Obituaries Archive

Karen A. Leisen

Karen Ann (Heaser) Leisen, a long-time resident of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 years due to ALS-related complications on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Visitation will be held 3:00 -7:00 p.m, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial for Karen will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Church of the Nativity. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Karen was born April 7, 1943, in Winona, MN, the daughter of Ralph Victor and Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen (Mogren) Heaser. In 1960, she began pursuing a liberal arts degree at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. On December 4, 1965, she married Vincent “Vince” Mathew Leisen of Plainview, MN, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minneiska, MN. In 1967, the couple moved to Dubuque, IA, and started their family, which grew to number six daughters and three sons.

Karen dedicated a great deal of time to the Church of the Nativity, filling many parish roles over the past five decades: Archdiocese of Dubuque pastoral associate, parish visitor, cantor, sacristan, eucharistic minister, choir member and was involved in a multitude of church-based organizations and committees. She especially enjoyed her position as parish visitor-spending time with parishioners who were homebound or in nursing homes, keeping them connected to their church community, and serving them communion.

Known to be first to raise her hand when Dubuque community organizations needed help, Karen volunteered her time as 4-H leader, Boy Scout leader, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra greeter, Shalom Spirituality Center volunteer, Dubuque Youth Hockey Organization registrar and treasurer, and much more. An avid Dubuque Fighting Saints fan, Karen often sang the national anthem for games held at Five Flags Center, and opened her home to the team, housing multiple players over the years. She ran a home-based child daycare for nearly 40 years. She was co-owner and bookkeeper for Dubuque Appliance Center, the business co-founded by her husband, Vince.

In 1984, Karen enrolled at Loras College in Dubuque to finish earning the degree she started working towards 24 years earlier in Minnesota. In May 2019, then-76-year-old Karen became the oldest graduating student in the 180-year history of Loras College, receiving her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Vince; her nine beloved children: Jean (Norman) Bondoc of Madison, WI, Teresa Sellinger of Sparta, NJ, Steven (Tammi) Leisen of Urbandale, IA, Amy (John) Ouellette of Murfreesboro, TN, Daniel (Theresa) Leisen of Dubuque, Diana (Michael) Moroney of Dubuque, Angela (Jack) Seeley of Charlotte, NC, Molly Leisen of Dubuque, and Anthony (Morgan) Leisen of St. Paul, MN; her 23 cherished grandchildren: Evan, Peyton, Delaney and Haley Bondoc, Griffin, Devin and Alexandra Sellinger, Vincent Leisen, Morgan, Zachary and Samantha Ouellette, Natalie and Isabel Leisen, Brock, Connor, Nicholas and Madeline Moroney, Olivia, William, Elena and Caroline Seeley, Robert and Ethan Leisen; and her three treasured brothers: Ralph (Darlene) Heaser, Jr. of Kellogg, MN, Kenneth (Patti) Heaser of Minneiska, MN, and Michael (Donna) Heaser of Minneiska, MN.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Betty Heaser, and her father- and mother-in-law, Joseph and Julia Leisen.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff members of Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their incredible dedication and care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Virgil J. Roeder

Virgil J. Roeder, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 14th, in Tucson, AZ, following a 17-month long courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Services will be held at 10 am June 3rd, at the Marana Mortuary officiated by Father Jim Shea. Military honors will be presented by the Davis Monthan AFB Honor Guard. Interment will be at the Marana Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

The youngest son of Gerald and Myrtle (Peterman) Roeder, Virgil was born on September 5th, 1932, on the family farm in Jackson County, Iowa. His family moved from the farm to Spragueville, Iowa, where Virgil grew up helping his family run the Roeder General Store. He had many fond memories from this chapter in his life that provided the basis for many of the great stories he told later in life. Following graduation from Preston, Iowa High School in 1951, he enlisted in the USAF during the Korean War. He served honorably from 1953 – 1957. On August 4th, 1953, Virgil married the love of his life, June (Cook) Roeder, the start of a lifelong love affair filled with joy and happiness. Together they had 5 children: Nancy, Mark, Susan, Scott and Troy.

