Obituaries Archive

Kevin W. Young

Kevin W. Young, 61, of Dubuque, died Sunday, November 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Rev. Robert Gross will officiate. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Kevin was born May 6, 1964 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, son of John and Janet (Hendricks) Young.

He grew up in Dubuque, after graduating from Dubuque Senior High in 1983 he moved to Denver, Colorado. He worked for Tri State Painting for several years. He moved back to Dubuque and began working as a self-employed painting contractor, KY Painting. His motto was “I do it slick & quick with quality”. Kevin’s passion was trout fishing. He proudly taught his nephew Seth how to fish at 3 years old. His favorite hole was Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. He had an amazing green thumb; his flower gardens were the envy of many. His lifetime love of the Chicago Bears didn’t waver even during a bad season. He held a healthy competition playing pool and partnered with his brother Chris, they would proudly hold the table for hours. Kevin loved to cook, he could talk about food for hours. His favorite was his Dad’s “must go”, which is every leftover in the refrigerator made into an amazing concoction, always delicious!

He is survived by his parents, John & Janet Young; a sister, Kerry (Scott) Douglas; his fiancé, Laura Gassman; a nephew, Seth Godwin; three nieces, Maranda (Emily) Peterson, Chelsea Young, and Olivia (Cameron) Moss; his great niece and nephews; Aunts and Uncles on the Hendricks, Young, and Gassman families.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Young; his grandparents; and aunts and uncles.

Memorials can be made to the Kevin Young Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses in the ICU of MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, who so thoughtfully cared for him; and Dr. Powers for his compassionate care of our Kevin.

Sally A. Frick

Sally Ann Frick, 77, of Dubuque, died Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 pm Friday, November 21, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sally will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle as the Celebrant.

Sally was born July 18, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Arthur Joseph and Sara Ann (McKernan) Frick. On October 26, 1968, she married Thad Gavin at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque. They later divorced.

Sally graduated from Clarke College in 1971 with a degree in History.

She started working at 14 years old at Sunnycrest Manor, and she later was elected to serve on their Board of Trustees. She was also a proud business owner of Thad J. Gavin APPC and later worked for the State of Iowa as a social worker, among many other jobs.

Sally was a dedicated volunteer, giving her time to the Veterans Freedom Center, Sunnycrest Manor, the Friendship Force, and Operation Friendship. She enjoyed being part of several card clubs in the Dubuque area where she loved playing Euchre, 500, and Cribbage. She also enjoyed playing volleyball. Above all, she cherished traveling with her family, especially, on their memorable trips to Guatemala and Austria.

Survivors include her three children, Lisa Gavin of Cedar Rapids, IA, Chris (Linella) Gavin of Glen Ridge, NJ, and Meghan Gavin of Des Moines, IA; five grandchildren, Dale Gavin, Isabelle Gavin, Kinzie Gavin, Brennan Gavin, and Ainsley Gavin; one great-grandchild, Scarlett Gavin; three sisters, Kay (Denny) Pfeiffer, Donna Mitchell, and Pat (Steve) Wehrle; one brother, Larry (Dianne Theisen) Frick; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother-in-law, Mike Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Veterans Freedom Center, Sunnycrest Manor, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Sally’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bethany Home and to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support. They would also like to thank Roger Hantelmann for his companionship in her last years.

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

–

Lucille L. Thiltgen

Lucille Loretta Thiltgen (Pollock), age 96 of Galena, IL, died in hospice care on Sunday, November 16, 2025. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM at the church until the time of mass. Burial will be in Nativity BVM Cemetery, Menominee, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena.

Lucille was born to Elmer J. and Florence K. (Hoffmann) Pollock on May 21, 1929. She attended a one-room schoolhouse with eight students in Zwingle, IA, and then St. Columbkille High School in Dubuque.

After attending high school, she helped take care of her brother and sister, Jim and Mary Ann, on her parents’ farm until meeting and marrying her husband, Oswald “Ossie” Thiltgen. They were married on September 14, 1949, at St. Theresa’s Church, LaMotte, IA. She and her husband, Ossie, farmed together for thirty-one years until the farm was sold in 1980. She butchered and processed hogs and chickens for the family, milked cows, did fieldwork and housework, canned produce from the garden, sewed clothes for the children, and raised the children. If that wasn’t enough, she also worked other jobs during her life, including working at a battery factory, selling Tupperware for nineteen years, owning and operating an antique/collectibles store for twenty-five years until the age of 95, and operating a Bed & Breakfast out of their home.

