Obituaries Archive

Vince Ehrlich

Vince Ehrlich, 71, of Dubuque, died Monday, January 30, 2023, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Vince will be 10:30 am Friday, February 3, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.  Military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Vincent was born March 30, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Frederick Edward and Thelma Marie Ehrlich. On November 26, 1971, he married Diane K. Elgin in St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa. She died March 19, 2008.

He served in the U.S. Iowa Army National Guard.

Vince was retired. He had worked for Horsfield Construction, Dubuque Pack, and had farmed.

He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, restoring tractors, and loved visiting with people.

Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer (Tyler Rogers) Ehrlich of Iowa City, IA; three sons, Richard (Sherry) Ehrlich of Dubuque, Steve (Deanna) Ehrlich of Hazel Green, WI, and Jamie (Jessica) Ehrlich of Sherrill, IA; 11 grandchildren, Isabelle, Avery, Laney, Haylee, Jaxson, Karter, Chloe, Ava, Charlie, Henry, and Liv; siblings, Paul (Bernice) Ehrlich, Barbara Gaul, Delores (Cletus) Ambrosy, John (Nancy) Ehrlich, and Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding; in-laws, Lois Ehrlich, Richard Thoma, Linda Ehrlich, Rosemary Kruse, Lou Ann Deutmeyer, Betty (Dave) Ludwig, Linda Elgin, Madonna (Dan) Gibbs, Robert Elgin, Willis (Dorothy) Elgin, Marvin Elgin, and Mae Elgin.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Brooke Marie Ehrlich and Brody Steven Ehrlich, siblings, Thomas Ehrlich, Ina Hohmann, Fred Ehrlich, Jr., Ethel Thoma, Mark Ehrlich, Frances Pfeiler, Ernest Ehrlich, and in-laws, Gladys Elgin, Dorothy Elgin, Grace (Larry) Davis, Darlene (Ralph) Kramer, James (Theresa) Elgin, Danny Kruse, Don Elgin, Tom Ludwig, and Bill Deutmeyer.

A memorial has been established.

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

Donald E. Thoma

Donald E. Thoma, 82, of St. Donatus passed away on January 27th, 2023 at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 30th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 31st at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Fr. Bob Gross officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Additional visitation will be at the church on Tuesday starting at 9:30 a.m. until time of mass.

Donald was born on November 15th, 1940 in Bellevue, Iowa. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Joseph and Frances (Meisenburg) Thoma. He attended and graduated from the Saint Donatus Parochial School in 1956. After graduation, he worked on the family farm.  He married Bertha Clapham on January 5th 1980 and enjoyed 43 years of wedded bliss.

Donald owned and operated the family farm for 52 years in partnership with his brother Larry. He was proud to have lived his entire life on the family farm where he enjoyed farming, hunting and spending time with family.  Donald also enjoyed and made many friends from his time in the army reserves and his participation in rope pulling competitions.  He always made sure to share these cherished memories of people and events with those around him.

Donald is survived by his wife Bertha and his children MaDonna (Mark) Kremer of Cascade and Eldon (Darci) Thoma of Dubuque his grandchildren William, Kayleese, Brenton, Trista, Zeb, Elizabeth, Easton, L.J., Gabby, Haydon, Henry and Esther.  His siblings Patricia Klaas, Richard Thoma and Francis (Mary) Thoma and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Frances Thoma, siblings William Thoma, Arnold Thoma, Joseph Thoma, Victor Thoma, Marie Barth, Larry Thoma, Ernest Thoma and Bernice Pottebaum, and in-laws Ethel Thoma, Alfred Barth, Edwin Klaas, Louis Pottebaum, Viola Thoma, Phyllis Thoma, Edna Thoma Alice Thoma and Betsy Thoma.

The family would like to thank Don’s doctors, nurses and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, a Donald Thoma Memorial Fund has been established.

Michael L. Figueroa

Michael L. Figueroa, 79 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Friday, February 3, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery; Galena where military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193.

Mike was born and raised in Chicago. He attended the following grade schools, Our Lady of Victory, St. Pascal, and St. Priscilla. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he attended and graduated from Loyola University, Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He entered the field of law enforcement where he was a narcotics agent for 26 years, retiring in 1993. Mike was a member of American Legion Post #193, Galena Elks Lodge #882, United States Marine Corps Force Recon Association, NRA, Safari Club International, and the Marine Corps League.