Following his discharge from the USAF, he took full advantage of VA education benefits to enroll in the Business Administration Program, College of Business at the University of Iowa, completing his BBA degree in three years.

Virgil worked at the John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works from 1961 until his retirement in 1986. During much of that time he served as the Payroll Supervisor, a position he thoroughly enjoyed.  Never one to sit still, Virgil returned to the workforce from 1991 – 2001, working in Patient Accounts at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Seeking a warmer climate, Virgil and June moved to Tucson, AZ, but continued annual summer trips to Iowa in their motor home to visit family and friends. Always wanting to keep busy, Virgil started his third career in Tucson, working at Safeway Grocery Store from 2007-2020 where he made many new friends. He reluctantly retired for good at the age of 88 and only because of the pandemic.

Throughout their lives together, Virgil and June enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events. They traveled throughout the United States, toured Europe and Hawaii, and took their extended family on five Caribbean cruises.  But their greatest pleasure was attending University of Iowa sporting events, including the 1991 Rose Bowl.  They supported Women’s Basketball at the University of Iowa and followed daughter Susan, attending her home and away games as she played on the team during the early years of the Iowa Women’s Basketball program. In addition, Virgil loved tinkering with cars, including a ’67 Mustang, two MGs, and two Triumph TR6s. His last toy was a 2000 Lexus convertible in mint condition to this day.

Virgil was a member of the John Deere Supervisors Club and a Lifetime Member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association.  Virgil was also a member of the Tucson Hawkeye Club where he and June were presented with the Hawkeye Spirit Award in 2021.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Myrtle Roeder; his brother Dr. Donald Roeder; and his sister, Marjorie Van Dorn.

Virgil is survived by June, his loving wife of 69 years, their children: Nancy (Dr. Tom Plamondon); Mark (Lynann); Susan; Scott (Kristine); and Dr. Troy (Stacy Hurry); his grandchildren: Jonathan, Kathleen, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Tirfie, and Dr. Jaclyn; numerous nieces and nephews; and very close family friends, Sheryl Nosbish and Jerry Nelson.

Virgil was a loving husband and father, offering unlimited support and encouragement to his children and grandchildren. Possessing a positive, and “can-do” attitude, along with an accepting personality, he left a lasting impression on so many people, making lifelong friends, and ultimately met his cancer head on, without complaint to the end. Virgil was a “people person”, always striving to put others before himself. In addition, he was as quick with a story as he was with lending a helping hand. In short, Virgil loved life and it showed. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him. In good times and in bad times dad always reminded us, “It’s all part of the fun!”

June and the family want to express their gratitude to the entire staff at the University of Arizona Cancer Center for their world-class care. They also wish to thank the crew from Station 34 at Northwest Fire Department and the Marana Police Department for their compassionate response.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials to the State University of Iowa Foundation (designate Ophthalmology & Visual Services) or the University of Arizona Cancer Research Center.

Stephen T. Supple

Stephen “Steve” Thomas Leo Supple (76) died on May 17, 2023, due to complications of multiple myeloma, with his family by his side.

His celebration of life will be held Monday, May 22, with a wake from 9am-11am at St. Raphael Cathedral where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Philip Thompson officiating. A private family burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Steve was born in Cascade, Iowa, on December 24, 1946, to John and Kate Supple, joining his sister, Jeanne, and to be joined by his brother Roger. He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Temple Hill, Iowa. In the third grade, he switched to St. Martin’s School in Cascade, and met the love of his life, Jan Crowley. They attended and graduated from St.Thomas Aquinas high school in 1965. Steve went on to earn his bachelor’s in agronomy from Iowa State University and was a Cyclone fan his entire life.

