Obituaries Archive

Thomas A. Welu

Thomas A. “Tom” Welu, age 85, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on February 1, 2023, at Luther Manor.  To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on September 18, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Anton and Catherine (Broll) Welu.  Tom was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School before going off to honorably serve his country in the Korean War as a Corporal in the U.S. Army.  Upon returning home, Tom started Tom Welu Contractors and spent over 45 years in the construction business.  Tom was a skilled carpenter and many of his projects can still be seen today all around the area.  Tom met and married the love of his life, Joan Kastle, and the two were blessed with many wonderful years together before she was sadly called home ahead of him on October 13, 2006.  Tom’s free-time mainly revolved around cars, collecting, restoring, and sharing his craft with others to enjoy.  He was a mainstay at the Kat Cruise for many years and his 1949 Mercury, Blue Velvet, was surely his pride and joy.  We will miss Tom more than he could know, but are beyond grateful for the abundance of memories he leaves behind at the same time.  Thank you, Tom, for all that you’ve given to the world around you and may peace be yours until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his two children,
Tim Welu, Dubuque, IA,
and Toni (Dan) Graebel, Dubuque, IA;

his three grandchildren;

his siblings,
David (Carol) Welu, Dubuque, IA,
Richard (Dixie) Welu, East Dubuque, IL,
and Joan (Doug) Mugehe, Cleveland, OH;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joan E. Welu; his daughter, Gabrielle Welu; and his sister, Janet Welu.

Tom’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Tom, and his family.

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

Maria Elena Guerrero

Maria Elena Guerrero (Beltran), age 82, of Dubuque, IA, died peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Oak Park Place, with her loving family members by her side.  To honor Maria’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Grand River Center, 500 Bell Street, in Dubuque, in the Third Floor, River Room.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa Street, in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Maria’s family.

Maria Elena Guerrero was more than just a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  She was a teacher, caregiver to children and lover of life.

She was born in Sahuayo, Michoacan, Mexico and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 14 and eventually moved to Chicago.  She graduated St. Mary’s High School in Chicago and soon after began her journey to become a Maryknoll Sister of St. Dominic, she served as a nun for five years in New York before leaving the order for family reasons.

Maria Elena had one child, Robert Beltran in 1969 before embarking on a life long pledge of service to children and the comminuty. She worked for the State of Illinois, but found her second calling as an educator both at the high school and college level.  Her thirst for knowledge is best explemplified by her commitment to complete her Masters in Eductaion at Loyola University Chicago at the age of 60.
While she only had one biological child, she was a foster mother to more than 150 children and teens in the Chicago area for 17 years.  She was also a member of the Chicago and Dubuque, Iowa Lions Club and was president twice.

She moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 2013, and resided at Bethany Home where she remained active and social and continued to pray her rosary every day with her new family and friends. In April of 2022, Mary Ellen had to move to Oak Park Place in Dubuque, an assisted living community.

Maria Elena is survived by her son, Robert and was Abuelita to Trinity and Bennett Beltran. She was sister to Alice, Josephine, Stella, Cesar, Carolyn, Lisa and Martha.

Online condolences for Maria’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Howard W. Klauer

Howard Wayne Klauer of Bellevue embarked on his next new adventure and life everlasting, to Infinite Love and beyond on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Private Service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery chapel in Dubuque.

Howard was born on May 18, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, son of Howard R. and Carrie A. (Musselman) Klauer.  He retired to Iowa after working for 25 years with the Village of Schaumburg in Illinois as an engineering technician.  Howard married the cherished love of his life, Nancy A. (Syrotchen) Nolley on May 24, 2003, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Galena, IL by the Reverend Dr. Frederick W. Baltz.  Together they enjoyed the retirement years 24/7 at their St. Catherine home.

In his earlier life and during retirement, Howard had a lifelong interest in photography, reading, and astronomy, building four telescopes: one while living in Dubuque and three more during his working years in the Chicago area. While attending Dubuque Senior High School he co-founded the Dubuque Astronomical Society and also the Dubuque Rocket Society.  He was a former member of’ the Northwest Suburban Astronomers of Hoffman Estates, IL, and Cernan Earth and Space Center, Triton College, River Grove, IL.

