Obituaries Archive

Duane Beecher

On June 18, 2021, Duane Beecher, finally got to leave the body that has tried to hold him down for 28 years.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12 Noon, Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque.

The Celebration of Duane’s Life will begin at 12 Noon, at the funeral home, on Saturday, June 26, 2021.  The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Duane was born on January 30, 1955, the son of John “Jack” Beecher and Flora Lue (Morgan) Beecher.  He attended Resurrection Grade School and graduated from Wahlert High School. On August 31, 1973, he married the love of his life, JoAnne Klauer. Together they created four beautiful sons and were foster parents and daycare providers.

Duane worked at Beecher Gas Station, the company started by his grandfather and the place where he met his future wife. He went on to work for Beecher Quarries, Tschiggfrie Excavating, River City Stone and eventually IEI Barge Services as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He took great pride in his work, even when he was severely challenged by Iowa winters and summers. He was always the guy who was there for everybody…no matter what they needed.

In 1993, Duane’s body started to rebel. Over the next 28 years, he was bombarded by one ailment after another. There were good times and very bad times…but through it all, Duane and JoAnne kept loving and living and fighting back.  In 2003 he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and started the fight for his life. He endured the cancer treatment with grace and dignity. He eventually had his larynx removed. He learned to speak esophageal speech and was very proud that he could be good at a technique that is very difficult. Duane looked forward to the Cancer Society Relay for Life each year. He walked nine times as a Cancer Survivor. Five years ago, the radiation damage took its toll on his body. He went to the Mayo Clinic where he had to have his esophagus removed.  This meant that his wonderful method of speech was now impossible, and he would never again be able to eat, BUT, Duane always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met.

The last five years were very difficult, and it was hard for him to keep going. He was getting tired, and the fight was very hard. After a final fight in the hospital, he quietly rose to heaven surrounded by his family in the home that they all shared for 42 years.

Duane is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years and his four sons, Tim (Molly) of Dubuque, Jeff of Dubuque, Andy (Jennifer) of Davenport and Ed of Dubuque. He has also left nine grandchildren with another on the way: Evan, Maddie, Emily, Ally, Sam, Bailey, Paisley, Roman and River. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike (Connie) of Sedalia, Missouri, Marty (Sandy) of Panama City, Florida, Joe (Vickey) of Oskaloosa, Iowa, John of Dubuque, and Christina Baron of Chicago, Illinois; two aunts, Betty Beecher and Pat Maiers; lots of nieces, nephews and cousins and his two little dogs, Willow and Norman, who were his greatest source of smiles in his life.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Flora Beecher; his in-laws, Herbert and Bernadette Klauer; all of his grandparents, and three brothers-in-law that he thought the world of.

The family would like to thank all the people who gave special care to Duane over all of these years: Dr. John Hartmann, Dr. Tim King, Dr. Ryan Stille, Dr, Mark Janes, Dr. K. Robert Shen, the wonderful nurses at MercyOne in Dubuque and in the ICU and the 6th floor at St. Mary’s Mayo Hospital in Rochester and a special thanks to Nurse Sandy Radke, who along with Duane, started a Laryngectomee Support Group so other survivors of laryngeal cancer could tell their stories. Thank you to Lincare Home Medical Equipment and MercyOne Home Medical Equipment for their great service. Thank you to the pharmacists at HyVee on Locust in Dubuque and of course, thank you to Hospice of Dubuque. There have been so many people involved in making Duane’s life a little easier for him and they will all tell you what a sweet and loving patient that he was to take care of.

Duane loved his gardens and nature in general. It would be his wish that you do not send cut flowers to the funeral home, but would greatly prefer that you send a plant, plant some flowers, go for a walk in the woods, or plant a tree to be a reminder of the life of this wonderful man.

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

Darrell J. Hefel

Darrell J. Hefel, age 63, of North Buena Vista, Iowa, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Monday, June 14, 2021, at his family home.  To celebrate Darrell’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  To honor Darrell’s life, there will also be visitation at the church hall in North Buena Vista from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Church.  Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Darrell was born on July 31, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Milton “Mickey” and Joan (Riniker) Hefel.

