Obituaries Archive

Alice J. Hinz

Alice June Cass Hinz, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, where Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Alice was born on June 7, 1927 in the town of Baraboo, Wisconsin to Fred and Helen (Heinz) Bisch. She graduated from Baraboo High School in 1944. She married Ralph M. Cass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo, Wisconsin on October 20, 1951. Subsequently they made their home in Dubuque, Iowa. Ralph passed away suddenly in 1993. Alice married Elroy J. Hinz on February 6, 1999. He died after a lengthy illness in 2001.

She was employed by the Farm Credit Administration in the offices of Baraboo and Madison, Wisconsin as the assistant secretary treasurer. She was employed at the Virginia Carolina Chemical Corporation and the Midwest Lumber Company in Dubuque prior to raising her family. She volunteered for several years as the school librarian at St. Anthony School and was then employed by St. Joseph the Worker school for twelve years and rectory for four years. Alice was an active member of the Mother of Good Counsel Mothers Club, Serra Club and the Dubuque Theresian Society. She volunteered for multiple organizations over the years, including the St. Anthony School and Rosary Society. She was a boy scout den mother and girl scout leader. She actively followed her children’s participation in multiple sports. Alice served diligently on the committee for St. Anthony Church and kitchen renovation. She was a member of the St. Anthony’s funeral choir for several years.

As quoted in Alice’s high school yearbook, “An avid follower of all the sports, Alice starred on all the courts”. Alice was indeed a life long sports fan.

She is survived by Joseph (Amy) Cass, Nevis, Minnesota, Michael (Mary) Cass of Rockford, Illinois and Kathryn (Mark) Siebenaller of Tampa, Florida. Grandchildren Michael (Katie) Cass, Abraham (Coresa) Cass, Margot (Nate) Lombardi, Lauren (Mike) Southworth, Thomas (Jess) Cass, Tara (David Steitz) Siebenaller, Dana (Tim) Wiemer. Great-grand children Emily, William, Connor Cass, Theodore Cass, Curtis and Edward Lombardi, Simon and Sidney Southworth, Sophie and Landon Cass and Wesley and Wyatt Wiemer. She is survived by sister Irene Anstett and brother Frederick Bisch.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, David Lee Cass, infant brother Roy, sisters Mary, Gertrude, Demi and brother Leo. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Schools, 2005 Kane Street Dubuque, IA 52001.

Alice wishes to give thanks to all for the care she received; Dr. Mark Liaboe, the Assisi Village employees, and her large community of friends.

Wayne R. Ellerman

Wayne Robert Ellerman, 87, from Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center. Wayne was born in his beloved Dubuque on November 18,1936 to Carl and Mary Ellerman. When he was four years old, his widowed father remarried Clara, a woman he loved as his mother.

Visitation will be from 2:00pm-6:00pm Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Egelhof Siegert and Casper Funeral Home at 2659 Kennedy Road.

The mass of Christian burial for Wayne will be at 10:00 am Monday, February 5 at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.

Wayne married Nancy Grant on July 2, 1955 at St. Patrick’s Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Wayne and Nancy went on to have 7 children.

Wayne’s love for sports, especially basketball and baseball, began at a very young age. He was six years old when he started playing at the Boys Club. Wayne started playing fast pitch at age 15 for Business Supply and went on to play for Farley Loetcher, AY McDonald, John Deere and Arenz Shoes. Wayne spent 23 years in fast pitch softball as a player, manager, and umpire.  Many of the friendships he made playing ball lasted a lifetime and he was proud to be inducted into the Dubuque Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Wayne was also a die hard Cubs fan and life long Chicago Bears fan.

His early years revolved around playing ball and raising his large family. Great family memories were made at Potosi campgrounds in which they would pack up the baby and 6 kids and head out with the pop up camper. It was there he earned the nickname Boone, as in Daniel Boone. A true Dubuquer, his love for the river resulted in the purchase of a houseboat. In his later years, Wayne and Nancy loved to sit by the river and watch the barges go by.

Wayne worked at John Deere for 32 years until his retirement in 1992. Again, many of the friendships he developed there, lasted a lifetime. After retirement he spent decades volunteering. He volunteered for 17 years at the Tool library, was a Pallbearer for St. Vincent De Paul, worked the Bingo room at Sacred Heart, enjoyed setting up the crib set at St. Mary’s , ran the food voucher program for St. Vincent De Paul and especially enjoyed working the kids room at Sacred Heart fall festival. Pops, as he was affectionately called by family was one of a kind. It has always been said that he never met a stranger. His humor and quick wit immediately drew people to him. His love for his family, especially his wife Nancy, was unwavering. He was a man of MANY nicknames: Weep, Wimp, Wimper, Weeper, Boone and Angel to name a few. No matter what you called him, he was always willing to help anyone at any time. He treated those he met as if they were his own.

Wayne is proceeded in death by his parents, Carl, Clara and Mary Ellerman, brothers Jim and Norman, sister Lois, daughter Diane, and son, Kenny.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy, children, Peg (Mike Fox), Connie (Scott) Birkett, Dan Ellerman, Bob Ellerman, and Carla Ellerman. He is also survived by 10 grand children, 20 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by sisters, Pat (Jim) Abitz, Karen (Bob) Scheitzach, Kathy Tator, Chris Tigges, and Mary Beth. Brothers: John (Sandi) Ellerman and Dave (Diane) Ellerman.

The family would like to send our sincerest gratitude to Stonehill Care Center for their compassionate care and to Oak Park Place of which he also considered family.

James G. Kennedy

James G. Kennedy, 86, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, February 9, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for James will be 10:30 am Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

James was born May 5, 1937, in Sioux City, IA, the son of Harold Griffith and Ann (Westlund) Kennedy. In 1957 he married Frances “Fran” Sisson in Sioux City, IA.

James attended high school in Correctionville, Iowa and graduated in 1955. He then attended Morningside College where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree and graduated in 1960. He served in the United States Army from July 25, 1957 until June 1, 1959.

James worked as a Certified Public Accountant with RSM, formerly McGladrey & Pullen, for 33 years. Previously, he started his career working for the IRS for 7 years. Jim was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He served as Trustee of Treasurer for 20 years for Bethany Home, Dubuque, was a member of the Board of Directors with Cottingham & Butler, Dubuque, and also served on the finance committee for the University of Dubuque. Outside of work, Jim enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Dubuque Golf & Country Club.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Fran; three children, Vicki Kennedy of Temple, TX, Murray (Kim) Kennedy of Westminster, CO, and David Kennedy of Boulder, CO; nine grandchildren, Robert Langan, Allison Kennedy, Michael Langan, James Kennedy, Brian Kennedy, Alex Kennedy, Sarah Kennedy, Jesse Strang, and Sophie Kennedy; and three great-grandchildren, Sabina Frances Langan, Frances Ruth Langan, and Corbin James Langan.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: John Kennedy and Donald Kennedy; and his sister, Maureen Davis.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA 501c3).

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

Karen R. Reisen

Karen Rose (Droessler) Reisen, 76, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 1:50 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL.  Parish Scripture Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. led by Karen’s nephew Father Chad Droessler.  There will be an additional visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Karen was born on June 2, 1947, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Gerald V. and Luetta M. (Splinter) Droessler.  She was a graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School, the class of 1965. Paul R. Reisen finally convinced her to give up her parents’ dream of the convent, and the two of them were united in marriage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler, WI, on September 10, 1966.  Paul and Karen were made for each other, and their commitment and love were obvious to all who knew them.

Into their marriage, six children were born.  It was obvious, if you ever saw Karen in person, that she was quite small in stature.  However, you would be mistaken if you were fooled by her diminutive size!  Growing up as the oldest of ten children on a dairy farm, Karen was never afraid to take on any task or job, no matter how difficult or dirty the work was. Simply put, God never made another person as loyal, strong and steady as her.  Karen put her husband’s and children’s needs before her own on a daily basis.  As a result, her children were sure to grow up with a great work ethic, and each of them knew that they were cared for and loved.  Karen was extremely proud of her six children, twenty grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.  To them, she will forever be remembered as the best Nana there ever was with big hugs and kisses on the cheeks.

Surviving are her husband, Paul R. Reisen Sr. of East Dubuque.  Their children, Paul Jr. of Freeport, IL, and his children Tanner (Lexie), and their children, Ben, Ellie, with a new baby on the way, and Breanna.  William (Kara) of East Dubuque and their children Nolan, Cassandra (Mathew), Anna, and Natalie.  Jody (Jim) Winchell of East Dubuque and their children Paulina (Kenny), and their daughter, Piper, Andrew (Mariah).  Jason “Jake” (Beckie) of Roy, UT and their children Zoey (Joshua), and their daughter, Clara, and Beau.  Bryan “B” (Amy) of Fayetteville, GA and their children Ashley, Alyssa, Cole, Avery, and Carter.  Gerry Lou (Jestin Sr.) Sertle of East Dubuque and their children Jestin Jr., Eben, Gavin, Aspen, and Karin.

Karen is also survived by nine siblings.  Twins:  Jerry (Dorothy) Droessler and Mary (Fred) Vincent.  Twins:  Keith (Mary Jo) Droessler and Kathy (Joe) Albert, Gail (Tom) Schroeder, Greg (Jane) Droessler, Carrie Cole, Carla (Billy) Randecker, Paula (Pat) Redfearn.  Sister-In-Law, Arlene Reisen, Sister-In-Law, Josephine Powers, Brother-In-Law, Bob Reisen, and many, many, many nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her Father-in-Law, William Reisen Sr., Mother-in-Law, Pauline Reisen, Sister-In-Law, Betty Rodgers, Brother-In-Law, Elmer “Ruff” Rodgers, Brother-In-Law William Reisen Jr., Brother-In-Law, Ralph Reisen, Sister-In Law, Jean Reisen, Brother-In-Law, Bob Powers, Brother-In-Law, John Joseph Reisen (in infancy).

The last nine years were a difficult period for Karen.  As her family, we would love to send out a thank you to all of the care providers we have needed.

24 Hour Care, LLC of Galena, IL

The Memory Care Unit at Ahva Living of East Dubuque, IL

Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, IA

Joyce E. Coleman

Joyce Eileen Coleman, 81, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, January 15, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Private family burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Joyce was born on October 3, 1942, daughter of Harold and Rosemary (Vogel) Berkley. She married Edward A. Coleman on October 3, 1964 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They were married 53 years before Ed preceded her in death on December 20, 2017. She worked for Borley Advertising for many years before retirement. She was a member of Lacoma Golf Club. She enjoyed golf, travel, reading, and time with her family.

Surviving are her two sons, Michael E. (Amy Wernimont) Coleman, and Patrick J. (Rhonda) Coleman; grandchildren, Alexia (Ryan) Sindt, Samantha (Shawn) Thomas, Colin Coleman, and Aspen Coleman; three great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Brody, and Brynnlee; and one sister, Mary Manderscheid of Sun City West, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, William; a sister, Barbara; and her parents-in-law, Art and Lou Coleman.

Margaret M. Trenkamp

Margaret M. Trenkamp, 92, of Worthington, Iowa passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Funeral services will commence at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville with burial in St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

Margaret was born on October 7, 1931, the daughter of Anton and Mary (Kremer) Trenkamp.  She married Roman J. Bertling on January 30, 1965 in Dyersville, Iowa.  Together they raised their family and farmed in the Worthington area.

Survivors include her children: Steve Bertling of Myrtle Beach, SC, Tom Bertling and Mike (Amy) Bertling, both of Worthington; grandchildren: Noah, Anna, Cara Bertling of Worthington and Megan (Will) DeBoard of North Liberty; great grandchildren: Declan, Gavin, Jaxon and Brinley DeBoard; sister, Donna Snitker of Waukon; in-laws: Mary Bertling of Dyersville, Mary Trenkamp of Dubuque, and Patricia Trenkamp of Monticello, Betty Ockenfels of Iowa City and Donna Manternach of Monticello.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Roman in 2022, siblings: Joe, Frank, Ray, Wilfred, Tony, and John Trenkamp; and several in-laws.

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.

Elaine M. Snyder

Elaine M. Snyder, 78, of Madison, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison, with Fr. Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at the church, additional visitation will be 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Saturday, prior to Mass also at the church. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Cuba City, Wisconsin. Local arrangements entrusted at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cuba City.

