Obituaries Archive

Annette M. Schmitt

Annette M. “Nett” Schmitt, 83, of East Dubuque, IL passed away at home on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church.  The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Annette was born on September 14, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Regina (Nauman) Schueller.  She married John “Jack” H. Winchell on August 8, 1959, in Sherrill, Iowa and together they had four children, Julie, Steven, Robert and James.  Annette later united in marriage to Steven E. “Steve” Schmitt on April 19, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Annette was formerly employed with the Dubuque Community School District.  Thereafter, Annette was a partner with her husband, Steve, in an owner/operator trucking operation for North American Van Lines and later with Steve Schmitt Trucking Company, specializing in the transport and installation of fitness equipment in high-end health and fitness facilities located throughout the United States and parts of Canada.  Annette and Steve traveled and seen the entire country together.  She could easily provide travel routes before Google Maps even existed and she prided herself on being a five-foot female with a CDL who could drive 18-wheelers.

Annette loved the outdoors, especially the spring and summer seasons when she could cut her grass, watch her birds, cuss at chipmunks and raccoons, water and talk to her flowers to encourage them to grow.  Where most people may find themselves confounded, Annette had a natural talent and ability to make things grow.  Even though Annette couldn’t swim a single stroke if her life depended on it, she loved boating, fishing, and floating on the water or in a pool.  She took many fishing and camping trips to Cygnet Lake in Ontario, Canada. Annette was an avid NFL football fan.  She never really had a favorite team, but she preferred quarterbacks, where we suspect a player named “Aaron” was her boyfriend until a new guy named “Patrick” came along.  Annette liked to attend “mass” at the local casinos.  Finally, and most importantly, Annette loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are four (4) children, Julie Winchell, of Sterling, IL, Steven (Lou Ann) Winchell, of Prior Lake, MN, Robert (Kristine) Winchell of Dubuque, IA, James (Jody) Winchell, of East Dubuque, IL; six (6) grandchildren, Nicole (Sean) Winchell-Colby, Paulina (Kenny) Smith, Kayla (Tanner) Oglesby, Andrea (Sam) Burds, Ryan (Kate) Winchell, Andrew (Mariah) Winchell; four great-grandchildren, Tucker, Lucy, Sutton and Piper; her sibling Marilyn (James) Lansing; brothers-in-law, Louis McDonough and David Wernke; sister-in-law, Eileen Schueller.

Having members whom served this wonderful country of These United States of America, the family wishes to properly and appropriately say “thank you” to the East Dubuque Police Department and Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response, care and assistance.

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

Mary Lou Udelhofen

Mary Lou Udelhofen, 84, of Potosi, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Andrew Church, Tennyson, Wisconsin, with Rev. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Mary Lou was born on November 21, 1938, in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Margaret (Averkamp) Kieler. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. Mary Lou was united in marriage to Jerry Udelhofen on May 14, 1957, at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2019.

Mary Lou and Jerry worked hard on their dairy farm, while raising their children. Later on, Mary Lou and her sister, Nancy, took over Kieler’s Store and worked there for several years, until Mary Lou’s retirement. Mary Lou loved playing the piano for family at social gatherings. Mary Lou made friends wherever she went, and enjoyed traveling to St. Germain with family and friends. She loved going to all of her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. Everyone knew Mary Lou to be humble, selfless and kind to all.

Mary Lou is survived by a daughter, Gina (fiancé, Mike Wieland) Udelhofen, Potosi; two sons, John (Angie) Udelhofen and Pat (Wendy) Udelhofen, both of Potosi; a sister, Nancy Ames, Potosi; nine grandchildren, Markus (Nakila), Mitch, Nick, and Rachel (fiancé, Chase Wiggins) Reuter, Kristen and Andrew Udelhofen, and Alex, Ben, and Sam Udelhofen; four great-grandchildren, Lila, Deacon, Kaleb and Hazie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents. 

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

The family would like to thank Grant County Hospice for their care of Mary Lou.

