Obituaries Archive

Floyd A. Wieters

Floyd A. Wieters, 99, of Galena, IL, passed away six months shy of his goal to become a centenarian, on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after Noon until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193 immediately following the service at the funeral home. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

He was born July 29, 1924, in Galena, the son of Albert and Mae (Letcher) Wieters. Floyd served in the United States Army during World War II stationed in Normandy, France, until his honorable discharge. He married Irene Gehrts, and that union produced a daughter, Donna, and a foster daughter, Gena. Irene preceded him in death on January 12, 2003. Floyd retired from John Deere in 1985, after twenty-seven years of service. He enjoyed his stay at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community where he was especially popular with the ladies who gave him the nickname “Pretty Boy Floyd”. Floyd enjoyed in his later years to spend time with friends, and playing games, especially cards.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Dennis) Eudaley, foster daughter, Gena (John) Severs, one granddaughter, Ticia (Clint) Balsar, foster granddaughter, Brandi (Chaz) Ashton, three great-grandchildren, Jordan, Charlie, and Liam, and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sisters, Nancy (Wieters) Hamilton, and Carol (Wieters) Keller.

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

Rosalee Donahue

Rosalee Donahue, age 85, found peace and was welcomed home to the arms of her loving God and husband, John, on January 29, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center.

Family and friends may call from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 1st, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Raphael Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2nd, with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating.  The burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Rosalee (Laughlin) Donahue was born November 24, 1938, in Jackson County, Iowa to Leo and Celestine (Ryan) Laughlin.  She attended rural schools, and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte, Iowa.  She then graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.  She married John Donahue at Sylvia Switch Church on October 24, 1959.  She enjoyed the life she created with John, on their farm in rural Zwingle, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on December 14, 2011.  Rosalee was a nurse and retired from Medical Associates Pediatric Department in 2003.  She and John were parishioners at St. Theresa Catholic Church, for many years, and more recently St. Raphael Cathedral.

Surviving are their children, Diane (Phil) Denlinger, Sheila (Don) Feipel, Gail (Dave) Ploessl, Kevin (Karen) Donahue, Julie (Mike) Winker, and Mike (Diana) Donahue.  Grandchildren, Tanner, Halie, and Abbie Denlinger, Jason (Sarah) Feipel, Jill (Eric) Peekenschneider, Jody Feipel, Danielle (Andy) Kuhl, Jamie (Keelan Prince), Katelyn (Adam) Bolander, Karly, Kayla and Karter Donahue, Grace and Luke Winker, and Dalton and Dakotah Donahue.  Sisters, Joyce Till and Leann Laughlin, Sister-in-law Sr. Elizabeth Donahue, OSF and Brother-in-law Jerry (Carol) Donahue.  She leaves behind the legacy of 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, sister Celine Stohlmeyer and brother-in-laws Lorin Till and Hank Stohlmeyer.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Assisi Village, Stonehill Memory Care and to Hospice of Dubuque, for the loving and compassionate care given to our mother.  Your kindness will be forever remembered.  Also, Fr. Ambrosy, Fr. Quint and Sr. Sharon for the extra prayers for comfort and peace, as she was nearing the end of her journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Memory Care Unit at Stonehill Health Center or St. Raphael Cathedral.

William J. Gerber

William J. “Bill” Gerber, age 52, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on January 29, 2024, at home.  To honor Bill’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 2, 2024, in the Mt. Carmel Bluffs Terrace Community Room, 1040 Carmel Drive, with Pastor Matt Phelps officiating.  Family and friends are invited to remain after the service for food and fellowship from 12:00–2:00 p.m.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on February 19, 1971, in Dubuque, IA, a son to William M. and Rachel A. (Smith) Gerber.  He was created with a kind heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a personality that shined brightly within every interaction with others that presented itself.  Bill was a graduate of the Wahlert Class of ’89, and went on to share his time and talents with Eagle Point Software, Cartegraph Systems, Medline, and most recently offered a welcoming smile to every visitor in the valet line at Q Casino.  In his free-time, Bill enjoyed watching sports, especially Basketball, and in his desire to keep his storytelling skills polished, made regular phone calls to his mother to remind her that he loved her very much.  It’s beyond difficult to watch those we love battle daily with addiction and mental issues while understanding that we can only pray that those burdens will one day be lifted from their lives.  Bill was a compassionate man when it came to others pain, but continually had to turn and face his own time and time again.  Our hearts break at the mere thought of all of the crosses Bill has continually carried throughout his life and the only peace we can possibly seek today is from the faith and knowledge that those are forever absent from the rest of his eternal existence now.  May the Lord comfort Bill while simultaneously bringing peace into the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him as well.  Thank you, Bill, for courageously walking the crooked path laid before you and faithfully reminding us that when we truly understand and embrace what is precious in this life will we ever hope to find meaning.  May the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his mother,
Rachel Gerber, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,
Mark (Andrea) Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his three nephews,
Keyan, Kaleb, and Kalvin Gerber, Apple Valley, MN;

