Obituaries Archive

Rita H. Beck

Rita H. Beck, 94, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2021, with family by her side at Sunset Park Place.

Services will be held at 11:30 am, Monday, August 16th, at Resurrection Church in Dubuque, with Rev. Msgr. Daniel Knepper officiating. Funeral services will be livestreamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9-11:30am at the Church of the Resurrection. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Rita was born on May 8, 1927, the daughter of John and Margaret (Hemmer) Dehner, in Cascade, Iowa.  She was raised, along with seven other siblings, working odd jobs and helping other families care for their children.  She eventually moved to Dubuque where she worked at Dubuque Packing Co. until finally staying home to raise her four children.  Eventually, after the children married, she went back to work cleaning for a few families around town.

Rita’s favorite color was hot pink, and she lived her life as vibrantly.  In her younger years she would dance to the big bands at Melody Mill and Center Grove.  At one of these dances she proclaimed, “I’m going to find a blue-eyed sailor to marry.” And that she did, when Joseph W. Beck and Rita married on May 15^th, 1946, at the Church of the Nativity. They were united in a double marriage ceremony with Rita’s sister, Vi and Robert Frasher Sr. Rita and Joseph enjoyed 68 years together before his passing in 2014.

Rita was meticulous in cleaning and took great pride in her home.  Her carpets were always fluffy and her kitchen tiles gleamed like mirrors.  She could sew, crochet, and darn just about anything.  Rita also knew how to enjoy herself and share a good laugh. On special occasions she’d ask for a highball to sip with company and was known to polish off a beer or two while making dinner.  Rita was a fierce Euchre and Kings Corner player, believing a quarter won was just as sweet as any earned.  Guests could always expect a fresh relish tray with Club crackers and cheese, a warm pan of brownies or plate of cookies.  Her pumpkin pies were blue-ribbon, and Rita was often tasked with this most important of responsibilities at Thanksgiving.

Rita restored her faith during Catholic Mass on Sunday, and with Lawrence Welk, on Saturday evenings.  She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and friend to all.  Rita was a woman of great strength, resourcefulness, and experience.  She was loved, gave love, and will be missed greatly.

She is survived by four children, William (Deborah) Beck of Kanata, Ontario, Joyce (Jerry) Schissel of Dubuque, Kenneth (Debra) Beck of Asbury, and Kevin (Stacey Weber) Beck of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren, Geoffrey Beck, Adam (Nola Palmer) Beck, Ashley (Eric) Dickson, Shawna (Mike) Poppen, Toby (Laura) Schissel, Luke (Jayni) Schissel, Robert Beck, and Jonathan (Elizabeth) Beck, Austin “A.J.” and Riley Beck; 10 great-grandchildren, Isabella and Abbigail Beck, Blake and Ivy Dickson, Ella and Ava Poppen, Will and Olivia Schissel, Neva and Truman Schissel, and Alexander Beck; sister, Margaret Ann Ernzen; brother-in-law, Les Schilling; sister-in-law, Bernadine Dehner; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rita was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn Beck; brothers, George and Edward Dehner; and sisters, Irene Till, Mary Knepper, Dorothy Cool, and Viola Frasher.

In lieu of flowers a Rita Beck Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would especially like to thank Rita’s dear friends Marlene Burgmeier, Therese Haas, and her special niece, Marge Gassmann, for the many years of laughs and special times together.  A special thanks to the residents and staff of Luther Manor Apartments and Sunset Park Place, as well as Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional kindness and care.

Joseph J. Curtis

Joseph J. “Joe” Curtis, 51, of Huxley, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at his home.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Joe’s life will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Monday, August 16, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private service and burial will be held at Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Joseph James Curtis was born May 9, 1970 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to James Clement and Jacqueline Joyce (Nugent) Fuller Curtis.  He was a 1988 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School where he participated in Football and Wrestling.

“Joe” had worked at Fareway Stores in Maquoketa while in high school and that continued for many years after high school as he moved with the meat department to various cities throughout Iowa.  From March of 2001 until present he had owned and operated his own business in Huxley called Joe’s Snacks.

