Obituaries Archive

Jennie A. Burns

Jennie Arletta Burns, 90, of Dubuque, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:30 am Saturday, March 26, 2022 at GracePoint Church.

The Celebration of Life for Jennie will be 11:30 am Saturday, March 26, 2022, at GracePoint Church with Director of Ministries Jeffrey Durham officiating.

Jennie was born December 28, 1931, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Joseph and Gail Boyes Udelhofen. On August 13, 1949, she married Robert Joseph Burns in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2018.

She worked at the service desk at K-Mart in Dubuque for many years.

She was a longtime member of GracePoint Church, formerly Third Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Deacon Board. She was involved with everything from choir to women’s groups and bible studies, including Precepts. She always made herself available to help her church in any way. She enjoyed reading, loved tending her flower gardens, and making Christmas wreaths for others.

Survivors include one daughter, Karen (Doug) Storlie of Dubuque; two sons, Dennis (Myles Slavit) Burns of Miami, FL, and Joseph (Mary) Burns of Dubuque; three grandsons, Matt (Anne) Storlie of Eagan, MN, Greg (Jeanne) Storlie of Lakeville, MN, and Scott Storlie of Apple Valley, MN; four great-grandchildren, Jonah, Kate, Emma, and Nathan Storlie; two sisters-in-law, Mona Udelhofen and Joan Udelhofen, both of Dubuque.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and six siblings, Lila Udelhofen, Vera (Arnie) Vertanen, Eileen (Alfred) Schroeder, Claire (Dorothy) Udelhofen, Glen Udelhofen, Jerry Udelhofen.

A memorial has been established.

The family thanks the staff at Stonehill Memory Care Unit, Stonehill Rehab, and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

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

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

Robert J. Shanahan

Robert J. Shanahan, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 7th, 2022 in Dubuque.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Resurrection Cemetery with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating and military honors by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family

He was born on January 14, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of John T. and Rita (Turley) Shanahan. He graduated from Loras College and served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 in Germany.

He worked in Civil Service for many years.

He is survived by nieces and nephews; Cathy (David) Baron, Tom (Cheri) Shanahan, Bill (Jeanne) Shanahan, Mike (Lilly) Shanahan, and Jon (Mary) Shanahan.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers William and John “Jack” Shanahan.

Joshua E. Chavez

Joshua E. Chavez, of Verona, WI and formerly Chicago, IL passed away unexpectedly January 7, 2022, at his parents’ home in Galena, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 3 – 7 PM, at Vinny Vanucchi’s Restaurant, 201 S. Main St., Galena. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born May 14, 1979, in Chicago the son of Rudy and Jeannine (McGowan) Chavez. Josh graduated from St. Patrick High School with the class of 1997. He was united in marriage to Shanna Powell. Josh worked in the restaurant business serving as a chef and general manager. He was an avid foodie. Josh loved family time, music, and sports.

Josh is survived by his two daughters, Niya, and Willow Chavez, three stepchildren, Madeleine, Oliver, and Sage, three grandchildren, Alyza, Lily and Mehki, his parents, two brothers, Jason, and Jacob (Valerie) Chavez, three nephews, Ethan, Aiden, and Eliot, one niece, Marceline.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Carol A. Krueger

Carol A. Krueger, age 74, of Galena, IL, and Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on March 15, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Carol’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Carol’s family.

Carol was born on June 9, 1947, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Charles and Lorraine (Bauer) Krueger.  Carol was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’67.  She went on to spend her working years with the Galena Glove Factory, Frommelt Industries, and finally with Rite Hite until she moved into retirement.  Carol went on to invest several years with Home Instead as well.  In her free-time, Carol always enjoyed a little retail therapy, sitting down at her sewing machine to work on her next creation, and traveling whenever possible.  She also enjoyed spending time with the animals on the Virtue Farm and attending national, state, and local Angus events with Ambrose.  Carol valued the simple pleasures in life where and when she could and we hope and pray that she has now found eternal peace from the earthly battles she has been facing so bravely these last years.  Thank you, Carol, for simply being you and we’ll treasure each and every wonderful memory that you leave behind until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Carol include,

her best friend and fiancé,
Ambrose Virtue, Galena, IL;

her brother,
Dennis (Mary) Krueger, Dubuque, IA;

her special cousin,
Linda Becker, Dubuque, IA;

her two fur baby friends,
Baby and Mollie;

along with numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents.

In honor of Carol’s life, memorials and other expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to her family at Dennis and Mary Krueger, 2709 Ventura Drive, Apt.1, Dubuque, IA, 52001, where they will be distributed among her favorite charities.  We thank you in advance for your kindness and support during this difficult time.

Carol’s family would like to thank everyone at the Mercy Cancer Center, especially Dr. Holme and her nurse, Jenny, along with all of the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica, for all of the professional and compassionate care they have provided to Carol and her family.  We would also like to express a very sincere thank you to Dr. Mark Moore who was her personal physician for many years and always took wonderful care of Carol.  And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Ambrose’s grandson, Dylan, for all of his love, dedication, and support over the last 2 years.  Please know that all of you have played a very important and valuable role in Carol’s life and created opportunities for Carol to find both joy and peace when possible within her courageous battle with breast cancer and then only to have to face pancreatic cancer as well.  Thank you so very much and may God bless you all for your kindnesses.

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

Robert Lopp

Robert Lopp, age 70, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community on Monday, March 14, 2022. Robert was born August 8, 1951 in Shullsburg, WI.  He was number 8 of 10 children born to Aaron and Helen (Heldt) Lopp.

Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, where funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Tim Wagner officiating.  Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

Robert attended Scales Mound School through eighth grade.  He then worked for Wayne Martin and Wilbur Pogeman on their family farms. He moved to Texas with his oldest brother for several years and then returned to Scales Mound to work at jobs through The Jo Daviess County Workshop.

In his free time, Robert enjoyed collecting cans, helping people with odd jobs, and visiting the Sonshine Center.  His favorite activity was spending time at the Apple River Fort where he was treated like family and honored as the Volunteer of the Year.

Robert’s family is thankful to the community of Scales Mound for always looking out for him, allowing him into their homes dressed as Santa during the holidays, buying him supper at the bar, and finding odd jobs for him so he could feel useful.  In return, Robert taught us all to be happy with what we have and to appreciate the small things. He truly was a gentle soul who will be missed by all.

Robert is survived by three sisters and a brother: Karyl Schuman at the Galena Stauss Nursing Home, John (Patty) Lopp of Fort Collins, Colorado, Judy (Harold) Glasson of Galena and Susie (Denis) Vondran of Scales Mound.  There are also many nieces and nephews to cherish the time they got to spend with him.

Robert will be met at the pearly gates by his parents, one sister Connie Crabb and four brothers: Eugene, Jerry, James and Lloyd.

The family wishes to thank The Galena Stauss Senior Care Community and Hospice of Dubuque for their brief, but loving care. In lieu of flowers a Robert Lopp memorial fund has been established.

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

Linda L. Maas

Linda L. (Haas) Maas, age 71, of Asbury, passed away at 6:15 a.m., on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at MercyOne Dubuque, with her loving family by her side.  To celebrate Linda’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture held at 5:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 21, 2022, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Linda was born on October 28, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Clarence and Blanche (Brandel) Haas.

Linda graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and went on to earn her CNA at Mercy Hospital.  She would begin her career with Sunnycrest Manor before making the move to Mercy Hospital where she worked on the skilled nursing floor for 43 years, until her well earned retirement.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Martin Maas, on April 19, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  The two have been blessed with 52 years of marriage and 5 wonderful children together.  Linda’s family was always her top priority, she looked out for everyone and made sure that her house was the place all the kids wanted to hang out.  She was a talented seamstress making prom dresses and ornate Halloween costumes which often won 1st place in local contests.  Linda had a very creative and artistic side with an excellent eye for decorating.  In her free time, Linda also liked to try her luck at the Bingo hall and going shopping.  Her faith was an important aspect of her life, and Linda was a member of the Church of the Resurrection.  Linda was a kind and generous soul who always put the needs of others before her own.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Linda’s memory include

her husband,
Marty Maas, Asbury, IA;

her children,
Amy Clemen, Dubuque, IA,
Jeff Maas, Asbury, IA,
Jenny (David) Schwarz, Dubuque, IA
and Heather (Jason) Kretz, Goodyear, AZ;

11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren;

and her siblings,
Gary (Carol) Haas, Hazel Green, WI,
Diane (Karl) Blaser, Monticello, IL
and Mary Beth (Dan) Breiner, Dubuque, IA.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Randy Maas; and a brother, John Haas.

Linda’s family would like to thank Dr. Janes, and the nurses and staff at MercyOne, for all of the outstanding care and the kindness and compassion they showed Linda and her entire family.

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

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

Ronald J. Althoff

Ronald Joseph Althoff, 74, of La Motte, Iowa, passed away on March 14, 2022, at home following a short illness.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with Father Dave Ambrosy officiating, burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory

2595 Rockdale Road.

Ron was born on January 7, 1948, in Monticello, Iowa to Albert “Al” and Aileen (Hemmer) Althoff. He graduated from UW- Platteville with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He was united in marriage to Carol Pancratz on February 22, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa and together they shared 47 years together.

Ron was a lifelong farmer and owned and operated Ron Althoff Trucking. He had a great passion for family, farming and baseball. He played baseball for Andrew High School, Prairie League Ball for LaMotte and softball in Zwingle. Later in life, he was an avid fan and scorekeeper for the Zwingle Suns baseball team. He was a member and proud supporter of the Zwingle Recreation Association.

Ron is survived by his wife Carol, sons Marty (Stephanie) Althoff of Robins, Iowa, Greg (Kay) Althoff of La Motte, and Brian “B.J.” Althoff of Dubuque, grandchildren Ryan, Andy, Toby, Elliott, Hannah, Henry, and Gracelin “Gracie”, his caring siblings JoAnn Delaney of Dubuque, Carole (Dick) Kleis of Zwingle, Donna (Donnie) Klostermann of Farley, Ken (Mary Lou) Althoff of Maquoketa, and Joyce (Wayne) Bockenstedt of Guttenberg, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Al and Aileen, a son Scott in 2002, father and mother-in-law Ken and Monica Pancratz, brother-in-law Loras Delaney and nieces and nephew Shelley, Tara, Tommy, and Sherry.

In lieu of flowers, a Ronald Althoff memorial fund has been established to benefit the Zwingle Suns baseball team.

Diane S. Berry

Diane Sharon (Potter) Berry, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 9, 2022.

A private family burial service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Diane was born on January 2, 1951 to Orville and Dorothy (Hoffman) Potter in Dubuque. She married Louis Berry on August 30, 1969. She was a housewife, mom of five children, and babysitter to many of her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

She is survived by her daughters Tracy (Brian) Torrey, Tammy (Paul) Schadle, and Shari (Doran) Bush of Dubuque; sons Jason (Kristy) of Dubuque and Scott (Hope) Berry of Spring, Texas; ten grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, with another due in July; sister Karen Loney; brother Bill Potter; brother-in-law Jack (Nancy) Berry; and special friends Cathy Miller and Nancy Howell, all of Dubuque.

Diane was preceded in death by her husband Louis, brothers Stephen and Lee Potter, brother-in-law Roy Berry, and sister-in-law Martha Berry.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Engelman, and staff at Mercy One Dubuque.

Miles J. Leonard

Miles James Leonard, 96, of Independence, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Oakview Retirement Home in Independence. He was born on November 9, 1925, at Temple Hill, the son of Miles and Sophia (Glynn) Leonard. Miles graduated from St. Patrick High School in Ryan in 1943. After high school Miles helped his dad on the farm.

On August 17, 1948, Miles was united in marriage to Madonna Ruden at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville. Five children were born to this union. Miles and Madonna farmed for 31 years in the Dundee area.

Miles was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. When Miles retired from farming, he bought a tennis racket and a motorcycle. He enjoyed dancing, Bid Euchre, loved animals, especially dogs, tennis, and softball.  Miles was a car lover and enjoyed his motor sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Madonna Leonard of Independence; four daughters, Sandra (Ken) Magsamen of Oelwein, Karen Kubicek of Dyersville, Donna (Rande) Moeller of Strawberry Point, and Rose Ann (Randy) Schuhmacher of Troy Mills; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Mary Leonard; one brother Paul (Sherri) Leonard of Camanche: and many nieces and nephews.

Miles was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Francis Leonard; a son-in-law, Tim Kubicek; four siblings, Glen (Helen) Leonard, Henry (Audrey) Leonard, Milton (Marcy) Leonard and Sara Malone.

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

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m., on Friday, March 18, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Reverend Gabriel Anderson presiding.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa. Friends may also call between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at the funeral home.

Interment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Casket Bearers:  Brian Leonard, Terry Leonard, Jason Liberman, Kenny Magsamen, Joe Kubicek, Ian Moeller, Trent Moeller, Seth Schuhmacher and Shane Schuhmacher.

Honorary Casket Bearers: Kari Eddy, Jenny Keeney, Lindi Kelley, Holly Loew, Hannah Jehring, Haley Lansing, Meggan Aragon-Moeller, Kara Burrack, Lydia Johnson, Samira Rose Yearous.

Diane M. Lynch

Diane Mary Lynch, 75, of Dubuque, died Monday, March 14, 2022, in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Diane will be 10:00 am Friday, March 18, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Diane was born October 5, 1946, in Dubuque, the daughter of Irwin J. and Marcella B. Galle Hirsch. On September 9, 1967, she married Edward Joseph Lynch in St. Patricks Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died October 23, 2021.

