Obituaries Archive

Vincent Schrunk

Raymond L. Bahr

Raymond L. “Ray” Bahr, 97, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, January 4, 2022, at WestWing Place in DeWitt, Iowa.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Raymond LaVern Bahr was born on February 4, 1924, in Spragueville, Iowa, to Claus and Dora (Berg) Bahr.  He was Baptized and Confirmed at Salem Luthern Church in Spragueville and was a 1943 graduate of Preston High School.  He married Avelda Hankemeier on September 20, 1948, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew. Four children were born to this union, Patricia, Duane, Galen and Joann.

Ray was a lifelong farmer.  From 1948 to 1955 Ray and Avelda farmed west of Spragueville.  In 1956 they purchased a farm north of Andrew at Cottonville.  They moved from the farm into Andrew in 1987 but Ray continued farming until present.

Ray was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Spragueville where he served on the church council and sang in the church choir.  He also was a member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau and had served on the board of directors of C & J Farm Services.

Ray loved the land he farmed his entire life.  After moving to Andrew, he took up woodworking as a hobby and made many pieces of furniture for family members including making a cedar chest for each grandchild.  He also enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota and the backwaters with his boys.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Avelda Bahr of Andrew, IA; children, Patricia (Milt) Cornelius of Andrew, IA, Duane (Diane) Bahr of Rural Andrew, IA, and Joann (Craig) Sieverding of Bellevue, IA; 9 grandchildren, Philip Cornelius, Nathan (Kristin) Cornelius, Noah (Danielle) Cornelius, Christina (John) Schneider, Carrie (Sean) Petesch, Aaron (Tasha) Bahr, Tyler (Kelli) Sieverding, Emily (Chad) Feller, and Alex (Miranda Straw) Sieverding; and 17 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Galen, brother LaVern, and sister Gladys Schnoor Derganz.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Raymond L. “Ray” Bahr memorial fund has been established.

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

Margaret E. Laugesen

Margaret E. (Hochhausen) Laugesen, age 99, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 12:35 p.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Margaret’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Monday, January 10, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  There will also be visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., on Tuesday before Mass at Holy Trinity Church.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  The family requests that everyone attending either event wear a face mask and social distance.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Margaret was born on April 6, 1922, in the Govenor’s house at the Nelson Dewey farm in Cassville, Wisconsin, daughter of Albert and Margaret (Kirschbaum) Hochhausen.   She grew up in Cassville where she would meet a handsome young man who was drafted into the service.  She would wait 5 long years for his return and eventually they would marry.  Margaret was united in marriage to the love of her life, Willis Laugesen, on November 6, 1945, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  After they wed, she happily became a devoted full time wife and mom raising their 6 children.  The couple was blessed with 47 years of marriage before Willis passed away on March 18, 1993.  Margaret was a faith filled and patriotic woman.  She was a long time member of Holy Trinity Church.  She said the rosary daily and read her bible regularly.  She was also active with the VFW Auxiliary, the Disabled Vets Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary, selling poppies for several years.  During WWII Margaret served her country by working at Farley & Loetscher as a riveter on locker boxes for the WACs.  Family always came 1st in Margaret’s life and she truly cherished time spent with the children and grandchildren.  She was very generous with both her time and talents and was an advocate for all.  Margaret was always willing to open her home to anyone in need.  She was also very artistic and enjoyed china painting.  We are extremely grateful for the 99 years that Margaret has graced this Earth.  She was an outgoing woman with a personality that made people feel at ease and comfortable.  She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Margaret’s memory include

her children,
Mary Ann (Wayne) Konrardy, Dubuque, IA,
Daniel (Debbie) Laugesen, Dubuque, IA,
Mark (Julie) Laugesen, Asbury, IA,
Mike (Nancy) Laugesen, Dubuque, IA,
Bill (Mary) Laugesen, Dubuque, IA
and Gary Laugesen, Sherrill, IA;

her 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren;

and her sisters-in-law,
Lila Hochhausen, Cassville, WI,
Lois Wood, Cassville, WI,
Lucille Laugesen, Fort Collins, CO,
Opal Turner, Dubuque, IA
and Eileen Laugesen, Lancaster, WI.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willis Laugesen; her siblings, John (Mary) Hochhausen, Irene (Maynard) Flitsch, Julius “Jupe” Hochhausen and Leona (Louie) Miner; her sister-in-law, Loxie Dodd; and her brothers-in-law, Lorraine Laugesen, Dale (Janice) Laugesen, Lawrence Laugesen, Eugene (Carol) Laugesen, Dean Wood and Harlan Turner.

