Obituaries Archive

Esther F. Santillo

Esther F. Santillo, 98, of Dubuque died Saturday, April 17, 2021. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Friday at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, masks will be required. The service will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Esther was born March 15, 1923 in the family home in Comstock, WI, the daughter of Michael and Margarita (Ricci) DeGidio.

On June 9, 1945 she married Samuel “Sam” Santillo in Cumberland, Wisconsin. She and Sam moved from Minneapolis, Minn. to Dubuque in 1955 so Sam could set up the Flexsteel spring division. Sam preceded her in death on Oct 27, 1985.

Esther was a very active member of St. Columbkille’s church for over 65 years. She helped with the lunch program, baked and cooked for funeral dinners, was in the pen pal program with the school, visited the sick, was a den mother, and was a member of the Rosary Society.

Esther stayed home to raise her family and loved to cook, bake and garden.

She is survived by three children, Rita A. (Joseph) Snyder of Palatine, Ill., Michael A. (Anita) Santillo of Dubuque, and Regina M. (Greg) Meister of San Diego, Calf.; five grandchildren, Vincent (Gloria) Snyder of Garrison, Iowa, Bridget (Paul) Joppa of Hopkins, Minn., Giovanna M. Santillo of Brooklyn, NY, Nicholas Santillo of Dubuque and Sarah Meister of Chicago, Ill.; and five great grandchildren, Alex and Ben Joppa, and Gianna, Jocelyn and Johanna Snyder.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and her 11 siblings.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Esther Santillo Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital and the staff at Eagle Point Place for their love and care.

Cindy K. Reding

Cindy Kay Reding, 62, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, April 24, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Karen Candee will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Centralia. Masks are required at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Cindy was born January 23, 1959 in Dubuque, the daughter of Robert and Shirley (Koeneke) Mills. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1977.

Cindy was employed at Metrix Company for 22 years.

Cindy enjoyed camping at Leisure Lake, having a cold beer, and listening to country music. She was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cubs (but not the Cardinals!). She was a meticulous housekeeper, and put more miles on her vacuum cleaner than most people put on their vehicles. Cindy loved spending time with Tito, her Bassett Hound puppy, and especially her grandchildren.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Chris Reding, of Dubuque; her sons, Eric (Valerie) Key, of Marion, IA, and Cory (Lacy) Reding, of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Ryan, Jackson, Clayton, Brooklyn, and Preston; her mother, Shirley Mills, of Dubuque; two brothers, Steven “Reno” Mills, of Key West, IA, and Randy (Gayla) Mills of Dubuque; her brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary Jean) Reding, of Dubuque, Tom (Colleen) Reding of Mount Vernon, IA, and John Reding Jr., of Dubuque; her sister-in-law, Jennifer (Don) Bloomquist, of Goodlettsville, TN; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert; and her parents-in-law, John and Barbara Reding.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Thomas E. McArdle, Sr.

Thomas E. McArdle, Sr., 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly on Friday April 16, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 23rd, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a sharing time will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date.

He was born on April 17, 1956 in Cherokee, IA the son of Robert and Helen (Miles) McArdle. He served in the United States Army and on August 12, 2006 he married Kelli Kay Krepfle.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren along with his nieces, nephews and their children. He always showed so much passion for everyone involved in his life. He enjoyed his drinks and spending time with his friends.

Tom was most recently self-employed; he was never afraid of a new challenge despite having only one full arm to work with; he would take on anything and was always willing to help others.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Kelli; daughters Amanda and Tracy of Dubuque and Melissa of LA; his son Thomas Jr. of Guttenberg. Three sisters Sharon Callaghan, Doris (Lawrence) Puccio and Sally (Rick) Lang all of Dubuque; his brother James (Amy) Sargent, of Dubuque and brother-in-law Richard Schmitt of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather; his sister Judy Schmitt and brother-in-law Mike Callaghan.

