Obituaries Archive

Stephen I. Oeth

Stephen Irvin Oeth, 63, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.

As per Steve’s request there will be no service.

Stephen was born June 14, 1958, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Arthur Herman and Mary Janet Schmidt Oeth. On May 8, 1982, he married Sue Davis in Marshalltown.

He graduated from Wahlert High School, class of 1976. He attended the University of Iowa and later received a degree from NICC in the Carpentry Program.

He was self employed and owned Oeth Construction Company.  He later was Director of Maintenance at Area Residential Care.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Davis; one daughter, Emma Marie Stapleton; one son, Walter Evan Davis-Oeth of Estherville; two brothers, Dennis A. Oeth of Anacortes, WA, and James F. Oeth of Madison, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art & Mary, and in-laws, Hugh & Marj (Halter) Davis.

Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity Dubuque/Jackson Counties.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their kind care and support.

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

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

Melvin R. Runde

Melvin R. Runde, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2022, with his wife and children at his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 14th, 2022, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Father James Goerend. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Melvin was born on August 2, 1936, in Dubuque to Melvin J. and Gertrude (Anderson) Runde. He attended Dubuque Senior High School. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Kersch on October 26, 1957, at St. Anthony’s church in Dubuque. He worked for Flexsteel prior to co-owning Runde’s Custom Upholstery for 40 years. Melvin served in the Iowa National Guard for 10 years.

He was a previous member of the Dubuque Shooting 330 Club, Izaak Walton Club, Dubuqueland Campers, and Pheasants Forever. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge 297 for 62 years and was a previous exalted ruler. He received multiple awards and trophies for trapshooting.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. Mel and Mary wintered in Texas for 18 years and traveled in their camper. One of their travels included a 4-month Alaskan trip. His nickname was “Pickle,” and he had a softball team called Pickle’s Pipers.

Mel is survived by his wife Mary Lou; children Kathy (George) Gendron, Jim (Kathy) Runde, Connie (Mike) Baker, Joe (Kim) Runde, and Dave (Barb) Runde; grandchildren Michelle, Mark, and Marshall Gendron, Tim, Michelle, and Adam Runde, Joe, Lindsey, and Tracy Baker, Mitch, Jenna, and Joe Jr. Runde, Matt, Scott, Kurt, and Shelby Runde; great-grandchildren Audrienna, Evelyn, Owen, Ava, Liam, Brooks, and Kayden; sister Judy (Tom) Witterholt; sister-in-law Harriet Runde; and good friend Robert Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother Robert, brothers-in-law Mike and Tom Kersch, and sister-in-law Jeannine Kersch.

A Melvin Runde memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank all the healthcare professionals who cared for Melvin.

Asher E. Schroeder

Asher E. Schroeder, 96, died peacefully at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa, on January 10, 2022.  He was born on May 12, 1925, in Maquoketa to Lee Schroeder and Carol (Doughty) Schroeder. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1942 and worked for the Iowa State Highway Commission until drafted into the Army in 1943. He served in the 4^th Infantry Ivy Division as a combat engineer, landed on Utah Beach on June 14, 1944, and engaged in several battles in France, where he participated in the liberation of Paris, Belgium, and Germany.  He was wounded and captured in the Hurtgen Forest in Germany on November 14, 1944 and was held captive in several different German POW camps until his liberation on April 2,1945. He returned to the United States after hospitalization in Paris in May of 1945 and was periodically rehospitalized until his discharge from the service in December 1945.

Asher enrolled at the University of Iowa in January of 1946 and married Catherine Seeberger, also of Maquoketa on June 9, 1946, graduated from the University and enrolled in the Iowa Law School, graduating from Law School in 1950. He returned to practice law in Maquoketa, served three terms as Jackson County Attorney (1957-1962), and was appointed United States Attorney for the Northern Half of Iowa in 1967 where he served until 1969. He was appointed Head Legal Counsel for the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1969, served as such until 1978 when he returned to the United States Attorney’s Office and continued serving in the United States Attorney’s Office until his retirement in 1987.

Asher retired to Maquoketa where he continued residing until the time of his death. During his retirement he remained active in the community activity and services, prominent among them, Rotary and the Jackson County Historical Society. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends to whom he was an inspiration for a life of service to his family, community, and country.

Asher was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Catherine (Seeberger) Schroeder and a sister Carol Lee (Richard) Edwards of Livermore, CA.  He is survived by his three sons Bill (Sally) Schroeder of Ankeny, IA, John (Karen) Schroeder of Sigourney, IA, and David Schroeder of Dubuque, IA; a brother Karl (Eleanor) Schroeder of Maquoketa, IA; sister Muriel (Dick) Stapp of Sun City West, AZ; three grandchildren, Peter (Kristy) Schroeder of Stockton, CA, KT (Ryan) Albaugh of Jacksonville, FL, and Rachel Olson of Altoona, IA; and four great-grandchildren, Johnna and Asher Schroeder of Stockton, CA, and Grace and Sophia Albaugh of Jacksonville, FL.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Jackson County Historical Society, or the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of Jackson County for all the special care given to  Asher and to them.

A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, with military honors.

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

Patty A. Sheldon

Patty A. Sheldon, 70, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends and celebration of life luncheon will be held from 1 to 5 P.M., Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Pub Club in Lost Nation, Iowa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Patty Ann Moore was born on June 20, 1951 in Kewanee, Illinois to James Alexander and Mary Frances (Forbes) Moore.  She was a 1969 graduate of Western High School in Buda, Illinois, and then attended and graduated from Stewart’s School of Hair Styling in Davenport.  Through a mutual friend during this time in her life she met the man she would marry, Daniel Glynn Sheldon.  They were married on September 2, 1972, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Candy, and Chad.

Patty did work outside the home for a few years, but her most important job was raising and loving her children, being a devoted wife, and providing a caring, warm home.  Once the children were grown, she adopted her four-legged children and cared for them.

Through the years, Patty was known for her selflessness and caring for others.  In late 2005, she developed serious kidney issues and needed a kidney.  In August of 2007, she was the recipient of a kidney given to her by her brother Larry.  This transplant allowed her to continue living and caring for others, and doing the things she enjoyed such as sewing, traveling with her dad, and spending quality time with her family, and her dogs Lexie and Artie.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Daniel Sheldon of Lost Nation, IA; children, Candy Sheldon of Lost Nation, IA, and Chad (Marisa) Sheldon of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Larry (Elizabeth) Moore of Princeton, IL, Terry (Rosemarie) Moore of Granville, IL, Jerry (Elizabeth) Moore of Washington, IL, and Tina (Steve) Barnett of Bettendorf, IA; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edmund and Eleanor Sheldon of Lost Nation, IA; sister-in-law, LuAnn (Reinhardt Rosson) Sheldon of Manitowoc, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law Steven Sheldon.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Patty A. Sheldon memorial fund has been established.

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

Brittany Gaylord

Brittany Gaylord, 32, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 6, 2022.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Brittany was born on September 26, 1989, to Stacy Jones and Steve Lehnhardt. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Dubuque. She married James Gaylord Jr. on August 22, 2015, at Council Hill Station. She worked at Prudential Retirement.

Brittany loved spending time with her family and children, and she always put others before herself. She was a lifelong learner who loved books, and all things Harry Potter. She enjoyed photography, and loved to dance, practice target shooting, and be a hostess. She was not always the best driver, and she was always late. If you needed a closet to be organized, a debt to be consolidated, or just needed to laugh, she was the person for you.

She is survived by her loving husband James; her three sons Sweet Tripp, Wild Charlie, and Stubborn Murdoc; her mother Stacy (Tom) Flanagan; sister Olivia (Kevin) Leslein; her dads Steve and Tim Leslein, her grandmothers Carol Lehnhardt, and Marylou Flanagan; as well as her large extended family.

