Obituaries Archive

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.

Violet A. Jennings

Violet Ann (Kress) Jennings, 69, of Dubuque, passed away on, Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Luther Manor Care Center in Dubuque.  Funeral Services will be 11:30 am, Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 10:00 am until service time also on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the church prior to services.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.  Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Violet was born November 17, 1952 in Guttenberg, Iowa, she is the daughter of Edmund and Laura (Johnston) Kress.  She graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1971 as class Salutatorian.  Vi was part owner of Jennings Agri-Center, and worked there for many years.  She worked at Seedorff Masonry in Strawberry Point, for a short time.  She loved to water ski, especially slalom skiing.  She was an excellent seamstress, loved to travel and enjoyed cooking for everyone.  Vi enjoyed her sweets, especially rhubarb pie, and anything from Dairy Queen.  Vi enjoyed the outdoors while camping, fishing, and mushroom hunting.  She enjoyed listening to music and her favorite musician, Blake Shelton.  Family and friends meant the world to her.  She enjoyed their visits, especially the hugs and kisses.  Vi was a loved Mother of Shiloh and Tiffany and welcomed her younger brother Ed (Junior) to her home and family through his teen years.

She is survived by her children, Tiffany Helmrichs and Shiloh (Angie) Jennings; siblings, Wanda Kress, Don Kress, Sue Kress, Bob Kress, Linda Hertenstein, Rosaleta (Lynn) Heins, and Kathy (Kyle) Wander; sisters in-law, Rita Kress and Renee Kress; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Carl Kress, Wayne Kress, Willie (Susan) Kress, Carol Latson, and Ed Kress, Jr.; and a niece, Lindsey Steward.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Violet’s memory.

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

Donna M. May

Donna Mae May, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at home on March 10, 2022.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 14th at the Church of the Resurrection with Father Steven Garner officiating. A private family burial will follow on a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the church. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is overseeing arrangements.

Donna was born on May 17, 1936, to Ralph and Dorothy (Walsh) Hillard in Dubuque, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Thomas May on April 19, 1958, and enjoyed almost 64 years together.

Donna was a loving stay at home mom. She loved her family, garage sales, gambling, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a selfless angel of a person who loved everyone unconditionally.

Donna is survived by her husband, Tom; children Kevin (Terri) May, Robert (Janice)

May, Pam (Dean Groom) May, Pat May, Thomas (Cheryl Davis May) May Jr., and James May; as well as 11 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Hillard, and brothers Ralph Hillard Jr. and Richard Hillard.

Thank you to Marvin Ney with Paramount, Hospice of Dubuque, and her granddaughters Amber McKinley and Brittany May.

Imelda I. Rife

Imelda I. (Wunderlich /Brimeyer) Rife, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 9th, 2022, at Luther Manor Garden Meadows.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale where a funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. with Deacon John Stireman officiating. Committal prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 14th, 2022, at Linwood Cemetery with Fr. Steve Garner officiating.

Imelda was born on February 22, 1940 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Oran and Eleanor (Schmid) Wunderlich. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married Donald Brimeyer and he preceded her in death; she later married William Rife and he also preceded her in death.

Imelda worked at various businesses, which include Walmart, Mario’s Italian restaurant, Apple River Chemical plant & A.Y. McDonalds Manufacturing. 

She was a member of the Bowling Association, Rec Volleyball, and Alpine Tennis Club; volunteered at Grand Opera House and Bell Tower, Colts Drum and Bugle & Junior Sing Out.

She loved to take her grandkids to Galena Candy Kitchen, hanging out at the casinos, enjoyed spending time with her dogs and playing the piano. Loved visiting her niece Rachel Page in Canada and helping with Shenanigans Veterans Freedom Center benefits.