He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Liborio and Ruth Figueroa, and three sisters Genevieve Rogers Delores Rogers, and Jean Lohse.

Friends of Mike would like to extend a special thank you to Margo Simmons, Dr. Matt Gullone, Cory Fleege, and the nursing staff at Midwest Medical Center for their care of Mike.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

James Scovel

James “Kelly” Scovel, 60, of Dubuque, died Thursday, January 26, 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Kalmes Restaurant.

Kelly was born March 27, 1962, in Manchester, IA, the son of James Robert and Marsha Dee Oelke Scovel.

Kelly was truly an out door guy. He enjoyed many  activities, including fishing, boating, and hunting.  He cherished time with his friends, playing euchre, and participating in his pool league on Tuesdays. Kelly loved having friends and family out on his pontoon and enjoying the Mississippi River.  Recently he really had been loving fishing with his grandson, Roland and his dear friend Bob.

Survivors include his mother, Marsha Dee Scovel of Dubuque; four daughters, Meghan (Nathaniel) Thompson of Dubuque, Rachel Scovel of Dubuque, Allison Scovel of Davenport, and Josie Scovel of Cedar Rapids; and siblings, Christy Lynn Rusk (Tom,) Kerry Allen Scovel, and Jay Robert Scovel all of Dubuque. Kelly has three grandchildren, Roland, Zarahbelle, and Thalia.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Thomas L. Thilmany

Thomas L. Thilmany, age 84, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at his home.  To honor Tom’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Church of the Nativity 1225 Alta Vista Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday at the Church of the Nativity with Rev. Andrew J. Upah officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Tom was born on April 7, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Nicholas and Katherine (Thilmany) Thilmany.

Tom attended school in Dubuque where he graduated from Loras Academy and Loras College.  He went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army.  Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary “Jill” Kerper, on October 24, 1964, at St. Patrick’s Church.  They had 3 children together and celebrated 54 years of marriage before Jill sadly passed away on April 15, 2019.  Tom was an excellent provider for his family who devoted his entire career to working at Flexsteel until his retirement in 2000 as a Sales Manager.  He enjoyed spending time with his co-workers and played with the Flexsteel fast pitch softball team for many years.  In his free time, Tom was also an avid golfer and member of Thunder Hills Golf Club where he served as past president.  In high school he played basketball, and his love of the game continued with his active participation in March Madness every year.  In later years, he enjoyed spending quiet time working crossword puzzles.  Tom’s faith was also an important aspect of his life, as was evidenced by his long time membership with the Church of the Nativity.  Tom was an extremely devoted family man.  He loved his wife and children and made sure they all knew how special they were to him.  Tom also had many friends.  He and Jill always enjoyed going out for coffee to visit with people and keep up with all that was going on in the world.  Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include

his children,
Jeff (Jeannie) Thilmany, Streamwood, IL,
Lynn Thilmany, Inver Grove Heights, MN
and Julie (Dave) Theis, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Christopher (Amanda Adams) Theis, Katey Theis, James (Amber) Alvarez and Lydia Alvarez;

and his nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary “Jill” Thilmany; and his siblings, Mary (Vincent) Roling, Nick (Mary) Thilmany and Audrey (Bob) Weber.

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

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

Marianne G. Dague

Marianne G. Dague, 97, left this world on January 25, 2023 with family at her side.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, February 3, 2023 at Carson Celebration of Life in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Marianne G. Broessgen Dague came into this world on October 26, 1925 in Berlin, Germany the daughter of Anna Wilkens and Alfred Lehman. She was adopted as an infant and raised by Karl and Martha Broessgen. She attended school in Berlin and completed business classes so she could immediately start work after graduation.

Her teenage years were full of war time unrest and her life was forever changed by living in war torn Berlin during WWII. After the war, she lived in the American sector of Berlin and worked as a civilian employee for the German Airforce for six years. It was here that she met John Willard Dague and their marriage on July 19, 1948 is what brought her to the US. She moved from the city of Berlin to a little farmhouse in rural Jackson County, that had neither running water or electricity. She and Willard had three children, Margaret(Maggie), John, and Cindy. In 1965, Marianne and Willard divorced and she moved to Maquoketa where she began her 22 year career at JC Penney, managing the catalog department.

