Obituaries Archive

James Sebanc, PhD

World traveler, James Sebanc, PhD, embarked on his final journey, on January 30, 2021; Jim passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jim and his twin brother, John were born to Slovenian immigrants, Anton, and Josephine (Pecak) Sebanc, on July 20, 1941 in West Allis WI, forever to be referred to by their four older siblings as “the babies”.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, February 20, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call after 10 AM until time of service. Social distancing, capacity limits and masks requirements will be encouraged. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Jim had many interesting hobbies including pigeon racing, cheering on the Milwaukee Braves, scuba diving, brewing craft beer, gardening, watching high school sports and his passion, traveling. He traveled, studied, taught, worked, and lived in more than 100 countries.

He graduated from West Allis Central in 1959, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BS in Sociology in 1965, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an MA in Geography in 1972 and The University of Kansas with a PhD in Educational Administration in 1983. He served in the U.S. Army both active duty and reserves from 1961 to 1967.

Jim devoted his life to the education of others as well as himself. Traveling the world to study other cultures, mentoring to his students, generously sharing his many skills; he touched the lives of thousands. He married Betsy Eaton in a ceremony officiated by his son, Rev. Andrew Sebanc on January 1, 1995. He and Betsy lived on the island of Kwajalein in the Republic of the Marshall Islands until 1998 where he was a school administrator. While on Kwajalein, Jim helped establish a satellite campus for The College of the Marshall Islands. When they returned to Galena Jim volunteered for many local organizations and charities. Most recently he was an active member of the Galena Lion’s Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Betsy Eaton, Galena; sons Rev Andrew (Lori) Sebanc, Surrey BC, and William, Lawrence KS; daughters Susan Sebanc, Kansas City, KS, and Julie Sebanc (Jeff) Butler, Currumbin Waters QLD Australia; and Betsy’s daughters Rebecca Probst, Benton WI, Melissa (Matt) Pasch, Newtown, PA, and Sarah (Matt) Blankenheim, Sussex, WI. He is also survived by thirteen amazing grandchildren, Dylan, Jozefa, Mattias, Dora, Anthony, Marcus, Jacob, Ella, Wilton, Wyatt, Kathryn, Chloe, and Charlie; his brother Edward and sister Angela Boise, both of Santa Monica CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Josephine, his twin John, brother Rudy and sister Jean Friedel.

Advice from Jim: “If ever you become lost; simply change your destination”.

His family would like to thank the staff of Midwest Medical Center and the staff of Waverly Place in Stockton and Dr. Vandigo for the loving care he received during the final days of his life. In lieu of flowers and memorials, please simply do an act of kindness in Jim’s memory.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Joyce E. Christensen

Joyce Ellen Christensen, nee Dobbert, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL is assisting the family.

Born March 1, 1933, to Bert and Mabel Dobbert, Joyce grew up in Chicago, attending Nixon School and Calvin Park High School. The North Side Gospel Center was where she met J. Robert “Bob” Christensen, who she would marry in 1953 and with whom she would raise two children, Steve (Karen) and June (Cliff Sorensen), six grandchildren: Melissa, Kyle, Lindsay, Sarah, Charlotte, and Erik, and many great-grandchildren.

After earning her BA from National College of Education, Joyce began teaching in Des Plaines. While raising her family she earned her Masters at National and entered the field of Special Education. Even as an administrator and eventually Director of Special Education for Maine Township, Joyce never lost her passion for “her kids” and was instrumental in creating more opportunities for special needs students through inclusion in mainstream classes.

Once retired from teaching, Joyce stepped into her role as Volunteer. Joyce worked to create and manage a Peer Jury in conjunction with the Park Ridge Police. The first female president of Park Ridge Rotary, Joyce fought for a Thorguard system for the community. She was also instrumental in the formation of the Maine Township School-Based Health Center. All of these efforts and many more focused on the health and safety of young people in the community she loved and served.

