Obituaries Archive

Constance M. Ruden

Constance “Connie” M. Ruden, 76, of Dubuque, passed away on September 22nd, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center.

No public services will be held. Burial will take place a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and crematory is assisting the family.

Connie was born on February 13th, 1946, in Holy Cross, IA. the daughter of Silvius and Vivian (Jaeger) Ruden.

She attended school K-12 at Holy Cross Schools. Connie then went to business college in Sioux City, IA.

Connie loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. She always liked playing cards, euchre, pinochle, rummie, etc. She enjoyed relaxing with a cold beverage. Connie never said no to going fishing. Every year she looked forward to the two-week fishing trip in Hayward, WI.

She is survived by her brother, Gary Ruden, Steve (Barb Hefel) Ruden, Nephews Doug Ruden, Doug Ayers, and Great Nieces, Mallory and Caroline Ruden.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law Dianne Ruden, and a Niece, Michelle Ayers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Health Center for the care they gave to Connie.

Denise A. Bast

Denise A. Bast, 61, of rural Potosi, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Burial will be at Whig Cemetery, rural Platteville. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, and will continue on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Denise was born on November 26, 1960 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, daughter of Lyle and Marilyn (Bellmeyer) Baker. She graduated from Platteville High School class of 1979. After high school she attended SWTC, Fennimore. Denise was manager of the Lawn and Garden Department at Wal Mart, Platteville, where she worked for 27 years. Denise truly loved the outdoors and was an avid deer and turkey hunter. She enjoyed crafting, where she did needlework, working with beads making ornaments and crafting with them and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Denise is survived by her parents, Lyle and Marilyn Baker; brother, Dennis Baker; sisters, Debra Davies and Deanne Gorman; three nieces and one nephew, Jessica Davies, Nikki (Randon) Huber, Lucas Gorman and Alicia (Brett Coulthard) Baker; and aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Stacey Bast in 2001, special friend, Mike Pickel, grandparents, Lester and Edna Bellmeyer and Roy and Gladys Baker and her aunt, Jean Bellmeyer.

Helen T. Denlinger

Helen T. (Breitbach) Denlinger, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:55 a.m., on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Helen’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Helen was born on July 21, 1935, in Rickardsville, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Clara (Poll) Breitbach.

Helen was born and raised in Rickardsville before moving to Dubuque during her high school years.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Charles Denlinger, on January 23, 1954, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 8 children and 52 loving years of marriage before Charles passed away on March 21, 2006.  Helen was a devoted full time wife and mom who also helped Charles run Artesian Bottling Company for several years before going to work as a sales assistant at Sears.  She was a valuable employee and worked at Sears for over 20 years, retiring at age 78.  Her faith was also an integral part of her life, and Helen was a long time member of Holy Ghost Church.  In her free time, Helen found joy in the simple things in life such as tending to her garden, sitting quietly sewing and reading a good book.  She was a sports enthusiast and faithfully followed the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs and the Dubuque Fighting Saints.  Family time was especially important to her, and Helen always kept up with all of the children and grandchildren’s activities.  She was an excellent role model for her family and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include

her 8 children,
Cindy Smith, Manchester, IA,
Charles “Chuck” (Karen) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,
Mike (Rosie) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Greg) Valentine, Dubuque, IA,
Jenny Proseus, Phoenix, AZ,
Jeff Denlinger, Tucson, AZ,
Nancy (Steve) Davis, St. Charles, IL
and Laura Frommelt, Farley, IA;

19 grandchildren;

25 great-grandchildren;

a sister,
Sharon Jellison, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Ted Kueper, Sequim, WA;

3 sisters-in-law,
Marlene Besler, Murrieta, CA,
Irene (Homer) Dahlman, Zwingle, IA
and Geraldine (Dick) Flogel, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

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

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

Robert J. Cook

Robert J. Cook, 78 of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Monday, October 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

A Private Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022 , at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in North Buena Vista, Iowa.  Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

Robert was born February 3, 1944 in North Buena Vista, Iowa, the son of John and Leona (Meyer) Cook.  He married Rosemary Mihm on July 10, 1965 at Volga Catholic Church.  Together they raised their family & farmed north of Holy Cross.

Survivors include his wife, Rosie, children: Mary (Joe) Klein of Cody, WY, Randy (Dixie) Cook of Delhi, Kaye (Matt) Liebel of Kissimee, FL, Mike Cook of Farley, loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings: Mary Clemen of Suffolk, VA, Donna (Bob) Cummer of Richardsville, in-laws: Clementine Walz of Strawberry Point, and Virgil Mihm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ben and Marie Mihm, special cousin, Donald Manderfield, in-laws: Bernie Mihm, George Mihm, and Ambrose Clemen.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. A special thanks to the Cook family neighbors and community during this difficult time.

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 the deceased name.