his aunt and Godmommy,
Charlotte (Jim) McCoy, Peosta, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Gerber.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Bill’s name to the Operation Empower-Liberty Recovery Center, 2216 White Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001, or the Crescent Community Health Center, 1690 Elm Street, Dubuque, IA, 52001.

Bill’s family would like to express a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of their family and friends who have so generously provided their much-needed love and support during this difficult time.  Your kindness means more than you know and may the Lord bless each and every one of you for caring when it’s needed most.

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

Gregory A. Wilhelm

Gregory A. “Greg” Wilhelm, age 52, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024.  To honor Greg’s life private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Greg’s family.

Greg was born on October 29, 1971, in Iowa City, Iowa, son of Maynard and Rosetta (Jackson) Wilhelm. 

Greg graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1990.  He cared for his mother, Rose, at home for several years until she passed away on September 2, 2022.  He had many hobbies which included riding his bike all over town, shooting pool, going out to eat with friends and watching NASCAR and the San Francisco 49ers.  He would have been ecstatic with their win over the Lions on Sunday!  He also enjoyed bowling and bowled league at Cherry Lanes for several years.  Greg loved his family and liked to spend time with everyone.  He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Greg’s memory include: His half brother, Steve (Shirley) Wilhelm, Dubuque, IA; his uncle, Ray Pfeiffer, Dubuque, IA; and special cousins, Jeff (Kelly) Lester and Sharon (Dennis) Carner, both of Dubuque, IA.

Greg was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Rosetta “Rose” (William) Henneberry; his father, William Wilhelm; and his long time best friend, Jerry Brandenberg.

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

Randall L. Coffin

Randall L. “Randy” Coffin, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

Randy loved the outdoors, whether it be fishing or hunting squirrels, deer, pheasant, or mushrooms.  He also enjoyed listening to old Rock’n’roll music.

Randy’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his longtime girlfriend of 40 years, Diane Koranda of Oxford Junction, IA; children, Tim Coffin and family of Maquoketa, IA, and Kate Coffin and family of OK; sisters, Rhonda (Boyd) Davis of Maquoketa, IA, and Rochelle Black of Cedar Rapids, IA; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A public graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 AM., Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Randall L. Coffin memorial fund has been established.

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

Robert J. Mills

Robert J. Mills, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 28, 2024, at his home.

A private burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Bob was born on November 13, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Al and Mary (Sparks) Mills. Bob was employed by Star Brewery for 40 years, retiring in 1993.

Bob was an avid Viking fan and euchre player. He enjoyed spending time at the American Legion and sitting on his front porch swing having a beer with family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Jim) Fell and his son Timothy (Mary) Mills. Grandchildren: Kyle, Christopher (Felicia), Katie (Al), Hannah (Gage) and Dominic. Great-Grandchildren: Grant, Cael, Greyson, Alantae and Kadeem. His brother Paul (Karron) Mills and sisters-in-law Norma Mills and Pat Mills.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Al Mills.

Gwendolyn L. Elmegreen

Gwendolyn L. “Gwen” Elmegreen, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Monmouth, Iowa, on January 27, 2024, just one day after celebrating her 80th birthday. Born in Keokuk, Iowa, on January 26, 1944, to Hubert and Neva Mae (Teastworth) Stark, Gwen grew up to be a woman of strong faith and unwavering dedication to her family.

Gwen graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1963 and immediately embarked on a new chapter of her life by marrying her soulmate, Ronald Elmegreen, that same year. The young couple’s love blossomed, and together they purchased a farm near the Ozark Bridge in 1965, which they would call home for the rest of their lives. Their partnership extended beyond their marriage as they worked side by side to cultivate a life filled with love and hard work on their beloved farm. 

