Obituaries Archive

Donna G. Flynn

Donna G. Flynn, 90, of Dubuque died Friday, May 19, 2023.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Friday, June 2, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at St. Anthony Catholic Church where visitation will also be held Saturday, from 9 to 10:15 a.m.  Burial will be in St. John’s-Placid cemetery.

Donna was born December 16,1932 in Dubuque County, daughter of Joseph and Irene (Casey) Urbain.  She was raised in rural Epworth and graduated from the old Epworth High School in 1951. Moving off the farm after high school, she met her future husband, John J. Flynn, dancing at Melody Mills. They married in 1956.

Donna was a wonderful lifelong homemaker who took great pride in the home John built on St. Ambrose St. in 1961. She was a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where she worked in St. Anthony’s school cafeteria for 22 years before her retirement.

She is survived by six children, Mike (Sally) Flynn of Hayden, Co., Terry (Lesley) Flynn of Dubuque, Tom Flynn of Ft. Collins, Co., Jim (Debbie) Flynn of Decorah, Bill (Stephanie) Flynn of Dubuque, and Jenny (Chris) Kelley of Dubuque; 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She is also survived by a son in law, Dennis Viertel; four siblings, Jerome Urbain, Jane Sweeney, Nora (Bruce) Cottrell and Ellen Lindauer; brother in laws, Joe O’Brien and Gus Casaccio; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, in-laws William and Mathilda Flynn, an infant son, a daughter, Debra Viertel; four sisters, JoAnn Adams, Mary Lassance, Elaine Decker, Monica O’Brien; sister in laws, Ruth Urbain, Betty (Flynn) Sobieski, Jeannie (Flynn) Casaccio, Mary Flynn, and Madonna Flynn; brother in laws Dave Lassance, Lloyd Sweeney, Leonard Sobieski, Melvin Flynn; and a daughter in law, Jeanne.

There may be others.  Coming from a large family and making it to 90 years old,……  she was connected to a few people.

Her family would like to thank her lifelong friends, Luther Manor Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque for providing such great care.

A Donna Flynn Memorial Fund has been established.

Lillian R. Thorson

Lillian Rosemary Thorson of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Saturday May 20, 2023.

A visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI at 10:00am. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:30am, Friday June 2, 2023.

She was born to Agnes (Emerson) and Melvin Olson on March 7, 1944.

Lillian retired as a Sales Associate at James Martin Jewelers of Dubuque, IA.

You could always find Lil writing cards, notes and letters.  She always remembered everyone’s celebration days. When there was a get together, you could count on Lil to be getting a card or board game around.

She is survived by her fiancé Chuck McEvoy of 30 years.  Lil’s two children Sam and Stacey Arneson. Her three step daughters. Four sisters and a brother. Five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Memorials can be sent to the Lions Club.

Bruce E. Dean

Bruce E. Dean, age 69, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on May 24, 2023, at 8:50 p.m.  To honor Bruce’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bruce’s family.

Bruce was born on June 18, 1953, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Ralph and Evelyn (Sarazin) Dean.  He grew up with a love for life, family, and his country.  Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971 and went on to honorably serve our nation with the Seabees until his tour was completed in 1976.  He has continued to be a proud and longtime member of the Dubuque V.F.W. Post #9663.  Upon returning stateside, Bruce spent his first few years working in the construction trades, but eventually started his own food truck business, Dean’s Deli Express, which he operated for 28 years before starting the final years of his working career as the Maintenance Coordinator at Luther Manor until his retirement in 2022.  Bruce enjoyed countless activities in his free time as well.  Woodworking and carpentry were among his favorite uses of time and talents, but getting into the great outdoors was where Bruce truly enjoyed spending his quality time.  He was always up for a new adventure and if a little hiking, camping, kayaking, a classic rock concert, or simply an impromptu road trip was on the agenda, Bruce was surely in his happy place.  He and Jody have enjoyed countless trips and adventures together over the years with an abundance of memories left behind to help ease some of the sorrow to be found within the more difficult days ahead.  We will miss Bruce more than he could possibly know and are forever grateful for the years the Lord was gracious enough to share him with us.  Thank you Bruce, for being the man among men when needed most, for being so generous with those around you, and for simply taking one day at a time and reminding us that life only has to be as complicated as we choose to make it.  May the Lord now keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bruce include,

his loving wife and soul-mate of 26 years,
Jody (Ehlers) Dean, Dubuque, IA;

his step-daughter,
Nicole (Kody Klein) Reding, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Roger Dean, Apple River, IL,
Beverly (Chuck) Steffen, Dubuque, IA,
and Ross Hunter, Tucson, AZ;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister-in-law, Kay Dean.

