Obituaries Archive

Frank E. Hutchinson

Frank Elmer Hutchinson passed away on October 13, 2021, at ManorCare Health Services in Dubuque, Iowa. According to his wishes, there will be no public service.

He was born to Frank and Helen Hutchinson on January 10, 1931 in Denver, Colorado. After his mother passed when he was a young boy, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, William and Adrienne Conley of Marysville, California.

Frank met the love of his life Betty Jane Smith at a high school dance. They married in 1952 and celebrated 64 years of marriage before Betty passed in 2016. He graduated from Marysville High School, Kansas State University, and achieved master and doctorate degrees during his career. He was a collegiate track and basketball athlete.

Frank served active duty in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC), taught at the high school and college level, finishing his career as a college professor and administrator at Butte College in Chico, California. Frank took great pride in his accomplishments growing Butte College with special focus on the agriculture program, the nursing program, and the expansion of college infrastructure.

Frank and Betty traveled the nation during his military service and career in education calling many places home such as Baltimore, Maryland; San Antonio, Texas; Palm Springs, California; and Willows, California; finally ending up in Chico, California where they built their dream home on a golf course, raised a family and grew old together. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, music and dancing. He adored his beautiful wife and was a loving husband and father. He was an especially proud grandfather moving cross-country late in life to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane Hutchinson, his parents and sister. Frank is survived by two sons, Craig (Cindy) Hutchinson of Maryland; and Heath (Sara) Hutchinson of Dubuque, Iowa and grandchildren Kathleen, William and Caroline Hutchinson.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Christy Valdovinos and family for their exceptional loving care of both Betty and Frank while in California, and the nurses and staff of Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Frank.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Frank’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Harold N. Buchheit

Harold N. Buchheit, 82, of Dubuque, passed away on October 15, 2021 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Harold was born December 16, 1938 in Festina, Iowa, the son of Florian and Fredia (Heying) Buchheit. He married Collette Leuenberger on June 17, 1967 at DeSales Catholic Church, Ossian Iowa.

Harold was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church. He had a special place in his heart for all his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his beloved Cubs, Hawkeyes and Bears. He always loved to play cards – especially Euchre and Cribbage with family and friends.

Harold worked at Crescent Electric.  He truly enjoyed all the great people he worked with there.  He started his accounting and tax business in 1972.  All his clients were very special to him and the ones that worked for the business were truly like family.  One of his proudest moments is when his son took over the family business.

Those left to honor his memory include his two sons, Brian (Maria) Buchheit of Homer Glen, IL and Dennis (Mary) Buchheit of Asbury, IA; four grandchildren – Andrew, Mary Kate, Katie and Emily Buchheit; two brothers, Del (Carolyn) Buchheit and Joe (Linda) Buchheit; four sisters, Toni Strey, Pat (Bob) Eldan, Jeanne McCarthy and Betty Topf; two sisters-in-law, Delores Buchheit and Darlene Buchheit.

He is preceded in death by his wife Collette; his parents; three brothers, Sonny, Ambrose and Kelly; one sister Pam Buchheit; two brothers-in-law, Marsh Strey and Mark Topf and sister-in-law, Helen Buchheit.

The family would like to thank MercyOne Cancer Center, Dr. Morgan-Ihrig, Nurse Jenny and all the wonderful staff in the oncology and ambulatory departments that took care of Harry through his illness with kindness and compassion.  Also, we would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Dubuque Specialty Care for their support.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

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

Sandra K. Molitor

Sandra Kay Molitor, 74 of Winnebago, IL passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, IL. A gathering will be held from 1 to 4 PM, Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. In keeping with her wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at a later date.

