Obituaries Archive

Kenneth J. Bowman

Kenneth J. “Kenny” Bowman, 66, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 20, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kenneth John Bowman was born on November 19, 1959, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Warren Lee and Lucille Algina (Kremer) Bowman. He attended school in Andrew and later transferred to Maquoketa, where he could pursue his love of sports. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1978 and was an important part of the Maquoketa state tournament basketball teams during his high school years. On August 20, 1977, he married the love of his life, Pamela Jane Beck, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and devotion, and they were blessed with three children, Bryon, Jessica, and Ashley.

Kenny spent his entire working life in the tire business, where he became known for his dedication, reliability, and genuine care for the people he served. He took pride in helping customers at all hours and was always willing to do whatever was needed to get the job done. He began by doing farm service calls and worked his way into tire sales through years of steady effort and commitment. He was employed by Jackson County Tire and later Tandem Tire, both in Maquoketa. Even when he was no longer able to work as he once had, he still enjoyed the teaching side of the business and sharing what he knew with others. His work ethic and loyalty left a lasting impression on those who knew him professionally and personally.

Kenny was a man who valued the outdoors, conservation, and the friendships formed through shared interests. He was a member of the Izaak Walton League, Pheasants Forever, and the Fleming Streets Scholarship Committee. He enjoyed deer, turkey, and pheasant hunting, and he especially loved fishing and a good fish fry. Those times were made even more meaningful by the friendships and connections that came with them. He was a conservationist at heart and appreciated the simple, lasting joys of time spent outside and in good company.

Kenny will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who will remember him for his steady presence, his generous spirit, and the love he showed to those around him. He was blessed nearly twelve years ago with a second chance at life through someone else’s gift of life by organ donation, and that gift gave him more time to share with the people he loved most.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Pam Bowman of Maquoketa, IA; children, Bryon (Sarah) Bowman of Geneseo, IL, Jessica Scott of Maquoketa, IA, and Ashley (Dallas) Beauregard of Eagle River, ON, Canada; 6 grandchildren, Kaci, Piper, Maverick, Landrie, Gabrielle, and Ashlee; siblings, Warren “Butch” (Connie) Bowman, Phillip (Sandy) Bowman, Laurie Mohr, and Susan (Curtis) Erickson; sister-in-law, Shirley Ray; several nieces and nephews; and his special friend, his dog Buddy.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Betty Beck, brothers-in-law, Michael Beck, and Jim Ray.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Kenny’s life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Mauoketa.  A private family burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Kenneth J. “Kenny” Bowman memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Richard Austin

Richard Austin passed away May 16, 2026, peacefully at home.  He was 82.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife, Hilary; son, David (Mary); granddaughter, Samantha; sister, Ruth Gallagher (Robert); and brother-in-law, Peter Jones.

He was predeceased by his daughter Claire.

Richard was born in Joliet, IL, to Lloyd and Ardis Austin on August 16, 1943. He attended Joliet High School. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he joined Harris Bank in Chicago as a computer systems analyst and programmer. At Harris Bank, he met another employee, Hilary Trevallion (Jones). Richard and Hilary were married on June 21, 1974. While living in Chicago, they worked diligently transforming a Lincoln Park two-flat into a beautiful single-family home. Richard mastered many new skills to accomplish this and was always very proud of the outcome. After retirement, they moved to Galena, IL, a place they had become very fond of over the years. Richard was a proud member of the Galena Rotary Club and served as club secretary for many years. He enjoyed the sense of community provided by his involvement in Rotary and his participation in activities in the Galena area.  As a lifelong craftsman, he also participated in Habitat for Humanity, enjoying donating his time and skills to the organization. Throughout his life, he enjoyed tennis and golf, and complaining about the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

At Richard’s request, services will be private.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Vandigo for his care and support over the years, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica, Peggy, and Morgan, for their loving and compassionate care during the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Rd. Dubuque, IA 52001, in memory of Richard.

Private family services will be held later. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Tom Tremble

Tom “Ozzy” Tremble, 90, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Private family services will be held at Church of the Resurrection. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Thomas was born October 15, 1935, in Dubuque, IA, the son of James and Mabel (Kinney) Tremble. On May 26, 1962, he married Sandy Drumm in Dubuque.

