Obituaries Archive

Terry A. Strang

Terry  A. Strang, 62, of  Liscomb, Iowa and formerly of Dubuque, Iowa passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Unity Point Care in Marshalltown, Iowa.

A visitation for Terry will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, 408 3rd Ave NW,  Cascade, Iowa.

Services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Assisting Deacon will be Steven Strang.  Burial will be held in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa.

He was born December 24, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Alan J. and Elaine A. (Morrison) Strang.  Terry graduated from Walhert High School in Dubuque, and Northeast Iowa Technical College in Peosta.  He worked in manufacturing and was also a volunteer for the Liscomb Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department.   He had a love for hunting, which was reflected by his teaching Hunter Safety for over 25 years.

He is survived by three siblings, Tim (Laura) Strang of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Dave Strang of Anderson, South Carolina, and Dan (Rhonda) Strang of Madison, Wisconsin;  1 niece, Jessica (Ben)  Johnson; and 8 nephews,  Nathan and Clay Strang, Alex, Wyatt and Bowen Strang, Cullen, Cayden and Carsen Strang; 1 great-nephew, Vinny Johnson and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a volunteer fire department or to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Duane I. Kruse

Duane I. Kruse, 82, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until 1:45 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002.

The Funeral Service for Duane will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Private family burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Duane was born February 16, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Arthur and Emma (Dausener) Kruse. On September 3, 1960, he married Mary Kraus at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, Iowa.

Duane worked at Sieg Auto Parts in the machine shop and later at Roeder Equipment. He really loved his job.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Dubuque; four children, Ellen (John) Olson of Vinton, IA; Karl (Diane (Kleis)) Kruse of Johnston, IA; Mark (Lynne (Hardin)) Kruse of Davenport; and Anne (Kirk) Mitchell of Des Moines, IA; eleven grandchildren, Ben (Amy) Olson, Maria (Scott) Mennenga, Emily (Joey) Zweigart, Brad Kruse, Kelsey (Justin) Coaldrake, Scott (Claire) Kruse, Carson (Abby) Kruse, Will, Connor, Evan, and Emma Kruse; seven great-grandchildren, Madeline, Wesley, Nolan, Beau, Graham, Addy, and Kollyns; sister, Myrtle Kaiser of Cuba City, WI; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jim Kraus, Willie (Norma) Kraus, Elaine Hildebrand, and Cheryl Kraus; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents Duane was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer (Ruth); sister, Donna; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ireneus Kaiser, Larry (Jean) Nauman, Tom Hildebrand, Sue Kraus, and John Kraus; and mother- and father-in-law, Joe & Christina (Wilwert) Kraus.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, memorials may be made to the Duane I. Kruse Memorial Fund.

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

Christopher J. Noonan

Christopher J. “C.J.” Noonan, 60 of Bernard, Iowa passed away Friday, December 22, 2023, due to the progression of complications from a motorcycle accident in August 1986.

A Visitation for Chris will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa.

Services for Chris will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Holy Family Catholic Church in New Melleray, (Peosta), Iowa with Msgr. Thomas Toale presiding.  Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery in New Melleray, Iowa.

He was born April 6, 1963, in Monticello, Iowa, son of John “Ozzie” and Nancy (Weber) Noonan.  He is a graduate of Cascade High School.  He was employed as a window glazer for a company in Texas, prior to his accident.  Chris was quite a character, he enjoyed life and people to the fullest, especially his nieces and nephews, which he often referred to as his babies.

He is survived by four siblings, Amy (Cy) Kluesner of Asbury, IA, Vickie (Joe) Takes of Bettendorf, IA, Roger (Jessica) Noonan of Golden, CO and Laura (Jim) Barnes of Robins, IA; nine nieces,  Molly (Josh) McQuillen, Megan Kluesner, Morgan Kluesner, Emily Takes, Ashley (Jared Jones) Noonan, Angela (Chad) Bacon, Aubrey Noonan, Maggie Barnes, Emma Barnes and 1 nephew, Ryan Ruble.  He is also survived by aunts and uncles, Maddie Reno-Weber of Louisville, KY, Phil (Joan) Weber, Kathleen Weber, Charles (Marianne) Weber, and Russ (Cathy) Weber all of Dubuque, IA, Mark (Tricia) Weber of Omaha, NE, Jim (Terri) Weber of Chanhassen, MN, and Mike (Jean) Noonan of Peosta, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; aunts and uncles, Walter and Cis Meloy, Mary Margaret Noonan, Bob and Shirley Noonan, Pat and Mary Noonan, Francis Noonan, Danny and Mary Noonan. Paul Weber, and Richard Weber.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Carol A. Williamson

Carol Ann Williamson, 81 Years, of Dubuque, died on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Per Carol Ann’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Carol Ann was born September 29, 1942, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Norman Francis and Mildred (Hadrava) Kunesh. On June 20, 1964, she married James Williamson in Chicago, Illinois.

