Obituaries Archive
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Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson, 56, of Kieler, WI, died Saturday, November 20, 2021, at her home in Kieler.
Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Funeral Service for Karen will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Scott Glover officiating. 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.
Karen was born September 9, 1965, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Albert and Patricia (Demkier) Roth. On June 22, 1991, she married Mike Johnson in Davenport.
She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1983 and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Marycrest College in Davenport.
Karen and Mike owned and operated Johnson Straight Chiropractic in Tulsa, OK for 25 years.
She enjoyed camping, boating, cooking, gardening and solving crossword puzzles. Karen also loved being with her grandson, nieces, nephews and kids in general. She was full of life and always wanted everyone to be happy and was never afraid to lend a helping hand.
Survivors include her husband, Mike of Kieler, WI; her parents, Albert & Patricia Roth of Dubuque; one sister, Linda See of Dubuque; two brothers, Kevin (Jill) Roth of Coralville, IA and Brian (Paige) Roth of Iowa City, IA; sister-in-law, Bambi Roth of Dubuque; step-daughter, Celeste (Brian) Frehner of Prairie Village, KS; grandson, Felix Frehner; nieces & nephews: Brandon See, Damian (Ashley) See, Andrew Roth, Jami (Zak) Williams, Erica & Corey Roth, Justin & Jayden Roth and great-nephews, Westin & Braxtin Williams; many aunts and uncles.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents and one brother, David Roth.
Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Karen’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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Tom F. Patterson
Tom F. Patterson of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 19, 2021, at Unity Point Hospital, Finley Hospital.
Private family services will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com
Thomas was born on May 12, 1938, in Washington, the son of Harry H. Patterson and Catherine Link. He married Patricia Peterson on December 12, 1959.
Thomas was employed for the City of Dubuque and retired after 35 years.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter Kim (Duane), sons, Lloyd (Paula), Dale (Dawn), Jim (Patty), grandchildren, Kari (Jeff), Mandy (Mike), Amber, Karen, Shyann, Shawna, Toni Jo, Jamie (Steven) and Jodi and 14 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tim, and granddaughter Ashly.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.
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Vernon L. Cartmill
Vernon L. Cartmill, age 69, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 2:10 p.m., on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving granddaughter and friends. To honor Vernon’s life, private family services were held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery.
Vernon was born on August 3, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, and was raised by James and Joyce (Waller) Cartmill.
Vernon was born in Dubuque and was raised in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Later in life he moved to New York where he was employed as a fork truck driver. In 2011, he and his granddaughter returned to Dubuque. Vernon’s family meant the world to him, and he truly loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and watched the Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal and ID (Investigation Discovery) daily. Vernon also made sure that he kept up with current world events. Everyone who knew Vernon also knew of his love of hats, he was never without one. Vernon will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish Vernon’s memory include
his grandchildren,
Ashley Cartmill, Platteville, WI
and Trevor Dunlap, Minnesota;
his great-grandchildren,
Wyatt Kotz, Lauralei Hodges and Lillian Richardson;
his siblings,
Cheryl, Sue and Bobby;
and his best friend and care taker,
Tina Smith.
Vernon’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of St. Croix Hospice and Finley Hospital for all of the outstanding care they have provided for Vernon these past months.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Clinton Cartmill; and a sister, Sandy.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com
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Joseph P. Sandman
Joseph Paul Sandman, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 19, 2021, at home.
A private funeral service was held with burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa and military honors by the Iowa Army Nation Guard. A mass will be held at St. Joseph Key West Catholic Church along with a celebration of life at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.
Paul was born in Manchester, Iowa on August 25, 1941, the son of Martin and Laurien (Bergfeld) Sandman. He graduated from Manchester High School and was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard for 4 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Goebel on September 16, 1961 and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Paul was a mail carrier for 20 years and the owner of Schilling Hardware for 19 years. After retirement, he managed the Elks Lodge #297 for 11 years. He touched the hearts and lives of many people during his life. He had a great sense of humor, was quick with a joke, loved playing cards, and loved a good old fashion. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, building and fixing anything, the Iowa Hawkeyes, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
He was loved and is survived by his wife Carolyn (Goebel) Sandman, children Kathy (Kevin) Canfield, Kristi (Matt) Tompkins, Dave (Erin) Sandman, his grandchildren Rachael (Andy) Viehmann, Michael (Emily) Canfield, Jessica and Harrison Tompkins, Bailey and Bret Sandman, great grandchildren Caroline Canfield and Aubrey Viehmann, and sisters Alice Soppe and Dianne Faust.
He was preceded in death by his parents, great granddaughter Grace Viehmann, brother- in- law Bob Soppe, brother- in- law Dick Faust, and niece Jayne Swift.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Brian Nelson, Lisa Flannigan of By Your Side Care and her great team of caregivers, and Hospice of Dubuque.
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Wayne J. Kilburg
Wayne J. Kilburg, 78, of Oak Park Place, Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
A prayer service will be 4:00 pm, Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home followed by a visitation until 7:00 pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Wayne will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Cathedral of St. Raphael with Father Joshua Link as the Celebrant.
Wayne was born on February 26, 1943 in Springbrook, Iowa to Lester and Dolores Kilburg. He spent his childhood on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and a love for the outdoors. He attended Marquette High School in Bellevue, Iowa and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque. He married Pamela Ann Pauly on May 20, 1967, in Dubuque. Together they raised two boys, instilling in them his love of farming and dedication to hard work. Wayne was very proud of his boys and made sure they were supported no matter where life took them.
Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
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Steven W. Hilby
Steven William Hilby, 67, of Sun Lakes, Arizona passed away Friday, October 22, 2021 in Chandler, Arizona from the effects of COVID-19. Steve was born in Dubuque, Iowa on August 20, 1954 to Douglas and Bernadette (Berning) Hilby.
A celebration of life will be held on November 27 in the Gathering Space of Resurrection Church, 4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Greeting the family will be from 10am until 11am. A Mass will follow with Father Gibbs celebrating.
Masks required in the Gathering Space before Mass.
Steve graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Iowa. He began his teaching career at Farley Bankston Catholic Grade School. He went on to teach at Shellsburg Community School where he met his future wife Cyndy. They were married in Dubuque, Iowa on August 4, 1984. The majority of Steve’s career was spent teaching in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
Steve took great pride in bettering others. He served as an inspiring figure to students he taught, athletes he coached, people he worked with and anybody who spent time with him.
The Hilby family had many adventures together traveling to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Steve and Cyndy traveled frequently, attended concerts, professional and Hawkeye sporting events and hung out with many friends but their favorite activity was spending time with their children. He was very proud of Matt and Kate.
He is survived by his loving wife Cynthia (nee Tyler), his two children Matthew (Sarah) and Kathleen (Neal) Mullville, his parents Douglas and Bernadette, siblings James (Clara, dec.) Michael (Janet), Kevin (Diane), Cheryl Kuenster (Kevin), Patrice Brimeyer (Patrick), Lisa Urdahl (Kurt), Brian (Bridget), Charles (Anne), sister-in-law Kathleen Hughes (John) and his many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father-and mother-in-law Duane and Norma Tyler, his brother-in-law Robert Tyler, his parental grandparents Aloysius and Emma Berning and William and Vida Hilby.
May he rest in peace.
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David E. Westphal
David Elroy Westphal 82, of Dubuque, formally of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on November 19, 2021, at home surrounded by family.
According to his wishes no public visitation or service will be held. Burial will be at a later date in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Moline, IL. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.
David was born on May 10, 1939, in Davenport, Iowa son of Earl Adolf Westphal and Dorothy Margueritha Schroeder. He married Lillian Faye on May 2, 1970.
David attended parochial schools, kindergarten through 8th grade and went on to graduate high school in Davenport with the class of 1956. He attended college at night to learn Tool and Die design.
He was very proud of his German heritage and his time spent serving in the United States Navy from 1959-1963. David specialized in land and sea helicopter rescues. Later working at John Deere as a Design Engineer
While spending his whole life living in Iowa, David was a loyal fan of Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball. He was always in support of John Deere green and gold colors. Hobbies to include bowling, boy scouts, camping and fishing.
David loved his family!!! Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife, Faye; three children, Julie, Jim, and Karen, along with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren all in New England.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Dale and Karen Sawvel and James Daack.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd., Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and Hospice of Dubuque.
Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com; sympathy cards for the family may be mailed to 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA 52003 and directed to the David Westphal Family.
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Darrell L. Huebbe
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Darlene D. Timmerman-Murphy
Darlene D. Timmerman-Murphy, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 19, 2021, at home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at St. Joseph The Worker with Father Jim Goerend officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow services at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.
Darlene was born on December 13, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa to Ida (Anthony) and Jon Nauman, in Sherrill, Iowa. On June 14, 1958 she married Frank Timmerman of Dubuque. After Frank’s passing on June 1, 1995, she married Robert Murphy in 2009.
Darlene graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1955. She worked at Bank Tower Agency in East Dubuque for over twenty years. Darlene was an active member of Holy Ghost and St. Joseph the Worker parishes in Dubuque. She volunteered countless hours at St. Ida’s Mothers Club. She loved to stay active playing cards with the Nauman “Fab 5” sisters, card clubs, and gourmet club with neighbors and friends. Darlene enjoyed going to all of the grandchildren’s activities. Many Friday nights, Darlene and Bob would frequent the Dubuque Elks Club.
She is survived by her husband, Bob, of twelve years; sons Patrick (Sue) Timmerman of Dubuque, Steve (Beth) Timmerman of Dubuque, and Bart (Rebecca) Timmerman of Peosta; daughter Lisa (Carmine) Scarpa of High Amana; grandchildren Andrea Timmerman, Lauren Timmerman, Kaitlin (Jared) Thompson, Alex (Brooke) Timmerman, Molly Timmerman, John Timmerman, and Peter Timmerman, Seychelle Scarpa, Gabi Scarpa,; great-grandchildren Austin Timmerman: Bob’s children Sherry (Dave) Yonda, Tim Murphy, and Dan (Linda) Murphy, and his 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Darlene is also survived by two sisters Mary Ann Burbach and Pat Torgler.
Darlene was preceded in death by her 1st husband Frank Timmerman; and her two sisters Dorothy Kisting and Lillian Breitbach.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Darlene.
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Leo J. Dietz
Leo J. “Pete” Dietz, 91, of Dubuque died Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 5:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Resurrection followed by burial in Resurrection Cemetery.
Pete was born February 28, 1930 in Dubuque, son of Leo E. and Mary (Behnke) Dietz. On January 26, 1952, he married Arlene Maas at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Peosta.
During his life, Pete farmed, pitched baseball for the Asbury Phils, was a beekeeper, bowler, taxidermist and avid fisherman. All the fish in the Mississippi River can breathe a sigh of relief, they are no off the hook.
Pete also participated in many horseshoe tournaments, was a deer hunter, grew ginsing and shitake mushrooms, raised mink and was a morel hunter. He was also a volunteer fireman for the city of Asbury.
He retired from farming in 1997 and worked for Giese Roofing.
Pete had a joke or story for everyone he met. That incredible wit stayed with him until the end.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Arlene, of Dubuque; three children, Diane (Gene) Melssen of Monument, CO, Daniel (Dorothy) Dietz of Tennessee, and Don (Sue) Dietz of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Melssen, Molly Melssen, Amanda Noel, Melissa Dietz, Danny Dietz, Samantha (Brian) Brunat, Victoria Dietz, Adam Hagensten, and Amanda (Chris) Thill; and 15 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Patricia Dietz, and siblings and their spouses, George and Ruth Dietz, Vincent Dietz and Eldon and Janice Dietz.
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Evelyn G. Schwegman
Evelyn G. Schwegman, 97, of Dubuque died Friday, November 19, 2021, Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
She was born May 12, 1924 in Dubuque, daughter of William and Mary (Ford) Crahan. She graduated from the Visitation Academy in 1942 and Clarke College in 1946. She began her career as a Social Worker with Catholic Charities where she placed babies into adoptive homes. She said it was some of the hardest, yet most rewarding work of her life. After having her children, Evie taught in the Dubuque Community Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1986. She said that Fourth Grade was her most favorite grade to teach.
On November 29, 1947 she married Robert P. Schwegman at the Church of the Nativity. They were married for 56 years. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2003.
Evelyn was proud to be a devoted member of St. Joseph the Worker, Theresians, Catholic Daughters of America, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She stayed connected to her sorority sisters for nearly all of her life. After retiring, she volunteered in elementary school classrooms.
She was an avid bridge player, a voracious reader, and enjoyed travel and golfing. She and Robert spent the Winter months in Arizona and the Summer months at the family cottage in Delhi, IA.
Evelyn is survived by a daughter, Sue Schwegman (Timothy) Ryan of Sacramento, CA; two sons, William (Judy) Schwegman of Dubuque and Thomas Schwegman of Eldridge, IA; three grandsons, Liam (Christina) Ryan of Santa Cruz, CA, Nathan (Nicole) Schwegman of San Diego, CA and Casey (Elizabeth) Ryan of Santa Cruz, CA; four granddaughters, Jama Schwegman of Rock Island, IL, Lee Schwegman Diaz of Merced, CA, Maura Ryan (Nick) Perotti of Sacramento, CA and Julia (D.J.) Schwegman of Moline, IL.
She is also survived by six great grandchildren: Kaitlyn Diaz, Maisie Ryan, Finnegan Ryan, Cormac Ryan, Griffin Ryan, and Brennan Perotti.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Helen, Margaret and John Crahan.
She will be remembered as the matriarch of her family, for her contributions to her community, her beautiful singing voice, and her devotion to her friendships. She had a great sense humor, made those around her laugh with her wit and one-liners. To use a favorite phrase of hers, she was truly “something wonderful”.
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Daniel J. Thoma
Daniel J. “Danny” Thoma, 24, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, the result of an automobile accident.
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24th, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Danny was born on November 24, 1996, in Dubuque, Iowa; the son of Daniel J. Thoma Jr. and Tricia Ann Tully.
Danny Jo excelled in everything he did. He was a talented football player, wrestler, and student at Dubuque Senior High School until he graduated in 2015. He later excelled by joining the Sheet Metal Worker Local 91 Union and working for Crawford Company.
Danny loved to help others, and if he could help someone out, he would. He was the life of the party, always making sure everyone else was having a good time. Danny was the first to offer a shoulder to cry on, an empathetic ear to listen, and countless stories to make a person a laugh. Danny stood strong on his beliefs, including defending the underdog. He befriended the misfits, the jocks, the nerds, the outcasts, the loners, and the athletes. He was very close with his Grandpa Tully and always said “I hope to be half the man he is.” Danny loved life and lived every second to the fullest. Danny Jo loved the motorcycle rides with his family, the “Tully Tribe.” Danny loved hunting with his dad and brother and looked forward to deer season every year. He enjoyed anything and everything outdoors – farming, hunting, fishing, boating, motorcycle riding, pouring concrete, and working on vehicles.
Danny Jo was a friend to everyone. If you were lucky enough to know him, you were blessed and realize the impact he made on the lives of those around him.
Survived by his parents Dan Thoma Jr (Heather Young), Tricia and Isaac Redmond, his siblings Teresa (Mason) Kemen, Tanya Thoma (Noah Neal), Dustin Thoma (Zoe Ament), and Kiersten Thoma; his nephew Bentley Thoma; his step siblings Ella Redmond, Libby Scheckles and Camron Kelly; his grandparents Dan and Sharon Thoma Sr, Jack and Deb Tully, and Jack and Peg Redmond, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by Tiffany Kelly, the mother of Kiersten, Libby and Camron; his lifetime friend, Luke Hoerner; and his beloved Texas Heeler, Buck.
In lieu of flowers a Daniel J. Thoma memorial fund will be established.
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Shirley M. Cocayne
Shirley Mae (Thor) Cocayne, 72, of Dubuque, IA, was called home into the grace filled arms of her Lord and Savior peacefully at 7:05 p.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics while surrounded by her loving family.
In celebration of Shirley’s life, family and friends may visit from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, November 26, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Family and friends may gather after 9 a.m. at the church until time of service. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.
Shirley was born on July 22, 1949, in Hazel Green, WI, to Elizabeth M. (Meyer) and Quintin B. Thor. She married Marvin Eugene Cocayne on October 11, 1969, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, WI.
She graduated from Cuba City High School Class of 1967, received certificates from NICC for a CNA (August, 1967), LPN (December, 1969), and a RN (August, 1986). Shirley worked as a healthcare professional for more than 44 years, beginning her career at Xavier Hospital, Dubuque, IA, on August 17, 1967, until it closed. She continued her career at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, until she retired on December 30, 2011.
Shirley was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council, Alter Guild and as Parish Nurse. She was a sister in the XI Gamma Alpha Sorority Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She also enjoyed volunteering for the Special Olympics, Leisure Service Events, and the Hempstead Booster Club.
She loved working on genealogy and gardening. She was an avid sewer, having created her wedding dress by combining designs from 3 separate dresses to recently making 300 plus Covid masks, donating them to family and friends. Recreationally, she played volleyball for 35 plus years, until no longer able, and bowled. She loved vacationing yearly at Woman Lake, MN, with family and friends for more than 50 years. Shirley dedicated her life to her family, friends and the care of others.
Shirley is survived by her husband of 52 years Marvin E. Cocayne; son, Michael J. (Michelle) Cocayne, of Dubuque; daughter, Christina M. Cocayne, of Waukesha, WI; and granddaughters, Ashley, Kaitlin and Jenna; siblings, Carol (Jay Yusko) Thor, of Elgin, IL, Joan (Gordon) Thor-Gallas, of Monroe, WI, Mary (Gordon) Moll, of Mauston, WI, and John (Sheri) Thor, of Bellevue, NE; brother-in-law, John (Jan) Cocayne; sister-in-laws, Pat Cocayne and Jerrie Cheffer, of Bettendorf, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews, including many great and several great-great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Quintin B. and Elizabeth M. (Meyer) Thor; brother, Gerald Q. Thor in infancy; in-laws John M. and Mildred C. (Lehnertz) Cocayne; and brothers-in-laws, James A. Cocayne and Dale A. Cocayne.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
The family would like to thank Pastor Jay Ilten, of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the staff that cared for Shirley at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Luther Manor Grand Meadows, Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, and the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, Iowa City, IA.
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Jim Baal
Jim Baal, 74, of Sherrill, died Thursday, November 18, 2021, at his home in Sherrill, surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 10:30 am, Monday, November 22, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the United States Air Force.
Jim was born at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, the son of Clarence and Ellen (Clark) Baal, and grew up on the family farm in Sherrill, IA. He met his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Bahl, when she became a member his carpool group to Dubuque Senior High School.
After graduation from Senior, Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1967 and served during the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic working on one and two – engine jets. While serving in Thailand, Jim completed religious education, converted to Catholicism, and completed Pre Cana marriage prep. After serving two years in Thailand, Jim returned to the states and married Mary Lou on July 19, 1969 at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. With Mary Lou at his side, he served the remainder of his tour of duty at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama.
When Jim was discharged, he and Mary Lou moved back home to Iowa – initially to her brother Keith’s farm near Rickardsville, and later to Sherrill, where they lived on the property originally owned by Jim’s grandparents and parents. Their son, James Wesley II (Jami) was born on April 24, 1971, just after their return from Alabama. Jami died from injuries sustained in a car accident in 1973. Their daughter, Erin Suzanne, was born on September 6, 1975.
Following his military duty, Jim worked for Klauer Manufacturing as superintendent and later as Director of Purchasing. Jim worked for Klauer from 1971 until his retirement in 2013. As a “gentleman farmer,” he worked grain property owned by the Klauer family and, though he had beef cattle for a number of years, in 1990, he exclusively operated a chicken and egg business on his own farm property in Sherrill.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Sherrill; one daughter, Erin Suzanne (Jason Patrick McPherson) Baal of Madison, WI; brothers-in-law, John Bahl, Allen Bahl, Keith Bahl; sister-in-law, Jane (Frommelt) Bahl; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his son, James “Jami” Wesley Baal II; his father, Clarence Charles Baal Sr., his mother, Ellen Elizabeth (Clark) Baal, his 3 brothers, Clarence “Bud” Baal Jr, Eugene Baal, and Robert Baal, his sisters-in-law, Colette (Brockman) Baal, Clara (Smerude) Baal, Darlene (Carvello) Strander, and Arlene (Klein) Bahl, his father-in-law, Frank Henry Bahl, and his mother-in-law, Hilda Mary (Maiers) Bahl.
Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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Dennis F. Funke
Dennis F. Funke, 82, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Friday morning, November 19, 2021 at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd. in Dubuque, with Fr. Phil Gibbs officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be lived-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook Page.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be said at 3:30 p.m. Members of the East Dubuque Fire Dept. will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. There will be an additional visitation from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the Church. Due to State and CDC guidelines, facemasks are required.
Dennis was born on January 9, 1939 in Dyersville, IA, the son of Otto and Emma (Deutmeyer) Funke. He was a graduate of Xavier High School in Dyersville, the class of 1956.
Dennis was united in marriage to Jean Leibfried on April 15, 1961 at Immaculate Conception Church, in Kieler, Wi. He was employed for 40 years as a lineman, foreman, and then district manager for the former Interstate Power Company, and following retirement he drove truck for Truck Country and Food Liner. He was a member of Resurrection Parish, and a former member of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept.
Dennis and Jean moved to Dubuque in 1998. He loved puzzles, fishing, redesigning everything, helping family, and spoiling his grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Jean; four sons, Kevin (Susan) Funke of Bellevue, IA, Brian (Teri) Funke and Steven (Kelly) Funke, both of Peoria, IL, and Craig (Ana) Funke of Madison, WI; 13 grandchildren; Katherine, Jacob (Kyla), Scott (Amy), Claire (Ashwin), Joshua (Jessica), Megan (Matt), Jessica, Sarah, Garrison, Maverick, Patrick, Kelly and Allie; and 11 great-grandchildren. His in-laws, Elaine Funke, Roger Mescher, Gladys McDonald, Robert (Betty) Leibfried, Gary (Linda) Leibfried, Tom (Judy) Leibfried, Mary Jo (Brad) Birkett, Donna Leibfried, Linda (Jim) McCarthy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto & Emma, an infant son, Scott Robert in 1965, his siblings, LeRoy (Lois) Funke, Robert Funke, David (Jan) Funke, Norma (Bob) Edelman, Vila (Dale) Hoefer, Marilyn Mescher, his father and mother-in-law James (Bertilla) Leibfried, and brother-in-law John Leibfried.
Jean and family wish to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff on 4 Med/Surg at the Unity Point-Finley Hospital, for the wonderful care provided to their husband and father.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.©
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