Obituaries Archive

Margene A. Beach

Margene A. Beach, 82, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023, at her home in Maquoketa, IA. Born on September 13, 1941, in Jackson County, IA, to James Allen and Ruth V. (Heide) Ripple, Margene’s life was filled with dedication to her family, her work, and her community.

Margene was a 1959 graduate of Andrew High School and while in high school worked at J.C. Penney and Clinton Engines, both in Maquoketa. On April 24, 1960, she married Marvin Dale Beach in Maquoketa, Iowa, and they began farming together in rural Maquoketa. During this time Margene worked for the Welfare Department Office. They were blessed with two daughters, Angie, and Amy. As her children grew older, she worked for Sagers, McCausland, and Gilmore Insurance and Real Estate, which later became known as Gilmore Insurance and Real Estate. In retirement, she worked part-time for Circle-M Greenhouse and Ohnward Fine Arts Center, both in Maquoketa.

Margene was not only a dedicated worker but also a committed community member. She served as the secretary for Sutton Cemetery for many years. Her interests were diverse and reflected her love for life. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, and baking, and she was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, her greatest joy was attending and supporting her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her great-grandchildren. Her family will always remember her as the strongest, most selfless person they have ever known.

Margene is survived by her children, Angie (David) Burmahl of Baldwin, IA, and Amy (Jeff) Wilms of Delmar, IA; her five grandchildren, Drew (Brittney) Burmahl, Ellie Burmahl, Jacob Burmahl, Brandt (Kayla) Wilms, and Brittany (Jake) Hayes; and her five great-grandchildren, Olivia and Isabella Wilms, Brooklynn and Braxton Burmahl, and Clarke Hayes. She also leaves behind her sister, Judy Tonderum of Maquoketa, IA, and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alice and John Gilmore of Maquoketa, IA, Lois Westphal of Maquoketa, IA, and Gerald Owen of Maquoketa, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Marvin Dale on March 18, 2006, and her sister Connie Owen.

A celebration of Margene’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, October 9, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or Ohnward Fine Arts Center.

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

Pamela D. Martin

Pamela D. Martin, 71, of Peosta, Iowa passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Pam was born December 23, 1951, in Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Marilyn (Beach) Kokemuller. She was a 1970 graduate of Davenport West High School in Davenport, Iowa.  On April 18, 1970, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Larry Martin in Davenport, Iowa.  The couple moved to Dubuque in August of 1981, to own and operate American Freight System.  In 1988, her and her husband purchased their first farm.  In 2000, the couple retired from farming and started Gingerbread Ridge Subdivision.

Pam was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life.  Pam loved watching sports, especially racing which was at the top of her list and spent every weekend at the track.  She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.  Pam also enjoyed crocheting, reading, and bird watching.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Martin of Peosta; two children, Nolan (Carla) Martin of Peosta, and Nicole (Matt) Hefel of Epworth; three grandchildren, Morgan (Austin) McDowell of Cedar Rapids, Abbe (Morgan) Hall of Epworth, and Meriah Martin of Peosta; three great grandchildren, Knox, Hudson, Aurora, and one due in December on her birthday; one brother, Ricky (Cindy) Kokemuller of Davenport.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn (Beach) Kokemuller.

A private family service for Pam will be held at a later date.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Red Cross in memory of Pamela Martin.

Darla A. Shaw

Darla A. (Breitbach) Shaw, 78, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 2, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitation will also be from 9:15 – 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Darla was born on October 11, 1944 in Dubuque, the daughter of Alfred M. and Myrl (Lewis) Breitbach.  She was a graduate of Wahlert High School, class of 1963. On April 11, 1964 she was united in marriage to Dennis R. Shaw at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.

Darla formerly worked at Tri-State Bank for many years. She was a member of the Dunleith Twp. Cemetery Board for over 20 years.

Surviving is her husband, Dennis R. Shaw of Dubuque; three children, Lisa (John Schmitt) Schockemoehl of Maquoketa, IA, Ronald (Susan) Shaw of Cape Coral, FL, and Kimberly (Joseph) Miller of Slinger, WI; seven grandchildren, Cameron, Connor, Cody, Cade, Brittany, Nolan, and Drew; and four great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Roger Shaw and sister-in-law, Amy Shaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Myrl; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glenn and Rita Shaw; in-laws, Gary and Danny Shaw and Rita Shaw.

Dennis and family wish to express sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they gave Darla.

