Obituaries Archive

Cynthia S. Fessler

Cynthia “Cindy” Susan Fessler, 70, of Decatur, Georgia, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 13, 2021, in Georgia.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the church. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd Dubuque, IA, is assisting the family.

Cynthia was born on March 13, 1951, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, to Ivan Sanford Dow and Evelyn Matz. She attended Dubuque Senior High School and graduated in 1969. That same year she married Victor James Fessler on August 23.

Cindy battled brain cancer for five years, but she never lost her sense of humor. She loved to travel but was most at home in the kitchen. She was kind, patient, and always had time for others. She was very active in the Dodgeland School District’s Board of Education. One of her major projects was helping build a new library. She worked several jobs, including employment at Regions Mortgage, and cared for her husband during his lengthy recovery from a stroke. She lived in Dubuque, Iowa; Juneau and Beaver Dam, both in Wisconsin; Gainesville, Murrayville, and Decatur, all in Georgia; and St. Augustine, Florida. She was devoted to her family and the close group of friends she made while living in Georgia. She was the best wife and mother, and they are all better people because of her kindness and love.

Cynthia is survived by her husband Victor; son Eric (wife, Tiffany Townsend-Fessler) Fessler; daughter Jennifer (Juan) Salazar; grandchildren Marshall Fessler, Matias Salazar, and Mila Salazar; her siblings Pamela Fessler, Annette Mundell, Jeffrey Dow, and Kimberly Hobin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Gregory Dow.

The family would like to thank Cynthia’s home health aide, Eloise Thrower for her care and compassion.

Danielle L. Pape

Danielle Louise Pape, 48, of Littleport, Iowa, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Elkader, Iowa.  She was born on October 13, 1973, the daughter of Dwight and Janis (Bente) Rodas in Elkader. Danielle was raised and educated in Elkader graduating from Central Elkader in 1992.  She continued her education at NICC in Calmar and graduated in 1993.

On September 15, 2001, Danielle was united in marriage to Michael Pape in Edgewood.  Three children were born to this union. The couple resided in Littleport. Danielle worked at FreedomBank in Elkader as Assistant IT and Marketing Officer.

Danielle enjoyed horses, camping, mushroom hunting and going to garage sales.  She enjoyed most of all spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Michael Pape of Littleport; her son, Connor (Marissa) Rodas of Littleport; her two daughters, Emma Pape and Elise Pape of Littleport; her granddaughter, Amara Rodas and another grandchild on the way; her mother, Janis Rodas of Littleport; her brother Eric (Amber) Rodas of Dubuque; and her father-in-law, John Pape.

Danielle was preceded in death by her father, Dwight Rodas, her mother-in-law, Theresa Pape; her grandparents, Elmer and Lyla Rodas and Kate and Lloyd Bente.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Because of COVID-19, masks are recommended at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, Iowa, with Rev. John Haugen Officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, January 14, 2022, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, Iowa, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Friends may also call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

Interment:  Union Cemetery – Rural Littleport

Gary L. Griebel

Gary L. Griebel, 72, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 surrounded by his family.  Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue with a Firefighter walk through at 6:30 p.m.   Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Additional visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue on Saturday, January 15, 2022.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Gary was born March 28, 1949 in Bellevue, the son of Floyd and Annetta (Clasen) Griebel.  He graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 1967.  Gary married Jeanne Heim on December 28, 1968 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook.  He retired from Dubuque John Deere Works in 2003. Gary’s passion was serving his community. He served on the Bellevue Fire Department for 38 years (14 years as Chief), Bellevue Community School Board for 25 years (President for many years), Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Hospice of Jackson County Board Member, St. Joseph’s School Board, helped start Jackson County Fireman’s Association and the Jackson County 911 Board. He was also a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue and participated in several CEW’s. Gary enjoyed spending winters in Arizona, yearly trips to the Iowa State Fair, camping, and spending time with family and friends.  Gary “never met a stranger” and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; children, Tim (Kay Ann) Griebel, Jill (Scott) Baxter, and Andy (Rachael) Griebel; grandchildren, Emma (fiancé Ethan Wolff) Baxter, Olivia Baxter, Hope Griebel, and Anderson Griebel; brothers and sisters in-law, Don Rolling, Joan (Bob) Head, Clete (Sheila) Heim, Rosie (Joe) Schwager, Chuck (Lou Ann) Heim, John (Lisa DeMeyer) Heim, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Bobby; grandchildren, Alex Griebel and Isaac Griebel; father and mother in-law, John and Audrey Heim; sisters in-law, May Ann Rolling and Rita (Curt) Brown; and his uncle, Fred (Velma) Griebel.

