Obituaries Archive

Ronald J. Droeszler

Ronald “Ron” J. Droeszler, 70, of Sabula, IA formerly of Dubuque, passed away on May 20th, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Ron was born on January 14, 1952, in Platteville, WI the son of Harlan and Eileen (Kerkenbush) Droeszler. He married Debra Frick on May 12th, 1975 in Dubuque, IA.

He worked many years at Eagle Window and Door until retirement, then he went on to work at United Clinical Labs and Sams Club to keep him busy part time.

Ron loved painting, playing cards and dice especially with Ariana, going to the casino, and spending time with the fur grandbabies.

He is survived by his wife Deb; his children Amy (Mike) Reiter and Sara (Darren) Schmidt; grandchildren Ariana and Nathan; his brother, Robert (Jane) Droeszler; his sisters: Barb Dean, Mary and Nancy Droeszler, Ann (Phil) Mowbray, Vicky (Dan) Long, as well as many nieces and nephews

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his parents in-law Walter & Iola Frick, a sister in infancy Susie; a nephew Wesley Droeszler; and in-laws Chuck (Diane) Frick, Sharon (Ted) Lightcap, and Dalven Dean.

In lieu of flowers, a Ronald J. Droeszler memorial fund has been established.

Thank you to Dr. Christopher Stille and all the staff at Medical Associates, and to Dr. Rezny and staff at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and SNICU for all their care and kindness they have to Ron and his family.

Shirley K. Current

Shirley K. (Nabb) Current, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday morning, May 21, 2022, at St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, May 27, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the services, and burial will be at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

Shirley Kay Current was born on April 7, 1944 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Clyde and Neoma (Bickford) Nabb.  She was a 1962 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married Richard Dean Current in 1963 and to this union two children were born, Pamela and Cory.

Shirley had worked for the Jackson County Credit Bureau, Hughes Transport, 21 years at U.S. Bank, and lastly for RCS Computers and Appliance.

Shirley loved quilting, embroidery, travel, putting puzzles together, stamp and coin collecting, stock car racing, playing bingo and slot machines, Christmas all year round, and most importantly spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Richard Current of Maquoketa, IA; children, Pamela (Marty) Eganhouse of Anamosa, IA, and Cory (Scarlet) Current of St. Louis, MO; brothers, Alvin (Penny) Nabb of Colorado Springs, CO, and Lloyd (Shauna) Nabb of Maquoketa, IA; and 3 grandchildren, Micayla of Cedar Rapids, IA, Derek of Anamosa, IA, and Rebekah of Chico, CA.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Shirley K. Current memorial fund has been established.

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

James N. Speltz

James “Jim” Nicholas Speltz, 85, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday May 19, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday May 25, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Steve Rosonke officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League at St. Anthony’s after Mass. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday May 25, at the church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Jim was born on September 4, 1936, in Farley, Iowa to Ralph and Mary Agnes (McDermott) Speltz. He attended St. Columbkille’s school in Dubuque. He was a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran who served from 1954-1957 and was a member of the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Every birthday and Christmas his family would compete to surprise him with the best Marine Corps memorabilia to see his pride shine through, “Semper Fi.” Jim married his wife Nancy Hinkel on October 5, 1963. After he returned from the service, he was a barber and worked at the Dubuque Packing Company. After retirement he enjoyed traveling around in his van visiting small towns in the area and collecting antiques. He brought home many antiques to give to his family. He refurbished antique furniture in his shop at home while listening and singing along with his favorite oldie’s music. Jim was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan and loved to watch the games with his family and friends and he also enjoyed playing sports with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy Speltz of Dubuque, four children William (Julie) Speltz of Missoula, MT, Robert (Dawn) Speltz of Cedar Falls, IA, Ann (Tim) Gourley of Dubuque, and Timothy Speltz of Rockford, IL, nine grandchildren Christina Gourley of Dubuque, Mitch (Sarah) Speltz of Rockford, Samantha Speltz of Scottsdale, AZ, Brianna (Tyler) Verlanic of Missoula, MT, James Gourley of Colorado Springs, CO, Josie Speltz of Chicago, IL, Joseph (Caroline) Gourley of San Diego, CA, Virginia Speltz of Rockford, IL, and Willem Speltz of Rockford, IL, two great grandchildren Bauer Speltz of Missoula, MT and Emerson Verlanic of Missoula, MT, four sisters Joan Lampe, Nancy Frommelt, Bonnie Stender, and Sharon (Gerald) Lochner, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Agnes and Ralph, sister Coletta Tigges, brothers-in-law Cletus Tigges, Earl Lampe, John Frommelt, and Thomas Stender, and nephew TJ Stender.

The family would like to thank the nurses and CNAs at Stonehill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for their support and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Centralia-Peosta Volunteer Ambulance Services and Hospice of Dubuque.

Allen J. Schubert

Allen J. Schubert, 88, of Dubuque died Saturday, May 21, 2022.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory where visitation will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Allen was born April 12, 1934 in Dubuque, son of John and Violet (Dohse) Schubert.

After graduating from Dubuque Senior High School in 1953, he went to work for the Dubuque Packing Company, where he worked for 29 years.  He then worked for Unique Balance for ten years.  Throughout his working life he also operated as a commercial fisherman with his son Joe, catching and selling catfish to local restaurants.

On April 16, 1955, he married Patricia “Jean” Lyons at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West.  She preceded him in death on August 26, 2006.

He enjoyed a good game of euchre, hunting, competitive trapshooting, and traveling.  He attended Holy Spirit Parish with his special friend, Donna.

He is survived by his special friend, Donna Neyen-Shea of Dubuque; four children, Andy (Lucy) Schubert of Tucson, AZ, Joe (Patty) Schubert of St. Charles, IL, Patty (Mark Prindle) Schubert of East Dubuque, IL, and Carolyn (Dave McLauchlan) Schubert of Bull Valley, IL; seven grandchildren, Heather (A.J.), Holly, Hannah, Robert, Christina, Jason and Renee; and a great granddaughter, Norah.

He is also survived by his siblings, Shirley Bahl, Mary Lou (Richard) Bradley, Elda (Tom) Kuehn, Sandy (Tim) Fiedler and sister in law, Irene McDermott.

He was also preceded in death by three children, Tina, Tara, and Arnold Schubert; a brother, Johnny Schubert; sister in law, Grace (Raymond) Mueller; two brothers in law, David Bahl and Kenny Droullard; and cherished nephew, Steven Bradley.

Memorials may be given to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Tory R. Den Herder

Tory R. Den Herder, 60, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away at his home on Friday morning, May 20, 2022.

A private family visitation will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.  There are no public services planned at this time.

Tory Ross Den Herder was born on December 26, 1961 in Sheldon, Iowa, to Merle and Joyce (Thompson) Den Herder.  Tory lived in Boydon, Iowa until moving with his family to Maquoketa in June of 1973.  He was a 1981 graduate of Maquoketa High School.

Tory was a veteran of the United States Navy earning an honorable discharge.  For almost 25 years he has been employed with Sonac in Maquoketa in the maintenance department.

Tory enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.   He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and liked being outdoors fishing and camping.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Ashley Den Herder of CO, Zachary (fiancé Samantha) Den Herder of Taylor Ridge, IL, and Shelby Den Herder of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Renea (Doug) Yarolim of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren, Vivian, Bryce, Lincoln and Malia; one niece and two nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle on April 14, 1996 and Joyce on April 3, 2022, and a special nephew, Jacob Yarolim on June 18, 2006.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Tory R. Den Herder memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Freida M. McConnell

Freida Mae McConnell, 81, of East Dubuque, Ill., passed away Sunday, May 22, 2022, peacefully at home. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 26, at Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery, with a service following at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge 355, Dubuque. A private burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Freida was born Aug. 6, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the second out of seven siblings. She graduated Dubuque Senior High in 1957. Freida married James “Jim” McConnell on April 27, 1957, at St. Joseph Church by Monsignor Martin. She worked for the Dubuque County Extension Office as a part of the Iowa State University and helped set up rural families with electricity. She then worked at Clarke College for the student union, where she retired at 54.

Freida enjoyed gardening and earned the Master Gardener title in 2005. She also liked playing euchre at the Moose Lodge, where she was a member, and playing the gold course at Lacoma Golf Course. She traveled throughout the United States and visited France. She taught her family many valuable lessons and she will be dearly missed by those who loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jim McConnell; children, Jim Jr. McConnell of Dubuque, Jeanne (Ernie Albertsen) Noel of Colorado Springs, Colo.,Gary (Annette) McConnell of Evansville, Ind., and Steven (Karen) McConnell of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Paul, Jill, Michael, Matthew, Jeffrey, Kate and Nicole; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-step-grandchildren; and her best friend Illa McDermott.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leroy Husemann (Maureen) and Albert Husemann; her sister, Judy Barnes; nephew, Terrance O’Toole; and niece, Karen Scremen.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the nurses at Hospice of Dubuque and the care nurses Jennifer, Peggy and Stephanie gave her.

In lieu of flowers and donations, please plant a flower in your garden.

Beverly L. Koester

Beverly (Bev) L. Koester was born January 17th, 1956, to Mary Irene Lookhart and Floyd Jordan Hankins in Bakersfield California. Bev passed away on May 19th, 2022, at SSM Health Monroe Hospital, Monroe, WI.

Bev was married to Charles C. Koester on November 25th, 1995. Bev was a well-respected bus driver, loving wife, and mother to three. Bev loved traveling, playing Euchre, walking, and washing the bus. Bev had a big heart full of love for animals and children.

Bev is survived by her husband Charles Koester of Scales Mound, Illinois; brother Rick Hankins of Bakersfield, California; one son: Wesley (Denyse) Dearmore of Bakersfield, California; Two daughters: Patricia (Sean Dusenberry) Dearmore of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Charlie (Mike Schultz) Koester of Stockton, Illinois; Two granddaughters; Brittany (Nathan Smith) Bergman of Bakersfield, California; Brooke (Kyle Cravanas) Bergman of San Leandro, California; Two grandsons; Hunter Cooper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Skyler Dearmore of Bakersfield, California; Two Great Granddaughters; Perri and Camille; and Two Great grandsons; Rocco and Baby Schultz. Bev is also survived by one step-daughter and 5 step-sons, their spouses, their children and grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and her in-laws Clyde and Ada Koester.

There will be a Celebration of Life Tuesday May 24th, 2022, at the Scales Mound Town Hall from 3-7 PM. Memorial gifts can be sent to 115 East Schuyler Ave Scales Mound, IL 61075. The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound, IL. Is serving the family.

Carol S. Vaassen

Carol Sue Vaassen, 57, of Dubuque passed away Friday, May 20, 2022, at home surrounded by family. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, at St. Raphael Cathedral with Fr. Martin Coolidge officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24th, followed by visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Carol was born on October 12th, 1964, the daughter of Walter and Norma (Herting) Krug. She graduated from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA, in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in art and social work. She married Steven Vaassen on April 15th, 2000, in Dubuque. Carol was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 31 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, Sister, and friend. She always put others ahead of herself and her faith led her life.

She is survived by her husband Steven; children, Ellen (Austin) Hasken, Nicholas (Emilee Keller) Vaassen, and Benjamin (Jamie Lynn) Vaassen, Jeremy (April) Vaassen, Cory (Stephanie Hag) Vaassen. 5 grandchildren Cameron and Kyan Vaassen, Nora and Via Vassen, and Audrey Hasken. Three sister’s Carla (Del) Heffner, Cathy Fenelon, Janet (Jay Avenarius) Krug. Two brothers; Jon Krug, and Steve Krug. Four sisters-in-law Cindy Wiederhold, Jan Vasseen, Mary Siegenthaler, Nikki (Cole) Kaiser. Two brothers-in-law; Jamie (Amanda) Vaassen, Tommy (Kelly) Bastis, step mother-in-law, Patricia Mundschenk, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, a brother David in infancy, Parents-in-law; Gilbert and Marion Vaassen, sister-in-law, Julie (Peach) Hasken, brothers-in-law Marty Vaassen, and Jerry Wiederhold.

In lieu of flowers, a Carol Sue Vaassen memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Dubuque and of The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the great care they gave to Carol.

Paul “Keith” Shearer

Paul “Keith” Shearer, age 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully March 14th, 2022, with family at his side.

A visitation will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 on May 28th at Egelhof, Siegert, & Casper Funeral home, 2659 John F Kennedy Road, with a Celebration of Life at 3:30. Burial will immediately follow in Linwood Cemetery, where a graveside service will be held and Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Post 6.

Keith was born January 21st, 1928, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Paul and Genevieve Skoog. He and his sister Barbra were adopted and raised by their aunt and uncle, Velma and Ralph Shearer. They lived in Charles City, Fort Dodge, and Sioux City, Iowa. Keith Graduated from Sioux City East High school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1946. Keith was a veteran of WWII, and served in the Korean War. When he returned from Korea he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Keith then attended the University of Iowa on the GI Bill. It was at the U of I that he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Weuve. They both graduated from the University of Iowa in June of 1954 and were married that September at Minerva Methodist church in Albion, Iowa.

Keith loved and cherished his family. Family vacations to the lake of the Ozarks and ski trips to Wisconsin, UP of Michigan, Colorado and Montana are fondly remembered. He loved boating on the Mississippi river and taught many neighborhood kids, family, and friends to water ski. Keith loved technology and his household had the first color TV on the block where neighbors gathered to watch the first man walk on the moon in July 1969. Keith fondly recalled having coffee every weekday morning with friends since 1965 until Valentine’s Day of this year when he was admitted to the hospital.

Keith took his military and community service leadership roles very seriously. He was past president of the Snomad Ski Club and was instrumental in the building of their club house in 1980. He was a revered member and past president for the Sertoma Club. He was a board member and led the committee that purchased the new parsonage at St. Luke’s United Methodist church. He served on the Dubuque Community School Board for two terms, from 1990-1993, serving as vice president for his second term. Keith was very proud to serve his country as a Marine and showed this in many ways. “As long as you’re a veteran, it’s important, as long as I could stand up, I did it”. He was past Commandant of the Marine Corp League of Dubuque, past Commander of the American Legion Post 6, co-chair for the Memorial Day parade, where he also marched with the Marine veterans. He was active in the honor guard where he made sure every little bit of the ceremony was meaningful. He was also a dedicated volunteer for Toys for Tots. Keith went to Washington, DC on the honor flight in October of 2010 and received a Quilt of Valor on Flag Day 2016. His proudest achievement late in life was the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza on Chaplain Schmitt Island. He was part of the group of founding veterans that planned, fundraised, designed and built the original version of the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza. Keith was also a dedicated pet therapy volunteer. He and his beloved chihuahua, “Teeny Tiny Tina”, visited many nursing homes for several years with fellow volunteer Mary Haskin.

Keith is survived by three children, Sally Shearer, Paul (Mary Sue) Shearer, and Peter (Tami Hodge) Shearer; 15 grandchildren, Catie (Pete) Metz, TJ Sanders, Andrew Sanders, MaryGrace (Nick) Fagen; Timothy ‘Kip’, Benjamin (Rio), Mary Erin, and Rebekah (Kevin Niehaus) Shearer; Jacob (Caroline), Madeline, Eleanor, and Sophia Shearer; Alexandra (Kevin) Chritz, Brittany (Tristan Chan), and Taylor (Greg Scholin) Werges, and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Barbra Link, half-sisters, Kay Ouverson and Jeanne Skoog, half-brother David (Judy) Kentner, brother and sister in-law Bill and Monna Weuve, and dear friends Bob Feeney and Jill X. He was preceded in death by his wives Mary Lou Shearer and Gloria Shearer, one son, Steven Werges, a daughter- in-law, Cindy Werges, brother Donn Forrest, sisters-in-law Paula Forrest, Janet Doyle, Elizabeth Wilson, brother-in- law Gene Ouverson, half-brothers, Mark (Marsha) Kentner and Dale (Judi) Skoog.

Keith’s family extends a special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Mohr and her staff, the staff at ‘The Rose’, the staff at Manor Care, and Hospice of Dubuque. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you to the Egelhof Siegert Casper funeral home for your assistance during this difficult time, it is greatly appreciated. And last, but not least, thank you to the Maid Rite restaurant staff for all your years of friendship and kind service.

Memorials may be directed to Dubuque Humane Society and Hospice of Dubuque in Keith’s memory. Please share a memory of Keith at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
And as dad always said, “see you later alligator.”

Colleen E. Meyers

Colleen Erin Meyers, 26, of Peosta, died Wednesday, May 18, 2022 of unknown causes.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Colleen will be 11:00 am Friday, May 27, 2022, at St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Church with Father Martin Coolidge as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Colleen was born November 26, 1995, in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Ronald P. and Susan Willoughby Meyers.

She attended Wahlert Catholic High School and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines, IA in 2014. Following high school, she worked in the food industry. She was a hard worker and experienced various roles in the industry. Colleen was a team player and would work in whichever area was needed that day.

Family was always her number one priority. She was a fierce protector to all those she cared about. She was of the Roman Catholic faith. She loved God and was a very prayerful person. She loved to bake and cook, but disliked the cleanup that followed. She was creative, and enjoyed painting, movies and music. She appreciated nature and took pleasure in gardening. She found happiness with animals, especially dogs and birds. She took great pride in being aunt Coco to the “bub” club. Her little sunshine is and always will be her godson, Gage.

Survivors include her parents, Ronald and Susan Meyers of Peosta; one brother, Kevin (Stephanie) Meyers of Dubuque; one sister, Caitlin (Steven) Ihm of Iowa City, IA; her three nephews, Gage, William, and Ryder; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donald and Pearl Meyers and Thomas and Rita Willoughby.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for NAMI Dubuque (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to close friends, Jim and Diana Alton for loving and supporting Colleen all of her life.

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 Colleen’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Irvin V. Manternach

Irvin Victor “Irv” Manternach, formerly of Dubuque, courageously ended his hard fought battle with melanoma on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in Cedar Falls, IA.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm June 8, 2022 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a memorial service at 4 pm.

Irvin was born January 10, 1942 to Mathias and Matilda (Faber) Manternach in Monticello, IA and was raised on a farm near Cascade, IA.

After high school, he served in the Army National Guard at Fort Dix. He then returned to Iowa and worked on the family farm until 1965 when he began a 30 year career at John Deere in Dubuque. During this time, he raised three children in Sherrill. After retirement, he became a licensed realtor, travelled to Poland, China, and Brazil as part of the Friendship Force, and served on the Dubuque Arts Council. He married Lugene Johnson on November 24, 2007 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, and moved to Cedar Falls. Irv and Lu loved to dance and to travel, and spent their winters in Texas.

He was a fixer and a builder. At the time of his cancer diagnosis, he was restoring his father’s two-cylinder John Deere tractor in the garage he built. He had a mischievous sense of humor and was a talker to anyone who encouraged him.

Irvin is survived by his wife of 15 years, Lugene Johnson, of Cedar Falls, his three children Theresa (Derek) Harsen, Kathy Manternach, and Matt (Trista) Manternach, all of Cedar Rapids, two grandchildren, Madison and Caleb Manternach, his sisters, Carlyn Sellner, Judith Puetz, and Sharon Manternach, 12 nieces and nephews, step-sons, Troy (Beth) and Trent Johnson, step-daughter Rhonda (AJ) Jennings, and several step-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Janaan Funke, two brothers-in-law, David O. Funke and James Sellner, niece Janita Sellner, and nephew, Dean Funke.

Online condolences may be left for the family at egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Memorials may be made to the Irv Manternach Memorial Fund.

Irvin asked to send a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic for their high quality care that made him their longest surviving stage 4 metastatic melanoma patient.

Jean Ann Mueller

Jean Ann Mueller, 76, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Jean will be held after 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where services for Jean will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Deacon Mark Otting presiding.

She was born November 3, 1945 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Rex and Luella (Graham) Brammer.  She was employed at the Ertl Company for 25 years and later at Theisen’s in Dyersville for 23 ½ years. She loved to work and travel often.  She also enjoyed playing games, cards and dice.  She had a great sense of humor and shared it quite often.  She was an avid bowler and golfer.

She is survived by three children, Jay Sroka of Farley, IA, Tim (Cari) Sroka of Epworth, IA and Joe (Esmerelda) Sroka of Pheonix, AZ; and 4 grandchildren, Noah, Lila, Micah, and Dylan; one brother, Gary (Joan) Brammer of Glendale, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild, Luca.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Gladys Elgin

Gladys Elgin, 85, of Peosta, Iowa and formerly of Dyersville and Bankston, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at her home in Peosta, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

Visitation for Gladys will be held from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m., on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the Funeral Home.

Services for Gladys will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 23, 2022, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Dennis Quint presiding and Rev. Phil Gibbs concelebrating.  Burial will be held in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa.

She was born April 19, 1937, in Luxemburg, Iowa, daughter of Edward and Agatha (Clemen) Lake.  She is a graduate of St. Boniface High School in New Vienna, Iowa.  On August 27, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert Elgin at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, Iowa.  The couple farmed in the Bankston area, Gladys was a true farm wife, she helped with planting, harvesting and daily chores on the farm.

Gladys was an excellent seamstress, over the years she made multiple quilts for family members and several baby quilts for her grandchildren.  She had a true passion for cooking and baking, and made sure a guest never left without eating, she used to do catering with Rosie Kruse.  She loved spending time with her family and always had time to play games with the grandchildren.

She was a former member of St. Francis Xavier parish in Dyersville and was a current member of Resurrection Parish in Dubuque, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Elgin of Peosta; five daughters, Susie (Dave) Wilson of Earlville, Sherry (Craig) Osterhaus of Dyersville, Sarah (Cary) Schroeder of Lena, IL, Sharlene (Kevin) Kline of Dubuque, and Sheila (Marty) Krapfl of Dyersville; 14 grandchildren, Lindsey (Matt) Koelker, Michael (Ashley) Wilson, Nick (Kaitlyn) Wilson, Tony (Jaclyn) Osterhaus, Jessica (Jason) Nolting, John (Abigail) Schroeder, Christin (Dana) Keeffer, Casey (Bri) Schroeder, Austin (Megan) Kline, McKenzie Kline, Robby Krapfl, Josh Krapfl, Zach Krapfl, and Allison Krapfl; 21 great grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters, Alice Mae Schieltz of Luxemburg and Joann Besler of Hopkinton; a sister-in-law, Wilma Lake of Dyersville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosemary Kruse of Bankston, Willis and Dot Elgin of Delaware, LouAnn Deutmeyer and Sharon Ludwig both of Dyersville, Marvin Elgin of Bankston, Betty and Dave Ludwig of Worthington, Linda Elgin of Dubuque, Madonna and Dan Gibbs of Farley; a sister-in-law, Mae Elgin of Dyersville and a brother-in-law, Vince Ehrlich of Dubuque.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, James and Edward Lake; two sisters, Esther Klostermann and Grace Marie Schieltz; brothers-in-law, Floyd Klostermann, Bill Besler, Jerry Schieltz and Edwin Schieltz; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy Elgin, Grace and Larry Davis, Diane Ehrlich, Darlene and Ralph Kramer, James and Theresa Elgin, Danny Kruse, Don Elgin, Tom Ludwig and Bill Deutmeyer.

A Gladys Elgin memorial fund has been established.  Anyone unable to attend may send memorials to Reiff Funeral Home, ATTN:  Gladys Elgin family,   P.O. Box 271, Dyersville, Iowa  52040.

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

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Hillary and Peg for all their care and support.

Ron V. Blume

Ron  V. “Bum”  Blume, 72, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Ron was held from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

Services for Ron were held at 1:00 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Concelebrating was Rev. Aloysius Vorwald.   Lector was Dave McDermott.  Placing of the pall was done by Marian Blume, Tracy Blume and Chris Blume.  Giftbearers were Val Lehmann and Nicole Salyer.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Casketbearers for Ron were rick Nauman, Steve Driscoll, Gary Petsche, Julous Barnhart, Dave Blume, Mike Blume, Brad Brady and Kevin Willis.

Ron was born May 23, 1949 in Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Ronald V. and Dorothy (Karas) Blume.  He received his education in the Edgewood-Colesburg area schools, later attended NICC in Peosta, Iowa where he received a degree in Carpentry.  On March 23, 1972 he was united in marriage to Marian McDermott.

Ron was employed at John Deere until his retirement in 1999.   Ron was a very giving person and had enlisted in with the Organ Donor program.  Ron continued to work hard every day all day long in some way, he worked hand in hand with the bread give-away program.  He was steward of the “Little Library” program in Epworth, as he was a very community based.  At Christmas time they collected Christmas hats for Camp Courageous residents, they had so many they passed extra’s on to area nursing homes.

He was a true outdoors man, he loved hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and yard work.  His yard and flower gardens were his pride and joy, he shared his flowers with many people.  He could always be seen driving the streets of Epworth on his Raiders golf cart.  He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and his grand puppy, Bandit.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth, for which the couple served as leaders of the Altar and Rosary society for 6 years, he was also a member of the UAW local #94.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Blume of Epworth; a daughter, Tracy Blume of Epworth; a son, Chris (Christin) Blume of Sycamore, IL; 4 grandchildren, Karas and Ty Weidenbacher, Bode and Haddie Blume; three brothers, Bill (Phillis) Blume of Mineral Point, WI, John (Joyce) Blume of Colesburg, and Randy Blume of Hazelton, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Lizbeth Blume.

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

Edward B. Atkinson II

Edward B. “Eddie” Atkinson II, 63, of Dubuque Iowa passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 17, 2022 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  He fought a courageous 15-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, but was unable to overcome complications from Graft Vs Host Disease (GVHD).

Visitation will be from 9:00am to 12:00pm Saturday May 21, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 12:00 pm.  Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Eddie was born on December 30, 1958 in St. Louis, MO the son of Edward B Atkinson Sr and Peggy Sue Rommelman.  He met the love of his life Brenda Murphy through his sister Lisa.  They were inseparable and after a short six-months Eddie said “you pick the date and I’ll pick the time.” They were married on June 29, 1979.

Eddie moved the family from Shreveport, Louisiana to Dubuque in Iowa in 1994 where he started work for ERTL and then in 1998 went to work for First Gear.

Eddie enjoyed camping the last few years with Brenda in their campers “Loretta and Maggie” They took the grandkids on a special camping trip every year. Eddie was always around to help out with fixing things, remodeling or giving advice to his kids.  Anything Brenda envisioned he made happen, which included crafts, especially ones with spray paint and glitter.  He completed his last craft with the family minutes before passing. In October of 2021 Eddie finally got his little yellow 2 seater car named “June”.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Brenda, two children Trey (Amber) Atkinson, Chandra (Aaron) Kono, six grandchildren Brooklynn (14), Bryce (13), Jersey (12), Bristol (9), Liberty (4), and Charlie (4). His mother-in-law Lavonne (Rick) Thompson; one sister Barbara (Ray) Lambert; brother-in-law Dane (Susan) Murphy along with many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, two sisters; Lisa Lee and Lori Forbes, maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family would like to express a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Stem Cell Transplant Unit, 3JCP, at the University of Iowa Hospital for their love and dedication in caring for “Ed” over the last 15 months.