He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956 before continuing his service in the Marine Corps Reserve.

He graduated from Loras Academy and worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years.

Ozzy enjoyed watching sports, especially cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and the Minnesota Vikings. His favorite days were spent fishing on the river and going for his daily walk. He never missed an opportunity to take his wife dancing on a Saturday night, and was a regular at Denny’s Lux Club.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Tremble; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and Sister, Bonnie (Chuck) Gilman of NV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Lisa Kehl and Liane Tremble, two brothers, Steve and Roger, and one sister, Mary Jane.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.

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

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

Bette Libansky

Bette Libansky, 82, of Peosta, died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bette will be at 11:30 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Bette was born March 7, 1944, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of John and Frances (Clapham) Nolan. On June 2, 1962, she married Francis A. Libansky at Holy Family Church in Peosta, IA. He preceded her in death on July 14, 2018.

Bette graduated from the Academy of the Visitation and continued her education at the Dubuque Beauty Academy, where she earned her cosmetology degree and later became an instructor.

She spent several years working as a hairstylist in local beauty shops before pursuing a new career path as a secretary at a local law firm. Bette also worked for Carlisle Publishing and Brown Publishing.

She was a devoted member of St. Anthony Parish and was actively involved in CEW and Faith Sharing Groups. She generously gave her time volunteering with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps through the Parents Booster Club and with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She also cherished time spent with friends over lunch and always looked forward to attending her book club meetings.

Survivors include her two sons, Richard (Judith) Libansky of Bettendorf, and Matthew Libansky of Dubuque; Grandchildren, Justine (Cale) Williams, Kelsey (Alexis) Libansky, Riley Libansky; three great-grandchildren, Cayden, Jarryd, and Ever Francis; Brother, Rick (Sharon) Nolan of Castle Rock, CO; two sisters, Anita Kehoe of Dubuque, Jody (Lynn) Vorbrich of Clive, IA; and sister-in-law, Rosie Nolan of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson, Richard Jon Libansky Jr., one brother, Bill Nolan, one sister, Patricia (Lloyd) Heins, and brother-in-law, Jack Kehoe.

Bette’s family would like to thank the staff at Grand Meadows, Hospice of Dubuque, and the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital and Tri-State Dialysis for their care and support.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Bette’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Cory M. Johnson

Cory M. Johnson, 46, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 20126 at his home after a sudden illness.

Visitation for Cory will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 P.M.  Visitation will continue after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Cory at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Msgr. James Miller presiding.  Concelebrating will be Rev. Georges Mediangu.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Cory was born December 21, 1979 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Dennis and Deborah (Bechen) Johnson.  He is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School.  He was employed for many years as a CNC operator.

Cory was interested in many things, he enjoyed gardening, camping and detailing cars.  His nieces and nephews claimed him as their “Favorite Uncle”.  Cory had a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone he could.  He loved to read and was very interested in the history of the Civil War.

He is survived by a son, Joe of Epworth, IA; his parents, Dennis and Deborah Johnson of Dyersville, IA; his siblings, Keri (Tim) Lange of Dubuque, IA, Brian Johnson of Sarasota, FL, Andy (Katie) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA and Kelli Johnson of Epworth, IA; several nieces and nephews, Jacob (Lexi) Lange, Alexis Lange, Connor Lange, Sydney Glazier, Kyra Johnson, and Ryan Meloy, Preston Johnson, Kaidence Johnson, Morgan Johnson,  Madison Johnson and Calvin Green; along with his constant companion, his cat, Willie.  He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Dave and Carol Johnson, Dan Johnson, Cheri and Terry Hingtgen, Steve and Cathy Mootz and Dave Bechen.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Millie Johnson, and Eugene and Catherine Bechen; a nephew, John Lange; a niece, Amaya Johnson; and an uncle, Michael Bechen and a cousin, Samantha Vaske for the inspiration she provided.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dubuque Emergency Responders and law enforcement.  We are full of gratitude for your responsiveness, compassion and care during our difficult time of need.