Howard is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Nancy; brother, John (Jeanne) Klauer of Dubuque; sister, Alana (Robert) Goetzinger of Petaluma, CA; brother-in-law, Alan Syrotchen of Portage, Michigan; son, Mark (Delaina); grandchildren, Neysa and Carter of Anamosa, Iowa.

Per Howard’s wishes, in lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the MercyOne Health Foundation of Dubuque or St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Galena, Illinois.

Carol A. Walsh

Carol A. Walsh, 83 of Fillmore, Iowa, passed away from multiple myeloma at home in Coralville, Iowa with her family by her side on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 6th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 at Sacred Heart Fillmore with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Carol was born September 30, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa, only child of Louis F. and Stella R. (Nachtman) Welter. She attended the Academy of the Visitation and was a member of the class of 1957. Carol went on to earn her RN nursing degree from St. Anne’s School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois, graduating August 1960. Her nursing journey first began at Xavier hospital, next at the Dubuque Packing Company, then as a nurse for Head Start in Peosta and then as the Apheresis Director for the Dubuque Red Cross Blood Center until her retirement.

Carol married Patrick J. Walsh of Fillmore at St. Joseph’s the Worker Church, Dubuque Iowa on October 8, 1960. Patrick and Carol returned to Fillmore to his family farm and farmed together for many years. After retiring from the farm, the two traveled together, spending fun times with friends and family, and wintering in Mesa, Arizona.

Carol was one of the early members of the St. Monica’s Mother’s Club, she was a local 4-H leader, Board Member of the Presentation Lantern Center (retired), Board Member of Opening Doors (retired), Parish Nurse for Sacred Heart Fillmore (retired), Dubuque hospice supporter, these were just a few of her many volunteer interests. She enjoyed creating beautiful woven baskets and handmade greeting cards. Carol was a champion supporter for her children and grandchildren, taking great joy in supporting each of them as they created their own paths in life.

Carol is survived by Patrick, her husband of 62 years and their four children: Susan of Iowa City, Steve of Des Moines, Janet of Seattle, Washington, and James of Boston, Massachusetts, grandchildren: Jonathon (Suzanne Pichoff) McFall of Des Moines and Marcus McFall (Michael McDonough, partner) of Seattle, Washington and one great-grandchild on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Stella, father-in-law John Louis Walsh, mother-in-law Ann E. (Knepper) Walsh, daughter-in-law Renée Upah-Walsh, sisters-in-law Genevieve (Walsh) Nemmers and Jean (Walsh) Bartels.

Carol was someone, who if you became her friend you were a friend forever. She left many, many of you with infinite instances of fun and laughter creating lasting memories. Carol’s personal motto “I want to live, not merely survive” and she lived this every day since her diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

Carol and her family wanted to give thanks to the people who cared for her with compassion and kindness during her treatments. The UIHC Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center team, and all the other dedicated UIHC health care members who cared for her along the way, her Mercy Hospital Wound Care team, and Iowa City Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice and The Presentation Lantern Center.

Maxine V. Paar

Maxine V. Paar, 96, of Dubuque died Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Luther Manor.  Visitation will be 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, February 8 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road and from 9:15 to 10:15 am  at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Thursday,February 9 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Maxine was born January 7, 1927 in Delaware County, Iowa, daughter of Elizabeth Richter.

She was a charter member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Maxine is survived by three children, Ken (Prasai) Paar of Clovis, CA, Kevin (Sara) Paar of Dike, IA and Karla (Ron) Bell of Farley, IA; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; in laws Bill Herrig, Arlene Reisen, Millie Paar, Bob (Sue) Paar, Loretta Paar and Pat Paar ; and a special friend, Carolyn Schmidt.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter, daughter Kathy, mother Elizabeth, sister Kate and several in laws.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care.