Marianne enjoyed traveling, crocheting, ballroom dancing with the polka being her favorite, vegetable and flower gardening and bird watching. She delivered Meals on Wheels and was part of the Merry Knitter group. But most of all she enjoyed her family. She often proclaimed that her children and family were her greatest asset; it had nothing to do with money in the bank. All of the grandchildren loved going to grandma’s house, where they played marbles and ate crepes. At her grandchildren’s request, she gave presentations to their middle school social studies classes on living through the war in Berlin.

She had a vivacious personality and loved sharing stories, laughs and shenanigans with friends, new and old. If she couldn’t remember or pronounce your name, she would give you a nickname and was loved for it. Until her health slowed her down, she was always up for an adventure, even going down a water slide at age 95. She was proud of her German heritage and would say auf wiedersehen (goodbye) or ich leibe dich (I love you) to her caretakers at Clover Ridge and Hospice, and many made her happy by learning it and saying it back.

Marianne will be sadly missed by her children: Maggie Smith of Cedar Rapids, John Dague of Maquoketa, Cindy (Jerry) Schau of Monmouth and ten grandchildren: Lisa (Flint) Parrish, Tim Smith, Ashley (Drew) Smith-Hammond, John Paul (Tiffany) Dague, Mathias (Jolene) Dague, Anya (Billy) Bellinger, Joseph Dague, Lucas (Ella) Schau, Jessica (Mike) Schau Nelson, and Dustin (Lauren) Schau. Fifteen great-grandchildren will be missing out on Oma’s/Green Grandma’s huges and cuddles.

Marianne was predeceased by her parents, brother Gunther, sister Helga and one great-grandson, Brody.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or Camp Courageous of Iowa.

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

Eileen T. Tegeler Olberding

Eileen Theresa Tegeler Olberding, 89 of Dyersville, Iowa passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with funeral services to follow at 2:30 p.m.  Burial will be in the church cemetery with Rev. Chris Podhajsky officiating.

Eileen was born December 2, 1933, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Ulrich “Ole” and Eugenia “Gene” (Milbert) Tegeler.  She graduated from St. Francis Xavier School in 1951.

Eileen met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Olberding at the Xavier Auditorium roller skating rink.  They were married on July 17, 1954, in Dyersville.  He preceded her in death on May 20, 1992, after 37 years of marriage.

Shortly after marriage, her husband, Bob was drafted into the service and they moved to Lawton, OK where Eileen worked at a hospital switchboard.  In 1956, they returned to Dyersville where Eileen began working at the Iowa Telephone & Telegraph office making .50 cents an hour.  With her first savings, Eileen bought a sewing machine and with her second, she bought her parents a TV!  Later when the company moved to Grinnell in 1983, she and Bob moved with it.  After 37 years with the company, she retired, and the couple moved back to Dyersville.  While in the Dyersville area, Eileen was known as an excellent bowler and golfer.  She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the American Legion Auxiliary, Dyersville Women’s Bowling Association, the Historical Society, Hospital Auxiliary and Friends of the Library.

Survivors include her son, Michael (Fiance, Barb Olson) Olberding of Dyersville, in-laws: Donald (Darlene) Olberding, Marge Olberding and Janice Tegeler, all of Dyersville, and many Tegeler and Olberding nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, siblings: Larry and Conrad (Jeanette) Tegeler, Kathleen (Donald) Joester,and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com or send cards to Kramer Funeral Home 750 – 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 in care of the deceased name.

Robert J. Williamson

Robert J. “Rob” Williamson, 58, of Monticello died Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at home.

A visitation will be held from 11 am – 1 pm Monday, January 30, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a memorial service will commence at 1 pm.  Rev. Dave Raemisch will officiate.  Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa at a later date.

Rob was born March 7, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Robert and Donna (Nieman) Williamson.  Growing up he earned the rank of Star in Boy Scouts.  He graduated from Lisbon High School with the Class of 1982, and joined the US Army 2 weeks after graduation.  His career in the army was as a Finance Technician.  (1982 – 2010). While in the Army Rob married Tammy Baldwin June 18, 1994, and later divorced.