Charlene C. Hammerand

Charlene C. Hammerand, 87, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Charlene will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Charlene was born July 19, 1938, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ray and Clara (Jaeger) Hoffmann. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1956. On October 8, 1960, she married Randy Hammerand at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They enjoyed 65 wonderful years together.

Charlene was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and volunteered her time as a teacher’s aide at the school for many years. Her most enjoyable moments were planting flowers in the spring, working in the yard, the occasional trip to the casino, and many trips to Arizona with Randy. She also never missed an opportunity to attend her pride and joy (6 under 6), grandkids activities. Charlene will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for being an amazing role model.

Survivors include her husband, Randy Hammerand; three daughters, Kim Hammerand, Lisa (Jim) Dougherty, and Tracey (Todd) Bauer; one son, Jeff (Shannon) Hammerand; six grandchildren, Mariah (Patrick) Hoppman, Jake Hammerand, Abby (Jaime) Doll, Dylan Dougherty, Holli Hammerand, and Sierra (Colton Davis) Bauer; one great-granddaughter, Scout Hoppman; sister, Lou Bellman; brother-in-law, Herk (Sandy) Hammerand; sister-in-law, Kathy Hammerand; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerry (Donna) Hoffman, Harold (Ruth) Hoffman; brothers-in-law, Clair Hammerand and Loras Bellman; parents-in-law, Rita & Howard Hammerand; god child, Deb Bellman; and great-grandson, Dawson Hoppman.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff with Hospice of Dubuque, especially Becky, Ashley, Angela, and Amy for all of their compassionate care given to Charlene and her family.

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

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

Sr. Margaret Zimmerman, BVM

Sister Margaret Zimmermann, BVM (Jamesella), 96, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, May 18, 2026.

Sister Margaret donated her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program where her ministry in education continues. Memorial services will be Friday, May 22, 2026, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of memories will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a memorial Mass. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date.

Sister Margaret ministered as an elementary teacher at St. Patrick ES, Lincoln, Ill.; St. Catherine ES, Kansas City, Mo.; St. Francis Xavier ES, Phoenix; and Our Lady of Sorrows ES, Tujunga, Calif. She served as elementary principal at St Anne ES, Santa Ana, Calif., and elementary principal and teacher at St. Charles ES, North Hollywood, Calif.  She was the associate superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Orange.  She served as administrator of the BVM congregational retirement center in Chicago and of the BVM congregational office building in Dubuque, Iowa.

She was born on Jan. 21, 1930, in Milwaukee to James and Helen (Jongebloed) Zimmermann. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1947, from St. Sebastian Parish, Milwaukee. She professed first vows on March 19, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Sister Mary Ellen Zimmermann, BVM, and Elaine (Bernard) Westfahl; and brother-in-law Richard Malone.  She is survived by a sister Janet Malone; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 78 years.

Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of the arrangements.

John B. Risley

John B. Risley, 81, of Deltona, Florida, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at home with his wife by his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL.  A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

John was born on May 13, 1944, one of triplets, to Oris and Estella (Powers) Risley. He grew up in East Dubuque.

John worked at Nativity School in Dubuque and Lacoma Golf Course in East Dubuque prior to relocating to Florida.

John was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins—everything was Redskins. He loved antique cars and the color, pink. He could often be found riding his scooter or tractor around town, stopping to chat with neighbors and friends. He enjoyed spending time at the local Walmart visiting with familiar faces, and he especially loved going on walks with his beloved companion, Chip.

He will be missed by his wife of 23 years, Sheri; his children, Lisa (Wayne) Lynch and Rick (Tracey) Parker; his grandchildren, Jamie, Missy (Keaton), R J, Levi, Devon, Dylan (Eadie) and Whitney (Woody); his great-grandchildren, Mitchel, Aliyah, Jace, Roman, and Braylee. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Kay) Risley and Theresa (John) Adams; brothers-in-law, Everett Flynn and David Joos; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oris and Estella; siblings, Mary (Bill) Quick, Reno (Joyce) Risley, Carmen Flynn, Arnie (Shirley) Risley, Joyce Joos, Eileen Eck, Ruth Ann (Frank) Craig and Joseph Risley.

John will be remembered for his love of conversation and joking around. His presence will be missed by all who knew him. To honor John, we ask that you wear Pink or Redskins attire.

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

Judith Bussan

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Judith “Judy” Bussan, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 15, 2026, at Luther Manor in Asbury, Iowa. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Born June 17, 1942, in Galena, IL, Judy was the oldest child of Elizabeth “Betty” and George Houtakker, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Terrance “Terry” Bussan on September 2, 1963, and together they shared 36 beautiful years of marriage. He preceded her in death on December 10, 1999.

Judy began her professional life as a beautician before eventually running the family hardware business alongside her beloved late husband, Terry. Later, she found great pride in her work at Holland’s in Galena, where she helped customers thoughtfully design kitchens and baths. In retirement, she continued caring for her community by volunteering at the Galena Area Food Pantry.

She was a woman of remarkable strength and resiliency. Strong-willed, sharp-minded, and endlessly capable. There was rarely a problem she could not solve or something around the house she could not fix herself. Throughout her life, she brought that same determination and devotion into both her work and the way she loved her family. If you knew Judy – or ever drove past her home on Franklin St – you knew her yard was her sanctuary. Lovingly cultivated season after season with patience, precision, and pride, she found so much joy in tending to her garden, where every flower bed and rose bush was perfectly kept. Her yard reflected the care and attention she brought to everything. She believed a home should feel warm and welcoming, and nowhere was that more evident than in her kitchen, where she created unforgettable meals for family and friends. Fresh herbs from her garden often found their way into the dishes she prepared, blending her love of gardening and cooking.

She is survived by her children, Craig (Rhonda) Bussan and Tracy (Miles) Doyle, grandchildren Alex and Megan Bussan and Jacob Doyle, brother Jim (Shirley) Houtakker, sister Kathy (Stephen) Napp, special friend & companion, Charles “Charlie” Birkett, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Luther Manor, and most recently, Hospice of Dubuque, for the compassion, care, and support they provided to Judy over the last nine years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Galena Area Food Pantry in her name.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Howard J. Hubbell

Howard J. Hubbell, 78, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away Monday, May 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church prior to funeral services.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Mary 28, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Guttenberg. Rev. Paul Kwaku-Ameyaw will officiate.

Howard was born on January 6, 1948, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Howard and Dorothy (Hayes) Hubbell.  He married Linda Culligan on June 20, 1970, in Fayette, Iowa.

He dedicated his life to education, mentorship, and service, leaving a lasting impact on countless students, athletes, and members of the community. As a respected teacher, coach, and athletic director, he was passionate about helping others grow both on and off the field. Outside of school, he found great joy in sports, whether cheering on his favorite teams or reminiscing about his own days playing slow-pitch softball with friends in his younger years. He also enjoyed spending quiet moments reading and staying connected with those around him.

Following retirement, he continued serving others in a role he truly loved as a school bus driver, where he enjoyed visiting with students and remaining part of the school community that meant so much to him. He treasured his nightly drives and short trips around the area, often taking the scenic route because, as many knew, he never liked going the same way twice. He most cherished memories made traveling on vacation with Linda and Mitchell.

Deeply devoted to his community, he was an active supporter of local events, schools, and organizations, always willing to lend a hand or offer encouragement wherever it was needed.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Linda; children: Carolyn (Robert) Nutt of Pleasant Hill, Dayna (Perry Behrend) Hubbell of Garber, Mitchell Hubbell of Pleasant Hill; grandchildren: Erin (Tristan Cobb) Nutt, Brady (Kaitlyn Koehn) Behrend; siblings: Mark (Jill) Hubbell of West Union and Julie Hubbell of Cedar Rapids; in-laws: Mary (Tim) Burke of Storm Lake, Jayne (Ken) Lang of Emmetsburg, Don (Kim) Culligan of Sioux Falls, SD and Linda Culligan of Carroll. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Susan Hubbell and Robert Hubbell; and a brother-in-law, Mike Culligan.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Ray R. Yager

Ray R. Yager, Jr. 74, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center surrounded by his family. He handled his 7-year battle with cancer with grace and cherished every moment with his family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. Sharing time and concluding prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Ray was born in Dubuque, IA on November 22, 1951, the son of Ray Sr. and Lillian (Brenner) Yager. He drove semi for Crete Carrier for many years until his retirement. Dianne would ride along when given the chance and those moments were always special for them.

Ray loved fishing, camping and Nascar Racing. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was always his favorite. Ray especially loved doing body and mechanical work on cars with his son Josh. A favorite project was always working on his son’s Nova with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, William Brimmer and Betty Brimmer.

Those left to cherish Ray’s memory include his wife of 45 years, Dianne; son, Joshua Yager of Dubuque, granddaughter’s Makayla (River) Yager, Alexis Yager and Isabella Yager all of Dubuque; his brother, Dwight (Janet) Yager of Dubuque; brothers and sisters-in-law: Noel Fries, Lianne Brimmer, Pat (Brimmer) Mohr, James and Susan Brimmer, Susan E. (Brimmer) Welsh and Charles Brimmer, Jr.; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Eric Engelman and nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center for the special care they gave to Ray.

Mary L. Gerlach

Mary L. Gerlach, age 59, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey suddenly on May 14, 2026, at home.  To honor Mary’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2025 Jackson Street, with Rev. Jonathan Crawford officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship from 8:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on December 24, 1966, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to William and Jeannine (Clough) Gerlach. Growing up, she found joy in dancing and singing like nobody was watching. She cared deeply for her family and friends. Her main career path was in customer service as she enjoyed interacting with others, joking and laughing. Her laughter was so very contagious. One of her most meaningful work experiences was when she worked side-by-side with her sister at Sherry’s House of Hair where they made many great memories together. When she transitioned to work at the Julien Inn Dubuque, she met her future husband Jim. Her “Happy Place” was with family, enjoying the simple things like soaking up the sun’s rays on a nice day, while her husband Jim did a little grilling out. If the neighborhood kiddos happened to be passing by, they could always trust that she had a cool popsicle ready for all of them to enjoy. Mary and Jim also made it a point in their lives to take care of those around them who were less fortunate.

Mary made the most with what the Lord gave her and faced each day with the goal of being the best self she could be. Although taken so fast, through her faith and dedication to Jesus, she now lives in eternal perfection with Jesus at her side and only has to wait for those of us whom she loved and adored to join her once again. Not one more difficult day will Mary ever have to face and in that we find both hope and peace even with our broken hearts forced to endure the difficult days ahead. Thank you, Mary, for leaving sweet memories where you thought it was just another moment mixed within another day and may the Lord keep you held so securely in His loving and grace-filled arms that you only have to think of us when we suddenly appear before you in time. We will love and miss you dearly until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her loving husband of 14 years,
James “Jim” LuGrain, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Sean Stevens, Dubuque, IA,
Amber (Jason) Jones, Bixby, OK,
Jordanne Stevens, Anamosa, IA,
and A.J. LuGrain, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Zion Stevens, Zayn Stevens, Jeannasea Stevens Fullbright, Irina Jones, Aria Jones, Naomi Jones, Ciaran “Ezra” Jones and Aila Jones;

her siblings,
Diane (Ed) Ernst, Monroe, WI,
Sherry (William) Trickel-White, Asbury, IA,
Tammy Danz, Platteville, WI,
Sylvan Gerlach, Cambodia,
Ronda Jasper, Dubuque,
and Ron (Missy) Gerlach, East Dubuque, IL;

her brother-in-law,
Ron Regich, Tucson, AZ;

her sister-in-law,
Angela Gerlach, Brooklyn, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jeannine (Clough) Gerlach; and her siblings, Linda Regich, Tina (Steve) Udelhoven and Bill Gerlach.

Mary’s family would like to thank everyone at the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Medical Examiner’s Office for all of their professional and compassionate care during this most difficult time.

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

Noel C. Stecher

Noel C. Stecher, 89, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, May 15, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:30–11:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5941327

Noel was born at home on a blustery Christmas Day to Anton and Leona (Schueller) Stecher. The sixth of nine children, he grew up working hard on the family farm—a foundation that shaped the rest of his life. His siblings affectionately called him Bruddy, and many others knew him simply as Bud. No matter the name, everyone knew him as a man whose humility and steady work ethic defined him.

