Obituaries Archive

Robert Anderson

Robert “Bob” Anderson, age 84, of Cassville, Wisconsin, completed his earthly journey on March 4, 2021, at Mercy One in Dubuque. To honor Bob’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Alpena, Michigan, at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

Bob was born on December 9, 1936, in Alpena, Michigan, a son to Myrto and Olga (Jantz) Anderson. He grew up surrounded by family and friends and not only developed a strong work ethic in his early years, but also an astonishing athletic record. Bob was a proud member of the Alpena Sports Hall of Fame as he had earned 10 varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball, and track, and even maintained his long jump record for over 25 years. He carried his drive for winning over into the business world seamlessly as adulthood entered the equation. With his beautiful bride of 64 years, Charlene Frantz, at home cheering him on, Bob began his career with the Ben Franklin and Woolworth stores until he eventually attained his dream of owning his own business. Roberts Arts & Crafts in Addison, Illinois, was an undeniable success which thankfully allowed Bob to provide for his family and move into early retirement as well.  Searching for the tranquility of small-town life, Bob and Charlene moved to Cassville, Wisconsin, to enjoy the good life. Spending an afternoon in the timber cutting wood was just what the doctor ordered for this gentle and humble man. Bob embraced all that was good in this life and was beyond kind and generous with those around him. We are heart-broken today as we face the realization that Bob has been called home ahead of us, but we will thankfully find peace in the days ahead as we reflect on the abundance of memories he so diligently worked on creating. Thank you, Bob, for all of the love and lessons you shared throughout your 84 years among us, and may you have eternal peace, as we seek healing, until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bob include,

his loving wife,
Charlene Anderson, Cassville, Wisconsin;

his 3 children,
Steven Anderson, Cassville, Wisconsin
DeDe (Jaime) Enriquez, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
and Peggy (Jerry) Seif, Yorkville, Illinois;

his 9 grandchildren,
Amanda (Craig) Martinez, Carol Stream, Illinois,
Melinda (Mike Dornan) Jablonski, Carol Stream, Illinois,
Tiffany (Stu) Cox, Las Vegas, Nevada,
James Enriquez, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
Stevie Anderson, Los Angeles, California,
Judson Anderson, Lake Zurich, Illinois,
Stacey (Mason) Oliver, Yorkville, Illinois,
Jacob Seif, Yorkville, Illinois
and Levi (Julia) Seif, Portland, Oregon;

his 8 great-grandchildren,
Dylan, Adam, Jack, Leah, Sara, Xander, Phoenix, and Axel;

his siblings,
Richard Anderson, Alpena, Michigan,
and Norma (Dwight) Quisenberry, Okemos, Michigan;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Hazen (Vern) Hibner, Milton Anderson, Donna Poirier and grandson Steven Thomas Anderson.

Bob’s family would like to thank Dr. Honorio Caceras, along with the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital’s 4 th floor, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Bob, and his family.

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

Thelma W. Kerkman

Thelma Wendel Kerkman, 94, of Elwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 4, 2021, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

A celebration of her life is pending and will be announced at a later date.  A private graveside service and burial will be held at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Thelma Wendel was born on March 29, 1926 during a snowstorm at Delmar, Iowa.  Dr. Owen Frank was the attending doctor.  Her parents were George and Manuella (Werner) Wendel. At the age of one, Thelma moved with her parents back to the old Wendel farm two miles east of Elwood, where she attended Elwood Consolidated School and graduated in 1944. She then attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon for two years and transferred to the University of Iowa at Iowa City where she graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Art Education in 1948. She taught one year at Shell Rock High School and saved enough money to return to the University of Iowa to take more science classes.

Thelma married Dean Kerkman of Van Horne, Iowa at the Elwood Methodist Church on June 11, 1950. They moved to Greely Colorado then to Alabama.  Next moving to Manhattan, Beloit and finally Lawrence, Kansas where Dean received a PHD in Clinical Psychology and Thelma became an Occupational Therapist. Thelma taught school for seven years and served as an Occupational Therapist for 17 years in hospitals in Kansas City and at the Leavenworth VA Hospital.  While working at the Leavenworth VA, Thelma and her husband went on medical tours to Spain, Russia, Greece, Scandinavia, Central Europe, the Balkans, Australia and New Zealand as well as the British Isles. They also visited relatives in Austria, Germany, and Denmark.

While living in Lawrence Kansas, Thelma served as a Girl Scout leader, camp director and president of the Kaw Valley Council which covered five counties. Later she became the leader of the Sunflower 4-H Club in Douglas county for several years. She was also a member of the Lawrence Flower Club and served as junior flower club leader for 25 years helping children to grow flowers, make ceramic containers and make scrapbooks to enter them into state competitions. After she retired from the Leavenworth VA, she joined the Kaw Valley Quilters Guild, Lawrence Doll Collectors Club and Cloth Doll Club.

In 1994, Thelma and Dean moved from Kansas to the Wendel farm east of Elwood, Iowa. They planted many trees, shrubs and flower beds. While there, they painted eight buildings and put new roofs on them. Thelma joined the Maquoketa Garden Club, Town and Country Quilters Guild, Hawkeye Doll Club and the Hello Dollies Club of the Quad Cities.  She also belonged to the Genealogy and Retired Teachers Clubs in both Jackson and Clinton counties and was a member of the American Legion Post and Auxiliary at Lost Nation.   For many years, she was an active member of the Elwood Methodist Church and enjoyed visiting other churches in the area for church dinners.

Thelma is survived by her sister, Barbara Downey of Preston, 3 children; Dennis, Renay and Amy (Ken) as well as 4 grandchildren; Amelia and Adam Kerkman, and Conrad and Benjamin Manaugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, and sisters Betty Mae Parker and Bonnie Winchip.

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

Memorials can be sent to the American Stroke Association.  https://www.stroke.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give

Joyce L. Becker

Joyce L. Becker, 92, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm Sunday March 7, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 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 Joyce’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joyce will be 10:30 am Monday, March 8, 2021, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father Paul Attah-Nsiah as the Celebrant. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. Burial 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.

Joyce was born September 20, 1928, in Garretson, SD, the daughter of John and Lora J. Meier Schurman. On September 22, 1951, she married Walter Becker in Sioux City. He died December 9, 1989.

She graduated from Garretson High School in Garretson, SD. She graduated from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux City, IA and the University of Dubuque with her BSN degree at age 62.

Joyce was employed as a Registered Nurse at the former Xavier Hospital, Dubuque; Fairview Hospital, Edina, Minnesota.; Mercy Hospital, Dubuque and completed her nursing career at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, for 10 years before retiring in 1994. Following her retirement she referred to herself as “a has been nurse.” She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Survivors include four sons, Jeffrey (Janice) Becker of Broken Bow, OK, Brian, Brad, and Sam Becker all of Dubuque; three daughters, Kristin Lineen of Cheyenne, WY, Kim (Greg) Yoko of Dubuque, Jennifer (Mark) Wagstaff of Roxboro, NC; Daughter-in-law, Gerry Becker of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Brandon (Kresha) Becker, Erienne Becker, Zeb (Samantha) and Ben (Becca Kuhle) Yoko; three sisters, Joan VandeVorde of Pipe Stone, MN, Gertrude Duffert of Flandreau, SD, and Kay (Roland) Kortlever of Alexandria, MN.

Besides her husband she is preceded in death by three sons, Mike and Todd Becker both July 9, 1983 and Mark Becker on March 11, 2019; one sister, Luetta Peake and one brother, Edwin Schurman.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Assisi Village, Stonehill Health Center, as well as Hospice of Dubuque for their love and care they have shown to Joyce over the years and recent weeks.

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 Joyce’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Judith M. Ellerie

Judith Mae Ellerie, 77, of Sherrill, IA passed away on March 1st, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm. with Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel officiating. A live stream of the funeral service will be on the church Facebook page. Please enter the church though locust street entrance.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Judith Mae Ellerie (Miller) was born on September 19th, 1943 in San Jose, California to Leonard and Geraldine (Frith) Miller.

She married Ronald Lee Ellerie on August 29th, 1964 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Judy worked at Flexsteel, Oak Ridge Athletics, Northwest Fabrics, and LT Amusements.

She was a member of Tops, St. Luke’s choir, Quilters club, Girl Scout leadership, Recovery, and a longtime bowler.

Judy was an amazing wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and friend. Judy’s family always came first and she truly believed that family was not just blood.

She was an accomplished seamstress. She loved to quilt, embroider, knit and swim. Judy was an avid reader and spent countless weekends camping and square dancing with family and friends. She loved with her whole heart.

Judy is survived by her Husband, Ronald Lee Ellerie, daughters, Lisa (Tom) Bodnar and Jamie Lee Ellerie; grandchildren, Ryan (Alexandra) Fagan, Eric Fagan, Kay Lee Merritt Fagan, Destinee Joy Szoenyi, sister, Sandra (Steven) Bahl, sister-in-law, Lori (Jim) Depew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Geraldine (Frith) Miller and Milt Backas; brothers, Albert Miller Sr., Leonard Miller Jr., Richard Miller, Franklin Miller Sr.; sisters-in-law, Carol Bishop and Carol Pins; nephews, Albert Miller Jr., Martin Miller, Timothy Miller, Brain Gloden and her niece Lyne King.

Memorial in Judy’s name may be given to Hospice of Dubuque and Shriners.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jeremiah, Amy D, Stacy, and Susan. Also, Nancy Tegeler, Manor Care, First Congregational Church, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Joan M. Heitz

Joan Marie Heitz, 84, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on March 2nd, 2021 at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 8th, 2021 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Please remember to wear your mask and if you are unable to attend, a live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

Joan was born on June 17, 1936, the daughter of Francis and Loretta (Pauly) Loes. She graduated from the Visitation Academy in Dubuque. Joan married Carl Heitz on October 12, 1957 at Saint Joseph Key West Catholic Church and they spent 52 years together, taking many road trips and enjoying monthly card parties with friends. Joan also spent many days at the ballparks with Carl, watching him play and coach Prairie League Ball. Over the years, Joan kept books for several Dubuque businesses, however she took the most pride in maintaining a spotless home and being a Mom/Nana/Grandma to her children and grandchildren. Joan also enjoyed being outside, petting her kitties and working in her flower beds.

Those left to cherish her memory include her five children Cynthia (Lynn B.) Fuller of Dubuque, Mark (Julie) Heitz of St. Donatus, Lanny (Tanie) Heitz of Laramie, WY, Dale (Marilyn) Heitz of Sherrill, Daniel (Pamela) Heitz of Ouray, CO; ten grandchildren: Lynn H. “Tut” (Alison) Fuller, Thomas Fuller, Chad Heitz, Carrie (Zachary) Hermsen, Cody Heitz, Kyle (Sommer) Heitz, Stephanie Heitz, Lauren (Tyler) Heggie, Courtney Heitz, and Curtis Heitz; seven great grandchildren: Madeleine, Hadley, Lynn J., Halle, Lucas, Carson, and Claire; her siblings Paul (Janice) Loes, John (Rosalie) Loes and Marian Newman, and in-laws Bruce (Mary Lou) Heitz and Anna Mae LeConte, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl in 2010, a sister Jane Reilly, and two brothers-in-law, Gerald Newman and Richard LeConte.

In lieu of flowers, a Joan Heitz memorial fund has been established.

Joan’s family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for the care and support they gave to her, especially during this COVID year.

Lorraine L. Wand

Lorraine L. Wand, 89 of Galena, IL passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at her home. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, March 8, 2021, graveside in the Elizabeth Township Cemetery, rural Elizabeth, IL.  Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

She was born May 16, 1931, in Massbach, IL the daughter of William and Alma (Carson) Heid. Lorraine worked as a bartender until she was 84 years old. She loved to travel, gamble, her Winston’s and sitting on Santa’s lap at Christmas time. She will be fondly remembered for making the best sugar cookies around. Her biggest joy was to be surrounded by her five generations of family.

She is survived by her six children, Janice (Butch) Spitzack of East Dubuque IL, Judy Wand, Ed (Jeanette) Wand, Dan (Chris) Wand and Bob (Jean) Wand all of Galena, and Jane (Tony) Heindel of Flippin AR, nine grandchildren, Geoff (Susan) Cliff, Michelle (Kevin) Glasgow, Melinda (James) Angerett, David (Dana) Herrick, Jim (Laura) Wand, April (Aaron) Mau, Blake (Michelle) Wand, Nick and Katie Wand, 11 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of Flowers the family request donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque in memory of Lorraine.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Judith A. Sutcliffe

James B. Beau

James B. “Jim” Beau, 76, of Stonehill Franciscan Services 3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, Iowa 52001 passed away on the evening of March 1st, 2021 at Stonehill in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Highview Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 650 of Epworth. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 5th, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. Please remember to wear your mask.

Jim was born on January 14, 1945 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Edward and Hilda (Roth) Beau. He graduated from Wahlert High School and on May 25, 1979; he married Karen A. Beau (O’Dell) at St. Patrick’s Church in Epworth.

He served in the United States Air Force as a repairman from 1963 to 1967.

Jim worked at John Deere in Dubuque until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church Key West and volunteered at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque for many years.

He was always good humored and cherished his time with family and friends reminiscing about all the shenanigans he got into. Jim always knew someone everywhere he went and would always make it a point to say “Hello”.

Jim enjoyed cars and motorcycles and loved visiting car shows, drag strips and hill climbs. In his younger days he was fond of his many fishing trips up North with his Dad, brothers, and friends. He took many trips with his wife Karen and loved just being out for a drive. He always took pleasure in his walks on Grandview and the flood wall. He enjoyed his weekly breakfast with his buddies solving all the world’s problems. Jim appreciated all the goodies from his sister Linda, enjoyed his phone calls with his brother Rick and looked forward to his Saturday afternoons grabbing a beverage and a bite to eat with his brother Tom.

He is survived by his two children Susan (Steve) Coohey and Sarah (Josh) Mozena; three grandchildren Madison Coohey, Monroe and Bennett Mozena; two brothers Tom (Ann) Beau of Dubuque and Rick Beau of Dallas, Texas; one sister Linda Beau of Dubuque; three brothers-in-law Dave (Judy) O’Dell, Robert (Shirley) O’Dell, and Brian (Dee) O’Dell; six sisters-in-law Joan (James) Walter, Kay Kemp, Barbara (Eldon) Jaeger, Noreen Dole, Elaine O’Dell and Cheryl (Tom) Rauch; along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Karen A. Beau; his parents Edward and Hilda; his brother Hugh Beau; three brothers-in-law Allen O’Dell, Clarence “Wink” O’Dell, and Sam O’Dell.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, the caring staff at Stonehill and all the friends and family for the outreach of support.

In lieu of flowers a James Beau memorial fund will be established.

Darlene M. Conzett

Darlene M. “Mama” Conzett, 82, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, March 1, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Church of the Nativity, and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Rev. Andy Upah will officiate.  Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.  Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com . Masks are required at the church and funeral home.

Darlene was born October 7, 1938 in Epworth, the daughter of Louis and Lucille (Kramer) Hanfelt. She married Ronald Conzett on June 24, 1961 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Epworth. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2003.

Darlene was employed in housekeeping for Dubuque Community Schools, for the priest at Nativity Parish, and at Loras College.

She loved fishing and camping at Lake Joy in Wisconsin. She was an avid country music fan, and especially had a love of Conway Twitty’s music.

Darlene was a devoted grandmother who loved taking care of her grandkids. She was a mother figure to so many people, and was known to all as “Mama”.

Darlene is survived by her children, Jim “J.C.” (Lois) Conzett, Cindy (Jack) Schulz, Vicky Conzett, and Melinda “Sam” (Patrick) Caudill, all of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Amanda Marks, Emily (Jason) Fuller, Andrew (Janie Hessong) Conzett, Adam (Brianna Uthe) Conzett, Caleb (Molly) Schulz, Shelby (Trevor Parkin) Schulz, Logan Caudill, and Cassie Caudill; six great grandchildren, and one coming in May; her siblings, Elaine Slack of Aurora, CO, Eldon (Chris) Hanfelt, of Dubuque, and Janice (Milton) Connolly of Cascade; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Ron, she was preceded in death by her son, Gary Conzett, in infancy;  her parents; her great-grandson, Kinnick Marks; six siblings, Mary (John) Boulting, Joe (Florence) Hanfelt, Leola (Frank) Connolly, and Eileen, Richard, and Donald Hanfelt;  and her in-laws, Jayne (Richard) Chapman,  Donald Conzett, and Roy “Teen” Slack.

The family would like to thank her daughter Vicky, who took care of Mom for 18 years; her granddaughter Shelby (studying nursing) for being an amazing nurse to her Mama; to Home Instead, especially Debbie, Charmayne, and Porsha; and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli and Nicole.

Ivan J. Current

Ivan J. Current, 64, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, from CoVid 19 complications.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Ivan’s life will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., Friday, March 5, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the visitation.

It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation.

Ivan Juan Current was born on October 20, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ivan M. and Irma L. (Kriete) Current.  He attended Andrew schools.  He married Debbie Kayleen Streets on August 25, 1979 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Ivan had worked for area factories most notably for Dynamic Tube as a saw operator, custodian at Family Dollar Distribution Center in Maquoketa, and a packer at Guardian Industries in DeWitt.

Ivan was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his wife and friends when he wasn’t spending time with grandchildren. He also enjoyed thrift shopping, Jeep cruising, and was known as a “garage tinkering specialist”.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Debbie Current of Maquoketa, IA; children Angela (Chance) Parker of Maquoketa, IA, and Jeremy (Rachel) Current of Dunkirk, MD; 4 grandchildren, Allissa and Jason Parker, and Caleb and Hannah Current; 1 great-grandchild, Lucas Parker; a brother, Michael Current of Keokuk, IA; and sisters, Maureen Kilburg of Cedar Rapids, IA, Nancy (Bill) Ruff of St. Peters, MO, and Cindy (Marvin) Heister of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Kevin Current.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Ivan J. Current memorial fund has been established.

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.

David A. Neis

David A. “Digger” Neis, 72, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at UW Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Services will be live streamed through Facebook on the funeral home page. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A public visitation for friends will be held from 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. The family requests you utilize masks during the duration of your visit in the church and that you practice social distancing. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Digger was born on November 21, 1948 in Platteville, Wisconsin, the son of Oliver and Amelia (Weber) Neis. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Digger worked for the Village of Dickeyville for over 30 years and farmed with his dad. He was a lifetime member of the Dickeyville VFW. He enjoyed bowling, archery, bow-hunting, and playing softball, where he earned his nickname “Digger” for his aggressive play. He loved riding his John Deere Tractor while cutting grass and plowing snow.

Survivors include a sister, Jane (Jack) Brandel, Dubuque, IA; two brothers, Pete (Doris) Neis, Dickeyville, and Jim (Sharon) Neis, Kieler, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank the team at UW Carbone Cancer Center, especially Dr. Lubner.

In lieu of flowers, a David A. Neis Memorial fund has been established.

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

Gale E. Currie

Gale E. Currie, 64, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at home.

A private celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa and will be uploaded for viewing after the service at www.CarsonAndSon.com. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M. on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Gale Edwin Currie was born to Paul Edwin and Myrtle Marie (Flagel) Currie in Maquoketa, Iowa, on Sept. 21st, 1956.

Gale attended schools in Baldwin and Maquoketa. He graduated in 1975. While in school, he participated in wrestling, track, and football, earning two varsity letters. In 1974 he was voted WaMac first-team defense. While in high school, he also earned Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout Award.

In 1976, he married Barb Donatsch. To this union, two daughters were born. They later divorced. In October 1994, he married his soul mate, Nancy Schoenig, at Fairyland Ballroom south of Dewitt, Ia.

Gale worked for John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 2014 from the Des Moines works. He also worked part-time for NPI security in West Des Moines as a security guard for nine years. He was a member of UAW Local 450 and most recently UAW Retirees Chapter of Des Moines.

Gale was a Christian. He was baptized at the Church of Christ in Ankeny, Iowa, and most recently worshipped at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Bellevue.

Gale’s first love was his family, his daughters, and his grandkids. He enjoyed making them laugh with his jokes and antics. His hobbies included history, trivia, woodworking, golf, and his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed visiting with friends, classmates and cooking.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife Nancy, daughters Angie (Currie) & Jenero Zapata of Marion, Iowa, Christi (Currie) & Jay Wertzberger of Dubuque, Iowa, step-daughters Carmon Jetter of Davenport, Iowa, and Tesa (Jordan) & Michael Andrews of Collinwood, Tenn; four grandchildren, Evelyn Grace, Samuel Walter, Amelia Angela, and Violet May Wertzberger; six step-grandchildren, Shidona Mary Jetter, Divonte Dominique and Sabrina Anne Marie Singleton, Tayvon Raymond Jordan, Mary Kate and Jordan Andrews; step great-grandchildren Alauna Session-Jetter, Jamauri Jetter, Azariah Singleton, Quincy Ross, Marcus Starlin Jr., Carmoni Jetter, Kashwaun Gentry, Demar Johnson Jr, and Lyric Johnson; sisters and brothers Nancy Brewster, Bonnie Kallenberger, Mary Kallenberger, Rose Leiderbach, Barbie Currie, and Allen & Cathi Currie.

Gale was proceeded in death by his parents, Paul and Myrtle Currie, his brothers Amos and Jack Kallenberger, and his sisters Margaret Wilburn and Sharon Currie.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gale E. Currie memorial fund has been established.

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

Mary Ann Kieffer

Mary Ann Kieffer, 76, of Galena, IL passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Mary Ann graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1962. She was united in marriage to Jerry Kieffer on May 14, 1966, at St. Mary’s Church. Mary Ann owned and operated a doll shop on Main Street for 27 years.  After that, she helped her husband at the Galena Laundry. She loved baking cookies and rooting for the Cubs and Bears.  Mary Ann was an avid golfer, enjoyed going to flea markets and collecting antique dolls, but most of all she loved her three grandsons.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry of Galena, her son, Paul (Heather) Kieffer of Montgomery, IL, her daughter, Amy (Tim) Hiller of Northbrook, IL, three grandsons, Colin and Ben Kieffer, and Andrew Hiller, brother, James Schumacher, sister, Jan Kutsch, and her many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Ernest Schumacher, stepfather, Bernard Peschang and sister in-law, Pam Schumacher.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Jo Daviess County Workshop in memory of Mary Ann.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Unity Point Finley Hospital, Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque and Galena Stauss Senior Care Community for your care and compassion during this difficult time. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Tom Wienen

Tom  Wienen, 69, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of February 26, 2021,  after a 2 ½ year battle with pancreatic cancer - a battle against a cruel and unfair opponent that gave days of hope and weeks of heartache.  Due to current COVID-19 restrictions,  a drive-through gathering for Tom will be held from 3 to 6 PM, Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel.  The family requests you remain in your vehicle and they will greet you at the front of the building under the portico.  If anyone who worked with Tom would like to drive their work vehicles through the line, we would be honored.  A private funeral mass will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena.  Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, rural Galena.

 He was born February 27, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Harold and Mary (Oldenburg) Wienen.  Tom attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and was an altar server for St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He graduated from Galena High School, class of 1969.  Tom served in the Army, stationed in Germany where he was able to do some traveling, trading cigarette coupons for gas rations.   He married Connie Richardson on May 27, 1977.  Tom started “working” around the age of 10, tagging along after his uncle, Al Green, soaking up as much construction trade knowledge as a 10-year-old  could and doing grass cutting jobs and errands for the elderly ladies in his neighborhood.  During high school, Tom worked at  Lemfco  Foundry and Leo’s Super Value.  He then worked for Don Green Construction and later started his own businesses with his brothers.  Tom did not quit working until early November of 2020 when he just did not have any more “go power.”

 Galena was good to Tom and Tom was good for Galena. Together with his brothers he started/developed Indian Ridge Subdivision, Wienen Estates Subdivisions I & II, Turtle Pond Subdivision, Deer Run Estates Subdivision, Golfview Estates Subdivision, Willow Ridge Subdivision, Industrial Park, Galena Square PUD and was working on his latest project, Grandview Estates Subdivision off Gear St.  He was in business when the Galena Territory started and  excavated for or built countless homes in the Territory, Galena & Jo Daviess County.  He never realized the impact of his work, he just enjoyed playing in the dirt.  Tom’s work was his hobby, and his hobby was his work.  Galena was his sandbox, and he enjoyed every minute of playing with his diggers.  He was always willing to give a “digger ride” to any little future excavator who wanted one, especially his grandkids.

 Tom enjoyed working with his brothers but felt truly blessed  to be able to work with his sons (who both graduated from the College of Tom Wienen) dai ly. He taught by example from early on and gave a firm foundation for the boys to learn and carry on,  on  their own.  He often commented  on  how lucky we are to have our kids and their families close by  and never took that for granted.  He was always ready to take his family on an adventure and these memories will be forever cherished.   He started our storage business with his sons and knew he would be leaving everything in good and capable hands. Tom  enjoyed the people he met,  worked for and with,  and shared his knowledge of the trades willingly.  Tom was interested in the projects going on in Galena and was ready to try new ideas or explore the possibilities of what could be done to make the community better.  He knew three things to be true:  death, taxes, and concrete WILL crack.

 Tom is survived by his Mom, Mary Wienen; his wife, Connie; his much-loved sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, Ben, Cassie, Brady, Lucy and Henry Wienen and Nick, Tilli, Thomas, Millie, and Samuel Wienen. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dan (Cathy) Wienen and brothers and sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Jack) Creighton, Nancy (Bill) Leitzinger, and Marsha (Drew) Potthoff, his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his Dad, Harold Wienen; his in-laws, Don (Betty) Richardson, and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Lois) Wienen. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Before his last surgery, Tom said, “I wish I didn’t have to do this – I just want to go home and be Tom”.  Unfortunately, that was not meant to be.  In place of flowers, any  memorials given will be put toward a scholarship for a Galena High School senior interested in going to a trade school or starting their own business. The family would like to thank  Jessica and the entire hospice team for their care and compassion, Dr. Abbott, Dr. Engelman, and Tammi Noonan for their care and honesty, the nursing staffs at UW Madison and Mercy Cancer Center for their  wonderful  care, Dr.  Koenigs for her kindness, the Redfearn and Flynn families for their kindness and help with the grandkids, Fr.  Barch  for his visits and blessings.  Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com 

Marilyn E. Muehleip

Marilyn Elizabeth Muehleip, 91, of Galena, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Galena. She will be buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena beside her loving husband of 62 years, Kenneth “Paul” Muehleip. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Marilyn was born July 31, 1929, at her family’s home in Galena, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Bergmann) Wilhelmi.  She attended Galena Elementary School and was a graduate of Galena High School.  Paul and Marilyn were united in marriage on October 5, 1951, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Galena. Immediately following their wedding, they moved to Fairbanks, AK, where Paul was stationed in the Army.

In her younger years, Marilyn was employed by Illinois Bell as a telephone operator. Later she worked at Eaton Corporation, Hanover, IL, and for the Jo Daviess Courthouse, Galena. Marilyn was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed her weekly quilting sessions with the Rebecca Quilters and bible studies with her Women’s Ruth Circle.  Her faith was strong, and she taught her grandchildren the power of prayer. Marilyn was a loving, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Her top priority in life was her family. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren–baking cookies, movie nights snacking on popcorn, and hosting sleepovers.  No one ever went to bed without a story, a prayer, a kiss, and hearing, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite!” Traveling, camping, quilting, and antiquing were a few of her favorite pastimes. Colorado and Arizona were favorite destinations, spent visiting her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews. “Aunt Marilyn’s house” was the meeting place for all family members.  She welcomed her family, friends, and neighbors to her home, always having a fresh pot of coffee and an open heart.

Those left to treasure Marilyn’s memory include her daughters, Paula Schonhoff and Tammy (John) Oldenburg, both of Galena, son, Craig Muehleip, of Rigby, ID; seven grandchildren, Alison (fiancé, Joshua Wheatley), Ryan (Molly) Schonhoff, Adam Schonhoff, Paul (Tokie) Muehleip, Rachel Oldenburg (Phil Peer), Adrienne (Justin) Stuebs, April Oldenburg; two great-grandsons, Cael Story and Rei Muehleip, and two great-granddaughters, Leslie and Madelynn Stuebs; and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Paul, her parents, seven siblings, and several brother and sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community staff, and caregivers of Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion.  We will love you forever, and ever, and a day!  Online condolences may be left atwww.furlongfuneralchapel.com