Obituaries Archive

Herb Recker

Herb Recker of Dyersville, Iowa passed away at home surrounded by his family, on January 2nd, 2024 after a courageous eleven month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm, Monday, January 8th, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9-10 am, Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at the funeral home prior to funeral mass. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery.

Herb was a loving husband, father and grandfather; his family was his greatest accomplishment. Survivors include his wife, Mary; sons, Jeff (Gabrielle) of Bellevue and their children Brody, Callie, Grace and Levi; Kevin (Katie) of Satellite Beach, FL and their children Billy and Molly; Nick (Kara) of Coralville and their children Casey, Elliott and Skylar; and Mike (Kim) of Dyersville and their children John, Rachel, Eve and Noah. Siblings: Richard (Mary Ann) of Dyersville; Robert (Kay) of Waterloo; and Rosann (Dave) Buchheit of Dyersville. In laws: Joan Recker of Dyersville; Sr. Janet Stelken PBVM of Dubuque; Linda (Wayne) Vorwald of Farley; Jack Dardis of Farley, Marlene (Dave) Hageman of New Vienna; Joyce (Pat) Portzen of Dyersville; Rick Stelken of Farley; Mark (Janet) Stelken of Dyersville; and Steve (Lynn) Stelken of Bankston. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Hirtz) and Florian Recker; his in-laws, Emil and Marian Stelken; his brothers, Tom in 1971, and Don in 2002; in laws, Bill, Todd, John (in infancy) Stelken, Joanne Dardis and Jolene Stelken.

Herb was born March 2nd, 1953 to Helen (Hirtz) and Florian Recker and grew up in the Sand Springs area. He attended St. Paul’s grade school in Worthington and graduated from Beckman High School in 1971. After graduating, Herb entered the Iowa National Guard where he served six years. At a dance in Dyersville, Herb met the love of his life, Mary Stelken. They would marry on September 13th, 1975 and have 48 years of partnership in love, family and farming. Herb and Mary were blessed with four sons. Herb began farming on the home farm after graduation, eventually purchasing the farm and working the land with his family through his retirement in the fall of 2022. In 1993, Herb began working as a Pioneer Seed Sales Representative. He worked with many farmers on their seed and crop insurance needs over the years, building many positive relationships. He formed Recker Ag Services when his son Mike joined the business. Herb was a faithful man and an active member of the church for his entire life, where he was a Eucharistic minister, usher and a circle coordinator. Herb and Mary were active in their faith through Marriage Encounter and have continued to meet with a special group they called “SOS.” Herb and Mary enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, attending their grandchildren’s many events, touring across the country on their Goldwing motorcycle with a great group of friends, spending time at the Maples on Lake Delhi, traveling and taking Corvette rides. Herb was known for his dry sense of humor, generosity and kindness to others. He was always quick to help anyone in need. He was especially proud of his grandchildren.

The family is especially grateful for all the prayers, thoughts and acts of kindness during this past year. They would also like to thank the staff at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center, including Dr. Morgan-Ihrig, the staff at UIHC and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and assistance during Herb’s illness.

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.

Dean A. Penningroth

Dean A. Penningroth, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on January 1, 2024, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa.

Dean Albert Penningroth was born on February 13, 1961 in Iowa.  He was the son of Ergon Lester and Margery Jean (Scott) Penningroth.  He was a 1980 graduate of Delwood High School and then Kirkwood Community College.

After college, Dean joined his father in the farming operation on the Elwood family farm until his accident in December of 1984.  He also had worked at the Elwood Feed Store for several years.  In 1988, he moved with his parents to a home in Maquoketa.

Dean enjoyed coin and stamp collecting, fishing with friends, and was an avid card player.

Dean’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by cousins, extended family, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  A private burial will be held at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa.

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

Marian L. Saour

Marian L. Saour, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 30, 2023, at Mt. Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque.  To honor Marian’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Marian’s family.