Steve and Jan were married on June 1, 1968, at St. Martin’s Church in Cascade, Iowa. They farmed together in the Temple Hill area for four decades with their children, Jenn and B.J. Steve believed in serving his community and those in it, as Soil Commissioner, member of the Swiss Valley Board, Pork Producers, FFA, 4H, his children’s schools and sports teams, the CARE Foundation, and St. Raphael’s Cathedral. The center of his service heart was Camp Courageous, where he served as a Board Member, Foundation Board Member, traffic director, corn husker, sausage donator and cooker, tree stump remover, cook and server for campers, hayride driver, sidewalk and train track layer, donation handler, and volunteer for every fundraiser Camp held while he was involved there, with Jan by his side. Some of the honors he received for his community service were the 9 Who Care Award, the JCPenney Award, and the Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Steve’s dedication to serving his community was second to one thing, his love for his family. Steve adored (and adored teasing) his wife, Jan. He attended every one of his kids’ activities, sometimes sitting by himself in the stands because he came straight from the field and his farm clothes were a little…ripe. He was known as Pickin’ Papa by his grandchildren, whom he delighted in dumping from the bucket of his loader tractor into snowdrifts, teaching them to drive the Gator and four-wheeler, and watching them sing, act, dance, and sport across Iowa and Wisconsin. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jan, his sister, Jeanne (Ernie Driscoll), his brother, Roger Supple, his daughter Jenn and her children Max, Miles, and Delilah, and his son, B.J. and his children Charlie and Lucy.

Steve’s family would like to thank all those who supported Steve through his recent health challenges, especially the medical staff at Finley Hospital and Stonehill Health Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa.

Sr. Helen Glynn, OP

Sister Helen Glynn, OP, died May 16, 2023, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. She was born to James and Helen (O’Hare) Glynn on April 30, 1936, in Chicago. There were six children. She is survived by a brother, Patrick Glynn of Palos Hills, IL., two sisters, Eileen Ward and Sister Gloria Glynn, OP both of Oak Lawn, IL., many nieces, nephews and her Dominican Family.

Helen joined the Sinsinawa Dominicans in 1967. She taught first grade for a year then high school theology for four years in River Forest, IL. Sister Helen spent 17 years in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia. She was a pastoral agent, worked in faith formation and tended to medical needs as a licensed practical nurse.  All through the years Sister Helen studied theology, often sharing her gifts with parishes in the Oak Lawn, IL. Area. She was a treasured member of the Glynn family. Her independent spirit, cheerful and engaging personality, and her search for truth were hallmarks of a life well lived.

Funeral services will be at Sinsinawa on Tuesday, May 23rd at 6:30pm and Wednesday, May 24 at 10:30am. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Helen rise in joy. Alleluia!

John F. Bechen

John “Jack” F. Bechen, 72, of Dubuque, passed away on May 16, 2023, surrounded by family.

The family will hold a celebration of life for John on May 29, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their home. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com .

John was born on August 15, 1950, the son of Olin and Helen (Block) Bechen.  He married Sandra K. Bechen (Thomas) on December 24, 1971, in Dubuque.

John lived a good life, not long enough, but a good one.  He loved the outdoors, especially the place he called home.  He was always a proud dad, following Jim and Jason in all their sports and teaching them all sorts of things – both good and bad!  He worked hard and retired early!!  He loved rides in Ol’ Blue with Sandy and their frequent stops at Dairy Queen on Rhomberg.  Always there with his quick wit and a joke!

