Obituaries Archive

Arthur J. Kress

Arthur J. “AJ” Kress, age 71, of Mud Lake, passed away at 8:28 a.m., on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To honor A.J.’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, with Rev. Dustin Long Vu officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

A.J. was born on June 11, 1951, in Sherrill, Iowa, son of Arthur John and Henrietta (Friederick)  Kress. He attended school at Sts. Peter & Paul in Sherrill and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1969.

A.J. was united in marriage to the love of his life, Cindy Bauer on December 19, 1970, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, and enjoyed over 51 years of marriage together. He and Cindy farmed the family farm in Specht’s Ferry.  A.J. was a hard worker and was always keeping himself busy.  His work ethic carried over to his career with John Deere Dubuque Works.  When he was laid-off in the 1980’s from Deere’s, not one to sit still, he went to work for Tschiggfrie Excavating until he was called back to work.  He retired from John Deere in 2003.  A.J was a proud member of UAW Local 94 in Dubuque.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed his time spent outdoors whether it was hunting with his “Sweet Hole Hunting Group” or fishing and boating on the Mississippi with Cindy and their family.  He truly enjoyed his life and home on the river enjoying every sunrise and sunset.  A.J. was a seasoned chef who enjoyed cooking and canning anything and everything.  He was a also life-long New York Yankees fan.

A.J. was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren … they were his World and his greatest joy.  He was such a kind and pure soul who will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Those left to cherish A.J.’s memory include

his wife,
Cindy Kress, Mud Lake, IA;

his children,
Calvin “C.J.” (Angela Will) Kress, Cornell, WI,
Rachel (Don) Jasper, Holy Cross, IA
and Jeremiah “Jay” (Nicole) Kress, Balltown, IA;

8 grandchildren;

4 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Anna Mae Welter, Dubuque, IA,
Paul Kress, Dubuque, IA,
Norbert (Shirley) Kress, Zwingle, IA,
Leo (Betty) Kress, Sherrill, IA,
Dorothy Wolf, Dubuque, IA
and James (Janet) Kress, Sherrill, IA;

his best friend,
Carl Overbeck, of Guttenberg, IA and Texas;

and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A.J. was preceded in death by his parents; a sister at birth, Mary Kress; a son, Joshua “J.C.” Kress at birth; a sister-in-law, Francine Kress; 3 brothers-in-law, Gene Lahey, Don Wolf and Ralph Welter.

A.J.’s family would like to thank the Sherrill Fire Department, Finley ICU, Visiting Nurses, the Cancer Clinics in Iowa City and Dubuque and their King’s Row Crew for all of the professional and compassionate care they provided to A.J. and his family.

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

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

Phyllis J. Errthum

Phyllis J. Errthum, 72, of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque from complications stemming from pneumonia.

Visitation will be held 2 – 7 pm Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.  Visitation will continue Monday from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Monday, October 17, 2022, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Phyllis was born May 19, 1950, the daughter of Lawrence and Helen (Loeffelholz) Deutmeyer.  She grew up on a farm near Luxemburg and graduated from Leo High School with the Class of 1968.  She left the farm and began working for Interstate Power Co., living independently in Dubuque.  She married her high school sweetheart, Robert D. Errthum, on September 25, 1971, in Luxemburg.  They moved to their dream acreage near Bankston Park 50 years ago.  Together they shared a wonderful life together, raising three boys.  She kept herself busy with a large garden, beautiful flowers, raising chickens and cattle.  After Bob passed away in 2005, she continued living on that acreage, spending many long hours doing what she loved best.  For 36 years she touched the lives of many children in the community as a bus driver for the Western Dubuque School District.  She was very proud of her grandchildren, attending as many of their activities as she could.  She was a social butterfly who loved to visit and meet new people.  Phyllis spent the last four years in a special relationship with “Lefty” McQuillen.  She enjoyed traveling with her friends, bowling, golfing, playing cards and the game Upwords, and car cruising with Lefty.