Survivors include her children: Gail (Dan) Kuhle, Jan (Randy Robey) Brimeyer, Jerry “Sliver” (Gail) Brimeyer, Gary (Lynn) Brimeyer, Jo Lynn (Eric) Pike and John (Danielle) Brimeyer. Her grandchildren: Jennifer (Isaiah McGee) Kuhle, Nicholas Kuhle, Kimberly (Chris) Reisetter, Alex Neisewander, Maloree Brimeyer, Chance Brimeyer, Josh (Kerry) Brimeyer, Shelby (Riley) Duehr, Sami Jo (Jonathan) Gentry, Austin Peter, Madalyn Peter, Tyler Pike, Aiden Pike, Olivia Brimeyer Conner Brimeyer and Ella Brimeyer; along with eleven great grandchildren and her sister Lee (Bill) Latham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband’s Donald Brimeyer & William Rife; mother & father-in-law Gladys & Edward Brimeyer; her brother, Rann Wunderlich; her sister, Janann (Wunderlich) Page and a bother-in-law Benoit` Page

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque & the staff at Luther Manor Grand Meadows with a special thank you to Rena and Connie for all the wonderful care, kindness and compassion.

Carlton L. Mauer

Carlton L. “Butch” Mauer, age 88, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:15p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at home with his loving family by his side.  To celebrate Butch’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Butch was born on June 7, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Carl and Dora (Zuber) Mauer.

Butch attended school in Dubuque before joining the workforce with Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing.  He was employed in quality control with the company and devoted 47 years to them retiring in 1997.  Butch was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dorine Rettenmeier, on June 2, 1962.  They have been truly blessed with 3 sons and 59 wonderful years of marriage.  Butch was also a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Church for the last 59 years.  In his free time you could find him outside working in the garden or taking care of the lawn and his flower beds.  Butch and Dorine also traveled the country on Amtrak, he loved riding the train.  He also loved to spend time with his family, they truly meant the world to him.  Butch was an excellent example of what it means to be a devoted husband and hard worker.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Butch’s memory include

his loving wife,
Dorine Mauer, Dubuque, IA;

3 sons,
Loras Mauer, Balltown, IA,
Bill (Judy) Mauer, Dubuque, IA
and Mark (Kelly Bleggi) Mauer, Palm Beach, FL;

his siblings,
“Rusty” Felton, Dubuque, IA,
Tim (Joanne) Mauer, Dubuque, IA
and Diane (Harold) Hetzler, Grays Lake, IL;

a sister-in-law,
Janet Entringer, Dubuque, IA;

and his in-laws,
Ronnie Rettenmeier,
Bill (Bev) Rettenmeier,
Linda (Mike) Kelly
and Eileen Rettenmeier.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Stan Mauer, Ernest (Martha) Wilson, Rosemary (Jim) Glenn, Gloria (Dusty) Potter, Betty (Lee) Soppe, and Joe Felton; and his in-laws, Donna Rettenmeier and Bob Rettenmeier.

Butch’s family would like to thank all of his doctors and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kindness and the outstanding care they have provided for Butch.

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

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

June B. Paar

June B. (Smith) Paar, age 87, of Ramsey, MN, died peacefully in her sleep, on March 7, 2022.  To celebrate June’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 until 4:00p.m., on Sunday, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at noon, on Monday, March 14, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. Jonathan Crawford officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

June was born on June 26, 1934, to Samuel and Barbara Smith of Dubuque IA.  Preceded in death by her parents, her sister Helen, her brother Ken and her husband Col. Donald F. Paar.  Survived by daughter Pamela (Dale) Parvi, grandchildren Sean, Dean (Brooke) and Erika.

June grew up in Dubuque Iowa and married Donald Paar on July 1, 1950.  They initially moved to Chicago, IL where Donald finished law school and June worked as a health care volunteer.  While in Chicago, June discovered her love of live theatre and music.  She was fortunate to see Nat King Cole perform from the front row.  Don and June moved back to Dubuque where Don practiced law.  Don was then called back to active duty in the US Air Force as a JAG officer.  Don and June traveled extensively during their 20 years in the Air Force.  June found her love of travel during this time as they lived in Germany and later Japan.  While stationed in Germany they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Pamela.  They were stationed back in the states where Don retired as a Colonel in the US Air Force.  The couple then moved to St Anthony MN where Don worked as an Assistant US Attorney.  After retiring from the US Attorney’s office Don and June moved back to Dubuque.  They spent their years in Dubuque getting re-established in their church and spent time volunteering and entertaining friends and relatives.  June became quite the hostess in her years as an officer’s wife and this was a passion the rest of her life.  She loved to pamper her guests, with no one leaving her house hungry.  Don and June moved back to Minnesota to be close their daughter Pamela and grandchildren.  After Don’s passing in 2005, June stayed in her home for a couple of years.  She found there were many obstacles to living alone after Don’s passing.  It was with great joy that she was able to live with her daughter Pamela’s family for 13 years.   Even though it was difficult to continue her passion for entertaining in her later years she loved watching the Food Network and classic movies on the Turner  Classic Movies channel.  She also was an active member in her church with many being comforted by her faithful prayers and acts of kindness.  After a fall and broken hip, June moved into her own apartment in an assisted living facility a few miles from Pamela.  She lived there for 2 years prior to her passing.

June’s family would like to thank the staff and care givers at Stoney River Care Facility, Ramsey, MN, for all their care and support for June and her family.

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

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

Jennifer J. Lenstra

Jennifer J. Lenstra, 45, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 6, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Jennifer will be 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Sliver Brimeyer officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Jennifer was born June 22, 1976, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ronald Charles and Joanne Agnes Herrig Lenstra.

She was a 1995 graduate of Hempstead High School.  She received her CNA certificate and worked for many years at Mercy Hospital. She was currently working for Rite Hite and formerly worked at Andersen Window and Door.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, fishing, playing games, cards, camping, motorcycle rides, traveling, and listening to music.  She was always there for people and planned all the family gatherings.  Most importantly she cherished time with her boys.

Survivors include two sons, Justin (Berkley Lyon) Scherf and Tyler Scherf both of Sageville; her parents, Ron and Joanne Lenstra of Dubuque; her fiance’ John David Hauptli of Dubuque;  maternal grandmother, Irene Herrig of Dubuque; two brothers, Jeff Lenstra of Dubuque, and Jason (Katie Recker) Lenstra of Center Junction.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, LaVerne and Phyllis Lenstra and maternal grandfather, Julian Herrig.

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 Jennifer’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Lawrence C. Russett

Lawrence C. “Larry” Russett, age 96, of Bradenton, FL and formerly of Dubuque, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Windsor of Bradenton with family at his side.

Private family services will be held at the Behr Funeral Home with entombment in  Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Larry was born on June 25, 1925, in Bloomfield Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa, son of Clarence and Lorraine (Schroeder) Russett.

He graduated from Decorah High School in 1942, and was a World War II Navy Veteran. On his return from service, he met the love of his life,
Marian Darling. They were married on April 18, 1949.
Larry and Marian raised a large family in Dubuque, and had 58 wonderful years together before Marian passed away on May 19, 2007.  Larry was employed with Deere & Company for 35 years retiring in 1985.

Larry was an outstanding father and provided well for his family and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Larry’s memory include
his 9 children,
Judith Russett, Bradenton, FL,
Debbie Krug, Dubuque, IA,
Deanne Fitzgerald, Dubuque, IA,
James (Renee) Russett, Decorah, IA,
David (Kathy) Russett, Asbury, IA,
Steven (Dawn) Russett, St. Paul, MN,
Jon (Kris) Russett, Clayton, IA,
Laurie Russett, Bradenton, FL
and Thomas (Wanda) Russett, Dubuque, IA;

14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren;

and his brother,
Robert Russett, Waterloo, IA.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Marian Russett; an infant daughter, Ann Marie Russett; son-in-law, David Fitzgerald; grandsons Mackenzie Russett and Jared Hammell; and a sister-in-law, Darlene Russett.

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

Donna S. Suthers Hardin

Donna Scott Suthers Hardin passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Davenport Lutheran Home, one day shy of her 95th birthday.

She was born March 6, 1927, the daughter of Lester and Grace (Schocker) Scott. They lived in rural Jackson and Clinton counties as she grew up. She attended Mt. Ida and Watson rural schools, Baldwin H.S. and graduated from Maquoketa H.S. in 1944. She married Leon Suthers in 1946. They had one daughter, Connie Suthers Patridge. After Leon’s death in 1986, she married William “Bill” Hardin in 1988.

