Obituaries Archive

George E. Coe

George E. Coe 79, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021, following a courageous

battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial celebration gathering will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 16, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where there will be a service held at 2 p.m., followed by military honors rendered by the American Legion Post #6. Services will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

George was born on July 4, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Earl and Rosalita (Floria) Coe. He began his profession in the information technology field in the early 1960’s at Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland. George continued working in IT throughout his 38-year career with Federal Reserve at their Cleveland and Chicago banks. He traveled to all the Federal Reserve banks in the country helping design and implement IT projects.

George traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family and watching sporting events. He was honorable discharged from the Coast Guard in 1970 and was a member of Dubuque Golf and Country Club, The Meadows Golf Club and past member of Union League Club of Chicago.

Surviving are his wife Fernanda Kramer of Dubuque; his sons Steven Coe and David Coe both of Cleveland, OH; stepdaughter Laura Kramer of London, England; stepson Andrei Kramer of Dubuque, IA; grandchildren, Nicole, Kimberly and Brandon Coe and great grandson Shane McMillan.

George was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Earl John Coe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dubuque Arboretum or the Dubuque Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the medical personnel at Mercy Hospital, University of Iowa Hospital, and Medical Associates Oncology Departments for their compassionate care.

Robert D. Barry

Robert David Barry, 85 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 9, 2021 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021, at St. Raphael Cathedral. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. at the church Saturday. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Robert was born on January, 28, 1936 in Dubuque Iowa, the son of David and Laura (Feldman) Barry. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa. He worked at Nabors Pharmacy in Dubuque Iowa and Garrity’s Drugs in Freeport, Illinois.

He is survived by his sister-in-law; Molly Barry; nephews; Matt (Tisa) Barry and Tony Barry and a niece, Kelly Barry; great nieces; Meghan Barry and Anna Barry.

Preceded in death: by his parents; his brothers; Tom Barry and Paul Barry; his sister-in-law, Carol Barry and a nephew, Tim Barry.

Morris Blum

A celebration of life for Morris (Moe) Blum will be held Saturday, July 17 at Happy’s Place beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Moe passed away at Independence Village, Waukee, IA on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.  A gravesite service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.

Arden L. Woodrum

Arden Lee Woodrum, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020. Arden passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with cancer.

Arden was born July 17, 1929 in Geneseo, IL to Elmer and Arlene Heller Woodrum. Arden married Dolores Nelson in 1950 and had two sons. Arden served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He then studied at the Spartan School of Aeronautics and went to work for John Deere, retiring in 1988, as general supervisor. Arden married Elaine Greenfield in 1976. Arden was an active member at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving on Session, serving as a moderator of John Knox Presbytery, and singing in the church choir. Arden and Elaine were very active bicyclists and spent many happy hours pedaling in the U.S. and other countries. Arden enjoyed a challenging bicycle ride with three friends, starting on the west coast and finishing in Iowa where he joined Elaine on Ragbrai. Arden was instrumental in the development of the Heritage Bicycle Trail. Arden and Elaine were also motor home enthusiasts and in Arden’s later years, he enjoyed motorcycling. Arden enjoyed all of his family and cherished the time he spent with them.

Arden is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Elaine, two sons: Brian Woodrum of Seattle, WA and Doug Woodrum (Linda) of Mill Valley, CA, four step children: Kathe Rusher (Neal) of Mesa, AZ, Sue Butt (Steve) of Dubuque, IA, Joan Riedsma (Tony) of Holland, MI and Tim Greenfield (Kirsten) of Dubuque, IA, fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held  at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The service will be live-streamed at wpcdbq.org

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa, Hospice of Dubuque, or Camp Wyoming in Wyoming, Iowa. Please leave a tribute to Arden, your sentiments, or a note to his family at: ardenwoodrum.com

Patricia J. Carlson

Patricia J. (Foht) Carlson, 71, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at ManorCare Health Services in Dubuque.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Rev. Tom C. Shinkle officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The funeral service will be live-streamed on THE MILLER FUNERAL HOME GROUP facebook page.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Patty was born on August 31, 1949 in Dubuque, the daughter of Norbert J. and Agnes M. (Janzen) Foht. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1967.

She loved her cats and her favorite color was Purple.

Surviving are two children, Tina (Jason) Haynes of Benton, WI, and Sean (Andrea) Ginter of Dubuque; her father, Norbert J. Foht of East Dubuque; and a brother, Larry (Carol) Foht of Benton; six grandchildren, Trisha, Christopher, Tia, Cody, Andrew and Christopher; plus nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Agnes and a grandson, Tyler Ginter.