She had many hobbies, including playing cards (euchre), putting puzzles together, baking pies, quilting, and ceramics. She was a great collector of antiques, Beanie Babies, glassware, dolls, all types of figurines, and many other items too numerous to mention.

Lucille had some unique expressions that gave one a sense of how she viewed life. When asked about how or why things happened in the past, she said: “That was just living, that’s the way it was”. Her attitude about solving problems was: “If you are given lemons in life, learn how to make lemonade,” and “When things get tough, you have to do things you don’t want to do.” She had a get-up-and-go attitude. While Lucille could have a straightforward, no-nonsense approach at times, she had a soft spot in her heart for those who were down, having a hard time, or just needing help, whether it was a family member or a complete stranger. One could count on her to help in any way she could, no questions asked. She was a rock of dependability.

Her two greatest loves in life were: taking care of her children and grandchildren, and taking care of flowers! Her yard was filled with flowers of many types, and she continued to plant new bulbs in the fall, even when she knew she might not be there in the spring to see them bloom. She had a “green thumb” and couldn’t help herself in wanting to see things grow. She was always a farmer at heart. She had as many as sixty potted plants in her apartment before her passing. She was known as the “flower lady” at the assisted living facility and was asked for her advice on caring for flowers. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who will be sadly missed.

Lucille is survived by her children; Laurene (Dave) Case, Shirley Hulscher, Ruth Gallagher, Jerry (Cathy) Thiltgen, Diane Haque, Donna Masters, Pat (Donnie) Nellis, Sue (Rick) Nemec, Mary Leifker, John (Maggie) Thiltgen and Joe (Cathy) Thiltgen, twenty one grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a sister Mary Ann (Butch) Breitbach, a sister-in-law Elaine Pollock as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Raymond and James; a sister, Darlene; and four sons-in-law, Butch Hulscher, Tim Gallagher, Sattar Haque, and Dale Leifker; a grandson, Jordan Duerr; and a great-granddaughter, Kyla.

The family requests no flowers.

A special thank you goes to the staff at Midwest Medical Center Assisted Living in Galena and Hospice of Dubuque. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

William T. Bonney

William “Billy” T. Bonney, 69 of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at his home in rural Maquoketa.

Billy was born June 8, 1956, in Maquoketa, the son of Larvel Ray and Fonda Faye (Fuglsang) Bonney.  He graduated from Maquoketa High School with the class of 1974.  He then went on to graduate from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a degree in Small Engine Repair.  Billy married Sherry DeLarm on April 14, 1979, in Maquoketa.

Billy worked as a warehouse manager for Devenish Nutrition in Maquoketa.  Previously, he was blessed with working with his Golden Sun Feeds “Family” for 26 years.  Billy was an avid hunter, both with a bow and shotgun, and fisherman.  He was a past president of the local Ducks Unlimited. Billy also loved riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles, often making trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. He was also a disciplined practitioner of martial arts, becoming a black belt in Karate. Billy enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and was an avid reader of history.

Billy is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Sherry Bonney of Maquoketa; his sister-in-law, Margaret Bonney; two nieces and one nephew; and his fur babies, Kit, GoGo, and Nikki.  Billy was preceded in death by his parents; brother Merrill Bonney; father-in-law David DeLarm; Brother-in-law David Ruff; good friend David Dunne; and biker buddies Tony, Arky, Ben and Donnie.

In one final act of selflessness, Billy gave the greatest gift of life through organ/tissue donation.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa.  A private family graveside service and burial will be held at a later date at the Spragueville, Iowa Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Ducks Unlimited or to the Maquoketa Public Library.

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

Lana S. Heilig

Lana Sue Heilig, 83, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Wheatland Manor in Wheatland, Iowa.

Lana was born on June 16, 1942 to Clarence and Margaret (Casteel) Gombert. She attended Lost Nation High School and graduated in 1960. She married Marvin Ronald Heilig on November 5th, 1960 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. She and Ron raised three children – Todd, Tammi, and Tim.

