Obituaries Archive

Robert A. Wilhelm

Robert A. Wilhelm, 93, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9 – 10 am Tuesday prior the funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Philip Agyei will officiate.

Bob was born on January 5, 1929, in Dyersville, the only son of Edmund and Armella (Klostermann) Wilhelm.  It was at the University of Iowa where Bob met the love of his life, Catherine Arganbright.  He married Catherine on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1951, in Guthrie Center, Iowa.  Together they raised 11 children.

At the beginning of his career, Bob worked in Mount Pleasant for six years before moving to Dyersville to work for Elmer Westmark at Corner Drug Store in downtown Dyersville.  Bob and Catherine bought the business and Bob continued as Pharmacist there until retiring in 1993.  During his career Bob served on the State of Iowa Pharmacy Board and won the Bowl of Hygeia State of Iowa Award.

Bob was instrumental in the building of The Dyersville Community Hospital and served the community as a member of the Dyersville Knights of Columbus Council 1734 (and Dubourg Assembly), the parish School Board, the Dyersville Lion’s Club, and was awarded the Dyersville Citizen of the Year.

As a member of the Dyersville Historical Society, Bob played a key role in a number of projects, including moving the Christoph House to the Dyersville Commercial Club Park and the purchase and renovations of the Dyer Botsford House.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Catherine, children: Pat (Lee) Kruse of Lancaster, PA, Mary (Mark) Gaul of Worthington, Dan of Dyersville, Deb (Boyd) Campbell of Rudd, Linda (Wayne) Overman of Murfreesboro, TN, Tess (Brian) Jones of Greer, SC, Joe (Angie) Wilhelm of Castle Rock, CO, Janet (Dave) Sisk of Brownsboro, AL, Mike (Kathy Henry) of Denver, CO, Connie Beachy of Solon and Sue (Matt) Kramer of Greer, SC; 36 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; half – brothers: Paul (Rita) Wilhelm of Dyersville, David Wilhelm, Merle (Sharon) Wilhelm of Sarasota, FL and many in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmothers: Mary Koelker and Marcella Klostermannn, and one great-grandchild, one sister in infancy, a stepsister, Elaine O’Brien, and a stepbrother, Dale Klostermann, and several in-laws.

Memorials are preferred to the Dyersville Historical Society or the Dubuque County Right to Life.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com. Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Craig A. Kelley

Craig A. Kelley 51 passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 10, 2022. A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:30 Friday, December 16 th at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Rd. Funeral services will be at 6:30 Friday at the funeral home with Deacon Bill Biver officiating.

Craig was born on September 24, 1971 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Diane (Lattner) Maiers, formerly Kelley. After graduating from Wahlert High School in 1990, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in San Diego and it was there that he met the love of his life, Diane Jimenez. Two years later, the two moved back to Dubuque. Craig worked in the manufacturing industry for various companies in Dubuque and currently held positions at Dubuque Golf and Country Club and Hillcrest Family Services.

An avid Vikings fan, Craig enjoyed sports and would always be ready for a pickup game of basketball at the YM/YWCA or any other local venue. He was an amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Craig is survived by his mother Diane Maiers of Dubuque; his wife Diane Jimenez and her sons Donald Jr. & Alex; his siblings Laura (Lloyd) Herman of Asbury, IA, Jolyn (Geoff) Meester of Attleboro, MA, Marty (Tanya) Maiers and Chris “Bear” (Kim) Maiers both of Dubuque, IA; his nieces and nephews Laney Herman, Tanner Drish, Jack Meester and Jillian, Gwen and Tate Maiers.

Preceding him in death is his beloved father David “Mr. Soccer” Maiers; maternal grandparents Marilyn, Alberta and Edwin Lattner; uncles Edward Lattner & Eugene Davidson, aunt Linda Biddick; and two nephews Harold and Garrett Meester.

A Craig A. Kelley memorial fund had been established.

Craig’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Dubuque Police Department and Dubuque Fire Department for their quick response and heroic efforts in aiding Craig.

Carole E. Faulhaber

Carole E. Faulhaber, 82 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 12th, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 16th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Carole was born on March 12, 1940, in Peoria, IL the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Steuck) Frommelt. She married Anthony Faulhaber on September 19th, 1959 in Dubuque and he preceded her in death on January 22, 2018.