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

Judith L. Calcari

Judith Louise Calcari, 81, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Luther Manor in Dubuque. Judith was born in Staunton, IL on October 16, 1939, the daughter of Marion “Reno” and Lucille (Rummer) Calcari.

Judy attended St. Michael’s Grade School, graduating in 1953, and Staunton High School, graduating in 1957, where she played in the Staunton Marching “Bulldogs” band. After graduating Staunton High School, Judy joined the Sacred Heart Convent in Springfield, IL as Sister Mary Thaddeus, a Dominican nun. As a sister, Judy taught at St. Michael’s School in Aurora, IL, and St. Edward’s School in Chicago, IL, until she left the convent in 1967 due to health reasons. Her time there helped guide her to the path of education and helping others.

Judy had an extensive education, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marycrest College in Davenport, IA, graduating in January of 1970. On February 16, 1974, she became a member of the ISEA Fellowship Foundation. She then received her Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois, graduating in December, 1975.

Judy had many different positions within education. She was a science teacher for Wilson Elementary School from 1970-1986. After completing an administrative degree, she became principal at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in Davenport in 1987. In 1999, she moved to Dubuque where she was principal of Nativity Catholic School and later became Director of Religious Education until she retired in 2017. Wherever she lived, Judy was deeply involved in her church community, including founding the Davenport Centennial Choir and serving as Choir Director at Our Lady of Victory.

For most of her life, Judy loved her Church, the Lord’s people and His children. She threw herself wholeheartedly into school fundraisers like the Calcari-Spaghetti night, Church functions and the choir, even allowing her head to be shaved to raise funds. Judy always loved music and played the guitar in a group at Marycrest College as a student; classical music and Gregorian chant were two of her favorites. Judy loved to travel and took several tours to Mexico, to the Shrine of Guadalupe, and the apparition site of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Međugorje, Yugoslavia. She was thrilled, on a trip to Italy, to visit the town where her grandfather had been born. Judy also loved to evangelize and kept a supply of handmade crosses carved from Olivewood from the Holy Land. She gave the crosses to many people she encountered at clinics, hospitals, restaurants, and church.

Judy had a great sense of humor and was the life of the party. Everyone at the gathering would be in stitches listening to her “nun stories” and other anecdotes. Judy was very generous, donating large sums to many missions, orders of priest and nuns, cancer hospitals, Native American Reservations, and other good causes. She gave many of her possessions away to others if they needed them. During her life, Judy had many health issues, starting with a gall bladder/heart attack at the age of 27. She joked that, over time, she passed enough kidney stones to make a rosary. Later, through many health challenges, in spite of her pain, she loved and trusted the Lord. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Kathryn “Kathy” Calcari of Staunton, IL; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Stephanie) Calcari and their children Reagan and Brecken of St. Louis, MO, Lucas (Shae) Calcari and their children Bella and Mia of Foristell, MO, Meaghan (Michael) Calcari Campbell and their daughter, Celeste of San Francisco, CA; and best friend, Marjorie Hunn of Davenport, IA. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and brother Reno Calcari.

In lieu of sending floral arrangements, donations can be given in Judy’s name to: Nativity Church, Dubuque, IA; Our Lady of Victory Foundation or School, Davenport, IA; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at The Church of the Nativity in Dubuque with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the start of mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at later date in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque, is assisting the family.

Judy’s Family and her Caregiver would like to thank: Mercy Hospital Staff, Luther Manor Staff, especially Kim, Linda, and Ashley; Hospice of Dubuque, especially Suzanne, Music Therapist, and Scott, for their loving care of Judy. We are very grateful to all of you!

Geraldine E. Dixon

Geraldine E. (Gerry Pestka) Dixon, 81, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital as her daughters, Terese and Sue, prayed at her bedside.  An added special blessing is that her mother (Grandma Pestka) passed away 45 years ago on this very same day. Visitation will be from 3-8 pm on Friday, July 16, 2021 at Pape Funeral Home, Clinton, IA with a rosary at 3 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Clinton, IA, with visitation from 9:00 am until the start of Mass.  Burial will be in St. Irenaeus Catholic Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.

Gerry was born in Clinton, Iowa on December 28, 1939, the youngest daughter of Joseph and Marie (Schreiner) Pestka.  She attended St. Boniface Catholic School, Mount St. Clare Academy, and Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, IA.  She married Ronald E. Dixon on November 19, 1960 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Clinton, IA.  He preceded her in death on October 31, 2018, 19 days short of their 58^th wedding anniversary.  Gerry worked at Nielsen Clearing House, Burpee Seeds, Tastee Freeze, and International Paper, all in Clinton, IA; the C-Store in Goose Lake, IA; and retired from Mercy Hospital, Clinton, IA.  Gerry enjoyed being outdoors where she could people watch and especially loved playing cards and games with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.

