Obituaries Archive

Robert J. Kirby

Robert J. “Bob” Kirby, 73, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on May 2, 2025, at home.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

Bob was born April 10, 1952, in Dubuque, IA to Joe and Mary (Olsen) Kirby. He married Donna Reed on September 22, 1972, in Asbury, IA. Bob held various jobs including Celotex, Venture Store, and Signcraft Screenprint in Galena, IL.

He enjoyed listening to all types of music. From bluegrass to country to rock and roll, there was always something playing on his sound system. His favorites were the Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Bob loved staying at home, watching movies,  sports (especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs), and the news. His most favorite thing to do was spend time with his grandchildren whom he lovingly called “buttheads”.

He is survived by his wife Donna; children, Robin Kirby, Angela Kirby, and Joe Kirby; grandchildren, Sidney Skahill, Amanda Skahill, Tyler North, Willow Kirby, Teoni Kirby, Thaileah Winfrey, Titan Feeney, and Tayshawn Kirby; great-grandchildren, Kristina, Trace, Trayden, Taylyn, and Tavion; siblings, Larry (Rene) Kirby, Sharon Bainbridge, Patty Kowalske, and Mike (Carrie) Kirby, sisters-in-law Shari Kirby and Lynn Kirby and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger “Butch” Kirby and Gerald “Jerry” Kirby; brothers-in-law Don Kowalske, Bob Bainbridge, Ron Reed, and Dan Reed.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jeremiah, Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque Orthopedics, and Dubuque Podiatry.

James C. Barth

James “Jim” C. Barth, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 4, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Funeral Service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Jim was born on October 29, 1936, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Winfield W. and Lula M. (Hammon) Barth. He came to Dubuque to attend Loras College, and later used his education to work as a teacher for ten years. Jim honorably served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy.

The sailor is home from the sea.

Michael R. Lehman

Michael “Mike” R. Lehman, 64, of New Vienna, Iowa passed away Monday, May 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home following a long battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where the New Vienna Fire Department will commence at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa, with burial following in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tony Kruse will officiate.

Mike was born on August 28, 1960, in Dubuque, IA, son of Jerry and Loraine (Kammerman) Lehman. He grew up in Worthington, Iowa, where he and his father started J&L Lumber, which then led to the Anamosa and New Vienna locations. Mike was an entrepreneur at heart and owned several successful businesses throughout the years with his latest being 4J Supply in New Vienna.

Mike married the love of his life, Gail Wessels on May 8, 1981, in Dyersville, Iowa. Four boys were born into the union. He loved going to the cabin with his family and friends, cutting wood, playing euchre, mushroom and deer hunting, shooting guns and making lifelong memories while drinking Coors Light. In his free time, he also loved drag racing at the Earlville racetrack with his family.

He served on the Worthington and New Vienna fire departments for a total of 20 years and also a member of the Sons of Legionnaires.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Gail; sons: Jake “Spank” (Sandy) Lehman of New Vienna, Joe “Beaver” (Monica) Lehman of Earlville, Jeremy “Booboo” (Heather) Lehman of Guttenberg and Jason “Taz” (Megan) Lehman of Sherrill; grandchildren: Amber, Aubree, Hayley, Jase, Ty, Walker, Anna, Claire and Ella Lehman; a sister, Deb (Harlan) Johnson of Monticello; in-laws: Wayne (Vicki) Wessels of Manchester, Al (Phyllis) Wessels of Dyersville, Carl “Futz” (Kathy) Wessels of Dyersville, several nieces and nephews and his 4 legged buddy, Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Loraine Lehman, in-laws, Fred and Mary Wessels and a grandson, Charlie Michael.

The Lehman family would like to thank Regional Medical Center in Manchester, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, New Vienna First Responders, Bi-County Ambulance and Hospice of Manchester for their compassionate care. They would also like to send their deepest gratitude to Mike’s sister, Deb Johnson, for all of her love and support.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Sr. Diana Malone, BVM

Sister Diana Malone, BVM, 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, May 5, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Diana was a chemistry professor and department chair at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa.  She also taught at Assumption HS in Davenport, Iowa.

