Obituaries Archive

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

Ruth E. Denger

Ruth E. Denger, 95, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at WestWing Place in DeWitt, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Delmar United Methodist Church. Due to the CoVid-19 Pandemic and social distancing guidelines, seating will be limited so please contact the funeral home if you plan to attend the funeral service. The service will be livestreamed on the Elwood/Delmar United Methodist Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Elwood-Delmar-United-Methodist-Church-210233856285707/?ref=page_internal. A public visitation will be held from 4 to 6 P.M., Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Ruth Eileen Specht was born on May 18, 1925 in the Maquoketa area, the daughter of Henry and Emma (Broderson) Specht. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1942; from Iowa Teacher’s College (now UNI) in the 4-Quarter Rural Program in 1943 and Marycrest College in Davenport in 1971. Ruth married Arthur Frederick Denger on November 27, 1946 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 4, 1993.

Ruth taught in Clinton County Schools, Elwood, Calamus, and Midpark School in Welton, Iowa, retiring in 1987.

She was a member of the Delmar United Methodist Church, New Century Club, Jackson County Retired Teachers, several bridge, and other card clubs. She had served as the President and Vice President of the United Methodist Women and Chairman of the Church Board for over 18 years. She volunteered for the Lost Nation Food Pantry and Kids Club at her church and served as district officer in the Dubuque District Women, for several years. Ruth also served on the Care Review Committee of the Community Care Center in Charlotte, Iowa.

She is survived by her three daughters, Sue (Rich) Hamilton of Oconomowoc, WI, Janet Myatt (Steve Price) of Iowa City, IA; Julie Denger of Johnston, IA; one son, David (Rhonda) Denger of Delmar, IA; Nine grandchildren, Dr Jill (Tom) Fish of Hastings, NE, Amy (Brad) Macrorie of Lenexa, KS, Joshua (Jeannine) Myatt of Longmont, CO, Lindsay (Ryan) Vanselow of Oconomowoc, WI, Jacob (Mallory) Denger of Maquoketa, IA, Nathan (Caitlin) Denger of Delmar, IA, Emily Denger of Delmar, IA, and Karna (Matt) Rehr of Low Moor, IA; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Delmar United Methodist Church.

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

Paul F. Sullivan

Paul F. Sullivan, 81, of Peosta, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021, at home.

Paul was born January 19, 1940 in Mason City, IA, the son of Harry and Nelle (Romanelli) Sullivan. He graduated from DePaul Academy High School, Chicago, and went on to attend Iowa State University, where he played football.  He was a member of the 1959 “Dirty Thirty” team.  Paul played semi-pro baseball with the Monticello Cubs from 1964 thru 1971.  He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Iowa State Cyclones.

Paul married Harriet (McCarthy) Merchant in 1996 in Las Vegas, NV, and also at New Melleray Abbey.

He enjoyed fishing and golfing, especially with his longtime friend Danny McDonnell at Fillmore Fairways Golf Course.  Paul nearly managed to “golf his age”.  He was an excellent singer who always had a song ready for anyone.

Paul is survived by his wife, Harriet, of Peosta; their children, Greg (Pam) Sullivan of Fort Wayne, IN, Lynne Murcia, Corinna Merchant of Dubuque, Tanya (Tony) Cook of Peosta, and Lynette (Gary) Gassmann of Dubuque; their grandchildren, Adam, Kyle (Kihley), and Emma Sullivan, William and Madeline Vohl, Ellen, Kara, Renee, and Grace Merfeld, Hailey and Harrison Cook, and Gavin, Logan, and Ethan Gassmann; their great-grandchild, Brody Vohl; and an aunt, Carmen Erickson of AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James.

Paul’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their amazing care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Private family graveside services will be held at Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray.  Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

David J. Coakley

It is with deep sadness that we share with you the passing of David Joseph Coakley. He died in Madison, Wis., at the age of 82 on Feb. 27, 2021.

Dave was born in Cascade, Iowa, on Jan. 24, 1939. He grew up on a farm in Iowa, the son of Helen and Dan Coakley.

He lived in the Middleton/Madison area since 1968 where he worked for over 30 years helping others as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Dave married Mary Jane Schuetz in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 4, 1965. They were married for over 55 years. He always said how lucky he was to have Mary Jane by his side. In addition to being a devoted husband, he was a beloved father to his four daughters and a doting grandfather to his three grandsons.

Dave was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed making gifts for family and friends. He installed wood floors throughout the family home and made beautiful furniture. He also crafted wooden toys for children receiving cleft lip and palate surgeries. His toys brought joy to children as far away as Guatemala and Peru. Pictures of the children with their toys delighted him.

Dave was very handy around the house with some unusual and imaginative solutions to problems. His family referred to these as his “Irish solutions.” They often involved duct tape.

The most common word used to describe Dave is kind. He was a very caring and generous man, never wanting to inconvenience anyone. Twice he drove across the country to give a daughter his second car when her car broke down. He also drove 16 hours to Colorado with a puppy on his lap to deliver the puppy to his daughter and grandsons.

Dave had a way of making people feel valued by expressing his appreciation. He declared every meal made for him, “the best he ever had!” Any act of kindness bestowed upon him was described by Dave as “above and beyond.”

As a counselor by profession, Dave was well-equipped to tend to the evolving needs of his four daughters. He listened and provided sound advice, always following-up the next day to make sure his girls were ok.

Dave had a great sense of humor and enjoyed jokes. He would pretend to eat bubbles causing his grandsons to double over with laughter. He also drew upon his undergraduate education in philosophy, dressing up as Aristotle to teach his grandsons about the renowned philosopher. Dave once wore a robe and sported a mop on his head to teach his grandsons about the great Leonardo da Vinci. His best jokes made him laugh even more than those listening, and his laughter was contagious.

Dave will be missed by so many for his kindness, wisdom, humor and love.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Helen Coakley; parents-in-law, Harold and Evelyn Schuetz; younger brother, Roger Coakley; brother-in-law, Richard Schuetz; sister-in-law, Judy Schuetz; son-in-law, Ethan Remmel; nephew, West Schuetz; and great-nephew, Isaac Weires.

He leaves behind his wife, Mary Jane Coakley; four daughters, Renee, Leeanne, Lynn and Shannon Coakley; son-in-law, Todd Gangelhoff; and his three grandchildren, Josh and Nate Gangelhoff and Seth Remmel-Coakley. He is also survived by his sister, Margie (Donnie) Welsh; brother, Loras Coakley; brother-in-law, Jim (Rose) Schuetz; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and friends, all of whom he loved very much.

Due to COVID concerns, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be held. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit David’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, Dave requested donations be sent to Smile Network International at https://www.smilenetwork.org/ or Middleton Outreach Ministry at https://momhelps.org/. Smile Network International is a charitable organization that works in countries around the world performing cleft lip and palate surgeries for families that could not otherwise afford this care. Dave made hundreds of wooden toys to share with the children after their surgeries. Middleton Outreach Ministry is an organization that supports people in need in his local community.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Walter E. Neal

Walter Eugene Neal, age 79, of St. Catherine passed away on February 26, 2021.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am at St. Catherine Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 with Fr. Dave Ambrosy officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at the church. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League following mass. Burial will take place at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

Walter was born on February 2, 1942 in Delhi, Iowa to Wesley and Nellie (Turner) Neal, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and served in the United States Navy and the National Guard. He married Rose Gonzales in Dubuque on October 28, 1967. They had two children, Phillip and Heather.

Walter worked at Dubuque Packing Company, FDL Foods and Farmland Foods before joining the City of Dubuque as a driver for Project Concern, later joining the staff of the Hilton Garden Inn. He served on the board of directors for Dupaco Community Credit Union for several years. Walter was president of the Bird Dog Club and a member of the Dubuque Saddle Club. He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church.

In his spare time, Walter was often found fishing, hunting, and riding horses. He enjoyed training his hunting dogs, shoeing horses and taking flying lessons. He liked working in his garage and yard and spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family.

Walter was survived by his wife, Rose; son Phillip of Dubuque; son-in-law Brian Davis of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; grandson Austin Hamilton of Seattle; grandsons Joe Sanders, Austin Sanders, Noah Neal, and Levi Neal and their mother, Crystal (Fuller) Neal of Dubuque; sister Helen Warden of Dyersville; sisters-in-law Lois Neal of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Janice Neal of Ankeny, Iowa; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Heather, his parents, brothers Howard, Harold, and Burdette, and sisters Grace Frommelt and Greta Thomas.

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

Jeri Anne Edlund

Jeri Anne (Marcus) Edlund was born on June 24, 1946 in Otter Creek, Iowa.  She passed away peacefully in Knoxville, TN on February 16, 2021 at the age of 74.

She moved to Minneapolis, MN at the age of 17, beginning a long life of strength and independence, where she met her husband of 29 years, Ronald Edlund.  They raised their family in Sedalia, CO enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountains and all they have to offer. She was a loving and devoted mother who encouraged and supported all her kids’ endeavors.  After her children were grown, she moved to Chandler, AZ where she lived for 20 years.  Her career was in the disaster recovery field and later in life she successfully ran her own consulting business.

She had a love of traveling which took her all over the world.  She passed her love of learning and her adventurous spirit to her children.  She is remembered by family and friends for her caring and compassionate heart and was celebrated for her unique ability to listen and provide insightful advice.

She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Mary Marcus of Otter Creek, IA.

She is survived by her son Nathan Edlund (Amy Granger) of Richland, MI; her 2 daughters Christina (Jeremy) Gormley of Knoxville, TN and Melissa Edlund (Jeff Kenny) of North Hollywood, CA; and four grandchildren; 3 brothers Tom (Paula) Marcus of Andrew, IA, Paul Marcus of Mesa, AZ, and Wayne (Debbie) Marcus of Otter Creek, IA; and her sister Karen Marcus of Belt, MT.

A service will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, IA on June 25th.

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

Ross C. River

Ross Clark River, 92, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa. He was born on November 22, 1928 to Roy and Lois (Marshall) River on t heir farm near Chester, Iowa . As Ross always knew how to make an entrance, his mother was in the middle of butchering a hog when he let her know it was time to be born.

He attended high school in LeRoy, Minnesota and later Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where he met his wife of 68 years, Vivian (Mukin) River. They married March 25, 1951. Three days later, they left for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where Ross served as a First Lieutenant.

In 1953 they settled in Maquoketa, Iowa where they raised their five children and lived the rest of their lives. Ross was a life-long farmer and agricultural salesman. He owned and ran a feed mill and chicken hatchery and later began selling Harvestores and Wick Buildings. His career with Wick Buildings lasted over 60 years.

Ross had originally wished to continue farming upon his graduation from high school, but his father sold the farm, telling Ross that he wanted him to go to college and “have a better life.” However, Ross persisted with his own farming, demonstrating that you can take the farm from the boy, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy. Later in life, one of Ross’s small farms, where he raised a few cattle, was referred to as “The Rossarosa.”

Ross is survived by one daughter, Sue River; two sons, Bruce (Chris) River and Dave (Paula) River; grandchildren, Peyton River, Carter River, Ben Buchner, Amanda (Tyler) Fleck, Ashley River and Robert River; one great-grandchild, Hallie Harrison; a sister, Donna Cook; a sister-in-law, Dora River and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lois River; his wife, Vivian; daughters, Jean River and Kay River; brother, Dale River; sister, Ruth Robinson; brother-in-law, Roland Robinson and brother-in-law, Forrest Cook.

A private family service will be held to honor Ross at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Maquoketa1stumc. Memorials may be made to the Maquoketa First United Methodist Church or the Maquoketa FFA.

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

Victor A. Novander

Victor A. Novander, age 60, of Dubuque, passed away at 8:05 a.m., on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Luther Manor. To celebrate Victor’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. At 4:00 p.m., there will be a time for family and friends to share their favorite memories of Victor. 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 Victor’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 1, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Loren Hirschy officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Gone Fishin’

Anyone who knew Victor, he LOVED to fish. He finished his Earthly journey on February 24, 2021, at 8:05 am. Now, he’s enjoying an ice-cold beer, with a line in a beautiful stream (always stocked with trout, of course) in heaven.

Victor and his fraternal twin, Christopher, were born in Libertyville, IL, on May 1, 1960, to Sharon Thomas (Stolarik) and Alan Novander, Sr. Victor served in the Navy between 1977 and 1980. On April 14, 1984, as fate would have it, Victor met Deborah Salomaki at Pizza Villa in Ft. Atkinson, WI, where she was a server for the family pizzeria. They were married in a small ceremony on March 5, 1985, in Jefferson, WI. In 1988, Victor and Deborah, with their three girls, moved to Dubuque, IA, where they lived to this day. They went on to add four boys to their growing family.

With Victor, there was never a dull moment in his life. He definitely kept things interesting. He was known for his sense of humor, passion for fishing and cars, his love for the tv show, Gunsmoke, his uncanny ability to find marbles almost anywhere, and having a highly spirited personality. His laugh and charisma were infectious.

Victor and Deborah raised us kids to be hard workers, iron-willed, and independent people. They taught us how to fish, how to be handy around the house, and that no matter what, love and humor will help you get through anything. That hardships in life will knock you down, but you got to get back up and keep on going. We will always have fond memories of fishing trips, his auto repair shop, building a huge snowman on Loras, freshly caught fish swimming in our bathtub, and so many personal experiences we each had with him.

He is already greatly missed by Deborah, his family and friends. We all are comforted knowing he has been relieved of his mental and physical pain. Dad, you’ll be forever in our hearts and everything we do. Until we all fish together again…

Those left to cherish Victor’s memory include

his loving wife of 36 years, (and an amazing mother),
Deborah Novander, Dubuque, IA;

his 7 children,
Melissa (Timothy) Carroll, Cañon City, CO,
LeAnndra Novander, Dubuque, IA,
Sharon (John) Kraus, Millcreek, UT,
Byron Novander, Dubuque, IA,
Andrew Novander, Dubuque, IA,
Christopher “Kris” (Kaylee) Rutzebeck, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Jonathon (Rylie) Novander, Dubuque, IA;

his 15 grandchildren,
Macey, Mason, Tim, Brayden, Ashlynn “Rosie”, and Oscar “Ozzy” of Melissa and Timothy;
Stacy, Tommy, Charlie, and Kenzie of LeAnndra;
Brayden and Kaden of Kris and Kaylee;
Clover, Lilly, and Victor of Jonathon and Rylie;

his siblings,
Christopher Novander, Goodlettsville, TN,
Laura Prescher, Portage, WI,
Cynthia (Kevin) Ryan, Juda, WI,
Alan Novander, Jr., Schofield, WI
and Ryan (Linzi)Novander, Portage, WI;

and many nieces and nephews.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Debra Mueller.
Thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital and Luther Manor Hospice for their caring support for Victor and his family.

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

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

Arthur E. Rubie

Arthur Edward “Buzz” Rubie, 87, of Dubuque, IA passed away on February 22, 2021 at home.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and the Iowa Army National Guard. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of service. Burial will be at a later date in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Arthur was born on August 6, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of George and Marie (Gronau) Rubie. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and then served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956.

On July 19, 1958 he married Helen E. Hamilton in Dubuque, Iowa and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

Arthur enjoyed a good game of Euchre along with feeding and watching his birds. You could often find him at the kitchen table doing his puzzle books.

He is survived by his children Michael (Bonnie) Rubie, Patrick Rubie, and Diane (Dale) Reuter; his son-in-law Stephen Gassman; grandchildren Jeromy (Diedre) and Mitchell Rubie; Andrew, Zachary and Elizabeth Reuter; Brook and Cooper Gassman; siblings Fred Rubie and Lois Hartman as well as in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Helen in 2018; daughter Suzanne Gassman in 2019; brothers John and Richard and sisters Irene, Helen and Elinor.

The family would like to thank No Place Like Home, especially Summer, for all their care and assisting with keeping Arthur at home where he wanted to be.

Patricia M. Rowell

Patricia Marie Rowell, 80, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, February 23, at Mercy Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 27, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, and will be available to watch Sunday on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Fr. Greg Bahl will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday at church. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required at church. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Patricia was born September 21, 1940 in Dubuque, the daughter of Orley and Agnes (Poulda) Koch. She married Richard J. Rowell on September 12, 1959 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on October 31, 2005.

Patricia was a devoted mother and grandmother, and spent her life being a homemaker. She was a member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral, and she also worked as a CNA for many years.

Patricia is survived by two children, Sheila Winger and Steven Rowell; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Brian, and Cheyenne Winger, and Michaela and Jakob Rowell; her “adopted son” Mitch (Mary) Delarm and their family; her brother, Paul (Debi) Koch of Dayton, OH; her sister in law, Margaret Koch; and her brother in law Robert Rowell; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Howard, Chuck, and Marvin Koch; and two sisters, LaVon Weist and Vivian Koch.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Finley & Mercy Hospitals, and to the Dubuque Fire Department, Police Department, and EMTs for treating Patricia with kindness and respect.

Donna D. Conley

Donna D. Conley, age 89, passed away February 22, 2021 at Sunset Park Place of natural causes.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27th, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation with Rev. Tom Shinkle officiating and will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory facebook page. Burial and graveside service will be at Bethel Cemetery, Osterdock, IA. Please be aware that face masks and social distancing will be observed during all gatherings.

Donna was born January 26, 1932 near Graham, Iowa, the daughter of Ferman J. & Berdina M. (Schrunk) Smith. She attended the Millville School, and was active in 4H. She married John M. Conley on August 7, 1951 in Colesberg, IA. They lived on a farm in Osterdock, IA before moving to Dubuque in 1966. She worked in the American Pearl Button Factory in Guttenberg, then ran their farm in Osterdock while her husband worked at John Deere in Dubuque. Eventually they moved the family to Dubuque, then to Sherrill, Iowa where they built a house in 1971 and lived there 47 years. At their home she cleared land and built a park for the family to enjoy.

She loved animals and would often take in stray dogs and cats. Donna enjoyed bowling on teams in Guttenberg and Dubuque for several years. She was a long time member of Center Gove United Methodist Church where she was on many committees. She was a trap shooter and hunter. In the fall she would take 6 shotgun shells with her and come back with 6 squirrels. She had her HAM radio license WN0KNN, and took flying lessons.

Surviving are her daughter, Joanne Gebauer, of Dubuque, son, John C. (Jeanne) Conley of Sherrill, 6 grandchildren: Jeff (Dr. Sarah) Gebauer, Steamboat Springs, CO, Jared (fiancé Rita Murray) Gebauer, Jackson Hole, WY, Sarah (Nick) Nelson, Belmond, IA, John David (Mint Chims) Conley, Lompoc, CA, Samantha (John) Greene, Dubuque, Elizabeth (P.J.) Donovan, Dubuque, and eleven great-grandchildren, Liam, Roman, Fiona, Eric, Cole, Elsie, Andrew, Peyton, Sterling, Zoey, and Quelvid Kai. Donna is also survived by her only brother, Billie Smith of Guttenberg, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years and her parents.

We would like to thank the staff at Sunset Park Place where they were kind, joyous, loving and professional, and a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque.

Sharon L. Howell

Sharon L. (Tuthill) Howell, age 68, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:50 p.m., on Monday, February 22, 2021, at MercyOne Dubuque.  To celebrate Sharon’s life, private family services were held.

Sharon was born on August 13, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Donald and June (Rosacker) Tuthill.

Sharon attended grade school at St. Mary’s School, graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, and went on to earn her CNA certificate from NICC.  Sharon was united in marriage to Myron “Jack” Armbruster Sr., in 1978, in Asbury, Iowa.  Jack sadly passed away on April 29, 2011.  She was later united in marriage to Dick Howell in 2014, at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque.  Sharon was always a hard worker.   She was employed with Heritage Manor before making the move to the Julien Care Facility, where she would devote 25 years until her retirement in 2011.  In her free time, Sharon lived and breathed playing Bingo.  She loved the game, and the friendly competition with her daughters was well known at the Bingo hall.  She also enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors, fishing, hiking, bike riding and camping.  Sharon also liked playing cards, and trying her luck at the casino.  Family was always as the top of her priority list and she loved spending time with them.  Sharon will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Sharon’s memory include

her husband,
Dick Howell, Dubuque, IA;

her daughters,
June (Caroll) Gibson
and Connie Howell, both of Dubuque, IA;

her 5 grandchildren,
Heather (Eric Spain) Armbruster,
Tiffany (Leo Brokus) Johnson,
Daren (Kayla) Shaffer, all of Dubuque, IA,
Elizabeth (Brandon Hudgins) Howell, Silver City, NM
and Robert (Abbey) Howell, Dubuque, IA;

her 3 great-grandchildren,
Cayden Mayers, Robert Howell and Allison Howell;

her siblings,
Joyce Terris, Dubuque, IA,
Pat Wernimont, Dubuque, IA
and Jim (Lucinda) Tuthill, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her 1st husband, Myron “Jack” Armbruster Sr.; a son, Bryan Tuthill in infancy; a sister, Cindy Key; and 3 brothers, Rich (Betty) Tuthill, Dan Tuthill and Michael Tuthill.

Sharon’s family would like to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Whalen and Dr. Brock, the ICU nurses at Mercy, especially Travis, for all of the wonderful medical care they provided to Sharon.  Also a special thanks to her nephews, John Terris and Jay Derenski, for all of their support.

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

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

Delores J. Lindsay

Delores June Lindsay, 83, of Dubuque, died Monday, February 22, 2021, at her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2025 Jackson Street. 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 Delores’s family. An additional visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of funeral service at 10:30 am Saturday, February 27, 2021, at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Jonathan Crawford officiating. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. Burial will be in Council Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. The service 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.

Delores was born September 4, 1937, in Jacksonville, IL, the daughter of Edward F. and Ruth (Hayes) Strubbe. On June 27, 1959, she married Herbert O. Lindsay, Sr. in Bowling Green, Missouri. He passed away on October 19, 1993.

She graduated from Ashland High School in Ashland, Illinois and then Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois.

Delores worked as a substitute teacher in all Jo Daviess County Schools and the Area Vocational Center in Elizabeth, IL and taught special education at Jo Daviess Carroll Area Vocational Center for several years, kindergarten in Chalmette, LA and Headstart in Hanover, IL. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday School for over 40 years. She was a den mother for Boy Scouts and a Girl Scout and Brownie leader. Delores loved spending time with her family, visiting the sick, going to church, poetry, sending cards, writing, and reading the Bible.

Delores was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dubuque. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Mission Church Circle at St. Paul, honorary member of Worthwhile Club in Jacksonville, IL, P.T.A., Home Extension, Welcome Wagon in Galesburg, IL, Luther Manor Auxiliary and Finley Hospital Auxiliary.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela (Mark) VanCamp of Kaukauna, WI and Judith “Judee” (Thomas) Townsend of Dubuque; grandchildren, Evan & Nicholas Lindsay, Jeffrey, Jessica (James) Dobson, Brandon, Megan (Andy) Flack, Callie (Steve) Oudenhoven, Patrick VanCamp, Kirsten (Dustin) Cullen, Christopher & Bryce VanCamp and Carrie, Matt, Jacob (Kassidy) Townsend; 25 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Moody; brother, Rev. Joseph (Karen) Strubbe; daughter-in-law, Joan Lindsay; son-in-law, Jeff Pfile; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Strubbe and Connie Barnes; brother-in-law, Keith Zenge and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Sr.; her parents; one son, Herbert Jr.; one daughter, Melody; grandson, Andrew Cullen; one sister, Mary Zenge; two brothers, Larry (Nancy) Strubbe and Richard Strubbe and her father and mother-in-law, Orris & Elizabeth Lindsay.

Memorial have been established to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Delores’s name.

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