Obituaries Archive

Barbara K. Odefey

Barbara K. Odefey, 75, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 1, 2022.  Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 am Wednesday, January 5, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 11 am.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Barbara was born January 20, 1946 in Dubuque, daughter of Arthur and Lucille (Kalloway) Hentges.

She married William Odefey on September 5, 1964 at Holy Ghost Church.

She worked as a bank teller at American Trust until her retirement.

Barbara had a great love for the Lord.  She was an avid reader and read her Bible for hours daily, as well as going to Bible study twice a week.

She was a die-hard Cubs fan, movie lover, and enjoyed car rides.  If she saw garbage in parking lots, she would pick it up and dispose of it.

Barbara also found joy in donating to her favorite charities.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, William Odefey of Dubuque; five children, Wendy (Jim) Budde of Bellevue, Angela (Chris) Pritchard of Bellevue, Lisa Klein of Dubuque, Amy (Jay) Remy of Dubuque and Scott (Julie) Odefey of Menomonee Falls, WI; 12 grandchildren, Josh (Tina) Close, Tyler (Jess) Odefey, Colton (Brittany) Hancock, Sam Odefey, Miranda Klein, Lyle Klein, Morgan Klein, Logan Klein, Jack Odefey, Matthew Odefey, Lily Odefey and ten great grandchildren with one on the way.

She is also survived by a sister, Arlene Elliott.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step father, Edward Miller; two brothers, Jim Hentges and Edward Miller Jr; brother in law, Richard Elliott; son in law, James Hancock and granddaughter, Leslie Ann Hancock.

For further information, or to leave and online condolence for the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Jimmy Lee Coulson

Jimmy Lee Coulson, 75, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

There will be a visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with a Sharing of Memories at 11:00 a.m. Per State and CDC guidelines, facemasks are required. The Sharing of Memories will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Jimmy was born on January 19, 1946 in Lamberton, MN, the son of Archie and Della (Jenson) Coulson. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice M. Donner on October 10, 1964 at St. John Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls, MN. For the past 57 years he loved her with his whole heart.

Jimmy was employed as a foreman for many years with Iowa Pipeline and later as a welder for Tschiggfrie Excavating Co., until his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, tractors, and stock car racing with his son and son-in-law. You could always find him cheering on #16 & #44! But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife.

Surviving are his wife Janice; their children, Duane (Grace) Coulson of East Dubuque, Kari (Doug) Bahl of Peosta, IA, and Stacy Harlow of East Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Cody, Kelsi, Kaila, Rain, Dakota, Darius, Logan and Carsten; three great grandchildren, Camdyn, Camiya and Aria; his siblings, Elno Coulson of Dubuque, IA, Connie Sutherland of Windom, MN and Lonnie Coulson of Fairmont, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Della; and siblings, Bob, Duke, Jack, Darlene and JoAnn.

In lieu of flowers, a Jimmy Lee Coulson memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the East Dubuque Fire Department and EMTs and Mercy One Emergency room staff for their effort and support.

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

Pastor Tony L. Johnson

Pastor Tony Lee  Johnson, age 63, of Dubuque, passed away at 1:20 p.m., on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Tony’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until  7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 7, 2022 , at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel, 2843 JFK Road, with Evangelist Robert Harbin officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Tony was born on August 20, 1958, in Dubuque, son of Arthur and Mary (Klinkenberg) Johnson.

