Obituaries Archive

Kimberly S. Carner

Kimberly S. “Kim” (Brokus) Carner, age 48, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Kim’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Kim was born on February 9, 1973, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Donald “Don” Marcov Sr. and Ruth Ann Brokus.

Kim attended school at Central High School and went on to graduate from college with a degree in Human Resources.  She would meet the love of her life, Jimmie James Carner Jr. in 1989, and they would later marry in Dubuque in 1996.  Kim was employed at Pickel Barrell Subs and with the retail shop at the St. Vincent de Paul Society.   She also owned her own business, Kim’s Closet, on 19th and Washington, for a few years.  In her free time, Kim loved to spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren.  She enjoyed shopping, keeping up with friends on Facebook, and everyone knew how much she loved her Mean Bean coffee drinks.  Kim regularly rode along in the semi with Jimmie, and liked going fishing, camping and taking vacations.  She also had a special place in her heart for her cats.  Kim was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, sister and friend.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Kim’s memory include

her husband,
Jimmie Carner Jr., Bellevue, IA;

her 4 children,
Andrew James (Jessica Hoag Walters) Brokus, Bellevue, IA,
Lee William (Taylor Webber) Brokus, Dubuque, IA,
Dakota James (Kristan Brown) Carner, Dubuque, IA
and Alexis Marie (Alex Winter) Carner, Dubuque, IA;

2 grandchildren,
Owen and Sawyer Brokus with another one on the way, Amelia Winter;

her siblings,
Rick Brokus, Dubuque, IA,
Brandie (Adam) Lenz, Dubuque, IA,
Barb (Don) Brenner, Dubuque, IA,
Tammy (Tom) Thurston, Key West, IA,
Shane Marcov, Dubuque, IA,
Michael Marcov, Dubuque, IA,
Tracy Lynn Marcov, Claremont, IA,
Jesse (Michelle Eckhardt) Wolfe, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Chad (Nicole) Wolfe, West Union, IA;

her in-laws,
Jimmie James (Kathy) Carner Sr.
and Mary Jo (Larry) Gearheart, both of Dubuque;

and several nieces and nephews.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Norman Lee Marcov, Donald Marcov Jr., Gloria Ann Marcov and Cheryl Ann Marcov; and a sister-in-law, Victoria Ann Carner.

Kim’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Alex and Adam for being with Kim until the paramedics arrived.

Kim’s generous spirit will live on helping others through the gift of donation with the Iowa Donor Network.

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

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

Janice M. Sawvell

Janice Marlene Sawvell, 86 made her Heavenly journey on January 1st, 2022, after a short stay at Stonehill Health Center

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a service starting at 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

She was born on June 29, 1935, in Elizabeth, Illinois to Clarence and Viola (Henneman) Dittmar. She attended school in the Elizabeth, Illinois area and graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1953. She went on to marry Junior Sawvell on March 20, 1954. They were married 61 years.

Marlene worked various jobs around the Dubuque area including at the Roschek building. After her children Steven and Sherry were born, she became a full-time home maker. She enjoyed being a home maker and would always make a “big lunch” for Junior.

Her and Junior enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Benton, Wisconsin going to the Drive-In next door and going to various supper clubs in southwest Wisconsin. She enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and she often took her grandchildren Michelle and Joshua on trips. Her and Junior took many bus trips with their UAW retiree group after Junior retired from John Deere.

Marlene never knew a stranger. She truly had a heart of gold and a free spirit.

She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, collecting birdhouses, decorating for Christmas, and going for rides. She was a lover of sweets and always had a “treat drawer” for her grandkids.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Sherry (Bill) Worthington of Dubuque, Iowa; two grandchildren Michelle (Dallas) Winter of Dubuque, Iowa, Joshua (Emily Bantel) Clayton of Caledonia, Michigan; great grandchildren Abby, Olivia, and Mia; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son Steven.

The family wishes to extend thanks to Hospice of Dubuque especially Julie and Peggy, and to the staff at Stonehill Communities.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Matt W. Podnar

Matt W. Podnar 41, of Scales Mound, IL passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, at home. A funeral service will be held at 6 PM, Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 4 PM until the time of service. Burial will be held later. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born December 11, 1980, in Cuba City, WI the son of Kevin and Ann (Harris) Podnar.

Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Matt worked for Cedar Cross Overhead Door, Dubuque for several years installing residential and commercial garage doors. He loved his son Beau and enjoyed spending time “chillin” or going to movies, playing X-box, and pulling Beau behind the four-wheeler on his sled. Together they had a love for pancakes and enjoyed going to Emmy Lou’s or I-Hop to share a stack. Matt was an avid Chicago Bears fan and any other team playing the Packers. He was able to attend several games at Soldier Field with his son Beau or his best friend, Greg. Matt never missed a Bears game on TV. His friendship with his buddies meant the world to him. When they got together their favorite pastime was Busch Light and shooting the breeze.

Matt is survived by his son, Beau, his parents, Kevin (Ann) Podnar of Scales Mound, a sister Jen (special friend, Kari) of Racine, WI, his paternal grandparents, Steve (Jeanette) Podnar, his uncle, Craig (Sharon) Podnar, a special uncle and aunt, Mike (Jan) Harris, his best friend, Greg Petsche, and his many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William B. (Helen J.) Harris, two aunts, Birdie Straka and Susan Podnar, two uncles Gary and Rhett Harris.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to FHN Hospice and our many friends and family for being there during this difficult time. “I faced it all and I stood tall and did it MY WAY”.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Helen M. Sanger Bartels

Constance Biweri

Constance “Connie” Biwersi, 70, of Platteville, WI, passed away peacefully Saturday January 1, 2022.

Connie was born on May 11th, 1951 in Altoona, PA.  She grew up in Wonewoc, WI.  She received a BA degree in Theater Art from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Connie enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and made beautiful greeting cards.

Connie worked as a baker at Dick’s bakery in Platteville and delivered papers for the Telegraph Herald for many years.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents Conrad W. Biwersi and Emily G. Biwersi (nee McCready).

She is survived by her brother, Bob Biwersi and sister-in-law, Mary Biwersi.  She is further survived by dear friends Sherry Paulus, Leanne Holdridge, John Silha Barb and Paul Margan and family.

At Connie’s request, there will be no funeral service.  A celebration of her life will take place in the spring for her friends and family. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family.

Edwin W. Fangman

Edwin W. Fangman, 100, passed away January 1, 2022 at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 6th at The Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Egelhof Siegert Casper Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ed was born August 26, 1921 in Bloomington, WI, the son of Arthur and Frances (Bohenkamp) Fangman.  He married Evelyn M. Scott on May 19, 1953 at The Church of the Nativity.

He graduated from Bloomington High School, Bloomington, WI and Cedar Rapids Barber College. He was employed at the former Belsky Motors in Dubuque for a number of years and then as a barber in his shop on Central Ave.

He was a member of the Church of the Nativity and served as an usher.

Surviving is his wife Evelyn, their children Ellen (Robert) McNichols, of Arlington Heights, IL., John (Vickie) Fangman of Bayfield, WI., Denis (Cathy) Fangman of Dubuque, Kathy Holmes of Lake Villa, IL., Julie (Gregg) Sitkowski of West Chicago, IL., and James “Jim” (Kathy) Fangman of Batesville. IN.; 11 grandchildren, Laura (Robert) Bailey, Colleen (Chris) Lahendro, Jeanette (Connor) Garrity, Joshua (Caitlyn) and Kal (Mary) Fangman, Jonathan (Amy) and Michael (Emily) Fangman, Kelly (Martin) Rosales and Matthew (Brittany) Holmes, Alexa and Mikaela Fangman; eight great grandchildren; two sisters in law Roberta Turner and Patsy Scott, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Charles; two sisters, Lou Mae Fangman and Lorraine Bierman; a sister-in law Mary Fangman; and three brothers in-law John Bierman and John “Jack” Turner and Darrell Scott.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jennifer, Hailey and Amber.

Velma M. McMahon

Velma Mae McMahon, 89, of Dubuque, passed away on December 31, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Goerend officiating. No visitation hours will be held. Private burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Velma was born March 6, 1932, in Dyersville, Iowa, daughter of Leo and Loretta Soppe. She graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1949. She married the love of her life, Milton “Mick” McMahon on February 14, 1953, and began their wonderful life.

