Obituaries Archive

Ronn L. Toebaas

Ronn L. Toebaas was born June 19, 1941, in Evanston, IL to Lillian (Polzin) Toebaas and Lawrence A. Toebaas. He attended Loyola University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama. While at Loyola, he served as an Army Reservist and an active-duty MP. He wed Alice M Noel in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on June 6, 1964. They were separated only by her passing on January 6, 2011.

Ronn grew up in the small Norwegian farming community of Iola, WI with his parents and sister Jacqueline Osowski, who was 11 years his senior.  When his parents divorced, he and his mother Lillian moved to Evanston, IL where he pursued his degree in Speech and Drama at Loyola University.

He taught Speech and Drama at Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart for 9 years, and then Speech and Drama at St. Scholastica Academy for 13 years. Both institutions were all-girls Catholic High Schools in the Chicago area. He remained in touch with many of his former students and endearingly referred to them as his “adopted daughters”.

He was employed by the United States government with teaching assignments throughout the country. Twice, he was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award. He was thrilled to have his last teaching assignment in Hawaii.

His acting and directing career spanned theater groups from Chicago’s Northshore to Galena, IL, to Door County, WI, and many other locations. He was known for getting actors to perform at their absolute best, and while he himself loved acting he found directing “more to his liking.” Across his 56 years in theater, Ronn would sometimes work on 8 or more projects per year. He directed over 140 plays.

Along with his wife Alice and their friends, he co-founded the Main Street Players Theatre Company in Galena, IL in 1986. He also served as the Artistic Director of the Theatre of Western Springs for 8 years.

In 2004, he and Alice moved from Chicago to their permanent residence in Galena. In 2006, he took over writing and directing Galena’s annual Cemetery Walk. He wrote over 80 scenes in the 16 years of his Cemetery Walk productions.

In 2015, with the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War approaching, he was commissioned by the Galena – Jo Daviess County Historical Society to create, write, and direct the play “Peace in Union” to celebrate the occasion in Galena.

In 2019 he was an Inductee into the Galena History Museum’s Heritage Hall of Fame.

He had most recently played a major role in an independent film produced by his friend Roger Kuhns called “Carbon Man”. This was Ronn’s first film, and he considered it his most “professional” accomplishment.

Besides his passion for theater, he enjoyed antiquing, traveling, writing, and getting together with his treasured family and friends.

He and Alice were both proud and passionate about their shared Norwegian heritage. They visited their homeland to connect with their families. Through these travels and family connections, he became good friends with his new “adopted son” Lars Arne Skar.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews Jane (Terry) McKnight, Sandra (Mark) Bystrom, Mary (Rob) Reid, Ann (Jerry) Bigalke, Joe (Jean) Osowski, Lori (Mark) Osowski, his sister-in-law Doreen (Donald) Barse, and many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice, his parents Lawrence and Lillian (Polzin) Toebaas, and his dear sister Jacqueline Glee Osowski.

He requested that any memorial donations be made in his and Alice’s name to the Alice Toebaas Curatorial Endowment Fund at the Galena – Jo Daviess County Historical Society.

A service to celebrate Ronn’s life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Galena at 309 Hill St. on Friday, May 19, at 10:00 AM. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Glen Callahan

Glen Callahan passed away at 12:34 pm on April 29, 2023, due to complications from a recent stroke.  His family called him Felix, because like a cat, he seemed to have nine lives.  He had faced numerous health issues throughout his life, and sailed through all of them with ease until this last episode, number nine.

Glen was born to Walter and Anna Callahan on October 15, 1944.  He grew up on a farm on Callahan Road in Bernard, IA surrounded by six loving sisters:  Jeananne Freymann (Don Freymann), Lois Corbin-Sweeney (Jim Sweeney), Karen Wertzberger (Dave Wertzberger), Mary Callahan-Elliott (Junior Elliott), Katie Miller (Jay Miller), and Linda Wertzberger (Dick Wertzberger).  After high school, he married Jane (Kisting) Callahan and they had three daughters:  Colleen Callahan, Amy Steinacker (Tim), and Susie Callahan.  Glen was so relieved when his daughters all had grandsons, so he could finally have some male companionship.  Glen loved horses and horseback riding, and listened to country music all his life.  He was always up for a mean game of Euchre, and he enjoyed camping and fishing with his grandsons Jordan Lopez, Dylan Callahan, Alex Steinacker, Eric Steinacker and son-in-law Tim Steinacker.