She was born May 6, 1935, in Chicago to Raymond and Philomena (Pettimato) Malone. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1956, from St. Callistus, Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1959, and final vows on July 16, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Charles Malone.  She is survived by cousins and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 years.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy 35N, East Dubuque, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth L. Ziegenfuss

Kenneth Louis Ziegenfuss, 93, of Dubuque, died Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am until 11:45 am on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Kenneth will be at 12:00 pm (Noon) on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Chaplain Tom Walsh officiating. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the United States Air Force.

Kenneth was born August 5, 1931, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Clarence Joseph and Myrtle Rose (Sunderland) Ziegenfuss. On June 30, 1956, he married Margaret Ann Nauman. She preceded him in death on December 31, 2020.

Kenneth was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving from March 31, 1951 until March 18, 1955.

Kenneth worked at the Dubuque Pack, retiring after 38 years. He was a member of the Delhi American Legion. Kenneth enjoyed volunteering at the Dubuque Arboretum in the gift shop, as well as a greeter for AARP during tax season. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and doing woodworking projects. Most of all, Kenneth loved living at Lake Delhi.

Survivors include his four children, Steven (Mellinda) Ziegenfuss of Des Moines, IA, David Ziegenfuss of Dubuque, Jon Ziegenfuss of Dubuque, and Robin (Tom) Hingtgen of Cedar Falls, IA; eight grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Ziegenfuss, Jennifer Ziegenfuss Boots, Kelly Ziegenfuss, Amanda (Ryan) McCann, Ally Ziegenfuss, Sam (Megan) Hingtgen, Seth (Carmen) Hingtgen, and Sianna Hingtgen; 17 great-grandchildren, Kole, Zoey, Gabriel, Levi, Bill, Hailie, Zoe, Kaitlyn, Kelsey, Morgan, Kaleb, Evan, Nora, Willa, Marissa, Gunnar, and Lily; eight great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Tom (Nancy) Ziegenfuss and Richard (Toni) Ziegenfuss.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one brother, John “Jack” Ziegenfuss; one great-grandson, Liam Ziegenfuss; and one great-great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Dubuque Arboretum.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the nurses and staff at Oak Park Place and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

Charles C. DeLoach

Charles (Charlie) C. DeLoach passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior at home on April 25, 2025, at the age of 72. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. To honor Charlie’s life, a Celebration of Life is being held at the Galena Territory Marina on June 22, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Charlie was born on June 18, 1952, in Kalamazoo, MI, a son to Raymond and Ramona (Sigsbee) DeLoach.

Charlie was gifted with a joyful spirit and a commitment to his family which never wavered.  Charlie was a salesman by trade and shared his time and talents with a few different companies over the years, including Carpet World and Jo Carroll Energy.  His ability to make friends in any room that he walked into went a long way with his success throughout his life.

In his free time, Charlie was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every day spent in God’s creation, working on his patience and skills, was a good day in Charlie’s mind. And the day was even better if he could share the hunt or the catch with his family. He was blessed with an intrinsic musical talent and loved playing the drums. Charlie faithfully worshiped the Lord by drumming in the praise team most Sunday mornings at his church, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying a little classic Rock-N-Roll. Charlie’s fun-loving nature was continually on display and, after reading the room, you could count on him for a good story that would not disappoint. A family favorite is how he became known as an “unattended fishing pole fugitive!”

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Charlie include:

his loving wife of 40 years,
Rita DeLoach, Galena, IL;

his four adored children,
Carlee (Zach) Rogers, Phoenix, AZ,
Breha (Brett) Patterson, Warren, Ontario, CA,
Karissa (Shaun) Rivera, Monfort, WI,
and Tyler (Tana Schwank) DeLoach, Galena, IL;

his eight beloved grandchildren,
Caleb Rogers, Madelyn Rogers, William Patterson, Charlie Patterson, Layla DeLoach, Lorelei DeLoach, Landen DeLoach, and Tye DeLoach;

his siblings,
Steve (Debbie) DeLoach, Carl DeLoach, and Jon DeLoach;

his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,
Phil (Lucretia) Meeth, David (Penne) Adams, Thomas (Pam) Hamilton, Theresa Knapp, and Paula Hamilton;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Tim Hamilton.