His favorite role in life was being Papa John – he played such a special role in all five of the grandkid’s lives.  From watching Blake and Bryce play all their sports, to Snapchat filters with Ava, then Port Washington and cottage trips with Clare and Ella.  He created wonderful memories for them all to remember forever.  To know John was to love him, he certainly left his mark here and will be missed dearly by his family.  We will miss hearing “Hey when did you get here?” the most.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy; son Jim (Tracy), their children Blake, Bryce and Ava; son Jason (Kate), their children Clare and Ella; brother Mike (Laurie) Bechen; Sisters: Jean (Jerry) Kirton, Deb (Mike) Leach, and Terry (Chuck) Lynch; Brother-in-laws: Steve (Julie) Thomas, Stan (Carla) Thomas, Scott (Alesia) Thomas, Shawn (Peggy) Thomas, Rick Lang; Sister-in-laws: Sharon (George) Abresch, Sheila White, Sharlene (Mick) Cornwell, Stacey (Jim) LaPage and Suzanne (Randy) Ristau; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Olin and Helen Bechen; son John Jr. in infancy; brothers Eddie and Kevin; mother-in-law Dottie Thomas; father-in-law Vern Thomas; sister-in-law Sally Lang; brother-in-law Bill (ChillyWilly) Tharp

The family wishes to give special thanks to Angela Hubanks, Jenn Birch, Dr. Jedlicka, and Dr. Bland for all the help they have given John over the years and all the nurses in the ICU at Finley.

Sally A. Lang

Sally Ann Lang, 60, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 17, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Sally was born on August 3, 1962 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Vernon and Dorothy (Kremer) Thomas. She married Richard A. Lang Jr. on May 2, 1998.

She worked as a CNA and a Receptionist.

She enjoyed camping, spending time with grandkids, playing darts, listening to live music and crafts.

Sally is survived by her and Richard’s children: Steven Thomas, Ronald (Samantha Ivanov) Thomas, Jerome Lang, Nikiesha (Robert) Gatena, Megan Lang, Courtney (Ryan) Horkheimer, Jamie Green, and Tonya (Jeff) Huseman. Thirty two grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Sandra Bechen, Sharon (George) Abresch, Steve (Julie) Thomas, Sheila White, Stanley (Carla) Thomas, Sharlene (Mick) Cornwell, Scott (Alesia) Thomas, Shawn (Peggy) Thomas, Stacey (Jim) LaPage, and Suzanne (Randy) Ristau. Also surviving are her mother-in-law Phyllis Lang and numerous nieces and nephews. Her very special foster family Bob and Ellen Vandermuelen, Bobbie Jo Zeller, William “Bill” Cheever, Brian Cheever and Brent Cheever.

Sally is preceded in death by her son James Alan; her parents; father-in-law Richard Lang Sr.; mother-in-law Leilani Lang; granddaughter Ronnie;  grandsons Chad and Charlie; nephews John Jr. Michael and Josh and her niece Michelle and her brother-in-law John Bechen.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially Jeremiah, Dr. Hermann and staff, to her Sister Susie Ristau and family and friends for the wonderful care, kindness and compassion.

Sr. Alda Thilges

SISTER ALDA (FLORENCE) THILGES, OSF, 103 of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Clare House.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sister Alda was born on May 15, 1920, at St. Joseph, IA the daughter of Henry and Anna (Reding) Thilges

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on September 8, 1939 and made her final profession of vows August 12, 1945. Sister attended Loras College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as a homemaker in Iowa at Bancroft, Ionia, and Dubuque. Missions in Illinois included Mary of the Woods, Chicago, and St. Christopher in Midlothian.

Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Alida (Walter) Bradley; and brothers Harold (Katie) Thilges, Henry (Doris) Thilges, and Alvin Thilges.

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

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

The Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Brian J. Wulfekuhle

Brian Joseph Wulfekuhle, 57, of Petersburg, Iowa passed away after a short battle with cancer on May 17, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Brian was born May 4, 1966 to Joe and Pat (Oberbroeckling) Wulfekuhle in Dubuque, Iowa. He attended Beckman Catholic High School graduating in 1984.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 9 – 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the services.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at SS. Peter and Paul in Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery, officiated by Rev. Chris Podhajsky.

Brian was not one to mince words, he said it how it was and that’s why so many people loved him. He was an honest, fun loving guy who would help anyone.

