Obituaries Archive

Sr. Mary Assumpta Glaser, OSF

Sister Mary Assumpta (Mary) Glaser, OSF, passed away at 6:20 a.m., on February 26, 2025, at Clare House.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

She was born on May 8, 1928, in Chicago, IL, to Frank and Elizabeth (Rosmaryn) Glaser.

Mary Assumpta entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1946, and made final profession of vows August 10, 1952. Sister received her masters degree in Elementary Administration from Loras College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered in Iowa at North Washington; Sacred Heart, Dubuque; St. Michael, Leeds; Webster City; Larchwood; Monticello; Sacred Heart, and Sioux City. She also served in Illinois at Hazel Crest and St. Joseph, Addison, and in Crescent City, CA.

Sister is survived by her sisters, Sister Teresine Glaser, OSF and Margaret (Daniel) Maciukenas, brother, Robert “Bob” (LuAnn) Glaser, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Helen Glaser, and brother, Joseph (Elaine) Glaser.

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

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

Behr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Clifford A. Elsbree Jr.

Clifford Allen “Al” Elsbree Jr., 84 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. There will be a Celebration of Life, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11 AM at Casper Creek Natural Cemetery in Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born July 13, 1940, in Waverly, NY, the son of Rev. Clifford A. and Emma (Northrup) Elsbree Sr. Al attended Bradley in Peoria and graduated with a BA in Art Education from Illinois State University, Bloomington, IL. He was united in marriage to Cathie P. Beach, on October 5, 1990, in Aurora, IL. Al had a huge heart! He was a lover. He loved so many things: puns, black shadow patterns on white snow-covered hills; the composition and color of smashed beer cans on a highway; the tall grasses in the lawn, the waterfall in his pond, his studio at Galena Center for the Arts, music, singing in the Grace Church choir;  talking to people, cats, bicycle riding, Rachel Maddow, He loved all sports, but his heart was with the Iowa Hawkeyes; justice, equality for all; peace, teaching art to middle school students for 36 years in school district 129 in Aurora.  He did it so well that he was named Kane County Middle School educator in 1989, but he mostly loved his family.

Al is survived by his wife, Cathie, his children, a son, Phil (Heidi) of Rockton, daughter-in-law, Denise of Aurora, stepdaughter, Paige Saba, of Galena,  granddaughters, Brittany, of Somonauk, IL, Megan of Oxford, OH, Savannah, of San Diego, CA, Lillie (Josh), Germany, Mina, Tucson, AZ, and Yasmeen, of Norfolk, VA, grandsons, Branndon (Elizabeth) of Oswego, IL, Colin, of  Bourbonnais, IL, Dylan (Maggie), of Chicago, great-grandchildren, Amelia and Nathan, Zoe, Kash, Eli, and Gabriel, his three special nieces, Anne Rene and Kim Elsbree, of CA, Susan Bennett, of IA, his sister, Katie Granger and her family in NY, a brother, Paul (Madlyn) and their family in OH, and a sister-in-law,  Connie Bennett and family in IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Greg, a brother, Phil, a sister-in-law, Katie, and a brother-in-law, Chuck Bennett.  Memorials may be given to The Galena Center for the Arts, Grace Outreach Committee, and Purrfection Cat Rescue in memory of Al.

Thank you from the family to the wonderful team of care persons at Midwest Medical Center. Al was cared for by everyone there with tenderness and humor, from the nurses to the custodians.

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

Colleen A. Sisler

Colleen “Coke” A. Sisler, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2025.

Committal prayers will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 8, 2025, at Mount Olivet Cemetery’s chapel.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Colleen was born on December 5, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Joan M. (Dougherty) Sisler.  She worked at MercyOne in Dubuque as the Admissions Coordinator for 30+ years. Coke was one of those beautiful, kind hearted, nurturing souls that few have the privilege of experiencing in a lifetime.  Always one to seize every opportunity and adventure; her free and infectious spirit allowed countless travels, endless hours of card playing and unmeasurable amounts of memories with friends and family who she loved more than anything in this world.  She truly lived life to its fullest.  She was humble to her roots, thoughtful to her core and leaves the most monumental void in so many lives left here earthside.  The unbearable pain that her absence casts is eased in the ever slightest by the infinite gifts she gave to this world with her presence and selflessness.  She would want us to be strong, and remember her with happy thoughts filled with love.