Gary wanted to remind you all to F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God), just as so many of us F.R.O.G. (Fully Relied On Gary).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gary’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Thelma M. Yarolem

Thelma M. Yarolem, 56, of Wyoming, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

It will be required to utilize masks during the visitation and services.

Thelma Mae Koontz was born on August 4, 1965 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Jerald Walker and Donna Jean (Bodkin) Koontz Sr.  She grew up in the Jackson and Jones County areas.   She married Tim Yarolem on May 1, 1993 in Monmouth, Iowa.

Thelma had first worked at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa, and then at Jack N’ Jill grocery store in LaHarpe, Illinois in the deli department.  She then worked at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa in the Housekeeping Department and later for J & L Pipeline as a foreman.  Most recently she had the best job as a housewife, mother and a grandmother.

Thelma enjoyed Halloween and enjoyed working at the Monmouth Haunted House for many years.  She also enjoyed the outdoors and loved quilting and doing crafts of all kinds often giving to others.  In her passing she continued her selflessness and helping others by giving the gift of organ tissue donation.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Tim Yarolem of Wyoming, IA; children, Barbara (Dee Jay) Thomsen of Oxford Junction, IA, Jonathan Fields of Wyoming, IA, Ashley (Jeremy) Kaska of Brighton, IA, Tristan (Iris) Yarolem of Germany, and Courtney Yarolem of Germany; 12 grandchildren; and siblings, Sylvia (Donald) DeMoss of Baldwin, IA, Jerald Koontz Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, Timmy Koontz of Maquoketa, IA, Marcie (Thomas) Skeffington of DeWitt, IA, Kimberly Lembo of Maquoketa, IA, Christine (Dale) Ehlinger of Brighton, IA, Betty (Randy) Hoist of Brighton, IA, Troy (Carla) Koontz of Lost Nation, IA, Jennifer Thomas of Maquoketa, IA, and Stacie Bodenhofer of Maquoketa, IA.  She was preceded in death by her father Jerald Walker Koontz Sr. and mother Donna Koontz on November 27, 2021, a brother Dennis Koontz and a sister Deborah Koontz.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Thelma M. Yarolem memorial fund has been established.

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

Coletta A. Wells

Coletta A. Wells, 104 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 27, 2021 at Luther Manor.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will be in the Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Coletta was born 9/4/1917 on the family farm between Monona and Farmersburg, Iowa.

The family moved to Monona when she was 2 years old. Her father August Bentien built a general store and operated it in downtown Monona. They lived above the store.

Coletta graduated from Monona Public school in 1934. She worked a year in a grocery store and restaurant. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) with a 2 year teaching certificate. Coletta taught 5th and 6th grades at Luana, Iowa for 4 years.

Coletta met Gordon Wells on a blind date and they married May 10, 1941 in Monona, Iowa. They moved to San Diego, CA where they belonged to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Mr. and Mrs. club. Coletta ran the home front while Gordon built B 24 bombers during the war. On 1/6/1946 their first born son was born but lived only 16 hours. Then on 6/16/1948 their daughter Diane was born, and she has just recently passed away.

They returned to Dubuque, Iowa in the fall of 1950, 2 more children born and lived there ever since.  They joined St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and she was very active with committee work and were members for 70 years. Coletta’s work was volunteering: Sunday School Superintendent at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 7 years; belonged to a circle bible study group; made quilts for L.W.R.; PTA at Irving Elementary; Cub Scout leader; regularly donating blood until too old; volunteering at Luther Manor and the Manor Auxiliary as well as at Finley Hospital auxiliary into her 90’s.

Coletta and Gordon enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada with family and after Gordon retired they traveled to Europe and other countries. Coletta was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in their home of 64 years before needing nursing home care at Luther Manor. They were married 78 years when Gordon passed away 1/12/2020.