Glen was married to Diane (Breitbach) Callahan, and cared deeply for his step-children:  Kelly Breitbach and Scott Breitbach.  Glen also had a long-term relationship with Sandy Bertsch, who shared many of his final years and trips to Florida.

After a brief stint at Dubuque Packing Company, Glen founded Dubuque Data Services, a local software development company, in 1972.  He was CEO of DDS until 2016, when he sold the business to PBS Systems and retired.  Throughout his life, his passion was softball and fishing, and in his later years, he enjoyed visiting his friend Peter Takos in Florida for some sun and deep sea fishing.

His final wish was to donate his body to research at Mayo Clinic, as a thank you for the many times they saved his life.  Because of this, there won’t be a viewing, but the family is planning a Celebration of Life later this summer.  Details on the memorial will be sent to close friends and posted on Facebook.  All are welcome.   Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family.

Glen was very blessed to have so many friends and family, and was thrilled to have been visited by so many of them this past year.  Glen will be deeply missed by all, but we’re sure he will be up in heaven arguing politics with his daughter Susie, playing cards with his Mom and Dad, and watching out for all of us.   Special thanks goes to the staff at Stonehill, the Hospice nurses and friends who visited often (Buzz, Chuck, Kristine and others) who all helped make his final days as pleasant as possible.

Joseph A. Peters III

Joseph “Joe” A. Peters III, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Graveside Services will be 11:00 am, Thursday, May 4, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Joe was born January 2, 1960 in Bellevue, the son of Joseph A. Peters II and Janet (Knight) Joseph (Joe) Arthur Peters, III, born January 2nd, 1960, the second of 5 children born to Janet (Knight) and Joseph Peters II.  Joe was devastated his dad died when he was 6 years old.  That sorrow turned to joy when Janet remarried 3 years later to Joe’s bonus dad, Paul Sieverding.  Janet and Paul brought 3 more children into the family.

Joe loved the outdoors.  He liked to hunt and fish, go 4 wheeling and mushroom hunting when in season. His 3 sons were Joe’s pride and joy.  From the time they were able to walk Joe took them out hunting and fishing with him.  The boys learned to love the outdoors as much as their dad.  Joe was so proud of his sons for all their accomplishments.  Joe was looking forward to meeting his first grandson in a few months.  Sadly, Joe’s time ran out before the birth.

Joe was a horticulturist. He planted a field of berry bushes and fruit trees right outside of Bellevue for a U-pick garden.  He wanted everyone in town to enjoy fresh fruit. His health prevented that dream from becoming a reality. Joe was able to keep a couple of peach trees at his house and was looking forward to lots of peaches this year, based on the number of flowers on the tree.

Joe had a kind heart and helped friends and family. Every year Joe donated bikes to the local Bellevue children at Easter time. He felt bikes were important for kids to develop and grow.

Joe had some hard times but he never dwelt on them and kept moving forward with a positive attitude. When he was young, he bought equipment and set up his own welding shop.  That dream ended after a few short months when someone broke into the shop and stole everything he had. It was a hard time but it did not hold him down. He went back to work for the union and bought other equipment over the years but was never able to recreate the welding shop.

The past few years have been especially hard for Joe.  He had a stroke that left him with Parkinson’s like symptoms so walking was slow.  The stroke also damaged his frontal lobe which caused him to say whatever he was thinking without any filter. That got him in a little hot water every once in a while. But he was always the same old Joe.

Joe looked forward to going to the bowling alley at 4pm every day.  He especially enjoyed talking to his nephew, Jarod, who was always looking out for Joe.

Joe is survived by his sons.  Joseph IV, Justin and Tyler and a grandson. His bonus dad, Paul Sieverding, his sister, Stacy (Peters) Jaeger, Timothy Peters, Jennifer (Sieverding) Whittington, Paul Sieverding, Jr and Chad Sieverding.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Peters II and Janet (Peters) Sieverding.  His siblings, Jill Peters and Mike Peters, and a niece Sarah Jaeger.

Joe will be buried with his sister Jill at the Bellevue cemetery.

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

Henry L. Holston

Henry L. “Bo” Holston, age 66, of Dubuque and formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away at 8:03 a.m., on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Harmony of Dubuque. To honor Bo’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.

