Obituaries Archive

Gwen A. Benn-Schmitt

Robert A. Sargent

Robert A. “Bob” Sargent, 58, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

A committal service along with Military Honors Accorded by the Andrew Amvets, Post 62 will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Andrew Cemetery in Andrew, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

Bob was born in Dubuque, IA on May 12, 1962 the son of Charles and Janis (Murphy) Sargent. He graduated from Andrew High School. Bob married Sheila Sargent. He served in the US Navy in Long Beach, CA on the USS Cayuga.

Bob worked as a truck driver, welder and most recently at Anderson Window and Door. He liked to play pool and loved fishing, hunting, bowling and karaoke. Bob especially loved his dogs and spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his mother, Janis; his grandmother, Elizabeth “Betty” Murphy; sister, Debra (Paul) Old, brothers, William (Debra) Sargent, Daniel (Gina) Sargent, Charles Sargent and Kevin (Heather) Sargent; 12 nieces and nephews; and 5 great nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila; his father, Charles; grandparents, Timothy and Lula Sargent and Howard Murphy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Howard and Michelle Hastings for all of their support during this difficult time.

Freya R. C. Mendel

Freya Rose Charlie Mendel, infant daughter of Carrie Mendel of Lost Nation, Iowa, received her angel wings on Monday, March 22, 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 5 P.M. on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date. Masks will be required.

She was born on November 24, 2020 in Iowa City, Iowa.

She is survived by her mother, Carrie Rae Mendel of Lost Nation, IA; a sister, Paeton Miller of Maquoketa, IA; maternal grandparents, Linda Davidson of Maquoketa, IA, and Charles Mendel of St. Charles, IL; maternal great-grandparents, Jacqueline and Charles Mendel of St. Charles, IL; and a very special friend of the family, Michelle Gunderson of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents Tom and Clara Rorah, maternal grandfather Ernie Davidson, infant twin brothers, and her uncle Joshua Mendel.

A Freya Rose Charlie Mendel memorial fund has been established at Maquoketa State Bank.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Wanda J. Sefzik

Wanda J. Sefzik, 96, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.

Memorial Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Services will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.  Rev. Greg Parker will officiate. Interment will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Condolences and memories may be shared at egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Wanda was born September 8, 1924, in Seymour, Missouri, the daughter of Frederick and Beatrice Patrum.

As a young woman, she worked at Maid-Rite in Dubuque where she met Merle J. Sefzik.  They were married on December 24, 1943 on Treasure Island in California.  While Merle was fighting in World War II, Wanda worked at the Armory in Sabula making munitions, and also took a job operating the elevator in a 17-story building, across from Central Park in New York City.  She later worked at the Carousel Snack shop in Kennedy Mall, where she made many lasting friendships.

Wanda was a devoted homemaker who loved helping her family with anything and everything. She was a great cook, and no one ever went away from her house hungry. Wanda was an avid reader, often coming home with stacks of books from the library.  She also enjoyed playing bingo and taking long walks.

Wanda is survived by two daughters, Bev Folkers, of Des Moines, and Linda Johns, of Dubuque; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Cari (Eric) Lindgren, of Urbandale, and their son Zack Schaaf, of Minneapolis; Mike (Robyn) Johns and their children Parker and Emery, all of Dubuque; and A.J. (Jillian) Johns of Leawood, KS; Dan (Diane) Folkers of West Des Moines; Lori (Jim) Billings of Pleasantville, and Steve Folkers of Indianola, and many great grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merle on April 5, 2013; her parents; her son-in-law, Lee Folkers; and two brothers Jim (Betty) and Fred “Bud” Patrum.

Memorials may be made to Area Residential Care (ARC).

The family would like to thank her many friends at Eagle Pointe Place, where they lovingly referred to her as “Our Wanda”, Mike and Julie Gansemer, Stonehill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Ray Douglas Weeder

It is with heavy heart that we announce that Ray Douglas Weeder (Doug please) has reached the end of his earthly journey.  His voice has fallen silent and we now hear only echoes of his love.

Doug was born of humble beginnings to John Weeder, a coal miner from Fancy Hill, PA., and Helen Malesky-Weeder his loving mother. His father was a man who lived his values while his mother spoke her simple truths. Doug’s youth was spent exploring the woods, picking berries and playing baseball with his younger brother Robert (Bob) while being the protective big brother to sisters Mary Jane and Lee Ann. By sheer grit and determination his father lifted his family from the suffocating privation that is a coal town and migrated to Chicago during the Second World War.

The first in his family to know the achievement of a college degree and driven by his passion to develop the lives of children and Doug made education his life’s mission.  He would later go on to attain a Masters Degree in Education in order to provide his unique gift to an even greater circle of children.

It was at Northern Illinois University that Doug met and courted Linda Warkentien.  In 1958 they were married in Linda’s hometown of Harvard, Illinois. They started their family with Michael John born in 1959 followed two years later by Debra Ann and four years hence Steven Todd.  Our family enjoyed many camping trips where Doug taught the attraction and wonder of this natural world. Later, we enjoyed the serene beauty of a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin.

Grandchildren Kevin and Angelica (Michael and Eileen Weeder), Luke, Avery and Seth (Debra and Andrew Harmon), and Bradley and Nathan (Steven and Libby Weeder) sat at the feet of this thoughtful man, learning lessons taught by comedic stories, and tragic tales of caution. He ultimately imparted the lesson of life-long learning through his example. Doug was happiest sitting at the head of the holiday dinner table, reflecting on the meaning of family on those special days.

You may be one of the thousands of children from the West Chicago School District that have known his gentle and caring touch.  He shared his passion for our Democracy while he taught the most valuable of lesson – the beauty that is our Constitution.

You may be one of the children of The Larkin Center who have known the dignity he afforded to all as he gloried in their achievement.

You may be one of the dozens of close friends from his church families, St. Mathews United Church of Christ in Wheaton, Geneva Unitarian Universalist Church or most recently the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton.

You may have known him as he accompanied Linda in her many activities at Horsepower Farm, the Dubuque Symphony League, Safe Haven Animal Shelter or the League of Women Voters.

You may have known him by his charitable works, volunteering for the Red Cross disaster relief, Habitat for Humanity, or the Food Pantry in Galena.

You may have met him on the golf course.  If you were lucky you played with him and if not against, but always a fun round with great banter and good-natured ribbing.

You may have met him, but went un-introduced, the gracious man with a quick smile, a kind word, a joke, an understanding ear.

For you that have been touched by this man, as a tribute he would implore you to go out and perform an act of kindness for the ones you love, or better for a stranger, a person not of your village, for they are also your brothers and sisters.

For Doug, his heart and his mind have always been one.  He believed it is not enough to be good; you must do good.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donate to the Galena Food Pantry or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer.

Special thanks Dr. Vandigo, the staff at Mercy One Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. Little, and Doug’s care team from Hospice of Dubuque. 

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Thomas E. Sheehan

Thomas E. Sheehan, 91, of East Dubuque, IL, formerly of Fairplay, WI, passed away at 10:55 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021 at home with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Church at Sinsinawa, WI, the parish of his youth and early married life, with Fr. Ken Frisch officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Scripture Prayer Service will be said at 3:30 p.m. Members of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept. will meet at 6:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. at the Church. Due to the Covid-19 virus, facemasks, social distancing and capacity rules will be enforced, both at the funeral home and at church.

Tom was born on May 27, 1929 at Fairplay, WI, the son of Oswald and Elizabeth (Cahill) Sheehan.  Tom was a graduate of St. Joseph’s School, Sinsinawa, and Cuba City High School.  On February 19, 1949 he was united in marriage to Mary C. Zimmer at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque, IA.   She preceded him in death on September 4, 2016.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, winter trips to Texas with Mary and traveling in general. With an entrepreneurial spirit, he left his employ at John Deere & Co. at age 19, operating Sheehan Shell Service in East Dubuque for 25 years, then founding Thomas Sheehan Insurance and becoming a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Goodmann Real Estate, LTD.

Tom is a member of the St. Mary’s (and Holy Name Society), East Dubuque and St. Joseph’s, Sinsinawa, WI parishes. He was a retired member of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept., Township Supervisor of Dunleith Township for 10 years, past President and member of the East Dubuque Business & Tourism Council, member of the National Association of Realtors, the Iowa Association of Realtors and the East Central Iowa MLS, having been awarded the status of Realtor Emeritus in recognition of forty or more consecutive years of membership in the NAR, a member of the East Dubuque Lions Club for 64 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 510 since 1961, and a longtime member of the Dubourg Assembly 4^th Degree and the Serra Club of Dubuque. He previously sponsored the Sheehan Shell Baseball and Basketball teams.

Surviving are four children, Daniel E. (Donna) Sheehan of Menominee, IL,  David G. Sheehan, Debra A. Heitkamp and Denise M. Sheehan all of East Dubuque; 13 grandchildren, Tom (Lynn) Sheehan, Tina (Scott) Dierks, Terri (Steve) Ludwig, Tony (Stacy) Sheehan, Tonia (Jamie) Sieverding, Tim Sheehan, Tracy (Adam) Lange, Troy Sheehan, Dr. James (Carolyn) Sheehan, Kelly (Nick) Stubbe, Keri (Brian) Gockel, Chelsea (Spencer) Kirschbaum and Elise Sheehan; granddaughter-in-law, Amy (Schadl) Sheehan and grandson-in-law, Greg Weiland; 31 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a sister, Sister Miriam T. Sheehan, OSF, of Milwaukee, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oswald and Elizabeth; his wife Mary; five children in infancy; four grandchildren, Rob, Todd, Tiffany and Infant Sheehan; great-grandchildren, Joseph Sheehan, Babies Gockel, Baby Sheehan, Baby Sieverding, Baby Stubbe, and Babies Kirschbaum; his siblings, Mary (Vern) Hutchcroft, Cletus (Eugenia) Sheehan, Clifford (Marie) Sheehan, James (Delphine) Sheehan; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Susan Zimmer; his in-laws Adella (Mike) Remakel, Isidore (Louise) Zimmer, Vincent Zimmer, Sylvester “Dolly” (Clara) Zimmer, Florence (Carl) Flogel and Mary Margaret Zimmer.

Dan, Deb and Denise wish to thank our brother David for the excellent care given to our Dad the past four years.

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

Sister Mary Margretta (Dolores) Trumm, OSF

Sister Mary Margretta (Dolores) Trumm, OSF, age 104, of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa
died at 4:19 a.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Clare House.

A private Celebration of Life and Rite of Final Commendation will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center, at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sister Mary Margretta was born May 11, 1916 in Dyersville, IA, the daughter of Francis “Frank” and Margaret (Steger) Trumm.

She Entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 15, 1934 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1940. Sister received her master’s degree at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. She ministered as a teacher in Iowa at Sacred Heart-Dubuque, Monticello, Templeton, Garnavillo, Worthington, St. Mary’s-Waterloo, Bancroft, Holy Cross, Ossian, and Remsen.

Sister is survived by her sister-in-law Jacquie Trumm, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Marie (Albert) Kern, Lucille (Edward) Gudenkauf, Martha (John) Demuth, Marguerite (Clarence Fangman) (John) Lueck, Sr. Marcella Trumm, OSF, Germaine (Arnold) Manternach, and Lois Mae Trumm; her brothers, Arthur (Viola) Trumm, Leo (Coletta) Trumm, Carl (Helen) Trumm, Francis “Buddie” Trumm, and Francis Raymond Trumm.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty A. (Berg) Lange

Betty A. (Berg) Lange, age 92, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 11:22 a.m., at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 21, 2021. To celebrate Betty’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture held at 6:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices. To honor Betty’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Mark Kwenin officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Betty was born on November 10, 1928, in Maywood, Illinois, daughter of Raymond and Marie (Seeley) Berg.

Betty was united in marriage to the love of her life, Eldon Lange, on August 26, 1950, at St. Columbkille’s Church in Dubuque. They would celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage together before Eldon sadly passed away on November 14, 2010. Betty fully embraced her role as a full-time wife, mother of 9 children, and homemaker. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish, as well as the Moose Lodge Auxiliary. She spent several years volunteering her time at The Boys Club, working Bingo at Sacred Heart, and helping at the Rescue Mission on Friday nights where she always led the prayer. There was no doubt that Betty was a die-hard sports fan. She knew all the players and their current stats, with the Bears and Cubs being her favorite teams by far. The Cubs winning the World Series in 2016 brought her great joy. Betty enjoyed getting out socializing with her friends, and spending time with family at the cottages in Lake Delhi and Massey Station. Wherever she went, Betty was the life of the party and everyone looked forward to her arrival. She especially looked forward to her yearly trips to the Wisconsin Dells with her sisters. Betty was a wonderful role model of what it means to be a devoted wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister. She always put her family and friends first, and will be deeply missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her 8 children,
Sue M. (Dan) Murray , Dubuque, IA,
Ann F. Johnson, Dubuque, IA,
Bill R. (Merry) Lange, Dubuque, IA,
Tim J. (Linda) Lange, Dubuque, IA,
Nancy J. (Terry) Kremer, LaMotte, IA,
Joann E. (Brant) Schueller, Dubuque, IA,
Marie E. (Dave) Paul, Durango, CO
and Tony B. (Laura) Lange, Bettendorf, IA;

her 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren;

and her siblings,
Carol Grotegut, Bettendorf, IA,
Lynn Willett, Dubuque, IA,
Donald (Donna) Berg, East Dubuque, IL
and Joe (Pat) Berg, Rockford, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eldon Lange; a son, Larry J. Lange; and her siblings, Mary (Pete) Boet, Kay (Cy) Woerdehoff, Leah “Rosie” (Dan) Kruser and Raymond Berg; and her in-laws, Leonard Grotegut and Bob Willett.

Betty’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for their kindness, compassion and wonderful care of Betty and her family.

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

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

John F. George

John F. George, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To honor John’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on October 7, 1942, in Dubuque, a son to Francis “Frank” & Olivia (Fritsch) George. He married Catherine “Kay” Koenig on December 28, 1963, at St. Anthony’s Church in Dubuque.

As a child, John would do anything to make some money, such as Kool-Aid stands, car washes and cutting grass.  In 1972, he started J & J Tree Service and had great success; later in 1977 he also started J & J Pools & Spas, which became a family business.  He could sell just about anything, including dirt.

He was an investor in the Diamond Jo River Boat and loved the stock market.  But his biggest thrill was gambling, poker or spades with friends, the dog track, and Diamond Jo Casino; he placed bets on anything and everything. John could tell a story like no other and was the life of the party, always great fun to be around.  He lived his life to the fullest and even wrote the book Rags to Riches to Rags.  John had a few nicknames throughout his life. In the early days he was known as “Crazy George” since every Friday night he would play chicken with his first car for twenty to fifty dollars; he won every time.  His other nicknames were “Frenchie” and “Bubba”.

John is survived by his three children,
Toby J. George, Dubuque,
Susan K.(Ron) Shaw, Cape Coral, FL,
and Jennifer L. Neuhaus, Dubuque;

his six grandchildren,
Isabella (Izzy) Neuhaus, Tiffany George, Cody Shaw, Tami George, Tessa George, and Brittany Shaw;

his three great-grandchildren,
Jacob, Mason, and Gunner;

his sister,
Darlene Hughes, Dubuque;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, Peter and Caroline (Schwendinger) George and Nicholas and Sophia (Bartles) Fritsch.

John’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Donations may be made in John’s name to the Diamond Jo Casino…LOL

Online condolences for John’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Ronald E. Bock

Ronald E. “Ron” Bock, 70, of Asbury, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 19, 2021, at University of Iowa Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. until the time of service.  Mass will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Masks are required at church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Ron was born December 30, 1950 in Dubuque, the son of Earl J. and Edith A. (Czipar) Bock. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School with the class of 1969, and went on to earn his B.A. in Speech Communications from Luther College. He married Lisa A. Welu on June 7, 1975 in Dubuque.

Ron started his career at KDTH/Radio Dubuque, and went on to work at  KDUB TV, Teleconnect, Dialnet, Business Telephone Supply, Queen B Radio, and finally at Radio Dubuque, where he was the News Director. Ron loved radio, and news was his passion.

Ron was very involved with the Noon Optimist Club, serving as two time Past President. He loved being “OohHoo” to his grandkids.

Ron is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Asbury; his son Aaron (Amanda) Bock and their son, Jax, all of Middleton, WI, his son Luke (Lizzy) Bock and their children Carson and Layla, all of Dubuque; two sisters Roberta Volkmann and Robyn Newtson, both of Springfield, IL; sister-in-law, Eleanor Bock of Wayzata, MN; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Sue Welu of Dubuque; and his nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Robert; two brothers-in-law, Carl Volkmann and Richard Newtson; his parents-in-law R. Jack Welu and Dorothy Welu Breitbach; his step-father-in-law, Donald Breitbach; and his aunts and uncles, including a special aunt, Dorothea Warren.

Memorials may be made to the Noon Optimist Club.

Susan M. Bowen

Susan M. “Sue” (Klaeska) Bowen, age 59, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 11:12 p.m., on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Sue’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 22, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices.  To honor Sue’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 7:00 p.m., on Monday at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Marshall Rush officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Susan was born on May 23, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Carl F. and Jeanne M. (Vincent) Klaeska Jr.

Susan was born and raised in Dubuque where she graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  After school, she went to work with the Great American Cookie Company and C.J. Banks, which became Christopher Banks, at the Kennedy Mall.  She also worked at the Locust Street Hy-Vee, Champps Restaurant, and was lastly employed with UnityPoint Finley Hospital as a registrar, before retiring due to health issues in 2017.  On September 24, 2010, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Reece Bowen, at Eagle Point Park.  They were very blessed to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary together last year.  In her free time, Sue enjoyed playing Bingo and working jigsaw, word and Sudoku puzzles.  She also liked sitting quietly working on her latest craft project or watching her favorite movies.  Everyone who knew Sue also knew that Candy Crush was her game of choice.  She truly loved spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dogs, Chico and Chloe.  Sue was a wiz in the kitchen who loved organizing family gatherings and potlucks.  She was known to regularly take her creations to work to share with her friends and co-workers, sometimes before Reece got his fill of the cookies.  Sue was a kind and gentle soul, always happy no matter what she was doing or what the day brought.  She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Sue’s memory include

her loving husband,
Reece Bowen, Dubuque, IA;

her step-daughter,
Brittani Bowen, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
Shelly (Ross) Hall, Davenport, FL,
Sheree (Frank) Miller Jr., Dubuque, IA,
Stacie (Tim) Larsen, Dubuque, IA
and Carl Klaeska III, Davenport, FL;

her in-laws,
Ronald (Cindy) Bowen, VA,
Ellen (David) Rath, Dubuque, IA,
Lisa McSpadden, VA,
Teresa (Richard) Hardwick, Dubuque, IA,
Carey Bowen, Dubuque, IA,
Lesa Bowen, MI
and Raymond Decker, MO;

and several nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; and her in-laws, Donald Bowen, Denise Decker.

Sue’s family would like to thank Dr. Munga, and nurse Jody, from the University of Iowa; the nurses from St. Croix Hospice, and all of her Finley family for their love, kindness, support and friendship throughout the years.

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

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

Milo G. Kettmann

Milo G. Kettmann, 78, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Monday, March 15, 2021 at Luther Manor-Hillcrest Campus in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Milo was born on Mary 10, 1942 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Milo and Gladys (Oswald) Kettmann, Sr. He was a graduate of Wahlert High School. Milo married Mary Herst of East Dubuque on September 4, 1965 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

His years were spent working as a crane operator at Dubuque Tank Terminal, later unloading trucks at Walmart in Dubuque, and lastly stocking shelves at Hy-Vee on Locust St. in Dubuque.

Milo enjoyed cooking and baking.  His specialities were cloverleaf rolls, coffeecake, and snickerdoodle cookies. Lawn mowing, container gardening, and fishing on his pontoon boat were high on his list.  Bluegills and crappies swam for their lives when he was on the water! Favorite books for him were Clive Cussler novels.

He was a man who valued friendship and honesty from people.

Survivors include his wife Mary; daughter Monica; sister, Jeri; two grandsons, Jordan and Jarod and two granddaughters, Jesi & Madison; nieces and nephews. His poodle Milly will miss him terribly.

Milo was preceded in death by his son, Matthew, his parents, stepmother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew, and four brothers-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Clarity Clinic of Dubuque.

Mary wishes to send special thanks to the nurses and staff at Mercy One Dubuque 4th floor and Luther Manor for caring for Milo.

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

Steven W. Thul

Steven William Thul, 62, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on March 14, 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones. A private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Steve was born on March 1, 1959 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Dean and Patricia (Schuller) Thul. He graduated from Senior High School in 1977, attended Loras College for a few years until accepting a position with UPS in Dubuque where he drove for 39 years, retiring in 2017.

He married Jill Ann Meyer on June 28, 1986 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Dubuque. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Dubuque and was a very proud member of the North End Gun Club in Hazel Green, WI, where he enjoyed many Miller Lites on Sundays with his closest friends.

Growing up on a farm, Steve loved being outside and tinkering around on motorcycles and cars. He loved music and attended many concerts over the years and recently loved watching virtual shows on the weekends with his family.

Steve was one of a kind, a loving husband, father, brother, son and friend. He did not have a mean bone in his body, his laid back personality made anyone who encountered him feel at ease. He will be missed dearly.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Jill; three children Jordan Thul, of Dubuque, Alaina (Shawn) McGinnis, of Dubuque, and Garrett Thul, of Des Moines, IA. his first long awaited grandchild due in July; his father Dean; brothers Jon and Mike and his sister Tonya George.

He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia; father-in-law Jim “Poppy” Meyer and mother-in-law Virginia “Ginny” Meyer along with his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Donations may be made to the Dubuque Humane Society in Steve’s name.

A special thank you to the doctors and staff at Grand River Medical Center especially Dr. George Isaac and Dr. Andrew Bland and his wife “Jillsy” who always took the best care of him.

Carol L. Lorenz (Willis)

Carol Lynn Lorenz (Willis), 73, of Dubuque, gained her angel wings and passed away peacefully after a short illness on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 7:50 pm, at Unity Point Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois surrounded by her loving family.

Celebration of Life Services for Carol will be held in June and will be announced. Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Carol was born on September 15, 1947 in Dubuque, daughter of Lester and Hazel (Jungwirth) Willis. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1964 and married Richard A. Lorenz on October 7, 1967 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dubuque. They had four children.

Prior to her marriage, Carol worked in the advertising department of Roshek’s Department Store. She was later employed with the Dubuque Community School District for 20 years, where she served as a secretary at Washington Junior High, Irving and Eisenhower Elementary schools and athletic secretary at The Forum.

Carol most recently served as President of the local PEO Chapter IK and was instrumental in establishing  Zoom meetings to engage members during the pandemic. She also served for many years as a volunteer and head buyer at Unity Point Finley Hospital gift shop, and most recently at the MercyOne gift shop.

Carol was a true matriarch to the family as well as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to 11 grandchildren. She was a true caretaker and was kind, gentle, passionate about life and the things she loved most. She loved cooking, baking, sewing, canning, gardening, reading and so many other things. She was a beautiful soul and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her in life.

Carol is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Lorenz of Dubuque, David (Aimee) Lorenz of Sioux City, Iowa, Susan Lorenz of Dubuque, Sara Crampton of Dubuque, Karen (Dave) Schumacher of Dubuque and eleven grandchildren: Carson and Olivia Lorenz; Helena, Lauren and Christopher Sawvel; Meggan, Collin and Hannah Crampton; and Gavyn, Adrey and Garrett Schumacher, her brother Robert (Marilyn) Willis of Freeport, Illinois, Sally Schmelzle of Freeport, Illinois, and James Willis of Kansas City Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Hazel Willis and her brother Paul Willis.

Carol will forever be missed by her loving family and friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Local PEO IK Chapter.

The Family would like to thank Unity Point Finley Hospital and Grand River Medical Center in Dubuque, and the doctors at Unity Point Trinity Hospital in Rock Island Illinois.

Marjorie M. Sieverding

Marjorie M. “Marge” Sieverding, 85, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge will be 11:00 am Thursday, March 18, 2021, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the church. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Marjorie’s family. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. 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.

Marjorie was born May 4, 1935, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ray Reynold and Agnes Gotto Kramer. On November 6, 1954, she married Richard P. Sieverding in Church of the Nativity. He died January 3, 2014.

She worked in the kitchen at Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School and Walhert High School.

She was a member of Church of the Nativity, the Rosary Society, and Mary Queen of the Angels Mother’s Club. She was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and enjoyed having a clean and tidy home.  Above all else she cherished time with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include two sons, Michael J. Sieverding of Marshall, WI, and James J. (Kim) Sieverding of Muscatine, IA, two daughters, Debra A. (Terry) Gothard of Readlyn, IA, and Patricia A. (Steve) Heinberg of Muscatine, IA; eight grandchildren, Tara (Mike) Karas, Michael (Crystal) Gothard, Nathan (Heather) Gothard, Brent Sieverding, Marcus Sieverding, Megan (Zach) Mullen, Patrick Heinberg, Kristi Heinberg; eight great-grandchildren, Makayla, Halle Jo, Macie, Nicholas, Mira, Madi, Emily, and Alyssa; two brothers, Robert Kramer of Dubuque, and Joe (Judy) Kramer of Muscatine, IA; three sisters, Pat Kramer of Dubuque, Karen Seeley of Dubuque, and Mary (Bob) Hood of Ankeny, IA; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, William Kramer, and in-laws, Donnabelle Kramer, Jim Seeley, Arlene and Lawrence Kane and one nephew Donald Kramer.

Special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Hawkeye Care Center and Dr. Andrea Ries and her staff, Donna Wiederholt her lifelong guardian angel and Pat Kramer for all of their love and concern.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Marge’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.