She was too young to start teaching when she graduated high school so she worked at the Fishing Tackle Company in Maquoketa for one year before attending Mount St. Clare College the summer of 1945 after which she began teaching at Mt. Ida, the one-room school near Lost Nation, IA; the school she had attended until 5th grade. She then taught at North Bend near Maquoketa, where her grandfather, August Schocker, had taught 60 years earlier.  After a short time teaching at the rural Maquoketa #8 school, she taught three years at Hurstville and seven years at Fulton, IA. At Hurstville and Fulton, she had as many as 40 students in grades K-8. She negotiated with the school boards until she was the highest paid one-room school teacher in the county. When the rural students were brought into Maquoketa, she taught third grade, one year in the library basement, one year at the Youth Center and then 28 years at Briggs Elementary, retiring in 1989.

For twenty years she attended college classes, summers, nights, and weekends, to earn her BA degree in 1965. She earned enough credits after that to equal another year of college.

She and Leon were members of the DeWitt Area Road Runners Camping group, the National Campers and Hikers Association, and the Joinerville Boat Club. They were in square dancing groups and bowled.  They played cards with neighbors and friends.  They traveled and camped extensively for years.

She and Bill also were members of those groups, played euchre whereever they were, and traveled extensively.  She made it to Hawaii twice, Europe, Mexico, Canada and most of the 50 states. For 26 years she wintered in Donna, Texas. There she earned a shelf of trophies for playing shuffleboard. She always loved to go fishing. The last few years, blindness, curtailed her life considerably.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Don Patridge of Davenport, IA; grandsons, Daniel (Kristin) Patridge and their son, Alex, and Adam (Laura) Patridge and their son, David, and their daughter, Allison.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Grace Scott, husbands, Leon Suthers and William Hardin, and brother, Dale Scott.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

The family requests that masks be worn during the visitation and services.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa, Alzheimer’s Association or the Maquoketa Schools Education Fund.

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

Donna M. Morhardt

Donna M. (Falancer) Morhardt, 82, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community in Galena, IL.

Graveside services will be at the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring. The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

Donna was born on November 18, 1939 in rural Hanover, IL, the daughter of Kenneth H. and Mary E. (Lyden) Falancer.  She was united in marriage to Gerald P. Morhardt, on September 16, 1961 at St. Michael’s Church in Galena.  He preceded her in death on October 14, 2020.

She was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1957. She and Gerald farmed in rural Scales Mound. Donna also spent many countless hours working at the SonShine Center
in Schapville. Her service and dedication to the community was treasured by many.

Surviving are seven nieces and nephews and their families; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Marjorie Morhardt of Scales Mound.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mary; brother, James (Mary Ann Pask) Falancer; a nephew, David Hesselbacher; a niece, Michelle Robertson; and a great-nephew, Andrew Trebian.

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

Virgil A. Polkinghorn Jr.

Virgil A. Polkinghorn Jr., age 47, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 4, 2022, at MercyOne Dubuque.  To celebrate Virgil’s life, private family services were held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.  Burial is in Linwood Cemetery.

Virgil was born on September 25, 1974, in Iowa City, son of Virgil and Carol (Krolick) Polkinghorn Sr.

Virgil attended school in Dubuque and graduated from Platteville High School in 1992.

Virgil was a diehard Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed fishing with his Dad.

Those left to cherish Virgil’s memory include his

two children,
Maryann Vondra-Polkinghorn and Virgil Allan Vondra-Polkinghorn, III;

his mother,
Carol (Francis) Polkinghorn Paar, Dubuque, IA;

and his siblings,
Charles Polkinghorn,
Tammie Krier,
Michael (Sue) Polkinghorn,
Stephanie Robinson, all of Dubuque
and Patrick Polkinghorn, Denver, CO.

Virgil was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Virgil Polkinghorn Sr.; a sister, October Dawn Johnson; and 2 brothers, Mark and Todd Polkinghorn.

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

Robert C. Luckey

Robert C. Luckey, 75, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, March 4, 2022, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

At Peace Cremation Services have taken place.  A private family burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, at a later date.