Marian was born on November 3, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, a daughter to James and Eleanor (Zwerner) Snodgrass.  She lived her life with purpose and enjoyed traveling in her younger years as well.  Marian was blessed to be able to spend a few years in Germany and Austria where she eventually started a family of her own and was able to experience and explore the world outside of her comfort zone.  She eventually made her way home and spent some of her working years in California as a vet tech before finally settling in Dubuque in 1993 and beginning her career as a teacher at Holy Ghost Elementary School.  Marian had the heart of a teacher through and through and faithfully carried her love for nurturing children both inside and outside of the classroom.

In her free-time, Marian was quite content to be a homebody primarily.  She enjoyed cooking and always found joy in looking for her next jewelry acquisition.  Online games were also on her favorites list of ways to spend a little downtime and her abilities at solitaire were always being fine tuned and perfected.  We are going to miss Marian with all the fiber of our being.  The absence of her patient and generous heart will truly be felt within the lives of all who knew and loved her, but we also find peace in knowing that her earthly battle with cancer has now subsided and eternal rest can be found.  Thank you, Marian, for continually sharing your expertise with the world around you and may your heavenly reunion with those called home ahead of you be as blessed as we were to have you in our lives.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Marian include,

her two sons,
Thomas (Debbie) Deisenhammer, San Diego, CA,
and James “Jim” (Krista) Saour, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Annabelle Saour and Reid Saour, Dubuque, IA;

her brother,
Bill (Connie) Louis;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Doris Deisenhammer.

Marian’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Mt. Carmel Bluffs and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Marcella M. Konzen

Marcella M. Konzen, 91, of Dubuque, passed away January 1, 2024.

Marcella donated her body to the University of Iowa for Medical Research. There will be no public services.

Marcella was born on January 19, 1932, to Nicholas and Mathilda (Freiburger) Weber in Rockdale, Iowa.

She attended St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Academy.

In her teenage years, Marcella worked as a meat butcher at Tannenbaum Grocery in Dubuque.

On August 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Louis Konzen at St. Rapheal Cathedral.

Marcella and Louis owned and operated a dairy farm for 15 years. In her younger years she was a very hard-working farm wife, doing everything from farm chores to raising her five children. After selling the farm, the family moved to Dubuque where Marcella became a wonderful homemaker. Raising her five children was a full-time job. She loved to cook and was an excellent pie baker.

After raising her children, she was a compassionate caregiver for two elderly individuals.

Marcella loved playing euchre, doing puzzles, gambling, going on casino trips and bus trips, and travelling. She cherished time spent on family vacations.

She was a very strong and independent woman-living in her home and caring for herself until the age of 91.

Marcella is survived by her children, Pamela Roth of TX, Patrick Konzen (significant other Ann)  of Dubuque, Paul Konzen of CA, and Penny (Mike) Matthews of TN; a daughter-in-law, Janet Konzen of Dubuque. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Philip Konzen; granddaughter, Angela Konzen; son-in-law, Steve Roth. She is also preceded in death by her siblings.

Her family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care given to Marcella. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Ronald G. Hellweg

Ronald G. Hellweg, of Monmouth, Iowa, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2023, at the age of 78 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Born on December 10, 1945, in Clinton, Iowa, to Gustav and Evelyn (Mangelsen) Hellweg, Ronald’s life was one marked by dedication, love, and a zest for the great outdoors.

Ronald, affectionately known as Ron to his friends and family, was a graduate of Camanche High School, class of 1963. His commitment to lifelong learning and growth was evident from his early years. On December 24, 1980, he married the love of his life, Barbara Schroeder Woods, in a heartwarming ceremony in Clinton, Iowa. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Ronald’s professional life was as impressive as his personal one. In the mid 1960’s, he embarked on a career with Clinton Corn Processing, which later became known as ADM. His hard work, dedication, and leadership did not go unnoticed, and he retired as a superintendent after 40 plus years of service in 2007. His work ethic and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on all who worked alongside him.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ronald was an avid outdoorsman who embraced every opportunity to be in nature. He was a passionate hunter and cherished the times he spent deer and turkey hunting with his best friend, Jim Foley. His love for the outdoors extended to his role as a Master Gardener, along with his wife, where he found joy in tending to plants and watching them grow. Fishing was another of his favorite pastimes, along with cheering on his favorite football teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Iowa Hawkeyes.