Tony attended school at Fulton Grade School, Jefferson Middle School and graduated from Hempstead High School, Class of 1976.  He enjoyed boxing, and in high school he was a Golden Gloves Boxer at the YMCA.  After graduation, he went to welding school.  Tony was a hard worker who devoted his career to A.Y. McDonald in the foundry for 38 years, until his well earned retirement in 2016.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Laura Johns on September 9, 1978, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Dubuque.  Tony devoted his life to Christ on April 30, 1980, and a year later surrendered to preach.  He served as an Assistant Pastor at Grace Baptist Church for 32 years, and after much prayer and fasting, God confirmed his call to start a new work when he received his grandfather’s Bible in the mail. In 2017 he was ordained, and in 2018, he started Crossroads Baptist Church of Dubuque.  Preaching and sharing the Gospel was his true passion in life. He wanted everyone to know how God had changed his life, and how they could come to know this same God. Tony truly wore his faith on his shoulder. In his free time he also liked to spend time out in the woods deer hunting and mushroom hunting.  He was a talented woodworker who built 4 offices for other Pastors and created several beautiful furniture pieces in his wood shop.  Tony’s favorite time of the day was definitely morning when he would read his bible and pray for guidance and the salvation of souls.  He would often play his guitar and harmonica Sunday mornings before church.  He was also known to spend time tinkering on his classic cars, especially restoring his 1967 Mustang and his son’s 1951 International Pickup Truck.  Tony’s family was his pride and joy and he was a very dedicated husband, dad, grandpa and Pastor.  We are truly heartbroken at losing such a wonderful man and role model in our daily lives.  Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Tony’s  memory include

his wife,
Laura Johnson, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Angela (Peter) Román, Springfield, MO,
Adam (Josie) Johnson, Dyersville, IA
and Anthony Johnson, Dubuque, IA;

3 grandchildren,
Brooke, Aidan and Jace with one more on the way;

his sister,
Cindy Thomas, Dubuque, IA;

and his in-laws,
Mary (Paul) Swartzel,
Cheryl (Jeff) Chiott
and Toni (Bob) Backes, all of Dubuque.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stuart Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Jefferson Thomas.

Tony’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for all of the outstanding care they provided for Tony.  Also a heartfelt thank you to all of the Prayer Warriors around the world that have been faithfully praying for Tony these past weeks and Pastor Ed Mast for his support.

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

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

Alvin J. Kilburg

Alvin J. Kilburg, 102, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:30 am, also Wednesday, January 5, 2022 prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Alvin was born, February 9, 1919 in rural Bellevue, the son of Dominic and Florence (Weis) Kilburg.  He married Estelle Roling on January 15, 1947, she passed on December 11, 1981.  Alvin farmed in rural Bellevue before moving into town at the age of 95.  He resided at Mill Valley Care Center the last 4 years.  Alvin had fond memories of the Kilburg Family trip in 1995 to Luxembourg, longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, he was a man of strong faith, praying the rosary, and had an appreciation of Lady of Fatima.  Alvin will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.  “When the role is called up yonder.”

Survivors include his children, Al (Mary) Kilburg, Ann (Rick)Tuegel, Theresa Samuel, Paul (Nancy) Kilburg, Velma Miller, Helen Kilburg, Nina (Matt) Bahl, Anita (Verl) Howell, Tim (Lisa) Kilburg, Amy (Mark) Dagitz, Bill (Rebecca) Kilburg; a son in-law, Scott (Michelle) Becwar; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several step-grand, great grand and great great-grandchildren, siblings, Kenneth (Jean) Kilburg, Leo (Janis) Kilburg, Vera (Levi) Schmidt, and Dula (Leon) Tebbe; sisters-in law Katie Kilburg and Judy Kilburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Lydia Becwar; great grand daughter Chelsea, sons in-law, Vernon Medinger, Ron Samuel and Steve Miller; his siblings and in-laws, Lloyd (Monica) Kilburg, Earl Kilburg, Vernon Kilburg, Rita (Raymond) Roling, Marcella “Sally” (Paul) Banowetz, Vincent Kilburg, Albert (Mary) Kilburg, Edna (Michael) Reuter, Estelle’s parents and all of her brothers and sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his roommate Ray, Leo, Janis, Steve and the Mill Valley Staff for your attention and caring to Alvin over the years. Also thank you to all the friends and relatives who visited with him-he truly enjoyed guests.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Dubuque Community Foundation c/o Paul & Sally Banowetz Scholarship fund or Marquette High School.