She is survived by her brother William Sisler, and his family Michie (Dwight), Caitrin and Caraline Turner, William Jr. (Gretchen), Declan, and Alexis Sisler, brother Jeff Sisler, and his family Dawn (Chris), Lexi and Max Streets, and Destiny Sisler, brother Charles (Roxane) Sisler, and their family Nicholas (Kari) Owen, Cameron, Mason and Jaxson Sisler, Brandon (Hailey Julson) Sisler, Amanda (Kyle), Mia, Kya, Kip and Koy Bergfeld, sister Laura (Mike) McNamer, and their family Shannon (CJ), Colton, Lochlan, Caden and Bristol Yager, Shane(Amanda), Audrey and Nolan McNamer, and her significant other of 30 years, James Stackis.

She was preceded in death by her father Arnold Sisler, her mother Joan Sisler, sister Peggy Sisler, sister-in-law Char Sisler, and sister-in-law Pam Sisler.

In lieu of flowers, a Colleen Sisler Memorial has been established.

The family would like give a special thanks to the MercyOne Emergency doctors and staff, the EMT team that cared for Colleen, the Air Care team for their response, and Donna and Mike Fuller for all of their amazing care of Colleen.

Patricia Ries

Patricia “Pat” (Weber) Ries, 73, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. 

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Wake Service will begin at 3:30 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025 with visitation until 7:00 pm at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:00 am prior to Mass at the funeral Saturday. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue. 

Pat was born September 27, 1951, the daughter of Vernon and Lorraine (Naumann) Weber.  She graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in 1969.  Pat married Ronald J. Ries on February 11, 1972.  She worked with her husband Ron at Ron’s Feed Store and also for Rockwell Collins until retiring in 2014.  Pat enjoyed quilting, going to garage sales, dancing at Mooney Hollow with Ron, and spending time with family and friends.  She helped start Quilts of Valor in Bellevue, past Treasurer of Bellevue Horseman’s Club, member of Bellevue Fire Department Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.  Pat was a longtime devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 

Survivors include her husband, Ron; children, Ronda (Kirk) Sherwood and Rochelle “Curly” Ries; grandchildren, Madison and MaKenna; siblings, Peggy Weber, Kathy Weber, Leonard (Jane) Weber, Liz (Steve) Staner, Loras (Carolyn) Weber, Larry Weber, Cletus (Theresa) Weber, Joan Weber, Nancy (Pat) Hanson, Cindy (Gerry) Kluesner, and Joe (Ann) Weber; brothers and sister in-law, Becky (Kevin) Hurlburt, Roxey (Doug) Kueter, Randy (Linda) Ries, and Barb Ries; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Joyce in infancy, and a brother, Paul “Dickie” Weber; sisters and brothers in-law, Bob Ries, Ruth (Larry) Weimerskirk, Rosalie (Art) Ploessl, Rita (Steve) Putman; a nephew, Nick Weber; and her father and mother in-law, Melvin and Kathleen Ries. 

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Pat’s memory. 

The family would like to thank Phyllis Freiburger, Hospice of Jackson County, and the numerous family and friends for your care and support during this time. 

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

Janet T. Boyes

Janet T. Boyes, 84, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Unity Point Finley Hospital with her two sons by her side.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Janet was born on January 17, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Celestine (Manders) Althaus. She grew up in the Zwingle area on the family farm and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte in 1959. On June 15, 1963, she married Dean Boyes at Saint Joseph the Worker Church. They shared 54 years together until Dean’s passing in 2017.