In 2008, Ronald and Barbara realized their dream by building and moving into their dream home in rural Monmouth. This home became a haven for family gatherings, a testament to Ronald’s loving nature and his desire to create a warm and welcoming space for his loved ones.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Barbara Hellweg of Monmouth, IA; 2 stepchildren, 2 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Dar) Hellweg of Camanche, IA, and Donald Hellweg of Fulton, IL; and sisters, Donna (Gary) Jackson of Camanche, IA, Shirley (Marv) Goble of Mesa, AZ, Connie (Jim) Bower of Camanche, IA, Bonnie Greenwood of Prophetstown, IL, and Kathy (Nathan) Vanderslice of IN.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald G. Hellweg memorial fund has been established with donations to be used to support a future charity.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to leave notes of condolence, and words of comfort and support on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

William L. Kruse

William (Willie) L. Kruse, of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023 at his home.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m., prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will commence at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Burial will follow at Guttenberg City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Deacon Mike Timmerman will officiate.

Bill was born on April 8, 1943 in Garber, Iowa, the son of William and Mildred (Hammond) Kruse.  He married Janet (Torrey) on October 18, 1969 at St. John’s Church in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Willie was a proud veteran who served his country with the Army in the Vietnam War as a combat engineer. He held a variety of jobs in various local factories until he started working for the City of Guttenberg mainly as a custodian/maintenance man in the Municipal Building. He held this job for many years until he retired. He was a member of the Guttenberg Eagles Club where he spent his time playing cards and meeting old and new friends. He never met a stranger, just a friend that he hadn’t met yet. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed spending time at Lakeside Ballroom, fishing, hunting mushrooms and ginseng, and playing cards.  One recent highlight in his life was having the opportunity to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2022 with his son, Brad.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Janet; three children:  Brad (Amy) Kruse of Asbury, Brian (Kathy) Kruse of Nashville, TN, and Joann (Jason) Sims of Urbandale; five grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sophia, Jade, Brexton, and Trey; sisters: Dorothy Hansel, Maxine Kruger, and Kay Bolsinger; in-laws: Harvey (Karen) Torrey, Cheryl Torrey, Dianne Torrey, Merlin (Judy) Torrey, Lyle (Marie) Torrey, Kevin (Diane Torrey) and Bob (Kathy) Torrey.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Gracie and Harold Torrey; brother, Irvin Kruse; brothers-in-law: Loen (Jump) Hansel, Clair Kruger, Jimmy Bolsinger, Roger Torrey, Gary Torrey, and Steven Torrey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in care of Janet Kruse.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, the University of Iowa Hospital, and Care Initiatives Hospice staff Angie, Mike, Vicki, Tiffany, and especially, Trisha.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com.  Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Marcia McKenna

Marcia McKenna, 66, of rural Otter Creek passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 3, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

She dearly loved her family, her wonderful husband of 45 years, Dick McKenna, her children, Joe (Brenda) McKenna of Dubuque, Molly McKenna (deceased), Buffy (Tim) Butson of Oconomowoc, WI and Dave McKenna of Otter Creek.

Marcia also truly loved her five grandkids including Madisyn and Mason McKenna, Brooklyn, Kirby, and Hennepen Butson.

She had worked as a medical transcriptionist since the age of 17, working for 13 years at Medical Associates and 21 years at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Marcia loved being with her husband working on their farm and was always willing to lend a hand any time that she needed to.

