Obituaries Archive

John E. Kluesner

John E. Kluesner, 69, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023.  A lifelong farmer in Iowa, he was dedicated to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy (Loeffelholz Silva) Kluesner of 23 years; four daughters: Jennifer (Ryne) Strum, Jaclyn (Scott Wootton) Kluesner Peyton, Jamee (Nate) Kramer, and Justine (Marc) Benavidez; three step-sons: Peter (Angela) Silva, Kyle (Jenni) Silva, and Mitchell Silva; six cherished grandchildren: Clark and Isla Strum, Jack and Juliana Peyton, Henry and Abigail Kramer; mother, Mary Jane Kluesner; siblings: Richard (Ann) Kluesner, Julie (Tom) Vonderhaar, Barbara (Tom) Campbell, and Steve Kluesner; parents-in-law, Edwin and Jo Ann Loeffelholz; and in-laws: Sue Kluesner, Alan (Margi) Loeffelholz, Mike (Donna) Loeffelholz, Dan (Deb) Loeffelholz, Karl (Kim) Loeffelholz, and Jeff (Mary) Loeffelholz.

He is preceded in death by his father, Francis Kluesner, brother, Joe Kluesner, and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 14, 2023, 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Kramer Funeral Home, Dyersville, Iowa, continuing Monday, May 15, 2023 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Delhi, Iowa, from 9:30  – 10:45 a.m.  Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with burial to take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery Delhi, Iowa.  Rev. Gabriel Anderson will officiate.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Eric Engelman, Oncology (MercyOne Dubuque), Dr. Natalie Callendar, Multiple Myeloma Oncology Specialist (UW Madison), and to their staff for the compassionate care and support over the past nine years. Thank you also to St. Croix Hospice Care, as well as our family and friends for your continued support.

Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

John’s memory will live on as a testament to a life well-lived and the values he held dear.

Willard D. Edwards

Willard Dale Edwards, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

Willard Dale Edwards was born on July 29, 1944 in Whiteside County, Illinois, to Sanford Tony and Ethel Marion (Chase) Edwards.  He married Rosalie Rockwell on May 15, 1970 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.

Willard worked construction for his father-in-law for 30 years.  He also delivered pharmaceuticals for five years for the Rockford Company, and worked at National Sleep Products, and for 10 years at DAC, Inc.

Willard loved his family first and foremost, mushroom hunting, fishing, and metal detecting.  He especially loved feeding his birds.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rosalie Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Sandy (Barb) Edwards of Charlotte, IA, Joan Manning of Maquoketa, IA, Nellie (Dave Bean) Clark of Maquoketa, IA, and Linda Said of Maquoketa, IA; sisters-in-law, Barbara Edwards of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Horan of Maquoketa, IA, and Carol Bowen of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Jane Manning, Nancy Mortenson, and Walter Edwards.

Visitation will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A public graveside service and burial celebrating Willard’s life will follow at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Streets Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Willard Dale Edwards memorial fund has been established.

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

Judy K. Pottebaum

Judy Kay Pottebaum, 66, of Dubuque, Iowa entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on May 6, 2023, at MercyOne Hospital Dubuque after a lengthy illness.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA.

She was born in Dubuque, Iowa to Anita Elizabeth (Soppe) Gibbons and James Joseph Gibbons Sr. on August 12, 1956. Judy attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School through 8th grade followed by Dubuque Senior High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Northeast Iowa Community College.

She married the love of her life, Steven Edward Pottebaum, on August 21, 1976, at Gale Blum’s Justice of the Peace in Asbury, Iowa. From that union they had two children, Paige June in 1983 and Mitchell Edward in 1988. Prior to going back to school for her Associate Degree, she worked in many restaurants as a waitress though the years and in sales at Leath Furniture. She retired from Project Concern working with Foster Grandparents and the RTA. After that she was fortunate enough to care for grandchildren.

Judy was a kind, generous, caring soul who thought of everyone else before herself. She loved gardening and canning, restoring furniture, sewing, making jewelry, and listening to and playing music, having taught herself to play the guitar. Mom was a lover of animals and enjoyed walking her dogs to the dog park along with her grandchildren when the weather was nice. She had the best sense of humor and a laugh you couldn’t forget.

