Obituaries Archive

Ruth A. Nemmers

Ruth Ann (Bottge) Nemmers, 84, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, January 12 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, January 13 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Ruth Ann was born March 20, 1939, in Dubuque, daughter of Elsie and Vernon Bottge.  She graduated from the Finley School of Nursing.  She dedicated her life to her family and nursing profession, working for Finley Hospital for 40 years.  Her compassion, selflessness, and nurturing spirit touched the lives of many.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, Kindness, and a family that cherishes the precious moments she shared with them.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Julian Nemmers, her son Thompson Storms and his family (wife Lori and sons Sam and Jacob), her daughter Dawn (Storms) Thomas and her family (husband Ed and children Devon and Tyler), her daughter Heather (Storms) Gilkes and her family (husband Dean and daughter Brittany), and daughter Brooke (Gilkes) Moon and family (husband Nick and sons Levi and Miles) and sister Beverly (Bottge) Spotz and husband Bill.

Memorials may be made to the Finley Health Foundation.

Shirley A. Noel

Shirley Ann (Riniker) Noel, 86, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center.  Visitation will be Friday, January 12 from 9:45 to 10:45 am at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Trinity Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Shirley was born February 12, 1937, in Balltown, Iowa, daughter of Ambrose and Leona (Jaeger) Riniker.

On September 14, 1957, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, William L. “Bill” Noel at St. Francis Church, Balltown.  Together they had four children and were married for 53 years before he was called to his heavenly home on July 2, 2011.

Shirley took great pride in her ability to keep a clean and tidy home. She had a great interest in history, enjoyed feeding the birds and especially delighted seeing the cardinals that frequented her feeders. She loved winter and awaited the first snowfall every year. She could not have scripted a better day to earn her wings that during the beautiful snowfall on Tuesday.

Shirley worked at Neisners Dime Store, the Dubuque Packing Co., Janlin Plastics, and at the Hartig Drug Store on Central for 25 years before retiring in 2002.

Shirley was a member of Holy Spirit Parish (Holy Trinity Church) for over 60 years. She was a member of the Rosary Society, volunteered as needed, and was a member of the church choir. She was also a volunteer at Sunnycrest Manor for Catholic services for many years.

She is survived by two children, Cindy (Mike) Mills of Mooresville, NC and Rick (Lisa) Noel of Nantucket, MA; Grandchildren, Jason (Jess) Noel of Baraboo, WI, Jacob Mills of Mooresville, NC, Claire Noel of New York, Lily Noel of New York and Eva Noel of Durham, NC.

She is also survived by a sister, Diann (Junior) Ott of Peosta, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Ann Noel; a son, Randy Noel; and two siblings, Lavern Riniker and Verna Mae (Nicholas) Brimeyer.

Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Stille and his staff at Medical Associates Clinic for their compassion and care of mom during her illness, the intensive care team at MercyOne for their knowledge, skill and exceptional care, Stonehill community for providing loving care to mom during her short stay and Hospice of Dubuque for guiding them through a very difficult time.

A very special and heartfelt thank you to Diane and Pat Kunnert, Karol and Dave Hubanks.  Words are not enough to show our gratitude towards you for all the help, companionship and comfort you provided mom when we could not be there.  You made her feel loved and cared for and we are eternally grateful.

Sarah E. Smith

Sarah Elizabeth (Eichhorn) Smith 84, completed her earthly journey on Monday, January 8, 2024.  Visitation will be Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. with celebrant Fr. Steve Rosonke. A live stream of Sarah’s Funeral Mass will be available at https://www.stanthony-dubuque.org/live

Born on June 3, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, Sarah was the daughter of Roy and Mary (Deggendorf) Eichhorn.

Those left to cherish Sarah’s memory include her loving husband Roger of 60 years, children Steve (Tracy), Mark (Joy), Mike, Carolyn (Roy) Althaus, Laura (Brian) Frank, 9 grandchildren: Nickolas, Cheyenne, Jessica, Danielle, Luke, Jake, Noah, Emma and Harper; two great grandchildren: Quinn and Finley; brother William (Marta) Eichhorn, one brother-in-law Terrance Smith, two sisters-in-law Karleen (William) Welch and Holly Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Sarah was an active member of St. Anthony parish for 58 years, serving on the Parish Council, the Liturgy Committee and several other committees.

