Obituaries Archive

Louella F. Schlapia

Louella F. Schlapia, 90, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, August 6, 2021, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Louella’s life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Friday, August 13, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11:30 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Louella Faye Schnoor was born on January 10, 1931 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Louis Hans and Martha Marie (Sumtumn) Schnoor.  She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School and then received her teaching certificate from a college in Maryville, Missouri.  She married Lowell Schlapia on August 24, 1950 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Debbie and Gary.

Louella had taught school in Missouri prior to her marriage.  She then raised a family and worked as a saleslady selling specialty advertising for Impact Sales in Cedar Rapids for over 40 years.  She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and had served on the Eminent Domain Commission.

Louella loved music and enjoyed cooking, playing cards and entertaining guests in her home.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Debbie (Bill) Roethler of Davenport, IA, and Gary Schlapia of Maquoketa, IA; 3 grandchildren, Jason (Eileen) Roethler of Bettendorf, IA, Shelbe (Chris) Krogman of Maquoketa, IA, and Matthew (Dawn) Schlapia of Moline, IL; 4 great-grandchildren, Brendan and Siena Roethler, and Avery and Riley Schlapia; a sister, Fern Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lowell on October 12, 1972, 4 brothers and 1 sister.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Louella F. Schlapia memorial fund has been established.

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

Deloris E. Jacobsen Newell

Deloris E. Jacobsen Newell, 88, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Deloris Elaine Weets was born on July 13, 1933 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Martin and Helen (DeMoss) Weets.  She was a 1952 graduate of Elwood High School.  She married Virgil Jacobsen on June 8, 1952 in Jackson County, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Janice, Dan and Carla.  Virgil preceded her in death on November 24, 1977.  On September 27, 1980, she married William C. Newell in Dubuque, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on November 13, 2000.

Deloris was a farmwife and raised a family.  She loved volunteering at the Dubuque Library and at Maquoketa Care Center.  Additionally, she enjoyed gardening and playing cards, especially EUCHRE.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Janice (Steve) Ales of Lexington, KY, Dan (Wendy) Jacobsen of Delmar, IA, and Carla (Eric) Eganhouse of Wyoming, IA; 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Marvin Weets of Sabula, IA; and sisters, Sharon Kreutner of Shellsburg, IA, and Kaye (Bill) West of Walcott, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Virgil and husband William, a brother Stanley Weets, and sisters Marlana Steiner and Betty Mott.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.

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

Ora C. Schmidt

Ora C. (Miller) Schmidt, age 92, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:00 a.m., on Friday, August 6, 2021, peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side.  To celebrate Ora’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 7:00 p.m.  To honor Ora’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ora was born on July 28, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Elmer and Elsie (Vogt) Miller.

Ora was born and raised in Dubuque where she graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy.  She met her husband, Melvin Schmidt, when she was 11 years old at the ice skating rink, and the two would develop a wonderful friendship that lead to marriage on June 18, 1949, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  They were truly inseparable and would enjoy 68 ½ years as a married couple before Melvin sadly passed away on February 16, 2018.  On their 60th anniversary they renewed their vows with almost all of the family present.  Ora was always a hard worker.  She was employed with Montgomery Wards, JC Penney and retired from Rite Hite, along with raising her family of 9 and running the household.  Ora and Melvin always made time for each other and loved to go dancing regularly and spend time with their friends.  Ora enjoyed spending time on the river on their cruiser, “Schmidty’s Full House”.   She also loved being on the open road in one of the 11 brand new Winnebago campers they bought right off the assembly line.  She and Melvin always had their kids in tow, as well as other children who without their generosity would not have had the opportunity to travel.  Together they traveled to all 50 states and after their retirement they wintered in Yuma, Arizona for 25 years.  Ora also enjoyed reading books, listening to big band music, birds, gardening, tending to her flowers, cooking huge meals, playing Euchre with her friends, and time spent with her special puppy Isabelle.  She loved spending as much time as she could with her family and always surrounded herself with children.  Ora also served as a Girl Scout Leader for several years.  She was the matriarch of their huge clan and everyone looked up to her for her wisdom and leadership.  She was also a long time member of Holy Trinity Church.  She prayed for all of her family and drew on strength from her faith when challenges came her way.  Ora always knew how to have fun and laugh.  Holidays and traditions were important and always her favorite time to pack the house full.  She would spend days preparing food for these events.  We are heartbroken at losing our wonderful Ora here on Earth with us.  Ora was truly one of a kind, she always had a smile and was such a sweet, gentle soul.  She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years.  We know that her work here is now done and she is resting peacefully with Melvin and all of her loved ones.

