Obituaries Archive

Peggy S. Johnson

Peggy S. Johnson, age 62, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:20 a.m., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  In keeping with Peggy’s wishes there will not be any services held at this time.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Peggy’s family.

Peggy was born on September 21, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of John and Suzanne (Urban) Shaffer.

Peggy attended Audubon Grade School, Jefferson Middle School and Hempstead High School.  She married Charles Johnson on September 21, 1990, but he sadly preceded her in death after 14 years together on November 8, 2004.  Peggy enjoyed going for car rides, drinking pop, listening to music, watching TV and visiting with her family.

Those left to cherish Peggy’s memory include

3 siblings,
Mike Shaffer, Fox Lake, WI,
Rochelle Beasley, Rock Falls, IL,
Wendy (Jim) McLaughlin, Dubuque, IA
and Pearl Shaffer, Dubuque, IA.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Johnson; and 2 brothers, Randy Shaffer and Tim Shaffer.

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

Patrick C. Regan

Patrick Clement Regan, 87, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

A prayer service will be held at 2:30 pm Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 6:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Pat will be 10:30 am Monday, June 10, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Patrick was born April 2, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Peter C. and Mable Friedman Regan. On April 25, 1959, he married Stella Ann Brimeyer at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. Pat and Stella just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

He was a 1955 graduate of Loras Academy. He attended Loras University before completing his five year apprenticeship as a patternmaker at John Deere Dubuque Works.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant from 1956 until 1962.

Pat was a patternmaker and Senior Engineer Analyst at John Deere for 35 and 1/2 years until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection. He was an accomplished woodworker and channeled his creativity into crafting beautiful pieces as well as teaching many others on his craft. He was in a group that built 117 homes across the border in Mexico for the homeless. His favorite place to be was in any woodworking shop. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and cherished time spent with family.

Survivors include his wife, Stella; one daughter, Debra Nelson of Dunbar, NE;  four sons, Timothy (Diane) Regan of Baraboo, WI, Michael (Kathy) Regan of Dubuque, Thomas Regan of Bradenton, FL, and Mark (Jeanne) Regan of Ponte Vedra, FL; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; brothers- and sisters- in law, Marvin Brimeyer of Sherrill, Peter Brimeyer of Dubuque, Earl (Kathy) Brimeyer of Dubuque, Diane (Dudley) Huber of Farmerville, LA, Linda Burgess of Dubuque, Laura (Loras) Miller of Dubuque, Lewis (Sharon) Brimeyer of Dubuque, and Patrick (Patrice) Brimeyer of Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Rosemary Howard and JoAnn Scannell, one brother, Verlyn Regan, and one niece and Goddaughter, Pat (Howard) Bell.

Memorials have been established for Hospice of Dubuque and Church of the Resurrection.

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 Pat’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Sabrina L. Andresen

Sabrina Lynn Andresen, 50, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

There will be no formal services.

Sabrina was born June 13, 1973, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Robert J. Sr. and Shirley M. (Buchholz) Andresen.

Sabrina graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1993. She most recently was working at KFC. She aspired to become a mechanic one day.

In her free time she enjoyed when her brother would come visit and cut her hair or go for a walk. She also enjoyed listening to music, especially Elvis. Sabrina loved all animals but most of all she loved cats. She will be remembered for doing things her way and living life by her own rules, but in the best way.

Survivors include her three siblings, Tina (Scott) Coulson of Dubuque; Rock-n-Rob “Robby” Andresen II of Dubuque; Donna (Darb) Blackburn of East Dubuque, IL; special aunt, Jody (Wade) Gartner; and ten nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her niece, Tonya Weiner; and a nephew, Tyler Ingles.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers over the years, especially most recently, the caregivers at her assisted living for making Sabrina feel like a part of their family and teaching her important life skills.

She will be forever missed and never forgotten. “Until we meet again, rest in peace, Brinni.” – from your siblings.

Mary Ann Doyle

Mary Ann “Pat” Doyle, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on June 1, 2024.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday June 7, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Raphael.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Cathedral with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Pat was born on June 15, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska, daughter of John and Caroline (Machacek) Theiler. She graduated high school from St. Joseph’s Academy in Des Moines, Iowa. Pat was united in marriage to Gerald Doyle on April 15, 1953, at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. She dedicated her life to being an amazing homemaker, wife, and mother.

