Obituaries Archive

Arletta E. Maeder

Arletta E. Maeder, 96, of Galena, IL peacefully passed away on October 16, 2022. At Arletta’s request, there will be no visitation, but a private family graveside service will be held later. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Arletta, the middle child of Ross and Iona (Ehredt) Potter, was born at home near Hanover, IL on August 18, 1926. She attended a rural, one-room, Elementary school and graduated from Hanover High School. On April 20, 1952, Arletta married C. Eugene Maeder. They raised three children and celebrated 55 years of marriage until Gene’s passing on January 4, 2007. Arletta loved riding horses and visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. She was originally a bookkeeper for REA in Elizabeth (now Jo-Carroll Energy). In 1968 she was recruited back as a secretary for the Farmer’s Exchange in Galena and retired from there in 1989. She was accomplished at cooking/baking, gardening, sewing, weaving, quilting, and refinishing furniture. For recreation, she loved bowling, playing cards, and solving puzzles. Arletta once hit two home runs in a single softball game and thereby was given the nickname “slugger.” She was hard-working, never complained, kind to all, creative, caring, resourceful, loyal, quick-witted, and clever. Arletta always led with a smile.

This wonderful woman will be missed greatly by her family – Bonny Maeder (Michele McGill) of Rock Valley, IA, Brenda (Steven) Holmes of Geneva, IL, Jeff (Cindy) Maeder of Galena, IL, and her grandson, Elliott Holmes of Chicago, IL. 

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Potter, her sister, Alberta Mercer, her brother-in-law, Keith Mercer, her sister-in-law, Dorothy A. Brown, and her brother-in-law, Edmund Brown.

Her family and friends are comforted by their memories of Arletta’s selfless love and support. “Those who love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day – unseen, unheard but always near…still loved, still missed, and very dear.” The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice of Dubuque RNs for their devoted caring of Arletta in her final weeks – Becky, Stephanie, Kristen, and Melanie. And also, the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community RNs Angie, Janet, Denise, and ALL of the CNAs, Dr. Wells of Midwest Medical Center for their compassionate care of Arletta in her final hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in memory of her.

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

Patricia A. Hanten

Patricia Ann “Pat” Hanten, 82, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, October 11, at Hawkeye Care Center.

To celebrate Pat’s life, a Farewell Toast Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 22,  at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, and will be private for family.

Pat was born January 5, 1940 in Dubuque, the daughter of Al and Eleanor (Kiernan) Roth. She married Loras Hanten on April 20, 1963 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dubuque. He preceded her in death in February of 2021.

Pat was employed at Longhorn Saddlery, at Neumeister Animal Hospital, and as a jailer at the Dubuque County Jail.

Pat was an avid horseback rider. She greatly enjoyed meeting her friends for Happy Hour at various places around town.

Pat is survived by her children, Randy Hanten of Clive, IA, and Becky Hanten of Milwaukee, WI; her grandchildren, Adam and Matthew Hanten, and Johnathan Dickerson; and her sister in law, Geri Goodman, of Dubuque.

In addition to her husband, Pat was preceded in death by her brother, William Roth; and her parents.

Pat’s family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque, Hawkeye Care Center, and the many friends who made Pat comfortable in her final days.

Joan N. Schaal

Joan “JoAnne” N.  Schaal, 87, was promoted to glory on October 11, 2022.

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 22, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road., and will be live-streamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 21, and from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

Joanne was born on April 13, 1935, in Bloomington, WI, the daughter of Chester L.  and Lucille M. (Orr) Nicholls.

She married the love of her life, Ronald L. Schaal, Sr. on May 9, 1952 and started their family. In their nearly 69 years of marriage, they gave all their loving energy to raising Ron Jr., Milton, and Cindy. Ron Sr. preceded her to Heaven on April 9, 2021. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mom (aka “The Card Lady”) loved writing cards and letters to family and friends. They were always commenting on what a good and frequent letter writer she was. She enjoyed puttering around the yard with her flowers, scrapbooking, and being with family and friends.