She was born February 20, 1947, in Charleston, WV the daughter of William and Emmogene (Douglas) Johnson. Sandie was united in marriage to Jerry Molitor on April 30, 1966, in Galena. She was employed at Greenlee Tool, Rockford, IL as a Human Resources representative until her retirement. Sandie enjoyed spending time with family, spoiling her grandkids, watching the Cubs, shopping, going to farmers markets with Jerry, and taking care of her many houseplants.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Molitor, of Winnebago, two sons, Jason (Nikki) Molitor, of Chandler, AZ, and Chad (Dawn) Molitor, of Belvidere, IL, two granddaughters, Hallie, and Abigail Molitor, two sisters, Barbara (Tom) Levens and Yvonne Johnson, two brothers, Rusty (Jane) Johnson and Bill (Stacey) Johnson and her many loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Scott Johnson, her in-laws, George (Donna) Molitor, two brothers-in-law, Ken and Donald Molitor, and sister-in-law, Donna Jean Gabric.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Furlong Funeral Chapel, 100 Carol-don Court, Galena, IL 61036 in memory of Sandie. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

John P. Kutsch

John Paul Kutsch, 66, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on October 11, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care. Private family services will be held at later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

John is survived by his sons, Jacob (Barbie) Kutsch, Matthew (Shana) Kutsch; and daughter Dawn Walsh; grandchildren, Elina and Ronan; siblings, Bob (Jan) Kutsch, Sheila (Doug) Kutsch, Bill Kutsch, Melvin Kutsch, Donna (Jeff) Phillips, Marvin (Nancy) Kutsch, Jolene (Doug) Wareham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Vivian Kutsch, and his sisters, Anne and Janell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Dubuque Specialty Care for the great care they gave to John.

Leonard G. Schuster

Leonard Gregory “Lenny” Schuster, 87 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Ennoble Manor with his loving family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Father Rodney Allers officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Entombment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is caring for the family.

Lenny was born on May 18, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Gregory and Lucille (Kies) Schuster. He married Margaret “Margie” Gassman on May 4, 1957 and together they were blessed with 64 years of marriage.

He is a US Navy Veteran, member of St. Joseph Key West Church and member of the LaMotte/Key West Knights of Columbus #4236.

Lenny was a dairy farmer his entire life; he ran the family farm with his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed fishing and his favorite past time was going to “the boat”. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by many.

Lenny is survived by his wife Margie Schuster; four sons Ronald (Pamela) Schuster, David Schuster, Daniel Schuster, and Timothy (Susan) Schuster. His Grandchildren: Angela (Neil) Wulfekuhle, Christopher (Carrie) Schuster, Tiffani (Kyle) Zierden, Samantha Schuster and Garret Schuster; seven great grandchildren with number 8 to arrive in December.

He is also survived by his sister Erna Schmidt, sister-in-law Betty Schuster, brother-in-law Richard (Shirley) Gassman along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Alfred Schuster and Thomas Schuster; brother-in-law Robert Gassman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Donna Link; and brother-in-law Donald Schmidt.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Ennoble Manor and By Your Side Care for all their care, kindness and compassion they gave to Lenny.

Thomas J. McGriff

Thomas J. “Tom” McGriff, age 78, of Galena, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on October 2, 2021, at home. To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family

Tom was born on June 19, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, a son to Carl J. and Florence (Thilman) McGriff.  He eventually made his way to Florida where he devoted his time and talents for many years with the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  When retirement had finally arrived, he decided it was time to make his way to Galena where he could enjoy the remainder of his years in a relaxed and comfortable environment.  We will miss Tom dearly and are beyond heartbroken at his sudden passing.  May the Lord keep him safe and at peace until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his best friend,
Michael White, Galena, Illinois;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Rebecca S. Brandenburg

Rebecca S. Brandenburg, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, peacefully at home.

A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. am on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Grace Point Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Rebecca was born on February 12, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Dale E. Boots and Hazel E. (Dennis) Boots. She attended Maquoketa Valley High School.

Rebecca later married Buddy A. Brandenburg on April 24, 1989, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Rebecca was a care giver for Home Instead. She was a hardworking and caring person who would help anyone out.