Janet enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues. She served as secretary for the Hawkeye Vintage Tractor Club and wrote the club newsletter. She loved country music, especially Johnny Cash, who was a personal friend. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and visiting with her friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Jeanne) Boyes and Kenny (Sandy Temperley) Boyes; her grandchildren, Allison (Dan) Tringale, Jaclyn (Jack) Dambeck, Brooke Alexander, and Brenda Wilde; her great-grandchildren Xander Tringale, Mikaylah, Eizabellah, Marques, Jennacee, and Hadlee; her sister, Donna Daily; two brothers, LeRoy (Dorothy) Althaus and Richard (Linda) Althaus; her brother-in-law, Gene Boyes; and her sister-in-law, Alice (Jerry) Schueller, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sisters-in-law Lois (Dan) Potter and Roxy Boyes.

In lieu of flowers, a Janet Boyes memorial fund has been established.

Kevin and Kenny would like to thank Dubuque Fire Department and the nurses and staff at Finley for all the kindness and care that they gave to Janet.

E. Maxine Vande Drink

E. Maxine Vande Drink (nee Anderberg), 89, of Elgin and formerly Galena, IL, passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may gather from 11 AM until the time of the mass. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Maxine was born on December 29, 1935, to Percy and Vera (Zeal) Anderberg in Council Hill Township. She graduated from Galena High School in 1953. On November 25, 1954, she married Kenneth R. Vande Drink of Elizabeth, IL. They began their life together in Hanover, IL, before moving to Elgin, where they raised their family and later retired.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Kenneth, the love of her life for 70 years, and two sons: Gregory (Shauna) Vande Drink of St. Louis, MO, and Douglas (Lisa) Vande Drink of St. Charles, IL. She is also survived by her siblings: Richard “Dick” Anderberg of Galena, Malcolm (Leah Mae) Anderberg of Kirkland, IL,  her sister-in-law, Maria Vande Drink (nee Spates); four grandchildren: Derek (Arica) Vande Drink of Lake St. Louis, MO, Justin Vande Drink of St. Charles, IL, Chelsea (Trent) Crutcher of Cincinnati, OH, and Brandon (Tiana) Vande Drink of Barrington, IL; and six great-grandchildren: Avery and Emily Vande Drink, Soren Andress, and Marley, Mayer, and Orion Crutcher. She is also survived by nieces: Michelle Anderberg Simpson, Nadine Anderberg Bonnin, Natalie (Scott) Christopher, Cynthia (Brian) Kummet, and Lisa Vande Drink; and nephews: Jeff (Michelle) Anderberg, Eric (Gillian) Anderberg, Todd Jacobs, and Scott (Sarah) Vande Drink.

Maxine was preceded in death by her son, Bradley Vande Drink; sisters Marion Anderberg-Maurizi and Shelby Anderberg-Jacobs; sister-in-law Virginia Anderberg; and brothers-in-law James Vande Drink and Vince Maurizi.

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

James P. Taylor

James Patrick Taylor of Canton, Ohio, formerly of Holy Cross, passed to eternal life on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Canton, OH due to a heart attack, with his son by his side. Jim “Smokey” was born on March 15, 1951 at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, IA, the 11th of twelve children of Francis and Dorothy (Rea) Taylor.

Jim graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross in 1969, and worked a variety of heavy-duty construction jobs all over the country.  Jim married Marie Louise Gagne on July 11, 1991. Marie passed away on February 15, 2010.

Jim is survived by his son, Dylan (Sammie), of Cedar Rapids.  He is also survived by one brother, Paul (Sue) of Zwingle; five sisters, Mary Kahle of Dubuque, Helen (Scotty) Thomas of San Francisco, Jane (Ken) Rausch of Knoxville, Bridget (Robert) Kluesner of Owatonna, and Patricia (Michael) Thies of Peosta; sisters-in-laws, Mary Taylor of Dubuque, Lois Taylor of Dyersville, Karol Taylor of Marshalltown, Barb Taylor of Holy Cross.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, his parents, Francis and Dorothy Taylor, his wife’s parents, Oscar and Mildred Eaton Gagne and brothers & in-laws: Ray & Joan, Frank, Charles, Joseph, and John Taylor, and Wayne Kahle and nephew Zack Taylor.

Services to be announced.

John A. Manning Sr.

John A. Manning Sr., passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025 at his home in Baldwin, Iowa, at the age of 76.

John Manning was born on January 14, 1949, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Loyd L. and Arlene (Davenport) Manning.  John was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  John was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved hunting, fishing, and camping.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

John is survived by his children, Kevin (Diane) Clark of Maquoketa, Iowa, Tammy (Noel) Pierson of Davenport, Iowa, John A. (Crystal) Manning Jr. of Andrew, Iowa, and Renee Manning of Dewitt, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and his brother, James Lee Manning.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clayton Manning, and his sister, Myrna Manning Anderson.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  No public services are planned at this time.

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

Kc J. Summers

Kc James Summers, 36, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on February 19, 2025.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2505 Rockdale Road with a service to be held at 12:00 p.m.

Kc was born on January 16, 1989, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Chris W. Summers and LouAnna Tiana (Goins) Pfab. KC worked at Jackson Pallet for his grandpa, and at the time of his passing KC was working for Midwest Hardwoods.

Kc was an ordained minister and performed many weddings, usually donating his time. Kc was kind, caring, and empathetic. He dreamed of being a counselor to help others through the temptations and traps he himself experienced. Kc loved to make people laugh with his quick wit. He was fond of telling jokes and being the family jokester. His four boys have always been his world. After a long day’s work, his favorite thing was cuddling and falling asleep with one or more of his boys in his arms. Kc was very close with his sister Felon, enjoying long motorcycle rides. He also enjoyed time riding with his good friends, whom he referred to as his “brother.”

Kc is survived by his wife Amanda Rose Summers, his four boys Wyatt James, Hunter Dean, Jasper Wayne, and Mason Reid Summers, his mother LouAnna Tiana (Tony) Pfab, his sister Felon (Kevin) Pline, his brother Calieb Scott; grandfather Carl (Mary) Summers, nephew Taylor Pline, nieces Marley Pline and Jayden Pline, aunt and uncle Linsy (Corey) Adams, and Charlie (Anna) Summers, cousins JR and Tiffany Summers, along with many loving and caring relatives and friends.

Kc was preceded in death by his father Chris W. Summers, and grandmother Francis Jean Summers.

Dan Brown

Retired City of Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown, 68, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center following a brief illness.

Visitation for Dan will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road. At 5:30 p.m. the Dubuque County Firefighters retired and active will come through as a body to honor Dan. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and the Dubuque Fire Department Ceremony of the Four Fives. A continued celebration of Dan’s life will follow the service at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Rd. A livestream of his funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Dan was born in Dubuque Iowa, the son of Everett and Mary (Sanger) Brown. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1974. After high school he worked for Al Beyer at Beyer Aviation until joining the Dubuque Fire Department in 1983. On June 9, 1984, he married Karen Bleile at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Dan had a long career in The Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. He rose up through the ranks to become the Chief, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 2014. He was instrumental in establishing the Fire Training Center, the county wide 911 public radio system, modernizing the fire department fleet and a major addition to fire headquarters.

Dan also loved the outdoors. He and Karen were long-term members of the Dubuque Water Ski Club and the Ski Patrol at Sundown. They also spent many hours on the Mississippi River boating and spending time at Midtown Marina where they docked their boat. They also had a great love for dogs and together enjoyed their 8 dogs over the years.

Dan was a devoted mentor and teacher throughout his life. He provided guidance to many through the fire department as well to individuals interested in skiing whether it be snow or water.

He is survived by his wife Karen, a sister Mary Lou (Donnie) Jaeger of Asbury, a brother Russ Brown of Dubuque, a sister-in-law Kim (Darren) DeMoss of Dubuque a niece Deb (Jeff) Wilson and two nephews Duane and Dale Jaeger, two nieces Tarra (Adam) Etheredge and Teresa (Ryan) Johnsen, along with Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Dan Brown memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals, especially Dr. Caceres and the staff at Medical Associates along with the doctors and nursing staff in the ICU at MercyOne Medical Center for all of their care and compassion they showed.

Timothy J. Loomis

Timothy “Tim” Joseph Loomis, 60, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, surrounded by his siblings.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Tim will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tim was born October 1st, 1964, in Dubuque, IA to Harold and Joyce (Fishler) Loomis.  He was the middle child of five.

Tim graduated from Hempstead High School. He worked at various places over the years, Selco was one stop, but his last stop for 22 years was his favorite as a truck driver for Tucker Trucking.  He loved the people there and they loved him back.  They were very, very good to Tim even after his diagnosis of ALS.

Tim was always there if you needed help. His sense of humor and smile was contagious.  He never complained about all he was going through with ALS, and he was such an inspiration to all those he met.  We will miss his smile and hugs.  He loved the men of TMIY (That Man Is You) and wouldn’t miss a Saturday morning at Holy Spirit Parish.  He loved the Holy Spirit Parish CEW community.  Most importantly he loved our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his daughter, Holly (Skyler) Loomis-Stading of WI; his siblings, Garry (Julie) Redman, Sue (Mike) Polkinghorn, and Mike (Lisa) Loomis, all of Dubuque, and Harold (Donna) Loomis, Jr. of Ferndale, WA; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his step-son, DJ Peterson, and his parents and grandparents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aunt Rose for her countless hours helping Tim after he was diagnosed with ALS.

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

Ronald J. Mueller

Ronald J. “Bubba” Mueller, of Dubuque, passed away on his 77th birthday, February 22, 2025, at home with his loving family surrounding him.  To celebrate Ron’s life, committal services will be held in the chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1111 Davis Street, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Ron’s family.

Ron was born on February 22, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Loretta (Duehr) Mueller.

He was employed for 50 years as a Master Journeyman Electrician working for several companies and owning his own business, Mueller Electric.  He married Margaret Barry on September 16, 1980.  Ron was active in his community and a long time member of the Moose Lodge and IBEW 704.  “Grumpy” loved his family more than anything.  He also loved music, playing guitar, fishing, motorcycles, muscle cars, the Steelers, a good drink, a fine cigar and a good joke.

Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include

his loving wife,
Margaret Mueller, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Angela (Mark) Wessels, Dubuque, IA,
Ronald (fiancé Gina Linde) Mueller Jr., Baraboo, WI,
Benjamin Mueller Sr., Dubuque, IA
and Jonathan Mueller Sr., Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Kevin, Erin, Paige, Carissa, Kylee, Kelsey, Mary, Benjamin Jr., Francesca, Jonathan Jr., Levi, Brayden, Luella, Stella and Morgan;

and his great-grandchildren,
Odin, Jerome, Aurora, Aaliyah and Xander.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Mueller; a great-grandson in infancy, Donnie Mueller; and his sister, Elizabeth Mueller.

Ron’s family would like to thank all of his family and friends for their love and support.

Cards and memorials in Ron’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Ronald Mueller Family.

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

Constance Henkel

Constance “Connie” Henkel, 78, of Dubuque, died Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Connie will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Bill Biver officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Connie was born February 19, 1947, in Epworth, IA, the daughter of E. Connor and Amanda “Min” (Lehnhoff) Callahan. She was united in marriage to Gary Henkel on February 1, 1969.  

Connie worked as an X-ray technician for many years at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, as well as in Waterloo. She and Gary then owned and operated Garden & Blossom Shop in Galena, IL for 13 years. In her free time, Connie enjoyed knitting, doing crossword puzzles, and absolutely loved playing Bingo. Most of all, she was family focused. Spending time with Gary, her sons, and her grandchildren was her favorite pastime.

Survivors include her husband, Gary of Dubuque; two sons, Nick Henkel of Dubuque and Berry (Brenda) Henkel of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Stephen Henkel of Cuba City, WI, Darien Henkel of Dubuque, Connor Smith-Henkel of Dyersville, IA, Skylar Smith-Henkel of Dyersville, IA, and Ty Bartles of Dubuque; two great-grandchildren, Alana Lou and Ava; one sister, Shelia (Jim) Dougherty; four siblings-in-law, Joy White, Richard Henkel, Charles Henkel, and James Henkel; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Connie was preceded in death by a grandson, Devon Henkel; her son, Jayson Henkel; siblings, Tony, Pat, Mike, and one at birth; and siblings-in-law, Jean, Bob, Lee “Butch”, Sandra, Marian, Gail, and Lonnie.

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Connie’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Connie Wiederholt

Connie Wiederholt, 70, of Dubuque, died Thursday, February 20, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 12:45 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Connie will be 1:00 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.

Connie was born November 27, 1954, in Platteville, WI, the daughter of Jamie and Lola (Droessler) Dye. On October 23, 1976, she married Roger Wiederholt in Platteville.

Connie farmed for 35 years with her husband. She found joy in farming, raising her children, and watching her grandkids grow. As much as she loved the farm though, she never passed up the opportunity to get off the farm and take a trip. Connie never gave up on what she wanted to do when she grew up. After the kids were grown, she worked as a secretary, in food service at Clarke College, she then went to cosmetology school, then school to become a medical transcriptionist, as well as a barista at Starbucks and in the bakery at Charlotte’s in Dubuque. All of this while baking and decorating cakes for any and everyone. What she may be remembered most for though, was her ability to whip up a meal for numerous people at the drop of a hat with just what she had on hand in the house.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Wiederholt of Dubuque; four children, Louie (Jill) Wiederholt of Platteville, WI; Mike (Erica) Wiederholt of Hartland, WI; Curt (Angie) Wiederholt of Indianapolis, IN; and Judy Wiederholt of Dubuque; 13 grandchildren, Micah, Adriana, Levi, Arthur, Nathan, Ella, Raymond, Jack, Ben, Nolan, Luke, Avelyne, and Josh; five siblings, Mary Rose Kieler, Fred (Glenda) Dye, Bonnie Eustice, Janann Clark, and Beth (Chip) Rowedder; two brothers-in-law, Donnie (Joanne) Wiederholt and Eugene (Linda) Wiederholt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Steven J. Kaune

Steven “Steve” Joseph “Papa” Kaune went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025 after a long battle with kidney disease. A private family celebration to be held at a later date.

Steve was born November 25, 1951 to Melvin and Elizabeth (Betty) Kaune in Dubuque, Iowa. Steve attended Wahlert High School and graduated from Loras College. There were no strangers to Steve – to know him was to be his friend.

After college, Steve went on to work at the Dubuque Packing Co., FDL, and Farmland where he retired after a transfer in 2000 to the Wichita, KS area.

Steve married the love of his life, Karen Marie Kilkelly on October 7, 1977. Steve and Karen’s daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks of Goddard, KS and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari of Wichita, KS, meant the world to them until the grandchildren came along.

Steve was an avid softball player, spending many years organizing fast-pitch teams. He also enjoyed refereeing football and basketball where he was often remembered as a mentor to young coaches and countless young athletes.

After moving to Wichita, Steve became active in the area Master Gardeners Program.

Steve’s grandchildren were the light of his life. He would often give them rides to school, practices, and rarely missed a game even if he had to catch them online due to his health. There was often a fresh-baked cookie from the drive-through if the kids had a good day at school. He was the Greatest Papa to each of them in their own special way.

Steve was a friend to everyone he met, sending birthday wishes, uplifting memes and positive messages to people all over the country. If he knew someone needed a ride, he provided it, if he knew someone needed a visit, he visited. Early mornings were Steve’s favorite time of the day, and he spent his mornings sending texts and posts to help others start their day with joy.

Steve is preceded in death by his father and mother, father and mother-in-law, and brother-in-law Mike “Buck” Powers. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari; grandchildren, CJ and Breckin Reicks, Tallen Engels, Kiyan and Kyrie Kingari; six siblings; his in-laws; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and his life-long friend, Gerald “Beanie” Baumhover.

May Steve rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.