Carol Ann worked as a Teacher/Librarian for the Western Dubuque School District for 26 years, retiring in 2001. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling the world with Jim. Carol Ann was a member of the Dubuque YMCA for many years and was also a member of the League of Women Voters.

Carol Ann was very proud of her heritage.  She was a 100%, 2nd generation Czech-American, as all four of her grandparents immigrated from Prague, the capital of what is now the Czech Republic. She lived her heritage by being a faithful member, supporter, and frequent visitor to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Carol Ann believed in supporting many causes, charities, and organizations that she deemed worthy.  A partial list of these include the American Indian College Fund, Bread For The World, Doctors Without Borders, the Dubuque Food Pantry, Friends of the Carnegie-Stout Library, Greenpeace, Heifer International, the Jane Goodall Institute (chimpanzees), The National Alliance For The Mentally Ill (NAMI), the National Park Conservation Association, the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation (college scholarships), the Salvation Army, and UNICEF.  She would certainly be pleased if you made donations to any of these in her name.

Survivors include her husband, James Williamson; one daughter, Kimberly Kelly (Derrick) Anderson; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Anderson; and one brother, Norman Francis (Guiqin) Kunesh, Jr.

Carol Ann was preceded in death by her parents.

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

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

James J. Gulyash Sr.

James J. “Goose” Gulyash Sr., 86, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 22, 2023, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for James will be 10:00 am Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Goose was born November 8, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Stephen and Julia (Abitz) Gulyash. On June 21, 1958, he married Anita Mary Herbst at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. He worked at Dubuque Packing Company for twenty eight years.

Goose was a long time member of the Dubuque Eagles Club. He absolutely loved playing fast pitch softball and played for numerous teams throughout the years in Dubuque. Goose was inducted into the Kiwanis Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Dubuque Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 1998. Goose also enjoyed bowling, throwing horseshoes, fishing, and was a lifelong Yankees fan. He also enjoyed nights spent at Rhody’s and time spent at Charlie and Blonde’s cottage in East Dubuque. Above all though, he loved to spend time with family and friends. He and Anita spent over 25 years camping at Leisure Lake, they also enjoyed family vacations to Minnesota. After having open heart surgery, Goose gained even more family with his Mended Hearts rehab family.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Anita of Dubuque; three children, Beverly Clancy, Jane (Dean) Schwartz, and James (Donna) Gulyash Jr. all of Dubuque, IA; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren with one more on the way; two sisters, Rita Reicher and Mary Weidenmann; brother, Jay (Barb) Gulyash; sister-in-law, Dee Gulyash; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ron Sr. and Steve Gulyash; sister, Virginia (Richard) Stoffel; two brothers-in-law, Don Weidenmann and Wayne Reicher; and nephew, Scott Gulyash; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence (Charles) Weiland, Arlene (Charles) Chapman, Roslyn (Tom) Ehrlich, Leo (Toots) Herbst, Betty (Bill) Theisen, Sylvia (Ken) Dietz, and LaVon (Leo) Abitz.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to all of the staff with Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Angela.

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 Goose’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Kathryn J. Moyer

Kathryn J. Moyer, age 73, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 20, 2023, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Kathryn’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kathryn’s family.

Kathryn was born on November 22, 1950, in Davenport, IA, a daughter to Darrel and Helen (Hein) Brockmeyer.  She was a kind and gentle soul who spent the majority of her working years in retail with Woolworth’s Department Stores, but also spent some of her later years working in the housekeeping department at Ecumenical Towers.  In her free-time, Kathryn always enjoyed going out dancing with family and friends. In her younger years, if the opportunity arose to spend a little time around the table, she was always willing to share her skills with a Monopoly board in front of her, or playing Crazy 8’s with anyone who was up to the challenge.  As time passed, Kathryn found peace and joy in simply working on her newest adult coloring books whenever possible.  We are going to miss Kathryn, but she is now at home in the grace-filled and loving arms of her Lord and Savior.  Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing your light with the world when you could and for leaving behind some wonderful memories for those who loved and adored you to treasure until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kathryn include,

her two children,
Alex Peel and Angela Peel-Krohse;

her six grandchildren;

her siblings,
Allen (Barb) Brockmeyer and David (Sue) Brockmeyer;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents.

