Obituaries Archive
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Virginia Cunningham Gordon
Virginia Cunningham Gordon, 91, died peacefully at home with her children attending.
She was born June 15, 1931 to Ray and Ethel Cunningham of Ames, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in June of 1953 with a BS in Home Economics Education. It was there that she met her husband, Gene Gordon from Dubuque. They married December 19, 1952 and eventually settled in Dubuque where Gene, an architect, designed and built their home where they raised their five children: Sandra (Haupt), Steven, Michael, Douglas, and Mark. Ginny was very involved in her children’s activities. She was a Girl Scouts leader and a den mother in Boy Scouts. All the Gordon children were swimmers and Ginny received an award from the YMCA swim team for her 19 years as a parent volunteer. She was the PTA president for Bryant Elementary, Washington Jr HS, and Senior HS. She laid a spiritual foundation for her children at Westminster Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School for 20 years. She was also active in the church as an elder, a deacon, trained Stephen’s Minister and children’s tutor. In her later years she served on the Church’s building and grounds committee and she coordinated the funeral receptions at the church.
Ginny was a natural leader. She knew how to organize people and how to run a meeting with efficiency and grace. She was the president of every community organization in which she participated: PEO, The Sunshine Circle, The United Way, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Friendship Force, and the Head Injury Support Group.
Ginny was proud of her work with the Symphony helping children see concerts with the implementation of Art Trek. Her work with the United Way was satisfying as she helped to identify the needs within the city and shape the conversations about how best to meet those needs. Ginny showed her love through acts of service. She was a hard worker and would do anything to help a friend or family member.
Ginny learned to downhill ski during her honeymoon with Gene, at Winter Park. Ginny and Gene taught their kids to ski down the front yard almost as soon as they were able to walk. In the early 70’s Gene had a vision to start a ski area outside of Dubuque and in 1973, Sundown Ski area had its opening season. During the construction, Ginny wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the work done. She’d throw rocks off the slopes, paint or stain anything that needed painting, cook food for the volunteer work crew that helped build the first lodge and on and on.
Gene and Ginny revived their stellar construction teamwork in 1979, when their cabin in Minnesota burned down. The following summer, Gene redesigned the cabin and Ginny, three of her sons, and their friends rebuilt the cabin. “Pick up your feet, we’ve got a deadline to meet,” she’d say.
She was not all work though. She believed that it was also important to have some fun along the way. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, tennis, skiing, knitting hats for babies and blankets for veterans, picking blueberries, gardening, biking through the Minnesota forests, canoeing, fishing, watching sports on TV, and dancing. Ginny and Gene enjoyed traveling with the Friendship Force as well as hosting people from other countries—Guatemala, Sweden, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Japan, Bahamas, Philippines. She loved her dogs too. Ginny was kind, decisive, hardworking, giving, welcoming, and fun loving.
She will be missed. Her wisdom that she’d impart to family as we’d part: “Be Kind, be good, and do all the things you know you should.” In lieu of flowers please make donations to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.
The visitation will be at 10:00 am, the service at 11:00 am and the reception lunch at noon all held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque on Thursday June, 15, 2023.
Ginny is preceded in death by her husband Gene and is survived by her children, Sandra (Haupt), Steven, Michael, Douglas and Mark; her grandchildren, Hans, Heather, Sara, Ben, Cody, Troy, Amy, Peter, Laura, Tanner, Finlay, and Willem; and her great grandchildren, Hazel, Mark, Vincent and James.
Visit Ginny’s obituary at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, where you can view Ginny’s life in pictures.
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Guy A. Gard Jr.
Guy Allen Gard Jr, 24, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on December 2nd, 2022 due to heart complications.
Visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12th, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 1240 Rush Street Dubuque, IA.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13th, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, with Fr. Thomas McDermott and Fr. David Schatz officiating. A private entombment will be held at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.
Guy Jr. was born on February 14th, 1998, to Guy Sr. and Kelly Gard in Dubuque, IA. While at Senior High School he participated in football, baseball, and track. He graduated from Senior High School in 2016 with honors, and was a member of the National Honors Society.
He went on to study Business in Management Information Systems at Iowa State University. Guy Jr. started his first job at Staples as tech. support and sales associate in 2018. He then furthered his career in information technical support in 2020 at Westmark Enterprises, and then was promoted to applications administrator.