William Glasson

William “Bill” Glasson, 73 of Galena, IL passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. A funeral service will be held at Noon, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded following the funeral service at the funeral home by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The burial will be later. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born April 17, 1949, in Benton, WI the son of Charles and Genevieve (Heitkamp) Glasson. Bill graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1967. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971. Bill married Joyce Long on April 16, 1982, at Full Gospel Assembly Church. He was currently employed at O’Reilly Auto Parts, Dubuque, and was employed prior at Kraft Foods, Galena, and Georgia Pacific, Dubuque. Bill enjoyed reading, paragliding, flying, and being around people telling jokes. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Bill loved the 50s and 60s music and Elvis Presley was his idol.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, two stepchildren, Lori (Doug) Lim, of Schaumburg, IL, and Tom Long, of Galena, two step grandchildren, Tyler and Austin Long, a brother, Harold (Judy) Glasson, a niece, Brenda (Tim) Burgess, a nephew, Brandon (Stacey) Glasson, six sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque and Midwest Medical Center for the excellent care they gave to Bill.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Maxine V. Menadue

Maxine Virginia Menadue, 86, of Dubuque, died Friday, February 3, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Maxine will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Maxine was born on July 2, 1936 in Dubuque, the daughter of Clarence and Virginia (Koch) Scheffert.  Maxine loved to dance, cheat at card games, and watch the Green Bay Packers. First and foremost, Maxine was a homemaker but she also loved serving lunch to the kids at St. Anthony School. Later, she worked as a cook at Hillcrest Family Services for 20 years.

She was married to Charlie Menadue for 40 years and is survived by their four children, Dr. Mark (Kimberly) Menadue of Elkhart, IA, Julie (Tim) Ede of Dubuque, Lori (Dr. Brad) Brooks of Cedar Falls, IA, and Sherry (Dale) McDonell of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Hannah (Mat) Johnson, Grant (Kaci) Menadue, Jason (Tonya) Ede, Dana (fiance, Mike Sorensen) Mess, Sara (Eric) Mess, Connor Brooks, Spencer Brooks, Jordan (Arlene) McDonell, and Kara (Colin Roling) McDonell; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Barb Kiernan of Edgewater, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother; sister-in-law; and a brother-in-law.

Remember Maxine as the wonderful, loving and caring person she was to her family and everyone she touched in her life.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established or donations can be made to the Parkinson Foundation.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eagle Pointe Place, Hawkeye Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Runde and staff.

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

James K. Carroll

James K. “Jim” Carroll, age 65, of Dubuque, passed away following a brief illness on December 25, 2022 at his home. Due to the winter weather at this time of year, a service is planned for April of 2023. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

Jim was born on August 19, 1957 in Sibley, Iowa, son of Dr. Thomas J. and Helen (Horton) Carroll, the seventh of eight children.

Jim graduated from Sibley Community High School in 1975. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Speech-Language Pathology  and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1984 with a Master of Library and Information Science. Throughout his career, Jim worked mostly with technology, providing technical support, and setting up computer networks.

Although Jim was born and raised in Iowa, he also lived in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Kansas. He was a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. He was a member of the Board of Directors at Aquinas Communications and KCRD-FM Radio in Dubuque.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include his children, Elsie Carroll, Dubuque, IA, Mercedes Carroll, Portland, OR, and Rourke Carroll, Minneapolis, MN; his siblings, Dr. Kathryn Carroll, Chuburna, Mexico, Mary Pat (Mike) Davis, Dunwoody, GA, Dr. Thomas (Jean) Carroll, Sioux City, IA, Barb (Chris) Nelson,  Stanton, IA, Dr. John (Nicole) Carroll, Corpus Christi, TX, Theresa J. Carroll, Esq., Torrence, CA, and Stephen (Sherie) Carroll, Esq., Interlaken, NY; his former wives, Karen Schloss and Lena Carroll, his step sons Kostya and Dima of Marion, IA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Carroll in 1999 and Dr. Thomas Carroll in 2007.

Condolences to the family may be directed to PO Box 3114, Dubuque, IA 52004 or through Behr Funeral Home.

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

Jennifer L. Ruh

Jennifer Lynn Ruh, 47 of Galena, IL passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 15, 2023. A celebration of life will be held at 7 PM, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 5 PM until the time of service. A committal service will be held at Noon, Friday, February 10, 2023, in St. Michaels Cemetery, Galena. Cremation rites have been accorded.