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

Alice E. Meyers

Alice Eleanor Meyers, 98, residing in Cascade and formerly of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Alice was born on October 27,1924 in Dyersville, IA, the daughter of Ray and Irene (Brunsmann) Beckmann. Alice graduated from Xavier High School in 1942.

On August 28, 1950, Alice was united in marriage to Donald C. (Lefty) Meyers at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. He preceded her in death on June 21st, 2005. This marriage was blest with three children, Matt, Phyllis, and Mary Kay.

Alice worked at the Glover Sewing Factory until she became a full-time homemaker for her children. When time became available for Alice, she felt the need to continue caring for children, and became a teacher’s aide for the special needs students at Beckman Catholic Schools in Dyersville and Western Dubuque Schools in Farley. Alice truly enjoyed her time helping these students. She refferred to them as, “Angels on Earth.” In her senior years, Lefty and Alice enjoyed traveling the East Coast, Europe, fishing in Minnesota, and especially spending the winters in Texas with their ‘Tip O Texas” friends.

Alice’s most precious accomplishment was to be a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she excelled at every level.

Alice is the last remaining descendant from the Beckmann and Meyers generation. However, many family members will honor her memory. Her children: Matt (Ann) Meyers of Dyersville, Phyllis (Allan) Wessels of Dyersville, Mary Kay (Steve) Lammers of Ballwin, Missouri;  eleven grandchildren: Melissa Meyers; Nicole Meyers, Cody (Erin) Meyers, Connor (Morgan) Meyers, Bobby A Loebach, Eric E. Davis, Kristen (Jamie DeKruif) Wegmann, Audrey (Marvin) Brown, Tim (Molly Hauser) Wessels, Jeremy (Christina) Lammers, Matt (Nichole) Lammers, great-grandchildren: Carson, Aiden, Jordyn, Tessa, Tate, Leah, Olivia, Stella, Lillian, Blythe, Zane, Clyde, Kennedy, Liam, Parker, Taylor, Hudson, Camden, and Brynn; many nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Eleanor Beckmann; siblings: Anita Cross, Albert (Buddy) Beckmann, Leroy (Spreetz) Beckmann, Elizabeth Harbaugh; in-Laws: Donnell (Doc) Cross, Sally Beckmann, Ida Rhea Beckmann, Ward Harbaugh. Vince (Helen) Meyers; Robert (Lucille) Meyers; Herbert (Jan & Lois) Meyers.

The family would like to thank the staff of Accura Nursing Home, and Hospice of Dubuque. Also, special visitors, Cookie, Turkey, Marilyn, and Monica. 

Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica and 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 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Shirley A. Kirschbaum

Shirley Ann (Fitzgerald) Kirschbaum, age 88, of Dubuque, Iowa passed peacefully on September 27, 2023, at Harmony Nursing Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1^st, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. The burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Shirley was born on February 14^th, 1935, in Fonda, Iowa to John and Catherine (Kenney) Fitzgerald. Shirley had two older brothers, Patrick and Michael and an older sister Mary Delores.

Shirley attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa where she earned her teaching degree.

On June 18^th, 1960, Shirley married Robert John Kirschbaum at Our Lady of Good counsel in Fonda, Iowa

They were blessed with three children, Robert John III, Linda Marie, and Laurie Ann.

Shirley taught at St Joseph the Worker parochial school from 1978 to 2002 and was avidly involved in St Joseph the Worker church as an usher.

Shirley positively impacted many lives throughout her years of teaching.  The family has crossed paths with some recently and have been touched by their fond memories of her.  She enjoyed her many visits to Chicago for lengthy stays with her children and grandchildren.  She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed going to Wrigley Field with her family. Shirley loved to cook and share her famous chocolate chip cookies and yummy bars. In her later years, she enjoyed her Friday morning coffee group and frequent lunches with her teacher friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert Kirschbaum of Chicago, IL, Linda (Sean) Stephens of Elmhurst, IL, and Laurie (Kris) Rothleunter of Boston, MA. Grandsons Mitchell Stephens, Jack Stephens, and Brady Stephens and two granddaughters, Grace and Josie Rothleutner, her niece and nephew George and Connie Schachtner of Fonda, Iowa, and her dear friend Marilyn Mueller of Dubuque.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents, John and Catherine Fitzgerald, her brothers Patrick and Michael, her sister Mary Delores, her brother-in-law Paul Schachtner and sister in law’s Doris Fitzgerald and Rose Marie Kirschbaum.

The family would like to thank Sunset Park Place and Harmony Dubuque for their excellent care and over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to St. Joseph The Worker.