Surviving is her husband Buddy, children; Lavonda, Timothy, Dale and Briana along with 30 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Hazel, a brother Allen, a sister Nina.

The  family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque.

Mariela M. Berthel

Mariela Margaret Berthel, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Bernard, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 25, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 2-6 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a parish scripture wake service at 6 p.m.

She was born March 4, 1927, in St. Donatus, Iowa to Theodore and Stella (Frantzen) Kalmes. She graduated from St. Columbkille Catholic High School in 1945. On April 21, 1948 she was united in marriage to Loras Berthel at St. Donatus Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on October 28, 1999. The couple farmed in the Bernard area for many years until moving into Dubuque in 1996. She worked at Clinton Engines and waitressed at the Twelve Mile House. Was a farmer’s wife and homemaker. She was a loving mom, Nana, great Nana, and great-great Nana who loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed picking up eggs, sewing, helping her mom finish quilts, cooking, baking buns and playing euchre.

She belonged to the Rosary Society at St. Patrick’s parish, North Garryowen while in Bernard. She was also a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She is survived by her two daughters Sandra (Matt Schurman) Sharkey of Bloomington, Minnesota and Michele Nielsen of Aurora, Colorado. Eleven grandchildren: Rachel (Josh) Neuhaus, Charles (Genavieve) Sharkey IV, Samantha (Bryan Barnett) Berthel, Cody (Kateri Kogan-Moland) Nielsen, Zachary (Kaileia Moland) Nielsen, Ty (Shaylah Babbs) Nielsen, Katilyn (Corey Ary) Schmidt, Chance Berthel, Chase Berthel, Deborah (Dominick Funk) Berthel, and Kansas Berthel. Twelve great grandchildren: Dustiney (Davel) Salabie, Ethan Daughetee, Zolynn Neuhaus, Xandra Neuhaus, Athena Neuhaus, Caleb Barry, Charles Sharkey V, Caitlyn Sharkey, Adriana Russell, Averie Moland, Cody Nielsen Jr. and Jionni Nielsen. She also had four great great grandchildren: Zedakya Giles, Zayvion Sharkey, Kaleicya Salabie and Collin Barry. One brother: Lawrence (Windy) Kalmes of St Donatus, IA. Five sisters-in-law: Grace Sterk, of Charlotte, IA, Marlene McAllister of Dyersville, IA, Mary Jean (Wayne) Nantz of DeWitt, IA, Marie Berthel of Bellevue, IA, Verna Berthel-Powell of DeWitt, IA. Many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by sons Kevin Berthel on September 27, 1995 and Michael Berthel on May 18, 2009, her parents, Ted and Stella Kalmes, her parents-in-law, Nick and Anna Berthel, two brothers: Harold (Marie) Kalmes, and Bert (Mary) Kalmes, one sister: Rosela Mae (Lloyd) Gibbs. One sister-in-law, Helen Kalmes, brothers-in-law: Gerald Berthel, John (Phyllis) Berthel, Edwin Berthel, Harvey (Mary) Berthel, Tom McAllister, Bob Sterk, Larry Dalton, and Lawrence Powell. Nephews: Duane Gibbs and Larry Kalmes. Nieces: Beverly Frey and Julie Funke.

A special thank you to the Finley Unity Point home care team for all their care. A special thank you to the Hospice of Dubuque staff Elizabeth, Jeanette, Angelia, Stacy, Nichole and especially nurse Betsy for all their wonderful care with Mom.

She will be loved and forever in our hearts.

Lylas M. Pensel

Lylas Mae Pensel, 89, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born on May 31, 1932, near Elk Creek, the daughter of Halsey and Mary (Combs) Sabin. Lylas was raised and educated in the area and was a graduate of Colesburg High School. She worked at various jobs prior to her marriage.

Lylas was united in marriage to James Zearley. Two sons were born to this union. James died in 1966. In 1972, Lylas was married to Larry Pensel. One son was born to this union. The couple later divorced. Lylas worked for FS Gas Services, sold Avon products, and in 1997 retired from Modernfold in Dyersville.

