Obituaries Archive

Diana Francois

Diana Francois, 69, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on September 21, 2023, at home.

Graveside committal services will be at Linwood Cemetery on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Diana was born on December 1, 1953, in Dubuque, daughter of Gregory Francois and Janet Alexander Francois.

She received her bachelor’s degree from ISU, she was a social worker for DHS.

Diana married Janet Bird on July 27, 2020, in Hunters Creek, Oregon.

She belonged to The Dubuque Kennel Club, The Sealyham Terrier Club and The American Legion.

Diana will be remembered for her great love of animals.

She is survived by her wife Janet Bird; her sister Sheila Bradley of Asbury, IA; and her brother Gregg (Lorraine) Francois of Wilson, NC. Nieces, and nephews: Tara Otto, Mitch Bradley, Greg Francois Jr., Paige Francois and AJ Francois; great nieces and nephews: Greg Francois III, Colton Bradley, Amaya Otto, Leo Francois, Henry Francois, and Eleanor Bradley

She was preceded in death by her parents Gregory and Janet Francois and her first wife Judy Thill.

The family wishes to thank Dubuque EMS and Fire Department for their compassion during this time.

Robert J. Mottet

Robert J. “Bob” Mottet, 97, a beloved father, husband, and community member, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, in Maquoketa, IA. Born on May 15, 1926, in Ottumwa, IA to John and Leona (Schwartz) Mottet, Bob was known for his friendly demeanor, intelligence, and faith-filled life.

Bob completed his early education at St. Patrick’s grade school and later graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1944. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1946 before attending the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1950. His education and military service laid a strong foundation for a successful career.

Bob began his professional journey at Shell Oil Company in Bettendorf, IA, and later moved to Minneapolis, MN. His career took a significant turn when he joined Ottumwa Hospital, where he served from 1967 to 1982. His passion for serving the community led him to become the Human Resources Director at Jackson County Public Hospital, Maquoketa, in 1982, a position he held until his retirement in 1994.

Bob’s devotion to his community extended beyond his work. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the University of Illinois Alumni, and the Jackson County Historical Society. Bob was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and long-time Chicago White Sox fan, and proudly identified as a Democrat.

Beyond his professional and community service, Bob had a zest for life. He found joy in gardening, fishing, reading, music, dancing, and traveling. He cherished visiting his relatives in France and Germany, with Ireland being his favorite country to visit. A highlight of his travels was an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in September 2011, where he took immense pride in visiting the World War II Memorial. In his later years, Bob dedicated his time to delivering Meals on Wheels, further demonstrating his commitment to his community.

Bob’s personal life was as rich as his professional and community service. He married Norma (Felker) Baird in 1954, and they later divorced. On November 24, 1984, he married Norma (Cahill) Schoenthaler at Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Norma; daughters Delores (John) Wellman of Bettendorf, IA, and Dianne (Dan) O’Connell of St. Louis, MO; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his stepson, Marty (Kim) Schoenthaler of Ramona, OK; five step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren with another on the way; sister-in-law Dolores Mottet of Ottumwa, IA, brother-in-law Gary Rogers of Davenport, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray, Ed, Frank, and Jim, sister Mary Rogers, and stepson Phil Schoenthaler.

A Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where a 630 P.M. Scripture Service will be held.  Burial with military honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County, Sacred Heart School, Maquoketa, or Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

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

Dorrance Kinsella

Dorrance “Earl” Kinsella, 93, of Davenport, IA died Friday, September 22, 2023, in Detroit, MI.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:00 am Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Earl will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 14, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Father Martin Obeng as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Marine Corps League.

Dorrance was born June 8th, 1930 in Bernard, IA to Leo Sr. and Madeleine (Cox-Smyth).  He graduated from St. Patrick’s HS in North Garryowen. Upon graduation, he proudly served in the USMC with the 3rd Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, then overseas during the Korean War. Upon return, he worked on the family farms in the Dubuque area.