Charlie’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their professional and compassionate care of Charlie and his family during this most difficult time.

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

Donations can be made in Charlie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Ronald A. Miller

Ronald Alan “Ron” Miller, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away on May 1, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on January 13, 1947, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Percy V. and Inez C. (Carlson) Miller. Ron was married on July 1, 1966, to Leanna Daudel in Andrew, Iowa.

Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, in 1968 and entered the US Navy during the Vietnam war era. He served as an LtJg, assigned to the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier communications department.

After his military service, he was CFO of several companies. He retired from Vaughan & Bushnell in 2015. Ron loved his two horses, Gus and Trudee, and spent many hours riding the trails in McHenry County.

He also loved his family and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leanna; daughters Angela Miller and Sara (John) Czechowicz, and two grandsons, Joshua Flanagan and Jack Czechowicz.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Ron passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church St., Crystal Lake, IL 60012.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., followed immediately by a service at 6 P.M. on Tuesday, May 6 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. A visitation will also be held from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 2 P.M., May 8, 2025, at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.  Military rites will be accorded.

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

Debra D. Swift

Debra Dolores Swift (Holman) sixty-nine of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2nd at Stonehill Health Center, Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by family. Debra was born on October 14, 1955, at Sanford Municipal Hospital in Sanford, Maine, daughter of William and Dolores Holman (Audette). To honor Deb’s wishes, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life will follow at a date yet to be determined.

Deb attended and graduated from Sanford High School, Sanford Maine. She enjoyed playing the flute in the school band which attributed to her lifelong love of music that she passed on to her children. She also enjoyed putting into practice her sewing skills. Prior to her retirement in 2018, she was employed by Advanced Data-Comm, Holy Family of Dubuque working as a child caretaker at St. Joseph the Worker and Nativity Childcare Center. She also worked at Monk’s Kaffee Pub alongside her son and owner, Rick. She met her husband Charles in November of 1992 through his brother Dave and her son Rick who played in a band together. They were joined in marriage on July 30, 1993.

Deb was an upbeat, positive woman and remained that way, no matter what life threw at her including her spinal stenosis and lung cancer diagnosis. She was rarely without her trademark bright, contagious smile and impacted so many lives everywhere she went; aside from being a mother, grandmother, sister, and wife, she was a best friend and role model to countless people. She was known for her exceptional warmth and kindness toward everyone, her silly sense of humor and she enjoyed making people laugh.

One of Deb’s favorite things was visiting her family in Maine and going to the Pickett’s cottage on Wells Beach and her brother Bill’s cabin in Shapleigh, Maine. She enjoyed nothing more than hanging out with her loved ones on the New England beaches and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed making food for her family and having grill-outs.

Surviving are her husband Charles Swift, her children; Rick Worcester, Jonathan Eagle, Christopher Eagle, and Benjamin Eagle (Elizabeth) all of Dubuque, Iowa, grandchildren; Christopher Eagle, Colin Eagle, Maisy Eagle, Theo Worcester, Esmé Eagle, and Henry Eagle, siblings; Gloria Pickett (Spencer), Pamela Holman, Roberta Godin (Brian), William Holman (Patty), brother-in-law; John Swift (Janine), Thomas Swift (Carol Copeland), Patrick Swift (Sandra), David Swift (Pam), sister-in-law; Mary Powers (Jay), Sara Morrison (Dennis) and many nieces and nephews whom she was very close to.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Julia Holman, her father-in-law, Gerald Swift; her mother-in-law, Norma (Peggy) Swift; brother-in-laws Michael Swift and Steven Kramer, and sister-in-law, Angela Kramer.

In lieu of flowers, a Debra D. Swift memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences for Debra’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Mitchell L. Loso

Mitchell Louis Loso, age 65, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 26, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics after a long and courageous health battle with his loving family by his side. To honor Mitchell’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mitchell’s family.