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

Kenneth A. Welter

Kenneth A. Welter, 59, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at his home in Dubuque, Iowa,

Visitation for Kenny will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta.  Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services for Kenny will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was born December 1, 1963, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Donald and Shirley (Miller) Welter.  He received his education at St. John the Baptist Catholic School and is a 1982 graduate of Western Dubuque High School.  He was employed as a Mold Technician at Berry Global in Peosta for 35 years.

He was always on the go.  He loved duck and turkey hunting and his Elk hunting trips to Colorado with his buddies.  He enjoyed camping trips at Bloody Run, and his annual swap meets in Jefferson, WI.  He was a national champion in Taekwondo.  Kenny was a lifelong Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.  He was a classic car fan, especially of his ‘56 chevy and his ‘73 camaro.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tanya Welter (Blake Andresen) and Tabatha Schoenberger both of Dubuque, IA; three grandchildren, Alaina Stackis, Ace Schoenberger and Branson Andresen; his eight siblings, Kim (Mark) Willis of Farley, IA, Kathy (Jim) Mackedanz of Dubuque, IA, Karen (David) Robertson of Urbandale, IA, Kevin (Janice) Welter, Kent (Cindy) Welter both of Farley, IA, Kurt Welter of Dubuque, IA, Kelly (Tanya) Welter of Graf, IA and Kris (Dave) Koutsky of Milan, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

An online video tribute may be viewed, and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Burds, Dr. Hermann, and the Mayo Clinic for all the care and compassion they have given to Kenny.

Bonnie T. Ognibene

On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, the world lost an angel. Bonnie T. Ognibene passed away in her apartment in Dubuque, Iowa, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled. Her loved ones struggle to find the words to express just how much she meant to them, how central she was to their lives. She was a sister, a best friend, a mentor, a mother figure, and so much more, all in one. Yet, the legacy of her kindness and generosity lives on, and her loved ones and community are forever grateful for the time they were blessed to spend with her.

From a young age, Bonnie’s heart overflowed with compassion and love for those around her. As a child, she took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings, providing them with the love and attention they needed in a big family such as hers. As she grew older, her heart expanded to embrace her community. She provided childcare for the children in her New York neighborhood, taking care of them in every sense of the word. If a child skipped breakfast, Bonnie fed them a meal. If a little girl’s hair was tangled and uncombed, Bonnie braided it. And if a child’s family was struggling to make ends meet, Bonnie sent home a bag of groceries.

Whenever her family needed her, Bonnie was always there, no matter what. She took care of her grandson, raising him alongside her daughter so she could finish high school. Her siblings always knew they could count on her unwavering support, no matter what challenges they faced. Bonnie’s love was a constant source of comfort and strength for her family, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire them for generations to come.

Even in later years when she moved to her apartment in Dubuque, she still found ways to give. Surrounded by seniors just like her, she cooked for her neighbors and shared meals with them. Her joints and heart may have been tired, but her spirit remained undiminished. Bonnie was incapable of not giving, of not helping those in need.

Bonnie’s deep love for her family and friends was matched only by her unwavering faith. She lived a life devoted to God, and her kindness and compassion were an expression of that faith. She believed that we are all called to help one another, and she lived that truth every day.

And now, at last, Bonnie will be reunited with her beloved Charlie. They will spend eternity together, surrounded by the love that they shared for over 40 years. The world is a better place because Bonnie was in it, and her dynamic spirit and loving heart will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, dear Bonnie.

The Funeral Service for Bonnie will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Dave Roth officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Bonnie was born December 6, 1944, in New York, NY, the daughter of George C. and Josephine T. (O’Neill) Vahle. She was united in marriage to Charles J. Ognibene on September 27, 1970 in Queens, New York.

Survivors include her daughter, Bonnie Brozik of Lebanon, TN; grandson, Christopher (Brooke Schumann) Ognibene of Sun Prairie, WI; granddaughter, Emma Brozik of Lebanon, TN; siblings, Linda (Eugene) Hedberg of Greenlawn, NY; Patricia DeBiase of Ronkonkoma, NY; Joseph (Ana) Vahle of San Diego, CA; Judith (Barry) Lefkowitz of West Islip, NY; and Dennis (Karen) Vahle of Dubuque, IA; many nieces and nephews but especially her beloved nephews, Michael, Patrick, and Conner Vahle; and her granddog, Pepe.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Diane Trojcak, and one brother, George Vahle.