Sr. Marie Therese Kalb

Sister Marie Therese (Mary Margaret) Kalb, OSF of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa died Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Marie Therese was born on November 8, 1933 to Bert and Mary (Kolfenbach) Kalb in Dubuque, Iowa.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on August 25, 1951 and made final profession of vows on August 10, 1957. Sister received her master’s degree in Violin from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and in Theology from the University of San Francisco in California. She ministered in Iowa at Monticello, Worthington, and in Dubuque at Immaculate Conception Academy, Wahlert High School, Mount St. Francis, Shalom Retreat Center, and Holy Ghost. She was also missioned in Kenosha, Wisconsin and served on the Congregational Leadership Team for eight years.

Sister is survived by her brother Thomas Kalb, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Rev. Bertram Kalb, Rev. Robert Kalb, Dr. Anthony (Mildred) Kalb, Rev. Howard Kalb, S.J., Richard “Dick” (Bernadine) Kalb, John “Jack” (Betty) Kalb; and sister-in-law Dolores Kalb.

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

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

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

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Marie Therese was born on November 8, 1933 to Bert and Mary (Kolfenbach) Kalb in Dubuque, Iowa.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on August 25, 1951 and made final profession of vows on August 10, 1957. Sister received her master’s degree in Violin from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and in Theology from the University of San Francisco in California. She ministered in Iowa at Monticello, Worthington, and in Dubuque at Immaculate Conception Academy, Wahlert High School, Mount St. Francis, Shalom Retreat Center, and Holy Ghost. She was also missioned in Kenosha, Wisconsin and served on the Congregational Leadership Team for eight years.

Sister is survived by her brother Thomas Kalb, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Rev. Bertram Kalb, Rev. Robert Kalb, Dr. Anthony (Mildred) Kalb, Rev. Howard Kalb, S.J., Richard “Dick” (Bernadine) Kalb, John “Jack” Kalb; and sister-in-law Dolores Kalb.

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

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

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

Mary F. Lewis

Mary Frances (Kircher) Lewis, 90, affectionately known as “Grandma Lewey”, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Kind, funny, mischievous, energetic, loving, sweet, loyal, generous, faithful, stoic…all of these being words used to describe the genuine person that was Mary Lewis. Married to the love of her life, Bob, Mary blossomed into a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and played each role beautifully. Throughout their 67 years of marriage, she was always energetic and found any excuse she could to celebrate her love of music by dancing and singing with Bob, and her family, no matter the place.

Mary was a wonderful mother and role model to her 3 daughters, demonstrating loyalty, hard work, and true unconditional love that was passed down through the generations. One example of many being the time Bob was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1957, Mary learned how to drive a car in just a few weeks to visit him at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison and took extra shifts to support her family without complaint.

Through good times and bad, mom never wavered on her faith but always placed her life challenges in the hands of God.  She faithfully attended mass and prayed the rosary novena daily.  She was kind and compassionate to anyone in need and lifted their spirits through prayers and hugs.

Family meant everything to Mary, and she meant everything to her family. The glue holding each heart together, she was the definition of a bright light.  She lit every room she walked into. Those in her life had the privilege of sharing in this light throughout all family traditions, all of which she held firmly and enthusiastically to.

A small but mighty woman, Mary was proud of her 40-year career at H&W Motor Express Company. She learned many lessons for a woman of her time and was sure to pass those lessons on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It wouldn’t be a visit to Grandma Lewey’s house without a “You study hard now!”, “Think happy thoughts!”, or “You stay out of trouble”.

Be it 5 minutes or 50 years, Mary is a soul that truly left a lasting impression. Her kindness, generosity, prayers and compassion touched the lives of many – an honor that will undoubtedly surpass the test of time.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Lewis, her parents, Leland and Bernadette (Grotkin) Kircher, her four sisters, Helen (Robert) Schroeder, Leota (Lode) Kircher, Kathleen (Albert “Huck”) Greenwald and Arlene Conrad, her grandson Christopher Anderson, Jr., her son-in-law Jerry Coble, and her beloved family-friend Eloise Kehrli. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia (Patti) Coble, Lynn (Tom) Biver, and Karen (Ken) Kimbro, as well as her 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law Wayne “Fritz” Conrad.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7th at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection on Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Committal will be held following the funeral service at the Mount Calvary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Glenanne, Dar, and Tracy for their kind and gentle support, along with Dr. Michael Peroski, Dr. Chris Stille, Dr. Mark Hermann, Jeremiah, and Hospice of Dubuque nursing staff.

Lilijean N. Kohl

Lilijean N. “Lili” Kohl, age 75, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation.  To celebrate Lili’s life, private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Lili was born on December 27, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and June (Hopp) Miller.

Lili would have 4 kids with William Kohl Jr.  She worked numerous nurses aide jobs, bartender, cooking and waitress jobs before retiring.  Lil enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids.  She enjoyed her Bingo days and going to the casino even when she didn’t win.

