Obituaries Archive

Sr. Theresa Jungers

Sister Theresa (Rita Ann) Jungers, OSF, 85, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Clare House in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Theresa was born July 10, 1938  in Hospers, IA, to William and Petronella (Stapenhorst) Jungers.

Theresa entered the Sisters of St. Francis September 3, 1960 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1968. Sister received her master’s degree in reading from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as a teacher in Illinois at North Riverside and Niles. Other missions included Sheldon, Iowa, Mount St. Francis Center, Dubuque, Iowa, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Sister is survived by her sister, Ellen Vortherms; her brothers Arnold ‘Arnie’ (Roberta ‘Bobbi’) Jungers and Daniel (Phyllis) Jungers; a sister-in-law Marlene Jungers; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sister Margaret Jungers, OSF; brother, Bernie Jungers, and brother-in-law Sylvester Vortherms.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

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

Rick Becker

Rick Becker, 73, of Peosta, died Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Rick will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Rick was born April 5, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, the son of William and Pearl (Drexel) Becker. On June 2, 1972, he married Mary Jo Capesius at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in La Motte. She preceded him in death on September 16, 1995. Rick graduated from Senior High School and went on to work at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years, retiring in 2001. Rick’s favorite pastimes were golfing, woodworking, and gardening.

Survivors include his daughter, Stacey Becker-Amundson and her two children, Brody and Piper Amundson; two brothers, Randy and Jake Becker; and nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two siblings and one sister-in-law.

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

Stephanie L. Eline

Stephanie Lynne Eline, 43, of Bettendorf, formerly of Dubuque died Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury following a short illness.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd. Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Stephanie will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant and Father Dennis Quint as the Concelebrant. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Dubuque.

Stephanie was born April 24, 1980, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Jeffery John and Janice Mae (Vaske) Bahl. On July 3, 2010, she was united in marriage to James “Jim” Eline in Dubuque. She graduated from Wahlert High School in 1998.

Stephanie was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque and St. John Vianney in Bettendorf. She loved baking, sunflowers, talking with people, and traveling, especially to the ocean. She and Jim always made sure the kids went on trips with them also.  She loved dolphins and even got to swim with dolphins on her honeymoon.  She loved the colors of the ocean but her favorite color was purple.  She enjoyed her cats Tim and Eric.  Stephanie’s main focus was family. She was an excellent god mother, always kept track of family traditions, knew all of the birthdays, never missed a family function and was always the last to leave. Above all else, she enjoyed being a mom.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Eline of Bettendorf, IA; two children, Leo and Elisabeth Eline; four brothers, Josh (Sara) Bahl of Asbury, IA; Jonathan (Kayla) Bahl of Maquoketa, IA; Justin (Molly) Bahl of Bernard, IA; and Jacob (Nicole) Bahl of Dubuque, IA; 17 nieces and nephews, Shawn, Ryan, and Willa Eline, Emily, Luke, Lindsey, Sam, Harper, Hudson, Jonny, Jetlyn, Lillian, Joseph, Calvin, George, Arthur, and Winston Bahl;  her mother-in-law, Lucia Eline of Littleton, CO; two brothers-in-law, Andrew (Sarah) Eline of Littleton, CO and Christopher Eline of Granby, CO; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; father-in-law, Leonard Eline; her godfather, Terry Bahl; and an uncle, Mark Monaghan.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, her care team at Finley and Luther Manor Grand Meadows, and all of the family and friends for their care and support.

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

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

Glen E. Glasgow

Glen E. Glasgow, 62, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2023, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. A celebration of life will be held later.

Glen was born on March 11, 1961, in Trenton, Michigan, the son of Dwight E. and Patricia L. (Burroughs) Glasgow.

Glen was a team leader at Andersen Window and Door Company in Dubuque, where he was set to retire on March 11, 2024. He loved playing cards, especially euchre and cribbage, was an avid football fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are three children, Rob (Joyce) Jacques of Southgate, MI, Ami (Ted) Hinderman of Hazel Green, WI, and Travis (Samanatha) Glasgow of Galena, IL; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Brooke, Bryli, Piper, Ida, Eli and Liam; a sister, Peggy (Gary) Carpenter of Eagle Rock, MO; four nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight, and Patricia.