Private graveside services will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Otter Creek.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Dolly and Don Slaats of La Motte, her daughter, Molly McKenna as a result of a brain aneurysm, her mother and father-in-law Rosemary and Don McKenna of Otter Creek.

Survivors include her husband, children Joe, Buffy, and Dave McKenna, brother Ed Slaats, sister Elaine Haberkorn, brothers-in-law Jim (Woody) McKenna, John (Kim) McKenna, sister-in-law Kathleen (Ken) Aureden.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Whalen and Dr. Engleman for their care.

Laura A. Sujak

Laura Ann (Reilly) Sujak beloved wife, sister, daughter, and friend was unexpectedly called home on December 30, 2023. In celebration of Laura’s life, family and friends may visit from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday January 6, 2024, at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one half mile east of Randall Rd.), Algonquin, Illinois where there will be a blessing at 3pm. An additional celebration of life will be held in Dubuque, Iowa at a later date.

She was born in Dubuque, Iowa on July 6, 1968, the loving daughter of James P. and Kathleen (Cook) Reilly. Laura attended Resurrection Elementary and graduated from Hempstead High School in 1986, both in Dubuque, Iowa. She furthered her education and graduated from Hawkeye Community College to become a Registered Dental Hygienist. A dream she always followed. She married the love of her life Daniel Sujak on her favorite day of the year July 6th in 2014 which also happened to be her birthday.

As a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, she received many awards throughout her career. Her most accomplished reward was reaching Mastery Level in the Hygiene Director’s Club that she worked hard for and won every year.  Laura loved working at Advanced Dentistry where she considered her co-workers and patients as family.

She was the most genuine, kindhearted, compassionate woman with a heart of gold that would help anyone in need without asking for anything in return.  Laura had the most beautiful sparkling blue eyes, as bright as the skies above, and a smile that would light up any room. She loved unconditionally, always knew the right thing to say and was your number one fan and supporter. She loved singing karaoke, shopping, traveling, hot tubbing, spending time with family and friends and of course her “Chichi’s”.

Those left to carry on her memory are her loving husband, Daniel R. Sujak; her father, James P. Reilly; her brothers, Kevin Reilly, and James (Grace) Reilly; her goddaughter, Jenna Mauer and best friend, Lisa (Shurts) Mueller. She is also survived by her many loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews and her beloved “fur babies” Cortez & Remi.

Laura was preceded in death by her loving mother, Kathleen (Kay) Reilly; grandparents James and Lucille Cook and Ray and Monica Reilly; mother-in-law Mary Sujak and father-in-law Edmund Sujak.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Laura to your local Humane Society. Additional info: www.willowfh.com. or 847-458-1700.

Norma J. Freese

Norma Jean Freese, 75, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Norma will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Norma was born October 1, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of George and Clara (Leppert) Freese. Norma worked as a private duty nurse’s aide.

Survivors include her three brothers, Robert (Vicky) Freese of Forest City, NC; Leon Freese of Dubuque; and George K. Freese of Guam.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Michelle and Diane.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Norma’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Sharon M. Manternach

Sharon M. Manternach, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on December 25th, 2023, at Luther Manor.

According to her wishes, a private family burial will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Sharon was born on May 8th, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Mathias and Matilda (Faber) Manternach. She worked at the former Interstate Power Company in the accounting department. Sharon loved dogs, but more than anything loved being an aunt.

Sharon is survived by her sisters Carlyn Sellner and Judy Puetz, and several nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, sister Janaan (David) Funke, brother Irvin Manternach, brother-in-law Jim Sellner, niece Janita Sellner, and nephew Dean Funke.

Thank you to the nurses and staff of Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

Eleanor Nunez

Eleanor (Kohn) Nunez, 92, of Dubuque, died on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at home surrounded by her two sons Randy and Robert.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday December 28th, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Tom McDermott officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family. The Mass will be livestreamed and will be available for viewing on the funeral home’s facebook page.