Survivors include her three sons: Troy (Marty) Errthum of Knoxville, IA, Brett (Heather) Errthum of Asbury, and Eric (Kate) Errthum of Winona, MN; grandchildren: Travis, Trevor, and Tanner Errthum, Sam, Owen and Audrey Errthum, Gedion and Eomji Errthum; siblings: Jerry (Jan) Deutmeyer of Dubuque, Richard (Helen) Deutmeyer of Luxemburg, Dianne Duwe of Luxemburg, Mary Frommung (Eddy Smith) of Praire Du Sac, WI; in-laws: Norma Deutmeyer, Leon (Elaine) Errthum, Carol Errthum, Jerome (Marlene) Errthum, Ed (Deb) Errthum, Gen Pike, Mary Hayes, Kathy Rudebeck, Barb (John) Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, one infant son Kevin Errthum; siblings: Ralph Deutmeyer, Marvin Deutmeyer, Grace (Clete) Clemen, and Allen Deutmeyer (infancy); in-laws: Donald (Carol) Errthum, Nick (Carol) Errthum, Allen Errthum, Richard Hayes, Wayne Rudebeck, Jim Oberbroeckling, Don Frommung, and Dennis Duwe.

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 Phyllis’s name.

Angela Prichard

Angela (Odefey) Prichard, 55, was taken away from her friends and family on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 7 pm.

Angela was born April 14, 1967 in Dubuque, daughter of William and Barbara (Hentges) Odefey.

She was a graduate of Dubuque Hempstead High School.

Angie had a love for animals, especially her five huskies; Mishka, Indy, Zakari, Timber and Charlie.

She operated the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels where she treated every animal like they were her own.

Her grandkids, sons, and daughters-in-law meant everything to her.  We will always smile when we remember her 20 year old hair style, her choker necklaces, and her Yeti with ice cold busch light.

She was the most caring, kind hearted and loving mom, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt and friend anyone could ever ask for.  She was taken before anyone could say goodbye, and will be forever loved and missed.

She is survived by two sons, Josh (Tina) Close of Dubuque and Colton (Brittany) Hancock of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Milaya, Micah, and Mirella; and Maverick, Kinsleigh, and Kendra; and one on the way.

She is also survived by her father, William Odefey of Dubuque; four siblings, Wendy (Jim) Budde of Bellevue, Lisa Klein of Dubuque, Amy (Jay) Remy of Dubuque and Scott (Julie) Odefey of Menoinee Falls, Wisconsin; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Odefey; a niece, Leslie; and her dog, Zoe.

Nancy O’Connor

Nancy O’Connor, 84, of Ankeny, passed away September 17, 2022, in Hubbard, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 1 – 2 pm Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Graveside committal service will be at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery following the visitation.

Clyde R. Smith

Clyde Ray Smith “C. Ray”, age 76 of Leisure Lake, IA passed away Friday, October 7, 2022 with his wife Teri by his side.  He was born July 27, 1946 and was adopted almost a year to the day later by Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith.

He grew up showing cattle and working the family farm.  Shortly after entering the Air Force, he had to return home to run the family Dairy farm.  After getting out of the farming business he worked for Harvester which transferred him and his family to Sandwich, IL , where he joined the local Volunteer Fire Department.  Then transitioned into an over the road truck driver where he finished out his career in the Teamsters Local 710 Union and drove for Cassens Transport as a Car Haller. 

He loved watching Dale Earnhardt race cars, the Minnesota Vikings Football team and the Iowa College Football once he moved to Iowa.  In his spare time, you would find him in the garage rebuilding engines with his son and his friends, teaching his daughter how to change her car oil and later in life he would build mini semi-trailers, sleigh shelves and bear benches.  When not spending time with his kids he would be riding his motorcycle.

C. Ray was united in marriage on September 19, 1992 to Theresa “Teri” Vickers at their home in Sandwich, IL by his cousin, Pastor Jack Smith.  Following the beautiful backyard biker wedding, they celebrated with a hog roast surrounded by family and friends.  After a few years they moved to West Brooklyn, IL eventually making Iowa their home.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Theresa “Teri” Smith, his children Jason (Windy) Smith, Vanessa (Paul) Davis and their mother Charlene Kulas Smith; grandchildren Zach (Amanda) Ruppert, Mason (Chloe) Ruppert, Victoria (Nick) White, Reese Smith and Reagan Smith; great grandchildren Callie Ruppert, Brooklynn Ruppert, Ruby Ruppert and Joanna White; siblings Dale Smith, JoAnne Smith and Erlene Pleitner; brother in-laws, Gary Vickers and Scott (Andrea) Vickers; as well as nieces, aunt’s, uncles, cousins; and Julie Evens a special friend who helped care for him.

C. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith; sister in-law Donna Smith; his in-laws Alan and Judith (Cooper) Vickers and a brother in-law David Vickers.

Visitation at 2:00 pm until the Hour of Service at 4:00 pm on Wednesday October 19th, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church 1019 Wesley Drive  Maquoketa  IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

A Memorial Motorcycle ride will also be held later next summer with the date TBD.

Arrangements by Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ulla-Britt Nelson

Ulla-Britt Nelson, 91 of Galena, IL passed away on October 2, 2022, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. A committal service will be held at Noon, on Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Greenwood Cemetery. Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born January 20, 1931, in Karlstad, Sweden the daughter of Helge and Svea (Nilsson) Ekman. Ulla attended school in Sweden where she attended classes in cooking and sewing and apprenticed as a milliner. Prior to moving to the United States, she worked as a milliner. Ulla married Robert William Nelson on June 28, 1955, and he preceded her in death on May 14, 2009. After arriving in the United States, she worked for Paymaster Corp, Chicago until her retirement. Ulla enjoyed watching her game shows, old movies, reading about the royal families in her earlier years, and going camping in Door County. She loved spending time with her family and cooking for them when everyone would get together for the holidays.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gloria (Henry) Weaver of Lancaster, PA, and Elizabeth (Lawrence J.) Grau of Galena, and Marianne (Scott Helge) Zieman of Hoffman Estates, IL, her grandchildren, Amy (Goo) Weaver Cerqueda of OH, Michael (Ivy Loughlin) Weaver of PA, Cory (Heide) Weaver of PA, Jennifer Grau of Galena, Tara Starr Grau, of Maquoketa, IA, Corey Kees of Hoffman Estates, Christina Kees of Hoffman Estates, Max D. Nelson of NE, and Leah Nelson of MO, her great-grandchildren, Keifer Hare of Maquoketa, Drew Hare of the Philippines, Morgan Grau of Hazel Green, WI, Ethan, Alexander and Addison Grau all of Maquoketa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Phillip Nelson, a brother, Sven Ekman, and a grandson, Lawrence O. Grau.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Vandigo, and the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, especially Angie and Karen you were all like family to her. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in memory of Ulla.

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

Keith D. Watts

Keith D. Watts, 64, of Dubuque, passed away on September 14, 2022.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00p.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

Keith was born on March 22, 1960 to John and Sarah (Buford) Young in Chicago, Illinois.

Keith attended an all boys catholic school in Chicago, Illinois.

Keith was active in football, track, and wrestling throughout his high school years. His nick name was “Slick Watts” after an NBA player in the 70’s.

Keith attended the University of Dubuque and had thoughts of becoming a priest or chiropractor after college.

Keith also competed in numerous body building competitions throughout his life. He helped judge and promote various shows. He also enjoyed running and competed in various 5 and 10K Runs. Other hobbies Keith enjoyed were hiking, taking walks on trails, picnics, theater, attending concerts at UD, traveling, trying new foods, Sunday morning talk-radio shows, watching the PBS channel, and he especially loved watching old movies. Keith also enjoyed listening to classical and jazz music.

Keith was employed as a correctional officer in Anamosa, was a spin instructor at the Dubuque YMCA, worked security at Senior High School, Hillcrest, and many concert venues. Keith was always working!

Keith was a very well rounded person. He was easy to talk to and always had a listening ear. He will be remembered for his kind and thoughtful personality. He had a knack for making whoever he was with feel like you were the most important person in the world. He collected people and once you were his friend, you remained part of his collection for life!

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

Marilyn J. Denlinger

Marilyn J. Denlinger, 91, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at home.