“Joe” was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings.  He enjoyed fishing, 4 wheeling, and sprint cars.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Tom Fuller of Maquoketa, IA, David (Mary Jo) Fuller of Monmouth, IA, Larry Fuller of Maquoketa, IA, Jim (Lori) Fuller of Rochester, IA, and Jodi (Tim) Cottle of Maquoketa, IA; 9 nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents James Curtis and Jacqueline Fuller.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Joseph J. “Joe” Curtis memorial fund has been established.

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

Lynn E. Kerker

Lynn E. Kerker, age 97, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubquue, IL, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2021, surrounded by her family.  She was born in Millboro, South Dakota to Guy and Alice (Dick) Clover. Her family moved to Council Bluffs when she was a baby. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She married her first love, Earl J. Kerker, in Hiawatha, Kansas on November 23, 1946. Their first date was the day before he left for the Army, and they wrote letters for three years during the war.

Her first job was with Guarantee Mutual Life Co. in Omaha, where she was studying to be a Life Office Management Associate.

Lynn was a member of St. Luke’s UMC, and she and Earl were very active members.  Through the years she was involved in the Women’s Society, where she held every office, and served as an officer in the Dubuque District UMW. Wonderful Wednesday and Fabulous Friday were two of the events she participated in regularly, but she also served on many other committees. She taught Sunday school for 20 years.

Lynn’s life was dedicated to serving others. She volunteered on the Board of the Jo Daviess Red Cross for years. She served the children at St. Mark Community Center, and was on the first governing board of St. Mark Community Center. Hospice of Dubuque was very close to her heart; she started volunteering there from its inception and continued well into her 80’s. She received the Iowa Volunteer of the Year Award from Governor Branstad in April of 1993 for her work with Hospice. The Finley Hospital Auxiliary kept her busy until she was 95, when an injury caused her to retire from that. She was an active member of PEO Chapter KI where she served many offices.

She was employed as a Medical Record Librarian at the West Union Hospital for five years, worked at Xavier Hospital for a short time when she first moved to Dubuque, and was Medical Record Librarian at Finley Hospital for 10 years.

Family was the most important thing in her life.  She and Earl retired early, and they were able to travel extensively. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was happiest when she was surrounded by family. She loved playing games, which we did at every family gathering. She and Earl were avid Bridge players, and she was lucky enough to find a foursome to play Bridge at Sunset Park Place.

Lynn always had an infectious smile on her face, and made people feel good about themselves.  She will be sorely missed by all of the lives she touched.

Lynn was preceded in death by her husband Earl, and an infant daughter.

She is survived by her daughters Sue (Gordon) Landrum, Janet (Jim) Hlavacek, Carol (Steve) Larrabee; grandchildren, Steve, Lisa, Ethan, Lynn, J., Jenna, Frank and Charlie; and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Allison, Jack, Ellery, Ward and Aidan, as well as her nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation on Friday, August 13, from 4-7 p.m. at St. Luke’s UMC in Dubuque, and after 10 on Saturday, August 14, at St. Luke’s followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke’s UMC, or Hospice of Dubuque.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

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

William J. Smith

William “Bill” J. Smith, age 89, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Luther Manor Nursing Home in Dubuque. According to Bill’s wishes his body was donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Burial of his cremated remains will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Bill was born on March 17, 1932, in Dubuque County, the son of William and Mary (Knockel) Smith.  He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He was an over the road truck driver for many years and a long-time member of the Teamsters Union.

Bill is survived by his first wife, Norma Jean Winter-Smith, his children, David (Jayne) Smith, Mary (Joe) Schminkey, Julie (Mike Lang) Smith, Kathy (Brad) Talkington and Michael (Sara Krantz) Smith; grandchildren William, Barbara, Melissa, Raechel, Lydia, Noah, Cody, Shawn, David, Brent, Emily and James; great grandchildren Lily, Eleanor, Autumn, Athena and Azaria. Brother, Norbert (Betty) Smith. Sister, Neoma Meyer. And many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by life partner, Betty McGinnis, his second wife, Kathy Smith, and his parents and brother, Clarence Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be mailed to David Smith, 1041 Maize Ave., Boone, IA 50036.