Rob participated in baseball, football and wrestling in high school.  In the army Rob wrestled Freestyle and Greco and was invited to the Army team training camp.  After his competition days were over, he became a Wrestling Official with the Iowa USA Wrestling, eventually becoming the Officials Director of Iowa.  His favorite part of wrestling was working with the young wrestlers and watching them grow in their skillset and celebrating their successes at state and national levels.

Rob was an enjoyable character with the people he came in contact with.  Laughter and loudness came from him when he entered.  Rob brought loud passion to any competition from athletics to quiz bowl to family reunions.  (He was a key member of the Lisbon Quiz Bowl Conference Champs 1982.)

Rob’s personality made people laugh with him.  As an adult, Rob’s character would appear just like a teenage boy: too loud in the lunchroom.  His friends, referee colleagues, and family enjoyed Rob’s energy.   Rob was not an extraverted person which may surprise many; when around his friends and family he could bring out the character that made everyone love him and laugh with him. He was known for his great sense of humor.

Surviving are his mother, Donna Joslin of Monticello, his father, Bob (Louise) Williamson of Pearland, TX; siblings: Scott (Cathy) Williamson of Oskaloosa, IA, Shawn (Lori) Williamson of La Marque, TX and Sharla (Bruce) Chenoweth of Eagan, MN; nephews, Gable (Hailey) Williamson of Norwalk, IA and Tyler Hatfield of Alvin, TX; ex-wife Tammy Baldwin; step-children, Sienna Cave and Astin Baldwin; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, August and Mildred Nieman and paternal grandparents, John and Lillian Williamson, 1 aunt and 4 uncles.

Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, PO Box 791, Monticello, Iowa 52310.

Tammy Brandenburg

Tammy Brandenburg, 52, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 5:45 pm Friday, January 27, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Tammy will be 6:00 pm Friday, January 27, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with  Deacon Dave Roth officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Farley at a later date.

Tammy was born June 22, 1970, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Patricia Weipert. She graduated from Central High School in 1990. Tammy met the love of her life, Jeff “Ned” Fox, in 1997. She worked for Andersen Windows & Doors. Tammy loved time spent with Jeff and her faithful companion, Gunner. She also enjoyed tending to her flower garden and time spent at the Dubuque Boat Club.

Survivors include her mother, Patricia (Lenny) Weipert of Dubuque, the love of her life, Jeff “Ned” Fox of Dubuque and his daughter, Jenny Fox and her daughter, Jordyn of Aurora, IL, her brother, Cory (Vickie) Brandenburg of West Branch, IA, nephews and niece, Michael (Emily) Brandenburg, Mikaela Brandenburg, and Quentin Kelley.

The family would like to express a special Thank You to Dr. Whalen and her care team at the University of Iowa Hospital.

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

Brian Cathman

Brian “Porky” Cathman, 56, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, passed away early Sunday morning on January 22, 2023, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, surrounded by his family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 27, 2023, at St. Clement’s Church, 135 S Washington St, in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Per Porky’s wishes, there will be no visitation. His request was to have a funeral mass and blessing of his cremated remains. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA, is assisting the family.

Porky was born on February 16, 1966, in Prairie du Chien, son of Darrell and Rita (Reuter) Cathman. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1984 and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI in 1987. Porky enjoyed his occupation as an over the road truck driver with Zimmerman Transfer out of Dodgeville, and he was grateful to them for their compassion and understanding after he was diagnosed with cancer.  Porky enjoyed spending his off-time at his farm, where he enjoyed hunting and time with family and friends; he had an amazing ability to make people laugh – right up to the end of his fight!  His contagious laugh and huge personality will live on in everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Porky is survived by his mother Rita (Donny) Pennekamp of Lancaster, sister Susie Kalupa (Joe) of Ripon, nieces and nephews Ryan, Kelly, and Kera Ripon, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Darrell in February 2001.

Marian F. Brade-Kelly

Marian Faye Brade-Kelly, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 21, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center after a long, graceful battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

A Funeral Home Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Marian was born on June 6, 1938, daughter of Lee and Helen (Genszler) Henkel. She was an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Francis where she worked until retirement.