Vel enjoyed bowling, golfing, and going to movies.  She and Mick traveled and spent many fun times with their friends. More than anything, Vel loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  She loved life so much, and it truly rubbed off on anyone she met.

She is survived by her husband Milton “Mick: McMahon; sons Patrick (Rhonda) McMahon and Michael (Rebecca) McMahon; daughter Jane (Ken) Kuhle; 9 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli & Lindsey.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Dubuque!

Malinda M. Kunkel

Malinda M. Kunkel, 90, formerly of 2277 Southway, was called to the Lord on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, to be reunited with her parents and husband.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Malinda will be 10:30 am Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steve Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in the Garden of Our Lady Section at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 am until the time of the mass at 10:30 am at the church.

Malinda was born September 8, 1931, in Springbrook, IA, the daughter of Henry and Kate (Heiar) Steines. On July 4, 1953, she married Duane A. Kunkel in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Buena Vista, IA.  He passed away on August 12, 1993.

She was employed as a time-keeper and a machine operator at Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing retiring after 40 years.  Malinda was a member of St. Anthony Parish and their Rosary Society.  She volunteered at Finley Hospital and the Community School Print Center for 13 years.  Malinda was awarded the President Service award in 2008.

She was a very loving mother and would do anything for her children.  Malinda was always there for them. She was a great cook and always had a big feast of food for the family gatherings.  Malinda enjoyed making wooden crafts, crocheting, sewing and working on the family tree.  She loved her flowers and gardening and just putzing around outside. Malinda enjoyed being with her family and grandchildren very much.

Survivors include her children, Donna (Gerald) Kara, Danny (Diane) Kunkel, Denise (Randy) Schmit, all of Dubuque and Debbie Avery of Waterloo; eleven grandchildren, Chrissy, Jeremy, Jessica, Daniel, Derek, Amanda, Ryan, Michael, Tyler, Brandon and Cody; eight great-grandchildren, Brantley, Ava, Kylee, Royal, Eliza, La’Merical, Blake and Jade and one sister-in-law, Isabella Steines.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane A. Kunkel; her parents; five brothers, Henry Jr. Steines, Herman (Agnes) Steines, Sylvester (Edith) Steines, Lawrence Steines and LeRoy (Betty) Steines and one sister, Elverda (Hubert) Engling.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Hospice of Dubuque or American Cancer Society – Breast Cancer Awareness.

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

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

Barbara K. Odefey

Barbara K. Odefey, 75, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 1, 2022.  Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 am Wednesday, January 5, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 11 am.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Barbara was born January 20, 1946 in Dubuque, daughter of Arthur and Lucille (Kalloway) Hentges.

She married William Odefey on September 5, 1964 at Holy Ghost Church.

She worked as a bank teller at American Trust until her retirement.

Barbara had a great love for the Lord.  She was an avid reader and read her Bible for hours daily, as well as going to Bible study twice a week.

She was a die-hard Cubs fan, movie lover, and enjoyed car rides.  If she saw garbage in parking lots, she would pick it up and dispose of it.

Barbara also found joy in donating to her favorite charities.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, William Odefey of Dubuque; five children, Wendy (Jim) Budde of Bellevue, Angela (Chris) Pritchard of Bellevue, Lisa Klein of Dubuque, Amy (Jay) Remy of Dubuque and Scott (Julie) Odefey of Menomonee Falls, WI; 12 grandchildren, Josh (Tina) Close, Tyler (Jess) Odefey, Colton (Brittany) Hancock, Sam Odefey, Miranda Klein, Lyle Klein, Morgan Klein, Logan Klein, Jack Odefey, Matthew Odefey, Lily Odefey and ten great grandchildren with one on the way.

She is also survived by a sister, Arlene Elliott.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step father, Edward Miller; two brothers, Jim Hentges and Edward Miller Jr; brother in law, Richard Elliott; son in law, James Hancock and granddaughter, Leslie Ann Hancock.

For further information, or to leave and online condolence for the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Jimmy Lee Coulson

Jimmy Lee Coulson, 75, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

There will be a visitation 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with a Sharing of Memories at 11:00 a.m. Per State and CDC guidelines, facemasks are required. The Sharing of Memories will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Jimmy was born on January 19, 1946 in Lamberton, MN, the son of Archie and Della (Jenson) Coulson. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice M. Donner on October 10, 1964 at St. John Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls, MN. For the past 57 years he loved her with his whole heart.