In addition to her commitment to the family farm, Gwen was a compassionate soul who dedicated part of her life to caring for others as a home healthcare provider. Her nurturing nature also found expression in her work at the Ertl Toy Factory in Dyersville and later as a friendly and familiar face to many as a cashier at Walmart in Maquoketa.

Gwen’s life was a testament to her faith and the joy she found in simple pleasures. She was a devout Christian who lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and love. As a member of the Maquoketa VFW Ladies Auxiliary, she contributed to her community and honored the service of others. Her hobbies reflected her creative spirit and love for life. Gwen was an accomplished quilter, creating beautiful works of art that will be cherished by her family for generations. An avid reader, she delighted in the twists and turns of a good mystery novel. Her green thumb was evident in the vibrant plants that flourished under her care, a symbol of her ability to nurture and grow all that surrounded her.

Gwen’s legacy is carried on by her loving husband, Ronald Elmegreen of Monmouth, IA; her children, Von Elmegreen of Oklahoma City, OK, Heidi (Jerry) Weets of Lockport, IL, and Art (Kathy) Elmegreen of Delmar, IA. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, Kellie (Johnn) Sanabria, Amanda Weets, Auston (Christine) Weets, Allison Weets, Sarah Mai, and Aaron Clark, and a doting great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will held at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 2, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Ozark Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gwendolyn L. “Gwen” Elmegreen memorial fund has been established.

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

Patricia G. Woodard

Patricia G. “Pat” Woodard 84 of Galena, IL passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, at her home. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Galena Bible Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of service. The burial will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born December 30, 1939, in St. Paul, MN the daughter of Donald and Evadine (Charter) Tomlinson. Pat met Jack Woodard, on New Year’s Eve, 1962 and they were married on February 8, 1964, in St. Clair Shores, MI.

As a child, Pat’s family moved around and consequently, she did not have the opportunity to finish High School. With little formal education, she still held jobs that put her in positions of responsibility and management. Pat was also a wonderful homemaker who watched over the needs of her family. In heryounger years, she loved to read, crochet, craft, and bowl. Later in life, she enjoyed quilting, traveling, playing games like Mexican train dominos, visiting, and spending time with family and friends.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jack, a daughter, Lori Brock, two granddaughters, Kayla (Steven) Johnson and Kelsey (Justin) Kuglin, three great-grandchildren, Achilles, Burtus, and Lee, her siblings, Marilyn (Irle) Boehm, Wayne (Julie) Tomlinson, and Karen (Bob) Fitzgerald.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brian Woodard, and four siblings.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy One Hospital and Staff, and our family and friends for all the love, prayers, and support.

Memorials may be given to Safe Haven in memory of Pat. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Alice A. De Sotel

Alice A. De Sotel, 102 of New Vienna, Iowa passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Guttenberg Care Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Gabriel Mensah will officiate.

Alice was born on March 29, 1921 in National, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard and Agnes (Auer) Berns. She was a 1939 graduate from St. Joseph’s High School in Garnavillo, Iowa.  She married Mark De Sotel on February 22, 1941 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo. They farmed in Osterdock for six years before moving to Luxemburg, to continue farming. They raised a family of eight children. After retiring from farming, they moved to New Vienna in 1986, where she lived until she was 95 years old.

Alice was always a helpful hand outside doing farm work and tending to her garden. She filled her days with cooking, baking, and canning, if she had some free time, she loved to play the piano. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always had cookies and other baked goods for them to enjoy.

Survivors include her children: Betty (Joseph) Mallie of Cedar Rapids, Rodney (Mary) De Sotel of Luxemburg, Mark (Linda) De Sotel of Fairfax, Sandra (Garland) Otto of Albert City, Sue (Robyn) Schultz of Guttenberg, Bradley (Kathleen) De Sotel of Athens, AL, and Ned De Sotel of Green Bay, WI; grandchildren: Brian De Sotel, Jason (Erin) De Sotel, Janell (Steve) Schilling, Denton (Beth) De Sotel, Dalton De Sotel, Damon De Sotel, Deidre (Aaron) Brown, Brandon (Kari) Otto, Heather (Chuck) Martin, Brett (Natasha) Schultz, Drew (Brandie Tomkins) Schultz, Shannon (Drew) Bagwell, Allison De Sotel, Megan De Sotel, Ben De Sotel, Madison De Sotel, and 22 great grandchildren, which includes three sets of twins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mark in 2000, a daughter, Bonnie in 2023, a son, Bruce in infancy, and a great-granddaughter, Christina Martin in 2018; siblings: Harold Berns in infancy, Marguerite Heying, and Lorraine Berns; in-laws: George (Marge) De Sotel, Leo (Margaret) De Sotel, Anastasia (Harold) Frommelt, Leona (John) Wieser, Mildred (Arthur) Wernke, and Dorothy (Elmer) Trappe.