Ramona Stubbs

Ramona Stubbs died peacefully at Stonehill Health Center last year on Monday, April 6, 2020. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

She was born June 16, 1939 in Blue Earth, MN, the oldest child of Russel and Mary Kissel. Mona grew up in Osage, Iowa and attended Osage High School. She was united in marriage to Harry Stubbs on February 8, 1958. From this union came two sons, Anthony Stubbs (Renee Jedlicka) of Dubuque, Iowa and Paul Stubbs, (Jessica) of Bettendorf, IA.

After graduating from cosmetology training, she opened Mona’s Beauty Salon in 1961. She was in business for 39 years, at first from her home on North Grandview and then for nearly 30 years in the Dubuque Building. She then worked part-time as a hair stylist at Stonehill Adult Day Care and until 2017 at Stonehill Health Center’s Salon, capping off 56 years as a stylist.

Mona was a hard worker, but she always celebrated in the time with her grandchildren, (Jake and Maddie Stubbs, Cale and Ellie Stubbs). She would order a carry out pizza and watch movies with them. Mona enjoyed her escapes to visit her sisters and cut everyone’s hair. She had so many good friends and loyal customers that brought her happiness, along with her Boston Terriers.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish for nearly 60 years and Catholic Daughters. Mona found comfort in going to mass daily when she was living at Stonehill. Her family is forever grateful for the care given to her by the staff at Stonehill Health Center.

Mona is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and five sisters: Rosalie Campbell, (Mason City), Mary Burke, (Cedar Falls), Susan Grant, (Charles City), Veronica Newton, (Staceyville, IA) and Ann Hart, (Memphis TN).

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Harry in 2000.

Memorials may be given on her behalf to the Dubuque Humane Society.

Marilyn Soderberg Deegan

Marilyn Deegan, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, April 12, 2021, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa. A private family visitation was held and cremation has taken place, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 3 P.M., Saturday, September 4, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa. A rowdy gathering of family and friends and time of fellowship and music will be held immediately following the celebration of life service at the Maquoketa Art Experience in Maquoketa, from 5 to 9 P.M. The family asks you to bring a new or gently used Children’s book for donation to Cardinal Elementary School.

Marilyn was an Iowa girl who happened to be raised in Colorado. Born to Margery and Edward Soderberg on November 19, 1944, Marilyn grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She was a graduate of Lakewood High School. She attended teachers’ college in Greeley at Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado. In June of 1969, Marilyn married Robert Deegan and relocated to Fort Collins, where Marilyn continued to teach while Rob completed his degree in Veterinary Medicine. Both daughters, Anne-Marie and Lynn, were born in Fort Collins.

With her young family, Marilyn moved to Maquoketa, Iowa; the town that would become home for the remainder of her life, with the exception of several years in New Zealand. She was very involved in the life of her community, which included the Maquoketa United Church of Christ, Cardinal Elementary School, the Jackson County Historical Society, and the Maquoketa Art Experience.

Marilyn enjoyed meaningful friendships in her community and is universally described as friendly, chatty and kind. She sang in the church choir, was a librarian’s aide at the elementary school and volunteered at the Maquoketa Community Services Resale Shop. She met friends for coffee or luncheon at every opportunity. But closest to her heart, was giving. Marilyn was generous with her earthly treasures and quietly supported the needs of others, as her way of living out the Gospel.

Those left to honor her memory include daughters, Anne-Marie (Jason) Gephart of Donahue, IA, and Lynn Margaret Deegan (Michael Smith) of Lakewood, CO; 4 grandchildren, Grace, Lorelei, Wyatt, and PK; a brother, Wayne (Chrisette) Soderberg of Littleton, CO and a brother-in-law James (Truc) Deegan of Iowa City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Deegan and her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Maquoketa Art Experience (https://maquoketa-art.org/dontations/), Hospice of Jackson County (http://www.jchospice.org/support-us/), the Jackson County Historical Society (1212 E. Quarry St. Maquoketa, IA 52060) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

William J. Huss

William J. “Bill” Huss, 85, of Dubuque, IA went home to God on April 19, 2021.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 22nd at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Bill was born on January 9, 1936 at his home in Dubuque, IA during a blizzard and ice storm; the son of Arthur and Marie (Hartman) Huss. He graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1954; he excelled in numerous sports including football and basketball. He attended Loras College on a basketball scholarship.

Bill married the love of his life Joyce F. “Joy” Pusateri on November 8, 1958 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

His community service included being a proud member of the Iowa Army National Guard, along with officiating for city, high school and college football and basketball games. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Notre Dame fan.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family; his twelve grandchildren were very special to him. He will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; they were blessed with five children; Gina (Kevin) Danner, of Asbury, Steve (Joanne) Huss, of Dubuque, Todd (Kim) Huss, of Sarasota, FL, Sharon (Kelly) Myers, of Dubuque and Cara (Jim) Marek, of Cedar Rapids. Twelve grandchildren, Ashley (Christoph) Esch, Alyssa (Jason) Leutzinger, Ali Danner, Daniel (Kara) Huss, Brian (Michelle) Huss, Christopher (Stacy) Huss, Kaitlyn Huss, Mitchell Huss, Nick Huss, Zach (Fiancé Sarah) Myers, Chelsea Myers, Erica Marek and nine great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law Judith Flanagan, of Ackley, IA, Jeanne (Wayne) Schrobilgen, of Dubuque and Andrea Schwegman, of Davenport; brother-in-law Jeff Pusateri, of Florida along with many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Gina Danner; his mother and father; a brother Donald (Ruth) Huss, his sister Donna Jean (Lavern) Mueller; his in-laws Frank and Ann Pusateri; brother-in-law Mike Pusateri and many lifelong friends.

The family would like to thank the health care professionals and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Bill and his family.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Columbkille Church.

Betty J. Pfiffner

Betty Jean Pfiffner, 87, of Dubuque, died Monday, April 19, 2021, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque, exactly five years after her husband.

A private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. We encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Betty’s family.

Betty was born December 22, 1933, in Millville, IA, the daughter of Russell and Ada (Kenyon) Tomkins. On September 16, 1953, she married George R. Pfiffner in Dubuque. He passed away on April 19, 2016.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

Betty worked at the former CARADCO for nine years and was a waitress at various restaurants including the Dodge House, retiring in 1996.

Survivors include three daughters, Lyndeen “Dino” Welbes, Kimberly Pfiffner, and Pamela (Kevin) Fagan, all of Dubuque; grandchildren, Carrie Schreyer and Trisha Fagan, seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Garth (Jane) Tomkins of Dubuque and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Williams of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, Mark Anthony; two grandchildren, Jim Welbes and Stephanie Pfiffner; one grandson-in-law, Chris Schreyer; one brother, Robert Tomkins; a son-in-law, Joseph Welbes; a brother-in-law, Cletus and sister-in-law, Delores “Tootie” Rogers.

Special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Bethany Home for the wonderful care given to Betty.

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

Diane Peacock

Diane “Sue” Peacock, 67, of Dubuque, died Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City after a brief illness.

A visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, Friday, April 23, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Diane’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Diane will be 11:00 am, Friday, April 23, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Diane was born December 5, 1953, in Dubuque, the daughter of Francis and Rosemary (Freiberger) Ellerbach. On October 4, 1975, she married Robert Ivan “Bob” Peacock in St. Anthony Catholic Church. He passed away on December 5, 2015.

Diane graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1972 and went on to work for A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing as a Credit Manager for 40 years, retiring in 2012.

She enjoyed traveling monthly and attending country concerts with Bob until his death. Diane also enjoyed golfing at Thunder Hills Country Club, landscaping, volunteering at Unity Point-Finley, hosting Thanksgiving dinner every year and spending the winters in Hilton Head, SC. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan. Family was everything to Diane. She was known as “Aunt Sue” by her nieces and nephews, and her grandson, Owen, was her pride and joy.

Survivors include one son, Clint (Emily) Peacock of Watkinsville, GA; grandson, Owen Peacock of Watkinsville, GA; two sisters, Linda (Steve) Palmer of Dubuque and Deb (Bob) Didesch of Asbury; one brother, Lyle (John Vasquez) Ellerbach of Dallas, TX; one niece, Katie (Joe) Welter; two nephews, Matt (Stephanie) Palmer and Adam (Ashley) Didesch; one sister-in-law, Carol (Henry) Thatcher of Poinciana, FL; seven great-nephews and a special friend, Al.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob and her parents.

Memorials can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Diane’s name.

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

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

David J. Peters

David J. “Dave” Peters, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday afternoon, April 16, 2021, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Dave’s life will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the home of his daughter, Patty Peters, 215 South 2nd Street, Maquoketa. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be at a later date at Clinton Lawn Cemetery, Clinton, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the gathering.

David John Peters was born on July 19, 1944 in DeWitt, Iowa, to John Henry and Mary Bernice (Beil) Peters. He was a graduate of DeWitt High School and received his ASE Certification as a Mechanic. He married Marcia Louise Bloomfield on July 3, 1978 in Iowa.

Dave had first worked for V.J. New in Davenport as a certified mechanic for many years. He then drove truck for Campbell Trucking in Maquoketa, and most recently worked for KDL computers in Maquoketa repairing and rebuilding computers.

Dave was crazy about his electric trains, John Deere Tractor collection, and Ham Radio and CB Radios. He loved working on and rebuilding computers and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and even his four-legged furry ones!

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Larry (Mary McClure) Peters of Green Forest, AR, Kevin Simon of Corning, IA, Patty (Terry Specht) Peters of Maquoketa, IA, and John (Chris Buisck) of Corydon, IA; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Patricia Fink and JoAnn Klever.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a David J. “Dave” Peters memorial fund has been established.

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

Mary A. Wienen

Mary A. Wienen, 99, of Galena, IL passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community.  Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a drive-through gathering for Mary will be held from 5 to 7 PM, Thursday, April 22, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The family requests you remain in your vehicle, and they will greet you at the front of the building under the portico. A private family funeral mass will be held, Friday, April 23, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

She was born December 30, 1921, in Galena the daughter of Albert and Helena (Schnerre) Oldenburg. Mary was united in marriage Harold E. Wienen on July 20, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church, Alton, IL, and he preceded her in death on August 11, 2003.  She spent most of her life in Galena. She attended St Mary’s grade school and graduated from Galena High School, class of 1940. After high school Mary went to California with her sister and worked in an office for an oil company. She returned to Galena where she worked for Dr. Harney, at her brother Bob’s grocery store, at Leo’s grocery store and for a short time at the Whirl n Skip factory.

Mary was a woman of tremendous faith and was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Church in Galena. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and the Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteer work at many places, including the church; food pantry and Galena-Stauss Senior Healthcare Community and Nursing Home, Hospice, and many other organizations.

She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was “grandma” to many more than just her biological grandkids and was known for her open door, welcoming words, and chocolate chip cookies, which were always on hand. (She once tried to pass off store bought cookies and that just did not cut it with the neighborhood kids!) Mary made everything special – whether it was holidays, dinners, handmade Raggedy Ann dolls, homemade doll clothes (which always included undergarments to go along with the dresses), refinished antique gifts or time spent with her. She always remembered birthdays and would be the first to pick up the phone to stay in touch. She always appreciated everything done for her and did not realize how much SHE was appreciated for just being Mary.

She is survived by her son, Daniel (Cathy) Wienen and daughter-in-law, Connie Wienen, grandchildren, Pam (Steve) Ehrler; Mike (Jane) Wienen; Ben (Cassie) Wienen; Nick (Tilli) Wienen; all of Galena; Anna (Jay) Williams of Cameron, TX, and Brian (Megan) Wienen of Kirkland, WA, great-grandchildren, Cassie (Will) George; Austin (Samantha)Wills; Abbey Ehrler; Kelsi Wienen; Thomas Wienen; Brady Wienen; Millie Wienen; Lucy Wienen; Samuel Wienen and Henry Wienen, step-great-grandchildren, Brandy Dady; Kera Wills; Trevor Williams and Bailey Williams, great-great-grandchildren, Lincoln Wills; Blazi George; Penelope Wienen and Hoyt George, her sister, Doris Virtue, brothers and sisters-in-Law, Rosie Oldenburg; Merlin (Phyllis) Wienen and John (Blenda) Wienen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, James and Thomas, daughter-in-law, Lois Wienen, siblings, Albert R., Robert (Rose), Francis (Dorothy), Ambrose (Marie), Leo, Gladys (Alfred) Green; Imelda (Marty) Oleck and Antoinette (Merle Hillary) (Jim Staggs), brothers and sisters-in-law, George Virtue; Ray (Millie) Wienen, Francis (Marcella) Wienen and Dorian Wienen.

Mary wishes to thank her children, their spouses and her entire family who always cared for her with such love and compassion. She was in the nursing home for close to 4 years and the family would like to thank the staff for their love and care; especially during this pandemic. While we were on the outside visiting through the window, the staff was on the inside holding her hand, doing her hair, doing her laundry, making sure she was well taken care of, loved, and supported. We will never forget your kindness and care. Special thanks to Dr Koenigs for her compassion and care, Fr. Barch for his visits and blessings, and Terry & Elly Renner.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Maryjo A. (Sargent) Haas

Maryjo A. (Sargent) Haas, age 68, of Dubuque, passed away at 5:47 p.m., on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To celebrate Maryjo’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices. To honor Maryjo’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Maryjo was born on March 17, 1953, in Clinton, Iowa, daughter of Charles and Evelyn (Crowley) Sargent.

Maryjo grew up and attended school in Clinton before moving to Dubuque to make her permanent home. She was united in marriage to Henry R. “Hank” Haas Jr. on August 6, 1977. They would be blessed with 38 wonderful years together, and 2 sons, before Hank sadly passed away on November 8, 2015. Maryjo was a hard worker who was employed with Swiss Colony, H&R Block and Armstrongs, until her retirement in 2006. Her favorite job by far was teaching preschool with Holy Ghost School and Head Start which she did for 8 years. Maryjo would happily share with others that it felt good to not have to go to work anymore, and just be able to relax and enjoy life. In her free time, Maryjo and Hank liked to travel, whether it was going to an amusement park, or heading to Wrigley Field to watch a Cubs games. She also raised Dachshunds in her free time and amassed quite the collection of “weiner dog” novelties which made her smile remembering all the little puppies she had cared for throughout the years. She also collected Budweiser Steins, and loved to check out garage sales looking for a lost treasure. Spending time with her family, no doubt, brought Maryjo the greatest joy, especially when the grandkids where involved. Maryjo was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace pain free.

Those left to cherish Maryjo’s memory include

her son and daughter-in-law,
Henry “Hank” (Jamie Koppes) Haas III, both of Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Takius and Bailey Smith;

2 sisters and a brother-in-law,
her twin sister, Patricia Sargent-Muehleip, Shullsburg, WI
and Kathleen (Keith) Williams, Mineola, Texas;

3 sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law,
Betty Jo Haas, Dubuque, IA,
Lois Frazier, Marion, IA
and Carolyn (Clint) Alftin, Payette, ID;

and a nephew,
Scott Gano, Seattle, WA.

Maryjo was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Evelyn; her husband, Henry “Hank” Haas Jr.; her son, Jason Smith; her in-laws, Henry and Violet Haas Sr.; and 2 brothers-in-law, Brett Muehleip and Paul Haas.

Maryjo’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Maryjo.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Maryjo’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Maryjo Haas Family.

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

Grace A. Daughetee

Grace A. (Gartner) Daughetee, age 78, of Dubuque, passed away at 12:30 a.m., on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Sunset Park Place. To celebrate Grace’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices. To honor Grace’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road, with Pastor Calvin Konop officiating. Grace’s service will be available via the following link, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kMfxyh_knV8Xmk0CaQztA. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Grace was born on July 19, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Louis and Clara (Schueller) Gartner.  Grace married Lyle D. Daughetee on February 4, 1961, at Holy Ghost Church.  Together they enjoyed 44 years of married life, raising 5 children and enjoying their 7 grandchildren.

She worked for the Dubuque Community School District in food service, beginning in 1973 at Kennedy Elementary and then transferring to the Central Kitchen in 1989.  She retired in 1999 after thoroughly enjoying her 26 years of service.

Grace loved to bake and cook, frequently entertaining her large family for Sunday dinners.  She was a laundry wizard, there was no stain she could not conquer.  There was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her grandkids.  She was known for her “Grammy Subs” and baked goods, each individually wrapped.  Her other hobbies included gardening while admiring the hummingbirds, conversations on the patio, and frequenting the local casinos.

Those left to cherish Grace’s memory include

her children,
Kim (Greg Nagel) Daughetee, Dubuque, IA,
Pamela Daughetee, Manchester, IA,
Lyle (Julie) Daughetee, Robins, IA,
Tom (Mary) Daughetee, Dubuque, IA
and Carla (John) Hentges, Dubuque, IA;

7 grandchildren,
Jeremy (Danielle) Daughetee, Eric (Rachel) Daughetee, Kristi Daughetee, Alex (Amanda) Hentges, Audrey (Brad) Mensen, Logan Daughetee and Aaron Daughetee;

13 great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Eugene (Jane) Gartner
and Joyce Briggs, both of Dubuque, IA;

2 sisters-in-law,
Ruthie (Dave) Jarrard and Vickie Gartner;

2 brothers-in-law,
Larry Daughetee and Richard Wagener;

and many nieces and nephews.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle Daughetee; a grandson, Zachary Zillig in infancy; her siblings, Eileen (Herb) Lukas, Donald Gartner, MaryLou Wagener and Jane Daughetee; and her in-laws, Joann and Elmer Pickel, Luella and LaVerne Pickel, Marilyn and Vincent Troy, Donna and Oakley Bandy and Walter Briggs.

Grace’s family would like to thank the Hospice of Dubuque staff for their loving and compassionate care.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Grace’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Grace Daughetee Family.

LouAnn K. Adams

LouAnn K. Adams, 49, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 12, 2021 at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, April 23, 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 Friday at the funeral home.  Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date.

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

LouAnn Kay Schnoor was born on August 11, 1971 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Garry Carl and Rita Carol (Crist) Schnoor.  She was a 1989 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.  She married Norman Keith Adams on June 8, 2008 in Sterling, Illinois.  They later divorced.

LouAnn had worked as a respiratory therapist for 10 years while living in Phoenix, Arizona and for three years while living in Illinois.  She had also lived in the Amarillo, Texas area for a short time.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Xavier Adams of Davenport, IA, and Hailey Adams of Medford, OR; her parents, Garry and Rita Schnoor of Baldwin, IA; a brother, Dave (Andrea) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a LouAnn Kay Adams memorial fund has been established.

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

Peter A. Esser

Peter (Pete) A. Esser, age 90, of Platteville, Wisconsin, completed his earthly journey on April 13, 2021, at Edenbrook of Platteville, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Peter’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is serving Peter’s family.