The Salvation Army was her mainstay. Her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was the light of her life. She and her mother (Lucy) were Soldiers at the Salvation Army Corps of Dubuque beginning in the 1940’s when Chet “Pop” and Lucy “Gram” moved to Dubuque for employment opportunities. She was a leader there in many positions. She followed her mother as “Home League Secretary”, a women’s group there.

Joanne and Ron Sr. enjoyed camping at Lake Joy Campground, where they spent summers with their camper friends. They eventually moved their campers to their land in Millville Township, Grant County, WI, where they spent time in “God’s Country” with family and friends, and where their daughter, Cindy and her husband resides, and where they brought up their children.

Those left to celebrate her memory are her children, Ron Jr. (Ann) and Cindy (Gary) Stoney; grandchildren, Jason (Heather Delacruz & daughter Izzy) Schaal, Art (Tammy) Stoney, Amy (Adam) Leeser and Dawn Schaal; great-grandchildren, David, Daniel, and Milana Schaal;

In addition to her husband, she was preceded to glory by her son, Milton; her daughter-in-law, Dorothy; her parents; and her father and mother-in-law, Roy and Alice (Greenwood) Schaal.

Joanne’s family would like to thank Director Carol Sheets and all the staff at “The Rose of Dubuque” for the past year. Mom made friends there enjoying their friendship and company. We would also like to thank family, neighbors, and all her caring friends.

Her life will be fondly remembered and treasured.

Donald E. Huff

Donald E. Huff, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 14th, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 19th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon David Roth officiating and military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the VFW. Private family burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Don was born on August 21, 1931, in Long Point, IL the son of Wayne and Audrey (Ayers) Huff.  He married Lillian E. Oberfoell on August 31, 1957, at St. Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill, IA.

Don was a United States Air Force Veteran; he worked for the Dubuque Packing Company for 26 years and for Spahn and Rose Lumber for 33 years. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was able to see them win the World Series.

He is survived by his wife Lillian; four children: Thomas (Brenda) Huff, Lori (John) Strub, Robert Huff and Vicki Huff. His grandchildren: Andrew Strub, Jamie (Andrew) Scotton, Bobbi Huff, Molly (Chris) Tallman, Melissa (Jon) Anderson, Mitchell Huff, Luke Idle and Samantha Idle along with 6 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers a Donald Huff memorial fund will be established.

Virgil J. Blocker

Virgil J. Blocker, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa on October 13, 2022, at the age of 91.

He was born February 21, 1931 on the family farm in Ionia, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Elizabeth (Zeien) Blocker.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:15, Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Church of the Resurrection followed by the Mass of Christian Burial with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Virgil grew up on the family farm. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received his bachelor degree from Loras College. Following graduation, he began his career in Charles City, Iowa.

After meeting the love of his life, Joan, they were united in marriage on November 12, 1955 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City, Iowa. In 1968 he began his career at Loras College starting as the Business Manager and retiring as the Vice President of Financial Affairs.

Virgil was very active in the community serving on many boards and committees. He demonstrated the importance of his faith through his ongoing involvement in Resurrection Parish for the past 58 years. He was actively involved in many leadership roles within the parish, Parish Council, various committees, and multiple building projects. Both Virgil and Joan received the Benemerenti Award in 2011, recognizing their many years of service to the Catholic community.

Together with his wife they raised their two daughters and enjoyed watching their family grow. He is survived by: Pam (Kevin) Klein of Elgin, Illinois and Cathy (Jeff) Krueger of Dubuque; five grandchildren: Christopher Klein, Courtney Klein, Jordan (Harrison) Wentzien, Kirsten (Austin) Kane, and Connor (Emma) Krueger; three great-grandchildren Stella Jo, Hudson Tripp and Lila Penelope, and (one expected in December); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, his parents, and one brother, Norbert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Resurrection Church, Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center, or American Cancer Society.

A special heartfelt thank you to Deb and John Kalb, Sr. Marjorie Staudt, Deacon Mike Ellis, and Deacon Jim and Mary Schmidt for their caring support and frequent visits.

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

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

Maria Podnar

Maria Podnar, 81, of Dubuque, died Saturday, October 15, 2022, in her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Maria will be 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon John Stierman officiating.