Bruce’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, University of Iowa Healthcare, Finley Hospital and Dr. Mark Liaboe.  Along with a very special thanks to Tim Ede for your friendship, love and endless support.

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

Randall J. Rogers

Randall J. Rogers, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 24th, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Visitation will be on Monday May 29th, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday May 30th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Calvin Konop officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6 and the United States Iowa Army National Guard. A private family inurnment will be at Linwood Cemetery.

Randall was born on July 29th, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Jesse James and Katherine (Paley) Rogers. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He honorably served his country in the Iowa National Guard for six years. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Hense in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on October 30, 2020. He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company and retired from Fairbanks Scales Co.

Randall Rogers was a passionate outdoorsman and a devoted river-rat who loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. His adventures led him to discover hidden treasures through antiquing, always on the lookout for intriguing knickknacks. Classic cars held a special place, as evidenced by the meticulously detailed models that decorated his surroundings. Randall also enjoyed doing puzzles, and spending time with man’s best friends – Duke and Bear.

Randall is survived by his five children James R. Rogers of Dubuque, Keith E. (Darlene) Rogers of Front Royal, Virginia, Michael A. (Mollie) Rogers of Dubuque, Karen M. (Dennis) Vahle of Dubuque, Gary (Emmy Gaulke) Rogers of Dubuque, grandchildren Alva Rose Rogers, Jason Torrance, Megan (Jared) Fecht, Tyler Rogers, Amanda Rogers, Michael Vahle, Patrick Vahle, Connor Vahle, and two great-grandkids and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, parents Jesse James and Katherine, and sister Betty (Joe) Fincel.

A special thank-you to Hawkeye Care Center and nurse Kelli Decker of Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a Randall J. Rogers Memorial Fund has been established.

Ellen F. Steinberg

Ellen F. Steinberg, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2023. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL is assisting the family. Ellen was born on March 16, 1948, to Jayne M. and James A. FitzSimmons in Chicago, IL.

She was an impressive woman. After graduating from Beloit College with an Anthropology degree she went on to earn her masters in Anthropology and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She was an archeological researcher and writer, published countless articles and 4 multi-disciplinary books, appeared with her research on the Discovery Channel, and taught as a visiting professor. She was also a past president of Yonah Hadassah and vice-president and Chicago-area chair of the Society of Women Geographers. As an avid student of life, she shared her world travels with those she loved. Her garden was also a primary passion. As a master gardener and owner of a certified wildlife habitat, she was known to collect moss when away to bring home and place between the bricks and slate on her driveway and yard. She loved her garden almost as much as she loved her children. She raised her children passionately sharing her knowledge and love of learning with them. She established a foreign language program at the children’s elementary school, used her self-taught hand-sewing skills to help Sara’s Brownies troop learn to sew quilts for their cabbage patch dolls, and learned carpentry to help Justin build, paint and race his Boy Scout Pinewood Derby race car.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Jack Prost, and her many loved family members: her children, Sara (Stephen) Collins and Justin Steinberg along with her grandchildren, Owen and Graham Collins, Michael, Sloane and Bridget Steinberg. She is also survived by her siblings, Katherine (Gordon) Jones, Michael (Angela) FitzSimmons, and Margaret Morettini, and her many nieces and nephews. Ellen had a wonderful relationship with her stepchildren, Kimberly Callaway, Jay, Jason and Justin Prost along with their 10 children.

In remembrance of Ellen’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Young Chicago Authors, 1180 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. https://youngchicagoauthors.org/about.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Gary W. Johnson

Retired USMC First Lieutenant Gary Wayne Johnson passed away peacefully in his Galena home on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.

Gary was born on August 18, 1944, in Hardtner, KS.  He was raised by his grandparents on a sprawling cattle ranch where he learned to ride horses, care for animals, and farm the land.  In fact, Gary rode a horse to and from the one-room schoolhouse, he attended through 8th grade.  Gary was a loyal Jayhawk, having played two varsity sports at the University of Kansas until an injury sidelined him for his senior season.  Gary then transferred to Washburn University on an academic scholarship where he graduated cum laude.  Gary then joined the Marine Corps, attended Officers Candidate School, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.  Shortly after a serious knee injury caused his honorable discharge from the Corps, Gary met his future wife, Charlotte, and the pair were married on May 11, 1974, just eight weeks after their first date.  Gary and Charlotte recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.  Gary spent nearly his entire career working for BDI.  Not only did he genuinely love the company and his co-workers, but he was endlessly enthusiastic about his job right up until the end.  Gary was a happy, outgoing, and energetic person who loved sports, enjoyed coaching kids, and provided mentorship to many.  Gary was known for his dedication to his family and especially his dogs, whom his family knew were waiting to welcome him at the pearly gates.

Gary is survived by his wife, Charlotte, his daughter Katherine (John), his son Grant (Carrie), three grandchildren, Graham, Greyson, and Cailyn, two sisters, Janet (Lee d) and Sue (Rocky), and his aunt, Carolyn.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Marie Mitchell and Marvel Johnson, grandparents, T.O. and Eva Alley, two aunts, Betty and Virginia, and Uncle Jack.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Fall for Gary.

The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.   Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Elaine C. Till

Elaine C. (Kilburg) Till, 74, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Mercy One in Dubuque.  Private Celebration of Life will be held.

Local arrangements at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Elaine was born August 5, 1948, the daughter of Albert N. and Mary A. (Reuter) Kilburg.  She married Jerry Till on July 6, 1968 in Bellevue.  Elaine loved helping others and spent much of her adult life working in service related roles in Bellevue and Dubuque.  Elaine most cherished the time spent with her husband, children and grandchildren.  She loved decorating for Christmas and had a Christmas Village collection she enjoyed displaying each holiday season.  Elaine enjoyed sewing, knitting stockings, and playing the accordion.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry; children, Mike (Jodi) Till, Melissa (Kevin) Felderman and Marty (Tammy) Till; grandchildren, Courtney (Josh) Shaw, Hayley Till, Nicole (Matt Dowling) Felderman, Kayla (Adam Mueller) Felderman, Meagan Norton, Tyler Till, Spencer Norton, and Brody Till; and a future great-granddaughter, Shaw; also surviving; 7 siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents.

Special Thank You to Dr. Farooq & staff at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, Dr. Engelman & staff at Mercy Medical Associates Cancer Center, and Mercy One in Dubuque and staff for your loving care of Elaine during this time.

Condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home c/o Elaine Till Family at 100 N. 6^th Street Bellevue, IA  52031.

Any memorials would gladly be accepted and will be directed to HOPE LODGE in Iowa City.

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

Arla J. Beers

Arla Jean Beers, 93, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, May 18, 2023, at The Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Arla Jean Beers was born on November 20, 1929 in Delmar, Iowa, to Fred and Maisie (Mullett) Beers.  She grew up in Delmar and was a graduate of Delmar High School where she was the class valedictorian.  Following high school, she moved to Cedar Rapids and worked for Northwestern Bell as a switchboard operator for many years.

Arla enjoyed genealogy and researching her family tree, scrapbooking, spending time with her family, and going to movies and dinner with her friend Lucille when they were able.

Those left to honor her memory include nieces, Penny (Jerry) Lundeen of Bettendorf, IA and Stephanie Mohr of Des Moines, IA; great nieces and nephews, Phil Alexander of Stanwood, WA, Todd Alexander of Chino Hills, CA, Chris (Elaina) Snowdy of Marysville, WA, Tracy Hart of Stanwood, WA, Jessica Koenen of Laguna Niguel, CA, Jennifer (Dave) Fredericksen of Eldridge, IA, Sarah (Daniel) Kline of Des Moines, IA, Kim (Paul) Rieff of Fairfax, IA, Kathy (Chad) Szabo of Cedar Rapids, IA, Daniel (Melissa) Kolsto of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kris (Jason) Tapken of Cedar Rapids, IA, Rob (Angie) Penningroth of Clarence, IA, Dave (Sandy) Sharon of Des Moines, IA, and Larry Kolsto Cedar Rapids, IA; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Edward Beers, nephew Phil Alexander, and nieces Evelyn Fullmer and Susan Kolsto.

Jean’s love for her family and the kindness and compassion she held for others in her heart will forever be remembered.  We will forever carry her memory close in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.

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

Michelle M. Hamilton

Michelle M. Hamilton, age 58, of Lancaster, WI, completed her earthly journey on May 19, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.  To honor Michelle’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on June 16, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Schreiner Memorial Library, 113 West Elm Street, in Lancaster.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Michelle’s family.

Michelle was born on November 23, 1964, in Prairie Du Chien, WI, a daughter to Dale F. and Mary A. (Ewoldt) O’Brien.  She grew up with a love for family that was never quenched throughout her entire life among us.  Michelle met her soul-mate, Randy L. Hamilton, and the two were united in marriage on March 15, 1986.  They were blessed with four children and many wonderful years together.  In their early years, Michelle enjoyed traveling with Randy in the truck and exploring the southern states together.  Their love grew with each passing years, and even through her long and courageous battle with cancer, Michelle’s love and determination were always on display.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy in life was to have them by her side.  It was quite common to find Michelle sitting on the floor playing intently with the grandbabies whenever they were around.  In her free-time, she enjoyed creating countless sewing, crocheting and knitting projects, but when the opportunity arose to spend a little time in the kitchen baking up some fresh bread, cookies, and cinnamon rolls, she was always ready to treat her family to the delicious treats as well.  Saturdays held a special place in Michelle’s heart as this meant the time had arrived to head out to the garage sales and Quilt Shops looking for that week’s treasures to be hunted down and gathered home.  If a little downtime made it’s way into her busy day, you could be sure to find the Food Network playing in the background.  But, again, Michelle’s greatest joy in this life was ultimately her family.  Visiting with her Mom and sister were perfectly fine ways to spend some quality time and any moment she had those whom she loved and adored nearby was always the best way to fill the day.  We will miss our dear, sweet Michelle moving forward and it’s beyond difficult to imagine life without her love and light shining so brightly within our own lives.  Her legacy of love will undeniably live on through her children and grandchildren and the abundance of beautiful memories will hopefully help to heal our broken hearts in time.  Thank you, Michelle, for reminding us that life is as fragile as it is fleeting, but the moments the Lord is kind enough to grant us are invaluable.  May you find peace now in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior and may our hearts and minds find comfort and healing in time as we await our eternal reunion also.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Michelle include,

her loving husband of 37 years,
Randy Hamilton, Lancaster, WI;

her three adored daughters,
Megan (Everett Butzine) Hamilton, Lancaster, WI,
Jeanie Hamilton, Lancaster, WI,
and Theresa (Colton) Skaggs, Dubuque, IA;

her three precious grandchildren,
Laken Schildgen, Roman Hamilton, and Blye Skaggs;

her siblings,
Pat O’Brien, Shullsburg, WI,
Randy (Laurie) O’Brien, Benton, WI,
and Jolene Simpson, Boscobel, WI;

the damn dogs,
Gracie and Koda;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Michelle was preceded in death by her son, James Randy “J.R.” Hamilton; her grandparents, James (Mae) Cox; and her maternal grandparents, Wilson (Irma) Ewoldt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials, gifts, and other expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to Michelle’s family at 341 E. Cherry St, Lancaster, WI, 53813.  We would like to thank you in advance for your sympathy and care as we establish Michelle’s memorial fund at Royal Bank.

Michelle’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Grant Regional Health Center, and St. Croix Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care of Michelle, and her family.  Your sincere concern, patience, and immeasurable generosity have truly made a difference in this very difficult days and for that we are eternally grateful.

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

Shannon M. Graper

Shannon Marie Graper, 45, of Dubuque, went to the embrace of Jesus on Monday, May 22, 2023, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center with family surrounding her.

Visitation will be Friday, May 26th from 9:30 to 11:15 am with a Celebration of Shannon’s Life at 11:30 am at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Shannon was born November 16, 1977, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Ronal and Ruth Graper. Despite her disability and numerous health issues, Shannon lived a life of adventure in numerous states and in England. Due to the onset of what would become a lifelong battle with mental illness, Shannon moved from England to Dubuque, Iowa to live with her aunt and uncle, Lynn and Ken Helmke, who were able to facilitate increased support services for her. They were a tremendous support throughout her life.

Shannon graduated from Hempstead High School in 1997 and soon after moved into an apartment with agency assistance. She loved boot-scooting/dancing, animals, crafting, praise music, and making cards to express love to others. She treasured family and was most happy when having family time. Hills & Dales staff and friends became Shannon’s second family. Shannon’s faith in Jesus was paramount in her life and was reflected in her love for others as well as daily spending time reading her Bible and journaling. She loved her church family at Hope Church, and part of her legacy is Hope Church’s special needs ministry, SHINE, that was started because of Shannon’s persistence.

Shannon will be remembered by her beautiful smile, frequent hugs, Kings on the Corner card games, and frequent response to compliments with, “I am, aren’t I” or “I do, don’t I”- often while wearing pink or purple.

Survivors include her father, Ronal Graper, Maquoketa; mother, Ruth Graper, Dubuque; grandmother, Ann Philippi, Dubuque; brother, Cory (Jolene) Graper, Rapid City, SD; sisters, Jill (Gustavo) Hernandez, Lubbock, TX, Jessica (Shawn) Hilborn, Dubuque, Elizabeth (Carl) McCoy, Rochester, IL, nieces and nephews: Jasmine, Jordan, Madison, Alathea, Sofia, Ethan, Emma, Ella; and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Shannon was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hills & Dales.

A special thank you to Hills & Dales staff, Dr. Michael Peroski, MercyOne Psychiatry Department, and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Kathy Donath

Kathy Donath, 67, of Dubuque, passed away at home on May 22, 2023.

There will be a celebration of life at Sullivan Pavilion at Asbury Park on June 17, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory in Dubuque assisted the family.

Kathy was born on June 16, 1956, in New Hampton, IA, the daughter of Herbert and Betty Tillman.

She graduated from North Fayette High School and then from Clarke College with a BA in Social Work.

Through the years, Kathy had worked at Econo Foods, Fareway and Menards.

Kathy loved to bake.  Family was also very important to her.  She loved talking to her sisters, especially right after an episode of Survivor or Big Brother.  She loved spending time with her cat Freedom.

Survivors include her son Jasen (Tracy) Otting; daughter Jenny Maser; grandchildren: Ashley (Andre) Otting, Timothy (Shelby) Brand, Bailey Otting, Elijah Hammel; great-grandchildren: Masen Otting and Lacy Henkel.  Also, her beloved cat, Freedom.

Preceding her in death are her parents Herbert and Betty Tillman, her sister Karen Olson, and the father of her children Raymond Otting.

Wendy Jo Hinman

Wendy Jo (Crouse) Hinman, 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away surrounded by her loving family on May 20th, 2023 at UnityPoint Health, St Luke’s in Cedar Rapids.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26th, 2023, with service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Internment will be at a later date at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Wendy was born on December 26, 1958, to Frank Jesse Crouse and Shirley Ann (Novak) Crouse, in Ames, Iowa. She married David Lee Hinman on July 18, 1988, and lived a 34-year loving marriage.

Wendy was a life-long dedicated and talented musician who played french horn. Through her musical career she performed with the Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Muscatine Symphony and Clinton Symphony, The Grand Opera House, Dubuque Chamber Winds, Various Brass and Woodwind Quintets, NISOM, Clark University, Loras University, the University of Dubuque, The Tri State Wind Symphony and The Julien Winds. She served on the board for the Julian Winds for a number of years. She taught French horn to many talented and award winning young French musicians.

Wendy is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, David Hinman, three daughters Ashley (Judd) Billmeyer, of Farley, IA. Courtney (AJ) Leib of Dubuque, IA. Holly Hinman of Dubuque, IA, three beautiful grandchildren Cole, Kamrynn, Freya. She is also survived by three brothers Michael (Eleanor) Crouse of DeKalb, IL, Corbin (Sherri) Crouse of Florida, David (Julie) Crouse of LeClaire, IA; and two Sisters Robyn Crouse, Leigh (Wayne Gurda) Crouse of Dubuque, IA.

She was preceded in Death by her parents Frank and Shirley Crouse.

Special thanks to Kevin and Paul Price-Brenner the Kennel Club and Arts Communities as they were very meaningful to her life.

This life is just a symphony
Each section is a stage
It ebbs and flows,
it crescendos With love,
and pain, and rage
There’s melodies of laughter
That fade away to tears
There’s strings of hope & chaos
And drumlines made of fear
Trumpeters of honesty
Winds of magic change
And a Maestro that directs it all
From the front of every stage
Its woven all together
Like the Fates upon a loom
All the tragedies and triumph
The glory and the gloom
And when the symphony is over
When the final notes are played
With a bow unto the angels
The Musician leaves the stage.