Survivors include children: Gordon Lee Wells (Debbie); Charlene Kenkel (Steve).  Grandchildren: Misty (Wells) Wideman (Tim), Sarah Kenkel (Rock Tai), Jessica DeVlieger, Destiny St. Clair (Travis). Great-grandchildren: JJ, Carson & Jace Wideman; Dylan, Bailey & Grayson DeVlieger; Elexa St. Clair.

Preceding Coletta in death: parent’s Ida and August Bentien; husband Gordon Wells; son Baby Gordon, daughter Diane Coletta (Wells) Locklear; grandson Robert Kenkel.

Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Kaye K. Kamp

Kaye K. Kamp, 76, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dyersville, Iowa.

Family will greet friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a Memorial service for Kaye will be held at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Mike Jones presiding.  Burial for Kaye will be held at a later date.

She was born on November 13, 1945, in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Otto and Mary (Shaw) O’Dell Sr.  She received her education from the Bankston area schools.  On February 17, 1966 she was united in marriage to Frank Kamp.  He preceded her in death on March 8, 2017.

She was employed at the Ertl Company and did a lot of in-home daycare as she was raising her children.  Later she returned to work at Scale Models in Dyersville, Iowa for several years until her retirement. She was meticulous with both her flower and vegetable gardens.  She canned a lot of her produce from her garden.  Kaye was known as the “Rabbit Lady,” as she raised several hundred over the years.  She loved to bake homemade sweets and her grandchildren loved to eat them.

She is survived by her children, Kelly (Brett) Fagan and their daughter, Sydney of Dubuque,  Angela (Jason) Schwendinger and their children, Trevor, Adyson and Emerson of Anamosa, and Nicholas (Mindy) Kamp and sons, Hunter and Joseph of Worthington; her eight siblings, Joan (James) Walters of Guttenberg, Barbara (Eldon) Jaeger of Worthington, Dave (Judy) O’Dell of Bernard, Norene Dole and Elaine O’Dell both of Dubuque, Robert (Shirley) O’Dell and Brian (Dee) O’Dell both of Epworth, and Cheryl (Tom) Rauch of Monticello; brothers and sisters-in-law, James (Sharon) Kamp of Jesup, Anthony Kamp of Peosta, and Alice (Dave) McGhee of Dubuque.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Karen (James) Beau; three brothers, Otto “Sam” O’Dell Sr., Allen O’Dell and Clarence “Wink” O’Dell; sister-in-law, Margaret (LaVerne) Thein and brother-in-law, Paul Kamp.

The family would like to give a special Thank You to the Worthington Fire Department and Bi-County Ambulance for their quick response.

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

Catherine Thier

Dennis Paar

Dennis Paar, 79, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 7, 2022, at home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road. The Rev. Jonathan Crawford will officiate. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following services. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Dennis was born on September 9, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Gwendolynn (Elliott) Paar.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior Highschool, Class of 1960.

He married Karen Kelley on August 12, 1961, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.

Dennis proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for thirteen months and for three years in Germany. His wife and two children were able to live with him during his time in Germany. After he was honorably discharged from the Army he served in the Army Reserve, and the Navy Reserve.

He was a bartender at a variety of places over the years, and also worked at many filling stations in Dubuque. Dennis was a machinist at Georgia Pacific, where he was employed for thirty years until his retirement.

Dennis enjoyed listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He and Karen enjoyed taking their camper on trips around Wisconsin and the Midwest.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Eric (Sara) Paar; grandchildren, Daniel Paar, Travis (Allie) Paarsmith, Michele Paar, Matthew Paar, Kevin (Samantha Fries) Billmeyer, Joshua Paar, Krisstal (Jacob Shaffer) Jackson, and Destini Kohl; four great-grandchildren, Kairei and Saria Shaffer, Laklynn and Adalynn Billmeyer, and Raelyn Kohl; and his sister, Patricia Philips.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laura Paar; and two siblings, Dianna Digman, and Barbara Weis.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, The Moose Lodge, and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Dennis’s family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful nurses and volunteers at Hospice of Dubuque, Unity Point Health Finley Hospital, Dr. Konz and staff, and all of the EMT volunteers. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Jean M. Fassbinder

Jean Marie (Mulgrew) Fassbinder, 62, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in Naples, FL.