Those left to remember her dearly are

2 daughters,
Tammy (Jere) Gardner
and Tina (Terry) Kohl;

a son,
Henry (Francine) Kohl;

her grandkids,
Micheal, Chris/Faith, Tasha, Shayna/Antwan, Miranda/Greg, Chaz/MiKayla, Stacie, Colton, Brooke/Shane B., Shelsea/Shane J. and Jarrod/Valeria;

her great-grandkids,
Alex, Jaden, Dom, Ragnar, Brielle, Marisole, Tahleia, Kyree, Kyonte, Kyalil, Greyson, Micah, Augustus and Jack;

4 sisters,
Dori Hook,
Jenny Rouse,
JoElla McAllister
and Sara Jurisic;

4 brothers,
Verne (Cathy) Miller,
Phillip Miller,
Joe (Lisa) Miller
and Rich (Gina) Miller;

and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lili was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Joseph Kohl; 2 brothers, Henry and Vince Miller; 2 brothers-in-law, Harold Hook and James Jurisic; and a sister-in-law, Terri Miller.

We the family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Manor, also special staff Wendy, Misty and Tara, for all you did for our mom on her final day and especially CJ Miller for all you did for our mom.

Love you always and forever mom, rest in peace till we all meet again.

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

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

Doris E. Currier

Doris Elane (Beyer) Currier was born July 24, 1933, in Kendall WI and passed away unexpectedly, October 1, 2022. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 9th at 3:00pm at The First United Methodist Church of Maquoketa with visitation from 1-3pm. It will be live streamed.

Doris Currier is survived by her husband Gilbert Wayne Currier of Maquoketa IA; her son David Beyer (Julia) of Appleton WI, her four daughters: Jeanne Conley (J.C) of Sherrill IA, Susan Beyer of Deerfield IL, Jill Beyer of Maui HI, and Katherine Kinmonth (Kary) of Cedar Rapids IA, her grandchildren: Stacy Sparks, Laurie Grube (Ryan), Brian Beyer (Jenny), and Melissa Iverson (Michael); Sarah Nelson, John David Conley, Samantha Greene, and Elizabeth Donovan (Patrick); Josephine Beyer and Olivia Beyer; Kyle Kinmonth and Kameron Kinmonth (Aspen); and twelve great grandchildren; and siblings, Don (Renee) Urban of Wonewoc, WI , and Donna Jean Malson of Berlin, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Allen Beyer, and siblings Jim Urban and Roger Ott.

After her first husband Allen Beyer passed, she continued to live in Maquoketa, eventually marrying Gilbert “Wayne” Currier on September 5, 1998. They were married for 24 years. Wayne was the light of her life and they adored each other. They enjoyed life together by taking fishing trips, watching games on the TV, and playing cards at Clover Ridge and the YMCA.

Doris was a registered nurse for many years at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, and Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa. In retirement, she continued to volunteer her time at Crestridge and Maquoketa Care Center.  When she was not nursing, she would also help her first husband, Al “Beyer the Flyer” with their flying business in Dubuque, IA and later, Maquoketa, IA. She had many passions including gardening, reading, involvement in the community, helping with blood drives, visiting nursing homes, and being a parish nurse. The biggest joys in her life were her children and grandchildren. She loved the solitude of checking each of her plants daily. During the summer, her days were spent outside watering flowers and tending to her vegetable garden. Many days were spent canning tomatoes and freezing green beans. Each year she entered flower arrangements in the county fair and won awards. Doris was a member the Jackson County Master Gardeners, and the First United Methodist Church where she maintained the flowers and plants inside and outside the church.

In putting others before herself, she modeled what it was to be a follower of Christ and a valedictorian of life. She will be forever living in the hearts of everyone she loved and especially in the beauty of her many flowers.

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

Margaret J. McCusker

Margaret Jean (Swanson) McCusker, 93, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on January 31, 1929, in Manchester, the daughter of Harry and Elna (Anderson) Swanson. Jean was raised in Prairie Township, Delaware County and graduated from Manchester High School.

On October 25, 1949, Jean was united in marriage to Francis “Frank” Arthur McCusker at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan.  Five children were born to this union. Jean worked many years at the Ertl Toy Company in Dyersville. She was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Jean enjoyed playing cards and completing word-find, jig-saw, and crossword puzzles.  In her younger years, Jean loved bowling with friends and camping with family. Later years were filled with quilting and family celebrations.

