Obituaries Archive

Brett D. Roth

Brett D. (Gus) Roth, 53, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family following a short illness.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Gus was born on October 19, 1970 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Louis E. and Lois J. (Miller) Roth. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan,  enjoyed bowling, and loved listening to Elvis.

Gus loved attending the Illinois Special Olympics where he excelled in Swimming, Shalom Skiing and received numerous medals.

Surviving is his mother, Lois; siblings, Valerie (David) Clancy and Kathy Roth, both of East Dubuque, Laurie Porche of Kenner, LA, Cindy (Brian) Yoerger of East Dubuque, Ron (Barbi) Roth of Dyersville, IA, Brian Roth and Jeff Roth both of East Dubuque, his sister-in-law, Glenda Miller of East Dubuque; godmother, Chris Miller of Cedar Rapids, IA; and special friend, Becky Kieler of Dickeyville, WI; his aunt, Darlene Gibson of East Dubuque; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gus was preceded in death by his father Louie; brothers, George, Bruce, and Dwight Miller and Darrell “Diz” Roth; brothers-in-law, Ernie Porche, and retired Army Major Rickie Hosch, Sr., and by nieces Jennifer L. Miller, and Staci Valentine.

Lois and family wish to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque and the East Dubuque Fire Department for their loving care shown to Gus.

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

Kenneth H. Luchtenburg

Kenneth (Ken) Henry Luchtenburg of Dubuque, Iowa passed away November 16, 2023, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an insidious disease that literally took his breath away. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 Saint Ambrose Street.  Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating.  Due to the rising number of Covid cases the family requests that all who attend wear a mask.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans and the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Ken’s family.

Ken was born July 2, 1947 in Waverly, Iowa. He was the son of Henry E. and Lena (Arends) Luchtenburg. He grew up on the family farm north of Allison, Iowa.

After graduation from Allison High School in May 1965, he attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa for one year. Ken enlisted in the U. S. Army in September 1966. He went to Vietnam in April 1967. He served one year in Cam Rahn Bay as a cashier and finance clerk. After his tour of duty in Vietnam he was assigned at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri as a Travel Pay Specialist. Prior to being discharged in September 1969 Ken had earned the rank of Specialist E-5.

In October 1969 Ken went to work as a bookkeeper at the Farmers Grain Dealers Association Soybean Processing Division in Mason City, Iowa. In August 1970, he started classes at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated in May 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Business with emphasis in Accounting. During the summers of 1971, 1972, and 1973, he worked at John Deere Dubuque Works in the Accounting Summer Training Program.

During his summers at John Deere Dubuque Works, he met Donna Klaas, who eventually became his wife. They married on September 20, 1975. Donna and Ken had four children – Michael, Ann, Carol, and Sara. Ken and Donna celebrated 48 years of marriage on September 20, 2023.

Ken retired December 31, 2001 from John Deere Dubuque Works after thirty years of service. He started working January 2002 as an income tax preparer for H & R Block in Dubuque, Iowa. He did this for twelve tax seasons. During this time, July 1, 2002 to July 1, 2003 Ken also worked as a Business Manager/Bookkeeper for the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ken was involved with the following organizations: Junior Achievement Accounting advisor 1974-1977, Past President (1981-1982) of the Dubuque Chapter of National Association of Accountants (NAA), now known as Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Tri-State Vietnam Veterans Association – Dubuque, Iowa 1985 – 2023 serving nearly thirty years as Secretary/Treasurer and 1 year as President, Tri-State Antique and Classic Automobile Club 1990 – 2022 serving two years as Secretary and ten years as Treasurer, member of John Deere Retiree Association 2002 – 2023. Ken enjoyed going to car cruises with either his 1931 Chevrolet Five Window Coupe or 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix. Ken and Donna were members of St. Anthony’s Church since the time of their marriage.

Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents Herbert and Ella (Jungling) Luchtenburg and John J. and Kate (Poppen) Arends, parents Henry E. and Lena (Arends) Luchtenburg, sister Shirley Luchtenburg, aunts, uncles, and several cousins.

