Obituaries Archive

Kathy A. Shady

Kathy Ann Shady, 63, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Friday June 16, 2023, at Trident Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina surrounded by family.

Kathy Ann Gray was born on November 12, 1959, in Maquoketa Iowa to Richard and Betty (Arterberry) Gray.  She received her education at Maquoketa High School and her CNA and MED training through the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa.  She married Clarence “Bill” Ruff in 1977, and to this union a daughter Jennifer Ruff was born.  Kathy remarried Earl “Butch” Shady on July 16, 1982, and to this union a son Joshua Shady was born.   Butch also had 3 sons from a previous marriage Lohnne, Layne, and Lucas Shady, together they all became a family.

Kathy was a caregiver for over 25 years of her life working in hospitals, nursing homes, home health and private care as well.  She enjoyed what she did in helping people.

In her younger years Kathy enjoyed the country life with her husband Butch while they had made a life together on a small acreage outside of Maquoketa with the children.  She enjoyed trail riding, country dancing, the outdoors, seeing her grandchildren, seeing her friends and family and her fur babies, Chase, Roper and Amigo.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jennifer Moore of North Liberty, IA, Joshua Shady of Boone, IA, Lohnne Shady of Cottageville, SC, Layne Shady of Chillicothe, MO, Lucas (Christy) Shady of Ely, NV; 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl Shady in 2017, mother, father, sister, brother, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Monmouth, IA Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Kathy Ann Shady memorial fund has been established.

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

Fay J. Boekholder

Fay J. Boekholder, 88, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 am Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville where a Memorial Mass will commence at 11 am.  Rev. Gabriel Mensah will officiate.

Fay was born on December 7, 1934, in Freeport, IL.  She married Robert Boekholder on August 31, 1963, in Dubuque.

Fay worked at Xavier Lunchroom for many years and volunteered at MercyOne Senior Care. She was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Chicago Cubs. Her grandchildren were the most important people in her life. She always made sure to have her “grandma candy” in her purse. There was never a stranger that she didn’t have time for. She cherished all relationships she built throughout her life.

Survivors include her children: Margy (Nick) Hellenbrand of Pine Bluff, WI, Jeff Boekholder of Verona, WI, Laurie (John) Arneson of Barneveld, WI and Dave (Amy) Boekholder of Dyersville, grandchildren: Alex (Becky) Syse, Katie (Evan) Fahl and Samantha Hellenbrand, Danielle Boekholder, Tessa (Nathan) Frost, Lindsey Arneson and Brooke (Andrew) Warner, Carter (Jessica) Boekholder, Andrew Boekholder and Bryce Boekholder; great grandchildren: Remy Syse, Brooklynn and Maddox Frost, Cooper and Morgan Warner; in-laws: Theresa Boekholder, Nancy Brooks, Gerald (Judy) Boekholder, John (Barbara) Boekholder, Claire Ann (Randy) Kaiser, Mary Marg Boekholder, Mildred Hodapp, and David (Ann) McLaughlin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother, Catherine Rabe, a sister, Rae Jean (Wes) Bessert,  in-laws: William Boekholder, William Brooks, Catherine Kasch and Fr. Bill McLaughlin.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care provided.

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.

Molly A. Reifsteck

Molly Ann (Schroeder) Reifsteck, 65,  passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, in Freeport, Illinois.

Memorial Service will be 1:00 pm., Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, Iowa.  Family will greet friend’s 12:00 pm (noon) until service time also on Sunday at the funeral home.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Molly was born the daughter of Jim and Peggy Schroeder in Bellevue, Iowa, on October 10, 1957. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1975. Molly married Joel Reifsteck on November 27, 1976. From this union, came their children Robyn and Justyn. Joel was her partner and caregiver for many years towards the end of her life.

Molly dedicated much of her adult life to the care of others. She had many careers over the course of her life. She primarily worked as a certified nursing assistant, working most recently in the home health setting. Previously, she ran an in-home daycare and cared for adults with special needs. She also volunteered as an EMT for both Hanover and Warren EMS, at times with her husband Joel driving the ambulance.

Molly loved her family. She enjoyed learning the goings-on of her loved ones, and reminiscing about her own favorite stories. Molly was especially proud of her three granddaughters.