She was an RN who worked in the Red Cross blood services for twenty years. Sarah went to Haiti several times with medical teams, and again later with St. Anthony volunteer teams to give spiritual aid to their sister parish.

She enjoyed ushering at the University of Dubuque Heritage Center.  Forever a Cubs fan, Sarah was thrilled when they won the 2016 World Series!

She enjoyed traveling, pickleball, playing card games and board games, particularly Joker’s Rule.

Above all, Sarah loved her family, supporting them in everything they did.  She attended many of their school activities, plays and sporting events. She would do anything for every one of them.

Preceding her in death were her parents, an infant brother James, mother and father-in-law Dorothy and Sev Smith, sister-in-law Barb and her husband Andy Slania, brother-in-law Paul Smith and nephew Dan Welch.

The Smith family is grateful to Kelli, Cortini and Amber with Hospice of Dubuque; Marta Eichhorn and Cori Wasz, N.P. for providing wonderful care and comfort to Sarah and her family at the end of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque, or to the family for charity donations.

Tri-State Cremation Center of East Dubuque is assisting the family.

Peter J. Roth

Peter James Roth, 60, of Dubuque, went home to God in Heaven on January 10th, 2024, during the first blizzard of the year.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church. A prayer service will be held at 5:00 PM. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Monday, January 15, 2024.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Peter will be 10:30 am Monday, January 15, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Father Steven Garner and Father David Schatz will be Celebrants, assisted by Deacon Dave Roth.  Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Peter was born on November 11th, 1963 in Dubuque. He grew up in the Washington Street neighborhood, attending Holy Ghost School, followed by Hempstead High School (1982), Loras College (1988), and Clarke University (2000), where he completed his Master of Arts Degree in Special Education. He spent most of his professional career at Hillcrest Family Services and Keystone AEA, where he worked for a combined 35 years educating at risk youth. He also worked for Kevin McGiffin’s Kitchen, making the best pizza Dubuque has ever tasted.

In his free time, Peter was an active parishioner at Holy Ghost Parish his entire life, consistently contributing to That Man Is You (TMIY) and Holy Spirit CEW. He was also a Boy Scout leader and volunteer for Troop 25, receiving the St. George Medal in 2013. Additionally, he was a licensed foster parent for 11 years. He also enjoyed riding his Jeep and visiting the National Parks of America.

Peter is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Lee (Hackman) Roth and their two sons, Jacob (Kelsey Benton) Roth and Lucas (Chelsey) Roth & their two children, Iris & Tyson; Paola Gomez Saldana & her family in Leon, Mexico/Barcelona, Spain; Todd (Ann) Kelleher, his best friend; his older siblings, Susan (Ambrose) Dazey, Ann (Ron) Schaal, and Phil (Jody) Roth, all of Dubuque, Ben (Lu) Roth and Greg (Patti) Roth, both of the Des Moines area, and Paul (Ammara) Roth of Rochester, MN; his siblings-in-law- Kaye Hackman & Alan (Gail) Hackman of West Union, IA, Duane (Dwana) Hackman of Tripoli, IA, Loran (Lisa) Hackman of Woodbine, IA, Janet (Jack) Borseth of Decorah, IA,  Alvin Jr. (Dede) Hackman of Lawler, IA, and his mother-in-law, Bernice Hackman of West Union, IA. He is also survived by numerous other loved ones on both the Roth & Hackman sides of the family.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Ben J. Roth & Phyllis S. Roth, his father-in-law, Alvin Hackman, and his brother-in-law, Don Hackman.

A special thank you to all of the nurses, doctors & staff of Mayo Clinic, MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, Stonehill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque. We would also like to thank the volunteer nurses of “Team Pete”, who educated Mary Lee with nursing skills at home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Pete at Holy Spirit Parish.

