Obituaries Archive

Donna J. Witt

Donna Jean Witt, 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Tuesday November 7, 2023 at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa following a brief illness. A graveside service will be held on November 25, 2023, at 11AM at Reeseville Cemetery in Miles Iowa.

Donna was born May 25, 1937 to Carl and Selma (Behning) Witt in Clinton, Iowa.

Donna was a hard worker who enjoyed growing up on the family farm. When she moved to Maquoketa, she worked at Jackson County Public Hospital, working in the kitchen and housekeeping. She retired after 26 years.

She enjoyed dancing and was an avid card player who enjoyed the many card clubs she belonged to. She was also a diehard Cubs fan. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Maquoketa, Spragueville Legion Auxiliary, and the Eagles Auxiliary. She was a friend to many whether you were a coworker or cards player, she knew everyone! But being an Aunt was her most enjoyable role.

She will be dearly missed by Nieces and a Nephew, Karen (Harlan) Lynn of Columbia, MO, Jodene (Bob) Berggren of Maquoketa, IA, Dorene McDonnell of Clinton, IA, Tom (Gail) Witt of Goose Lake, IA, Deb (Tim) Walter of Dixon, IL, and Joy (Mike) Portz of Miles, IA; 13 Great Nieces and Nephews, 13 Great-Great Nieces and Nephews and one Great-Great-Great Niece.  She is also survived by a special friend, Jim Arensdorf of Maquoketa, IA.  She was proceeded in death by her parents, sisters Virginia (Irvin) Strating, and Martha Witt, brothers Johnnie (Evelyn) Witt, Erwin (Jane) Witt and her twin brother Donald, nephews Kevin and Robert Witt, and a great nephew David Walter.

The family would like to thank the Jackson County regional Health Center, Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center and Hospice of Jackson County for the wonderful care given to Aunt Donna.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Matthew P. Davis Sr.

Matthew P. Davis Sr, 65, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023.  A private family memorial service will be held at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.

Matthew was born May 29, 1958 in Dubuque, son of Wesley and Ruth (Mills) Davis.

On June 18, 1977 he married Mary Dietz at Resurrection Catholic Church.

He worked as a mechanic and manager for 26 years for Miracle-Sinclair, then worked for 21 years at Bodine Electric.

He loved being outdoors hunting or doing yard work.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Matthew Davis Jr., Alicia (Jeremy) Kapp, and Zachary (Lindsay) Davis; six grandchildren, Blair, Maryellen, Kiefer, Bryan, Kiernin, and Hudson.

He is also survived by his siblings, Gene Davis, of Brookfield, WI, Robert (Becky Pfau) Davis, of Malibu, CA, Dennis Davis of Yuba City, CA, Ruth Greenwood, of Farley, Wayne (Lee) Davis, of Lompoc, CA, Daryl Davis, of Ewing, VA, Linda (Peter) So, of Pittsburg, CA,  John Davis, of Ewing, CA, Debra Davis, of Dubuque, Jayne Davis, of Yuba City, CA, Mary (Gary) Kreutz, of North Ridge, CA, and Todd (Chris) Davis, of North Hills, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Wesley J. Davis Jr. and Terry Davis; and his brother in law, Carl Greenwood.

Geraldine R. Galliart

Geraldine R. “Jerrie” Galliart, age 93, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 2:03 p.m., on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Jerrie’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Jerrie was born on July 5, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Le Roy and Nellie (Murphy) Kaiser.

Jerrie was a life long resident of Dubuque.  She married Carl Galliart at St. Mary’s Rectory on August 12, 1950, and they had 3 children together.  Sadly, Carl passed away on March 3, 1986.  She was a devoted wife and mom, but also worked in the Human Resources Department at Mercy Hospital for 35 years until she retired.  Jerrie was a kind and loving woman who raised exotic birds from chicks to sell to others to enjoy.  She was a member of the Bird Association, Rolling Meadows Bird Club and the Mid American Bird Club in Des Moines.  Her current bird, Rosie, brought great joy to everyone at Stonehill.  In her free time, Jerrie liked to engage in a little retail therapy and enjoyed to traveling to Las Vegas to try her luck at the Casinos.  Above all Jerrie loved her family.  She always took advantage of any time that she could spend with the kids and grandkids.  Jerrie was tenacious and strong willed, always battling through any health challenge that life threw her way.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Jerrie’s memory include

her children,
Carol (Roger) Ohmert, Dubuque, IA
and Patrick (Jo Ann) Galliart, Mason City, IA;

8 grandchildren,
Justin (Emily) Kaufman, Diane Kaufman, Carla (Tony Gotto) Kaufman, John (Sarah Timmerman) Kaufman, Corey Ohmert, Carl Galliart, Sarah (Patrick) Smith and Michael Galliart;

6 great-grandchildren,
Kyle Kaufman, Natalie (Quincy Lovelady) Kaufman, Ashlie Kaufman, Jack Kaufman, Rodney Smith and Sterling Smith;

and a great great-granddaughter,
Aliya Lovelady.

Jerrie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Galliart; and a daughter, Diane Galliart.

Jerrie’s family would like to thank all of the staff at Stonehill Health Center for the wonderful care they have provided for Jerrie these past years.  Also a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care these past weeks.

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

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

Patricia A. Abresch

Patricia A. Abresch, 72, of Dubuque died Monday November 6, 2023 at MercyOne Dubuque.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00pm Thursday November 9, 2023, and 9:00 to 10:30am November 10, 2023 with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Deacon John Stierman officiating. All will take place at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque IA. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Patricia was born December 5, 1950 in Dubuque to Clarence and Lorraine (Geordt) Davis Sr. She married Daniel Abresch Sr. in August 1996.

She worked for Kmart Department Store in Dubuque from 1975 to 2009.

Patricia enjoyed bowling in league and participated in many tournaments. She loved flowers, butterflies, and decorating for Holidays.

She is survived by her husband Daniel Abresch Sr; daughters Tammy Hartlep and Tara (Chad) Stratton; step-children Danette Abresch, Deborah Stockton, Daniel (Jessica) Abresch, and David (Kristy) Abresch; grandchildren Ashley, Haley (Armando), Zach (Lexi), and Chase; 10 step-grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers Clarence Jr. (Nancy), Donald, Dale (Cindy); sisters-in-law Rose Abresch, Ruth Abresch, and Kay Abresch; and her puppy dog Baby Bea.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Lorraine Davis; siblings-in-law Leroy (Edna) Abresch, David Abresch, James Abresch, Michael Abresch, Thomas Abresch, Marianne Abresch, Clara (Eldon) Klein, and Judy (Fred) Cady.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Kahn, Dr. Kelley, Dr. Simsir, and their nurses for the exceptional care and compassion given to Patricia.

Carol Becker

Carol Becker, 88, of Dubuque, passed away November 7, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m..  Private burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Carol was born on October 12, 1935 to Vernon and Dolores (Specht) Spates in Dubuque, Iowa.  She married Marvin O. Becker on October 6, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She was a long-time member of Resurrection Parish and was deeply devoted to her faith.  She valued her time with family and friends, whether playing golf, playing cards, or enjoying a meal together. She battled Parkinson’s disease for 28 years and while it took a toll on her body, she never complained or gave up.  She was a true fighter until the end.

Carol is survived by her children, Diane Aldrich, of Henderson, NV, Linda (Randy) Herman, of Greensboro, GA, Karen (Greg) Kay, of Prior Lake, MN, David (Amy) Becker of Dubuque, IA;  her eleven grandchildren, Natalie (Bill) Kerns, Tiffany Aldrich, Justin (Allie) Herman, Katie (Neil) Orvis, Michael Herman, Brittany (Zach) Robertson, Derek Kay, Kristin Kay, Jonathan Becker, Matthew Becker, and Charlie Becker; her two great grandchildren, Alexander Herman and Madison Orvis; and her siblings, Kathryn Langkamp and Michael (Linda) Spates.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Becker, her infant son, Joseph Becker, her parents, her brother, Thomas Spates and his wife Marilyn Spates, and her brother-in-law, Franklin Langkamp.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bethany Home for their seven years of caring for her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethany Home or the Church of The Resurrection.

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

Jeanette Giron

Jeanette, 103, passed away peacefully at Sholom Home East in St. Paul, MN on November 7, 2023 following a brief illness.  She was born in Leadmine, WI on August 30, 1920.  She is preceded in death by her husband Peter, parents Jennie and Albert Driscoll, brother LaMoine Driscoll, cousin Loren Farrey, and granddaughter Maria. 

Jeanette is survived by her daughters Mary Biasi (Karl) of Lansing, MI, Ruth Girón (Richard Ruemmele) of Prescott, WI, grandchildren Lisa Beals (Rod), Andrea Coombs (Joe), and John Biasi all of the Lansing area.  Two great grandchildren Erica Baehre (Brandon), Connor Coombs and three great great grandsons Liam, Jackson, and Isaac, a special nephew John Driscoll of Portland, OR, and cousin Loren’s daughter Ruth Murphy of Minneapolis, MN.  She is also survived by grand cats Drs. Marvin Johnson and Larry Larson, grand dog Buddy, and great grand dogs Luna, Margot, and Milo.

Jeanette graduated from high school in Benton, WI in 1938 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque in 1942.  While in college, she met the love of her life Peter Giron; following his service in WWII and his college graduation, they married in 1946.  Jeanette began her career as a business education teacher at Hazel Green High School, Hazel Green, WI, and after moving to St. Paul worked for the St. Paul Schools and later the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. 

Jeanette had many interests and hobbies including card making, knitting, crocheting and playing the piano.  She watched all the Twins games if they weren’t in the afternoon because that was time wasted and Wild hockey especially because her daughter had season tickets.  Jeanette loved connecting with family and friends through email and Facebook and sometimes had 50 Words with Friends games going at once.  She was an avid card player, especially 500 where you didn’t want to play against her. 

Special thank you to Dr. Munir Abid and the care teams at Sholom Home in the Cleveland/Hamline and Highland units for their loving care of Jeanette. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.  Memorials preferred. Arrangements by Kok Funeral Home www.kokfuneral.com 651-459-2483

Gerald Schmitt

Gerald “Jerry” Schmitt, 84, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque with family and friends by his side.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:30 am Monday, November 13, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will be 11:00 am Monday, November 13, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Gerald was born April 25, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Carl G. and Magdaline (Tigges) Schmitt. On September 11, 1965, he married Joyce Stecher at SS. Peter & Paul Church, in Sherrill, Iowa and they had a son, Anthony, and daughter, Kathryn.

He was a mechanic at many gas stations in Dubuque and the Avalon in Rickardsville. He then became a semi driver for the last 18 years before retirement. He drove for CRST, Pape’s  Key City Transport, and Northan, driving from coast to coast.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, attending car shows, and restoring his antique cars, a 1939 Ford Coupe, a 1949 Packard, and a 1955 Ford Sunliner. He enjoyed trips around the U.S. with his family. He enjoyed hearing of the world travels of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joyce; his son, Tony (Janann (Tscharner)) Schmitt of Durango, IA; his daughter, Kat (Greg) Klauer of Davenport, IA; his grandchildren, Dawn (Tony) Herman of Hazelton, IA, Emerald Klauer of Glendale, CA, Sienna Klauer of Mesa, AZ, and C.J. Klauer, of Davenport; his great-granddaughter, Rose; his sister, Pearl (Noel) Stecher of Dubuque; his sisters-in-law, Loretta Behnke and Jeanne Stecher, both of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Joseph (Carol) Stecher of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Aeigidius and Louise Tigges and Ben and Katherine Schmitt, brothers-in-law Victor (LouAnn) Stecher, Loras (Sue) Stecher and Alfred Behnke, sisters-in-law Lorraine (Clem) Aird, Mary (Alfred) Hirsch, and Eileen (Lawrence) Fisher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Resurrection School, Dubuque Regional Humane Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to thank his friends and helpers at Stonehill for their friendship and care in his last years.

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

Betty J. Sieverding

Betty J. (Miller Green) Sieverding, 89, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Iowa.  Visitation will be 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00am – 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Graveside Committal will be at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Calvary Cemetery in Grand Mound, Iowa. 

Betty was born December 29, 1933 in Calamus, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Esther (Pingel) Miller.  She married Thomas F. Green on November 24, 1956, he passed on January 6, 2000.  She later married Cletus “Ham” F. Sieverding on June 7, 2003. 