Bo was born on October 28, 1956, in Canton, Mississippi, son of Robert Earl Holston and Oneta Powell.

Bo grew up and attended school in Canton, MS. The family eventually moved to Chicago, and in the early 1970’s, Bo joined the U.S. Army to honorably serve his country. When his time with the service was over, Bo went to work as a mechanic with the US Postal service for over 15 years until his retirement. Bo had many interests in his free time. He loved music and played lead guitar with several bands in Chicago and Mississippi. Bo also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was very disciplined in his practice of martial arts. We will miss Bo tremendously, but find some comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully, free of the health issues he has faced these past months.

Those left to cherish Bo’s memory include

his daughter,
Tamika Holston, Miami, FL;

his grandchildren,
Brittany Holston, Tywand Render, Terrick Huttoe, Dewon Hamilton, Demesha Hamilton and Daniah Hamilton;

a host of great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Betty Silas, Chicago, IL,
Woodroe (Sara) Silas, Canton, MS,
Mary Holston, Apple River, IL,
Willie (Angie) Holston, Vallejo, CA,
John (Lindell) Holston, Dubuque, IA
and James (Marilyn) Holston, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Bo was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Henry Burel.

Bo’s family would like to thank Dr. Caceres and the nurses and staff that have helped care for Bo at ProMedica, especially Joseph, Alyssa, Alicia, Kim and Abby. Also a special thanks to everyone at Hospice of Dubuque.

Dear Brother,

Sadly, you are no longer here; however, your kind spirit remains very near. The loving memories of you will be forever treasured within our hearts.

To us you were precious and dear, always willing to lend an ear. Your smile was warm and bright, but you could also produce a frown, which would cause a bit of fright.

You are one in a million, our humble and fun-loving brother who we loved so dear. Life without you will not be the same, for now we must bear some pain.

We will always cherish your memory. In this family you are an irreplaceable part, out of sight, but never out of mind, forever will you live in our Heart!

We Love you in this world & the next,

The Brothers & the Sisters ♥♥♥

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Bo’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Henry Holston Family.

William F. Freiburger

William F. Freiburger, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 24th, 2023, at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation.

A private service will be held at a later date. Burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

William was born on October 29, 1945, Dubuque, IA the son of John “Jack” and Harriet (Savary) Freiburger.

He worked many years at Caradco in Dubuque, upon their closing, he was self-employed doing snow removal, lawncare and maintenance. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Steve Hopkins) Freiburger, of Mesa, AZ, siblings; John (Karen) Freiburger, Charlotte Hanson, Mary Freiburger and Helen Freiburger, all of Dubuque. Many nieces and nephews along with several great nieces and nephews

William was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Rose Freiburger, brothers James Freiburger and Charles Freiburger, brother-in-law Lawrence Hanson, niece Deborah Yoder and former wife Mariella Freiburger

Condolences for the family can be left with Leonard Funeral Home or on William’s obituary on the funeral home’s website leonardfuneralhome.com.

Scott A. Smith

Scott A. Smith, 67, of Dubuque, IA passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 5th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at the funeral home with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6.

Scott was born on March 13, 1956, in Dubuque, IA to Robert & Madelyn (Beyhl) Smith.

After high school Scott joined the Navy where he was a MR2 & worked on the USS Dixie AD-14 from 1975- 1978. Scott had many jobs, but he was widely known as a do-it-all handyman. If he didn’t know how to repair or build something he wasn’t afraid to put in the work to learn how to do so. His basement was his own little shop where he would spend free time on his projects. He was a family man and prioritized always being there for his kids. He loved the Packers & Hawkeyes, spending time on his boat, and took immense pride in his truck.

On February 22nd, 2022, Scott took Deborah Theis’ hand in marriage after 10 years of dating. Scott loved spending time with Deb whether it was doing yard work or just sitting around a fire drinking Busch Light. She truly brought out the best in him.

He is survived by his two children Shane Smith and Taylor (Reggie) Paar; his wife Deborah; stepson Kelly Hoffmann (Niki Launspach); siblings Bob (Sandy) Smith; Lynn (Lynn) Smith; Kevin (Ann) Smith; Terry (Janice) Smith; and Cathy (Bobby) Morley.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Madelyn, sisters Diane Breitbach and Mary Wright, brother Jerry Smith, and brother-in-law Dave Wright.