Molly is survived by her partner Joel Reifsteck; children, Robyn (Mike Easter) Reifsteck and Justyn (Desi) Reifsteck; grandchildren Hope (Dakota) Gutierrez, Ashlyn Enck, and Alyson Reifsteck; siblings Katy (Kurt) Timmerman, Tony (Jayne) Schroeder, and Dan (Julie) Schroeder; several nieces and nephews; and the rest of her extended family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved brother Andy, her parents, and numerous other family members.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for Albrecht Acres. Funds can be directed to Robyn at PO Box 45, McConnell, IL 61050.

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

Daniel F. Bandy

Daniel F. Bandy, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on June 18, 2023, at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. with Father Kevin Goodrich officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery.

Dan was born on March 29, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Donald and Iona (Jellison) Bandy. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1957 and married Susan Gartmann on June 17, 1961 in Dubuque Iowa

Dan worked as a welder at John Deere from 1966 -1998 and was a member of the UAW Local 94.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, wintering in AZ, golfing, woodworking and making cork trivets.

He is survived by hie Wife Susan (Gartmann) Bandy; his children Dan, of Chandler, AZ, Shawna (Brian)  Dojan, of Mounds View MN, and Brian (Monica) Bandy, of Des Moines IA. His grandchildren: Dallas Bandy, Alexis Roberts, Danielle Bandy, Erika Bandy, Kelsey Schromen, and Morgan Bandy. Great grandchildren: Jayden Bandy, Vayda Schromen, Ruzek Schromen, Ella Bandy, James Bandy and Brandie Roberts

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Iona Bandy (Jellison) and his siblings Donald Bandy, Oakley Bandy and Susan Hurst.

In lieu of flowers a Daniel F Bandy memorial fund will be established.

Thank you to all the wonderful healthcare providers at Finley Hospital that cared for Dad in his final days. A special thank-you to his nurse, Dee, that truly was an angel not only to him but our entire family.

Ellen J. Haley

Ellen J. Haley, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Saturday June 17, 2023, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows.

In following Ellen’s wishes, there will be no public services held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting with burial arrangements. The burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Ellen was born on October 3, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter and only child of John and Fay (Benschneider) Haley. She was educated at Wahlert High School (1968) and the University of Northern Iowa (1972). She was lucky enough to have two occupations that she loved: teaching school and operating an independent bookstore. She taught for 35 years at Farley Elementary School which is a part of the Western Dubuque School District. She was also a co-owner of the original River Lights Bookstore at Wacker Plaza. She was also a Past Board Member at Mount Pleasant Home and a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Ellen is survived by many cousins, friends, and her special god children.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Fay.

Thank you to Dr. Ryan Stille, the staff of Grand Meadows including Mandy, Brittaney, Gina, Sherrie, Kim (SW), and Thomas for his great cooking skills!

Memorials may be given to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa in memory of Ellen.

Carol A. Bagge

Carol A. Bagge, 85 of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Accura HealthCare in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Philip Agyei will officiate.

Carol was born on February 24, 1938, in Luxemburg, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Florence (Pitz) Lansing.  She graduated St. Boniface School in New Vienna.

She married Leon Bagge on October 3, 1959, in New Vienna, Iowa.  Together they raised their family and farmed near Petersburg since 1959 and retiring and moved to Dyersville in 1992.  Carol was a member and past president of Christian Mothers since 1970.

Carol enjoyed golfing, bowling, and playing cards with all of her friends. She cherished her time with her grandkids and they loved Grandma’s rice krispie rolls.

Survivors include her children: Ann Chowdhury of Omaha, NE, John Bagge of Petersburg, a daughter-in-law Ronda Bagge of Dyersville, grandchildren: Emily and Ashley Chowdhury, Cooper, Jaxson and Adriahna Bagge, a sister, Myrna Bagge of Dyersville, in-laws: LaVern Moorman of Edgewood, Mary Ellen Hoefler of Lamont, and Tom Jasper of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leon in 2008, one son, Michael in 2009, a son-in-law Ali Chowdhury, two siblings in infancy and a sister, Joan Jasper, in-laws: Alice (Albert) Boeckenstedt, Pearl (Omer) Koelker, Jeanette (Cletus) Tauke, Pricilla Moorman, Jerome (Imogene) Bagge, Daniel Bagge, Mila and Betty Bagge, and Arnold Hoefler.