Earl enjoyed farming the land, but pursued his passion of art by attending the American Academy of Art in Chicago. After graduating, he worked as a designer for Advertising Age in Chicago.  He then moved to Phoenix working as a commercial artist for over a decade. He met the love of his life, Dody at a mutual friend’s wedding in 1963. They were married in Key West, IA in 1968.  Earl and his family moved back to the Midwest where he joined the Creative Design Team at Bandag Inc, in Muscatine. Shortly after retiring in 1997, Earl and Dody moved to Le Claire, IA overlooking the Mississippi River.  Earl was a member of Our Lady of the River Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Buffalo Bill Post 347 in Le Claire, the VFW, and the USMC of the Quad Cities / Member of the Marine Corps National Heritage Foundation.

Earl enjoyed history, reading, art, photography and classic cars. He treasured adventures with his wife and spending winters in the Southwest. Earl especially loved taking landscape pictures of the Grand Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks.  In addition to his many artistic talents, Earl was known for his friendliness to everyone, his generous heart, and his quick-witted sense of humor. Earl was a wonderful storyteller.

Those left to honor his memory include his son Benjamin (Heidi) Kinsella of Denver, his daughter Sarah (Dave) Jirak of Detroit, three grandchildren: Joanie, Lola, and Miles Kinsella of Denver, two brothers: Donald Kinsella of Dubuque, and Leo Jr (Inez) of Bernard, IA, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Leo Sr. and Madeleine (Cox-Smyth), siblings Joe and Etheleen Driscoll, and his beloved wife Dody of 50 years. May they rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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 Dorrance’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Patrick M. Powers

Patrick Michael Powers, 77, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 at Unity Point – Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 29, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, where there will be a Rosary and Prayer Service held at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, at  Resurrection Catholic Church. Rev. Phil Gibbs will officiate.  Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Patrick was born on July 6, 1946 in Dubuque, son of Philip and Martha (Meis) Powers.  He graduated from Dubuque Wahlert High School in 1965.  He married Joyce Imbus in 1991.

Patrick was a longtime employee of Bill on the Hill service station and of Mercy Hospital, Dubuque.  He enjoyed shooting pool, playing tennis in a city tennis league at Flora Park, playing euchre, country music, cars, and watching his older brother, Dave, drag race.  He was a dedicated employee and a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle who always brought out the best in others.

Those left to cherish his memory are:  his wife, Joyce, his siblings, Kathryn Miller, Hoffman Estates, Illinois; David (Rhoda) Powers, Richmond, Texas; Paul (Mary Jean) Powers, Denver, Colorado; Jeanne (Brendan) Quann, Dubuque, Iowa; Thomas (Pamela) Powers, Gig Harbor, Washington; and John (Jay) (Susan) Powers, Castle Rock, Colorado; and his sister-in-law Ann Powers Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Martha Powers, his brother, Captain James Powers, KIA in Vietnam, and brothers-in-law, Paul Miller, Gerald Imbus, Arthur Imbus, Herbert Imbus, Robert Imbus and Donald Imbus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Captain James C. Powers Scholarship Fund.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Tri State Dialysis for their many years of compassionate and loving care.

Special thanks to Darlene Sarvis and Dolly Brandel for being such good friends.

Larry J. Steffen

Larry J. Steffen, 62, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Sunday September 17, 2023 at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

A private memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held, and burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Luxemburg.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Larry was born on March 9, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Anna (Freiburger) Steffen.  He married LuAnn Roling on August 2, 1980, in Holy Cross.  Larry had various careers throughout his life and most recently was co-owner and VP of Sales and Marketing of Eagle Point Solar in Dubuque.