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

Jean A. Hammel

Jean A. (Scheibe) Hammel, age 83, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:50 p.m., on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday at the church, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Jean was born on June 29, 1938, in Dixon, Illinois, daughter of Merlin and Delia (Kopp) Scheibe.

Jean spent her early childhood in Illinois before moving to Dubuque in 1949, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1956, from Dubuque Senior High School.  She was united in marriage to Thomas J. Hammel, on May 14, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They would be blessed with 4 children and 50 years of marriage before Tom passed away on April 18, 2011.  Jean was a bookkeeper with the Dubuque Community School District, Brown Publishing, Nacos & Puff Accounting and O’Connor, Brooks and Company.  Jean had an artistic side and was very creative.  She did ceramics, crocheting, embroidery, knitting and cross-stitch.  She also enjoyed reading historical novels and always read the daily newspaper cover to cover.  Jean enjoyed traveling the country, almost always by car, and loved when that car still had the “new car smell”.  Jean was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, where she volunteered regularly, and was the Treasurer for her TOPS group for several years.  She loved getting the grandchildren together to play all sorts of games, creating priceless memories for them to cherish forever.  Jean was a sweet woman with a generous spirit who made the world a better place just by being here.  She will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her children,
Jane (Rich) Glennon, Dubuque, IA,
Mike (Pauline) Hammel, Bloomington, IL,
Cheryl (Steve) Larson, Dubuque, IA
and Ken (Beth) Hammel, Normal, IL;

her grandchildren,
Alex (Abby) Glennon, Ryan Glennon, Jen (Jason) Hart, Andy, Leilani and Jessica Hammel, Allie (Tim) Saunders, Emily (Brady) Randall, Amy (Kaitlin) Gonder, Kendall (Kevin) Lyons and Eric Hammel;

her great-grandchildren,
Emma, Jacob and Lucas Hart, Sophia and Olivia Saunders, Ava Randall and one more on the way;

and her sisters,
Mary Katuin, Dubuque, IA,
Joan Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,
Judy (Dick) Hierstein, Burlington, IA
and Joyce (Dick) Leibfried, Dubuque, IA.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Hammel; and a brother-in-law, Walter Katuin.

Jean’s family would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their support and kindness.

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

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

Susan M. Hostert

Susan Marie (Bertling—Hillebrand) Hostert, 58, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Per her request there will be a celebration of life in the spring at the family farm.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

She was born on September 26, 1954 in Monticello, Iowa, the third child of  John W. “Bill” and Evelyn (Miller) Bertling.  She received her education in Cascade, at St. Mary’s grade school and Aquin High School; graduating from Northeast Iowa Community College in 1981. Susan worked over 26 years with the Sisters of Charity of Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa, in the position of Retirement Trust Office, Director of Human Resources office, Associate Administrator of Marian Hall and ultimately Administrator of the Mount Carmel Continuing Care Retirement Community.  After retiring from Mount Carmel in 2006, Susan worked for eight years at Sedgwick Claims Management Specialty Company and then in 2015 finished out her working career as Front Desk Receptionist at Unified Therapy Services Pediatric Clinic in Dubuque, Iowa.

Susan married Don Hillebrand, September 17, 1971 he died March 15, 1978.  Susan then married the man who would give her a life full of adventure, Mark Hostert on May 16, 1981.  The couple enjoyed many wonderful years together, raising Theresa and Tammy and then opening their hearts wide to welcome five fantastic grandchildren.  Years of travel, music and family togetherness made for a life rich in much love.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Hostert of Bernard; her daughters Theresa (Frank) Scherrman of Cedar Rapids and Tammy (Matthew Schulte) Hillebrand of St. Louis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Jared, Justin, Jenna and Jolene Scherrman and Josephine Schulte; her nine siblings, Jane (Walt) Puccio of Cascade, Sandra (Mike) Coohey of Dubuque, Sherry (Tom) Simon of Cascade, Peggy (Grant) Taylor of Dripping Springs, TX, Billie Sue (Dave) Hummel of Cascade, Vicki (Bill) Takes of Monticello,  Jim (Deb) Bertling of Cascade, Kris (Mark) Bideaux of Marion, and Kari (Dave) Stecher of Des Moines; sister and brother-in-laws, Sharon Bertling of Cascade, Charlotte (Jim) Carey of Eyota, MN, Steven (Jeanne) Hostert of Cedar Rapids,  Joanne Hostert of Minneapolis, MN, Nick (Ellen) Hillebrand of Cedar Rapids and many loving nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Don; her parents; two brother, Jeff Bertling and Mike Bertling, her parents-in-law, Claud G. and Rosalie (Kilburg) Hostert  and Clarence and Irene Hillebrand; brother-in-laws, John Hillebrand and Jonathan Egbert; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Adrian-Hostert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Susan’s memory to Bernard Fire and Rescue.

Bernard M. Zenner

Bernard M. “Bernie” Zenner, age 66, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at 11:40 a.m., on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Bernie’s life, family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Bill Biver officiating.  Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery.

Bernie was born on December 3, 1955, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, son of John and Jeanne (Schliesmann) Zenner.

Bernie graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, Wisconsin, Class of 1974.  Later, he attended Gateway Technical College, where he studied automotive technology, graduating in 1989.  Bernie worked as a mechanic in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before moving back to Dubuque and going to work for Andersen Eagle Window and Door, until his retirement, on his birthday, in 2020.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jean Ewing, in 1979, in Racine.  They were blessed with 3 children, and celebrated 32 years of marriage before Jean sadly passed away at the young age of 54.  In his younger days, Bernie enjoyed hitting the town attending all of the local music festivals.  He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to read.  He especially enjoyed reading science fiction books and was a Star Wars aficionado.  Bernie also enjoyed spending time with family, especially when the grandchildren were little.  He was a faith-filled man and a very spiritual person, who volunteered his time helping out his community with the Dubuque Rescue Mission.  We are saddened at losing Bernie so suddenly.  Bernie is now free of the health challenges he has faced these past years, and was happily reunited with Jean for Christmas this year.

Those left to cherish Bernie’s memory include

his children,
Jocelyn (Jason) Mish, Dubuque, IA,
Jon (Courtney) Ewing, Carroll, IA
and Sarah Zenner, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Katelynn, Juliana and Sabrina Mish, Cole O’Hare and Quintin Weipert;

a great-granddaughter,
Aila;

and several siblings,
Suzanne (Frederick) Dooley,
Jeryl (Paul) Sturino,
Alan (Colleen) Zenner,
Roxanne Zenner,
Peter Zenner
and Staci Montee, all in the Racine, WI area.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jean Zenner.

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

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

Jerome W. Vondran

Jerome “Jerry” William Vondran, 93, Galena, IL passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community surrounded by his loving family. A private wake service for family and relatives will be Monday, January 3, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Galena, beginning at 10 AM until the time of Mass at 11 AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, is assisting the family.

He was born April 7, 1928, in Kieler, WI the son of Aloysius and Catherine (Dietzel) Vondran. Jerry was united in marriage to his wife of sixty-nine years Margaret Ann Pasker on November 8, 1949, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Colesburg and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2019. Jerry was a farmer for many years and worked at Kraft Foods, Galena before selling for MoorMan’s Feed. Jerry and Margaret retired from farming in 1989 when they moved to their Franklin Street home. There was never a better meal than one served at home. Jerry was a driver for Jo Daviess County Transit for eighteen years making sure patients arrived on time to their doctor’s appointments. Jerry enjoyed playing euchre and there was never a family gathering without a hand or two dealt out. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family.