Jimmy was employed as a foreman for many years with Iowa Pipeline and later as a welder for Tschiggfrie Excavating Co., until his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, tractors, and stock car racing with his son and son-in-law. You could always find him cheering on #16 & #44! But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife.

Surviving are his wife Janice; their children, Duane (Grace) Coulson of East Dubuque, Kari (Doug) Bahl of Peosta, IA, and Stacy Harlow of East Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Cody, Kelsi, Kaila, Rain, Dakota, Darius, Logan and Carsten; three great grandchildren, Camdyn, Camiya and Aria; his siblings, Elno Coulson of Dubuque, IA, Connie Sutherland of Windom, MN and Lonnie Coulson of Fairmont, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Della; and siblings, Bob, Duke, Jack, Darlene and JoAnn.

In lieu of flowers, a Jimmy Lee Coulson memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the East Dubuque Fire Department and EMTs and Mercy One Emergency room staff for their effort and support.

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

Pastor Tony L. Johnson

Pastor Tony Lee  Johnson, age 63, of Dubuque, passed away at 1:20 p.m., on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Tony’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until  7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, January 7, 2022 , at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel, 2843 JFK Road, with Evangelist Robert Harbin officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Tony was born on August 20, 1958, in Dubuque, son of Arthur and Mary (Klinkenberg) Johnson.

Tony attended school at Fulton Grade School, Jefferson Middle School and graduated from Hempstead High School, Class of 1976.  He enjoyed boxing, and in high school he was a Golden Gloves Boxer at the YMCA.  After graduation, he went to welding school.  Tony was a hard worker who devoted his career to A.Y. McDonald in the foundry for 38 years, until his well earned retirement in 2016.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Laura Johns on September 9, 1978, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Dubuque.  Tony devoted his life to Christ on April 30, 1980, and a year later surrendered to preach.  He served as an Assistant Pastor at Grace Baptist Church for 32 years, and after much prayer and fasting, God confirmed his call to start a new work when he received his grandfather’s Bible in the mail. In 2017 he was ordained, and in 2018, he started Crossroads Baptist Church of Dubuque.  Preaching and sharing the Gospel was his true passion in life. He wanted everyone to know how God had changed his life, and how they could come to know this same God. Tony truly wore his faith on his shoulder. In his free time he also liked to spend time out in the woods deer hunting and mushroom hunting.  He was a talented woodworker who built 4 offices for other Pastors and created several beautiful furniture pieces in his wood shop.  Tony’s favorite time of the day was definitely morning when he would read his bible and pray for guidance and the salvation of souls.  He would often play his guitar and harmonica Sunday mornings before church.  He was also known to spend time tinkering on his classic cars, especially restoring his 1967 Mustang and his son’s 1951 International Pickup Truck.  Tony’s family was his pride and joy and he was a very dedicated husband, dad, grandpa and Pastor.  We are truly heartbroken at losing such a wonderful man and role model in our daily lives.  Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Tony’s  memory include

his wife,
Laura Johnson, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Angela (Peter) Román, Springfield, MO,
Adam (Josie) Johnson, Dyersville, IA
and Anthony Johnson, Dubuque, IA;

3 grandchildren,
Brooke, Aidan and Jace with one more on the way;

his sister,
Cindy Thomas, Dubuque, IA;

and his in-laws,
Mary (Paul) Swartzel,
Cheryl (Jeff) Chiott
and Toni (Bob) Backes, all of Dubuque.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Stuart Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Jefferson Thomas.

Tony’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for all of the outstanding care they provided for Tony.  Also a heartfelt thank you to all of the Prayer Warriors around the world that have been faithfully praying for Tony these past weeks and Pastor Ed Mast for his support.

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

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

Alvin J. Kilburg

Alvin J. Kilburg, 102, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:30 am, also Wednesday, January 5, 2022 prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Alvin was born, February 9, 1919 in rural Bellevue, the son of Dominic and Florence (Weis) Kilburg.  He married Estelle Roling on January 15, 1947, she passed on December 11, 1981.  Alvin farmed in rural Bellevue before moving into town at the age of 95.  He resided at Mill Valley Care Center the last 4 years.  Alvin had fond memories of the Kilburg Family trip in 1995 to Luxembourg, longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, he was a man of strong faith, praying the rosary, and had an appreciation of Lady of Fatima.  Alvin will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.  “When the role is called up yonder.”