The family sends its thanks to the first responders, doctors, staff, and all others at Mercy Medical Center ICU & ER.

Sr. Mary Jo Keane, BVM

Sister Mary Jo Keane, BVM, (Martin Mary), 88, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1040 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, April 28, 2023, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Jo was a high school teacher in Chicago, St. Louis, and Burbank, Calif. She ministered as a social worker in the Chicago Public Schools. She served the congregation as office staff in Dubuque, Iowa, and office manager in Los Gatos, Calif.

She was born Sept. 6, 1934, in Chicago to Martin and Catherine (Rowland) Keane. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1959, from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1962, and final vows on July 16, 1967.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Thomas Hoban, sister Patricia (Harold “Bing”) Carlson, and brother-in-law George Wendell. She is survived by a sister Catherine “Kay” Wendell, Scottsdale, Ariz.; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 63 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Dale A. Griffin

Dale A. “Grub” Griffin, age 68, of Dickeyville, WI, completed his earthly journey on April 30, 2023, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.  To honor Dale’s life, a Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at PJ’s Pub and Hall, 3670 County HHH, Kieler, WI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dale’s family.

Dale was born on November 15, 1954, in Staten Island, N.Y. a son to Robert and Betty (McCoy) Griffin.  He retired from Krusers in Dickeyville.  His favorite past times were playing music, hunting, fishing, cooking, morel hunting, and anything outdoors; especially if it included riding his Harley with his friends.  Dale played in many bands in the area most of his life.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dale include,

his mother,
Betty Griffin;

his son,
Timmy Griffin;

his siblings,
Tim (Kathy) Griffin,
Russ (Kris) Griffin,
Dick (Ruth) Griffin,
Julie Griffin,
and Caroline (Mary Labrecht) Griffin;

along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, Robert Griffin; and his niece, Holly (Griffin) Amunson.

Dale’s family would like to thank all of his family and friends who have continually reached out to provide comfort during this very difficult time.  They would also like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Finley Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Kay E. Auderer

Kay E. Auderer, 76, of Dubuque, died peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Chandler Medical Center in Chandler, AZ, with her loving husband and Arizona family by her side.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 pm on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Kay will be 10:30 am Monday, May 8, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Kay was born March 21, 1947, in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Maynard P. and Janice F. (Turk) Cullen. On June 29, 1968, she married Roger Auderer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore, Wisconsin.

Kay graduated from Fennimore High School in 1965. She then furthered her education at Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing, graduating in 1969 and later graduating from the University of Dubuque with her Bachelor’s Degree in 1984.

Kay was a longtime member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also volunteered at Dubuque Rescue Mission.

Kay worked for Mercy Medical Center for 37 years in many capacities. At the time of her retirement she was working as Accreditation Coordinator. Kay was also one of the original members and vice chair of the Dubuque Regional AIDS coalition. In 2006 Kay was voted one of “100 Great Iowa Nurses”.

Kay loved cayenne pepper, reading, NASCAR, and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Kay also enjoyed cooking and was very good at it; she was even voted Ms. Betty Crocker in high school. Above all, Kay treasured her time spent with family and the winters spent in Arizona with Roger.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Roger Auderer of Dubuque; son, Scott (Tammy) Auderer of Ankeny, IA; two granddaughters, Lauryn and Alexa Auderer of Ankeny, IA; sister, Mary Wright of Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Pam Cullen of South Milwaukee, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jim Cullen; and brother-in-law, Danny Wright.

A memorial has been established.

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

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

Vernon Kluesner

Vernon Kluesner, 73, of Dubuque, died Monday, May 1, 2023, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, May 5, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Vernon will be 10:30 am Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant.

Vernon was born in Farley, Iowa on October 29, 1949, the son of Joseph and Verena (Wulfekuhle) Kluesner. On September 20, 1969, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Lanser in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Vernon graduated from St. Joseph High School in Farley, IA, in 1967. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years. After retiring, he delivered paint for Sherwin Williams. Vernon was a lifetime member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a proud member of the UAW. He was a true outdoorsman as he enjoyed fishing, deer and turkey hunting, morel hunting, and caring for his cabin and acreage in Northeastern Iowa. Vernon also enjoyed playing cribbage and cards, taking trips to the casino, bowling and playing softball.  He cherished time with his family and was the head cook at the Annual Kluesner fish fry.

Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline; two sons, Brad Kluesner of Rockford, IL and Jeff (Twila) Kluesner of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Michael Randall of Dubuque, Emma Kluesner of Yorkville, IL, Peyton Imhof of Dubuque, and Brennan Imhof of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He is further survived by his siblings, Daniel Kluesner of Farley, Dianne (Bruce) Batteram of Hazel Green, WI, Robert (Karla) Kluesner of Farley, Edwin (Mary) Kluesner of Farley, Therese (Jerry) Renz of Earlville, Barb Kluesner of Marion, Craig Kluesner of Farley, Cyril (Amy) Kluesner of Dubuque, Rosie (Daryl) Nurre of Petersburg, IA, Lois (Rich) Wubben of Galena, IL, Sil (Karen) Kluesner of Marion; brothers- and sisters-in-law, James (Ann) Lanser of Dubuque, Jean Gross of Otter Creek, IA, Judy (TC) Christianson, John (Jeanne) Lanser, Joan (Bob) Gansemer, Joyce (John) Hirsch, Jane (Dan) Tressel, Joseph (Beulah) Lanser, Jerry (Carla) Lanser, Janann Oertel, and Jay (Shelley) Lanser, all of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Allen and Ernie; his father and mother-in-law, Daniel and Jeanette; and nephew, Ryan Wubben.

A special thank you Hospice of Dubuque especially, Angela and Stephanie and the Mayo Clinic for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Delain M. Allen

Delain M. Allen, 96, of Dubuque, passed away May 2, 2023 at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00p.m. at the funeral home, with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Delain was born on June 1, 1926, to Alexander and Anna (Wagner) Harvey in Dubuque, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Raymond Alva Allen on August 24, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on September 24, 2006.

Delain was employed with the Adams Company for several years.

Delain and Raymond owned and operated the Siesta Motel for many years. They were also longtime members of Tri-State Travelers.

Delain is survived by her children, Dale R. (Janet Wolff) Allen, Donald R. (Lori) Allen, and daughter-in-law, Mary Allen; grandchildren, Jeff (Rachel) Allen, Kerry (Mike) Rueter, James (Lynn) Allen, Lisa Burleson, Stephanie (Jake) Vyverberg, Courtney Allen, Sam (fiancée Alex) Allen; 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond; son, David; in-laws; and her infant brother, Lester L. Harvey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hospice of Dubuque, or Stonehill Communities.

Delain’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all her family and friends who helped Delain through the challenges over the last 10 years. They wish to especially thank Felishia, Rachael, Trissity, Robin, Madison, and all the staff of the Memory Care Unit at Stonehill Communities, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Thomas P. Billmeyer

Thomas P. Billmeyer, 68, of Dubuque died Monday May 1st. In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Tom was born May 21st, 1954, in Dubuque, son of Gilbert and Maureen (Blocker) Billmeyer. He retired from A.Y. McDonald and enjoyed music, travel, metal detecting, fast cars, woodworking and spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by two children Zoey Billmeyer of West Chester Iowa and John (Michelle) Pokorny of Rockton IL, brother Richard Billmeyer of Dubuque, IA, and sisters Mary Beth Rupert of Naperville IL, and Colleen (Troy) Martens of Cedar Rapids, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gilbert and Maureen Billmeyer, and a sister, Carol Tjon-A-Joe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Cecilia M. Hager

Cecilia M. (Kueter) Hager, 90, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023, at her home in Henderson, NV.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, IA, at 11 AM on Friday, May 5, 2023, with visitation from 10-11 AM. The Rite of Committal and Burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Lorin.

Cecilia was born on January 18, 1933, in rural Bellevue to John and Millie (Sieverding) Kueter. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Bellevue. She married Lorin J. Hager on October 6, 1953, and they were joyfully married for over 67 years. Together they raised 5 children. Lorin passed away in 2021.

Cecilia’s life was devoted to lovingly raising her family, supporting her friends and neighbors, and service to her community. After living in Bellevue for many years, the family moved to Burlington, IA, for Lorin’s job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After ending his career back in Bellevue, they retired to Pahrump, NV, and later relocated to Henderson, NV.