Elaine was born January 17, 1946, the daughter of Bill and Dorothy (Averkamp) Snyder. She graduated from Cuba City High School. Then she attended Madison Area Technical College where she received her associate degree in nursing, and finally attended UW-Madison and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She was employed at UW-Madison Hospital starting in 1964 and continued working for over 55 years as the nurse manager on the Transplant Unit. She was a charter member of the transplant unit. Elaine also was a faithful member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, and her faith was important to her. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching the Badgers and Packers football teams, playing bridge, traveling the world for her job and also for fun, but most importantly spoiling her nieces and nephews. Family time was important to her, and she rarely missed a family event.

Survivors include her six siblings, Mary Snyder, of Dubuque, IA, JoAnn (Kenny) Wedig, Davenport, IA, Art (Linda) Snyder, DeWitt, IA, Robert (Maryann) Snyder, Bettendorf, IA, Donald (Sandy) Snyder, Long Grove, IA, and Bill (Julie) Snyder, of Wayzetta, MN; her thirteen nieces and nephews, Eileen (Mark) Felderman, Eric (Gina) Wedig, Rachel (Jed) Thompson, Jacqueline (Thomas) Staley, Chris (Angela) Snyder, Jon (Kristina) Snyder, Christyann VanDamme, Katy VanDamme, Jennifer (Jamie Postell) Snyder, Joseph (Brittney) Snyder, Jessica Lyons, Scott (Tanya) Snyder, Kristine (Noah) Brehmer; her godchild, David Schmidt; and many friends who were also family to her.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, and a nephew, Ryan Wedig.

The Snyder family would like to thank the doctors and staff of UW-Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care and support.

Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caseymcnett.com

Floyd A. Wieters

Floyd A. Wieters, 99, of Galena, IL, passed away six months shy of his goal to become a centenarian, on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after Noon until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193 immediately following the service at the funeral home. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

He was born July 29, 1924, in Galena, the son of Albert and Mae (Letcher) Wieters. Floyd served in the United States Army during World War II stationed in Normandy, France, until his honorable discharge. He married Irene Gehrts, and that union produced a daughter, Donna, and a foster daughter, Gena. Irene preceded him in death on January 12, 2003. Floyd retired from John Deere in 1985, after twenty-seven years of service. He enjoyed his stay at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community where he was especially popular with the ladies who gave him the nickname “Pretty Boy Floyd”. Floyd enjoyed in his later years to spend time with friends, and playing games, especially cards.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Dennis) Eudaley, foster daughter, Gena (John) Severs, one granddaughter, Ticia (Clint) Balsar, foster granddaughter, Brandi (Chaz) Ashton, three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Charlie, and Liam, and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters, Nancy (Wieters) Hamilton, and Carol (Wieters) Keller.

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

Rosalee Donahue

Rosalee Donahue, age 85, found peace and was welcomed home to the arms of her loving God and husband, John, on January 29, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center.

Family and friends may call from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 1st, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Raphael Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2nd, with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating.  The burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Rosalee (Laughlin) Donahue was born November 24, 1938, in Jackson County, Iowa to Leo and Celestine (Ryan) Laughlin.  She attended rural schools, and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte, Iowa.  She then graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.  She married John Donahue at Sylvia Switch Church on October 24, 1959.  She enjoyed the life she created with John, on their farm in rural Zwingle, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on December 14, 2011.  Rosalee was a nurse and retired from Medical Associates Pediatric Department in 2003.  She and John were parishioners at St. Theresa Catholic Church, for many years, and more recently St. Raphael Cathedral.

Surviving are their children, Diane (Phil) Denlinger, Sheila (Don) Feipel, Gail (Dave) Ploessl, Kevin (Karen) Donahue, Julie (Mike) Winker, and Mike (Diana) Donahue.  Grandchildren, Tanner, Halie, and Abbie Denlinger, Jason (Sarah) Feipel, Jill (Eric) Peekenschneider, Jody Feipel, Danielle (Andy) Kuhl, Jamie (Keelan Prince), Katelyn (Adam) Bolander, Karly, Kayla and Karter Donahue, Grace and Luke Winker, and Dalton and Dakotah Donahue.  Sisters, Joyce Till and Leann Laughlin, Sister-in-law Sr. Elizabeth Donahue, OSF and Brother-in-law Jerry (Carol) Donahue.  She leaves behind the legacy of 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, sister Celine Stohlmeyer and brother-in-laws Lorin Till and Hank Stohlmeyer.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Assisi Village, Stonehill Memory Care and to Hospice of Dubuque, for the loving and compassionate care given to our mother.  Your kindness will be forever remembered.  Also, Fr. Ambrosy, Fr. Quint and Sr. Sharon for the extra prayers for comfort and peace, as she was nearing the end of her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Memory Care Unit at Stonehill Health Center or St. Raphael Cathedral.