Those left to love and remember Gerry include her five children, Terese (David) Larres of Port St. Lucie, FL, David (Missy) Dixon of Sabula, Sue (Rich) Meyer of Dubuque, Brian Dixon of Davenport, and Tim Dixon of Clinton; 4 grandchildren, Lauren (Jordan) Rosales, Justin (Emily) Larres, Elise Larres, and Joseph Larres; 4 great-grandsons, Jude Denton and Landon, Elijah and Dominic Larres; 1 sister, Ruth (Robert) Jost of Clinton; 3  sisters-in-law, Barb Dixon of North Liberty, Carol Godat of Clinton, and Karen Dixon of Circleville, OH, and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Ron, her parents and 2 sisters, Joan Miller and Madonna (Waters) Gibson, twin infant brothers, and an infant sister.

The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to the staff at the University of Iowa Hospital for their exemplary care and compassion during Gerry’s last days. Dr. Melinda Johnson’s personal attention and guidance, not only to Gerry but also to the family, provided much-needed comfort and support during this difficult time. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com. The family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the family’s wishes.

Donald J. Hayes

Donald J. Hayes, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 11, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 15th, 2021, at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with Military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Donald was born on October 15, 1936, in Jackson County (Iowa), the son of James and Mary (Hawks) Hayes. He graduated from Loras Academy and served in the US Army where he received an honorable discharge. He worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 36 years and was a member of the UAW Local 94.

On May 25th, 1963, he married Margaret Haley in Dubuque, Iowa and they recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.

Don is survived by his wife Margaret; children, Jim (Shari) Hayes, Julie (Paul) Rhomberg, Nancy (Chad) Berendes, Mark (Christina) Hayes, and Greg (Vicky) Hayes. Grandchildren: Andrew, Brian (Rachel), Megan (Nathan), Peter, Tom, Daniel, Cayla, Mitchell (Carissa), Jenna, Nolan, Bridget and Veronica. Great grandchildren: Aria, Mila, and Stella. His sister Geri Connolly along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Herbie Hayes; and two sisters Milly Feeney and Kathleen Hickson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Assisi Village and Stonehill Care Center for all their wonderful care they gave to Don.

Roger J. Bergfeld

Roger James “Red” Bergfeld Sr. 70, of Dubuque left this world on Friday July 9, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. His battle with serious lung and heart issues showed his strength and courage in facing life challenges head on without complaint.  He stayed strong until the end.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Tuesday July 13, 2021, at Saint Raphael Cathedral with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating.  Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard and the American Legion Post #6. A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm Monday July 12, 2021, at The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with a parish wake service at 4 pm.

Roger was born on September 26, 1950, in Dubuque the son of James and Clara (Behnke) Bergfeld. He grew up in Epworth and graduated from Western Dubuque High School. Roger married the love of his life Denice McDermott on January 10, 1970, at Saint Raphael Cathedral. He then served in the U.S. Army from Feb. 1970 until Sept. 1971. Upon returning to Dubuque, he worked for several construction companies until starting his 30 year career at Dubuque John Deere Tractor Works.  He was a member of the UAW Local #94 and the Harley Owners Group “HOG”.

He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, hunting, and camping, a good drink with good friends, and anything to do with family especially time with his grandchildren and their many activities.

He is survived by his wife Denice, his son Roger James (Victoria Wilcox)  Bergfeld, Jr. his daughter Trica (Jim) Brokus, grandchildren Sarah Brokus, Megan Brokus, and Benjamin Bergfeld, his sisters Linda (Steve) Hefel and Rhonda (Randy) Kramer, and brothers James Bergfeld and Terry (Kelly) Bergfeld, along with his aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Roger John Bergfeld and in laws Michael and Rosemary McDermott.

The family would like to thank the many health care professionals who cared for Roger over the years especially Dr. Mark Janes.

James Lewis

James “Mancy” Lewis, 48, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully Friday, July 9, 2021, at his home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, July 16, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for Mancy will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Mancy was born January 29, 1973, in Chicago, IL, the son of James McDowell and Patricia Ann Lewis. He married Anji Sampson on June 21, 2008 in Dubuque.

Mancy was a hard worker and was the best at anything he did.

