Obituaries Archive

Rita M. Knabel

Rita M. Knabel, 99, a life-long Dubuque native, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Apartments in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private family burial service will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with Sr. Margaret Ann Kramer officiating. Due to the COVID pandemic, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

She was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Dubuque where she was active in the Rosary Society. She graduated from Senior High School in Dubuque and later worked in the cafeteria there.

Rita always enjoyed meeting people, reading books about history, playing cards (especially cribbage) and watching politics and her favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, on TV. She always enjoyed talking and laughing with people, especially when sharing wine during her many 4 P.M. “happy hours”.

She was preceded in death by her mother Celia Roediger Lange, her father John C. Lange, her husband Joseph F. Knabel, and her sister Lucille Schmalz, all of Dubuque.

Survivors include her younger siblings, including her other two sisters Betty Knabel and Phyllis Blickman of Dubuque and her three brothers: Martin, Carl (wife Mary) Lange of Dubuque and Father John Lange, who is a Maryknoll missioner in Tanzania, Africa. Survivors also include her three children, Richard (wife Sharee) Knabel of Maquoketa, Iowa, Stephen (wife Pat) Knabel of State College, PA and Carol Knabel of Conifer, CO. Rita is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Jay, Julie, Jessica, Louis, Genevieve, Samantha and Beau) and 8 great grandchildren.

She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Rita’s children would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for her excellent care.

Condolences can be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com and memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Stephen V. Reisdorf

Stephen (Steve) V. Reisdorf passed away in his home on December 6, 2020 at the age of 77 surrounded by his family.
There will be no visitation. A private family service is being held on at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Jim Goerend presiding. 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. A private burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

Born on September 26, 1943 in Madison, Wisconsin, he was the son of Raymond and Louise (Saeman) Reisdorf. Steve attended grade school at St Francis Catholic School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, high school at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin, and he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, with concentrations of Economics, Mathematics, and Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Steve also attended the International Correspondence School (Electrical Technician); Institute of Gas Technology (Natural Gas Distribution).

Steve married Kathleen A. Downey on June 1, 1968 at St Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Kathy was the center of Steve’s life, and, together, they raised, loved, and taught two children, Sara and Luke.

Steve served in the US Army Reserves, Headquarters Company, 389th Engineer Battalion, during the Vietnam Era.

Steve moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 1966 to take a job at Interstate Power Company. While at Interstate, Steve served in the capacities of Rate Analyst, Rate Engineer, Assistant Manager of the Rate Department, Executive Assistant, Director of Regulatory Proceedings, and Director of Rates until he retired in 1998. After his retirement from Interstate Power, Steve was an adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Steve also served as a member of the Board of Directors at Dubuque Savings and Loan and its successor companies, Harvest Savings Bank, Harvest Financial Corporation, and Firstar Corporation.

His community involvement included: (i) being a member of the Citizens for Accountable Government; (ii) being a member of the Dubuque Chapter of the National Management Association; (iii) serving as an advisor for the High School Company Program offered by Junior Achievement of Dubuque, Iowa, of which his students won Company of the Year; (iv) serving on the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of the Dubuque Chapter of American Red Cross; (v) being a founding Board Member of Dubuque Area Swimmin’ Hurricanes (DASH), Sara and Luke’s swim club; (vi) being a competition official for the Dubuque YMCA/YWCA and DASH swim clubs; (vii) serving in many capacities at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, including Parish Council President, a tabulator of the Sunday offerings, and designated potato pot washer during the annual Octoberfest celebration; and (viii) being elected as a member of the City of Dubuque Citizen’s Investment Oversight Commission.

Steve had a passion and love for fishing. In the spring, he loved to delicately cast flies to finnicky trout in local streams, and in the summer and fall, he loved to slam northern lake waters hunting for that elusive and toothy fish with an attitude, the muskellunge. His goal was to make sure his kids, Luke and Sara, had the opportunity and excitement to catch a muskie during his lifetime. Both of them were successful in reeling in the big fish, and both very much cherished the time on the water with their dad.

