Obituaries Archive

Lyudmila Kirsch

Lyudmila “Lusy” Kirsch, 78, of Dubuque, died Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her home.

Visitation for Lusy will be from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Lyudmila was born June 15, 1946, in Russia, the daughter of Vasiliy and Alla Vaganova Kosmiliov. She married Michael Norbert Kirsch in Dubuque.

Lusy was the owner and operator of a homecare business. Before moving to the US, Lusy worked as a school teacher and insurance adjuster in Russia.

She had a deep love for gardening, finding joy in the peaceful atmosphere it provided and the satisfaction of nurturing her plants.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; two brothers in Russia; one step-son, Steven (Cris) Kirsch of MO; one step-daughter, Kathy (Stephen) Skemp of Dubuque; and three step-grandchildren, T.J. Kirsch, Natalie and Roark Skemp.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque and Handy Helpers for their compassionate care and support.

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

John J. Schilling

John J. Schilling, 81, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa.

Private graveside services will be held Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Patrick Cemetery in Colesburg.

John was born on April 5, 1943, son of Donald and Bernice (Hoefer) Schilling. He married Kay Pratt on November 21, 1963 in Elkader.  Together they farmed near Colesburg.

John loved all things farming. He enjoyed his collection of tractors, especially Farmall. In his later years, he often visited with others and spent many mornings with his friends for coffee. He always had a story to share.

Survivors include his children: Lisa (Steve) Kroeger of Petersburg, Linda (Dean) Dempster of Delhi, Julie (Duane) Staner and Mark (Melissa) Schilling, all of Colesburg; 10 grandchildren: Chris (Kate) Kroeger, Jessica (Brian) Stover, Nikki (friend Brock Gilbert) Kroeger, Cassidy (Riley) Walter, Hayley (fiance, Zach Snyder) Schaul, Rick (fiance, Melissa Preston) Schilling, Kelly (friend Justin Curtis) Staner, Austin Staner, Mason and Makayla and Makenna Schilling; three great grandchildren: Carter and Owen Stover, Hudson Curtis; siblings: Harold (Alice) Schilling of Colesburg, Mary (Joe) Goebel of Luxemburg, in-laws: Sharon Pratt of Waukon, Diane Schilling of Guttenberg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay in 2018, parents; brother, James Schilling; in-laws: Ray Pratt and Anna Marie (Dan) Butikofer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Convalescent Home and Above and Beyond Hospice for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Sherri J. Reid

Sherri Jo Reid, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, on December 3, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa. Sherri Jo Wells was born on June 22, 1941, in Maquoketa, Iowa. She was the daughter of William E. and Luella A. (Teters) Wells Sr.

Sherri was a proud graduate of Maquoketa High School. On July 2, 1958, she married Gary Hicks, in Maquoketa, where they started their family and ran their family business Hicks TV and Appliance. The couple was blessed with two sons, Bryon and Scott. After Gary’s untimely passing on April 1, 1973, Sherri faced the world with resilience and grace. She found love once more and married Ronald Reid on July 21, 1977, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Ronald’s children, Mark, Dwight, and Curtis, became an integral part of her life.

Sherri’s professional life was as remarkable as her personal one. Following Gary’s death, she worked as a tax preparer for Schoenthaler Law Office before opening Sherri’s Tax Service out of her home. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the expansion of her business, into the well-respected Colonial Square Tax and Accounting. Sherri retired in 2022 after a remarkable 57 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and diligence in the field of tax preparation.

Sherri’s commitment to her community was evident through her involvement with the Maquoketa Kiwanis Club and the Claytonian Club. Sherri’s generosity knew no bounds, and she was selfless in her giving to all charities.

Known for her sociable nature, Sherri enjoyed visiting with friends and family, never missing an opportunity to share a story or a laugh. Her love for nature was apparent in her joy of feeding birds, with hummingbirds holding a special place in her heart.

Those left to honor Sherri’s memory include her children, Bryon (Heidi) Hicks and Scott Hicks, all of Maquoketa, IA; stepchildren, Mark (Mary) Reid of Wyoming, IA, Dwight (Ann) Reid of Onslow, IA, and Curtis (Lynette) Reid of OK; her sister, Melody Witt of Coralville, IA; seven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses Gary and Ronald, and her brothers William Jr. and Richard.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services. A private burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Sherri Jo Reid memorial fund has been established.

