Obituaries Archive
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David J. Schilling
David John Schilling, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 7, 2022, at ManorCare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
A celebration of his life with military honors will be held at 1:30 P.M., Monday, December 12, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:15 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services.
David John Schilling was born on June 4, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa to John “Jack” and Mary (O’Brien) Schilling. Dave would be the first of 6 boys born to Mary and John. Shortly after his birth, Dave moved with his parents to San Francisco, California. They returned to Iowa in 1945 where Dave spent the majority of his school years in Dubuque, St. Donatus and Dyersville. Dave was a graduate of Xavier High School. Good or bad, Dave paved the way for his younger brothers through school.
Dave joined the United States Navy in November of 1958. Dave was joined in marriage to Sharon Grace Schuster in Fillmore, Iowa on September 3rd of 1966, and to this union three girls were born. Dave spent the majority of his military career on nuclear submarines during the Cold War. While this tour kept him away from home many months out of the year, it also provided him with the opportunity to see the world, and that he did. All three girls were born while Dave was stationed in New London, Connecticut. Dave also worked a short time at the Pentagon while stationed in Washington DC.
Dave served honorably on the USS Dace SSN 607, USS Stonewall Jackson SSN 605, USS Grant SSBN 634, USS Bergall SSN 667, and USS Cobbler SS344.
When the oldest girls were in high school, Dave retired from the Navy and they moved back to Iowa to be closer to family. Dave worked various jobs after his naval retirement. He managed the Rendezvous Supper Club, worked with his Navy buddy, Gary Oberbroeckling at Obies, and at Pacific Coast Feather. After retirement, again he still didn’t have enough to do, so he volunteered his time at the Jackson County Historical Society. He could also be found most days at 6B’s Campground driving his pontoon. Dave loved to hunt and fish and spend time with the boys at the Eagles Club. He had many fond memories of his time vacationing in Chetek, Wisconsin with family.
David was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Andrew AMVETS Post #62, the 40 and 8, and the Maquoketa American Legion Post #75 where he had served as the past commander.
Those left to honor his memory include his children, Kari Even of Maquoketa, IA, Kathy (Rod) Seyfert of Delmar, IA, and Kelly (Mike) Lucas of Iowa City, IA; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Paul (Jan) Schilling of Poplar Grove, IL, Dennis (Julie) Schilling of Dubuque, IA, Donald (Gina) Schilling of Anaheim, CA, and Charles Schilling of WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John, and his wife Sharon on November 12, 2004.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a David J. Schilling memorial fund has been established.
Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
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Suzanne M. Ruff
Suzanne M. (Henry) Ruff, age 65, of Dubuque and formerly of Mud Lake, passed away peacefully at 7:58 p.m., on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. To honor Suzanne’s life, there will be a Celebration of Her Life on Saturday, January 14, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds Ballroom. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.
Suzanne was born on November 8, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Lyle and Virginia (Rusch) Henry.
Suzanne was united in marriage to Charlie Ruff on May 21, 1977, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They raised 4 children together and celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year. Suzanne enjoyed helping others and was employed as a CNA at Sunnycrest for 12 years before beginning her career at Hempstead High School. She worked at the school for 37 years and was most recently the Librarian. Suzanne was an active parent in the district long before she worked for them as a member of the PTA, a Girl Scout Leader and as a Teacher’s Assistant. She loved helping children and organized countless activities for her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the children who spent time at Mud Lake. Suzanne was also an avid reader and looked forward to spending “Girls Night” with her friends playing dominos. Her family truly meant the world to her. Suzanne was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish Suzanne’s memory include
her husband,
Charles Ruff, Dubuque, IA;
her children,
Adam (Sarah) Ruff, Ely, IA,
Erin (Nick) McCormick, Dubuque, IA,
Travis (Amanda) Ruff, Dubuque, IA
and Nathan (Toni Lee) Ruff, Cedar Rapids, IA;
her grandchildren,
Hunter, Gavin, Brenna, Brielle, Lyla, Thea and Bodhi;
and her siblings,
Linda (Brian) Droessler, Hamlin, NY,
Rodney (Nancy) Henry, Dubuque, IA,
Rick (Debbie) Henry, Carroll, IA,
Joseph (Tammy) Henry, Dubuque, IA,
Mark Henry, Dubuque, IA
and Patricia (Barry) Walen, Dubuque, IA;
and several extended family members of the Weiser’s.
Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Dorothy Weiser; and a brother, Scott Henry.
Suzanne’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all of their compassionate care. Also a shout out to the “Stang Gang” for all of your friendship and camaraderie throughout the years.
The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Suzanne’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Suzanne Ruff’s Family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com
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William C. Beckman
William C. “Wilbur” Beckman, 80, of Monticello passed away Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center in Monticello after a brief illness.
Bill was a kind and generous man whose gift of giving will live on through his decision to donate his body to science.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11 am on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello where a Memorial Mass will commence at 11 am. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.
Bill was born on November 27, 1942, in Monticello the son of Mark and Luella (Rauen) Beckman. His early education was at St. Joseph’s School in Prairieburg and he graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Monticello with the class of 1960. After graduation he went to work for Allen Motor Company in the body shop for several years. After that, he worked at D&D Body shop in Lisbon where he came to know Roger Dolan, a local race car driver. Bill was a big stock car racing fan, and Roger encouraged him to begin racing himself. One night after Roger won a heat race, he gave Bill his helmet and told Bill that he would be racing that car in the feature that night. This was the beginning of Bill’s thirty-year racing career. He competed in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri. He won many races and numerous track championships. In Lisbon, he was known as the “Lisbon Leadfoot”. He was recently honored for his racing accomplishments as he was inducted into the Iowa Dirt Track Racing Hall of Fame. Bill lived in Lisbon for many years where he also served as Fire Chief.
In later years he owned and operated Beckman Grain Systems in Monticello. He was also involved buying and selling restaurant equipment. Bill was always busy doing something. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, smoking meat. He also had a love of hostas, growing over three hundred varieties. He was known by many as a jack of all trades as he could fix just about anything.
Survivors include his children: Kenneth Beckman of Arizona, Jane Beckman-Hutchens of Eden Prairie, MN and Stacy Achenbach of Monticello; grandchildren: Matthew (Terri) Beckman, Amber O’Brien, Nicholas (Cara) Hauan, Patrick (Shannon) Beckman, Hannah (Taylor) Hauan, Carleigh Achenbach, Haley Moore; and great-grandchildren: Lily, Cael, Johnny, Autumn, Leighah, Nathan, Jacob, Jaelynn and Jenna; siblings: Marc (Diane) Beckman of St. Claire, MO, Patrick Beckman, Tom (Janet) Beckman, Marcia (John) Monk Paul (Dixie) Beckman Myrna Sasina, all of Monticello; a brother-in-law, Wes Peterson of Sprig Valley, MN, 19 nieces and nephews and long-time family friends, Kevin and Sherry Wenger of Monticello.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Janet Peterson, in-laws: Loretta Beckman and Chris Sasina, niece & nephew, Laura Beckman, and Jason Beckman, great niece, Jessica Timp, and a special friend, Marcine Brooks.
His memory will live on in the hearts of many.
Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com. Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, PO Box 791, Monticello, IA 52310.
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Duane A. Wolter
Duane Arnold Wolter, 86, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly on Tuesday December 6, 2022, at home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday December 9, 2022, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 5213 St Catherine Road, with Father David Ambrosy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the start of Mass at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.
Duane was born on August 5, 1936, in Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Harold and Barbara (Junk) Wolter. He attended St. Raphael’s Cathedral School and Loras Academy. On July 28, 1956, Duane married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Arthofer, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Together, Duane and Barbara raised seven children. He was employed at the Dubuque Packing Co. for 45 years.
Duane was a devoted Catholic and a family man. He was a simple man who was focused on making sure his family was taken care of. Duane was happiest at family gatherings, camping trips, and picnics. As much as he loved family and friends, nobody was safe from one of his wise cracks, being picked on, or a beating in a game of cribbage or euchre.
He enjoyed sports and was a talented pitcher for fastpitch softball teams. He also coached little league baseball, the church softball league, and 4H basketball.
Duane is survived by his loving wife Barb, his seven children: Mike (Mick) Wolter, Bitzie (Ronnie) Decker, Ann (Doc) Cooley, Sandy (Phil) Schoenberger, Rob (fiancée Jolene) Wolter, Susie (Jim) Smith, and Dan (Denise) Wolter, his grandchildren: Nathan (Megan) Wolter, Lindsey Wolter, Brian (Amy) Decker, Jason (Zach) Decker, Katie (Drew) Simpson, Nick (Megan) Cooley, Megan (Mike) Shaw, Luke (Chelsea) Cooley, Austin (Tara) Cooley, Tyler Schoenberger, Michael Smith, Matt Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Weinschenk, and Peyton Wolter, 21 great grandchildren, five siblings Al (Olive “Buzz”) Wolter, Loren (Rosemary) Wolter, Harold (Sharon) Wolter, RuthAnn (Gerald) Burger, and Barbara (Thomas) Tuthill, and sisters-in-law Janet Wolter, Karen Wolter, Judy Arthofer, and Mary Allen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a very special grandson Jacob Wolter, sister Rosemary (Earl) Fagan, brothers LaVern and Dennis Wolter, parents-in-law Clarence (Artie) and Bernice Arthofer, brothers-in-law Tom (Toni) Arthofer, Dave Allen, and James Arthofer.
Duane’s family would like to thank the Asbury Police and first responders for their compassion and professionalism given to Duane when they were called upon. Thank you, also, to the staff and residents at the Village Cooperative, and Dr. Rahm for their kindness and support.
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Thomas R. May
Thomas R. May, 90, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday December 5, 2022.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday December 9, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Fr. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church before Mass. Military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.
Thomas was born on July 19, 1932, in Dubuque, son of Joseph and Bernice (Cosley) May. He attended Dubuque Senior High School. He was united in marriage to Donna Mae Hillard on April 19, 1957, and together they shared 65 years together until her passing.
He worked for the railroad when he was young and then worked for 33 years until retirement at Myers-Cox Co. He later went on to work as a blackjack dealer at the Diamond Jo Casino and was a Bridge Club member. Thomas also honorably served in the United States Marine Corps.
Dad loved his family, and his eyes would light up whenever they came to visit. He would try and spend as much time with them as possible. When raising his sons, he enjoyed taking them camping, hunting, and fishing. His family will always remember how selflessly he provided for his family. Dad loved playing cards with his siblings Dick (Marlene) and Susan and listening to oldies music. On a nice day, Dad could be found walking or on his swing on the front porch, visiting with his neighbors or anyone else who happened to wander past. He loved his canine companions and had a soft spot for Malinko the cat.
Dad will be sadly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his children Kevin (Terri), Robert (Janice) May, Pam (Dean Groom) May, Pat May, Thomas (Cheryl) May Jr., and James May, 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, his brother Dick (Marlene) May, and his sister Susan Marino.
Dad is now reunited in Heaven with the love of his life, Mom, as well as his parents, and brother-in-law John Marino.
A special thank-you to his granddaughter Brittany May for taking such good care of Dad after Mom passed.
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Liela L. Hoffman
Liela L. Hoffman, 81, of rural Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Ennoble Manor. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook. Burial will be in church cemetery.
Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.
Liela was born February 24, 1941, the daughter of John and Augusta (Etringer) Hoffman. She graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 1959. She enjoyed making and gifting quilts, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and making angel food cake.
Survivors include a brother, Vincent, and a sister, Carol.
Liela was preceded in death by her parents.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com
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Zachary D. Woods
Zachary D. Woods, 30, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022, surrounded by his family following a long illness.
Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue with Services to follow the visitation on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Zachary was born July 23, 1992, the son of David and Vickie (Weis) Woods. He graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 2010. Zachary worked for Clark Boats for 10 years and most recently at Rite-Hite in Dubuque. He was a self-taught welder and known as “Weldy” to all his fellow workers and friends. Zachary was always willing to help a friend or anyone who needed a hand. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his parents; siblings, Brian (Michelle) Woods, David (Kendra Brown) Woods, Jr., and Mitch Woods; special friend, Tessa Sprout and her son Damion; maternal grandmother, Elaine Weis; nieces and nephew, Kylie, Nora, Mariah, Janessa, and Sean; numerous aunts and uncles and extended family.
Zachary was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Richard Weis; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Cecil Woods; uncles and aunts, Brian Weis, Ronnie Weis, and Rhonda (Gary) Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Zachary’s memory.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com
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Katherine L. Beecher
Katherine L. “Kay” (Berberich) Beecher, formerly of 571 Clarke Drive, passed away on December 1, 2022, in Dubuque, Iowa. Private family services and burial will be held at Mt Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.Share this:
Eugene J. Mai
Eugene “Gene” J. Mai, 76, of Dubuque, formerly of Ostrander, OH, died Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Friday, December 9, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Funeral Service for Gene will be 1:00 pm Friday, December 9, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
Eugene was born May 5, 1946, in Peosta, IA, the son of Melvin and Bernice Hoffmann Mai. Gene graduated from Wahlert High School. He worked as a truck driver, owning his own company for 13 years. He drove over a million miles without a single accident. After driving truck he worked for Trus Joist and later was the owner/operator of A-1 Home Improvement. Gene was also the manager of the Veteran’s Club in Delaware, Ohio, and then was the supervisor at the Mansfield Warehouse. He was a member of the Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge. He worked on Pit Crew for Bobby Rahal auto racing hauling the cars and equipment all over the U.S. and Australia.
Survivors include his children, Cindy Mai of Dubuque; Becky (Patrick) Schremp of Dubuque; Ronald (Heather) Mai of Sunbury, OH; Danny Mai of Knoxville, IA; 15 grandchildren, Jason, Melissa, Jeremy, Calli, Danielle, Brittney, Chelsea, Logan, Garrett, Colt, Gerrick, Braxton, Alyssa, Sabrie, and Jaydeth; many great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Rhodes of Peosta, IA; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Deb Nelson, and his dog, Amelie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Kathleen; special friend, Betty Neff; brother-in-law, Earl “Dusty” Rhodes; and three great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Deacon Mike Ellis, and Father Phil Gibbs.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Gene’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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Thomas J. Zwack
Thomas J. Zwack, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at home surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Visitation will be from 4-8p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, with a parish wake service at 7:30p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30a.m., Friday, December 9, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque with Rev. Steve Garner officiating, and Fr. James Chappell as the concelebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Thomas was born on November 6, 1940 in Dubuque to Bernard and Jeanne (Thompson) Zwack.
He attended St. Anthony’s grade school and was a graduate of Loras Academy.
He was united in marriage to Patricia Hammel on October 12, 1963 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2013.
Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved youngest grandson, Spencer (aka “Little Papa.”) and his youngest daughter, Amanda. Thomas, Amanda, and Spencer were known as the “3 Musketeers.”
Thomas came from a long line of well-known contractors including his grandfather Anton Zwack. The family is known for their impeccable carpentry skills. Their work is recognizable locally in Keane Hall at Loras College, American Trust/Midwest One on Main Street, and multiple school buildings in Dubuque, along with many other prominent buildings in the surrounding area. Thomas took great pride in his longstanding family history of carpentry work. He worked alongside many family members until branching out on his own.
Thomas enjoyed the sound of his own voice, getting together with his two breakfast club groups, and watching This Old House, Gun Smoke, and Blue Bloods. He thoroughly cherished his nightly phone calls with his dear friend, Jim Lang, and many other special conversations he had with great friends. He also enjoyed his lunch outings with Tom Swift, Jerry Swift, and his brother-in-law, William Hammel.
Thomas was the life of the party, no alcohol needed! He was a true jokester and always knew how to push the right buttons. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone without promise of payment. His Catholic religion was very important to him. There is not enough time or space in this obituary to give credit where credit is deserved. God broke the mold with Thomas.
Thomas is survived by his two daughters, Dawn M. (John) Block and Amanda M. (Joe Kunsch) Zwack Brune, both of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Jeremy Block of Dyersville, IA, Jamie (Elissa) Block of West Salem, WI, Jordan (Abigail) Block of East Dubuque, IL, and Spencer Brune of Dubuque, IA; six great-grandchildren, Preston, Parker, Grace, and Peyton Block, Courtland and Braylann Block, and Lilly Metcalf-Block; three sisters, Sandy (Larry) Smith, Pam Beaver, Christy (Bill) Brosnahan. Thomas is also survived by in-laws, William (Bonnie) Hammel, Jerry (Carol) Hammel, and Roger Dean.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; wife Patricia; mother and father in-law, Omer and Loretta Hammel; in-laws, Katherine Dean, Jean Hammel, Thomas Hammel, Ronald Hammel, Marcia Hammel, and John Beaver.
In lieu of flowers, a Thomas J. Zwack Memorial Fund has been established.
The Zwack family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of Mercy One Hospital, Paramount, and Hospice of Dubuque.
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Christine M. Shireman
Our beloved Christine Mary Shireman passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 3rd at the age of 65. To honor Christine’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
She was born in Dubuque, IA to Norman and Mary Shireman on April 6th, 1957, and was raised and lived in the area her entire life. She leaves behind an exceptionally dysfunctional family that she is very proud of; as well as an unfathomable amount of craft supplies, holiday decor, and knick knacks that her daughters have no idea what to do with.
Chris will be remembered for her impeccable driving (just kidding), her quick wit, creativity, and playfulness. But it was her unwavering love that has been a sustaining force for her family. A woman like no other, she lived to serve those she loved. She spent her working years as a caregiver at Ennoble Manor, Manor Care, and Luther Manor. She enjoyed smiling at babies, bedazzling things that had no business being bedazzled (amongst other crafts), binge watching daytime television, and insisting her grandkids pose for “just one more picture”. But what undoubtedly made her happiest was making memories and sharing laughs with her family.
Chris is survived by her three children (Fritz, Chandra, and Robin), fourteen grandchildren (Damien, Chelsea, Dallas, Arianna, Addison, Sara, Maddelynne, Gabriella, Kayla, Tristan, Christopher, Liam, Avalynne, and Nevaeh), five great-grandchildren (Greyson, Bradleigh, Raelynn, Jax, and Mila) two sisters (Karen and Theresa) and one brother (Ricky).
She is preceded in death by, and will be laid to rest with her parents, Norman and Mary Shireman, and her brothers Marty and Greg Shireman.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who cared for and supported Chris and our family throughout this difficult journey. Her love was powerful all the way to the end and it will live on in the hearts of those who miss her, in the lives she’s touched, and in the love we share together.
In lieu of flowers, memorials and other expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to her daughter, Robin McGovern at 680 West Hope Street, Shullsburg, WI, 53586.
Online condolences for Christine’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
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Freda I. Lawrence
Freda I. Lawrence, 104, of Monticello passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:15 am on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Prairieburg.
Freda was born on May 5, 1918, in Anamosa, Iowa, the daughter of Howard and Maud (Anderson) Hart. She graduated from Central City High School in 1936. Freda married Leo Lawrence on February 1, 1937, in St. Joseph Church in Prairieburg. Together they farmed near Prairieburg until 1967, when they moved to Monticello. Freda lived in the home they built together for 51 years. Later she moved to Pennington Square Living Center where she resided until failing health forced her to move into Monticello Nursing Home in 2021.
Survivors include her children: Ron (Kay) Lawrence of Dyersville, Larry (Susan) Lawrence of Surprise, AZ, David (Kathy) Lawrence of Omaha, NE, James (Cindy) Lawrence of Oakland, NE, grandchildren: Daniel (Carrie) Lawrence, Bradley (Lois) Lawrence, Tami (Dennis) Westhoff, Todd (Kris) Lawrence, Beth (Tom) Hurford, Matt (Cheryl) Lawrence, Brady (Erin) Atkinson, Amber (Anthony) Powers, Troy (Kriston) Lawrence; great grandchildren: Ethan, Levi, Abbi, Nathan, Ella, Brittan, Madison, Isaac, Cole, Clay, Samantha, Colton, Dani, Logan, Colin, Alyssa, Skylar, Savannah Serenity, Isabel and Cameron; great great-grandchildren: Eliza, Harper, Miles, Ruby.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; siblings: infant twins on July 19, 1911, Merle (Lillian) Hart, Helen (John Ricklefs and Dean Mead), Dorothy (Rufus Hanken and Henry Sauer), Robert (Muriel) Hart, Donald Hart, and infant, Sara Jane Hart; in-laws: Louie (Viola) Lawrence, Guy (Nellie) Lawrence, Levona (Leo) Machart and Regina (Ted) Patnode.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Pennington Square and Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and compassionate companionship over the last several years.
Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.
Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, PO Box 791, Monticello, IA 52310.