Darrell graduated from Guttenberg High School, Class of 1976.  He was a hard worker and was employed with Ertl Toy in Dyersville for 20 years.  He then attended machine operator school in Sun Prairie, WI, before going to work with Steger-Heiderscheit Construction for over 20 years.  Darrell was always very generous with his time, and volunteered countless hours to doing whatever needed to be done at the Immaculate Conception Church.  When he wasn’t working Darrell enjoyed helping out on the farm, camping at Whitetail Bluff, boating and vacationing with the “Buenie Bunch”.  He truly loved to travel with his family and friends, always to a warm and sunny location where there was a nice beach.  He also enjoyed taking road trips for the day, and his skills as the designated driver, “one way”, are legendary.  He always generously opened his home to the entire family, which is quite a crowd, so they could all be together to celebrate Christmas.  Darrell was a man of few words who was always smiling and in a good mood.  He was a kind, soft spoken and unassuming man who truly made the world a better place.  He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Darrell’s memory include

his mother,
Joan Hefel, North Buena Vista, IA;

his 8 siblings,
Eileen (Alfonse) McDermott, Epworth, IA,
Milo (Judy) Hefel, Sherrill, IA,
Warren “Shorty” (Shari) Hefel, North Buena Vista, IA,
Bruce (special friend, Sandy) Hefel, Deerfield, WI,
Pam (Jerry) Ben, Sherrill, IA,
Carmen (Gordy) Glawe, Holy Cross, IA,
Wanda (Marty) Wessels, Farley, IA
and Randy (Shelley) Hefel, Milton, WI;

and his many nieces and nephews who will greatly miss their “Uncle Darreld”.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Mickey Hefel; a brother, Douglas Hefel; a niece, Krista Ben; and a great nephew, Ethan McDermott.

Darrell’s family would like to thank all of the volunteers with the Holy Cross/NBV Fire Department for their quick response time and compassionate care of the family.

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

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

Dale W. Stierman

Dale W. Stierman, age 91, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 3:52 p.m., on Friday, June 18, 2021, surrounded by family, at Stonehill Care Center.  To honor Dale’s life, in accordance with his wishes, private family services and burial were held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery following cremation.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dale was born on October 22, 1929, in Canova, South Dakota, son of Fred T. and Agnes M. (Gassman) Stierman.

Dale attended school in Dubuque and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  He went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Navy from 1948 until 1952.  Dale found love early in life, and would marry Virginia Kenyon in 1951, in Dubuque.  Sadly, she would pass away far too young on May 23, 1967.  Luckily Dale would find love again with Beverly “Bev” Meyer, and on December 13, 1974, they would marry.  Together they would raise their families and spend 43 wonderful years together.  Dale was a hard worker who always provided for his family.  He began his photography career with the Telegraph Herald in 1952, and would eventually retire in 1987.  When he found some free time Dale loved to get out on the river for some fishing, and Bev was always willing to accompany him.  They made a point of making time for each other and regularly went out for a night on the town of dining and dancing.  However, their family was always their main focal point and Dale looked forward to family gatherings and playing poker with the kids.  Dale also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals.  He was a very good bowler in his younger days, and in more recent years he enjoyed playing games on the computer.  We are deeply saddened at the loss of our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa here on this Earth, but know that he is now happily reunited with all of his beloved family members who have gone home before him.

Those left to cherish Dale’s memory include

his children,
Sue Ann (Robert) Baumhover, II, Dubuque, IA,
Marsha (Paul) Conlon, Dubuque, IA,
Kit (Harry) Klotz, Prairie du Chien, WI,
Carla (Rick) Heer, Katy, TX,
Bret (Marcia) Stierman, Dubuque, IA,
Robin (David) Reed, Center Point, IA,
Brian (Veronica) Stierman, Denver, CO,
Dale J. “D.J.” (Lisa) Stierman, Dubuque, IA,
Laura Chapman, Dubuque, IA
and Kelly (Michael) Pearson, Tulsa, OK;

his 27 grandchildren;

his 32 great-grandchildren;

and a sister-in-law,
Louise Stierman, Dearborn Heights, MI.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife, Virginia Stierman; his 2nd wife, Beverly Stierman; a son, Bruce Stierman in infancy; a grandson, Joshua Reed; a sister, Eileen (Mike) White; and his 5 brothers, Eldon (Margie) Stierman, LeRoy (Barbara) Stierman, Clyde (Marie) Stierman, Clarence (Nadine) Stierman and Cyril Stierman.

Dale’s family would like to thank Dr. Eric Engelman and his staff, and the outstanding nurses and staff of Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kindness and compassion, and the wonderful care they have provided for Dale.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Dale’s memory to benefit some of his favorite charities, which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dale Stierman Family.