Glen’s family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the members of the East Dubuque Fire, EMS, and Police Dept, Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Dept, and Mercy One Dubuque Medical Staff for their quick response and care given to our father.

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

Shirley J. Jahncke

Shirley Jean Jahncke, 96 of Galena, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Galena Midwest Senior Care Community Center. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 2 to 4 PM, on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Galena.

She was born May 19, 1927, in Galena, the daughter of George and Gladys (Coates) Herman. Shirley graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1945 and Bayliss Business College in Dubuque in 1946. She was united in marriage to John E. Jahncke on May 20, 1950, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1965. Shirley was the oldest living member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as secretary, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. Shirley was also a member of the Rebekka Lodge and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Her claim to fame was being voted as Galena’s Mardi Gras Queen. But her true calling was working with and teaching special needs children, which she did for 23 years. Shirley’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never hesitated to share with anyone who would listen how proud she was of all of them.

She is survived by her four children, Susan (Robert) Tierney, William (Susan) Jahncke, Jane (Richard) O’Brien, Thomas (Nancy) Jahncke; son-in-law Paul Herbert, ten grandchildren, Ellen and Sally Herbert, Kristy Patterson, Bruce and Katie Jahncke, John, Jake, and Jeff O’Brien, John and Anna Jahncke, and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Nancy, her son Richard, and her siblings, Robert, Richard, Marcella, Jane, and Kenneth.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Becky, and Amber, for their compassion and care for Mom. A very special and heartfelt thank you to the many angels at the Galena Midwest Senior Care Community Center. Words cannot express our gratitude for all the help, compassion, and comfort you provided Mom during her time there. You made her feel loved and cared for and we are eternally grateful.

Memorials may be made in Shirley’s honor to either the Jo Daviess County Workshop, Galena, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

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

Sandra J. Schulte

Sandra J. Schulte, age 53, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 13, 2024.  To honor Sandy’s life private family services were held.  Following cremation, burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Sandy’s family.

Sandy was born on April 5, 1970, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Robert J. and Mary L. (Phillips) Schulte.

Sandy attended Holy Ghost Grade School and Hempstead High School, graduating Class of 1988.  After high school Sandy worked at the Big 10 Mart and as a CNA caring for special needs children.  In the late 90’s she moved to Waterloo where she was employed with the Target Distribution Center in Cedar Falls for 23 years.  She was married to Rick Fourtner in December of 2010, in Waterloo, but sadly he passed away after a battle with cancer.  In her free time Sandy could often be found shooting pool or darts and hitting the open road with Rick on his Harley Davidson.  Sandy liked to travel and often headed out West to Sturgis with Rick.  Sandy, her mom, her sister and her aunts always did a yearly girls trip with their last big trip being to Door County.  She was also an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan.  We are deeply saddened at the loss of Sandy so suddenly.  We will miss her tremendously!

Those left to cherish Sandy’s memory include

her mother,
Mary Schulte, Dubuque, IA;

her sister,
Paula Schulte, Dubuque, IA;

her aunts and uncles,
Janet Phillips, Dubuque, IA,
Larry (Jan) Phillips, Peosta, IA,
Loras Phillips, Dyersville, IA,
Diann (Dan) Michels, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Susan Schulte, Earlville, IA;

and several cousins.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Robert J. Schulte; her maternal grandparents, Art and Dorothy Phillips; her paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Francis Schulte; her husband, Rick Fourtner; a daughter, Taylor Marie Schulte in August of 2000; an uncle, Ron Schulte; and an aunt, Melanie Phillips.

Sandy’s family would like to thank the Waterloo Police Department for their compassion and kindness at this very difficult time.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Sandy’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Sandy Schulte Family.

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

Nancy L. Eye

Nancy L. Eye, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, at the age of 80.

Nancy Louise Rokosh was born on November 21, 1943, in Decatur, Illinois, and was the cherished daughter of William George and Margaret Louise (Johnson) Rokosh.  She was a graduate of Sterling High School in Sterling, Illinois.  She married Garlyn Eye on May 22, 1986 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Nancy’s professional life was marked by her caring nature and her dedication to serving others. She worked at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa as the admitting clerk, where her warm smile and compassionate demeanor comforted countless patients and their families. Later, she brought her cheerful attitude to Lowe’s in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as a cashier, brightening the days of all who passed through her line.