Those left to cherish Ora’s memory include

her 8 children,
Terry (Sandi) Schmidt, Apple River, IL,
Deborah (Mike) Hoppmann, Dubuque, IA,
Tim (Barb) Schmidt, Dubuque, IA,
Vickie Parsons, Dubuque, IA,
Ron (Sheri) Schmidt, Epworth, IA,
Paul (Martha) Schmidt, Epworth, IA,
Sandy (Bob) Hunt, Bellevue, IA
and Lora (Todd) Perkins, Peosta, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Liane Schmidt, Dubuque, IA;

26 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 1 more on the way; 1 great-great-grandson;

and her siblings,
Shirley Welter, Peosta, IA
and Bruce (Bonnie) Miller, Fort Wayne, IN.

Ora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin Schmidt; a son, Michael Schmidt; a grandson, Justin Schmidt; a great-grandson, Christian Lyons; and several in-laws.

Ora’s family would like to thank the staff of Sunset Park Place, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the care they have provided for Ora and her family.  Also a special thanks to Martha, granddaughter, Alysia, and her very special daughter, Lora, who took care of her every single day and held her hand until the very end.

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

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

Meryl J. Fields, Jr.

Meryl J. Fields, Jr., 84, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday evening, August 6, 2021, at his home. 

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 W Pleasant St, Maquoketa.  A graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, August 13, 2021, at Smithtown Cemetery, rural Lost Nation, Iowa.

Military rites will be accorded.  Meryl J. Fields Jr. was born on April 24, 1937 in Clinton County, Iowa, to Meryl J. Fields Sr. and Eleanor (Starr) Fields.  He grew up in the Lost Nation area and was a 1955 graduate of Oxford Junction High School.  He married Sandra Techau on December 26, 1957 in Oxford Junction, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Jess, Douglas and Andrew.

Meryl had worked at Clinton Engines for a short time prior to serving his country in the U.S. Army as an electronics instructor.  Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home and worked for nine years at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids as an electronic technician.  He then farmed and became a rural mail carrier working in the Lost Nation area for many years.

Meryl had served as the President of the Smithtown Cemetery Association for many years.  He enjoyed Polka music and dancing, eating out at Gwen’s in Lisbon, and going to flea markets with Sandra.  He especially enjoyed gatherings in the family timber and spending time with his grandchildren and family.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sandra Fields of Lost Nation, IA; children, Jess (Kathy) Fields of Washington, IA, Douglas (Peg) Fields of Pointblank, TX, and Andrew (Carol) Fields of Solon, IA; 5 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson; a brother Allen (Sue) Fields of Davenport, IA; and sisters, Karen (Roger) Griffin of Sugar Grove, IL, and Sondra Cantrell of Lisbon, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Margaret, brothers Bill and Greg, and a grandson Quinn Fields.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Lost Nation Food Bank or the Smithtown Cemetery Association.

The family would like to especially thank Mercy Hospice of Cedar Rapids for all the care given to Meryl.  A special thank you is given to Meryl’s children and families for all their care and support during his illness.

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

Steven P. Edwards

Steven P. “Steve” Edwards, 55, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Streets Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  There is no public visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Steven Paul Edwards was born on March 30, 1966 in Manchester, Iowa, to Norman and Georgia Anne (Ellison) Edwards.  He grew up in rural Maquoketa.  He married Susan Krolick on December 16, 1992 in Jackson County, Iowa.

“Steve” had farmed for many years and had also worked at United Livestock Sales in Maquoketa and the Cascade Sale Barn.  He and his wife Susan had also owned a custom fencing business for many years.  He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, fishing and hunting.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Susan Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; children, Billy Joe Edwards of Maquoketa, IA, Katie Edwards of Spragueville, IA, Lisa Edwards of Maquoketa, IA, and Mary Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren; his father, Norman Edwards of Lynd, MN; siblings, Sue (Jeff) Victor of Lynd, MN, Roxanne (Mark) Hopp of Farmington, MN, and Ronnie (Linda) McCalment of Northfield, MN.  He was preceded in death by his mother, children Sara Ann and Ellien Kay, a grandson Joseph Paul, and a sister Becky McCalment.

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

Claire Hermanson

Claire Hermanson passed away on August 5, 2021 at the age of 86.

Claire was a Master Gardener and a member of the board of directors at the Dubuque Arboretum. In 1997, she received the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for her many years of service. Claire (Clarissa) has a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Iowa State University and was employed as a teacher in the Illinois public schools and locally as a home economist. In addition to gardening, Claire loved to swim, golf, and was an accomplished pianist.

Claire is survived by her sister, Alicia Davison of Rockford, Illinois, her three children–Susan Hermanson of Berkeley California, Kim Hermanson of Berkeley, California, and Jeff Hermanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa and by her two grandchildren–Megan Hermanson and Lily Hermanson, both of Cedar Falls.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Hermanson and her parents: Bertram Borrud and Lila Valborgh Borrud.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for Monday August 9th at 11 am at the Dubuque Arboretum. Anyone who knew Claire is invited to attend. Donations for Claire can be made directly to the Dubuque Arboretum.

Delbert L. Jordan

Delbert “Bud” L. Jordan, 98, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center.

Private services will be held at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Bud was born February 19, 1923 in Mount Pleasant, IA, the son of Cyril W. and Ettna A. (Anderson) Jordan-Dann. He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army 13^th Airborne Division, from 1943-1946. During his service, Bud was in the Battle of the Bulge, and earned two Bronze Stars.

Bud married Patricia Williams in 1949 in Elwood, IN. She preceded him in death on June 11, 2000.

After living in Mount Pleasant, Columbus Junction, and Humboldt, IA, Bud and Patricia moved to Dubuque in 1960. He was employed at Sears from 1964-1977, and then at Weber Paper Company from 1977 until his retirement in 1999.

Bud was a member of the American Legion Post #6, the V.F.W., and Disabled Veterans. He was also a member of Grandview Avenue Methodist Church.

He was an avid Cubs and White Sox fan. Bud loved getting meals to go from KFC, where he enjoyed visiting with Tammy.

Bud is survived by three children, Mark (Pam) Jordan and Dianne (Mike) Glanz, both of Dubuque, and Michael (Marianne) Jordan of Jacksonville, FL; seven grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert Jordan; and his sister, Louise (Stace) Klopfenstein.

Special thanks to Sally and Keith Bickel, and all the neighbors, for being there for Bud.

Lorrayne A. Smith

Lorrayne Adele Smith, 99, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Private family services for Lorrayne will be held 12:00 PM Sunday, August 8, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road with Alice Noethe officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa.

Lorrayne was born February 1, 1922, in Dubuque, the daughter of Albert and Genevive Allen Marty. On June 6, 1942, she married her first husband, Edwin J. Koerperick in Dubuque. He died February 4, 1970. On October 2, 1976, she married Robert W. Smith at the Grandview Methodist Church in Dubuque. He died January 14, 2006.

She was a member of the Dubuque Historical Society, Audubon Society, St. Columbkille Rosary Society, St. Columbkille prayer chain, and St. Veronica’s Mother Club.

Survivors include her children, Diane Gleason of Woodstock, IL, Joanne (Tim) Schilling of Cedar Rapids, IA, David (Jill) Koerperick of Scottsdale, AZ, and Richard (Mary) Koerperick of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Darin (Cindy) Gleason, Shane Gleason, Jonathan (Kristi) Koerperick, Melissa (Dan) Morlan, Jeff (Denise) Koerperick, Ed (Tabby) Koerperick, Jim Koerperick, Ryan Schilling, and Cathy (Casey) Muller; 16 great-grandchildren; one half-brother, Jerry (Genevieve) Marty of Seguim, WA; and  two half-sisters, Joan (William) Elliott of Indianola, IA and Janice (Dennis) Lange of Muscatine, IA.

Besides her husbands, she is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Terry Gleason.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

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

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

Dennis O’Meara

Sister Margaret M. Kasper, BVM

Sister Margaret M. Kasper, BVM (Martha Ann), 91, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.

Private funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through livestream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Sister Margaret ministered as an elementary teacher at St. Peter in Clermont, Iowa.  She also taught in Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago, Round Lake and Grayslake, Ill.; and was an elementary teacher and principal in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Lead, S.D.; and Denver.  She served as the manager and executive director for an independent living retirement community, a pastoral associate at a Catholic parish, and the director of volunteers and services for outreach programs to the poor, all in Denver.

She was born on Feb. 4, 1930, in Mills, Wyo., to Joseph and Martha (Congleton) Kasper. She entered the BVM congregation Feb. 2, 1948, from St. Anthony, Casper, Wyo. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Lois Tollennar, Joan Hardin, Mary Price, and twin Catherine Brunel; and brothers Joseph, George, Michael, Dick and David Kasper.  She is survived by a sister Patricia Cheney, Casper, Wyo.; brothers John “Jack” Kasper, Grand Junction, Colo.; and Thomas Kasper, Riverton, Wyo.; sister-in-law Carol Kasper, Cheyenne, Wyo.; nieces; nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy 35N, East Dubuque, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Marilyn Hentges

Marilyn (McDermott) Hentges, 84, formerly of Dyersville, died on April 23, 2020, at Bethesda Hawthorne Place in St. Louis, Missouri.

A private memorial service for immediate family was held on May 2, 2020, in St. Louis, MO.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 Saturday, August 14, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville where the family will begin greeting relatives and friends at 9:00 am.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  After the burial, the family is hosting an open house at the Century Haus, 327 1^st Ave West in Dyersville.

Beloved wife of 58 years to the late Elmer Hentges, mother of Bill (Beverly) Hentges and Bruce (Catherine) Hentges.  Grandmother of Zachary, Sarah (Loran) Pinna, Matthew Hentges, Nicole and Peter Hentges, dear sister of Kathey (Dick) Brown and Mary (Tim) Showalter, and a sister-in-law, Mary Kathryn (Hentges) Beckmann.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Elmer in 2014, parents, Harold and Bertha (Burns) McDermott, a brother, Delbert (Barbara) McDermott, and in-laws: John “Luke” Beckmann and Alice (William) Hurlbutt.

Marilyn was born in Dubuque, IA on July 12, 1935, and was a proud graduate of Academy of the Visitation.  She later graduated from St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL as an X-ray technician.  She was a long time active member in the Dyersville community and St. Francis Xavier Basilica parish.  Marilyn enjoyed daily walks, yardwork, entertaining, golf, travel, cooking, Lawrence Welk music and playing bridge with friends.  She moved to St. Louis, Missouri in December 2017, to be closer to her two sons and families.

Please leave online condolences for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home at 750 12^th Ave SW Dyersville, IA 52040.  Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

Clarence Kennicker

Clarence Kennicker, 86, of Holy Cross, died Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, August 6, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Clarence will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville with Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. 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.

Clarence was born September 14, 1934, in North Buena Vista, IA, the son of Alfred and Bernadette Riniker Kennicker. On July 25, 1970, he married Florence Selena Leick at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Korea after the conflict.

He worked on the Kennicker Family Farm and for John Deere Dubuque Works as a Department Supervisor where he retired from in 1986.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville. His hobbies included working on his farm, cutting wood, checking the neighborhood fences with his Mule SxS, and fishing with his brothers and nephews. Most of all, he cherished time with his family. His friends and family knew him by his nickname, “Cheese”, and “Grandpa Cheese” by his youngest granddaughter.

Survivors include his wife, Florence; one son, Jeff Kennicker of West Des Moines; one daughter-in-law, Darlene “Dar” (Clay) Bolsinger; three grandchildren, Keisha (Kevin) Mueller of Dubuque, Nathaniel (Fiancé Baylee Hoerner) Kennicker of Holy Cross, and Jaida Bolsinger of Rickardsville; two brothers, Gerald (Karen) Kennicker of Guttenberg, IA, and LeRoy (Dorothy) Kennicker of Holy Cross, IA; one sister, Mary (Melvin) Barth of Durango, IA; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Crews and Eileen Merfeld, both of Dubuque, Ruth Leick of Luxemburg, IA, and Betty Leick of Epworth, IA; one brother-in-law, Arnie (Vicky) Leick of Des Moines, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Kennicker, his parents, five brothers, Edward, Raymond, Lawrence, Leon, and Frank Kennicker, three sisters, Stella Bertjens, Marita Etter, and Teresa Hefel, eight sisters-in-law, Eunice, Irma, and Kathryn Kennicker, Marina Hess, Rosemary Tharp, Irma Schrobilgen, Lucille Stoffel, and Dorothy Ellerbach, ten brothers-in-law, Joseph Bertjens, Samuel Etter, and Robert Hefel, Merlin and Leonard Leick, Irvin Stoffel, Jack Hess, Richard Tharp, Ernie Ellerbach, and Melvin Schrobilgen.

The family wishes to thank Finley HomeCare, especially Traci Sweeney, for her special care of Clarence.

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

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

William R. Hottenstein

William R. “Bill” Hottenstein, age 66, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 6, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.  To honor Bill’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021, from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m., at the Blackhawk Pavilion in the Galena Recreation Park, 1721 Field Street in Galena, IL.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bill’s family.

Bill was born on December 27, 1954, in Galena, Illinois, a son to Henry and Evelyn (Reyner) Hottenstein.  Bill was raised to value the efforts it would take to live a fruitful and productive life.  He was a proud graduate of the Galena High School, Class of ‘74, and was as determined on the wrestling mat as he would be throughout the rest of his life.  His strong work ethic was undeniable as Bill was only late one time in his career with Eagle Window & Door, and that was only due to a mechanical failure on his Harley.  Bill loved his numerous dogs, fishing, hunting, camping, and simply enjoyed the fellowship with family and friends over a good steak whenever possible.  He was an honest and generous man who could easily relax with a little Rock-n-Roll playing in the background, as well as he could if the 3 Stooges, or Looney Tunes were on the tube.  Sadly, the Bears and Cubs have lost one of their biggest fans, but we trust that he’ll be cheering them on from the best seats in the house now.  Although Bill did not have children of his own, he is remembered fondly as the “cool” uncle who always made time for his nieces and nephews.  We will miss Bill from the bottom of our hearts and can only hope that the abundance of wonderful memories he leaves behind will bring us some comfort until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bill include,

his brothers,
Thomas (Ina) Hottenstein, Davenport, IA,
and Richard (Beth) Hottenstein, Miles, IA;

his nieces and nephews,
Troy Hottenstein, Grants Pass, OR,
Lori Hottenstein, East Dubuque, IL,
Jeanne (Jerry) Theisen, Dubuque, IA,
Harlan (Liz) Hottenstein, Wilson, WY,
Andy Hottenstein, Dubuque, IA,
Brian Hottenstein,
Jennifer (Kurt) Kritz, Peosta, IA,
and Jodi Gonyou, San Antonio, TX;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Henry F. Hottenstein, Jr., and Robert W. Hottenstein, in infancy.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at ManorCare for all of their professional and compassionate care. Also, special mention to his daytime nurses, Rosa and LuAnn, for treating him as both friend and family.

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

Roger T. Johnson

Mavis Merfeld

Mavis “Mazie” Merfeld, 83, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 3:10 a.m. Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Trinity Hospital, Rock Island, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday at the Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Mazie was born on January 18, 1938 near Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Vincent and Genevieve (McKillip) Chadwick.  She was a graduate of Southwestern High School in Hazel Green. On September 6, 1958 she was united in marriage to Orland M. Merfeld, Sr.  He preceded her in death on May 2, 2013.

Mazie was a well-known community seamstress. “She touched a lot of inseams in her life”. Mazie enjoyed going to the Casinos and her morning coffee with the guys at R’s Place.

Surviving are four children, David (Joyce) Merfeld, Marcie (Steve) High, Orland Merfeld, Jr., all of East Dubuque, and Donald (Joni) Merfeld of Dubuque, IA; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and a sister, Mary Legler of East Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Genevieve; her husband Orland Merfeld, Sr; a daughter, Mary Jo Dalen, a son-in-law, Mark Dalen, a great-granddaughter, Madelyn Mae Schauer and a brother, Loren (Peg) Chadwick.

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