Survivors include his loving wife, LuAnn; children: Jason (Ardeth) Steffen of Iowa Falls, IA, Adam (Jesse Smith) Steffen of Waterloo, IA, Joseph (Kathleen) Steffen of Ankeny, IA, and Allison (Kaiden) Kuntz of North Liberty, IA;  grandchildren: Drake, Kaden, Skyla, Lela, and Margo Steffen, Greyson Kuntz, and one on the way;  siblings: Annie (Mike) Maiers of Holy Cross, Pam (Gary) Wessels of Dyersville, Bev (Ron) Ploessl of North Buena Vista, IA, Barbara (Steve) O’Brien of Dubuque, Betty (Mark) Brimeyer of Balltown, IA, and Judy (Nate) Smith of Waukee, IA; in-laws: Marv and Gerrie Roling,Vickie (Jeff) Theis, Scott Roling and Jessica Helle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grand daughter, Alonna Steffen, 2 brothers: Joey & Karle Steffen.

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.

Jean A. Gaul

Jean A. Gaul, 80 of Dubuque, IA passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Unity Point Finley Hospital, Dubuque. Services for Jean will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Anthonys Catholic Church, Dubuque, where friends may call after 9:30 AM until the time of service. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where the rosary will be recited at 3:30 PM. The burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.

She was born November 20, 1942, in New Vienna, IA the daughter of Clarence and Florence (Schneider) Fangman.  She graduated from St. Boniface School in New Vienna. Jean was united in marriage to Leon J. Gaul on July 28, 1962, at St. Boniface Church. She worked for the Loras College Bookstore for 30 years until her retirement. Jean was an avid softball player. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and attending her grandkids’ sporting events and activities. Jean was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, Leon Gaul, three children, seven grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, son, James Gaul of East Dubuque, IL, his family, Ryan Gaul (Nicole Keehn) of Dubuque, great-granddaughter, Maya of Dubuque, daughter, Lisa Sommer of Dubuque, her family, Jaron Sommer (Sara Peppers) of Denver, CO, Austin Sommer of Hiawatha, IA, Katie Sommer of Denver, Co, and Kristie Sommer (Marcus Harrington) of Scottsdale, AZ, daughter, Ann (Scott) Morris, her family, Shaun Morris and Mariah Morris both of Denver, CO, three sisters-in-law,  Sister Mary Ann Gaul, Mildred Recker, and Julie Welter.

Jean was preceded in death, by her parents, a son, Scott Henry Gaul, her in-laws, Joseph and Eleanor Gaul, a sister, Mary Jane Boeckenstedt, and a brother-in-law, Bob Boeckenstead.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Barbara K. Bies

Barbara K. Bies, 78, of Dubuque died Thursday, September 21, 2023.  There will be a parish wake service 3 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by visitation until 6 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Barbara was born September 9, 1945, daughter of Melvin and Esther (Schroeder) Rubel.

On May 15, 1971, she married Roger Bies at St. Joseph Church, Bellevue.

In the past, Barbara worked at the Riverview Hotel in Bellevue, did daycare for many years, and worked at Wal-Mart for 15 years, retiring in 2019.

She enjoyed camping, cooking and baking, playing Bingo, watching children, and traveling.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Bies; daughter, Amy Steadman of Dubuque; step daughter, Melissa (Jason) Green of King George, Virginia; two grandchildren, Autumn (fiancé Brandon Kelly) Steadman and Jonathon Steadman; and two step grandchildren, Matthew (fiancé Amanda) Green and Arianne Green.

She is also survived by two brothers, Larry (Suzanne) Rubel and Dennis Rubel; and in laws, Larry (Deb) Bies of Bellevue, Jerome (Carolyn) Bies of Springbrook, Janet (David) Casper of Freeport, IL, and Garry Dalsing of Platteville and numerous many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Rubel, father in law and mother in law, Melvin and Margaret Bies, and a sister in law, Donna Dalsing.

Carl J. Winter

Carl Joseph Winter, 97, of Johnston, IA, formerly of Dubuque, passed away in his home Tuesday, September 19, 2023 surrounded by family.

