Obituaries Archive

Allen L. Paulsen

Allen L. Paulsen, 89, of DeWitt, Iowa, and formerly of Delmar, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.

Allen Lee Paulsen was born on September 21, 1933 in Clinton County, Iowa, to Roy A. and Glatha L. (Hohn) Paulsen.  He grew up in the rural Elwood area and graduated from Elwood High School in 1951.  Immediately following high school, he began farming and farmed the family farm east of Elwood until his retirement.

He married Marilyn Kinrade on November 16, 1952 at the United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Five children were born to this union, Joy, Steve, Jill, David, and Ron.

Allen was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church and the Polka Club of Iowa.  He enjoyed dancing, and spending time with his family.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Marilyn Paulsen of DeWitt, IA; children, Joy Sheeley of Moscow, IA, Steve (Brenda) Paulsen of Delmar, IA, Jill (Matt) Goodman of Spragueville, IA, Dave (Tammi) Paulsen of Lisbon, IA, and Ron (Joyce) Paulsen of Elwood, IA; sisters, Onalee Keeney of Maquoketa, IA, and Carolyn Dennis of Lakeland, FL; 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Jeanne Paulsen, son-in-law Kent Sheeley, and a great-granddaughter Katherine Frett.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, February 24, 2023 at Carson Celebration of Life in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11 A.M. to 12:45 P.M at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial will be at a later date at the Lost Nation, IA Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Allen Lee Paulsen memorial fund has been established.

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

Jeffrey J. Tebbe

Jeffrey J. Tebbe, 50 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on February 16, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 20th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at St. Joseph The Worker with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springbrook, IA.

Jeffrey Jon Tebbe was born April 27, 1972, in Maquoketa, Iowa to Al and Gladys (Bormann) Tebbe.  He attended Marquette Catholic High School (Class of 1990).  After high school he attended Briar Cliff University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater.  He then completed his Master’s Degree in Adult Education at UW Platteville where he remained employed for 18 years until his death.

He married Christen Bourgeois on October 16, 1999 at St. Boniface Church in Sioux City, Iowa.  Jeff was an avid lover of community theater in the Sioux City and Dubuque communities.  He touched the lives of many people as a director with his knowledge and passion for the shows he helped create, often partnering with his wife Christen as choreographer.  A huge fan of the Cubs, Cowboys and Hawkeyes, he always had a great time talking smack and cheering on those teams.  He also enjoyed comics, sci-fi and cosplay. If you were lucky enough to catch him as WWE’s The Undertaker at Dubuque ComicCon, we hope you snapped a pic! Jeff was a man with a huge heart, and family was the center of his life.  You could always find him hanging out with his nieces, helping others with projects, building toy barns, making Halloween costumes, taking one for the team on spinning rides at Adventureland, and having a fun time at family gatherings with his unique sense of humor.  He was also a huge animal lover and the best cat dad around.  His cats Shadow, Tugger, Loki, Coco and Charlie already miss him.

Those left to honor his memory include: his wife of 23 years, Christen (Bourgeois), his mother Gladys; siblings Julie Tebbe (special friend Kristi), of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, Jane Tebbe, Dubuque, Iowa, Jake (Abby) Tebbe, Dubuque, Iowa, Joanna (Brian) Chaplin, Altoona, Iowa, father-in-law Claude (Kathy) Bourgeois, LeCompton, Kansas, sisters-in-law, Tamara Bourgeois, Topeka, Kansas, Becca Bourgeois, Kansas City, Missouri, Lori (John) Carson, Manhattan, Kansas; nieces and nephews Margaret and Cecilia Tebbe, Brinley and Bailey Chaplin, Justice Rexrode, Zya Bourgeois, Aiden Glase, and Sophia Carson.

He was preceded in death by his Father Alfred Tebbe Jr., paternal grandparents Alfred “Fritz” and Alvina Tebbe, maternal grandparents, Jacob Bormann, John and Genevieve Steines, and mother-in-law Lucy (Terry) Bourgeois Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wahlert High School Encore Club.

Jeff’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Fire and EMT, the Dubuque Police Department, and MercyOne Emergency room staff for their prompt assistance and caring moral support.