Kathryn’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Sandra Kay Moore

Sandra Kay “Sandy” Moore, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 20, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center.

A memorial gathering will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Sandy was born on September 2, 1942, in Tuscola, Illinois, the daughter of Edward and Mildred (Tresenriter) Moore.

She received her BA and MA from Eastern Ill. University, Charleston, IL and her PhD from University of Iowa.

Sandy dedicated her life to education and worked as an elementary teacher, Junior High and college teacher. She was an Assistant Director for Phi Lamba Theta, and lastly a Consultant with Keystone Area Education Agency.

Sandy’s hobbies included needlework, music and reading. She was a member of United Methodist Women, Phi Lamba Theta, Phi Beta Kappa, National Education Association.

She is preceded in death by her Grandparents George and Gertrude Tresenriter; her mother Mildred Tresenriter Darley; her aunts Shirley and Gayle; and her uncle Bill.

Also, her companions who are dearest to her heart, her special Dachsunds.

Survived by numerous cousins.

Special thanks for the exceptional friendship and care of Zeiben and Chris Keister and Helen Schaub.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation should be designated to Dubuque Humane Society.

The family wishes to thank Stonehill Health Center, Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Thomas Schreiber and his staff for all the wonderful care they provided to Sandy.

Marie R. Dietzel

Marie R. Dietzel, 91, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Church, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. Gregory Ihm officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends and family may call from 3-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 28 at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, where there will be a Parish Rosary Service at 2:40 p.m.

Marie was born on October 15, 1932 in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, the daughter of Anthony J. and Rachel (Kuhl) Deutsch. She was baptized by her great uncle, Fr. Grieveldinger, at Immaculate Conception Parish in Kieler, Wisconsin. She attended a one room school in Menominee and graduated from high school at St. Clara Academy. After graduation, Marie met the love of her life, Arnold Dietzel of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, at a dance on Valentine’s Day in 1954. On December 29, 1955, they were married at Nativity B.V.M. Church, Menominee, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 19, 2005.

Marie and Arnold farmed for over 30 years west of Georgetown, Wisconsin, working side by side and raising their six children. After retiring from farming, Marie was employed in Dubuque, Iowa, at Hills and Dales and Dubuque Golf and Country Club. Later, Marie and Arnold sold the farm and moved to Cuba City, Wisconsin, where she provided in-home daycare for 12 years. Following Arnold’s death in 2005, Marie worked for Belmont Township Recycling Center, and at the age of 78, she decided it was time to retire.

Marie then made the Cuba City Apartments her home, making many friends along the way. She enjoyed having all family gatherings at her home, as well as cooking, baking, playing cards and completing puzzles. Most importantly, her family always came first.

Marie is survived by her children, Tim (Terri) Dietzel, Horseshoe Bend, AR, Suzanne (Rod) Wilson, LaValle, WI, Pam (Randy) Timmerman, Hazel Green, WI, Randy (Amy) Dietzel, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Terry (Jodi) Dietzel, Oakfield, WI, and Sarah (Bill) Lolwing, Lancaster, WI; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Eileen (Dick) Riniker, Dubuque, IA; and a brother-in-law, Edmund Dietzel, Cuba City, WI.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Sr. Mary Rachel Deutsch; three brothers, Anthony, Joseph and Francis Deutsch; a granddaughter, Jennifer Dietzel-Harmuth; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Regina and Leonard Dietzel.

In lieu of flowers, a Marie R. Dietzel Memorial Fund has been established. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Edenbrook and St. Croix Hospice for their care of Marie. 

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

Donald R. Schmitt

Donald R. Schmitt, 83, of Holy Cross passed away Friday, December 15, 2023.  Private graveside services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Rickardsville.

Donald was born September 29, 1940, son of Raymond and Anna Marie (Arlen) Schmitt.

He farmed in the Holy Cross area.

Included in the survivors is a brother, Michael (Michele) Schmitt of Holy Cross and their sons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ronald.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Birkel

Mary Lou Birkel, 89, of Sherrill, died Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Friday, December 22, 2023 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lou will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 22, 2023, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Father Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mary Lou was born December 7, 1934, in Rickardsville, IA, the daughter of Nicholas and Sarah (Stocks) Schmitt. On January 22, 1952, she married Herman A. Birkel at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville. He preceded her in death on July 3, 2013.

Mary Lou worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for 47 years until it’s closing, after which she went to work at Walmart as a greeter for seven years.