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

Janann M. Heinze-Laird-Kleinstiver

Janann Marie Heinze-Laird-Kleinstiver, 81, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Hawkeye Care Center.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, June 22 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where the funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Centralia.

Janann was born June 2, 1940 at the family home in the Peru Bottoms area of Dubuque, where John Deere works is currently located, daughter of Frank and Florence (Thorpe) Heinze.  The family moved to Peosta, where she started kindergarten and continued her education.

Janann was united in marriage to Wayne Laird in 1957 at St. Mary’s Church, Dubuque.  They had three boys and lived mostly in the Dubuque Garfield area.

Janann was a fun loving peaceful woman; it not only extended to her family’s home, but also in her jobs.  She worked several years at the Dubuque Packing Company, spent some time at Betty Jane’s Candies, then started a new career of selling houses, which included working for Brissey Realty, Ken Cook, and Century 21.  In her later years, she even gave Wal-Mart a shot.

Janann’s fun loving peacefulness extended to others often.  She shared her talents of sewing, belly dancing, entertaining and her love of the Mississippi River, just to name a few.

Janann was loving and supportive of all those around her.  She was one who would cheer you on lovingly, even if it gave someone a boost of support.

Those left to honor her memory include, but are definitely limited to, Mark and Shelley, Kayla and Zach Laird; Michael and Brian Laird; Nicole (Dathan) Welbes, all of Dubuque; Cassandra, Dimitri, Eleni and Melodi Hantzeas of Vancover, WA, Arlisa Laird of Omaha, NE and her brother, Robert (Penni Lou) Heinze of Peosta.

Those loved ones who have gone before her include her parents; her oldest son, Steven; her sisters Margaret Waddick, Florence Schroeder and Shirley Ellis; her brothers Edward, Frank and William Heinze; and aunt, Nellie Brown.

The family would like to thank those who assisted in her care, Home Instead, Hospice of Dubuque, and Hawkeye Care Center.

Anna M. Meyer

Anna M. Meyer, 84, of Dubuque, died Saturday, June 19, 2021, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be 9:30 am until 10:30 am, Friday, June 25, 2021 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Anna will be 10:30 am, Friday, June 25, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Anna was born August 27, 1936, in Reedsburg, WI, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Wenkers) Haugh. On July 27, 1957, she married James E. Meyer in Reedsburg, WI. He passed away on July 5, 2000.

She was an elementary school teacher and later stayed at home to raise her growing family.

Anna enjoyed gardening, crocheting, shopping with her girlfriends and golfing, but her greatest joy was taking care of her grandkids.  She was also very active in the church and taught CCD for many years.

Survivors include one son, Greg (Sandy) Meyer of Asbury; three daughters, Kim (Fred LuGrain) Noel of Dubuque, Jill (William) O’Brien of Pennsauken, NJ and Terri Meyer of Madison, WI; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James; one son, Daniel; her parents; one brother and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Stonehill Communities or Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

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

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

Lucille L. Conner

Lucille Loretta Conner, 78, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at her home.

There will be no services.

Lucille was born July 18, 1942, in Carmel, CA, the daughter of John and Ida Belle Aschle Rodrigues.

She was a graduate of Livingston High School in Livingston, CA.

She loved to travel with her airstream club and taking her grandkids with her whenever she had the chance. She enjoyed painting, gardening, and loving on any animal in her path. She was an Annie Oakley with every shot and always helped anyone in need. Vava was loved by many and will be remembered by all.

Survivors include two daughters, Lorraine (Vincent) Di Meglio of San Pedro, CA, Brenda Holmes of Dubuque; two sons, Gene Conner of Los Altos, CA, and Michael (Laura) Conner of San Jose, CA; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, plus one arriving in January; and one sister-in-law, Mryna Rodrigues of Livermore, CA and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

“Everyday is a good day” – Vava

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

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

Robert A. Lucas

Robert Allen “Bob” Lucas, age 78, went to Heaven on June 19, 2021, to be with his mom and dad, Emil and Marie Lucas.  Bob was born June 16, 1943, as a beautiful healthy baby boy.  At 8 months old he got the measles with a high fever for 10 days, and the result was brain damage.