In celebration of his life, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Carl was born on December 16, 1925 on a small farm near Bankston, IA, the son of Alois and Mary (Pfeiler) Winter. He grew up in the Bankston area and attended St. Clement’s grade and high school in Bankston.

He married Kathleen “Kay” Craugh on May 23, 1953 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Tennyson, WI. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2020, after 67 years of marriage. Carl loved to tell the story of riding his “Harley” into Eagle Point Park and offering 3 pretty girls a ride.  Which one did he eventually marry?  The one who said “no way would I ride on one of those things”, of course!

Carl and Kay raised their two sons, Dave and Steve, in Dubuque where Carl was a firefighter on the Dubuque Fire Department, retiring at the rank of Assistant Chief after 36 years. He was very proud of his career at the fire department and especially of the close ties he developed with his fellow firefighters.

Although Carl moved from Dubuque to Johnston after Kay’s death to be closer to family, he never forgot his friends in Dubuque and considered himself a Dubuquer to the end.

Those left to honor his memory include two sons, Dave (Dorothy) Winter of Johnston, IA, and Steve Winter of Newcastle, WA; 6 grandchildren: Andrew Winter (Jessica), Tim Winter, Mike Raes (Betsy), Ashley Harms (Tyler), Alex Winter, and Hayden Winter; 4 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Pat Craugh of Sinsinawa, WI; and special family friend Lynne Lippert (Don Heming) of Dubuque.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Gerald who died in WWII, his sister Martina Vogt and brother-in-law Joseph Vogt, his brother-in-law Dan Craugh, and his precious great-grand daughter Edith Anne Raes.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Martina Place Assisted Living and Unity Point Hospice – Des Moines for the wonderful care they provided to Carl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Resurrection School, of which he was a proud supporter.

Carole S. Welu

Carole Sue (Wilberding) Welu, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Friday, September 22, 2023, at Stonehill Communities.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately at 11:00 AM.  Following the Mass, burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Carole was born on February 26, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Henry and Mildred (Schaan) Wilberding.  She grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended Immaculate Conception Academy.  She has fond memories of growing up on Lincoln Avenue with her siblings.  She started her sewing career at Sorbeau Manufacturing and later at Zuckies, both in Dubuque. She married David J. Welu on September 7, 1963, at St. Anthony Catholic Church.  He died July 21, 2023.

Early in their marriage Carole was busy helping Dave with the demands of the family business. However, her greatest joy was spending time raising their four children – Mike, Mark, Julie, and Jane.  Being a mother was her life’s work and she was devoted to doing the best she could for all her children.  For instance, she was a Boy Scout Den Mother and planned field trips and many craft activities for the scout troop. She was the original “Soccer Mom”; carpooling kids to and from school field trips in her faux wood-paneled nine-passenger station wagon.  Much to the chagrin of her children and husband, she organized regional Sunday sightseeing trips. Small petting zoos, Strawberry Point, and other locations were met with initial groans but later became the material for fond family memories.  She cooked daily family meals, and many recipes were inspired by the local Betty Thomas radio show.  Unfortunately, her efforts with casseroles were not always appreciated by her fussy children. When her children were older, she returned to part-time work at both Manor Care and Sears.  She also enjoyed volunteering her time at St. Mark Community Center.  Later, when she was blessed with grandchildren, she provided love and support to her family.  She spent many hours as a babysitter so her youngest daughter could pursue her nursing education. And she could always be counted on when any of the grandchildren were ill or the family needed additional or emergency care.

She is survived by three children: Michael J. Welu, of Dubuque, IA, Julie A. (Stephen) Frommelt, of Dubuque, IA and Jane A. (Vance) Schollmeyer of Dubuque, IA; seven grandchildren, Marcus H. Welu of Washington D.C. and Evan H. Welu of San Angelo, TX, Amanda K. Frommelt of Chicago, IL, Nicholas D. Frommelt of Bettendorf, IA, Amber C. (Cory) Miller and Brady V. Miller of Pleasant Hill, IA, Dr. Allison M. Schollmeyer of Osceola, IA, and Emily Schollmeyer of Sparta, WI; and one great-grandson, Brady V. Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; her son, Mark A. Welu; her brother, Alan H. Wilberding; and sister Sally A. Parker.