Survivors include her husband of almost 73 years, Frank McCusker of Manchester; her five children, Steve (Jean) McCusker of Coggon, John (Tammy) McCusker of Manchester, Teresa (Greg) Greve of Masonville, Ken (Dee) McCusker of Washington, and Rose (Leo) Pins of Bankston; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren;  three great-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Clifford Swanson of Manchester and Lois Morris of Cedar Rapids; one sister-in-law, Pat Swanson of Manchester; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Betty Morgan; three brothers, Harry “Duke” Swanson, Robert “Bob” Swanson, and Kenneth “Ken” Swanson; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Swanson, Velma Swanson, Crystal Swanson and Ruth McCusker; two brothers-in-law, Richard Morris and Ambrose McCusker.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation:   4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the Gathering Place in Manchester, Iowa, with a Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Interment:  Calvary Cemetery – Ryan, Iowa

Sally A. Parker

Sally Anne Parker, 85, of Dubuque, died Monday, October 3, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sally will be 10:30 am Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sally was born September 14, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Harry H. and Mildred Schaan Wilberding. On June 8, 1968, she married Jack Frank Parker at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy and worked in banking.

Sally was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. In her earlier years, she loved to bowl and play volleyball and had won several medals. She and Jack enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting almost every state.

Survivors include her husband, Jack; one sister, Carole (Dave) Welu of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Our sincerest thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, and Mercy Hospital for their care and comfort.

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

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

Terry Jackson

1949 – 2022:  “That dash is the abbreviated version of the time I’ve spent  on the green side of the big adios. Like it or not, I’m about  to fill in that blank.”

Terry Jackson was an acquired taste. Either you liked him or you didn’t and he preferred it that way. He had a big appetite for life and he had something to say about it. While he was waiting for the hearse, he decided his wasn’t going to be your typical fill in the blanks local newspaper obit and wrote down his thoughts and observations on many subjects that impacted his life. He wanted us to print the whole nine yards but the life insurance policy wasn’t enough to cover the cost of the whole nine yards so we selected A FEW THINGS that pretty much defined Terry.

“Makeup, dead, and in a suit just doesn’t work for me.”

“There will be no wake, funeral, or celebration of life. 12 minutes and 49 seconds would be ample visitation time for friends, relatives and those that just want to make sure I’m really dead. Why waste a good afternoon. Go have pizza and a beer at Sportsters instead. NO ONE knows how to mourn better than me!!!!”

He was born on December 9, 1949 in Dubuque, Iowa to George and Thelma (Stark) Jackson.       He had 2 older brothers; Fred and Alan.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”

“I was almost 11 years younger than Alan and not the object of fatherly pride back in my teenage years. I worked at the family business long enough to hate it, leave it, and never look back. Since I didn’t work there very long it was assumed by many that there were only two Jackson sons but yes, George really did have a third son. We had different opinions on the consequences of my misspent youth and future employment opportunities. For the record, I saw it as an unconventional college education majoring in Life is Making the Most Out of a Bad Situation. It served me well, made me a more positive person than any institute of higher learning ever could.”

“If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you always got.”

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1968. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 234 on and off since 1970. He operated heavy equipment for several excavating and marine contractors over the years. He especially loved digging for Brecke Plumbing and Skyline Construction. He operated Jackson Excavating, full and part time from 1994 until he couldn’t do it anymore. He pulled the pin in 2022. He started a 3 year apprenticeship with Ironworkers Local 89 in 1977 and worked at the trade off and on until 2011 when he retired. His 2 career highlights were #1: Being one of the Ironworker connectors that erected the arches on the Dubuque Wisconsin Bridge and #2:  Being one of the only three white people on opening night in a very packed upscale black nightclub in North Omaha, “The Ramsey Lewis trio played some great 60’s & 70’s jazz sets. Man, those cats could cut a groove. We had to set ornamental brass handrails by closing or the city would shut them down. We started at 8:00 am strung it out until about midnight just to hear them play. It was a Friday night and Ramsey Lewis was booked through the weekend. Needless to say, the owners were more than a little anxious but the patrons were very accommodating. We had no problems at all. We left there well over the legal limit and never paid for one drink. The inspection passed with flying colors. I had a ball with those black patrons! If only the rest of the world could be like the patrons of that club that evening. Life would very be different, I’m sure.”

He attended the Herzing Institute in Madison, graduating with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology at age 37. He didn’t care much for the occupation after he worked at it for a while. He hated being micro managed, working inside, and office politics. “I’d rather succeed on my own terms than kiss an ass and succeed on theirs. He was a TV station engineer at TCI Cable, and a substation technician for Interstate Power. He owned and operated T J’s Video in East Dubuque and Tri State Video in Dubuque from 1986 to 1991. He bought old buildings, remodeled them, rented and sold them off over the years. Of all those occupations, he said the camaraderie he felt from fellow construction workers made work fun. After working at all those different occupations, the lure of high steel erection and operating heavy equipment always drew him back. He was a true construction tradesman at heart and he loved it.

“Till the end to the end will you follow me.”

“On November 11, 1994 at the Town Clock Inn I looked to my right and noticed a tall woman glowing with confidence and personality. She shined in the night  Like Chrome on a Coupe de Ville. And she was walking my way. I met Jane (Melssen) Mayne that night and my life has never been the same. We clicked like we had been lifelong friends. I had to invent a whole bunch of new adjectives to describe all these new feelings I never felt before. She fast became my best friend, my spiritual mentor, and most importantly, the love of my life. She knew instinctively how to make me feel so good.  Jane is the most fun I ever had. She makes almost everything fun. She is smart, sexy and a remarkably warm, wonderful woman with a huge heart. We have never had a fight, even after I let 3 marriage licenses expire and once backed out the day before the ceremony. I lovingly called her a subtle predator because she took license expirations and cold feet as a bump in the road, swallowed her pride, and never gave up on me. She hung in there and eventually wore me down. Finally, I convinced myself she was the real thing and she was NOT going to become my future ex wife. On April 24, 1998, we got married on the beach in Negril Jamaica ON THE 4^th MARRIAGE LICENSE. (I was on an island. Where could I run?)  Marrying Jane in That Wedding Dress was Well Worth The Wait.”

“We found we could really talk, focus on the problems, and even disagree without fighting and feeling the resentment that comes from believing you lost the disagreement rather than solve the problem. People notice and often comment on how well we get along. My secret is:

“Always discuss your problems as friends, not adversaries, and never marry her until her parents are dead.”

They had many years of adventures together, most notably on Sugarloaf Mountain, Twin Brothers Mountain, and Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, his favorite place in the world. HE LOVED RIO! He said the night climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge was also spectacular. They were granted residency in the country of Uruguay. All they had to do was move there. They loved travel and adventure. Terry especially loved South America.

“You know you’re in Dubuque when your last name becomes a verb and nicknames acquired as an adult are born in secrecy and seldom flattering.”

He despised Dubuque in his adult life calling it an infestation of clans rather than a community, although his friends here were considered exceptional.  He stayed only because he loved his home and property looking up the river toward Dubuque from the St. Catherine ridge.  “You can’t see the ugliness of Dubuque from here only the illusion of its beauty.”

His views on certain kinds of music were uniquely his.

“I always felt that the lowest form of human entertainment was throwing Christians to the lions until I listened to country music. After hearing a few (and I use the term loosely) songs, I opted to trade the Christians for everyone in the country music industry, and cheer for the lions.

Those steel guitar simulated tears are like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I never felt enough emotional pain to resort to drinking my sorrows away and cryin’ the blues in some tavern while listening to some country bumpkin on a jukebox singing some loser country song about drinking HIS sorrows away and cryin’ the blues to anyone forced to listen to that usual country music soap opera crap. It just isn’t worth the quarter. Rap, hip hop, and opera have since been added to that list. Ya gotta play 3 chords and have a rhythm section to cut a groove in my world.”   “Music should lift your spirit, not spiral you into depression.”

“Life holds two kinds of truths. One is the kind that gets bent and manipulated to serve one’s self interest. The other is the one you carry inside and know is real. You should defy what is expected of you when you face up to that truth inside and realize that expected blind loyalty is the enemy of that  truth! A man who makes his own way stays his own man.”

Terry always trusted his instinct and never lost what was wild inside him. “It was fun being a motorcycle hood in my youth. It also felt good to grow out of it, although some old ways have come in handy as wisdom grew with age.”  He never shied away from taking a stand on the unpopular side of an issue. He especially hated political correctness, the politics of employment, social media, drugs, pigeon holing, pettiness, liars, politicians, Democrats, farm subsidies, and treating farming as way of  life rather than a business. As these issues raised his temper, his vocabulary became more colorful, as did his skin tone. His honesty was like a brick through a plate glass window. “If you don’t think you’ll like my opinion, then don’t leave an opportunity for me to give one.” He always spoke the truth and took responsibility for his actions, regardless of the consequences. “You don’t have to stand tall but you have to stand up, especially against popular social changes, (Marxism, Socialism, and Wokeness in particular). They are NOT for the better. I am unapologetically white, unapologetically American, proud of the man I’ve become, and I don’t give a damn who doesn’t like it.  Old fashion common sense, logic, and a conscience border on extinction lately.”

”The best way to alter your life is to alter your attitude! BUT  When you call down the thunder, be prepared to deal with the storm!! Never run when you’re right.

It ain’t easy being a National Treasure. I’m here to tell ya.” 

His perception on life was —————— his:

“Living life is like driving a car. You want a safe smooth ride, turn on the cruise and gawk. You want real adventure and excitement; drive it like you stole it and really feel  that highway of life’s experiences, even if you crash once in a while. Speed limits are merely a suggestion. Unpaved roads, hills, and trails offer the most adventure .”