Brian loved hanging out with his amazing friends, playing cards, pool, darts and frequenting Thai-1-On in Edgewood. He may have been known to search out new friends during casino nights, someone that looked like they were lonely and needed uplifting, that’s just who he was. Gator rides were a favorite pastime, you could regularly find him cruising Delaware County on his John Deere XUV 835R checking out the fields or helping out anyone who needed a hand.

The Farm is where he called home and took great pride in helping his parents keep the farm running smoothly.

Brian was the kind of guy that enjoyed the simple things in life. He was one of a kind that will never be forgotten. Enjoy the ride Stubbles – fly high and keep the Budweiser cold up there for the rest of us.

Brian is survived by his parents, siblings Terry (Sue) Wulfekuhle of Petersburg, Cheryl (John) Castaneda of Prescott Valley AZ, Sandy (Dan) Mormann of Colesburg, Lynn (Tim) Wendling of Dyersville, and Jayme (Jen) Wulfekuhle of New Vienna and his 14 nieces and nephews who could always count on him to teach them how to have fun – there was no one like Uncle Brian, and 18 great nieces and nephews with one on the way.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Felix and Rose Oberbroeckling, Gregory and Cecelia Wulfekuhle, a nephew Gus Mormann and several aunts and uncles.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Hermann and the nurses at the Wendt Cancer Center in Dubuque and all the family and friends that continuously stopped in during the past 6 weeks.

Brian was Brian!

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Marvin H. Goetz

Marvin H. Goetz, 94, formerly of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Hiawatha Care Center.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Monday, May 22, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 9:30 am until services at the funeral home.  Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Bellevue.

Marvin was born, January 31, 1929, the son of Harold and Nellie (Patch) Goetz.  He graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1946 and then graduated from Wartburg College in 1950.  Marvin served his county in the US Air Force and then married Marlene Joan Buchman on April 10, 1955, she passed on September 18, 2017.  He owned and operated Goetz & Son Implement in Bellevue and Maquoketa until retiring in 1983.  Marvin also had a car dealership and sold appliance in Bellevue for a short time.  He retired and then sold real estate in Bellevue and then after moving to Tucson, Arizona he continued to sell real estate for many years.  Marvin was a member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273, Lion Club, Maquoketa Hospital Board, St. Johns Lutheran Church and Wartburg Choirs.  He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include a son, Craig (Roxanne) Goetz; a daughter, Lori (Robert) Traeger; grandchildren, Brendan (Anna) Gorman, and Andrea (Marshall) Thorp; and great-grandchildren, Delvid, Darling, Jonas, and Liam.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Goetz and Nellie Goetz-Beeler; an infant sister, Adelheid; his wife, Marlene; a daughter, Ann Goetz; his step-father George Beeler; and step-sisters, Betty, Joyce, and Marilyn.

A memorial fund has been established in Marvin’s memory.

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

Elno A. Coulson

Elno A. “Al” Coulson, age 84, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on May 15, 2023, at Harmony Care Center in Dubuque, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Al’s life, a private family graveside service is being held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Al’s family.

Al was born on October 28, 1938, in Windom, MN, a son Archie and Della (Jensen) Coulson.  He spent most of his life as a truck driver, but was also the proud owner of Key City Vending for many years.  Al was married to Mary Lou Sitz and the couple was blessed with many wonderful years together and three children before she was sadly called home ahead of him.  Thankfully, Al found the joy of companionship once again with Sandy Bush in his later years.  Al always enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free-time and appreciated any opportunity to be in the outdoors whenever possible.  We will miss Al and his independent spirit moving forward, but thankfully he leaves behind an abundance of memories which will surely help to ease the pain our hearts carry today.  Thank you, Al, for always being true to yourself and may peace be yours now as we wait patiently to see you face to face once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Al include,

his children,
Scott (Tina) Coulson, Dubuque, IA,
Doug Coulson, Phoenix, AZ,
and Robin (Mark) Kelleher, Dubuque, IA;