Ken is survived by his wife Donna, children Michael, Ann, Carol, and Sara. He is also survived by his brother Kendall (Gena) Luchtenburg, sister Shilotte (Paul) Epley, and numerous cousins.

Online condolences may be left for Ken’s family at www.behrfuneralhome.com

Janice L. Knapp

Janice L. Knapp, 90, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Accura Health Care in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Janice will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., on Monday, November 20, 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Janice will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Concelebrating will be Rev. Daniel Knepper and Msgr. James Miller.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Janice was born on March 27, 1933 in Love II Township, Monticello, Iowa, daughter of Gerhard and Johanna (Curtis) Freese.  She attended Lovell Township School #9 and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Monticello, Iowa.  She was united in marriage to Donald Knapp on August 8, 1953 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on July 2, 2022.  She was a great homemaker, always busy raising nine children.

Janice was a Secretary for Don from 1985-1993 when he was in the House of Representatives.  She was also a Rubbermaid-Tupperware sales member.

She was a member of the St. Matthias Parish in Cascade and participated in the Marriage Encounters and TEC’s.

Janice is survived by seven children: Lu Oldaker, Gregory (Joyce) Knapp, Martin (Julie) Knapp, Walter Knapp, Linda (Alan) Reiter, Lydia (Mark) Strief, and Nicholas (Kim Clark) Knapp; 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild born the day prior to her death.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; two children, Martha Knapp and Bradley Knapp; one son-in-law, Daniel Oldaker; her siblings, Daune Freese, Joyce Gassman and Jean Hines/Hosford; her in-laws, Jeanette Freese, Paul Gassman, John Hines, Clarence Hosford, Margaret (Thomas) Smith. Mary Ann O’Shea, Nancy Hess and Robert Knapp.

Stanley D. Pataska

Stanley D. Pataska, 67, of Sabula, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday, November 20, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 10:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the church.

Stanley was born May 28, 1956, the son of William and Marilyn (Roe) Pataska. Stan graduated from Bellevue Community Schools in 1974. He then married Rochelle K. Behn on June 25, 1977 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue. To this union 2 children were born. Brandy (Brandon) Vorbeck Maquoketa, Iowa and Jason (Ashley) Pataska Solon, Iowa.  5 grandchildren, Austin Vorbeck, Trevor Shady, Rachel (Deon Ramlall) Vorbeck, Teegan Pataska, and Finnick Pataska. Throughout his life, Stan was known as a very hard working man. Working for International Paper, Sterling Feed and Grain, Wendling Quarries, owner/operator for Crete Carrier, and ADM until retiring in December 2021. After retiring Stan then worked for Farrell’s Trucking Inc. for a short time. In his spare time, Stanley enjoyed golfing, playing euchre, fishing, hunting, vacationing with his best buddies Greg and Etta Culver, and spending time with family and friends. But what Stan cherished most was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Rochelle; children, Brandy and Jason; grandchildren, Austin, Trevor, Rachel, Teegan, and Finnick; brothers, Dale (Judy) Pataska, Darrell (Ellen) Pataska, and John (Olinda) Pataska; brother in-law, Dennis Schlarmann; nieces and nephews, David (Shauneen) Schlarmann, Danny (Deb) Pataska, Steve (Sally) Schlarmann, Donny Pataska, Melissa (Ahmet) Senyurekli, Katie (Tim) Cotter, Keri (Matt) Lind, and Trista (Reid) Kenney; 14 great nieces and nephews.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marilyn Pataska, a sister, Rose Schlarmann; twin brothers, Ronald and Donald Pataska; a nephew, Travis Pataska; great nephews, Rhett and Rhory Kenney; great niece, Elise Kenney; father and mother in-law, Arnold and Doris Behn; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Aggarwal and staff at Genesis Cancer Center, Genesis East Hospital, Mayo Clinic Medical Center, Jackson County Hospice, and Maquoketa Medical Associates for their exceptional care given to Stan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Stanley’s memory.