Lana’s commitment to her faith and community was evident in her membership at the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation where she devoted her time and energy to the Presbyterian Women. Everyone who knew Lana knew how much she loved working alongside Ron on the farm, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking care of her pets, raising her sheep, tending to her flowers and garden, and wintering in Texas.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Ronald; her children Todd (Kelly) Heilig of Davenport, IA, Tammi (Mike) Sagers of Maquoketa, IA, Tim (Sue) Heilig of Lost Nation, IA; six grandchildren; Kyle Heilig, Renee (George) Heilig, Shane (Stephanye) Sagers, Sarah (Jon) Engle, Ryan (Lori) Heilig and Lauren (Austin) Rickertsen; and 5 great grandchildren; Olivia Campbell, William Engle, Abrom Engle, Mason Heilig, and Evee Heilig.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Margaret Gombert; her sister, Diane Rockwell; her in-laws Mike and Eva Heilig.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Her family would like to thank Hospice of Jackson County, and Wheatland Manor for their compassionate care. In addition, she appreciated all the cards, phone calls, prayers, flowers, and visits from friends near and far during this difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County in Maquoketa, IA or Camp Bear Creek in Wyoming, IA.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Ronald L. Backes

Ronald Lester Backes, 69, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home.

Visitation will be held 4-6 pm. Wednesday November 19, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa. Inurnment will be held at Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 11a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Ronald was born in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lester and Helen (Loewen) Backes. He married Betty Ann Allen on November 29, 1975, and they welcomed two children, Mandy and Levi.  Their union dissolved, but they remained life-long friends and continued to share family celebrations and demonstrated beautifully how to put family first, even after divorce.

Ron attended Clinton Community College for Electronics and then served his country for 6 years in the Marine Corps as an avionics technician.  Multiple deployments allowed him to experience different countries, which cultivated a lifelong curiosity in the world.  He was employed by National Cash Register (NCR) as a field technician and later in maintenance at Barnstead Thermolyne in Dubuque.

Ron was an adventurous free-spirit, and he loved to spend time with family and friends.  He enjoyed history, science, and politics and he was eager to share his knowledge, stories, and conversation with others.  He was unpretentious, self-reliant, and good at troubleshooting & repairs.  He was a generous father and grandfather, willing to engage in child’s play and eager to help with their ambitions and challenges.

Ron is survived by his family: children Mandy (Harve) Ludovissy and Levi (Brandie) Backes, along with Betty (Joe) Muntz, Becky (Nathaniel) White, and Casey Muntz; grandchildren Derek, Chelsea, Jamie, Caleb, & Tyler Ludovissy and Colin, Wyatt, & Ciara Backes, along with Stacia Knipper, Abigail Noack, Breyden & Deacen Muntz; siblings Sharon Pierson, Joan Backes, Mary Bemis, Carol Brylski, Gary Backes, Laura Backes.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Helen Backes, sister-in-law Marian Backes and brother-in-law Steve Bemis.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Michael F. Pirc

Michael F. Pirc, 66, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

Mike was born May 24, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Francis “Pete” and Marilyn (Rausch) Pirc. He married the love of his life, Denise Recker, on May 8, 1981, in Manchester, Iowa.

Mike was a quiet, humble man who always knew the perfect time to pull out his quick wit. He dedicated more than 40 years to the construction industry, building outdoor structures and teaching his kids to work hard for the things they wanted in life. He was a proud and avid Iowa Hawkeye fan who rarely missed a game and carried his Black and Gold pride to every Iowa sporting event he could attend. Above all, he was a devoted family man who never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren, attending every event he could – from sporting events to school programs, county fairs, and everything in between. After retirement, Mike enjoyed helping his family in any way he could – assisting with construction projects, milking cows and helping around the farm. His presence, his encouragement, and his unwavering love for his wife, Denise, will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Denise; children: Austin (Carrie) Pirc of Farley, Sean (fiance Niki) Pirc of Manchester, Megan (Jason) Lehman of Sherrill; mother, Marilyn Pirc of Dyersville; grandchildren: Jesse, Gage, Brianna, Aubrey, Anna, Claire and Ella; siblings: Karen (Dean) Knepper, Pat (Shirley) Pirc, Sandy (Chad) Pereboom, Tim (Peggy) Pirc, Dave (Bob) Pirc, Ron (Judy) Pirc, Russ (Tracy) Pirc, Jim (Jan) Pirc, Ann (Dean) Jorgensen, Amy (Kevin) Weber, and Kenny Pirc; and several in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Charlie Lehman; his father, Pete Pirc; his parents-in-law, Julius and Delores Recker; brothers-in-law: Richard, Merle, Kevin, and Dennis Recker; sisters-in-law: Michelle Pirc and Jean Recker.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be sent to Beckman Catholic High School.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Linda McQuillen