The family would like to thank Guttenberg Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion to Alice.

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 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

David V. Tone

Born July 6, 1964, to parents Mel and Rosanne (Seipp) Tone in beautiful Dubuque, Iowa.

He was the second of two sons, joining his older brother Tom (Cathy). David especially enjoyed the outdoors: dutch-oven cooking, deer hunting, camping, and riding his motorcycle in his youth and as an adult. He was an animal lover, dogs in particular and he always had one or more by his side. 

He met his soul mate, Maxine (Hayes) at the age of sixteen.  They remained loving sweethearts throughout the rest of his life.  David was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the tender age of sixteen during a sports physical for wrestling.  He and his wife Maxx had two children, Alexander and Kirsten. David was a stay-at-home husband and father and worked part-time as a delivery driver and later a taxi driver in Galena.  David believed volunteering was a lifestyle. He was a positive role model to many, many youth, as he shared his interests in the outdoors and religion as a Scout leader and Sunday School teacher. He deeply enjoyed teaching new skills or ideas and watching those under his tutelage grow. His hobbies included reading murder mysteries, home repair shows, wood working, and brewing his own beer as a member of the Dubuque Area Society of Brewers.

David was a loving son, husband, brother/brother-in-law, father/father-in-law, uncle, and grandfather.  He lived a life full of love for God.  He survived two heart transplants, one in 1983 and a second one in 2013.  He always looked toward the positive as he journeyed through his health challenges with both courage and strength.  He snared many with his dry wit that could be sarcastic or slap-stick, often catching them by surprise in his net.  He left this earth a legacy of hope through valor and quiet dignity in times of challenge and growth.

He is survived by his father, Mel Tone, his wife Maxine (Maxx), his children Alexander (Gina) and Kirsten (Darren Kelley) and his grand-daughter Reaghan and his brother Tom (Cathy) and was preceded in death by his mother, Rosanne and both sets of grandparents. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Whalen, the UIHC Heart Transplant teams, and the Jackson County Hospice team for their exemplary care.

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

Jack A. Lucas

Jack A. Lucas, age 66, of Port Orchard, WA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 25, 2024.  In keeping with Jack’s wishes, there will be no public services.

Jack was born on August 27, 1957, in Dubuque, IA, a son to John P. and Joan E. (Leibfried) Lucas.  He honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy and upon retirement enjoyed spending his time surrounded by family and friends.  We will miss Jack dearly and pray that the Lord keeps him safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jack include,

his two daughters,
Tera (Josh) Hasbrook and Keri (James) Thompson;

his 4 grandchildren,
Alee, Emery, Sutton, and Kaden;

his mother and step-father,
Joan (Bob) Valentine;

his siblings,
Joyce Lucas, Judy (Tom) Leibfried, Jane (Tim) Temperly, Janice (Joe) DeMuth, Jean (Bill) Chaffee, JoAnn (Greg) Timmerman, Jim Lucas, and Jeri (Charlie) Inman;

his step-sisters,
Lynn (Tony Kamp) Lang and Pat (Mike) Valentine;

along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, John Lucas; his grandparents, Marie Lucas and George (Stella) Leibfried; his step-brother, Mike Valentine; and his nephew, Brian Chaffee.

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

Jason J. Wernke

Jason J. Wernke, age 42, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.  To honor Jason’s life private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Jason was born on May 24, 1981, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Donald and Barbara (Johnson) Wernke.

Jason attended school at Dubuque Senior High School and Central High School.  After school he worked for several places, lastly at Nordstrom in Dubuque.  He married Melissa Pope in September of 2003, in Dubuque.  In his free time Jason enjoyed shooting pool with friends, going camping and trying his luck at the casinos.  He was always willing to help out a friend in need with a smile on his face and no complaints.  He especially enjoyed time spent with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Jason’s memory include

his wife,
Melissa Wernke, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Hailey Pope
and Jaxon Wernke, both of Dubuque, IA;

his sisters,
Jennifer (Roger Bartell) Wernke, Galena, IL
and Brenda (Dennis) Brehm, Durango, IA;

3 half-brothers,
Andrew (Sara) Wernke, Columbus, GA,
Donald J. Wernke, Tucson, AZ
and Jeffery Wernke, Flagstaff, AZ;

6 nephews,
Cody (Jordan) Bartell, Jesse (Jenna) Bartell, Richard Bartell, Dawson Brehm, Braiden Brehm, and Chase Brehm;

and several cousins.

