Obituaries Archive

Helen T. Soat

Helen T. (Kuhl) Soat, 92, of Asbury, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating, and Deacon Mike Ellis assisting.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 – 10 a.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Helen was born in East Dubuque, the daughter of Harry C. and Vernie E. (Martin) Kuhl. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1948.

Helen was united in marriage to Elmer J. Soat on June 20, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. Elmer preceded her in death on March 17, 2000.

She was formerly employed in the office of Farley & Loetscher Mfg. Co. Helen was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society. She was an avid card player and enjoyed a good game of bridge.

Helen’s family, especially her grandchildren, were the joy of her life.

Surviving are her children, David (Elaine) Soat and Mary “Toni” (Joe) Burns both of Dubuque, Chuck (Lisa Federspiel) Soat of Peosta, Mimi (Ed) Prenger of Osage Beach, MO, and Nick (Keri) Soat of DeForest, WI; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Ruth MacFarlane of Dubuque, Margaret Duffy of Waterloo, IA, and John (Jackie) Kuhl of LaCrosse, WI; her-in-laws, Victor (Esther) Soat of Menominee, IL, and Dorothy Soat of East Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Vernie; her husband Elmer; a brother, Harry Kuhl, Jr; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Irene Soat, in-laws, Bertilla (Jerry) Westemeier, Gerald “Bud” MacFarlane, Stan Duffy, Merlin (Marlene) Soat and Bernard Soat.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Sr. Judith Dewell, BVM

Sister Judith Dewell, BVM, (John Marie), 81, of Mount Carmel Bluffs Terrace Apartments, 1040 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Judith was an adjunct instructor at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa; a high school music teacher in Des Moines, Iowa; a music instructor at Mundelein College, Chicago; and an associate professor of music at Loyola University, Chicago. She served the BVM congregation as a volunteer in the business offices and as assistant curator and curator.

She was born Aug. 29, 1942, in Clinton, Iowa, to John Albert and Mary Catherine (Dyer) Dewell. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1960, from St. Irenaeus Parish, Clinton, Iowa. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1963, and final vows on Feb. 2, 1968.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Michael Dewell, and sister-in-law Barbara Dewell. She is survived by a brother Robert Dewell, Goodyear, Ariz.; a sister Catherine “Cathy” Dewell, Dubuque, Iowa; a nephew Patrick (Stacy) Dewell, Goodyear, Ariz.; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 63 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

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

Judith A. Hildebrand

Judith “Judy” Ann Hildebrand, 80, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, just hours shy of completing her 81^st trip around the sun.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road., Dubuque. Committal services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Sr. Margaret Ann Kramer will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Judy was born Sept. 5, 1942 in Dubuque, the daughter of Stanley and Mary (Fahey) Danzer. Judy loved her hometown of Dubuque. She grew up a tomboy, playing all sports with her Fahey uncles and cousins, embracing her father’s love of baseball and the Chicago Cubs. For years she played league tennis at Flora Park. Judy attended St. Joseph’s Academy, and was in the first graduating class at Wahlert High School in 1960. In 1963, Judy married Donald Hildebrand, and they had three children. They later divorced. She started her career at Keystone Gelatin Company, where she was a proud union steward.

Judy enjoyed baking (her carrot cake was perfection), and was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Judy valued education as the greatest gift to bestow on others and ensured her children had every opportunity she could muster with modest means. Her impact is evident: All three have advanced degrees.

Judy is survived by her son, Christopher (Julie) Hildebrand, of Madison, WI, and their children, Anna and John Hildebrand; her daughter, Mary Lynn (Allen) Hitz, of Prior Lake, MN, and their children, Jacob and Claire Hitz; her son, Matthew (Katie) Hildebrand, of Barrington, IL, and their children, Aiden, Ella and Gavin Hildebrand; and her sister, Jane (Craig) Albaugh, of Galena, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, 1229 Mount Loretta Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001.

Joseph A. Hrubik

Joseph A. “Joe” Hrubik, age 78, of Earlville, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 17, 2023, at Harmony Care Center in Dubuque, IA.  To honor Joe’s life, a private family burial will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

Joe was born on January 23, 1945, in Ohio, a son to Paul Sr. and Ann (Pavkovic) Hrubik.  He was a good and decent man who took great pride in a strong work ethic and living an honest life.  Joe met and married the love of his life, Shirley Williams, and the couple was blessed with many wonderful years together, and two children of their own.  Sadly, Shirley was called home ahead of him on November 28, 2021.  Their hearts were also broken when their son, Brian Joseph, was also called home on June 12, 1994.  Joe spent his working career as a load limit inspector for the State of Ohio.  They eventually moved to the Earlville area where Joe enjoyed cutting firewood and being with his grandson, Henry by his side.  In his younger years, Joe helped coach Brian’s baseball team for many years, and he was always a Boston Celtics fan who never missed a game whenever possible.  Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and honor which will help to heal the heavy hearts of all who knew and loved him.  Thank you, Joe, for simply being yourself no matter who was in the room and may peace be yours now as you, Shirley, and Brian all gather together for your heavenly reunion.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joe include,

his daughter,
Janice (Don) Bildstein, Earlville, IA;

his grandson,
Henry Bildstein, Earlville, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Shirley A. Hrubik; and his son, Brian J. Hrubik.

Joe’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Harmony, as well as St. Croix Hospice of Strawberry for all of their professional and compassionate care of Joe and his family.

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

Richard P. Sabers

Richard P. Sabers, 74, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 16, 2023, at home.

Family and friends may gather from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Mueller Chapel, Linwood Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded at 10:30 a.m. by the American Legion Post #6. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Richard was born on August 15, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Cecilia (Ruden) Sabers. He is a US Navy Veteran. Richard worked for Eagle Window and Door until retirement. He enjoyed the outdoors including hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his two daughters Stacey and Kimberly; two sisters Sandy Helbing and Nita (Roger) Kremer; two brothers Bill (Judy) Sabers and Steve (Leann) Sabers; one sister-in-law Julie Sabers along with nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Mike, a sister LaVonne and a brother-in-law Harold Helbing.

Russell L. Hibben

Russell LeRoy Hibben, 90, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at MercyOne, Dubuque.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 21, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Pastor MargaretAnne Overstreet officiating. A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., Thursday at the church. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 22 in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Waterloo, Iowa, where Military Honors will be conducted. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Russ was born on October 17, 1932, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Russell E. and Ione (Brown) Hibben.

He met Leona Medders at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo and the two fell in love on horseback. The couple was united in marriage on March 7, 1953.

Russ was employed at Rath Packing Company when he was drafted into the Korean War. He served our country in the United States Army until his honorable discharged in 1954.

In 1985 Russ and Leona moved to Dubuque. Russ worked at the Dubuque Packing Company until his retirement.

After his retirement from Dubuque Packing Co. Russ served countless families as a funeral attendant at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home.

Russ was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge. He served as Worthy Grand Patron for the State of Iowa in 2016.

Russ is survived by his children, Gary (Karen) Hibben of Waterloo, IA, Vicki (Don) Payne of Traer, IA, and Robert (Amy) Hibben of Asbury, IA; 12 grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua Hibben, Jeremy Payne. Vanessa Johnson, Sara and Justin Pittman, Brooke Schrage, Nicole Ryden, Niki Basra, Billy Kafar, Alicia Hibben and Marie Davis; 32 great- grandchildren and 6 great- great grandchildren; and his brother, Jimmie (Joan) Hibben of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Leona; son, Steven; great- grandson, Gabe; and brothers, Richard “Bruce” Hibben, Ronald “Buck” Hibben and Robert “Bob” Hibben.

Memorials may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at MercyOne. Especially the emergency room department and the cardiologist unit.

Ann McClain

Ann McClain, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 17, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Leah Barker officiating. A private family burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Ann was born on January 17th, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond & Gertrude (Winders) Schmerbach. She graduated from Senior High School and was united in marriage to Duane “Wayne” McClain on September 15, 1956.

She started her working career at Sears where she worked for 20 years and then was employed by the Archdiocese of Dubuque until her retirement at age 67.

Some of Ann’s greatest pastimes include gathering for bingo at the KC Hall on Thursday nights.  Along with her husband, she enjoyed playing cards with friends/family and then after her husband’s passing played with her friends in a card club.  She looked forward to her monthly luncheons with her brothers & sisters and also her Friday night dinners out.  She liked to go on bus trips and try her luck at the casino.  She loved life and the people around her.  Ann was very proud of her children & their families.  Her favorite saying was “Love you to the moon & back”.

She is survived by her three children, Ron “Jonesy” (Chris) McClain, Lori (Dennis) Weig of Dubuque, and Carol (Larry) Foht of Benton, WI. 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren & 1 great-great-grandchild.  She is also survived by her brothers Buster (MaryJane) and David (Penny); sisters Rosie (Tex), and Mary; sisters-in-law Sally, Roberta & Betty and brother-in-law Mick and her life-long best friend, Jackie Larkin.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Wayne, son Jerry, daughter Kathy and her husband Brian.  Her sisters, Shirley, Marilyn and her husband Mac, and her brothers Bobby, Kenny & Skip and brother-in-law Ron Walters.

In lieu of flowers, an Ann McClain Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Jennifer Moore and her nurse Emily, and the Cardiac Unit at Mercy One, especially Katie & Tammy.

Isabel A. Lindauer

Isabel A. Lindauer, age 91, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on September 16, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center.  To honor Isabel’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Isabel’s family.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Isabel’s include,

her loving daughter,
Rene (John) Rogerson, Dubuque, IA;

her adored grandchildren,
Zachariah Rogerson, Dubuque, IA,
and Jordan Rogerson, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

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

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

Connie R. Clifton

Connie R. (Harbach) Clifton, 82, of Earlville, most recently of Winterset, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Azria Health-Winterset. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Earlville United Parish. Family will great friends 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Earlville. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to services on September 21 at the church. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Earlville.

Connie was born, July 23, 1941, the daughter of Herman and Wilma (Grapes) Harbach. Along with several siblings, she grew up on her parents’ farm near Delhi, IA and she attended the local public schools graduating from Delhi High School in 1960.

Connie was united in marriage with James R. Clifton, of Earlville, IA, on February 11, 1961. The penurious newlyweds promptly took up residence in Germany where Jim was serving in the US Army. After many months and many memorable adventures, some involving a decrepit automobile, the couple returned home to Iowa. Jim began work with his uncle at the Clifton Funeral Home in Earlville. Eventually Jim and Connie purchased the funeral home and they lived and worked there for the next five decades or so, raising two sons along the way. Connie was an essential partner with Jim at both the funeral home and the Clifton Insurance Agency. She also operated a small business selling Shaklee Home Products for many years.

Throughout her life Connie was deeply involved in her church, the Earlville United Parish (EUP), as well as many civic organizations in Earlville and the surrounding area. She was truly committed to community betterment efforts and she accumulated countless volunteer hours with the Earlville Community Club, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, various Maquoketa Valley School Committees and Booster Clubs, the EUP Church Council and Endowment Committee, P.E.O., Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars and the Regional Hospital Auxiliary.

In her free time Connie enjoyed dancing with Jim (mostly polkas but there was a brief disco phase!), playing piano, flower gardening and china painting. The Christmas tree ornaments she painted are treasured by her children, grandchildren and dozens of friends and acquaintances around Earlville. She also loved a good party and she and Jim hosted many; the annual Christmas Caroling parties and occasional sledding parties were legendary back in the day. And almost every evening with family or friends ended with a game (or twelve) of 500.

Connie’s greatest joy, without a doubt, came from her family, followed closely by her many friends. She was a loving and dedicated mother, interested in whatever her sons were interested in, and she fully supported their endeavors. This resulted in sewing lots of Merit Badges onto Boy Scout shirts, loads and loads of dirty camouflage gear and a freezer full of wild game, purchasing the first (probably) Apple IIe in Earlville, chaperoning rambunctious high school students around Germany and, in due time, wholeheartedly embracing a couple of eventual daughters-in-law. She was equally loving and dedicated to her grandchildren and great grandchild. They fondly remember helping Connie and Jim run the cake walk at the Earlville Independence day celebration, going for ice cream every time their grandparents picked them up from school and singing in church on Christmas Eve with Connie accompanying on the piano. They also thoroughly appreciated Connie’s skills as a cook and a baker. French toast was a particular favorite along with Christmas cookies, which Connie tended to decorate with LOTS of red-hots. As a friend, Connie was kind, generous, loyal and always available for fellowship and fun, especially if it included a trip to Olive Garden.

Connie will be dearly missed by many who will recall her beautiful smile, the twinkle in her eye and her kind heart. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Jim; her sons, Phil (Brenda) Clifton and Curt (Lisa Laxson) Clifton; grandchildren, Rob (Deann) Clifton, Alisan Clifton, and Carli Clifton; a great-granddaughter, Tinsley Clifton; honorary son Mark (Emily) Mier and honorary granddaughter Claire Mier; siblings, Janice (Dr. David) Whittemore, and Sandra (Tom) Strohm; a sister in-law, Carol Harbach; and many extended family members and dear friends. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, an infant sister, Terry Harbach, Harlan Harbach, Wilbur Harbach, Lela (John) Sands, and Karen Wente.

Memorials may be directed to Maquoketa Valley Dollars Scholars in Connie’s memory.

Wayne J. Schmieder

Wayne J. Schmieder, 90, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Church, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, where there will be a Parish Rosary Service at 2:40 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

Wayne was born on March 17, 1933 in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Alvin and Matred (Belken) Schmieder. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1951 and served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Wayne was united in marriage to Marlene L. Peacock on June 9, 1956 at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City.

Wayne operated the Gulf Station from 1960-1961 and then was employed as a mechanic at Ford Motor Company in Cuba City for 17 years. He then worked in the parts department for John Deere Tractor Works in Dubuque. Wayne was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church and Cole Acres. He enjoyed golfing in his youth, fishing, hunting, camping and playing euchre. One of his greatest memories was taking part in a 2011 Military Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Marlene Schmieder, Cuba City; two sons, Patrick Schmieder, Cuba City, and Michael (Cheryl) Schmieder, Platteville, WI; three grandchildren, Derek (Jayln) Schmieder, Todd (fiancée, Charity) Ingraham and Kari (David) Finnigan; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Eunice (Norm) Larkin and Helen (Gordy) Werner; and two brothers, Dick Schmieder and Bill (Cathy) Schmieder. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Whalan and his staff, and St. Croix Hospice for their special care.

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

RoxAnn Boyes

RoxAnn “Roxy” Boyes, aged 78, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on September 16, 2023, in Dubuque, Iowa.

A Visitation, dedicated to celebrating Roxy’s life, will be held on Thursday September 21st, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, followed by a Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. with Monsignor James Miller officiating. Following her service, RoxAnn will continue her giving nature by donating her body to the University of Iowa School of Medicine.

Roxy was born on July 10, 1945, in Durand, WI to Kenneth and Dorothy (DeLong) Bilderback. After spending her youth with her 8 siblings, growing up on the Platte River, she attended both Potosi and Cassville High School.  Roxy joined Doran Kartman Jr, in marriage on August 8, 1963. They lovingly raised their four children on a farm outside of Cassville, before Doran passed away in 1993.

In 2000, while attending a singles dance at Sunset Lanes, Gene Boyes danced his way into moms’ heart and they were united in marriage in Dubuque, IA, on November 3, 2001.  With Gene, she gained six stepchildren, all of whom held a special place in Roxy’s heart.

For many years, Roxy worked at Swiss Colony in both Cassville and Dickeyville, WI.  It was here that she made some of her most cherished friends, making memories and sharing laughs that would last a lifetime.  Roxy loved to share memories of her crazy bowling nights and never met a card game she didn’t like, belonging to numerous card clubs, taking money without regrets from her dearest friends.

Roxy had a gift for making everyone she met feel like family.  No matter who you were, or where you were from, you always had a place at Roxy’s table, and you can bet there would be sandwiches, chips and dip for all.  RoxAnn loved to travel with her family, her favorite memories being made on lakes in Northern Wisconsin with her children and grandchildren.  We love you Mama!  2, 5, 6…and that ain’t enough!!

RoxAnn is survived by her husband, Gene Boyes, her children, Jeff (Darletta Bauer) Kartman, Jeremy Kartman, Jessica (Todd) De Ruyter and Jason (Cindy) Kartman; her treasured grandchildren, Garrett (Emily Stier) Kartman, Andrew (Skyler Christensen) Kartman, Emmett Kartman and Avery De Ruyter; her stepchildren, Mary (Brett) Potter, LuAnne (Steve) Kamentz, Gary Boyes, Lynne (Tom) Clancy, David Boyes, Tom (Jodi) Boyes, and her siblings, Kenneth (Glee) Bilderback, Pam (Bernie) Fecht, Spencer (Wanda) Bilderback, Linda (David) Johnson, and Tim (Donna) Bilderback, and many other special family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doran Kartman, Jr, her parents, her brothers, Gary and Roger Bilderback and her sister, Darlene Clauer.

A special thank you to Brittany Cornwell, who helped make it possible to keep RoxAnn home, Hospice of Dubuque for their support and compassion, and the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

Michael Molitor

Michael “Mike” Molitor, 70, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, due to health issues. A gathering will be held from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born May 2, 1953, in Hazel Green, WI the son of George and Donna Jean (Davis) Molitor. He had a very full and exciting life with demolition derby and stock car racing. But his true love was owning, driving, and restoring classic cars.

He is survived by his wife Sheila, his children, Bryan Fitting, Georgia Molitor, Greg Fitting, Megan Molitor, and Heather Bryan, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, three brothers, Jerry, Tim (Vicky), and Tony, and a brother-in-law, Jon Gabric, and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenny and Donald, and a sister, Donna Jean “DJ”, and a sister-in-law, Sandy.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Sr. Mary Deborah Paige

Sister Mary Deborah Paige, PBVM, 93, died on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, friends may call from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Deborah, daughter of Frederick and Josephine (Boland), was born Patricia Ann Paige on June 19, 1930, in Elkader, Iowa.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Elkader, Iowa, on September 8, 1959, and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1967.

She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts from the University of Iowa and taught business education in Algona, Waukon, Fort Dodge, and Dubuque, all in Iowa. She retired to Mount Loretto in 2000 and celebrated her 60^thJubilee in 2019. Sister Deborah was dedicated to gardening and time spent in adoration. She also enjoyed walking outside, reading, shopping, puzzles and baking. She valued Catholic education, prayer and community service. “My Presentation community is my family – not without contrast but unexpectedly beautiful and strong with bonds of love and loyalty, tradition and faith. They encourage me to live simply, care deeply, love generously, speak kindly and leave the rest to God.”

Surviving are her sister, Jeanette Delozier, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 64 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Clark, and brother-in-laws Donald Clark and Ralph Delozier.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Joanne M. Hagensten

Joanne Marie Hagensten, 60 of Dubuque passed away Wednesday September 13, 2023, at home following a short illness.

Visitation for Joanne will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery Chapel from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 19, 2023, followed by a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in the Cemetery Mausoleum. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Joanne was born on October 16, 1962, in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Dianne (Kurtz) Hagensten. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and later attended NICC where she achieved her Certified Nursing Assistant certification.

She worked at Sunnycrest Manor for many years as a CAN and in Housekeeping, where she made many good friends of her patients and co-workers.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, sitting outside, and watching Jeopardy.

Surviving is her daughter Josie Hagensten, of Dubuque, and her brother David Hagensten, of Texas.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dianne.

Joyce Connors

Joyce (McWilliams) Connors, 77, of Dubuque, died Friday, September 15, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. A private burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Joyce was born May 5, 1946, in Cuba City, WI, the third of five children of Dominic J. and Mary Louise (Richardson) McWilliams. Joyce was a 1964 graduate of Cuba City High School, where she was Senior Class President. She moved to Dubuque when she was 19 years old and worked at John Deere Dubuque Works where she met Tom Connors. They married on June 24, 1967. Joyce was a stay-at-home mom for many years, raising the children, running the household and volunteering at her church, the kids’ school and the Dubuque community. About the time Joyce turned 40 she decided to go to college. She enrolled at Clarke University where she obtained a Bachelor of Psychology. Upon graduation, Joyce was hired to develop a domestic violence prevention program in Galena, IL. A year later she was hired by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque where she provided unplanned pregnancy counseling to teenagers and was promoted to Director of the Adoption Program. In 2004, Joyce was named as the first Director of the newly created Office for Protection of Children. She retired in 2007. In 2001, Joyce was first elected to the Dubuque City Council, representing Ward 3, where she served for 16 years. She prided herself on being a good listener and very approachable. Service to others was always an important component in Joyce’s life; as a volunteer, a counselor, and as an elected official.

Joyce was a member of Cathedral of St. Raphael, Rotary Club of Dubuque, and was inducted to the Dubuque County Democratic Party Hall of Fame. She enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening, and hanging out with her girlfriends. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Tom of Dubuque; her four children and eight grandchildren, Paula (Paul Opperman) Connors of Dubuque; Jill (Rob Reinert) Connors of Dubuque and their children, Cecilia Fernandes, Violet Fernandes, Nicholas Reinert, and Aubrey Reinert; Jennifer C. Hill of Chicago, IL and her son, Parker Hill; and Michael D. (Amy) Connors of Evansville, WI and their children, Hailey Connors, Biz Connors, and Tim Connors; four siblings, Ruth Ann (Bob) Summers of Cuba City, Marie McWilliams of Platteville, WI, Kenneth McWilliams of Cuba City, WI, and James (Donna) McWilliams of Hastings, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dominic McWilliams and Louise and Leonard Rupp; one sister-in-law, Carol McWilliams, and two nephews, Rick Flint and Alan Flint.

Joyce asked that any man reading this obituary please buy flowers for a special woman in his life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the care team at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

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