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

Denise Spielman

Denise Spielman, 71, of Galena, IL, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at home. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena. Friends are welcome to gather from 10 AM until the time of the mass. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Denise was born on September 6, 1953, in West Bend, WI, to Denis “Dick” and Patricia (Brennan) Mayo. She graduated from Galena High School in 1972. On March 13, 2008, Denise married Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman in Galena. Throughout her career, she worked at Younkers in Dubuque, Galena Cellars Winery, the Galena History Museum, and Vignettes.

Denise enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including reading, completing crossword puzzles, running and exercising, gardening, decorating, spending time with family, and watching Hallmark holiday movies. Denise was actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Galena Chamber of Commerce (including several years on the board), Galena ARC (where she also served on the board), the Galena Center for the Arts, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman, of Galena, IL; her daughter, Angela (Doug) Decker of Cedar Rapids, IA; her sons, Ryan (Ainsley Hudson) Hillard of Golden, CO, and Addam (Jeni Hunnicutt) Hillard of Columbus Junction, IA. Denise also leaves behind her grandchildren: Drew Distler of Chicago, IL; Luke Decker of Iowa City, IA; and Katelyn Maldonado of Columbus Junction, IA. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers: Terry Mayo of Monticello, IA; Curt (Pam) Mayo of Monticello, IA; Kelly (Darolyn) Mayo of La Plata, MD; and Jim (Kathleen) Werner of Hopkinton, MA; her sister, Pam Szponer of St. Charles, IL; and her sisters-in-law, Cindy (Clarence) Heacock of Dyersville, IA, and Cheryl (Jim) Huekels of Lowell, IN. Denise is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Richard “Dick” Werner; two sisters, Michelle Dominguez, and Kristine Hunt.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in her memory.

The family extends a special thank you to Barb Hocker, a long-time friend, as well as the staff at Mercy One Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Denise.

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

Linda Blocklinger

Linda Blocklinger, 64, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on December 3, 2024, at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Linda was born on September 19, 1960, to Glen and Donna (Schueller) Koetz in Dubuque, Iowa.
She attended Holy Ghost Catholic School, having been a member of one of the largest classes.
She was united in marriage to Mark Blocklinger on July 6, 1985, at Holy Ghost Parish.

Linda worked at Medical Associates for over thirty years. She was employed with Dutrac Community Credit Union prior. Linda was a very hard worker, never calling in sick to work.

Linda was a proud wife and mother. She always made the little things extra special, for both family and friends. She especially loved following Brad on the golf course, sharing coffee and a lunch date with Kali, and enjoyed helping her kids’ friends who truly became family.

She was also crafty, loved puzzles, enjoyed shopping, and spent Sunday’s watching the Packers with her family.

Linda was very sentimental and family oriented. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews and had a smile for all she encountered.

She was an avid supporter of Holy Family Catholic Schools, especially the Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles. She recently enjoyed cheering on the Golden Eagles to a football state championship just a few weeks ago.

Linda is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Kali (Karson Peterson) Blocklinger of Dubuque, Brad (Hannah) Blocklinger of Dubuque; mother, Donna Koetz; siblings, Ronald “Spider” (Deb) Koetz, Sharon (Dan) Link, Sandy (Neal) Ludovissy, and Mary Kay Koetz. She is also survived by in-laws, John (Carolyn) Blocklinger, Tom (Karen) Blocklinger, and Mike (Denise) Blocklinger.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; brother, Donald in infancy; brother-in-law, Fr. Jim Blocklinger; mother and father in-law, Marian  and Leonard Blocklinger.

Linda’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Fire and Police Department, and their wonderful family and friends for their love and support.

Memorials may be given to Holy Family Catholic Schools.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Neil B. Henson

Neil B. Henson, 60 of Dubuque passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at home. Per his wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

Neil was born April 13, 1964, in Dubuque, son of George and Audrey (France) Henson.

Neil was an avid skier, a lover of boating on the Mississippi River, and a tinkerer of all things mechanical, especially with his collection of radio-controlled boats.  He also loved his dog, Celadon whom he referred to as “Killer, because she’ll kill you with her kisses.” Neil and Celadon went on many adventures together.