Linda McQuillen, 74, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on November 16, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Friday at Resurrection Catholic Church in Asbury, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Resurrection Catholic Church, with Very Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding.  Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Linda was born on April 14, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Lyle and Elaine (Williams) Dewey. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1969 and from the University of Dubuque in 1973. At just 16 years old, in 1967, Linda joined the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, where she shared her extraordinary talent for 43 years, inspiring and delighting tens of thousands.

After college, Linda worked in the office at the Dubuque Packing Company, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” McQuillen. The two were married on June 18, 1976. They welcomed their son, Christopher, on February 24, 1978, and their daughter, Lindsay, on May 16, 1985.

Once her children reached school age, Linda pursued her elementary education endorsement at Clarke University and began a meaningful career as a substitute teacher for both the Dubuque Community and Western Dubuque school districts. She touched the lives of many students through her warmth, patience, and love of learning.

Linda was a longtime member of Thunder Hills Country Club. Since 1991, she was also a devoted member of the Resurrection Church choir, where she deeply cherished the friendships she made. Her passions included quilting, spending time with friends, and enthusiastically cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team and the Indiana Fever.  She and Bob also enjoyed traveling together to places such as Ireland, New Orleans, Grand Cayman, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Chris (Janet) McQuillen and Lindsay McQuillen; her niece Jennifer (Jason) Kropp; her grandchildren, Danielle, Daisy, Charlie, and Benjamin; her twin sister Sandra (Rodney) Johnson; her sister Sharon (John) Grimes. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hawkeye Care Center, MercyOne Hospital, the Mercy Cancer Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and especially to Amanda for her exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Resurrection Church Choir.

Larry L. Lampe

William F. Kaiser

William “Bill” Frederick Kaiser, age 49, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 5, 2025, following some health issues.  Bill struggled with his health and has been battling heart disease and diabetes since he was a child.  To honor Bill’s life a private family burial was held in Linwood Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting his family.

Bill was born on February 5, 1976, in Dubuque, Iowa, the only child of William L. Kaiser of Dubuque and Nancy L. (Mauk) Snyder of Shullsburg.

Bill was a truck driver for many years, until his health issues no longer allowed him to work.  He had many interests in his free time.  He loved playing games, especially dice and video games.  Bill also liked to occasionally try his luck at the local casino.  He had a sweet tooth, which led him to take classes to perfect his baking techniques.  Bill also had an interest in flying drones and took a class to hone his skills.  As a child he played ball in school, and one of his fondest memories was playing with his grandfather.  His love of sports continued throughout his life.  He followed the Oklahoma Thunder, the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls and the White Sox, but his favorite team by far was the Philadelphia Eagles.  Bill had a great love of animals, especially dogs, and loved to make people laugh.  He had a quick sense of humor and was fun to be around.  He will be missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, William and Bernice (Lippstock) Kaiser; and his maternal grandparents, Frederick and Arlene (Earles) Mauk.

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

Dennis F. Rath

Dennis Francis Rath, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, in his hometown surrounded by family.  To celebrate his life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon David Roth officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Dennis was born on July 15, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Ruth (Gorman) and Henry Rath. He was later blessed with the love and guidance of his stepfather, Melvin Hemminway. He entered the U.S. Air Force at age 18, and was discharged in July 1962.  He began his career at Dubuque Pack, later he dedicated his professional life to serving his community through his long career with the City of Dubuque.

