hallmark in Kansas City, wrote jokes for comedians in Los Angeles, and provided care for his parents.  For many years he resided at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, KY and New Melleray Abbey in Peosta prior to living at Stonehill Communities in Dubuque.

John is survived by his brother Jerry of DeBary, FL; sister-in-law Monica Nordman Gallagher; brother-in-law Tom Hurst; nieces: Anne Gallagher Nass, Christine Strain Spence and Lisa Strain Riojas; and nephews: Joe Gallagher and Mike Gallagher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Joseph; sister Mary Kay Gallagher Hurst; sister-in-law Sharon McQueen Gallagher; nieces: Lezlie Gallagher Steelman and Michelle Gallagher; and nephew Pat Gallagher.