Obituaries Archive

Delbert L. Brecht

Delbert L. Brecht, 86  of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Wednesday, March 23 2022 at Sunset Park Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home Monday from 9-10 a.m. prior to the funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery.  Military honors will be accorded  Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Delbert was born on April 7, 1935 the son of Aloysius and Lorraine (Jaeger) Brecht. Delbert served in the United States Army during the Korean War.   He married Nancy Driscoll on June 29, 1984 in Holy Cross.  Delbert was the groundskeeper for Holy Cross Church and worked maintenance and drove school bus for the school.  He was an avid bow hunter and fisherman.

Survivors include his stepchildren: Debbie Biechler of Leland, WI, Roger (Karen) Biechler, of Madison, WI, Jon Biechler all of Westfield, WI, granddaughter: Sally Jo Hinrichs, brothers: Melvin (Dorothy) Brecht of Holy Cross, Kenneth (Evelyn) Brecht of Dubuque, in-laws: Ruth Driscoll, Roger Driscoll, Dennis (Val) Driscoll, Mike (Lou Ann) Driscoll, Charlene Esser and Susan Driscoll.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy in 1999, brother Walter Brecht, sister-in-law, Kay Driscoll, LeRoy “Bubs” Driscoll.

John R. Presley

John R. “Taco” Presley, age 53, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on March 22, 2022, at UnityPoint-Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor John’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on January 27, 1969, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Wayne and Judy (Shimp) Presley-Gatena.  John was born with a fun-loving spirit and a wonderful sense of humor (which even possessed a mischievous bone when deemed necessary).  He was a gentle giant who loved life almost as much as he did his family and friends.  He was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, Kelly Trimble, on June 27, 2011, in Dubuque, after courting her for 8 years prior to watch their love blossom and grow into its predestined perfection.

John also had an insatiable love for music from a very early age and he would earnestly invest over 20 years of his passion into a career while enjoying every hour he was working.  Beginning in the 80’s, John was a legendary deejay on the Dubuque and East Dubuque scene.  He worked for several venues who all appreciated not only his dependability, but also his knowledge of the history of recorded music both forward and backwards, and had the catalog to back it up.  His ever-growing collection of records, tapes, and cd’s, along with his massive music video collection made each and every stop into the establishments he worked a unique and fun experience.  John simply loved what he was doing and it showed.

Along with his love for music came an equal passion for radio broadcasting.  Following his days as a club deejay, John realized his dream of working in radio when he was hired to work for 97.3 FM as a board operator for remote and live sports broadcasts, along with other essential in-studio responsibilities.  John spent over 20 years in local radio with FM stations 101.1, 97.3 and 92.9, as well as with AM 1370, where he especially loved co-producing, sharing his wealth of knowledge, and managing the board operations for the Saturday Night Cruise.  It’s difficult to even imagine life without our dear “Taco” weaving his music and magic throughout our days ahead.  We pray to find peace in time, but for now we seek even simple moments where the memories which he leaves behind will help to ease the pain lingering on our heavy hearts.  Thank you, John, for being such a bright light in so many lives over the years and may you enjoy the sweetest Diet Mt. Dew that Heaven has to offer until we all see your joyful smile once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of John include,

his loving wife,
Kelly Presley, Dubuque, IA;

his mother,
Judy Gatena, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,
Stephen Presley, Dubuque, IA;

his best-friend,
Steve Hemmer, Dubuque, IA;

his favorite feline companion,
Buddy;

along with numerous extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Presley; his step-father, Alfred “Bud” Gatena; and his grandparents.

John’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff in the Finley Hospital ICU, especially Michelle, Diane, and Claudia for all of your professional care and sincere compassion you so generously shared with John and his family.  Also, a very heartfelt thank you to Steve Hemmer for all of your support, friendship, and patience through these last months.  Please know that all of you made some of the most difficult days we’ve ever had to face just a little more bearable and we cannot thank you enough.  May God bless you all for your kindnesses!

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

Donald L. Flagel Sr.

Donald L. Flagel Sr., 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Private family graveside services and burial were held at Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A private family visitation was held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There is no public visitation.

Donald Lee Flagel Sr. was born on November 11, 1932 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Gordon William and Alverda (Gnade) Flagel.  He was a graduate of Andrew High School.  He first worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, then Better Homes Furniture in Maquoketa for ten years, and lastly as a custodian for the Maquoketa Community School District for 27 years.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Donald (Sherri) Flagel Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Deanna (Tom) Berthel of Cedar Rapids, IA, Douglas Flagel of Maquoketa, IA, and David (Stacie) Flagel of Johnston, IA; 5 grandchildren,  3 great-grandchildren; a sister Karen Ganzer; and a brother Gary Flagel.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Donna Rorah.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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

Cataleya Christine York

Cataleya Christine York, 11-week-old infant daughter of Andre Iceson York Sr. and Hannah Christine Garrigus passed away on March 18, 2022.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with prayers to conclude at 4:00 p.m.

Cataleya was born on December 26, 2021, in Dubuque. She is survived by her loving parents Hannah and Andre; her siblings: Aniya Lewis age 10, Amarien York age 10, Taerin Lewis, age 8, Andre York Jr. age 4; Tyree York age 3 and Starr York age 2.

She is also survived by her grandparents Laura Garrigus, Tameka York, Henry Garrigus and Andre Blackshire. Aunts Alicia Garrigus, Lameka York, Holly Garrigus, D’Re Blackshire and Dajsia Blackshire; uncles Augie Garrigus, Lucas Garrigus and Dionte Burford along with great grandmothers; great grandfathers and great aunts and uncles.

In Heaven she joins her uncle Tyree Blackshire and great grandma Shirley Kramer.

Mothers love is something words can’t touch. It is in the valley that comes full force, like lightning and thunder, like the silence of the rain, the tear drops that fall, an endless river in the heart and song.

Fathers love is deep yet surfaced; it is in the touch, no one can hold one like he does; gentle yet strong, its forever that his love goes on.

Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not. To our family and friends, thank you for your love and support through this tragic time. Please remember our sweet Cataleya with a smile, happiness and baby conversations.

Sister Kathleen Conlin, OP

Sister Kathleen Conlin, OP, died March 19, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. She was born to Bernard and Marion (Bolger) Conlin Nov. 24, 1932, in Columbus, Wis. There were five children. Her brother, Thomas, died in infancy. She is survived by siblings Bernard “Joe” Conlin, Mary Reis, and Patricia Thiesenhusen; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican family. Sister Kathleen taught in elementary schools in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. She then worked at Sinsinawa for a year and continued her service as a hospital chaplain in Indianapolis, Green Bay, and Sheboygan. In 1985, Sister Kathleen returned to her roots, St. Jerome Parish in Columbus, Wis. She was there until 2016, 31 years of offering her kind, unassuming presence both in the classroom and as a member of the pastoral team. She loved her time, and it showed in her wholehearted dedication to the people. In 2016, Sister Kathleen moved to Sinsinawa and then St. Dominic Villa to be part of community life. Her funeral services are March 24-25 at Sinsinawa. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements. God gently calls, “Come home, Kathleen.”

Laura Lynn Ann Kilburg

Laura Lynn Ann Kilburg, 57, of Pipestone, Minnesota, formerly of Bellevue, one of the world’s true free spirits, left the earth, March 20,2022. She joined the “great cosmic collective” (as she called it) hoping to connect with those who had gone before her.

A private family service and burial honoring her Catholic upbringing and her connection to the Native American culture will be conducted.

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

Laura was born on February 26, 1965 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of DiAnn and Jack Gourley.  After her father, Jack passed away, her mother married Allen Kilburg (1967) and DiAnn, Laura and her brother, Michael “Charlie” became part of the Kilburg family.  She grew up in Bellevue, Iowa.

Laura was a good friend, a fun-loving person and a music trivia genius.  She had a talent at bartending and many people could find her behind the bar at the Riverview Hotel or Potter’s Mill in Bellevue, Iowa, in Dubuque, Iowa; and in Pipestone, MN at the American Legion.

Most recently she lived in Pipestone, MN and worked at the Pipestone National Monument Park store.  She had a love of Native American Culture and shared stories about the people she would meet and often gave gifts of carved pipestone to her friends and family.

Laura lost her battle with lung cancer, but put up one heck of a fight.  She used modern medicine, spiritual healing and traditional herbal medicine.  She was an open-minded person and had a sense of humor until her last day.  She will be missed by her family and friends.

Laura was preceded in death by her father Jack, her mother DiAnn, and her brother-in-law, Marty Lyons.