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

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

Sara K. Miller

Sara Kay Miller, age 42, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on January 8, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Sara’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00–6:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Lacoma Golf Course Event Center, 8080 Timmerman Drive, East Dubuque, IL.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Sara’s family.

Sara was born on February 10, 1981, in Dubuque, IA, one of three daughters to Bruce S. and Glenda M. (Kuhl) Miller.  She was a beautiful soul who also possessed a prankster streak when the timing was appropriate.  Sara was naturally gifted with a very creative side which she continually developed over time in her crafts and nail art.  She also had a great respect for Marilyn Monroe and Freddie Mercury which was always on display.  Sara accepted that she was not going to have children of her own, but being blessed with seven nieces and nephews, she took advantage of every chance she had to spend time with them and shared her affinity to teach them her antics only to drive her sisters, Elissa and Erin crazy at times.  During the last few months of her life, Sara found great comfort and joy in spending time with her dear friend, Jennie.  They spent countless hours running door dashes and simply hanging out together as Jennie graciously helped her with her daily tasks when her family couldn’t physically be by her side.  Thankfully, there was much peace to be found in Sara’s last months, along with the sorrow, which helped to ease the pain of her battle with cancer.  Sara’s strong will helped to allow her vividly bright light to shine just a little brighter in her last days among us.  It’s beyond heartbreaking to ponder life moving forward without our dear Sara walking beside us, but thankfully she has also left behind an abundance of wonderful memories for all who knew and loved her to lean into during the more difficult moments ahead.  Thank you, Sara, for simply being you with each of life’s twists and turns and may the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms as you enjoy your eternal reunion with all of your loved one’s who have been called home ahead of us.  We will love and miss you each and every day until we meet again!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Sara include,

her mother,
Glenda Miller, East Dubuque, IL;

her sisters,
Elissa (Tim) Murphy, East Dubuque, IL,
and Erin (Tom) Loso, East Dubuque, IL;

her nieces and nephews,
Katelyn (Nick Asbell) McIntyre, Peyton (Nolan Farrey) Bastian, Natalie Murphy, Sophia Loso, Benjamin Bastian, and Maddux Loso;

her great-niece,
Reagan Kipper;

her great-nephew due to join us in April,
baby boy Asbell;

her fierce protector and canine companion,
Bonnie;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Sara was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Miller; her paternal grandfathers, George Miller and Louis Roth; her maternal grandparents, Melvin and Marie Kuhl; her beloved fur babies, Bubba and Venus; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sara’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melissa Gansemer, for all of their compassionate and exceptional care.  They would also like to thank everyone at the Menominee Dunleith Fire Department and the Wendt Center, along with Mollie Roth and Brian Roth.  And a very special and heartfelt thank you to Sara’s best friend, Jennie Beaver, who has been a constant and loving companion during this last year of Sara’s life.  We are grateful beyond words for all of the love and support you have all so generously granted to Sara.

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

John E. Bartels

John E. “Zoobie” Bartels, 79 of Moore, OK, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Physicians Hospital in Anadarko, OK.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville prior to funeral mass.  Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. on at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Zoobie was born August 11, 1944, the 14th child of 15 born to Edward and Maire (Kluesner) Bartels.  He graduated from Xavier High School in 1963.  Zoobie was a world traveler visiting 32 countries, his favorite being Holland and Italy.  His career in transportation took him to California and later, to Oklahoma, retiring in 1995.  Zoobie then discovered his true purpose when he decided to drive school bus for the Moore, OK public school district.  John worked as a driver and classroom assistant for special needs students.  He was given the schools OEA Education Professional Award.  As he stated, “Working with the disability kids makes it all worthwhile.  They may not be able to walk or talk, but they say it all with their eyes.”

Zoobie always enjoyed his trips back to Iowa, visiting family, nieces and nephews and wanted everyone to know he lived a full wonderful life.

Survivors include his siblings: Emily Bartels of Dyersville IA, Doris Crow of Dubuque, IA, Bevlin Bartels of Hazel Green, WI, Marlene (Steve) McAleer of Monticello, IA, Patricia Bartels of Elk Horn, WI, and Nancy (Burt) Fairchild of Woodbury, MN., and many endearing nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: William “Woody” Bartels, Dale Bartels, Myrna Carty, Phyllis Bartels, Joyce (Frank) Caruso, Rosemary (Vern) Frericks, Joan Bartels, and Kay (Roy) Krapfl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa.

The family would like to thank Jeanne and Mel Graves for their friendship and care of John.

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.

George D. Rickels

George Donald “Don” Rickels, passed away on January 6, 2024 in Riverside, Missouri.   Don was born July 26, 1937 , the first of his siblings to be born in Iowa, to Harm John Rickels and Phoebe Gladys Westphal Rickels.

Don served in the Army before returning to the family farm where he was a lifelong farmer, working on the Rickels Brothers family dairy farm.  Don also drove a bus for the Maquoketa School District for decades, enjoying activities trips and treating his passengers to DQ on the last day of school.  Don was an avid bowler – achieving a 300 game, loved to play cards, auctions, ice cream, and was always ready to “go to the boat”.

While the farm was always home, Don relocated to the Kansas City area in late 2022 to be near his daughters as his memory declined.  He enjoyed love, laughter and many “adventures” with his girls. He left us unexpectedly and far too soon, but parted this world happy and well-loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, a sister,  Gladys, four brothers, John Henry and Howard, Herman and one who died at birth and one nephew, Randy Milota.  He is survived by daughters Tamara Miller, Kansas City, MO and Tiffany Hentschel (Pete), Peculiar, MO and brother Carl Edward, residing on the family farm in rural Monmouth, and one sister, Agnes Milota, Maquoketa and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 P.M., Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.

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

Rowetta Freese

It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our mother, Rowetta (Johnson) Freese on Saturday January 6, 2024. To honor Rowetta’s life a private family service is being held. There will be no public services.  The Haudenshield Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cuba City Wisconsin is serving the family.

Rowetta was the third (arriving minutes after her twin sister Rowena) of eleven children born to Leroy and Elizabeth Johnson on September 7, 1926 in Henrietta Oklahoma.  A woman of grace and dignity she grew up during the Great Depression.  As a young girl she worked along side her father picking cotton, hoeing corn and any other task that was asked of them, to earn money for their family. Most of the houses they lived in had no indoor plumbing or electricity. During this time they had no money to buy coal to heat their home.  When the coal train came through their town, they would go down to the tracks and pick up coal that had fallen off the coal cars and used this to heat their home.  In a era where most left school after the 8^th grade, she was no different.  When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941 the course of her life changed. In 1944 she went to work in the Officer’s PX store at Camp Gruber in Muskogee Oklahoma. After the war, at the age of twenty-two, she completed high school and attended one year of college. During summer break she joined her twin sister Rowena in Dubuque Iowa, to earn money for her next year of school. Once in Iowa, she was hired to work in the slice bacon department at the Dubuque Packing Company, where she worked for eleven years. It was during this time that she met Joseph Freese from Hazel Green Wisconsin. They fell in love and were married on May 3, 1954 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.  From their love came two children, Stephen Freese and Mary (Richard) Brimeyer, and four grandchildren, Marie and Andrew Freese, and Holly and Jacob Brimeyer.  They shared 42 years together before he died in 1996.

Rowetta was loved and cherished by many people.  Those left behind to honor her memory are her son Stephen Freese and his children Marie and Andrew, her daughter Mary (Richard) Brimeyer and their children Holly and Jacob, her sister Margie (Larry) Gilliland, and her brother-in-law Richard Reed, along with many nieces and nephews.

Those who opened their arms to welcome her into heaven were her beloved husband Joseph, her parents Leroy and Elizabeth (Crawford) Johnson, her twin sister Rowena (Joseph) Boyer, sisters Betty (Carace) Radney, Norma (Richard) Dill, Ester (Thad) Nunn, Priscilla (Jack) Smith, Rose Ann (Bob) Green, and Carolyn Reed, her brothers Gene (Carol) Johnson and Arthur (Mary) Johnson.