Mom was a sassy, spirited lady who loved shopping, working puzzles, and spending time with her family. She had great love for her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a special place in her heart. She will forever be “Crazy Grandma”.

Marian was kind and adored by the entire staff at Stonehill.

Marian is survived by her children Cynthia (Jerome) Welsh, Cheryle Brade, Leonard “Butch” (Terina) Brade, Don (Debbie) Brade, Amy (Ed) Breitsprecker, and James Brade; Grandchildren Stephanie (Michael) Kane, Andy (Laura) Brade, Ben (Jennifer) Brade, Brandon Feickert, Alicia (Martin) Ennor, Rebecca Brade, Tori Brade, Kristin (Julian) Kay, Daniel (Cody) Breitsprecker, and Eric Breitsprecker.; 24 Great-grandchildren, and 3 Great-great grandchildren; Siblings Joy White, Jim (Madonna) Henkel, Gary (Connie) Henkel, Dick (Judy) Henkel, Bob Henkel, and Chuck (Pitsie) Henkel.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Helen Henkel, siblings Helyn, Gail, Jeanne, Sandra, and Lee and her favorite cat, Mugsy.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the caregivers at Stonehill for your gentle care provided to Mom in these recent years. Memorials may be donated to Stonehill Care Center in Marian’s name.

Kenneth J. Link

Kenneth J. Link, age 82, of Dubuque Iowa, died on Saturday, January 21, 2023, of complications of a stroke at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 on Friday, January 27th, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. Burial to follow at Linwood Cemetery with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard and presentation of the Four Fives by the Dubuque Fire Department.

Ken was born on July 21, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Reuben and Irene (Richard) Link. He graduated from St. Columbkille’s School.

Ken was united in marriage to Diane Rohner, in a union that lasted 35 years. He later married Sandy Conzett, in November of 2003. They had a love that rivaled even the greatest of love stories.

Ken began his career with the City of Dubuque Police Force, later transferring to the City of Dubuque Fire Department. During both tenures, Ken drove school bus for the Dubuque Community School District until his retirement. His service to others lasted over a span of 45 years.

Ken served in the United States Army with an honorable discharge on June 30, 1963 and continued his service with the Army Reserve for an additional five years.

Ken was the most loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all, and he made an impact on everyone he met. His unconditional love, service, and dedication to helping others will never be forgotten.

Ken enjoyed playing games of all sorts, including euchre, board games, horseshoes, Yahtzee, bean bags, and cards of all sorts (including a made-up game of “Scrump” with his own rules to ensure he always won). Ken also loved fishing, boating, and camping with family and friends, and watching his favorite teams, including the Detroit Lions, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Cincinnati Reds (especially Pete Rose and his memorabilia). In his younger years he was an avid baseball player and played for various teams and was known as a great pitcher.  He was a boy scout leader, an altar boy at Sacred heart church, and later an active member of St. Mary’s Church. Ken was a man of faith and honor, always putting the needs of others before his own. He was deeply loved by all, and memories with him will never be forgotten.

Ken is survived by his wife, Sandy Link (his baby), son Greg (Luann) Link, daughter Shelley Huseman (Bob), son Brian (Carol) Link, daughter, Renee (Tim) Frith, daughter Jill Mueller, son Brandon (Krissy) Mueller, son Andy (Jenny) Mueller, and son Erik (Trisha) Mueller. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kenny, Matt, Carter, Krista (Cody), Nate, Tyler (Aileen), Vince, Rachel (Matt), Katie, Taylor (Al), Timmy, and great grandchildren Autumn, Ethan, Leo, Kaden, Rylan, Nash, Alayna, Porter, Levi, and Holly. He is also survived by his former wife Diane (Al) Bahl, many special nieces and nephews, his beloved dog Walker, and several other loving family members and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Irene Link, brother Lyle (Nellie) Link, sister Helen (Jim) Kelleher.

Thank you to Dubuque Fire EMS, Finley Hospital ER, and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics ICU and Palliative Care staff, especially Ann, who was with Ken and family during his final moments.

In leu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Ken’s honor.

Robert R. Oglesby

Robert R. Oglesby, age 72, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on January 22, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque.  In memory of Robert’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa Street, with Father Herb Pins officiating.  Family and friends are invited to visit in fellowship one hour prior to Holy Mass at St. Patrick Church.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Robert’s family.