She attended beauty school and went on to open her own shop called the American Lady Beauty Salon. She operated that until her retirement.

Carole absolutely loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She enjoyed a good game of Euchre or a trip to the casino with her favorite game being the slot machine. She was an avid Hawkeye and Green Bay Packer fan.

Carole is survived by her children: Laura (Billy) Murphy, Steve Faulhaber, and Ken Faulhaber; her daughter-in-law Judy Faulhaber; her brother Rick (Joan) Frommelt. Grandchildren: Jayme Murphy, Colin, Jesse and Lanie Faulhaber; two great grandchildren Layla and Rooney Murphy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her granddaughter Cassy and her son Jeff in 2021.

The family would like to thank everyone at Stonehill; her nurses at Unity Point and to Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Carole.

Charlotte A. McCloy

James A. Behrens

James A. “Jim” Behrens, age 68, of Dubuque, passed away at 5:24 a.m., on Monday, December 12, 2022, at MercyOne Dubuque.  To honor Jim’s life, private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting Jim’s family.

Jim was born on July 12, 1954, on Scott AFB in Illinois, son of Gerald E. and Anna M. (Cannella) Behrens.

Jim grew up in St. Louis and attended Cleveland High School before he entered the military where he honorably served his country with the U.S. Army during Vietnam.  He was married to Debby Moeller in 1980, in Carondellet Park in St. Louis and they had 2 daughters together.  Jim worked on the Mississippi as a barge pilot for several years and after retiring began bartending at Next Phase Bar in Dubuque.  Jim had a deep passion for music and playing his harmonicas, which numbered in the hundreds.  He could often be heard playing professionally at the bar on karaoke nights.  He had an ear for music and could add harmonica seamlessly to any song.  Jim loved his family and friends and spending time with them was his favorite thing to do. In his free time, Jim also enjoyed riding his Harley, camping, kayaking, white water rafting, shooting guns, driving his dune buggy, riding his 4 wheelers and enjoying a nice cold beer with friends. Jim had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include

2 daughters,
Chelsey Behrens, Ft. Myers, FL
and Dana Frances, St. Louis, MO;

his grandchildren,
Antonio Vitale, Naudia Campbell and Oliver Frances;

a great-grandson,
Kayden Vitale;

his siblings,
Joanie (Brad) Wilson, St. Louis, MO
Jackie (Helen) Tolbert, of Texas;

3 step-brothers,
Edward, David and Danny Behrens.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Walter Ubert Cox; and a step-brother, Russell Cox.

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

Richshena L. Carroll

Richshena Lee “Shena” Carroll, age 68, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque.  To honor Shena’s life, private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, is assisting her family.

Shena was born on December 29, 1953, in Chicago, daughter of Wilbert and Georgia (Dearing) Buford.

She attended school in Chicago and graduated from Allston High School in 1972.

Shena met her future husband, Rodereco “Ricky” Carroll, while they were in high school.  They were married on April 14, 1989 in Clinton, Iowa.

She was a hard worker and always had at least one job.  Shena was a manager at Zayre’s for several years and was currently employed at Swiss Colony in Dubuque.  She was a strong, independent woman who was generally quiet… until she was not.  Shena was a stand-up person and her word was her bond.  She was an excellent cook and a “Master Thrifter”.  Shena and her family especially enjoyed watching movies together and always made it a social event.  She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Those left to cherish Shena’s memory include

her former husband,
Rodereco “Ricky” Carroll, Dubuque, IA;

her son,
Lashaun (Danyell) Buford, Cedar Rapids, IA;

her grandchildren,
Anfernee, Tavia, Zahne and Carma Buford,
and Tavian and Darius Willits;

her step-son,
Rodereco “Reco” Dale, Chicago, IL;

a sister,
Brenda (Tony) Benson, Chicago, IL;

a brother,
Wilbert Buford, Jr., Chicago, IL;

a niece and nephew she raised,
Gregory Stuckey and Domonence Dearing, both of Des Moines, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Cindy Renee (Jose) Debone, Bellevue, IA;

and her nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and 3 sisters, Gwendolyn, Debbie and Linda Buford.

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

Richard A. Hesseling Sr.

Richard A. “Dick” Hesseling Sr., age 79, of Dubuque, passed away at 8:23 a.m., on Monday, December 12, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To honor Dick’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Friday, at Behr Funeral Home with Martin Hesseling officiating.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Dick was born on February 11, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Donald and Delores (Haun) Hesseling. Dick attended school in Dubuque where he graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  He went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army from 1962-1965, in Vietnam.  After returning to the states Dick was married to the love of his life, Jean Fecker, on August 27, 1966, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. They celebrated 56 years of marriage this year and have 4 wonderful children together. Dick was a great provider for his family and worked in law enforcement with Dubuque County for 12-14 years, as well as being a self employed truck driver for over 30 years.  When he wasn’t working Dick enjoyed taking on remodeling projects and learning new things on his computer.  He also liked shooting and reloading with Jean and the family, watching Westerns and music shows on TV.  His faith was very important in Dick’s life and he recited the Rosary regularly.  Above all, Dick loved his family and spending time with Jean, the children and grandchildren brought him great joy!

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include

his wife,
Jean Hesseling, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Cindy (Kevin) Kruse, Dubuque, IA,
Richard (Carolyn) Hesseling Jr., Dubuque, IA,
Donald (Betty) Hesseling, Waterloo, IA
and Martin (Sarah) Hesseling, Davenport, IA;

his 11 grandchildren;

his 12 great-grandchildren;

2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Hesseling, Florida
and Juanita Hesseling, Georgia;

and his nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brandon; 2 sisters, Arlene (John) Misenberg and Leann (Dick) Kendrick; and 3 brothers, Donald (Pat) Hesseling, Tom Hesseling and John “Jack” Hesseling.

Dick’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for all of their kindness and the outstanding care they provided for Dick.

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

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

Adair I. Wuthrich

Heaven gained an angel on Dec. 10, 2022: Adair Irene (Kellenberger) Wuthrich, 88, of Galena, IL. She was born April 14, 1934 in Elgin, IL., the daughter of Ernest and Matilda (Metzger) Kellenberger. Adair graduated from Morris High School in Morris, MN in 1952.

Adair married Charles (Chuck) Wuthrich on Nov. 7, 1953 in Morris, MN.

Adair and Chuck began their married life in Elgin, IL. In 1964, they formed the Aqua-Camper Corp. to manufacture houseboats with their business partner Rollie Kinsinger (Chuck’s cousin). Wanting to be closer to the Mississippi River, they moved their family and business to Galena, IL., in 1972. Wonderful memories were made boating on the Mississippi River with family and friends. Adair was also employed for many years at Chestnut Mountain and the Bee Hive.

Adair loved relaxing at home on her back deck looking out over the valley watching the wildlife and feeding her birds. She also enjoyed sitting around a bonfire, setting up her Department 56 Christmas village, and kicking off fondue dinner parties with wine and cocktails. She cherished traveling with Chuck all over the United States in their RV, especially time spent in Florida and California with her siblings.

Adair was an avid reader of mystery and suspense books. She loved cheering for the Chicago Bears; watching Hallmark shows and James Bond movies; playing cards with close friends; keeping up on current news; and listening to Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, and the Bee Gees.

She enjoyed margarita Wednesdays with friends; conversations over cake, coffee, and homemade ice cream at Prestwick; spending time with her special friends Rosie and Carol; meeting with her fellow TOPS members; and getting together with her large, loving, extended family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. Adair always ended conversations with ‘I love you.’

Adair will be dearly missed by her three children, Diane (Kevin) Gross of Nevada City, CA; Linda (Ron) Winter of Galena, IL; and Dan (Kim Jordan) Wuthrich of Maple Park, IL; eight grandchildren, Kari, Nick, Michelle, Nate, Luke, Zack, Sam, and Katie; and six great-grandchildren, Avery, Ryan, Cameron, Lachlan, Lincoln, and Savanna.

She is survived by her siblings: Shirley (Noah, deceased) Nohl of MN, Jean (Bob, deceased) Scheitlin of IL, Ernie (Carol) Kellenberger of IL, John (Kathy) Kellenberger of FL, Sharon (Bill) Carlson of ID, Charlie (Ingrid) of FL, Tom (Terri) Kellenberger of MN, Mark Kellenberger of NC, and Lorna (Dale) Erickson of MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck Wuthrich, her parents Ernie and Tillie (Metzger) Kellenberger, her father-in-law Alex and mother-in-law Katie (Strahm) Wuthrich, her siblings Richard Kellenberger and Joan (Kellenberger) Knoblock, and Chuck’s sister Julie (Jim) Messner.

