Obituaries Archive

Arvin A. Weber

Arvin Andrew Weber, age 81, of Lancaster, WI passed away on March 6, 2025. He was born on November 9, 1943, to Harold and Almira (Dalsing) Weber. He attended Potosi High School. After school, Arvin served in the army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion Post 148 in Bloomington.

Arvin grew up on the family farm in Potosi. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing baseball with his brothers. This close bond continued into adulthood as they played cards together at every family gathering. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles in his youth and had an appreciation for old cars. Arvin was a long-haul truck driver for 42 years, retiring from Diamond Transportation in 2016. He was especially proud of his awards for exemplary safety and outstanding performance. Arvin enjoyed fishing and gardening with Linda and his special dog, Patches. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved to joke around with them and teach them the art of sarcasm.

Arvin is survived by his loving partner of almost 38 years Linda Barr; children Jodi (Scott) Berndt, Jeff (Denise) Weber, Jaci (Chuck) Reynolds, and Jerrett (Krista) Weber; Linda’s children John Barr and Colleen (Doug Pluemer) Kirschbaum; brothers Justin (Joyce)Weber, Arlyn (Deirdre) Weber, Frank (Rita) Weber, Tom (Janelle) Weber, Darrel (Cathy) Weber; sister Janiece (Mark) Buzby; sister-in-law Barb Weber; former daughter-in-law Jena Barr; and Linda’s sisters Dorothy Eck, Marcia Mitchell, and Sharon (Steve) Klein. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Natalya (Zach), Codi, Alexa, Delanie, Kamryn, Marissa, Lilyann, Madalyn, Lukas, Bryan (Tracy), Andrew, Kelsea, Carter (Whitney), Blain, Alissa, and great grandchildren Kaden, Kenzie, Kolton, Emmett, Abby, Maddie, Kylie, Baylor, and Baylyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerome in 2005, members of the Rech family, and his beloved dog, Princess.

Per Arvin’s request, there will be no services. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Tri-State Cremation Center in East Dubuque is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Grant County Hospice, Grant Regional Health Center, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital (Madison), Lancaster Rescue Squad, along with family, friends, and neighbors for your visits, well wishes, food, and especially all the hugs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arvin’s name to: Lancaster Rescue Squad, PO Box 293, Lancaster, WI 53813 or American Legion Post 148, PO Box 472, Bloomington, WI 53804.

Danita M. Kemler

Danita M. Kemler, 66, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on March 2, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Mueller Chapel in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the cemetery chapel, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Danita was born on October 18, 1958, in Dubuque, IA, to Leo and Betty (Kirkpatrick) Vogt. Over the years, Danita worked at Econo Foods in Dubuque,  American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, Texas, and as a homemaker. She was also a member of the Dubuque Fellowship Club for over 18 years.

She is survived by her children; Angelica Hart of Texas, Jeremy Hart of California, Heidi of Iowa, Ronnie McDermott of Iowa, Brandy McDermott of Minnesota, and Stephany Garner of Minnesota; her soulmate of 18 years Ron McDermott; grandchildren, Lennon Mansker of Texas, and Presley Daniels of Washington; siblings, Donna Jamison (John) of Iowa, Debra Hickmon (Joe) of Iowa, Nancy (Dennis) Hermsen of Iowa, and Patrick Johansen (Karla) of Oregon also numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Danita is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Diane Vogt and Dorothy Black, and dog Prince.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor for their excellent care of Danita and to Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory for providing such great service.

Patrick C. Orr

Patrick C. Orr, 66, of Cascade, Iowa passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 at Accura Health Care in Cascade, Iowa, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025,  at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, where a Mass of Christian Burial for Pat would be held at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Mark Osterhaus Officiating.  Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Pat was born November 27, 1958 in Monticello, Iowa, son of Charles “Chuck” and Edna Mae (Zoller) Orr.  He received his education in the St. Martin’s Grade School and graduated from Cascade High School.  He then went on to attend Area One Technical Institute in Peosta, Iowa.  He was self-employed, owning and operating Orr Heating and Cooling in Cascade until his retirement.

Pat loved cooking, he started early helping his sister cook and bake with her Easy-Bake Oven, and it eventually led to him building the Maid-Rite in Cascade.  He loved to travel, especially to visit his sisters and their families.  He always enjoyed puzzles, Pat especially enjoyed spending time with his nieces.
He was a member of the St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa.

He is survived by six siblings, Diana (Christopher) Flynn of San Jose, CA, Kenneth Orr of Cascade, IA, Rebecca (Dr. Paul) Oberbroeckling of Denver, CO, Stan Orr of Cascade, IA, Nancy Otting of Waynesville, North Carolina, and Ross (Shontele) Orr of Cascade, IA; Eight nieces, Amy, Erin, Allison, Helen, Madeline, Mia, Mollie and Charlee; one great niece, Sidney; and one great nephew, Charlie George.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters in infancy, Sarah and Mary Beth Orr; one brother, Michael Orr; and one brother-in-law, David Otting.

The Orr family would like to thank Sherry Kelchen and the staff of Hospice of Dubuque and the staff of Accura Healthcare for the care and support they gave to Pat and our family.

Alisha A. Kelley

Alisha A. Kelley, age 43, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Luther Manor.  To celebrate Alisha’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Alisha was born on July 21, 1981, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of David and Barbara (Guinn) Kelley.

Alisha graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and was currently taking online courses to earn her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts.  She loved her dog, Milo, and was perfectly content spending time at home with him.  Alisha was an avid reader.  She was a sports fan who followed the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and WWE Wrestling.  She worked at the Diamond Jo Casino as a cage cashier for several years, and also worked at Kwik Stop.  Alisha’s faith was very important to her, and she attended church regularly at Kingdom Ministries Church.  She loved her family.  Alisha adored her nieces and nephews, especially her great-nephew, Hudson, and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her new great-nephew.  Alisha will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Alisha’s memory include

her mother,
Barb McCaughey, Dubuque, IA;

2 brothers,
Chris (Malinda) Kelley, Davenport, IA
and David Kelley, Bettendorf, IA;

her nieces and nephews,
Dalton (Mallory) Kelley, Hailey Kelley, Colton Kelley, Aidan Kelley and Cruz Kelley;

a great-nephew,
Hudson Kelley and another baby on the way;

a step-brother and several step-sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alisha was preceded in death by her father, David Kelley.

Alisha’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital and Tri-State Dialysis, for the kind and compassionate care they have provided for Alisha.

Cards and memorials in Alisha’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Alisha Kelley Family.

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

George Manders

Serenus George Manders, 90, of Bernard, lowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding. The burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore, lowa, with full Military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born February 14, 1935 in rural Jackson County, lowa, son of Irvin and Vivian (Junk) Manders. He received his education in the rural Jackson County schools. On March 23, 1957, he was united in marriage to Constance M. Knepper at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 15, 2020.

George worked as a carpenter and electrician most of his life. He was a Jack of all trades, Master of none. He loved ice cream and popcorn, enjoyed horseback riding, was the Coache for the Little League Team of Bernard. He enjoyed many things, but especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

George was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served during the Korean conflict. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Garryowen, Iowa.

He is survived by three children, David Manders of Zwingle, IA, Donald Manders of Dubuque, Iowa and Dennis Manders (& friend, Nancy Mullins) of Zwingle, IA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; and one sister, Lois Franzen of Maquoketa, IA.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Douglas Manders on April 8, 2005; and several siblings in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Franzen.

A special thanks to Deb Burds-McDonough the daughter they wish they had, for all her care.

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

Patricia A. Ostrander

Patricia A. “Pattie” Ostrander, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on March 3, 2025, at UnityPoint Hospital while surrounded by her loving family. Pattie was born on November 16, 1946, in Dubuque, IA, the eldest daughter to Charles and Irene (Soward) Williams.

Pattie was a loving mother whose greatest joy was making memories with her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved and adored her family and friends, and she strived to take care of those around her. She spent most of her working career with the City of Dubuque and took great pride in sharing her time and talents across several departments.

Pattie’s faith was extremely important to her, and she was possessed with a generosity of spirit. She enjoyed a wide variety of activities and was very social, always happy to go for a ride in her convertible, sing karaoke or dance with friends, and share a bite to eat. Pattie was a devoted Elvis fan but loved all sorts of music. She delighted in playing games with friends and family, partaking in a card club with her daughter and a few friends, and she was passionate about travel. Pattie loved exploring new places, camping, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas, because of all the decorations, traditions, and how they brought family together.

Pattie is survived by her two daughters: Julie (Mike) Klar of Dodgeville, WI, and Cindi (Dan) Weber of Dubuque Iowa; her six adored grandchildren: Luke Marty, Mitch Marty, Noah (Lauren) Klar, Keith (Katie) Kohl, Amber Kohl, and Nathan (Jade) Weber; her nine great-grandchildren: Isla Klar, Chandler Kohl, Henley Kohl, McKenna Kohl, Sierrah Torchia, Aleah Torchia, Paris Weber, Oliver Weber, and Kade Weber; her sisters Kathy Miller of Dubuque, IA, Peggy Brant of Minneapolis, MN, and Chris Link of Dubuque, IA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pattie was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers-in-law, Donnie Miller, Fred Brant, and Ike Beau; along with numerous aunts, uncles and extended family.

It is difficult to imagine how our hearts will heal after this sudden loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. She was always there for us in times of need, and we are forever grateful for the time we spent with her.

To honor Pattie’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m., at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 1240 Rush Street, with Fr. Robert Gross officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Pattie’s family.

Pattie’s daughters extend their thanks to the Emergency Room Department at UnityPoint hospital, and especially the 5th floor nursing staff, for their compassion and care, and their love and gratitude to Laurie Prine, Peggy Brant, Kathy Miller, Jenni Bahl, Jeff Link, Karen Hefferman, and Dede Haas for their kindness and support.

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

Becky L. Spillane

Becky Lynn Spillane, 54, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2025, surrounded by family, after a valiant 6 1/2 year battle with cancer. She leaves behind a large circle of family and friends who will cling to the joyful memories they made with her until the very end and who will take solace in knowing she has found eternal peace. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may gather after 10 AM until the time of service. At Becky’s request, all are encouraged to wear apparel representing their favorite sports team. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Becky was born on September 3, 1970, to John and Mary Thill, and grew up in Potosi, WI, the second youngest of six children. She loved playing basketball, qualifying for state in the Knights of Columbus free throw contest. She graduated from Potosi High School and met Brian Spillane. They were married on October 9, 1993, at St. Francis de Sales, in Hazel Green, WI. They had two children, Austin and Ellie, who were the light of Becky’s world. She read to her children each night after work, no matter how tired she was, instilling in each a lifelong love of reading. She never missed a school activity if she could help it, and her kids kept her busy.

She worked as a dental assistant at Bierie Dental in Dubuque, IA, for over 22 years. Patients knew her welcoming smile from behind her mask. Her coworkers knew her as a reliable colleague and friend. Becky enjoyed skiing, golfing, and bowling. She was the better half of the couple in the couple’s bowling league. She was also an avid sports fan who rooted for all Wisconsin sports teams, although she also adopted her children’s college teams as her own. In later years, she embraced traveling, making memories with loved ones from the sandy beaches of Belize to the crystal lakes of Maine.

Becky is survived by her husband of 31 years, Brian; her children, Austin (Connor Petit) Spillane and Ellie (Dobson) Douglass; her mother, Mary Thill; her siblings, Tammy (Gary) Ames, Lonnie (Joan) Thill, Tom (Becky) Thill, Maury (Deb) Thill, and Mollie McDonald;  her brothers-in-law, Mike (Lori) Spillane and Greg (Sue) Spillane; many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and a devoted yellow labrador, Auggie.

She is preceded in death by her father, John Thill; her parents-in-law, Ron and Rose Spillane; and her brother-in-law, Dave Spillane.

The family would like to thank all of our friends and family who have provided so much love these past few years. It has truly been a reminder of the value of community. Special thanks to the caring and attentive oncology team at Grand River Medical Group, especially Dr. Mark Hermann, MD, and Tony Heiar, ARNP. O

nline condolences may be left for the family at  www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Gerald V. Koppes

Gerald V. Koppes, 91, formerly of Bellevue, passed on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at University of Iowa Health Care Center in Iowa City.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 9:30 am until services time also Saturday at the funeral home.  Burial with Military Honors Conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

 Gerald was born November 21, 1933 in Bellevue, the son of Cyril and Ethel (Brown) Koppes.  He graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1951.  Gerald served his country in the US Army 1954-1956.  He married Donna M. Roeder on October 12, 1957, she passed on July 20, 1992.  Gerald worked as a manager at the Savanna Army Depot, retiring in 1988.  Gerald spent many winters in Texas and later in Arizona.  He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, making rock jewelry, and also in his later years stained glass art.

 Survivors include his son, Terry (Joyce) Koppes, daughter in-law, Sandy Koppes; grandchildren, Adam (Oliva) Koppes, Casey (Layli) Koppes, Kristin (Joshua) St. John, Whittney (Cody) Platte, and Jacob Koppes; great-grandchildren, Maeson, Tatum, Sophia, Kaylee, Archie, Michelle, Cora, and Keegan.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; a son, Todd Koppes; a brother, Richard Koppes; and an infant sister, Darlene.

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

Grace M. Hermsen

Grace M. Hermsen, 92, of Dyersville and formerly of Luxemburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 8 – 9  a.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Grace was born May 26, 1932, the daughter of Andrew and Agnes (Kramer) Olberding. She married Donald Hermsen on September 20, 1955, in Dyersville. Together they farmed near Luxemburg where they raised their family, after which she became a Certified Nurse Aide. In her younger years, Grace was a member of the 4-H and made many lifelong friends and memories. She received a Blue Ribbon at the State Fair for a jacket that she made. Grace started quilting late in her life and made many quilts for her family over the years.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and imparting her wisdom to them.  Grace and Donald also enjoyed being members of their monthly card club for almost 70 years.  In 2019, they moved from their home in Luxemburg to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center.

Survivors include her children:  Joseph (Lynn) Hermsen of Farley, Gary Hermsen of Luxemburg, Alan (Debra) Hermsen of Manchester, Mary (Howard) Zuckerman of Livonia, MI, Ann (Pat) Dunkel of Earlville, Lisa (David) Sweeney of Tipton, and Jane (Brian) Bockenstedt of Center Point; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Hermsen of Dubuque; 18 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Jim (Katie) Olberding of Dyersville; in-laws: Darlene Olberding, Shirley Olberding, and Sharon Hermsen, all of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Lois Hermsen, grandson, Scott Hermsen, parents-in-law; Edward and Florence Hermsen, siblings: Richard Olberding, Gene Olberding, and George Olberding, in-laws: Charles Hermsen, Ed Hermsen Jr., Wilma Hermsen, and Shirley Hermsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Ellen Kennedy Living Center or Hospice of Dubuque.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Polly L. Hilby

Polly Lee Hilby, 65, passed away on February 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from Noon to 3 PM at the Ehrler Ranch in Galena, IL. Following her final wishes, Polly will be buried alongside her beloved husband, Bob Hilby, during a private ceremony for the family. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Polly was not only generous in life but also in death, as she chose to be a tissue donor. She was a free spirit who embraced life fully, always making time for joy and laughter. Polly especially cherished moments with her family, friends, donkeys, cats, and her dog, King. For 12 years, she served as a Community Integration Coach at Hillcrest Family Services in Dubuque, IA. In honor of Polly’s love for life, her family encourages everyone to pursue activities that bring real joy and to share those moments with others.

Her children survive her, Katie (Jake) Symmonds, Ben (Alex) Pluemer, and stepdaughter, Wendy (Jeremy) Werner, six grandchildren, Maeve and Freya Symmonds, Elena and Nora Pluemer, Avery and Isaac Werner, and two more grandchildren on the way; her three siblings, Peggy Barton, Penny Splinter, and Steve (Val) Barton; her companion Roger Herrig; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Polly was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Bob Hilby; stepson, Nick Hilby; parents, Richard and Mary Barton; brother-in-law, Chris Splinter; ex-husband, Doug Pluemer; and her grandparents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Finley ICU doctors and nurses, the Iowa Donor Network, Galena EMS, and the East Dubuque EMS and Menominee- Dunleith Fire Department for their support during this challenging time.

They kindly ask that contributions be made to the Polly Hilby Memorial Fund instead of flowers.

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

Morryah L. Green

Morryah L. Green, 22, of Coralville, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, at home.  She was a beacon of light and a source of joy to all who knew her.

Morryah Lynne Green was born on October 10, 2002, in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was adopted by Tracy Christine (Bowen) and Todd Green.  She attended and graduated from Maquoketa Community High School.  She, along with her mother, were members of the Epilepsy Foundation and the “One Shake Is All It Takes” Shaken Baby Syndrome Foundation. They were also actively involved with the Dance Marathon benefiting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital at both Loras College and Maquoketa and were instrumental in getting the city sidewalks in Maquoketa handicapped accessible.  She loved country music, especially Martina McBride.

Those left to honor her memory include maternal grandmother, Carol Bowen; aunts, Stacie (Anderson) Riley, and Kelly Bowen; cousin, Anthony “Jimmy” Ramirez; paternal grandmother, Susan Green; uncles and aunts, Rick Green, Penny and Corey Roeder, and Loren and Lisa Green; and cousins, Clayton, Courtney, Madde, and Abby. She was preceded in death by her mother Tracy Green on January 25, 2020, maternal grandfather Dennis Bowen, and paternal grandfather Richard Green.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Monday, March 10, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private burial will be held at the Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Morryah L. Green memorial fund in c/o Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

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

Mary Jo Chapman

Mary Josephine Chapman, 94, passed away peacefully, with family beside her, on February 28, 2025 after a brief illness.

Services will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church on Saturday March 8th. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11:00 with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Private family burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary Jo was born in Ottawa, Illinois on September 11, 1930 to Carl and Lois Becker. The family later moved to Clinton, Iowa where Mary Jo regularly helped out at the Becker Cafe. A local entertainment duo, Mary Jo and her brother, Robert, tap danced at various community venues and won awards. Mary Jo was known throughout high school for her warmth and engaging personality that probably contributed to her being crowned Gateway Classics Queen in her senior year.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mary Jo headed to the University of Iowa to obtain a degree in nursing. After graduation in 1951, she stayed in Iowa City working at the University Hospital. It was while she was a head nurse on one of the medical floors that she met and fell for her husband, John S. Chapman, M.D. They were married in Iowa City at St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel on February 21, 1955. The couple moved to Dubuque, Iowa with their then two children in 1958. The family grew to a total of nine with seven children. While John worked a physician’s long hours at Dubuque Internal Medicine and city hospitals, Mary Jo held down the fort. She answered phone calls and took messages from John’s patients, paged hospitals and nursing homes to contact John to deliver messages, cooked meals daily for nine, volunteered at her children’s schools, cleaned, laundered several loads every day, and still found time to listen to each child’s school day tales. She was an avid fan of her kids’ sporting events. She loved her houseful of busy children and managed it all with a warm smile, kindness, grace, and no complaints.

When she became an empty-nester, Mary Jo volunteered for Hospice of Dubuque and the Dubuque Museum of Art. She and John also enjoyed the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and traveling. They were fortunate to take many trips with good friends and were able to visit all their children and grandchildren even when they lived in seven different states. Mary Jo loved gardening and spent many hours tending to her beautiful flowers. Holidays were special at the Chapman house. Mary Jo always cooked a gourmet meal that rivaled the best restaurants. From linens to china to all her special touches, memories of Mary Jo’s holiday meals are among the fondest for her children and grandchildren alike. Each child’s birthday was a special day and she always gave a perfect gift. She brought such joy to any occasion.

Mary Jo is survived by her seven children: Cathy (Mike) McCarty of Minneapolis, MN; Steve (Sue) Chapman of Dubuque, IA; Beth (Peter) Hanlon of Salt Lake City, UT; Carol (Paul) Librizzi of Park City, UT; Dan (Charlene) Chapman of Little Rock, AR; Michael (Laura) Chapman of Dubuque, IA; and Mary Kay (Charlie) Callahan of Shoreview, MN. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her brother, and the love of her life, John S.Chapman with whom we know she is now happily reunited.

To know Mary Jo was to love Mary Jo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque Museum of Art or the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.

The family thanks the staff at Mercy One Hospital for their kind and compassionate care and thank the staff and residents at Bethany Home for their kindness and friendship with Mary Jo.

Craig A. Mayers Sr.

Craig A. Mayers Sr., age 72, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Sunnycrest Manor.  To celebrate Craig’s life private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Craig’s family.

Craig was born on February 25, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Barbara J. (Dickey) Mayers Sr.

Craig worked at Eagle Window and Door and Anderson Windows and Doors for 25 years.  He married Betty Grimstad in Dubuque, and they had a family together before deciding to part ways.  In his free time, Craig enjoyed shooting pool in several leagues around town and singing karaoke.  He also liked to spend time shooting the breeze with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Craig’s memory include

his children,
Craig (fiancé Shaylene Lai) Mayers Jr.,
Dale (fiancé Margaret Schulz) Mayers,
Amanda Mayers,
John Mayers
and Nicholas Mayers, all of Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Dakota (Maria) Mayers, Aubrey Neuhaus, MayLynn Lai, Laurie Mayers and Griffin Mayers;

4 great-grandchildren,
Aaliyah Smith, Dawson Mayers, Isabella Nadermann and Addyson Weber;

and his siblings,
Debbie Houselog,
Connie Mayers
and Alfred Mayers Jr., all of Dubuque, IA.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Betty Tuthill; 2 stillborn children, Allen and Laurie; a brother, Dale Mayers; a sister-in-law, Linda Mayers; and a brother-in-law, Ronnie Houselog.

Craig’s family would like to thank the staff of UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital ER, Sunnycrest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, for their kindness and support of the family.

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

Rosemary C. Heinrichs

Rosemary “Rose” C. Heinrichs, 94, of Blaine, MN, formerly of Dubuque, IA passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 6:15pm peacefully at home.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

The Funeral Service for Rosemary will be at 11:00 am on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kieler, WI, with Father Bernie Rott officiating. Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, Kieler.

Rosemary was born August 5, 1930, in Louisburg, WI, the daughter of Sylvester and Viola (Timmerman) Vosberg. She was a graduate of Cuba City High School, class of 1947. On September 15, 1951, Rose married Richard “Dick” Heinrichs at North Island in San Diego, CA. He preceded her in death on February 25, 2015.

Rose loved being married to a career Navy man, and loved the traveling that came with it, especially the time spent in Japan. After 20 years in the Navy, Rose and Dick settled in Dubuque, Iowa where Dick worked 20 years at John Deere Dubuque Works.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Heinrichs of Blaine, MN; son, Joseph Heinrichs of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter-in-law, Laura Nolan of Minneapolis, MN; five grandchildren, Cody, Dustin, Jesse, Kaiyo, and Zenko; five great-grandchildren, Sylis, Dani Rose, Lily, Cadillac, and Harley; two sisters, Barbara (Edward) Krapfl andVerna (Pat) Nordhues; and brother, Dewey (Sandy) Vosberg.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sons, John and James Heinrichs.

In lieu of plants and flowers, donations may be given to Superior Hospice, 800 Boone Ave N Suite #194, Minneapolis, MN 55427 or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3685 County HHH, Kieler, WI 53812.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Rose’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Marlene K. Chamberlain

Marlene K. (Winter) Chamberlain, 84, of Dove Healthcare, Fennimore, WI, formerly of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Dove Healthcare.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6^th at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, IL. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Centralia, IA.

Marlene was born on January 29, 1941in Scales Mound, the daughter of Michael and Marcella (Koester) Winter. She was a graduate of Scales Mound High School.

She was formerly employed as a customer service representative for Swiss Colony and Lands End. Marlene loved to read, enjoyed a good game of euchre and being outdoors.

Surviving is her son, Charles “Chuck” and (Marcie) Harwick of Monfort, WI, her six grandchildren, Chanel, Isabelle, Charles, Daniel, Augustus and Jona.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Marcella, her husband, Patrick J. McDonald, two sons, Patrick and Michael, and her siblings, Carol Hartung and Charles Winter.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Dove Healthcare for the care provided for their mother and grandmother.

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