Obituaries Archive

Carson T. Sickler

Carson Tyler Sickler, 4 months old, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on July 9th, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. at home.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Carson was born on February 25th, 2023, beloved son of Rachel Frye and Nickolas Sickler and twin brother of Scarlett. Carson was always the cool, calm, and collected one compared to his twin. He was our smiley feller. He loved his swing and was a true mama’s boy. He will forever be our sweet guardian angel.

Carson will forever be a guardian angel to his parents, siblings Rogan, Haven, Holden, and his twin Scarlett, maternal grandparents William and Julie Frye, paternal grandmother Penny Sickler, great grandparents Sandra Matson, Bill and Jana’s Frye, and Jean Gehrke, uncles Jim (Jessica) Frye and Christopher Frye, aunts Emile (Lance) Green, and Carlee springman, and many cousins who loved him very much.

Carson in reunited with his great grandpas Jim Majerus and Orville Matson.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for Scarlett, his twin sister.

Thank you for the tremendous amount of support, donations, cards, kind words, and love we’ve been shown.

Charlotte A. Hansen

Charlotte Ann Hansen (Freiburger), 81, died Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at 10:35am, at Stonehill Health Center.

Family and Friends may visit between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at St Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 St Ambrose St, Dubuque, IA, with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 a.m. with Father Steve Rosonke officiating.  Burial will follow the church services, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 10378 Military Road in Key West, where she will be laid to rest along side her husband Lawrence William “Larry” Hansen. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, oversees arrangements.

She was born on June 24, 1942, in Dubuque, daughter of John F. and Harriet E. (Savary) Freiburger.  She married Larry Hansen on September 30, 1961, at The Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

Charlotte worked in various positions, including; Showcase Coney, Econo Foods, Hy-Vee, and retired from Mercy Hospital, after several years, as a server and cashier.  She enjoyed vacations, taking rides, baking,  gardening, and planting flowers.  She especially loved spending time with her family and going to family gatherings.

Surviving are; children Sherry (Mike) Maas of Peosta, son-in-law James Yoder of Madison, WI, and Dan (Brandy) Hansen of Dubuque.  Five grandchildren; Mindy (Eric) Jenkins, Mandy (Jason) Goedken, Michael (Suzie) Maas, Braydon Hansen, and Ryker Hansen.  She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren; McKayla, Oliver, Emmett, Keegan, and Amelia.  Also surviving is her brother John (Karen) Freiburger, and sisters Helen Freiburger and Mary Freiburger of Dubuque, and sister-in-law Mary Freiburger of Ralla, MO.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Deborah “Deb” Yoder (who she loved very much), her parents, brothers; James Freiburger, William Freiburger, and Charles Freiburger, sister Rose Freiburger, and sister-in-law Mariella Freiburger.

We would also like to thank, and honor, all the medical professionals involved, especially; Dr. Michael Peroski, Dr. Sara Loetscher, and Dr. Stephen Frommelt of Medical Associates, and RN Kristin Schroeder of Hospice of Dubuque.  Along with a special thanks to all the Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque staff involved in Charlotte’s Care.  Your expertise, support, and compassion, for all needs, is so very much appreciated, and will forever be acknowledged in her memory.  This is nowhere near enough … Thank-you!!

Richard J. Medinger

Richard “Rich” J. Medinger 87, of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Mercy One in Dubuque.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Thursday, July 20, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:00 am on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue prior to Mass.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on St. Joseph Bellevue-Sts. Peter Paul Springbrook Facebook Page.

Rich was born November 22, 1935, the son of Bernard and Virginia (Gerardy) Medinger, Sr.  Rich married Gloria M. Kueter on November 27, 1954.  He started with United Telephone Company on April 11, 1955 and retired on January 11, 1993.  Rich then did a variety of things in his retirement including electrical work, and working for City of Bellevue.  Rich could and would fix almost anything for anyone.  He is an Honorary Member of the Bellevue Fire Department, Bellevue Horseman’s Club, lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus 3^rd Degree of Bellevue Council 1354.  Rich cherished his time with his family and enjoyed attending all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s events.  He enjoyed horses, hunting, fishing, camping, and woodworking.  Rich always had a good story to tell.  He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria; children, Mark (Donna) Medinger, Jim (Connie) Medinger, Joan (John) Theisen, Sandy (Stan) Kueter, Chuck (Penny) Medinger, and Cindy (Randy) Blake; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; siblings, Phyllis Yeager, Mary (Dennis) Guenther, Betty (Bill) Meyer; brothers and sisters in-law, Donna Medinger, Phyllis Schwager, Thomas (Mary Lois) Kueter, Joseph (Nancy) Kueter, Martha Rheingans, Dennis (Vicki) Kueter, Sue (Bill) Griebel; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John Medinger; siblings, Bernard “Junior” Medinger, Velma (Les) Benesch, Don (Doris) Medinger; brothers and sisters in-law, Don David, Art Yeager, Wilfred Schwager, Wayne Rheingans, Darla (Stanley) Sturm, and Mary (Allen) Kilburg.

A memorial fund has been established in Rich’s memory.

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

William G. Darrow

William G. “Bill” Darrow, 68, of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, with his beloved wife, Cheryl, by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church, Benton, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be after, in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 21 at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, where there will be a Parish Scripture Service at 2:45 p.m. before the wake. A second visitation will be held from 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Church prior to the church service.

Bill was born on March 15, 1955, the son of William “Bill” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Jansen) Darrow. Bill was the oldest of ten children and grew up on a farm outside of Shullsburg, Wisconsin. As a little boy, his dad lovingly nicknamed him “Tinker” because he loved to build things and to fix anything that was broken. He was united in marriage to  Cheryl Kilcoyne on June 4, 1983, at St. Patrick’s Church in Benton, Wisconsin.

Bill spent many hours working in the garage on various project – he always had just the right tool and knew exactly where it was. He had many hobbies: restoring old trucks and cars, teaching himself how to play electric guitar, and woodworking. Bill always had a great sense of humor, a good answer for every question, and a twinkle in his eye. He was generous and always ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere, with anything. Bill was a kind, loving husband, father, and grandpa; and he loved spending time with his grandkids most of all.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Cheryl; his two daughters, Erin and Beth; his four grandkids, Will, Natalie, Ava, and Max; his nine siblings, Vern, Randy, Wayne, Jeff (Jean), Jim, Joe (Elizabeth), Melody (Fred), Scott, and Darylnn (Nick); many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends; and his dog Maple.

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

In lieu of flowers, a William G. “Bill” Darrow Memorial Fund has been established. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807. 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at UW-Health in Madison, as well as Dr. John Whalen and his team at Grand River Medical Group.

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

Amy Driscoll

Amy Driscoll, 59, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 -10:30 am Monday, July 17, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am.  Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podjajsky will officiate, and Rev. Noah Diehm will concelebrate.

Amy was born on July 30, 1963, in Omaha, NE the daughter of Keith, Sr. and Mary (Walsh) Cornelius.  She attended schools in Nebraska, including a one-room schoolhouse until they moved to Moville, IA and she graduated in 1981, from Woodbury Central High School.  She attended Western Iowa Tech, majoring in Police Science.  In January of 1984 she was hired by the State of Iowa Department of Public Safety, Capitol Police Division.  In 1985, she graduated from the 12th DPS Academy to become a State Peace Officer.  She met Jeff Driscoll at Capitol Police, and they married on May 10, 1986.  In July of 1987, they were assigned to Dyersville, Iowa with the Iowa State Patrol.  In 2007, she transferred to the Division of Criminal Investigation, until retirement in January of 2019.

She enjoyed baking chocolate chip cookies and apple pies, horseback riding, traveling to the Caribbean, and spending time with family and friends.  She also enjoyed watching sports, including Nebraska Volleyball, and simply being outside.

Although they had opportunities to leave Dyersville, they loved the community and passed up those opportunities, choosing to stay in the area.