Laura’s spirit watches over many family and friends now, including her father, Allen, her siblings Dan (Lori) Kilburg, Beth (Eric) Shappach, Kate (Larry) Pitts, Anne (Terry) Hefel, Rich (Laura) Kilburg, Charlie (Denise) Kilburg, Patricia (Tom) Williams, Sharon Lyons, Barb Owca, Nick Kilburg and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Kilburg family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, the Avera-McKennan Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD and Laura’s Pipestone family for their care and support.

Memorials and Condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o of Laura Kilburg Family.

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

Shirley M. Noggle

Shirley Mae Noggle, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 18, 2022, at home.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Shirley was born on May 23, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Harold and Eleanor (Avenarius) Buck. She married Dwayne M. Noggle on August 27, 1955, in Manchester, IA.

She worked for Luther Manor, Mount Carmel and was an AMWAY Sales Distributor. She was a member of the Topps Club, Square Dancing and Potosi Gun Club.

Shirley enjoyed family time, her grandchildren playing cards, rendezvous, gardening and motorcycle rides with her husband.

She is survived by her children; Deb (Michael Carroll) Phillips-Carroll, Bob (Aline) Noggle, Lori (Tim) Mellon; Grandchildren, Brandy, Chris and Kaylee, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with stepchildren and step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dwayne and her sister Betty Ostert.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they took with their mother.

Jo Ann Noe

Jo Ann Noe, artist, educator, community volunteer, and longtime Galena resident, passed away on Thursday, 17 March 2022 after a long illness. She was four days shy of her 92nd birthday. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Friends and family remember and celebrate Jo Ann as an artistically gifted, kind, generous, high-spirited, intellectually curious, skeptical, and fiercely independent soul who graced the lives of many over the decades. Born Jo Ann McClymond at the height of the Great Depression in Indianola, Iowa, she earned a teaching certificate from Simpson College in her hometown, and with her first husband took up residence in Grinnell, Iowa, where she raised four sons. She returned to college at Drake University, graduating in 1968 with degrees in art and education. Marrying her second husband, Bill Noe, in 1974, she relocated to Newton, Iowa, and taught there until her retirement in 1990.

In Galena, Illinois, she found warm-hearted and welcoming community and beautiful surroundings, worthy subjects for her lifelong interest in visual art. Jo Ann’s interests were rich and varied and she pursued them all with passionate intensity. She began making sketches while still a small child, but blossomed into an artist with a distinctive style, working in media as wide-ranging as oil, pastel, and watercolor painting, as well as an ink drawing. She made striking portraits, vivid landscapes, and architectural drawings, but branched out into many other areas as well. She made quilts and clothes, children’s books, and puppets, presenting her own puppet shows. She also had gifts in interior design and decoration. Aside from her work in art and education, Jo Ann was a proud member of Grace Episcopal Church in Galena, where she sang in the choir as an alto. With her late husband, Bill, in a voice-accordion duo, she entertained residents at local nursing homes. She took part in the Galena Cemetery Walks, the Galena Center for the Arts, and in many local charitable initiatives. The community will miss her kind presence and relentless energy. Beyond her life as an artist, Jo Ann was known for her special insight and rapport with children, which carried on to the very last days of her life. Students years and decades after their time with her remember her as a life-changing and life-shaping influence. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren share in the same memory.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her late, dearly loved husband, William Noe, and by her brother, William (“Mac”) McClymond.

She is survived by her brother, James McClymond (San Diego, Ca.) by four sons: Dan Weeks (Galena, Ill). Tim Weeks (Rochester, NY), Pat Weeks (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Jay Weeks (Iowa City); by her grandchildren: Tammy Wemett and Barry Weeks (Rochester, NY), Marshall Weeks (Des Moines, IA.) and Madison Wiegand (Galena, Il); great-grandchildren; Kobey and Layla Weeks (Rochester, NY), Elle Hermsen (Galena, Illinois), and Hazel Weeks (Des Moines, Iowa); as well as by her step-family: stepdaughter, Barbara Noe Koch (Cedar Rapids, IA), step-granddaughter, Jennifer Warren, and step-great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Nicholas, and Hannah Warren, Sioux Falls, SD.