Jerry is survived by four children, Diane (Bob) Wachter, Denis (Susie) Vondran, both of Scales Mound, IL, Gary (Vicky) Vondran of Galena and Mary (Danny) Spillane of Shullsburg, WI; eleven grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way, one sister, two sisters-in-law; and his many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, three grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and his brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Vandigo for your care and compassion during this difficult time. Online condolences may be left at furlongfuneralchapel.com

Eldon D. Denlinger

Eldon D. “Dave” Denlinger, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, sadly completed his earthly journey suddenly on Dec. 29, 2021, at home.  To honor Dave’s life, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at 11 am, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Rd, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Family and friends may visit from 9-11 am at the church.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Epworth American Legion, John White Post #650.  Burial will be in the Dunleith Cemetery in East Dubuque, IL, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dave’s family.

Dave was born on April 16, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Eldon R. and Lenore B. (Steffen) Denlinger.  Dave grew up in Epworth, surrounded by family and friends his entire life.  He knew that his love of having his foot on the gas pedal, while his hands rested firmly on the steering wheel and shifter were going to definitely play a role in his career path.  Dave eventually made his way as a truck driver and spent over 35 years in the driver’s seat with both Cardox and Wenzel Towing.  He proudly collected the miles underfoot while provided for his family at home and trekking down the open road ahead of him.  His love for trucking also found a welcome home in the life of his son, Tony, who carries on the family tradition to this very day.  After retirement, Dave found that spending his free-time making deliveries with his friends at Hy-Vee was a perfectly smooth transition where he could continue to socialize and yet get a little driving in.  When Dave wasn’t working, you could generally find him running around town with his beautiful bride, Judy.  They both thoroughly enjoyed traveling, visiting, and singing Karoke and “Jackson” with friends whenever possible.  Sundays were always set aside for breakfast with Tony and the grandkids, Addy and Austin, and any day where a little canine companionship with Daisy was involved, Dave was truly a happy, satisfied, and content gentleman.  It is impossible to comprehend the sudden and tragic loss of such a good and decent man from this world.  Dave was undeniably a man among men and a salt of the earth kind of guy.  We will miss his gentle, yet firm embrace on all that was good in this life and pray that he knows just how much we will dearly love and miss him until we all meet again.  Thank you, Dave, for always being the positive force and role model we all seek in our lives and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms as we who are left behind seek both peace and healing in the difficult days ahead.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dave’s include,

his loving wife of 40 years,
Judith E. “Judy” Denlinger, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Anthony “Tony” (Ashley Winders) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,
Don (Tom Barlow) Clark, Madison, AL,
Sherry (Matt) Means, Hordville, NE,
Vickie (Fred) Kammiller, Dyersville, IA,
and Roxane (Patrick) Demaio, Dubuque, IA;

his 14 grandchildren;

his 13 great-grandchildrem;

his great-great grandchild;

his siblings,
Von (Jean) Denlinger, Cascade, IA,
Vanita Bries, Epworth, IA,
Pam (Terry) Strub, Elbe, WA;

his brothers-in-law,
Lester (Sandy) Sarazin, Dubuque, IA,
Donald “Krunch” Kronlage, Epworth, IA,
and Frank Sarazin, Dubuque, IA;

along with countless extended family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Lenore Denlinger; a great-grandson, Myles Ernzen; 2 brothers, Merle Denlinger and Duane Denlinger; his sister, Cathy Kronlage; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Margaret Sarazin; 2 brothers-in-law, Jim Sarazin and Dave Sarazin; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Sarazin;

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Dave’s name, and the family request if those who are attending his service would please where a mask.

Dave’s family would like to thank all of the City of Dubuque First Responder’s, along with the nurses and staff in the Finley Hospital E.R. for all of their professional and compassionate care of Dave and his family.  Your kindness helped to make a very difficult time just a little more bearable and we thank you for that.