We would like to thank the staff at Stonehill Communities and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and care of Carole.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stonehill Communities or Hospice of Dubuque.

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 Carole’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Denise R. Daniels

Denise R. Daniels, 61, of Dubuque died Friday, September 22, 2023.  Visitation will be from 3 to 5 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.

Denise was born November 12, 1961 in Dubuque, daughter of William H. and Shirley A. (Roeth) Bennett.

She was an 8th grade graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Dubuque and a 1980 Graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.

On March 6, 1993, she married Michael Daniels in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

She served proudly as a military spouse.

Denise was an avid reader and loved traveling and enjoyed gambling.  She loved, and was loved by, many friends and family.  She also loved her dogs, Bailey and Lexi.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Daniels of Dubuque; five children, Westley (Becky) Bennett of Fall Creek, WI, Daniel (Jeni Banfield) Gatena of Dubuque, Joshua (Crystal) Gatena of Monticello, Andrew Gatena of Dubuque, Maranda (Jared Wiest) Daniels of Dyersville, many grandchildren; five siblings, Deborah (Steve) Earle, Dawn (Dennis) Fiedler, Diane (Jerry) Roeth and David Bennett all of Dubuque and Dwayne (Jane) Bennett of Roanoke, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mark A. Otterbeck Sr.

Mark Allen Otterbeck Sr., 51, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at home on the morning of September 20, 2023.

Friends and family may gather for a Celebration of Life starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday September 23, 2023, at Swiss Valley Park: Walnut Pavilion. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Mark was born on November 13, 1971, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Mark Hines and Deborah Otterbeck. He received his bachelor’s degree from Clarke College, and he worked at Sedgwick Claims Management Services for many years.

In Mark’s younger years he enjoyed hiking, fishing, swimming, football, and basketball. He took pride and joy in his son Mark Jr., whom he loved and cherished beyond the moon and stars. He enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams and still, after all these years, some of those kids he coached still reached out to him for guidance. The second greatest joy in his life was his three beautiful grandchildren. He loved being a Papa, and FaceTiming with those kids meant the world to him.

He was the biggest Hawkeye fan that ever lived, and he loved to party with the Custom Riders. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and cards with his friends.

Mark was a kind, gentle, crazy, fun, loving man. There are many heavy hearts with the loss of him, but we all know we have an Angel above watching over us. You’ll hear him loud and proud cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes from Heaven.

Mark is survived by his son Mark A. (Alecia) Otterbeck Jr., grandchildren Allyanna, Amelia, and Mark “JJ” A. Otterbeck III, his sister Kellie (Brian Stroud) and their children Anthony (Erin) Formaro, Joseph (Dana) Formaro, Thomas (Ashley) Torres, Tabatha (Jeremy) Killen.

He was preceded in death by his mother Deborah Zelinsky, aunt and uncle Wilbur and Nancy Otterbeck.

Thank you to Hospice Palliative Care, Dan with Comfort Care, and his neighbors Brian Lang and Stan Kane for all their loving care given to Mark.

A Mark A. Otterbeck Sr. Memorial Fund has been established.

Dolores M. Spiegelhalter

Dolores Mae Spiegelhalter, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 19th, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. peacefully at home at Eagle Pointe Place with her grandson and daughter at her side.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday September 25th, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road.