his 15 grandchildren;

his 33 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Lonnie Coulson, Fairmont, MN,
and Connie Sutherland, Windom, MN;

his step-children,
Bob Coulson, CO,
and Cheryl (Owen) Rohr, Dubuque, IA;

his dear friends,
Sandy Bush, Dubuque, IA,
and Kris, Deb, and Sheri;

his good friends,
Gary Pfohl and Earl Lape;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou (Seitz) Ruble Coulson; his siblings, Bob, Duke, Jack, Jim, Darlene, and Jo Ann; his granddaughter, Stephanie Coulson Rettenmaier; and his step-son, Terry (Linda) Ruble.

Al’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, Harmony Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Buffy, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Al and his family during these last weeks.  Your kindness and patience has truly brought some much appreciate peace into these very difficult days.

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

Steven C. Schueller

Steven Charles Schueller, 81, passed away on May 13, 2023 in Galveston, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Dubuque. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:15 a.m., Friday, at the church. A livestream of the Funeral Mass can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery where full Military Honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Steve was born on August 13, 1941, to Dr. Charles and Marion Schueller in Dubuque.

He attended Loras Academy, The University of Notre Dame, and completed his medical training at Georgetown University.

Steve was privileged to serve our country as a Captain in the United States Army, serving from July 8, 1968-July 7, 1970 including overseas service in the Vietnam War. While there, he was Battalion Surgeon with the 168^th Combat Engineer Battalion.

His career in the medical field spanned nearly five decades. He practiced as a surgeon in Washington DC, Dallas, Detroit, Alaska, Dubuque, and most recently Arkansas where he retired.

In his free time, Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and cheering on the Fighting Irish! He was also an avid boxing fan. He was a fight doctor with the National Silver Gloves and was inducted into the Silver Glove Hall of Fame. He also appeared on HBO’s popular boxing broadcasts as physician at ringside.

Steve had a special passion for travel. He loved traveling and exploring all parts of the world. Some of his favorite destinations were Belize, the Caribbean, Asia, and Dauphin Island. He particularly cherished fishing and vacationing with his children on Dauphin Island.

Steve was a voracious reader, and especially enjoyed reading histories and biographies.  He also took pleasure in reading Westerns, specifically Louis L’Amour. Steve loved exploring various food cuisines. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. Steve particularly enjoyed music, especially the Blues.

Steve’s greatest inspirations in life were his love of God, devotion to his family, and dedication to our country. He loved all three in great measure.

He is survived by his children, Zachary Schueller of Dubuque, IA, Stella Runde of East Dubuque, IL, and Nate Schueller of Galveston, TX; grandchild, Ryan Runde; siblings; Nancy Koster of Edina, MN, Suzanne (John) Fuhrman of Bonita Springs, FL; and sister-in-law, Susan Schueller of Dubuque, IA. Steve is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles and Marion Schueller; son, Mark Schueller; siblings, Nicola Schueller, and Jeff Schueller; and brother-in-law, Bill Koster.

A Steven Schueller Memorial Fund has been established.

His family wishes to extend a special thank you to his son Nate for his love and care, his caretakers, Rachel and Sue, Sr. Irene Arome, the SICU nursing team at UTMB’s Jennie Sealy Hospital in Galveston, TX, and the entire staff at the Cascades at Galveston for the wonderful care given to Steve. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

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

Loretta M. Dawkins

Loretta M. Dawkins, 97, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 14, 2023.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish (Holy Ghost Church) with Fr. Steve Garner officiating.  The burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  No visitation will be held prior.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Loretta was born on April 19, 1926, to Lawrence and Catherine (Pfohl) Kirpes.  She married Richard H. Dawkins in 1958.  Richard preceded Loretta in death in 1998.