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

Illa Kay Adams

Illa Kay Adams, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 28, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 4th, 2022, at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Lillian Daniel officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. at the church until time of service. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Illa was born on June 25, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Bendina (Felderman) Klett. Illa graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married Gary J. Adams on March 26, 1989, at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ. Gary preceded her in death on June 2, 2019.

For 29 years Illa worked as an office manager and agent for State Farm Insurance with Terry Ebaugh and Bob Brown; retiring in 2007.

She is survived by her daughter Christine Adams; grandchildren Aryelle (Cody) Decker and Brandon (Tyra Allen) Adams-Palmer. Three great grandchildren, Silas, Mayla, and Tilly Decker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Garry and a son Jeffrey Sear.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Key West Fire & EMS or 1st Congregational United Church of Christ.

Ashley N. Moore

Ashley N. “Digger” Moore, 35, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 29, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, with her mom, dad and sister by her side.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There is no visitation.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Ashley Nicole Moore was born on February 26, 1986 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Thomas E. III and Judie (Kennedy) Moore.  She grew up in Maquoketa and was a 2005 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.  She then worked for Imagine the Possibilities and part-time at Nissen-Caven Insurance and Real Estate in Maquoketa.

Ashley had a teasing, fun loving personality.  She loved music, movies, shopping with her mom, and getting her nails done.  She especially loved being with her family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her parents, Tom and Judie Moore of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Lexi (Tyler) Donahue of Marion, IA; a nephew, Lincoln; maternal grandmother, Judith Kennedy of Baldwin, IA; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Thomas and Kay Moore, maternal grandfather Robert Kennedy Sr., and her uncle Robert Kennedy Jr.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Ashley N. Moore memorial fund has been established.

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

Lorraine M. Hirsch

Lorraine M. (Fransen) Hirsch, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by her family.  She was 84 years young.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 3rd at the funeral home with her son-in-law Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Lorraine was born on September 11, 1937, she was one of 9 children.  On December 31, 1954, she was united in marriage to John “Jack” Hirsch in Dubuque, Iowa where they raised 6 beautiful children. Not mentioning any names (Steve) one was even called the golden boy.

Through the years, Mom and Dad owned and operated Lorraine’s Tap where most customers knew her as “Goofy”.  She also worked at the University of Dubuque and the Cinema Center.

Mom was a loving mother and grandmother and most thought of her as the life of the party.  Her smile was infectious.  Her kids and grandkids were her life, along with her dog, Benji.  She enjoyed spending time on the river and Friday nights at the Diamond Jo.

Mom will be deeply missed by her 6 children: Linda (Craig) Bowman, John (Joyce) Hirsch, Peggy (Jack) Redmond, Steve (Janet) Hirsch, Tina (Greg) LaRue, and David (Gina) Hirsch; 19 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and of course her baby Benji.

She is also survived by her sister Betty Milroy, 3 sisters-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

As Mom joins Dad in eternal life, she will be greeted by her parents, siblings: Bill, Tom, Dick and Jerry, Mary, Jean, and Shirley; 3 grandchildren, and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Ramabadran, Dr. Janes, and the nursing staff at Mercy One Medical center for their kindness, compassion, care during this difficult time.

Richard Davison

Richard “Dick” Davison died suddenly on the morning of December 28, 2021.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, January 3, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, January 3, at Church of the Resurrection. Mass will be web-cast on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory website, in the Photos & Videos tab, at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. The family kindly requests that all in-person attendees wear masks.