Dennis had a lifelong love of sports—whether it was cheering for his favorite teams or supporting his children in their athletic pursuits, he was always their biggest and most devoted fan. His kindness, sense of humor, and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Henry; his stepfather, Melvin; his siblings, Judy, Armand, and Tom; his half-brothers, Cecil Rath, Henry Rath, and Richard Rath; his nephew, Anthony Papin; and a brother-in-law, Phil Rote.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Rath; his first wife, Mary Lou Rath; his sisters, Rita (Rath) Cottrell and Ruth Rote; his daughter, Lisa (Rod) Garcia; his son, Michael Rath; and his cherished grandchildren, Eloy (Cynthia) Garcia, Anthony Garcia, Wyatt Rath, Mary “M.E.” (fiancé Moises McHugh) Garcia, and Ashe Rath; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Garcia. He is also survived by Elaine’s children, Matt (Yolanda) Leibold and Melanie (Thomas Webster) Leibold; her grandchildren, Daniel and Cory; and her brother, Kenny (Joyce) Schmitt.

Dennis will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his community, and the warmth he brought to everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support that will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque and Stonehill for the wonderful care they provided for Dennis.

Cards and memorials in his memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dennis Rath Family.

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

Dennis E. Fassbinder

Dennis E. Fassbinder, 68, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at Guttenberg Care Center.

Visitation will be held 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Funeral Services will commence at 2 p.m. with burial at Bethel Cemetery in Colesburg. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Fassbinder, Josh Knockel, George Morteo, Carol Berns, Jerry Fassbinder, and Terry Knockel. A celebration of life will follow at Guttenberg Eagles Club.

Dennis was born on January 25, 1957, son of Henry and Winifred (Carrier) Fassbinder.  He married Brenda Hankes on August 18, 1989, in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Dennis worked at Guttenberg Industries in Quality Control and Supervision for over 39 years. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting with his family and friends. He loved having a good time gambling or sharing drinks and stories with friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda; siblings: Henry Lee (Sandy) Fassbinder, James Fassbinder, Tom (Sue) Fassbinder of Guttenberg, all of Guttenberg; in-laws: Steve Zittergruen of Guttenberg, Jim Hankes of Guttenberg, Roxy (Leonard) Knockel of Colesburg, Julie (Jim) Trappe of Luana, Mark (Dawn) Hankes of Kansas City, MO, and Lisa (Tom) Weddell of Highlands Ranch, CO; goddaughter, Katie Winch; close family friend, Kari Hoyheim; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Roger Dean Fassbinder in infancy and Julie Jo Zittergruen.

Dennis is graciously recycling his pacemaker to Iowa State University.

From Nash, “Instead of saying he died, It’s the end of his story.”

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

David P. Steiner

David Paul Steiner, 88, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, November 14, 2025, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

David Paul Steiner was born on April 16, 1937, in Lost Nation, Iowa, to Dr. Paul and Esther (Mohr) Steiner.  He was a graduate of Lost Nation High School.  He married Marlana Fae Weets on September 20, 1955, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Sharon and Kevin.

David had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, and later Caterpillar in Mount Joy as a machinist.  He then worked as a tool and die maker for GDI Industries in Maquoketa.

David loved hunting, fishing, mushrooming, gardening, and spending time outdoors.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Sharon Steiner of Lost Nation, IA, and Kevin Steiner Sr. of Sierra Vista, AZ; several grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Smithtown Cemetery, rural Lost Nation, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

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

Ronald L. Perry

Ronald L. “Ron” Perry, age 91, of Dubuque, IA, was called home to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ron’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ron’s family.

Ron was born on October 7, 1934, in Ceres, CA, a son to George D. and Hilda M. (Pool) Perry.  He was a good and decent man whose devotion to his faith, family and friends was unwavering throughout his 91 year journey among us.  Ron spent his formative years in California before moving to Oregon to attend Western Baptist Bible College.  It was there that the Lord introduced him to his soul-mate, Patricia Gilligan, and the couple were soon united in marriage on September 3, 1955. They began their lives together while being blessed with three children of their own.  The family eventually made their way to Oak Park IL where Ron attended Emmaus Bible College.  He was a youth pastor at River Forest Bible Chapel for few years as well as serving as a deacon at North Suburban Evangelical Free Church and always volunteering on mission boards whenever the Lord opened those doors.  Ron’s life’s work was a ministry in and of itself on many levels and his love for the gospel was continually on display.

