Obituaries Archive

Rita J. Luksetich

Rita Jean (Breitbach) Luksetich, 87, of Dubuque, passed away, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at Bethany Home, where her loving family had surrounded her for days.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 29 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff St. where the family will greet friends 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to Mass with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating and Deacon Jim Luksetich assisting. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Arrangements will be handled by Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road.

Rita was born Feb. 24, 1934, in Dubuque, the seventh child of Mary Alice (Ryan) and Herbert Breitbach in a family steeped in Dubuque’s South End. She attended St. Raphael’s School and St. Joseph Academy, graduating in 1951.

Early on, Rita worked at the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce where she met Tom Luksetich, who would become the love of her life. Tom and Rita were married on Feb. 12, 1955, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral. They enjoyed 61 years of a wonderful marriage before Tom’s death in 2016.

Motherhood was Rita’s life’s work, whether attending sporting events, concerts or theater productions, she was always cheering on her children and later, her grandchildren. Summers meant long afternoons enjoying the backyard pool, welcoming family members and all of their friends.

Rita didn’t coddle, suffered no fools and held her family members to the highest of character. Yet she was quick to laugh, and spent most days softly singing a show tune as she rolled from one life event to the next. Just don’t dare to cross her Fighting Irish, for she was a sports fan through and through, backing her Packers and Notre Dame to the end of her days.

Throughout her life she enjoyed her connections through the BVM Alumni, Mother Cabrini Mothers Study Club, decades of parish life at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St. Joseph Academy Class Club where she forged deep friendships that carried her through all of life’s trials.

Surviving are children Jim (Patti) Luksetich, Christine (Jeff Van Zile) Sikula, Cathy (Jim) Hannon, John Luksetich, Bill (Denise) Luksetich, Mary Ellen Carter and Jenny (Christopher) Spahn; daughter-in-law, Sharon Luksetich; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard (Kitty) Breitbach. She loved her family above all else, and especially loved being “Grandma.”

In addition to her beloved husband Tom, she was preceded in death by loved ones including a son, Thomas Luksetich II; a son-in-law, Jeff Carter; siblings Mary Elayne Breitbach, Herbert “Buck” Breitbach, Ann Yvonne “Bonnie” Grant, Thomas Breitbach, Donald Breitbach and Jeanette Swartz.

The family extends deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Bethany Home for the loving care shown to Rita, especially these last few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque and St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Rita’s memory.

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

Carol J. Forrest

Carol J. (Donahue) Forrest, 90, of 1586 Mount Pleasant, died Friday January 21, 2022.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carol will be 10:00 am Monday, January 31, 2022, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant.  Her ashes will be buried  in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. Carol died peacefully at home. Per her wishes there will not be a wake.

Carol was born July 23rd, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of John Donahue and Ethel (Rooney) Donahue. She married Brendan Forrest of Limavady Ireland on Aug. 29, 1953, at Nativity Catholic Church.

Carol was a bright light and life of the party known for her humor and wit among friends and family. She was a life-long member of Nativity parish, and a dedicated Catholic.

Surviving are five sons, John, Michael, James, Patrick (Kim) and Joseph; a daughter, Mary; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister Rita.

A special thank-you and appreciation to the wonderful  in- home visiting staff at Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque: https://www.catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/

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

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

Jayne Grogan

Jayne Grogan, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 20, 2022, at Finley Hospital with her family by her side.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque where a funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.

Jayne was born on January 29, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa to Walter and Lucille (Clark) Hertner. She married Donald “Blinky” Grogan in 1958. Jayne worked at Brown Publishing for 35 years until retirement.

Jayne loved to play cards, travel, shop, and spend time with her children and grandchildren, who she called her “six pack.”

She is survived by her children Tom Grogan, Julie (Jay) Nyvold, and Laura (Bruce) Wuertzer; grandchildren Kelly, Nick, and Jayme; sister Betty (Dale) Nederhoff; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her former husband Donald “Blinky” Grogan; parents Walter and Lucille; in-laws John and Hazel (Lange) Grogan; and Grandmother Elsie “Nana” Clark.