Lylas enjoyed entertaining friends and hosting parties. She liked playing cards and loved gardening.

Survivors include her two sons, James (Xochilth) Pensel of San Diego, California, and Michael Zearley of Manchester; five grandchildren, Terra, Trisha, Douglas, Christian, and Deborah; six great-grandchildren, Sean, Riley, Madylin, Allison, Samuel, and Madisyn; and two sisters, Phyllis (Clarence) Salow of Earlville and Kay Kruger of Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Lylas was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Zearley; one son, Marcus Zearley; a daughter-in-law, Jill Zearley; four brothers, Bernie, Gene, Paul, and John Sabin; and one sister, Eileen Schrunk.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Because of COVID-19, masks are recommended at the funeral home. 

Funeral Service:  11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood, Iowa, with Pastor Mike Jackson officiating.

Visitation:  9:00 to 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood.

Interment:  Hansel Cemetery – rural Garber, Iowa

Kenneth A. Klein

Kenneth A. “Kenny” Klein, age 84, of Balltown, Iowa, passed away at 7:20 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family.  To celebrate Kenny’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021 and from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 468 Balltown Road.  To honor Kenny’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating.  Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Kenny was born on May 27, 1937 in Balltown, son of Raymond and Alberta (Meyer) Klein.

Kenny was united in marriage to Sally Whitfield on June 27, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Church in Rickardsville, and they were blessed with 61 wonderful years together before she sadly passed away on December 11, 2017.
Kenny graduated from the “University” of Balltown, and continued working the family farm.  He was a true farmer and loved the daily inspection of his land and crops, even after “retiring” and renting his cropland.
In addition to his daily farming, Kenny sold silos and silo unloaders, seed corn, did custom combining and chopping, field-tiling and hauling black dirt, which to his family seemed like he was selling the farm one truckload at a time.
In his younger days, he enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting, fishing and a good game of pool.  Kenny liked playing cards, listening to bluegrass music and “socializing” with family and friends.  Wine making was a long time hobby of Ken’s and he made “The Best” wine around.

Those left to cherish Kenny’s memory include

his 10 children,
Amy (James) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,
Laurie (Rick) Juran, Dyersville, IA,
Penny (Dan) Murphy, Dubuque, IA,
Peter (Carmen) Klein, Arlington, TX,
Julie (Dennis) Donovan, Dubuque, IA,
Paul (Lupe Sanchez) Klein, Mishawaka, IN,
Tony Klein, Balltown, IA,
Todd (Heidi) Klein, Holy Cross, IA,
Dave (Amanda) Klein, Dubuque, IA
and Kenneth “Chip” (Elsa) Klein, Balltown, IA;

his 25 grandchildren,
Jesse Schmitt, Brian Schmitt, Sarah Hunter, Luke Juran, Molly Beckley, Meghan Murphy, Becky Klein, April Klein, Giselle Klein, Holly Donovan, Danny Donovan, Kasey Klein, Nina Howard, Kenny Paul Klein, Damian Klein, Ben Klein, Dan Klein, Nick Klein, Gertie Brown, Adam Klein, Quinton Klein, Carter Klein, Sara Ibarra, Robert Ibarra and Melina Hutchinson;

his 28 great-grandchildren,
Colton Schmitt, Nathan Schmitt, Kaia Hunter, Preston Hunter, Levi Juran, Gracie Klein, Zara Klein, Aidan Klein, Ella Klein, Tiana Klein, Alayna Flowers, Stephanie McDonald, Morgan Howard, Emily Howard, Leo Klein, Jace Neely, Frances Altman-Donovan,  Lucille Klein, Luna Kessler, Vorteo Klein, Jersey Flowers, Noah Quinones, Kayln Myers, Klarisa Neyland, Kylee Neyland, Karina Neyland, Celeste Kesse and William Hutchinson;

his in-laws,
Joanie Klein, Balltown, IA
Danny (Mickie)  Leibfried, Dubuque, IA
Jim (Belia) Whitfield, Yuma, AZ,
Larry Dunn, Belvidere, IL
and Mike (Avis Kinsey) Whitfield, Viroqua, WI.

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Klein; his parents; his brother: Raymond “Ferdie” Klein and sister: Velma Leibfried; a sister in infancy (who died with her mother at birth); 3 sisters -in-law: Karen Dunn, Lillian (LaVerne) Schmitt and Sonja Whitfield.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque and Kenny’s daughter-in-law, Elsa, for their loving and compassionate care of Kenny and the family.  They would also like to extend a special thank you to their neighbor, Shannon Brimeyer and the Mike and Cindy Breitbach family for the years of friendship and generosity.

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

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

Shirley A. Busch

Shirley A. Busch, 79, of La Motte, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021.

A visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa with Pastor Will Layton officiating.  Family and friends may also gather after 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Shirley was born on December 10, 1941, to Harold and Ann (Kueter) Miller. She married Carlton Busch Sr. on January 31, 1959, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa where they’re members.

Shirley farmed alongside her husband and raised their four children Carlton Jr., Allen, Richard, and Rebecca before going to work at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she retired from.

Shirley enjoyed cooking, canning, gambling, and a good game of cards in which she reminded even the youngest that there is “no family in cards.” She also enjoyed escaping the Iowa winters every year in Arizona and caring for her family there.

Surviving is her husband Carlton Busch Sr., three children Carlton Jr. (Janice) Busch of Surprise, Arizona, Richard (Kimberly Reeg) Busch of Dubuque, Iowa, Rebecca (Robert) Harjehausen of La Motte, Iowa, and daughter-in-law Lisa (Tom) Harmon of Zwingle, Iowa. Seven grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Nathan, Alyssa, Mitchell, Lucas, and Adam, three step-granddaughters Angela, Amy, and Jennifer, nine great grandchildren, and eight step-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters, Betty McPhail and Carol (Bob) Blume, brother Harold (Rita) Miller Jr., and brothers-in-laws Norman (Mary Kay) Busch and Eldon (Donna) Busch.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ann, her son Allen Busch, her brother LeRoy Miller, and four brothers-in-law Harvey and Roger Busch, Gary McPhail and Robert Becker.

A Shirley Busch memorial fund will be established.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital and Grand Meadows for all their loving care they gave to Shirley.

Beverly R. Miller

Beverly Rose Miller, 72, of Dubuque, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.

A celebration of life will be held at Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St., in Dubuque on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 3-7 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Beverly was born to Betty Leibfried Miller and Sydney Miller on January 15, 1949 in Dubuque. She grew up on the North End, attended Holy Ghost grade school and graduated from Wahlert High School, class of 1966.

Bev lived life with a great sense of adventure and her kind and vibrant spirit was well-known and cherished by all those who knew and loved her.

Family was paramount to Bev, and Bev considered so many loved ones her family. She adored and fiercely loved her sons — Max and Ross, and daughter-in-law Kristi. Bev spent 24 wonderful years with her beloved husband Mark Siegworth, who preceded her in death, but left her with the gift of Gary, Mary, Shanna, David, Tyler, Sam and grandchildren Tessa, Ethan, Ava, Hope, Joy. She shared a close friendship with her brother Bob Miller and sister-in-law Lynn, who lived less than a block away.

Bev was a savvy and dynamic businessperson and was proud to have owned and operated Sid’s Beverage since 1977, which continues to thrive today under the ownership of her son, Ross.

Travel was an integral part of Bev’s life. When she regaled anyone with her stories of voyages abroad and in the U.S., it was as if she had lived lifetimes in one life. She treasured her experiences traveling with Mark, her family and her friends. She also loved a good game of euchre or pinochle and could play for hours if she had a deck in her hand.

From her perfectly coordinated outfits to her unique furnishings, Bev had a style that was extraordinary, distinctly her own, and one that included a lot of purple — her favorite color.

Beverly opened her heart and home to so many. Her kindness, strength, courage and love were unmatched and will serve as an example to the many loved ones that will keep her spirit alive.

Bev is survived by her son Maxwell Miller of Madison, Wis., son Ross Miller (Kristi Schnee) of Dubuque; Gary Siegworth (Mary Gibbs) of Dubuque; Shanna Prine (David Oster) and their children Tessa, Ethan & Ava, of Dubuque; Tyler Siegworth (Sam) and their children Hope, and Joy, of Kansas City; her brother Bob Miller (Lynn) of Dubuque; nephew David (Elena) Miller and their children Luke, Cole, and Sophia; nephew Tom (Ellen Goodmann) Miller and their children Violet and Freya; nephew Daniel (Brittany) Miller and their children Gracie and Gage; aunts and uncles Joan and Bob Valentine and Daniel and Micki Leibfried, and Olie Avery, and many cousins and extended family. Bev is also survived by close friends Lee Highlund, Eileen O’Neil, her beloved cat Twin, and so many other friends she was grateful to have made over her incredible lifetime.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Seigworth; her parents, Betty and Sid Miller; and her grandparents Nud and Doc Miller and Stella and George Leibfried.

Tom Ashenbrenner

Tom Ashenbrenner (aka Tom Brenner), passed away on October 11 at the age of 69 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, WI.

Tom was a Dubuque radio personality from 1988 through 2017, using the on-air name Tom Brenner and known for his show Good Morning Rodeo. He had a love of both radio and music. Tom started both his radio career and playing music at the age of 15. Tom had a magnetic personality and made friends easily. He had a strong interest in local history and loved sharing his home with a variety of dogs, all Humane Society rescues.

Tom is survived by his wife Susan Anderson and sister Sharon Ashenbrenner Charles (Gary). He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Tom is further survived by his brothers-in-law Peter Anderson (Sara Minkoff) and Gary Charles, along with three nieces and a nephew and great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to say a special thanks to the nurses and doctors in the ICU at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

In remembrance of Tom’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the  Dubuque Regional Humane Society or your local historical society.

Online condolences for Tom’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Francis J. Fager

Francis J. “Jim” Fager, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 9th, 2021, at Stonehill Skilled Nursing Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 14th, 2021, at the Church of the Nativity with Fr. Andy Upah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Jim was born on October 23, 1932, in Benton, WI the son of Gerald and Anice (Dugan) Fager. He attended Loras Academy and Loras College.  He is a US Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.

On September 3, 1955, he married Doreen F. Ehrlich at the Church of the Nativity.

For several years he worked for Adams Company; he then was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years in the tool grinding department.

He volunteered his time to help with the Nativity Parish Bingo on Monday nights for many, many years. Jim enjoyed spending family time at the family cottage in Guttenberg; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed woodworking and was always happy to present a finished project to a family member or to build a new display for his collection of miniature tractors

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doreen; his children, Michael (Anita) Fager of Marion, IA, Ellen (Tom) Burdt of Cuba City, WI, Beth Fager of Dubuque, IA and Ronald Fager of Monroe, WI; grandchildren, Wendi (Bill) Kletecka, Nicole Burdt, Matthew (Trischia) Burdt, Jennifer (Kevin) McGrane, Kimberly (Eric) Shea, Kenneth (Cayla) Fager, Melissa (Keith) Bell, and Alisa Fager; great grandchildren, Hannah, Henry, Hailey, Cameron, Cody, Claire, Colton, Wyatt, Cora, and Ava; and a cousin Mary (Bill) Foltz.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and Staff at Stonehill Care Center especially the Skilled Nursing Unit.

Alfred Gatena

Alfred “Bud” Gatena, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Manor Care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 15, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 St. Ambrose St., Dubuque.

Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque.