Obituaries Archive

Clarence Kennicker

Clarence Kennicker, 86, of Holy Cross, died Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, August 6, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Clarence will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville with Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. 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.

Clarence was born September 14, 1934, in North Buena Vista, IA, the son of Alfred and Bernadette Riniker Kennicker. On July 25, 1970, he married Florence Selena Leick at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Korea after the conflict.

He worked on the Kennicker Family Farm and for John Deere Dubuque Works as a Department Supervisor where he retired from in 1986.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville. His hobbies included working on his farm, cutting wood, checking the neighborhood fences with his Mule SxS, and fishing with his brothers and nephews. Most of all, he cherished time with his family. His friends and family knew him by his nickname, “Cheese”, and “Grandpa Cheese” by his youngest granddaughter.

Survivors include his wife, Florence; one son, Jeff Kennicker of West Des Moines; one daughter-in-law, Darlene “Dar” (Clay) Bolsinger; three grandchildren, Keisha (Kevin) Mueller of Dubuque, Nathaniel (Fiancé Baylee Hoerner) Kennicker of Holy Cross, and Jaida Bolsinger of Rickardsville; two brothers, Gerald (Karen) Kennicker of Guttenberg, IA, and LeRoy (Dorothy) Kennicker of Holy Cross, IA; one sister, Mary (Melvin) Barth of Durango, IA; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Crews and Eileen Merfeld, both of Dubuque, Ruth Leick of Luxemburg, IA, and Betty Leick of Epworth, IA; one brother-in-law, Arnie (Vicky) Leick of Des Moines, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Kennicker, his parents, five brothers, Edward, Raymond, Lawrence, Leon, and Frank Kennicker, three sisters, Stella Bertjens, Marita Etter, and Teresa Hefel, eight sisters-in-law, Eunice, Irma, and Kathryn Kennicker, Marina Hess, Rosemary Tharp, Irma Schrobilgen, Lucille Stoffel, and Dorothy Ellerbach, ten brothers-in-law, Joseph Bertjens, Samuel Etter, and Robert Hefel, Merlin and Leonard Leick, Irvin Stoffel, Jack Hess, Richard Tharp, Ernie Ellerbach, and Melvin Schrobilgen.

The family wishes to thank Finley HomeCare, especially Traci Sweeney, for her special care of Clarence.

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 Clarence’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

William R. Hottenstein

William R. “Bill” Hottenstein, age 66, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 6, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.  To honor Bill’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021, from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m., at the Blackhawk Pavilion in the Galena Recreation Park, 1721 Field Street in Galena, IL.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on December 27, 1954, in Galena, Illinois, a son to Henry and Evelyn (Reyner) Hottenstein.  Bill was raised to value the efforts it would take to live a fruitful and productive life.  He was a proud graduate of the Galena High School, Class of ‘74, and was as determined on the wrestling mat as he would be throughout the rest of his life.  His strong work ethic was undeniable as Bill was only late one time in his career with Eagle Window & Door, and that was only due to a mechanical failure on his Harley.  Bill loved his numerous dogs, fishing, hunting, camping, and simply enjoyed the fellowship with family and friends over a good steak whenever possible.  He was an honest and generous man who could easily relax with a little Rock-n-Roll playing in the background, as well as he could if the 3 Stooges, or Looney Tunes were on the tube.  Sadly, the Bears and Cubs have lost one of their biggest fans, but we trust that he’ll be cheering them on from the best seats in the house now.  Although Bill did not have children of his own, he is remembered fondly as the “cool” uncle who always made time for his nieces and nephews.  We will miss Bill from the bottom of our hearts and can only hope that the abundance of wonderful memories he leaves behind will bring us some comfort until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his brothers,
Thomas (Ina) Hottenstein, Davenport, IA,
and Richard (Beth) Hottenstein, Miles, IA;

his nieces and nephews,
Troy Hottenstein, Grants Pass, OR,
Lori Hottenstein, East Dubuque, IL,
Jeanne (Jerry) Theisen, Dubuque, IA,
Harlan (Liz) Hottenstein, Wilson, WY,
Andy Hottenstein, Dubuque, IA,
Brian Hottenstein,
Jennifer (Kurt) Kritz, Peosta, IA,
and Jodi Gonyou, San Antonio, TX;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Henry F. Hottenstein, Jr., and Robert W. Hottenstein, in infancy.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at ManorCare for all of their professional and compassionate care. Also, special mention to his daytime nurses, Rosa and LuAnn, for treating him as both friend and family.

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

Roger T. Johnson

Mavis Merfeld

Mavis “Mazie” Merfeld, 83, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Trinity Hospital, Rock Island, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday at the Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Mazie was born on January 18, 1938 near Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Vincent and Genevieve (McKillip) Chadwick.  She was a graduate of Southwestern High School in Hazel Green. On September 6, 1958 she was united in marriage to Orland M. Merfeld, Sr.  He preceded her in death on May 2, 2013.

Mazie was a well-known community seamstress. “She touched a lot of inseams in her life”. Mazie enjoyed going to the Casinos and her morning coffee with the guys at R’s Place.

Surviving are four children, David (Joyce) Merfeld, Marcie (Steve) High, Orland Merfeld, Jr., all of East Dubuque, and Donald (Joni) Merfeld of Dubuque, IA; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and a sister, Mary Legler of East Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Genevieve; her husband Orland Merfeld, Sr; a daughter, Mary Jo Dalen, a son-in-law, Mark Dalen, a great-granddaughter, Madelyn Mae Schauer and a brother, Loren (Peg) Chadwick.

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

Lorena Pfeiler

Lorena “Mickey” Pfeiler, 95, of Dubuque died Saturday, July 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 4 pm Friday at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, followed by Burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The 7:00 wake service and the 4:00 Funeral Mass will be live streamed on Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Mickey was born March 10, 1926, in Atchison, Kansas, daughter of Walter and Margie (Coffman) Logan.

She graduated from Davenport High School in 1945.  On January 7, 1947, she married Donald J. Pfeiler.  He preceded her in death on October 5, 2010

Mickey converted to Catholicism when she met her future husband, Don. She became a devoted member of Holy Trinity Church (Holy Spirit Parish) where she attended daily mass, sang in the church choir, and funeral choir. She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and was also a song leader, lector, and Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of The Secular Franciscans as well as Tops, the weight loss organization. She was also very active in her children’s activities.

Throughout her life she enjoyed ceramics, croquet, bowling, playing cards, dancing, singing, baking, cooking, and rescuing stray and injured animals.

Being of service to friends and neighbors and always willing to help was important to Mickey.  At Bethany Home she enjoyed leading the Rosary at the daily prayer meeting and checking on the new residents to make sure they felt at home.

She is survived by five children, Richard (Debbie) Pfeiler of Kansas City, MO, Donna Lou Pfeiler of Dubuque, IA, Dale (Iran) Pfeiler of Waikanae, New Zealand, Mark (Veronica) Pfeiler of Los Angeles, CA, and John (Mary) Pfeiler of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren; Russel, Sara, and Lily Fry of Kansas City, MO, Rosette (Kurt) Godel of Dubuque, IA, Joshua, Jordyn and Coady Pfeiler of New Zealand, Emily, Sarah and Evan Pfeiler of NE. Great grandchildren; Gracie, Sammy, Jacob and Hannah Godel of Dubuque, IA, Jaden and Adrian Fry of Kansas City, MO, and Aquila, Abdu, and Sammy Fry.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Jean Logan who died at the age of two, and several half-siblings.

Mickey lived her faith every day and her love poured out to all she met. She loved without condition, and she exuded warmth, tenderness, and compassion. Her endearing character was felt by all, including Donald’s siblings who she considered her own family. She loved to laugh, and made others laugh. She loved her coffee hot. Not your average person’s version of hot, but a hot that would put blisters on your lips. She dealt with adversity with a steadfast faith in God. She kept a prayer list and was always praying for others. She will be missed immensely by all who were touched by her unconditional love, kindness, and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Home, Holy Spirit Parish or Hospice of Dubuque.

Special thanks to Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris, Amy, and Suzanne and Dr. Benjamin Kumor.

Robert C. Juergens

Robert C. “Bob” Juergens, age 88, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 1, 2021, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.  To honor Bob’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 27, 2021, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church, 60 S. Algona St. in Dubuque, with Father Jim Goerend officiating.  Family and friends of Bob’s may visit from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

Bob formerly worked as a Night Supervisor at the Dubuque Packing Co. and FDL Foods in Dubuque.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bob include his wife, Karen (Cullen) Juergens; three children, Lynda Bartsch, St. Louis, MO, Lisa (Alvin) Spencer, Pensacola, Fl, and Michael (Debbie) Juergens, Bayton, TX; four stepchildren, Laura (David) Lucy-Ilan, Macon, GA, Eric (Linda) Lucy, Dubuque, Christine Lucy, Wheeling, Il, and Keith (Anette) Lucy, Dubuque; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and nine step-grandchildren; one sister, Elsie (Bob) Bietzel, Dickeyville, WI; and several dear friends, Nick and Linda Lucy, Irene and Don Kaukaskie, and Loretta Lucy.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Laura Juergens; his brother, Jack (Phyllis) Juergens; and sisters, Mary Juergens and Wilma (Jim) Heller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Bob’s name to the Dubuque County Right to Life and Hospice of Dubuque.

Bob’s family would like to thank everyone at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their wonderful care and support that they so sincerely offered to Bob and his family.

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

Thomas L. Russell

Thomas L. Russell, 60, of Dubuque, IA passed away Friday, July 30, 2021, at home.

Private family services will be held at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with burial at Dubuque Memorial Gardens and military honors accorded by Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Thomas was born on June 16, 1961, in Memphis, TN., the son of William E. Russell and Janet L. (Potter) Russell. He was a graduate of Hempstead High School and University of Northern Iowa with a BA degree.

Thomas served in the United States Navy from August 1979 until May 1984, with an honorable discharge.

After serving our country in the US Navy, he worked in communications for a local radio station. His heart then led him in the direction to help others, and soon became a caretaker for friends and family.

Tom was a kind and caring person and had a love for animals, especially his dogs, Clyde and Max. He was always there for anyone who needed a helping hand. He will forever be remembered by his kindness and loving heart.

Tom is survived by his mother, Janet Russell; his brother, Timothy (Lynn) Russell of Monument Beach, MA., three sisters, Kimberly (Scott) Klauer of Dubuque, Brenda (Greg) Fuglsang of Ankeny, IA, and Cheryl (Buck) Jackoniski of Dubuque, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, William E. Russell and both his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Thomas’ family would like to extend a special thank you to the Miller family and the first responders.

Donald A. Culbertson

Donald Alan “Donnie” Culbertson, 69 of Dubuque passed peacefully on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at home.  A private service and a celebration of life for immediate family will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

He was born on June 24, 1952, in Edgewood, IA, the son of Merwin and Dorothy (DeSotel) Culbertson. He worked as a general carpenter for the Fischer Companies for a majority of a his career.

He was an avid music lover, enjoyed cooking, playing golf, and following the Chicago Bears. He also like to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his son Coby (Angie) Culbertson, of Peosta, two grandchild, Caden and Chase Culbertson of Peosta, siblings Sherry Licht of Peosta, and Barry Culbertson of Dubuque and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, grandparents, and siblings, Jerry Culbertson and Michael “Mickey” Culbertson.

In lieu of flowers, please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Alice M. Martin

Alice Marie (Bast) Martin, 92, of Dubuque, passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, August 1, 2021. In celebration of Alice’s life, join her family for coffee and her famous cinnamon rolls from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street in Dubuque.  Memorial services will follow at 10:00 a.m.  Masks and social distancing will be required. The funeral service will be livestreamed on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxZuvDgEkvYIBkVgOt4Q8Q. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com .

Alice Martin was born Alice Marie Bast on September 18, 1928, on a farm 2 miles west of Hudson, Iowa near Cedar Falls. Alice met her husband Ray Martin at Wartburg College in Waverly—they were married in May 1949 and remained devoted to each other and their family for 60 years until Ray’s passing in 2009. Their four children were all born in the 1950’s: Bill (Chris), Barb (Dan), Mary, and Tim (Cindy). Alice has 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Irene Paape and was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Marie Bast, three older brothers: Ewald, Carl and Herman, and her brother-in-law, Edward Paape.

Alice and Ray were world travelers. They went to Canada for his internship, spent time in Waverly at Wartburg College, then Princeton NJ where Ray completed his PhD. In 1957 they, along with infant Mary and toddlers Bill and Barb, sailed to India as Lutheran missionaries at Gurukul Theological Seminary in Madras (now Chennai) for 11 years with a 1963-64 furlough at Harvard in Cambridge MA. Son Tim was born in Madras. In 1969 they returned to Dubuque where Ray was on the faculty of Wartburg Theological Seminary until retirement. Alice completed her Master’s degree at Clarke College and taught in Dubuque parochial and public schools. They were long standing, active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran church.

Ray and Alice both wrote autobiographies that detail the fascinating experiences and challenges they faced together over the years. It is impressive how Alice devoted herself to supporting Ray and the children in a variety of unfamiliar and challenging settings including the mission field, boarding school for the children at Kodai School 300 miles from Madras, and a return to India at remote Benagaria in 1985. There were many other US and international trips both for Ray’s work and their scattered children, including visits to Australia where Bill and Chris lived.

Alice loved life. She was known for her hospitality and winning smile. Her family is grateful to everyone at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care. Alice willed that her body be donated to the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcomed at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and/or Luther Manor, Dubuque, Iowa.

Eldon C. Glick

Eldon Charles Glick of Galena passed away on July 28, three days after his 93rd birthday.

Eldon was born July 25, 1928, to Walter and Edith (Schaber) Glick. He graduated from Galena High School in 1946 and he married Carol (Westemeier) Glick in 1956.  Together they had a daughter, Nancy (Glick) Lewis.

Eldon worked as a masonry superintendent most of his early life and he was a member of the Bricklayers Union #31 for over 50 years.  After his bricklaying years, Eldon became a downtown business owner and eventually becoming the President of the Galena Chamber of Commerce, an officer of the BlackhillsTourism Council, and was elected Vice President of the Illinois Tourism Council. Eldon’s motto was “Remember the Past, Look to the Future”.  Eldon was a member of the Galena City Council and his idea of earmarking 10% of each year’s hotel/motel tax for state tourism promotion became law.  Eldon worked hard for tourism in Galena and took every step necessary to keep Galena in tack to preserve the rich heritage of its priceless architecture.

As a hobby, Eldon became interested in antiques and especially Galena Pottery. He opened an antique store on Main Street in Galena and later one in Woodbine. At one point in time, his store was both the oldest and newest store on Main Street when his daughter and her husband took ownership. Eldon was an active member of the Elks for over 70 years and was a Past District Deputy, Grand Exalted Ruler.

Eldon is survived by his daughter Nancy Lewis and two granddaughters: Natalie Berger and Simina Lewis.  Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, parents and four brothers: Wayne, Marlan, Clifford, and Elsworth.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Dr Christ and family and friends for their wonderful care and support.  A graveside service will be held at a later date.  Tri-State Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.

Michael S. Ball

Michael S. “Mike” “Wally” Ball, age 57, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at his home.  To celebrate Mike’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Friday, August 6, 2021, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street.  To honor Mike’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 10:30 a.m., on Friday at St. Raphael’s Cathedral.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Mike was born on March 15, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Dennis and Judith (Sands) Ball.

Mike graduated from Hempstead High School, Class of 1982.  After school he attended the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California, where he earned his certificate as an accomplished drummer.  Music was always his passion and after school he went on to play for several bands.  When he returned from California Mike was employed at Sears and USA Furniture before going to work with Inventory Trading Company in Peosta for 22 years.  He was currently employed with AIH Chrome for the last 2 years.  When he wasn’t working or pursuing his music career Mike could often be found out on the golf course in pursuit of a hole in one.  He also enjoyed sitting down and taking some time to read a good book.  There was no doubt that Mike was definitely in his element when he was out and about with family and friends, he loved being with people and was always the life of the party.  We are deeply saddened at losing Mike so suddenly and will miss him more than words can say.

Those left to cherish Mike’s memory include

his children,
Abby (Clint) Benson, Dubuque, IA,
Logan Ball, Dubuque, IA
and Alexia Ball, Dubuque, IA;

a granddaughter,
Evalynn Benson, Dubuque, IA;

a grandson,
Camden Ball, Dubuque, IA;

his parents,
Dennis and Judy Ball, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Dennis J. (Sue) Ball, Las Vegas, NV,
Amy (Russ) Rubie, Winona, MN
and Steve Ball, Dubuque, IA;

his nieces and a nephew,
Elizabeth, Zachary and Jordan;

and his former wife,
Beth Ryan.

Mike was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jay and Iyla Ball; his maternal grandparents, Paul and Dorothy Sands; his aunt Janice Kutsch; and his uncle, Gunnar Ant.

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

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

Reinhold J. Nelissen

Reinhold J. Nelissen, 84, of Dubuque, passed away after a long, happy and rewarding life on Friday, July 30, 2021.

Visitation for Reinhold will be from 9:30 am until 10:30 am Saturday, August 7, 2021, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Reinhold will be 10:30 am Saturday, August 7, 2021, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father David Shatz as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. 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.

Reinhold, the sixth child of seven, was born and raised in Germany where he also received his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started work with International Harvester in Germany in 1964.  In 1965, he married Wilma Jansen.  In 1967, he received a scholarship for special studies at Michigan State University and then joined John Deere Dubuque Works to further his education and experience.  In 1973, he and his family transferred to Strasbourg, France and returned to John Deere in Dubuque in 1977.  Reinhold represented the industry to promote product safety and performance standards for acceptance worldwide for over 25 years.  He received numerous awards for his leadership in national and international organizations.  His most rewarding accomplishments, however, were establishing trust, making many lasting friendships all over the world, and getting to know so many different cultures.

Reinhold loved his family.  He spent any free time with his wife, whom he nicknamed, Sella, who was his everything, as well as with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He broadened their horizons by teaching them to appreciate nature, respect the environment, and by exposing them to different cultures around the world.

Reinhold’s hobbies included photography, tennis, flower gardening, playing Skat, canoeing, hiking, and traveling the world. He was a dedicated husband, loyal friend, had a razor sharp sense of humor, and loved his family fiercely.

Surviving Reinhold is his wife, Wilma, of 56 years; his daughter, Alexandra Nelissen of Des Moines and her children, Sebastian (Toa), Max (Tawnie), Arianna (Pat, Summer, Odin), Sophia and Olivia; and his daughter, Christiana (Mark) Taylor of Robins and their daughter, Kaiya. All who knew Reinhold understand their loss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and a sister.

Ray Crippes

It was a windy, rainy night when the Jamestown First Responders and Dickeyville Rescue Squad came to take Ray on the last leg of this journey home. Two ambulance rides, a med-flight helicopter and finally a ride back to Dubuque by his good friend, Pat Leonard – a day he would have truly enjoyed. Ray passed away on the evening of July 29th, 2021, at the age of 74.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, WI with Rev. Bernie Rott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the VFW Post 6455 of Dickeyville-Kieler and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3rd, 2021, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where a family rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Parish Center. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Ray was born in Dubuque on March 15, 1947, the son of Leo and Frances Crippes. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade School, Jefferson Jr High and graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1965.

As a young teen, he delivered the Des Moines Register and later set pins at Holy Trinity School Bowling Alley. In 1967, he was drafted into the US Army and served as an MP in Korea until his discharge in 1969.

He then started his electrical service career with Universal Electric. His employers saw potential in him and promoted him from stocking the shelves and counter sales to serving the electricians of the Tri-State area. He worked hard, put in long days and was recognized for his customer service abilities by Crescent Electric who hired him in 1999.

In 1972 he married Connie Block and as newlyweds they moved to Kieler, WI. Shortly thereafter, Ray was asked to join the Jamestown Fire Department which he did without hesitation and served on the Fire Department from 1974 to 2018. In 1975 his fellow firefighters elected him as Chief and he served them in this capacity until 2005. He also served on the Grant County Emergency Service Association for 15 of those years.

He had a deep love for the beautiful women in his life; his daughters Laura Hudson and Jill Crippes of Dubuque and Kim (Joe) Schmelz of Belmont, WI. They blessed him with seven wonderful grandchildren including Jimmy Hudson, Jake Hudson, Alex Hudson, Alyssa Hudson, Kaylin Crippes, Lydia Schmelz and Brady Schmelz. What made Grandpa happy was their request for his popcorn, pancakes and a game of cards. He was so proud of each of them.

In addition to his wife, daughters and grandchildren, he is survived by his brother, Robert Crippes and his sister, Rita (David) Birch; and his mother-in-law Geneva Block and brother-in-law, Greg (Jackie) Block.

A Ray “Big Al” memorial fund is being established with proceeds to Immaculate Conception Church, Jamestown Fire Department and First Responders and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Scholarship Fund.

Robert A. Rowell

Robert A. “Bob” Rowell, 93, of Dubuque passed away Monday, July 26, 2021, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. A committal service with military honors will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery at a future date. Complete funeral arrangements are pending at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Robert was born on March 24, 1928, in Dubuque the son of Bert and Susan (Gruber) Rowell. He worked as a radio and television engineer, a disk jockey, and music director, over a 50-year career. He worked at KDTH for 22 years, at KWWL for 2 years as a transmitter engineer, and built and maintained the transmitters for KDUB Chanel 40 in Dubuque. He also operated R & H Electronics for 13 years and for 10 years he worked as a transmitter supervisor for a Paramount Pictures owned station in Dallas Texas.

He was married to the best wife possible Pauline Cassidy Rowell for 58 glorious years until her passing in 2014. He is survived by his son Pete Rowell, daughter Carol Ann (Herrig) Earl and a grandchild Jesse Herrig.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his siblings.

Barbara B. Miller

Barbara Beth Miller, 78, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. Barb was born in Galveston, Texas on July 13, 1943, the daughter of John W. and Eva I. (Pipes) Sumerau. She attended East Dubuque High School and later obtained her GED and CNA. Barb worked for Mount Saint Francis and was a very big Elvis Presley Fan.

She is survived by her son Raymond Sumerau of Dubuque; niece, Brenda (Duane) Foust; great nieces, Cassandra (Justin) Birdd and Lindsay (Matthew) Johnson; great-great niece, Alexandra Johnson and great-great nephew, Isaiah Johnson and her beloved dog, Baby.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Frances Bayer; and brother-in-law, Melvin Bayer.

In lieu of plants and flowers a Barbara B. Miller memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation, Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the wonderful care they provided to Barb.