Special thanks to Dr. Koenigs and Dr. Vandigo of Medical Associates, and the nurses at Midwest Medical Center.

To honor Adair’s memory, we will hold a celebration of life on April 15, 2023 in Galena, IL. We invite anyone who knew her to join us.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family.

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

Donn L. Benischek

Donn L. Benischek, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening, December 10, 2022, in Branson, Missouri.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 A.M., Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There is no visitation.  Burial will be at the Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Donn Lee Benischek was born on March 31, 1951, in Anamosa, Iowa, to Robert and Mary (Hoffman) Benischek.  He was a 1972 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  After graduation, he had worked at DAC, Inc., and later Imagine The Possibilities, both in Maquoketa.

Donn loved to travel and take trips and enjoyed watching western movies and television shows.  He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cubs.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Laurie (Mike) Lemmer of Cascade, IA, Georgia (Denny) Fields of Oxford Mills, IA, and Terry (Lori) Benischek of Maquoketa, IA; several nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and nephews, and several great-great-nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Steve and Robert “Jim Bob”, and a sister Christy Campbell.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Donn L. Benischek memorial fund has been established.

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

Joann L. Schumacher

Joann L. Schumacher, 86, of Zwingle, Iowa, passed away on Friday December 9, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday December 16, 2022, at St. Lawrence Church Otter Creek, 17486 Bellevue-Cascade Road, Zwingle, IA, with Father David Ambrosy officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the start of mass at the church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Joann was born on September 5, 1936, in Iowa City, IA, daughter of Paul and RoseAnn (Stanisha) Beckley. She attended St. Joseph Academy in Dubuque, Iowa until the 12th grade. On September 26, 1956, she was united in marriage to Raymond Schumacher at Holy Rosary Church in La Motte, Iowa. She worked in the dairy farming industry raising registered Guernsey until 1993, after which she was employed at Eagle Country Market until her retirement in 2003.

Joann enjoyed many years of working with her registered Guernsey herd and tending to her beautiful flower gardens in her spare time. She deeply loved her family and all the memories and times she had with them.

Joann is survived by her children Mary Ann (Marlon) Cooper of Garrison, IA, Karen (Adam) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Dave (Angel) Schumacher of Dixon, MO, and Christy (Mike) Lubben of Elhart Lake, WI, 29 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, three brothers Robert Beckley, George (Dee) Beckley, and Paul (Carol) Beckley, and three sisters Mary Ellen (Tom) O’Brien, Janet (Bob) Graff, and Shirley Lemm.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray, her parents, sister Dorthy (Ed) Reeg, brother Father Clarence Beckley, brother-in-law Bill Timmerman, sister-in-law Mary Beckley, and nephew Joe.

Cindy J. Holland

Cindy J. Holland, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 9, 2022, at home.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Canton, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Cindy Jean Holland was born on January 2, 1960 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Clyde Carson and Jane Carol (Yarolem) Holland.  She was a 1979 graduate of Midland of Wyoming High School.

She had worked at Hoof Manufacturing, Family Dollar and most recently at Mallard Company in Maquoketa.

Cindy enjoyed fishing, and loved her dog, Ruby.

Those left to honor Cindy’s memory include her five siblings, Ronnie (Alice) Holland of Rockwell, IA, Mary Jo (Dave) Fuller of Monmouth, IA, Richard Holland of Marion, IA, Ed (Joleen) Holland of Wyoming, IA, and Gary (Tammy) Holland of Monmouth, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Tracy Lynn Holland.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Cindy Jean Holland memorial fund.

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

Cheryl R. Tampir

Cheryl R. “Cherie” Tampir, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, December 16, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M., at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Cheryl Rae Andrews was born on September 5, 1945 in Vinton, Iowa, to Harold Donald and Velma Pearl (Craft) Andrews.  She was a 1963 graduate of Blairstown High School and furthered her education at the Cedar Rapids Business College.  Upon graduation, she was employed for seven years at Metropolitan Farm Mortgages.  She married Jeff William Tampir on June 13, 1970 at the Presbyterian Church in Blairstown, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Jason, and Tricia.