After high school, Cecilia was a nurses’ aide at the Bellevue Hospital. She was also instrumental in setting up the American Red Cross swimming lesson program at the Bellevue swimming pool. As an accomplished seamstress, she sewed many suits for Lorin, intricately beaded wedding gowns for her daughters Paula and Kay, wedding attendant dresses, beautiful banners and priests’ vestments for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and their church in Pahrump, and many garments and other items for family and people in the community. She altered wedding gowns at Schramm’s in Burlington and at several other bridal shops. During this past year, she created a personalized “hugs and kisses” quilt for each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Cecilia enjoyed spending time with family, needle crafts, flower gardening, playing the piano, reading, playing cards and dominoes, doing puzzles, and socializing with friends and neighbors. She was active in her Catholic parishes and her faith in Jesus Christ will live on in her legacy.

Cecilia is survived by her 5 children – Paula Miller (Steve), Mary Brown (Dave), Sarah Witter (Jeff), Kay Auer (Joe), and Mark Hager (Lisa) – 10 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way; sisters Cleta Herrig (Harold) and Elaine Schumacher; sisters-in-law Imelda Kueter, Armella Kueter, Bernice Ehlers, and Carol Hager; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorin, her parents, brothers Paul, Mike (Mary), Greg, and Nester; great grandson Bennett Feldman, and her father/mother-in-law, Raymond and Sedalia (Jacobs) Hager.

Memorial contributions may be directed to:

Camp Courageous of Iowa, 12007 190th Street, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310 or https://campcourageous.org/donate-now/

ChildServe-Johnston, 5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131 or https://www.childserve.org/donate/

Penelope A. Shultz

Penelope “Penny” Anne Shultz, 3-day-old infant daughter of Jacob and Anna (Jochum) Shultz, passed away on April 28, 2023, at 4:15 a.m. in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 5th, 2023 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. at the church until the time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Penny was born on April 25, 2023, at 2:39 p.m. in Madison, Wisconsin, daughter to proud parents Jacob and Anna (Jochum) Shultz. She was loved the moment she entered this world- not only by her family, but also by every person she encountered. Despite her many challenges, she brought joy to her mother and father, and was a fighter to the very end.

Penny was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her parents Jacob and Anna Shultz, grandparents Rick and Andrea Jochum of Dubuque, Cynthia Henert of Asbury, and Eric Shultz of Iowa City, uncle Samuel Jochum, aunts Adeline Jochum and Lily Jochum, all of Dubuque, and great-grandparents Juan Lampe of Dubuque, Donna Jochum of Dubuque, and Janet Henert of St. Louis, MO.

She was welcomed into eternal rest by her great grandparents Ernest and Emma Shultz, Earl Lampe, Gary Jochum and Verlis Henert, and her uncle Nicholas Shultz.

The family would like to thank the UnityPoint Meriter staff in Madison, Wisconsin with the American Family Children’s Hospital staff for their loving care to Penny and her family during her fight. They would also like to thank Rev. Andrew McAlpin, Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Fr. David Schatz, and the St. Columbkille Parish for their support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, a Penelope Shultz Memorial Fund will be established.

Janet A. Menadue

Janet A. Menadue, 82, of Dubuque, died Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Janet will be 10:00 am Friday, May 5, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Janet was born May 7, 1940, in Dubuque, the daughter of Frank C. and Evelyn (Snooks) Wieland. On January 25, 1986, she married Thomas Donald Menadue in Dubuque.

Janet graduated from East Rockford High School in Rockford, Illinois, class of 1958.  She worked for the Department of Human Services for twenty eight years. Janet enjoyed a full life with her beloved husband Tom  She learned to love the river, especially teaching all of the grandchildren how to fish.  Tom and Janet enjoyed their traveling seeing many exciting site the world has to offer. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, and was involved in the CEW community.  She loved the opportunity to serve Jesus by serving others.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Thomas Menadue of Dubuque; children, Craig “CJ” (Nancy) Pape, Brian (Brenda) Pape, Dan (Mindee) Pape, Suzanne Marie Pape and Tracey (Jeff) Winsett all of Dubuque; daughters, Lisa Popp of Hartford, WI and Tammie (Darryl) Eggers of Kieler, WI; nine-grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Hubanks.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the nurses and staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice of Dubuque.

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