Dick was born in Burlington, Iowa, on February 20, 1936, to Roy and Eunice Davison. He spent most of his youth in the countryside near New London, and then attended the University of Iowa, where he studied physical therapy and stood out on the diving and gymnastics teams. After an experiment with West Coast living, he returned to Iowa to help his sister and ended up meeting his best friend and the love of his life, Joni Klauer. The couple married on December 28, 1963, and raised their family in Dubuque, where Dick had a successful career as a physical therapist. He started the physical therapy program at Mercy Hospital and his own private practice, Dubuque Physical Therapy, and worked as well at Finley Hospital and Manor Care. He particularly enjoyed being able to help disabled children. Next to his family, Dick loved adventure. He enjoyed road trips, rock climbing, skiing, hiking, camping, playing racquetball, stargazing, finding new shortcuts, doing handstands, flying his plane, drinking a good cup of coffee, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. He cherished his children, in whom he took quiet pride, and delighted in his grandchildren, for whom he always had patience and time. He was a kind and caring person who was quick to help anyone.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Joni, his two children, Chris (Kristine) of Dubuque and Heather (John) of Fairfield, his four grandchildren, Connor and Claire Davison, and Charlotte and Eleanor McKerley, his three siblings, Rita Ralston, Ruth Whalen, Robert (Shirley) Davison, his brothers-in-law, Don (Debi) and Jack Klauer, and his many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son Benjamin “Benji” Davison, his parents, and his mother- and father-in-law, C.J. and Ruth Klauer.

The family would like to thank the first responders and emergency department staff who attended to Dick in his final hours. Memorials may be sent to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Jean A. Boots

Jean A. Boots, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away unexpectedly at Manor Care on Tuesday, December 28.

Family and friends may gather from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.

Jean was born August 6, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa to Kenneth Nicks and Mary (Pottebaum) Nicks. She attended Dubuque Senior High School, graduating as part of the Class of 1964.

On August 5, 1977, Jean married Tommy L. Boots at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.

Throughout her life Jean worked as a cook and baker at Lady of Lourdes, the Ryan House, Stonehill Care Center and Ecumenical Towers.

Jean will be remembered as a wife, a mother, an aunt and a good friend to all who knew her. She enjoyed family trips, gardening, reading and crafting. She had a good sense of humor and always enjoyed visiting with those she cared about. She loved animals, especially her cat.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Boots of Dubuque, one aunt, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Tommy L. Boots, on April 4, 2014, her parents Kenneth Nicks and Mary (Pottebaum) Nicks and sister, Diane Nicks, all of Dubuque.

Jean’s family would like to thank the staff of Manor Care in Dubuque for their thoughtful care over the last few years.

Marilyn A. VanOstrand

Marilyn Ann VanOstrand, 89 of East Dubuque, IL passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at home surrounded by her family following complications from a stroke.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas and Fr. Rick Halvorson concelebrating.  Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi, WI. The funeral will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. There will also be an additional visitation from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Marilyn was born on May 14, 1932 daughter of Joseph (Delenna Leeser) Doser of Potosi, WI. She married Joseph “Wade” VanOstrand on May 29, 1954 at St. Thomas Church, Potosi, WI.  She was a homemaker and formerly worked at General Dry Battery Factory and for Mt. Vernon Water & Sewer Dept. nearly 30 years, Marilyn was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and it’s Altar & Rosary Society, East Dubuque.  She received an Achievement Award for Grandmother of the year from the East Dubuque Public School for going out of her way to show love and concern for her grandchildren.  Marilyn was so generous and thoughtful. You never left her home without a gift or homemade treat of some kind.

Surviving are her children, Terry of Minot, ND, David (Deb), Todd (Laurie), Kirk (Michele) all of East Dubuque, Brian (Lisa), Jody (Chad) of Rochester, MN, Joe (Angie) of Metamora, OH, and Jon (Darcy Kiebler) Dubuque, IA; 18 Grand Children, 15 Great Grand Children; 1 sister Joan (Bob) Coward of Rockford, IL, 1 brother Francis Doser of Potosi, WI, 1 stepsister Pat Johnson of Madison, WI;  Numerous nieces & nephews.  She was preceeded in death by her husband Joseph “Wade” VanOstrand, a son Alan VanOstrand, grandson Nick VanOstrand, step grandson Jason Wanke, her brother Dave Doser, sister-in-law, Linda Doser, 2 infant brothers and her special friend later in life, Ralph Tigges.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque, IA.

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