“BB King once said you only live but once and when you’re dead you’re done. I loved my life, lived it pretty much on my own terms and feared little. Just out of high school a friend of the Old Man gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me all through life. I still write it in every graduation and wedding card.  He told me that ”All the good things in life are on the other side of fear.”  He was so right. I took that advice and seldom looked back.  I never let envy or jealousy enter my life. I never lived a single moment vicariously through another person. .I tried not to allow any moments I imagined interfere with the moments I was experiencing. Those are the moments that are real and important. They made life more dynamic and enjoyable and it seldom disappointed me. I experienced very little sadness and regret. That’s why I loved my life so much.”

Besides Jane, travel and adventure, he loved animals, (especially dogs), Fords, his 1970 Cougar XR7 that he bought new and still owned, Daffy Duck and El Kabong. He Loved Music, especially A Cappella  Doo Wop, Carolina Beach Music, Boogie Blues, Jive and Big Band, Easy Listening, Brazilian Jazz, 70’s Disco, and the memories of the Eagle Point Roller Rink; the Studio 54 of our youth. “Disco definitely didn’t suck. That re creation of Jive and Big Bands with a constant speed turned big bands into a dance music machine again and I loved it. It was a great time to feel young again. I’m glad I was there when it happened. Music is one of the highlights of my life.  I hope it follows me eternally. ”

He loved watching animals play. He really loved watching their 2 labs, Hirsh and Sharkey play. They are 9 months difference in age. “I never saw 2 dogs bond and play like they did.  I could watch them for hours. After we brought Sharkey home I realized that we didn’t get a new puppy, Hirsh did.” The highlights of his autumn years also included enjoying the nightly panoramic view of the sunsets, the lights, sights, and sounds of the night, the view of the river (far enough away from the fish flies), the moon and the stars, all from his back yard with Jane by his side. “Some of the most breathtaking scenery can be found very close to home if you just choose to see it. I didn’t have to look very far.

I lived at the Shangri La of Eastern Iowa for the last 35 years.”

“There are 3 types of men. Those that should be fathers, those that shouldn’t be fathers, and those that KNOW they shouldn’t be fathers.”

He never had children. He always said “I never had the patience or that burning desire to be institutionalized in that asylum called parenthood and I don’t feel I missed a thing. I always knew my limitations on that lifestyle change.”

“Writing your own obituary is like making a date with the inevitable and hoping you get stood up.”

Writing his thoughts and observations about life as he saw it for an obit was a lot of fun and was inspired by the wit and wisdom of Yogi Berra. He said it was good for his soul. He hoped that reading his obit would make you stop and think, make you laugh, make you feel good about YOUR  life, and ease some of the anxiety knowing eventually something final this way comes. “What better way to leave a memorable impact on people after you die, (other than money and real estate) than your thoughts, stories, and experiences, written in your own inimitable style.”

He loved equating life’s experiences to certain sayings that summed the situation up poignantly or light heartedly as he expressed in the bold highlights. He had a great and off  the wall sense of humor. Some sayings were his originals. Some belonged to others. Some of his favorites are:

On how fast time passes he liked: “One night I went to bed a Rooster. The next morning I woke up a feather duster.”

On people saying “That has NEVER happened before”, he always responded with: “It never does until the first time.”

On suspicion, mistrust, and negativity, he loved: “When everyone is out to get you, paranoia is just good thinking.” “Death is only my body leaving me.”

“I see death as a mystery. A soul moving to another dimension of existence, rather than the end to its life.  Who knows what adventure waits out there or what adventures we have previously experienced . I don’t believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell or anything termed divine, but I don’t consider myself an Atheist. I do believe in a higher flesh and blood intelligence, a soul, and that reincarnation is the engine of the universe. I believe that certain events in the bible and scripture are written accounts of misunderstood technology. People wrote about and made drawings of what they saw, but couldn’t explain; so they called them Gods, angels, and miracles. Any sufficiently advanced technology would be mistakenly seen as a miracle or something God like back then. There are no miracles, only advanced science. And that is what early civilizations saw. 21^st century technology and perspective explains what they saw and were really trying to convey. Knowing this, how can we NOT question and challenge many of the centuries old  biblical edicts of organized religion? If and when God returns, I believe people will be taken aback at what and who He really is. He’ll arrive in a space ship just like he did long ago.”

“Let’s take the time we have left together and make the best times of our past the worst times of our future. What the hell have we got to loose.”

When Jane was diagnosed with multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer, he had this observation:

“I saw depression set in. This was concerning because she is the most positive person I ever met. I told her don’t give up and wait for death, it will always find you when it’s your time. It’s not today, tomorrow, or even this year.

Don’t worry about dying. You’ll live through it. Everything will be all right always. Your soul is eternal.”

He had two very personal favorite sayings:

When dealing with aches, pains, and deteriorating health conditions, He tried to lighten it up with:

“When I know about how much time I have left, I’ll start watching The View and Dancing With The Stars. The time I got left will SEEM longer.”

AND FINALLY HIS PERSONAL FAVORITE!! 