A private family burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Marilyn Joan Satchell was born on January 2, 1931 in Nebraska to Harry and Leona (Bridges) Satchell.  She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married Allen N. “Al” Denlinger on September 24, 1949 in Dubuque, Iowa.  To this union four children were born:  Linda, Robert “Bob”, Susan and Cindy.

Marilyn had worked in the meat department at Fareway in Maquoketa for over 15 years until retiring.  In retirement, she worked at Sunshine Daycare and Preschool in Maquoketa.  She enjoyed flowers and gardening, and baking.  She was known for her pies and cinnamon rolls.

Those left to honor her memory include daughters, Linda (Frank) Gertcher of FL, and Cindy Hardman of Cedar Rapids, IA; 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dean (Anne) Satchell of CA, Bev (John) McCarthy of Dyersville, IA, and Betty (Bill) Lambert of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Al in 2017, a daughter Susan Giles in 1992, a son Robert “Bob” in 2000, son-in-law Steve Hardman, and brothers Norman, Junior and Jim.

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

Stephen G. Hintermeister

Stephen G. Hintermeister, age 74, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on October 8th, 2022, after more than a year-long battle with cancer. Private services will be held at a later date. Online condolences for Steve’s family may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Steve was born July 12, 1948, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Robert and Lois (Haywood) Hintermeister. He married Cindy Manikowski on May 24, 1975.

After graduating from Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa and following earlier work endeavors, Steve became a part owner and the sales manager at Midwest Business Products in Dubuque until his retirement in 2015. Steve was a gifted sales representative whose personality, expertise and mentorship to his colleagues contributed to the growth and success of the business. He considered his attachment to and his influence and development of the careers of his valued colleagues at Midwest to be his greatest achievement.

Throughout his adult life, Steve was an avid sports fan as both a spectator and as a participant in softball, tennis, and his most recent beloved pastime, golf. Many happy moments were also spent playing bingo and darts and playing the slots (“thank you” to the Diamond Jo employees for being so kind to him in the last several months). He treasured his time with his “buddies” in all these pursuits.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy, his brother, Tom (Karla) Hintermeister, his nephews, John Hintermeister (Cindy) and Mike Hintermeister (Carrie), his cherished Maltese dogs, Timea and Sissy, his sister-in-law, Vicki Manikowski (Lonnie Weis), brothers-in law, Dan Manikowski (Julie) and Bill Manikowski (Tia), nephews-in-law, Adam Weis and Cody Manikowski (Amy Snyder),  his niece-in-law, Jessica Thyne (Chris) as well as his former sister-in-law, Jeanne Hintermeister and  sister-in-law, Barb Manikowski.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Hintermeister, his father-in-law, John Manikowski, his mother-in-law, Donna Manikowski and brother-in-law, Tim Manikowski.

A special recognition to Hospice of Dubuque for their expertise, care, and compassion throughout Steve’s final journey as well as a heartfelt “thank you” for the thoughtful support to Steve and Cindy from many, but most notably from the above surviving family members, from the long-standing and faithful past colleagues and partners of Midwest Business Products, and from Steve’s “best golf buddy” and, of course, his “One Lucky Guy” close friends.

Sr. Denise Streng

Sister Denise (Jacinta) Streng, age 96, of Clare House, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, Iowa, died at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, October 9, 2022. The Rite of Final Committal was held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center. Burial followed at the Sisters of St. Francis Natural Burial Site.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Mount St. Francis
Center. Masks will be required. Livestream of the service can be viewed at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

She was born on July 9,1926, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Anton and Adele (Sauser) Streng.
She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1947, and made her final profession of vows August 10, 1953.  Sister received her BA in Elementary Education from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA. and her Cosmetology Certificate from Capri Cosmetology in Dubuque, IA.