Maria was born March 29, 1941, in Kuterevo, Croatia, the daughter of Nick and Kathy Marinic. On May 6, 1959, she married Tom Podnar in Croatia.  He died April 14, 2021.

She worked as a Supervisor at Manor Care for 30 years. She was a member of the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, camping, loved spending time with family, baking, and cooking.  Baklava and Sarma were her favorites. She was an incredible host who made sure all her guests were well fed. Her only addiction was wearing and crafting jewelry.

Survivors include three daughters, Susie Graham, Anna Ellison, and Manda (Joe) Vondran, all of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Danielle, Shelby, Krystal, David, Samantha, and Spencer; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jurra Marinic of Croatia.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Greg and Ilia Marinic, and one sister Dragica Mojatic.

Special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.

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

Dean J. Neuhaus

Dean James Neuhaus, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Friday, October 14th at home surrounded by his family following a brief battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 29th from 4pm to 8pm at the Eagles Club in Asbury.

Dean was born June 11, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Edward and Norma (Kall) Neuhaus. He was united in marriage to his “three fries short of a happy meal gal” Sandy McDermott on March 18, 1985 in Sarasota, Florida.

He worked many different jobs over the years from mechanics to factory work and finally decided to join the retirement crew in 2020 when he retired from Custom Precast in Cascade.

During Dean’s short 65 years here with us he left his mark on everyone he met. He made a friend everywhere he went. Dean enjoyed shooting the breeze with friends, family and strangers; especially on his family vacations to Florida. Dean also enjoyed playing a friendly game of Euchre, watching his Cubs play, and working on his kid’s cars at any given moment. Anyone who knew Dean knew he loved to cook; his famous motto was “if you leave here hungry its your own damn fault”. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Being Papa to his 13 grandchildren meant so much to him. They will greatly miss his jokes, tricks and sneaking of money into their pockets.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandy of 38 years. His children Michelle (Jeff) Thomas, Amanda (Joey) Kennedy, Patti (Jon) Jorgenson, Edward “Bud” (Sarah) Neuhaus, Michael “Mic” (Shawn) Neuhaus, Dean “Jr” Neuhaus (Tricia Hirsch), Tyler Neuhaus, and Jamie (Jill Smith) Neuhaus. His grandchildren: Andrew, Alex, Addy, Payton, Gunner, Sophia, Gracyn, Remmington, Stella, Kenlee, Jocelyn, Elora, and Joseph. Brother David (Betty) Neuhaus and sisters Doris Marshall, Debbie (Cary) Mandelka and many nieces, nephews and brother and sister in laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Norma, father-in -law Joe McDermott, and brother in laws, Jimmy McDermott, Axel Seikola, and Jim Ernzen and Moose.

Dean’s family would like to thank Kelli and the rest of the team at Hospice of Dubuque for all their support and care. A special thank you to Bill and Colleen (Dean’s girlfriend) McDermott for being more than family; but good friends to him. A Dean Neuhaus memorial Fund has been established at Dutrac Community Credit Union in the name of Sandy and Dean Neuhaus.

Muriel S. Kopinski

Muriel S. Kopinski, nee Scholle, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Elmhurst, IL and New Port Richey, FL, entered her heavenly home on October 13, 2022, at the age of 98.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2022, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, with the Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. To view the funeral service livestream please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Burial will be held at a later date. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Muriel was preceded in death by Louis, her husband, of 53 years; by her son, Dr. Kent Kopinski; and her five siblings.

She is survived by her children, Neil (Myra) Kopinski, John Kopinski, Jim (Sharon) Kopinski, Jane Byrd (Scott Lynch), and Laura (Mike) Chapman; daughter-in-law, Nancy Kopinski; fourteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great- great grandchild; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Scholle.

In 1987 Muriel and Lou bought a winter home in Florida where she made many new friends. She enjoyed bridge, walking, knitting, sewing and crossword puzzles. Her family was the most important thing to her. Muriel’s last years at Bethany were in her words, “The best place ever to retire”.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to JDRF or Bethany Home.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for the love and care given to Muriel.

Patricia Vaske

Patricia “Pat” Vaske, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 13, 2022.