She is survived by her children Mark Doyle, Susan Black, Tim (Angie) Doyle, Patrick Doyle, and John (Carrie) Doyle, eleven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald and son-in-law Dan Black.

James S. Taylor

James Sidney Taylor 65, of Dubuque IA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday June 02, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a service to be held at 7:00 p.m.

James (Jim) Taylor was born on November 23, 1958, in Fennimore, Wisconsin. He graduated from Lancaster High school in 1977, as well as received a 2-year Technical Degree from Southwest Technical College.

He Married Lynn (Schadl) Taylor on July 30, 1996, in Dubuque IA. He worked in Industrial Maintenance at Prairie Farms in Dubuque, retiring after 33 Years.

Jim was an avid bowler for over 35 years and is a part of the USBC 700 club in Dubuque, IA. Jim also loved fishing and hunting with his boys when they were younger, as well as going golfing with his kids, even though he thought he was not good at it. He thoroughly enjoyed picking on his daughters, instilled his values and beliefs within them and never to change. Jim was truly a best friend to all his kids.

He enjoyed riding free on his Harleys with his wife Lynn, they loved to take long rides and end up at Kalmes in St. Donatus for dinner, where they always had a special table they would sit at. He liked to take car cruises with his car club friends, enjoyed putzing around in his buddies’ shops, as well as working on his motorcycle and took so much pride in restoring his 1967 Chevelle. Jim was always looking for something to fix or build and was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it.

Jim was one the of biggest Green Bay Packers fans, who looked forward to Sunday Packer games with his kids and wife, this was definitely the highlight of his week having everyone together. Cookouts and pool parties with family was something he loved to do, he would probably have a cheeseburger and fries everyday if he could. Jim looked forward to the yearly family reunion at his brother Ron’s farm where they would grill out, shoot at targets, and enjoy family time. He also loved listening to rock music. Jim would go camping with his wife Lynn to make her smile, even though we all knew he strongly disliked camping but he loved that it made Lynn happy.

Jim had an infectious smile and laugh that instantly made life better. He was always up for a good joke and having some Busch Lights and reminiscing about life. Jims love for their dogs was undeniable. He will be remembered for his devotion as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Lynn of 28 years; his children Jesse Taylor; Chris (Mandy Baus) Taylor; Jennifer (Jamie Post) Taylor; Kelli (Alex) Schweitzer; David Jackson; Erica Pelfrey; Danny (Kayla) Taylor; Zach Taylor; His siblings Marsha Mueller; Ron (Chris) Taylor; Kim Taylor; Chris (George) Little; Todd (Kelly) Taylor and Tom (Carrie) Taylor, His Grandchildren Mitchell (Sarah); Sydney (Dakota); Will & Andrew Taylor; Brandi (Ryan); Wesley; Kennedy; Will & Halie Schweitzer; Rhylee; Tailynn; Keegan; Lincoln; and Zoey. His Great Grandchildren Vivian; Lilah; Sutton; and Sophia and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arden and Lorraine (Lenzendorf) Taylor; mother-in-law Kathleen (Kay) Schadl; brother Bob Taylor; sister-in-law Sue Schmitt; brothers-in-law John Kuepers; Ron Mueller; and his Nephew Wayne Taylor; and Ryan Taylor.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann of the Dubuque Finley’s Oncology Department as well as Hospice of Dubuque for their dedicated care.

Bob Simon

Bob Simon, 83, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Harmony Dubuque.

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

Bob  was born April 30, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Robert F. and Violet (Schweitzer) Simon. On December 30, 1966, he married Kathryn L. Backes in Galena, IL. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2018.

Bob graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for many years, retiring in 2006.

Bob enjoyed music, even dabbled in playing the steel guitar. He also was a lover of all animals from a young age. Bob was also an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan. He enjoyed traveling with Kathy to Door County, Wisconsin and going to the 3 Mile House with his son, Kris.

Survivors include his son, Kristopher Simon of Dubuque, IA.

Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife and his sister, Nancy (Jim) Rice.

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

Vincent R. Thomas III

Vincent Ray Thomas, III, infant son of Tiassia Simmons and Vincent Ray Thomas Jr, was born into Heaven on May 31, 2024, at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque Iowa assisted the family.

He is survived by his Mommy (Tiassia Simmons), Daddy (Vincent Ray Thomas, Jr.), and Sissy, (Scarlett Marie Thomas). His grandparents Patricia Williams, Leroy Williams, and Grandma Debra and Grandma Ada. Along with his aunties, uncles, cousins, friends and his God Mommy.

Vincent joins in Heaven: Grandpa Timothy, Grandma Levorn, Grandma Sarah, Grandpa Elton and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Finley Hospital nurses and doctors along with Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory for their care and compassion.

Even though it was only for a short time, we feel like we’ve known you forever. Mommy, Daddy and Sissy love you forever and always. We will never forget and will always remember you. You were ready but our hearts were not. XOXO, Love Mommy and Daddy, we love you always.

Russell R. Kuennen

Russell R. Kuennen, 83, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Steve Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque is assisting the family.

Russell was born on February 20, 1941, in St. Lucas, Iowa the son of Arnold and Florence (Tallman) Kuennen. He received his education from St. Patrick Catholic Grade School, Loras Academy and Loras College. Russ also served in the Army Reserves. 

On January 23, 1965, he married the “Prettiest bride of 1965”, Maureen Delaney at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Together they shared almost 60 years of marriage.

Russ was a supervisor for John Deere Dubuque Works in the Experimental Department, retiring in 1995. He then worked for the Dubuque Community School District as a bus driver for 10 years, retiring in 2010. He often said that was one of the nicest jobs he ever had. Russ was a member of “That Man is You” with Holy Ghost Church and was a Board Member for DuTrac Community Credit Union.

Russ enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Meadows Golf Club. He will be missed at his Thursday morning coffee meetings with his friends and his Saturday morning breakfast at HyVee. Russ loved his winters in Florida with Maureen. Every summer Russ was spotted regularly on his lawn mower and took great pride in meticulously manicuring his lawn.

Russ is survived by his wife, Maureen; his sons, Jim (Jackie) Kuennen and Eric (Vanessa) Kuennen, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Emmett and Bertha Delaney; a sister Aileen Klinck and a son Jefferey A. Kuennen to ALS on June 26, 2010.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Kim M. Pins

Kim Marie Pins, 66, of Asbury, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at her home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mass of Christian Burial for Kim will be 10:30 am Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Noah Diehm as the principal celebrant and Father Steven Garner as the concelebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Kim was born November 29, 1957, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Norbert “Jake” and Doris Frye Tigges. Kim’s best decision was to marry her best friend, Don. Their serendipitous meeting at Hickory Farms Cheese Store, where Kim worked part-time during high school, foreshadowed the beautiful bond they would share. She married Donald Joseph Pins on July 16, 1977, at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

She was a Hempstead High School graduate and attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

Kim worked in banking for 45 years, beginning her career in 1979 at First National Bank and transitioning to Fidelity Bank and Trust in 2003.

Kim, a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of the Resurrection, exemplified a life of service and dedication to her community. As a longstanding board member of RSVP and a devoted Girl Scout Leader for a decade, she tirelessly contributed her time and efforts to enriching the lives of others. Kim’s unwavering commitment to volunteerism was recognized with a Leadership Award from Women of Achievement and the esteemed State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award. Guided by the core values of faith, family, personal integrity, and the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, Kim lived a life marked by compassion, generosity, and purpose. Her legacy of service and devotion to her beliefs will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.

In the quiet moments, Kim found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her love for flowers and gardening blossomed alongside her talents in sewing, embroidery, and quilting. She had various friend groups including “Quilt Bee”, “Holy Ghost Girls”, “Shopping Sisters”, lifelong dear friends she grew up with, as well as, new found friends in her neighborhood and whom she worked with. She cherished the warmth of family gatherings, especially the family book club with her two daughters. Kim’s love for literature was matched only by her appreciation for the arts, particularly theatre, where she found inspiration and delight. Above all, Kim cherished the company of her beloved family and friends, whose presence illuminated her life with laughter, love, and endless memories.