Survivors include her loving husband of 37 years, Jeff; children: Cara (Joe) Recker of New Vienna, Marissa (Ethan) Brehm of Dyersville and Devon (Becca) Driscoll of Marshalltown; grandchildren: Willow, Wynnie and Ford Recker, and expecting two babies Brehm and Driscoll; mother, Mary Cornelius; siblings: Keith, Jr. (Laura) Cornelius of Council Bluffs, IA, Tina (Kent) Sachau of Humphrey, NE, Kerri (Lynn) Stallbaum of Martinsburg, NE, Julie (Joe) Leekley of Kingsley, IA and Carol (Jim) Millage of Russell, IA; parents-in-law: Tim and Mary Driscoll of Dyersville, sisters-in-law, Julie (Randy) Bauer of Walford, IA and Sheri (Tim) Rice of Lehigh Acres, FL.

She was preceded in death by father, Keith, Sr. and nephew, Bradley Bauer.

Amy was a believer in Catholic education so memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier School, Beckman Catholic High School and Hospice of Dubuque.

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.

Cheryl L. Andresen

Cheryl “Cherie” L. Andresen, 71, of Bernard, Iowa passed away on the early morning of Saturday July 8th, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Per her and the family wishes there will be no funeral or visitation. The family instead wishes for you to remember Cherie and all the good times spent with her.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Cherie was born on June 8th, 1952, in Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Edwin “Ed” and Edna (Forbes) Rauch. She had an older brother Edwin Jr. “Butch” he precedes her in death; and two younger sisters who survive her, Kim and Lisa. She attended and was a graduate of Davenport Central High School class of 1970.  She worked for 30 years at Oscar Mayer as a computer processor before retiring in 2001. It was there that she met the love of her life and future husband, Dave. After retirement, the two moved permanently to Leisure Lake in Bernard, Iowa to enjoy a simple life.

In 1972 Cherie welcomed her daughter who was her pride and joy into the world and then in 2000 her granddaughter Abbie was born who became her best friend, partner in crime and the apple of her eye. That was her girl.

Cherie enjoyed spending time with her girls, whether in person or for hours on end over the phone. She was the best at listening and caring. As a wife, grammie, and mom, she held all the answers. She was a master shopper who lit up any mall from the moment she walked in. She was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan and watched all the football and basketball games passionately with her husband. You could hear her cheers from far across the lake. She loved being with her rescue dog, little Aimee.  And enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows and old reruns from earlier years, and, of course, checking out all the scoop on Facebook.

She is survived by her husband David R. Andresen, daughter Juli R. (Mark A Howard) Andresen-Howard, and granddaughter Abbie L. Howard.

She was proceeded in death by her brother, mother and father, aunt, grandfather and her grandmother, whom she held dear to her heart.

She was a remarkable woman who loved deeply and was deeply loved back and will forever be missed and, in our hearts, forever.

Condolences can be made by sharing a story of Cherie on her Facebook page for her family to cherish forever.

Melvin R. Randolph

Melvin R. Randolph, 92, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

Melvin Robert Randolph was born July 2, 1931 in McCausland, Iowa, to James and Frieda (Klemme) Randolph.  He attended and graduated from Delmar High School in 1949.  He then entered the military serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1954 to 1956.  After receiving an honorable discharge, he married the love of his life, Mabel Singelmann on March 18, 1956 in Delmar, Iowa.  They then started farming the homestead and Melvin also worked construction.

Melvin loved farming, raising livestock, and going to the casino.  He was a member of the Maquoketa Masonic Helion Lodge #36 AF & AM, Camanche Masonic Lodge #60, Clinton Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, Farm Bureau, and the Delmar Methodist Church.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Mabel Randolph of Delmar, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, two brothers, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. The service will begin with a Masonic Service followed by the funeral.  Visitation will be held prior to all services beginning at 10 A.M.  Burial with military honors will be at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Delmar Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar United Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

William L. Kessler

William L. “Bill” Kessler, 87, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 17, 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 2-6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, where there will be a Parish Rosary Service at 1:40 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Monday at the church prior to the service.

Bill was born on February 7, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Louis and Glendoris (Callahan) Kessler. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1954. He then attended Bayless Business College and Loras College. Bill served in the United States Army for three years during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Kathleen M. “Kay” Wedig on May 19, 1956, at St. Peter’s Church in Elk Grove, Wisconsin.

Bill worked at John Deere Tractor Works for 15 years, Metropolitan Life Insurance for six years, and the Insurance Center for 17 years. He was involved at Siegert Funeral Home for six years and ran Cole Acres Golf and Supper Club for one year. Bill was a sales representative for J.P. Vincent Monument for over 50 years and was actively involved in numerous organizations. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus 4^th Degree and Honor Guard, serving as Grand Knight, financial secretary and treasurer for the Knights of Columbus Council 765. He received the Knights of Columbus Medallion Award. Bill was a member of the Galena Elks Club and Apostolate to the Handicapped with the Diocese of Madison for over 50 years. For 20 years, he served on the Cuba City Annual Picnic Committee, the St. Rose Cemetery Committee, and was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. Bill was a member of the Dubuque Businessmen’s Association and Tri-State Area Notre Dame Club, where he served as president. He was a proud member of the Cuba City American Legion, Post 104 and was part of a Veteran’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Above all, Bill loved his family and they loved him. They enjoyed their family vacations and he never missed a sporting or music event for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Kay” Kessler, Cuba City; three daughters, Kim (Kenneth) Heinrichs, Belmont, WI, Kitzie (Marty) Tashner, Cuba City, and Kara (Terry) Rizer, Georgetown; four sons, Kevin (Debbie) Kessler, Lewisville, TX, Chris (Linda Casiano) Kessler, Madison, WI, Kurt (Tiffany) Kessler, Bristow, VA, and Kory (Sue) Kessler, Dubuque, IA; a son-in-law, Ken Engelke, New Glarus, WI; a sister, Mary Lou Powell, Dubuqe, IA; 30 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kellie Engelke; a sister, Glenann (Roger) Slade; a brother-in-law, Jack Powell; and two grandchildren, Blake and Bridget Tashner.

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

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

Thomas H. Mercker

Thomas H. “Thom” Mercker, age 65, of Galena, IL, unexpectedly completed his earthly journey on June 30, 2023, at home.  No public service has been immediately planned by his family, but they intend to have one in Galena to honor his life at an appropriate time in the coming months.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Thom’s family.

Thom was born on August 2, 1957, in Lafayette, IN, the youngest of five boys to Henry J. and Mary C. (Witcher) Mercker.  Thom was naturally gifted with a decisive and divergent mind, a calmness under pressure, and a personal drive that he carried throughout his entire life.  Thankfully, these traits fit quite comfortably with his career of 31 years as an air traffic controller. He spent the majority of those years with his friends and coworkers at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, IL.  Thom thoroughly enjoyed his work and faithfully gave his best until his very last day on the job.  In his free-time, Thom could regularly be found enjoying a nice ride on his Harley when a sunny day arrived, or in recent years, generously sharing his “Jack of All Trades” time and talents with the folks at the Safe Haven Animal Shelter.  Thom also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the V.F.W, the Legion Hall, and the Elk’s Lodge when time allowed.  He found great joy in volunteering and never met a need that he wasn’t willing to address when someone asked.  The world is surely a lesser place today without Thom’s love and friendship walking among us, and thankfully, he leaves behind an abundance of wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him to reflect upon during the more difficult moments ahead.  Thank you, Thom, for being the kind of man those around you needed most and may the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Thom include,

his two children,
Heather Mercker, Minneapolis, MN,
and Travis (Natalie) Mercker, Dayton, OH;

his two grandchildren,
T.J. and Grace Mercker, Dayton, OH:

his four brothers,
Larry (Kathleen) Mercker, Sarasota, FL,
Ed (Mary) Mercker, Boulder City, NV,
Bill (Bobbie) Mercker, Bourbonnais, IL,
and Jim (Paula) Mercker, Port Richie, FL;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thom’s name to the Safe Haven Humane Society, 1471 US 20 West, Elizabeth, IL, 61028.