He was a loving, compassionate, fun, and exploratory person with a magnetic personality, and had a skill for bringing people together. He was always eager to debate and question; he had a desire to understand and explore every avenue.
His hobbies included gaming, building his own computers, golfing, reading, vacationing, playing (and normally beating) his friends & family at chess, and spending time with family & his many friends.
He was a loving son and brother with a dear group of friends that he treasured like family. He will be remembered for his positive outlook, genuine smile, and love for everyone. He will be truly missed.
Guy Jr. is survived by his father, Guy Sr, mother, Kelly Gard, his grandfather Keith Phillips (Marsha) of New Boston, IL, three brothers; Gregg (Beverly) Gard of La Qunta, CA, Jeff (Krystle) Gard of Portland, OR, Paul Gard (Addy) of Dubuque, IA, three nephews; Kai, Byron, and Everest of Portland, OR, Uncles and Aunts; Gary Gard of Omaha, NE, Barb Gard of Lincoln NE, Jamie Schultz of Peoria, AZ, Kathy Wolfa of Fernadina Beach, FL, Kim and John Shafer of Moline, IL, Karen and Tim Menage of Rock Island, IL, Brandy and Jamie Whipple of Colona, IL, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph and Lyola Gard, grandmother, Shirley Phillips, and Aunt and Uncle, Joseph R Gard, and Glenann (Gard) Schultz.
In lieu of flowers there has been a Guy Gard Jr. memorial fund established.
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Wayne N. Waller
Wayne Norman Waller, 91, of La Motte, passed away at MercyOne Medical Center on Sunday, December 04, 2022.
According to Wayne’s wishes no public visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA assisted the family.
Wayne was born on September 16, 1931, in Dubuque, the son of Roy and Bertha “Bird” (Hartman) Waller. He Married Annette P. (Osterkamp) Waller on November 15, 1956, at Zwingle Church in Zwingle, Iowa and shared 67 years together.
Wayne grew up in Dubuque on the family farm and moved to La Motte to his own farm with his wife Annette where they had dairy cows, elk, and deer, along with other animals throughout their years. Wayne loved to go fishing for catfish, working on the farm, watching bull riding, mushroom hunting, trying his luck with pull tabs while his wife shopped, coon hunting, and eating ice cream.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and brother. He loved spending time with his family and helping anyone in need. He also loved telling stories and jokes to make people smile. Wayne was full of wisdom and always shared his knowledge with others (i.e., life is never easy, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink, etc.)
He is survived by his wife, Annette; son, Tim (Karen) Waller; daughter, Amy (Stan) Pfeiler; daughter-in-law, Karen (Tim) Waller; son-in-law, Stan (Amy) Pfeiler; grandchildren, Codey Waller, Shania (Peterson) Kinywa, and Sierra Waller; grandson-in-law Peterson (Shania) Wambuu; great-grandchild, Wayne Kinywa; brother-in-law, Jimmy Osterkamp; sister-in-laws, Alberta Waller, Connie Waller, Audrey Waller, Alice Osterkamp, Joyce Osterkamp, Patrica Osterkamp, and Joan Waller; along with many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ethel Mae and Wanda (his twin), both in infancy, and Sylvia (Mathew) Osterkamp, and Mildred (Fred) Neumeister; and brothers, Clarence, Eldon, Robert, Clifford, David and Raymond; brother-in-laws, Fred (Mildred) Neumeister, Matthew (Sylvia) Osterkamp, Jack (Loretta) Watters, Albert (Alice) Osterkamp, Billy (Joyce) Osterkamp, Carl Osterkamp, Harry Osterkamp, Herman Gansemer; sister-in-laws, Jennie (Clifford) Waller and Irene (Eldon) Waller.
The family would like to thank Mercy Hospital staff and Hospice of Dubuque for taking care of Wayne until his passing; La Motte and Key West fire and rescue for assisting Wayne in his time of need, Leonard funeral home for their services, and family/friends who have taken the time to call and visit.
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Grace Herbst
Our beloved mother, Grace “Joan” Herbst, 99, of Huntsville, Alabama, formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until a 6:30 pm prayer service, Sunday, December 11, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Grace Joan will be 10:00 am Monday, December 12, 2022, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Brian Dellaert and Father Lyle Wilgenbusch as the Celebrants. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
Joan was born October 22, 1923, the daughter of Grace and Patrick McAleavy. She was 100% Irish. She was raised in Fernandina Beach, FL on Amelia Island where she graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1941. She left home when she was 23 to attend The Julliard School of Music in New York City studying piano and then returned to Jacksonville, FL to work as a secretary before accepting a job with the State Department overseas from 1947-1955 serving in Ankara (Turkey), Paris, Vienna, and Washington DC.
She met her husband in Vienna. She married Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth J. Herbst on May 28, 1955 in Linz, Austria. Thereafter, they resided in Munich (Germany), Baltimore and Frankfurt (Germany). They retired from Army life in 1962 and moved to Dubuque, where her husband took a dean and teaching job at Wahlert Catholic High School, and they raised their 4 children – Anne, Mike, Patty and Danny.
After Joan’s husband passed away in June of 1985, she moved to Washington, DC to be personal secretary to Iowa Congressman Tom Tauke for 3 years. Eventually, she returned to her childhood home where she enjoyed her hometown roots and renewing friendships with old friends. As she aged, she moved to Jacksonville to be near to her daughter and in 2019, Joan moved to Huntsville, AL, where her oldest son resides. She remained a formidable bridge player, read the Wall Street Journal weekly and did crossword puzzles until shortly before her death.
Grace Joan will be remembered for so many things that made her very special to so many. She was a classical pianist and practiced her art daily. Joan was a sensational cook raising her children on exotic recipes from her travels and she taught all of her adult children to make the best Manhattan ever! She entertained with a flare, filling her teacups with fresh flowers from her garden and setting a beautiful table. She will always be remembered for making her famous fudge, a tradition she passed on to her children and grands. The grands loved her to play Frosty the Snowman while they danced around her coffee table and for always sticking a piece of Wrigley’s gum in her notes to them. She created and patented a game for them called Grandma’s Treasure Hunt. Her children have fond memories of mom at the piano and dad leading us in song while playing Irish and Military tunes. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother and fervent belief in the right to life of the unborn guided her life choices. She was loving, kind, outspoken and a grand and classy lady.
She will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind: four children – Anne Bohle (Dan) of Dubuque, Michael Herbst (Vickie) of Huntsville AL, Patty Connolly (Mike) of Jacksonville, FL and Dan Herbst (Sandy) of Landenberg, PA. She has 12 grandchildren to whom she was so special – Erin Milburn (Mason), Crista Weber (Keith), Nicholas Bohle (Namea), Will Bohle, Caitlin Lozano (Damien), Jacob Herbst (Monique), Amelia Herbst and Savannah Herbst (engaged to Levi), Jim Cooper (Alissa), Kelly Harper (Trey), Leslie Fisette (Jonathan) and Audre Bautista (Gene). She was lovingly known as Grandma Joanie to all 26 of her great grands.
Grace Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest brother John and her sister Pat.
Our families will gather on our beloved beach, Amelia Island, next summer, as we have done for more than 30 years, to celebrate the legacy and love that Joan started.
Rest in peace our precious mother and grandmother – in the loving embrace of our dad and in the silent and brilliant mystery you trusted in for 99 years – God.
Memorials may be given to Dubuque County Right to Life or the Maria House in Dubuque.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Joan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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David J. Studier
David J. Studier, 79, of Dubuque died Monday, December 5, 2022. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Thursday, December 15, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 16.
David was born March 9, 1943 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, son of Herman and Martha (Fiedler) Studier. He graduated from Benton High School in 1961 and attended UW-Platteville for one year.
On June 24, 1967 he married Deanna Brewer at Faith Lutheran Church, Cuba City.
David worked at Rainbow Oil, then co-owned Callahan Dry Ice.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and was committee chair for Cub Scout Pack 50. He was also past President and Vice President of the Dubuque Independent League.
David was an avid Green Bay Packers, Boston Red Sox and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He especially loved being with family and watching grandchildren grow into loving, respectful young people.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna Studier of Dubuque; two sons, Brian (Carey) Studier of Cedar Rapids and their children, Jack and Maxwell; and Michael (Amy) Studier of Olathe, Kansas and their children, Charlie, Mitchell and Madeline.
He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ethel Studier of Cuba City, Wisconsin and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Joann Brewer of Cuba City, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Lewis and Eldon Studier; sisters, Geneva Kramer, Evelyn Schaible and Martha Marie Milestone; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis “Hons” and Beaula Brewer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque, the Dubuque Food Pantry or the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
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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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