Robert Charles Luckey was born on December 1, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa, to Robert Kendall and Mary Eleanor (Meyers) Luckey.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War.  He married Gloria Jean Bennett on July 20, 1966 in Clinton, Iowa.

Robert had worked as a bricklayer for many years in Colorado, and then was a self-employed truck driver who owned and operated a dump truck until retiring and moving home to Iowa.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gloria Jean Luckey of Bellevue, IA; and a sister, Sally (Duane) Marvin of Preston, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his five-year-old son Robert C. Luckey Jr.

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

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

Thomas and Sheryl Helling

Thomas “Tom” and Sheryl “Sherry” Helling, of Dubuque, IA, completed their earthly journeys within hours of one another on January 31, 2022, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.  To honor Tom’s life, a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Mt. Calvary Chapel, 1111 Davis Street in Dubuque, with Father James Chappell officiating.  Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom and Sherry’s family.

Tom and Sherry were both born in Dubuque, IA, and were clearly predestined to become soulmates in time.  Tom was born on April 4, 1943, and Sherry on July 7, 1942, and they spent their early years surrounded by family and friends while waiting patiently for the day to arrive where their love would finally blossom and their lives together could begin.  They were eventually united in marriage at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque in the May of 1966, and began their journey through the rest of their lives devoted to one another until their very last day when they were only separated for a few hours and would next begin their eternity together.  Tom spent his working years in the Maintenance Department with the City of Dubuque, and Sherry was a secretary for Edwards Precast for a few years as well.  When the workday was completed, you could easily find Tom and Sherry together enjoying each other’s company as they waited for the sunrise to start another day.  Their love and devotion to one another never wavered and their commitment was always on display.  It’s beyond difficult for our hearts to conceive the realization that they have both left us so suddenly, but there is definitely some peace in knowing that they weren’t apart for longer than either would have endured without the great pain of loss.  We will treasure every memory which they leave behind and seek peace and healing from this tragic loss until we see them again.  Thank you, Tom and Sherry, for always making love such a visible priority in your lives and may we strive to carry your legacy within our own relationships moving forward as we also face each day ahead without you.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom and Sherry include,

their siblings and in-law’s,
Patricia Casey, Dubuque, IA,
Victor “Gus” Helling, Dubuque, IA,
Billie (Bill) Schuyler, Varna, IL,
Joyce Helling, Dubuque, IA,
Peg Helling, Dubuque, IA,
and Herb Klinkhammer, Dubuque, IA;

their Godchildren,
Tim Helling, Kristin Walker, and Jill Tennyson;

Sherry’s niece and nephew,
Jessica (Josh) Weir, and their daughter, Emma,
Scott (Michelle) Schuyler, and their daughter, Sarah;

Tom’s 19 nieces and nephews, 46 great-nieces and nephews, and 28 great-great nieces and nephews;

along with numerous other extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom and Sherry were preceded in death by their parents, Victor and Geraldine (Feller) Helling, and William Jones and Gayle (Ernster) Blum; their siblings and in-law’s, James Helling, Robert Helling, Carol Klinkhammer, Tom Casey, and Ann Helling; and Sherry’s stepfather, Leroy Blum.

The Helling family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Jeffrey W. Funk

Jeffrey Wayne Funk, 60, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 6, 2022, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 11:00 am Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Jeff will be 11:00 am Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens in Dubuque.

Jeff was born November 18, 1961, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Karl and Glennalee Koehler Funk.

He was a 1980 graduate of Hempstead High School.  Jeff worked for Woodward Communications for 39 years. He enjoyed family gatherings, eating out, playing cards, and traveling with his siblings.

Survivors include three sisters, Nancy (Dave) Schnorrenberg of Eldridge, Cindy (Tony) Gerlieb of Dubuque, and Liz (Tim) Nadermann of Epworth, many loving nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and one brother, Karl Funk, Jr.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Eagle Point Place and Drs. Mark Herman, Ronald Iverson, and Kristin Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hospice of Dubuque and Eagle Point Place.

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 Jeff’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.