Loretta started and owned two beauty salons in Farley and Waterloo, IA.  She belonged to many clubs throughout her lifetime.  She had lived in San Antonio and Fort Worth, TX for many years before settling in Dubuque, IA.

Survivors include her sisters Jeanette and Pat, her brother Robert (Alice) Kirpes, her sister-in-law Norma Jean Kirpes (Ray), and several nieces and nephews.

Phillip P. Schmerbach

Phillip “Phill” Paul Schmerbach, 53, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on the evening of May 11, 2023.  His entire family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing. 

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18th, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 18th, 2023, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Tom McDermott officiating. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. 

Phill was born on October 20, 1969, in Orange County, California.  He grew up on Middle Road, west of Dubuque, and attended Resurrection School for eight years, and later graduated from Stephen Hempstead High School in 1988.  

Phill was a truck driver for ABC Supply Co. in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was a fun spirited and loving soul with many passions.  He enjoyed watching sports, especially watching his eleven-year-old nephew slowly grow into becoming a Baseball sensation..  You could  always find Phill watching his favorite teams, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Tennessee Titans.

Phill cared deeply and made an impact on many lives.  He would ask not for tears of sadness, but for those who loved him to cling to the many good memories while forgiving themselves of any regrets.  He would encourage strength in these difficult days.  He will be deeply missed. 

Phill is survived by his mother, Carol (Lopez) Schmerbach, his father and stepmother, Paul and Kitsy (Schiltz) Heller. He is forever loved and remembered by his siblings, Jeff Schmerbach, Tina Schmerbach, and his favorite God Son/nephew, Aren Anthony, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Phill was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Guadalupe Lopez, and Louis Heller. 

The family would like to thank everyone who continues to pour out thoughts and prayers of encouragement and support.  

“Until we meet again.”

Cory L. Parker

Cory L. Parker, 38, died Friday, May 12, 2023 as a result of a tragic accident.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 pm Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, followed by a funeral service at 5 pm.

Cory was born on August 28, 1984 at Mercy Hospital, son of Bob and Donna (Markus) Parker.

When he wasn’t roofing and siding homes, Cory enjoyed fishing, morel hunting, playing cards and pickleball, and traveling. In his free time, he also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his daughters.

Cory is survived by his mother, Donna; his beautiful daughters, Caylin and Lilly; brother, Jerrod (Christine) Parker and their daughter, River of Maine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends who have been there for him.

Cory was preceded in death by his father Bob in 1995, grandparents, Dan and Mary Parker and LaVerne and Violet Markus; aunts, uncle, and a cousin.

In lieu of flowers, a Cory Parker Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Cory’s friends who have been there for him.

Ann L. Mai

Ann L. Mai, 90, of Dubuque died Friday, May 12, 2023.  Private family services will be held.

Ann was born July 8, 1932 in Fenton, Illinois, daughter of Christian and Helen (Redell) Jannsen.

In 1951 she graduated from Maquoketa High School.

On September 8, 1951, Ann married Robert Mai at Harmony Church, Zwingle.  He preceded her in death on October 26, 2020.

Ann worked as a bookkeeper at Interstate Finance Corp. for 15 years.  She then worked as a cashier for Interstate Power Co. for 26 years, retiring in 1994.  She liked both working with and spending money throughout her entire life.  Ann’s favorite things to buy were shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, and gifts.  Her family teased her that they never saw anyone write out a check faster than her.

She was a member of Immanuel Church of Christ, where in the past, she taught Sunday School for many years.  Ann also volunteered at Mercy Medical Center and Dubuque Nursing and Rehab.

Ann is survived by her son Don (MaryJo) Mai of Dubuque; grandchildren, Steven (Jennifer) Mai of Dubuque and Lisa (Dan) DeMuth of Monroe, Wisc.; and great grandchildren, Joseph and Samantha Mai and Madeline, Jacob and Michael DeMuth.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ann Mai Memorial Fund.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent care provided to Ann and Bob while at Luther Manor.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.