William J. Gerber

William J. “Bill” Gerber, age 52, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on January 29, 2024, at home.  To honor Bill’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 2, 2024, in the Mt. Carmel Bluffs Terrace Community Room, 1040 Carmel Drive, with Pastor Matt Phelps officiating.  Family and friends are invited to remain after the service for food and fellowship from 12:00–2:00 p.m.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on February 19, 1971, in Dubuque, IA, a son to William M. and Rachel A. (Smith) Gerber.  He was created with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a personality that shined brightly within every interaction with others that presented itself.  Bill was a graduate of the Wahlert Class of ’89, and went on to share his time and talents with Eagle Point Software, Cartegraph Systems, Medline, and most recently offered a welcoming smile to every visitor in the valet line at Q Casino.  In his free-time, Bill enjoyed watching sports, especially Basketball, and in his desire to keep his storytelling skills polished, made regular phone calls to his mother to remind her that he loved her very much.  It’s beyond difficult to watch those we love battle daily with addiction and mental issues while understanding that we can only pray that those burdens will one day be lifted from their lives.  Bill was a compassionate man when it came to others pain, but continually had to turn and face his own time and time again.  Our hearts break at the mere thought of all of the crosses Bill has continually carried throughout his life and the only peace we can possibly seek today is from the faith and knowledge that those are forever absent from the rest of his eternal existence now.  May the Lord comfort Bill while simultaneously bringing peace into the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him as well.  Thank you, Bill, for courageously walking the crooked path laid before you and faithfully reminding us that when we truly understand and embrace what is precious in this life will we ever hope to find meaning.  May the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his mother,
Rachel Gerber, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,
Mark (Andrea) Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his three nephews,
Keyan, Kaleb, and Kalvin Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his aunt and Godmommy,
Charlotte (Jim) McCoy, Peosta, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Gerber.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Bill’s name to the Operation Empower-Liberty Recovery Center, 2216 White Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001, or the Crescent Community Health Center, 1690 Elm Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001.

Bill’s family would like to express a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of their family and friends who have so generously provided their much-needed love and support during this difficult time.  Your kindness means more than you know and may the Lord bless each and every one of you for caring when it’s needed most.

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

Gregory A. Wilhelm

Gregory A. “Greg” Wilhelm, age 52, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024.  To honor Greg’s life private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Greg’s family.

Greg was born on October 29, 1971, in Iowa City, Iowa, son of Maynard and Rosetta (Jackson) Wilhelm. 

Greg graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1990.  He cared for his mother, Rose, at home for several years until she passed away on September 2, 2022.  He had many hobbies which included riding his bike all over town, shooting pool, going out to eat with friends and watching NASCAR and the San Francisco 49ers.  He would have been ecstatic with their win over the Lions on Sunday!  He also enjoyed bowling and bowled league at Cherry Lanes for several years.  Greg loved his family and liked to spend time with everyone.  He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Greg’s memory include: His half brother, Steve (Shirley) Wilhelm, Dubuque, IA; his uncle, Ray Pfeiffer, Dubuque, IA; and special cousins, Jeff (Kelly) Lester and Sharon (Dennis) Carner, both of Dubuque, IA.

Greg was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Rosetta “Rose” (William) Henneberry; his father, William Wilhelm; and his long time best friend, Jerry Brandenberg.

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

Randall L. Coffin

Randall L. “Randy” Coffin, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

Randy loved the outdoors, whether it be fishing or hunting squirrels, deer, pheasant, or mushrooms.  He also enjoyed listening to old Rock’n’roll music.

Randy’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his longtime girlfriend of 40 years, Diane Koranda of Oxford Junction, IA; children, Tim Coffin and family of Maquoketa, IA, and Kate Coffin and family of OK; sisters, Rhonda (Boyd) Davis of Maquoketa, IA, and Rochelle Black of Cedar Rapids, IA; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A public graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 AM., Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Randall L. Coffin memorial fund has been established.