Margaret’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill for all of their kind and compassionate care of Margaret, they became her 2nd family.  Also thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for making Margaret’s final journey a peaceful one.

In lieu of flowers, the family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Margaret’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Margaret Laugesen Family, which will be given to her favorite charities.

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

William A. Timmerman

William A. “Bill” Timmerman, 73, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away suddenly at 3:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at The Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787. The funeral will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page. Visitation is from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2022 at the funeral home. Pet State and CDC guidelines, facemasks are required.

Bill was born on September 11, 1948 in Dubuque, IA, the son of William E. and Ora M. (Steiner) Timmerman. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Jo Foley on August 12, 1967 at the Galena United Methodist Church. Bill served in the U. S. Navy during the Vietnam War from March 26, 1968 – August 1, 1969.

He was employed at Westwick Foundry in Galena as a foreman from 1967 – 1985. Later Bill worked as a mechanic and car dealer, working with B & G Auto, Tunnel Motors and Custom Auto Repair and Sales, all of East Dubuque.

Bill enjoyed Fun Car racing and collecting t-shirts from The Other Side, especially on the Tuesday night give-away.

Surviving is his wife, Bonnie Jo; four children, William R. Timmerman of Cuba City, WI; Jamie (Angie) Timmerman of Dyersville, IA, Jason (Jolene) Timmerman of East Dubuque, and Beth Ann (Stacey) Graves of California, Maryland; 10-grandchildren and 5-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Ora; and a brother Terry in infancy.

Bonnie and family wish to extend their sincere thank you to the East Dubuque Police Dept. and East Dubuque Fire and EMS personnel for their quick response and compassion.

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

John J. Reding

John J. Reding, 57, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 9, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 10, at Church of the Nativity. Msgr. James Miller will officiate. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Centralia.  Condolences may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com .

John was born April 19, 1964 in Dubuque, the son of John Joseph and Barbara (Schmitt) Reding. He married Cindy Hammerand on June 3, 1989, and together they raised three daughters, Stephanie, Audrey, and Susan. John and Cindy later divorced, but remained on good terms.

John was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing. He was an excellent shot with a bow and arrow, and could always be counted on to find morel mushrooms in the timber. Most weekends in the summer John could be found taking the boat out on the river. He loved making memories with his daughters at the family cabin. John taught his girls many life lessons, and shared his love of astronomy with them, teaching them about space and the stars before they even learned it in school. He liked to have a good time and be social, and looked forward to hosting fireworks parties in his front yard every July 3rd.  He loved spending time with his dogs, Slick and Shiba. John was a wonderful listener and a hard worker, and will be sadly missed.

John is survived by three daughters, Stephanie (Jeremy Brehm) Reding, of Dubuque, Audrey (Roman Ruiz) Reding of Oakdale, MN, and Susan Reding of Dubuque; his grandson, Bennett Brehm; his siblings, Steve (Mary Jean) Reding, Chris Reding, Tom (Colleen) Reding, and Jennifer (Don) Bloomquist; and many aunts, uncles, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister-in-law, Cindy (Mills) Reding.

The family would like to thank Allison from Care Initiatives Hospice for her care of John.

Merla J. Carl

Merla J. Carl, 90, of Galena, IL passed away Monday, January 3, 2022, at MercyOne, Dubuque, IA. Funeral mass will be 11 AM, Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena and where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of mass. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born October 21, 1931, in Menominee, IL the daughter of Elmer and Lorena (Wubben) Tranel. Merla was united in marriage to Glenn A. Carl on October 24, 1953, at Nativity BVM Church, Menominee, IL, and he preceded her in death on August 28, 1998. She worked at Stampfers for many years before she began her passion of gardening. Merla was a staple of the Farmers Market in Galena for thirty-five years while managing two farms. She loved bingo, cards, and baking. Merla was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Galena. She served as an officer for the Catholic Daughter’s and helped with many funeral dinners at St. Michael’s Church.

Merla is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Steven) Steiner, two grandchildren, Eric (Cindy) Metcalf and Lynn Metcalf, three great-grandchildren, Collin, Wyatt, and Evelyn, two sisters, LaVonne (Cletus) Kaiser and Arletta Fransen, a sister-in-law, Sharon Tranel, former son-in-law, Bill Metcalf and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Kevin, a brother, Cletus, a sister, Doris Hasken, two brother’s in-law, Joseph Fransen and Earl Hasken.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Lori A. Snodgrass

Lori Ann Snodgrass, 62, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on Sunday evening, January 2, 2022, at home.