Besides fishing, Steve liked to golf with his wife, Kathy. He also enjoyed woodworking, boating, playing Euchre and Bridge, watching his alma mater, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers, taking care of his hostas, and finding ways to outsmart the raccoons and deer from wreaking havoc in his yard.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Luann Lawrence.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kathy; his two children, Sara M. Kilian (Amy Kilian) of Waconia, Minnesota, and Luke S. Reisdorf (Angi Reisdorf) of Des Moines, Iowa; his two grandchildren, Olivia L. Reisdorf (14) and Evelynn I. Reisdorf (9); his brothers, Paul Reisdorf (Diane), Daniel Reisdorf (Kris), Thomas Reisdorf; and his sister, Sr. Nancy Rae Reisdorf.

As much as Steve loved flowers, he would have preferred that you use that money to support Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52002, or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105, so that others may benefit from your generosity.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Stephen’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Edward J. Dotterweich

Edward James “Eddie” Dotterweich, 74, of Otter Creek, Iowa passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2020 at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, Otter Creek with Fr. Austin Wilker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors by the Cascade American Legion and the Iowa Army National Guard.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church. Please remember to wear your mask and practice the social distancing guidelines. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Eddie was born on December 13, 1945 in Cascade, Iowa the son of Peter and Helen (Quint) Dotterweich. The family later moved to Otter Creek where he became part of the family farming operation. He graduated from LaMotte High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967.

He loved his family and friends and enjoyed talking with them in person or on the phone. He loved farming, animals, gardening, a good Dr. Pepper, and the Chicago White Sox.  His faith was very important to him and he often watched mass on EWTN when he could not attend in person.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #528 in Cascade.

He is survived by his brother Jerry (Colleen) Dotterweich, of Otter Creek; nieces and nephews Ann (Kevin) Budde of Davenport, Susie (Ryan) Gerischer of Maquoketa, Paul (Linda) Dotterweich of Clinton, Kim Dotterweich of Maquoketa, and Peter Dotterweich of Otter Creek; great nieces and nephews Austin and Amanda Budde, Jacob, Quinton and Alex Gerischer, Seth and Brooke Dotterweich, Logen, Dalton, and Mikyla Dotterweich; a great great nephew Hades Michael Carle; an uncle Herbie Dotterweich of Cascade, and an aunt Carlyn Dotterweich of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.

Mary F. Gibbs

Mary F. Gibbs, age 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on December 6, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Mary’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on April 8, 1951, in Anamosa, Iowa, a daughter to Ivan and Ollie (Bemrose) Powers. Mary grew up surrounded by family and friends and quickly learned the value of putting others before herself. She devoted her working career to serving others as a CNA at Stonehill Care Center before eventually retiring in 2017.

Mary’s heart was kind and gentle as the day is long and she continually embraced life to the fullest. We will surely miss her joyful light shining brightly in our daily lives moving forward, but we are forever grateful for the wonderful memories she leaves behind as she now finds the peace she has been seeking. Thank you, Mary, for showing us that life is simply a journey we must all face with patience, love and determination leading the way through each and every day. We will miss you, we love you, and we can’t wait until we see your beautiful smile again one day.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her children,
Jason Gibbs, Manchester, Iowa,
and Corina (Brian) Ries, Ryan, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Caitlyn (Tyler) Sellner, Cody Gibbs, Nicholas Gibbs, Kobe Ries, Kylie Ries, and Khloe Ries;

her siblings,
RJ (Julie) Jacobson, Arroyo Grande, California,
Jeff (Christy) Jacobson, Manchester, Iowa,
and Joni (Don Merfeld) Jacobson, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan Dean Powers, Ollie Jean Bemrose and John Kahoun Jacobson; a brother, Ronnie (Tammy Stratton) Jacobson; and a sister, Rosie (Larry) Ridenour.

Mary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their compassionate care and support.

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

Jerod D. Hubanks

Jerod Douglas Hubanks, 19, of Sherrill, died Thursday, December 3, 2020.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Please be patient with the Governor mandated occupancy restrictions, masks and social distancing are required. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10, at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Jerod made a final gift by becoming a donor through the Iowa Donor Network.

Jerod was born October 19, 2001 in Dubuque, the son of Tim and Tammy (Reiter) Hubanks, and brother and best friend to Sydnee. He attended Sageville Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Hempstead High School in 2020. Jerod formed many special connections to his teachers over the years, from the principals to the para-educators. People loved Jerod, he had many friends, both young and old. His friends from Sageville that he grew up with were very special to him, and he stayed connected to them over the years. Jerod also made a big impression at Jefferson and Hempstead. He had a vast shoe collection, and once started a trend of wearing “Hey Dudes” in high school. Jerod was a charismatic, empathetic person who loved to lift people up, and could light up a room with his smile.

Jerod did many odd jobs, such as lawn-mowing and tree-trimming. His first real job was at Burger King, where he learned about taxes (“What is FICA, Dad?”) and made many friends. He went on to work for Bakey Seamless Gutter where his ability to climb like a monkey and lack of fear of heights came in handy. He was accepted into the welding program at Southwest Technical School and planned on expanding on the welding skills he started learning at 15 when he bought his first welder. Jerod liked to keep busy fixing things, and loved working on his truck (a gift from his grandpa Jerry), which was his pride and joy. He also enjoyed riding his dirt bike, 4-wheelers, and Trail 70.

Jerod was always up for trying new hobbies, playing baseball, football, basketball, skateboarding, and playing X-Box-especially Black Ops 2 with his best friend, Chase. He loved the outdoors, and spent time fishing and trapping like his dad and his grandpa Jerry, and shooting trap like his dad and his grandpa Kim. Jerod converted his mom’s love of music from rock to rap, much to the dismay of his dad.

Nobody had a laugh like Jerod, he made people happy just being in his company with a few words and a smile. He was known to spontaneously break out in dance-if there was no music, he would just make his own.

Jerod is survived by his parents, Tim and Tammy Hubanks of Sherrill; his sister, Sydnee Hubanks of Sherrill; his grandma, Susan Reiter of Dubuque; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kim Reiter; his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Shirlee Hubanks; and his great grandparents, Janann and Merlin Reiter.

Memorials may be made to the family for later donation to suicide prevention charities and a memorial bench in his name.

Regina (Mueller) Van Drimmelen

Regina “Jean” (Mueller) Van Drimmelen, 101, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Private Family Services with Burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery will be conducted. Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Regina was born September 15, 1919 in Bellevue, the daughter of Xavier and Frances (Klein) Mueller. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Bellevue. Regina married Louis Van Drimmelen on August 28, 1943, he passed on June 17, 2001.

She worked at the Bellevue Creamery and Jackson County Historical Society for many years.

Regina enjoyed genealogy, antiquing, gardening, reading, crossword, and visiting with her neighbors.

Survivors include her children, Lois Thilmany, Robert (Rita) Van Drimmelen, and Lee Van Drimmelen; grandchildren, Jean, Laura, Bobby, and Rachel; 8 great-grandchildren; and a sister in-law, Mavis Mueller.

Regina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; a son in-law, Donald Thilmany; a granddaughter, Sarah Thilmany; siblings, Albert and Frank Mueller; step-brother, Elmer (Nil) Mueller; and a step-sister, Edith (Ignatz) Ruff.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Regina’s memory.
Memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031 c/o Regina “Jean” Van Drimmelen Family.

Regina’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.

Lucille C. Jackson

Lucille C. Jackson, 90 of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Bell Tower Retirement Community in East Dubuque.

A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. A private walk through Visitation for family and relatives only will be from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Church. Due to the Corona Virus, face masks, social distancing and occupancy requirements will be followed. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Lucille was born on August 27th, 1930 in Dickeyville, WI, the daughter of Michael and Clara (Kowalski) Hinderman. She was united in marriage to Donald Jackson on April 7, 1950. They celebrated 67 years together prior to Don’s death in 2017.

For most of her life, Lucille was a homemaker. She was dedicated to the care of her 11 children and took pride in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lucille was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society. She liked to volunteer at the St Mary’s school cafeteria. Lucille loved to cook and bake and share her recipes. She also loved to play cards, dominos and bingo with friends, watching the Chicago Cubs, and the hummingbirds.

Surviving are her 11 children, Carol McGrath of Cedar Rapids, IA, Karen (Steve) Sebastian of Dubuque, IA, Janet (Bill) Hartmann, and Jim (Dawn) Jackson of East Dubuque. IL, Tom (Dawn Lammers) Jackson of Dyersville, IA. Brenda (Larry) Cox, of Bellevue, IA, John (Robyn) Jackson of East Dubuque, IL, Elaine Jackson of Dubuque, IA, Joyce (Dave) Merfeld of Menominee, IL, Chris (John) Cahalan of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Shelley Jackson of East Dubuque, IL.; 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.; her siblings Germaine Hayes, Norman (Shirley) Hinderman, and Val Hinderman, all of East Dubuque.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Don; her parents; her sisters Rosella Roth, and Jean Reisen, and brother Jerome Hinderman.

The Jackson family would like to thank the Bell Tower staff, and the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque for the care provided to their mother and grandmother

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family..
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.©

Rosemary A. (Knobbe) Reinhardt

Rosemary Ann (Knobbe) Reinhardt, 83, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her children.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. The funeral will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook Page. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. There will be no public visitation. Due to the Coronavirus, facemasks, social distancing and occupancy limits are to be observed. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Rosemary was born on June 21, 1937 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, the daughter of Harry and Viola (Kieffer) Knobbe. She was united in marriage to Ferdinand Francis Reinhardt, Sr., on February 19, 1955 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

She worked at Finley Hospital for 28 years as an OBGYN nurse and took great pride in giving excellent care to those who passed through.

She enjoyed camping with the Key City Sam’s Camping Club, dancing, pets, and spending time with her grandkids. Rosemary took pleasure in spending time with TOPS friends and various Catholic activity groups. As a devout Catholic she had a close connection to her Church family, providing dinners to clergy at Holy Spirit Parish and inquiring after her church companions.

Those left to honor her memory are her five children, Karen Orcutt, Kimberly (Marty) Schuster, Richard Reinhardt, Karla Reinhardt and Randy Reinhardt, all of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Melissa Reinhardt, Amy (Paul) Hartwell, Andrea Reinhardt & (partner Johnny Zambrano), Matthew Reinhardt & (partner Pamela Murphy), Shane Reinhardt & (partner Samantha McCarron), Scott (Danielle) Rusch, Nicole (Aaron) Hines and Ashley Reinhardt; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol Bisbing of Itasca, IL, and Joan Schroeder of Henderson, NV; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry & Viola; her husband, Ferdinand Francis Reinhardt, Sr., her son, Ferdinand Francis Reinhardt, Jr; and other aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews.

The family would like to thank Rosemary’s friends and neighbors, the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center, and The Finley Hospital for their love and support shown to Rosemary and her family during her care.

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

Mary E. Kehl

Mary E. Kehl, 86, of Dubuque, died Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road.. 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 Mary’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. 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.

Mary was born December 21, 1933, in Eddyville, IA, the daughter of John and Dora Flahive Hughes. On December 27, 1952, she married William, he preceded her in death on September 9th, 2017.

She was employed by the Dubuque Community School System and was later employed by Medical Associates.

She enjoyed going to the casino, playing bingo, and a good camping trip.

Survivors include three sons, John (Vera) Kehl of Burnsville, MN, Michael Kehl of Dubuque, William Kehl of Dubuque; two daughters, Mary Kay (Mark) Connolly of Protivin, Jeana Berzle of Dubuque; grandchildren, Andrea Gerhard, Brandon Ward, Jessica Kehl, Sara Kehl, John Connolly, Becky (Jonathan) Keune, Lisa (Shane) Hidgen, Amy Jo Connolly, Kristy Luhman, Chris (Joanne) Anderson, Samuel Winger, Jenney (Joe) Kruse; great-grandchildren, Evan Luhman, Ashton Keune, Riley Anderson, Isabelle Anderson, Skylar Luhman, Kasandra Kruse, Aubriana Kehl, Mason Keune, Kayla Keune and Alexis Hidgen, Chloe Hidgen, Shelby, Hidgen, and Aubrey Hidgen; sisters-in-law, Velma Hughes, Catherine May, Ruth Ann Kehl; and brother-in-law, George Kehl;

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Francis and Daniel Hughes; step-brother, John ‘Sam’ (Doris) Mellic; uncle, Bill (Phyllis) Hughes; sister-in-law, Lucille Echer; brother-in-law, Robert Kehl; and two aunts, Agnes Hughes and Esther (Cecil) Flander.

A special thank you to Oak Park Place and Stonehill Care Center.

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 Mary’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Beverly J. Atkinson

Beverly Jane Atkinson, 80, of Dubuque, died at home suddenly, surrounded by her family on December 5, 2020. A private family service was held on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory. Celebration of her life will be held in the summer when covid restrictions allow us to gather, burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens at a later date

Bev was born to Orville and Doris Schultz on May 17, 1940 in York, NE. In 1953 her family relocated to Dubuque, IA. She graduated in 1958 from Dubuque Senior High School. She was an executive secretary for A.Y. McDonald prior to having a family. She returned to the workforce when her children were older and was a secretary at Dubuque Screw Products until she retired.

Bev was married to the love of her life, Merlyn G. Atkinson, on July 20, 1959. They met for the first time at the Lancaster High School homecoming dance. It was love at first sight. Mert asked her to dance and they danced together for the next sixty-one years.

Bev spent years on road trips with her husband collecting antiques. Bev loved playing volleyball with her friends and celebrating after with victory drinks. She had lifelong friends through card club and Marine Corps Auxiliary and League.

Bev taught Sunday school for over twenty years at St. Marks Lutheran church and then served on the Altar Guild at St. Peter Lutheran church for over twenty years. Her love was shown through many years of fostering babies as well as expectant mothers. Bev loved getting together for long lunches with her best girlfriends at Los Aztecas to enjoy margaritas and laughter.

Bev was a busy mother in her younger days and always volunteered to bake cookies, haul kids around to activities, attend her kids’ volleyball games and cheerleading events. We have many memories of the red station wagon as Bev was always the mom to offer the ‘stranded kid’ a ride home. With four kids of her own, she sometimes came home with extras and had to turn back around to bring an extra kid to their own home. She continued to chauffeur her grandkids to their events, as well, and was very involved in their lives, sometimes mistaken for their mother rather than grandmother because of her youth and beauty. Bev loved her family passionately. Hosting Packer parties on Sundays surrounded by her family brought her great joy. Go Pack Go!

Bev’s naivety and wit always produced laughter and warmth to those around her. Her kindness was incomparable. Her loss will be felt tremendously by her family and everyone who knew her, but especially by her husband who loved and cherished her deeply.

Bev is survived by her husband Mert and four daughters: Angie (Don) Heim, Darci (Gary) Breiner, Marnie (Karl) Kane, Erin (Dan) Hayes; six grandchildren: Mandy (Jake) Lindecker, Jessica (Tyler) Bosveld, Olivia (Nate) Murphy, Avery Kane, Spencer Hayes, Sami Hayes (Aaron Harbin) and Amanda Hayes; great grandchildren: Lexi and Adrian Bosveld, Waylon Lindecker, Arianna Murphy, and baby Murphy on the way; through marriage several more grandchildren and great grandchildren have blessed Bev’s life.

Bev is survived by her sister Bonnie Klepper of Waco, NE, her brother Bud (Sue) Schultz of Dublin, GA, and Mike (Carmen) Schultz of Shaker Heights, OH, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Delbert and Vera (Speth) Atkinson, her brother-in-laws and sister-in-law Leonard (Squeaky) Atkinson, and Clinton and Iretta (Puddles) Atkinson, and Milton Klepper. Also, her dear close friends Nick Schuster, Sharon Cate, and Bernie Wagner. She was also preceded in death by her beloved cat, Buddy.

We are so thankful to Dubuque EMS and Dubuque Police Department for their empathetic care of Bev during her final hours. We also want to thank Leonard Funeral Home for their compassion as well as her Amelia Drive family for their kindness throughout the years.

Lawrence Neuman

Lawrence Neuman, 78, of Independence, Iowa, was called home on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at MercyOne in Dubuque, surrounded by his children.  To honor Lawrence’s life, a memorial service will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at the Trinity Bible Church, 125 Orchard Dr, in Cedar Falls on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.  Family and friends are welcome to join in through Facebook live.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lawrence’s family.

Lawrence, AKA Chief, Butch, or Larry, was born on July 31, 1942 in Waterloo, IA, a son to Walter and Donna (Bayeh) Neuman.  In Sept. 1961, Lawrence joined the U.S. Navy and completed 3 tours on the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63, V1 Division. In 1965, he was honorable discharged with the rank of ABH2.  Following his time in the service, he moved back to Waterloo and invested over 15 years with John Deere.  Lawrence had three children with Sandy (Dorwin) Neuman; Nathan (Allison) Neuman, Heather (Dave) Oltrogge, and Ben (Dana) Neuman. He later married Jeannie Neuman and helped raise her daughter; Vicki (Tavis) Addison. Lawrence owned and operated System Services alongside his son, Nate, until he retired. He thoroughly enjoyed retirement and embraced every opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends, especially with his undeniably adored grandchildren.  Golfing, which he referred to as “another day at the office”, was always at the top of his list and overseeing the 3 Elms Golf Course League in Independence brought him true joy.  He also enjoyed scuffing the tip of his pool cue with a cold drink nearby whenever possible, showing off his karaoke skills for those willing to listen, along with painting and working on his most recent puzzles.  Our hearts are broken today, but thankfully we have an abundance of memories to help heal the tears through the days ahead.  We are so very thankful that we were blessed to have a wonderful family vacation to Tennessee this July that was filled with fellowship, fun, and much laughter.  Lawrence will be missed by all who knew and loved him and we now wait patiently to see his joyful smile once again.

Lawrence is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 siblings, Tom (Kim) Neuman, Evansdale, IA, Nancy (Cliff) McFarland, La Porte City, IA, Carol Pettengill, Moorhead, MN, Patty (Monty) Martin, Sabin, MN, and John (Susie) Neuman, Athens, MI.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Michael and Jerry; and 1 sister, Gloria.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences for Lawrence’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Russell A. Heer

Russell A. “Russ” Heer, age 90, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side, after a long battle with cancer.  To celebrate Russell’s life, private family services will be held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is helping the family.

Russ was born on September 5, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Martin and Ida May (Hepburn) Heer.

Russ lived in Dubuque his whole life and attended school at Dubuque Senior High School.  In 1952, Russ joined the U.S. Army and honorably served his country for 2 years during the Korea War.  He went to work with Jaeger-Kunnert and later with State Brand Creamery, where he would meet a lovely young woman named Jean.  He knew a good thing when he saw it and he would make that young woman his wife.  Russ was united in marriage to Jean Miller on July 12, 1958, at St. Mary’s Church.  They made a wonderful life together and were truly blessed with 2 children.  After the creamery closed Russ was fortunate to find a job in the custodian department at Hempstead High School.  He took care of the pool and worked his way up to Head Custodian before he retired in 1992.  Russ was quite pleased to get his own personal tour of the remodeled facilities at Hempstead earlier this year.  When he wasn’t working Russ could be found spending time out in his yard.  He took great pride in making sure that it was always meticulously manicured and, much to Jean’s chagrin, also made sure there were plenty of marigolds planted.  He enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, sometimes hundreds over the course of a year, and never did the same one twice.    Russ was also a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.  In his younger days, Russ liked heading out to the woods hunting and going bowling with his friends on the Boat Club bowling team.  He was a long time member of the Boat Club and really enjoyed spending time there with his friends.  We are heartbroken at losing Russ in our daily lives, but are extremely grateful for all of the wonderful memories we have made throughout the years and will cherish forever.

Those left to cherish Russ’ memory include

his loving wife of 62 years,
Jean Heer, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Laurie (Ron) Rudiger, Dubuque, IA
and Russell S. “Russ” (Michelle) Heer, Epworth, IA;

his 4 grandchildren,
Natalie (Aaron) Bermudez, San Antonio, TX,
Kamber Rudiger, East Dubuque, IL,
Brianna Heer, Epworth, IA
and Emma Heer, Epworth, IA;

his 4 great-grandchildren,
Grayson and Carson Bermudez and Laura and Laney Brady;

a sister-in-law,
Debbie Miller, Monticello, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Denny (Betty) Miller, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Joe (Esther) Heer, Bert (Ruth) Heer, Ann (Joe) Mills, Marty (Ruth) Heer, Bob Heer and Carl (Mary) Heer; and 2 brothers-in-law, Joe Miller and Ronald Miller.

Russ’ family would like to thank Dr. Alex Horchak for his outstanding care of Russell, keeping him going for far more years than he ever dreamed possible.  Also thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for all of the compassionate care they have provided not only to Russ, but to the entire family, making these past weeks a little bit easier.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Russell Heer Family.

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

Marlyn E. Kramer, Sr.

Marlyn E. Kramer, Sr., 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa from complications of COVID 19 Pneumonia.

A private funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa and later uploaded to the funeral home website following the service. A private family visitation will be held. Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.

Masks and social distancing will be required due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Marlyn Edward Kramer Sr. was born on May 24, 1934 in Muscatine, Iowa, to William Henry and Viola Lydia (Broadstron) Kramer. He grew up in the Muscatine area and attended Muscatine schools. He married Phyllis Johnson in Iowa. Four children were born to this union, Marlyn II, William, Jeff and Robin.

Marlyn had worked at Collis Inc. in Clinton, Iowa as a powder coater for many years until retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and bowling.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Marlyn (Penny) Kramer, Jr. of NC, William (Julie) Kramer of Monmouth, IA, Jeff (Sally) Kramer of TX, and Robin Anderson of MO; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Virginia Lamp, and a son-in-law, Donald Anderson.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o Marilyn E. Kramer Sr. Family.
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.

Maxine G. Reistroffer

Our beloved mother, Maxine G. Reistroffer, passed away December 4, 2020, at Crestridge Care Center, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Maxine, the daughter of Ray and Beulah Morehead, was born December 20, 1918, in Crookston, Minnesota. The family later relocated to the Maquoketa area. She graduated from Maquoketa Junior College and taught at a country school near Maquoketa.

Maxine married Vincent Roeder July 16, 1941, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. She taught school in Georgia during Vince’s WW II service. After the war, she and Vince opened Vince Roeder’s Grocery Store in Goose Lake, Iowa, and later farmed west of Maquoketa. Upon Vince’s passing in 1960, Maxine moved to Maquoketa and worked at the ASCS office. In 1970, she married Claire Reistroffer and spent many happy years farming near Spragueville, Iowa. After Claire’s death in 1985, she moved back to Maquoketa and helped her daughter, Sharon, with her day care. Maxine was known affectionately as “Grandma” to many of the children there.

Maxine was active throughout her life, and she doted on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed genealogy, gardening, antiquing, going on anthropology digs, tending the Butterfly Sanctuary in Belleview, Iowa, and volunteering for the Jackson County Historical Society. She was also known for composing many “This and That” books. Maxine was especially proud of being able to do a head stand on her 100th birthday in Yoga class. Maxine had a unique quality of listening and made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. Her positive attitude will always be remembered. We miss her already.

Maxine is survived by her children: Sharon Whitchelo, Maquoketa, Iowa, and Jim Roeder (Linda), Silvis, Illinois; grandchildren: Todd (Melaine) Whitchelo, Davenport, Iowa, Stacie (Jason) Heitland, Garner, Iowa, and Whitney (Nick) Alber, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and great grandchildren: Isaac Mohar, Kelsey Whitchelo, Aaron (Meagen) Whitchelo, Jasie Heitland, Jillian Heitland, Eric Heitland, Jessa Heitland, Addyson Alber, and Brayden Alber; brothers: Paul Morehead, Kenneth (Laurie) Morehead, and Stuart (Lavonne) Morehead; and sister: Shirley Huffman.

She was preceded in death by husbands: Vincent Roeder, Claire Reistroffer; her parents, Ray and Beulah Morehead; brothers: Carrol Morehead, Leonard Morehead, Gordon “Bud” Morehead, Claire Morehead; and sister: Donna Ripple.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com. Memorials may be sent to the Jackson County Historical Society.

Gerald E. Willey

Gerald E. “Jerry” Willey, 75 of Castle Pines, Colorado, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, November 29, 2020, at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, a private family graveside service and burial celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing during the services. A private family visitation will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. The service will be recorded and later uploaded to the Carson Celebration of Life Center website.

Gerald Elzie Willey was born on May 22, 1945 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Marvin and Frances Marie (Widel) Willey. He was a 1963 graduate of Maquoketa High School and served his country in the United States Navy as a MM2 during the Vietnam War from 1963 – 1967. He married Connie Faye Current on August 11, 1968 in Baldwin, Iowa. A son Nick J. Willey was born to this union. Connie preceded “Jerry” in death on February 9, 1998.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, “Jerry” returned to Iowa. In 1967, he began working at Caterpillar in Mount Joy, Iowa and later transferred to Mossville, Illinois, retiring in 1999 as a purchasing analyst after 32 years with Caterpillar.

While living in Maquoketa, “Jerry” was a member of the Maquoketa Fire Department as a volunteer for 13+ years and achieved the rank of Captain. He also enjoyed membership of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and later in Castle Rock, Colorado.

In retirement he moved to Colorado, to start a new chapter in his life with Marie Shanahan. While living in Colorado these past 17 years, he has enjoyed the natural beauty of the Centennial State. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking around Bear Lake, and viewing all the wildlife in its natural habitat. Estes Park, CO was his favorite getaway. He enjoyed spending quality time with his grandkids / great grandkids, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, traveling, cruises, and riding ATVs.

Those left to honor his memory include his son Nick J. Willey of Castle Rock, CO; his partner Marie Shanahan of Castle Pines, CO; a brother, Jack (Marilyn) Willey of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Rose Heiring of Dubuque, IA and Becky Wiese of Andrew, IA; Marie’s children, Scott Sarver (Tanya) and their children, Brody & Mason of Parker, CO; Doug Sarver of Centennial, CO and his children Mietka Head & DevAnn DiOrio and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie, brothers Timothy, Robert and grandson Alexander Sarver.

Jerry would want us all to remember the good times, the laughs, and all the adventures. He loved all his friends & family. There will be a celebration of life when it is safe to gather in Iowa and Colorado.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 C/O Gerald E. “Jerry” Willey Family.

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.