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

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

Donations can be made to the Bonnie T. Ognibene Memorial Fund, which can be mailed to the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002.

Kay A. Link

Kay Ann (Wolfe) Link, 90 of Epworth, passed away on Monday April 17, 2023 surrounded by her family at Accura Health Center in Cascade after a long battle with chronic lymphoma leukemia. She was the 2nd youngest of 13 children of Charles E. and Laura (Baehlor) Wolfe of Worthington.

Visitation for Kay will be held from 9 to 10:30 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.  Services for Kay will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

Her family lived on a farm south of Worthington for many years. They moved to Worthington in 1950. Kay received her education at St. Paul’s school in Worthington and graduated from high school in 1950. On December 28th, 1955 she was united in marriage to Donald Link of Farley. On January 1, 1956 they moved to Epworth where they owned and operated Link Feed Company for 50 years.

Kay was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Epworth where she served on the parish council, finance committee, lay minister, and assistant bookkeeper for many years She was also a member member of the Farley American Legion Auxiliary.

Kay and Don have 6 children, Kenneth (Sherry) of Rocky River, OH, Jean of Colorado Springs, CO, John (Kim) of Bernard, Alan (Deb) of Dyersville, Dale (Pam) of Farley, Steve (Karen) of Poplar Grove, IL. They have 9 grandchildren Craig Link (Raechel Bucher), Lauren (Matt) Blair, Natalie Link, Angie Link, Amy Link, Bryce (Jamie) Link, Amanda (Chris) Powers, Andrea Link, and Brody Link. Kay was survived by 1 brother Ronald, in-laws Lavern (Karen) Link, Elaine (Adrian) Korbel, Lois Link, Doris (Paul) Schreiber, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles & Laura (Baehlor) Wolfe, brothers and sisters, Florence (Eugene) McElmeel, Charles (Dorothy) Wolfe, Angeline (George) Jaeger, Eileen Kramer, Eleanor (Les) Rubner, LoraBelle (Francis) Knepper, Leon Wolfe, Urban Wolfe, William (Marcella) Wolfe, Wilma Wolfe, John (Grace) Wolfe. Her in-laws Alphonse (Leonetta) Link, Robert (Delores) Link, Delbert Link.

We would like thank Dr Herman, Dr, Prior and the oncology department, Dr Konz and the staff at Grand River Medical Group, the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, and the staff of Accura Health center.

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

Raymond A. Young

Raymond Austin Young, 77 of East Dubuque, IL passed away on March 16, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, IA. A celebration of life will be held at 4 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Galena Bible Church, Galena, IL. Military honors will be accorded following the service at the church by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The burial will be at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born July 7, 1945, in Chapel Hill, TN, the son of William and Mary (Walls) Young. Ray received a GED in the army and spent a few years at Harper Community College. He was drafted in 1966 and served in the United States Army Signal Corps serving as a Sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1968. Ray married Joan Elizabeth Monroe on July 2, 1966, at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago she preceded him in death on April 8, 2019. R

ay worked in the printing industry until he retired in the early 2000s and moved to Galena. He worked at Gasser Hardware, Galena for a couple of years. Ray will fondly be remembered first and foremost as a family man; Dad instilled the motto “You do for family”. He was an avid professional wrestling fan. Ray was “Mr. Fixit” and could fix anything. He always had a hat on whether that was a cowboy hat in the 80s or a Harley Davidson beret.