A celebration of Lori’s life will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, January 14, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa, at a later date.

Lori Ann Snodgrass was born on November 21, 1959 in Iowa, to Merlin Elwood and Alice Patricia (Thompsen) Snodgrass.  As a military child she moved around some and had lived in several places including England, Texas, Kansas and Iowa.  She was a 1977 graduate of Maquoketa High School and later received her MBA from the University of Iowa.  She was a U.S. Army veteran where she worked as recruiter until receiving an honorable discharge.  Upon returning to civilian life, she worked at the Rock Island Arsenal as contract specialist for over 29 years earning a GS 14 rank and retiring in 2014.  She excelled at her work and had traveled extensively with positions held at the Pentagon.  In retirement, she had worked as a bartender to keep herself busy.

Lori was an animal lover and a member of the American Kennel Club, as well as a Master Gardener.  She was an avid baker and was known for making breads, candies and sweets.  She also enjoyed shopping, quilting, crocheting, cross stitch, and was always doing the latest arts and crafts.

Although goofy at times and strongly opinionated, Lori had a heart of gold and helped raise her niece and nephew.  She also had multiple dogs through the years who had a special place in her heart.

Those left to honor her memory include her siblings, Patrick Snodgrass of Oxford Junction, IA, Tommy Snodgrass of Davenport, IA, and Mary Rauch of Baldwin, IA; a niece, Sierra (Josh) Daniels of Norwalk, IA; and a nephew, Garrett Rauch of Baldwin, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Lori Ann Snodgrass memorial fund has been established.

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

Lester R. Cummer

Lester R. Cummer, age 75, of Balltown, Iowa, went home to heaven to be re-united with his wife, Barb, at 8:20 a.m., on Monday, January 3, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Lester’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 468 Balltown Road.  There will also be visitation before Mass on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., at the Church.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, January 10, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating.  Burial will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Lester was born on August 9, 1946, in Balltown, Iowa, son of Reynold and Lorena (Wolf) Cummer.

He was born and raised in the Balltown area where he would reside for his entire life.  He was a life long farmer, but he also helped out at Skip Breitbach Feeds for several years with his wife Barb.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Dix, on May 26, 1973, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.  They became inseparable and celebrated 48 years of marriage together before she passed away only 4 months ago on August 11, 2021.  Lester was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Church.  He truly loved being outdoors whether it be working on the farm or relaxing.  He took great pride in his “red” tractors which he worked on regularly.  Some of his favorite activities included fishing, spending time at the campground, going to auctions and helping Barb in the garden.  Lester was also known to enjoy a good game of Euchre with family and friends.  He liked to tease and joke with people and his love of cookies and an ice cold can of Pepsi was legendary.  Lester’s top priority was always taking care of his family.  He worked hard and was an excellent provider, a quality he instilled in his children.  He also made sure to share his knowledge and skills with others.  We are heartbroken at losing both Lester and Barb so close together, but find some comfort in knowing that they are now happily reunited and watching over us for Eternity.

Those left to cherish Lester’s memory include

his children,
Todd (Angel Coyle) Cummer and Angel’s children, John, Dawson and Madilynn, Balltown, IA,
Adam Cummer, Balltown, IA
and Amy Cummer;

his brother,
Melvin “Red” (Alyce) Cummer, Balltown, IA;

his in-laws,
Ron Dix, East Dubuque, IL,
Joyce (Bob) Hammel,
Jeanette (Dean) Rampson,
Bill (Patti) Dix,
Linda (Dick) Firzlaff,
Judy Dix,
Marilyn Dix, all of Dubuque, IA,
Shirley (Tracy Carlin) Youngblut, Spirit Lake, IA,
Alan (Sue) Dix, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Chuck) Noel, Asbury, IA,
Carol (Joe) Powers, Dubuque, IA
and Pat Dix, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Barb Cummer; a sister, Rose (Allen) Heiderscheit; and his in-laws, Bob (Carlene) Dix, Patsy (Art) Freihoefer, Dorothy Koltes, Richard “Pup” Dix, Daryl (Sandi) Dix and Mary Dix.

Lester’s family would like to thank Dr. Amy Ewen and her staff, the Manchester Team of Care Initiatives Hospice, and Home Instead, especially Patti and Pam, for all of their patience, kindness and compassionate care.  Also a very special thanks to Angel Coyle, for being Lester’s “Angel” here on Earth.  We could not have gotten through this journey without all of your help.