She was born November 1, 1975, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Paul and Sandra (O’Rourke) Ruh. Jennifer attended East Dubuque High School. She loved the rain, live music, dancing, and antiques. Jennifer was a loving friend of many and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by two daughters, Maizie Sebasta and Sophia Ruh-Coyle both of Dubuque, a grandson, Jayleon Sebasta of Dubuque, and a granddaughter on the way, siblings, Timothy Ruh of Dubuque, Debra (Ruh) Ferguson and her children, Ashley, Corey, and Justin, all of Waukee, IA, Paul Ruh Jr. of Galena, and his children,  Emily, Austin, Jairus, Thomas Ruh of Dubuque and his children, Sairah, Eliyas, Evelyn, and Melissa Ruh of Dubuque and her children, Alexis, Lillian, and Emmy.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Nancy Jungk Gourley

On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the age of 91, Nancy Jungk Gourley finished her work in this world and answered the call of the Lord to the next.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Nancy will be 10:30 am Monday, February 6, 2023, at Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Nancy was born to Arthur and Mabel Jungk, the first of eight children. And, believe me, she never lost those “firstborn traits.” She quickly learned to give bottles, change diapers, help with laundry and dishes, sew on buttons, and play with, and read to children. Nancy had a busy, happy childhood.

She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1949 and went to work in the Billing Department at the Dubuque Packing Company. She met and married Allen (Buzz) Gourley in 1951 and they had six children. Nancy kept busy with the kids and house, sewing and baking, and helped at school when possible. She took some free classes at the Red Cross and loved them and became a volunteer teacher with classes in the evening or on Saturday.

Finally, the last of the Mohicans started school and the next year, Nancy went to school too, after 25 years of being JUST a housewife. She entered the nursing program at Area 1 and graduated with an A.D.N. She started working at Xavier Hospital in Pediatrics, and after a few more classes, transferred to I.C.U. Soon she returned to school at the University of Dubuque and earned B.S. degrees in Nursing and Psychology. Nancy continued at Loras College and received an M.S. in Psychology.

By this time, Nancy was teaching at N.I.C.C. in the nursing program. She challenged the students both in class and in the clinical area, and beamed like a mother when they graduated. After a time, she transferred to the Human Services program, another area of intrigue. She worked diligently getting students internships in an area of their interest. In this program, she and her students became involved with the Iowa Winter Special Olympics. They helped with the ice-skating competition. Nancy remained a part of IWSO for about thirty years. During this time, the grandkids started arriving too, capturing her time and attention. Busy times are happy times!

Nancy retired in 1998 and started attending a few senior activities but just “wasn’t quite ready for that.” She volunteered with Hospice for a time and then got involved with the schools some grandchildren were attending. Nancy did this for many years and even received an Everyday Hero Award from the Red Cross and an Outstanding Retiree Service Award from N.I.C.C. She was active at the Church of the Nativity, her home parish for over fifty years, especially with the Rosary Society.

Surviving are four of her children, Arthur (Kenda) Gourley, Kathy Meyer, Bill (Bonnie) Gourley, and Tim (Annie) Gourley. There are 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grands with another on the way in February. Siblings include Joan Gizzi, Barbara Blasen, Bob (Kaye) Jungk, Mary Borges, and John (Molly) Jungk. There are also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Allen, a son, Leonard, a daughter, Julia, and two siblings, Alice Smith-Weigman and Thomas Jungk. Others include four brothers-in-law, Maurice Smith, Wally Weigman, Jim Gizzi, Bill Blasen, and son-in-law Steve Meyer.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy requests donations to the Gourley Family Endowment Scholarship Fund at N.I.C.C. Nancy was a firm believer in education and the scholarship is open to all students.

She asked us to give thanks to all of you who showed her love and did so many kindnesses for her throughout her journey. A special thanks to Barb Blasen, Sherre’ Jungk, Promedica and Hospice of Dubuque as well.

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

Marcella L. Schiffer

Marcella L. “Sally” Schiffer, 98, of Key West, formerly of La Motte, passed away on January 31, 2023, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday February 3, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Monsignor Thomas Toale officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday February 3, 2023, at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery in La Motte. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Sally was born on June 18, 1924, in La Motte, daughter of Nicholas and Cecelia (Schilling) Pitts. She was united in marriage to Elmer Schiffer on October 5, 1949 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in La Motte. He preceded her in death on April 7, 2018.

She was a hardworking farm wife alongside Elmer. She milked cows, tended her chickens, and tended her three gardens. From her gardens she did a lot of canning, gathered bushels of potatoes and topped it off with her beautiful flowers around the edges. She was also an amazing cook and baker and people raved about her fresh bread and pies. She also enjoyed going dancing with Elmer, and a good game of euchre. She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Hawkeye fan and was a member of St. Joseph Key West parish and Catholic Daughters of America.

Sally is survived by her three children Gary (Lisa) Schiffer, of LaMotte, Don (Jeanie) Schiffer, of Dubuque, and Sherrie (Gary) Witter, of Marion, Iowa; a daughter-in-law Angel Schiffer, of Maquoketa; 16 grandchildren Michelle, Ryan, Chad, Brian, Nick, Wyatt, Levi, Kyle, Jenny, Sarah, Shelby, Thomas, Andrew, Brian, Amy, and Tammy; many great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters-in-law Marie Weiland and Leona Schiffer; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer, her son Jim, and siblings Joseph “Lyle” Pitts, William Pitts, Jim (Mary Margaret) Pitts, Marge (George) Schlegel, and Mary (Frank) Makovec.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Home in Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for their love, care, and kindness.

Nancy K. Steffen

Nancy K. Steffen of Dubuque,IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, at the age of 65.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Deacon Jim Thill officiating. Burial will be at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Potosi, Wisconsin, at a later date.

Nancy was born Dec 11, 1957 in Dubuque, IA. The daughter of Lenice Flesch and the late, John Flesch. She graduated from Hempstead High school in 1976. She earned her degree at the University of Northern Iowa in 1981. She worked at Swiss Valley Farms and Flexsteel. Nancy was an avid snoopy collector. She enjoyed spending time at the pool and shopping. She loved spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Kody

Nancy is survived by her mother, Lenice Flesch; sisters, Betty Flesch, Roxann Tsacudakis, and Paula Dixon (Rick LeConte). She is further survived by, Kim Tsacudakis, Jason & Carol Tsacudakis (Alyson, Lucas, Izzy), Dan & Jenny Griffin (Keira, Jayda, Zoey) & John Dixon.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Patrick Yelden

Pat, 58, of Kissimmee, Florida passed unexpectedly on January 25, 2023 in his sleep.  His passing was completely unexpected and the family & friends are shocked and deeply saddened.

Pat was born on June 08, 1964 to Robert & Patricia Yelden in Dubuque, Iowa.   Pat was the 6th born of 8 children.  Pat attended Stephen Hempstead High School and was passionate about anything to do with cars & motorcycles.  Pat loved to tinker on motors and there wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do.  Pat was a master at fixing things and was so smart and strong.

After graduating high school, Pat moved to Kissimmee, Florida where his retired grandparents lived.   Pat worked at Westgate Vacation Resorts for 30 years.   Pat also loved Disney and worked part time @ Journey into Imagination for many years enjoying his favorite Disney character Figment.   After Pat left Westgate he found his dream job as a bus driver.   Pat loved being a bus driver for the Polk County School District.    Pat loved his kids and all of the staff and teachers at his school.   Pat worked here until his last day and is missed deeply by everyone.

Pat had a bigger than life personality!!! You always knew when Pat was around.   He always brought goodies into work for the staff and teachers.   Anyone who knew Pat, knew that he had a heart of gold and he loved everyone and everyone loved Pat.    Pat loved collecting and most of all loved Billie Jo his partner for over 25 years, his sons, Zander and Patrick Jr and his family!

Pat had an immense passion for collecting.   He was always looking for ways to repurpose items and always looking ahead at what gifts he could buy for those he loved.  Pat loved to help others and if you needed help with anything he would help if he could or help you find the information you needed.   Pat was a very matter of fact person.  One of his favorite things to say was “It Is What it Is”.

Pat is survived by his life partner, Billie Jo Whiting, his sons, Zander and Patrick Jr. , his father, Robert Yelden, his sisters, Debbie(Rick)Martin, Georgia(Jack)Pittman & Beatrice(Larry)Border, his brother,John(Tina)Yelden, his sister Kathy(Dean)Mausser & his brother Tony(Andrea)Yelden.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George & Ethel Kuse,  paternal grandparents, John & Estelle Yelden.  His mother, Patricia (Kuse) Yelden & his sister Roberta(Yelden) Gansen.