Robert was born on August 3, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, one of thirteen children to Clarence C. and Catherine M. (Huber) Oglesby.

He spent the majority of his working years as a handyman, but Bobby was best known for his simple way of life and love for riding his bike around town.  He was a talented and gifted artist, had a big heart where animals were involved, and he loved to cook. Robert had a natural gift for gab and visiting with family and friends was always a welcome way to pass the time.  We will miss Robert and his gentle soul. May we have faith and hope to find peace eventually within the abundance of memories that he leaves behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Robert include his four children, Peggy Joe, Bobbie, Jennifer, and Kristy Jo; and his fourteen grandchildren; his brother Harold (Ann) Oglesby, Dubuque, IA; and his sisters Darlene Oglesby, Dubuque, IA, Mary Oglesby, Dubuque, IA, and Margaret Oglesby, Dubuque, IA; and sister-in-law, Carol Oglesby, Dubuque, IA; and his numerous nieces and nephews; along with many extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gordon Oglesby, Larry Oglesby and his wife Shirley, Bill Oglesby, John Oglesby, Richard Oglesby, Frank Oglesby, and his sisters Marilyn Thomas, and Patricia Leytem; his two-year-old child, Billy Jo; and his nephew, Michael Oglesby, and his nieces Debbie Cashman and Jackie Fitzgibbons.

Robert’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care. Many thanks to Emily Vorwald.

Thank you, Bobby, for continually reminding us to keep life simple.

May The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord show his face to thee, and have mercy on thee. The Lord turn his countenance to thee, and give thee peace.

In lieu of flowers please consider The Robert Oglesby Memorial Fund to be used for a series of 30 Holy Masses, known as Gregorian Masses. Robert Oglesby Memorial, PO Box 3306, Dubuque, IA 52004

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

Betty A. Casanova

Betty A. Casanova, age 83, of Galena, Illinois, passed away at 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the Galena Nursing Home.  To honor Betty’s life, family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday at Behr Funeral Home with Deacon David Roth officiating.  Burial will be at a later date following cremation in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Betty was born on August 18, 1939, in Galena, Illinois, daughter of Robert and Clara (Schmid) Blum.

Betty attended school in Galena where she graduated from Galena High School.  She started working for the family business, Blum Bottling Works, when she was young.  She was married to William Davis and they had a son together before deciding to go their separate ways.  She later married Joseph Casanova on July 23, 1997, in Dubuque.  They spent 9 wonderful years together until Joe sadly passed away on July 31, 2006.  Betty was employed with Eaton Controls in Hanover, Illinois and later went to work with Palace Campgrounds for 20 years.  She also worked and volunteered her time with the Jo Daviess County Workshop.  Betty will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her son,
Eric Davis, Galena, IL;

and her sister,
Marie (Robert) Nelson, Rockford, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Casanova; and a brother, Charles Blum.

Betty’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Galena Nursing Home and Hospice of Dubuque for all of the wonderful care they provided for Betty.

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

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

Dorothy L. Layde

Dorothy Lavonne Layde, 85, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Church, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Dorothy was born on June 4, 1937, in Mt. Hope, Wisconsin, the daughter of Fred and Mabel Updike. On January 14, 1956, she married Thomas Layde, her devoted and loving husband of 67 years.

Dorothy was a loving mom who devoted her life to her children and husband. Her passion was her crafts. She and Tom could be seen at many of the craft fairs throughout the Tri States. She also loved spending time with her family, especially getting together for birthday parties. Dorothy also had a soft spot in her heart for any animal but especially her two cats, Callie and Lacey.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Tom; a daughter, Cindy; three grandchildren, Jodi (Travis) VanNatta, Scott (Diliana) Layde, and Jeff (Jolene) Layde; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Layde Burbach; and ten great-grandchildren, Talan, Trevor, Gavin and Grayson VanNatta; Dejanada, Delilah and Ender Layde; and Zoey, Zane and Jerzey Layde, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her two sons, Francis “Pep” Layde and Tommy Layde, who were the world to her; and two brothers, Billy Updike and Carlos Updike.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Promedica and MercyOne.

In lieu of flowers, a Dorothy L. Layde Memorial Fund has been established. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

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