Betty was a strong, faith-filled woman who had the most gentle, sweet spirit. She was a tremendous influence and wonderful role model for her family and others exhibiting kindness and grace beyond measure.  Betty established a 47-year career as a banking professional, her last 20 years spent at First Central State Bank, DeWitt retiring in December 1998.  During her career, she served as a state chairman for the National Association of Bank Women.  Her dedication and integrity were admired by her colleagues and customers.  She was a 72-year Legion Auxiliary member and a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Betty’s family was her treasure and her heart’s delight.  She adored her grandchildren and greats, and they adored her.  Betty loved well and was well loved by all who knew her.  She cherished time spent with her family at their River home in Bellevue, and also enjoyed musical events, grandchildren activities, and cheering on the Hawkeyes.

Survivors include her husband, Cletus “Ham” Sieverding; daughters, Kim (Dave) Jacobi and Kathy (Chet) Claussen; step-children, Greg (Deb) Sieverding, Jeanne (Larry) Cotter, and Gary “Bear” (Julie) Sieverding; grandchildren, Justin (Jessie) Jacobi, Kara (Terry) Nadermann, Megan (Chris) Litscher, Tyler (Kayla) Claussen, Ashley (Colby) Kieffer, and Cole Claussen; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; and 20 step great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters in-law, Joanne Connell, Lois Canaday, Jerry (Mary Anne) Green, Theresa (Kivian) Eschbach Donna Sieverding, Virtus Clasen, Alice Kilburg, Darla Sieverding, Darlene Sieverding, Glen (Shirley) Sieverding, Dan “Pete” (Mary) Sieverding, Dave (Norma) Sieverding, and Mark “Weed” (Sherri) Sieverding; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Thomas F. Green; a brother, Allen Miller; and several brothers and sisters in-laws and extended family members

The family would like to thank Hospice of Jackson County and her caregiver, Wendy for your loving care of Betty during this time.

A memorial fund has been established in Betty’s memory.

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

Ralph B. Rutan

Ralph B. Rutan, age 89, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Harmony of Dubuque.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be accorded by members of Dubuque Post # 6 American Legion.

Family and friends may call after 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Ralph was born on April 22, 1934 in Detroit, MI, the son of Charles A. and Violet (Moore) Rutan.

Ralph was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. He was formerly employed at the Dubuque Packing Company. Ralph was a member of Dubuque Post # 6 – American Legion and a former member of the East Dubuque Lions Club. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and pool.

Surviving are his children, Sharon Kopec of Blackwood, N.J. and Rachel Cunningham of East Dubuque; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his siblings, Frances Costas of Wilton, IA, Charlotte Hillary of Hazel Green, WI, Louise Maus of Dubuque, IA, Juanita Faulkner of Piedmont, MO, and Norman Rutan of Anamosa, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Violet, siblings, Cecil Rutan, Florine V. Holm and Violet Davis Whitney, and a granddaughter, Vanessa E. Sauser.

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

Frederick L. Deutmeyer

Frederick L. Deutmeyer, 68 of Dyersville, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Harmony of Dubuque.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate with Rev. Carl Ries concelebrating.

Fred was born on January 24, 1955, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Raymond “Jim” and Rita (Klostermann) Deutmeyer.  He worked in construction as a drywaller for many years.  Fred was a faithful member of St. Francis Xavier Parish dedicating his time as usher.

Survivors include his siblings: Jo Ann (Jim) Young of Cedar Rapids, Janet (Jerry) Nadermann of New Vienna, Carla Deutmeyer of Dubuque, Loras Deutmeyer of Dubuque, Keith Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Lois Campbell of Olathe, KS, Sheila (Joe) Harrison of Lenexa, KS, Dean Deutmeyer of Denver, IA, and Dennis (Connie) Deutmeyer of Rye, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Kenneth Nadermann.

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

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.

Brian P. Atchison

Brian Patrick Atchison, 50, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, November 6, 2023.

According to his wishes, there will be no services. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Brian was born November 25, 1972 in Dubuque. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School with the class of 1990. Brian worked for Schmaltz Precast Concrete for many years, and most recently was employed in construction.

Brian enjoyed drawing and going to the dog track. He had a great sense of humor, and was very outgoing.

Brian is survived by his mother, Sandra (James Vosberg) Feehan, of Peosta; his father, Wesley (Wanda) Atchison, of Peosta; his sister, Jaime Atchison, of Peosta; his step-siblings, Kelly Feehan, Julie (Mark) Boeding, and Jeff Feehan; his aunts, Nancy Dolce, of WI, Linda Pluemer, of WI, Laura Fischer, of IA, Diane (Don) Geffre, of CO, Susan (Jim) Cheek, of CO, and Tania (Dave) Wilson, of IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Mary Tindell; his paternal grandparents, Ben and Margie Atchison; and several uncles.

Howard H. Wedig

Howard H. Wedig, age 92, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 8:45 p.m., on Monday, November 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Stonehill Health Center.  To honor Howard’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, where military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Howard was born on June 18, 1931, in Elk Grove, Wisconsin, son of Bertrand and Agnes (Splinter) Wedig.

Howard graduated from Belmont High School and Collier Electronics School in Chicago.  He went on to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  After he returned, he met a wonderful young lady named Kay while out dancing.  He married Kathleen “Kay” Pickel in Missouri on May 14, 1955.  The couple was very excited to renew their vows 25 years later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  They built a wonderful life together and were truly blessed with a loving family.  They worked together side by side owning and operating the Avalon at 20th and Elm Street and later Kay’s Tap at 14th and Jackson Street.  They also enjoyed traveling together taking several bus trips throughout the years.  Sadly, Kay would pass away on October 29, 2013.  Howard was a hard worker and never one to sit still.  He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company, always 2nd or 3rd shift so he could help at the bars, and spent another 15 years cleaning at Stampfer’s Department Store.  He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Church,  and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 150.  In his free time he enjoyed walking all over town, tending to his flower gardens, going to the library to read the newspaper, playing Euchre and stopping at his favorite watering holes to visit with friends along the way.  He was very frugal and his family loved to tease him about that.  Howard was one of a kind and he will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Howard’s memory include

his children,
Lewis (Barb) Robinson, Sr., Dubuque, IA,
Dixie (Billy) McGovern, Dubuque, IA
and Sherry (Fred Sample) Hess, Potosi, WI;

his grandchildren,
Tina (C.J.) Sharkey, Tiffeny (Cale) Bruggeman, Lewis (Karen Weber) Robinson, Jr., Hollie (Paul) Donovan, Bobby (Heather) Jungblut, Amy (Pablo) Rameriz, Tara (Jeremiah Randall) Dolan, Stephanie (Jay) Douglas, Justin (Tia) Wedig and Brandon (April) Wedig;

23 great-grandchildren and 9 great great-grandchildren;

his sister,
Rita (John) Kloser, Dubuque, IA;

3 brothers-in-law,
Keith Richardson, Middleton, WI,
Larry (Dina) Pickel, Dickeyville, WI
and Jerry (Cherie) Pickel, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Kay Wedig; 2 sons, Charles Robinson and Greg “Froggy” Wedig; his siblings, Carol Burgman, Grace Richardson and Bro. Robert Wedig; and several in-laws.

Howard’s family would like to thank his friends and neighbors, Randy and Diann Pickel, for always watching over mom and dad.  Also thanks to the nurses and staff at Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kindness these past months.

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

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

Sandra Juergens

Sandra (Sandi) Juergens (nee Winders), 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of family and friends, on November 3rd, 2023, at Unity Point Finley Hospital.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Winders, her brother-in-law Harold Neal, and her husband, Ralph (Sonny) Klecker. She is survived by her siblings, Donna (Wayne) Gratton, Lois Neal, and Dennis (Loretta) Winders.

Sandi is survived by her children Timothy Klecker and Tami Klecker-Fay. Her love of family was apparent to all by the pride and love she felt for her grandchildren: Kimberly (Alvin) Harrison, Robert (Shelby) Klecker, Adam (Alicia) Bell, Jonathan (Madeline) Klecker, Joseph Klecker, and Derrek Fay.

She was blessed with 13 great grandchildren: Karlina, Jasmine, Mariea, Kasandra, King, Zamariy, Lilith, Lucas, Liam, Paetyn, Emery, Iris, and Asher.

She was a loyal and devoted friend, sharing a friendship and bond that spanned over 60 years with Barbara Fischer. Her former daughter in law, Lynn Heim, was her trusted and loved coworker and friend. Sandi loved sharing stories of her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved a good cup of coffee and a little candy every day. She was a fashion icon and had an outfit and matching shoes for every occasion. She was a hardworking, self-made business woman and only retired this past year. She was a devout Catholic and provided comfort to her many friends and family in times of need. She was generous to many charities, especially those that helped children.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Nativity.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Andy Upah officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandi’s name to Church of the Nativity in Dubuque Iowa.

Rev. Mark R. Nemmers

Rev. Mark R. Nemmers, of Dubuque, died on Sunday, November 5th, at Stonehill Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Thursday, November 9th, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Most Rev. Thomas Zinkula officiating and Fr. Steve Garner as Homilist. Visitation for Father Mark will be from 3 to 6 pm on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a Wake Service will be held at 3 pm. Visitation will also be at Holy Trinity on Thursday from 9 am until time of Mass. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Father Mark was born on October 23, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Dr. Julian and Ann (Reger) Nemmers. He graduated from Loras College and later Mount Saint Bernard Seminary.  He was ordained a Catholic Priest for the Archdiocese of Dubuque by Most Rev. Loras J. Watters on June 4, 1966. He first served as an Associate Pastor at Saint Raphael Cathedral in 1966, then at Saint Matthew in Cedar Rapids from 1966 until 1971, at Saint Joseph the Worker in Dubuque from 1971 to 1976, and at Saint Francis De Sales in Ossian from 1976 to 1977. He then worked in the Archdiocesan Metropolitan Tribunal, along with serving as chaplain at the Presentation Sisters Motherhouse. In 1988, he became pastor of Saint Theresa Parish, along with Assumption Parish, Sylvia Switch until 1998. He then served as pastor and later Sacramental Priest of Holy Trinity Church in Dubuque until 2007. He retired on July 14, 2009, and moved to Windsor Park, where he served as a Chaplain to the residents there.

Fr. Mark had a great love of music and was an accomplished organist. He donated his extensive collection of organ music to the University of Iowa. In his younger years, he loved travelling the world and, in particular, enjoyed numerous trips to Mexico. He was the family historian and was proud of his Luxembourger heritage. He chuckled when he recounted the time he visited the Nemmers’ ancestral village, where the locals put on a little parade in his honor. Fr. Mark genuinely enjoyed the relationships he formed with his parishioners. He often joked that the only reason that they liked him was because of his short homilies. He enjoyed trying new places to eat with his friends and parishioners.  His wit and dry sense of humor will be missed.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Kasel; his brother, Julian Nemmers, his brother, David Nemmers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Virginia Loes; his sister, Charlotte Shanahan; and his nephew, Tony Loes.

The family would like to thank the residents of Windsor Park for their years of friendship and support that they gave to Fr. Mark. He considered his friends at Windsor Park a part of his extended family.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or a charity of your choice.

Terrance E. McCarthy

Terrance Edward McCarthy passed away on October 17, 2023. Graveside committal services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at St. Michaels Cemetery, Galena, IL. Military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting with local arrangements.

He was born to Daniel and Rita McCarthy in Chicago, IL on June 6, 1943. Terry attended Lane Technical High School in Chicago and enlisted in the US Army in 1961. He became a Medic and paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. He made 25 jumps during his army career and received an honorable discharge.

Terry was a quintessential teenager of the late fifties with his brown curly hair, broad smile, and swagger. He loved rock and roll music, stock car racing at O’Hare Speedway and drag racing. He never lost the swagger or personality throughout his life. He was a diehard Cubs and Blackhawks fan and attended many games at Wrigley Field and Chicago Stadium. He was a special big brother to his siblings Pat and Mike and always looked after them and enjoyed a game of Kick the Can with other neighboring children. Terry had a soft heart for dogs. He also enjoyed a “cold one” occasionally and a game of pool.

Terry was married to Judi Griffiths on January 22, 1966. Their two children, Daniel Scott and Kelly Lynn, were born to them where they resided in Streamwood, Il. Terry worked in the off-set web printing industry as a plate maker and later in sales. He was known for his sense of humor and easy-going lifestyle and was deeply liked by his coworkers and everyone else who met him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judi, parents Daniel and Rita, and older brother Daniel.

Those left to remember his smile and laugh are his son, Daniel (Deborah) of Gurnee, IL, daughter Kelly, of Streamwood, IL, two brothers, Patrick (Kristine), of Galena, and Michael (Terri), of Crystal Lake, IL as well as many nieces and nephews scattered around Illinois.

Our parting farewell to Terry is “Airborne!”. You will be missed. You can rest in peace now Terry.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com