At Jo Ann’s request, no funeral service was held. Friends and family are invited to share written memories of her with her family and to make donations in her name to the Galena Center for the Arts. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Delbert L. Polkinghorn

Delbert L. Polkinghorn, 74, of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, March 19, 2022, at Accura Healthcare in Cascade, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 P.M., FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

Delbert LaVerne Polkinghorn was born on September 28, 1947 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin to Joseph Everett and Josephine Marie (Mitchell) Polkinghorn.  He had attended country schools in both Wisconsin and Iowa and the Dubuque Public Schools.  He married Judith Ann “Judy” Singelmann on February 24, 1970 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on November 24, 2007.

Delbert had first worked for Clinton Engines in Maquoketa and then for Ronnie Horan of Andrew.  He later worked as a farmhand for various farmers in the Andrew area.  Lastly, he worked as a saw operator for Sitco in LaMotte, Iowa until retirement.

Delbert was always willing to lend a helping hand and help someone out.  He enjoyed tinkering in his garage and traveling around the countryside while stopping at the local bars along the way.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Tammy (Dan) Olson of Maquoketa, IA, Patty (Jamie) Staner of Monmouth, IA, and Connie Roling of Charlotte, IA; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley (Terrill) Saunders of Spragueville, IA, Joyce Donath of Dubuque, IA, Millie (Paul) Widel of Maquoketa, IA, Brenda (Everett) Bowling of Maquoketa, IA, Mary (Butch) Krabbenhoft of Fairbank, IA, and Susan Bystol of Maquoketa, IA; a brother, Clarence Polkinghorn of Cedar Rapids, IA; and sisters-in-law, Deb (Alfie) Mohr of Miles, IA, and Darlene (Nate) Hall of Davenport, IA.  He was preceded in death his parents, his wife Judy, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Delbert L. Polkinghorn memorial fund has been established.

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

Helen M. Heiderscheit

Helen M. (Schmitt) Heiderscheit, age 80, of Dubuque,  passed away at 6:05 a.m., on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Luther Manor with her family at her side.  To celebrate Helen’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church, 241 Peosta Street, Peosta.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, with Rev. Michael G. Schueller officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Key West.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Helen was born on January 13, 1942, in Waupeton, Iowa, daughter of Clifford and Rosella (Gasper) Schmitt.

Helen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Daniel C. Heiderscheit, on August 5, 1961, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Balltown.  They were truly blessed with 37 wonderful years together before Danny sadly passed away on January 10, 1999.  Helen was raised with a strong work ethic and she put those values to use with ARA Food Service driving the lunch cart at John Deere for 25 years.  Her and Danny also farmed side by side in Bellevue for several years.  Helen was very generous with her time, volunteering countless hours at her parish of St. John the Baptist helping with whatever was needed.  When Helen found some free time she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens and playing cards with family and friends.  She and Danny also liked to travel with one of their favorite destinations being Las Vegas.  You always knew that when Helen started singing, “On the Road Again”, they were headed off on another adventure.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include

her siblings,
Patricia “Patsy” (Gary) Hefel, Sherrill, IA
and Cliff (Becky) Schmitt, Mud Lake, IA;

several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews;

her in-laws,
Patricia Heiderscheit, Bankston, IA,
Roger (Judie) Heiderscheit, Farley, IA,
Ronnie (Elaine) Heiderscheit, Dixon, IL,
Eddie (Myrene) Heiderscheit, Peosta, IA,
Linda (Jerry) Brenke, Dubuque, IA,
Laura “Frosty” Brokish, Cleveland, TN
and Donna Heiderscheit, Holy Cross, IA;

and her special friend,
Darlene Dyer, Dubuque, IA.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel “Danny” Heiderscheit; her siblings, Velma (Werner) Bleile, Margaret “Dolly” (Bobby) Schmerbach and Nick (Carol) Schmitt; her in-laws, Lyle Heiderscheit and Duane Heiderscheit, and a special friend, Dianne Witherall.

Helen’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses and staff at Luther Manor, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their kindness and all of the exceptional care they have provided for Helen these past months.

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

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

Paul L. Brown

Paul Leo Brown, 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 17, 2022 at Manor Care in Dubuque.

No public visitation or service will be held, Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family.

Paul was born on April 6, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Norman and Vivian (Bach) Brown. He served in the US Navy from 1974 to 1977.