We will miss her unwavering love and support. We love you mom.

Janice E. Saeugling

Janice E. (Petersen) Saeugling, age 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with Sepsis at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at home with her loving family by her side.  To celebrate Janice’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Private family burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Janice was born on November 18, 1935, in Hawkeye, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Helen (Wickham) Petersen.

Janice graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1954.  She married Robert R. “Bob” Saeugling on August 11, 1956, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.  Sadly, Bob passed away on July 17, 2013, after having 5 children together and celebrating 56 years of marriage.  Jan worked for Kresges and then later KMart for 30 years, retiring in 1994.  Janice truly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also enjoyed being outdoors, camping with her family and working in her yard.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Janice’s memory include

her children,
Robin J. (Jeffrey) Kuhlmann, Waverly, NE,
Rodney J. Saeugling, Dubuque, IA,
Terry W. (Tina) Saeugling, Topeka, KS,
Kimberly R. (Chris) Duve, Dubuque, IA
and Tracy R. Saeugling, Independence, MO;

9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren;

and her sisters,
Marilyn, Linda and Dorla.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Saeugling; a great-granddaughter, Marissa; a sister, Wanda; a brother, Marvin; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital for making her comfortable and taking good care of her.  Also a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for all of your kindness.

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

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

Richard J. Masterson, Jr.

Richard Joseph Masterson Jr. beloved husband, father and grandfather died December 29, 2021, at his home in Galena, Illinois. He was 69 years old.

Rich was born to Richard and Elizabeth Masterson on June 29, 1952, and grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Daniel Masterson, Donny Masterson and Bettyann O’Neil. Always thirsty for new opportunity, he spent his life’s work in the newspaper and media business in various states before finally settling in the Midwest.

Rich is survived by his wife of 25 years, Nancy Lynn Kopperud and his three children, Richard J. Masterson III, Lori (Evan) Winston, and Ryan Masterson.

He was a larger-than-life enthusiast, supporter, and cheerleader for his 3 grandchildren, Joey, Lexi and Leonard. Rich lived through many medical challenges. Due to his amazing ability to communicate and advocate for his health, he was able to extend his life through a beautiful gift as a renal transplant recipient. His passion led to championing others who faced similar types of health issues and soon he became an engaged advocate for the Nation Kidney Foundation. He reminded people that “your quest to help others does not have to stop at your demise. You can live on and give the greatest gift of all.” Those who were lucky enough to know him remember a wonderful storyteller who would make everyone he came into contact with feel better, brighter, and more hopeful. He was a great guy, funny and loving with a charming habit of sending frequent jokes and puns via text message and social media. A strong believer that future generations should do better than those that came before them, Rich had an ability to motivate others to achieve great things.

Richard Masterson retired with Nancy to Eagle Ridge, Galena Territory in Illinois and a celebration of life service will be held for close friends and family this spring in Galena.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com. He is dearly missed.

Yvonne I. Lorenz

Yvonne “Bonnie” Irene (Wernimont) Lorenz, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday January 19, 2022, at home.

Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Patrick Cemetery, Epworth, Iowa.

Yvonne was born on February 9, 1937, to Joseph and Mildred (Messercnect) Huber in Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Immaculate Conception Academy. She married David R. Lorenz on October 13, 1936, and then later remarried to Vincent Wernimont. For most of her working career she was a cleaning lady in many homes in Dubuque. She also worked at Christopher & Banks as a stock associate for nine years.

Bonnie was loved by many. She loved family dinners, going to the casinos, and playing bingo. She always had a great sense of humor and got along with everyone. Her pleasant and positive attitude towards life was infectious and always left you with a smile on your face.

She is survived by her son David R. (Rhonda) Lorenz; daughter Victoria (David) Widmeier-Klauer; ten grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and many step-great grandchildren.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her sister Rosemary “Bootsie” Kline.

Darlene A. Mauer

Darlene Ann Mauer, 80, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, after bravely living with dementia.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene will be 10:30 am Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment 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.

Born on July 13, 1941, Darlene was the only daughter of Roy and Viola “Shorty” Pfeiler.  She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy, Dubuque, class of 1959.

Darlene was united in marriage to her husband of 61 years, Robert H. Mauer on August 13, 1960 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque, where they raised their six children.

While raising her family, Darlene worked at Xavier Hospital, where she completed her CNA training in 1969.  She spent many years on the maternity ward where she helped deliver and care for many mothers and babies.  She retired in 1981 when Xavier Hospital closed.

Darlene was a great cook and her children enjoyed many home cooked meals and homemade bread. One of her passions was to provide her family with homemade canned beef and pork sausage.  Her grandchildren often requested her delicious chocolate Texas sheet cake.

She was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packer fan.  She never missed a game and her home reflected that passion and support.  Darlene’s favorite past-time was bowling, Euchre and crocheting.  Her love of country music knew no bounds, if it was playing she was dancing. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by her family.

Survivors include her husband, Robert H. Mauer of Dubuque; six children, Julie L. (Sidney) Horst of Bellevue, IA, Jeffery R. Mauer of Rochelle, IL, Michelle M. (Edward) Baker of Peosta, IA, Kathy A. (Brian) Dunne of Marion, IA, Vicki S. (Tim) McIntyre of Asbury and Michael A. (Renae) Mauer of Sherrill, IA; three brothers, Kenneth (Darlene) Pfeiler of Asbury, Roger (Donna) Pfeiler of Dubuque and Randy (Diane) Pfeiler of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Harold and Margaret Mauer; one brother, Gary Pfeiler, and one sister-in-law, Janice Pfeiler.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family wishes to extend their great appreciation to the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque and a special thank you to her granddaughter, Lisa Jansen, who spent countless hours caring for Darlene.

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

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

Esther L. Klostermann

Donald D. Roepsch

Donald D. “Don” Roepsch, age 78, of Peosta, passed away suddenly at 6:27 a.m., on Friday, January 21, 2022, at his home with his son by his side.  To celebrate Don’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church, 235 Peosta Street in Peosta.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church.  Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Don was born on June 29, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of George N. and Frances (Lewis) Roepsch.

Don graduated from Senior High School in 1962.  He started working for Flexsteel in 1963, and worked there for 43 years until his 1st retirement.  Don was a proud member of the Upholsterers International Union.  In 1964, he married Theresa Maiers and lived on Kelly Lane for 32 years.  He belonged to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church until moving to Burds Green Acres in Peosta, where he joined St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  In 2006, Don went to work for Target until he retired again after 11 years.  He thoroughly enjoyed working at Flexsteel and Target, where he worked with many good and hard working people.  Don would like to thank both companies for employing him.  He often said “they are great employers”.  Don was blessed with 3 unbelievable children and 9 wonderful grandchildren.  Over the years when he had time off he enjoyed summer fishing and ice fishing, playing pinochle and poker with family and friends, gardening, metal detecting, gambling, vacationing and spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include

his children,
David (Jodi Jordan) Roepsch, Urbandale, IA,
Lynn (Paul) King, Paducah, KY
and Jeffry (Tiffany) Roepsch, Middleton, WI;

9 grandchildren,
Grant Roepsch, Adam Roepsch, Will Roepsch, Joshua King, Nathan King, Matthew King, Grace Roepsch, Hailey Roepsch and Lydia Roepsch;

his siblings,
George “Butch” (Dorothy) Roepsch,
Carol Leick,
Louie (Ann) Roepsch
and Ed (Kris) Roepsch;

and his in-laws,
Bill Richard,
Rosie (Jim) Neuses,
Velma O’Connell
and Ted (Carol) Maiers.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Theresa Roepsch; a sister, Mary Richard; and a brother-in-law, John O’Connell.

Don and his family would like to thank all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Grand River Medical Group, especially Dr. John Whalen, Dr. Braden Powers, Nurse Kate and Dr. Kirkendall, Dr. Ramabadran “Dr. Ram”, as well as Medical Associates, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mayo Clinic and No Place Like Home for helping him get through some tough times.  Also a special thanks to Sr. Benjamin of the Sisters of the Presentation, and his neighbor, Diane MacInerney, for all of their kindness, help and support.

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

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

Linda M. Van der Meulen

Linda M. Van der Meulen, 69, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 21, 2022.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Linda will be 10:30 am Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Stephanie Schlimm officiating. The family encourages masks to be worn by everyone attending the services.

Linda was born July 16, 1952, in Menominee, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Janette Vondra Dunn. On April 28, 1973, she married John C. Van der Meulen at Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

She was a 1970 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and attended Kirkwood Community College.

She was a receptionist at The Friedman Group for 34 years.

Linda was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Julien Dubuque Yacht Club. She enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River and long walks with her daughter. She always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was the most kind and generous soul. As his biggest fan, she loved cheering on her grandson at his sporting events. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include her husband, John; one daughter, Rachel (Jimmy) Guentherman of Asbury, IA; one grandson, Evan Guentherman; two sisters, Deb Balik of Loveland, CO, and Jean (Gary) Erion of Loveland, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Keith Stanton, her father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Leah Van der Meulen, and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Curtis.

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

Galen W. Abitz

Galen W. Abitz “Pineapple” 53 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 20, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 24th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family will be organizing a celebration of life at a later date.

Galen was born on September 3, 1968 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of John and Hannah (Iopa “eye-o-pa”) Abitz. He married Danielle Fries-Fuller April 28, 2006, they later separated but were together for over 25 years and remained best friends.

He worked for RT& T Repair in East Dubuque; he took pride in his job being a shop manager.  Galen enjoyed riding his Harley, going to car shows, fishing, trips to Mexico, trips to the DG, riding around in his red 89 Dodge truck, but he especially enjoyed time with his family and friends.

Galen to most was a one of a kind. He was someone who touched so many lives without even knowing it. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. He could make you feel like he’s known you for years after only talking to you for five minutes. The majority knew him as “Pineapple” but his proudest title was “Grandpa/Papooh”. The family finds comfort knowing he was one of a kind and will always be remembered for his big heart.

He is survived by his former wife and best friend Danielle Abitz; sons Galen (Ashley) Abitz, Jason (Emily) Fuller and Cody (Courtney) Fuller; grandchildren olive, Dawson, Daxon, Paxon and Cy; his parents John and Hannah Abitz. Siblings Jim (Therese) Abitz, Bo (Danita) Abitz, Arleigh (Brian) Schlarman and Lee Ann Nishizawa.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather John Julius Abitz.

The family would like to thank East Dubuque Ambulance and Fire Dept and MercyOne Medical Center ER and ICU. A special thank you to Dr. Ramanujam for his devoted care over the years and also a sincere thank you to Andy Miller for his devotion and friendship to Galen.

Mary A. Kremer

Mary Ann Cecelia (Ernzen) Kremer, got the double 7’s she longed for at the slot machine when she passed away at 7:07 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital. She fought a long hard battle for nearly 2 months after incurring a fall in November.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Father Steve Garner officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Mary Ann was born on November 4, 1945 the daughter of Harold and Florence (Link) Ernzen. She met the love of her life, Leonard Kremer, at a dance; they were united in marriage on May 4, 1968 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, Iowa. They would go on to spend 53 inseparable years together.

She was a graduate of Wahlert High School and began her working career at American Trust & Savings Bank, now Midwest One. She would later become a paraprofessional for the Dubuque Community Schools at Fulton, Jefferson and finish out her career at Dubuque Senior High School.

Mary Ann kept an immaculate home, was a great cook and baker. She deeply and thoroughly enjoyed her role as a wife, mother and “Mema” She was a member of the Dubuque Area 600 Bowling club. Besides enjoying her trips to the casino, she enjoyed playing Bingo, her card club and precious time with her grandsons. She had a love for all kinds of birds but especially cardinals. Mary Ann lived out her days with a deep faith and courage.

Those left to carry on her memory include: her husband Leonard; her daughter Candi (Lon) Heinkel; grandsons Alex and Max; her sisters Kay (Dave) Stoffel and Geri (Bill) Hall; her brother Mark (Bev) Ernzen; sister-in-law Mary Ernzen as well as numerous brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Waiting to welcome Mary Ann into Heaven were her parents; brothers David, Donnie (Rosie) and Jim Ernzen; father-in-law and mother-in-law Arnold and Veronica Kremer along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Finley Hospital for all their loving care they gave to Mary Ann.

Romaine S. Sadowski

Romaine S. “Mickey” Sadowski, age 81, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Rhinelander, WI, completed her earthly journey on January 18, 2022, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Romaine’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Romaine’s family.

Romaine was born on October 10, 1940, in Chicago, IL, a daughter to Roman and Sally (Maday) Sadowski.  Romaine would devote her 81 years among us to giving of herself in all that she did.

She was married to James “Jim” Kaveshan for 24 years. They owned and operated the Party Shop in Rhinelander for several years.

She earned her associates degree in business. She was an involved member of St. Mary’s Church in Rhinelander and was the Director of Religious Education there for many years.  Romaine was also very involved with the Campfire Organization and the ASSE Foreign Exchange Student Program in Wisconsin where she placed over 150 student over her years with them. Romaine also enjoyed working with individuals who needed in home care.

She enjoyed crocheting and donated the majority of her hats, afghans and purses to multiple organizations.

Romaine also enjoyed going to the casino.

She spent over 40 years of her life enjoying the peace and simple life on the shores of Mars Lake in Monico, WI, and considered each day there to be her little slice of heaven here on earth.

Romaine moved to Dubuque in December 2020 to live with her daughter.  She continued to crochet, go to the casino and go for car rides.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Romaine include,

her 4 children,
Catherine “Cathy” Behnke of Dubuque IA and her good friend,  Ed Gillispie.
Diane Chittendon, Chippewa Falls, WI,
Joanne Kaveshan, Texas,
and Paul Kaveshan, Texas;

her grandchildren,
Christopher “Chris” (Stacie Ann Arnes) Ring, Plainview, MN,
Cassandra “Cassie” (Tony Kaul) Ring, Eau Claire, WI
Cyle Ring, Altoona, WI,
Phillip (Morgan) Timmerman, Dyersville, IA,
Andrew (Bri) Timmerman, Dubuque, IA,
Sarah (John Kaufmann) Timmerman, Dubuque, IA,
and Wayne Goodwin, Hawaii;

her great-grandchildren,
Owen, Wyatt, Jameson, Isaac, Noah, Devyn, Thomas, and Amilya;

her sister,
Geraldine (Don) Mokry;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Romaine was preceded in death by her parents; her great-granddaughter, Addalyn; her niece Nancy Dzialakiewicz; and her brothers, Paul (Judy) Sadowski and George (Marcy) Sadowski.

Romaine’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kristen, Stacy and Nikki, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Romaine, and her family.  We cannot thank you enough for all of your time, talents, and love over the past year. Also thank you to Mary, Deacon Mike and Fr. Philip from Resurrection Church. May the Lord bless you all for the kindnesses you have shared so generously.

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

Dr. Rachel A. Schemmel

Rachel Anne Schemmel, age 92, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Dyersville, IA and East Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Avenue, Dyersville, Iowa, 52040, is assisting the family.