Rowetta’s family would like to extend a most heartfelt thank you to nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.  Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

In lieu of plants & flowers, a Rowetta Freese Memorial Fund has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com

Joelle Hope Hepler

Joelle Hope Hepler, daughter of Drew and Nicole (Ochs) Hepler of Dubuque, was born on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital in Madison and was held lovingly by her parents for the few short hours of her life.

The private Mass of Christian Burial for Joelle will be Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father Thomas McDermott as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

She will live on forever in the hearts of her parents, Drew and Nicole; two sisters, Carlee and Emma; paternal grandparents, John and Cheri Hepler of Ankeny, IA; maternal grandparents, Steven and Christine Ochs of Dubuque; paternal great-grandmothers, Nancy Hepler of Atlantic, IA, and Connie VanRyswyk of Albert Lea, MN; maternal great-grandfather, Robert Kachlik of Oak Forest, IL; one uncle, Trent (Bethany) Hepler; two aunts, Patty Ochs, and Sarah Ochs; and two cousins, Lyla and Liam.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Terry Hepler, Larry VanRyswyk, David and Judy Ochs, and Marie Kachlik.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Steven K. Cain

Steven K. Cain, 68, went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2024 at Southeast Care Center in Keokuk, Iowa, with his sisters, Kim Healey and Kelly Miller by his side.

Visitation will be from 11:00-1:00, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

Funeral Services will immediately follow at 1:00p.m. with Rev. Karen Candee officiating. A Eulogy will be given by Jim Cain. Burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Steven was born on January 7, 1955, to LeRoy and Jeaninne Cain at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.
He worked at Coca-Cola Bottling Company, driving fork truck, and doing their pre-mix along with various other jobs they had him do. Coke became his favorite drink when he wasn’t drinking coffee.
Steven’s greatest joy was to make people laugh and he was good at that. He loved music and singing. It didn’t matter where he was or the time of day, he would just burst out singing.

In his younger days he spent hours drawing. He was a talented artist when it came to drawing.
Going to Dale and Kim’s house and spending the afternoons riding the four-wheeler around or riding the motorcycle was something he loved to do with Dale.

So many hours were spent with Mom and Steven playing cards or dice. Mom was his rock.
Another joy was going  to his sister Kelly’s house where she would take him to the park to feed the ducks.

Surviving are his sisters, Kim (Dale) Healey and Kelly (Kevin) Miller of Muscatine, Iowa. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Jeaninne Cain; grandparents, Carl and Margaret Hocking and Catherine Cain; a nephew, Skyler Healey.

The family would like to give special thanks to Arlene Rockhold, Korie Boutgeois, and Julie Dorthy, along with the entire staff at Southeast Care Facility in Keokuk, Iowa. They also extend a special thank you to Lee County Hospice.

Lyndsey Harsch, thank you for being such a special friend to Steven.

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

Patricia A. Trowbridge

Patricia A. “Patty” Trowbridge, age 62, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:49 p.m., on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by her family.  To honor Patricia’s life private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Patricia’s family.

Patty was born on April 7, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Paul and Mary Rita (Schmitt) Leibfried.

Patty worked with the Parks Department for the City of Dubuque cutting grass and maintaining the parks for 27 years until her retirement.  She spent 32 years with the love of her life, Randy Pfeiler, until he sadly passed away on November 26, 2021.  In her free time Patty enjoyed going to play bingo and trying her luck at the casino.  Patty’s family was always the most important aspect of her life.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.  Her grandkids truly meant the world to her.  Patty was a kind and loving person and she will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Patty’s memory include

her children,
Tiffany (fiancé Kyle Mades) Trowbridge, Dubuque, IA
and Jason Trowbridge, Dubuque, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Molly, Ronin, Aubrey and Ella;

and 2 brothers,
William Leibfried, Dubuque, IA
and Bobby Leibfried, Dubuque, IA.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Gerry Leibfried.

Patty’s family would like to thank Dr. Jason Ellis at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for the wonderful care he has provided for Patty.

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

William J. Harry

William “Bill” J. Harry, 80, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 3:15 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Bill will be at 3:30 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, with Deacon Dave Roth officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Mid-Atlantic Region Navy Honor Guard.

Bill was born July 25, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa. Bill and his sisters were raised by their maternal grandmother and great-grandmother, Marie Perleth and Elizabeth Hayes. They were raised with so much love and taught great morals and work ethic. Bill joined the United States Navy when he was 17. He served for four years, serving during the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was proud to have been able to serve his country.

Bill most recently worked for Luther Manor where he met his soul mate, Shirley (Menadue) Noonan, they were married on September 7, 1991. She preceded him in death on June 30, 2017. After retiring from Luther Manor, Bill couldn’t sit still and had to find something to do, so he began working at the Kennedy Mall doing maintenance. He loved his job at the mall as he got paid to visit with people. In his younger years, Bill built many decks for people across Dubuque. He also enjoyed traveling with Shirley and fishing.

Survivors include his children, Michael (Nanne) Harry of Finland; Candace (Charles) Jenaman, Sandra (Paris White) Sheth, Scott (Julie) Noonan, and Amy (Eric) Amberg all of Dubuque; 24 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Pat A. Luedtke of Dubuque; Bonnie Harry of St. Paul, MN; and Patricia Hanson of Spokane, WA; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother and great-grandmother that raised him; his wife, Shirley; two children, Catherine Bednar and William “Billy” Harry; sister, Shirley (LeRoy) King; son-in-law, Vinod Sheth; grandson, Raymond Jenaman; and nephew, Eric P. Kass.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to his neighbors, Cathy and Steve Schlueter, for all they did for Bill over the years. Also a special Thank you to the nurses and staff at MercyOne Hospital and his doctors, Dr. Runde and Dr. Ramabadran, and Dr. Janes.

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

-Gone Fishing

Tammy R. Scott

Tammy R. (Ohms) Scott, 64, of Belmont, WI, formerly of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, at home.

Family and friends may call from 4 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the Scales Mound United Methodist Church where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday.  Burial is in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

Tammy was born on August 18, 1959, in Hazel Green, WI, the daughter of Herman L and Carol M. (Wills) Ohms.  She was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, the class of 1978. She was united in marriage to Bill Scott, on September 29, 1979, at the Scales Mound United Methodist Church, and the family farmed for many years near Shullsburg.  They later divorced.

She enjoyed fishing and spoiling her grandchildren. Tammy was employed at Farm and Fleet in Platteville, WI for the past 20 years.

Surviving are her three children, Angela Heinze of Dyersville, IA, Laura Scott (Richard Reyes) of Madison, WI, and Alex (Jaime) Scott of Shullsburg, WI; her five grandchildren, Leah, Chloe, Avery, Tyler and Will; her mother, Carol Ohms of Scales Mound, IL; her sister, Monica (Danny) Pope of Mt. Morris, IL; nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Bill Scott.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herman, and a special friend Dino.

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

Jay B. Jellison

Jay B. Jellison, 66, of Dubuque, took the long, steep Stairway to Heaven on, Friday, January 5, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital. 

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, and will be live-streamed. Rev. Steven Garner will officiate, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus concelebrating. Military Honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy and the Dubuque Marine Corps League. 

Jay was born May 10, 1957 in Dubuque, the son of Ted and Millie (Neubauer) Jellison. He attended St. Mary’s grade school, and Wahlert High School. After high school, Jay enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served for 20 years, until his retirement as an Internal Communications Electrician, First Class (IC1). Jay married the Pride and Joy of his life, Mary Kay Spahn on February 27, 1982 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Jay loved so many things in life, especially music. He played lead guitar in the popular local band, Deep Sage, in his younger years and continued to play and collect guitars until the very end. He enjoyed woodworking, 3D printing, and helping his family with any project he could. Jay was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and could recite every line from every episode of the show M.A.S.H. Seafood, especially Red Lobster, was his favorite – hello, endless shrimp and lobster! Jay loved animals, caring for many pets of all kinds. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and loved spending time with his family. 