Neil graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades and Master of none.”  Neil delt Blackjack and Craps on the area river boats, he also spent many years helping White’s Florist deliver and decorate during the holiday seasons. Neil enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews to the area skill hills and once they were grown, he continued to love the sport and work on the hills when needed. One of Neil’s later passions was repairing toys and bicycles at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and Dubuque Bicycle Co-op. In Neil’s retirement years he continued to provided handyman services to many who knew him.  Neil had a kind heart and was always thinking of others with small gifts and gestures.  Even at 60 years old, Neil was a kid at heart and is deeply missed by his great nieces and nephews; Eli and Drew Weidemann, Ellie and JT Blok, and Wyatt and Sienna Aleshire.

Neil is survived by three siblings, Tyra (Lenny) Kutsch of Dubuque and their children, Kirsten (Joshua) Weidemann and Lindsey (Brendan) Blok; Tom (Susanne) Henson of Marion, Iowa and their children, Lauren (Jeff) Aleshire and Luke Henson; and Karin (Joe) Egan of Park Ridge, IL and their children, Matt Egan, Brad Egan, and Greg (Megan) Egan.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given in honor of Neil to the Dubuque Bicycle Co-op, the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and First Congregational UCC in Dubuque.

Margaret C. Sullivan

Margaret C. Sullivan, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Margaret was born on April 25, 1930, in Primghar, Iowa, daughter of Vincent and Irene (McAleer) Cassidy. She received her nursing degree from Mercy School of Nursing, her B.A. from Clarke College, and her M.A. from Loras College. She taught in both the nursing and general education departments at Northeast Iowa Community College for 20 years. On October 2, 1954, she was united in marriage to Paul B. Sullivan at St. Columbkille’s. He preceded her in death in 2006. Together they had four sons: James, Brian, Mark, and Joe. She also studied art and became an accomplished artist, and many of her pieces could be seen hanging in her house.

Margaret is survived by her two sons Jim Sullivan and Mark (Brenda) Sullivan, four grandchildren Brandi (Adam) Johnston, Krista, Paige (Troy) Thoma and Shane Sullivan, four great-grandchildren Amara, Beckett, Emery and Arabella, and sister Jean Olson of Austin, Texas.

Those welcoming Margaret home are her parents, husband Paul, sons Joseph and Brian Sullivan, and brothers Robert and Fr. John V. Cassidy.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all of their amazing care of mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Margaret’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

“Love, laugh, and believe – life was a beautiful journey. Thank you, God, for your absolute presence.” – Love, Margaret. “Oh. Poof.”

Mary M. Weiss

Mary Margaret Weiss, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Dubuque, Iowa on December 1, 2024.

Mary adored her husband, Eldon; her sons, Neil and Lee, and her daughter, Lisa, as well as her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Those who were fortunate to know her, knew what she loved, and she loved her family the most.

There will be no services.

Robert C. Hirsch

Robert C. “Bob” Hirsch, 83 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by all his immediate family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Additional visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2024, at Mueller Chapel Linwood Cemetery with a funeral service to begin at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Bob was born on December 20, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Carl M. Hirsch and Helen V. (Butler-Wittstock) Hirsch. He attended Dubuque Senior High School and on February 11, 1961, he was united in marriage to Jenny June Dodge in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bob worked in the family Construction business with his dad and brothers. He worked for Grove Tool and Die and Total Structures Construction; he was later self-employed alongside his son Kevin with Town and Country Builders. To keep himself busy he worked for the former Brown Publishing-Times Mirror-McGraw Hill as Construction Coordinator – retiring February 2003. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #678.

Bob enjoyed bowling in league and working with his new blue Ford tractor in his younger years, enjoyed working on cars especially his dune buggy from ground up and his newer 1929 MB Gazelle convertible. He loved watching western shows like Gunsmoke, Molly B Polka shows and Marty Stewart. He especially loved the time spent with his son Kevin working on and rebuilding “old blue”. His most important time of all was spent with his family, especially the tradition of dying Easter Eggs with Ash and Jennifer “MeMe”. He was a “jack of all trades” could fix anything.