Eleanor was born on February 24, 1931, to Charles “Cooper” and Adaline (Carey) Kohn in Hazel Green, WI. She attended grade and high school in Hazel Green. Later she attended Bayless Business School in Dubuque, IA. She worked at the Hazel Green Hospital before moving to Colorado Springs, CO, and continued to work at El Paso Associates. It was there that she met Richard Nunez and they married at St Francis de Sales Church in Hazel Green on April 30, 1955.

They had two sons, Randy and Robert, and the four of them traveled west every summer, usually between Colorado and California. Richard and Eleanor traveled along the Mississippi River and enjoyed the vistas from Eagle Point Park, her last time this fall.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, brother and sister in-law Paul and Dorie Kohn, and in-laws Raphael and Soledad Nunez. She is survived by her sons Randy of Bettendorf, IA, and Robert, now of Dubuque.

The Nunez family is grateful to Andrea Ries MD, for providing excellent medical care for many years and Hospice of Dubuque for providing wonderful care and comfort to Eleanor and her sons at the end of her life.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque or the family for later charity donation.

John M. Denlinger

John M. Denlinger, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Balltown, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease, with his son Steve by his side.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 4th, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

John was born on April 20, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Carlyn and Marie (Gansen) Denlinger. He graduated from Wahlert High School where he met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Rolwes of Balltown, Iowa and they became Wahlert High School sweethearts. He married Ruth on June 30, 1964.

Together they farmed on the Rolwes family farm in Balltown for over 50 years along with their son Steve. John was a long-time member of Saint Francis Church Balltown before joining Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque in 1996. He was also very dedicated to the Balltown Lions Club where he received several awards of recognition for his service. In 1975, John was awarded Dubuque County Outstanding Pork Producer of the Year followed by the Iowa Master Pork Producer Award in 1976, as well as the Dubuque County Cattlemen Hall of Fame in 2006.

John was a very hard-working individual but still found time to go on evening river excursions with his good friends from Waupeton, Balltown and around the area. He was loved and respected and will be sadly missed by all.

John is survived by his son Steve Denlinger of Balltown, son-in-law Jim Kauffmann of Dubuque, daughter-in-law Sandy Denlinger of Holy Cross, grandchildren Jason and Alex Kauffmann, Nicole (Michael) Colson and Kelli (Halston Southwick) Denlinger, two great grandchildren Grayson and Landon Colson, siblings Marilyn Bergfeld, LouAnn Weber, and Gladys Wernimont, brother-in-law Gib Clemen, as well as many nieces and nephews, and special friends Shirley Koltes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth Ann on July 29, 2016, daughter Linda Kauffmann on July 26, 2010, and son Dale Denlinger on October 5, 2017, brother Clair Denlinger, sister Carol Clemen, brothers-in-law Ralph Bergfeld, Milton Weber, Charlie Wernimont, Bernard Riniker, Ray Tigges, and sisters-in-law Rita Mae Riniker and Rosemary Tigges.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Stonehill Health Center for their outstanding professional services and care given to John.

Peter V. Ruiz

Peter Virgil Ruiz, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully, with family by his side on December 25, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3650 Asbury Rd Dubuque, Iowa.

Peter Virgil Ruiz was born February 9, 1930 in Waterloo Iowa to parents, Peter B Ruiz and Esther H V Bucholz. Peter married Verona Smith on June 23, 1948, paving the way for 5 children; 3 boys and 2 girls. Later he married Linda Frisch, thus bringing another daughter to the family. Peter was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 1st 1951 and found great joy in meeting and talking to people in his house-to-house ministry. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, fishing and bowling; when he wasn’t working, which he did for the majority of his life. Peter started working in his preteens; thru many jobs, up until he finally retired at 91 years old; from Wal Mart in Bozeman, Montana. In the spring of this year, he was able to move back to Iowa and enjoy frequent visits with family.