Survivors include her husband, Don; one son, Brian (Tiffany) Pins of Lexington, VA; two daughters, Kaitlyn (Joe) Lilly of Bettendorf, IA, and Rachel (Danny) Rose of Iowa City, IA; four grandchildren; three grandpups; her mother, Doris Tigges of Dubuque; one brother, Rick Tigges of Dubuque; sisters – and brothers-in-law, Mary Sue (Gene) Schultz, Nancy (Ron) Drees, Janet (Joe) Kluesner, Tom (Carrie) Pins, and Mark (Barb) Pins.

She was preceded in death by her father; in-laws, Sylvester and Rosemary Pins; niece, Becky Drees; and good friend, Jan Theisen.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Bell Tower Theatre, where Kim and Don were season ticket holders for many years.

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

Michael J. Brown

Michael James Brown, 48, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, June 2, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, after a lengthy illness.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, June 6, 2024, at South Mineral Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.  All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Michael James Brown was born on September 21, 1975, to James and Judy (Eye) Brown in Maquoketa, IA. Mike attended Maquoketa Community School, where he wrestled and graduated in 1995.

After graduation Mike attended Job Corps in Utah where he was trained in welding.  Upon his return to Maquoketa, he worked at various manufacturing plants.  When Mike’s physical disabilities progressed, he was employed by Imagine the Possibilities.

Mike never lost his childlike fun and love for life. He was easy to laugh and hard to anger. He was affectionally known as “Downtown Mike Brown” by his friends and classmates. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, swimming, playing X-Box, drums and the guitar. Mike never lost his appreciation for hard rock music or his love of the Bible and chocolate milk.

His greatest blessing in life were his family and friends.  Mike had special relationships with his mom, sister Pam, and aunt Peggy Miller who all loved Mike unconditionally.

Those left to honor his memory include his brother Dwayne (and girlfriend Tanya Ruff) Brown of Maquoketa, IA; brother-in-law Brian Keeney of Maquoketa, IA; aunts, Peggy Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Clark of Dubuque, IA, and JoAnn (Bill) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; uncle, Fred (Tomi) Nielson of Clinton, IA; nieces, Meagan (Chance) Garza, Amanda (Andy) Stefanik and Savannah Bradt; nephews, David Malone and Tylor Brown; and many great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Pamela Lynn Keeney, niece Alexandra Michelle Brown, and many uncles and an aunt.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to Jackson County Humane Society or to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Rosemary S. Erickson

Rosemary S. “Rosy” Erickson, 71, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024 at UnityPoint Health in Bettendorf.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024 at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to King’s Harvest Pet Rescue.

Rosy was born September 16, 1952 in Bellevue, Iowa, the daughter of Eugene & Mary (Clasen) Nemmers.  She was a graduate of Andrew High School in Andrew, Iowa.  Rosy was united on marriage to R. Stanley Erickson on October 6, 1973 in La Motte, Iowa.

A graduate of the former Sawyer Business College, Rosy retired from the Kahl Home after over 30 years of employment.  She had previously been employed with Palmer Junior College.

She enjoyed yardwork and gardening and always looked forward to yearly family fishing trips to Minnesota.  Rosy also enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband of fifty years, Stan; her son, Kevin Erickson of Bettendorf; her sisters, Diane (Bill) Reeg of La Motte, Betty (Bill) Hutchcroft of Key West, Iowa, Mary Jo (Loren) Konrardy of La Motte, Ginny (Dan) Powell of Andrew; Marcia Manderscheid of Andrew and Geraldine Nemmers of Davenport, Iowa; her brothers, Tom Nemmers of Bellevue, Bill Nemmers of Kingsland, Texas, Chuck (Daphnie) Nemmers of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Rosy was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister-in-law, Lila Nemmers.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Rosy’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.

Jerome A. Lansing

Jerome A. Lansing, 91, of Dyersville and formerly of Worthington passed away Saturday, June 1, 2024, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  VFW Post 7736 and American Legion Post 137 will conduct a service at 7 pm.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to the funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.  Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 7736 and American Legion Post 137.

Jerome was born on September 11, 1932, in Dyersville, the son of Lawrence and Amanda (Gaul) Lansing.  He served in the Korean War from 1953 – 1955.  He married Mary Margaret Wente on April 21, 1956, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa.  Together they farmed southeast of Worthington until moving to Dyersville in 2004.  He began working with the staff at Kramer Funeral Home, an occupation that he really enjoyed and he was great with people.  He was a member of the Edward W. Lake VFW Post 7736 and American Legion Post 137. Jerome loved to travel with Mary Margaret, woodworking and repurposing lawn tractors into mini farm equipment for the Little G event.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Margaret, children: Janet (Lynn) Nosbisch and Patti (Larry) Mensen, both of Dyersville, and Cindy (Ken) Steffen of New Vienna; a son-in-law, Marc Sequeira of Marion, IA; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; siblings: Verna Rose (LeRoy) Bries of Guttenberg, and William (Joan) Lansing of Worthington; in-laws: Bernice Lansing and Rita Lansing, both of Dyersville and Betty Mullis of LaPorte City, IA, Delores Gaul of Epworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 daughters: Barbara Lansing in 1959, Kristine Lansing in 1964, and Carolyn Sequeira on January 11, 2022, a great grandson, Benjamin Brunsman; siblings: Wilma (Leon) Mullis, Joseph (Ruth) Lansing, Art Lansing, John Lansing, Catherine (Hugo) Engelken; in-laws: Lawrence Gaul, Robert Wente and a long-time family friend, Fr. Augustine Dreiling OSB.

The family would like to thank the staffs of the Ellen Kennedy Living Center, MercyOne Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their continued care of our husband, father and family.

Memorials are preferred to Beckman Catholic High School or St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

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.

Pamela M. Evilsizer

Pamela M. Evilsizer, age 58, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 27, 2024, at home, while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Pam’s life, a private family burial is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Pam’s family.

Pam was born on December 9, 1965, in Cedar Rapids, IA, a daughter to Melvern W. and Linda W. (Clark) Osterkamp.  She was born with an innate love for family and thankfully this trait never left her throughout her 58 years among us.  Pam spent many years working in the laundry and housekeeping departments at various locations around town, but truth be told, being at home with her family was always her greatest joy.  She was known to spend the afternoon on the back of a motorcycle from time to time, but again, arriving home was the highlight of her day.  Pam’s grandkids were the light of her life.  Crafting with them and simply having them by her side was truly Pam’s happy place.  It’s difficult to imagine the world moving forward without her serious, yet humbly loving personality, but we know that she fought her earthly battle with cancer courageously and it was now time for her to rest from her struggles.  Thank you, Pam, for being a wonderful mother and grandmother whose legacy will live on in the lives of those left behind and we pray that you are resting peacefully in the loving arms of God as we await our eternal reunion with you once again in time.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Pam include,

her three sons,
James Evilsizer, Dubuque, IA,
Joseph Evilsizer, Dubuque, IA,
and Jesse (Cambray Olson) Evilsizer, Platteville, WI;

her adored grandchildren,
Nova Lee Evilsizer, Aurora Nicole Evilsizer, Tessa Jo Sexton, Aleah Evilsizer, Devon Goodman, Kaylee Hume, Bridget Stock, and arriving soon, Eli Evilsizer;

her siblings,
Kari (Chris) Pfab, Galena, IL,
David Osterkamp, Dubuque, IA,
and John Osterkamp, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Kimberly Lembke and Trisha Osterkamp.

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

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

Coletta Schultz

Coletta Schultz (McGrath), of Dubuque, passed away at the age of 92 on Friday May 31st, 2024 at Bethany Home Retirement Center.

Visitation will be from 9:15 am to 10:15 am on Friday June 7th followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Both the visitation and mass will be at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Entombment will be in the Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Coletta was born on February 16th, 1932, in Lattnerville, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Lucas) McGrath. Love brought Merlin “Bud” Schultz and Coletta together in marriage on December 10, 1949 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The pair were known as “Bud” and “Coke”.  They loved to travel and take cruises.  They were best friends until Bud preceded her in death on April 30th, 2013.

Coletta attended Dubuque Senior High School but left before graduating to support her family. She was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for 29 years where she was a proud member of Local #150 until her retirement in 1982. She later worked for Robert’s River Rides. She traveled up the Mississippi River from Biloxi, Mississippi on the maiden voyage of the “Mississippi Belle“, working to get it ready for its tenure in Dubuque.

A devout Catholic, she spent time every day saying prayers, the rosary, and attending mass.  She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the St. Peregrine Prayer Group.

Coletta was a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Dubuque Fighting Saints.  She rooted them on in person whenever she could. Other interests included: listening to the music in the gardens at the Dubuque Arboretum, enjoying a night at the Fireside Dinner Theatre, and taking advantage of all activities she could at Bethany Home Retirement Center.

Coletta is survived by her children, Corey Schultz (Monica) of Davenport, IA, and Mira (Matt) Kukla, of Troy, MI; her son-in-law, Roger Higley of Dubuque, IA; & Laurie Schultz, of Davenport, IA; she was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Coletta loved and was extremely proud of her family and was more than eager to tell everyone all about them and their accomplishments.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Michele Higley, of Dubuque, IA and her son, Colin Schultz, of Hampton, MN. Siblings (and spouses): Ralph (Bernadine) McGrath, Vernon (Eleanor) McGrath, Anna Mae (Albert) Hoist, Brother- in- law, Robert (Phyllis) Schultz, all of Dubuque and Chester (Eunice) McGrath of Cedar Rapids, IA, also passed before Coletta.

Thank you to all who knew, loved, and cared for Coletta. Special thanks to the staff at Bethany Home & Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Coletta’s memory may be made to Bethany Home Retirement Center or Hospice of Dubuque.

Gerald J. Gaul

Gerald James Gaul, 93, of Farley, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 31, 2024, at his home in Farley, Iowa.

Visitation for Gerald will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m., KC rosary at 4 p.m., the American Legion Auxiliary will go through at 7 p.m., and the American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian burial for Gerald will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post# 656.

Gerald was born on July 4, 1930, in rural New Vienna, Iowa, son of Alphonse H. and Regina B. (Fangmann) Gaul.  He received his education in the rural country schools in New Vienna.  He was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War.  Gerald was united in marriage June 12, 1956, to Joan Muller at St. Clement’s Church in Bankston.  The couple farmed in the Bankston area,  where his love of the land was evident in the pleasure he took caring for his farm for thirty-five years until he retired in 1991 at which time they moved to Farley.

Jerry was a proud and humble man with a subtle sense of humor.  He was a generous man with his time, talents and treasures.  He loved time with his family and friends.  He enjoyed a good card game and an occasional trip to the dog track or casino. He took special pride when he and Joan were the longest married couple on the dance floor.  His legacy lives on.

Gerald was a member of the St. Joseph’s parish in Farley, Iowa.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2001, Farley American Legion Post# 656, and New Vienna VFW Post# 7736.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan Gaul of Farley, ten children, Mary Jo (Steve) Scott of Bankston, James Gaul of Dyersville, Julie (Walter) Culbertson of Savanna, IL, Laurie (Mark) Fallon of Dubuque, Kathy (Tom) Ehrlich of  Rickardsville, Dianne (Jeff) Brimeyer of Dubuque, David Gaul and Vicky Gaul both of  Dyersville, Ken (Sandy) Gaul of Iowa City, and Kari (Steve) Avenarius of Dubuque; 29 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Dolores Gaul of Epworth, Jean Kramer of Farley and Mary Ann Kramer of Epworth.

He is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers. Marvin (Germaine) Gaul, Eldon (Helen) Gaul, Virgil (Helen) Gaul, Lawrence Gaul, and Leander Gaul in infancy; two sisters, Eileen (Richard) Hermsen and Laura (Ralph) Meyer; a great grandson, Vincent Jon Bowers; his father and mother-in-law, George and Marcella (Hoefer) Muller; and three brothers-in-law, John Muller, Loras Kramer, and Marvin Kramer.

A video tributed may be viewed, and online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com