She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Sacred Heart and St. Mary, Dubuque, Pocahontas, Ionia, Remsen, and Odebolt. In Illinois she was missioned at Midlothian. She also served at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA and Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Sister is survived by her brother , Lloyd Streng, sisters Mary Neiers and Sr. Clara Streng OSF, nieces, nephews and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Joan (John) Hamilton, Grace (Harold) Schaaf and Doris Streng, her brothers John (Geri) Streng and Robert Streng, a sister-in-law Gloria Streng and a brother-in-law Fred Neiers.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Behr’s Funeral home 1491 Main St., Dubuque, IA, 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

James L. Noel

James L. “Jim” Noel, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 8, 2022, at Sunnycrest Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 14th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. by Deacon Loras Weber. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15th, 2022, at St. Catherine Catholic Church with Fr David Ambrosy officiating. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jim was born on June 27th, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Louis and Delores (Knockel) Noel. He attended Dubuque Senior High School, and as a teenager he was given the nickname “Zeke.” He continued his education through Diedesheim Machine Tools, Inc. in Rockford, Illinois, where he was employed as a service engineer. He was united in marriage to Imelda Reeg in September of 1971 in St. Donatus, Iowa. They later divorced in 1983. Jim lived at St. Catherine’s, Iowa until 2001 when he went to live at Sunnycrest Manor due to health problems.

Jim served in the United States Army, which included time served in Vietnam. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.

Jim enjoyed working on anything with a motor. He was your go-to guy if you had any mechanical issue. He loved spending time with his family and FaceTiming with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his son Josh Noel; daughters: Tabatha (Senhal Patel) Noel-Patel and Alycen Noel; five grandchildren; his brothers Dennis (Linda) Noel, Darrell (Lynn) Noel, and Kevin Noel; his aunts Donna Mae (Robert) Westemeyer and Rosie Baker, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Delores Noel.

A James Noel Memorial Fund has been established.

Thank you to the staff at Sunnycrest Manor for your years of caring for Jim, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Elizabeth J. Elsner

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Elsner, 72, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Charlotte, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at home.

A memorial gathering of family and friends celebrating Betty’s life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will be held.

Elizabeth Jean Epping was born on September 14, 1950 in Lake County, Illinois to Kenneth Joseph and Dorothy Nell (Loney) Epping.  She grew up in Clinton County and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Rose and Marvin Mickelson.  She was a graduate of Clinton High School.  She married Kevin Bernard Elsner on June 18, 1993 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

“Betty” had first worked at Nielsen’s in Clinton, and then at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa, and lastly at Walmart in Maquoketa as a cashier for nine years until retirement.

“Betty” enjoyed crocheting and was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.  She even had an extensive collection of teddy bears known as “Betty’s Bears”!  In her younger years she liked playing softball and was a pitcher.  She dearly loved her niece and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Those left to honor her memory include sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Denise “Dee” and Dennis McGettigan of Mineral Point, WI, and Randy Elsner of Clinton, IA; niece and nephews, Angie (Ulrich) Lehner, Dan (Kerrie) Chambers, and Jason (Teresa) Chambers; and 7 great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt and uncle who raised her Rose and Marvin Mickelson, a brother Nick, and her husband Kevin “Calhoun” Elsner on April 21, 2022.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Elizabeth J. “Betty” Elsner memorial fund has been established.

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

W. Chris Hanken

W. Chris Hanken, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 10, 2022, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Chris’ life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, October 14, 2022, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

Wesley Christopher Hanken was born on January 19, 1945 the oldest of five children to Wesley G. and Nedra (Kromminga) Hanken.  He grew up in and around Monticello and graduated from Springville High School in 1963.  He then attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, graduating in 1968.  He married Judy Meineke in 1967 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  To this union two children were born, Craig and Josh.

Chris aka “Coach”, “Hammerin Hank”, “Hank” began teaching Industrial Arts at Maquoketa High School and was the Assistant Wrestling Coach and eventually became the Head Wrestling Coach.  In 1986, he transitioned to school administration and became the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director where he remained until 1991 when he took a job as Principal at Lisbon High School until retirement.

“Hank” was known as an outstanding wrestling referee and had refereed during some Olympic Trials.  He enjoyed playing cards, golfing and had also managed the Maquoketa Country Club.  He loved Waylon, Willie, Old Mil, Black Velvet, a good joke, a tall tale, and cars.  Some of his greatest achievements were:  being the first child in his family to attend college; intramural wrestling champion; one hole-in-one on Hole #9; and beating Jeff Tampir in the Maquoketa Relays open mile race.