She graduated from Wahlert High School.

Diane worked in the insurance department at Grand River Medical Center.

Survivors include four sons, David (Sarah Wheeler) Lynch and his children: Hailey, Paige and Megan, Michael (Sarah) Lynch and their children: Brandon, Alec, Noah and Zoey, Mark (Chris) Lynch and her children: Melissa, Matt, Kami and Kim and Chad (Holly Martin) Lynch and his son: Landyn, all of Dubuque; one great-grandson, Kai; two sisters, Jan Hirsch of Dubuque, and Ann (Richard) Winger of Bernard; in-laws, Jackie Kenniker of Dubuque, Linda Morgan of Naples, FL, Jan (Chuck) Scott of Dubuque and Pam (Dean) Roth of Dubuque, Al (Gayle) Lynch of Ankeny and Jim Jones of Asbury.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, David, in infancy.

Special thank you to Care Initiatives Hospice and Ennoble Nursing Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Care Initiatives Hospice and the Wendt Regional Cancer Center.

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

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

Richard F. Bushman

Richard Franklin Bushman “Dick” age 81, completed his earthly journey, Friday, March 11, 2022, peacefully, sitting in his reclining chair at home.

A private service was held with his family and siblings with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa, in the Bushman family plot.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring when brother Joe makes it back to Iowa from Arizona.  Joe warned all of us at our family picnic this fall…. “Don’t any of you    @#$*&%*   go and die this winter…” Dick did not listen this time; neither did Gary last February (2021), or Howard, January (2017).

Dick was born January 30, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was the second son of Joseph E. and Mae F. (Gerleman) Bushman.  Six additional boys and two girls would follow.

Dick graduated from Loras Academy in 1959 where he was proud to play varsity football all four years.  He was also involved in ROTC. He married Barbara Lombardi at St Catherine’s Church, St. Catherine’s, IA in 1961.  They had met when Barb needed a ride home from the Melody Mill.

He and Barb had four children; Sherrie Bushman, Christine (Kevin Stuart) Bushman, Brian Bushman and Gina Bushman who will miss him terribly.  Also left to cherish Dick’s memory are 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, his good friend Joe Vandermillen and his black, blind cat, “Kitty”.

Surviving are the following siblings and in-laws; Joseph “Jackie” (Sandy Breitbach) Bushman, David Bushman, Rosean Schromen (John “Pete” Wilson), Steve (Sue Schulte) Bushman, Gene Bushman and Mary “Treci” Bushman (Jim) York, sisters-in-law Barb (Coates) Bushman and Diane (Schaller) Bushman and 18 nieces and nephews.

Dick worked for forty-two years at Rafoth Roofing and Sheet Metal as Rafoth’s roofing supervisor.  After his retirement he assisted other roofing companies in the Dubuque area if they had problems to solve.  He was very proud of his work and would recount with ease the history of some of the biggest jobs he was most proud of, be it John Deere in Dubuque or Moline or Dubuque Senior High School.  Dick was obviously loyal and could be generous to a fault, especially with his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and siblings.  His seven brothers were his best friends. He tolerated his two YOUNGER sisters fairly well.  Dick was a content, kind soul with lots of grit and common sense.  He rarely spoke ill of anyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three of his brothers; James, Gary and Howard (none of whom saw the inside of a nursing home, we have been lucky so far), a niece, Elizabeth Schromen, and Barbara Lombardi Bushman.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com; memorial donations may be made in Richard’s name and mailed to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA 52003

Walter J. Pitz

Walter J. “Wally” Pitz, 92, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, March 13, 2022 at MercyOne Dubuque surrounded by his family.

Family and friends may gather from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 6.

Wally was born January 10, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Waldo and Coletta (Germain) Pitz.  He was united into marriage on November 22, 1956, Thanksgiving Day, to the love of his life, Doris Anthony at SS Peter & Paul Parish in Sherrill, Iowa.

Wally honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the US Air Force earning rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion Post 6.

Wally was employed at A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing, retiring in 1993 after 45 years of service.  He was a lifetime member of the Machinist Union Local 1238, having served as President. After retirement, he joined Doris and volunteered for Mobile Meals on Wheels and parish festivals and events.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed golf and achieved the ultimate “hole in one”.  Contrary to what others may have thought, he was a St. Louis Cardinals fan and he rooted for the Chicago Cubs too (because he always wanted to make Doris happy).

He loved his family more than anything. He was a quiet man who saw the good in everyone and always had a kind word and helping hand.  He made the world a better place because he was in it.  He will be missed beyond measure until we meet again.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Michelle (Jay) Johanningmeier, a brother, Dorrance Pitz and extended family member Kris Latham all of Dubuque, sisters-in-law Geri Anthony, Jane Anthony, Mary Jane Anthony, Carol Anthony and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Marla, parents and stepfather, Sylvester Kamm, brother, Ronald Pitz, extended family member, Mark Johanningmeier and in-laws, Loretta Pitz, Wilfred Anthony, Herbert Anthony, Jack & Doris Anthony, Melvin Anthony, Charles Anthony, James Anthony and Merlin Anthony.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Nativity Catholic Church or Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation activity fund.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and medical staff at MercyOne Dubuque for the exceptional care they provided to Wally and a special thank you to the staff at Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their loving care over the years.  He loved all of you……and so do we.

Tori M. O’Meara

Tori Mildred O’Meara, 56, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 11, 2022.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, March 18, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2295 Rockdale Rd., where a funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm.

Tori was born on July 10, 1965, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Katherine (Parkins) O’Meara. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1983.

Tori worked for FDL, Rite Hite, Nordstroms, it–M and lastly at Hormel Foods.

She was an avid Harley enthusiast, she enjoyed sewing and doing seamstress work and spending time with her dogs.

Tori is survived by her father; Donald “Ducky” O’Meara, a brother; Timothy (Janell) O’Meara; a niece, Myranda O’Meara; a nephew, Shane O’Meara and a great niece, Marcella.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine O’Meara on February 23, 2019.

Luis A. Valentin

Luis A. Valentin, age 74, of Dubuque,  passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at home.  To celebrate Luis’ life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens at a later date following cremation.

Luis was born on March 27, 1947, in Camuy, Puerto Rico,  son  of Luis and Elba (Iris) Valentin.
He was the oldest of 8 children and came to the U.S. with his mother at an early age.

He attended school in Chicago and joined the US Army as an Airborne Ranger serving in Viet Nam.
Luis married Beverly Spahos in Beloit, WI, and together they had two children.  They later went their separate ways.  He met Sharen Miller in 1973 in East Dubuque while he was working as a traveling salesman.  They had two children together and were eventually married in 1998 at Grandview Methodist Church in Dubuque.
Luis was a very hard worker and took much pride in any job he did.  He worked for John Deere and FDL Foods in Dubuque as well as the Brass Ring and at Swiss Colony.
Luis was an avid hunter, fisherman and morel hunter.  He was known to fish anywhere and for anything whether it was a river, stream, lake or even a bucket if it had a fish in it.  He most enjoyed fishing for Bass and Walleye.  Luis was a very competent “tinkerer” who enjoyed working on cars, creating his own inventions and making a tool for about any function.  Whatever the project, it would include at least a small amount of black tape.

Those left to cherish Luis’ memory include

his wife,
Sharen Valentin, Dubuque;

his mother,
Elba Lytle, Davie, FL;

his children,
Kimberly Taylor, of Sanborn, IN,
Luis Taylor, of Boonville, IN,
Tessa Sigwarth, Dubuque
and Navin Valentin, Dubuque;

his 7 grandchildren;

and several nieces and nephews.

Luis was preceded in death by his father; and 2 nephews, Jeff Erschen and Gary Houy.

Luis’ family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support these last few weeks.

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

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

Effie I. Schloz

Effie I. Schloz, 99, of Dubuque, died Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Private Funeral Services for Effie will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Effie was born June 21, 1922, in Gram, IA, the daughter of James and Isabelle Parson Cole. On June 7, 1950, she married Allan C. Schloz in Sherrill, Iowa. He died June 6, 1992.

Effie was a teacher in a one room schoolhouse in Rickardsville, Iowa. She had also worked at Mount Carmel in Dietary and volunteered as a foster grandparent at Marshall School.

A few things Effie loved in life were embroidery, playing euchre, bird watching and her cat, “Pumpkin”.

Survivors include one son, Clark (Ann) Schloz of Dubuque; one daughter, Alice (Steven) Hoth of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Katherine (Andrew) Kelly, and Daniel (Dawn) Hoth; four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Kelly, Macaylah Hoth, Derek Haas, and Dominick Haas; her close friends, Vicki Woodyard and Georgeann “Rusty” Felton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan, two brothers, Russell and Oscar Cole, and two sisters, Grace Meyers and Susan Billmeyer.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque, and Stonehill Care Center.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Stonehill Care Center, especially Peggy, Norma, and Zander.

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