Mom was very proud of her Irish heritage and shared that with her children and grandchildren, of whom she was also very proud. She was the best mom, wife, grandma, sister, and friend; she will be missed dearly by all who had the joy of knowing her. My mom was one of the strongest people I have ever known, and I hope I am an ounce of the woman she was.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 46 years, Steven, sister Sandra (Denny) Deming of Idaho, sister Carol Gibbons of Dubuque, sisters-in-law Julie Edwards and Lisa (Roland) Wagner of Blue Grass, sister-in-law Carla Gibbons, her daughter Paige Ortiz (significant other Eric Zalaznik), son Mitchell Pottebaum, honorary son Leo Ortiz, grandchildren: Lisette, Jakob, and Jimmy, step-grandchildren: Ava Zalaznik, Julia Zalaznik, and Clara Zalaznik, several nieces, life-long friend Jane Howe, and last but not least–her beloved dog, Mooch.

Those who greeted her in Heaven include: her parents Anita and James Gibbons, her mother and father-in-law Darlene (Boots) and Edward Pottebaum, brothers Dale and James Gibbons Jr., nephew Ron Joseph Wagner, and her dogs: Molly, Maggie, Betsie, Sadie, Spanky, Ming and her cat Buster.

Memorials may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nachtman, Dr. Khan, Dr. Loc, Dubuque Fire EMS, and the staff of MercyOne Hospital (especially the ER) for the wonderful care they provided her (and us) on her final day and throughout the last few years.

Dr. Josef Kubicek

Dr. Josef “Joe” Kubicek, DVM, 79 ½, of Dubuque, Iowa, died on Friday, May 5, 2023 in Postville, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque. The mass of Christian burial for Joe will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Joe was born October 30, 1943 in Sopotnice 60, Czechoslovakia. On September 28, 1968, he married Ludmila Matějková in Ústí nad Orlicí, Czechoslovakia, now known as Czech Republic. Joe was a practicing veterinarian in Czechoslovakia and escaped with his family from communism in 1980. Their family received political asylum to come to the US in 1981 and settled in El Dorado, Kansas. Joe renewed his master’s degree at Kansas State University and was employed as a Meat Inspector for the USDA in Dubuque and then Postville, Iowa. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, and reading about history, science and autobiographies. His amazing memory lent to making him a stimulating storyteller.

Survivors include his wife, Ludmila Kubicek of Dubuque; five children, Alena (Michael) Britten of Crystal Lake, Il; Libor (Lesley) Kubicek of Manassas, VA; Ales Kubicek of Madison, WI; Jolana Kubicek of Niedermohr, Germany; and Robert (Eva Kirstenova) Kubicek of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Kiley (Ruadhan), Dorian, Viktor, Julian, Rebeka and a great-grandchild due in July; his sister Helena (Josef)  Plíhal of Sopotnice, Czech Republic; and several nieces and nephews in Czech Republic. As the oldest sibling, he was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Joyce F. Potter

Joyce F. Potter, 89, of Eagle Point Place, Dubuque, formerly of Dyersville, IA, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be Wednesday May 10, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.  A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 11_, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Meador officiating.  Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  The burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. A live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Joyce was born February 6, 1934, in Geneva, IA to Walter E. Bergmann and Gladys B. Muhlenbruck.  She attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA and Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL.  She married Richard C. Potter on January 14, 1961, in Indianola, IA.  Her main occupation was a homemaker.  She also worked at Stone Creek One Stop and Evers Toy Store in Dyersville.  She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge.

Mom enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the little ones, as well as traveling, quilting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, other crafts, and puzzles.

Survivors include her children David (Diana) Potter, Monterey, CA; Scott (Jenny) Potter, New Haven, MO; Laurie (Matt) Urban, Dubuque, IA; and Randy (Anne) Potter, Dyersville, IA; Grandchildren: Chelsea (Bill) Jakob; Justin Potter; Jessica (Marty) Krapfl; Elizabeth (Dustin) Boyette; Sam (Kenzie) Urban; Amanda (Justin) Adams; and Tim Potter.  Great-Grandchildren: Bethany, Mike, Dan, and Hannah Rankin; Leah Boyette; Katie and Tucker Urban; Daisy Adams; Bill Jr. (Emily) Jakob and Johnathon Jakob. Sister: Maxine Bots, Brother-in-law: Ed Hiller, Sister-in-law: Norma Vondra.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, sister Lucille Hiller, brother-in-law Jim Bots, grandson Kroy Urban, brother Rolland Bergmann, in-laws Dan and Lois Potter and Don Vondra.