Joyce and Bob celebrated their 67th Anniversary on June 6th. Bob remembers holding Joyce’s hand in the back of her parents’ car at 15 years old! Their marriage focused on family, faith, and service. There is no way to measure the impact that their life together has had, but their family will tell you that their devotion continues to be an inspiration. For all of Joyce’s many accomplishments and honors, what brought her the most joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known as “Gram” and “Ma’am”, Joyce developed a meaningful relationship with each child, bragged on them regularly, and stayed in touch with each and every one of them.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Maine Township School-Based Health Center would be appreciated. For more memories and to be notified about an upcoming celebration of Joyce’s life, go to www.JoyceChristensen.com.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Doris E. Ihrig

Doris E. Ihrig, 87, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2021, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Doris Elaine Steines was born on June 22, 1933 in Sugar Creek, Iowa, to William Lawrence and Lorena Margaret (Schmidt) Steines. She was educated in Calamus and Fulton, Iowa. She married Dale Allen Ihrig on May 1, 1954 in Toronto, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2011.

Doris was a homemaker who raised a family. In her earlier years, she worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for eight years, starting at the age of 16. She later worked at Bowman’s Sale Barn in the housekeeping department for five years.

Doris enjoyed gardening, canning, doing yardwork, playing Euchre, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Diane (Gerald) Saunders of Maquoketa, IA, Tammy (Don Hall) Arensdorf of DeWitt, IA, and Debbie (fiance Jamie LaRette) Goodenow of Monmouth, IA; 8 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; a brother William “Butch” Steines of Dixon, IA; and sisters-in-law, Naomi Ihrig of Maquoketa, IA, and Elneta Kennedy of Welton, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale, a son Tommy, 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Eldon A. Weis

Eldon A. Weis, 87, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. A visitation will be from 9:00 am – 10:00 a.m. also on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service prior to Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273. Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook page, on their You Tube Channel and on Bellevue Cable TV Channel 37. It is required to utilize masks during the services at the funeral home and church and respect social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Eldon was born March 31, 1933 in Bellevue, Iowa to Walter and Virginia (Haiar) Weis along with two sisters. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Bellevue. Following graduation, he served in the US Army during the Korean War 1952-1955 and was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C in 2014. He returned from service and began working at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa. He retired from Clinton Engines in the early 1990’s.

Eldon was a member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. He enjoyed hunting and fishing which kept him busy in his free time. Eldon enjoyed meals with his sister and brother in-law and being with his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his sisters, Colleen (David) Kane of Iowa City and Joyce ( Ardell “Bud”) Till of Bellevue, and his nieces and nephews.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Virginia Weis.

If you are unable to attend services, memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031 c/o Eldon Weis Family. Eldon’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.

Richard J. Manternach

Richard J. Manternach, 92, of Dubuque, IA, passed away at StoneHill Care Center on January 31, 2021. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection from 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM. The Mass will be livestreamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. The Mass of Christian burial for Richard will be at 10:30 AM with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded immediately following at the church. Due to the statewide mask mandate, masks are required at the church. Please respect current social distancing requirements.

Richard was born on May 25, 1928, to Gus L. and Loraine (Powers) Manternach. He attended Nativity Grade School. He then attended Loras Academy graduating in 1946.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Airborne and trained as a paratrooper. He served in Japan for the next two years. Upon returning home from the service, he then attended Loras College and graduated in 1952 with degrees in Business and Economics.

On May 30, 1955, he married Catherine “Kay” DeMaio at Sacred Heart Church, Dubuque. They celebrated 65 years of marriage this last May.

Richard and Kay were the owners of Varsity Theatre for many years. His true calling came when Rainbo Oil offered him a job leasing his own gas station, Point Texaco, on 20th and Elm Street for the next fifteen years. From there he worked for Ferring Homes in sales continuing until his retirement.

He was a member of Resurrection Church and the American Legion Dubuque Post 6. Through the years, he loved to tend his garden, planting trees and growing flowers. In the garage, he enjoyed his workshop playing handyman. One of his favorite things to do was watching sports with his son David and cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Richard and Kay loved to travel to Florida to see their daughter Amy and her family. A highlight of Richard’s life included an Honor Flight of Greater Dubuque to Washington DC with fellow veterans in 2012. In past years, Richard was a volunteer at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. He was known as the “Popcorn Man” with the big smile on movie night.