In his working career, Ron devoted his time and talents with a few different occupations.  Ron was the sales director for IBG in Deerfield for some time, before he and Pat opened Red Carpet Services which they ran for many years together.  After Pat pursued her nursing career, Ron became the shop manager at Web Plastics before finally moving into retirement at the age of 65.  After retiring, Ron and Pat moved to their ‘farm’ just outside of Galena IL.

Ron was as handy as he was determined in life.  His skills were truly a natural gift which he continued to develop with each new endeavor as the years passed.  Most of the projects on their homes were dreamed, developed, implemented and completed by Ron and limited only by his imagination.  No corners were ever allowed to be cut and precision was surely the rule of the day when Ron was at the helm.

Our hearts surely break at the mere thought of Ron’s absence from our daily lives now.  We know that his legacy will live on in our minds without pause, and thankfully we have the hope which only faith can provide and surely believe that he now resides in absolute perfection in the presence of Jesus, as well as his beloved Pat.  Thank you, Ron, for leading by example, for assuring your family would in time bring their souls right alongside yours in the end, and for never allowing this temporal world to get in the way of your love and faith in all that is good in their life.  Well done good and faithful servant and “May the Lord bless and keep you.  May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.  The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Those left to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his three loving children,
Matthew L. “Matt” (Bonnie) Perry, Sandy, OR,
Kaye M. Kraus, Dubuque, IA,
and Deana (John) Jackson, Dubuque, IA;

his 13 grandchildren;

his 15 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way);

his 1 great-great-grandson;

and his sister,
Florence (Kent) Rekow, Seattle, WA;

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful bride of 67 years, Patricia A. “Pat” (Gilligan) Perry; his grandson, Mackenzie Reid; and his siblings, George (Mary) Perry, Ken (Esther) Perry, Edith (Beam) Shaffer and Mariam Perry.

Ron’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 Ron’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Elaine L. McNeil

Elaine L. (Vanderah) McNeil, age 95, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Wednesday evening, November 12, 2025 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center, Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque, with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating.  Burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. Monday.  There will be an additional visitation on Tuesday from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

Elaine was born on January 8, 1930 at home in rural East Dubuque, the daughter of Eldon N. and Eleanor M. (Roth) Vanderah. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1947.  Elaine was united in marriage to James E. “Jim” McNeil on November 17, 1951 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

Elaine was formerly employed as a Payroll Processor at The Dubuque Packing Company and later worked as a secretary to Robert Wahlert.  In later years Elaine worked at St. Anthony grade school, teaching in their new computer training class.  She received her computer training certificate from Clarke College.

Elaine belonged to the St. Mary’s Parish and served as their organist and pianist for over fifty years.  Elaine also coordinated the placement of flowers in planters in downtown East Dubuque for thirty years.  Once retired, Elaine volunteered at St. Mary’s Grade School for twenty years.  She also served for several years on the Gramercy Park Board.

Surviving Elaine is her husband, Jim; three daughters: Mrs. Cathy Bilyeu (Dr. Tom Bilyeu) of Decatur, IL; Mrs. Lora Cook (Jack Cook) of Rockton, IL; Mrs. Lisa Perkey (Gary Perkey) of Colorado Springs, CO.  Three sons: James McNeil, Jr. (JoAnne McNeil) of Asbury, IA; John McNeil (Linda McNeil) of Monroe, WI; and Michael McNeil (Lynn McNeil) of East Dubuque, IL.  She was blessed with eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by three sisters: Mary (Monie) Liddle of Morton, IL; Esther Schiltz of Austin, TX; and Mrs. Marlene May (Dick May) of Asbury, IA.; and brother Steve Vanderah (Mary Vanderah) of Pella, IA. She is preceded in death by her sister Lou Mae Hasken of Des Moines, IA, and her brother Jerry Vanderah of East Dubuque.

The family gives a very special thanks to Mercy Hospital, especially to Elaine’s attending physician Dr. Noble, nurses Annie and Sam, and Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch who provided her last rights during Elaine’s final hours.

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