It is hard to describe a man like Mancy. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him loved him. Mancy was a loving, kind, and loyal man among other great things. What he loved most was family. Family was everything to him and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. When his family was taken care of, Mancy was happy.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Anji (Sampson) Lewis of Dubuque; his four beautiful children, Eric Pryor, Brianna Lewis, Jaylyn Jewell, and Kyla Mundschenk, three sisters, Karen Lewis, Joyce Lewis, and Kimberly Lewis; one brother, Jarvis Lewis; three grandchildren, E.J. Pryor, Kai Pryor, and Isabelle Noonan; father- and mother-in-law, Al and Joan Sampson; brother- and sister-in-law, Tom and Dana Friedel; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Lewis, one daughter, Patricia Lewis, his grandmother, Mary Lewis, one brother-in-law, Al Sampson, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family thanks the many doctors and nurses, especially those at Tri-State Dialysis, and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Mancy’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Marna C. Thimmesch

Marna Catherine Thimmesch, 83, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 9, 2021. A gathering for friends and family will be held from 2 to 4:30 PM on Saturday July 17, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena A short family lead service will be at the conclusion of the gathering. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grant Park, Galena following the service. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

She was born in Minneapolis, MN on October 25, 1937, to Jen and Carlyle Peterson. She spent her younger years traveling and working in places, such as Sun Valley, ID, and Glacier Park, MT, always encouraging her children and grandchildren to follow their curiosities and amazement of the world.

Marna earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota and began her career in the Twin Cities. She met Frank Thimmesch playing tennis, and they were married on October 22, 1966.

After starting their family in St. Paul, MN, they moved to Galena in 1980, where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Together they embraced a role working for the Jo Daviess County Workshop for people with disabilities. Frank was the director and Marna the manager of the Gifted Drummer, a retail store that provided an outlet for selling goods created by the clients. She later shifted to working as a social worker at The Workshop, where Marna spent 37 years and found her second family. She worked in a symbiotic relationship with the clients; often sharing lessons she learned at work about appreciating life and happiness.

Marna always found the positive in a situation and shared this wisdom with an ever-growing circle of family and friends. She was known for her light and unconditional love, a gift given to those who knew her. Her gentle and nurturing spirit touched many like a soft summer rain. This legacy will live on.

Surviving are her children, Jason (Jennelle) Thimmesch, Susie (Rick) Godfrey, Mary, Katherine (Eric Balayti) Thimmesch, Jennifer (Jeff) Nissen, and Ellen (Nathan) Jenkins, and twenty-one grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, and a brother, Bob Peterson.

A memorial fund has been established for The Workshop in memory of Marna. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com.

Glenn P. Steines

Glenn P. Steines, 89, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, July 09, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center. Private Funeral Services with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery will be conducted.

Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Glenn was born December 9, 1931 in rural Bellevue, the son of Peter and Kathryn (Schmidt) Steines.  Glenn was a farmer, welder, machinist and owned and operated Central Resale in Dubuque.  He enjoyed antique tractors, working on small engines, and could fix about anything.

Survivors include his children, Richard “Dick” (Marcia) Steines, James (Laurie) Steines, Barbara Ries, Joyce Davids, Ruth (Larry) Putman, Brenda (Terry) Bronson, and Linda (Joey) Michels; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; sons in-law, Robert “Bobby” Ries and Robert Davids; a grandson, Douglas Ries; siblings, Walter (Grace) Steines, Norman (Alverda) Steines, Orville (Mary) Steines, Eugene Steines, and LaVonne (Brad) Perkins.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Melvin P. Nicks

Melvin P. Nicks, age 77, of Dubuque, passed away at 3:45 p.m., on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Melvin’s life, private family services will be held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Melvin was born on July 26, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Joseph and Adeline (Mentz) Nicks.

Melvin graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School.  After graduation he went to work and spent most of his working career with the Dubuque Packing Company.  Melvin was a sports fan and loved to sit and watch games on tv, especially when his beloved Chicago Cubs were playing.  He also enjoyed trying his luck occasionally at the local casinos.  Melvin was a faith filled man and a long time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Melvin was a soft spoken man who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Melvin’s memory include

his brother,
Gary (Mary Jean) Nicks, Dubuque, IA;

his 2 nieces,
Joan (fiancé Fred Ertl) Nicks, Peosta, IA
and Sharon (Mike) Ellerman, Asbury, IA;

and his 2 great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mary Kay (Steve) Petsch.

Melvin’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their kind and compassionate care of Melvin and the entire family.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Melvin’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Melvin Nicks Family.