Mitchell was born on December 2, 1959, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Albert L. Loso and Ruth A. (Wissing) Loso. He attended Dubuque Senior High School. Mitchell was blessed with 37 years with the love of his life, Linda S. Gorman. Family was always the main drive in Mitchell’s life and he continually did his best to make sure everyone knew they were loved and taken care of with each passing day.  In his free-time, Mitchell enjoyed spending his time collecting sports cards and treasured his ever-growing collection. He enjoyed listening to music, especially hard rock. He loved Led Zeppelin. He also loved debating politics, or some would say arguing politics. He enjoyed games whether it was a board game, trivia game or a card game. As long as family and friends were by his side, any game would suffice.  He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeye fan and rarely missed watching a game.  But, for those who knew Mitchell best, it was his family surrounding him which brought him the greatest joy, especially his three grandkids. Mitchell was called home much too early for our hearts to accept and his sudden absence from our daily lives is heart-breaking, but we find peace knowing his earthly struggles are over. Thank you, Mitchell, for embracing life as best you could and for reminding us to keep life simple as much as possible.  May the Lord bless and keep you and may your eternal reunion with those you love who’ve been called home ahead of you be a glorious one indeed.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mitchell include,

his loving daughter,

Jessica Lynn (Joshua Leon) Thompson, Dubuque, IA;

his three adored grandchildren,

Jack Lindan Thompson, Jenevieve Louise Thompson, and Josephine Leona Thompson;

his siblings,

Mark Loso, Cuba City, WI,

Marty (Becky) Loso, Dubuque, IA,

Beth (Elmer) Robey, Dubuque, IA,

Patty (Gene) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,

Jim (Dianne) Winders, Dubuque, IA,

Dan (Cynthia) Winders, Dubuque, IA,

Mitch Winders, Dubuque, IA,

Randy Winders, Dubuque, IA,

Roxanne Loso, Lake Havasu City, AZ,

and Kyle (Susie) Loso, Dubuque IA;

his brother-in-law,

Dennis Bell, Waterloo, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents, Albert L. Loso and Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. (Ruth A.) Winders; the love of his life, Linda S. Gorman; his brothers, Robert C. Winders, Jr. in infancy and Michael H. Loso; his sister, Lynn A. Bell; and his nephew, Jason L. Loso.

Mitchell’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at MercyOne Medical Center, Medical Associate’s Clinic, Dubuque Podiatry, and the University of Iowa Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences for Mitchell’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Mary Ann Hoeger

Mary Ann Hoeger, 84, of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Funeral services will commence at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Paul Ameyaw will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date.

Mary Ann was born on January 30, 1941, in Guttenberg, Iowa, the daughter of Edgar and Augusta (Block) Handke. She was the youngest of 12 siblings. She started out at Country School and graduated from Guttenberg High School. Mary Ann married LaVern Hoeger on June 30, 1962, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg.

She enjoyed fast cars, especially Randy’s Chevelle. The Iowa Hawkeyes were a staple in Mary’s life and would often listen and watch any Hawkeye events. She had a great fascination for owls and wolves. She had a quick-wit about her and will be missed by many.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, LaVern Hoeger, Kevin (Michelle McDermott) Hoeger of Guttenberg, Randy (Jenn Hinzman) Hoeger of Guttenberg; grandchildren: Maranda Hoeger, LeAnna (John) Jaeger, Andrea Hoeger, Scott (Catie) Hoeger; great-grandchildren: Rheagan, Justus, Kaiven, Novah, and Payton; and a beloved dog, Keisha; siblings: Eugene Handke, Gusty (Marvin) Gloeckner; sister-in-law, Germaine Hoeger; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Florence (Richard) Duwe, Bernice (Harry) Perman, Edna (Emery) Hansel, Arlene (Melvin) Thein, Roland (Margurite) Handke, Raymond (Josephine) Handke, Clarence (Lillian) Handke, Edgar (Arlene) Handke, Laverne Handke; parents-in-law, Lawrence and Adeline Hoeger; in-laws: Ella Handke, Merlin Hoeger, and Adele (Gerald) Block.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family.  Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Helen S. Feyen

Helen S. Feyen, 91, of Dubuque, died Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Helen will be 10:30 am Friday, May 9, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Cemetery in Dyersville.