Nancy had a special love for animals and took great delight in her collection of rabbit statues. However, her greatest joy was found in the time she spent with her grandchildren, creating memories that would become treasured stories to be passed down through generations.

Those left to honor Nancy’s memory include her devoted husband, Garlyn Eye of Maquoketa, IA; her loving children, Sheryl (Ron) Paulsen of Maquoketa, IA, Jodi McCoy of Colorado Springs, CO, Michele (Pat) Bronson of Maquoketa, IA, Angela (Brian) Eye of Granbury, TX, Gary (Laura) Eye of Granbury, TX, Dorothy Eye of Granbury, TX, and Eddie Shaw of UT. Her legacy continues through her brother, George (Sharon) Rokosh of Crossville, TN; her adored 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren who will carry her spirit forward.  She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Paula Mangler, and a granddaughter Jensen Keeney Campbell.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There are no public services planned at this time.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to leave notes of condolence, and words of comfort and support on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Kenneth Hoffmann

Kenneth “Kenny” Hoffmann, 74, of Dubuque, Iowa died Thursday January 11, 2024, at home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2024 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.  A public visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, January 18.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Kenny was born on December 31, 1948, in LaMotte, Iowa, the son of Theodore and Loretta (Herbst) Hoffmann.

The youngest of 7 children, he started his formal schooling at the country school near his home. Later he attended Andrew School, and after moving to Dubuque, graduated from Dubuque Senior in 1968. In 1970, Kenny earned his diploma in Printing from Dunwoody Industrial Institute of Minneapolis (now “Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN.

Kenny was a “workhorse,” generally holding more than one job until his retirement, including his business, Hoffmann Printing, where he operated his cast iron printing press out of his home where he was proud to fulfill orders for family and friends. Kenny began his professional career in 1970 as one of the first intertype operators at Regency in Dubuque. He was a press operator for Regency until they closed in 2006. Following his time at Regency, he worked as a finishing Technician for Quad Graphics (formerly World Color and Quebecor) until they closed in 2013. While Kenny had worked part time for the Telegraph Herald from 1993-2010, he finished his career there full time before officially retiring to enjoy puttering in his garden.

Kenny purchased his home in the early 1970s, and was proud to make the house his home. In the nearly 50 years in his home, Kenny took great pride in caring for his lawn and  raised a beautiful vegetable garden every year. He truly enjoyed experimenting with new varieties of his old favorites. One year, he even grew tomatoes that were advertised to grow to be 5 lbs each! While they may not have may not have gotten quite that big, the tomatoes that year were quite large!

Kenny was married for a short time, and from the union, his son (“Little Buddy,”) Mason, was born. Kenny felt it was important to teach Mason as much as he could about life, and cherished time spent with him. He enjoyed the time they spent together fishing, gardening, cooking, canning, and more.

Kenny also loved spending Christmas with his family and decorating for the holidays. He and and his grandson, Charles, shared a love of nutcrackers, and Kenny kept his collection on display year-round. The rest of the Christmas decorations always went up in late November. In recent years, his home transitioned into a Christmas wonderland with several trees (of varying sizes,) a Christmas Village, Nativity, and other beautiful decor.

Left to cherish his memories are his son, Mason (Carrie) Hoffmann; grandson, Charles Hoffmann; siblings, Floyd (LuEtta) Hoffmann, Clementine Hoffmann, Erma (JJ) Decker, and Mary Lange; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sylvester (Mary Jane) Hoffmann and Richard Hoffmann; and a brother-in-law, Edmond Lange.

Charlie Reisen

Charlie “Chicken” Reisen, 86, of Dubuque died Monday January 15, 2024, at MercyOne Hospital after a long battle with on-going health issues surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19^th, 2024, with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA 52003. The family requests you dress casual and warm! Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Born December 20, 1937, to Henry & Florence (Woods) Reisen. Charlie worked for the Dubuque Packing Company / FDL for 43 years.  Then for Medical Associates part time as a courier for several years.  He volunteered at Stonehill for many years and loved every minute of it!

Charlie married Linda Reynolds November 7, 1959, in Dodgeville, WI.  They shared 64 wonderful years together.  Charlie loved family time, especially attending the grandkids ballgames, and activities sometimes up to four per day.  He also enjoyed fishing with his father-in-law, Harvey.  Annual trips to Lake Eerie with his son Joe and other family and friends.