The family would like to thank her friends at Eagle Point Place, the staff at Mercy Hospital and Medical Associates Clinic, especially Dr. Kenneth Steffen, Julie Ehlinger, ARNP and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Joyce.

Lois G. Reuter

Lois Gertrude (Cimmiyotti) Reuter, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, died on May 9, 2023, at her home. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 14 at Leonard Funeral Home in Dubuque, with a prayer service at 12:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Lois will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Key West immediately following Mass.

Lois was born on November 24, 1936, in Ionia, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Fischbach) Cimmiyotti. In 1954, she graduated from St. Clair High School in St. Clair, Minnesota. Following graduation, Lois moved to Dubuque to work at Flexsteel Industries. Later she was employed at H&R Block, Merri-Mac, Hopper’s Greenhouse, and Kahle’s Furniture, before retiring from Medical Associates Clinic in 2003.

On December 2, 1961, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Reuter at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque. Six children were born to this union. In 1964, they purchased a farm near Key West, south of Dubuque, where she worked alongside her husband until they retired to Oak Park Place in 2022.

Lois was steadfast in her faith. A devoted and hardworking wife, mother, and grandmother, she poured herself into her family. She enjoyed playing cards, slots, and bingo, and was a wicked UNO player. Lois was a loyal friend and will be remembered for her extreme generosity. She will be greatly missed.

Lois is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth; six children, Jeff (Dianna) Reuter of Iowa City, Jerry (Julie) Reuter of Basin, Wyoming, Mike (Kerry) Reuter of Sherrill, Julie (Dave) Sunne of Strawberry Point, Sherri (Greg “Pete”) Birkett of Durango, and Dave (Teresa) Reuter of Holy Cross; 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashley) and Mitchell Reuter, Joshua (Emilie) Reuter, Bekki (Cody) Spencer, and Cal Reuter, Ashley (Steven) Shafer and Kimberley Reuter, Daniel, Zachary, Rachel, and Joseph (Brooke) Sunne, Benjamin and Samantha Birkett, and Cole and Luke Reuter; 10 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Jackie Ritter and Ronald Cimmiyotti, both of Charles City, Marlys Bade of Oakdale, Minnesota, and Gordon (Sandy) Cimmiyotti of Stacyville; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Cimmiyotti of Sargeant, Minnesota, and Betty Reuter of Key West.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her father- and mother-in-law, Sylvester and Celestine Reuter; a grandson, Adam Birkett; a sister, Leola Brady; brother, Stanley Cimmiyotti; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Glenn Bade, Paul Ritter, Sharon Cimmiyotti, Janet Cimmiyotti, Pat Brady, Lois (Arnold) Green, Clem Reuter, Harlan Reuter (MIA, Korean War), Leonard “Jack” Reuter, and Jim (Darlene) Reuter.

Memorials are welcome in lieu of flowers.

Naomi Regan

Naomi “Dottie” Regan, 85, of Dubuque, died Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Naomi will be 11:00 am Thursday, May 11, 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 at a later date.

Naomi was born April 21, 1938, in Iowa City, the daughter of Emmett and DeEtta (Oliver) Kelley. On April 14, 1956, she married Frank Regan in Holy Ghost Catholic Church.  He died August 12, 2003.

She worked in the janitorial department for the Dubuque School System.  She had the distinct honor of being the first full time woman custodian for the Dubuque School System.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  She enjoyed puzzles, sewing, and playing cards.  She was determined to do things herself and even took a cabinet making class to make her own cabinets.

Survivors include one son, Daniel (Carol) Regan of Peosta; one daughter, Kelli (Lonie) Brown of Dubuque;  one grandson, Kevin (Abigail) Regan, and three granddaughters, Codi (Mike) Jasper, and Kristan and Hannah Brown; six great grandchildren; one sister, Mary (Eldon) Weiss of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews including, Mike Kelley of Dubuque.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by one daughter, Lorraine “Lorri” Regan, four brothers and one sister.