A visitation will be held from 9 – 10:30 am Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.  Rev. Philip Agyei will officiate, and burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pat was born April 12, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Clarence and Lucille “Toots” (Cunningham) Beckmann.  She graduated from Xavier High School and attended business school in Omaha, NE.  She was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Vaske on November 27, 1958, at the Basilica of St Francis Xavier in Dyersville, IA.

Pat is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Vaske of Dyersville IA; 6 children Scott (Lois) Vaske of Marion IA, Debbie (Al) Link of Dyersville IA, Patrick (Cynthia) Vaske of Iowa City IA, Kim (Jim) Packingham of Cedar Rapids IA, Terry (Leah) Vaske of North Liberty IA, Jackie (Adam) Scott of Cedar Rapids IA; 6 grandchildren Cory and Kelli Deutmeyer, Zak and Max Packingham, Dahnovan Abraham, and Ajay Scott; 2 great-grandchildren Braxton and McKenzie Deutmeyer.

Pat was very proud of her Irish Heritage and family was everything to her.  She never met a stranger and lived life to its fullest. Christmas was her absolute favorite and there was never a missed corner where there was not a decoration.  She was considered a second mom to many of her children’s friends and always had homemade goodies on the counter for them to enjoy. She was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs and made annual trips to watch them play as well as Spring Training in Arizona when her son Terry played. Pat loved her poodles and had an especially close relationship with her current poodle named Daisy.  She rescued her from a puppy mill four years ago and they rarely separated.  Pat was strong as steel battling two bouts of breast cancer, a stroke, and fought her hardest, without complaint, with metastasized squamous cell carcinoma that took her life – all with a smile on her face. She will always be remembered for her quick-witted jokes, very kind heart, and the most loving wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Greg and Tillie Vaske, two sisters Katie McCarthy and Deanne (John) Rubner, and a brother-in-law, Charles (Mary Alice) Vaske.

“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sunshine warm your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Linda K. Hansen

Linda K. Hansen, 74, of Dubuque died Peacefully at home surrounded by her family.  Linda was a strong lady, battling two diseases for many years.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 pm Sunday, October 16 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 5:30.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday at Holy Spirit Parish-Sacred Heart Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  The funeral mass livestream can be watched at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Linda was born on July 26, 1948 in Dubuque, daughter of Charles and Velma (Chambers) Smith.  She married Ronald Hansen on November 1, 1991. They were blessed with 31 beautiful years together and were best friends.  She will be missed immensely. Ronald will love her forever and looks forward to seeing her again in their next journey together.

Linda enjoyed music, dancing, slots, and as much bingo as she could get in every week.  She loved being around family and grandkids.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Hansen, of Dubuque; three children, Jeff (Angie) Valentine, Tracy (Jerry) Carew, of West Branch, IA, Randy Valentine of Galena, IA; four step children, Cherisse Patil of Longmont, Colorado, Angela and Chad Hansen of Dubuque and Krista (Steve) Shaffer of DeWitt, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one sister, Shirley Woock of Saginaw, Michigan; and her brothers in law and sisters in law, Dale Thul, Kenneth Hansen, Cletus (Gretchen) Hansen, Rose (Gene) Bauer, Norma Leytem and Linda (Ron) Dreessens.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Billy and Terry Smith; and four sisters, Eunice Smith, Lola Hostert, Sharon Thul, and Kathy Jo Smith.

Arthur J. Kress

Arthur J. “AJ” Kress, age 71, of Mud Lake, passed away at 8:28 a.m., on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To honor A.J.’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, with Rev. Dustin Long Vu officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

A.J. was born on June 11, 1951, in Sherrill, Iowa, son of Arthur John and Henrietta (Friederick)  Kress. He attended school at Sts. Peter & Paul in Sherrill and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1969.

A.J. was united in marriage to the love of his life, Cindy Bauer on December 19, 1970, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, and enjoyed over 51 years of marriage together. He and Cindy farmed the family farm in Specht’s Ferry.  A.J. was a hard worker and was always keeping himself busy.  His work ethic carried over to his career with John Deere Dubuque Works.  When he was laid-off in the 1980’s from Deere’s, not one to sit still, he went to work for Tschiggfrie Excavating until he was called back to work.  He retired from John Deere in 2003.  A.J was a proud member of UAW Local 94 in Dubuque.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed his time spent outdoors whether it was hunting with his “Sweet Hole Hunting Group” or fishing and boating on the Mississippi with Cindy and their family.  He truly enjoyed his life and home on the river enjoying every sunrise and sunset.  A.J. was a seasoned chef who enjoyed cooking and canning anything and everything.  He was a also life-long New York Yankees fan.

A.J. was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren … they were his World and his greatest joy.  He was such a kind and pure soul who will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

Those left to cherish A.J.’s memory include

his wife,
Cindy Kress, Mud Lake, IA;

his children,
Calvin “C.J.” (Angela Will) Kress, Cornell, WI,
Rachel (Don) Jasper, Holy Cross, IA
and Jeremiah “Jay” (Nicole) Kress, Balltown, IA;

8 grandchildren;

4 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Anna Mae Welter, Dubuque, IA,
Paul Kress, Dubuque, IA,
Norbert (Shirley) Kress, Zwingle, IA,
Leo (Betty) Kress, Sherrill, IA,
Dorothy Wolf, Dubuque, IA
and James (Janet) Kress, Sherrill, IA;

his best friend,
Carl Overbeck, of Guttenberg, IA and Texas;

and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A.J. was preceded in death by his parents; a sister at birth, Mary Kress; a son, Joshua “J.C.” Kress at birth; a sister-in-law, Francine Kress; 3 brothers-in-law, Gene Lahey, Don Wolf and Ralph Welter.

A.J.’s family would like to thank the Sherrill Fire Department, Finley ICU, Visiting Nurses, the Cancer Clinics in Iowa City and Dubuque and their King’s Row Crew for all of the professional and compassionate care they provided to A.J. and his family.

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

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

Phyllis J. Errthum

Phyllis J. Errthum, 72, of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque from complications stemming from pneumonia.

Visitation will be held 2 – 7 pm Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.  Visitation will continue Monday from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Monday, October 17, 2022, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Phyllis was born May 19, 1950, the daughter of Lawrence and Helen (Loeffelholz) Deutmeyer.  She grew up on a farm near Luxemburg and graduated from Leo High School with the Class of 1968.  She left the farm and began working for Interstate Power Co., living independently in Dubuque.  She married her high school sweetheart, Robert D. Errthum, on September 25, 1971, in Luxemburg.  They moved to their dream acreage near Bankston Park 50 years ago.  Together they shared a wonderful life together, raising three boys.  She kept herself busy with a large garden, beautiful flowers, raising chickens and cattle.  After Bob passed away in 2005, she continued living on that acreage, spending many long hours doing what she loved best.  For 36 years she touched the lives of many children in the community as a bus driver for the Western Dubuque School District.  She was very proud of her grandchildren, attending as many of their activities as she could.  She was a social butterfly who loved to visit and meet new people.  Phyllis spent the last four years in a special relationship with “Lefty” McQuillen.  She enjoyed traveling with her friends, bowling, golfing, playing cards and the game Upwords, and car cruising with Lefty.

Survivors include her three sons: Troy (Marty) Errthum of Knoxville, IA, Brett (Heather) Errthum of Asbury, and Eric (Kate) Errthum of Winona, MN; grandchildren: Travis, Trevor, and Tanner Errthum, Sam, Owen and Audrey Errthum, Gedion and Eomji Errthum; siblings: Jerry (Jan) Deutmeyer of Dubuque, Richard (Helen) Deutmeyer of Luxemburg, Dianne Duwe of Luxemburg, Mary Frommung (Eddy Smith) of Praire Du Sac, WI; in-laws: Norma Deutmeyer, Leon (Elaine) Errthum, Carol Errthum, Jerome (Marlene) Errthum, Ed (Deb) Errthum, Gen Pike, Mary Hayes, Kathy Rudebeck, Barb (John) Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, one infant son Kevin Errthum; siblings: Ralph Deutmeyer, Marvin Deutmeyer, Grace (Clete) Clemen, and Allen Deutmeyer (infancy); in-laws: Donald (Carol) Errthum, Nick (Carol) Errthum, Allen Errthum, Richard Hayes, Wayne Rudebeck, Jim Oberbroeckling, Don Frommung, and Dennis Duwe.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com or send cards to Kramer Funeral Home 750 – 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 in care of Phyllis’s name.