He loved living on the farm, helping us with our chores and playing ball together when we finished our work.  Bob was a very good baseball player.  Eventually he went to live at the Dubuque County Farm with Paul and Lois Gross, whom he loved.  He also lived in several group homes in Dubuque where Lisa Wiegand was his main caregiver, and she was so good to him.  Then in December of 2012, Bob moved to Sunnycrest Manor where he resided until his death.  His social worker, Anne Kauder, and his nursing caregivers took very good care of Bob.

Bob loved the Cubs and was fortunate to get to go on a bus trip to watch his Cubs while living at the group home.  Bob could not tell time but always knew what time it was.  He was always interested in what was going on at the farm until his later years.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am.  Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Jim (Joyce) Lucas of Central City, IA, Kay Schmitt of Rickardsville, IA, Diane (Dave) Schroeder of Dyersville, IA, Mary (Rex) Atwood of Charlotte, NC; and Jeff (Nancy) Lucas of Luxemburg, IA; 16 nieces and nephews: Peggy Goerdt, Steve, Tom and Tim Schmitt, Doug and Mike Lucas, Lisa Hurst, Lynnette Kramer, Sara Lanfear, Steve, Tony and Jonathan Schroeder, Rex III and Lukas Atwood, Dustin Lucas and Jenna Wagner.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Paul Schmitt, with whom he loved to share a soda pop.

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

Norma J. Smith

Norma J. Smith, 81, of Dubuque passed away Thursday, June 18, 2021.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church where visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. Thursday until time of service at the church. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m.   Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.  The funeral service will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Norma was born July 16, 1939 in Springfield, Illinois, daughter of Samuel and Lida (Winterbauer) Morris.

She graduated from Bensenville, Illinois High School and Grant School of Nursing in Chicago.  She married Wesley Smith on November 5, 1960, whom she met while working as a nurse.  He preceded her in death on November 27, 2006.

Norma was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, was a Red Cross volunteer, enjoyed traveling and doing genealogy, and was a former board member of Hills and Dales.  She loved her “grandpuppies”, Angel, Nieko and Kobuk.

She is survived by a son, William, daughter, Cathy (Brian) Jacoby of Kohler, Wisc., and their son, Noah, and a son Patrick (Terri) Smith of Cedar Falls.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank all of Norma’s dear friends who made her life so special.

Diane M. Brown

Diane Marie Brown, 68, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, at her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday June 22, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque. 

The Mass of Christian Burial for Diane will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com

Diane was born April 26, 1953, in Dubuque, the daughter of Werner Joseph and Dolores Catherine (Klein) Sigwarth. She married Michael Steven Psaros and later divorced.   On September 8, 1992, she married Phillip Martin Brown Sr. at Eagle Point Park.

She attended Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Peosta.

For the past 31 years, she has worked at Crescent Electric as an Accounts Payable Supervisor.

Diane was known for her love of playing cards!   From spoons to Euchre she was sure to always win.   Whenever she left the house, Diane made sure she had a deck of cards in her purse.   Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandkids.

Diane is survived by her husband, Phillip, of Dubuque; two sons, Aric (Teresa) Psaros of Dubuque and Phillip (Noel) Brown Jr. of Longmont, Colorado; one daughter, Stacy Goerdt of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Cody, Herbie, Devan, Brooklyn, Lillian, Phillip III and one on the way; three great-grandchildren, Treyton, Walker & Wilder; three brothers; five sisters and 30 nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Werner & Dolores Sigwarth and her in laws, Don & Joan Brown.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the North End Neighborhood Association in care of Audry Morey.

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

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

Paul G. Wolfe

Paul G. Wolfe, 96, of Lancaster, formerly of Potosi, passed away on June 17, 2021, at Orchard Manor in Lancaster.  To honor Paul’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 101 Church Street in Tennyson, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 2:30 p.m.  A private family graveside service will be held at the St. Andrew’s Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paul’s family.

Paul was born May 9, 1925, in Rockville to Vilas Dawson and Jessie Mae (Schramm) Wolfe.  He spent his childhood in the Rockville area attending school there.  On November 16, 1947 he married a pretty young lady from Mt. Ida; Donna Speaker.  They made their home in Lancaster for a short time then moved to Dickeyville, where Paul worked at John Deere Tractor Works and the Dubuque Packing Company.  His heart though, always remained in Rockville.  In 1957 he moved his growing family back to the Rockville area and bought the Midway Tavern where he had worked before his marriage.

Paul owned the tavern for 42 years and during that time served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Southwest Tavern League.  He was famous for his Ham and Cheese Sandwiches and his 1/3 lb. hamburgers.  He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Parish, an avid fisherman, loved to play the slot machines and a good game of cards.  Paul retired in 1995 and sold the tavern in 2002.  After retirement Paul and Donna moved to an apartment in Lancaster.

As his knees became worse, he decided he should move to Orchard Manor.  He enjoyed his time there, where he could talk to other people he knew and reminisce about the past.  He loved the nurses and all the people who made his stay special.  When Covid hit, he tested positive a couple of times, but was never sick.  However, he was no longer able to visit with the other residents.    He became lonely and decided he would rather be with Donna then remain here with us.

Paul is survived by seven children: Kristine (Ron) Zenz of Bagley, Aleise (Cyril) Oyen; Paul (Jeanne) Wolfe of Potosi; Ann (Thomas) Peters of LaFarge; Jill (Craig) Moldenhauer of Green Lake; Mark (Wendy) Wolfe of Olathe, KS and Lori Wolfe of Eau Claire.; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Dressler of Potosi; 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson, and one on the way; brother and sister in-laws Kathy Wolfe, Lancaster; Marshall (Nancy) Speaker, Fort Worth, Texas; Mark (Sue) Speaker, Sparks, Nevada; Jean Speaker, Sarona, WI.

Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna in 2010, a son Michael in 2013, his parents Vilas and Jessie, a sister Dorothy  (Martin) Flesch, brothers, Charles (Lorraine) Wolfe, Merlin Wolfe and William Wolfe; in-laws Hugo (Beverly) Speaker, James (Lavon) Patzner, and Warren Speaker.

The family would like to thank all the employees of Orchard Manor, including the maintenance man, who spent time and shared their love with Paul.  You are very special people and our personal heroes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated among Paul’s favorite charities.

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

Elmer J. Arensdorf

Elmer J. Arensdorf, 79, died Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Luther Manor following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at St. Joseph the Worker

Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Elmer’s family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 on Monday, June 21, 2021, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road.

Elmer was born on Dec.1, 1941, the son of Henry and Grace (Lynch) Arensdorf. He resided in LaMotte, IA and farmed with his father. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1959. Elmer met the love of his life, Rose Mary Duster at Melody Mill Ballroom. They were married on May 11, 1963. In 1975 they sold the farm and moved to Dubuque where Elmer went into real estate for Tri-State Auction & Realty, Century 21 and Brissey Realty. He also worked with Orkin Pest Control for two years, earning several awards. Elmer drove a school bus in the mornings for several years where he enjoyed both the students and the beautiful morning sunrises. He retired in 2012. Elmer was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church for many years. In his free time Elmer enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s ball games and taking them fishing. He looked forward all year long to deer hunting with his brothers, son and grandsons, which he enjoyed very much. Stories of the hunts were told over and over, some may have stretched just “a little” over the years. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Utah, and Florida to spend time with relatives. He also enjoyed two trips to Hawaii. Elmer looked forward to playing euchre with his friends at their monthly card clubs and meeting up with relatives at frequent luncheons. He always had corn out for his duck families in his backyard and never went to bed without either a bowl of ice cream or piece of Rosie’s delicious dessert (or maybe both!) One of the greatest gifts Elmer ever received was from his younger brother Glenn, who gave him one of his kidneys back in 2008. For never doing a single day of dialysis and giving us 13 more years with him, from the bottom of our hearts Glenn thank you!

Elmer was a great husband, awesome dad and cherished grandpa.

He is survived by his wife Rosie; two sons Mark (Jan Raymond) of Salt Lake City, UT and Mike (Angie) of Dubuque, a daughter Michelle (Barb) of Dubuque, nine grandchildren, Jordon, Kayla, Hunter of Salt Lake City, MaKenna (Bryce) Ewan, Drake, Zach, Max, Cooper and Storm of Dubuque and 1 great granddaughter, Penelope Ewan; six brothers: Eldon (Cathy), Tom (Kathy), Ron (Kathy), Gary (Laura Schuster), Glenn (Debbie), and Kevin (Jolee); two sisters, Anna Mae Hansen and Pat (Bill) Merfeld; three brothers-in-law Roger (Carol) Duster, Bob (Mary) Duster and Gary (Patti) Duster and two sisters-in-law Darlene (Jim) Mullen, and Sue Duster.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law Ron Duster and Ray Hansen; his niece and godchild Jenice (Hansen) Jach and nephew Scott Arensdorf.