Pete was born on February 1, 1931, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Peter and Lucille (Wiederhold) Esser.  He grew up in Potosi and even as a child was often found exploring the Mississippi River. He developed a love of nature and wildlife, and at the same time excelled at school and sports. In 1951, Pete married his soul-mate, Mary Leeser, and he also began his tour in the Korean War with the U.S. Army, where he quickly earned the rank of sergeant.  He honorably served his country before returning home to begin his life journey with Mary faithfully at his side.  He pursued a career in Education and eventually received his Master’s degree from U.W. Madison. He served in several school districts, including one in North Bend, Oregon. He pivoted to working in industry and began his career primarily in the quality control sector for the remainder of his work life. Along the way and into retirement, he pursued his many interests and is the founder of the Wisconsin River Race in Muscoda Wisconsin which has continued for 54 years. He had an adventurous spirit and loved, to fish, hunt, travel, hike, paddle and kayak, and especially loved the West. He was on the last leg of his journey to become a pilot when a heart attack derailed this ambition. He was a master storyteller and regaled his friends and family with yarns about his misadventures and the colorful characters he knew from Potosi and met along the path of his life. He retired in Platteville, where he and Mary became part of a wonderful, caring neighborhood where everyone looks out for and helps one another. There, he joined Trout Unlimited and directed his energy toward volunteering, making significant contributions to stream restoration, and developing strong friendships along the way. During this time, he experienced the greatest joy of his life by welcoming his grandchildren into his life.

Pete was truly a Renaissance man and was a lifelong learner, and loved to read and analyze contemporary and historical books until the end of his life. He inspired his children and grandchildren – he excelled at woodworking and inspired his son to pursue this hobby and create master works, especially in the Mission style; he inspired the love of dogs, starting with his hunting beagles, that have led all his children and grandchildren to rescue and love a motley crew of castaway dogs; and he inspired in them a love of nature and the outdoors, and a commitment to environmental causes. In everything from bicycling to canoe racing, to motorcycles to intellectual pursuits, he sparked these interests in others.

He contributed meaningfully to his community in many ways – he compiled a booklet about the history of Point in Potosi and spent a summer volunteering on one of the Apostle Islands. His spirit of adventure has left a legacy of funny stories and beautiful memories for us to embrace in the difficult days ahead.  Our hearts bear a heavy weight today at the mere thought of losing Pete from our daily lives, but we trust and pray that the Lord will keep him in perfect peace until we meet again.  Thank you, Pete, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, colleague – for teaching us to enjoy every day – and may we carry your legacy of service forward with grateful hearts.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Peter include his adored bride of almost 70 years, Mary Esser, Platteville, Wisconsin; his 3 children, Cathy Esser, Galena, Illinois; Peter (Lisa) Esser, Boscobel, Wisconsin; and Sara (Tim) Hahn, Clinton, Wisconsin; his 4 grandchildren, Claire Hahn, Emma Hahn, Tess Hahn, and Thad Hahn; his siblings, Julie Esser, Potosi, Wisconsin, and Ronnie Esser, Potosi, Wisconsin; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors. Peter was preceded in death by his parents.

Peter’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Edenbrook, and St. Croix Hospice for all of their compassionate and professional care of Pete and his family.

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

Howard M. Barton

Howard M. Barton, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Wednesday evening, April 14th, 2021. Howard wishes for no services to be held at this time. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Howard was born December 5th, 1933 in Lepanto, Arkansas, to James and Minnie Barton. Upon graduating with his Master’s degree, Howard went on to pursue a passion for mental health. He later became the Executive Director of the Gannon Center in Dubuque where he retired.

On November 30th, 1962, Howard married the love of his life Marianne Barton (Trautman) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They both shared a love for traveling and spending time with family. Howard was an ardent fisherman and loved to spend most of his days on the Mississippi River. He especially loved all of his pets and spoiling his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne Barton of Dubuque, Iowa, daughter Christine Barton Jensen of Dubuque and son Vance Barton; 7 grandchildren, James (Melissa) Lehnen of Arkansas, Aaron (Abby) Lehnen of East Dubuque, IL, Alyssa Lehnen of Iowa City, IA, Anders Jensen of Dubuque, Portia Barton of Cedar Rapids, IA, Veda Barton, and Ezra Barton; 4 great grandchildren, Blake, Benson, Maxwell, and Baxter.

Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society.

The family extends special thanks to Manor Care of Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, and Mercy Hospital for taking such great care of Howard during a very difficult time.