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

Marjorie E. Granahan

Marjorie E. (Engelhardt) Granahan, 90, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.  Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 10:00 am until service time.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

A celebration of life in Eugene’s and Marjorie’s memory will follow the burial at Potter’s Mill in Bellevue.

Marjorie was born July 10, 1933 in Howard County, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur S. and Mary E. (Olson) Engelhardt.  She married Eugene D. Granahan on October 5, 1957 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Chester, Iowa, he passed on April 24, 2020.  The family lived in the country south of Bellevue from 1970 until moving into town in 1976. Marjorie and Gene did at home day care for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children; Gerry (Pam) Granahan of Loveland, CO, Barbara Schroeder of Bellevue, and Gayle (Kevin) Smith of North Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren, Timothy, Erin, Michael, Christopher (Ashlee Burger), Steven (Jessica), and Timothy (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Jakob, Eloise, Ethan, Levi, and Cameron; brothers and sisters in-law; Dorothy (Patrick) Hurley, Joe, Bill (Karen), Tom, and Don (Donna) Granahan.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Delmar, Abner, Myron, Leo, Howard, Harry, Carl, Arthur, Orville, and Ione.

A memorial fund has been established in Marjorie’s memory.

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

James McNamara

James “Jim/Mac” McNamara, 78, died July 12, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones after a short battle with cancer. Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with the Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating, and Msgr. Jim Miller as concelebrant.  Friends may greet the family from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Saturday at the church.  Private family burial will be held in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Mac was the son of William “Bill” McNamara and Margaret (Kayser) McNamara.  He was born in Independence, Iowa on July 29, 1944.  He graduated from Rowley High School and the University of Iowa.  He worked 45 years at John Deere Dubuque Works as an Engineer.  He ended his career as the Vehicle Electrification Program Manager.  He met Mary Jo Brennan at John Deere.  They were later married at St. Anthony Church.  They were married for 42 years.  He was a faithful husband, father, son, and friend.

Mac was a long-time member of St Anthony Church.  He volunteered on the St. Anthony Parish Council, various committees and as a mass greeter.

Mac was the fifth generation of McNamaras on the family’s Buchanan County farm.  His lifelong love was the farm.

He was an obsessive learner and sought to be an expert on chosen disciplines.  He had a passion for golf and studied all aspects of the sport.  He belonged to multiple local leagues.  In retirement he could be found hitting balls daily at Derby Grange. He enjoyed skiing and being a part of Sundown’s Adult Race League.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; four children, Matthew, Lisa, Luke (Sara), and Jessie; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Jane Ann West and Robert (Patricia) McNamara.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry McNamara; and brother-in-law, Gary West.
Special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their tender care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque and St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Roxann M. Woolf

Roxann Marie Woolf, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Bethany Home Retirement Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, July 17, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Roxann will be 10:00 am Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Chad Woolf officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Roxann was born June 14, 1956, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Carl Henry and Margie June Nauholz. She was a graduate of West Central Community High School in Maynard, IA, and later became a Registered Nurse. On June 18, 1977, she married Gary David Woolf at the American Lutheran Church in Jesup, Iowa.

Roxann worked as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Medical Center and Medical Associates.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, watching movies, and listening to music (with a special love for Kenny Rogers and Engelbert Humperdinck).

Survivors include her son, Jeremy (Wendy) Woolf of Dubuque; one daughter, Krista (Morgan) Carpenter of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren, Cooper and Caplan Woolf, and Lachlan and Callum Carpenter; one brother, Mark (Lori) Nauholz of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Gary, on December 19, 2021.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Bethany Home Retirement Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

A memorial has been established.

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

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

Martin R. Erner

Martin R. (Ron) Erner, 72, of Hanover, IL., formerly of Menominee, IL., passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Ennoble Nursing and Rehab in Dubuque, IA.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish Prayer Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.  There will also be a visitation from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Monday at the Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 17^th at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military honors accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque.

Ron was born on November 20, 1950, at Hazel Green, WI., the son of Melvin W. and Mary Jean (Martin) Erner. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the U. S. Army.