Thanks, Jeff, for your wonderful sense of humor, your love of red shoes, and the love you showed to all of us.  Hope you have a good euchre game going up there! We will miss you dearly!

Keith L. Cook

Keith L. Cook, 95, of Dubuque, IA died peacefully Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

Family and friends are invited to visitations on Monday, February 20 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 21 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 1199 Main Street, Dubuque, IA. A handicap-accessible entrance is located at the rear of the church. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church with Reverend Stephanie Schlimm officiating. A livestream of the service can be viewed at egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Keith was born to Gladice and Max Cook in Mt. Pleasant, IA on September 16, 1927. He grew up in Salem, IA and Washington, IA, and graduated from Washington High School. Following high school, he served in the Navy and then enrolled at University of Iowa. Keith earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1949. Soon after college, Keith began work with Northwestern Bell phone company and traveled to all corners of Iowa. In 1963, he moved to Chicago to become a portfolio manager at Kemper Financial Services, where he developed a strong investment acumen, and worked there until his retirement in 1988.

While career helped to fulfill Keith, it never defined him. Keith led a full, rich, and rewarding life outside of work. Keith married Lois Ann Roe of Maquoketa, IA on October 1, 1955. Together, they raised their two sons, Stan and Larry, in Western Springs, IL and enjoyed good family times together, including annual fishing trips to Big St. Germain Lake in northern Wisconsin. Lois passed away on June 8, 1981.

Keith met his “Second Iowa Farm Girl”, Sharon Kress, who also worked at Kemper Financial Services. Keith and Sharon spent many good years in Chicago before moving to Dubuque in 1990 and marrying in 1998.  Together, they traveled the world. They enjoyed all that Dubuque had to offer – wonderful family and friends, a vibrant art and cultural scene, volunteer work and philanthropy. Keith was a long-serving board member of Hillcrest Family Services and the Northeast Iowa Council Boy Scouts. He was also a past President, program chair, and an active member of the Dubuque Rotary Club.

Even as the years passed, Keith prided himself on grilling his delicious Easter ham, mowing his own lawn, holding his own on the tennis courts, savvy investing, and being one of the best-read men around. Keith was steadfastly loyal to friends, family, church and his beloved charitable causes. Keith’s love of life, optimism, and humor will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Sharon Kress; his two sons, Stan (Wendy) of Hinsdale, IL, and Larry (Sara Sanders) of Iowa City, IA; his daughter-in-law, Julie Mathes of Aliso Viego, CA; his four grandchildren, Sarah (Will) Kessenich of Mequon, WI, Grace Cook (fiancé Caleb Copeland) of Ypsilanti, MI, Will Cook of Bozeman, MT, and Cam Cook of Virginia Beach, VA; his two great-grandsons, Wyatt and Max Kessenich of Mequon, WI; sisters-in-law Shirley Gleason of Sun City West, AZ, Joann (Donnie) Wiederholt of Cuba City, WI, Marilyn (John) Fiske of Columbus, OH, Irene Sisler of Dubuque, Joyce (Jeff) Klauer of Dubuque; brothers-in-law Bill Kress of Dubuque, and Bob (Flo) Kress of Naperville, IL, and many nephews and nieces.

Keith was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marilyn Brinkman.

To honor Keith’s life, friends and family are invited to make donations to Hillcrest Family Services (2005 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52001), Northeast Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America (P.O. Box 732, Dubuque, IA 52004), Rotary International (1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201), St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (1199 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001), or a favorite charity of your choice.

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

The family thanks the caregivers of Bethany Home’s Memory Care Unit for their compassionate support of Keith during his final months.

Richard A. Leibfried

Richard A. “Dick” Leibfried, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on February 15, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 at the Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church. Entombment with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Dick was born on September 2, 1937 in Potosi, WI the son of Leo and Anastiasa (Eggers) Leibfried. He attended school in Southwest Wisconsin and served in the US Navy from 1957-1959. He worked for John Deere in Dubuque until his retirement. He was a member of the Local UAW.

