Obituaries Archive

Mary A. Behnke

Mary A. Behnke, 86, of Dubuque, died Monday, March 20, 2023, at the her home surrounded by her loving family.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:30 am Friday, March 24, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Mary was born May 13, 1936, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ambrose Cyril and Katherine Margaret Carr Blake. On June 20, 1959, she married Joseph John Behnke at St. Philomena’s Catholic Church in Asbury. He passed away on June 20, 2010.

She graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1954.

Mary was a homemaker and farmer for most of her life. She worked at Adam’s Company shortly out of high school until marriage and later worked at Burger King for several years when her children were grown.

She was a member of Church of the Resurrection. Mary enjoyed gardening, raising chickens and selling eggs, watching wildlife, and playing board games and cards. She loved spending time with her grandkids.

Survivors include two sons, Dennis Behnke and Kenneth Behnke, both of Dubuque; two daughters, Donna (Gary) Augustin of Cuba City, WI, and Nancy (Keith) Hohmann of Peosta, IA; seven grandchildren, Shelly (Andrew Brant) Augustin, Brian Augustin, Julie Augustin, Isabelle (Luke Hermsen) Behnke, Nicholas Behnke, Blake (Becky Yu) Hohmann, and Chase Hohmann; one brother, David Blake of Shawnee, KS; two sisters, Barbara Blake and Patricia Kirk, both of Dubuque.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother-in-law, Loren “Toby” Kirk; one sister-in-law, Clara (James “Bergie”) Bergfeld; three nephews, William “Bill” Blake, Art Wille, and Roger Bergfeld Sr.; one niece, Sheryl Behnke, and one great-great-nephew, Roger Bergfeld III.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hospice of Dubuque and Church of the Resurrection.

The family extends a special thanks to the numerous doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital and Grand River Group, especially Dr. Cynthia Konz and nurse Cherie Faulhaber. Thank you also to family and friends who helped care for mom while at home, sisters Pat and Barb, niece/goddaughter, Theresa Blake, and caregivers from No Place Like Home, Home Instead, and Hospice of Dubuque.  Also, a special thank you to the staff at Hawkeye Care Center for their loving care and support.

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

Jewel M. Kieffer

Jewel Michelle Kieffer, 30 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly on March 15, 2023.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a sharing service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Jewel was born on January 22, 1993, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Jason Michael Kieffer and Jody Lynn (Kennedy) Kieffer-Davis.

She graduated from Senior High School in 2011. Jewel was a stay at home mom who loved nothing more than to spend time with her children. She enjoyed taking pictures and listening to music.

She is survived by her sons: Liam Michael Kieffer, Silas John Teel, E. J. Runde and Malekai Kieffer Moore.  Her mother Jody Lynn Kieffer-Davis; step-father Timothy Robert Davis; her siblings: Skye Lynn Kieffer, Destiny Star Peace Kieffer, Gunnar Aryan Michael Kieffer, and Natahliya Harmony Grace Kieffer. Grandparents: Mary Lou Konrardy, Arleta Kathryn Kieffer, John (Kathy Sheth) Kennedy. She is also survived by E.J.’s father Eric Runde who was a special friend to her and Eric’s mother Deb Runde who was always there for Jewel. Her best friends Emily Ruh and Ell Vazquez also survive her.

Jewel was preceded in death by her father Jason Michael Kieffer and her grandfather Richard Konrardy.

The family would like to thank everyone who was always there for Jewel, who never gave up on her or judged her. A special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Degandorf, Brandon Degandorf and Deb Runde for all that you are doing and will be doing.

David A. Nissen

David A. Nissen, 64, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family at his home from complications of ALS on Saturday morning, March 18, 2023.

David Andrew Nissen was born on May 18, 1958 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Donald F. and Phyllis J. (Rugger) Nissen.  He was a 1976 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  He married Lynn Ann Dreessen on May 8, 1981 at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.

David had first worked for Stickley Electric in Maquoketa for ten years, and then for Mayberry TV and Appliance in Maquoketa as a service technician for 28 years.  Lastly, he worked for G.L Stockham and Son Construction in Maquoketa until retirement.