Peter is survived by sons; Timothy (Cathy) Ruiz and Andrew Ruiz, daughters Cathy (Vince) Miller, Tina Sebetka and Lisa Herselius; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Peter Ruiz, sisters Delores Boose, Katherine Smith, Phyllis Ruiz, and Patricia Redd, and brothers Joseph Ruiz and Robert Ruiz.

Peter’s family would like to thank the kindhearted staff at Ennoble for attending to his needs while in their care.

Diane J. Imbus

Diane J. Imbus, 77, of Dubuque, formerly of Menominee, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023.  Private family services will be held.

Diane was born September 23, 1946 in Savannah, Illinois, daughter of Robert and Betty (Marshall) Weed.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and the beauty school now known as Capri College.  She owned and operated Four Seasons Salon in Dubuque until her retirement.

On September 20, 1975, She married Arthur Imbus at Westminster Presbyterian Church.  He preceded her in death on July 28, 2018.

Diane was an animal lover who enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.

She is survived by a sister, Pat (Phillip) Dausener of Dubuque and their thee children, Kenneth (DeAnna) Dausener and their son Joshua, Dana (Dale Winter) VanOstrand and her children, Uriah and his son Tatum, and Olivia, and Janette (Tim) Bird and their children, Ian (Kay) and their daughter, Korie and Lindsey (Jordan) and their daughter, Delilah; and a brother, Mike (Amy) Weed of Little Rock, Arkansas and his sons, Robert and Andrew; and many nieces and nephews on Arthur’s side.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

A Diane Imbus Memorial Fund has been established.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staffs at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care.

Elta Mae Castleberry

Elta Mae “Tooter” Castleberry, age 85, of Farley, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 30, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Elta’s life,  a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Elta’s family.

Elta was born on October 28, 1938, in Roosevelt, Texas, a daughter to Thomas J. and Beady M. (Perkins) McDonald.  She grew up with a strong work ethic, and even stronger character trait of speaking her mind clearly, and an unconditional love for others that never wavered.  Elta enjoyed her years of driving truck and made countless friends along the way.  When she wasn’t burning up miles on the road, you could easily catch Elta watching her birds enjoying the feeders, or catching up on another old western while getting comfortable in her favorite recliner.  Elta embraced life to the fullest and no adventure was ever to be ignored in her eyes.  We live this life once and to pass up on opportunities that presented themselves was really not a good option to participate in.  Elta lived the southern hospitality lifestyle vividly and never judged anyone who crossed her path.  Being a friend of hers was always going to be the eventual outcome as being a stranger was beyond rare.  Elta enjoyed spending her relaxing hours with her cats, K.P. and P.K., but they came in second only to her love and devotion for her family and friends.  We will miss Tooter more than words could accurately depict, but are forever grateful for the memories she leaves behind as well.  Thank you, Elta, for always being true to yourself and may the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Elta include,

her loving husband of 40 years,
Randy Joseph Scott, Farley, IA;

her two daughters,
Jacqueline Ann (Smith) Koch, Andrew, TX,
and Teresa Lane (Findley) Merritt, Odessa, TX;

her grandchildren,
Joseph Lee (Tammy) Merritt, Daniel Jay (Carla) Gollnick, Joshua Lynn Merritt, and Justin Cody Lindsey;

her great-grandchildren,
Joey Evan Merritt, Adam (Amara) Lindsey, Brendon Gollnick, Shyanne Gollnick, Khloe Merritt, and Matthew Gollnick;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Elta was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Donna Marie (Smith) Lindsey; and her siblings, Lawrence (Elizabeth) McDonald, Arlie (Shirley) McDonald, Freddie Charles McDonald, Cindy (D.L.) Brunson, Tenny McDonald, Jess McDonald, Clarence (Eula) McDonald, and Marvin (Bonnie) McDonald.

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

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