Dick cared deeply about family and friends. We will miss him, until we meet again.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jane; his daughter Laurie (Pat) LuGrain; his son Rich (Michelle) Leibfried; sisters Julie Jansen, Jane Lange, Peg Pitzen and Joan Shireman; brothers Roger Leibfried and Randy Leibfried; sister-in-law Kay Budden. His grandchildren: Amber, Corey, P.J., Olivia, and Libby; great grandchildren Payton, Nolan, Vivian, Everly, Emersyn and KiLynn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Shirley Blindert, Donna Timmerman, and Marilyn Sexton; brothers Keith Leibfried and Jeff Leibfried, brothers-in-law Donald Jansen, Richard Timmerman and Larry Timmerman; sisters-in-law Nancy Leibfried and Donna Frommelt and his granddaughter Ashley LuGrain.

The family wishes to thank to all of the family, friends and health care professionals who helped Dick throughout his illness.

Margaret M. Miller

Eric M. Fagan

Eric M. Fagan, 45, of Monticello passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a parish vigil service will be held at 3 pm.  Visitation will continue at Sacred Heart Church in Monticello from 10 – 11 am prior to Mass.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday, February 20, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with burial in Oakwood Cemetery.  Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Eric was born on October 9, 1977, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Ron and Monica (Nehl) Fagan.  He graduated from Midland High School with the Class of 1996.  He married Devin Meyer on April 21, 2001, at Temple Hill Church in Cascade.  He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs and the New England Patriots.  He enjoyed the Star Wars Trilogy.  He dominated in Fantasy Football and at weddings you would find him on the dance floor busting out his Michael Jackson dance moves.  He really enjoyed spending time with his family and watching Alex play soccer, Tyler and Haylie shoot archery, helping Alissa with her social studies, doing Diamond Art with Natalie and watching Cocomelon with Kelton.

Eric worked at Fareway from 1995 – 2001, and at Georgia Pacific from 2001-2012, and then he went to Cornerstone (NCI and Starr Manufacturing) until the present.

Survivors include his wife, Devin, children: Alex, Tyler, Haylie, Alissa, Natalie and Kelton Fagan, all at home; his parents, Ron and Monica Fagan of Onslow; siblings: Tony (Carmen) Fagan of Dyersville, Paula (Craig) Vaske of Springville, nieces and nephews: Ian and Erin Fagan and Keegan, Cameron and Dylan Vaske; parents in law: Lavern and Judith Meyer of Olin, in-laws: Kyle Meyer of Center Point, Lois (John) Dougherty of Center Point and Dawn Meyer of Anamosa; nieces and nephews: Christie Meyer, Danielle (Dylan) Childs, Austin Dougherty, Katravia and Jachel Burns; a great niece, Blakely Childs, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gib and Wanita Nehl, Paul and Dorie Fagan, and a brother-in-law, Shane Meyer in infancy. an uncle, Clete Fagan.

Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello 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, PO Box 791, Monticello, IA 52310-0791.

Sr. Betty Smith

Sister Betty (Erneste) Smith, OP died on Feb. 11, 2023, at Sinsinawa, Wis. She was born to George and Pearl (Smith) Smith in Washington, D.C. on June 13, 1939. There were two children.

She is survived by nieces and her beloved Dominican Sisters. Her funeral services will be at Sinsinawa on Feb 19 at 6:30 p.m and Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m.,2023. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Sister Betty graduated from Edgewood College in Madison, Wis. with a degree in education and later a degree in continuing education from Wellsprings in Glen Falls, N. Y. From 1959-1968, she served in culinary arts in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Sister Betty loved children and the next years found her in various roles as teacher in the primary grades, aide and general support staff in Missouri; South Carolina; Washington, D.C; and Georgia. She then shared her compassion, gentleness and warmth as chaplain, parish visitor and support staff in the Washington, D.C. area. Sister Betty came to Sinsinawa in 2003 to continue her work in pastoral care. She retired in 2009. She loved people and shared her faith day by day with all whom she encountered.

Betty said to everyone: “Jesus loves you. He told me so.” Rest now in that love forever.