David was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and the Elk Foundation.  He also was a Benefactor member of the NRA.  He loved hunting for deer, elk and rattlesnakes with his family and buddies.  He also enjoyed camping and golfing and loved terrorizing everyone he cared about.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lynn Nissen of Maquoketa, IA; children, Rae (Greg Schmitz) Simonin of Baldwin, IA, Rhonda (Jack) Hulsebus of Maquoketa, IA, and Kelly (John) Cavanagh of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Cindy (Fred) Hoffman of Alpharetta, GA, and Chris (Mara) Nissen of Maquoketa, IA; and 2 nieces and 1 nephew.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Jonathan Owen Nissen.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 6 P.M., Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 3 P.M. to 5:45 P.M. on Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.  A celebration of life reception will also be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Timber Center in Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at a later date at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or the David A. Nissen memorial fund.

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

Charlene R. Bradley

Charlene Ruth Bradley, 92, of Dubuque, died Friday, March 17, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Monday, March 20, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Charlene will be 10:30 am Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father David Schatz as Celebrant and Father Dennis Quint as the Concelebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Charlene was born May 8, 1930, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Martin Holland and Florence Milz Shea. On October 4, 1952, she married John P. Bradley at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McGregor, IA. He passed away June 12, 2018.

She graduated from Marquette Iowa High School. She was a homemaker.

Charlene was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for most of her life.

Survivors include two sons, Michael (Jody) Bradley of East Dubuque, IL, and Patrick (Joan) Bradley of Dubuque; one daughter, Maureen (Tony Craine) Bradley of North Liberty, IA; five grandchildren, Andrew (Jenny) Bradley, Erin (Shawn) Fiedler, Adam (Miranda) Bradley, Kevin Bradley, and Killian Ritland; four great-grandchildren, Riley Bradley, Sean Bradley, Jackson Bradley, and Grace Wanke; and two sisters, Elaine Doyle of Madison, WI, and Judy Demetris of Arizona.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, James Shea, three brothers, Gerald, James, and Terrance Shea, and one sister, Mary Bye.

Thank you to the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center for their special care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Opening Doors Maria House.

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

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

Judith A. Shaffer

Judith A. “Judy” Shaffer, 76, of Platteville, WI, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully, with her family at her side. Her heart answered the call from the Lord on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Southwest Health Center in Platteville.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Judith will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Brian Dellaert as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Saturday at the church.

Judy was born July 14, 1946, daughter of Fredrick and Margaret (Kolf) Jensen, in Dubuque, Iowa, where she grew up with her two brothers, Duane and Fred. Judy attended grade school and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker. Judy graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and then received a cosmetology degree from the Dubuque Beauty Academy. She worked as a licensed hairdresser up until getting married and having her two children. Judy later worked as a press operator for Regency Thermographers and JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts in Dubuque.

Judy enjoyed watching basketball and football, she was an avid Packers and Kansas City Chiefs fan. She enjoyed sewing, drawing, painting, and growing flowers and houseplants as she had a green thumb. Judy loved her pets and especially her grand-puppy and kitties. She loved to spend time with friends and family, visiting with her grandchildren and going for ice cream with them.

Judy was blessed with two very special people in her life; her beloved sister-in-law, her rock, Sharon Jensen of Inola, OK, and her dearest friend, through thick and thin, Connie Steger of Dubuque.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Joe) Langmeier of Platteville, WI; her son, Steven (Krista) Shaffer of DeWitt, IA; six grandchildren, Hanna, Sara, and Eli Langmeier, Samantha Rasch, Austin Hansen, and Kailey (Robert Jones) Hansen; four great-grandsons; her brothers, Duane (Sharon) Jensen of Inola, OK and Fred Jensen of Buchanan Dam, TX; and niece and nephews, Kim, Mark, Michael, and Reese Jensen of Inola, OK.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Margaret Jensen, and grandparents, Marjorie Jensen and Frank and Anna Kolf.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Southwest Health Center, nurse Amanda, and the staff at Sienna Crest and Our House Assisted Living. And especially, Dr. Jeffrey White and nurse Kelsey at Medical Associates in Platteville for all the care they gave Judy in her final months.

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 Judith’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mary P. Greibe

Mary P. Greibe, 85, of Galena, IL passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023, unexpectedly at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. The funeral mass will be held at 11 am, Saturday March 25, 2023,  at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 am until the time of mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, is assisting the family.

She was born November 6, 1937, in Galena the daughter of Joseph and Pauline (Bussan) Dillon. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, Prairie Du Chein, WI, in 1955. She went on to attend Mount Mary College and eventually graduated from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA. Mary was an elementary school teacher for 43 years until her retirement.