“Goodbye is always implied, until that day it isn’t. I wanted to die on my own terms, young and suddenly. But as life would have it, it took a bit longer. When I check out, it will be the end of an era, but  I’m on the right  side of goodbye, I’m cool  with it. The Old Man once said that whether you’re a prince or a pauper, a princess or a prostitute, there comes a time when ya gotta dance with the Grim Reaper. How you dance that final dance reflects how you lived your life. I prefer to lead and pick my song.”

He led that Grim Reapers’ conga line right up to that check out desk at the Hotel Adios on September 5, 2022.

Shirley A. Black

Shirley A. (Ambrosy) Black, 77 of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Mill Valley Care Center surrounded by her family.

A public visitation will be 9:30 am – 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, followed by a Private Service and burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Shirley was born on May 25, 1945 to Leo and Leola (Kilburg) Ambrosy. She was a graduate of Marquette High School and a member of St Joseph’s parish both in Bellevue.

In her younger years she never missed a party. She was an avid garage saler and enjoyed spending time with friends. She had a remarkable memory. Shirley was United in marriage to Vernon McQuistion on September 21st 1964. He proceeded her in death. She then married Ronald Black on June 5th 1971. He also proceeded her in death.

She is survived by her children Kelly McQuistion, Todd McQuistion of Bellevue and Rhonda (Joe) Klein of Springbrook. A brother Larry (Linda) Ambrosy of Bellevue. Grandchildren Nick (Kindal) Klein, Ronald (Taylor) Klein of Springbrook and Elizabeth (Matt) Ehlers of Miles. She is survived by great grandchildren Christopher, Caitlyn, Cadence, Rylee Addison and Ronald. In-laws Merlin McQuisti0n, Nick (Traci) McQuistion, Marvin (Vicki) McQuistion, Ora Eggers, Joe (Phyllis) Black, a step daughter Sandy Hansen of Phoenix AZ., many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by both husbands, parents, in-laws Floyd and Belle Black, Charles and Vi McQuistion, Bill Eggers, Erma (Marvin) Yarolem, Bertha (Jim) King, Bernice (Ed) Dalton, Fran (Bud) Van Horn, and many dear friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mill Valley Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Jeanette A. Meneguin

Jeanette “Boop” Ann (Hartman) Meneguin, 78, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, September 27, 2022, at home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 10 – 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at St. Mary’s Church in Galena.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, with Fr. Howard C. Barch, Jr. officiating.  Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

Jeanette was born on November 26, 1943, in Galena, the daughter of Harold C. “Monk” and Jeanette F. (Werner) Hartman. She was united in marriage to Thomas Meneguin on August 28, 1965, at St. Mary’s church in Galena.  He preceded her in death on August 2, 1992.

Jeanette was a graduate of Galena High School, class of 1961. She was formerly employed at the Eaton Corporation in Hanover and later worked at Honeywell in Galena, until her retirement.

Jeanette had many talents and hobbies. She enjoyed the thrill of morel hunting and the challenge of puzzles. She loved animals and rescuing them. She spent her summers with her family fishing and growing every fruit and vegetable under the sun to freeze and can. She liked to read and enjoyed baking on Sundays. She watched sports of all sorts but was especially a Green Bay Packer fan. Of course, that means harassing her son when they won against the Bears. Her greatest passion of all was painting ceramics.

Surviving are three children, Tom (Barb) Meneguin, Asbury, IA, Tammy (Jody) Glasgow and Jodi (Cory) Bilderback, both of Scales Mound; six grandchildren, Ethan and Alyssa Meneguin, Gavin (Aleah) and Chase Glasgow, Mason and Katherine Bilderback; one sister, Mary Hartman of Galena, sisters-in-law, Kathy and Joyce Hartman: a special niece Heather and special great niece Ellie, niece Jeannie, 4 nephews David, Jason, Andy, and Ryan. Along with great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom, infant son, and two brothers, Harry and Joe Hartman.

Jeanette’s family wishes to give special thanks to Erika Paisley, her homecare provider and good friend for all her care and kindness to Jeanette.

Jeanette will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

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

Paul J. Lane, Sr.

Paul J. “Louie” Lane, Sr., age 85, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 30, 2022, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Paul’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paul’s family.