Those left to honor his memory include his life partner of 28 years, Lin Shultz of Maquoketa, IA; children, Craig Hanken Des Moines, IA, Josh (Donna) Hanken of Maquoketa, IA; Lin’s children whom considered Chris like a father, Amy (John) Silvia of Portland, OR, A.J. (Kerri) Shultz of Maquoketa, IA, and Anna (Luke) Scarpino of Milwaukie, OR; his mother, Nedra Hanken of Monticello, IA; siblings, Cynthia (John) Coy of Winter Green, Va, Jeffrey (Sharon) Hanken of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Beth Hanken of Monticello, IA; 2 grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Taylor; and Lin’s grandchildren, Ruby, Scout, Marsella, Lucy, Josey, and Marny.  He was preceded in death by his father Wes and a brother Jay.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a W. Chris Hanken memorial fund has been established.

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

Merlin J. Nauman

Merlin Jacob Nauman, 92, of Dubuque, formerly of Sherrill, was called home Sunday, October 9, 2022 surrounded by his family, at Eagle Point Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Merlin will be 10:30 am Thursday, October 13, 2022, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery – Sherrill.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6, Dubuque, and the Iowa Army National Guard. The mass will be live streamed at www.hskfhcares.com.

Merlin was born May 10, 1930, in Sherrill, IA, the son of Henry and Laura Koltes Nauman. On November 3, 1953, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann “Pat” Klein in Balltown, they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, on the front lines as a gunner in the Korean War.

Merlin spent his years raising his family as a farmer at the Nauman Family Farm.  He prided himself as a volunteer firefighter for the Sherrill Fire Department. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill. Merlin truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: traveling, playing euchre,and having cocktails with family and friends. He enjoyed his time outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. There were no strangers to Merlin, only friends he had not met; he enjoyed telling jokes and his stories were one of a kind.

Those left to cherish his life include his wife, Pat, children, Terry (Cathy) Nauman of Dubuque, Sandy (Steve) Klein of Peosta, Cindy McDermott (special friend, Steve Hahlen) of Peosta, Tim (Chris) Nauman of Robins, IA, grandchildren, Stacey (Luke) Abbitt, Eric (Lisa) Nauman, Stephanie (Bob) Kelzer, Jeremy Klein, Amber (Jon) Gotto, Austin (McKenna) Nauman, Emily (Spencer Dempewolf) Nauman, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Shannon McDermott, one son-in-law, Joe McDermott, one brother, Jerry Nauman, and two sisters, Meralda McGovern, and Charlene Riniker.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Sherrill and Dubuque Fire Department, Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Eagle Point.

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

Patricia Taylor

On Friday, October 7, 2022, Patricia (Jungblut) Taylor died in Rockford, Illinois following a long illness. Born on March 1, 1952, Pattie was the second of William and Kathleen (Milks) Jungblut’s six children. Pattie attended Nativity Grade School, Wahlert High School, NICC and Clarke College, where she earned degrees in nursing and social work.

Pattie married Sampson Taylor (d. 1989), and together they had two beautiful daughters, Alicia Catherine and Megan Mary. She spent much of her life in Illinois, where she raised Alicia and Megan. Later, she married Richard Strepka, whom she loved until his death in 2009.

Pattie was quick to laugh and enjoyed spending time with family. She loved to be outside in the sun, often laying by the pool. She also enjoyed shopping, keeping up with the latest fashions and collecting angel statues. Like most of her family, Pattie had a sweet tooth. She enjoyed Starbursts and was famous for her holiday fruitcakes.

Pattie is survived by her daughters, Alicia Taylor and Megan (Clay) Schewe; two grandchildren, Eliana and Xander Schewe; and four siblings: Susan M. (Robert) Isenhart, Thomas F. (Lyn) Jungblut, James R. Jungblut, and Lawrence C. (Marsha) Jungblut.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William John and Mary Kathleen Jungblut; her brother, John; and her husband Richard Strepka.

Private memorial mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pattie’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.