Obituaries Archive

Kathleen D. Bakey

Kathleen “Kay” Diane Bakey, 76, formerly of East Dubuque, IL and Delhi, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in Surprise, Arizona.

A visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 30, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa, with a funeral service to follow starting at 12 p.m.  Burial will follow at Holy Family New Melleray Church Cemetery.

She was born on August 5, 1945, in Dubuque, Iowa to Arnold and Frances (Wickman) Schneider. Kay loved her family unconditionally, and really loved the times she got to spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching them grow through pictures and FaceTime.

She enjoyed playing cards, water aerobics, dominos, traveling around the countryside, tending to her beautiful plants and watching hummingbirds, she had a secret recipe to attract them. She also loved “sister’s day” with her sisters once a year. She enjoyed visiting her Sunflower Resort friends on her John Deere bicycle.

Kay started going to Arizona in 1995 as a snowbird where she loved it so much, she became an Arizona resident.

Kay is survived by her husband, Gene (Mudd) Bakey, of Surprise, Arizona, her three sons, Jim (Jane) Bakey of Sherrill, Iowa, Jeff (Nancy) Bakey of East Dubuque, and Bill Bakey of Dubuque, her grandchildren, Luke Bakey, Jesse (Courtney) Bakey, of Dubuque, Jenna (Jeremy) Frederick of Princeton, Minnesota, Levi Bakey, Rachael Bakey, and Gabby Bakey of Dubuque, as well has her great grandchildren Charlee, Myles, Aubree and Aaliyah Bakey, Joseph and Julian Frederick. Her brother Mike (Sally) Schneider, of Dubuque; her Godson Chad Schneider of Dubuque; her in-laws Len Sindt, Mary Schneider, Richard (Keiko) Bakey, Juanita Bakey, John (Ruth) Bakey, Mike Breen, Mark Beckman and Gary Smith along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Frances, her daughter Lisa (1964), her brothers Charlie, Ed, and Steven Schneider, and her sisters Jan Langevin, Elaine Sindt, Mary Schneider, and her in-laws Gerald Bakey, Mary Breen, and Darlene Beckman.

A special thanks to the staff at Banner-Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona for taking good care of Kay.

Kay’s not physically here anymore, but her love and light live on forever. She will be loved and forever in our hearts.

Sharon K. Clark

Sharon Kay Clark, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 18th, 2021 at the young age of 62 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA from unexpected complications of her courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on December 30th, 1958 in Mason City, IA, daughter of Jean and Douglas Peck. She was raised in Clear Lake, IA, and graduated high school and started her family in Iowa City, IA. After several moves around the U.S., Sharon found herself in Dubuque, IA where she stayed and raised her family. She married Judd Clark on July 21st, 1989 at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque.

Sharon enjoyed time with family, skiing at Sundown Mountain, going out for dinner at some of Dubuque’s finest restaurants, listening and dancing to live music, playing the piano, sewing- especially sewing projects for her family,  gardening, and sending dinosaur books and pictures to her grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her husband Judd  Clark, children Paul (Kim) Goranson, Timothy (Melissa) Goranson, Heather Clark, Forrestt (Bridget) Clark; Grandchildren Dorothy Clark, Grant & Grace Goranson, and Evelyn Goranson; mother-in-law Ruth Clark, Brother Ed Peck, sisters Corinne Peck Reilly, and Cathy Peck, and innumerable friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her son Cameron Clark, her parents Douglas and Jean Peck, and her father-in-law Paul Clark.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Wednesday, October 20, at Egelhof, Siegert, & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where a service will be held at  11 a.m. , and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Memorials may be made to The Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

The family would like to thank the nursing  staff on the medical surgical unit at Unity Point Hospital for all of their care and support during Sharon’s final days.