Rachel was born in 1929 to Frederic A. and Emma (Melchert) Schemmel on the family farm in Farley, Iowa.  She attended St Joseph School in Farley, graduated from Mount Mercy College and then earned her bachelors degree at Clarke College in 1951. Along with the Dietetic Internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Dr Schemmel received her masters degree in Nutrition from the University of Iowa in 1952.  After working as a dietitian in Los Angeles, she began teaching Food Science & Human Nutrition at Michigan State University, where she earned her PhD. She was a trailblazer for women in the Sciences and her career helped pave the path for many female academics and professionals who studied with her during 45 years at MSU.

She earned a distinguished international reputation for studies of dietary factors in the development of obesity with hundreds of publications to her credit. She conducted research at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. The rodent DNA model of dietary obesity, which she developed at MSU, continues to serve as the basis for work by other researchers to this day.

She is the recipient of numerous awards including Outstanding Alumni Awards from each college she attended, Women Achievers Award, a Leader Award and a Borden Research Award from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, ASNS Fellow Award for Experimental Biology, Dietetic Educator Awards from both the Michigan and American Dietetic Associations, and the Distinguished Faculty Award and Research and Outreach Awards from Michigan State University.

She served as past president of the Michigan Dietetics Association, and provided professional services to the American Dietetics Association, American Society for Nutritional Sciences, North American Association for the Study of Obesity and the Michigan Heart Association.  She is a life member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and is listed in multiple Who’s Who publications.

Rachel was a devout Catholic. She enjoyed genealogical research and traveled to Germany in that pursuit. She organized fun family reunions attended by hundreds.  She loved her gardens and the beautiful flowering cherry tree outside her window in East Lansing.  A great cook and hostess, she often opened her home to students who were alone at the holidays or otherwise needing a meal and good conversation.  She enjoyed writing poetry and contributed articles to various organizations such as The Iowa Barn Foundation and The New Vienna (Iowa) Historical Society.  She traveled the world with her many dear friends/colleagues.  A loyal MSU Spartans fan, she especially enjoyed football and women’s basketball.  Her spirit was joyous and generous.

Those left to cherish her memory include her niece Deborah (Lee David) Fautsch of Dubuque, with whom she lived until recently, niece Sheree Ann Meyer (Byron Shuford) of Orlando Florida, nephew Richard (Kathy) Adams of Tucson, Arizona, great nephew Justin (Judy) Fautsch of Pasadena, California, and great niece, Kristin Kielpinski of Parker, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Virginia Meyer, half sister Lucile Adams,  half brother Floyd Schemmel, brothers in law Dr. Herbert Meyer and Horace A. Adams.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Rachel A. Schemmel Endowed Lecture/Undergraduate Research Scholarship Fund (A11294) at Michigan State University, The Dr Rachel A. Schemmel Graduate Student Endowed Research Scholarship (A11295) also at Michigan State, the Rachel Schemmel Endowed Scholarship Fund in Dietetics/Nutrition at the University of Iowa, The Schemmel Endowed Theology Lecture at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa or St Thomas Aquinas Parish and School, East Lansing, Michigan.

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

William J. Hughes

William James Hughes, 75 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 20, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Bill was born on April 14, 1946 in Wisconsin the son of Francis and Ruth (Benson) Hughes.

Bill Hughes was a quiet man.  He lived a simple life and was content with all that it offered.  Born in Wisconsin he grew up and moved to Dubuque, where he met Sherry Freeman and married her.  The two later divorced, but not before he became the father of Heather, Justin, and Jennifer.

He spent his free time working hard on yardwork or fixing things.  He loved tinkering and was always working with his hands.  He was known as a man you could have a beer with, and even after the dr. told him it was time to put away the bottle opener he was still known to sneak a drink here and there with the neighbors.

Bill will be remembered by all who loved him.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Bill is survived by his children, Heather (Todd) Kleemeyer, Winfield, Iowa; Justin (Jennifer) Hughes, Winfield, Iowa; and Jennifer (Chris) Falls, Gilbert, SC, as well as his 13 grandchildren (who will undoubtedly hear every story we have).

Bill was uncomfortable with attention and per his wishes no services will be held.  Have a beer and talk about all of your memories of the man who would have surely stammered and blushed when hearing them. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.