The family would like to thank the staff at AccuraHealthCare.

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.

Vivian M. Cremer

Vivian M. “Bibby” Cremer, age 94, of Dubuque, passed away at 3:09 p.m., on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Luther Manor surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Vivian’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 2:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  The family would also be thrilled to have anyone who knew Ralph “Junior” Cremer come and share memories and stories about Junior, as when he passed away Covid 19 restrictions kept us from celebrating him properly.

Vivian was born on May 19, 1929, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Clem and Lucille (Hayes) Koppes.

Vivian met her future husband, Ralph “Junior” Cremer Jr. while dancing at Melody Mill.  The couple married on June 21, 1952, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque.  They had a wonderful life together and celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries before Junior passed away on May 12, 2020.  Vivian was a fiercely devoted wife and mom and also worked at Cremer’s Grocery Store for 10 years.  Vivian enjoyed doing embroidery work, traveling to visit family and friends, and was a wiz in the kitchen.  She loved cooking and baking, especially chocolate chip cookies, which she would send to her grandchildren.  She cherished her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy.  Vivian also enjoyed going for walks, listening to Neil Diamond and attending yellow dot sales.  She was a selfless woman who always put the needs of others before her own.  She was a people person to her very core who made friends easily and loved everyone’s children and grandchildren.  She made several friends at Luther Manor and enjoyed getting her hair done weekly. We are deeply saddened at losing Vivian in our daily lives, but take some comfort in knowing that she is now free of the health issues she has faced the past few years.

Those left to cherish Vivian’s memory include

her daughters,
Mary (Al) Slattery, Mustang, OK
and Cathy (Mark) Stone, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Eric (Alicia) Steffen, Danielle (Tom) Klostermann, Luke (Alexandra) Slattery, Adam (Chelsey) Slattery and Levi (Ashley) Stone;

11 great-grandchildren,
Dillion Glew, Lucas Klostermann, Aiden Steffen, Vaughn Slattery, Nora Slattery, Gwendolyn Klostermann, Gillianna Slattery, Grant Slattery, Theo Steffen, Ivy Slattery and Josie Stone;

a son-in-law,
Iver Bryan, Madison, WI;

her siblings,
Donna Lucas, Waukesha, WI,
Judy (Jim) Lang, Dubuque, IA,
Karen (Leon) Burke, Dubuque, IA
and Tom (Mary Jo) Yates, Davenport, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Lucille Koppes;

and her in-laws,
Carol and Gary Schubert
and Sandy and Jim Klinge.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Cremer Jr.; a daughter, Pamela Cremer; a sister, Mary Agnes (Jack) Miller; and 3 brothers, John Joseph, Jimmy and Bobby.

Vivian’s family would like to thank all of her family at Luther Manor for the friendship, care and support they have provided for Vivian.

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

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

Vivian met her future husband, Ralph “Junior” Cremer Jr. while dancing at Melody Mill.  The couple married on June 21, 1952, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque.  They had a wonderful life together and celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries before Junior passed away on May 12, 2020.  Vivian was a fiercely devoted wife and mom and also worked at Cremer’s Grocery Store for 10 years.  Vivian enjoyed doing embroidery work, traveling to visit family and friends, and was a wiz in the kitchen.  She loved cooking and baking, especially chocolate chip cookies, which she would send to her grandchildren.  She cherished her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy.  Vivian also enjoyed going for walks, listening to Neil Diamond and attending yellow dot sales.  She was a selfless woman who always put the needs of others before her own.  She was a people person to her very core who made friends easily and loved everyone’s children and grandchildren.  She made several friends at Luther Manor and enjoyed getting her hair done weekly. We are deeply saddened at losing Vivian in our daily lives, but take some comfort in knowing that she is now free of the health issues she has faced the past few years.

Those left to cherish Vivian’s memory include

her daughters,
Mary (Al) Slattery, Mustang, OK
and Cathy (Mark) Stone, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Eric (Alicia) Steffen, Danielle (Tom) Klostermann, Luke (Alexandra) Slattery, Adam (Chelsey) Slattery and Levi (Ashley) Stone;

11 great-grandchildren,
Dillion Glew, Lucas Klostermann, Aiden Steffen, Vaughn Slattery, Nora Slattery, Gwendolyn Klostermann, Gillianna Slattery, Grant Slattery, Theo Steffen, Ivy Slattery and Josie Stone;

a son-in-law,
Iver Bryan, Madison, WI;

and her siblings,
Donna Lucas, Waukesha, WI,
Judy (Jim) Lang, Dubuque, IA,
Karen (Leon) Burke, Dubuque, IA
and Tom (Mary Jo) Yates, Davenport, IA.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Cremer Jr.; a daughter, Pamela Cremer; a sister, Mary Agnes (Jack) Miller; and 3 brothers, John Joseph, Jimmy and Bobby.

Vivian’s family would like to thank all of her family at Luther Manor for the friendship, care and support they have provided for Vivian.

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

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

Lois A. Kunde

Lois Ann Marie Kunde, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 18, 2023, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Lois Ann Marie Oberman was born on April 24, 1932 in rural Preston, Iowa, to Earl and Viola (Engel) Oberman.  She was a 1949 Preston High School graduate.  She married Harold A. Kunde on January 17, 1952 in Preston, Iowa.  She farmed with her husband until his passing on February 11, 1983.  After his death, she worked at Crestridge Nursing Home, Pacific Coast Feather, Prairie House, and lastly for 24 years at WALMART in Maquoketa.

Lois was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation.  In earlier years, she was active in 4-H both as a member and leader.

Lois is survived by her children, Richard (Sue) Kunde of Baldwin, IA, and Belinda (Steve) Snyder of Miles, IA; 2 grandchildren, Andrew (Janice) Kunde and Spencer (Mickala) Kunde; granddaughter-in-law, Abby Kunde; 4 great-grandchildren, Keenan, Olivia, Samuel, and Lucas; sisters-in-law, Bonnabell Creger and Lulabell (Merwin) Koch; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, infant son Jerry, grandson Jordan Kunde, and a sister Earlene Schultz.

A celebration of Lois’ life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at Carson Celebration of Life in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Burial will be at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Lois Ann Marie Kunde memorial fund has been established.

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

William L. Kohl Jr.

William L. “Butch” Kohl Jr., age 82, of Dubuque, passed peacefully on June 17, 2023, at 6:17 a.m., at Stonehill Care Center Dubuque, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Butch was born on December 12, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William and Eleanor (Mason) Kohl Sr.

Butch worked numerous jobs before settling in at Klauer Mfg., until his retirement.  He enjoyed his time with family and friends, but his most precious thing to do was play his drums and sing with his band the Prairie Ramblers.  Butch also liked to gamble at the casino and play scratch offs.

Butch would later go on to marry two times and produce 5 kids and have 3 step-daughters.

Those left to remember him dearly are:

2 daughters,
Tammy (Jere) Gardner
and Tina (Terry) Kohl, both of Dubuque;

2 sons,
Henry (Francine) Kohl, Texas
and Justin Kohl, Wisconsin;

3 step-daughters,
Jolene, Jill and Janet;

12 grandkids and 17 great-grandkids;

2 brothers,
Donald (Sue) Kohl
and Dennis (Rose) Kohl, both of Dubuque, IA;

a sister,
Janice Smith, Illinois;

and numerous nieces and nephews.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Joseph Kohl; a sister, Judith (Richard) Jacobs; a brother, Tommy Kohl; and 2 brothers-in-law, Charles Smith and Arnold Jaeger.

We’d like to thank the staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all they have done for our father during his last days of his life.

Love you always and forever Dad rest in peace til we meet again.

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

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

Sharon R. Gudenkauf

Sharon R. Gudenkauf, 82 of Dyersville, Iowa was surrounded by family as she was called to her heavenly home on June 17, 2023.

Sharon was born to Raymond (Dick) and Jeanette (Loes) Vorwald on September 15, 1940.  The oldest of six children, she spent her entire life in Dyersville, IA.  She married James Gudenkauf on October 15, 1960, and together they raised their daughter Judy.

A person’s life can be chronicled as a list of roles they held over the years.  But it is what they brought to those roles, and the lives they impacted, that turns the list into a legacy.  Sharon was truly selfless, honestly, it was never “about her.”  This quality made her a natural in her desire to serve her family and others throughout her lifetime.

Sharon developed her work ethic while serving customers at the family restaurant, Dick’s Steak House.  After working in the clothing department at the Emporium for many years, she brought her impeccable seamstress skills to managing their fabric department, eagerly assisting customers in planning their sewing projects.  Despite her lack of formal banking experience, her personality and potential were recognized when she was recruited to work at The Dyersville National Bank.  Her devotion to customers was never more evident than at the time of the bank closure in 1986.  Despite her own fears, she greeted worried customers with comforting reassurance and guided them through the transition to American Trust & Savings Bank.  At that point, her banking career soared in her role as a personal banking officer where she loved her coworkers like family.  Sharon volunteered enthusiastically on committees and boards for several organizations including the Dyersville Area Community Foundation, Mount Hope Cemetery, Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce, multiple Mercy Hospital committees, Federated Women’s Club, and NE Iowa Chapter of Financial Women International.  She loved being part of Real-Life Academy, teaching high school students budgeting and money management skills.  Sharon was humbled when selected as the Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2005.

As a devoted Catholic, Sharon was a true prayer warrior, known to light candles any time a family member was traveling. She was a kind, gentle soul and a best friend to so many who will miss her immensely.  Her family frequently teased her that it took nearly an hour to buy a gallon of milk because she visited with everyone she knew at the store.  As the heart of the family, Sharon loved holidays and took extra measures to make them memorable.  Perhaps most inspiring was the courage with which she faced her cancer diagnosis.  So strong in her faith, she never shed a tear.  Instead, she comforted and humored others until the very end.

Some of Sharon’s happiest memories were centered around time at Lake Delhi.  From picking berries on the Point, to melted  ice cream cones in the car, to Liverpool Rummy games, to friendly visits on their inviting covered porch – all of these put a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face.  Yet nothing was more precious to Sharon than her family.  She loved following the grandchildren’s sporting events, regular phone calls, pictures and especially the family time at the cabin.

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 62 years James, daughter Judy Burkle (Eric Hinz) of Waunakee, WI, grandchildren Libby (Aaron) White of De Pere, WI and Zach Burkle of Green Bay, WI, and great-grandsons Hudson and Bennett White.  She also leaves behind siblings Fred (Judy) Vorwald of Manchester, IA, Donna Sue Vorwald of North Carolina, June (Dan) Platz of Dyersville, Barry (Jo) Vorwald of Florida and Wendy (Steve) Graf of Texas and in-laws Grace Stevens, Marian (Dan) Hoeger, Carol Wegmann, and Janet (Charlie) Prier all of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Neal Burkle, parents-in-law August and Leona Gudenkauf, and brothers-in-law Fred Stevens and Jim Wegmann.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 am Friday prior to the funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville at 10:30 am on Friday June 23, 2023, with burial in St. Francis Cemetery.

If love could have kept her here, she would have lived forever!

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

Mark M. Pabst

Mark M. Pabst, age 62, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 11, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Mark’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mark’s family.

Mark was born on July 25, 1960, in Des Moines, IA, a son to George L. and Beverly J. (Peterson) Beehler.  After high school, Mark went on to honorable serve his nation in the U.S. Army.  He was a drywall installer and finisher by trade and always enjoyed the freedom of being self-employed as well.  In his free-time, Mark was always up for a little trout fishing, especially if he could make some time to bait his hook at his favorite spot in Fountain Springs, IA.  He was also an avid Chicago Bulls fan, and also always enjoyed spending time with his fellow veterans at the Veterans Freedom Center where he could work on his next meticulously detailed woodworking project.  Mark always lived life on his terms and tried to make the most of each day he was given.  We will miss him very much and pray that the Lord will keep him and hold him safely in His grace-filled and loving arms until we all meet again.  Thank you, Mark, for the positive memories you leave behind and may peace now be yours as we face the days ahead without your physical presence within them.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mark include,

his siblings,
Chet Pabst, Indiatlantic, FL,
and Chrystal Pabst, Indiatlantic, FL;

his nieces and nephew,
Nichole Opperman, Kortni Pabst, and Chase Pabst;

his step-daughter,
Libberty (Benjamin) Carr-Hines, Cedar Rapids, IA;

his step-grandchildren,
Raelynne Carr-Hines and Devin Brenke;

along with other extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; and his dear companion, Lynne Carr.

Mark’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Mark and his family.  Your patience and gentleness helped to lift the heavy burden of these difficult days on our hearts and for that we are forever grateful.

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

Lawrence Timpe

Lawrence “Slars” Timpe, 64 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, at Mercy One, Dubuque, IA. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Monday, June 26, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10:30 AM until the time of mass. Friends may call from 1 to 4 PM, Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena.

He was born February 18, 1959, in Cuba City, WI the son of Vincent and Jean (Bahr) Timpe. Larry graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1977. He worked on the family farm and for Leifker Enterprises. Larry’s many years of softball earned him an induction into the Dubuque Fast Fitch Softball Hall of Fame after 41 years of playing and coaching.  He played on numerous local teams and traveled throughout the United States playing in many national events. Larry enjoyed playing euchre with friends and family and in tournaments. He was a member of the Galena Eagles Club and served on the board of the Galena Fire Protection District.

Larry is the proud father of Lucas, brother of Roger (Mary), Judy (Dan) Siegmund, Carol Mullens, Richard, and Cathy (Bob) Spagnoli, and uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sandra Timpe Christ, and a sister-in-law, Sheyanne Timpe.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff, nurses, and doctors at Mercy One Medical Center, Dr. Vandigo, and the Galena EMTs.

The family requests no flowers. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Thomas C. Metz

Thomas Charles “Tom” Metz, 85, of Dubuque, IA passed away on June 15th, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. To honor Tom’s life, a Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Road. Following the mass, family and friends are invited to join in food, music and memories at Tom’s Celebration of Life from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at his home, 2324 Matthew John Drive in Dubuque. The private burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on May 24, 1938 in Dubuque, the son of Herman and Marie (Perleth) Metz. He attended Sacred Heart grade school and graduated from Loras Academy in 1956.

After High School, Tom joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served on the U.S.S. Cambria and the U.S.S. Casa Grande from 1958-1962.

He married the love of his life, Kay Metz, in 1964 at Nativity Church.

Tom was happiest while captaining his boat, the Antina, on the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed traveling, music, Broadway, film, dogs, spending time with family & friends, going to the YMCA, morning coffee with his buddies at Panera, laughing & story-telling, driving his car, and passing out Betty Jane Gremlin bars to every gal in town.

No one enjoyed recounting funny stories more than Tom. He had an uncanny ability to remember every detail and fact about moments and people, even at 85. He never forgot a name and loved to get a rise out of the people he cared about. He always had a smile on his face and went out of his way to say hello to everyone, he was pure sunshine. Tom was one of the most generous and thoughtful people, always giving gifts to those that have helped him and those he loved. We will miss his sharp wit, his humor, his zest for life, his laugh, and his ability to make everyone who crossed his path feel special. He was truly one of a kind.

Surviving are his two adored daughters, Christina “Tina” (Patrick Reyes) Metz Anderson of Davenport, Ia and Andrea (Michelle Peerali) Metz of Los Angeles, Calif.; his grandson, Blake Anderson; his brother, Bill Metz of Tampa, Fl, sister-in-laws, Mary Metz, Jean Finn (Loras) and Ann Gebhart, all of Dubuque, Karen Hansen (Denny) of the Villages, Fl., Mary Fury of Madison, Wis. and Patti Fury of Davenport, Ia; brother-n-laws, Patrick (Rochelle), Thomas and Rick Fury of Dubuque, Bill (Martha) Fury, of San Antonio, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved bride of 52 years, Kay Metz, granddaughter Katie Rose Metz; brother Jim Metz; brother-n-laws, Jim Fury, Jack Fury, Michael Fury and Dave Gebhart; and nieces & nephews, Connie Fury, Justin Fury and Nathan Fury.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Children’s Cancer Connection and Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Tom’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, along with all of our family and friends who have been so compassionate, kind, and patient during these last few years. Your generosity with your time, love and support have truly helped Tom navigate what we now know were his last days and we are forever grateful for each and every one of you.

“I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family – and I don’t think I could ask for anything more than that.” ~ Frank Sinatra

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

Marvin J. Backes

Marvin J. “Marv” Backes, age 77, of Asbury, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at his home.  To honor Marv’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 3:30 p.m.  There will also be visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill before the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, with Rev. Tyler C. Raymond officiating.  Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Marv was born on February 6, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ralph and Mildred (Klein) Backes.

Marv attended grade school in Sherrill, went on to earn his GED and served for 6 months with the National Guard in Fort Lewis Washington.  He was united in marriage to Diane Waller on June 1, 1968, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill.  They had 3 children together before deciding to part ways.  Marv was always a hard worker.  He farmed from 1974-1988, and also worked at the U.S. Post Office for 32 years until his retirement.  Marv always put everyone else before himself.  He made a point to always make time to travel with his family.  They took trips to Disney World, Washington D.C. and several trips to Adventureland Park.  Marv and the kids also went to the stock car races every Sunday night and he was lucky enough to go to a race with all of his favorite dirt drivers in attendance.  Marv loved to work hard and also enjoy life.  He enjoyed playing cards with all of his friends and liked to enter Euchre tournaments.  In his younger days he liked to go boating on the river and more recently snowmobiling in the winter.  Marv was a great example of work life balance and he will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Marvin’s memory include

his children,
Jeff (Tammie) Backes, Evansdale, IA,
Todd (Regina) Backes, Singapore
and Jamie (Miquel) Quintana, Mesa, AZ;

his grandchildren,
Nick, Brandon, Bryan, Brady, Tyler, Starla, Sean, Colin, Zeke, Olivia, Jacob and Rosalind;

2 sisters,
Alice Barth, Dubuque, IA
and Marilyn Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA;

and his former wife,
Diane (Tom) Waterman, Dubuque, IA.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Donna (Bobby) Weber; and 3 brothers-in-law, Lee Boeckenstedt, Melvin Brimeyer and Roger Barth.

Marv’s family would like to thank all of the residents of the Asbury Senior Apartments for their friendship, Marv truly loved living there.

In lieu of flowers family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Marvin’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Marvin Backes Family.

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

Joseph C. Brant

Joseph C. Brant, 67, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church, Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, where there will be a parish scripture wake service at 2:45 p.m.  Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

Joe was born on March 11, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Melvin and Luella (Abing) Brant. He was united in marriage to Debra E. Kane on July 10, 1976, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler.

Joe dedicated his life to farming and family. He continued his family’s legacy, running the family farm where he was born and raised, until health issues forced him to slow down. Joe took pride in all he did.

He was respected by many farmers and was an award winning dairy farmer, earning the title of Top Dairy Farm in Wisconsin for many years. He was an expert craftsman, woodworker, and artist. Joe had a tender, caring heart, and he taught his children to be compassionate and care for others, the land and all its creatures. He appreciated a good prank or joke, especially on April Fool’s Day.

Joe is survived by his wife, Deb Brant, Kieler; two children, Jenni Petersen-Brant and Travis (Sarah Harris) Brant, both of Dubuque, IA; his mother, Luella Brant, Platteville, WI; four siblings, Diane (Kendal) Bruner, Cuba City, WI, Jerry (Jill) Brant, Kieler, Jeff (Jacque) Brant, Cape Coral, FL, and Jay (Sarah) Brant, Platteville, WI; a grandson, Joe Frommelt; and his fur-grandchildren, Rizzo, Manny, Larry, LuLu, Georgia, Claire and George.

He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Brant; a son, Ben Brant; and a son-in-law, Eric Petersen-Brant. 

In lieu of flowers, a Joseph C. Brant Memorial Fund has been established. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807. 

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at UnityPoint Health-Finley, especially Joanna Achanfuo Yeboah; and the emergency room staff at Southwest Health, especially Becky Barth.

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