Obituaries Archive

Richard J. Udelhofen

Richard J. Udelhofen, 76, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Richard was born on April 2, 1947 in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Francis “Sank” and Jean (Ryan) Udelhofen. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary “Sue” Laufenberg, on October 11, 1969, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2003.

Richard was a parts manager at Runde Chevrolet for 31 years, both at East Dubuque and Cuba City. He was an avid fisherman who loved bass fishing with family and friends. Richard enjoyed Wisconsin Badgers sports and liked watching games. He liked to watch the little animal friends that he fed and enjoyed on his back patio. Richard was always willing to help his neighbors. He enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons, Austin and Devin, and special niece, Shawna.

Richard is survived by his son, Rich (Laura) Udelhofen, Platteville, WI; two grandsons, Austin Udelhofen, Benton, WI, and Devin Udelhofen, Platteville, WI; a special niece and goddaughter, Shawna Laufenberg, Cuba City; three sisters, Sr. Mary Jean Ryan, SSM, St. Louis, MO, Joan Brown and Joyce Farrey, both of Cuba City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary “Sue” Udelhofen; his parents, Francis and Jean Udelhofen; two brothers-in-law, Donald Brown and Ralph “Sonny” Farrey; and a nephew, Donnie Brown. 

The family would like to thank Christy Willis and the staff of Medical Associates, Cuba City, and the staff of 3West of MercyOne Dubuque.

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

Norma M. Brimeyer

Norma M. Brimeyer, age 88, of  Sherrill, Iowa, passed away suddenly and peacefully in her sleep on Easter morning, Sunday April 9, 2023 at home.  To honor Norma’s wishes private family services and burial will be held at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Sherrill. Behr Funeral Home is assisting her family.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Norma was born on April 14, 1934, in Wisconsin, daughter of Jack and Ida (Maring) Weisenberg.

We lost a beautiful soul.  She was an excellent baker and cook, and loved baking.  Everything was made from scratch and she could literally make something out of nothing. Over the years she made hand-made quilts for all of her family, and they are beautiful.  She also crocheted and knitted lovely doilies and scarves.  Norma was incredibly talented and enjoyed many craft projects.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish Norma’s memory include
her children;
Reynold Brimeyer,
Karen (Russell) Duve,
Elaine (Tom O’Shea) Fortmann,
John Brimeyer,
Alan Brimeyer, all of Dubuque.

19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;

Norma was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband, Gilbert;
a sister, Leila Maring;
a brother, Duke Weisenberg;
3 daughters,
Linda Bauer, Janice Baxter and Mary Brimeyer

Norma’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Herman for his care during her illness, as well as Dr. Obbink and Dr. Runde for all their care.

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

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

Donald A. Guler

Donald A. “Don” Guler, 88, of Dubuque passed away Saturday April 8, 2023, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until noon with a funeral service beginning at noon on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Karen Candee officiating.  Military Honors will follow by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery.

Don was born on February 7, 1935, in Dubuque, the son of Donald and Idel (Atkinson) Guler. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and then entered the U.S. Navy along with his brother (Loren) and served from 1954 to 1958. After his service he returned to Dubuque and on May 23, 1958, he married Ellen Glasson at Summit Congregational UCC Church. He worked in construction with his dad and brother for a few years before he began his 30-year career with the Milwaukee Railroad until his retirement.

He was an avid antique tractor puller and attended and pulled in many events with the Hawkeye Antique Tractor Club along with his brother-in-law Carl Finzel. He also enjoyed traveling, especially the trips to Georgia (Tony) and California (Doug) to enjoy family time.

He is survived by his wife Ellen, three sons Doug (Shari) Guler of Folsom, CA, Tom (Judy) Guler of Dubuque, and Tony (Leslie) Guler of Grovetown, GA, four grandchildren Logan, Austin, Chloe, Nathan, two sisters Nancy Finzel of Hazel Green, and Ellie (Ron) Craff of Dubuque, a sister-in-law Mary “Pat” Guler of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Loren Guler, and a brother-in-law Carl Finzel.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor Grand Meadows especially his niece Jessica Konrardy, along with Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they gave to Don.

Marlene M. Melssen

Marlene M. Melssen, 86, of Dubuque, died Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:30 pm Friday April 14, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marlene will be 10:00 am Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

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 Marlene’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com

Elaine P. Russell

Elaine P. Russell, 79, of Dubuque, died Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Elaine will be 11:00 am Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Elaine was born January 6, 1944, in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Marcella (Regan) McGeough. On January 18, 1964, she married the love of her life, Royce L. Russell, in St. Raphael Cathedral.