Those left to Carry On his memory include the Apple of his Eye, Mary Kay; his beloved brown dogs, Cubbie and Wrigley, his children, Nicole (Scott) Herrig, Brian Jellison, and Matthew (Heather) Jellison; his grandchildren, Aubrielle and Brynlee Jellison, all of Dubuque, honorary grandchildren Adelynn and Lucas Blaisdell, of Cedar Rapids; his siblings, Joan (David Erickson) Owens, Jody Droullard, Carol Sessions, and Ted Jellison, all of Dubuque; his in-laws, Tom Osterhoff, of Dubuque, Jim (Terri) Spahn, of Cedar Rapids, Joe (Lora) Spahn, of Asbury, Justin (Karen) Spahn, of Glenwood, IA, Amy (Willy) Gutierrez, of Cedar Rapids, Peg Corken, of Bettendorf, Cathy Spahn, of Dubuque, and Michael Wright, of Cedar Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Millie Jo; his in-laws, John C. and Rita Ann Spahn, his sisters, Jill Jellison, and Bonnie Osterhoff; his in-laws, Baird Sessions, John Spahn, Jeff Spahn, and Sara Wright; and a menagerie of adored pets and grand pups. 

Jay’s family would like to thank all his many healthcare providers, including the nurses at Medical Associates, Dr. Chad Nachtman, Dr. Ramanujam Ramabadran, and the doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Hospital, especially his nurse, Taylor R. 

“Fair Winds and Following Seas,” JB Doll.

Lord Philip M. McCloud

Lord Philip Martin McCloud, age 74, of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey suddenly on December 30, 2023, at home while in the loving arms of his wife.  To honor Philip’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer (June).  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Philip’s family.

Phil was born on November 24, 1949, in Holland, Michigan, a son to Thomas and Irene (Martin) McCloud.  He grew up with a strong personal drive to make the most out of each day and leave his mark on the world before he was finished.  Phil eventually met and was united in marriage to the love of his life, Leslie Merar.  They were blessed with many wonderful years together and two sons of their own to love and nurture along the way.  Phil was blessed with the mind and determination of a gifted business entrepreneur which soon led to him becoming the Owner and CEO of McCloud Aquatics.  His legacy as the Director of Magic continues to thrive as the fifth generation now carries his torch forward and the example, he led with can still be seen in the day-to-day activities of the business.

In his free-time, Phil tried to enjoy life whenever possible.  Although he was retired, an entrepreneur is never really retired.  Phil spent most mornings working on the family business and spent the afternoon on the golf course, but baiting his hook in search of the next big catch on the water was also among his top choices.  Phil also enjoyed working his magic in the kitchen, especially where delicious sauces were concerned, and only to perfectly complete the mission he always had music on in the background to set the mood.  Music was his biggest hobby and was always working on his “library”.  Safe to say Phil finally got his music just right at the end.  Phil was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan, but truth be told, his reputation as “Lagnappe/MoJoe” while playing online games with his online community was legendary.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without Phil walking confidently by our side moving forward.  Philips stories of the 60’s and Pest Control will be sorely missed.  Phil loved Key West Florida and went every chance he could to relax and of course go fishing.  His love and light played such an intricate role in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him and to face the year ahead knowing that the world is now that much quieter is going to be challenging indeed.  We will miss him more than he could ever imagine, but we thankfully can seek peace in knowing that he is now free from his earthly health battles and we will see him again one day.  Thank you, Phil, for playing each role (husband, father, grandfather, mentor, entrepreneur, leader, survivor, friend) you undertook so bravely and boldly and may we follow your faithful example just as you taught us, until we all meet again.   HOLD FAST MCCLOUD.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Phil include,

his beautiful bride and soul-mate,
Leslie A. McCloud, Galena, IL;

his two sons,
Joshua (Illana) McCloud, Missoula, Montana,
and T.J. McCloud, Bartlett, Illinois;

his four adored grandchildren,
Morrison McCloud, William McCloud, Harlow McCloud, and Talya McCloud;

his siblings,
Chris (Stephanie) McCloud, Bozeman, Montana,
and Carol McCloud, Vashon Island, Washington;

his beloved Dachshunds,
Popper and Grace;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents.

Philip’s family would like to thank the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Department and the Galena Fire and EMS Departments for all of their professional and compassionate care during this difficult time.

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