Obituaries Archive

Daniel J. Kane

Daniel Joseph Kane, 70, of Galena, IL, passed away at home on July 22, 2023.

Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, and after 9:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Family Catholic Church New Melleray with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Daniel was born in Dubuque, Iowa the son Joseph Patrick and Angella Loretta Kane on November 10, 1952.

He grew up farming in the Bernard-Key West area with his father and brothers. Graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1970. Later worked at John Deere of Dubuque followed by farming in Galena then establishing his own business of Dan Kane’s Landscaping in Galena, IL –  Territory area.

Dan was a caring man devoted to his family and his customers he would drop anything for them day or night. He was well known for his comical sayings, he loved to see people smile and laugh. He was very well respected by the business community and his employees, both past and current.

Dan’s passion was his work and building rock walls on his loader truck. Along with spending time with his family, significant other, and especially his grandchildren. In his free time, he always loved tractor pulling with lifelong friends Bill Miller and Ed Eilenfeld, and more recently his daughter Rachel and son-in-law Bob. But most of all Dan was known as kindhearted man known for his hard work, and great stories!

He has three children; Daniel J. Kane, Jr. (Shannon), Jacob R. Kane (Nakita), and Rachel L. Freiburger (Robert). His grandchildren; Daniel III, Mia, Ace, Olivia, Jacob, and Scarlette, and longtime significant other Cheryl Piersall; who he loved dearly and always enjoyed spending time and getting dinner with.

Dan is also survived by Shirley (Glenn) Sieverding, Joyce (Friend, Leon) Haudenshield, Janet Beireis, Marie (Jim) Balk, Marty (Cindy) Kane, Mike (Margie) Kane, Linda (Clarence) Hoftender, Bill (Mary Kay) Kane, and his uncle Tom Kane. Along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Angella; sister Mary Jo; brothers-in-law Jay Kiernan, John Beireis, and Jim Haudenshield; his uncle John Paul Kane, aunts Kaye and Gracie Kane, his nephew Mark Kane, along with many other loved ones.

Paul W. Brehm

Paul W. Brehm, 85, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at Sunnycrest Manor on Monday, July 24th, 2023.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 28th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at Holy Family Church New Melleray, with Mgr. Thomas Toale officiating.  Entombment will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Paul was born on July 6, 1938, in Peosta IA, the son of John and Theresa (Schiessl) Brehm.  He attended school in Peosta and was a member of Holy Family Parish.

Paul spent his younger years helping his brother Bill on the home farm and loved to talk about farming. He resided in Perry, IA for most of his adult years where he delivered pharmaceuticals on his bike. He was a very hard worker and provided for himself financially throughout his life. Paul was always happy, generous, and kind. He loved being with people, sharing a hug or handshake and offering a piece of gum as his simple gift.  Cookies were his favorite treat.

Paul is survived by three sisters; Rita Ernst and Clara Ernst, both of Bellevue, IA, and Kay (John) Gaul of Peosta, IA, and brother-in-law Tom Smith of Caledonia, IL. Many nieces and nephews were also blessed to know and love Uncle Paul. He taught everyone he encountered how to love, laugh, and enjoy the simple things of life.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather William Brehm; his siblings and in-laws, Earl (Esther) Brehm, Marion (Bert) Connolly, Helen (Leo) Steffen, Bill (Ivy) Brehm, Theresa Smith, and Margaret Brehm; and brothers-in-law Anthony Ernst and Lawrence J. Ernst.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Sunnycrest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and concern for Paul.

Timothy J. Ryan

Timothy John Ryan, 60, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:45 pm Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Timothy will be 1:00 pm Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Timmerman officiating.

Timothy was born March 31, 1963, in Dubuque, IA, the son of James Timothy and Rose Marie (Kaiser) Ryan.

Tim was the owner/operator of Grand River Construction. He enjoyed motorcycling, hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. He also really loved his cat, Mya. Tim was also a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous and made great friends there.

Survivors include his mother, Rose Marie Ryan of Dubuque; his sister, Dayna (Rob) Ryan of Lakewood, CO; nephew, Nicholas Ryan; friend, Jody Waechter of Cuba City, WI; aunt, Darlene Ryan; and many cousins and friends.

Tim was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bernard & Saloma Kaiser and Edmund & Callista Ryan; his father; aunts and uncles, Katie (Bob) Campbell, Chuck (Dorothy) Fangman, Ray (Lorraine) Schuster, and Albert Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Mercy ICU nurses, especially, Anna, and Dr. Peroski, Dr. Janes, and Dr. Rodriguez.

Charmin T. Simon

Charmin T. “Char” Simon, 87, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Church of the Nativity.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Char will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Private family burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley at a later date.

Charmin was born October 3, 1935, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Earl and Elizabeth Straub Linden. She married Victor Shappell in 1955 and together they had four children. They later divorced. On May 19, 1978, she married Paul Simon. He died February 9, 1997.

She worked in the business office at Dubuque Internal Medicine where she retired from after 24 years.

She was a member of Church of the Nativity and was part of the Love Holy Trinity Blessed Mission Bible Study Group. She was a very pious woman who devotedly prayed for others. In her younger years, she was valedictorian at her high school and enjoyed pitching softball on several local teams. As a mother and grandmother, she loved spending time with her family and hearing their stories and seeing their photos. The grandkids will always fondly remember her “Happy Birthday Jesus” cakes that she made and brought to every family Christmas gathering.

Survivors include four children, Renee (Gary) Gorman of Dubuque, IA, Paul (Becky) Shappell of Dubuque, Michele (Tom) Ament of Durango, IA, and Victoria (Michael) Kuper of Scotch Grove, IA; step-children, Catherine (Rick) Becker of Dubuque, Randy (Barbara) Simon of Boscobel, WI, David Simon of Dubuque, Lora (Jeff) Roling of Boscobel, WI, and Bill (Sue) Simon of Chandler, AZ; one step-daughter-in-law, Sharon Simon of Sun City, AZ; nine grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Janice (Frederick) Wuertzer of Dubuque; and two brothers, Earl “Pete” (Darlene) Linden and John “Jack” Linden, both of Dubuque.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Robert (Esther) Linden, Donald (Dorothy) Linden, Tom (Ida Marie) Linden, and Delbert Linden, and one sister, Dolores (Carl) Nauman.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family thanks Dr. Hermann, and the nurses and staff of Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their caring 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 Char’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Cyril G. Elsinger

Cyril G. Elsinger, 87, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Cyril will be 10:30 am Saturday, July 29, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville with Father Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Cyril was born April 17, 1936, in Guttenberg, IA, the son of Andrew Bartholomue and Irene (Miller) Elsinger. On May 28, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Rose Kluesner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg. Together they shared a journey of love and companionship for over six decades, before she died December 8, 2018.  He found love again and married his longtime friend, Lois DeSotel-Burr at St. Jude Catholic Church on April 23, 2022, in Cedar Rapids.

Cyril graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Guttenberg. He graduated from Indiana Technical College in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1958.

Cyril worked for John Deere Dubuque Works as a Mechanical Engineer for 30 years, retiring in 1992. During his retirement Cyril worked as a black jack dealer at the Diamond Jo casino and also transported trailers for the Avalon. Cyril was the City Clerk of Rickardsville for 14 years. In recognition for his dedication and fundraising efforts for the Foundation of North American Wild Sheep a Waterhole Project in Arizona was dedicated in his name.

Cyril enjoyed hunting, golfing, camping, playing cards, and homesteading. He also enjoyed spending time maintaining the Rickardsville City Park.

Survivors include his wife, Lois Elsinger; four sons, Dave Elsinger, Bruce (Amie) Elsinger, Jim (Pam) Elsinger, and Mark (April) Elsinger; daughter, Linda (Pedro) Hermon; step-children, Gary (Chris) Burr, Alan (Tracy) Burr, Marcia (Scott) Bell, and Brian (Debra) Burr; 22 grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Tom (Debbie) Elsinger, Joan Saunders, and Lois Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; daughter, Susan Hohmann; brothers, Cyrenus, Andrew, and Frank; sister, Verna; one grandchild; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; any many siblings-in-law.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for all their love and support.

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

Brian M. Traeger

Brian Matthew Traeger, 43, of Granbury, TX, and formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Memorial Services will immediately follow at 12:00p.m.

Brian lived most of his life in Dubuque, attending Hempstead High School, but he also spent a few years in Florida and the past 6 years in Texas.  He worked as a bar or kitchen manager in the restaurant and bar industry, construction, for a couple breweries, and most recently as an irrigation specialist for a landscaping and irrigation company in Granbury.

Brian had a passion for cooking and grilling, and he loved to entertain his family and friends.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan proudly displaying his allegiance everywhere he went, even in Cowboy country.  He also loved his dogs, first his pit bulls (Chino, Lugz, and Bentley) and more recently French bulldogs (Chevelle, Nova, Hemi, and Cuda).  He and Jamie have been breeding French bulldogs the past several years.  In recent years he took up archery and kayaking and made himself into a skillful mechanic, home painter, and carpenter.   He also took up home brewing, sharing his creations with family and friends.

Brian is survived by his wife, Jamie Fransen and her son, Damon; parents, Sharon (Philip) Young of Platteville, WI, and Andy (Madonna) Traeger of Fort Myers, FL and Peosta, IA; sister, Sarah (Zach) Zaffis of Iowa City, IA; step-brother, Cory (Angie) Huntington of Atlanta, GA; step-sister Kelly (Mark) Fassbinder of Dubuque and grandparents, Ken and Shirley Wildes of Hazel Green, WI. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gen and Harold Traeger.

A Brian Traeger Memorial Fund has been established.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Daniel J. Streif

Daniel J. Streif, 80, of Dubuque, passed away on July 21, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Dan was born on October 1, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lloyd M. and Rita Streif. He married the love of his life, Roxanne Bettcher on April 28, 1995.

Dan was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a semi driver, working for the Dubuque Pack, self-employed and retired from Consolidated Freightways. Dan was known for his amazing sense of humor. He had a nickname for everyone and enjoyed making people laugh with his stories and jokes.

Dan is survived by his wife, Roxanne Streif, his daughter, Heather; sister Mary Ann O’Hara; in-laws Rusty (LeiAnne) Bettcher, Randy (Karen) Bettcher, Ron “Whitey” (Mary) Bettcher, Reece (Rachel) Bettcher, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Willie and Darlene Bettcher; siblings Lloyd (Ann) Streif, Beverly DeValera, David Streif, Margaret “Maggie” Weiland, brother-in-law Richard O’Hara and nephew Sam Bettcher.

The family would like to thank Dr. Whalen, Hospice of Dubuque and Patrick Leonard for their wonderful care of Dan.

Thomas L. Larson

Thomas L. “Tom” Larson, age 81, of Dubuque, passed away at 8:58 p.m., on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at MercyOne Dubuque surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Tom’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 6:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Rev. Dennis J. Quint officiating.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6.

Tom was born on March 26, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lee and Ila (Harville) Larson.

Tom graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1960.  Right after school he began serving his country with the U.S. Air Force from 1960 until 1964.  Tom returned to Dubuque and went to work for John Deere Dubuque Works.  He devoted 35 years to the company and ended his career there as a supervisor, retiring in 2000.  Tom was united in marriage to Noreen Hendricks on July 22, 1967, at St. Patrick’s Church.  They were just 2 days away from their 56th wedding anniversary this year.  Tom’s faith and military service were both important aspects of his life.  He was a devoted member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral and the American Legion Dubuque Post 6.  Tom also enjoyed his free time.  He and Noreen were both die hard Iowa Hawkeye fans, attending as many football and basketball games as they could.  They had tailgating down to a science, and Tom always made sure that his special flags were the highest ones on display.  Tom also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, even though Noreen wasn’t a big fan.  She did however love the time they spent camping together as a family.  Tom also liked to go fishing, and in recent years enjoyed meeting up with his friends at Donut Boy to solve all the worlds problems.  His family was always the most important aspect of Tom’s life.  He truly cherished time spent with Noreen, the kids and the grandkids.  Tom was an excellent role model to everyone around him.  He was a devoted family man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include

his wife,
Noreen Larson, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Kris Hall, Dubuque, IA,
Doug (fiancé Ceci Gonzalez) Larson, Las Vegas, NV,
Kara (Tony) Culpepper, Dubuque, IA
and John (Katie) Larson, Dubuque, IA;

11 grandchildren,
Gabrielle, Tre, Mason, Monique, Ariana, Jordan, Piper, Avery, Blayke, Yulissa and Isla;

2 great-grandchildren,
Ace and Kai;

his siblings,
Paul (Landa) Larson, Duluth, GA
and Shirley Sheehan, Dubuque, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Michel Larson, Chandler, AZ;

and his in-laws,
Nancy (Dave) Brauhn, Robins, IA,
Mary Lou (Bob) Johanningmeier, Dubuque, IA,
Patty Hendricks, Dubuque, IA
and Ken Hilby, Menominee, IL.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Robert Larson, Dayle (“Babe”) Larson, Jym Larson, Roy (Noreen) Larson, Mary Sue Kelly, Nancy (Kirk) West; his in-laws, Louis and Lorraine Hendricks; a brother-in-law, Ron Hendricks; and a sister-in-law, Jan Hilby.

Tom’s family would like to thank Dr. Ram, and all of the nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque for all of their compassionate care of Tom.

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

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

David J. Welu

David John Welu, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at Stonehill Communities.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 pm, Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Friday July 28, 2023 at The Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. Following the Mass, burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

David was born on February 19, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Anton Valentine and Catherine Marie (Broell) Welu. He grew up in Dubuque IA and attended Loras Academy and Dubuque Senior High School. As a young man, he worked picking strawberries for Fincel’s and painting at Linwood Cemetery. Duck hunting, fishing and adventures on the Mississippi marked his boyhood exploits.

He married Carole Sue Wilberding on September 7, 1963 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. He began his career hand feeding Star Brewery bags into a printing press at his father’s business, A. Welu & Co. Printing and Bookbinding. He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company and served as a Union Steward for a period of time. For years, he worked first shift building the family business, Welu Printing Company, and second shift at “The Pack” to support the growing company and family.

Dave was an energetic presence in the community with the talent of bookbinding, letterpress printing, die-cutting, salesmanship and philanthropy. He loved the art of “putting ink on paper” and was justifiably proud of his work. Visitors to “the shop” often found him running a printing press and wearing a protective white lab coat with “Dave” stitched on the chest. He quickly earned the moniker “Dr. Dave” which always brought a wry smile to his face. He had an equal love for the many wonderful people he met in the community and counted many of his customers and associates among his closest friends. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, numerous witticisms, and colorful stories. He contributed time, talent and treasure to his favorite charities Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque, Hills and Dales, Church of the Resurrection, and other community organizations. These were more than business relationships; they were organizations and missions in which he truly believed. He was a father to four children who all spent portions of their childhood in the family business. He supported all of them in their different endeavors, and it was a pleasant surprise when his daughter, Julie, joined him in the family business. Grandchildren brought him great joy and it was a blessing that he was here for the recent birth of his first great-grandchild, Brady.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, of 60 years of marriage; three children: Michael J. Welu, of Dubuque, IA, Julie (Stephen) Frommelt, of Dubuque, IA and Jane (Vance) Schollmeyer of Dubuque, IA; seven grandchildren Marcus H. Welu of Washington D.C. and Evan H. Welu of San Diego, CA, Amanda K. Frommelt of Chicago, IL, Nicholas D. Frommelt of Bettendorf, IA, Amber C. (Cory) Miller of Pleasant Hill, IA, Dr. Allison M. Schollmeyer of Osceloa, IA, Emily A. Schollmeyer of Sparta, WI and one great-grandson, and Brady V. Miller; a sister Joan (Doug) McGehe and a brother Richard (Dixie) Welu.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark A. Welu, his sister Janet M. Welu and brother Thomas A. Welu.

We would like to thank the staff at Stonehill Communities and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful and patient care of David.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stonehill Communities, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Child Casket Fund of New Melleray Abbey.

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

Sue Cording

Surrounded by a family who loves her deeply, Sue Cording, 76, of Galena, IL, passed away in her home on July 20, 2023.

Deanna Sue Cording was born in Dubuque, IA to Wilma Ryan Pogeman and Wilbur Pogeman on January 11, 1947. She grew up on the family farm in rural Scales Mound.

On December 28, 1968, Sue married her high school sweetheart, Larry Cording. Together they shared nearly 55 years of love and adventures.

Sue began her teaching career at Galena Elementary School when it was still housed at the old high school on Prospect Street. After two years, she transferred to Galena High School where she taught for 31 years. In addition to traditional English classes, Sue created numerous new classes and activities for the Galena students. Working with Steve Repp, she initiated the annual tradition of having students research Galena history at the Galena Public Library. With Keith Hesselbacher, who taught Science at GHS at the time, she created the Galena River Project. Sue loved her students and was dedicated to giving them the skills that they needed to succeed in life.

After her retirement in 2007, she continued to teach classes at Highland Community College, Northeast Iowa Community College and the University of Dubuque.

In addition to her family and her career, Sue was an active member of our community. She served on the Galena City Council, was a President of the League of Women Voters and a member of the Jo Daviess County Conservation Foundation. She was a founding member of the Galena Writers Guild and the Galena Book Club.

With a strong Christian faith, Sue was active in local churches all of her life. Most recently, she and Larry are members of the Lord Of Love Church in Galena. Sue and all of her family are most grateful to Pastor Robin Luckey who brought so much love and grace to the family in the last months of Sue’s life.

Survivors include her husband Larry Cording of Galena, her son Troy (Becky) Cording of Peshtigo, WI and her daughter Kimberly (Doug) Kuhlman of Allentown, PA, her grandchildren: Alex Cording, Jacob Cording, Aaron (Megan) Kuhlman and Justin Kuhlman, Koral (Kyle) Eddings: great-grandchildren DJ, Averie, and Berkley Eddings; her sisters Cynthia (Bill) Cover of Wildwood, MO and Peggy Stortz of Galena, IL. She is also adored by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-laws Les Stortz and Gary Cording.

A visitation will be held at Lord of Love Church at 219 Summit St. Galena, IL 61036 on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:30 pm and Friday, July 28, 2023 from 9:00 – 10:15 am.  A funeral service will follow at 10:30 am.  Burial will be at St. Johns in Guilford Township.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in her name to Lord of Love Church.

The Miller Funeral Home, of East Dubuque, is serving the family.

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

Johanna M. Ketoff

Johanna Marie Ketoff, 51, of Dubuque, passed away on June 17, 2023, at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Johanna was born on September 7, 1971, in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Leslie Larsen and Ernestine Zwanziger.

Johanna was employed at Sedgwick in Dubuque.

Johanna is survived by her mother Ernie (Paul) Schmitt; her brothers Thor and Carl Larsen; her children Anna (Tyler) Jelinek, Emilee (Lincoln) Ketoff, Austin Ketoff, Olivia (Jeff) Ketoff, Ben (Hope) Ketoff.

She is preceded in death by her father Leslie Larsen and her father and mother in-law George and Barbara Ketoff.

The family would like to thank the staff in the ICU at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital for all of their compassion and care.

Steven H. Ruddy

Steven H. Ruddy, age 74, of Dubuque and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, passed away at 7:41 p.m., on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Harmony Dubuque.  In keeping with Steven’s wishes, private family services will be held.  Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Steve was born on August 19, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Eldon J. and Dorothy (Hilvers) Ruddy.

Steve graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1966.  He went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.  After returning home Steve took a job with the survey crew with the Iowa Department of Transportation.  He would devote 30 years to his work until his well deserved retirement.  Steve was a simple man whose greatest joy was spending time out on the golf course and joining his friends for a drink afterwards.

Those left to cherish Steve’s memory include

his sister,
Jeanne (John) Schneider, Dubuque, IA;

2 nieces,
Michelle (Chuck) Tucker, Dubuque, IA
and Lisa (Kris) Mercer, Kingsland, GA;

his great-nieces and great-nephew,
Kaylee and Elaina Tucker and Collin Mercer;

and a brother-in-law,
Michael “Mike” Becker, Dubuque, IA.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Jane Becker.

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

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

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

Dawn M. Kalmes

Dawn M. Kalmes 43, passed away unexpectedly on July 11th, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. Private burial will be in St. Donatus Cemetery.

She was born on April 12, 1980, in Geneseo, IL to Darrell and Diane (Kutsch) Kalmes. She lived most of her years in Beaver Dam, WI attending special needs programs through the school system until she was 21.  She then attended the SNAP (Special Needs Activities Program at Green Valley Enterprises until she moved to Dubuque on April 12, 2012.  She began her life with Hills and Dales in their DayHab center and then was able to take advantage of their Community Based Services living in an apartment with 2 roommates with 24/7 care.

She didn’t understand a lot of what was going on around her, but she did experience joy in the activities she could attend – including museums, movies – especially Disney musicals, concerts, plays (she went to Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat), swimming, rides in her wheelchair-anywhere just as long as you didn’t stop too long, and being with people.  Her laugh was contagious.  If she started, nobody could resist laughing with her.  She will always be remembered for her farmer (EIEIO), Santa (HO HO HO) and her “growl like a tiger”.

She is survived by her parents, a brother Chad and his wife Lily, nieces Caitlin and Megan; maternal grandparents Bernard (Red) and Adeline Kutsch, and numerous Aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her paternal Grandparents Harold and Marie (Abing) Kalmes, step-grandfather Julien Herrig, aunt Rita Kalmes.

In lieu of flowers and memorabilia items, a memorial fund has been set up for Dawn.  The monetary gifts in her memory will go to Green Valley Enterprises and Hills and Dales to help them continue their missions to assist those with Special Needs.  If you wish to donate directly, you may do so.

Hugs and kisses dearest Dawnie, we know you are safe, happy and healthy in the arms of Our Lord!

Vivian T. Steffen

Vivian T. Steffen, 85, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Vivian was born on April 3, 1938, in Cascade, Iowa, the daughter of Louis and Jessie (Dolphin) Connolly.  She married Donald Steffen on November 19, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Vivian was a quiet woman who was content in all things with a vibrant faith that sustained her through both the easy and hard times during her life’s journey. Vivian was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and sister who deeply loved her family and her Lord.

She worked at The Ertl Company for 30 years. After her retirement, she spent her time praying devoutly, enjoying Hawkeye basketball, puzzles, cooking and baking for others, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children: Doris (Kevin) Metz of Marion, Diane (Pete) Breitbach, Linda Nurre, both of Dubuque, Mark (Lisa) Steffen of Las Vegas, NV, Patrick (Anne) Steffen of Appleton, WI and Brenda (Keith) Hoefler of New Vienna; 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; in-laws: Jean Connolly of Dubuque, Mary Ann Steffen of Asbury, Phyllis Steffen, Nancy Steffen, Mary Kay Shanahan,  all of Dubuque, and David (Eileen) Steffen of Cascade.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don in 2011, granddaughter, Kristi Nurre in 2011; siblings: Verla (Clarence) Lehmann, Msgr. Leon Connolly, Pat Connolly, Vincent Connolly, Janell (Tom) Then, Vivian’s twin sister, Sr. Lillian Connolly R.S.M., Sr. Nancy Connolly R.S.M., Jeremiah Connolly in infancy, in-laws: Leon (Anna Mae), Loras, Elmer, and Kenneth Steffen, and Bernita (Merlin) Kaiser.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Hawkeye Care Center.

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.

Sr. Mary Bernadine Curoe, SVM

Sister Mary Bernadine Curoe, SVM, 92, died on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa

Friends may call at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, on Wednesday, July 26, from 2– 8 p.m. and on Thursday, July 27, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the funeral service following at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Mary Bernadine, daughter of Harold and Naomi (Dahlem), was born on November 20, 1930, in Cascade, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Visitation on August 15, 1948, and professed her perpetual vows on June 15, 1953.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke University and a Master of Arts from Loras College. Sister Bernadine was a teacher at Nativity Elementary School, Academy of the Visitation Elementary School, Wahlert High School and Loras College. She served as director of the counseling center at Loras College and moderator of the Academy of the Visitation Alumnae Association. Sister Bernadine was a past president of the Visitation community. Sister Bernadine had a special gift for greeting people and making them feel welcome. She valued prayer and community service.

Surviving are her sister, Edna Green, her brother Bill (Sheila), her sister-in-law, Monica Curoe, many nieces and nephews and the Sisters of the Visitation, Sisters Patricia Clark, SVM, and Sister Paula Maloy, SVM, with whom she shared her life for 75 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Tom and Jim, and her brother-in-law, Mike Green.

The Behr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of the Visitation Retirement Fund and to the Sister Bernadine Curoe Scholarship Fund at Loras College.