Charlie and Linda enjoyed spending time with their best friends of 65 years Larry and Donna Walter.  Over the years, their families took vacations together, including many camping trips and amusement parks.  A highlight vacation was a trip Larry & Donna & Charlie & Linda took to Mexico in 2004.

Charlie never met a stranger, and everyone he did meet became an instant friend.  He touched many lives with his warm heart and sense of humor.  He also loved a good game of Euchre and to everyone’s enjoyment (except his wife) nobody, but nobody got more nines and tens than he did!!

Survived by his wife Linda (64 years), Julie (Garry) Redman, Joe (Lori) Reisen, Janet (Mike) Schmit, Janine (Dave) McQuiggin, and Joyce Hanley.  Also, sons-in-law John Higgins and Jamey Hanley.  Grandchildren Neva Redman, Nicole (Chris) Ayers, Andrew (Jordan) Redman, Amber Reisen, Ashley (Ryan) Wehrle, Cory Schmit (Nicole), Jennifer (JJ) Dura, Nick (Ashley) Hochberger, Chris Higgins, Pat Higgins, Dan (Alyssa) Higgins, Kallie McQuiggin, Blade (Rebecca) McQuiggin, Riley McQuiggin, and Lucas Hanley.  Along with 15 Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Harvey & Geneva Reynolds; six brothers, Donald, Melvin, Robert, Henry, Keith, and Clarence; and five sisters, Catherine, Anna Mae, Emily, Carol, and Marguerite along with many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Avery Foundation – A Dubuque based foundation that helps patients and families pay for incidental costs of cancer treatments. Visit https://www.averyfndtn.org/ for more information.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors in Mercy ER, Respiratory Therapy, Elizabeth from Hospice, and especially SSU nurses Natalie, Abbie, and Ellie for their compassionate care.

Joan M. Feldmann

Joan M. Feldmann, 84 of Rickardsville, Iowa passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3 -7 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Saturday morning at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Balltown from 9 – 10:15 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (468 Balltown Rd, Balltown, Iowa) with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Joan was born on May 15, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence and Loretta (Hefel) Decker.  She received her education at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque, Iowa.  After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at The Dubuque Packing Company, John Deere, and Art Pape Trucking. She met her husband of 61 years at a wedding dance in Petersburg. She married Celester A. Feldmann October 20, 1962, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Balltown, Iowa. Together they farmed near Rickardsville, raising hogs and crops.

Joan was a member of St. Joseph Church, Rickardsville where she was active with the Rosary Society.  She kept busy tending to the large family garden and sharing the harvest with friends and family.  She demonstrated her love through her talents in the kitchen with tasty creations including homemade breads, applesauce, pies, and salsa.  The fruit cellar had a bountiful supply of goodies.  Joan was a talented seamstress and loved to sew from a young age.  In retirement, she cherished her sewing club gatherings and submitted some of her creations to the Dubuque County Fair, winning a ribbon or two.  Joan was active with her childrens’ activities, and mentored young girls as a 4-H leader.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and devoted husband Les.

Joan was a loving wife and mother. Survivors include her children: John (Kirby) Feldmann of Racine, WI, Lora Feldmann of Eden Prairie, MN, and Linda Feldmann (Dan Kraemer) of Chicago; siblings:  John Decker (Connie Beaver) of Sherrill, Larry (Trudy) Decker of Sherrill, Kathy Koch of Farley, Ann (Andy) Baumann of Dubuque; in-laws: Don Schmitt of Holy Cross, Lavonne (Leander) Burke of Earlville, Elmer (Dorothy) Feldmann of Hopkinton, Dave (Sandy) Feldmann of Alburnett, Leanna Feldmann of Dyersville, Loras (Mary) Feldmann of Farley, Gerald (Barb) Feldmann of Epworth, Irv Feldmann of Earlville, Tony (Joyce) Feldmann of Earlville, and Dan (Barb) Feldmann of Cedar Rapids, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Les Dec 21, 2023; parents-in-law, Isabella (Jaeger) and Anton Feldmann; sister, Janet Schmitt; sister-in-law, Theresa (Leon) Burkle; brother-in-law, Floyd (Rita) Feldmann; brother-in-law, Jerome (Mary Jane) Feldman; brother-in-law, Paul Feldmann; brother-in-law, Steve Koch, and Joan’s twin, June Decker in infancy.