Mandy Kocsis©2020 (modified)

Walter W. McLaughlin

Walter “Wally” W. McLaughlin, 62, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 21st, 2023, from a short battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 25th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 26th, 2023, at the funeral home.

Wally was born on October 14, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of T.J. and Venita (Entringer) McLaughlin. He attended Nativity grade school and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1979. He married his “snow white princess” Cindy Thul on October 14, 1994.

Wally worked hard all his life in the trucking industry. He started his trucking career driving for the Dubuque Pack. He then drove for Swiss Valley Farms where he became a distribution manager. Other companies he worked for include HAB, XPO Logistics, and most recently First Fleet as a driver and driver trainer.

Wally was the go-to guy for many of his trucker friends if they just wanted to talk, needed directions, or help with the computer system. He also liked pranks, practical jokes, and telling stories. If he gave you a nickname, you were a friend for life. He enjoyed his early Sunday morning breakfasts with his buddies, especially when cooked by his good friend Jeff. He rarely missed a Sunday night at his mom’s.

Wally was fiercely proud of his large family, his kids, grandkids, and many nieces and nephews. When his schedule allowed, you could find him cheering them on at their various activities.

Wally is survived by his wife Cindy, children Ryan Kraft, Amy (Tim) Meisenburg, Angie (Jake) Gantenbein, and Molly McLaughlin, his mom Venita McLaughlin, grandkids Carson, Cameron, Chloe, and Cooper Meisenburg, siblings Sheila Brewer, Nola (John) Hinderman, Tom (Jane) McLaughlin, Mary Jane McLaughlin, Sharon (Ed) Busch, John (Barb) McLaughlin, Ellen (Jeff) Reuter, Carol (Dave) Wilson, Marilyn (A.J.) Thoma, Bob (Vicky) McLaughlin, mother-in-law Carole Thul, siblings-in-law Nick Thul, Lisa (Stacie) Thul-Remick, and Tracy (Pat) Connolly, godchildren Jessie Bennett, Heather Busch, and Riley Connolly, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dad T.J. McLaughlin, sister Diane “Ruby” Aurit, grandparents Tom and Helen McLaughlin and Tony and Stella Entringer, father-in-law Dave Thul, and brother-in-law Dave Thul.

We wish to thank Dr. Lawrence Hutchensen for keeping the big guy healthy all these years, as well as Dr. Herman, and Hospice of Dubuque – especially Kristen – for their care in his final days, and his sisters and Amy with their knowledge and tricks to aide in his comfort the last few weeks – especially Shelia, his personal nurse over the years.

In lieu of flowers, a Walter “Wally” W. McLaughlin Memorial Fund has been established.

Gerald A. Kilburg

Helen Carew Steele

In Remembrance of Helen Steele

Helen Carew Steele, age 97, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at home with family by her side.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. David Schatz officiating and Msgr. Richard Funke Concelebrating.  Private entombment will be in St. Joseph Chapel Mausoleum at Mount Olivet Cemetery.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Helen was born on September 29, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, to loving parents, Neil and Mary (Maloy) Carew.  She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She was employed by Medical Associates Dubuque in 1950.

She was united in loving marriage for 49 years with Don T. Patrick Steele, until Don’s passing on December 29, 1998.

Helen lived her life in faith, surrounded by family and friends.  Her home was the center of our family and the place of fond memories for many years. Helen cherished the Plymouth Court neighborhood and enjoyed following neighborhood kids throughout their lives.

Helen had a wonderful community in Dubuque, including St. Columbkille’s Parish and Dubuque Golf and Country Club, where she was active in golf, tennis, and bridge.

Surviving are her children Mary Kay Mickelson of Des Moines, Ellen Steele Allare (Greg Allare) of Phoenix, Arizona, Michael D. Steele (Susan) of Dubuque, and Brigid Ann Steele (Michael Matone) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; and her grandchildren John Mickelson (Brooke) and their children, Jack, Tucker, Hansen and Hunter, Ashley and Danny Steele, Katie Allare (Joe Verburgt), and Gregory (Rachel) Allare and their daughter Violet, and many nieces and nephews throughout the country.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Don T. Patrick and her sons, Timothy Emmett and Pat.  She was also preceded in death by her parents Neil and Mary Carew, and her siblings, Joseph Carew, Margaret Mary Simon, and Alan Carew.

A special thanks to Ann, Danguole, Tall Helen and Hillary.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.