Ray is survived by his three children, Wendi Young-Watkins, and James Peter “JP” Young, both of East Dubuque, IL, and Raymond A. (Chris) Young, of Wausau WI, three granddaughters, Brittany Young, of Okinawa, Japan, Lily (Trevor) Young-Konkel of Wausau, and Abigail (Maddy) Young of Wausau, one brother Larry (Johnia) Young, of Bensenville IL and his many nieces, nephews and extended family both in Chicago and Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, six brothers and sisters, Bud, Molly, Jolly, Polly, Nancy, and Peggy.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to East Dubuque Fire and Rescue, the staff at Mercy One Hospital Dubuque and the University of Iowa Hospital, Medical ICU, Dr.s Sanchez and Lynn, and all his nurses, Alissa, Cami, Maddie, and Josie. You took such amazing care of Dad and our family.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Barbara E. Sprague

Barbara E. Sprague, 80 years old, of Galena, IL, and formerly of Western Springs, IL passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, March 17, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may gather after 10 AM until the time of service. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

She was born August 6, 1942, to Walter and Ellen Olson in Chicago and attended Lyons Township High School where she met her husband, Thomas C. Sprague.

Barb will be remembered for her green thumb, love of cats, monitoring consumption of her Nutter Butters inventory, and meals with her visiting family at Culvers.

She is survived by two sons, Steven (Barbara) of Downers Grove, IL, and Peter (Amanda Salfity) of New Palestine, IN; four grandchildren, Rebecca, Rachel, Adrianna, and Addison; a brother, Donald (Judie) Olson; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Safe Haven or The Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation in memory of Barb.

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

Dana C. Busch

Dana Catherine Busch, 53, of Minnetrista, formerly of Cedar Falls, Iowa, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, at her home.

She was born April 6, 1970, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Shirley (Hansen) Busch. She graduated from the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School in 1991. She serviced her community by volunteering in various ways. She truly enjoyed her work at the Cedar Falls MDA Office and at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Dana was a light of God’s love to all she encountered and brought smiles and laughter to many people in her life.

Survivors include her father, Chuck Busch of Minnetrista, MN; five siblings, Debra (Dan) Schultz of Dyersville, IA, Chuck (Veronica) Busch of Johnston, IA, Dawn (Jim) Pitts of Las Vegas, NV, Laurie Busch of Minnetrista, MN, and Lisa (David) Fisher of Minnestrista, MN; eight nieces and nephews; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dana is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Busch, and grandparents, Andrew and Helen Hansen and Joseph and Margret Busch.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Dubuque on Saturday, April 22 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, with the visitation starting at 9:00 AM, Mass at 10:00 AM with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial service will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Lunch will be held at The Hotel Julian Dubuque.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dana’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Terry J. Healy

Terry J. Healy of Dubuque passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11th 2023 at the age of 64.  To celebrate Terry’s life private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Terry, son of Robert and Yvonne (Janzig) Healy, was born on June 17th, 1958 in Dubuque, Iowa. Terry graduated from Senior High School and served in the US Army from 1976-1979. In 1988 he met his partner in life, Pam Kopp, and shortly after the two had Sherri, their only child together. Sherri was the pride and joy of Terry’s life.

Terry was truly one of a kind. He was best known for his hilarious impersonations, contagious sense of humor, skilled artistry and heart of gold. He was also a man of many hobbies: a self-taught artist, collector, dancer and bowler – achieving multiple 700 series and 300 games in his prime. He was a loyal Packer and Yankee fan and life-long music lover and Beatles fanatic. Terry was the life of the party and the man who would have given a stranger the shirt off his back. He will always be remembered for his whimsical spirit and genuine selflessness.

Those left to cherish Terry’s memory include:

Daughter, Sherri Healy, Belmont, CA
Step daughter, Shannon Bennett, New Hampton, IA;

Granddaughters,
Katelyn and Ashlyn Gross;

His siblings,
Mary (Ken) Melloy, Queen Creek, AZ
Pat (Mickey) Healy, Guttenberg, IA
Karen “Bitty” Healy, Dubuque, IA
Dan Healy, Dubuque, IA
Mike (Shelley) Healy, Dubuque, IA.

Terry was preceded in death by his partner Pam, his parents, his niece Abby Healy and his siblings Linda, Sherry, Kathy and Tim Healy.

The family would like to thank the emergency responders and Behr’s funeral home for their care, professionalism and kindness.