He is survived by two sons Jeremy Fortmann of Bernard, Iowa and Charles Richey of San Diego, California; his sister Vivian Fluhr and two brothers Bill Brown and Joey Brown.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

Sr. Kathleen Franklin, BVM

Sister Kathleen Franklin, BVM, (Joselle), 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, March 17, 2022. Private funeral services will be Thursday, March 24, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Sister Kathleen was an elementary teacher at St. Patrick in Cedar Falls, Iowa; and in Davenport, Iowa; and Rock Island, Ill.  She was a resource center teacher in West Hempstead, N.Y., and computer training instructor for schools on Long Island, N.Y.

She was born on June 24, 1932, in Hempstead, N.Y., to Thomas and Catherine (Halley) Franklin. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1955, from St. Nicholas Parish, Jamaica, N.Y. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1958, and final vows on July 16, 1963.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Thomas, Charles, Edward, and Robert Franklin; and sisters Dorothy Landes, Loretta Franklin; and Sister Aimee Franklin, VHM.

She is survived by a brother Joseph Franklin, Montrose, N.Y.; a sister-in-law Rosalie Farrell, Kingston, N.Y.; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 66 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Kathleen’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Lavonne T. Brimeyer

LaVonne Theresa Brimeyer, 79, of Holy Cross, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022 surrounded by her five children.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, March 21, 2022 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Buena Vista, burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

LaVonne was the second of nine children in Clarence and Emma (Ellerbach) Schultz’s family. Growing up, LaVonne enjoyed the outdoors and doing the farm chores with her brother, Dave and sister, Janice, playing basketball, and watching her younger sisters and brothers. She graduated from Leo High in 1960. On September 29, 1962 she married Earl Brimeyer at the Holy Cross Church.

LaVonne was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista, an active member of the Rosary Society, and helped manage the raffle ticket sales for the Buenie Family Picnic until she was no longer able. LaVonne also worked at Gordon’s Toggery and NLF in Dubuque for a few years.

Earl and LaVonne farmed in North Buena Vista for over 60 years, eventually selling the farm to their three sons. They received the Century Family Farm Award at the Iowa State Fair in 2016. LaVonne loved farming and helped with the livestock, had a huge garden, helped fix fences, make hay, cut the grass, and anything else she could do outside with Earl. For many years LaVonne also raised and sold chickens. But no matter how busy she was she always had a clean house and lots of delicious food on the table.

Throughout her life LaVonne worked hard yet she also made time for fun. She was always ready to go. LaVonne was a dedicated wife and mother who loved to be surrounded by her family and friends. Sunday afternoons were to be spent with her children and grandchildren out on the deck or around the kitchen table. LaVonne loved playing euchre with her sisters and brothers and their husbands and wives. She enjoyed gambling, traveling, sewing, gardening, and canning and had her own .410 to go squirrel hunting. She was an excellent seamstress and avid quilter and did alterations and sewing projects for many years. Her motto was ‘never give up’ and even as her health declined, she got through everything that came her way and bravely faced whatever came next.

LaVonne is survived by five children, Tammy (Steve) Juran of Asbury, Randy (Rose) Brimeyer of Holy Cross, Wendy (Jim) Ulbrich of North Buena Vista, Robie (Kim) Brimeyer of Holy Cross, and Rich (Kay) Brimeyer of Holy Cross; six grandchildren, Benjamin Juran, Rachel Juran, Jolene (Brian) Johnson, Anna (Ryan) Rodenberg, Cody Brimeyer, and Morgan Brimeyer; six great-grandchildren, Lily, Archer, Ruby, Lucy, Rudy, and Judy; her siblings, Donna (Bob) Schmidt, Connie Klein, Ron (Marilyn) Schultz, Sherry (Mickey) Klein, and Cindy (Paul) Ludovissy; sister-in-law, Nancy Schultz; in-laws, Stella Hefel, Greg Brimeyer, Carol Ellsworth, Laura (Leon) Sigwarth, Norb Tressel, and Virginia Brimeyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, in 2021; her parents; sisters, Janice LeGrand and Carol Errthum, brother, David Schultz, brothers-in-law, Robert LeGrand, Nick Errthum, and Jimmy Klein; in-laws Fred (Hilda) Brimeyer, Alvin Brimeyer, Robert Brimeyer, Selma (Bill) Boyce, Nicholas (Verna) Brimeyer, Mildred Tressel, Harvey (Shirley) Brimeyer, Matthew Hefel, Carol Brimeyer, and Rex Ellsworth; and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Max, and Rory Rodenberg.