Michael J. Martin

Michael J. Martin “An Irishman Extraordinaire” passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday October 17, 2021, at Hawkeye Care, following a brief illness.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Saint Joseph the Worker with Fr. Jim Gorend officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Mike was born on April 24, 1937, in Dubuque the son of Leo and Ethel (Hogan) Martin. Due to his father Leo being the Dubuque County Sherriff, Mike often shared his stories of growing up in the old Dubuque County Jail next to the courthouse. He attended Saint Raphael Grade school in what Mike would often refer to as the Little Dublin section of Dubuque. He later attended Loras Academy and Loras College graduating with an accounting Degree. He owned and operated Martin Accounting and Investment Services.

Mike was a U.S. Navy veteran and served from 1958 to 1962 in Japan. He was very proud of his military service and was involved with the Navy League, the V.F.W.  and the American Legion Post #6. He held many offices in all of these organizations.

Mike was very generous with his time, volunteering with many groups in Dubuque including the Arboretum, the Salvation Army, and Hospice of Dubuque. Last year he was awarded the very special “2021 Friend of Hospice” award. He was also very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a long-time member of the Dubuque South End Club and later the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He helped organize many events for these clubs over the years.

He was a very kindhearted and generous man who would help anyone at any time. He enjoyed being outdoors, golfing, hunting and listening to music at the Arboretum.

He is survived by his family Leonard (Kathy) Graves, Sandy (Scott) Wirkler, Tammy (Ken) Burds, Jim graves, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Ethel Martin, a sister Marilyn, and his long-time sweetheart Irene Graves.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the love and care you gave to Mike.

Betty L. Montgomery

Betty L. Montgomery 74, of Galena, IL passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. The funeral service will be 11 AM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

She was born August 4, 1947, in Hazel Green, WI the daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Cole) Benson. Betty was united in marriage to James L. Montgomery on May 1, 1965, in Galena and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2018. She worked in the Stairs bakery, Galena for about six years. Betty then was employed by Southwest Health Center Epione Pavilion, Cuba city WI as a cook until retiring in 2015.

She loved to garden, read, and do crafts with her husband Jim. Betty loved her family and friends and would be sure to greet you with a big hug whenever she would see you. Betty was always there to lend a helping hand. She was a member of the Eagles Club Women’s Auxiliary.

Betty is survived by her two children, Joe (Tina) Montgomery of Galena, and Brenda (Brian) Pape of Dubuque, four grandchildren, Andrew (Miranda Schwoob) Montgomery, and Jenna (Fiancé’ Danny Wright) Montgomery, Leah (Fiancé’ Alex Little) Wiegman and Tyler Wiegman, one great-grandchild, Quinn Montgomery, and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, Bonnie Benson.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vandigo, Hospice of Dubuque, and the staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community for the loving care shown to our mother.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Sister Joanne M. Sullivan

Sister Joanne Marie Sullivan (formerly Sister Joseph Marie), SVM, 89, of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 20, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Joanne was born on February 15, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James Joseph and Ruth (Vogt) Sullivan. She entered the Sisters of the Visitation on August 15, 1954 and professed her perpetual vows on August 15, 1961.

Sister Joanne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Arts degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. After entering the convent, she taught at Nativity School in Dubuque and Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville. She managed Open I, the gift shop at Mount Saint Francis, Dubuque, where she collaborated with a Franciscan sister to create items for the shop.  She also worked as a bookkeeper at the Church of the Resurrection, Dubuque. Sister Joanne was part of an art group that met at the Roberta Kuhn Center and at the Sisters of the Visitation Motherhouse. She was a member of the administrative council of the Sisters of the Visitation and served as treasurer.

Surviving are the Sisters of the Visitation with whom she shared her life for 67 years.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of the Visitation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Michael D. Peters Sr.

Michael David Peters Sr., 60, of Bellevue, Iowa passed away on October 17, 2021, at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m.

Mike was born on January 5, 1961, in Bellevue, Iowa the son of Joseph Peters Sr. and Janet (Knight) Sieverding. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1979. He married Cheryl Ties in 1978 in Springbrook.

He worked for ADM in Clinton and was a Sheriff Deputy for Jackson County retiring in 2015.

Mike enjoyed fishing, traveling, fixing things, going out to eat, hunting with his sons and grandsons; he mostly enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl; children Bryan Peters, Brandy (Jared) Feller, Corey (Brittini) Peters, and Michael (Lauren Leonard) Peters; his grandchildren, Connor, Carter, Carson, Ali Dierks; Parker Peters; Miley and Brinley Peters and a special friend Leon Torres. His stepfather Paul Sieverding Sr; his siblings Stacy Jaeger, Joe Peters, Tim Peters, Jenny (Chris) Whittington, Paul (Lenae) Sieverding Jr. and Chad Sieverding; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jan Sieverding and Joseph Peters Sr.; his sister Jill Peters; a niece Sara Jaeger; his grandparents and his in-laws Clarence and Alice Ties.

In lieu of flowers a Michael Peters Sr. memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank all their family and friends for their care, kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

Robert L. Gerlich

Robert L. Gerlich, (Bob) 89, of rural Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on September 7, 1932, in Hopkinton, IA, the son of Julius and Eleanor (Griebel) Gerlich.

After Bob graduated from Hopkinton High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He met his future wife, Alvina, at a dance at Melody Mill, Dubuque, IA. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1956 in Kieler, WI. They celebrated 61 wonderful years together.  Until she passed on February 10, 2017.  Bob worked for John Deere 31 years as a Machinist as he provided for his wife and 6 children.

Bob enjoyed life to the fullest as his family and friends might say” He was a prankster and loved to tell a joke or two”.  He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and long necking in cards with a stiff Canadian Hunter drink in his hand. Bob loved to play softball for Sandy Hook Tavern until 50 years of age. He looked forward to winters in Texas, but most of all Bob loved to spend time with his family and friends who will dearly miss his teasing, love, laughter, and friendship.

Surviving are his 6 children, Thomas (Linda) Gerlich of Cuba City, Karen (Steve) Giese of Onalaska, Judy (Tim) Miehe of Holmen, Peggy (Charlie) Ward of Delhi, Scott (Beth) Gerlich of Danbury, and Mark (Annie) Gerlich of Rockdale; 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Underhill, Alice (Jim) Sauser, and Carol Gassman;  sisters-in-law, Violet Haverland and Alverna Haverland.

Visitation will be Friday, October 22nd from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m.at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Kieler, WI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Immaculate Conception Church, with Fr. Bernard Rott officiating, and burial at the church cemetery next to his loving wife, where military honors will be accorded by VFW Post # 6455 of Dickeyville. Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL. Is serving the family. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory.  Monetary gifts will go to his two favorite charities: St. Jude’s Hospital and Disabled Veterans.

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

Ruth E. Hohnecker

Ruth E. Hohnecker, age 96, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 10:23 a.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Ruth’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Pastor Kristen Wipperman officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ruth was born on June 12, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of George and Carrie (Neumeister) Hohnecker.

Ruth was a life long resident of Dubuque where she graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and attended class at the University of Dubuque.  She was employed at Mercy Hospital, Finley Hospital and lastly with Medical Associates as a Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist until her retirement in 1985.  She was a proud member of the Eastern Star Julien Chapter 125 and Immanuel Congregational UCC.  Ruth was a kind hearted, old fashioned woman who loved her family and never liked to make a fuss about anything.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Ruth’s memory include

her nieces and nephew,
Nancy (Jim) Mixson, Rockville MD,
Lyn (Mike) Davis, Jackson, TN
and Charles (Carol) Gavin IV, Manning, SC;

as well as her 6 great-nieces and great-nephews,
David, Kim, Claire, Gavin, Rebekah and Brad.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Jean (Charles III) Gavin.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill for all of their kind and compassionate care of Ruth.  Also a special thank you to her cousins, Janet Neumeister and Diane Neumeister, and her godchild, Donelda Bowman, for all of their support and the extra help that they have provided Ruth allowing her to remain in her home for as long as she possibly could.

Memorials in Ruth’s memory may be donated to your favorite charity or to Immanuel Congregational UCC, 1795 Iowa Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

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

Frank E. Hutchinson

Frank Elmer Hutchinson passed away on October 13, 2021, at ManorCare Health Services in Dubuque, Iowa. According to his wishes, there will be no public service.

He was born to Frank and Helen Hutchinson on January 10, 1931 in Denver, Colorado. After his mother passed when he was a young boy, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, William and Adrienne Conley of Marysville, California.

Frank met the love of his life Betty Jane Smith at a high school dance. They married in 1952 and celebrated 64 years of marriage before Betty passed in 2016. He graduated from Marysville High School, Kansas State University, and achieved master and doctorate degrees during his career. He was a collegiate track and basketball athlete.

Frank served active duty in the US Army Counter Intelligence Corp (CIC), taught at the high school and college level, finishing his career as a college professor and administrator at Butte College in Chico, California. Frank took great pride in his accomplishments growing Butte College with special focus on the agriculture program, the nursing program, and the expansion of college infrastructure.

Frank and Betty traveled the nation during his military service and career in education calling many places home such as Baltimore, Maryland; San Antonio, Texas; Palm Springs, California; and Willows, California; finally ending up in Chico, California where they built their dream home on a golf course, raised a family and grew old together. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, music and dancing. He adored his beautiful wife and was a loving husband and father. He was an especially proud grandfather moving cross-country late in life to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane Hutchinson, his parents and sister. Frank is survived by two sons, Craig (Cindy) Hutchinson of Maryland; and Heath (Sara) Hutchinson of Dubuque, Iowa and grandchildren Kathleen, William and Caroline Hutchinson.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Christy Valdovinos and family for their exceptional loving care of both Betty and Frank while in California, and the nurses and staff of Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Frank.

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

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Frank’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Harold N. Buchheit

Harold N. Buchheit, 82, of Dubuque, passed away on October 15, 2021 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Harold was born December 16, 1938 in Festina, Iowa, the son of Florian and Fredia (Heying) Buchheit. He married Collette Leuenberger on June 17, 1967 at DeSales Catholic Church, Ossian Iowa.

Harold was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church. He had a special place in his heart for all his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his beloved Cubs, Hawkeyes and Bears. He always loved to play cards – especially Euchre and Cribbage with family and friends.

Harold worked at Crescent Electric.  He truly enjoyed all the great people he worked with there.  He started his accounting and tax business in 1972.  All his clients were very special to him and the ones that worked for the business were truly like family.  One of his proudest moments is when his son took over the family business.

Those left to honor his memory include his two sons, Brian (Maria) Buchheit of Homer Glen, IL and Dennis (Mary) Buchheit of Asbury, IA; four grandchildren – Andrew, Mary Kate, Katie and Emily Buchheit; two brothers, Del (Carolyn) Buchheit and Joe (Linda) Buchheit; four sisters, Toni Strey, Pat (Bob) Eldan, Jeanne McCarthy and Betty Topf; two sisters-in-law, Delores Buchheit and Darlene Buchheit.

He is preceded in death by his wife Collette; his parents; three brothers, Sonny, Ambrose and Kelly; one sister Pam Buchheit; two brothers-in-law, Marsh Strey and Mark Topf and sister-in-law, Helen Buchheit.

The family would like to thank MercyOne Cancer Center, Dr. Morgan-Ihrig, Nurse Jenny and all the wonderful staff in the oncology and ambulatory departments that took care of Harry through his illness with kindness and compassion.  Also, we would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Dubuque Specialty Care for their support.

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 Harold’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Sandra K. Molitor

Sandra Kay Molitor, 74 of Winnebago, IL passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, IL. A gathering will be held from 1 to 4 PM, Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. In keeping with her wishes cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at a later date.

She was born February 20, 1947, in Charleston, WV the daughter of William and Emmogene (Douglas) Johnson. Sandie was united in marriage to Jerry Molitor on April 30, 1966, in Galena. She was employed at Greenlee Tool, Rockford, IL as a Human Resources representative until her retirement. Sandie enjoyed spending time with family, spoiling her grandkids, watching the Cubs, shopping, going to farmers markets with Jerry, and taking care of her many houseplants.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Molitor, of Winnebago, two sons, Jason (Nikki) Molitor, of Chandler, AZ, and Chad (Dawn) Molitor, of Belvidere, IL, two granddaughters, Hallie, and Abigail Molitor, two sisters, Barbara (Tom) Levens and Yvonne Johnson, two brothers, Rusty (Jane) Johnson and Bill (Stacey) Johnson and her many loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Scott Johnson, her in-laws, George (Donna) Molitor, two brothers-in-law, Ken and Donald Molitor, and sister-in-law, Donna Jean Gabric.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Furlong Funeral Chapel, 100 Carol-don Court, Galena, IL 61036 in memory of Sandie. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

John P. Kutsch

John Paul Kutsch, 66, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on October 11, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care. Private family services will be held at later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

John is survived by his sons, Jacob (Barbie) Kutsch, Matthew (Shana) Kutsch; and daughter Dawn Walsh; grandchildren, Elina and Ronan; siblings, Bob (Jan) Kutsch, Sheila (Doug) Kutsch, Bill Kutsch, Melvin Kutsch, Donna (Jeff) Phillips, Marvin (Nancy) Kutsch, Jolene (Doug) Wareham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Vivian Kutsch, and his sisters, Anne and Janell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Dubuque Specialty Care for the great care they gave to John.

Leonard G. Schuster

Leonard Gregory “Lenny” Schuster, 87 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at Ennoble Manor with his loving family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Father Rodney Allers officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Entombment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is caring for the family.

Lenny was born on May 18, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Gregory and Lucille (Kies) Schuster. He married Margaret “Margie” Gassman on May 4, 1957 and together they were blessed with 64 years of marriage.

He is a US Navy Veteran, member of St. Joseph Key West Church and member of the LaMotte/Key West Knights of Columbus #4236.

Lenny was a dairy farmer his entire life; he ran the family farm with his sons and grandsons. He enjoyed fishing and his favorite past time was going to “the boat”. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by many.

Lenny is survived by his wife Margie Schuster; four sons Ronald (Pamela) Schuster, David Schuster, Daniel Schuster, and Timothy (Susan) Schuster. His Grandchildren: Angela (Neil) Wulfekuhle, Christopher (Carrie) Schuster, Tiffani (Kyle) Zierden, Samantha Schuster and Garret Schuster; seven great grandchildren with number 8 to arrive in December.

He is also survived by his sister Erna Schmidt, sister-in-law Betty Schuster, brother-in-law Richard (Shirley) Gassman along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Alfred Schuster and Thomas Schuster; brother-in-law Robert Gassman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Donna Link; and brother-in-law Donald Schmidt.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Ennoble Manor and By Your Side Care for all their care, kindness and compassion they gave to Lenny.

Thomas J. McGriff

Thomas J. “Tom” McGriff, age 78, of Galena, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on October 2, 2021, at home. To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family

Tom was born on June 19, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, a son to Carl J. and Florence (Thilman) McGriff.  He eventually made his way to Florida where he devoted his time and talents for many years with the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  When retirement had finally arrived, he decided it was time to make his way to Galena where he could enjoy the remainder of his years in a relaxed and comfortable environment.  We will miss Tom dearly and are beyond heartbroken at his sudden passing.  May the Lord keep him safe and at peace until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his best friend,
Michael White, Galena, Illinois;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family and friends at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Rebecca S. Brandenburg

Rebecca S. Brandenburg, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, peacefully at home.

A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. am on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Grace Point Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Rebecca was born on February 12, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Dale E. Boots and Hazel E. (Dennis) Boots. She attended Maquoketa Valley High School.

Rebecca later married Buddy A. Brandenburg on April 24, 1989, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Rebecca was a care giver for Home Instead. She was a hardworking and caring person who would help anyone out.

Surviving is her husband Buddy, children; Lavonda, Timothy, Dale and Briana along with 30 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Hazel, a brother Allen, a sister Nina.

The  family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque.