Obituaries Archive

Jeanette L. (Summer) Gieseman

Jeanette L. “Janet” (Summer) Gieseman, 77, of Peosta, IA passed away on April 19, 2021 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Private family burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery, Wingville Township, WI.

Janet was born on August 1, 1943 in Epworth, IA the daughter of Leonard and Florence (Bonert) Summer. She attended St. Clements School, Bankston, IA; and retired from Dubuque Stamping Company as a Machinist in 2008.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and dancing, winning many dancing contests with her significant other, Bob, over the years.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (Wayne) Bergfeld, Bernard, IA, and their children Megan and Dylan Bergfeld; Jody (Sean) Williams, Cedar Falls, IA their son Connor Williams; Dan (Oksana) Gieseman, Ames, IA, and their son Leo Gieseman; daughter-in-law Julie Gieseman, and her daughter Kira Gieseman. She is also survived by her sisters: Carol Errthum, Magdalen Lopata, and Norma (Jim) Perry, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by: Her son Dean Gieseman; significant other, Robert Witzig; her brother, Kenneth (Elaine) Summer; Brothers-in-law Gill Lopata, Gene Hannan, and Allen Errthum.

A special thank-you to Finely Home-Care, Medical Associates, and Mercy One Staff for their love and care.

Lorraine M. (Mangler) Knief

Lorraine M. (Mangler) Knief, 90, of Bellevue, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Monday, April 26, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. Donatus.  Visitation will be 10:00 am until service time on also on Monday at the church.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in St. Donatus.

Funeral Services will be livestreamed on St. Paul’s and St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus Facebook Page (facebook.com/StPaulsStJohns)

Please utilize facemasks during the services at church and respect social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Lorraine was born December 20, 1930 in Green Island, the daughter of Frank and Letha (Krumviede) Mangler.  She graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1949 and worked as a switchboard operator after high school.  Lorraine married Verle L. Knief on April 11, 1951, he passed on July 29, 1996.  She raised her children, helped on the farm, and worked at Mill Valley Care Center for 25 years.  Lorraine enjoyed sewing, embroidery, playing cards, shuffleboard, and Statler Brothers music.  Verle and Lorraine also travel to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota to see Lawrence Welk.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Jan) Knief , Gary Knief, Ron Knief, and Diane (Mike) Wallace; 5 grandchildren, Josh, Jeremy, Nicole (Willie) Hansen, Carrie, and Kenny (Lori); 5 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Abby, Alex, Kelsey, and Josie; 2 great-great grandchildren, Zoey and Dylan; sisters in-law, Donna (Willard) Felderman and Loreen Schoope; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant daughter, Carolyn; 6 brothers; and 2 sisters.

A memorial fund has been established in Lorraine’s memory.

If you are unable to attend services; memorial and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o Lorraine Knief family.

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

Judy A. Geistkemper

Judy Ann Geistkemper, 73, of Dyersville passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at her home. Her heart, overfilled with love, decided it was time to take a rest.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where American Legion Auxiliary will conduct a rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. The livestream link for Judy’s funeral is: https://youtu.be/CiZDC4d2AbA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with a committal service in the church cemetery. Private burial will be at a later date. Masks and social distancing at all events is encouraged.

Judy was born October 28, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa the daughter of Donald “Butch” and Lucille (Urbain) Healy of Placid. She married David Geistkemper on September 27, 1969, at St. Patrick Church in Epworth.

Judy worked at American Trust & Savings Bank before retiring. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially following the grandchildren with their events. She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed volunteering at the Bingo sessions at Oak Crest Manor.

Survivors include her husband, Dave, children: Lisa (Scott) Spoden of Crystal Lake, IL, Jeff (Cheryl) Geistkemper of Solon, Doug (Kim) Geistkemper of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren: Tanner and Haley Spoden, Lauren and Ryan Geistkemper, Sofie, Lexi, Clover and Tallulah Geistkemper; siblings: Joyce McQuillen of Plattsmouth, NE and Jim (Shirley) Healy of Dubuque; in-laws: John Geistkemper of Earlville, Carol Grawe of Dubuque, Marilyn (Lyle) Andersen of Springville, Betty (Steve) Gassmann of Indianola, Jean (Jim) Woolf of Delhi, Joe (Barb) Geistkemper of Earlville, Tom (Nadina) Geistkemper of Blairstown and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Herman and Annetta Geistkemper,
in-laws: Tom McQuillen, Carla Geistkemper and Donald Grawe.

Judy’s family would like to thank Dr. Schreiber, Unity Point at Home, and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

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

Sister Helen Marie Macatee, BVM

Sister Helen Marie Macatee, BVM, 93, of The Gables, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, April 19, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Visitation in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel will follow immediately until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Helen Marie was an elementary teacher in Fort Dodge and Muscatine, Iowa; Chicago; St. Louis; Hempstead and West Hempstead, N.Y.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., and North Hollywood and Santa Ana, Calif. She ministered as a secondary teacher at missions in Zimbabwe, Africa. She served the congregation as a nurse and a driver.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1927, in Hollywood, Calif., to Claude and Helen Schmitz Macatee. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1947, from Holy Trinity Parish, Los Angeles. She professed first vows on March 19, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Claude and Robert Macatee; sisters: Rose Marie Wilhelm, Margaret Macatee, Helen Schmitt, Lisbeth Anderson, Patricia Thompson and Gloria Macatee. She is survived by a brother Leonard Macatee, Anchorage, Alaska; a sister-in-law Barbara Macatee, Pahoa, Hawaii; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Susan A. Hutton

I have lived a simple, but beautiful life. I was born in Council Bluffs on February 14, 1939, and my parents, Cleo (Al) and Ruth Robey, and my brother Doug loved and supported me through every up and occasional down of my life. My dad was quiet, smart, and loving, and he provided us with a great home. My mom always said I was his sweetheart – and not just on Valentine’s Day! My mom was under 5 feet tall, but was always the biggest personality in the room. She filled our home with energy and love. Doug was a few years older than me, but when we started our own families, we grew to be very close. Doug, his wife Ann, and their five kids always made “Aunt Susie” and my kids feel at home when we visited them in Omaha.

I met a handsome boy named Tom at Iowa State Teachers College where I earned my teaching certificate. We married in 1960 and moved to Marshalltown. I left my job teaching second grade in Eldora for the best job I ever had…being a mom. Craig was born in 1961, a year later Bruce was born, Brian a year after that, and Brent a year and a half after that. My boys and I spent a lot of time in the bleachers in the Elk Horn gym where Tom taught and coached girls’ basketball. My boys always wished for a sister when breaking wishbones, and in 1971 their wishes came true when Jill was born.

It was a lot of work feeding them, getting them ready for school and to all their activities, and breaking up the “occasional” fight, all while also working at Sunshine Preschool. I spent a lot more time in the bleachers watching them at football, basketball, and softball games, and listening to them at band and vocal concerts. But like I said, it was the best job I ever had.

My family grew quickly when my kids found the beautiful women who became my daughters-in-law and had kids of their own. Craig and Brenda (Bock) have five kids, Bruce and Dena (Heneke) have two boys, Brian and his first wife, Sue (Witt), have 3 kids, and Brian and Becky (Ince) have a girl. Brent and Shelly (Beauchamp) have two kids, and Jill has two girls. I adore my 5 great-grandkids and love that my kids stayed close to home so I can see everyone so often. Plus, I got to spend even more time in the bleachers, cheering on my grandkids. Susie (Witt) Hutton has kept in touch and I always enjoyed her visits and calls. I’m so happy that Jill found David Neuman, who I consider part of my family.

I’ve been so lucky to make close friends that filled my life with memories. Playing “crack the whip” with childhood friends on the ice-skating rink near my home in Council Bluffs. Singing in the girl’s pep club at Abraham Lincoln High School. Clowning around on the college campus. Laughing (loudly) around the table with the great friends I made when living in Elk Horn and stayed close with after we all moved away.
I taught at Sunshine Preschool for 35 years and remain friends with the amazing ladies who worked there. We shared a lot of laughs and a few crazy times behind the scenes. (Ask them about the goat story.) Know that I care for each of you deeply and cherish your friendship. Many of the Sunshine kids I taught are now friends who give me a hug and call me Grandma Sue. I made a lot of fantastic new friends working at Walmart for 29 years. They kept me young and entertained. Plus, I got to see everyone in town…because everyone shops at Walmart!

In the end, pancreatic cancer played the bad guy, and unlike in fairy tales, the heroine couldn’t be rescued. I appreciated all the cards, phone calls, visits and well wishes as I struggled with my illness. I’m sorry if I wasn’t great company towards the end, but you brightened even my darkest days and helped me remember better times.

In lieu of flowers, please do whatever you can to make a child’s day better. Volunteer at a local school or daycare. Hug your kids or call them and tell them you love them. Read a book to your grandkids. Donate to a charity that helps children get a better education, meals, or clothes. When you see my kids, please share a story they might not have heard. And plant some bubble gum petunias to brighten your home and think about me every time you water them.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021, from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Burial will be on Tuesday, April 27 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.
Face masks will be required. Please follow social distancing guidelines during the visitation and burial services.

Paul H. Saeugling

Paul Henry Saeugling, 85, of Dubuque Iowa, passed away on April 19, 2021 due to a brief illness. On his final day, he was surrounded by his children and his wife Julie, whom he adored more than anything else in the world.

After graduating from Guttenberg High School, he entered the military and served in the United States Marine Corps for 3 years (1953-1956). Paul was a Sergeant in the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Engineer Battalion and served in the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Julie Schweikert in Guttenberg, Iowa on April 25, 1959, and went on to have five children.

Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Julie (Schweikert) Saeugling; his children Anne Saeugling-Coke (Mike), David (Lori), James, Diane LaPier (Chris), and Rose Bakey; 6 grandchildren, Sean (Sarah), Aaron (Kim), Christopher (Amy), Anthony, Nicole, and Jacob; 4 great-grandchildren, Cameron, Clay, Skylar and Nevaeh, 2 brothers, Keith (Susie) and Clark; 2 sisters-in-law Shirley Saeugling and Mary Sue Weyant and many other nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Alma Saeugling, his brother Roger Saeugling, sister Mary Ann Saeugling, in-laws Hubert and Lorraine Schweikert, and brother-in-law Thomas Schweikert.

Private family service with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will be at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dubuque Marine Corps League in memory of Paul.

Cheryl Brock Loveless

“‘Tis a fearful thing to love what death can touch…. a holy thing to love. For your life has lived in me, your laugh once lifted me, your word was a gift to me…”

Death came to Cheryl (Cheri) Brock Loveless on April 21, 2021. For 64 years she lived with intention, regarded her family as her greatest treasure, loved her husband madly, and immersed herself in deep friendships while working for change.

A visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday, April 23, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Cheri’s family. A Memorial Service for Cheri will be 10:30 am, Saturday, April 24, 2021 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 1199 Main Street, Dubuque with Rev. Stephanie Schlimm officiating. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and St. Luke’s website, www.stlukesdbq.org and will be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

She was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on June 6th , 1956. She grew up with her parents and two siblings, in a small neighborhood filled with children. Both of her grandparents lived in the same town and added to the stable experience of childhood. She moved to Washington, IA after High School graduation where she met the love of her life, Mike Loveless, and married him within a year. As she told her Dad before her wedding day…” he didn’t have to worry about walking her down the church aisle… because she was going to run!” She learned much from Mike’s family and living in a small farming community. Here she became a Hawkeye fan and enjoyed football and basketball with her husband. They started a family together with Alison Christine and Morgan Elizabeth being born to them- and the girls taught them how to become parents. They made the greatest lasting family friends in the Washington area. Following the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s, they sold their Allis Chalmers’ Agriculture business- begun by Mike’s family-and moved to Dubuque, IA.

They arrived in Dubuque in 1990 at the beginning of the renaissance of this great river community. Their pastor in Washington had advised them to visit the “old church” downtown. They did and quickly became members of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Raising their children in a new home became easier as they participated in their church community through mission work, service to the community, and later, after their daughter became a teacher, mentoring at Prescott Elementary school.

Mike and Cheri began their own business in 1999, Loveless Tri-State Insurance. Over the past 20 years they have had the privilege of serving their clients and growing a business from scratch. In 2017, Cheri completed a 3-year program in La Crosse, WI and became a Spiritual Director. Being born with a love for people and their stories, this seemed a natural fit. Through this process, Cheri formed special friendships with Sister Ginny and Sister Marci.

Cheri said: “Leaving this world for a new adventure seems a little premature…but we will all die. I have lived a charmed life filled with the sweetest essence of what matters. I am so thankful for the people I have met, the laughter we have shared, and have hope for the changes we may see again. I believe that goodness will prevail. I pray that All people will matter, All love will be valued, and the Hawkeyes will win the FCS Bowl Championship series in my husband’s lifetime!

I’ve left you in good stead…because our daughters are in the world along with our 5 beautiful grandchildren. My husband will continue to be their guide and love. For all those of you who helped our family in this long journey of cancer…we are thankful – because you helped me heal, get back on my feet again, keep going, and remain faithful. The journey was so worth it!”

Please take care of my family… Michael Loveless, Alison (Bill) Hutchins, Morgan (Corey) Lansing, Maddie Roling, Sophie Hutchins, Aiden Artist, Everett and Maelyn Lansing. My Mom, Marcy (Bill) Ryan of Port Charlotte, FL, my brother Denny (wife Denny) Brock of Ankeny, IA, sister Toni Zeigler of Slidell, LA and her love Darrell. Butch and Linda (Loveless) Reber of Sun Lakes, AZ and our beautiful extended family and dear friends of a lifetime, especially my besties and our Friday Night Group. Share a story…remember when…remind each other of all the fun we had and how we lived. Most of all…take care of each other, be a good friend, and look out for those who are standing along the margins of life. It is our purpose to invite them in to be a part of the group.

I am most thankful for Dr. Christian Schultheis-formerly of Dubuque, IA and presently at the Mission Cancer and Blood Center in Des Moines, IA. Christian has loved and cared for our family so personally. Everyone should feel so blessed by their physician. Also, a deep gratitude for Hospice of Dubuque, specifically Nurse Betsy, Social Worker Jenny, and Receptionist Lori. This group of people are evidence of angels on earth. And love to Pastor Stephanie Schlimm of St. Luke’s for her abiding faith, listening skills, and demonstration of compassion and love. Be Well.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Cheri’s memory to the following: Jesus Fund (A food voucher program at St. Luke’s UMC, Dubuque), Hospice of Dubuque, or a gift to the Avery Foundation (a local foundation that assists those affected by cancer).

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

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

Patricia A. Bajwa

Patricia Ann Bajwa, 75, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2021 at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Pastor Gus Barnes officiating. A public visitation for friends will be held from 9-10:15 a.m. Monday before the service. The family requests you utilize masks during the duration of your visit and that you practice social distancing.

Patricia was born on December 26, 1945 in Freemont, California, the daughter of Russel and Velma Pugliese.

Patricia enjoyed knitting, beading and crocheting. She also enjoyed reading and computer games. Patricia loved animals, especially birds, and had several types of pets.

She is survived by her partner, Leslie Skojean of Cuba City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Leslie Whinekey; and two husbands, Paramjit Singh Bajwa and Arturo Benabitez.

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

Esther F. Santillo

Esther F. Santillo, 98, of Dubuque died Saturday, April 17, 2021. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, masks will be required. The service will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Esther was born March 15, 1923 in the family home in Comstock, WI, the daughter of Michael and Margarita (Ricci) DeGidio.

On June 9, 1945 she married Samuel “Sam” Santillo in Cumberland, Wisconsin. She and Sam moved from Minneapolis, Minn. to Dubuque in 1955 so Sam could set up the Flexsteel spring division. Sam preceded her in death on Oct 27, 1985.

Esther was a very active member of St. Columbkille’s church for over 65 years. She helped with the lunch program, baked and cooked for funeral dinners, was in the pen pal program with the school, visited the sick, was a den mother, and was a member of the Rosary Society.

Esther stayed home to raise her family and loved to cook, bake and garden.

She is survived by three children, Rita A. (Joseph) Snyder of Palatine, Ill., Michael A. (Anita) Santillo of Dubuque, and Regina M. (Greg) Meister of San Diego, Calf.; five grandchildren, Vincent (Gloria) Snyder of Garrison, Iowa, Bridget (Paul) Joppa of Hopkins, Minn., Giovanna M. Santillo of Brooklyn, NY, Nicholas Santillo of Dubuque and Sarah Meister of Chicago, Ill.; and five great grandchildren, Alex and Ben Joppa, and Gianna, Jocelyn and Johanna Snyder.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and her 11 siblings.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Esther Santillo Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital and the staff at Eagle Point Place for their love and care.

Cindy K. Reding

Cindy Kay Reding, 62, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, April 24, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Karen Candee will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Centralia. Masks are required at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Cindy was born January 23, 1959 in Dubuque, the daughter of Robert and Shirley (Koeneke) Mills. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1977.

Cindy was employed at Metrix Company for 22 years.

Cindy enjoyed camping at Leisure Lake, having a cold beer, and listening to country music. She was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cubs (but not the Cardinals!). She was a meticulous housekeeper, and put more miles on her vacuum cleaner than most people put on their vehicles. Cindy loved spending time with Tito, her Bassett Hound puppy, and especially her grandchildren.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Chris Reding, of Dubuque; her sons, Eric (Valerie) Key, of Marion, IA, and Cory (Lacy) Reding, of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Ryan, Jackson, Clayton, Brooklyn, and Preston; her mother, Shirley Mills, of Dubuque; two brothers, Steven “Reno” Mills, of Key West, IA, and Randy (Gayla) Mills of Dubuque; her brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary Jean) Reding, of Dubuque, Tom (Colleen) Reding of Mount Vernon, IA, and John Reding Jr., of Dubuque; her sister-in-law, Jennifer (Don) Bloomquist, of Goodlettsville, TN; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert; and her parents-in-law, John and Barbara Reding.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Thomas E. McArdle, Sr.

Thomas E. McArdle, Sr., 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly on Friday April 16, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 23rd, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a sharing time will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date.

He was born on April 17, 1956 in Cherokee, IA the son of Robert and Helen (Miles) McArdle. He served in the United States Army and on August 12, 2006 he married Kelli Kay Krepfle.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren along with his nieces, nephews and their children. He always showed so much passion for everyone involved in his life. He enjoyed his drinks and spending time with his friends.

Tom was most recently self-employed; he was never afraid of a new challenge despite having only one full arm to work with; he would take on anything and was always willing to help others.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Kelli; daughters Amanda and Tracy of Dubuque and Melissa of LA; his son Thomas Jr. of Guttenberg. Three sisters Sharon Callaghan, Doris (Lawrence) Puccio and Sally (Rick) Lang all of Dubuque; his brother James (Amy) Sargent, of Dubuque and brother-in-law Richard Schmitt of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather; his sister Judy Schmitt and brother-in-law Mike Callaghan.

Ramona Stubbs

Ramona Stubbs died peacefully at Stonehill Health Center last year on Monday, April 6, 2020. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

She was born June 16, 1939 in Blue Earth, MN, the oldest child of Russel and Mary Kissel. Mona grew up in Osage, Iowa and attended Osage High School. She was united in marriage to Harry Stubbs on February 8, 1958. From this union came two sons, Anthony Stubbs (Renee Jedlicka) of Dubuque, Iowa and Paul Stubbs, (Jessica) of Bettendorf, IA.

After graduating from cosmetology training, she opened Mona’s Beauty Salon in 1961. She was in business for 39 years, at first from her home on North Grandview and then for nearly 30 years in the Dubuque Building. She then worked part-time as a hair stylist at Stonehill Adult Day Care and until 2017 at Stonehill Health Center’s Salon, capping off 56 years as a stylist.

Mona was a hard worker, but she always celebrated in the time with her grandchildren, (Jake and Maddie Stubbs, Cale and Ellie Stubbs). She would order a carry out pizza and watch movies with them. Mona enjoyed her escapes to visit her sisters and cut everyone’s hair. She had so many good friends and loyal customers that brought her happiness, along with her Boston Terriers.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish for nearly 60 years and Catholic Daughters. Mona found comfort in going to mass daily when she was living at Stonehill. Her family is forever grateful for the care given to her by the staff at Stonehill Health Center.

Mona is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and five sisters: Rosalie Campbell, (Mason City), Mary Burke, (Cedar Falls), Susan Grant, (Charles City), Veronica Newton, (Staceyville, IA) and Ann Hart, (Memphis TN).

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Harry in 2000.

Memorials may be given on her behalf to the Dubuque Humane Society.

Marilyn Soderberg Deegan

Marilyn Deegan, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, April 12, 2021, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa. A private family visitation was held and cremation has taken place, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 3 P.M., Saturday, September 4, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa. A rowdy gathering of family and friends and time of fellowship and music will be held immediately following the celebration of life service at the Maquoketa Art Experience in Maquoketa, from 5 to 9 P.M. The family asks you to bring a new or gently used Children’s book for donation to Cardinal Elementary School.

Marilyn was an Iowa girl who happened to be raised in Colorado. Born to Margery and Edward Soderberg on November 19, 1944, Marilyn grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She was a graduate of Lakewood High School. She attended teachers’ college in Greeley at Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado. In June of 1969, Marilyn married Robert Deegan and relocated to Fort Collins, where Marilyn continued to teach while Rob completed his degree in Veterinary Medicine. Both daughters, Anne-Marie and Lynn, were born in Fort Collins.

With her young family, Marilyn moved to Maquoketa, Iowa; the town that would become home for the remainder of her life, with the exception of several years in New Zealand. She was very involved in the life of her community, which included the Maquoketa United Church of Christ, Cardinal Elementary School, the Jackson County Historical Society, and the Maquoketa Art Experience.

Marilyn enjoyed meaningful friendships in her community and is universally described as friendly, chatty and kind. She sang in the church choir, was a librarian’s aide at the elementary school and volunteered at the Maquoketa Community Services Resale Shop. She met friends for coffee or luncheon at every opportunity. But closest to her heart, was giving. Marilyn was generous with her earthly treasures and quietly supported the needs of others, as her way of living out the Gospel.

Those left to honor her memory include daughters, Anne-Marie (Jason) Gephart of Donahue, IA, and Lynn Margaret Deegan (Michael Smith) of Lakewood, CO; 4 grandchildren, Grace, Lorelei, Wyatt, and PK; a brother, Wayne (Chrisette) Soderberg of Littleton, CO and a brother-in-law James (Truc) Deegan of Iowa City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Deegan and her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Maquoketa Art Experience (https://maquoketa-art.org/dontations/), Hospice of Jackson County (http://www.jchospice.org/support-us/), the Jackson County Historical Society (1212 E. Quarry St. Maquoketa, IA 52060) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

William J. Huss

William J. “Bill” Huss, 85, of Dubuque, IA went home to God on April 19, 2021.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 22nd at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Bill was born on January 9, 1936 at his home in Dubuque, IA during a blizzard and ice storm; the son of Arthur and Marie (Hartman) Huss. He graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1954; he excelled in numerous sports including football and basketball. He attended Loras College on a basketball scholarship.

Bill married the love of his life Joyce F. “Joy” Pusateri on November 8, 1958 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

His community service included being a proud member of the Iowa Army National Guard, along with officiating for city, high school and college football and basketball games. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Notre Dame fan.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family; his twelve grandchildren were very special to him. He will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; they were blessed with five children; Gina (Kevin) Danner, of Asbury, Steve (Joanne) Huss, of Dubuque, Todd (Kim) Huss, of Sarasota, FL, Sharon (Kelly) Myers, of Dubuque and Cara (Jim) Marek, of Cedar Rapids. Twelve grandchildren, Ashley (Christoph) Esch, Alyssa (Jason) Leutzinger, Ali Danner, Daniel (Kara) Huss, Brian (Michelle) Huss, Christopher (Stacy) Huss, Kaitlyn Huss, Mitchell Huss, Nick Huss, Zach (Fiancé Sarah) Myers, Chelsea Myers, Erica Marek and nine great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Judith Flanagan, of Ackley, IA, Jeanne (Wayne) Schrobilgen, of Dubuque and Andrea Schwegman, of Davenport; brother-in-law Jeff Pusateri, of Florida along with many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Gina Danner; his mother and father; a brother Donald (Ruth) Huss, his sister Donna Jean (Lavern) Mueller; his in-laws Frank and Ann Pusateri; brother-in-law Mike Pusateri and many lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank the health care professionals and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Bill and his family.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Columbkille Church.

Betty J. Pfiffner

Betty Jean Pfiffner, 87, of Dubuque, died Monday, April 19, 2021, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque, exactly five years after her husband.

A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. We encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Betty’s family.

Betty was born December 22, 1933, in Millville, IA, the daughter of Russell and Ada (Kenyon) Tomkins. On September 16, 1953, she married George R. Pfiffner in Dubuque. He passed away on April 19, 2016.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

Betty worked at the former CARADCO for nine years and was a waitress at various restaurants including the Dodge House, retiring in 1996.

Survivors include three daughters, Lyndeen “Dino” Welbes, Kimberly Pfiffner, and Pamela (Kevin) Fagan, all of Dubuque; grandchildren, Carrie Schreyer and Trisha Fagan, seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Garth (Jane) Tomkins of Dubuque and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Williams of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, Mark Anthony; two grandchildren, Jim Welbes and Stephanie Pfiffner; one grandson-in-law, Chris Schreyer; one brother, Robert Tomkins; a son-in-law, Joseph Welbes; a brother-in-law, Cletus and sister-in-law, Delores “Tootie” Rogers.

Special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Bethany Home for the wonderful care given to Betty.

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