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

William Farrell

William “Bill” Farrell, 84 years old, passed away on July 3, 2021, after battling lymphoma. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena. Immediately following the funeral mass, all are invited to attend a celebration in Bill’s honor at the Council Hill Station with live music from 1 to 4 PM. Council Hill Station is located at 6521 N. Hill Road, Scales Mound, IL 61075. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born in Coalport, PA on November 6, 1936, to Eulalia and Francis “Doc” Farrell. Farrell’s circuitous route took him from studies in painting and arts education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania to a master’s degree at Penn State in 1960.  Farrell taught as a K-12 educator before taking a position teaching in painting and design at Purdue University.  While at Purdue he “accidentally” offered to teach a clay class, which led to a lifetime of ceramics workshops, lectures, and international seminars throughout Europe and in 1968 a professorship in the Ceramics Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  He received a NEA ceramics sculpture award in 1980 and was a first-year member of NCECA in 1965.

Loved and adorned by so many, Bill cherished life experiences and created lifelong relationships that reached people in ways that can never be replaced. Bill’s energies and obsessions were boundless.  A world traveler, he loved life and the people he met along the way.  Always creating, inventing, and guiding others, his excitement was expansive.  Bill loved to learn about other people’s interests and passions.  In addition to his passion for the arts and teaching, another of Bill’s life focuses was motorcycles and motorcycle racing. From swap meets to the Sturgis Rally and countless days at the track, Bill’s zest for life was infectious. Throughout his years, he became an accomplished antique bicycle collector as well as an avid antique car aficionado. For Bill it was not simply the motorcycles or cars or even the artwork that filled his heart with love but rather the wonderful people and memories that became the driving force in his life. The tight, never-ending bonds he formed with so many people in such diverse cultural circles is in itself inspiring and was the fuel that drove his passions.

Bill was the loving Father of Shaun Farrell (Annmarie), Kelly Kahling (John) and Tim Farrell (Julie); adoring Grandfather of Jack, Brendan, Kevin Farrell; John V and Chloe Kahling; Ryan and Colin Farrell. Bill was involved in many loving relationships including, former husband to Patricia Farrell and his longtime partner in art and life, Delores Fortuna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a treasured brother to Mary Kay (Bill) Moreau of Indiana, PA.

In honor of Bill’s lifelong commitment to education, commemorative gifts can be donated to the Bill Farrell Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Galena Art & Recreation Center (Galena ARC) in Galena, Illinois. Funds will help relieve the financial burden for youths interested in pottery classes at the Galena ARC.  Please follow the link for more information. https://www.galenaarc.org/farrell-memorial-scholarship-fund 

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

William R. Hottenstein

William R. “Bill” Hottenstein, age 66, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 6, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.  To honor Bill’s life, a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on December 27, 1954, in Galena, Illinois, a son to Henry and Evelyn (Reyner) Hottenstein.  Bill was raised to value the efforts it would take to live a fruitful and productive life.  He was a proud graduate of the Galena High School, Class of ‘74, and was as determined on the wrestling mat as he would be throughout the rest of his life.  His strong work ethic was undeniable as Bill was only late one time in his career with Eagle Window & Door, and that was only due to a mechanical failure on his Harley.  Bill loved his numerous dogs, fishing, hunting, camping, and simply enjoyed the fellowship with family and friends over a good steak whenever possible.  He was an honest and generous man who could easily relax with a little Rock-n-Roll playing in the background, as well as he could if the 3 Stooges, or Looney Tunes were on the tube.  Sadly, the Bears and Cubs have lost one of their biggest fans, but we trust that he’ll be cheering them on from the best seats in the house now.  Although Bill did not have children of his own, he is remembered fondly as the “cool” uncle who always made time for his nieces and nephews.  We will miss Bill from the bottom of our hearts and can only hope that the abundance of wonderful memories he leaves behind will bring us some comfort until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his brothers,
Thomas (Ina) Hottenstein, Davenport, IA,
and Richard (Beth) Hottenstein, Miles, IA;

his nieces and nephews,
Troy Hottenstein, Grants Pass, OR,
Lori Hottenstein, East Dubuque, IL,
Jeanne (Jerry) Theisen, Dubuque, IA,
Harlan (Liz) Hottenstein, Wilson, WY,
Andy Hottenstein, Dubuque, IA,
Brian Hottenstein,
Jennifer (Kurt) Kritz, Peosta, IA,
and Jodi Gonyou, San Antonio, TX;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Henry F. Hottenstein, Jr., and Robert W. Hottenstein, in infancy.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at ManorCare for all of their professional and compassionate care. Also, special mention to his daytime nurses, Rosa and LuAnn, for treating him as both friend and family.

Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com