Mary Lou enjoyed doing seek and find puzzles, as well as gardening and canning. Every Saturday she would make chunky chicken soup and every Sunday she would make roast beef, mashed potatoes, and corn. She would always have pie on hand too even though she would say “you don’t have to eat the crust because it might be a little tough.” Above all, she enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include five children, Philip “Phil” (Punkie) Birkel, Dennis (Diane) Birkel, Nancy (Jim) Decker, Amy (Tim) Lahey, and Scot Birkel all of Sherrill; grandchildren, Corey (Kelly) Birkel, Andrea (Keith) Kluesner, Travis (Kimmie) Birkel, Amelia (Kevin) Schwers, Tammi (Trent) Weimerskirch, Nicholas (Kristi) Birkel, Aaron Decker, Evan  Decker, Drew Lahey, Ben Lahey, Claire Lahey, and Ty Lahey; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Aleese, and Amiya Birkel, Bodie, Kogan, Ahsha, and Ahnya Kluesner, Allie and Max Birkel, Kelen, Araya, and Kroy Schwers, Emma and Jack Breitbach, Natalie, Caleb, Carson, and Connor Birkel, and Waylon and Cash Weimerskirch; one brother, Richie (Deb) Schmitt of Manchester, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by two daughters, Brenda in infancy and Karen Birkel; three sisters; four brothers; and four sisters-in-law.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and especially to Fr. Tyler for his frequent visits that Mary Lou enjoyed greatly.

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

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

Debra Callahan

Debra “Daisy” Callahan, 67, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, after a long battle with COPD.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a funeral service held at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Deacon John Stierman will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Placid.

Debbie was born January 2, 1956 in Dubuque, the daughter of Lester and Lillian (McDermott) Callahan. She attended Cathedral School (when she wasn’t sneaking out!) and went on to raise two daughters, Laurie and Carrie “Kurt”. Along with her best friend, Jean Kapp, she owned and operated D & J’s Cleaning Service  for 30 years, until retirement.

Debbie had many hobbies, including boating, roller skating, and singing karaoke. She loved going to the Dubuque Farmer’s Market, and hitting the casinos with her siblings. Debbie enjoyed boot scooting, even taught a few classes, which brought her a wonderful group of friends, especially at the Crazy Horse and Instant Replay. Her very favorite thing was to spend time with her grandchildren, and face-time her great granddaughter.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two daughters, Laurie (Jeff Somers) Callahan, and Carrie (Jon) Welu; her grandchildren, Chandler Huber, Alexis (fiancé Will Kieler) Huber, Payton, Katelyn, and Lillian Welu, and Samantha and Evelyn Callahan; her great granddaughter, Rosalie “Boo” Kieler; three sisters, Elaine Gansen, Juanita Bakey, and Becky (Terry) Lyons; and her sister in law, Barb Callahan.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jenny; her soul mate, Alvin Wernimont; her parents, Lester and Lillian Callahan; her siblings, Daniel “Buck” Callahan, Kay Reardon, and Donald “Jeep” Callahan; her in-laws, Jerry Bakey and Bill Gansen; her nephew, Bobby Lyons; and her great nephew, Sean Kenneally.

The family would like to thank Mark Janes, M.D., and Shay Lehman, ARNP, for their care of Debbie.

Carl F. Staner

Carl F. Staner, 87 of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9-10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with committal service at the cemetery chapel.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Carl was born on July 5, 1936, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Cyril and Mary (Rollinger) Staner.  He served in the US Army from 1957-1961, then he worked at John Deere for 33 years.  He married Claudene Pasker on Dec. 24, 1986 in Dubuque, Iowa.  After retiring from John Deere, Carl and Claudene enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Claudene, children: Larry Soppe of Dyersville, Mark Soppe of Roscoe, IL, Steven (Tracy) Soppe of Manchester, Carl (Kristi) Soppe of Delhi; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings: Robert (Bernadette) Staner of Dyersville, Janet Hogan of Dubuque, Lois Goedken of Dyersville, Madonna (Mark) Loeffelholz of Davenport, James (Darlene) Staner of Colesburg, and Steven (Liz) Staner of Dubuque; in-laws: Verna Mae Galvin of Iowa City, LJ Takes of Monticello, Dorothy (Jerry) Peterson of Madison, AL, John Pasker of Cedar Rapids, Jim (Mary) Pasker of Boise ID, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, David Staner in infancy; in-laws: David Hogan, Leo Goedken, Terry Galvin, Marie Takes, Shirley Pasker, Sue Soppe, and Marcia Soppe.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Accura Healthcare of Cascade.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Carol Charnas

Carol Charnas, 70, of Dubuque passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023.  Private family services will be held at a later date.

Carol was born December 21, 1952 in Chicago, daughter of Frank and Katherine (Pavlus) Wozniak.