Nancy S. Olsen

Nancy Sue (Henze) Olsen, 77, of Bellevue, formerly of Waterloo, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Nancy was born July 12, 1945 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Audrey (Fordyce) Henze.  She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1963 and then earned an Associate’s Degree from Gates College.  Nancy married James K. Olsen on July 30, 1966 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She worked for Control-O-Fax in Waterloo for 30 years, then Office Concepts for 10 years before retiring and moving to Bellevue, Iowa to be closer to family.  Nancy cherished her time with family and friends, reading, watching movies and spending winters in Florida with Jim.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; a daughter, Kristie Olsen Jacobsen; a son in-law, Troy Jacobsen; grandchildren, Taylor (fiancé Leah Douglas) Jacobsen of Brodhead, WI, Luke (fiancé Ashley Meyers) Jacobsen of Dubuque, and Jillian (fiancé Cohl Kueter) Jacobsen of Bellevue; great-grandchildren, Cora, Theo and Huck; siblings, Shirley McDowell of Mountain Home, AK and Carol (Bruce) Walters of Waterloo; a brother in-law Bill Pecenka.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Henry Henze; a sister, Cindy Pecenka; a brother in-law, Kenneth McDowell, and a nephew Todd Walters.

Memorial’s and Condolences may be mail to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o Nancy Olsen Family.

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

Ronald J. McAuliffe

Ronald J. McAuliffe, 80, of Peosta, IA passed away on February 13, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous fight with prostate cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18th, 2023, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Peosta, IA. A flag presentation by the Iowa Army National Guard will be accorded.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph Key West Church where a wake service will be at 1:45 p.m.  Additional visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road until mass time.

Ron was born on November 2, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of John and Mary Jane (McDonald) McAuliffe. He graduated from St. Johns the Baptist in Peosta, Iowa and attended Loras College in Dubuque for one year. He married Doris Mary Connolly on July 17, 1965, at St. Johns Church in Epworth, Iowa.

He served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Ron was a Boy Scout Leader, member of St. Joseph’s Parish Council, Auto Service Excellence Board, Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Marriage Encounter and Secular Franciscans.

Ron started working at McAuliffe Garage and then was the service manager at Rainbo Tire & Auto before becoming the auto mechanics instructor at NICC where he stayed for 22 years until his retirement in 2009. Ron was National Mechanic of the year by the American Service of Excellence in 1984 and he and Doris enjoyed a trip to California. Ron was loved by all who met him and will be missed.

He is survived by the love of his life Doris of 57 years; his children: Jeff (Kelly) McAuliffe, Julie McAuliffe, Jerry (Cara) McAuliffe, Jody (Dennis) Errthum, John (Cheri) McAuliffe, and Jan (Amy) McAuliffe. Siblings: Peggy Nauman, Joe (Sharon) McAuliffe, Kathy (Roger) Hershberger, Jim (Cathy) McAuliffe, Connie (Dan) Wilgenbush, and Dan (Mary) McAuliffe. Sisters-in-law Madalyn Schilling, Marla Baumgartner and Lynn Connolly. Grandchildren: Maci (Wade) Bormann, Marissa (Fiancé Bryce Decker) McAuliffe, Spencer (Briana Bauer) Ambrosy, Caitlyn (Fiancé Eric Maki) Ambrosy, Connor Ambrosy, Ryan (Alyssa Kane) McAuliffe, Alisha McAuliffe, Ange (Brandon) Dunlop, Toni (Les) Penoyer, Elizabeth McAuliffe, Ben Henderson, TJ Henderson, and Anthony Hartman; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Jane McAuliffe; his in-laws Merlin and Jean Connolly; brothers-in-law Ronald Nauman and Ronald Connolly; sisters-in-law Joan Lawler and Mary Connolly; nephews Kevin Lawler and Tim McAuliffe.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque especially Melissa, Ryan and Nichole along with all the health care professionals who cared for Ron. Also, to all their family and friends for their love and compassion they gave to Ron and his family.

Joseph R. Sutherland

Joseph R. Sutherland, 86, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Visitation for Joe will be from Noon until 1:30 pm Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Full military honors will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, February 18, rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Joseph was born June 25, 1936, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Raymond Joseph and Frances Maria Horch Sutherland. On November 26, 1959, he married Joan Barbara France in St. Patrick Catholic Church.

He was a 1955 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.

He was a U.S. Veteran, serving in the Iowa National Guard for six years and the U.S. Army Reserves for two years.

Joe was a service technician for Peoples Natural Gas.

Joe and Joan wintered in Surprise, AZ for 22 years.

Survivors include his wife, Joan; three brothers, John (Jean) Sutherland of Cottonwood, AZ, James Cletus Sutherland of Dubuque, and Paul Sutherland of Cherokee Village, AK; one sister, Mary Capesius of LeClaire, IA; and several nieces and nephews including his Goddaughter and niece, Julie Capesius Moore, and niece, Jill (Howard) Bradberry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Patricia Taylor, and one brother-in-law, James Capesius.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Gay N. Kammerude

Gay Nell Kammerude, age 80, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on Feb. 13, 2023, at ManorCare. To honor Nell’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., at the Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery, 2736 Windsor Avenue, in Dubuque. Burial will be in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in Liberty Hill, AL. The Tri- State Cremation Center is humbly serving Nell’s family.

Nell was born on May 6, 1942, in Jasper, AL., a daughter to James and Martha (Christian) Upton. Nell eventually made her way to the Tri-States and spent the majority of her life here spreading her sweet and sassy southern draw around for all to enjoy. She spent many years working as a bridal consultant at the Wedding Embassy where she easily made everyone feel right at home on a daily basis. She also owned Nell’s Meats in Cuba City for awhile and enjoyed her time visiting and making friends along the way. In her free-time, Nell was always up for a good walk, relaxing with a fishing pole in hand when time allowed, and if it was yard sale season, she was known to surely be on the prowl for the best finds of the day. Nell’s bright spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her moving forward, but thankfully she also leaves behind an abundance of beautiful memories to help us through the more difficult days. Thank you, Nell, for never giving up and may peace be yours now until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Nell include,

her son,
Elby Dewayne Revis, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Peggy Anne (Tommy Shelby) Revis, Dubuque, IA;
Chris Revis, Alabama,
and Jason Revis, Alabama;

her great-grandchildren in Alabama;

her ex-daughter-in-law,
June (Stephen) Markham, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Nell was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Kammerude; her children, Peggy Sue Revis, Eddie Revis, and Freddie Revis; and her siblings.

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

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

Elmer J. Henkels

Elmer J. Henkels, 81 of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross, Iowa.  Visitation will continue at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Buena Vista, from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Buena Vista, Iowa with burial to follow in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville. Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

Elmer was born on June 19, 1941 in Turkey River, Iowa, the son of Clete and Theresia (Digmann) Henkels.  He farmed near North Buena Vista for over 30 years.

Elmer enjoyed spending time at the farm. He enjoyed the local church activities, meals, and gatherings. Elmer loved a good game of euchre, and attending some of the local euchre tournaments.

Elmer is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Henkels of Guttenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the staff at Guttenberg Care Center, St. Croix Hospice, and at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Joyce A. Thill

Joyce Arleen Thill, 71, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Saturday, February 18, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joyce will be 10:30 am Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Joyce was born July 25, 1951, in Harvey, IL, the daughter of Wesley Daniel and Leola Marie Reed Ferris. On October 20, 1978, she married Dennis Joseph Thill in Dubuque.

She was a 1969 graduate of Alameda High School in Denver, CO. She graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, CO in 1975.

Joyce worked in medical transcription at Medical Associates. She retired in 2016.

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She loved to read and loved dogs, especially her Minnie and Daisy. She enjoyed genealogy and was an avid cookbook collector. She took great joy in spoiling her granddaughters.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis; one son, Scott Joseph (Lindsay) Thill of DePere, WI; two daughters, Kyleen Marie Thill of Asbury, IA and Kristy Anne Thill of Dubuque, IA; two granddaughters, Gemma and Nora Thill; one sister, Betty Conyers of Andrews, TX; three brothers-in-law, Deacon James Thill, Thomas (Diane) Thill, and Gary (Lory) Thill, all of Dubuque; one sister-in-law, Barbara Jungk of Tomball, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father- and mother-in-law, Gerald and Marjorie Thill, one sister-in-law, Sandra Thill, one brother-in-law, Lyle Conyers, one niece, Roberta Wolbers, and one great-nephew, Nicholas LeGrand.

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 Joyce’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Janaan M. Hancock

Janaan M. Hancock, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Saturday February 11, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday February 19, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Wake Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 on Monday February 20, 2023, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Father McDermott officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A livestream of the mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Janaan was born on March 22, 1932, in Dubuque, daughter of Harry and Mayme (Oppelt) Haggerty. She was united in marriage to Blaine Hancock on May 24, 1952, at Sacred Heart church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on August 24, 1995.