Survivors include his children, Al (Mary) Kilburg, Ann (Rick)Tuegel, Theresa Samuel, Paul (Nancy) Kilburg, Velma Miller, Helen Kilburg, Nina (Matt) Bahl, Anita (Verl) Howell, Tim (Lisa) Kilburg, Amy (Mark) Dagitz, Bill (Rebecca) Kilburg; a son in-law, Scott (Michelle) Becwar; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several step-grand, great grand and great great-grandchildren, siblings, Kenneth (Jean) Kilburg, Leo (Janis) Kilburg, Vera (Levi) Schmidt, and Dula (Leon) Tebbe; sisters-in law Katie Kilburg and Judy Kilburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a daughter, Lydia Becwar; great grand daughter Chelsea, sons in-law, Vernon Medinger, Ron Samuel and Steve Miller; his siblings and in-laws, Lloyd (Monica) Kilburg, Earl Kilburg, Vernon Kilburg, Rita (Raymond) Roling, Marcella “Sally” (Paul) Banowetz, Vincent Kilburg, Albert (Mary) Kilburg, Edna (Michael) Reuter, Estelle’s parents and all of her brothers and sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his roommate Ray, Leo, Janis, Steve and the Mill Valley Staff for your attention and caring to Alvin over the years. Also thank you to all the friends and relatives who visited with him-he truly enjoyed guests.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the Dubuque Community Foundation c/o Paul & Sally Banowetz Scholarship fund or Marquette High School.

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

Jean A. Hammel

Jean A. (Scheibe) Hammel, age 83, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:50 p.m., on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday at the church, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Jean was born on June 29, 1938, in Dixon, Illinois, daughter of Merlin and Delia (Kopp) Scheibe.

Jean spent her early childhood in Illinois before moving to Dubuque in 1949, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1956, from Dubuque Senior High School.  She was united in marriage to Thomas J. Hammel, on May 14, 1960, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They would be blessed with 4 children and 50 years of marriage before Tom passed away on April 18, 2011.  Jean was a bookkeeper with the Dubuque Community School District, Brown Publishing, Nacos & Puff Accounting and O’Connor, Brooks and Company.  Jean had an artistic side and was very creative.  She did ceramics, crocheting, embroidery, knitting and cross-stitch.  She also enjoyed reading historical novels and always read the daily newspaper cover to cover.  Jean enjoyed traveling the country, almost always by car, and loved when that car still had the “new car smell”.  Jean was a member of the Church of the Resurrection, where she volunteered regularly, and was the Treasurer for her TOPS group for several years.  She loved getting the grandchildren together to play all sorts of games, creating priceless memories for them to cherish forever.  Jean was a sweet woman with a generous spirit who made the world a better place just by being here.  She will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her children,
Jane (Rich) Glennon, Dubuque, IA,
Mike (Pauline) Hammel, Bloomington, IL,
Cheryl (Steve) Larson, Dubuque, IA
and Ken (Beth) Hammel, Normal, IL;

her grandchildren,
Alex (Abby) Glennon, Ryan Glennon, Jen (Jason) Hart, Andy, Leilani and Jessica Hammel, Allie (Tim) Saunders, Emily (Brady) Randall, Amy (Kaitlin) Gonder, Kendall (Kevin) Lyons and Eric Hammel;

her great-grandchildren,
Emma, Jacob and Lucas Hart, Sophia and Olivia Saunders, Ava Randall and one more on the way;

and her sisters,
Mary Katuin, Dubuque, IA,
Joan Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,
Judy (Dick) Hierstein, Burlington, IA
and Joyce (Dick) Leibfried, Dubuque, IA.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Hammel; and a brother-in-law, Walter Katuin.

Jean’s family would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their support and kindness.

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

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

Susan M. Hostert

Susan Marie (Bertling—Hillebrand) Hostert, 58, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Per her request there will be a celebration of life in the spring at the family farm.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

She was born on September 26, 1954 in Monticello, Iowa, the third child of  John W. “Bill” and Evelyn (Miller) Bertling.  She received her education in Cascade, at St. Mary’s grade school and Aquin High School; graduating from Northeast Iowa Community College in 1981. Susan worked over 26 years with the Sisters of Charity of Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa, in the position of Retirement Trust Office, Director of Human Resources office, Associate Administrator of Marian Hall and ultimately Administrator of the Mount Carmel Continuing Care Retirement Community.  After retiring from Mount Carmel in 2006, Susan worked for eight years at Sedgwick Claims Management Specialty Company and then in 2015 finished out her working career as Front Desk Receptionist at Unified Therapy Services Pediatric Clinic in Dubuque, Iowa.

Susan married Don Hillebrand, September 17, 1971 he died March 15, 1978.  Susan then married the man who would give her a life full of adventure, Mark Hostert on May 16, 1981.  The couple enjoyed many wonderful years together, raising Theresa and Tammy and then opening their hearts wide to welcome five fantastic grandchildren.  Years of travel, music and family togetherness made for a life rich in much love.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Hostert of Bernard; her daughters Theresa (Frank) Scherrman of Cedar Rapids and Tammy (Matthew Schulte) Hillebrand of St. Louis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Jared, Justin, Jenna and Jolene Scherrman and Josephine Schulte; her nine siblings, Jane (Walt) Puccio of Cascade, Sandra (Mike) Coohey of Dubuque, Sherry (Tom) Simon of Cascade, Peggy (Grant) Taylor of Dripping Springs, TX, Billie Sue (Dave) Hummel of Cascade, Vicki (Bill) Takes of Monticello,  Jim (Deb) Bertling of Cascade, Kris (Mark) Bideaux of Marion, and Kari (Dave) Stecher of Des Moines; sister and brother-in-laws, Sharon Bertling of Cascade, Charlotte (Jim) Carey of Eyota, MN, Steven (Jeanne) Hostert of Cedar Rapids,  Joanne Hostert of Minneapolis, MN, Nick (Ellen) Hillebrand of Cedar Rapids and many loving nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Don; her parents; two brother, Jeff Bertling and Mike Bertling, her parents-in-law, Claud G. and Rosalie (Kilburg) Hostert  and Clarence and Irene Hillebrand; brother-in-laws, John Hillebrand and Jonathan Egbert; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Adrian-Hostert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Susan’s memory to Bernard Fire and Rescue.

Bernard M. Zenner

Bernard M. “Bernie” Zenner, age 66, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at 11:40 a.m., on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Bernie’s life, family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Bill Biver officiating.  Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery.

Bernie was born on December 3, 1955, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, son of John and Jeanne (Schliesmann) Zenner.

Bernie graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, Wisconsin, Class of 1974.  Later, he attended Gateway Technical College, where he studied automotive technology, graduating in 1989.  Bernie worked as a mechanic in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, before moving back to Dubuque and going to work for Andersen Eagle Window and Door, until his retirement, on his birthday, in 2020.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jean Ewing, in 1979, in Racine.  They were blessed with 3 children, and celebrated 32 years of marriage before Jean sadly passed away at the young age of 54.  In his younger days, Bernie enjoyed hitting the town attending all of the local music festivals.  He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to read.  He especially enjoyed reading science fiction books and was a Star Wars aficionado.  Bernie also enjoyed spending time with family, especially when the grandchildren were little.  He was a faith-filled man and a very spiritual person, who volunteered his time helping out his community with the Dubuque Rescue Mission.  We are saddened at losing Bernie so suddenly.  Bernie is now free of the health challenges he has faced these past years, and was happily reunited with Jean for Christmas this year.

Those left to cherish Bernie’s memory include

his children,
Jocelyn (Jason) Mish, Dubuque, IA,
Jon (Courtney) Ewing, Carroll, IA
and Sarah Zenner, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Katelynn, Juliana and Sabrina Mish, Cole O’Hare and Quintin Weipert;

a great-granddaughter,
Aila;

and several siblings,
Suzanne (Frederick) Dooley,
Jeryl (Paul) Sturino,
Alan (Colleen) Zenner,
Roxanne Zenner,
Peter Zenner
and Staci Montee, all in the Racine, WI area.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jean Zenner.

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

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