Joyce M. Smith

Joyce Marie Smith, 88, of Dubuque, reunited with her parents, Cyril and Veryl Teeple, and sisters, Pat, Berta, Jean and Joan and her loving husband of sixty-four years, Fred Smith on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

Visitation will be Friday, August 13, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joyce will be Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Jim Goerend as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Linwood 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.

Joyce Marie (Teeple) Smith, the third of five daughters, was born on April 10, 1933 in Waterloo, Iowa. She grew up in Waterloo and attended church and school at Sacred Heart, worked in a physician’s office and eventually met and married her partner in life. She followed and supported her husband during his teaching career and moved to Tripoli, Iowa. Here they welcomed their son, Kevin, making the family her world. Fred’s teaching opportunities brought them to Dubuque in 1966 where he eventually became the principal of Audubon, Eisenhower and Marshall Elementary Schools.

Kathleen C. Kruse

Kathleen C. “Kay” (Hohmann) Kruse, age 95, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 8:45 p.m., on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center with her family by her side.  To celebrate Kay’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 6:30 p.m.  To honor Kay’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, August 16, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL, with Rev. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Kay was born on February 3, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Anthony and Cecilia (Krug) Hohmann.

Kay was a proud life long Dubuquer who graduated from Sacred Heart.  She was united in marriage to Edward Kruse on April 21, 1948, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They would be blessed with 53 years together and 5 wonderful children before Edward sadly passed away on June 22, 2001.  Kay was a dedicated wife, mom and homemaker who took great pride in her role.  She was also very active with her community, volunteering to serve hot lunch at St. Mary’s School, and joining many organizations.  Kay was a member of St. Mary’s Church and their Rosary Society, the Legion of Mary Auxiliary, the Over 60 Club, V.F.W. 7976 Auxiliary, the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary 508, the Mended Hearts Club, S.H.H.H. Club, U.A.W. Retirees Club, the Democratic Party, Family Auxiliary 344 U.A.W., Dubuque Craft League and the National and Iowa Council Senior Citizens.  She was a loyal supporter of Camp Courageous.  Kay was always on the go and helping to make the world a better place while spending time with her friends.  When she wasn’t busy volunteering Kay enjoyed helping make wooden toys in the workshop with Ed and Kevin, setting up their stand at farmer’s market and working in her garden.  She also enjoyed reading a good book, doing puzzles and feeding the birds.  We are truly grateful for the 95 years that Kay has graced this Earth helping others.  We will miss her dearly, but know that she is now resting peacefully and is reunited with all of her loved ones who have gone home before her.

Those left to cherish Kay’s memory include

her children,
Kathy (Tom) O’Neill, Asbury, IA,
Gerard “Gary”  “Doc” Kruse, Dubuque, IA,
Mary (Merlyn) Osterhaus, Independence, IA,
Cynthia Kruse, Chandler, AZ
and Kevin (Cindy) Kruse, Dubuque, IA;

her 15 grandchildren;

her 28 great-grandchildren;

her 2 great-great-grandchildren with one more expected in September;

and her sister,
Carol Williamson, Delwood, IA.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward Kruse; a great-grandson, Judson Osterhaus; and 5 siblings.

We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our brother Gary who lovingly cared for Mom since Dad’s passing.  Also a special thanks to Dr. Moran, Dr. Whalen and the staff of Tri-State Dialysis for all of their outstanding care of Kay these past years.

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

Don R. Helms

Don Ray Helms, 82, of Bellevue passed away peacefully after a short illness on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Don’s life will be with a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 16, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  A visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 15, also at the funeral home.

Don was born to Kenneth Lee and Mildred Lenora (Thomas) Helms on December 17, 1938 in Warrick County, Indiana.  He was named after Don Ameche, a popular movie star in the 1930’s.  He grew up in Paradise, Indiana and graduated from Newburgh High School in 1956.  Don earned his Bachelors of Science in Wildlife from Purdue University in 1961 and his Masters of Science in Fisheries from Southern Illinois University in 1964.  Don married Bonnie Tichenor on September 10, 1961.  They moved to Swisher, Iowa in 1964.  In 1966, they moved to Bellevue, where they raised four children.

Don worked for the Iowa Conservation Commission (now the DNR) 1964-1977 as a fisheries research biologist.  For 10 years, he was Iowa’s only fisheries biologist assigned to the Mississippi River.  After leaving this position, he was employed as a consultant for a Colorado firm (Ecology Consultants, Inc. which later became ERT/Environmental Research & Technology).  He managed their Mississippi River field office in Bellevue.  He was also Project Manager for the monitoring of Commonwealth Edison’s 16-megawatt nuclear power station near Cordova, IL to determine its effects on the Mississippi River.

In 1986 he started his own consulting business, Helms & Associates.  He conducted numerous surveys and assessments for the presence of threatened and endangered species with a specialty in freshwater mussels.  Don is well-known in the mussel community and highly regarded for his expertise.

In addition, Don enjoyed trapping turtles, digging ginseng, fur trapping, and other miscellaneous outdoor activities.  He was an avid gardener with three large gardens.  He grew corn, beans, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and more.  He also had a vineyard and several types of fruit trees.  What he did not eat or give away, he and the family would can and freeze for winter or off season use.  Don was also the family historian.  He spent many hours researching and documenting the family genealogy including visiting gravesites across the Midwest.  He has records for over 15,000 individuals.  Before her death in 2018, Don’s life was devoted to “his Bonnie”.  Even after her death, he shared a special bond with her and would keep fresh flowers from his garden and yard on her grave.

Don is survived by his four children, Scott Helms (Reena Winkowski), of Bellevue; Jane (Walter) Wickham, of Maquoketa; Lisa Dague, of Urbandale, Iowa; and Susan (Daryl) Hankemeier, of Bellevue; 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  One brother, Kenneth (Judy) Helms of Sharpsville, Indiana.  Don was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, and his parents.

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

Noah H. Riniker

Noah Henry Riniker, 41, of Sterling, IL, formerly of Galena, IL, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, succumbing to his life-long foe, pneumonia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church at Menominee, IL, with Fr. Dennis Vargas and Fr. David Flanagan concelebrating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at Nativity BVM Church on Tuesday. For his many friends at his second home, a Celebration of Life observance will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 1 – 3 p.m. at DD Homes Training Center, 206 Dixon Ave., Suite 4, Rock Falls, IL 61071. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home GROUP face book page.

Noah was born June 18, 1980, Dubuque, Iowa to Lewis and Theresa (Donar) Riniker of Galena, the youngest of 10 children.  He attended schools in the Dubuque Community School District and the Illinois School for the Deaf, Jacksonville.  He worked at the Jo Daviess Workshop during summers and was employed at Self Help, Sterling from age 19 until COVID restrictions 2020-2021.  His residences included Hills and Dales in Dubuque and Willow and Woodburn Court, Sterling.

Noah loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews, NASCAR, televised baseball games, and defying his profound deafness, very loud music that made the walls and the windows shake.

Surviving are his parents, Lewis and Theresa of Benton, WI, formerly of Galena, IL; his siblings Jacob (Crystal) of Hazel Green, WI, Peter (Tamyra) of Volo, IL; Matthew (Nory) of Lockport, IL, Andrew (Victoria) of Creston, IA, Reuben of Webster City, IA, Benjamin (Emily) of East Dubuque, Samuel (Sarah) of East Dubuque and Elizabeth “Liz” (Benjamin) Leahy of Valparaiso, IN; his nieces and nephews Chloe, Clarice, Louis, Jack, Emma, Amelia, Gabriel, Johan, Mya, Logan, Asher, Magdalene, Catherine, Sadie, Sophia, and Sybil Riniker and Juniper Leahy; the residents and staff at Woodburn Court and Willows; 10 foreign exchange students, Franklin Gracia Briceno, Schneider Solano Mora, Ed Ugalde Nunez and Nelson Duarte, all of Costa Rica, Kent Carson of Canada, Jouni Eho of Finland, Josip Glaurdic of Croatia, Ricardo Innechi Amarel of Brazil, Ignacio Sabilla of Argentina,and Rinko Sakuma of London, United Kingdom, formerly of Japan; and special friends David Flynn of Ireland and Mark Rice of Alton, IL

He was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca (1972), grandparents Jacob and Bernice Riniker and Leo and Mary Donar, and aunts and uncles.

The family deeply appreciates the excellent care he received during his multiple hospitalizations at CGH.  Thank you to the doctors and staff at the hospital and clinics he visited often.

Memorials may be sent to Kiwanis Children’s Fund, Lions Club International or the University of Iowa-Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City.

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

Robert J. Frommelt

Robert Joseph Frommelt passed away on August 6, 2021 with his loving family by his side.  Bob is survived by wife Barbara Ann (Cassidy) Frommelt, siblings Kathi Selle (Mike Selle) and David Frommelt (Kay Frommelt), daughters Martha Frommelt (David Feldshuh), Carol Frommelt, Gayle Frommelt (Seth Temin), Connie (Frommelt) Ciesielski (Dan Ciesielski) and grandchildren Adam Felderman, Cory Felderman, Jessica Errthum, Sara Davis, Bobby Minkewicz, Kate Minkewicz, Emily Ciesielski, Anna Ciesielski, Noah Feldshuh, Zach Feldshuh, Hannah Feldshuh and six great-grandchildren.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa on August 1, 1934, Bob was a wonderful and generous man who loved his family unconditionally, worked hard all his life and, until his last moments, asked first about his wife’s well- being before his own and was always ready to hold her hand.  Bob was married for 66 years to Barb.  Theirs was a romance that started at age 14 when Bob offered Barb a stick of gum.  Seven years later, Bob and Barb married and started a family. Bob was the most gentle and loving dad, known for his skill in putting babies to sleep on his broad chest. Bob taught his daughters the importance of work, community service, and that family comes first.

In his school days, Bob became known as “The Bear”, an All American football player for the Loras College Duhawks, and the most decorated lineman in the school’s history.  He continued to love football as a fan, cheering on the Chicago Bears, no matter what, win or lose.

In his professional life, Bob worked hard, without the need for personal accolades.  Bob started at the family business, Frommelt Industries in Dubuque, Iowa, as a teen, putting up tents and awnings.  He progressed to executive CEO, and his original contributions earned a number of patents issued in his name.

After work Bob was known to bring home three briefcases so often that his family moved his desk into the family room to make sure that he would work in the mix of things.

Bob was a generous, insightful, and practical leader of Frommelt Industries.  He learned the business from the ground up and was respected for his knowledge and his integrity, as well as his popcorn, made for the office on Fridays.  Bob’s favorite phrase was “Ask for the Order.”

In his community, Bob was a trustee of his church for almost twenty years, and the founding president of the Thunder Hills Country Club.  In the 1970s, Thunder Hills was only the second Planned United Development (PUD) in the State of Iowa.  Bob served on many boards and committees to help grow these communities.   Living in Thunder Hills enabled many happy times with his family, teaching everyone golf and hosting holidays with his beloved wife, Barb, at their home.

In 2004, Bob and Barb retired and began a wonderful chapter in Rio Verde, Arizona.  Later moving to Scottsdale, Bob and Barb continued to enjoy the sunshine, returning to the Midwest each summer.

A memorial page is established at https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/RobertFrommelt .   Notes of condolences and memories can be shared there.  A private memorial Mass will be held in Iowa.  Memorial gifts can be sent to https://alumni.loras.edu/FrommeltScholarship or mailed to Loras College, memo line Robert J. Frommelt Scholarship, Attn: Development Office, 1450 Alta Vista St., Dubuque, IA 52001 or a charity of your choice.  Or Bob would want you to spend time with those you love.

Geraldine A. O’Connor

Geraldine A. “Geri” (Holmgren) O’Connor, 88, of East Dubuque, IL, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. Interment will be at 12:00 (Noon) on Thursday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group facebook page.

Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Geri was born on January 10, 1933 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Mary (Barrett) Holmgren.  On May 9, 1959 she was united in marriage to Lawrence E. O’Connor at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Chicago.  Larry preceded her in death on January 16, 2010.

Geri was employed as a Secretary at Temperature Controls Company. She and Larry moved to East Dubuque in 1997. Geri was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society.

Surviving are her beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mary, her brothers, Fr. Raymond Holmgren and John “Jack” Holmgren and his wife, Patricia Holmgren, and “numerous four-legged furry friends”.

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

Cheryl A. Gaul

Donita M. Weeber Jaeger

Donita M. Weeber Jaeger, 89, of Peoria, Illinois, formerly of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 5, 2021.  Private funeral services will be held.

Donita was born April 9, 1932 in Asbury, Iowa, daughter of Harold and Martha (Dietz) Koster.

She married James E. Jaeger on February 22, 1997 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  He preceded her in death on August 24, 2001.

Donita worked as a receptionist for many years; first for Dr. Robert Meyer for 13 years, then Medical Associates for 15 years.

She was a past mentor at Lincoln Elementary School and volunteer at Finley Hospital.

She loved her family dearly.  Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought great joy into her life.

She is survived by a son, Michael (Jackie) Weeber of Dubuque; daughter, Pamela (Paul) Trimble of Peoria, IL; nine grandchildren, Kate Kruse, Molly Weeber, Jodi Weeber, Jacob (fiancé Stacey) Weeber, Josh Weeber, Nathan (Cathy) Trimble, Nicki (Chris) Collins, Zack Trimble and Katelyn Trimble; great grandchildren, Nathanial Kruse;  Anna, Madeline, Lexi, Ava, and Brooks Weeber; and Ciara Timble, Camryn Collins, Cydney Collins and Rohman Timble;  brother in law, Robert Murphy and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her twin brother and his wife, Donald and Joyce Koster and sister, Shirlene “Toots” Murphy.

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

Online condolences may be left at egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Barbara A. Block

Barbara Ann Block, 75, of East Dubuque, IL died August 4, 2021.  Visitation will be at the Mystique Community Ice Center Saturday, August 14 from 2 to 4 pm followed by sharing of memories at 4 pm.  A committal service will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday, August 16 at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Barbara was born March 18, 1946 in Dubuque, daughter of Harold “Hal” and Elsie (McNamer) Block.

She started work at Frommelt Industries which later became Rite-Hite Corp, and worked there for over 40 years until her retirement.

Barbara had two passions in her life; her dogs and Hockey.

Her dogs meant the world to her and as she would say, they taught her about unconditional love.

She was an avid supporter of local hockey and the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Barb also had a heart of gold and would try to help anyone who was in need or pain.

Barb is survived by her brother, Bob (Pat) Block of Summerville, SC; and two cousins, Deborah Block of Dubuque and Toni Hurley of Bellevue, Iowa.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

A Barbara Block Memorial Fund has been established.

Gary L. Germain

Gary L. Germain, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 8, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gary’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., at the Linwood Mueller Memorial Chapel, 2736 Windsor Avenue in Dubuque.  A prayer service for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m., with Father Herbert Pins officiating.  Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on January 4, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Maurice “Maury” and Betty (Knapp) Germain.  He grew up surrounded by friends and family and spent his entire life embracing and adoring every opportunity to share his days with them.  Gary eventually turned his passion of restoring painting and antiques into his own business, Germain Fine Arts and Associates, and thoroughly treasured the opportunity to make a living out of doing what he enjoyed most. When the workday was done, Gary’s 2nd love in life was anything on or near the water.  Fishing, boating, and water skiing were always an acceptable way to spend a little free time in Gary’s eyes, and he had even spent a few years sharing his talents with the Tommy Bartlett Show in the Wisconsin Dells during some of his earlier years.  Gary also thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity he could spend a little time with his grandsons as well.  Whether it was with fishing poles in hand, or shooting hoops on the basketball court, if the boys were by his side, all was well.  Any day that Gary could spend a little time with family, at work, and be blessed enough to discover a little free-time on the river, was all that he could ever ask for.  We are truly broken-hearted today at the mere thought that we have shared our last conversation with our dear Gary.  His love for life, and the memories which he leaves behind, are surely an inspiration to all who knew and loved him and will hopefully help to heal the pain of his absence from our daily lives.  We thank you, Gary, for simply being the best man that you could be and will never forget the sight of your smile.  May the Lord grant you the peace you’ve been seeking and hold you securely in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his son,
Chris (Nancy) Germain, Buffalo, IA;

his grandson,
Michael Germain, Buffalo, IA;

his siblings,
Nancy (Jym Lyons) Germain, Dubuque, IA,
and Dennis “Denny” (Linda) Germain, Granada Hills, CA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice “Maury” and Betty (Knapp) Germain; and his grandson, Nicholas Germain.

Gary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Gary, and his family.

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

Dr. Robert McGrath Miller

Dr. Robert “Bob” McGrath Miller, passed away on August 8 at home surrounded by family.

Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, August 11 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury, Iowa. Services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 12 at Lord of Life where visitation will also be held from 9:00 to 9:45 am. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery.  Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, masks will be required at the visitation and funeral service. The service will be livestreamed by Lord of Life, the information is as follows Zoom:https://bit.ly/2PvSCQJ Meeting ID: 563 582 7371 Passcode: Luther or Phone in at: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 563 582 7371 Passcode: 456037.

Bob was born on November 16, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Arthur J. and Annetta (McGrath) Miller, Sr.. Except for a few early years at Lattnerville and Graf, IA and graduate school years, Bob lived his entire life in Dubuque. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1960 and the University of Dubuque in 1964. He later earned an M.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Botany, both at the University of Iowa. Bob met the love of his life, Janice Butler Downey, in 1968, and they were married on July 27, 1969, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.

Bob began his college teaching career at the University of Dubuque in 1966, and he was on the faculty there until 2004. He retired as Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. Highlights of his teaching career were teaching field courses and the development of the Environmental Science major at Dubuque, along with fond memories of the many students and advisees that he served over his 38 years of teaching at the University.

As a devoted member at St. Matthew, Bob served in many roles, including congregational chairman. He and Janice especially enjoyed seeing their son and daughter baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew. In later years, he and Janice joined the church family at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

Bob was a lifetime fan of the Dodgers and Packers, and enjoyed attending Hawkeye football games with family and friends. He had a true love for the farm at Lattnerville that was in his family from 1853 to 2013, and was very happy to see it become a county park and wildlife area. Bob kept a parcel on Girl Scout Road, where he had a log cabin built that provided years of quiet enjoyment for him. Somewhat late in life, Bob developed a love for the Mississippi River, taking family and friends out on his pontoon boat. Notable was Bob’s role as organizer for a very close group of buddies who “hung out” since attending school together, most of whom were members of the ‘Hempstead Hillbillies’.

Janice and Bob enjoyed going out with friends and family, traveling, reading, dancing, and playing cards. High points were the times spent with children and grand-children, sharing their activities, in school and afterwards. Holiday traditions were particularly meaningful, including July 4th and Christmas brunch at the Butler home on Derby Grange Road.

Bob served for years as a board member of the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation Board, assisting with many projects in the county, particularly Heritage Trail which passes by the Miller-McGrath farm. He also served on the Dubuque Civil Service Commission and on the board of the Mississippi River Research Consortium.

Surviving Bob are his wife, Janice Miller, son Todd Miller and daughter Lisa Miller Hopkins and granddaughters Alyssa Hopkins, Sydney Miller, and Emma Miller.

He is also survived by two siblings, Charles (Marie) Miller, Nettie (John) Combs, in-laws Burton (Ellen) Butler, Dean Butler, Richard Anderson, Laurie Anderson, Sally (Koehler) Miller, as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grand-parents, parents, sisters in-law Jeanette Anderson, Patti Butler, and brother Arthur J. Miller Jr.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at Egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Friends of the Dubuque County Conservation Board, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, or Hospice of Dubuque.