Daniel (Dan) E. Petitgout

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Daniel (Dan) E. Petitgout announces his passing. Daniel, 84, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. While he will be profoundly missed, his family finds deep peace in knowing he has been reunited in eternal rest with his beloved wife, Karen, whom he missed dearly.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, and from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, at the Frentress Lake Event Center, 818 W. Gill Rd, in East Dubuque, IL, where the Parish Scripture Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Bosco Aruldoss officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Daniel was born on July 19, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, to Laurence J. and Jean A. (Fleege) Petitgout. After graduating from East Dubuque High School, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army on November 25, 1962.

He proudly served until February 6, 1967, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. His service, which included time during the Cuban Missile Crisis, earned him the Expert Marksmanship Badge (M1 Rifle), Marksman Badge (Carbine), and the Army Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Daniel lived a life of honor, duty, and deep love for his country.

On October 5, 1971, Dan married Karen Kruser at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler, WI. Together, they built a meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and a relentless work ethic. Dan was a proud, lifelong member and supporter of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque, IL.

Dan possessed a lifelong passion for the Mississippi River. What started as a vision, paired with a fierce work ethic, evolved into their cherished family business, Frentress Lake Marina. Dan worked passionately alongside his wife and children to build a legacy they would love and cherish for generations. A true visionary, Dan successfully launched and operated several other businesses throughout his life, including Top Block and Brick, the Silver Eagle Event Center, and Timmerman’s Motel.

Some of Dan’s fondest memories were made on the water. As a Coast Guard Auxiliarist, he had the distinct honor of escorting President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter down the Mississippi River. In his younger years, he could often be found pulling skiers behind his boat, aptly named "Wet & Wild."

Dan created countless lifelong memories with his children, grandchildren, and dear friends. His family will keep his spirit alive in the quiet, everyday moments: while drinking morning coffee, sipping a Diet Pepsi, cruising on the golf cart, "pushing dirt around," watching his favorite news channel, and enjoying the river. They will forever cherish memories of sharing a burger at Paul’s Tap or reminiscing over a hearty breakfast at Sunshine.

Dan's legacy will be lovingly carried on by his children, Timothy Petitgout (Tina Dammen), Laura (Scott) Leibfried, and Ted (Elaina) Petitgout; his grandchildren, Kaila, Isabella, Mason, Brice, Gracie, Aleya, Ellyana, and Ivy Rose; his great-grandchildren, Camdyn, Camiya, and Aria; and numerous other cherished family members and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen Petitgout; his parents, Laurence and Jean Petitgout; his brothers, Pat Petitgout and Michael Petitgout; his sister, Mary Kay Hurst; his nephews, Steve Hurst, Tony Hurst, and Luke Petitgout; and his cousin, Tom Petitgout.

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