The family would like to thank the staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sherrill Volunteer Fire Department, 5307 S Mound Rd. Sherrill, IA 52073 and Lasalle Catholic School, 835 Church St. PO Box 368, Holy Cross, IA 52053.

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.

Robert J. Breitfelder

Robert Joseph Breitfelder, 87, of Dubuque, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be 10:30 am Monday, January 22, 2024, at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Father David Ambrosy as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.   Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6.

Robert was born October 26, 1936, in Lincoln, NE, the son of Ferdinand J. and Bernice M. Breitfelder. On August 3, 1963, he married Mary Pat Enzler in Bethesda, Maryland. She passed away on December 15, 2023.

He received his Bachelors Degree in Math and Engineering from Loras College.

He was a member of U.S. Army Reserves from 1959 until 1965.

Bob was an engineer at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works.

He was a member of St. Donatus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, John Deere Retirees, John Deere Corporation of Retired Employees, NAMI, and a Euchre and Gourmet Group. He had a deep love of nature and art. His love of art carries on through his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include nine children, Jeff (Lisa) Breitfelder of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kevin Breitfelder of Dubuque, Renee (Wolf Korndoerfer) Breitfelder of Racine, WI, Tim (Amy) Breitfelder of Dubuque, Mike (Jenny) Breitfelder of Oregon, WI, Chris (Leisa) Breitfelder of Alburnett, IA, Nick Breitfelder of Dubuque, Nate Breitfelder of Dubuque, and Aimee (Shawn) Reddy of Portland, OR; 18 grandchildren, Corey, Scott, J.J., Kyle, Isabelle, Owen, Jordan, Aspen, Andrew, Alex, Leiah, Kennady, Enzler, Will, Emma, Chase, Meera, and Kirin; six great-grandchildren, Zach, Audrey, Ava, Elliott, Daxton, and Gwen; one brother, Don (Mary Ann) Breitfelder of Chicago, IL; seven sisters-in-law, Jean Rossi of Cary, NC, Carol (Jack) Dinan of Alexandria, VA, Marge Enzler of Washington, DC, Kathy Brooker of Lewes, DE, Connie (John) Regan of Sarasota, FL, Eileen (Kevin) O’Brien of Davenport, IA, and Brenda (Frank) English of Rockville, MD; and five brothers-in-law, Msgr. John Enzler of Bethesda, MD, Jim (Millie) Enzler of Surprise, AZ, Jerry (Katie Fischer) Enzler of East Dubuque, IL, David (Frances) Enzler of Evansville, IN, and Tom (Mary) Enzler of Rehobeth Beach, DE.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial has been established for NAMI.

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 Bob’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Linda M. Hertenstein

Linda Marie (Kress) Hertenstein, 66, of Guttenberg, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Zearing Health Care in Zearing, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Iowa.  Family will greet friends 10:00 am until service time at the church.

Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Linda was born October 26, 1957 in Guttenberg, the daughter of Edmund and Laura (Johnston) Kress.  She attended Guttenberg High School. Linda’s hobbies over the years included, fishing, camping, sewing, cooking, dancing, playing BINGO, and watching Chicago Cubs baseball. She also loved tinkering with things and working on cars. She enjoyed mostly spending time with her family. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, James DeShaw of Cedar Rapids, Joshua (Elaina) DeShaw of Garnavillo, Robin (Phillip) Stock of Guttenberg, Laura (Josh) Schlueter of Dundee, and Robert Hertenstein of Surprise, AZ; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ryan) Baker, Anthony DeShaw, Sharlae DeShaw, Jesse DeShaw, Trey Lambert, Serena Sandoval, Anthony Sandoval, Juan Sandoval, Hope (Noah) With, Joshua Hertenstein, Charity Wojciechowski, Destiny Chaplin, and Dillon Schlueter; great-grandchildren, Vincent Baker, Jaisen Baker, Jaxson Kellum, and Maverick Kellum; siblings, Don Kress, Bob Kress, Wanda Kress, Sue Kress, Rosaleta (Lynn) Heins, and Kathy (Kyle) Wander; sisters in-law, Rita Kress and Renee Kress; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Carl Kress, Wayne Kress, Willie (Susan) Kress, Carol Latson, Ed Kress, Jr., Violet Jennings, and a niece Lindsey Steward.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Linda’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Noel E. Kurt

Noel E. Kurt, 86, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a parish Wake Service will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will held at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Friday, January 19 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.