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

Coltyn Bowman Schulte

Coltyn Bowman Schulte was born on September 19, 1997 and began a new journey on November 10, 2023.

Coltyn will be missed by his dad and mom, Tony and Kim Schulte; relentlessly loving sis, Lindsay and her partner Austin Luchtenburg; his bum nieces Ryan and Leni, his brother and best friend Tyler Schulte and brother’s partner Hanna Stokes; and the numerous lives he has touched.

For those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by Coltyn, you are a better person because of him.  Coltyn was a selfless, free-spirited person who loved nature and felt most at peace in its arms.  He was unapologetically Coltyn and never failed to make people feel special, heard, loved…He brought so much light into this world. There are not enough words, thoughts, or time to truly describe who Coltyn was as a person or the person he wanted to be.

A private gathering will be held.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials and cards may be directed to the family at Carson Celebration of Life Center, Attn: Coltyn B. Schulte Family, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

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

Roger H. Mescher

Roger H. Mescher, 83, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Hallmar Village in Marion, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville prior to funeral mass.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Roger was born August 24, 1940, in Dyersville the son of Bill and Germaine (Thier) Mescher.  He married Marilyn Funke on November 30, 1968, in Dyersville, Iowa.  Together with extended family, he co-owned BARD Concrete in Dyersville for many years until retiring in 2000.  He was also committed to the betterment and growth of the Dyersville community, especially through his involvement with Dyersville Economic Development.  Roger enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, golfing and boating.

Survivors include his children: Carmen (Robert) Krantz of Dyersville, Molly (Chad) Newhouse of Cedar Rapids and Laura (Jason) Sellers of Broomfield, CO; nine grandchildren: Kara, Conner, and Leah Krantz, Emma, Sophie, and William Newhouse, Madeline, Claire, and Gabrielle Sellers; siblings: Mary Ellen Goedken of Muscatine, Myra Mescher of New York City and Donna (Dan) Meyer of Dyersville, Dale (Mary) Mescher of Cascade and Lee (Deb) Mescher of Goodyear, AZ; in-laws: Jean Funke of Dubuque, Elaine Funke of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marilyn in 2015, and in-laws: Duane Goedken, Leroy (Lois), Robert, Dennis, and David (Jan) Funke, Norma (Robert) Edleman, and Vila (Dale) Hofer.

Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica or the Dyersville Community Foundation.

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.

Gerald W. Carr

Gerald W. Carr, 82, of Maquoketa, Iowa, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, at his home. Born on January 20, 1941, in Zwingle, Iowa, Gerald’s life was characterized by his love for family, dedication to his country, and his passion for hard work.

Gerald, the son of Dillon O. and Lynne Opal (Wagner) Carr, was a proud Iowan who cherished his roots. A 1959 graduate of Maquoketa High School, he excelled in football, making his mark as a member of the undefeated Class of 1957 team. After graduation, Gerald turned down a scholarship to play football at Cornell College and instead enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. While stationed at the Kaneohe Military Base in Hawaii, he met his future wife, Deanna Piilani Campbell. They were married on March 27, 1964, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and welcomed three children: Kim, Alissa, and Mark.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Gerald returned to his beloved Iowa. He worked in highway road construction for several years and briefly at John Deere Dubuque Works in the foundry. He spent the last 30 years of his career as a heavy machine mechanic at Tschiggfrie Excavating Co. in Dubuque, retiring in 2006. A dedicated worker, Gerald was known for his integrity and commitment.

In his free time, Gerald showcased his mechanical mind by putzing around in his garage, constructing various projects. He had a special affinity for animals, cherishing the companionship they offered. His interests were diverse, but they all revolved around his love for life and his family.

Gerald is survived by his children, Kim (and husband John Williams) Carr, Alissa (and husband Tim) Clark, and Mark (and wife Kristie) Carr, all of Maquoketa, IA. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Sam Williams, Aliya Carr, and Jaxon Carr, who will fondly remember their grandfather’s wisdom and kindness. Gerald is also survived by his sister, Patsy Krantz of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dee on February 8, 2016, his brother Darrald, and his sister Barbara Watters.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 P.M., Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11 A.M. to 12:45 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gerald W. Carr memorial fund has been established.

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

Jane Foecking

Jane Foecking, 99, Galena, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at her home. The funeral service will be at 11 AM, on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena.

She was born May 17, 1924, in Galena, the daughter of Albert and Catherine (Knobbe) Holland. Jane was united in marriage to her husband of 72 years, Harold Foecking, on June 22, 1946, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Galena, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 2019.  She worked at Savanna Army Depot, and Burgess Battery Factory, Galena in her younger years. She spent most of her life as a homemaker. She was a wonderful and loving mother and always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing euchre, watching game shows, cooking, and had many other interests throughout her life.

She is survived by her two daughters, Carol (Eldie) Redd and Shari Foecking; two grandsons, Mike Feldermann and Jeff Redd, and great-grandchildren Kali and Leia Feldermann, and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings and their spouses, Bernice (Al) Harris, Dorothy (Elmer) Hoftender, Laverne (Aleath) Holland, Edmund (Rita) Holland, Charles (Mildred) Holland, Alfred (Gladys) Holland, and Elroy Holland, who died in the 1918 influenza outbreak.

Online condolences may be left at furlongfuneralchapel.com

Mary G. Kelly

Mary G. Kelly, 90, passed away peacefully on November 14 surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be from 9:15-10:45a.m., Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00a.m., with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary was born Jan 24, 1933 and raised in La Crosse, WI, the daughter of Felix Daniel and Florence Catherine (nee Joy) Urban.

Mary is survived by her five children: Mary Beth (John) O’Connor, Kevin (Carrie) Kelly, Molly (Paul)

Martis, Mike (Jane) Kelly and Caroline (Dave) Bauer; seven grandchildren, Michael (Jen) O’Connor, Katie (Philip) Quann, John O’Connor, Patrick (Cierra) O’Connor, Will Kelly, Danny Kelly, John Kelly and eleven great grandchildren.

Mary was proceeded in death by her loving, treasured husband, Philip T. Kelly and her brother Thomas L. Urban.

Memorials can be given to the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 3800 Arboretum Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001.

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

Larry J. Clasen

Larry John Clasen, 82, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, November 13,2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  Family will greet friends from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm, Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook, additional visitation will be 10:00 am until Mass on Monday at the church. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Monday, November 20, 2023 at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Springbrook. Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will continue following the graveside at Timber Lanes/Timber Center in Maquoketa for Larry.

Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Bellevue.   Larry was born November 3, 1941 to Lawrence and Armella (Tebbe) Clasen.  Larry married Beverly Franzen on November 4, 1961 in Sugar Creek.  They purchased a home in old Browns-Sugar Creek for a short time while Larry worked for the railroad, they then purchased a farm in rural Jackson County, raising six children.  He always wanted to dairy farm and was able to accomplish his goal, also enjoying time with his family, children, grandchildren, raising horses, bowling, golfing, trail rides, tractor pulling, including garden tractor pulling, tractor rides, and playing his harmonica.  Larry and Beverly were blessed over the years with many friends and never met a stranger that they didn’t treat as a friend.  He was a member of the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, church choir, Knights of Columbus, and rang the church bell before mass.  He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Beverly; children Cindy (Kevin) Lundin, Kenny (Liz) Clasen, Louie Clasen, Amy (Jay) Reeg, Julie (Shannon) Wisco, and Wendy (Pete) Schueller; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings; Janis (Roger) Steines, Bonnie (Ivis) Grossman, Robert (Mary Lou) Clasen and Kathy (Dan) Zeimet; brother and sisters in-law, Mary Ann Scheckel, Marcy Franzen, and Darwin (Dee) Franzen; and numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parterns; father and mother-in-law, Adolph and Lucille (Sullivan) Franzen; brothers in-law, Bob Scheckel, Donald Franzen, Richard Franzen, Richard Bormann and great-granddaughter, Leah Reeg.

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

Roger Frommelt

On Monday, November 13, 2023, Roger took his last trail ride and was called home at the age of 85.  Roger was born on May 28, 1938, and grew up in East Dubuque, Illinois.  He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Henning on August 16, 1958.  They soon moved to Hazel Green where they raised their four children, Tim, Robin, Russ, and Cory.

Roger worked at the Pack for 30 years until they finally closed, he worked at the Sinsinawa Mound for another 30 years.  The nuns there all “loved Roger”, but as he would commonly say, “Don’t get in the habit”!

One could always find Roger busy cutting grass.  With his comb and handkerchief in his pocket, Roger would be off to the store with his faithful, furry companion Toby who “needed to take a ride” or “just needed to pick up a few things”, many times it included something for others that Roger thought they might like.  Roger always thought of others, especially his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  If anyone needed help in any way, Roger was the first to volunteer to help.  He enjoyed meeting people and was always willing to have a beer or two with someone.  Once you met Roger, you were a friend of his. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and old Western shows on TV.  There isn’t an episode of The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, or Bonanza that he hadn’t seen many times.  Roger and Shirley went camping with their camper for many years. Their favorite spot was the Potosi campground.  Many of those times spent there included the grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing when given the chance and wasn’t busy freeing Shirley’s fishing line from whatever she had cast into.  They also had horses and loved to go to rodeos to watch their children compete or on trail rides with their children and other families who also had horses.

Those left to cherish the memory of Roger include,

his 4 children,
Tim (Becky) Frommelt, Hazel Green, Wisconsin,
Robin (Denny Dimick) Gasell, East Dubuque, IL,
Russ (Tilly) Frommelt, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Cory (Odetta) Frommelt, Hazel Green, Wisconsin;

his grandchildren,
Ben Frommelt, Devon Dimick, Jesse Frommelt, Michael Frommelt, Jalee (Josh Begle) Frommelt, Cody (Brittany) Frommelt, Olivia (Hillard) Lehman, and Alea (Chase) Lynch;

his great-grandchildren,
Riley Frommelt, Ian Frommelt, Mason Leib, William Begle, Gavin Frommelt, Landon Frommelt, Evelyn Frommelt, Leo Lehman, Kylin Lynch, Kash Lynch, and John Lynch;

his brother,
Kenneth (Judy) Frommelt, Fresno, CA;

his special friend,
Julie Kammerude, Hazel Green, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer J. “Butch” and Virginia M. (Reider) Frommelt; and his beautiful bride of 62 years, Shirley (Speaker) Frommelt.

Roger’s Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Darrel D. Hicks

Darrel D. Hicks, 84, of Wheatland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, on November 13, 2023. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Darrel’s life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep love for his family and community.

Darrel was the son of Perle and Grace (Mowry) Hicks and spent his formative years in the Toronto area. He was a proud graduate of Wheatland High School, class of 1957. On September 14 of that same year, he married his beloved wife, Marlene Gohlmann, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation, Iowa. Their blessed union brought forth four sons—Jeffrey, Jimmey, Jonney, and Joddey.

Following his graduation, Darrel embarked on a career that was as diverse as it was fulfilling. He initially farmed and held various jobs before he was hired by Farm Services out of DeWitt, Iowa. His dedication and work ethic saw him serve the company for over three decades until his well-deserved retirement. His professional life mirrored his personal life—marked by commitment, perseverance, and a sense of duty.

Darrel was a man of faith and service. He was a devoted member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation and a former member of the Wheatland Lions Club. His commitment to his community was only surpassed by his love for his family.

In his leisure time, Darrel was an avid outdoorsman. He relished deer hunting, an activity he often indulged in with his children and grandchildren. The joy he derived from these outings was a testament to his love for nature and family bonding. In his earlier years, Darrel also enjoyed the thrill of flying, a pastime that spoke to his adventurous spirit.

Every morning, Darrel could be found in the comforting company of his coffee buddies, a daily ritual he looked forward to. These moments, seemingly mundane, were a testament to his love for simple pleasures and the value he placed on friendships.

Darrel leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marlene Hicks of Wheatland, IA; sons, Jeffrey (Nikole) Hicks of Ponca City, OK, Jimmey Hicks of Maquoketa, IA, Jonney (Theresa) Hicks of Wheatland, IA, and Joddey (Christina) Hicks of Ames, IA. He was a proud grandfather of ten and great-grandfather of seventeen. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Allen, and a grandchild, Jacie.

A celebration of Darrel’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, November 20, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church.  A private burial will be at the Massillon, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Darrel D. Hicks memorial fund has been established.

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

Harold Zimmerman, Jr.

Harold “Skip” Zimmerman, Jr., 82, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, November 20, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 20, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, and will be live-streamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Rev. Phil Gibbs will officiate. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Skip was born January 25, 1941 in Dubuque, the son of Harold “Zip” and Florence (Reuter) Zimmerman. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1959, and went on to attend Iowa State University for three years. Skip graduated from Loras College with a B.A. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Wagner, of Dubuque on August 22, 1964, at Church of the Nativity. They celebrated 59 years of marriage this August. Skip was a dedicated employee of John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring as Manager of Industrial Engineering in 1992.

Skip enjoyed extensive travel after retirement. He especially enjoyed visiting family and grandchildren in Germany, as well as spending time with family in Wisconsin and Dubuque.  Skip enjoyed hunting, fishing (especially in northern Wisconsin), and just being outdoors. He had a passion for auto racing, and you could usually find him sitting at turn 3 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

Skip is survived by his wife, Joan, of Dubuque; three children, Lisa Pfeiffer, of Germany, Nick (Kim) Zimmerman, of Dubuque, and Doug Zimmerman, of Menomonee, WI; his grandchildren, Christopher, Johan, Konstantin, and Emily Pfeiffer, Luke Zimmerman, and Karlina and Alyssa Zimmerman; and two sisters in law, Diana Frick, of Dubuque, and Mary Wagner, of Australia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold “Zip” and Florence Zimmerman.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Unity Point Finley Hospital, as well as Dr. Whalen and Dr. Kirkendall.

Leroy K. Baker

Leroy K. Baker, 86, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.  Memorial Visitation will be 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue with services to follow.

Leroy was born September 9, 1937 in Yale, Illinois, the son of Wilson Woodrow and Lily Irene (Shedelbower) Baker.  He married Diane Lewis on September 3, 1972 in Oak Park, Illinois.  He worked in Real Estate  and for Vulcan Materials before Diane and Leroy moved to Bellevue and owned and operated Eagle’s Rest Antiques & Uniques, before retiring in 2022.

Leroy enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, reading, gardening, and always had a lively conversation or story to tell.  Leroy was a mentor to many and shared his past experiences with many people over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Diane; children, Tami (Steve) Baker-Bryan, Sue (John) Bleyaert, Rodney (Angie) Baker, Sandie Crilly, and Sharlene (Joe) Arrigo; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews; and his devoted cat, Smokey.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister; Carolyn Di Beasi.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or Bellevue Ambulance Service in Leroy’s memory.

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

Ralph D. Camp Jr.

Ralph D. Camp Jr., 67, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

A private celebration of his life will take place at a later date.  Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

Ralph David Camp Jr. was born on September 14, 1956 in Pennsylvania to Mary Ellen (Diley) and Ralph David Camp Sr.  He grew up in Joffre, Pennsylvania and moved to Iowa in 2011.  He loved swimming, eating cherry pie, watching baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates being his favorite team, and singing his favorite song Amazing Grace.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Nancy (Dave) Huggins of Carnegie, PA, Ray (Deb) Camp of Pittsburgh, PA, and Cheryl (John) Williams of Andrew, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father in 2006 and his mother in 2020.

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.