Steven O. Bowman

Steven O. “Steve” Bowman, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at home.

Steven Owen Bowman was born on December 5, 1952 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Gene and Faye (Morehead) Bowman.  He grew up in Maquoketa and was 1971 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  Following high school, he worked as a tax preparer and owned and operated Eastern Iowa Tax Service for many years.

Steve loved music and in earlier years had been a member of area bands as the sound technician.  He also loved cars, especially classic cars with Dodge Daytona’s being his favorite.  Additionally, he was a NASCAR racing and Jeff Gordon fan, as well as a history buff.

Those left to honor his memory include his only daughter Lacee, and son-in-law Dan Sedenka of Lisbon, IA; 2 grandchildren, Ralyn and Landon; and sisters, Wanda McGrath of TX, Susan Mulvihill of CO, and Amy (Mike) Gunn of MT.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private burial will be held at a later date at the East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.  There is no public visitation.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

David D. Barnes

David D. Barnes, 72, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. Born on October 24, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa, David was the cherished son of Merlin Ellsworth and Theona Fae (Aldrich) Barnes.

David spent his formative years in Maquoketa, where he attended Maquoketa High School, graduating in 1968. A gifted athlete, David held the school’s pole vault record for many years, a testament to his determination and dedication.

Following his graduation, David embarked on a successful career as a machinist at Caterpillar. Known for his intelligence and innovative thinking, he was instrumental in developing and installing one of the company’s first computers. His leadership skills were recognized by his peers, and he served as a union representative for many years until his retirement due to health reasons.

In retirement, David found joy in using his handy skills to help others. He devoted much of his time to charitable handyman work, always ready to lend a hand where needed. His strong faith was a guiding force in his life, and he often shared his knowledge of the Bible with his son, Thomas.

David is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Tina Barnes of West Fargo, ND; three beloved grandchildren, Shauntel (Sean), Alex (Lacey), and Kyra (Austin); and his brothers, Larry and Fred Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.   There is no public visitation.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Loras G. Boge

Loras was born in Dubuque, IA on September 9, 1940 and passed on September 16, 2023.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on November 4, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Thomas McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

His parents Cyril & Isabelle (Hanten) Boge, raised him on a farm. He was united in marriage to Judith Ann Roscamp on November 22, 1958. To this union were born 9 children: Leslie (Cindy) Boge, Jeannette (Donnie) Halverson, William (Jan) Boge, Robert Boge, Barbra (James) Puckett, James Boge, Mary Boge, Twins Alyssia Boge, and Eric Boge. He has several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings Darlene Hantelman, Joanne Haywood, Samantha “Blondie” Boge, Geraldine “Geri” Vesely, Deborah Husted, and Steven Boge. Current companion Lea Dixon. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dan, sister Patricia and daughter Alyssia Maria, Grandson Josh Martin, and his former companion Diane LaMontia.

Loras had a colorful life of jobs and business ventures. Along his journey, he started dairy farming with his father and worked for the county along with building his first home up the road from the farm. He left farming to pursue more house building and established “Bogeville”. He drove mail trucks and managed several star mail routes. He also contracted truck routes for Eska Trucking in Dubuque. He was always involved in several business deals in Dubuque with real estate and contract building.

He made the decision to move his family to Northwest Iowa, where he purchased Nelson Products, a manufacturing plant in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. He owned and operated the plant for several years from 1977 to 2001. He pursued his real passion for farming near Webb, Iowa and developed a large farrow to finish hog operation. He achieved the Governor’s Award for his developed skills in terrace farming.

He was proud of his skills to pilot his own plane and fly freely to travel and check on business deals. He was also a world traveler and visited many countries.. He continued owning, contract building, trading, renting, and managing real estate during his retirement. His most recent business endeavor was purchasing a horse ranch that focused on racing quarter horses.

The last several years of his retirement were spent in Mission, Texas. Loras continued to enjoy stimulating conversations of politics, farming, and real estate. Loras left this world and will rejoin many family members and friends that have gone before him.

He will be very sadly missed by his family and friends, including his longtime friends.

As requested, services will be announced at a later date due to the fact of harvest…. as he always would say “The work is never done!!!”

Prayers for his Perpetual Light To Shine On……

Joan A. McCarthy

Joan A. McCarthy, 92, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be 10:30 am on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Joan was born October 9, 1930, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Leon and Frances (Kleine) Wersinger. On August 18, 1948, she married James P. McCarthy at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. He preceded her in death on May 12, 2009.

Joan graduated from the former Immaculate Conception High School in Dubuque and worked as a realtor for Tri-State Realty Company in Dubuque.

Joan was a faith filled woman and was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing gin rummy and watching Notre Dame football. Joan also enjoyed the winters she got to spend in Arizona with Jim.

Survivors include her six children, Cyndi (Tom) Kiefer of Dubuque; Sheila (Jackie) McCarthy of Dubuque; Colleen (Mike) Kemp of St. Charles, MO; Cecelia T.D. (Jack) Specht of Omaha, NE; Shawn (Teresa) McCarthy of Florence, AZ; and Molly (Dave) Healey of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Rebecca (Mark) Ryerson, Rachel (Joe) Waldner, Shane (Jana) McCarthy, Marcie Knight, Natalie (Patrick) Bartman, Jake Skiles, Megan (Chris) Gabriel, and Luke Healey; 15 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Gertie Wersinger of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; four brothers, LaVerne, Glen, Raymond, and Virgil Wersinger; and one sister, Leona Eigenberger; two brother-laws, Jack (Mae) McCarty, Dennis (Mickey) McCarthy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses and Mercy Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Wahlert High School.

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

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

Ruth I. Weinbender

Ruth Iona Weinbender (Huget) was born April 29, 1924, in Runnymede, Saskatchewan, Canada to the Reverend Rudolf and Emma Huget. She died Monday, September 25, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

She immigrated with her family to Oconto, Wisconsin in 1945.  Ruth married “the love of her life”, Reverend Alexander Weinbender in 1948.  They were married 45 years, until his death in 1993.

Partners in life and their life’s work, Ruth worked side by side with Alexander as a Pastor’s wife serving congregations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  She also enjoyed serving beside Alexander as he was the Administrator of nursing homes in Dubuque, Iowa and Pontiac, Illinois.

Ruth is remembered and beloved for her gracious gifts of compassion, kindness and faithfulness. She knew no strangers and always had food and drink available for any person who needed it.  She had a love for music and was active in church choirs and the Dubuque Chorale.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rudolf, her mother, Emma, her husband, Alexander, her brother, Reverend Ralph Huget, and his wife Jaqueline Huget, her brother-in-law, Reverend Rex Heidmann, and brother-in-law, Reverend Gerald Nerenhausen.

She is survived by sisters Dorothy Nerenhausen and Melita Heidmann.  She is also survived by her children Ralph Weinbender (Cynthia Leslein) and Ardyth Diercks (Alan).  Also surviving are 3 grandchildren, Matthew Weinbender, Andrew Diercks (Megan) and Kristin Daniel (Zachary), and 9 great grandchildren.

A private service and burial for family will be held at Lake View Memorial Park in Oshkosh Wisconsin at a later date.

Online condolences for Ruth’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Judith B. Wehrle

Judith B. Wehrle passed away September 25, 2023, at Midwest Senior Community in Galena.  She was born August 13, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, where her father was serving in the Army.  Most of her childhood was spent in Massachusetts until her parents divorced and her mother re-married and moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Both Judith and her younger sister Meredith actively participated in school athletics, particularly tennis.  Judith graduated from Northern Iowa University in 1966.

After college she joined the Peace Corps and taught English in Maiduguri, Nigeria.  Less than a year after she arrived, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and she returned to America for successful surgery.  She then joined the Franklin Junior High School faculty in Wheaton, Illinois, teaching on their gifted program that she later chaired.

She married Thomas C. Callinan during July 1972 and helped raise his two daughters, one of whom became a lifelong friend. They divorced during March 1977, and Judith married Robert (Bob) Wehrle during December 1982 after a whirlwind six-month courtship.  Bob’s children were teenagers, and she developed a close relationship with his two sons.  Bob took early retirement during 1989, and Judith taught two more years while they built their retirement home in the Galena Territory.

In retirement Judith was very active with non-profit organizations in Jo Daviess County.  She initially joined the boards of the Prairie Enthusiasts and the Galena Chamber Ensemble.  Later she joined and served as chairperson of the boards of the Riverview Center and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, and she was the first chairperson of the Galena Center for the Arts.  While chairing JDCF, she led the fund-raising campaign to purchase the land that became the Horseshoe Mound Preserve. Judith was a strong supporter of the environment and the arts, particularly enjoying classical music and theatre

The past four years were difficult for Judith because of increasing blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa. Her poor vision caused a fall that resulted in a subdural hematoma operation in early 2020 which led to some memory loss.  Nevertheless, she continued supporting community activities through the Galena Rotary Club.

Judith is deeply missed by her husband Bob with whom she spent more than 40 years.  They traveled together to many areas of the World including Canada, Europe, Malaysia, and Turkey as well as spending parts of several winters in Mexico, Florida, and Arizona.  They shared interests in sports (the Bears, White Sox, and tennis) as well as literature, the environment, and the arts.  She will also be missed by her sister Meredith Wessels, her brothers Warren Goddard and Philip Goddard, her step-sons Kurt Wehrle and Neil Wehrle, her ex-step-daughter Laurie Calhoun, and her step-grandchildren Alex, Sofia, Hannah, and Ingrid Wehrle to whom she was always known as Gran, as well as her many friends in the Galena area and all of the community organizations she supported.

Memorial donations honoring Judith can be made to any of those organizations.  A family remembrance will be held at a later date.

Online condolences for Judith’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Peter A. Boden

Peter A. “Pete” Boden, age 57, of Hanover, IL, completed his earthly journey suddenly on September 20, 2023, as the result of an automobile accident.  To honor Peter’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 West Chestnut Mountain Road, in Galena, IL.  A time for sharing of memories will begin at 2:00 p.m. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Peter’s family.

Peter was born on June 16, 1966, in Livonia, Michigan, a first child, to Jack and Norma (Copeland) Boden. He later became a big brother to Andrew. He spent his entire life with an unending devotion to family and friends.  If you were a friend of Peter’s, you were surely considered to be a friend for life in his mind.  Peter was always an athlete, and supported his teams, whether on the field, coaching, or as spectator to his children, his nieces and nephews or his cherished Michigan. He, himself, was a champion ice hockey player in his younger years in Michigan. He instilled that trait for hard work on and off the field in his children, Millie and Hamish.  After his years in Michigan, Peter moved to Chicago where he made many good, lifelong friends and would eventually meet his future wife. Peter and Debbie were united in marriage at Chestnut on August 21, 2004. When the family moved to Hanover in 2010, he couldn’t have been more excited to live only eight miles from the ski hill. After signing Millie and later Hamish, up for the Chestnut Mountain Race Team he immediately began recruiting for the team. That team became an integral part of the families inner circle. He faithfully invested over 12 years in meeting new families and making sure that they all felt as welcomed to the area as they would have been in his own home.  Peter also coached many other sports teams in the area with his children on the rosters. He loved every moment of it. Baseball, softball, and golf were among his favorites, but there was truly no limit to the time and energy he would so generously share with his family, friends, and community. Peter was a commercial real estate appraiser by trade and spent most of his working years in the Chicago area. His recent illness made working for the last two years very difficult, and that was very hard on him not being able to provide for his family in a way he was accustomed and participate in life fully the way he wanted to. Peter was undeniably a social person who always enjoyed the company of others whenever possible.  It’s difficult to imagine life moving forward without such a large and positive force in our lives leading the way as Peter did.  His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him, but it is surely with heavy hearts which we carry today. Thank you, Peter, for being the absolute best man any of us could ever hope to ask for and may the University of Michigan play proudly as you can now cheer them on from the best seats in the house.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Peter include,

his loving wife of 19 years,
Debbie Horkay Boden, Hanover, IL;

his two adored children,
Millie Sno Boden,
and Hamish Shane Boden, both of Hanover, IL;

his brother and sister-in-law,
Andrew and Karen Boden, Fowlerville, MI;

his aunts,
Ruth (Copeland) Hutchison, Galena, IL,
and Margaret Copeland, Rochester, MI;

his father and mother-in-law,
John and Louise Horkay, Hanover, IL;

his sisters-in-law,
Jeanette (Rich) Havansek, Skokie, IL,
and Laura (George) Pettera, Hanover, IL;

his nieces and nephews,
Parker (Yuese Zheng) Boden, Durham, NC,
Paige Boden, Livonia, MI,
Peyton Boden, Westland, MI,
Ricky Havansek, Chicago, IL,
Caleigh Havansek, Skokie, IL,
Ana Horkay, Chicago, IL,
Dakari Taifa, Hanover, IL,
and Raiden Taifa, Ft. Myers, FL;

his great-nieces and nephew,
Jayyda, Lily, Alaya, and Tommy;

his cousins,
Blaed Hutchison, Los Angeles, CA,
Aaron (Kylie) Copeland, Boerne, TX,
Alex (Laura) Copeland, Newburgh, IN,
Moira (Gerard Diagle) Fenner, Brighton, Ontario,
Stu (Kim) Fenner, Scarborough, Ontario,
Ken (Karen) Fenner, Lindsay, Ontario,
Elaine Fenner, Guelph, Ontario,
Anne Marie (Boden) (Lawrie) Friel, Scotland,
Eileen (Boden) (Duncan) Ferguson, Scotland,
and Alex (Liz) Boden, Scotland;

along with numerous other cousins, second cousins, and extended family in the States, Canada, England and Scotland.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents; Jack and Norman (Copeland) Boden, his aunts Margaret (Boden) Fenner and Noela Boden, his uncles; Pete Copeland, Willie Fenner, Alec Boden, and  Robert Hutchison; and his nephew, Joshua Taifa.

Peter’s family would like to thank their family and friends and the community at large, especially the River Ridge community, who have been so supportive and caring over the last two years as Peter has faced his kidney disease head on.  Your patience, compassion, and unwavering devotion in Peter’s time of trial truly brought them all some much-needed peace of mind during that very difficult time. For that and the outpouring of love and support from all facets of their lives, near and far they are forever grateful for each and every one of you.

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

Shirley A. Fuerst

Shirley Ann (Adams) Fuerst, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 23, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 28, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Father Steven Garner. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 27, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Shirley was born on July 22, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Charles Francis and Catherine Mary (Wilhelm) Adams. She was a resident of Dubuque her entire life, attending St. Mary’s grade school, two years at Immaculate Conception Academy, and two years at Dubuque Senior High School. She worked at Dubuque Stamp and Dubuque Packing Company and later nannied for several years. Shirley loved gardening, putting together puzzles, baking, and she especially loved gingerbread.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her children Richard Fuerst, Ronald Fuerst, Robert, Fuerst, Randall Fuerst, and Robin (Francis) Chaffee, grandchildren Emily and Courtney (Jay Futch) Chaffee and Anthony Fuerst, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Fuerst in March  1984, and three brothers Eldon (Rose) Adams, Merlin (Sally) Adams, and Charles (Rose Mary “Tiny”) Adams along with three nephews.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Nicole, Buffy and Hayle.

In lieu of flowers, a Shirley Ann Fuerst Memorial Fund has been established.

Daniel J. Streif

Daniel J. Streif, 80, of Dubuque, passed away on July 21, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday October 1st, 2023 at the Steel Open Air (Blue Roof) at Flora Park in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Dan was born on October 1, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lloyd M. and Rita Streif. He married the love of his life, Roxanne Bettcher on April 28, 1995.

Dan was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a semi driver, working for the Dubuque Pack, self-employed and retired from Consolidated Freightways. Dan was known for his amazing sense of humor. He had a nickname for everyone and enjoyed making people laugh with his stories and jokes.

Dan is survived by his wife, Roxanne Streif, his daughter, Heather; sister Mary Ann O’Hara; in-laws Rusty (LeiAnne) Bettcher, Randy (Karen) Bettcher, Ron “Whitey” (Mary) Bettcher, Reece (Rachel) Bettcher, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Willie and Darlene Bettcher; siblings Lloyd (Ann) Streif, Beverly DeValera, David Streif, Margaret “Maggie” Weiland, brother-in-law Richard O’Hara and nephew Sam Bettcher.

The family would like to thank Dr. Whalen, Hospice of Dubuque and Patrick Leonard for their wonderful care of Dan.

Carole A. Thomas

Carole A. Thomas of Chicago and Dubuque died on September 24, 2023, in Dubuque.  Daughter of Edgar Allan and Beatrice Thomas, she was a retired teacher who received her B.A. in 1965 from Mundelein Women’s College.  She received her M.Ed. from Loras in 1978.  Carole taught Language Arts for three years in District 63 in Niles, Illinois, one year at St. Patrick’s Separate School in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, and thirty years at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Dubuque.  She was invigorated by her students whose antics “kept her young.”

After retiring, she volunteered for fifteen years at the Carnegie Stout Public Library in the Administration office, sharing her proofreading and writing skills.  She was an avid reader and loved blues and classical music, sometimes escaping to New Orleans for the winter.  She served several years as secretary of the Old House Enthusiasts, and wrote many of their tour brochures.

Like her brother, Edgar John, Carole loved animals, adopting over thirty cats and seven dogs in her lifetime.  A private burial will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Galena, Illinois.  Memorials may be donated to the Dubuque Humane Society.

Online condolences for Carole’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com