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Clifford C. Davis
Clifford C. Davis, 87, of Galena, IL passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, in Iowa City, IA after a brief illness. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 9, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends and family may call after 10 AM, until the time of the service. Military honors will be accorded following the service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
He was born on October 17, 1935, in Iowa City to Leo Hillary and Edith Helen (Taylor) Davis. He attended Holy Ghost Catholic School through the Eighth Grade. His work ethic and desire to help led him to enlist in the Navy at the age of seventeen. Clifford served during the Korean War from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1956. He was a First-Class Petty Officer on the USS Atlas. Clifford married Mary Jane Scholl on April 27, 1957. Together they had six children. They were happily married for nearly 32 years before Mary Jane’s passing in 1989. In 1990, he met Audrey Kieffer, and they were married on May 26, 1991. They were married until she preceded him in death in 2013. After his Navy discharge, Clifford went to work at the Dubuque Stamping Company. Ultimately, he spent most of his career with the Dubuque Packing Company and then retired from FDL Foods. Clifford was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. He loved golfing and playing cards; his favorite was euchre, and he could spend many hours playing. Clifford loved spending time with his family and socializing with his friends over a nice cup of coffee.
He is survived by his children, Tamara (Michael) Wright, Theresa (Jeffrey) Ernst, Robert (Michalle) Davis, Mary Kay (Michael) Avenarius, Richard (Ronda)Davis, Sharon (Brian) Bird; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Madonna Merritt; and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses, and five brothers Virgil, Vernon, Lawrence, Raymond, and Lyle.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
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Thomas A. Cunningham
Thomas A. “Tom” Cunningham, age 73, most recently of Galena, IL passed away suddenly at his home on December 3, 2022. Per his wishes, his body will be cremated. A gathering for friends and family will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Tom moved as a young boy to New Jersey, where he grew up. A bit of a renaissance man, Tom was a very capable city planner, attorney, artist, and writer.
He was devoted to his wife of thirty-three years Susan Lipnick, and their daughter, Kyla M. Cunningham, both of whom survive.
A founding shareholder of the St. Louis law firm of Cunningham, Vogel, and Rost, P. C., Tom moved to the Galena area in 2010. Semi-retirement beckoned, allowing Tom to develop skills in prairie and savanna restoration for the Galena Area Land Enthusiasts and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation and on Susan’s and his own property.
Should you wish, you can make contributions to the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation or Illinois English Bulldog Rescue in memory of Tom.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
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Carol J. Leick
Carol June (Roepsch) Leick, age 84, Dubuque, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022.
There will be a visitation from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, December 9th, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque. Mass will be at 10 am on Saturday, December 10th at St. Anthony’s Church, 1870 St. Ambrose St, Dubuque. Rev. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be in the Asbury Methodist Cemetery, Asbury, Iowa.
She was born on November 29, 1938, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, daughter of George N. and Frances (Lewis) Roepsch. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and is a 1956 graduate of East Dubuque Public High School. She was formerly married to Melvin Leick.
Carol worked at Neisners Store and Dun & Bradstreet before starting a family. She was a stay at home mom for fourteen years and later employed by the Iowa Department of Human Services, Child Support Recovery Unit for twenty-six years until her retirement in 2002. She was known as a hard worker who started as a case worker and then moved up to office manager. After retiring, she volunteered for the Child Support Recovery Unit; Meals on Wheels; St. Anthony’s Church; Dubuque Nursing and Rehabilitation and The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Carol enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, children, family members and friends. Christmas was one of her favorite times of the year. She spent hours perfecting her tinsel covered Christmas tree and decorations. She always baked way too many cookies and her banana and coconut crème pies were family favorites. She also enjoyed art, music, sports and traveling. She traveled a lot within the United States and also to several foreign countries with family members and friends. She has over 70 coffee cups to remember these destinations by.
She is survived by four sons and three grandchildren, Daniel (Nancy) Leick and their son, Samuel (Nikki); John S. “TJ” Leick all of Dubuque and John L. (Wendy) Leick and daughter, Jocelyn and son Nolan of Aurora, Illinois and Mark Leick of Alaska. Four brothers, “Butch” George (Dorothy) Roepsch of Dubuque, Louis (Ann) Roepsch of East Dubuque, Illinois and Edward (Kris) Roepsch of Green Lake, Wisconsin. A brother-in-law, Bill Richard of Peosta and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George N. & Frances K. (nèe Lewis) Roepsch, sister Mary (Roepsch) Richard, brother Donald and his wife Theresa Roepsch, and half-sister Rosemarie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to foundations to end Alzheimer’s disease.
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