Jason was preceded in death by his parents; and several aunts and uncles.

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

Agnes M. Bernhard

Agnes M. Bernhard, 93, of Bellevue, formerly of Dubuque, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until 9:45 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Cathedral of St. Raphael.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Agnes will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Cathedral of St. Raphael with Father Dennis Quint as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Agnes Marie Murphy was born in Dubuque County on May 19, 1930. Her parents were John Francis and Gertrude (Logan) Murphy. Agnes married Louis Graver Bernhard on May 2, 1953 at Cathedral of St. Raphael. They were married for 68 years. He preceded her in death in 2021.

Agnes graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Dubuque, in 1948.  She enrolled and completed the X-Ray Technician training at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque. She was employed for many years at Mercy Hospital and at Medical Associates.

Agnes was a staunch supporter of education and local Catholic Schools. She was extremely proud of her family and spoke often of her brother and sisters.

Those left to honor her memory are her daughter, Ann Bernhard (John) Hoff of Bellevue; son, Mark (Mary) Bernhard of Davenport; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ryan) Waller of Marion; Peter (Alyssa) Hoff of Maquoketa; Anthony (Kristen) Bernhard of Elkhorn, NE; Kathryn (Daniel) Meyer of Aurora, IL; and Nicholas (Mallory) Bernhard of Grand Forks, ND; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Emma Waller, Frances and Joseph Bernhard, Charlotte, Erin, and John Meyer, Olivia Hoff, and Louis and Elizabeth Bernhard. She is further survived by her sister, Gertrude Wersinger; sisters-in-law, Sharon Murphy and Barbara Bernhard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary (Daniel) Beck, Rita (Patrick) Foley, Ann (John) Xavier, Therese (Michael) Moran; and brother, John Murphy; and brothers-in-law, LaVerne Wersinger and Cotton Bernhard.

Memorials may be made to St. Raphael Cathedral Parish, Dubuque, Iowa.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunrise Villa and Mill Valley Care Center.

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

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

Stephanie A. Mallaro

Stephanie “Sunshine” Ann Mallaro, 48, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024 in her home, surrounded by her family, music, and teddy bears.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday February 1, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 31, 2024, as well as from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Stephanie was born on June 8, 1975 to Roderic and Barbara Mallaro. She saw the world differently than others and touched the lives of every person she met. Stephanie grew up in Rochelle, Illinois and graduated from Byron high school in 1996. She played basketball, loved bowling, and participated in the Special Olympics for many years where she received numerous medals and ribbons. Our Sunshine was a member of the Village of Progress in Oregon, IL for several years before moving back to her hometown of Dubuque, IA in 2000. She spent her first few years back working at ARC, and more recently attended Cozy Corners where she enjoyed singing, dancing, and making many friends and memories. Stephanie loved spending time with her family and traveled all over the country on family vacations, visiting Colorado, Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee. Her favorite trips were always the family time spent at the cabin in Wisconsin. She was a pure soul who loved to color, play Yahtzee, do puzzles, play with her stuffed animals, and listen to music.

She was truly an angel on Earth who will be missed beyond measure by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her innocent heart. Survived by her mother Barb Mallaro, sister Nina (Megan) Mallaro, nephews Michael (Tessa) Finn and Matthew Long, her new great niece Ava Nicole Finn, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She will be greeted in Heaven by her father Roderic Mallaro (1984) and her sister Nicole Long (2021).

A special thank you to the Hospice of Dubuque nurses, especially Jessica, for their love and care of Stephie on her journey home. As well as a thank you to all of her staff over the years, including everyone at Hills and Dales who cared for her and helped give her the life she so deserved. With an extra special thank you to Alex, Lisa, Jasmine, Melissa, and Hailey. And finally a special thank you to Bob, Mariko, and the staff of Cozy Corners for giving her a place to attend that filled her with so much love and happiness.

When it was found out what Stephanie was going through, her message for her Mom, family, and friends was, “Don’t worry bout a thing because every little thing’s gonna be okay.”

Father Richard W. Kuhn

With great sadness and tremendous pride in a pastoral life well lived, the family of Fr. Richard (Dick) William Kuhn regret to announce his peaceful death. Fr. Kuhn died at the age of 95 at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, on Friday, January 26, at 4:50 pm.