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

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

James F. Osweiler

James Francis Osweiler, 67, of Peosta, Iowa passed away on January 2, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 6th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 7th at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Jim was born on December 2, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Donald and Dolores (Shupanitz) Osweiler. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1973. On June 12, 1980, he married Kristine M. Welsh in Dubuque.

He worked for Prairie Farms for 20 years retiring on January 1, 2021.

Jim loved cooking, barbecuing, fishing, hunting, gardening, and being with family.

He is survived by his wife Kris; sons Eric (Abby Rettenberger) Osweiler, Matt (Chenoa) Osweiler; siblings Catherine Osweiler, Margaret and Pat Hutchins, Mary Doubet, Joe & Kim Osweiler, John and Jerry Osweiler and Roseanne Osweiler.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in infancy, Carol.

The family would like to thank Dubuque County Sheriff Dept. Key West Fire & EMS and MercyOne Emergency Room for all their care and compassion they gave.

In lieu flowers, a James F. Osweiler memorial fund will be established.

Beverly A. Skladzien

Beverly A. Skladzien, 76, of Elwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, January 2, 2022, at home.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

Beverly Ann Helmold was born on May 13, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Herman Carl and Margaret Bernice (Anderson) Helmold.  She was a 1963 graduate of Clarence High School and then received a Stenographic degree from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa in 1964.  In 1981, she received a Piano Tuning Degree from Empire School of Piano Tuning.  She married Robert Wayne Skladzien on September 23, 1966 in Clarence, Iowa.  To this union four children were born, Timothy, Patricia, Shawn and Samantha.

Beverly had first worked as a secretary for the Cedar County Clerk of Court.  She then worked for Iowa Title and Guaranty Company in Maquoketa from 1978 to 1986.  She then worked for McCarn Abstract, and lastly retired from Grant Wood Area Abstract in Anamosa in 2014.

Beverly was a former member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa where she had taught Sunday school.  She recently had been attending the Elwood United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed playing Scrabble, the piano, and crocheting.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Timothy Skladzien of Maquoketa, IA, Patricia Brown of Maquoketa, IA, Shawn (Angela) Skladzien of Maquoketa, IA, and Samantha (Brandan) Green of Elwood, IA; 8 grandchildren; a brother, Allen (Deb) Helmold of Lowden, IA; a sister, Janice Bock of Sebring, FL; and 3 special fur babies, Nora, Lily and Lucy.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert on January 24, 2017, and a grandchild Alexandra Michelle Brown.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Kimberly S. Carner

Kimberly S. “Kim” (Brokus) Carner, age 48, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Kim’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Kim was born on February 9, 1973, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Donald “Don” Marcov Sr. and Ruth Ann Brokus.

Kim attended school at Central High School and went on to graduate from college with a degree in Human Resources.  She would meet the love of her life, Jimmie James Carner Jr. in 1989, and they would later marry in Dubuque in 1996.  Kim was employed at Pickel Barrell Subs and with the retail shop at the St. Vincent de Paul Society.   She also owned her own business, Kim’s Closet, on 19th and Washington, for a few years.  In her free time, Kim loved to spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren.  She enjoyed shopping, keeping up with friends on Facebook, and everyone knew how much she loved her Mean Bean coffee drinks.  Kim regularly rode along in the semi with Jimmie, and liked going fishing, camping and taking vacations.  She also had a special place in her heart for her cats.  Kim was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Kim’s memory include

her husband,
Jimmie Carner Jr., Bellevue, IA;

her 4 children,
Andrew James (Jessica Hoag Walters) Brokus, Bellevue, IA,
Lee William (Taylor Webber) Brokus, Dubuque, IA,
Dakota James (Kristan Brown) Carner, Dubuque, IA
and Alexis Marie (Alex Winter) Carner, Dubuque, IA;

2 grandchildren,
Owen and Sawyer Brokus with another one on the way, Amelia Winter;

her siblings,
Rick Brokus, Dubuque, IA,
Brandie (Adam) Lenz, Dubuque, IA,
Barb (Don) Brenner, Dubuque, IA,
Tammy (Tom) Thurston, Key West, IA,
Shane Marcov, Dubuque, IA,
Michael Marcov, Dubuque, IA,
Tracy Lynn Marcov, Claremont, IA,
Jesse (Michelle Eckhardt) Wolfe, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Chad (Nicole) Wolfe, West Union, IA;

her in-laws,
Jimmie James (Kathy) Carner Sr.
and Mary Jo (Larry) Gearheart, both of Dubuque;

and several nieces and nephews.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Norman Lee Marcov, Donald Marcov Jr., Gloria Ann Marcov and Cheryl Ann Marcov; and a sister-in-law, Victoria Ann Carner.