A special thank you to the Schultz sisters and Hospice of Dubuque for their help and support.

Information available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Sally Cain

Sally Cain, 83, of Dubuque, IA passed away on February 26, 2022.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2295 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA.

Marcella (Sally) Louise (McCoy) Cain was born on September 26, 1938, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of William (Tim) and Helen (Smith) McCoy. She married Donald F. Cain of Dubuque, IA on July 28, 1956, and they enjoyed almost 58 years together prior to his passing in 2014.

Sally worked at Aladdin Dry Cleaners from 1989-1995. She began working for the Dubuque Community School District in 1995, retiring in 2021.  She enjoyed many years working in the lunchroom at Hempstead High School where she especially enjoyed getting to know the students.

Sally was a wonderful stay at home mom and loved every minute raising their 8 children. She enjoyed spending time outside doing many things such as taking walks, visiting with friends, going to see the ocean, boat rides on the river, watching the grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities, and working in her yard and flower garden. She really enjoyed the years that she and Donnie spent at Happy’s Place on Saturday nights while he played in his band (Mark IV), and she danced with her friends. In her later years, she loved spending time playing bingo on Saturday nights. She really enjoyed any time she could spend with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made each grandchild’s 13th birthday special with an all-day shopping trip, just for the two of them. Sally loved to travel whether it be by car, plane, or train. She especially loved her trips to St. Louis with Donnie for the Steel Guitar Convention.

Survivors include their children: Cheryl Gerdemann, Dubuque, IA; Cal (Gaelynn) Cain, East Dubuque, IL; Robert J. (Sonja) Cain, Overland Park, KS; Penelope Sue Fleckenstein, Dallas, TX; Liz (Joel) Miller, Cedar Rapids, IA; LeRoy Cain, Houston, TX; Tammy (Rick) Stifel, Waukee, IA; Jennifer (Randy) Lovell, Waukee, IA.

Grandchildren: Jen (Nick) Meyer, Nicole (Rod) Kruser, Heather (Luc) Farnum, Katie (Joe) Lange, Allyce Cain, Agatha Cain, Andia Cain, Eric (Lyndi) Fleckenstein, Lucas (Samantha) Fleckenstein, Ellen Fleckenstein, Stephanie (Jacob) Swieter, Heidi Miller, Molly Miller, Rachel (David III) Flynn, Abbey Cain, Emma Cain, Creighton (Cristina) Stifel, Dalton Stifel (Bethany Nizzi), Logan Lovell, Preston Lovell, Olivia Lovell.

Great Grandchildren: Jaide and Jackson Meyer, Wyatt and Lydia Kruser, Cooper Lange, Nolan, Evelyn, and Wyatt Fleckenstein, Tanner Fleckenstein, Aliyah, Levi, Lydia, and Hannah Swieter, David Flynn lV, Truett and Quinn Stifel.

Sisters: Betty Griffin, Patsy Broessel, and Colleen Mohr and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents William and Helen McCoy; son-in-law Jack Gerdemann.

The family would like to give a special thanks to friend Kaliyah; Home Instead of Dubuque, especially Carla J.; and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kristin and Chris.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations made in memory of Sally can be sent to the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools and will be designated to helping with food insecurity.

David K. Brinkman

David K. “Dave” Brinkman, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 16, 2022, at Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

David Kenneth Brinkman was born on November 4, 1951 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Kenneth Elijah and Lois June (Stender) Brinkman.  He was a 1969 graduate of Oxford Junction High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He married Dixie Lynn Yarolim on December 28, 1974 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  A son, Darin, was born to this union.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, “Dave” returned home and worked as a mechanic, first for Rasmussen Motors in Maquoketa for a short time, and lastly for 35 years for Bowman Oil Company in Maquoketa, until retirement.

“Dave” enjoyed fishing, bird watching, and going to casinos.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Dixie Brinkman of Maquoketa, IA; a son and daughter-in-law, Darin and Kim Brinkman of Mapleton, IL; 2 grandchildren, Aubrey and Alexis; his father and stepmother, Kenneth and Carol Brinkman of Oxford Junction, IA; and sisters, Deb (Joe) Larkey of Oxford Junction, IA, and Donna (Steve) Hansen of Oxford Junction, IA.  He was preceded in death by his mother.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

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