The love of Mom’s life was her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, dogs, bingo, gambling, and CHOCOLATE. She was very proud of her nine boys.

Janaan is survived by her sons: Joe (Dawn), Ken (Shelley), twins Mark (Pauline) and Mike (Laurie), Nick (Jane), Jerry (Val) of Sarasota, FL, Tony (Lynn), Andy (Cathy) and Kevin (Sandy), 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren with one on the way; her sister Harriet Runde, brother-in-law Jack (Gayle) Hancock; sisters-in-law Lois Hancock and Penny Haggerty, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Blaine, siblings John (Jean) Haggerty, Mary Jane (Bob) Toner-Dohrer, James Haggerty, and in-laws Bill (Janann) Hancock, Calvin (Margaret) Hancock, Jim Hancock, Sr. Janice Hancock, PVBM, and Bob Runde.

In lieu of flowers, a Janaan Hancock Memorial Fund has been established.

Janaan’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris Weber, and all her “adopted” daughters who cared for her over the years.

Robert Moore

Robert “Bear” Moore, teller of stories, believer in miracles, train enthusiast, contractor, steel guitar player, lover of life, wife and family passed peacefully on February 13, 2023 at home with loved ones by his side. He will remain forever in our hearts.

Robert’s journey began July 5, 1956, the second son to Norma Hammerand and Earl Moore. When he arrived home as an infant, his brother Richard Moore asked “why does he have bear eyes?”, and he was known as Bear from that day forward. Bear grew up in Sherrill, IA, with brothers Richard (Carla) and Tom (Diane), sisters Sallie and Linda. His many adventures began early and his siblings have many stories to share.

With a huge and overflowing heart, family was at the center of Bear’s life. He married his magic, Jeanne Roerig, on May 22, 1987. Father to daughters Joann (Grant Brown) Moore, Natalie Morrigan and Jessica (Tom) Helbing and son Cory (Janel) Moore, sharing laughter and creating memories became his passion. His first instinct was to always ensure everyone was taken care of, putting others needs ahead of his own. He did this for his family, friends and also those he worked with.

After being a self-employed contractor for nearly 20 years in Dubuque, IA, Bear and his family moved to Kendallville, IN in 1998. He ran a crew for Shawnee Construction, quickly gaining a list of clients who requested “Bob” for all of their jobs. He loved to do construction on nursing homes so he could make friends with the elderly residents.

Grandchildren brought a welcomed joy to Bear’s life, along with his nieces and nephews. He made each of them feel special with the nicknames he bestowed. Hailey Runde (Nate Tomkins), also known as Dutchie, was the first to call him Grandpa Bear. Maddison “Tilldy” Moore, Nate “Popper” Moore, Kendra “Keka” Helbing and Cooper “Coopie” Helbing were delighted to spend time with Grandpa. Nieces and nephews include Michelle Boyer, William Moore, Elicia Hennings, Lis Burnette, Holly Walker, Heather Scharding, Jill Stewart, Travis Eurit, Jeff Lambert, Kayla Hartman, Noelle Day, Jenna Hatzenbuhler, Christopher Blong, Brandon Ostrander, Mallory Potter, Shelby Hoffman, Ben Hoffman, Clinton Roerig, Scott Roerig, Clifford Roerig, Madeline Roerig, Kathleen Snyder. In-laws Janice and Don Blong, Diane and Jeff Baker, Roxanne Ostrander, Steve and Jeanette Roerig, Kathy Stecklein, Angela Neuhaus, Shelby Stecklein and numerous cousins also played an important role in Bear’s life.

Before Bear learned of his cancer, he was blessed with great-granddaughter Scarlett, a joyful reminder of life. With the support of dear friends and family, he fought his cancer courageously, continually inspiring other patients along the way. The unwavering encouragement of dear friends Rob and Suzanne Severinac, Denise and Jim Lemish, Pete and Mary Husemann, and Bill and Angie Bressler will never be forgotten.

The family sends a huge thank you to the Fort Wayne Cancer Center. A private celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023. Condolences can be posted online at www.tristatecremationcenter.com or sent to the Tri-State Cremation Center, East Dubuque, IL.