“Cherie” had worked as a paraeducator in the Maquoketa Community School District for 21 years, retiring in 2010.  In retirement, she continued to stay busy as a substitute teacher/associate for the Maquoketa Community School District.

“Cherie” was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, and a “Friend of the Maquoketa Caves”.  She volunteered and supported many area charities and events within the Maquoketa community and was the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award.  She enjoyed cooking, flowers, watching sports, and spending time on the beach in Florida.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Jeff Tampir of Maquoketa, IA; children, Jason Tampir of Camanche, IA, and Tricia (Tim) Makinster of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Dean Andrews and Don Andrews.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or the Jackson County Humane Society.

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

Elizabeth A. Kalb

Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Kalb, 60, passed away peacefully at Bethany Home on Saturday, December 10, 2022, after a long illness. Visitation will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14 at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, where a scripture wake service will begin at 6:30 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with the Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. A private interment will be held later at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Liz was born on May 1, 1962, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of John T. (Jack) and Elizabeth A. (Betty Ann) Kalb.  She graduated from Wahlert High School in 1980.  Liz worked as a parts Planner at John Deere Dubuque Works for Hodge Inc for the last 24 years where she took much pride in her work and made many life-long friends.

Liz was a caring person and had a special calling in life to help elders in need.  In addition to working part-time jobs at Stonehill Care Facility and Luther Manor in which she served supper to residents, Liz helped her grandmother, aunt, mother, and father as they required assistance.  Liz happily took them to Mass, bought their groceries, took them to appointments and stayed overnight with them in case they needed help.  Liz’s family was blessed to have her as a family member.

Liz will long be remembered for purchasing group lottery tickets for friends and family.  Everyone knew what Liz meant when she asked, “Would you like to buy a bus ticket?”  When asked where the bus was going, Liz replied, “Wherever you want!”  She had a delightful sense of humor and although she never won her lottery “bus ticket”, she enjoyed the interaction with others as she purchased those many tickets.  Liz enjoyed bowling when she was younger.  Liz loved traveling out to Phoenix to visit her son and grandkids whom she loved very much. She also enjoyed shopping, dining out, visiting, and playing games with her many friends and family.

Liz is survived by her son, Joseph J. Schmitt of Surprise, Arizona, her grandchildren, Aria, Owen and Mercedes, sisters, and brothers; Marjorie (John) Fisher, John (Deb) Kalb, Carolyn (Bruce) Braley, Jean Kalb, Robert (Carol) Kalb, Steve (Sharon) Kalb and Janet (Jeff) Kamentz.  She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews and 20 grand nieces and nephews.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Betty Ann Kalb, her aunts, and uncles; Rev Bertram Kalb, Rev Robert Kalb, Dr. A.J. (Millie) Kalb, Rev Howard Kalb S.J., Richard (Bernie) Kalb, Sr. Marie Therese Kalb O.S.F., Dr Thomas (Dot) Kalb, Dolores Schiltz, and James (Teresa) Schiltz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be given to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Liz’s family would like to thank Dr. Cao, Dr. Putz, the staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and the staff at Bethany Home, especially the memory care unit, for their care of Liz.

Cyril B. Thiltgen

Cyril B. “Cy” Thiltgen, 93, of Dubuque, peacefully ended his earthly journey Saturday, December 10, 2022, surrounded by his five children.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Cy will be 10:00 am Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Cathedral of St. Raphael with Father Dennis Quint as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Cy made his debut November 25, 1929, in Menominee, IL, the youngest son of Bernard and Philomena Tranel Thiltgen. Like many families in those days, Cy lost a brother, Norbert, at a young age due to illness. He lost another brother, Walter, while serving in the Army during WWII.

Cy also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After recieving his Honorable Discharge, he returned home. Not long after his return, he met the love of his life, Jeanne Anne Eigenberger, on the dance floors of Dubuque. They soon married on September on September 8, 1956.

The couple raised five children, Steve Thiltgen (Sue), Jim Thiltgen (Julie, children John and Cali), Linda Larson (Mike, children Jessica, Eric, and Holly), Tom Thiltgen (Jackie, children, Morgan, Travis, and Austin), and Danny Thiltgen (Contessa, children, Devin, Raiven, and Meriyah).