He was formerly employed by Holland Plumbing and Heating of Galena, IL., until his retirement.  Ron was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local # 23 of Rockford, IL, and a member of Van Bibber-Hansen American Legion Post # 148 of Savanna, IL.

Ron loved hunting, fishing, traveling out west to the mountains, ATVing and time spent with his sons and grandchildren.  A great honor for Ron was when he went on the Veteran’s Honor Flight to Washington, D. C. in 2022.

Surviving are two sons, Bill (Abbie) Erner of Asbury, IA., and Chad (Katie) Erner of Hazel Green, WI.; three grandchildren, Joshua, Nathan and Cheyenne Erner; the mother of his children, Sue Schlarman; his siblings, Madonna (Tim) Heller of East Dubuque, Dan Erner (Kathy Hill) of Lena, Melanie (Rod) Wichman of Baileyville, and Michelle (Doug) Wybourn of Lena; two nieces, three nephews; one great-niece, two great-nephews; as well as several close friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mary Jean Erner.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the V. A. Clinic in Freeport, IL, and to the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor Nursing and Rehab in Dubuque, IA for the wonderful care provided for their father.

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

Orben J. Busch

Orben J. Busch, 100, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on Saturday evening, July 8, 2023, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Orben John Busch was born on August 25, 1922 in Jackson County, Iowa to John C.A. and Caroline (Kokemuller) Busch.  He grew up in the Nashville area on the family farm.  He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning an honorable discharge with a Good Conduct medal.

Upon returning home, he farmed in Jackson County and worked at Alcoa and retired from Farmall after many years.  He also delivered the Quad City Times newspaper for many years until the age of 90.  In retirement, he drove for Kimberly Chrysler and picked up cars all over Iowa and Illinois for maintenance service.  He also served as a caretaker of the Busch Cemetery for many years.

He married Dorothy Louise Barger on July 5, 1967 in Rock Island, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on October 23, 2022.

Orben was member of the American Legion Post #729.  He enjoyed family reunions, tinkering with cars and trucks, watching golf, country music, and doing donuts in the parking lot in the snow.

He was well loved by neighbors, friends, and family, and was a kind and gentle man with a beautiful smile.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Marlus (Bud) Pokorny of Davenport, IA, Laurie (Fred) Williams of Amboy, IL, Joe (Paula) Wesenberg of Reynolds, IL, Liz (John) Severns of Hereford, AZ, Dean (Donna) Dick of Davenport, IA, James (Sheila) Kent of Moline, IL, Kevin (Debbie) Busch of Lake Elsinore, CA, and Kit (Rebecca) Busch of Houston, TX; a daughter-in-law, Robbin (Kim’s wife) Busch of Indianapolis, IN; many grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, a son Kim Busch, siblings Leona Westphal, Virtes Busch, Emmett Busch, Darlene Small, and Irene Wyatt, and a great-grandson Colin Breining.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 P.M., Monday, July 17, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial with military honors will be at 2:30 P.M., Monday, at Busch Cemetery, rural Lost Nation, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Orben J. Busch memorial fund has been established.

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

Steve L. Heister

Steve L. Heister, 62, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 10, 2023, at home.

Steve L. Heister was born on May 4, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Morgan and Madonna (Manning) Heister. He was raised by his mother and stepdad Jim Clark. He was a graduate of Maquoketa High School and married Michelle Marie Feller in 1983 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Two children were born to this union, Katie, and Michael.  Michelle and Steve later divorced but remained friends.

Steve was a self-employed mechanic and owned and operated Steve’s Body Shop in Maquoketa for over 40 years.  He enjoyed building and fixing old cars, socializing with friends and family, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his children, Katie (Jason) Dondlinger of Bellevue, IA, and Michael (Ryanne) Heister of Andrew, IA; 5 grandchildren, Jaden, Hailey, Chase, Jaymes, and Chloie; his father, Morgan Heister of Lisbon, IA; and brothers, David Heister of TX, Mike Heister of Zwingle, IA, Doug Clark of TX, and Marty Clark of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Steve’s life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 3 to 5 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A private burial will be held at a later date at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Springbrook, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Steve L. Heister memorial fund has been established.

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