She married Joseph M. Greibe on July 3, 1970, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and he survives. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Joseph, one daughter, Josie (Dan) Collins, of Madison, WI, a sister, Henrietta Farr of Bellingham, WA, two brothers, Martin (Joan) Dillon of Menominee, IL, and Joseph Dillon Jr. of Springfield, IL, her many nieces and nephews, and her special fur baby, Chloe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Sheila Dillon, and Ruth Dillon Schoop, and a brother-in-law Wilbur Farr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Clarke University in memory of Mary.

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

Jane A. Kemler

Jane Ann Kemler, 74, of Dubuque, died Friday, March 17, 2023, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

A funeral service will be held at 4:30 pm Monday, March 20, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:30 pm.

Jane was born January 9, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Harold F. and Patricia Rapp Kemler.

Jane graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1967. She was a member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jane recently retired from Culvers where she was proud to have been a former Employee of the Month! She enjoyed her work at Culvers because she absolutely loved working with and being around other people. Jane was known for being a huge fan of Mickey Mouse and Disney. She also enjoyed going to the casino and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include her daughter, Heidi (Chris) Brown of Southlake, TX; two grandchildren, Brooke and Lauren; four sisters, Linda (Ron) Jump of Moline, IL, Sandy Kemler, Karen (Tom) Shaffer, and Connie Kemler all of Dubuque and nieces and nephews, Chrissy Besler, Michael  Jump, Katie Trujillo, Mac Jump, Andy Shaffer, and Ben Shaffer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her significant other, Charles Muehlemann.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her sister, Karen for taking such great care of Jane over the years.

A memorial has been established for the Dubuque County Humane Society.

“Laughter is timeless and imagination has no age.” – Mickey Mouse

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

Shirley J. Hansen

Shirley J. Hansen, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury, Iowa.

In keeping with her wishes, private family services will be held. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley was born on July 23, 1932, in Balltown, the 4th daughter of 15 children of Claretta (Brimeyer) and Leon Breitbach.  She had fond memories growing up in the small town with tales of roaming around the woods and farm, playing with her sisters and neighbors, sleigh riding, delivering milk to the church, eating her mother’s pies and riding with her father as he delivered mail.  She graduated from St. Joseph Academy high school.

She was united in marriage to Donald Hansen, on September 12, 1953, at Saint Patrick’s Church.  He passed away on March 30, 2019.

Shirley worked at the Dubuque Packing Company, then became a homemaker (with 5 children in 8 years), and later worked at the Warehouse Market and Econofoods grocery.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, lunches and shopping with her friends, playing cards, and other family activities.  She and Don wintered in Arizona for many years, and they were lifelong members of Holy Ghost Parish.  Shirley was a loving, kind and generous wife, mom, and friend, was well-loved by many, and will be missed by all.

Survivors include her children: Dirk (Tiffany) Hansen of Dubuque; Teresa Watson of Allen, Texas; Greg Hansen of Bloomington, Minnesota; and Paul Hansen of Dallas, Texas; and her siblings Carol Obrien, Betty Frommelt, Paul Breitbach, Jerry Breitbach, Jeanie Kruse, Larry Breitbach and Clare Gaston.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Don, her son Jeff Hansen, and her siblings, Anna Kemp, Peter Breitbach, Mary Pink, Joe Breitbach, Velma Brahm, Charlie Breitbach and Phillip Breitbach.

Shirley’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Luther Manor Grand Meadows for the thoughtful, loving care they provided.  A special thank you to her many friends, former coworkers, and neighbors whose company she enjoyed over her many years with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Shirley.

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

Dave L. Fuller

Dave L. “Dave” Fuller, 84, of Peosta, Iowa, formerly of Charlotte, Iowa, passed away at home on Thursday, March 16, 2023. Following Dave’s wishes a private burial will occur at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory of Dubuque are assisting with arrangements.

Dave was a longtime business owner, board member and commodore of Clinton Riverboat Days, avid golfer and always a smartass. For those who knew him it would make his wife Jan, and of course Dave, happy to know you are smiling and fondly remembering being part of the “Dave Fuller Experience.”

Dave was survived by his wife Janice Fuller, his children Cindy Fuller, Keith (Dee) Fuller, Bryan Fuller, Brenda Fuller and Shea (Mark) Herbst; grandchildren Jeff, Angie and Sheena Clark, David and Kevin Fuller, Quinn and Tate Herbst; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert & Ailene Fuller, a sister, an infant brother and his son David.