He was born December 12, 1937, in Iowa City, son of Fred and Nora (Devaney) Kurt.  He graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1956 where he was a lettered athlete in multiple sports.  Noel attended Loras College for two years.

He met the love of his life, Betty Jean Kass, at St. Columbkille’s Fall Festival and married her on August 10, 1963, at St. Columbkille’s in Dubuque.  They were married for 46 years before Betty passed away in 2010.  He and Betty were blessed with 10 children, and they made an amazing parenting team. They had a wonderful marriage and modeled that for their children.  The most serious issue in their marriage was probably when he was too eager of a volunteer taste tester for her holiday cookies.

He worked for many years in the auto parts industry at Sieg, Big A Auto Parts and IWI Motor Parts. In retirement he was a volunteer at Meals-on-Wheels and Finley Hospital.  He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church for the past 54 years.

He spent a lot of time as a supportive spectator for his kids and grandkids, played a lot of golf in retirement and liked a good game of Euchre.  He enjoyed watching many sports on TV – except soccer, or as he would call it “kickball”.   He was a big Iowa Hawkeye Fan and was excited when his beloved Cubs won the World Series.  In close games, he might yell at the TV and Betty would remind him that they couldn’t hear him.

He looked forward to the annual Boy’s Trip with his six sons. They would take an RV trip to an away Hawkeye football game. The trip included a nice meal, a glass of wine and the inevitable sour face he would make when he sipped the wine.

He had a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate.  His only regret in all his years of marriage was that they did not have chocolate cake at the wedding.  Grandkids were known to call and ask if it was a good day for the Dairy Queen, “It’s always a good day for the Dairy Queen” was his response.

He told lots of dad jokes, but he would sometimes laugh so hard that by the end, the punchline couldn’t be understood.  Although he had been slipping away for a while, he was able to maintain his sense of humor until the end using some of his standard one-liners.

Surviving are his 10 children, Pam Ewald of Dubuque, Noel (Sandra) Kurt of Cedar Rapids, Kim (Dave) Kern of Dubuque, Cindy (Chuck) Kutsch of Dubuque, Karl (Lori) Kurt of Independence, Nick (Abbey) Kurt of Shawnee KS, Kevin (Elisa) Kurt of Waunakee WI, Ken (Kate) Kurt, Digger (Beth) Kurt, Connie (Ben) Nessan all of Dubuque; 33 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren. a sister Dianne (Don) Simon of Cuba City, three sisters-in-law Mary Ann Steffen, Rose Hartung, Mary Agnes Kass all of Dubuque, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty, brothers Leon, Mark and Rev. David Kurt, sisters Mary Edith and Natalie Kurt and June Manning.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Dubuque in memory of Noel Kurt.

The family would like to thank Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care for our beloved father. 

Marilyn R. Althoff

Marilyn Rose Althoff, 66, of Earlville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with ALS. She was in her home surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born on March 25, 1957, in Manchester, the daughter of Matthias and Alberta (Holtz) Ronnebaum. Marilyn was raised in the Earlville area with her six siblings and received her education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Beckman High School. On October 20, 1973, Marilyn was united in marriage to Gary Althoff and they brought into the world three beautiful children.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m. Thursday prior to funeral mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate with Deacon Jim Steger assisting.

Her kindness and passion to care for others was seen through all of her careers. Starting as a stay-at-home mom she provided in-home daycare and spent multiple years at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. Marilyn found her calling while pouring herself into her work at Hills & Dales in Dubuque supporting people with disabilities. Her servant leadership and tireless devotion to her work showed through her nearly 32 years with the organization, 16 of those years spent leading as CEO. She traveled the United States serving on numerous boards and committees acting as a passionate advocate. Her monumental and positive impact on literally thousands of lives cannot be understated. People lived…lived longer, lived more meaningful lives, because Marilyn always pushed forward for more, for better, for the individual.