In 1958, he married Pearl Schmitt, and together they built a family of six children. Noel worked tirelessly his entire life and took great pride in never missing a day of work—something he maintained until his family finally convinced him to slow down. Even then, he never considered himself retired. As a young man, he became a small business owner and spent the next 62 years growing Key City Moving and Storage. Through his work, he met countless customers who became lifelong friends. Noel had a gift for offering a warm smile, a quick joke, or a bit of friendly conversation to anyone he met—stranger or not.

Outside of work, Noel enjoyed golfing, playing Euchre, and traveling to visit his children and friends across the country. For many years, he was a proud member of the “Know It All” Club at one of his favorite spots, the Moracco, where his humor and easygoing nature fit right in.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; his children, Pam of Denver, CO, Barb (Dan) Holmgren of Kansas City, MO, Shelly (Jerry) Rose of Prescott, AZ, Mike (Lori) of Dubuque, David (Kari) of Des Moines, IA, and Rick of Dubuque; his grandchildren, David (Michele) Holmgren, Melanie Holmgren, Natalie Holmgren, Jason Waligorski, Sara (Jonathan) Chavez, Shane Still, Dillon (Shayna) Stecher, Audrey (Ben) Pregler, Dallas (Logan) Stecher, Valerie Stecher, Will Stecher, and Noel Stecher, Michael (Nancy) Rose and Dan (Tassia) Rose; his great‑grandchildren, Madeline Waligorski, Ella Mau, Elle Holmgren, Pearl Stecher, Nikolas Chavez, and Teddy Pregler; and his sisters, Loretta Behnke and Joyce Schmitt, and sisters-in-laws, Carol Stecher and Jeannie Stecher.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents; his in‑laws, Carl and Magdeline (Tigges) Schmitt; his brothers and sisters, Lorraine (Clem) Aird, Mary (Alfred) Hirsch, Victor (Lou Ann) Stecher, Eileen (Larry) Fischer, Alfred (Fritz) Behnke, Joseph Stecher, Loras (Sue) Stecher, and Gerald Schmitt.

Noel will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, his humble and generous heart, and the kindness he shared so freely. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he made, and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.

Cathy Jobgen-Calvert

Cathy Jobgen-Calvert, 68, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.

She was born in Galena on August 12, 1957, the daughter of Virginia Turpin-Mefford and Joseph Jobgen. Cathy graduated from Galena High School in 1975, graduated from Capri College, and worked as a cosmetologist for 10 years. Cathy later worked as a CNA and Medication Aide and at the Jo Daviess County workshop up to her retirement.

Cathy’s true passion was caring for others; it brought her incredible joy working with the consumers at The Workshop and in the memory care units at nursing homes in Dubuque.

Cathy married Roger Weis in 1976 and through this marriage, had three children, Stacy, Robby, and Sean. She later married the love of her life, Kenneth Calvert, and they had two children, Jennifer and Casey. Being a Mom, Grandma, and Wife was her greatest accomplishment and blessing in life. Cathy was a former member of Galena EMS, the Galena Elks Lodge, and was nominated as “Mother of the Year” in 2022.

She enjoyed decorating cakes for various weddings, celebrations, and her grandchildren’s birthdays. Cathy was a woman of faith, and her warm smile and calming presence were noticed by all who met her. She jumped at the opportunity to participate in and dress up for fun, festive occasions. She loved to laugh and never took life too seriously. Cathy loved spending time with her GHS classmates and friends, and with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Calvert, two daughters, Stacy (Serg) Bouldoukian of Galena, Jennifer (Kaleb) Dubale of Sioux Falls, SD, three sons, Robert (Elly) Weis of Dubuque, IA, Sean (Cassie) Weis of Dubuque, Casey (Veronica) Calvert of Maricopa, AZ, her beloved grandchildren Kristin and Allyson Farrey, Khloe Bouldoukian, Izabelle, Lydia, Tate, and Avah Weis, Hope Weis, Charlie and Juliana Dubale, two brothers, Gary (Mary) Jobgen, of Galena and Randy (Julie) Jobgen, of Port Charlotte, FL, and her very dear friend, Suzette Einsweiler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, Rosie and Kenneth Calvert, and two brothers, Richard and Robert Jobgen.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Avera Hospice, Sioux Falls, SD, for their loving care. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Margaret V. Schiel