A special thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and kind support.

David A. Beckius

David A. Beckius, 87, of East Dubuque, IL, adoring husband, steadfast father and loving grandfather, passed away on March 12, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 10:00AM to 12:00PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at St. Raphael Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00PM with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

David was born on October 17, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, as the son of Leonard Beckius & Rose Beckius (nee Link).  He served in the USNR from 1956 to 1959, primarily stationed on the USS Bushnell (AS15).  He married Elizabeth R. Schraad on October 14, 1961, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Dyersville, IA.  David worked several years at the Dubuque Packing Company and then at John Deere Dubuque Works for 39 years until his retirement.  While working at Deere, he earned his BA in Business from Loras College.

David was a DIY enthusiast and loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting, camping and biking. He spent the past 15 years doting on his beloved grandchild.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Elizabeth, his son Michael of East Dubuque, IL, his daughter Melissa of Cedar Rapids, IA, his son Timothy of Pleasant Prairie, WI, his granddaughter Aidan, and his sister Eleanor Bateman of Tucson, AZ. He is preceded in death by his sisters Rita Montgomery, Dorothy Gager, and Jeanette Conlan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in David’s name may be directed to Disabled American Veterans, St. Joseph Indian School, or St. Labre Indian School.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff of University of Iowa Hospital for his recent care; also, to Michael Conlan for his support of the Beckius family during David’s hospitalization.

Dennis M. O’Neill

Dennis M. O’Neill, 76, of Muscatine, died on March 2nd. Denny was born Jan 3, 1947, in Dubuque, the second of 13 children, to Jack and Dorothy (Daley) O’Neill. He joined the US Navy at age 16, returned to Dubuque and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1967. He moved to Muscatine in 1970, attended St. Ambrose College and earned a degree in history. He worked at Miller Furniture and HON Industries in Muscatine, and with his wife Carol, owned and ran Stoney’s Bar & Grill in Atalissa. An avid golfer, he was a regular at the West Liberty Country Club. He was a crossword enthusiast, and a lifelong Hawkeyes and Cubs fan.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, sister Peggy McCleary, daughter Deirdre Jean, former wife Nancy DiMaria (Frankenberg), and former brother-in-law Jeff Ternes. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 31 years, Carol Meyers (Oetting), her two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his son, Dennis Patrick, his wife Maggie, their girls, Remy Bear and Rose Hudson, of Woodstock, N.Y.; his siblings, Pat (Darlene), Mary (Bill) Triervieler, Kathy Ternes, John (Jan), DeDe (Bill) Lester, Jeannie Gonzalez (Peter Silvestri), Vince (Terry), Sheila O’Neill (Jeff Wyse), Theresa (Dave) Heim, Sue (Richard) Wynne, Ann (Sean) O’Malley; special family member Deeg Gathuri; and many nieces and nephews.

Denny will also be missed by his countless friends everywhere who affectionately referred to him as Stoney.

There will be celebration of life gatherings in Muscatine and in Dubuque this summer.

Joseph R. Burlage

Joseph R. Burlage, 80 of Worthington, Iowa passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a military service will be accorded at 7 p.m. by American Legion Post #137.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Joseph was born on March 8, 1943 in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Dorothy (Urbain) Burlage. He married Helen Lynch on September 2, 1967 in Cascade, Iowa.

Joe grew up in Worthington, working on the farm and graduating from St. Paul Schools. He and Helen began farming down the road from where he grew up in 1967. While raising their three children, they enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, golfing, playing cards and coaching little league teams in Worthington. He worked long hours on the farm, while being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In his later years, he rarely missed a sporting event and shared many skills and knowledge with his children and eleven grandchildren. Joe enjoyed morning coffee and cards with friends and family. Joe will be missed by many and remembered for his optimism and positive demeanor.

Joe was a member of the American Legion Post #137, Dubuque County Cattlemen Association, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church. He was a faithful man and supporter of catholic education.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Helen, children: Brian (Lisa) Burlage, Ted (Tonya) Burlage both of Worthington, Paula (Jason) Adams of Dubuque, grandchildren: Haley, Devin, Isaac and Riley Burlage, Mason, Addisyn, Brock and Brynn Burlage, Evelyn, Eli and Ethan Adams, siblings: Julie Hosch of Peosta, Anna Jane Meyer, MI, Elizabeth Burlage of Chicago, IL, Lois (Keith) Rinderknecht, MN, Karen (Tim) Nefzger of Dyersville, Ed (Mary Lou) Burlage of Dyersville, and Tom (Lois) Burlage of Worthington, in-laws: Gerry Rea of Bernard, Mary Kay (Jim) McDonald of Marion, Richard (Joyce) Lynch, Joe (Jean) Lynch, both of Cascade, Lois Lynch of Bernard, and Elaine (Norm) Jacobson of Springville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Gerald and Harriet Lynch, in-laws: John Hosch, John Lynch, and Dave Rea.

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.

Eugene Morton

Eugene “Butch” Morton, 80, of Dubuque, passed away on March 14, 2023.

In keeping with his wishes, a private family farewell and burial will be held. Inurnment will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Eugene was born on August 28, 1942 to James and Florence (Mai) Morton in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was united in marriage to Mona (Reittinger) Morton on April 14, 1962.

Eugene worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for over forty years.

Eugene enjoyed fishing, bowling, competitive dancing, and playing poker. He also had a wild streak and enjoyed motorcycle racing in his younger years. He rode roller coasters well into his 70’s.

Eugene was an avid football fan and loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Bears. In his later years he liked keeping up with the younger guys group and made several poker trips to Las Vegas and had a few winning years in Fantasy Football League.

He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchild. It was rare that he ever missed a basketball game, track meet or dance performance.

Eugene was known for his famous homemade caramels. These became a hot commodity among many during the holiday season. Always strong willed and independent, his funny quips and humorous impressions could instantly get a room rolling in laughter.

Eugene is survived by his wife Mona; children, Sandy (Norm Duve) Morton of Mesa, AZ, Diana “Bee” Morton of St. Paul, MN, Terry Ann Morton of Dubuque, IA, and Kate (Josh) Knepper of Peosta, IA; Grandchildren, Trena Miller and Grey Knepper; and great-grandchild, Mateo Miller. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Close of Dubuque.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Joann Hittenmiller.

Eugene’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Eagle Pointe Place, and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a Eugene Morton Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Eugene J. Mulgrew

Eugene J. “Gary” Mulgrew, 83, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at Ennoble Manor Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 20th at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Shullsburg, WI, with Fr. Peter Lee officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, and from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Gary was born on February 16, 1940 in Dubuque, IA, the son of William E. “Bill” and Eleanor C. Mulgrew.  He was united in marriage to Ellen Ann Cherry – Meyer on August 13, 1987 in Jo Daviess County, IL, with Fr. James Lins officiating.

Gary formerly operated several night clubs and taverns in the Tri-State area. He loved fishing and traveling, and was a graduate of Galena High School, class of 1958.

Surviving is his wife Ann,  a step-son, Michael ( Ayla) Meyer of East Dubuque; three grandchildren, Zachary, Emma and Nolan; and a great grandson, Sebastian.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eleanor Mulgrew.

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

Mary E. Richter

Mary Elizabeth Richter, 71, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

The Funeral Service for Mary will be 11:00 am Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Word of Life Church with Pastor Loren Hirschy officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

Mary was born April 15, 1951, in Dubuque, the daughter of Viola Kringle. Mary was united in marriage to Walter Kaufmann on October 28, 1972. He preceded her in death on November 28, 2011. She was later united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Richter on October 23, 2016.

Mary worked various jobs, working at the Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri, and Aladdin Dry Cleaners in Dubuque. She loved working with people and volunteering; she would volunteer at the church bookstore, and the food pantry. Mary was a faithful member of the Word of Life Church. She enjoyed attending Life Bible College, and hosting community group at her home. Above all, Mary treasured time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Eugene “Gene” Richter of Dubuque; children, Nicole (Jonathon Mahon) Stumpf, Chris Kaufmann, Michelle (Pete) Woodman, and Alexis (Jason) Webb all of Dubuque; 38 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; five step-children, Denise (Stacey) Bussie of Clinton, IA; Lori (Shawn) Petersen of Clinton; and, Nathan (Leah) Richter of Fulton, IL, Barb Edfors and Susan Petersen both of Clinton.

Besides her first husband, she was preceded in death by her mom, and her aunt, Frances Kringle.

Memorials may be made to the Word of Life Church bookstore fund.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, as well as Pastor Loren Hirschy and his wife, Joy, for their care and compassion.

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 Mary’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.