Richard is survived by his wife, Catherine “Kay” Manternach of Dubuque; a son, David Manternach of Dubuque and his daughter, Taylor; a daughter, Amy (Manternach) Green of Tampa, FL, son-in-law Scott Green, their son Ethan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Phyllis Manternach and Elaine Seaman.

Richard will be remembered for his smile, love of laughter and his love of life. In memory of Richard, donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the staff of StoneHill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and compassionate care of Richard. Special thanks to his Hospice nurse Chris.

Wayne A. Nolting

Wayne A. Nolting, 88, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, January 31, 2021, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at the Preston, Iowa Cemetery. There is no public visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Wayne A. Nolting was born on February 14, 1932 in Jackson County, Iowa to Karl A. and Gladys (Wyckoff) Nolting. He was a graduate of Preston High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army receiving the rank of Sergeant and earning an honorable discharge. He married Arlen Helen Scott on February 20, 1955 in Delmar, Iowa. Together they farmed in the Preston area for many years and had been actively involved in many community organizations and clubs.

Those left to honor his memory include many nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Virtus Scott, Mary Jean Scott, and Geraldine Nolting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene Helen on November 30, 2020, and 2 brothers John and Loren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

James House

James “Jim” House, 82, of Miles, Iowa died at home on Friday afternoon January 29, 2021. According to his wishes his body was cremated. A private memorial service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 and will be available for viewing after the service at www.CarsonAndSon.com. A celebration of life will be held at a later time when more friends and family are able to gather. Burial will be at the Sterling Cemetery.

James Gerald House was born at home in rural Bellevue on August 10, 1938 to Gerald and Florence (Wall) House. He attended elementary school in Miles and later graduated from Elwood High School in 1956. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from the Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), his master’s degree and principal certification from NE Missouri State and certification as superintendent from the University of Iowa. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa fraternity. He was married May 25, 1968 to Mary Eagen in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Jim began his career in education as a Social Studies teacher at Lacey, IA. He was also a teacher, coach and then principal at North Mahaska High School before he was hired as superintendent at Miles in 1972. In 1973, he was a shared superintendent with the Sabula district until it merged to form East Central in 1974 where he remained for 38 years until his retirement in 2010. He was shared with Preston from 1992-2001. Jim was recognized in 1997 by the Iowa High School Athletic Association for his contributions and efforts to start high school bowling. He coached multiple sports including the 1988 girls golf team that won the State Tournament, when two of his daughters were on the team.

He earned his third class pilot’s license in 1973. If you thought a car ride with him was scary, you should have flown with him! Jim enjoyed basketball, golf, bicycling, playing cards, coffee clubs, good food, political debate, great deals, reading, music, telling stories, a well-delivered punch line and winning. Watching and discussing the sports his children and grandchildren played was a point of pride and routine. He hoped to be remembered as a philosopher and raconteur (Google it).

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 52 years, Mary; his daughters, Dr. Melanie House (Sarah Barfels) of North Liberty, IA; Jamie (Nana) Gyamfi, children Trey Gyamfi, Chancelor House, Maya Gyamfi, & Jada Gyamfi of Johnston, IA; Jennifer (Scott) Huling, daughter Nora Huling of Hauntown, IA; Kathryn (Justin) Twist, children Jacey House and Reese Twist of Miles, IA; his siblings Janet Burnett of Streator, IL, Jane (Don) McBride, of Bernard, IA, and Jerry (Linda) House of Delmar, IA; his nieces and nephews and many close relatives and friends. He will be especially missed by his faithful dog, Roxie.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Florence and Gerald House of Maquoketa, IA, his sister Jean Curley of Beloit, WI, and his brother-in-law Dick Burnett of Streator, IL.

Those of us who were lucky enough to be on speed dial will miss his regular phone calls which could be short and to the point, but were always filled with sound advice and a good laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory will be used to establish a scholarship fund in his name to benefit area students, and the family will make a donation to his favorite news source, Iowa Public Radio.

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

Lee B. Yuan

Lee B. Yuan, 53, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 30, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and two sons.

Private services will be held.

Lee was born August 26, 1967, in Singapore, Singapore, the daughter of Ng Choon OO and Chua Swee Lan. On June 29, 1992, she married Kevin Yuan in Dubuque.

She attended and graduated with her BA in Economics and Marketing from Loras College in 1990.

Lee enjoyed cooking, gardening and swimming.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin of Dubuque; two sons, Justin and Brandon Lee Yuan, both of Dubuque; her parents; seven sisters, Ng Sok Boey (Puar Huan Kiap), Ng Lee Choo (Chua Lye Heng), Ng Lee Lee, Ng Lee Hong, Ng Lee Ching (Koh Swee Jin), Ng Lee Min (Tan Ming Loong “Mark”) and Ng Lee Yee, all of Singapore, Singapore; nieces & nephews, Puar Yue Hong, Puar Yu Rou, Chua Kai Yang “Ken”, Chua Yu Xuan “Jordan”, Chua Qin Yi “Nicole”, Koh Jun Hou “Marcus”, Koh Zhi Wei “Cheryl”, Tan Jun Yao “Ethan”, Tan Xiang Ling “Earlina” and Tan Jun Kai “Evan”, all of Singapore, Singapore.

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

Patty L. Piper

Patty L. Piper, 75, of Dubuque, passed Friday, January 29, 2021, at her home surrounded by family after a fierce and admirable battle with cancer.

Private family services for Patty will be held. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Patty was born January 4, 1946, in Fulton, IA, the daughter of Louie and Beulah (Dague) Ostert. On November 27, 1968 she married the love of her life, John D. Piper in Galena, IL.

She enjoyed puzzles, her ever-growing rose garden, drawing, live music and Christmas time. More than anything, she loved spending time with family and friends.

Patty had always taken the road less traveled. She rooted for the underdog and had her own way of doing things. She proved over and over again that sometimes, all you really need is faith and love; reason and logic cannot begin to explain the obstacles she overcame.

She had a heart of gold, could find a friend wherever she went, and could turn any conversation into a song. If you knew her, your life is better because of it.

Survivors include husband, John Piper of Dubuque; three daughters, Trina McInerney (Cliff), Gina (Albert) Dolan, and Corinna (Dan) Lawler all of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Tanner (Kodi) McInerney, Albert Dolan, IV, and Ashley Dolan, Noah Lawler, Ryley Lawler; three great-grandchildren, Melia, Owen, and Ahri; one brother, Dick (Sue) Ostert of Maquoketa, IA; and two sisters, Dina (Larry) Pickel of Potosi, WI, and Judy (Larry) Marcue of Hazel Green, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

“Bring It On Home”

Bonnie J. Steffen

Matthew M. Boland

Matthew M Boland 35, of Epworth, Iowa passed away unexpectedly at home on January 27, 2021.

A public visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A celebration of life service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the funeral home with Jeff Durham presiding. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery. Please remember to wear your mask, and if you are unable to attend a live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Matthew was born October 6, 1985 in Dubuque, Iowa. He is the son of Michael/Deb Boland and Diana/Pete Conrad. He was a graduate of Western Dubuque High School. Matthew worked construction beginning at a young age in the family business, Pete Conrad Construction. He continued this work at Jared Bay Construction.

Matthew adored his beautiful daughters, Alanna and Gianna. They meant the world to him. Outside of his love for family and friends he had a passion for football. He played four years in high school as a running back. He was quite a speed demon. He enjoyed pool, darts, boating, jet skiing, and golf. When asked, most people say, “Matthew had an infectious smile, and always saw the humor in everything”.

He is survived by his daughters Alanna and Gianna Boland; his father Michael (Deb) Boland; his mother Diana (Pete) Conrad; Brothers and sisters: Nicole (Joe) Kennedy, Philip (Courtney) Draude, Jessica (Jim) Frye, Kayla (Pete) Staner, Bradley Conrad and Elizabeth (Ben) Loeffelholz. 12 nieces and nephews. Grandparents: Barney and Charlotte Boland, Geraldine Vandenberg, Dan and Jackie Conrad. Former wife Jennifer Boland.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Harry Vandenberg, Donald Shaffer, and Grandmother Judith Barnes.

In lieu of flowers a Matthew Boland memorial fund will be established for his daughters Alanna and Gianna.

Leonard F. Norman, Jr.

Leonard F. “Lenny” Norman Jr., 74 of Galena, IL passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Unity Point Finley Hospital, Dubuque. Due to Current COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena and burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born October 12, 1946, in Davenport, IA the son of Dr. Leonard F. and Maleta C. (Schonhoff) Norman.  Lenny attended St. Mary’s Catholic School & Galena High School. He was employed for many years with The City of Galena, retiring and referring to it as his favorite job. Lenny enjoyed being outdoors, cutting wood, hunting for morels, and working in his garage repairing small engines. He loved taking his once-a-year vacation out West and visiting with his nephews and nieces.

Lenny is survived by his siblings, Marcia (John) Reifsteck of Naperville, IL, Ronald (Jeanie) Norman of Galena, and Steve (Angela) Norman of Verona, WI, nephews, Tim (Sara) Reifsteck of Naperville, IL, Kevin (Tabitha) Reifsteck of Yorkville, IL, Bryan (Jamie Burfield) Reifsteck of Plainfield, IL, Nathan (Nachelle) Norman of Princeton, IL, Jason Norman of Laguna Niguel, CA, and Braden (Lauren) Norman of Galena, IL, and nieces, Erica and Caroline Norman of Verona, WI, great-nephews: Breven, Blake, Cole and Austin Reifsteck, Miles, Kenten and Maverick Norman, great-nieces, Aurora and Makenzie Reifsteck, Myla, Gracie, Alivia and Norah Norman, great-great nephew, Makoa Dunn, two aunts, Rosalyn Schonhoff and Hylene Anderson.

He was preceded in death, by his parents, two aunts, Joan Norman and Annella Dayton, four uncles, Orville Norman, John Dayton, Lee Anderson and Urban Schonhoff, and a great nephew, Brenten Norman.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.comLeonard

Raymond F. Waller

Raymond F. “Blackie” Waller, 85 of Key West passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday January 25, 2021. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Monday February 1, 2021 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road, with pastors Robert Rodzaj and Irv Woelfle officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A public visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday January 30, 2021 at the funeral home.  Please remember to wear your mask and if you are unable to attend the funeral service a live stream of the service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Blackie was born on September 7, 1935 in Dubuque the son of Roy and Bertha (Hartman) Waller. He married Joan M. Hammerand on August 4, 1962 at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Sherrill and they shared 58 years together.

Blackie grew up and lived his entire life on the family farm in Key West, which is the oldest family farm in Iowa. His ancestors built their first home on the property in the summer of 1834.

With six older brothers and two sisters, life was full of hard work, all sorts of escapades, and good farm fun. He walked to the Rockdale one room schoolhouse which he attended through eighth grade. On the way he and his siblings would stop at their Grandpa Waller’s barn and visit. (His grandfather’s house is now Leonard’s Funeral Home and the barn is gone.)

As a young man he worked for several months in Florida landscaping and packaging vegetables.  A jack of all trades, he farmed his entire life, never really retiring.

He was an excellent welder and very inventive, making much of what he needed from whatever was available, never throwing anything away because he might use it someday. He was a man of true farmer ingenuity; he could fix almost anything.

Blackie was always trying out new and unusual things including garden seeds, animals, tools, and equipment. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Blackie was a loving husband, father and grandpa who worked hard and enjoyed spending time with all of his family.  He and Joan met rollerskating at his brother Cliff’s skating rink.   Together they traveled to all 48 lower states and 10 provinces in Canada, making many friends. He enjoyed seeing different ways of farming and learning things of interest.

Blackie loved storytelling and jokes. He was generous and kind and would help anyone in need.  He lived his faith by loving God and loving his neighbors.

He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter’s Wanda (Joseph) Ross and Sarah (Dale) Jecklin; a daughter-in-law Shelly (Mike) Waller Ellis; eleven grandchildren Sarah (Ryan) Nicholson, Deborah (Travis) Pate, Rebekah Ross, Elizabeth Ross, Joseph Ross, Justin (Katelyn) Waller, Andrew (Gabby) Waller, Molly (David) Maro, Jakob Waller, Madelyn Jecklin, and Luke Jecklin; four great grandchildren Abigail, Sofia, and Caleb Nicholson and Georgiana Pate; a brother Wayne (Annette) Waller of LaMotte; and three sisters-in-law Alberta Waller, Connie Waller and Audrey Waller, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons George and Dale Waller; a grandson Jonathan Ross; four sisters Ethel Mae and Wanda (Wayne’s twin), both in infancy, and Sylvia (Matthew) Osterkamp and Mildred (Fred) Neumeister; and five brothers Clarence, Eldon (Irene), Robert, Clifford (Jennie) and David.

The family would like to thank the caring professionals at No Place Like Home, for helping Blackie to remain in his family home right up to the end of his earthly journey.

Darlene J. Yarrington

Darlene J. Yarrington, 79, of Oxford Junction, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Darlene’s life will be held 1:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2021, at South Mineral Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2021 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Darlene June Stevens was born on June 25, 1941 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Frank A. and Rosa Lea (Haefner) Stevens.  She grew up attending the Chattanooga Country School in Baldwin.  She married Elmer Ernest Hoist in Iowa.  He preceded her in death.  She later married Francis Marlin Yarrington.  He preceded her in death.

Darlene worked as a Certified Nurses Aide for many years and for several of those years she worked alongside her daughter Tammy Jo at the Anamosa Care Center.

Darlene loved music and had played the Accordion most of her life.  She also loved her doggies, horses, sitting along the river, drives around the countryside, and visiting and spending time with her children and family.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jolene Williams of Monmouth, IA, Randy (Betty) Hoist of Brighton, IA, Cindy Rickels of Wyoming, IA, Mike Yarrington of Maquoketa, IA, Roger Yarrington of Maquoketa, IA, and Tammy Jo Steffen of Dubuque, IA; a brother Darrell (Marianna) Stevens of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, and Bonnie Mielk of Clinton, IA; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer and her husband Francis, a daughter Sheryl Hartwig, a grandson Justin Forde, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Darlene June Yarrington memorial fund has been established.

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

Yvonne L. Jorgensen

Yvonne L. Jorgensen, age 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on January 25, 2021, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.  To honor Yvonne’s life, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.  Burial will be in the Asbury Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Yvonne’s family.

Yvonne was born on January 9, 1937, in Delavan, Minnesota, a daughter to Theodore and Mildred (Ziemer) Schnittger.  Yvonne was first and foremost an amazing wife and mother.  She had faithfully and diligently devoted her years to loving and nurturing her family through each and every day and her skills in the kitchen will continue to bring a smile to the faces of all who were blessed to be able to enjoy her talents over the years.  She did spend a few years working outside of the home in the medical field as well, both in Minnesota and Dubuque.  Over 6 years with Dr. Bird’s office in Kiester, Minnesota, before Marlin was transferred to Dubuque with Interstate Power in 1982.  The family now settled into their new home on Valentine Drive and it didn’t take long for Yvonne to make many new friends at Dubuque Internal Medicine, where she worked in the coding department for over 16 years before she eventually retired.  Yvonne had always enjoyed traveling whenever possible, and especially appreciated the opportunity for her and Marlin to winter in Ormond Beach, Florida, for over 15 years.  Yvonne was a gentle, kind, and tender soul who always embraced all that was good in the world around her.  We will surely miss her loving spirit moving forward, but trust that the Lord will keep her safe in His loving arms until we meet again.  Thank you, Yvonne, for being the salt and light in so many lives and know that we will treasure every memory you leave behind as we patiently seek healing from your loss.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Yvonne include,

her loving husband of 63 years,
Marlin Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa;

her 3 children,
Don M. (Jody) Jorgensen, Davenport, Iowa,
Dean L. (Debra) Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Doyle T. (Jean Paisley) Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa;

her 4 adored grandchildren,
Lisa Galle, Missy Galle, Alina Davis and Cassandra Foley;

her 7 great-grandchildren,
Jacob Galle, Scott Davis,, Justin Breitbach, Tredyn Davis, Teegan Davis, Elisabeth Steil, and Elyse Steil,

her great-great grandson,
Apollo Breitbach;

her brother,
Glen (Joni) Schnittger, Owatonna Minnesota;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Darin F. Jorgensen; and her brother, Darwin (Homerene) Schnittger.

Yvonne’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Yvonne, and her family.

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