She grew up in Chicago and moved to the Scales Mound area 40 years ago.  She later moved to Dubuque.

Carol worked at the infamous Pat’s Grocery Store in Scales Mound, IL for many years, then later Dick’s Supermarket of Galena, IL and then was co-owner of Culver’s of Galena.   Upon retiring from the work force, Carol enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, playing cards, gardening, and traveling with her sisters on their beloved “Sister’s Trips”.

Carol was always quick to pay compliments to anyone and everyone she met; she went out of her way to say something nice to someone because she always wanted to make others feel good.  Carol was unfailingly polite & courteous to all and gave much more than she would have ever have asked for in return.

Carol is survived by daughter, Kathy Armbrecht (Jimmy) of Dubuque and children, Jared Charnas, Tag Armbrecht, Morgan Armbrecht, Ty Stilson, and Avery Armbrecht; Daughter-in-law, Melanie Charnas of Austin, TX and her children, Jalen and Aly Charnas; three siblings, Ron (Joyce) Wozniak, Donna (Nick) Schmit, Pat (Leo) Wajda and brother-in-law, George Liptak, all of the Chicago area; and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces & grandnephews.  Carol is also survived by her former husband, George Charnas; sisters-in-law, Georgeen Charnas, Alma (Pat) Singer; and brother-in-law, Bob (Pat) Charnas.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Dena Charnas; son, Chad Charnas; her parents; her mother and father in-law; and her twin sister, Nancy Liptak.

Carol’s daughter and family wish to express a heartfelt thank you to Finley Hospital, AirCare Emergency Transport, University of Iowa Hospital (SNICU), Hospice of Dubuque and Harmony Dubuque for their care and comfort provided to Carol and her loved ones during this difficult time.  A special thank you to Father Terry Ball of Iowa City whose kindness and comfort brought much peace to Carol and her daughter in Carol’s final days.  Lastly, Kathy would like to extend a thank-you to her employer, Cottingham & Butler Claims Services and her colleagues, for their ongoing support, understanding, and comfort as she navigated through this loss.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Eugene T. Frith

Eugene T. Frith, 94, of Dubuque died Monday, December 18, 2023.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, December 21, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish wake service at 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, December 22, 2023 at Holy Spirit Parish-Sacred Heart Church.

Gene was born July 7, 1929 in Dubuque, son of Eugene and Anna (Schilling) Frith.

On September 16, 1950 he married Joan Marie Schadle at Nativity Church.

Gene was a mechanic at Ruan Trucking for many years.

He was a talented woodworker, loved the Packers and was an Eagle Scout.

His faith was important to him, and he was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Church.

He had a big heart and his passion was family unity.

He loved boating and fishing and he once swam across the Mississippi river. And we believe this was one of his “true stories”.

His mind was sharp right down to the end.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Frith of Dubuque; six children, Eugene (Toni) Frith of Weslaco, TX, Michael (Julie) Frith of Wildwood, MO, Gary Frith of Dubuque, Lynn (Steve) Schmitz of Dubuque, Mark (Cathey) Frith of Walker, IA, and David (Darlene) Frith of Cedar Rapids; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Elaine, Bob, Paul, and Tom; and a grandson, Adam.

Donna M. Trevarthen

Donna M. Trevarthen, age 71, of Elizabeth, IL, completed her earthly journey on December 12, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.  To honor Donna’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Donna’s family.

Donna was born on March 19, 1952, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Donald and Norma (Davis) Breitbach.  She grew up with a kind a caring heart which she was able to share with others throughout her years as a CNA as she invested her time and talents in the Intensive Care Unit at the Rockford Memorial Hospital and several years doing Home Health Care. Donna’s compassion was continually on display and her heart and mind found true satisfaction as she served others over her career.  In her free-time, Donna found great joy in searching for her newest antique acquisition to add to her collection, but was always content to simply climb into her comfortable chair and curl up with a good book, or get lost in the movies on The Hallmark Channel which everyone new how they would end. Through the good times and bad Donna tried to keep life simple whenever possible. We are grateful for the time the Lord was gracious enough to share her with us.  Thank you, Donna, for the love you shared along your walk among us and may the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Donna include,

her son,
Steven Trevarthen, Elizabeth, IL;

her siblings,
Margo (Joe) Pink, Elizabeth, IL,
and Martha (Terry) Smith, Caledonia, IL;

along with many extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and her three brothers, Michael Breitbach, John Joseph “Joe” (Rochella) Breitbach, and Daniel James “Jim” (Karen) Breitbach.

Donna’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clincs for all of their professional care and support.

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