He is survived by his son Kevin (Nancy) Hirsch; daughter Tammy Jo (Hirsch) Bardon; Grandkids: Jamie Hirsch, Tricia Hirsch, Ash Bardon, Jennifer “MeMe” Bardon, Devin Hirsch. Great-grandson: Matthew Jr. Louis. Step grand-daughter Erika (Chris) Nelson-Hayes. Siblings and in-laws: Richard “Dick (Rosalie) Hirsch; Mary Loes; Lois (Allen) Jones; Tom (Carol) Hirsch; Robert McNinch and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jenny; son-in-law Steve Bardon; siblings and in-laws: William “Bill” (Loretta) Wittstock; Ruth (Donald) Ballinger; John “Jack” (Lorraine) Hirsch; Gerald Loes; Dorothy McNinch; Sandra Kaesbauer; Ronald Hirsch; Donald Joe Hirsch in infancy; along with nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial Fund has been established.

The family wishes to Thank the Key West Fire & EMS, MercyOne Medical Center and Dr. Mark Runde along with his nurse Julie for all the wonderful care given to dad.

Opal Laugesen Turner

Opal Laugesen Turner, 102 passed away peacefully on Sunday morning December 1st in Dubuque, Iowa.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:45am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dubuque followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Opal was born on October 3rd, 1922 in Burton, WI.  She was the eighth child of nine born to Dustin and Ocea Potter.  She married Lorraine Laugesen on April 19th, 1944 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burton, Wisconsin.  Their early years of marriage were spent in Beetown, Wisconsin where they welcomed two daughters (Donna & Sandy) into their life.  They later moved to Dubuque, where they enjoyed a happy life in a picturesque river town.  After many years serving as his caregiver, Opal sat with Lorraine as he passed into eternity in 2003. She was united in marriage again in 2008 to Harlyn Turner who was also widowed after serving as caregiver for his wife Colleen. The two of them were great companions and were able to support one another through the grieving process of losing their spouses. They enjoyed traveling and experienced their first flight together as well as many new memories while living happily until Harlie’s passing in 2021.

Opal’s top priorities in life were faith and family.  She instilled those same values in her daughters from an early age. She was a most devoted wife, mother, and in later years grandmother and great-grandmother.  She had a very strong work ethic and relentlessly offered love and guidance to her family.  She was an expert seamstress and spent many hours creating beautiful clothing with her sewing machine.  Opal was gifted with an eye for detail and artistry, coloring black and white photographs with her oils, bringing memories of color into the world.  She spent her free time restoring their homes back to their original beauty.  Opal persevered without complaints and devoted her life entirely to the things and people she loved giving heart and soul to faith, home, and family.

Surviving are her two daughters, Sandra Koehler and Donna (Bob) Humke, grandsons Adam (Bridget) Koehler, Ben (Leah) Koehler, and five great grandchildren; Mackenzie & spouse Evan Lowther, Hudson, Griffin, Dexter, and Felix.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Ocea and Dustin Potter, siblings LaVern, Hazel, Lulu, Cecil, Clyde, Glenice, Dorothy, and Marilyn and Son-in-law Gary (Sandy) Koehler.

A Memorial fund has been established for Opal Laugesen Turner.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Moore and Dr. Whalen for their many years of care and concern. Eternal gratitude for the support from her special caregivers Angie Huntley, Ginger Deutmeyer, Jodie Legassick, Patty Humke Powers, Staff at Stone hill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for making this portion of her journey more than an ending of a story.  Special thanks for visits, prayers, and support from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Nancy McGinnis.

Tyler L. Biedermann

Tyler L. Biedermann, age 30, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, doing what he loved.  To honor Tyler’s life, private family services were held.  Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.  There will be a Celebration of his life held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2pm-6pm at Horizon Lanes Hall in Bellevue, Iowa.

Tyler was born on January 24, 1994, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Jeremy and Rhonda (Kirk) Biedermann.

Tyler graduated from Hempstead High School, Class of 2012. Tyler was a decorated snowboarder and skateboarder growing up. He enjoyed all things that would give him an adrenaline rush, especially if he could win. He never turned down a chance to play cards, shoot pool, or throw darts. Tyler was a very loyal friend, he had an infectious personality, and he was fiercely competitive. Tyler left us far too soon. He was greatly loved and will be missed tremendously.

Those left to cherish Tyler’s memory include

his mother,
Rhonda (Chet) Knake, Bellevue, IA;

his father,
Jeremy (Andrea) Biedermann, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Cole Biedermann, Dubuque, IA,
Kylee (Keenan) Ploessl, Bellevue, IA,
Mason Ender, Dubuque, IA,
Kali Knake, Bellevue, IA
and Kora Knake, Bellevue, IA;

his grandparents,
Melody Thiltgen, Dubuque, IA,
Lyle (Deborah) Biedermann, Menominee, IL,
Shirley Tracy, Dubuque, IA,
Pat (Lori) Knake, Bellevue, IA
and Vickie (Robert) LaGrotta, Bellevue, IA;

and his great-grandmother,
Janet Entringer, Dubuque, IA.

Tyler was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ron Kirk and his great-grandparents.

Tyler’s family would like to thank his nurse practitioner, Karena Sauser, for the outstanding care she has provided these past years.  Also special thanks to his family members and friends for all of their care and support.

Greeting cards and memorials in Tyler’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Tyler Biedermann Family.

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

Gary R. Bartell

Gary R. Bartell, 81, of Galena, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Midwest Senior Care Center, Galena surrounded by his three daughters. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may gather after 11 AM until the time of the service. The burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date.

Gary was born January 29, 1943, in Rockford, IL, the son of Robert and Irene (Murphy) Bartell. He graduated from Harlem High School with the 1961 class, where he played baseball and basketball and ran on the track team. After graduation, he worked for Jewel-Osco for a few years before realizing his passion for teaching. He returned to college to pursue a degree in education to teach history. In 1971, he graduated from Illinois State University and started his first teaching job at the Grayslake School District in Grayslake, IL. At Grayslake, he coached the Grayslake Rams in both basketball and cross-country track. Some of his students and athletes from that time remain his friends today.

In 1978, he moved his young family to Galena to take a teaching job at Galena High School, where he would continue his passion, teaching US History, Sociology, Contemporary Issues, and Geography until his retirement in 2008. After retiring, he loved to substitute teach at Lena-Winslow, where his grandkids attended. In addition to his teaching duties, Gary proudly spent years in the gym coaching the Galena Pirates Boys Basketball Team and announcing the Galena Pirates Football Team in the Pirate Press Box, where he coined the phrase, “shipload of Pirates”.

Although he loved his titles of “Mr. B.”, “Coach,” and “Voice of the Galena Pirates,” his favorite title was “Dad” to his three girls, and he was so good at it! His patience with us was endless (with one bathroom in a house filled with girls, he had little choice), but he never complained. He was always ready to comfort us, cheer for us, and provide solid advice.

Gary was so proud of his community; he served one term as the Mayor of Galena, served on many boards, and volunteered countless years as an EMT, often spending early morning hours on an ambulance call, yet never missing a minute of his school day.

Gary is survived by his three daughters, Kris (Bruce) Meekhof of Alto, MI, Jodi (Jeff) Zeal of Lena, IL, and Shannon (Luke) Feldermann of Lisbon, IA; his grandchildren, Spencer, Rachel, Nathan, Jenna, Jake, Olivia and Payton, and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Carter, and his best friend, Mike Sciutto, bonus family, Kevin Williams, Mark and Amy Miles, and his two brothers, Chuck and Curt Bartell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sharon, and his best dog and buddy, Max.

We want to thank Midwest Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for taking incredible care of our dad. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Mary J. Chapman

Mary Josephine Chapman, born on Christmas Day, 1954, in Huron, SD, brought light and joy to all who knew her. The daughter of Leo Whitman and Kathryn Smith, Mary grew up with a vibrant spirit and a deep love for life that she carried through her 69 years. Mary graduated from Galena High School in 1973 and married Richard “Rick” Chapman, on November 9, 1974, in Bloomington, Illinois. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, raising three children: Matthew (Deanne) of DeKalb, IL, twins Cory (Treasure) of San Marcos, CA, and Katie (Kevin) of Juneau, AK. Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: CJ, Zac, Summer, Grayson, and Presley.

Mary dedicated three decades as the bar manager at the Galena Elks Lodge, where her warm smile and lively personality made her a beloved fixture in the community. Whether crafting her signature apple pie shots or orchestrating memorable events, Mary left a lasting impression. Her quick wit, infectious humor, and selfless kindness brought joy to everyone she met.

She was an active member of the Galena Elks, VFW Auxiliary, and Galena Eagles, and she co-founded the Slick and Easy Golf Tournament. Mary’s hobbies reflected her zest for life: she was an enthusiastic golfer and bowler, an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and a lover of card games and slot machines. She also had a special place in her heart for children with special medical needs, a passion inspired by her mother’s example. Mary dedicated time and resources to advocating for these children and supporting their families.

At home, Mary’s love shone through her daily acts of care—always preparing home-cooked meals for her family, collecting clowns, enjoying scary movies, and reading books. Music was a constant in her life, filling the air as she laughed and enjoyed the simple joys of life.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Rick; her children and their spouses; her grandchildren; and her brother, Bill Whitman (Anna) of Lakeland, FL.

She is reunited in peace with her parents, Kathryn and Leo, and her siblings: Jim (Diane) Arth, Pat (Louie) Timp, Roberta Arth, and her twin brother, Michael (Leona) Whitman.

Mary Chapman will be remembered as the life of the party, a beacon of kindness, and a woman with a heart full of love for her family and friends. Her vibrant spirit and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their support.

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

John A. Eisbach

John Arthur Eisbach, Jr. 76 of Galena, IL passed into his heavenly home on December 1, 2024, at his home in the country. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of mass. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. A parish rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. The burial will be in the Eisbach Family cemetery.

John was born September 12, 1948, in Cuba City, WI, the son of John A. Sr. and Lois Saima (Keskitalo) Eisbach. He attended grade school at St Michael School in Galena, IL, and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, IA in 1966. He married Ginger Kay Karberg of Galena, IL on May 1, 1971, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Galena, IL. John was above all things a philosopher, a teacher of many things, and a dreamer. Rarely did a day go by that John could not be found teaching a lesson to anyone who encountered him. He built the Wooded Wonderland Sawmill and Lumber business from scratch. He was an avid land steward and found peace in the forest. He taught his children, and later his grandchildren, the wonders and happiness that can be found in nature. His pride and joy were his family, who had all learned to appreciate his complex sense of humor and to never stop learning. He was a member of St. Michael Church, the Church’s financial committee, and the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his wife Ginger, children Christina (David Rury) of Galena, IL; Heather (Bill) Miller of Prescott, AZ.; Adam (Nicky) Eisbach of East Dubuque, IL; and Sarah (Jason) Hansen of Pulaski, WI. Seven grandchildren: Sydney and Samantha Rury; Alexander, Isabella, and Lilly Eisbach; and Cora and Henry Hansen. A brother Dave (Liyuza) Eisbach and family of San Jose, CA.; three sisters-in-law Nancy Karberg of Phoenix AZ; Lyn Karberg of Scottsdale AZ; Geraldine Eisbach of Galena, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard Eisbach of Galena, and a brother-in-law, Robert Karberg of Scottsdale AZ.

The family wishes to thank Fr. Barch for his spiritual guidance as well as Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Teresa of Calcutta Conference, or the Galena Parishes.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Bernetta F. Cogan

Bernetta F. Cogan, 89, of Ahva Living, 430 Sidney St, East Dubuque, IL formerly of Hazel Green WI passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6^th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:40 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler, WI, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Bernetta was a homemaker. She loved a good game of euchre (whether in person or on her smart phone), playing bingo at Ahva, and doing puzzles with her best friend and cousin Bonnie before her death earlier this year.

She survived breast cancer and enjoyed traveling late in life to California, Alaska, cruising with her son and daughter-in-law and a church trip to Rome where she was within 10 feet of seeing the Pope. She also spent many weekends camping with Joe and Mary.

She was born April 26, 1935 on the family farm in rural Dickeyville, daughter of Margaret (Wallenhorst) and George Schroeder. She married Joseph E Cogan on August 23, 1955 at Holy Ghost Church, Dickeyville, WI. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish.

Surviving are her son Joseph J (Mary) Cogan of Hazel Green; granddaughter Britt (Tim Crall) Cogan of Mammoth Lakes, CA, bonus great-grandchildren, Ellie, Bram and Leah Crall; grandson Troy (Amy Strasburg) Cogan of Overland Park, KS great-grandsons, Russell and Brandon Cogan; a brother Jerry Schroeder of Dickeyville and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph E Cogan on July 6, 2001, daughter and grandson Shirley Cogan and Michael Cogan on July 24, 1979, her sisters and their spouses Rosie (Joe) Peiffer, Joan (Jim) Timmerman and Joyce (Delbert) Kliebenstein, and a sister-in-law Judy Schroeder.

A special thanks to the staff at Mercy Hospital ICU.

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