Bernard J. "Ben" Brady, age 84, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Saturday evening, September 13, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, IL. Burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be said at 3:30 p.m.

Ben was born on June 17, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Louis E. and Emily R. (Kuhl) Brady.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the Class of 1959.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving from 1959 – 1962, in locations throughout Europe.  Upon his return from service, Ben married Evie Slaats, on February 23, 1963, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque.  While raising their children, he was employed at Flexsteel Industries retiring in 2003 with over 40 years of service.

Ben was an active member of St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, throughout the years – including acting as an altar server after retirement.  He was an avid sports fan, continuing to play baseball and softball for decades and rarely missing a broadcast of Cubs or Bears games.

Ben never met a stranger.  He was quick with a smile and to strike up conversation with everyone he encountered. He brought fun and joy to every situation.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He also believed that anything worth doing, should be done right – no matter how long it took.

Surviving are his wife, Evie; three daughters, Shirley (Chad) Biermeier, of East Dubuque, IL, Lisa (Stephen) Schmittgall, of Wilmette, IL, and Vickie Jones, of East Dubuque, IL; seven grandchildren, Benjamin Brady, of East Dubuque, IL, Vanessa Jones, of East Dubuque, IL, A.J. Jones, of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew Leibold, of Peosta, IA, Robin Leibold, of Charleston, SC, and Stephen and Anna Schmittgall, of Wilmette, IL; and six great-grandchildren.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emily; his siblings, James Brady and Therese Schuster; and his infant daughter, Dawn Marie Brady.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.