Funeral Service will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday at the Church with Reverend Matt Agee officiating. Burial will be in Waukon, Iowa at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Dee was born on June 16th, 1932, in Waukon, Iowa, daughter of Marcus and Selma (Sanderson) Gilbertson. She started as a nurse where she met Robert “Bob” Spiegelhalter and they got married on August 23rd, 1953, in Waukon, Iowa.  After that she and Bob owned the Wink Inn Motel where she also worked as a housekeeper and desk clerk.  From there she worked at Trausch Bakery which became SunBeam Bakery where she retired from. Dee was an active member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, Red Hats, and various card clubs. She loved to travel with her friends, family, and her church family, and she always brought back a “toothpick holder” from wherever she visited. In recent years, her happiest times were when she moved in with her son and grandson to care for them.

Dee is survived by daughter Kim (Scott) Leonard, grandson Jake Spiegelhalter, sister-in-law Betty Gilbertson, nephew Doug (Lynn) Gilbertson and niece Deb (Rob) Reinard, niece Karen (Michael) Reiter, and nephews Tom (Sherry) Spiegelhalter, Rick (Shawn) Spiegelhalter, and Mark (Dawn) Spiegelhalter, and niece-in-law Terri Spiegelhalter.

She was proceeded in death by her son Jerry Spiegelhalter, former husband Robert Spiegelhalter, mother Selma Gilbertson, father Marcus Gilbertson, sister Bernice, brother Curtis Gilbertson, and nephew Melvin “Buddy” Spiegelhalter.

Thomas R. Feller

Thomas R. “Tom” Feller, 80, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, September 20, 2023, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

Thomas Roger Feller was born on June 12, 1943, in Bellevue, Iowa, to Alvin and Dorothy (Gnade) Feller.  He was a 1961 graduate of Andrew High School.  He married Shirley Hopson on June 8, 1963 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Four children were born to this union, Kevin, Michelle, Milissa, and Keith.

Tom had first worked at Skeffington’s Jack & Jill Grocery Store, then for Hayes Dairy and Clinton Engines, all in Maquoketa.  He retired in 1998 from Case New Holland International after 30 years of service.

Tom was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and through the years had also attended Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in DeWitt.  He was well-known for being the “Racing Voice of Eastern Iowa” announcing stock car races in Maquoketa, Davenport, Tipton, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and East Moline, Illinois.  He was also well-known for being Santa in Maquoketa for 25 years, for both the city and making home visits.  Additionally, he enjoyed appearing in television commercials in the Quad Cities, and most notably celebrating his 25^thwedding anniversary with Shirley having both appearing in the film “Field of Dreams”.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Shirley Feller of Maquoketa, IA; children, Kevin Feller of Morrison, IL, Michelle (Ray Jr.) Cox of Maquoketa, IA, Milissa (Mark) Scheibe of Maquoketa, IA, and Keith (Angie) Feller of Park View, IA.  He loved being a grandpa and was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where a 6:30 P.M. Vigil Service will be held.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A private burial will be held at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Thomas R. “Tom” Feller memorial fund has been established.

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

Colleen K. Hahn-Van Dee

Colleen Kathryn Hahn -Van Dee, 88, passed away with her children by her side on September 13, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ, Dubuque, IA where a reception will follow at the church.

Colleen was born on February 23, 1935, in Ollie, Iowa, the daughter of Isabelle (Marshall) and Ralph Steigleder.

She graduated high school in 1953; Iowa Beauty School in 1954; and in 1975 received her Certificate in Nursing Home Administration from Marshalltown Community College with emphasis in County Care Facilities.

In 1954 she married Robert Hahn in Sigourney, Iowa; and later married Floyd Van Dee in 1978, he preceded her in death in 2001.

She was employed with Iowa County Care Facilities – from serving as a beautician to the role of administration of several facilities, including Keokuk County (Sigourney), Crawford County (Denison), Hamilton County (Webster City), and Dickinson County (Spirit Lake).

She was a member of Summit Congregational United Church of Christ and the Mississippi Trails Club.

Colleen’s priorities were always the same throughout her life – her children, her family and helping those less fortunate than herself.  Colleen exhibited these attributes in many ways through her ongoing love and support of her mother, her children (Peggy and John) and her 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  Colleen’s professional career was centered in her commitment to assisting and caring for individuals with mental disabilities through her work in Iowa County Care Facilities.  She worked in these facilities for almost 30 years and was the Administrator for the County Care facility(s) for 19 years.  During this period, she received numerous awards for her effectiveness in operating the Care Facilities and served on numerous County Care oversight Boards.  In addition to her family and career, Colleen enjoyed spending quality time with her friends, sewing, reading, and serving in the Church.

Those left to mourn her passing are brothers’ Richard Steigleder and Sam Flanegan, and children Peggy (Randy) Fenimore of Austin, TX, John (Sandy) Hahn of Bellevue, Iowa, and grandchildren, Whitney Hahn-Rogers, Clint Fenimore, Nicole (Fenimore) Kay, Breanna (Kennedy) Sieverding, and 8 great grandchildren – Willow, Everlee, Weston, Nathan, Felicity, Emma, Camryn, and Lydia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Ward Flanegan, infant children Roberta Lee Hahn, and Michael Anthony Hahn, husbands Robert Hahn and Floyd Van Dee, brother Fred Steigleder, and special friend and companion Bill Misko.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Colleen’s honor to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement (Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Fund) or to the American Cancer Society.

The web site for the U of I Center is www.donate.givetoiowa.org or checks should be made payable to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, and mailed to One West Park Road, PO Box 4550, Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.  Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org.

Colleen’s family would like to thank all the staff at Stonehill Care Center, and especially those on 3 Northwest, for their wonderful care of Colleen for the past 6 months.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Richard H. Steele

Richard “Dick” Harley Steele, 80, of Dubuque, died Monday, September 18, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be from 8:30 am until 10:15 am Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Dick will be 10:30 am Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Kaity Kemp officiating.

Richard was born June 6, 1943, in Madison, WI, the son of Harley and Frances (Grimm) Steele. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Kuehni, on August 4, 1962. Dick & Shirley had three children and were happily married until she died on November 4, 1996.

On December 11, 1997, he married Karen Linder in Verona, WI. Dick and Karen enjoyed 25 years of marriage, traveling the world together.

Dick worked hard to provide for his family – often working more than one job as well as running his own carpentry business for fifty years. Dick was also a building inspector in both the Town of Springdale and the Town of Verona in Wisconsin.  He retired in 2016.

Dick loved music! He was a drummer for many years, sang in the church choir at times, and joined the bell choir with Karen.

The Church was a very important part of Dick’s life. He served on church councils, headed up a major building project, taught and participated in Sunday school classes, went on adult and youth mission trips, and was a member of the chancel committee at one for many years.  Dick also completed the Wisconsin UCC Lay Academy program.  At the time of death, he was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Dick enjoyed football and could be found rooting for the Green Bay Packers, the Badgers, and, yes, even sometimes the Hawkeyes.

Dick struck up conversations with new people everywhere he went, and he was always ready with a warm hug for family, friend, and stranger alike.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; one son, Tim (Tabitha) Steele of Blue Mounds, WI; two daughters, Tammy (Monte) Wagner of Janesville, WI, and Beth (Matt) Schlueter of Kimberly, WI; eight grandchildren, Brandi (Brian Hunt) Schumpert, Kira (LeRoy) Tlusty, Sam Walter, Richard Steele, and Christine, Angela, John, and Emily Schlueter; three great-grandchildren, Aalica Hunt, and LeRoy and Claire Tlusty; many nieces and nephews; and two sisters-in-law, Marlyn Linder and Lin Johnson.

Besides his first wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Frances; one sister, Georgia Smith; his father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Edna Kuehni; and mother-in-law, Katie Linder; two sisters-in-law, Caryl Gempler, and Norma Hoelscher; three brothers-in-law, Chuck Coker, Harris Gempler, and John Smith; three unborn grandbabies, Arin, Jennifer, and Benjamin Schlueter; lots of aunts and uncles and one niece, Debbie Fitch.

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 Richard’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.