Doris A. Hoppman

Doris Ann (Kuhl) Hoppman, age 85, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at home with her family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 19^th at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish and St. Ann’s Society Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.  Visitation will also be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

Doris was born January 29, 1938 at Cuba City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Melvin W. and Marie A. (Neis) Kuhl.  She was united in marriage to Thomas W. Hoppman on August 1, 1959 at St. Joseph Church, Sinsinawa, WI.  He preceded her in death on March 13, 2006.

She was a graduate of St. Clara Academy, Sinsinawa, WI. Doris enjoyed Ceramic Painting, Reading, Camping and a good game of Euchre. She was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and it’s St. Ann’s Society.

Surviving are four children, Gayle (Jeff) Springer, Dubuque, IA, Todd Hoppman of East Dubuque, IL, Randy (Peggy Sue) Hoppman of Galena, IL, and Clark (Karen) Hoppman of Shullsburg, WI; fifteen grandchildren, Jason (Melissa) Hoppman, Matt (Becca) Hoppman , Tristan (friend Lexi) Springer, Tiffany (Nick) Theisen, Tyler (Tiffany) Springer, Tanner Springer, Jordan Hoppman, Jennifer (Josh) Redmond, Jason (Emily) Dalen, Joe (Kathy) Dalen, Sierra (fiancé Alec Metz) Hoppman, Kyle (friend Tiffany) Hoppman, Isaac (friend Maria) Hoppman, Brandon (friend Valerie) Hoppman and Jamie Hoppman; 14-great grandchildren and two on the way; her siblings, Glenda Miller of East Dubuque, IL and Dick (Terry) Kuhl of Cuba City, WI.; and several nieces and nephews, especially Gerry (Chris) Hoppman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Marie, her husband Thomas W. Hoppman, two sons, Marty and Gary, her in-laws, Phillip and Genevieve Hoppman, grandsons, Austin, Alex, and Randy Hoppman, Jr., brother and sister-in-law, Joe (Joan) Kuhl and brother-in-law, Bruce Miller, “and her cherished dog, Billie Jo, who was her greatest companion after Tom’s passing.”

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

George J. Simon Jr.

George J. “Junior” Simon Jr., 79 of Farley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Visitation for Junior will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m., the Farley Knights of Columbus rosary at 4 p.m. Farley Fire Department will meet in a body at 6:30 p.m., and the Farley American Legion Services will be held at 7:15 p.m., and Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial for Junior will be held on 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating.   Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa where full military honors will be afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656, and the striking of the four fives service afforded by the Farley Fire Department.

He was born on April 17, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of George M. and Mary (Hefel) Simon.  He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, Iowa. He was united in marriage on June 30, 1964, to Dorann Duschner at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa. Junior owned and operated Simon Feed Store and J & B Feed store in Farley, Iowa until his retirement in 2019.

Junior was an amazing man who was always smiling and spreading smiles along the way.  He played Santa Claus, and the couple played Santa and Mrs. Claus since he was young for organizations, the parish and many families in the area.  He was one of the best pranksters ever.  Junior had a memory of an elephant, he never forgot a joke and enjoyed telling them over and over. He was a gratitude in Volunteering in his community.  He served on the Farley Fire Department as a Firemen, Assistant Chief and Chief for a total of 47 years. He was also member of St. Joseph’s Parish, in Farley, where he also volunteered.  Junior was a Veteran having served in the United States Army Reserves. He was also member of the Farley American Legion Post #656, and the Farley Knights of Columbus Council #2001.

He also enjoyed camping with his friends, fire department buddies, and truly loved the annual fire department summer convention camp out, where he often played Santa Claus for Christmas in July.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dorann Simon of Farley; children, Amy (Lee) Steffen, Bill Simon and Kim Simon all of Farley, Angie (Daniel) Kramer, Ann (Charlie) Coyle, both of Epworth, Brenda (Jeremy) Fangmann of Peosta; 12 grandchildren, Christy Maiers, Carmen Rauen, Caitlin Richter, Craig Steffen, Alex Kramer, Ashley Kramer, Michael Coyle, Allison Oberbroeckling, Benjamin “B.J” Coyle, Hannah Fangmann, Ella Fangmann, and Natalie Fangmann; four great grandchildren, Ellie Rauen, Grady Rauen, Rhett Oberbroeckling, and Noelle Richter; eight siblings, Mary Kay Wolfe, of Clinton, Il., Anna Mae (Glen) Hardin of Peosta, Jean Ann Neyen, Donna (Joe) Daly, Lois (Paul) Rauen, Connie Simon, and Sandy Simon, all of Farley, and Marty Simon, of Manchester; His brother and sisters-in-law, Gene (Connie) Duschner of Farley, Iowa; and his number one employee, Tom Bell of Farley.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Thomas Simon, in 1941, and Roger Simon in 2020; a sister, Betty Simon in 2013; father and mother-in-law, Ben and Dorothy (Klaren) Duschner; two brothers-in-law, Robert Neyen, and Richard Wolfe; two sisters-in-law, Judy Simon, and Sr. Mary Benjamin Duschner PBVM; a niece, Britteny Duschner-Haferman; a nephew, Jayme Duschner; a great nephew, Dylan Hoefer.

Carol A. Bisping

Carol A. (Knobbe) Bisping, age 78, of Itasca, IL, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29th at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, with Fr. Steve Garner officiating.  Burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. on Saturday at the Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family.

Carol was born on April 24, 1944, in Dubuque, the daughter of Harry and Viola (Kieffer) Knobbe.

She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, Wahlert High School, and later N W Business College. After high school, Carol moved to Chicago, IL.  There she raised four children and at the age of 30 she went to school for an Assoc. Degree in Executive Accounting, it was a two-year program which she finished in 18 months. In addition, she was on the Dean’s List consistently, and was honored by Who’s Who among Vocational & Technical Students in America. She worked as a bookkeeper until she retired.

Carol loved to travel and did as much as possible with her sister, Joan Schroeder.

Surviving are three daughters, Diana Dragon, Donna (Dominic) Brandonisio and Darla (Gino) Bonanno; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; and her sister, Joan Schroeder of Henderson, NV; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Viola; her son Dean Knobbe, and her sister, Rosemary (Ferd) Reinhardt.

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

William J. Stecher

William J. “Bill” Stecher, 78, of Centralia, passed away Friday, April 14, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 1:30 p.m. Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Peosta, and will be live-streamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.  Fr. Michael Schueller will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Centralia. Military honors will be accorded by Dubuque County Amvets Post #13. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Bill was born April 30, 1944 at home in Lattnerville, Iowa, the son of Carl and Grace (Biggin) Stecher. When Bill was 5 years old, the family purchased a farm in Centralia where he resided for another 45 years. Bill was raised in a strong Catholic family and in his youth served as an altar boy and later an usher and lector. Bill’s devout Catholic faith sustained him throughout his whole life. Bill graduated from Western Dubuque High School at Peosta in 1962 where he played basketball and baseball. Upon graduation, Bill proudly served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1962-1968, and participated in the construction of the flood wall in Dubuque during his service. Bill briefly worked at Flexsteel and the John Deere Dubuque Works before committing to farming full time. He met Sharon Heacock at a dance at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.  Sharon and Bill married on April 27, 1968 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. Bill and Sharon owned and operated the dairy farm in Centralia for 25 years. Sharon preceded Bill in death on September 9, 2018, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on April 27, 2018.

After retiring from farming, Bill was a forklift operator at Georgia Pacific in Dubuque for 10 years. He later worked part-time delivering flowers for Flowerama and the Locust St. Hy-Vee, where he made many friends.

Bill was a member of the Dubuque County Amvets Post #13, The Knights of Columbus Rural Peosta Council #5513, Key City Corvettes, and a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Bill retired after 30 years of dedicated service on the Centralia Fire Department. He was a faithful blood/platelet donor with over 125 donations to the American Red Cross. Bill was an enthusiastic Euchre player, and was always up for a game of cards with his friends. He had enjoyed hunting, picking walnuts, making wine, collecting antique toys, gardening, fishing with Sharon and his grandsons, making raspberry pie, the Iowa Hawkeyes, car shows, baked beans, and visiting with anyone and everyone. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his children, Jody (Steve) Rausch, of Robins, IA, Kim (Calvin) Gilbert, of Cedar Rapids, and Al (Amy) Stecher, of Central City, IA; his grandchildren, Alex (Desirae Hesseltine) Himmelsbach, Austin Himmelsbach, Aaron Gilbert, and Jack and Jase Stecher; his great-grandchild, Wyatt Himmelsbach; his siblings, Tom (Suzanne) Stecher, of Peosta, and Suzanne Houselog, of Dubuque;  his sister-in-law, Shirley (Roger) Dalbkermeyer, of Dubuque, his sister-in-law, Sandy (David) Staat, of Lonoke, AR; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Sandra (Jack) Reimer; and his brother, Rev. Kenneth C. Stecher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centralia/Peosta Fire Department, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or make a blood donation to the American Red Cross.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center for taking excellent care of Bill.

Barbara E. French

Barbara E. French, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 13th, 2023, at Bethany Home.

Barb was born on September 17, 1936, in Roanoke, Virginia, the youngest daughter of Proctor Clifton and Mary Emma Hurst. After graduating from William Fleming high school, Barb attended Longwood College and graduated with a degree in education and then later received her Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. She married the love of her life, Thomas B. French, on July 1, 1961, in Roanoke, Virginia. After their marriage, Barb and Tom decided to take advantage of opportunities that took them to the West Coast for several years before arriving in Dubuque in 1970. Having new jobs and two young children, they decided that Dubuque seemed an ideal place to live, raise a family and put down their roots.

Barb will be remembered as a loving mother, great friend of many and an active member of the Dubuque community. She was a member and deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, served on the board at Mt Pleasant Home for many years and was a member of the auxiliary board of the Dubuque Symphony. She volunteered with Hospice of Dubuque, Du-ride, was a P.E.O. member and loved to play bridge with her friends. Barb loved to travel and she and Tom travelled often, visiting numerous countries. Their favorite trip was as passengers on a freighter which took them to many islands throughout the South Pacific.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Mary French (Frank Hiltebrand) and Mel Darbyshire (Amanda Auger). She was preceded in death by her husband and her son, Vaughan.

Her family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the staff of Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional care. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be directed to her family for a future charitable donation in her name.

Mike Switzer

Mike Switzer, 50, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Michael will be 10:30 am Monday, April 17, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dr. Kristian Kincaid officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Michael was born January 18, 1973, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Ronald Clarence Sr. and Eileen Marie Schmitt Switzer. On April 19, 1997, he married Denise Ella Curler. They later divorced.

He was a 1991 graduate of Hempstead High School.

Mike worked at Chicago Dubuque Foundry, before working as a shipping clerk at Bimbo Bakery where he worked for 26 years.

He was a member of the Bakery & Confectionary International Union and the GMP Motors Union 263-B. He loved to travel and go on road trips, either by motorcycle or car. His dream car was a 1969 Shelby GT Cobra. He was Dukes of Hazard fan and enjoyed watching car races and going to car shows at the fairgrounds, and finding Harley Davidson stores. On a warm sunny day, you would find Mike on his motorcycle for a ride and listening to music. He never knew a stranger but if you were, you wouldn’t be for long.

Survivors include Denise Switzer of Peosta, his ex-wife who he had a special relationship with; two daughters, Samantha Kay Curler-Switzer and Madalyn Elaine Lee Switzer, both of Peosta; his mother, Eileen Switzer of Dubuque; one brother, Ronald Clarence (Michelle) Switzer, Jr. of Dubuque; one sister, Cynthia (Tim) Schueller of Epworth; two brothers-in-law, Roger “Mike” (Cynthia) Curler of Dubuque, and James Curler of Platteville, WI; and two nieces, Nicole (Cody) Schmitt of Durango, and Tiffani (Kyle) Switzer of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexia, his father, Ronald, and his father- and mother-in- law, Roger and Sandra Curler.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family thanks the East Dubuque Police Department for their help and special family friend, Jenny Dazey, for her care and support. Also, thank you to Ben Roth at Roth Law Office, Adam & Theresa at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen, the staff at Dubuque Golf and Country Club, Dupaco, and Phil Watson Law Firm for helping us through this time.

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

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