She graduated from St. Raphael Cathedral and the former Visitation Academy both in Dubuque.

She was a CNA at St. Dominic Villa for many years.

Elaine loved shopping, sweets, playing the slots at the casino, and going to church. She was a very caring and giving person, who cherished time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her loving husband of 59 years, Royce; two daughters, Michelle (Allen Hirashiki) Russell of San Ramon, CA, and Stephanie (Marc) Viertel of Dubuque; one granddaughter, Megan (Mason Bauer) Viertel of Dubuque, one grandson, Nathan Viertel of Dubuque; and one Aunt, Lavonne Kerth of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Robert McGeough.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Dubuque County Humane Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family would like to thank the Finley Hospital ER and ICU staff for their amazing care, as well as Chaplain Claudia Dorsch.

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 Elaine’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Kathryn Sloan

Kathryn “Kay” Sloan, 97, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial for Kay will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 10AM at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church from 8:30a.m.-9:45a.m. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Kay was born on April 19, 1925, to Philip and Emma (Zweibohmer) Etteldorf in Festina, Iowa. She was the oldest of five girls who she helped raise after her mother passed away when she was fourteen.

She was united in marriage to Donald W. Sloan on October 30, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Festina, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 26, 2006.

Kay dedicated her life in service to others, spending her entire working career initially at Xavier then at Mercy Hospital until her retirement. Even in her retirement, Kay continued to volunteer at Mercy Hospital.

Kay was proud of her 60+ year membership at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church where she was actively involved in many organizations and committees over the years. She volunteered in both the Girl and Boy Scouts, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. She was also a member of the Stonehill Auxiliary. Even with all her volunteering, she was never too busy to play a game of golf, dominos, bridge, or any activity that involved getting together with family and friends. She loved to plan gatherings and always made sure there was room for anyone who might be alone.

Kay is survived by her children, Steven (Julie) Sloan of Dubuque, Sue Sloan Coffrin of Williston, VT; grandchildren, Philip Sloan of Dubuque, Katie (Dan) McCabe of Iowa City, IA, Stephanie (Luke) Flamich of Dubuque, Benjamin Sloan of Dubuque, Nikolas (Cat) Coffrin of Stowe, VT, Daniel Coffrin of Portland, Maine, Alexander Coffrin of Boston, MA, and William Coffrin of Boston, MA. Kay is also survived by her four great-grandchildren, Emilia Coffrin, Dylan Coffrin, Norah Flamich, and Cameron McCabe.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Peter Coffrin.

Kay’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to Julie, Stacy, and Amber from Hospice of Dubuque and Carol from the Rose for all the care and compassion given to Kay. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Kay requested that no flowers be sent.  Any memorials will be donated to some of Kay’s favorite charities. She would request that you follow her lead and be a friend to all you meet.

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

Doris L. McCutcheon

Doris L. McCutcheon Ehl, 94, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 at home.

A graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  There is no public visitation.  A private family visitation will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Doris Lucille Kempter was born on April 11, 1928 in Clinton, Iowa, to Fay A. and Clara R. (Dempewolf) Kempter.  She grew up spending time between Clinton and Bellevue and graduated from Clinton High School.  She married Donald L. McCutcheon on August 20, 1946 in Dubuque, Iowa.  To this union 7 children were born, Larry, Ronald, Robert, Randall, Dennis, Mark, and Lisa.  Donald preceded her in death on November 10, 1994.  On November 10, 2002, she was united in marriage to Alfred Ehl in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on June 12, 2009.

Doris was a homemaker and while her children were in school, she worked as a waitress at area restaurants including Curly’s Southside Inn and the Soda Shop.  After her children all graduated from high school, she became a CNA and worked at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa for over 20 years.

Doris was a member of the Maquoketa VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Jackson County Historical Society, and the United Women’s Health Initiative.  She enjoyed gardening, flowers, reading, crafts, and going for walks.  She especially loved spending time with all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Larry (Romel) McCutcheon of Bellevue, IA, Bob (Lori) McCutcheon of Florence, CO, Dennis (Renee) McCutcheon of Clinton, IA, Mark McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA, and Lisa McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter-in-law, Krista McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA; 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald and her husband Alfred, 1 brother, 3 sisters, and sons Randall and Ronald.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County, Camp Courageous of Iowa, or the Maquoketa Community Cupboard.

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

JoAnn Ryan

JoAnn Ryan, 83, of Dubuque, passed away April 7, 2023 at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30a.m., Friday, April 14, 2023 at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00p.m., where there will be a parish wake service at 7:30p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

JoAnn was born on March 19, 1940 to Albert and Orlena (Schueller) Engler in Primghar, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to John Ryan on September 5, 1959, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2019.

In her younger years, JoAnn was very active in several clubs, particularly the “Jo” club, mothers club, and various poker and euchre clubs.

JoAnn loved playing cards, especially euchre, bridge, and poker. She also enjoyed bowling, going on shopping trips, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

JoAnn especially cherished her winter getaways to Galveston, Texas.

JoAnn is survived by her five children, Mike (Mary) Ryan of Independence, Iowa, Michelle (Steve) McCarron of Dubuque, Beth Ryan of Dubuque, Todd (Gina) Ryan of Papillion, Nebraska, and Cory (Traci) Ryan of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Claire) Ryan, Daniel (Kaylynn) Ryan, Elliott Ryan, Jessica (Rod) Schumacher, Brennan (Liz) McCarron, Riley and Maddie McCarron,  Abby (Clint) Benson, Logan and Alexia Ball, Lydia (Brian) Cassata, and Mackenzie Ryan; 11 great-grandchildren, Brody and Charlie Schumacher, Violet, Sloane, and Thatcher Ryan, Evalynn Benson, Camden and Cashton Ball, Nora, Mila, and Leo Cassata. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Joe and John Engler.

JoAnn’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the first responders with the Asbury Fire Department, the doctors, nurses, and staff at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital ICU for their care and compassion given to JoAnn.

In lieu of flowers, a JoAnn Ryan Memorial Fund has been established.

Larry E. Hager

Larry E. Hager, 86, of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Thursday, April 13, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 9:00 am – 11:00 am, also Thursday, April 13, 2023 at church prior to Mass.  Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue-Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook Page.

Larry was born October 20, 1936, the son of Joseph and Amelia (Jacobs) Hager.  He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School and then served in the US Army National Guard 1956-1962 during the Vietnam Era.  Larry married Patricia Feller on September 22, 1973.  He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed farming, driving truck, NASCAR, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball.  Larry enjoyed mostly seeing his grandchildren and watching them play sports.  He will greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Patti; sons, Barry (Leslee) Hager and Brett (Emily) Hager; grandchildren, Tayt, Trace, Elliott, Clara, and Henry; siblings, Kermit Hager and Joanette (Terrence) Lange; and numerous extended relatvies.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Glenn Hager; and a sister in-law, Diane Hager

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

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

Wayne Rockwell

Wayne Rockwell, 63, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday evening, April 6, 2023, at home.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Wayne’s life will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Friday, April 21, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date at Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Donald Wayne Rockwell was born on October 1, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Donald Alyn and Wanda Lee (Garretson) Rockwell.  He attended elementary school in Andrew and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1978.  He married Sandra Frank.  They later divorced but remained friends.  He met Janice Caine in 2018 and they have been together ever since.

Wayne had worked in the construction field his entire life.  Through the years he had been self-employed as well as working road construction and for area contractors including Chuck Fey Construction and Stockham and Son Builders, both in Maquoketa.

Wayne was a former member of the NRA and had also served as the sexton of Sutton Cemetery.  He enjoyed guns and hunting and was an avid Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast.  He had a big heart and would find a way to help anyone that needed help.  He especially loved his fur babies.

Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Donald and Wanda Rockwell of Maquoketa, IA; his wife, Janice Caine of Maquoketa, IA; brother, Warren Rockwell of Maquoketa, IA; nieces and nephews, Tyler Rockwell, Cody Rockwell, Kristina Ihrig, Dustin Derganz, and Aggie Derganz; great-nieces and nephews; and many, many close friends.  He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lynne Rockwell and Sharon Derganz.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Jackson County Humane Society or Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Harriet Merchant Sullivan

Harriet (McCarthy) Merchant Sullivan, 77, of Peosta, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 2:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Holy Family Catholic Church New Melleray. Mass will be live-streamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.  Msgr. Thomas Toale will officiate. Interment will be in Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Harriet was born October 1, 1945 in Bernard, the daughter of Daniel and Myrtle (Callahan) McCarthy. She graduated from Western Dubuque High School. Harriet married William “Bill” Merchant on July 31, 1971 at Holy Family Catholic Church New Melleray, and together they had three daughters, “The Merchant Girls”. Bill preceded her in death in 1994. On July 22, 1996, she married Paul Sullivan in Las Vegas, NV, and also at New Melleray Abbey. He preceded her in death on February 27, 2021.

In her early years, Harriet worked at the U.S. Post Office in Bernard, and for most of her career she did photo negative retouching out of her home, in order to be the amazing mother she was. She was a life-long member of Holy Family Parish.

Harriet enjoyed watching old western movies and spending time with family. She especially looked forward to the annual family camping reunion in Galena. Harriet and her sisters loved having many travel adventures together over the years. Harriet lit up a room with her personality and kindness, and always had a “let go, let God” positive outlook on life.

Harriet is survived by her daughters, Corinna (fiancé Doug Blosch) Merchant, of Dubuque, Tanya (Tony) Cook, of Peosta, and Lynette (Gary) Gassmann, of Dubuque; her grandchildren, William (Taylor) Vohl and Madeline Vohl, Ellen Merfeld, Kara (David) Shilling, Renee, and Grace Merfeld, Hailey and Harrison Cook, and Gavin, Logan, and Ethan Gassmann; her great-grandchild, Brody Vohl; her step-children, Lynne Murcia, and Greg (Pam) Sullivan and their children, Adam, Kyle (Kihley), and Emma Sullivan; her sisters, Ruth (Lyle) Moore, Twyla Oswald, Marilyn (Dana) Redenbough, Margie (Dan) McDonnell, and Eileen (Rene) Comeaux; her sisters-in-law, Bev McCarthy and Rosalie Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to two husbands, Harriet was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Walter, Mike and Joe McCarthy, Yvonne Wolbers, and Marlene Ogelsby; her sister-in-law, Carol; her brothers-in-law, Ronnie, Pat, Jim, and Frank; and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all who have offered support and prayers to Harriet and her family.

Lloyd F. Konrardy

Lloyd “Hoot” F. Konrardy, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on April 5, 2023, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday April 11, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a Funeral Service will start at 7:00 p.m. with Monsignor James Miller officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.  A live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Lloyd was born on September 9, 1942, in Dubuque, to his parents, Raymond and Leona (McDermott) Konrardy. He attended Loras Academy and Dubuque Senior High School.

On February 20, 1965, Lloyd married the love of his life, Lee Ann Steinberg, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Lloyd was a dedicated worker who spent most of his career at John Deere Dubuque Works. He worked there from 1965 until 1997. Additionally, he was a skilled bricklayer and worked with Tom Francis Masonry for many years. He was a member of the United Automobile Workers Local 94 and took great pride in his work.

He had a variety of hobbies that kept him busy during his retirement years. He had a passion for antiques and attended many auctions, always on the lookout for unique and valuable finds. He enjoyed playing cards, working on puzzles, and being a general “pain in the butt.”

Above all, Lloyd was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, his children Denise (Larry) Hefel, Doug (Sandy) Konrardy, Laura (Tom) Schulte, and Julia (Jason) Konrardy-Cromey, grandchildren Jeremy, Nicole, Brian, Taylor, Levi, Alanna, Logan and Xavier, seven great-grandchildren (with two on the way), his siblings Norma Jean of Dubuque, Marie of Arizona, Gerald of Tennessee, Phillip of Dubuque, and Roger of Florida, two sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Leona, six brothers, two sisters, his parents-in-law and a sister-in-law.

A Lloyd Konrardy Memorial fund has been established.

His loving family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, and Luther Manor Grand Meadows for their exceptional care and support during Lloyd’s final days.

Randall S. Swenson

Randall S. “Randy” Swenson, age 73, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 5, 2023, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Randy’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Randy’s family.

Randy was born on November 20, 1949, in Downers Grove, IL, a son to Richard H. and Lois J. (Johnson) Swenson.  After growing up in the Chicago area, Randy eventually made his way to Dubuque following his parents move to the Galena area.  He decided to invest his time and talents with Barnstead Thermolyne and proudly spent over 20 years there as a quality supervisor while making many friends along the way.  Randy enjoyed life, whether at work or home, and always tried to put a smile on the faces of all who crossed his path each day.  His sense of humor was always on and even with his unwavering dedication to his career, he always had time to share his positive side with others.  In his free-time, Randy never turned down an opportunity to head out to the golf course with friends, but catching a Chicago Bear’s or White Sox game was also among his favorite activities, and even making it to a few NASCAR races when possible always brought him great joy.  Randy was a good and decent man who truly strived to make the world a better place whenever and wherever he could.  We will miss his bright light shining among us, but are forever grateful for the years the Lord was generous enough to share him with us and the abundance of memories which he leaves behind today.  Thank you, Randy, for being the kind of friend people need in their lives and may peace be yours until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Randy include,

his brother,
William “Bill” (Marian) Swenson, Chicago, IL;

his sister-in-law,
Mary Swenson, Chicago, IL;

his niece,
Leah Holmer;

his nephew,
John Swenson;

his dear friends,
Tony (Robin) Burgmeier, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Tom Swenson.

Randy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care for all of their professional and compassionate care of Randy over the last few years.  Your kindness truly made a difference and for that we are eternally grateful.

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

Emmet P. Hefel

Emmet P. Hefel , 87, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Emmet will be 10:30 am Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Emmet was born January 8, 1936, in North Buena Vista, IA, the son of Thomas and Florence Errthum Hefel. On May 12, 1962, he married Darlene A. Auderer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rickardsville. She died September 4, 2017.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

He was a meat processor for Dubuque Packing Co. for over 20 years before opening his own business, Guttenberg Locker. He retired in 1986.

He was a member of Church of the Resurrection. He was an avid Euchre player and loved puzzles. Nothing ever bad can be said about Emmet. Always smiling, he was a sweet, caring, and affectionate man. He was a hardworker and loved being with his family.

Survivors include one daughter, Ellen (Tim Pallas) Walczyk of Douglasville, GA; one son, Brian Hefel of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Justin (Samantha), Olivia, Tyler (Ashley), Brandon, and Marissa; six great-grandchildren Armani, Aubree, Tiana, Treshaun, Natalie, and Evelyn; two brothers, Dan Hefel of North Buena Vista, and Bob (Jeanne) Hefel of Sageville, IA; three sisters, Kate Moser and Evelyn (Jim) McGuire, both of Guttenberg, IA and Norma (John) Latteyer of Shellsburg, IA.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his  parents, one son, Loren Hefel, one granddaughter, Emma Darlene Hefel, seven brothers, Tommy, Leon, Lenny, Lester, Carl, Ray, and Gerald Hefel, and one sister, Ruth Breitbach.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Jude C. Milbert

Jude C. Milbert, 66, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 – 7 pm Monday, April 10, 2023, at 7-Hills Brewery, 703 13th Ave SE in Dyersville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Douglas Loecke will officiate.

Born on February 9, 1957, to Adrian “Butch” & Theresa (Rauen) Milbert.  Named after St. Jude, he maintained a strong faith as an active member of the St. Francis Xavier Basilica his entire life. A star athlete in high school, Jude attended Coe College where he played both baseball & football all 4 years & where he is a member of Coe College Hall of Fame.

On July 19th, 1980, he wed his high school sweetheart, Lisa Jenk. Together they raised their two daughters, Miki & Cassie in Dyersville where he ran a successful tax & financial firm until he retired in 2022.  He had a vision to rebuild the farmhouse he grew up in & he and Lisa did just that in 2017. He spent countless hours perfecting the yard, planting their trees & making their dreams a reality. He enjoyed sitting under their “shady rest” where he and Lisa would reminisce & plan their future adventures.

An avid Hawkeye, St. Louis Cardinals & Indianapolis Colts fan – Jude loved attending sporting events and cheering on his teams.  One of his greatest memories was being a part of the Field of Dreams movie & traveling the world as a member of the Ghost Players.

His greatest love & passion was for his family. He loved watching his 7 grandchildren grow up. Whether attending all of their sporting events, playing catch with them or taking them on gator rides around the farm. The admiration was shared, as their “Grampie” was truly their hero. He leaves behind his wife Lisa, daughters, Michelle “Miki” (Derrick) Parsons of Dyersville and Cassandra “Cassie” (Jesse) Costigan of Solon; 7 grandchildren; Jaxson, Adrianne & Bo Parsons, Isaiah, Mila, Calvin & Mack Costigan; a sister Mary Jo Frericks & -in-laws, Al Link, Mary Todd Milbert, Pam Jenk and David Jenk.

He was welcomed in heaven by both his parents, his brother Roger Milbert, sister Carol Link, a brother-in-law, Melvin Frericks, parents-in-law, Tom Sr. & Beverly Jenk, and brother-in-law, Tom Jenk, Jr.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards and memorials may be sent to the family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.