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

Robert J. Mills

Robert J. Mills, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 28, 2024, at his home.

A private burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Bob was born on November 13, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Al and Mary (Sparks) Mills. Bob was employed by Star Brewery for 40 years, retiring in 1993.

Bob was an avid Viking fan and euchre player. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion and sitting on his front porch swing having a beer with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Jim) Fell and his son Timothy (Mary) Mills. Grandchildren: Kyle, Christopher (Felicia), Katie (Al), Hannah (Gage) and Dominic. Great-Grandchildren: Grant, Cael, Greyson, Alantae and Kadeem. His brother Paul (Karron) Mills and sisters-in-law Norma Mills and Pat Mills.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Al Mills.

Gwendolyn L. Elmegreen

Gwendolyn L. “Gwen” Elmegreen, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Monmouth, Iowa, on January 27, 2024, just one day after celebrating her 80th birthday. Born in Keokuk, Iowa, on January 26, 1944, to Hubert and Neva Mae (Teastworth) Stark, Gwen grew up to be a woman of strong faith and unwavering dedication to her family.

Gwen graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1963 and immediately embarked on a new chapter of her life by marrying her soulmate, Ronald Elmegreen, that same year. The young couple’s love blossomed, and together they purchased a farm near the Ozark Bridge in 1965, which they would call home for the rest of their lives. Their partnership extended beyond their marriage as they worked side by side to cultivate a life filled with love and hard work on their beloved farm. 

In addition to her commitment to the family farm, Gwen was a compassionate soul who dedicated part of her life to caring for others as a home healthcare provider. Her nurturing nature also found expression in her work at the Ertl Toy Factory in Dyersville and later as a friendly and familiar face to many as a cashier at Walmart in Maquoketa.

Gwen’s life was a testament to her faith and the joy she found in simple pleasures. She was a devout Christian who lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and love. As a member of the Maquoketa VFW Ladies Auxiliary, she contributed to her community and honored the service of others. Her hobbies reflected her creative spirit and love for life. Gwen was an accomplished quilter, creating beautiful works of art that will be cherished by her family for generations. An avid reader, she delighted in the twists and turns of a good mystery novel. Her green thumb was evident in the vibrant plants that flourished under her care, a symbol of her ability to nurture and grow all that surrounded her.

Gwen’s legacy is carried on by her loving husband, Ronald Elmegreen of Monmouth, IA; her children, Von Elmegreen of Oklahoma City, OK, Heidi (Jerry) Weets of Lockport, IL, and Art (Kathy) Elmegreen of Delmar, IA. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, Kellie (Johnn) Sanabria, Amanda Weets, Auston (Christine) Weets, Allison Weets, Sarah Mai, and Aaron Clark, and a doting great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will held at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 2, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Ozark Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gwendolyn L. “Gwen” Elmegreen memorial fund has been established.

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

Patricia G. Woodard

Patricia G. “Pat” Woodard 84 of Galena, IL passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, at her home. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Galena Bible Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of service. The burial will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born December 30, 1939, in St. Paul, MN the daughter of Donald and Evadine (Charter) Tomlinson. Pat met Jack Woodard, on New Year’s Eve, 1962 and they were married on February 8, 1964, in St. Clair Shores, MI.

As a child, Pat’s family moved around and consequently, she did not have the opportunity to finish High School. With little formal education, she still held jobs that put her in positions of responsibility and management. Pat was also a wonderful homemaker who watched over the needs of her family. In heryounger years, she loved to read, crochet, craft, and bowl. Later in life, she enjoyed quilting, traveling, playing games like Mexican train dominos, visiting, and spending time with family and friends.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jack, a daughter, Lori Brock, two granddaughters, Kayla (Steven) Johnson and Kelsey (Justin) Kuglin, three great-grandchildren, Achilles, Burtus, and Lee, her siblings, Marilyn (Irle) Boehm, Wayne (Julie) Tomlinson, and Karen (Bob) Fitzgerald.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brian Woodard, and four siblings.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy One Hospital and Staff, and our family and friends for all the love, prayers, and support.

Memorials may be given to Safe Haven in memory of Pat. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com