Marilyn loved music and shared her beautiful voice singing for church services and weddings with Kathy Johannes/Craig Carton and Darrell Lendt. Along with singing, she loved playing her twelve-string guitar. She was always surrounded by music, whether it be live music, as she attended many concerts, in the kitchen listening to the radio, or jamming out in her bug convertible with the top down. She also loved traveling the world with Gary and her family. She and Gary traveled to 49 of the 50 states, only missing Alaska as their cruise was canceled due to Covid. She loved showing the world to her kids and grandkids taking them on many trips. She was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan, having season tickets for Iowa football. Marilyn and Gary were even gifted with cardboard cutouts in their seats when they couldn’t attend due to Covid. If they weren’t at the game, they were watching the Hawks play at home. Above all, Marilyn cherished time spent with her family and treasured every moment. Her grandkids were her world, and she never missed a sporting event, musical, play, or any activity they were involved in. She loved spending time with all of her family, friends and creating memories.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 50 years, Gary Althoff of Earlville; her four children: Tammy March of Earlville, Shannon (Deanne) Althoff of Delhi, Joshua Althoff of Delhi, and Max (Nilza) Gordon of North Carolina/Panama; seven grandchildren: Briana (Kobe) Ries, Shelby March (Drew Gravel), Anthony March (Claire Peyton), Aubrie Althoff, Emalynn Althoff, Mateo Gordon and Paolo Gordon; and one great granddaughter, Baby Ries on the way; three siblings: Dianne (Bill) Oberbroeckling of Manchester, Karen (Dave) Mensen of Delhi, and Donna Poehnelt of Manchester; sisters-in-law: Kim (Kyle) Downs of Hiawatha, Margie (Art) Nachtman of Ryan, Laurie (Craig) Rogers of Rockford, and Joyce (Mike) Wessels of Rickardsville; brothers-in-law, Darrell (Norita) Lendt of Manchester and Fred (Joan) Althoff of Peoria; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthias and Alberta Ronnebaum; in-laws Ted and Leona Althoff; siblings Leon “Butchie” Ronnebaum, Elizabeth “Betty” Lendt, and Robert “Bob” Ronnebaum; sister-in-law Mary Althoff; and brothers-in-law Larry Reth and Dan Kaiser.

To recognize her life’s work, memorials may be sent to Hills & Dales (1011 Davis Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 or www.hillsdales.org).

The family would like to thank Jill Buschmann and the staff of Regional Family Health/Regional Medical Center; and Teresa Tibbott and the staff of Care Initiatives.

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.

Jeffrey S. Pefley

Jeff was greeted in heaven on January 11, 2024 by his Father, his fiancé and his niece. He was 49 years young and died of a sudden illness at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.  Jeff was born October 29, 1974 on a beautiful fall day in Hutchinson, Minnesota to Albert and Barbara (Schomers ) Pefley. He was the 5th of 5 children, in other words the “baby” of the family. He grew up in Centerville, IA and Le Center, Minnesota. He graduated from Le Center High School as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1993. He went on to pursue a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Mankato State and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Fishing was a favorite past time for Jeff with him usually catching the biggest fish. He loved to go to hockey games … Go Saints!  He loved animals and nature.  His yard and home were  beautiful and well groomed. He also loved to ride his motorcycle and take his boat out for a trip around the lake.  Brave, loyal, caring, funny and a friend to everyone, he was the guy you wanted as a friend. He was wonderful and always had a big hug for family members. He loved his job at the Post Office. He took it seriously and wanted to do it perfectly like everything else in his life. Going to work was something he looked forward to every day.  Jeff was also a fantastic care taker for his mother whom he lived with. He would take her out for many long drives, shopping, provider appointments, restaurants, etc. The family is very appreciative of his sacrifice.

Jeff leaves behind a large extended family.  Mother: Barbara Pefley, Peosta , IA , Siblings: Deborah Wardlow (Sean) Centerville, IA; Jill Zintz (Bill) Centerville, IA ; Kimberly Crane (Alan ) Colona, IL; Albert Pefley Jr., Palm Beach Gardens, FL, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Albert Pefley Sr.; fiance’, Joni Hermanson; niece, Crystal Howe.

Visitation will be from 10:00-11:45 with a service to follow at noon on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

“…….and neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor winds of change, nor a nation challenged will stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds.”

Postman’s Motto 1914

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Jeff’s memory to be donated to MercyOne. Cards may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jeff Pefley Family.

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