Paul was born on March 9, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, a son to James and Bernadette (Kirby) Lane.  Paul grew up with a very clear understanding that we only get to live the life we are given one time and that it is up to us to make the most of every moment we are blessed with.  He began by falling in love and marrying the love of his life, Beverly Bowling, after school and the couple started a family of their own to love and nurture along the way.  Paul then joined his father at their family-owned business, Lane’s Floor Covering.  He was a successful entrepreneur on every level and spent over 50 years serving the Tri-State’s.  But Paul knew that life also had to possess balance and work could only be a part of the equation to experience real joy in this life.  He enjoyed traveling with the family whenever possible and add in a little time with his guitar in hand, a Hawkeye or Bears game, or simply with his favorite canine companion by his side.  He was a gifted storyteller and chased everything he enjoyed in life with a relentless passion.  He never missed his children’s sporting events and continually shared his kid at heart sense of humor with everyone around him.  Paul was truly one of the boys and his presence alone at any gathering was sure to bring the real life of the party to its full potential.  It breaks our hearts to even think that Paul has played his final round of golf and the Las Vegas Louie Tournaments will always be remembered.  We are forever grateful for all the memories and stories Paul leaves behind for us to recollect and share as we seek to find some peace from the pain of his physical absence from our daily lives moving forward.  Thank you, Paul, for always reminding us not to take life too seriously and to remember that the simple things and moments are what counts at the end of the day.  May the Lord graciously hold you until we all meet again and may the wine in Heaven be as memorable as yours was here with us.  We will miss and love you more than you could ever know!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Paul include,

his beautiful bride of 65 years,
Beverly Lane, Dubuque, IA;

his five children,
James Lane, Dubuque, IA,
Paul (Susan) Lane, Jr., Weston, FL,
Patrick (Jill) Lane, Phoenix, AZ,
Diane Walker, Las Vegas, NV,
and Michelle Blizzard, Las Vegas, NV;

his six grandchildren,
Amanda (Matt) Kilberg, Dubuque, IA,
Alex Blizzard, Las Vegas, NV,
Nick Lane, Phoenix, AZ,
Matthew Walker, Washington, DC,
Paige Lane, Washington, DC,
and Paul Lane, III, Weston, FL;

his great-granddaughter,
Rita Kilberg, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

Paul’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care.  Your gentleness helped to soften some of the most difficult days we’ve ever had to face, and we are forever grateful for your love and support when needed most.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that all donations be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Laura A. HeiderscheIt

Laura Ann Heiderscheit, 51 of Balltown, IA passed away on September 28, 2022.

Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home at 2595 Rockdale Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at St Francis of Assisi Church, 468 Balltown Road, with Fr. Tyler Raymond officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, Iowa.

Laura was born February 2, 1971, in Dubuque, Iowa daughter of Patrick and Gloriann (McDermott) Egan.

She attended Dubuque Senior High School. She graduated from The University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA with Bachelor of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation and an Associate of Science in Human Services Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta, IA.

Laura was united in marriage to Dave Heiderscheit on September 8, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. They were blessed with 10 wonderful years of marriage and two amazing boys.

Laura worked at Stonehill Communities as Director of Resident Services. She provided 26 years of dedicated services to the residents and families with care and compassion. Laura served on many committees and professional teams to enhance the atmosphere of those around her.

She cherished making memories with her family. Laura was a loving wife and a dedicated mother. Dave was the love of her life. Matthew and Connor, her boys, were her world and sunshine. Her family meant more to her than anything else. Moment by moment, they built a life together creating special memories.

Laura’s calm and nurturing presence brought comfort to everyone that crossed her path. She had a heart of gold. She was a great listener and always offered a shoulder to lean on. Everyone Laura encountered had their lives brightened and their soul touched. She was one of the kindness souls and had a way about her that would put you at ease, with her quick wit she could always come up with something funny to say in any situation. A few of her favorite mottos were: “good stuff” and “it’s all good”

Laura found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She truly enjoyed attending concerts, plays, and weekend getaways.  Other activities she loved were swimming, fishing at Waupeton with Dave and the boys, and long walks and talks with her family and friends. She was an amazing cook and baker, and she loved whipping up dishes with her sidekicks Matthew and Connor.  She enjoyed cheering on her sons at all their sporting events. Laura loved spending quality time with her sisters and movie and game nights with her family.

She is survived by the love of her life Dave; two sons, Matthew and Connor of Balltown, IA; 9 siblings, Kris Egan Dubuque, Greg (Megan) Egan Peosta, Angie Olds, Kevin Egan, Mike Egan all of Dubuque, Julie (Andy) Willenborg New Vienna, Ron Egan, Amy (Brad) Blum, Erin Egan (Tim Spengelmeyer, fiancé) all of Dubuque. In-laws; Carol (Bob) Dietzel East Dubuque, IL, Karen (Marty).

Hoffman Balltown, IA Sharon (Marvin) Ambrosy Sherrill, IA Mark Heiderscheit Dubuque, IA Cindy (Bob) Donovan Bankston, IA, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Patrick and Gloriann (McDermott) Egan, niece Faith Willenborg, maternal grandparents Carl and Camilla (Fitzpatrick) McDermott, paternal grandparents Edward and Hope (Dolan) Egan, her father-in-law and mother-in-law Allan and Rose (Cummer) Heiderscheit, grandparents Reynold and Lorena (Wolf) Cummer, Matthew and Frances (Pheiler) Heiderscheit, beloved friend Becky Blum, and many aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to a memorial fund established for the family of Laura A Heiderscheit.