Helen was born February 18, 1934, in Holy Cross, the daughter of Edward and Frances Gansemer Meyer. On October 9, 1954, she married William Patrick Feyen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died September 27, 2009.

Helen served as a lunch administrator at Beckman Catholic High School for 25 years.

Helen was a devoted member of the Church of the Resurrection and past member of Basilica of St. Francis Xavier Church in Dyersville, where her faith was an important part of her life. She had a zest for living and filled her days with hobbies she loved; golf, bowling, crocheting, and tending to her flower garden. Helen also had a competitive spirit and never turned down a good game of Euchre.

A true sports fan, Helen was an avid supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs with her husband. But above all, Helen’s greatest joy came from her family. She deeply cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchild.

While many people fill their homes with art, Helen’s walls proudly displayed her most treasured masterpieces – the faces of her beloved family.

Helen’s warmth, kindness, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Chris (Terry) Leonard of Durango, IA, Pat (Michele) Feyen of Gordonville, TX, Cheryl Lammers of Asbury, Mike (Cynthia) Feyen of Shady Shores, TX, and Sarah (Jerry) Kummer of Sarasota, FL; 11 grandchildren, Mike, Tim, Kimberly, Joy, Christina, Angela, Lana, Teresa, Jake, Jessica, and Michael; 38 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Jerome (Bernice) Meyer, four sisters, Anna Mae (Donald) Conlon, Mildred (Walt) Wedewer, Dorothy (David) Kupferschmidt, Mary (Owen) Nugent, one brother-in-law, Carl “Joe” (Lois) Feyen, and three sisters-in-law, Bette (Guy) Jettner, Adele Fath, and Lois (Vince) Fath.

A special thank you to Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials have been established to the Church of the Resurrection and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Cathy J. Durkop

Cathy J. Durkop, 73, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Maquoketa, IA surrounded by her loving family.

Cathy Jean Feisel was born on August 7, 1951 in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Mason and Barbara (Strellner) Feisel. A graduate of South Tama High School in 1969, Cathy’s love for learning led her to the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1973. Her passion for education continued to flourish, and in 2005, she achieved her master’s in teaching with technology from The Franciscan University.

On June 28, 1975, Cathy married the love of her life, James Milton “Jim” Durkop, in Tama, Iowa. Their union was one of mutual respect, deep affection, and shared values. Together, they built a family and a legacy of love that would endure through their children and grandchildren. Cathy was a devoted mother, not only to her own children but to every child she taught during her 42-year tenure as a first-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa.

Cathy’s professional life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her students and her colleagues. As a member of the Iowa State Education Association and the Maquoketa Education Association, she advocated the importance of quality education. Her involvement with the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association and the Jackson County Public Hospital Ladies Auxiliary further reflected her dedication to her community.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. As the Head of Education and a Sunday School teacher, Cathy touched the lives of many, imparting lessons of love, kindness, and faith.

Cathy found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as reading, watching Hallmark movies, and attending her grandchildren’s events. Above all, she cherished her role as Nana, a title that brought her immense pride and happiness.

Cathy’s memory will be honored by her children, Jamie Durkop of Davenport, IA, Jason (and girlfriend Adriane McClintock) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jessica (and fiancé Austin DeMoss) of Delmar, IA, and Jillian (and husband Erik) Rockwell of Maquoketa, IA. Her legacy will live on through her four grandchildren, Clara, Ella, Arthur, and Campbell. She also leaves behind her siblings, Susan Feisel of Tama, IA, and Jeff Feisel of Toledo, IA; her aunt, Nancy Hanson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and her in-laws, Larry and Jan Durkop of Galena, OH.  Cathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James, her son Joshua, and her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, and again Monday, May 6, 2025, at First Lutheran Church from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Burial will be at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Cathy J. Durkop memorial fund has been established.