Kim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Alex and Adam for being with Kim until the paramedics arrived.

Kim’s generous spirit will live on helping others through the gift of donation with the Iowa Donor Network.

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

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

Janice M. Sawvell

Janice Marlene Sawvell, 86 made her Heavenly journey on January 1st, 2022, after a short stay at Stonehill Health Center

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a service starting at 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

She was born on June 29, 1935, in Elizabeth, Illinois to Clarence and Viola (Henneman) Dittmar. She attended school in the Elizabeth, Illinois area and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1953. She went on to marry Junior Sawvell on March 20, 1954. They were married 61 years.

Marlene worked various jobs around the Dubuque area including at the Roschek building. After her children Steven and Sherry were born, she became a full-time home maker. She enjoyed being a home maker and would always make a “big lunch” for Junior.

Her and Junior enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Benton, Wisconsin going to the Drive-In next door and going to various supper clubs in southwest Wisconsin. She enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and she often took her grandchildren Michelle and Joshua on trips. Her and Junior took many bus trips with their UAW retiree group after Junior retired from John Deere.

Marlene never knew a stranger. She truly had a heart of gold and a free spirit.

She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, collecting birdhouses, decorating for Christmas, and going for rides. She was a lover of sweets and always had a “treat drawer” for her grandkids.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Sherry (Bill) Worthington of Dubuque, Iowa; two grandchildren Michelle (Dallas) Winter of Dubuque, Iowa, Joshua (Emily Bantel) Clayton of Caledonia, Michigan; great grandchildren Abby, Olivia, and Mia; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son Steven.

The family wishes to extend thanks to Hospice of Dubuque especially Julie and Peggy, and to the staff at Stonehill Communities.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Matt W. Podnar

Matt W. Podnar 41, of Scales Mound, IL passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, at home. A funeral service will be held at 6 PM, Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 4 PM until the time of service. Burial will be held later. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born December 11, 1980, in Cuba City, WI the son of Kevin and Ann (Harris) Podnar.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Matt worked for Cedar Cross Overhead Door, Dubuque for several years installing residential and commercial garage doors. He loved his son Beau and enjoyed spending time “chillin” or going to movies, playing X-box, and pulling Beau behind the four-wheeler on his sled. Together they had a love for pancakes and enjoyed going to Emmy Lou’s or I-Hop to share a stack. Matt was an avid Chicago Bears fan and any other team playing the Packers. He was able to attend several games at Soldier Field with his son Beau or his best friend, Greg. Matt never missed a Bears game on TV. His friendship with his buddies meant the world to him. When they got together their favorite pastime was Busch Light and shooting the breeze.

Matt is survived by his son, Beau, his parents, Kevin (Ann) Podnar of Scales Mound, a sister Jen (special friend, Kari) of Racine, WI, his paternal grandparents, Steve (Jeanette) Podnar, his uncle, Craig (Sharon) Podnar, a special uncle and aunt, Mike (Jan) Harris, his best friend, Greg Petsche, and his many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William B. (Helen J.) Harris, two aunts, Birdie Straka and Susan Podnar, two uncles Gary and Rhett Harris.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to FHN Hospice and our many friends and family for being there during this difficult time. “I faced it all and I stood tall and did it MY WAY”.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Helen M. Sanger Bartels

Constance Biweri

Constance “Connie” Biwersi, 70, of Platteville, WI, passed away peacefully Saturday January 1, 2022.

Connie was born on May 11th, 1951 in Altoona, PA.  She grew up in Wonewoc, WI.  She received a BA degree in Theater Art from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Connie enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and made beautiful greeting cards.

Connie worked as a baker at Dick’s bakery in Platteville and delivered papers for the Telegraph Herald for many years.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Conrad W. Biwersi and Emily G. Biwersi (nee McCready).

She is survived by her brother, Bob Biwersi and sister-in-law, Mary Biwersi.  She is further survived by dear friends Sherry Paulus, Leanne Holdridge, John Silha Barb and Paul Margan and family.

At Connie’s request, there will be no funeral service.  A celebration of her life will take place in the spring for her friends and family. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family.