Angela Prichard

Angela (Odefey) Prichard, 55, was taken away from her friends and family on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 7 pm.

Angela was born April 14, 1967 in Dubuque, daughter of William and Barbara (Hentges) Odefey.

She was a graduate of Dubuque Hempstead High School.

Angie had a love for animals, especially her five huskies; Mishka, Indy, Zakari, Timber and Charlie.

She operated the Mississippi Ridge Boarding Kennels where she treated every animal like they were her own.

Her grandkids, sons, and daughters-in-law meant everything to her.  We will always smile when we remember her 20 year old hair style, her choker necklaces, and her Yeti with ice cold busch light.

She was the most caring, kind hearted and loving mom, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt and friend anyone could ever ask for.  She was taken before anyone could say goodbye, and will be forever loved and missed.

She is survived by two sons, Josh (Tina) Close of Dubuque and Colton (Brittany) Hancock of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Milaya, Micah, and Mirella; and Maverick, Kinsleigh, and Kendra; and one on the way.

She is also survived by her father, William Odefey of Dubuque; four siblings, Wendy (Jim) Budde of Bellevue, Lisa Klein of Dubuque, Amy (Jay) Remy of Dubuque and Scott (Julie) Odefey of Menoinee Falls, Wisconsin; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Odefey; a niece, Leslie; and her dog, Zoe.

Nancy O’Connor

Nancy O’Connor, 84, of Ankeny, passed away September 17, 2022, in Hubbard, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 1 – 2 pm Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Graveside committal service will be at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery following the visitation.

Clyde R. Smith

Clyde Ray Smith “C. Ray”, age 76 of Leisure Lake, IA passed away Friday, October 7, 2022 with his wife Teri by his side.  He was born July 27, 1946 and was adopted almost a year to the day later by Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith.

He grew up showing cattle and working the family farm.  Shortly after entering the Air Force, he had to return home to run the family Dairy farm.  After getting out of the farming business he worked for Harvester which transferred him and his family to Sandwich, IL , where he joined the local Volunteer Fire Department.  Then transitioned into an over the road truck driver where he finished out his career in the Teamsters Local 710 Union and drove for Cassens Transport as a Car Haller. 

He loved watching Dale Earnhardt race cars, the Minnesota Vikings Football team and the Iowa College Football once he moved to Iowa.  In his spare time, you would find him in the garage rebuilding engines with his son and his friends, teaching his daughter how to change her car oil and later in life he would build mini semi-trailers, sleigh shelves and bear benches.  When not spending time with his kids he would be riding his motorcycle.

C. Ray was united in marriage on September 19, 1992 to Theresa “Teri” Vickers at their home in Sandwich, IL by his cousin, Pastor Jack Smith.  Following the beautiful backyard biker wedding, they celebrated with a hog roast surrounded by family and friends.  After a few years they moved to West Brooklyn, IL eventually making Iowa their home.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years Theresa “Teri” Smith, his children Jason (Windy) Smith, Vanessa (Paul) Davis and their mother Charlene Kulas Smith; grandchildren Zach (Amanda) Ruppert, Mason (Chloe) Ruppert, Victoria (Nick) White, Reese Smith and Reagan Smith; great grandchildren Callie Ruppert, Brooklynn Ruppert, Ruby Ruppert and Joanna White; siblings Dale Smith, JoAnne Smith and Erlene Pleitner; brother in-laws, Gary Vickers and Scott (Andrea) Vickers; as well as nieces, aunt’s, uncles, cousins; and Julie Evens a special friend who helped care for him.

C. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Martha (Maxey) Smith; sister in-law Donna Smith; his in-laws Alan and Judith (Cooper) Vickers and a brother in-law David Vickers.

Visitation at 2:00 pm until the Hour of Service at 4:00 pm on Wednesday October 19th, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church 1019 Wesley Drive  Maquoketa  IA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

A Memorial Motorcycle ride will also be held later next summer with the date TBD.

Arrangements by Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory in Dubuque, Iowa.