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

Robert A. McLaughlin

Robert (Bob) A. McLaughlin, 90, of Dubuque, died on Friday, May 2, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory where there will be a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Brian Dellaert as the Celebrant. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Bob was born March 1, 1935, in Maquoketa, IA, the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Martin) McLaughlin.

Bob graduated from Loras Academy in 1952. While working for Interstate Power Company, he met the love of his life, Shirley Grace Ganahl. They married on August 13, 1955, and together raised four children. Shirley preceded him in death on November 26, 2022. Bob retired from Interstate Power Company as Supervisor of Operations in the computer department after 42 years.

Bob was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing softball, especially when he played for Interstate Power Company and several other teams over the years.  He also enjoyed bowling at Holy Trinity Lanes for many years, was an avid Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Bob and Shirley took many trips together and especially savored time spent on the beach, boating on the Mississippi, and fishing in Aitkin, MN. Above all, Bob loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his four children, Kim M. (James) Koetz of Centralia, IA, Mark R. (Joyce) McLaughlin of Phoenix, AZ, Kathryn A. (Grant Veitch) Yudys of Mauston, WI, and Kristine M. (Mark) Pregler of Dubuque; 11 grandchildren, Cassandra (Brandon) Schetgen, Kathryn (Tyler) Jones, Sarah (Tony) Richard, Jason McLaughlin, Tyler (Molly) McLaughlin, Athena McLaughlin, Nicole (Brian Gabry) Yudys, Joshua Yudys, Justin (Arellhi) Pregler, Brandon (Liz) Veitch, and Christina Veitch; 13 great-grandchildren, Felicity, Lucy, Cecilia, and James Schetgen, Francis, Gabriel, and Emilia Jones, Kolbe Richard with a sibling on the way, Jaxon, Ana Maria, and Elena Pregler, Addison and Mila Veitch; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas (Jeanne) McLaughlin; three sisters, Mary Delores (Roland) Scheitzach and Elaine and Doris McLaughlin in infancy; one grandson, Alex Veitch; and siblings-in-law, Robert (Nadine) Ganahl, Ken Ganahl, June (Paul) Seitz, and Joann (Lawrence) Williams.

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

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Finley Hospital and the Centralia-Peosta Fire Department especially, Brian, Andrew, and Levi, for all of their care.

Marie G. Fens-Capesius

Virginia Young

Virginia “Dinny” Young, 91, of rural Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center, Maquoketa.

Virginia Lorraine Hoerschelman was born on July 10, 1933, to Carl John and Ethelyn Beth (Bowman) Hoerschelman.  She graduated 3rd in her class from Maquoketa High School in 1951.  She worked at the Bon Ton Café in downtown Maquoketa and for the Jackson County Soil Conservation District.  Dinny married the love of her life Edwin Young on April 21, 1955.  They met when Edwin started the 5th grade and Virginia was in 3rd at the Esgate School and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  Together they farmed and in 1968 they started Young Septic Service, a business that continued for 55 years until the death of their son Larry on April 19, 2023.

Dinny was the organist for the East Iron Hill Church for over 50 years.  Despite having only 22 lessons, she was an accomplished pianist, playing both “by ear” and with sheet music.  She played with enthusiasm and “jazzed up” the songs she played, even hymns.  Her potato salad and pies were some of the best but hard to replicate since her “recipes” were often created with little measuring and “till it looks just right.”

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Edwin; sister Cheryl Heinrich; daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Norbert Gonnsen; grandchildren, Tyler (Laura) Gonnsen, Dakota Young and Samantha Byrd; great grandchildren, Ori and Eva Gonnsen and Ember Evans; daughter-in-law Betty Young; nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews (with one on the way). She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Larry and her brother-in-law Ronnie Heinrich.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa.  Burial will follow at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 am on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center prior to the service.  Memorials may be made to Maquoketa Community Cupboard or to East Iron Hill Church in her name.

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