Brittany was preceded in death by her uncle Danny, and grandparents Grandma and Grandpa Jones, Grandpa Chuck, Grandpa Steve, and Grandpa George Flanagan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for her children.

Cynthia S. Fessler

Cynthia “Cindy” Susan Fessler, 70, of Decatur, Georgia, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 13, 2021, in Georgia.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd Dubuque, IA, is assisting the family.

Cynthia was born on March 13, 1951, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, to Ivan Sanford Dow and Evelyn Matz. She attended Dubuque Senior High School and graduated in 1969. That same year she married Victor James Fessler on August 23.

Cindy battled brain cancer for five years, but she never lost her sense of humor. She loved to travel but was most at home in the kitchen. She was kind, patient, and always had time for others. She was very active in the Dodgeland School District’s Board of Education. One of her major projects was helping build a new library. She worked several jobs, including employment at Regions Mortgage, and cared for her husband during his lengthy recovery from a stroke. She lived in Dubuque, Iowa; Juneau and Beaver Dam, both in Wisconsin; Gainesville, Murrayville, and Decatur, all in Georgia; and St. Augustine, Florida. She was devoted to her family and the close group of friends she made while living in Georgia. She was the best wife and mother, and they are all better people because of her kindness and love.

Cynthia is survived by her husband Victor; son Eric (wife, Tiffany Townsend-Fessler) Fessler; daughter Jennifer (Juan) Salazar; grandchildren Marshall Fessler, Matias Salazar, and Mila Salazar; her siblings Pamela Fessler, Annette Mundell, Jeffrey Dow, and Kimberly Hobin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Gregory Dow.

The family would like to thank Cynthia’s home health aide, Eloise Thrower for her care and compassion.

Danielle L. Pape

Danielle Louise Pape, 48, of Littleport, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Elkader, Iowa.  She was born on October 13, 1973, the daughter of Dwight and Janis (Bente) Rodas in Elkader. Danielle was raised and educated in Elkader graduating from Central Elkader in 1992.  She continued her education at NICC in Calmar and graduated in 1993.

On September 15, 2001, Danielle was united in marriage to Michael Pape in Edgewood.  Three children were born to this union. The couple resided in Littleport. Danielle worked at FreedomBank in Elkader as Assistant IT and Marketing Officer.

Danielle enjoyed horses, camping, mushroom hunting and going to garage sales.  She enjoyed most of all spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Pape of Littleport; her son, Connor (Marissa) Rodas of Littleport; her two daughters, Emma Pape and Elise Pape of Littleport; her granddaughter, Amara Rodas and another grandchild on the way; her mother, Janis Rodas of Littleport; her brother Eric (Amber) Rodas of Dubuque; and her father-in-law, John Pape.

Danielle was preceded in death by her father, Dwight Rodas, her mother-in-law, Theresa Pape; her grandparents, Elmer and Lyla Rodas and Kate and Lloyd Bente.

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

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

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, Iowa, with Rev. John Haugen Officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, Iowa, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Friends may also call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

Interment:  Union Cemetery – Rural Littleport

Gary L. Griebel

Gary L. Griebel, 72, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 surrounded by his family.  Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue with a Firefighter walk through at 6:30 p.m.   Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Additional visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue on Saturday, January 15, 2022.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Gary was born March 28, 1949 in Bellevue, the son of Floyd and Annetta (Clasen) Griebel.  He graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 1967.  Gary married Jeanne Heim on December 28, 1968 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook.  He retired from Dubuque John Deere Works in 2003. Gary’s passion was serving his community. He served on the Bellevue Fire Department for 38 years (14 years as Chief), Bellevue Community School Board for 25 years (President for many years), Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Hospice of Jackson County Board Member, St. Joseph’s School Board, helped start Jackson County Fireman’s Association and the Jackson County 911 Board. He was also a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue and participated in several CEW’s. Gary enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, yearly trips to the Iowa State Fair, camping, and spending time with family and friends.  Gary “never met a stranger” and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; children, Tim (Kay Ann) Griebel, Jill (Scott) Baxter, and Andy (Rachael) Griebel; grandchildren, Emma (fiancé Ethan Wolff) Baxter, Olivia Baxter, Hope Griebel, and Anderson Griebel; brothers and sisters in-law, Don Rolling, Joan (Bob) Head, Clete (Sheila) Heim, Rosie (Joe) Schwager, Chuck (Lou Ann) Heim, John (Lisa DeMeyer) Heim, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Bobby; grandchildren, Alex Griebel and Isaac Griebel; father and mother in-law, John and Audrey Heim; sisters in-law, May Ann Rolling and Rita (Curt) Brown; and his uncle, Fred (Velma) Griebel.

Gary wanted to remind you all to F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God), just as so many of us F.R.O.G. (Fully Relied On Gary).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gary’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Thelma M. Yarolem

Thelma M. Yarolem, 56, of Wyoming, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

It will be required to utilize masks during the visitation and services.

Thelma Mae Koontz was born on August 4, 1965 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Jerald Walker and Donna Jean (Bodkin) Koontz Sr.  She grew up in the Jackson and Jones County areas.   She married Tim Yarolem on May 1, 1993 in Monmouth, Iowa.

Thelma had first worked at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa, and then at Jack N’ Jill grocery store in LaHarpe, Illinois in the deli department.  She then worked at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa in the Housekeeping Department and later for J & L Pipeline as a foreman.  Most recently she had the best job as a housewife, mother and a grandmother.

Thelma enjoyed Halloween and enjoyed working at the Monmouth Haunted House for many years.  She also enjoyed the outdoors and loved quilting and doing crafts of all kinds often giving to others.  In her passing she continued her selflessness and helping others by giving the gift of organ tissue donation.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Tim Yarolem of Wyoming, IA; children, Barbara (Dee Jay) Thomsen of Oxford Junction, IA, Jonathan Fields of Wyoming, IA, Ashley (Jeremy) Kaska of Brighton, IA, Tristan (Iris) Yarolem of Germany, and Courtney Yarolem of Germany; 12 grandchildren; and siblings, Sylvia (Donald) DeMoss of Baldwin, IA, Jerald Koontz Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, Timmy Koontz of Maquoketa, IA, Marcie (Thomas) Skeffington of DeWitt, IA, Kimberly Lembo of Maquoketa, IA, Christine (Dale) Ehlinger of Brighton, IA, Betty (Randy) Hoist of Brighton, IA, Troy (Carla) Koontz of Lost Nation, IA, Jennifer Thomas of Maquoketa, IA, and Stacie Bodenhofer of Maquoketa, IA.  She was preceded in death by her father Jerald Walker Koontz Sr. and mother Donna Koontz on November 27, 2021, a brother Dennis Koontz and a sister Deborah Koontz.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Thelma M. Yarolem memorial fund has been established.

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

Coletta A. Wells

Coletta A. Wells, 104 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 27, 2021 at Luther Manor.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Coletta was born 9/4/1917 on the family farm between Monona and Farmersburg, Iowa.

The family moved to Monona when she was 2 years old. Her father August Bentien built a general store and operated it in downtown Monona. They lived above the store.

Coletta graduated from Monona Public school in 1934. She worked a year in a grocery store and restaurant. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) with a 2 year teaching certificate. Coletta taught 5th and 6th grades at Luana, Iowa for 4 years.

Coletta met Gordon Wells on a blind date and they married May 10, 1941 in Monona, Iowa. They moved to San Diego, CA where they belonged to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Mr. and Mrs. club. Coletta ran the home front while Gordon built B 24 bombers during the war. On 1/6/1946 their first born son was born but lived only 16 hours. Then on 6/16/1948 their daughter Diane was born, and she has just recently passed away.

They returned to Dubuque, Iowa in the fall of 1950, 2 more children born and lived there ever since.  They joined St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and she was very active with committee work and were members for 70 years. Coletta’s work was volunteering: Sunday School Superintendent at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 7 years; belonged to a circle bible study group; made quilts for L.W.R.; PTA at Irving Elementary; Cub Scout leader; regularly donating blood until too old; volunteering at Luther Manor and the Manor Auxiliary as well as at Finley Hospital auxiliary into her 90’s.

Coletta and Gordon enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada with family and after Gordon retired they traveled to Europe and other countries. Coletta was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in their home of 64 years before needing nursing home care at Luther Manor. They were married 78 years when Gordon passed away 1/12/2020.

Survivors include children: Gordon Lee Wells (Debbie); Charlene Kenkel (Steve).  Grandchildren: Misty (Wells) Wideman (Tim), Sarah Kenkel (Rock Tai), Jessica DeVlieger, Destiny St. Clair (Travis). Great-grandchildren: JJ, Carson & Jace Wideman; Dylan, Bailey & Grayson DeVlieger; Elexa St. Clair.

Preceding Coletta in death: parent’s Ida and August Bentien; husband Gordon Wells; son Baby Gordon, daughter Diane Coletta (Wells) Locklear; grandson Robert Kenkel.

Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Kaye K. Kamp

Kaye K. Kamp, 76, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dyersville, Iowa.

Family will greet friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a Memorial service for Kaye will be held at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Mike Jones presiding.  Burial for Kaye will be held at a later date.

She was born on November 13, 1945, in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Otto and Mary (Shaw) O’Dell Sr.  She received her education from the Bankston area schools.  On February 17, 1966 she was united in marriage to Frank Kamp.  He preceded her in death on March 8, 2017.

She was employed at the Ertl Company and did a lot of in-home daycare as she was raising her children.  Later she returned to work at Scale Models in Dyersville, Iowa for several years until her retirement. She was meticulous with both her flower and vegetable gardens.  She canned a lot of her produce from her garden.  Kaye was known as the “Rabbit Lady,” as she raised several hundred over the years.  She loved to bake homemade sweets and her grandchildren loved to eat them.

She is survived by her children, Kelly (Brett) Fagan and their daughter, Sydney of Dubuque,  Angela (Jason) Schwendinger and their children, Trevor, Adyson and Emerson of Anamosa, and Nicholas (Mindy) Kamp and sons, Hunter and Joseph of Worthington; her eight siblings, Joan (James) Walters of Guttenberg, Barbara (Eldon) Jaeger of Worthington, Dave (Judy) O’Dell of Bernard, Norene Dole and Elaine O’Dell both of Dubuque, Robert (Shirley) O’Dell and Brian (Dee) O’Dell both of Epworth, and Cheryl (Tom) Rauch of Monticello; brothers and sisters-in-law, James (Sharon) Kamp of Jesup, Anthony Kamp of Peosta, and Alice (Dave) McGhee of Dubuque.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Karen (James) Beau; three brothers, Otto “Sam” O’Dell Sr., Allen O’Dell and Clarence “Wink” O’Dell; sister-in-law, Margaret (LaVerne) Thein and brother-in-law, Paul Kamp.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to the Worthington Fire Department and Bi-County Ambulance for their quick response.

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

Catherine Thier

Dennis Paar

Dennis Paar, 79, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 7, 2022, at home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road. The Rev. Jonathan Crawford will officiate. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following services. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Dennis was born on September 9, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Gwendolynn (Elliott) Paar.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior Highschool, Class of 1960.

He married Karen Kelley on August 12, 1961, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.

Dennis proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for thirteen months and for three years in Germany. His wife and two children were able to live with him during his time in Germany. After he was honorably discharged from the Army he served in the Army Reserve, and the Navy Reserve.

He was a bartender at a variety of places over the years, and also worked at many filling stations in Dubuque. Dennis was a machinist at Georgia Pacific, where he was employed for thirty years until his retirement.

Dennis enjoyed listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He and Karen enjoyed taking their camper on trips around Wisconsin and the Midwest.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Eric (Sara) Paar; grandchildren, Daniel Paar, Travis (Allie) Paarsmith, Michele Paar, Matthew Paar, Kevin (Samantha Fries) Billmeyer, Joshua Paar, Krisstal (Jacob Shaffer) Jackson, and Destini Kohl; four great-grandchildren, Kairei and Saria Shaffer, Laklynn and Adalynn Billmeyer, and Raelyn Kohl; and his sister, Patricia Philips.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura Paar; and two siblings, Dianna Digman, and Barbara Weis.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, The Moose Lodge, and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Dennis’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful nurses and volunteers at Hospice of Dubuque, Unity Point Health Finley Hospital, Dr. Konz and staff, and all of the EMT volunteers. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Jean M. Fassbinder

Jean Marie (Mulgrew) Fassbinder, 62, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in Naples, FL.

Jean was born on January 25, 1959 in Dubuque to Pat and Mary Mulgrew. She married her high school sweetheart, Rick Fassbinder, on September 12, 1980. Their love and commitment for each other was beautiful, strong and enduring. Their marriage was the ultimate example for their children on how to love their own companions. In their 41 years of marriage, they enjoyed dinner and a movie together, vacationing in Florida, and monthly gatherings with their game group friends. They joyfully brought four beautiful children into the world: Nicholas, Abbey, Emily, and Jacob. They were her pride and joy from day one and this carried true until her final breath. Jean also loved her role as Nana to her six grandchildren – she couldn’t wait to take on that duty. What the grandkids will miss most about Nana is when she would hold them on her lap and tenderly use her fingertips to scratch their arms, also spoiling them with shopping trips. Sitting down at the dinner table every night as a family was very important to her. Her favorite recipe was “A little bit of this and a little bit of that.” She loved fiercely and deeply and we take comfort in knowing she is peacefully shining down on us each and every day.

Those still here to cherish Jean’s memory include her loving husband, Rick; her children, Nicholas and Jen (Dahlkemper) Fassbinder and their children, Ella and Alex. Ella’s Mom, Val Stoilova. Abbey and Jesse Drolema and their daughter, Lauren. Emily and William Liechty and their children, Jackson, Connor, & Josephine. And Jacob (Steph Lilly) Fassbinder; her Mother, Mary Mulgrew, and siblings; MaryBeth (Todd) Kunau, Ann Mulgrew, Jim (Laura) Mulgrew, and Molly (Zach) Ament. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, extended family, in-laws, and a host of long-time friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her Father, Pat Mulgrew, and her Father- and Mother-in-Law, Robert and Eileen Fassbinder.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14th at Cathedral of Saint Raphael. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 14th at Cathedral of Saint Raphael. Rev. David Ambrosy, a friend of Jean and family, will officiate.

The family kindly requests that all attendees wear masks and observe social distancing. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared and a live-stream of the Mass can be viewed on Jean’s obituary under the Photos and Videos tab at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts given in Jean’s name will be gifted to Holy Family Catholic Schools and Dubuque Boys and Girls Club. “Cheers to life!”

Sister Anne Marie Friedrich, OP

Sister Anne Marie Friedrich, OP, died Jan. 6, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. She was born to Adam and Catherine (Connor) Friedrich Sept. 1, 1932, in Chicago.

She was the oldest of three daughters. Sister Anne Marie is survived by her sister, Joan Bulfin; nieces; extended family; and her beloved Dominican family. Sister Anne Marie spent from 1952 to 1980 in elementary schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. She taught middle grades and later was principal. She was an organized, warm, kind and funny human being. Sister Anne Marie then took a sabbatical. In 1981, she and Dr. Marilyn Aiello, OP, moved to Marks, Miss., to establish DePorres Health Center. Sister Anne Marie was key to running the operational side of the clinic. She promoted and welcomed full-time volunteers, Catholic Sisters, medical personnel and many others who sought a faith-filled community. She lived in Mississippi until 2007.

Services will be held at Sinsinawa Jan. 10-11. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Well done, Anne Marie. We send you on your way. Go gently in peace.