The forth of eight children, and oldest son, Fr. Kuhn was born at the family farm in Osage, IA, on March 18, 1928. He faced his first test at his baptism with ice-cold water from the frozen baptismal font, which was temporarily on the porch of the parish rectory due to a fire in the Sacred Heart church.  Fr. Kuhn worked on the family farm and was a football player and one of the most popular young men at both Osage High School and later Loras College in Dubuque, IA. He discerned his vocation while at Loras; and upon graduation, he entered Conception Seminary College in Conception, MO. Fr. Kuhn was ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest on May 17, 1953.  He served in dozens of parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Fr. Kuhn was most recently Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta and of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Mallory.  While at St. John’s, a major accomplishment was leading the effort to build the Seton Catholic School, Peosta Center.  For over 70 years, Fr. Kuhn was the bulwark of his close family and the epitome of a dedicated and faithful servant in the Archdiocese of Dubuque touching countless lives in a warm and positive way. He was well known for never forgetting a face or name and always being ready with a witty joke or pithy one-liner. Proud of his Irish heritage, he often entertained anyone that would listen with a spontaneous song. He retired from St. John’s and Holy Family in 2012 at the age of 84.

Fr. Kuhn was a Knight of Columbus and strong supporter of the Order and its principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.  He served as Council/Assembly Chaplain and Iowa State Council Chaplain.

Along with his many assignments in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, Fr. Kuhn was exceptionally proud to have served as a US Navy Chaplain for six years.  Following his commissioning at Newport, RI, he served first at Naval Air Station Adak, Alaska, and then the Naval Station in San Diego, CA. During his naval service, Fr. Kuhn was proud of the fact that he was the oldest Catholic Chaplain and oldest Lieutenant in active Navy service. In his retirement, Fr. Kuhn returned to San Diego for two years as a contract civilian chaplain for the Navy. Upon his return to Dubuque County, he was active in the local American Legion Post Six. To emphasize the pride he held for his naval service, he clearly expressed his desire for burial in his Service Dress White uniform.

He travelled extensively throughout his life, often visiting family, friends and loved ones. One had to be careful not to invite him, unless they were ready for him to show up. He also visited missionary friends from seminary and college days, and brought many pilgrims to shrines and holy places.

After his retirement, Fr. Kuhn energetically continued his service filling in as needed for Mass and hearing confessions at many parishes. He resided in his former rectory in Farley, IA., where he had earlier served as Pastor.  In his final year and a half, he was pleased to serve the residents at Assisi Village and Stonehill Health Center until a few weeks before his death. An avid baseball fan, Fr. Kuhn once related that he wanted to finish his life like a baseball player sliding head first into home plate, just under a tag! He also related he wanted to die a “poor man.” We, his family, think he succeeded in both.

The Kuhn family has always been close, and Fr. Kuhn was a driving force in keeping it that way.  He was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Elizabeth Kuhn of Osage, IA.; by two sisters, Phyllis Drake of Honolulu, HI and Joan Guest of Washington, DC; by two brothers, Robert M. Kuhn of St. Charles, IL, and Lieutenant Commander James P. Kuhn USN (died while on active duty in the Navy); and by his niece Sr. Marcia Guest, of the Servants of Mary in Omaha, NE.

He is survived by three sisters, Katherine Peterman of Boise, ID, Betty Jean Lovejoy of Minneapolis, MN., and Sister Jeanine Kuhn of the Sisters of the Presentation in Dubuque, IA.  Fr Kuhn also leaves over a dozen first and second cousins, 21 nieces and nephews and 36 grandnieces and grandnephews spread from Maine to Hawaii and south to Mexico.

Funeral Services are coordinated by the Reiff Funeral Home of Peosta, IA and will be conducted 1-3 February in both Peosta and Osage IA. On Thursday February 1st visitation will be at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, IA from 3-7pm preceded by a rosary at 2pm and followed by a Wake service at 7pm. On Friday February 2nd a Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta will commence at 2pm, preceded by a visitation in the church at 1 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Thomas R. Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque.  On Saturday February 3rd a second Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Osage, IA at 11am preceded by a visitation in the church at 10am.  Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart cemetery in Osage, IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Fr. Richard Kuhn to the Seaton Catholic School in Peosta, IA may be sent direct to the school or to St. John the Baptist Church in Peosta.