A special thanks to Dr. Whalen for taking such great care of Elmer over the years. Thank you to all his realtor friends, bus barn buddies and wonderful neighbors both past and present who knew Elmer along the way. Grateful to Luther Manor on Hillcrest and Hospice of Dubuque for helping us and dad on this part of his final journey here on earth.

In Lieu of flowers an Elmer Arensdorf memorial has been established.

Terry L. Bargman

Terry L. “Tiny” Bargman, 76, of Dubuque, IA and Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021, at the UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.

Terry’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Friday, June 25th, 2021 at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque. The celebration will be held at the Eagles View Pavillion. Please note, there is an admission fee of $1 per car to enter the park.

Terry was born on March 3, 1945, in Dubuque, IA, son of Leo C. and Janet (Rosenthal) Bargman. He attended Dubuque Senior High School, and lettered in several sports, which fueled his love of sports/coaching. Terry worked a physically demanding job at the John Deere Dubuque Works for 43 years.

He met his first wife, Diana Weidenbacher, in high school. They were married on June 24th, 1967, and had 3 children together, raising them in Asbury. They were divorced after 39 years of marriage.

Terry had a passion for coaching children, taking on responsibilities for various baseball, softball, and basketball teams that his children were a part of. He spent many spring and summer nights at the Asbury Park fields coaching, umpiring, or just making sure the field was being maintained. Terry took great pride in those teams winning multiple league titles as well as numerous tournaments around Iowa and the midwest.

During the Christmas season, Terry loved playing Santa at Kennedy Mall, or for private parties. He was able to play Santa one last time a few years ago for all of his grand/great grandchildren, something he cherished. He also loved the yearly family trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. While Terry gave off a tough guy image, he was really a kid at heart.

After retiring from John Deere, he found and fell in love with his second wife, Jacqueline (Sunny) Poellot. They were married in Dubuque on October 9, 2010. Sunny moved to Dubuque so they could start their life together, and they later split time between Dubuque and Tucson where she had resided before meeting him. Terry and Sunny loved to take spontaneous day trips, or they’d map out a week-long road trip so they could see the country together. You could often find them at the casino together, trying to hit the big one. No matter what they were doing, they were having fun and probably getting into some trouble together.

Terry was a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, having followed them since the day the organization was created. He never missed a game, even though they always let him down. He also loved watching Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, as well as the Chicago Cubs.

Terry was fiercely loyal to his family and selected friends. If he liked you, he’d do anything he could to help you. He spent his retirement years helping out friends and family members who were stricken with medical issues that made it difficult for them to leave their house. He’d visit with them, run errands for them, and help them with various tasks around the house.

Survivors include his wife, Sunny; Two daughters, Wendy Moore of Dubuque, and Teresa (Brian) Bothell of Mt. Vernon, IA; One son, Thad Bargman of Waukee, IA; Two grandsons, Aaron Bargman and Nick Moore of Dubuque; Two granddaughters, Natasha Moore (Dubuque) and Josie Bothell (Mt. Vernon); Three nephews, Terry Lynch, Danny Jo Connolly, and Bobby Bargman all of Dubuque; Two great grandsons, Mason Birch and Aaron Bargman, Jr. both from Dubuque; Three great granddaughters, Lola and Kyla Bargman, and Aubrey Tigges, all of Dubuque; One stepson, Jeremy (Kim) Larsen and his three children, Jeremy (J.J), Jane, and Jordan of Chandler, AZ; One stepdaughter, Megan Larsen, and her three children Marcel, Angel, and Calypso of Tucson, AZ; and one sister-in-law, Claudette Poellot, of Vaughn, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife, three sisters, Cecelia “Cece” Lynch, Mable Connolly, and Linda Bargman; one grandson, Dakota Moore; one brother-in-law, Dan Connolly; and one sister-in-law, Suzette Poellot.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the EMT, ER, and ICU staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for their amazing care during his final days.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Terry’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Wanda L. Cornelius

Wanda L. Cornelius, 86, of rural Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021, from 3 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

The celebration of life service will be livestreamed on the Salem Lutheran Church You Tube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8lB97_XOTWtvt5acoFxfg.

Wanda Lea Burmahl was born on January 20, 1935 near Spragueville, Iowa, to William J. and Alice M. (Nicolaisen) Burmahl.  She was a 1952 graduate of Maquoketa High School and 1954 graduate of the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls.  She married Gerald “Jerry” Cornelius on June 1, 1958 in Andrew, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Nancy, Charles, and Julie.

Upon graduating from college, Wanda taught Kindergarten at DeWitt for two years and in Maquoketa for two years.  She was co-owner of both Cornelius Seed Corn Co. and Cornelius Land and Cattle farming operation.  She and Jerry lived on the Cornelius Family Heritage Farm.  She was inducted as a Master Farm Homemaker in 1982 and was a past president.

Wanda was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew where she served in many capacities.  Wanda was dedicated to helping youth as a Kindergarten Teacher, Church Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, a 25 year 4-H leader and inductee of the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame as well as a “mom” to many detasselers.  She rarely missed the events of her children and grandchildren.

Wanda was generous with her time, talents, and resources.  A few of the organizations that benefited from her generosity and smile were Maquoketa State Bank Board of Directors, Jackson County Fair Board, Jackson County Historical Society Board, Iowa 4-H Foundation Board, Church Council, ISU Extension Advisory Council, Jackson County Senior Citizen Center Board, 4-H Youth Committee, Andrew Petal Pals Garden Club, Superintendent of Jackson County Fair Open Show, JCRHC Ladies Auxiliary, Jackson County Republican Central Committee. She received numerous awards for her volunteer efforts.

Those left to carry on her legacy are her children, Nancy (Lester) Johnson of Springbrook, IA, Charles “Chuck” (Chris) Cornelius of Bellevue, IA, and Julie (Jay) Jacobi of West Des Moines, IA; 7 grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Kilburg and their children Julian and Madalyn: Tim (Erin) Johnson; Will (Kelly) Cornelius and their children Calahan and Mara; James (Janie) Cornelius and their children Logan, Anna and Zoey; Dan Jacobi, Ally (Sam) Gerrard, and Luke Jacobi.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jerry on December 14, 1995.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson County Historical Society, or to the Jackson County Extension “Together We Build” Project.

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

Ronald D. Stender

Ronald D. “Ron” Stender, 75, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 A.M., Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

Ronald Dale Stender was born on February 9, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa, to Carlyle and Nellie (Hardin) Stender.  He was a 1964 graduate of Midland High School.  He married Kathleen Marie Widel on April 9, 1966 in Monmouth, Iowa.  People said they were too young and it wouldn’t work, but it did for 54 wonderful years.  Three children were born to this union, Steven, John and Dianna.

Ron was a lifelong farmer and had worked in feed industry first at Mitchell-Maskrey in Maquoketa for over 20 years and later as a salesman for Davison Feeds. He then became a school bus driver for the Midland Community School District from 1990 until retiring in 2018.

Ron was a member of the Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church, Jackson County Horse and Harness Association, and had served as a longtime 4-H leader for the Monmouth CO-ED.  He was a lover of horses and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Steve (Kathy) Stender of Washington, IA, John (Jennifer) Stender of Baldwin, IA, and Dianna (Jeremy) Dunlavey of Ankeny, IA; 8 grandchildren, Ty (and fiance Kayleigh Koch), Derek and Curtis Stender, Sydney (and fiance Bailey Hadacek) and Lane Stender, Makenna, Emma and Michael Dunlavey; a sister, Karen Watters of Baldwin, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy on July 11, 2020, parents, and brother-in-law Barry Watters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald D. “Ron” Stender memorial fund has been established.

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

Sr. Guadalupe Soria, OP

Sister Guadalupe Soria, OP, died June 14, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis.

She was born Mary Socorro Sept. 22, 1925, to Gilbert and Guadalupe (Alvarado) Soria in Hysham, Mont. She was the oldest of 10 daughters.

She is survived by sisters, Anita Florez, Gloria Soto, and Sister Rosalinda Soria, OP; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican community.

Sister Guadalupe began her missionary journeys in 1956. Her welcoming spirit and capable healing hands were shared in Iowa; Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia; in Montana; Texas; and Wisconsin. This wise and holy woman brought faith, joy and life, whether she was opening a medical clinic, leading prayer circles or delivering babies.

Services will be held at Sinsinawa June 18-19. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Sister Guadalupe blessed all. Go now, delight in God’s blessings.