Through the years, Cy worked at Farley & Loetscher, the Dubuque Packing House, and John Deere Dubuque Works, where he spent most of his working career. After his retirement from John Deere in 1992, Cy began a second career as a volunteer at Finley Hospital delivering mail, in-house correspondence, and office supplies to hospital staff.

In his 17 years as a Finley volunteer, Cy never missed a day of work, leading to hospital staff saying “you can rely on Cy”. An article in the Telegraph Herald pointed out Cy had logged over 5,000 volunteer hours at Finley, over 2,000 more than any volunteer at that time. In the same article, Finley’s Volunteer Coordinator Rosie Timmerman said, “This man is so steady it is unbelievable.  I’ve been here 16 years and he’s here every week.  He just quietly goes about his business.  He’s the type of volunteer we would love to clone.”

Following the death of his beloved Jeanne to illness, Cy married Colleen Miller Timmerman in January of 1997. Cy and Colleen enjoyed traveling, spending time with both of their families, and playing euchre.

In addition to his five children and their spouses, he is survived by five Timmerman stepchildren, Bob (Bobbie), Dan (Ruth), Jim (Barb), Randy (Tina), and Mike (Dori Ann), a sister-in-law, Lucille, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren from both his Thiltgen and Timmerman families.

Besides his wives, Jeanne and Colleen, and his brothers, Norbert and Walter, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alvina, and brothers, Wilbert (Lavita), Ozzie, and Vincent (Laverne).

Cy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the aides, housekeeping, and kitchen staff at Eagle Point Place, who always provided smiling faces and helping hands, along with the Care Initiative Hospice team of Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Care Initiative Hospice of Manchester.

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

Merlin W. Timmerman

Merlin W. “Mud” Timmerman, 87, of rural Galena, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.  Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Thursday, December 15, 2022 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Hazel Green, WI.  Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, additional visitation will begin at 10:00 am Thursday at the church prior to Mass.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Vinegar Hill Cemetery in rural Galena with Military Honors.

Merlin was born April 8, 1935 in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, the son of Neil and Viola (Flogel) Timmerman.  He graduated from Loras Academy and then served his country in the US Army, serving two years in Germany.  He married Carol Schwendinger on February 2, 1963 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.  Merlin was a cheese maker, milk hauler, carpenter, but most important he was a lifetime dairy farmer and loving, husband, father, and grandfather.  He enjoyed nature, trapping, fishing, hunting, and using his bulldozer.

Merlin was most proud of his family and his never-ending love for them.  He had a deep passion for agriculture and feeding the world.  He served on numerous boards and committees, was active in countless clubs and was a true steward of the land.  Most of all he cultivated this dedication for agriculture in his family for generations to come.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; their children, Joyce Furlong, Monica (Michael) Hoppman, Diane (James) Morgan, Jane (Dennis) Steffes, Neil (Jodi) Timmerman, Nick (Jessica) Timmerman, Ben (Carrie Grundhoefer) Timmerman, and Carrie (Kevin) Ward; 17 grandchildren, Nathan (Alisha), Niles (Tiffany), and Nakita Furlong, Lucas (Mackenzie), Michele (fiancé’ Michael Middendorf), and Bradley Hoppman, Justin and Anne Runde, Darcy (Austin) Ertmer, Kurt Timmerman, Karly (R.J.) Hess, Kasey and Kade Timmerman, Blaine Timmerman, Sutton Meusel, Brayden and Logan Ward; 8 great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Mea, Alayna, Sawyer, and Dayton Furlong, Jacob Kane, Kinsley and Wylie Middendorf, and one on the way this December; siblings, Roman, Carl (Kay), and Ronald (Summer) Timmerman, and a brother in-law, Robert (Joan) Valentine; and numerous extended relatives.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Elizabeth Gerhards; father and mother in-law, Paul and Eleanor Schwendinger; sons in-law, Mark Furlong and Brian Runde; siblings, Leonard (Ruth), Frank (Darlene) Timmerman, Rozita Valentine; and a sister in-law, Cecelia Timmerman.

The family wished to thank Dr. Mary Koenigs for her compassionate care. 

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