Per Pat’s request he has been cremated and there will be no formal service.  Pat always said that funerals are not for the dead but for the living and he’d rather that his family and friends get out there and live their lives to their fullest.

Pat’s family and friends will miss him more than words can say.

Contributions in memory of Pat can be made to Give Kids the World Village.

Vince Ehrlich

Vince Ehrlich, 71, of Dubuque, died Monday, January 30, 2023, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Vince will be 10:30 am Friday, February 3, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.  Military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Vincent was born March 30, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Frederick Edward and Thelma Marie Ehrlich. On November 26, 1971, he married Diane K. Elgin in St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa. She died March 19, 2008.

He served in the U.S. Iowa Army National Guard.

Vince was retired. He had worked for Horsfield Construction, Dubuque Pack, and had farmed.

He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, restoring tractors, and loved visiting with people.

Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer (Tyler Rogers) Ehrlich of Iowa City, IA; three sons, Richard (Sherry) Ehrlich of Dubuque, Steve (Deanna) Ehrlich of Hazel Green, WI, and Jamie (Jessica) Ehrlich of Sherrill, IA; 11 grandchildren, Isabelle, Avery, Laney, Haylee, Jaxson, Karter, Chloe, Ava, Charlie, Henry, and Liv; siblings, Paul (Bernice) Ehrlich, Barbara Gaul, Delores (Cletus) Ambrosy, John (Nancy) Ehrlich, and Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding; in-laws, Lois Ehrlich, Richard Thoma, Linda Ehrlich, Rosemary Kruse, Lou Ann Deutmeyer, Betty (Dave) Ludwig, Linda Elgin, Madonna (Dan) Gibbs, Robert Elgin, Willis (Dorothy) Elgin, Marvin Elgin, and Mae Elgin.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Brooke Marie Ehrlich and Brody Steven Ehrlich, siblings, Thomas Ehrlich, Ina Hohmann, Fred Ehrlich, Jr., Ethel Thoma, Mark Ehrlich, Frances Pfeiler, Ernest Ehrlich, and in-laws, Gladys Elgin, Dorothy Elgin, Grace (Larry) Davis, Darlene (Ralph) Kramer, James (Theresa) Elgin, Danny Kruse, Don Elgin, Tom Ludwig, and Bill Deutmeyer.

A memorial has been established.

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

Donald E. Thoma

Donald E. Thoma, 82, of St. Donatus passed away on January 27th, 2023 at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 30th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 31st at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Fr. Bob Gross officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Additional visitation will be at the church on Tuesday starting at 9:30 a.m. until time of mass.

Donald was born on November 15th, 1940 in Bellevue, Iowa. He was the youngest of 12 children born to Joseph and Frances (Meisenburg) Thoma. He attended and graduated from the Saint Donatus Parochial School in 1956. After graduation, he worked on the family farm.  He married Bertha Clapham on January 5th 1980 and enjoyed 43 years of wedded bliss.

Donald owned and operated the family farm for 52 years in partnership with his brother Larry. He was proud to have lived his entire life on the family farm where he enjoyed farming, hunting and spending time with family.  Donald also enjoyed and made many friends from his time in the army reserves and his participation in rope pulling competitions.  He always made sure to share these cherished memories of people and events with those around him.

Donald is survived by his wife Bertha and his children MaDonna (Mark) Kremer of Cascade and Eldon (Darci) Thoma of Dubuque his grandchildren William, Kayleese, Brenton, Trista, Zeb, Elizabeth, Easton, L.J., Gabby, Haydon, Henry and Esther.  His siblings Patricia Klaas, Richard Thoma and Francis (Mary) Thoma and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Frances Thoma, siblings William Thoma, Arnold Thoma, Joseph Thoma, Victor Thoma, Marie Barth, Larry Thoma, Ernest Thoma and Bernice Pottebaum, and in-laws Ethel Thoma, Alfred Barth, Edwin Klaas, Louis Pottebaum, Viola Thoma, Phyllis Thoma, Edna Thoma Alice Thoma and Betsy Thoma.

The family would like to thank Don’s doctors, nurses and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, a Donald Thoma Memorial Fund has been established.