Jean was born on January 25, 1959 in Dubuque to Pat and Mary Mulgrew. She married her high school sweetheart, Rick Fassbinder, on September 12, 1980. Their love and commitment for each other was beautiful, strong and enduring. Their marriage was the ultimate example for their children on how to love their own companions. In their 41 years of marriage, they enjoyed dinner and a movie together, vacationing in Florida, and monthly gatherings with their game group friends. They joyfully brought four beautiful children into the world: Nicholas, Abbey, Emily, and Jacob. They were her pride and joy from day one and this carried true until her final breath. Jean also loved her role as Nana to her six grandchildren – she couldn’t wait to take on that duty. What the grandkids will miss most about Nana is when she would hold them on her lap and tenderly use her fingertips to scratch their arms, also spoiling them with shopping trips. Sitting down at the dinner table every night as a family was very important to her. Her favorite recipe was “A little bit of this and a little bit of that.” She loved fiercely and deeply and we take comfort in knowing she is peacefully shining down on us each and every day.

Those still here to cherish Jean’s memory include her loving husband, Rick; her children, Nicholas and Jen (Dahlkemper) Fassbinder and their children, Ella and Alex. Ella’s Mom, Val Stoilova. Abbey and Jesse Drolema and their daughter, Lauren. Emily and William Liechty and their children, Jackson, Connor, & Josephine. And Jacob (Steph Lilly) Fassbinder; her Mother, Mary Mulgrew, and siblings; MaryBeth (Todd) Kunau, Ann Mulgrew, Jim (Laura) Mulgrew, and Molly (Zach) Ament. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, extended family, in-laws, and a host of long-time friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her Father, Pat Mulgrew, and her Father- and Mother-in-Law, Robert and Eileen Fassbinder.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14th at Cathedral of Saint Raphael. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 14th at Cathedral of Saint Raphael. Rev. David Ambrosy, a friend of Jean and family, will officiate.

The family kindly requests that all attendees wear masks and observe social distancing. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared and a live-stream of the Mass can be viewed on Jean’s obituary under the Photos and Videos tab at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts given in Jean’s name will be gifted to Holy Family Catholic Schools and Dubuque Boys and Girls Club. “Cheers to life!”

Sister Anne Marie Friedrich, OP

Sister Anne Marie Friedrich, OP, died Jan. 6, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. She was born to Adam and Catherine (Connor) Friedrich Sept. 1, 1932, in Chicago.

She was the oldest of three daughters. Sister Anne Marie is survived by her sister, Joan Bulfin; nieces; extended family; and her beloved Dominican family. Sister Anne Marie spent from 1952 to 1980 in elementary schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. She taught middle grades and later was principal. She was an organized, warm, kind and funny human being. Sister Anne Marie then took a sabbatical. In 1981, she and Dr. Marilyn Aiello, OP, moved to Marks, Miss., to establish DePorres Health Center. Sister Anne Marie was key to running the operational side of the clinic. She promoted and welcomed full-time volunteers, Catholic Sisters, medical personnel and many others who sought a faith-filled community. She lived in Mississippi until 2007.

Services will be held at Sinsinawa Jan. 10-11. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Well done, Anne Marie. We send you on your way. Go gently in peace.

Ruth Clancy

Ruth Clancy, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa went to be with her Lord and Savior on the evening of January 6, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 13th, 2022 at St. Raphael Cathedral with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 12th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Ruth Theresa Busch was born at her family home in Dubuque, in the middle of a snowstorm, on January 2, 1929 to Joseph and Margaret (Brandt) Busch. Ruth attended St. Mary’s Catholic School 1st thru 6th grade, then Center Grove Country School and Washington Junior High. Ruth graduated from Senior High School in 1947.

On February 14, 1953 Ruth was united in marriage to her one true love, James Clancy. For 62 years, Jim and Ruth crafted a life together built on the foundation of faith, trust and love. Through good times and hard times their love for each other, their Lord and their family never wavered. Jim and Ruth were blessed with 10 children who were the center of their universe.

During her life, Ruth worked at the Smith Shoe Factory, the Dubuque Container Company, St. Mary’s Catholic School and the Rhomberg Dairy Queen. But her most treasured job was being a stay at home mom for her 10 children.

Ruth was a devote Catholic of deep faith and was very devoted to her Lord. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Ruth was an active member at St. Mary’s Church and later at St. Raphael Cathedral. At St. Mary’s, she served as the President of the Rosary Society, was on Parish Council, sang in the funeral choir and was a Eucharistic Minister. Ruth lived her faith every day and passed on her love for her Lord to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ruth was a talented artist, who could paint the most beautiful pictures. She loved to bowl and was a member of the Aces Bowling league for 40 years. She volunteered at the Dubuque Arboretum and hiked with the Mississippi Hiking club for many years. Ruth enjoyed spending time at the LifeTime Center, where she ate meals, played cards, participated in sewing groups and made many treasured friendships but Ruth’s biggest joy was spending time with her family.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Margaret (Marge) Clancy, Steven Clancy, Maryann (Steve) Shaffer, Barb (Dave) Runde, Rose Clancy and Edward (Kathy) Clancy all of Dubuque, Carol (Steve) Link, of Elgin, Iowa, Francis (Sue) Clancy, of St. Donatus, Iowa, Tom (Lynne) Clancy, of Toledo, Iowa, Theresa (Randy) Lynch, of Pleasant Hill; her 26 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, her brother, Charles Busch of Dubuque and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In eternal life Ruth was reunited with her husband Jim, her parents Joseph and Margaret, two sisters; Rosita Johnson and Nora Bullock, and her cherished sisters and brothers in laws.

Adele F. Furlong

Adele Frances Furlong, 95, of Asbury Iowa, left this earth to join her husband Leo Lawrence on Thursday January 6, 2022.

You are welcome to join us to share memories and stories on Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road.

Please feel free to attend the Mass of Christian Burial for Adele on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 10:30 am at the Church of the Resurrection. The burial will be following at the Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Adele was the first born for Harvey J and Frances M (Grobstick) Eiffes at their home in Dubuque Iowa on October 4, 1926. She married Leo Lawrence Furlong from Dubuque before he left for war on March 5, 1945.  Leo passed away on July 4, 2007.

Adele worked at the Glove Factory and the Adam’s Company while her husband was overseas.  Later, they started Overhead Door Company of Dubuque which she retired from.

There were many things she loved and family was on the top. She was a loving and proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In her early years you could find her on the dance floor of the Melody Mill and on weekends through the summer months she would be enjoying the sun while sitting on a sandbar on the river.  She shared her love of flower gardening with everyone around and on her down time, you could find her curled up with a good book.  She liked to play games and was always up for a good game of Euchre.  She also had a talent for sewing.  In the later years she would help Leo build birdhouses to sell at craft fairs and for anyone that needed one.

Survivors include a daughter, Tina (Thomas) Medley of Dubuque; a son, Larry (Sandy) Furlong of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Jason (Andrea) Ehlers, Jamie (Brian) Bahl, Jacob (Tiffany) Ehlers, Lukas Furlong, and Casey Furlong. She leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, Addison, Brayden, Aubrey, Dawson, Colten, Caden, Avary and Ivadele, along with two step-grandchildren, Angela (Michael) Welbes and Stacey (Andrew) Makovec; three step-great-grandchildren, Nolan, Carter and Parker; and a sister-in-law Joan Eiffes of Wisconsin along with many nieces and nephews.

Adele was preceded in death by her husband Leo, her parents, her sister Patricia, her brother Otto, and brother-in-law Neil.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Betsy, Jenny and Stacy for their exceptional care and Suzanne for helping mom write her first number on hit, “waiting for the Cows to Come Home.

Her family will lovingly remember her and if she isn’t sure of her answer, She will tell you tomorrow!!

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

Lester A. Weber

Lester Aloysius Weber, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on his farm on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022, at St. Catherine’s church with Fr. David Ambrosy officiating and Deacon Loras Weber as homilist. Burial will follow at the St. Catherine’s Church Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 9^th, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church where a wake service will be held at 5:00 p.m. with Deacon Loras Weber. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Lester was born on March 16, 1930, to Nicholas and Margaret (Capesius) Weber. He graduated from 8th grade from Jackson County. He was united in marriage to Ruth M. Nauman on November 28th, 1951, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill.

Soon after marriage, Lester served from 1952 to 1954 in the US Army 350th infantry, 2nd battalion during the Korean Conflict. He completed training at Camp Roberts in California and was then stationed at Krobatinkaserne military base in St. Johann in Pongau, Austria. He was awarded the Occupational and National Defense Service Medal.

Lester farmed all his life with his family. He also worked at the Adam’s Company and Cheese Factories in Dubuque.

Lester loved gardening, cooking, and attending the Farmer’s Market with his wife for 29 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus LaMotte/Key West Council, St. Catherine Parish and the Holy Name Society and the Key West Fire Association.

Lester is survived by his children Francis (Vicki) Weber, Jeanette (Steve) Talbert, Carol (Dennis) Powers, Barb (Dana) Brandt, Roger (Rachel) Weber, Dennis (Mary Kay) Weber, and Julie (Paul) Hayes; grandchildren Amy, Keith, Eric, Christopher, Heather, Brian, Andrew, Jeremy, Chad, Zachary, Nicole, Emily, Matthew, Brandon, Abby, Kelsey and Emma; 30 great grandchildren; brother Marvin (Ardella) Weber; in-laws Luann Weber, Bernice (Paul) Ehrlich, and Harold (Madonna) Nauman.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruth; his son Gene Weber, and two sons in infancy; son-in-law Jay Kane; his sister Dolores (Lawrence) Maro; brothers Ray (Mary) Weber, Neil (Rosie) Weber, Vernon (Lorraine) Weber and Milton Weber; sisters-in-law Marie (Norb) Dupont, Rita (Earl) Kintzle, And Doris Ann (Niky) Wolf.

In lieu of flowers a Lester Weber memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank his caregivers Phyllis Freiburger and Melissa Kastner for all their wonderful care, kindness and compassion they gave to Lester. Also, a special thank you to Liz Staner, Jenny Bruns, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Darlene C. Fangmann

Phyllis J. Lippstock

Phyllis Joy Lippstock, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 29, 2021, at Grand Meadows.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at St. Joseph Key West Church with her son, Fr. Paul Lippstock officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 17th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Joy was born on October 26, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Veronica (Fay) Rowell. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married Merlin W. Lippstock on March 31st, 1951 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

She worked for CyCare Systems, DuPaco Community Credit Union, Scenic Valley Area Agency on Aging, Betty Jane Candies, and Hallmark all in Dubuque. Joy was a Cub Scout Den Leader, Volunteer worker in Drug Court, Sunday School Teacher in Key West, Iowa.

Joy enjoyed baking cookies, she’d start baking in August and finish shortly before Christmas.  After going through pounds of sugar and butter and filling two freezers, the cookies were then delivered to family and friends.  This went on for over 50 years.

She loved feeding the birds at her home, horseback riding and tending to several flower gardens in her yard. Joy was very creative as she would crochet blankets for family and would donate many to church for fund raisers. She was a good cook and would make a huge dinner for the family every Thanksgiving and Christmas, this featured several of her delicious pies that everyone loved.

Joy actively supported her children in all of their extra-curricular activities including band, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, swimming and scouting. She participated in numerous church-related duties including lector and the choir.

She is survived by her children: Fr. Paul E. Lippstock, Diane L. Lippstock, David C. Lippstock, Kimberlee Thomas and Thomas J. Lippstock along with numerous nieces and nephews and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Merlin W. Lippstock in 2012, her grandson Delayon L. Wilson, in 2012 and her sisters Miriam Hauer, Fay Schargitz and Jaqueline Ware.

We would like to thank all of the staff at MercyOne, Medical Associates and Grand Meadows who assisted in our mother’s care during the final weeks of her life.

Memorial donations in Phyllis Joy Lippstock’s name may be made to TAPS: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. This program supports families who have lost a military loved one to suicide. Donations may be made on their website taps.org; by mail: TAPS Headquarters, 3033 Wilson Blvd, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201; or by phone 800-959-8277.