A special thank you to Sunset Park Place especially Katelyn and Nick.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Dottie’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Gerald N. Arensdorf

Gerald (Jerry) N. Arensdorf, age 97, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 28, 2023, at Luther Manor while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jerry’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, 1240 Rush Street in Dubuque, with Father Tom McDermott officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship 9:00am to 10:15 at the church.  Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jerry’s family.

Jerry was born on November 29, 1925, in LaMotte, IA, to Henry and Anna (Heiar) Arensdorf.  He grew up with a strong work ethic and a determination to make the most out of life.  He was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, Rita Manderscheid, and the couple was blessed with seven children and many wonderful years together until she was sadly called home in 2010.  Jerry and Rita raised their family together on the farm for over 60 years where many wonderful memories and life lessons were learned along the way.  He was the maintenance MAN at Anderson Weber for 25 years and was able to continue to share his Jack of All Trades skills with his friends there until he finally retired in 1994.  Jerry was a longtime and faithful member of St. Columbkille’s Parish.  The 10:00am Sunday Mass could not happen unless he was there to usher. He enjoyed the opportunity to lead by example and valued the ability to instill some of life most important traits into his family.  Jerry never met a challenge he couldn’t face. We will miss his presence in our daily lives but are forever grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.  May the Lord bless you and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jerry include, his six children, Sue (Mike) Kennedy, Ken (Christy) Arensdorf, Howard (Sandy) Arensdorf, Angie (Bob) Burdett, Jeff (Robin) Arensdorf, and Terry (Anita) Arensdorf; his eighteen grandchildren; his twenty-three great-grandchildren; his great-great-grandchild; his special friend, Marion Welter; his sister-in-law, Pat Arensdorf; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rita; his son, David; his 10 brothers and sisters; along with 7 brothers and sisters-in-law.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kourtney, for all of their professional and compassionate care for “Jerr Bear”.

Memorials may be given to St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, Hospice of Dubuque or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Ralph A. Nurre

Ralph A. Nurre, 93, of Dyersville and formerly of Petersburg died Friday, May 5, 2023, at MercyOne Seniorcare in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held 4 -7 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Friday from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhasky will officiate.  Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137.

Ralph was born March 28, 1930, the son of Clem and Rose (Herbers) Nurre.  He served in the Korean War in the 25^th Medical Division from 1952-1954.  He married Lillian Catherine Werner on Oct. 26, 1954, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington.  Together they farmed in the Petersburg area until they semi-retired and moved to Dyersville in 1986.  He loved going to the farm to lend his helpful hand and expertise.

He enjoyed listening and dancing to old country music, playing cards and taking SLOW rides, watching the crops grow, but his most enjoyable times were spent with his family.

He was known for his bib overalls, signature phrases, especially “that’s a heck of a note” and any bigger decisions that had to be made he would say, “I’ll have to sleep on it.”  He had an easy, slow and measured response to almost everything thrown his way.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1734 and Americal Legion Post 137.

Survivors include his wife Lillian, children:  Dennis (Karen) Nurre, Daryl (Rose) Nurre, both of Dyersville, Diane (Lonnie) Osbourne of Dubuque, and Deb (Brian) Greenwood of Epworth; 10 grandchildren: Abby (Ben) Renner, Traci Nurre, Nick (Rachel) Nurre, Katie Nurre, Michelle (Jake) McGuire, Jennifer Butler, Kimberly (Jarrod) Timmer, Melissa (Karl) Hubbard, Kelli Greenwood and Lee Greenwood; step-grandchildren, Jay Osbourne and Jane (Seth) Katz, and 14 great-grandchildren; sisters: Norma ( friend Dale Budde)Vaughan of Dubuque and Marion (Neil) White of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, George and Millie Werner, a son, Daniel, granddaughter, Kristi Nurre; siblings: Caroline Nurre, Cleo (Wilma) Nurre, Ray (Joan) Nurre, Rita (Leo) Bockenstedt; a brother-in-law, Jay Vaughn.

Memorials are preferred.

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

Vernon H. Wubben

Vernon H. Wubben, age 89, of Menominee, IL, passed away Saturday morning, May 6, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Members of American Legion Post # 787 will meet at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Friends and family may also call from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

Vernon was born on May 18, 1933, in Menominee, the son of Henry and Dorothy (Handfelt) Wubben.  He was united in marriage to Darlene K. Thul on October 6, 1962, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Asbury, IA.

Vernon was a member of Nativity BVM Church and its Holy Name Society, and East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787. He was also an Honorary member of the Menominee-Dunleith Fire Dept. after having served for 29 years. Vernon farmed in Menominee his entire life. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 – 1955.

Vernon was an avid card player, loved to travel through the United States and to 18 countries in Europe. He went on the Honor Flight on September 17, 2013, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Surviving is his wife, Darlene; his sister, Marita Linden of Cuba City, WI; in-laws, William Thul, Ray (Pat) Thul , and Daryl Ernster, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dorothy, a sister, Coletta, and in-laws, Leonard Thul, Margaret (Thul) Ernster, Joyce Thul and Dale Linden.

Darlene and family wish to thank the staff from Heal to Thrive and the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Vernon.

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

Robert C. Henkel

Robert C. Henkel, 90, of Dubuque, died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Dubuque Specialty Care in Dubuque.

The Funeral Service for Robert will be 10:00 am Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Mount Calvary Cemetery with Deacon Dave Roth officiating and military honors rendered by the American Legion Post #6.

Robert was born May 23, 1932, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Lee and Helen Gensler Henkel. On July 18, 1953, he married Jeanette G. Coleman at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. She died July 21, 2006.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1952 until 1956.

Bob was an engineer for Dubuque Star Brewery. Prior to that, he had worked for Dubuque Packing Company for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with his brothers and friends.

Survivors include one sister, Joy White of Dubuque; four brothers, Richard (Judy) Henkel of Dubuque, Charles “Chuck” (Patricia) Henkel of Harrah, OK, Gary (Connie) Henkel of Dubuque, and Jim (Madonna “Mike”) Henkel of Kellog, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Gayle Schmitt, Helen “Lonnie” Henkel, Jeane Felderman, Sandra Zigenfuzz, and Marian Kelly, and one brother, Lee Henkel.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Bob’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Dorothy Digmann

Dorothy (Grundmeyer) Digmann, 88, of Dyersville passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 7 pm.  Visitation will continue Tuesday from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the funeral Mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Kyle Digmann will officiate.

Dorothy “Babe” Grundmeyer was born near Raeville, Nebraska on January 6, 1935, the daughter of Anton and Dorothy (Kurtenbach) Grundmeyer. A neighbor helped deliver her because muddy roads prevented the doctor from making the trip.  At age 5 her family moved to Iowa to escape the difficulties of farming in the Dust Bowl.

She was one of twelve Dundee High School graduates in 1953 and spent several years working at an insurance company in Cedar Rapids, sharing a two-bedroom apartment with five other young women.  Despite burning a fair share of meals through the early years, her pies and sweet rolls became an eagerly anticipated part of family get-togethers.

Dorothy married Luvern Digmann in 1955, but later divorced.  After raising five children, she began taking classes at Kirkwood Community College in 1987, after nine years she earned an associate degree before continuing her education at Loras College.   She moved to Dyersville in 1992.

Dorothy loved bowling, playing cards, and putting together puzzles.  She was an excellent seamstress and will be laid to rest in an outfit of her own making.  As an active member of the Dyersville community, she volunteered at the Dyer House, the food pantry, the Resurrection Choir at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels.  She was also an English as a second language tutor.  Her activities earned her the Governor’s Volunteer Award.  She was also politically active, having been a member of the Democratic Central Committee.

Dorothy is survived by five children: Ron (Diana) Digmann of Marion, Brother Craig Digmann (G.H.M.) of Hartsville, TN, Marianne Wink of Alburnett, Jerry (Karol) Digmann of Worthington, and Sandy Ford of Cedar Rapids; 12 grandchildren: Lynn (Lance) Shannon, Michelle Perry, Kim (Amron) Van Dolah, Anthony (Stephanie) Digmann, Father Kyle Digmann, Kami Henry, Kaitlin Wink, Adam (Amanda) Digmann, Andrea (Matt) Houslog, Nathan Digmann, Josh Ford, and Calvin Ford; and 20 great-grandchildren; two siblings: Rita Thole of Oelwein and Jim (Jan) Grundmeyer of Manchester, and her beloved cat, Toto.

She was preceded in death by four brothers: Willis (Bernice), Val (JG), Tony (Nancy), Connie (Pat), and one sister, Mary Ann (David) Puff , and a special friend of 17 years, Bill Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Dyersville Food Pantry.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Leslie D. Wagner

Leslie D. Wagner, 52 of Platteville, WI passed away on May 3rd, 2023, at Southwest Health in Platteville.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 12th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13^th, 2023, at St. Peters Lutheran Church with Pastor Matt Agee officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in St. Donatus.

She was born on August 18, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Roger E. and Alice (Lubs) Wagner. She worked for the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Bureau of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance – Nurse Consultant.

Leslie was an extraordinary friend. She made life-long friends everywhere she went, family members were also friends. She made everyone feel special, and hosted get-togethers to stay close. A get-together with Leslie was not to be missed. You could count on her telling a story, in a way only Leslie could tell it, until everyone had a stitch in their side from laughing so hard. If a friend was in need, she went the extra mile to reach out and offer support.  Her capacity to care for her friends was limitless.

Her capacity to care also drove her career. As a registered nurse, she cared for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, spending most of her career as a dialysis nurse, and most recently worked for the State of Wisconsin monitoring medical facilities. At the end of April, she received a national award of excellence in her profession for the work she did to close an unsafe dialysis unit. She poured her heart and soul into that effort, including concern for the patients challenged with finding care elsewhere.

Her care also extended to animals of all kinds. She loved her pets, usually caring for indoor and outdoor cats and a dog. She also loved horses and visited friends’ barns whenever possible. Leslie also loved vacations, board games, pot-luck picnics, cooking, crafting with friends, and flower gardens.

She is survived by her parents Roger and Alice (Lubs) Wagner; her sister Elizabeth (Wagner) Kemp; her brother-in-law Robert Kemp; two nieces: Michelle (Nicholas) Forbes, their children Morrison and Henric Forbes; and Jacqueline (Jeff Nicholson) Kemp.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents August & Clara Lubs and Arthur & Lucille Wagner; her brother Steven Wagner along with many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Dubuque Humane Society, Hospice of Dubuque or St. Jude’s Hospital in memory of Leslie.

The family would like to thank Southwest Health in Platteville; Grand River Medical Group; and the Wendt Regional Cancer Center. A special appreciation to the friends that cared for Leslie around the clock in her home and hospital.

Richard M. Putman

Richard “Rick” M. Putman, 71, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.  Family Services will be conducted.

Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Richard was born January 7, 1952, the son of Richard F. and Loreen (Cooper) Putman.  He was a commercial fisherman and drove semi-truck for Dubuque Steel Company before retiring in 2008.  Richard enjoyed living on the river, fishing, and hunting.

Survivors include his children, LeeAnn (Stephen) Mazur and Jon (Jackie Williamson) Putman; grandchildren, Chelsea Orton, Gage Orton, and Caeleb Putman; siblings, Dori (Jim) Timmerman, Gayle (Dale) Daniels, and Gloria (Delos) Sheff; a sister in-law, Pauline Putman; and special cousins, Yolanda (Doug), Tony, and Kayla; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended relatives.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dan Putman.

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

Natasha A. Fischer

Natasha Anne Fischer, 31 of Dubuque passed away on April 30th, 2023.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 7th, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Life will be held on June 11, 2023, with location and time to be announced.

Natasha was born on July 15, 1991, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Michele (Kruser) Fischer. She was employed at Michelin (formerly Camso).

Natasha had a passion for gardening, fishing, animals, riding roller coasters and anything to do with getting her hands dirty. She was an avid Green Bay Packers and Cubs fan.

Natasha was a great confidant to friends and family and as a friend she was all in. She enjoyed life with family and considered her friends as family. She was a child at heart and had the adoration of her cousin’s and friend’s children. She was a creative soul and built many items from wood and created costumes for Halloween.

She is survived by her parents: Michele (Kruser) and Mark Fischer; her sister, Selena (Grant) Fischer; grandparents, Doris Fischer and John Kruser; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her Grandmother, Darlene (Clough) Kruser and Grandfather, John Fischer.

Thank you to Alea, Aubri, Jesse and any others who were there to enjoy life with her.