Obituaries Archive

Erma D. Nauman

Erma D. Nauman, age 96, of Sherrill, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 20, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Erma’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 27, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sherrill.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Erma was born on December 27, 1928, into the loving arms of her parents, Charles and Anna (Voss) Nauman of Sherrill, Iowa.

She was raised to appreciate the values of love and respect for family and friends; along with hard work.

Her life was rich in faith.  Erma prayed daily and trusted in God.  She was baptized and confirmed in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Sherrill, Iowa, where she was a lifetime member.

In her younger days, Erma babysat over 40 children and has kept a daily diary since 1939.

You could always find Erma in her garden or tending to her many flowers or sitting on her swing watching her cats play and the birds that visited her yard.

Her contagious smile and beautiful blue eyes will be imprinted in those she knew and loved.

Erma is survived by many cousins and her wonderful Sherrill neighbors who allowed her to live in her own home until she was 95 years old.  God bless you all!

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Merlin C. Nauman in infancy in 1927, Robert “Bob” Nauman, age 17 in 1948, and Charles A. “Dick” Nauman, age 16 in 1951.

Erma’s family would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Place for their kindness and the compassionate care they provided for Erma.

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

“The kiss of the sun for pardon
the song of the birds for mirth
you’re nearer to God in a garden
than anywhere else on earth.”

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

Dennis J. Koppes

Dennis J. “Denny” Koppes, 71, of East Dubuque, IL., passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at home.

A celebration of life will be held in his memory on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Midtown Marina, 285 5th St, East Dubuque, IL., from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome! Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, is assisting the family.

Denny was born on September 27, 1954, an identical twin, to Norbert and Eloise (Klinkenberg) Koppes. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement, where he was a member of Local Union UAW94.

Denny married Carol Glesne-Koppes on August 31, 1996, in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 31, 2016. Together they spent many days boating and fishing on the Mississippi with their river crew, where you could always find him driving the Baja a little too fast. Denny was affectionately known as the “tan man” that always had a Busch Light in hand. He also enjoyed yearly trips to Mexico and the Caribbean with Carol and friends, where he was only as old as he behaved.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Rob) Klauer and Amy (Brian) Becker; grandchildren, Robbie Klauer, Lauren Klauer, Ava, Cole and Leah Becker, all of Dubuque; step-son Alan (Judy) Glesne; step-grandson, Vance Glesne; siblings, twin brother, Dave Koppes of Loveland, CO., brother, Wayne Koppes of Bucksport, ME., sisters, Billie Meyer of Cedar Rapids and Debra Peterson of Dubuque; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Denny was preceded in death by his wife Carol; his parents Norbert and Eloise; sisters, Sherry Brimeyer and Dianna Morrow; nephew, Lee Morrow; in-laws, Gayle Koppes and Tim Peterson; and his best friend Jack (Benny) Bennett.

The family would like to thank the East Dubuque EMS and Police Department and family and friends for showing their support during this difficult time. A special thank you to Randy Bellings for being a great friend and always checking in on Denny.

Gary R. Runde

Gary R. Runde, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 20, 2025, at Harmony Nursing Home, with his loving family by his side.

Friends and family may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Military Honors will be accorded at 4:00 p.m. by the American Legion Post #6.

Gary was born on January 14, 1954, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Gerald and Adeane (Murray) Runde. He honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. In recent years, he worked in maintenance for RTA and the Dubuque Greyhound Park. He also served on the board at Leisure Lake and was a proud supporter of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

He was a true sass-hole. If he liked you, you knew it, and if he didn’t, you definitely knew it. He loved all kinds of racing, from NASCAR to drag racing. Though he claimed to be a Packers fan, no one ever actually saw him watch a game; most suspect he just said it to irritate the Bears fans around him. He was happiest either out on his side-by-side or kicked back in his recliner. Stubborn to the core and fiercely patriotic, he’d still give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. A jack of all trades and master of none, he proudly held a master’s degree from Monmouth College in New Jersey.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sheila Rooney; his children, Gary (Teresa) Runde of Portage, Indiana, Chad Runde of Dyersville, Iowa, Eric Runde of Pheonix, Arizona, Vincent (Mary Jo) Kurinzi of Spotswood, New Jersey, and Ashley (Cameron) Redenbaugh of Farley, Iowa; his grandchildren Jacob (Summer) Runde, Austin Moser, Brylee Hodges, Dani Runde, Rachyl Runde, Jenna Deutmeyer, Abigail (Joey) Baize, Erica Runde, E.J. Runde, and David (Elizabeth) Redenbaugh; great-grandchildren Liam Bliss, Charlie Bliss, Owen Runde, and Tanner Baize; siblings Robert Runde of Leisure Lake, Iowa, Jerry (Robin) Runde of Dubuque, Iowa, and Scott (Carla) Steiert of Leisure Lake, Iowa; in-laws Terry (Alice) Rooney of Dubuque, Iowa, Mike (Patti) Rooney of Fort Myers, Florida, and Anna (Tino) Kaltsas; his former wife, Debbie Runde; special daughter Stephanie Deutmeyer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Kari Ann Runde; step-father James Kennedy; and three brothers, Danny Hartshorn, Billy Hartshorn, and Clarence Oberfoel.

A special thanks to Marci at Mercy ICU, Ebony at Harmony Nursing Home, Kathy from Hospice of Dubuque, Diane from the Cancer Center of Dubuque, and Bobbie Jo Runde and Colton Arthofer.

“Be safe, and if you can’t be safe, be clean.”

Michael J. Clark

Michael J. “Mick” Clark, 80, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at home.

Michael John Clark was born on December 11, 1944 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Tom W. and Marion F. (Wallace) Clark.  He was a graduate of Maquoketa High School.  He married Carol Jean Till on September 7, 1963 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Mick began his career in carpentry and later worked at Clinton Engines until its closure. His passion for woodworking and the outdoors led him to the logging industry, which eventually inspired him to open Clark’s Saw Center in Maquoketa in 1972. Mick’s commitment to quality and service allowed his business to thrive which is why Clark’s Saw Center celebrated 53 years this past July 2025.

Mick found joy in the great outdoors, whether he was hunting, tapping maple trees for maple syrup, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. He was also a gun enthusiast, an admirer of John Wayne films, and an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mick was also a former member of the Maquoketa Volunteer Fire Department

Those left to honor Mick’s memory include his wife, Carol Clark of Maquoketa, IA; a son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Alissa Clark of Maquoketa, IA; and siblings, Ruth Petersen of Bettendorf, IA, Kate (Jackie) Clark of Long Beach, CA, Margaret (Robert) Petersen of Lost Nation, IA, Ed (Sue) Clark of Maquoketa, IA, and Karin (Kenny) Till of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur, Sheridan and Karl, and sisters Sheila and Patricia.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Mick’s life will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Timber Center in Maquoketa.  A time of sharing will begin at 6 P.M.  Cremation has taken place.  Private burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Michael J. “Mick” Clark memorial fund has been established.

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

Carole J. Vyverberg

Carole J. Vyverberg, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, October 23, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Carole was born June 9, 1938 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Hendricks) Mann. She married Theron Nothaft, and they had two children, Laura and Lisa. On May 22nd, 1982, she married Richard Vyverberg and he preceded her in death on September 23, 2018.

Carole had a long and successful career in the finance and insurance industry.

She was passionate about golfing and participated in several golf leagues. In her retirement she became a master gardener. As an avid book reader she was always in the middle of a new book and had a running list of new authors to read. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Carole deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and her dogs, and loved spending time with all of them.

Carole is survived by two daughters, Laura (Troy) Lash, and Lisa (Roger) Higgins; her step-children, Greg and Kim Vyverberg; her grandchildren, Rachel (Andy) Lash, Audrey (Conner) Kovac, Jessica Oberbroeckling, Sarah (Chris) Oberbroeckling, Nichole (Shane) Freiburger, and Jacob (Stephanie) Vyverberg; her great-grandchildren, Noah, Layla, Julian, Hugo, and Cash; and her sister, Susan Mann.

She was preceded in death by Richard, Theron, her parents, and her grandson Mitch Oberbroeckling.

Carole’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Dubuque Humane Society.

Star Mae Schlarmann

Star Mae Schlarmann, 76, of Clive, Iowa and formerly of Farley, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines, Iowa after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation for Star will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue after 9:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the funeral home.

Services for Star will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Steven Garner Presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

She was born December 16, 1948 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Andrew N. and Rita H. (Baldwin) Kertels.  She is a 1966 graduate of the former St. Joseph’s School in Farley, Iowa.  On January 7, 1967, she was united in marriage to Jerome Schlarmann at St. Joseph’s Catholic church in Farley, Iowa.

She was employed at Guide One Insurance as an Agent for several years.  Star loved to talk and entertain people.  She was a loving and kind person, a terrific mother, and a wonderful grandmother.  She used any excuse to get the family together, she always cherished her grandchildren.  She enjoyed their pool and loved throwing pool parties.   She was a woman of great faith.   She played the accordian since she was in grade school, she had a great love for music.

She is survived by her husband, Jerome Schlarmann of Clive, Iowa; three children, Jerry Schlarmann of Urbandale, IA, Starla (John) Doerter of Des Moines, IA, and Andrew (Paula Baker) Schlarmann of Ankeny, IA; six grandchildren, Jonathan, Hannah, Carl, Riley, William and Stephen; her brothers, John (Mary) Kertels of Farley, IA, Nicholas (Chong) Kertels of Davenport, IA, Joseph (Rosanna) Kertels of Hinton, IA; and one sister, Rita (Clint) Butlett of Eldridge, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Andrew Pat Kertels and one sister-in-law, Annette Kertels.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences left for the family at www.reifffuneral homeinc.com

William C. Osterhaus

William C. Osterhaus, 81, of Guttenberg and formerly of Dyersville, died Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Guttenberg Care Center.

A visitation will be held from 10 am – 12 noon at the Kramer – Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, where a memorial service will commence at Noon.  Bill’s niece, Jenny Nadermann, will officiate. Private burial will be held at a later date at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.

Bill was born September 12, 1944, in Dyersville, Iowa the 3rd child of eight to Clarence “Clay” and Irene (Demmer) Osterhus.  After birth he developed rheumatoid arthritis which would plaque him for the rest of his life.  However, it did not deter him from achieving his goals.  He graduated from Xavier High School and attended Loras College and the University of Iowa. He worked in hospitals setting up medical equipment for patients in Omaha, NE and Denver, CO.

Bill’s love of poetry helped him maneuver the ups and downs of life.  He wrote pages and pages that expressed both happiness and grief.  Many years have passed where he never cut his hair or shaved his beard, therefore he was a prime candidate to portray Santa Claus for many families and functions at Christmas time.

Bill’s brothers’, Jim and Larry, had both traveled extensively and spent time in Australia.  Bill set a goal to visit there, also, but he decided to see all of the countries between the US and Australia while at it!  Between all of his adventures he had to succumb to many surgeries to replace hips, ankles and knees.  He rebounded and recovered each time.  In 2004, he suffered a massive stroke that reduced  the function of ½ of his body and nearly all of his speech.  For nearly a year he moved between different care centers for therapy.  His brother, Gene, purchased a mobile home and made it completely accessible for him and they lived together until 2012 when Gene passed away.  Bill remained relatively independent, taking his mobile vehicle to the store to purchase groceries and necessities, often wearing his Santa hat.  In 2024, he felt that living alone became too difficult and decided to move to the Guttenberg Care Center.  He made a remarkable adjustment from his independent lifestyle.

Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation go to all helped and entertained him.

Bill is survived his siblings: Joan (Dave) Kramer of Dyersville, Tom (Rosie) of Carmel, IN, Al (Ellie) Merriam, KS, Ron of Wheat Ridge, CO, and Jim (Sue) of Guttenberg, IA; a sister-in-law, Penny Osterhaus if Bowral, NSW, Australia; several nieces and nephews to whom Bill was a mentor and caretaker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: Gene and Larry, a sister-in-law, Bonnie Osterhaus.

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

Robert L. Beck

Robert L. “Rob” Beck, 86, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Prairie Ridge in Galena. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Prairie Ridge, followed by a reception until 4 PM. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Rob was born on December 29, 1938, in Hackensack, NJ, to Harry and Sophie (Kazmierczak) Beck. He attended Seton Hall University, where he studied history and accounting, and later enrolled at Fordham University School of Law. After graduating, he obtained bar admissions in New York, Texas, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Supreme Court. On August 31, 1957, Rob married his wife of sixty-seven years and high school girlfriend, Elizabeth Ogden. He worked for several law firms and companies throughout his career, including Gibney, Anthony, and Ferguson Law, KDI, Weatherhead Corporation, and National Gypsum. Rob was heavily involved in community service, serving on various boards and receiving numerous awards for his dedication. He was active in the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award. Later in life, he served as President of MADD, CEO of the US Soccer Foundation, and board member of the CDC. In his leisure time, Rob enjoyed fly fishing, kayaking, exploring Civil War history, and participating in wine tastings and the Rotary.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three daughters, Jean (John) Carlson, Christina Beck, and Emily (Michael) Groebner; He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Mike, Sarah, Theo, Anna, Joe, Lenny, Joshua, and Emma; one great-grandson, Leo; and a sister-in-law, Jeanne Greene. Rob was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Joseph and Bette Ogden, a son, R. Michael Beck, and his fiancée Lori Pfann, triplet grandchildren, Sophia, David, and Joseph, and brother-in-law Ken Greene.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the entire staff at Prairie Ridge for their kindness and care, and to Jessica, Ryan, and Michelle of Hospice of Dubuque. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Ronald E. Blatchley

Ronald E. “Ron” Blatchley, 88, of Camanche, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Friday morning, October 17, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Ronald Eugene Blatchley was born on February 18, 1937 in Winterset, Iowa, to Raleigh and Ida (Taylor) Blatchley.  He was a 1955 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then served his country in the United States Air Force earning an honorable discharge.  He married Evelyn L. Dunlap on August 13, 1959 in Spokane, Washington.

Ron had worked as a letter carrier for the United States Post Office for 26 years.  He then worked for Milestones Area Agency on Aging delivering food for over 25 years, retiring in June of this year.

Ron was a member of the River Arts Center in Clinton, and the Letter Carrier Union.  He enjoyed photography and traveling and was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Evelyn Blatchley of Camanche, IA; a son, Brian Blatchley of Camanche, IA; step-sister, Kay Larkey of Davenport, IA; half-sisters, Sandy (Brian) Henry of Newark, OH, and Audrey Jensen of Castro Valley, CA; sister-in-law, Sibyl Dunlap of Peoria, AZ; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Camanche Chapel, Snell-Zornig Funeral Home in Camanche, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald E. “Ron” Blatchley memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family with the assistance of Snell-Zornig Funeral Home in Camanche.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com or www.snellzornig.com.

Rita M. Wiegert

Dr. Ronald W. Schope

Dr. Ronald W. Schope, 79, of Dubuque, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at his home in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ronald will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant.

Ronald was born in Chicago, IL on December 2, 1945, the second of three sons to Jean Coyne and Russell Schope. His early years were spent in Detroit, MI until his family moved to Marion, IA where he was a graduate of the 1st four year graduating class in the newly built Linn Mar High School. Ron played baseball and excelled as a varsity pitcher all four years. Throughout his youth his family would travel every summer; a family favorite was Estes Park, CO where he fell in love with the Rocky Mountains which then inspired him to go to the University of Colorado Boulder where he majored in Engineering, following in his fathers footsteps.

During his time at CU, he tried out for the CU Baseball team. After realizing in a hurry baseball for Ron was not going to be a career, he knew his focus should be on academics instead of baseball. He realized he wanted to be closer to family so he then transferred to Coe College to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree, Ron was accepted into the University of Iowa Medical School where he received his Medical Degree in 1971. He continued his medical residency followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease and received numerous honors including, Phi Beta Kappa Honors Degree and Phi Kappa Phi Cum Laude Honors Degree upon graduation in 1967, the John T. McClintock Award for academic achievement in physiology in 1969 and the Annals of Internal Medicine – published recognition by the American College of Physicians. Ron also belonged to Alpha Omega Alpha and Phi Rho Sigma (MU Chapter) Medical fraternity in 1968.

During his time in medical school, Ron met the love of his life, Charlotte Porazil. They were united in marriage on April 4, 1970 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. They had 55 loving years together. While he was completing his schooling, he and Charlotte lived along the Iowa River in Coralville, IA. If Ron wasn’t boating you could find him on the deck reading his medical books while Charlotte fished. Their love of the water is what inspired them to move to Dubuque where Ron began his specialty in Pulmonary Medicine. He spent 44 years dedicated to all of his patients, showing compassion and empathy.

No matter how busy life became, Ron always made time for his family. When his two sons were young, he began coaching the Dubuque Hawks. His dedication to both his family and his work was well known, so much so that his team never batted an eye when he paused a game to take an important call from the hospital. Ron had a deep appreciation for nature, especially the beauty of the mountains and trees, and he took great pride in caring for his lawn with his riding mower.

Although he wasn’t able to make a career of it, baseball remained his favorite sport throughout his life. He later found joy in coaching his grandchildren in baseball, and watching them play hockey and soccer. Ron will be remembered for being a generous man with a kind heart, always eager to treat family and friends to lunch or dinner. He treasured the comfort of his home and was known for his compassion and empathy toward others.

Survivors include his loving wife, Charlotte of Dubuque; two sons, Andrew (Shawna) Schope of Littleton, CO and Adam Schope of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Jake, Dane, Lauren, Tate, Reid; one sister-in-law, Marcia (Bob) Solem of Phoenix; and several nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be given to the Miracle League of Dubuque, 6076 Amber Ridge Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who cared for Dr. Schope.

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

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

Elizabeth J. Dunne

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Dunne, 97, of Zwingle, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at home.

Elizabeth Jean Dunne was born on January 24, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa, to John Henry and Katherine Mae (Russell) Hopson.  She grew up in Jackson County and attended country school.  She married Thomas Joseph Dunne on October 27, 1943 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Six children were born to this union: Carolyn, Robert, Loras, David, Patrick, and Edward.  “Joe” preceded her in death on November 1, 1989.  She later married Orlie Storlie on October 14, 1994 in Bellevue, Iowa.

Betty’s life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her family.  As a dedicated farm wife, she worked alongside her husband, nurturing both their crops and children with equal care.

Betty’s life was rich with interests and passions that brought joy to her and those around her. She was a devout member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church at Otter Creek and a member of the St. Raphael #1156 Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Her love for raising chickens was evident in her extensive collection of chicken figurines and memorabilia. Betty’s competitive spirit shone through in her love of playing cards, and she was an avid supporter of the Indiana Fever. Above all, Betty’s greatest pleasure was found in the time she spent surrounded by her family, whose lives have been profoundly shaped by her love, wisdom, and grace.

Betty’s legacy is carried on by her children, Carolyn (Neil) Morehead of Maquoketa, IA, and Edward “Ed” (Janice) Dunne of Baldwin, IA; 13 grandchildren, Lisa Clark, Kim Callahan, Patrick Clark, Wendi Herrig, Brad Dunne, Kelli Courtney, Sean Dunne, Steve Dunne, Sarah Huemueller, Shane Dunne, Jodi Dunne, Michelle Wing, and Nicole Meek; 25 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas, children Robert, Loras, David, and Patrick, grandchild Marshall Dunne, great-grandchildren Nolan Anderson, and Michael Dunne, and siblings, Emma, Katherine, Helen, George, Mary, Hazel, Richard, John, and Evelyn.

A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church at Otter Creek.  Visitation will be held prior to the mass on Tuesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M., at the church.  Burial will be at the St. Lawrence Church Cemetery.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Albert Berns

Albert Berns, 65, of Luxemburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo, Iowa. Funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to take place in Garnavillo City Cemetery, Garnavillo, Iowa.

Albert was born on October 16, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Decellis and Lillian (Titlbach) Berns.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and spend his time out in nature. Most of his life, he spent his time being a truck driver until his retirement.

We would like to thank the staff at MercyOne in Dubuque and UW Health in Madison for their compassionate care during his last days.

Survivors include his sister, Debra (Ambrose) Heisler of Farley; niece, Jessica Rhodes of Dubuque, nephew, Adam Rhodes (friend, Dana Goerdt) of Maquoketa; and a great-nephew Callan Rhodes of Maquoketa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family.  Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Beverly A. DeBord

Max P. Elliott

It is with great sadness that his loving family shares that Max Paul Elliott died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Harmony in Dubuque.

Friends may call from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, IA, where a prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Epworth Fire Department will meet in a body at 4 p.m., Scouting America members will meet in a body at 5 p.m., and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home, where the Epworth American Legion John White Post # 650 will meet in a body at 9:45 a.m.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Epworth at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2025, with Fr. Thomas Ascheman officiating, Fr. Steve Garner concelebrating, and assisted by his son Deacon Nick Elliott.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.

Max was born on May 6, 1944, to Kenneth and Lucille (Dress) Elliott.  He received his education from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Farley, Iowa and Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa, where he graduated in 1964. Max is a Veteran having served in the United States Army, having completed United States Army Aviation School in 1965, earning two Air Medals.  He worked at the Dubuque Pak, Georgia Pacific, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, Zephyr Aluminum, and Walmart during his career.  He earned degrees in Marketing Management from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute and Business Administration from the University of Dubuque.  He worked tirelessly for his family and showed them a solid work ethic.  Although he was not able to enjoy retirement after becoming sick, he found joy in the simple pleasures in life: family, faith, friendships, and sweet treats.

Max was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Betts, and she preceded him in death on January 22, 1975.  On September 11, 1976, he was united in marriage to Karolyn C. Kalb at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on October 30, 2024.   They had two children whom he was so proud of, never missing a chance to share what they were up to.  Max became “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren.  He held them close to his heart and was proud of his family.  He was also a very active member of the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650, and the Boy Scouts of America Pack 70 and Troup 70.  Max was a dedicated Scouter and is most well-known for bringing Wood Badge to the Northeast Iowa Council.  He led the first Wood Badge in the council and the training continues today. During his Scouting career, he was awarded the following awards: George Meany award in 1981, District Award of Merit in 1983, Silver Beaver in 2002, and Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow.  Max also performed his civic duty while serving on the Epworth City Council 1976-1977, and Planning and Zoning from 1979-2016.

Max was a devout Catholic as a member of St. Patrick’s Parish, the Knights of Columbus Council #7823 in Epworth, Iowa, and the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly #1573 in Dubuque, Iowa.  His faith sustained him through war, tragedies, and health issues, yet he was always willing to share that faith, a laugh, or lend a helping hand.  One of the ways he sustained his faith was praying the rosary, it gave him strength to keep pushing.  Max believed deeply in Jesus and in the true presence of Him in the Eucharist, receiving the Eucharist as his final meal.

Those left to cherish Max’s memory are his two children, Deacon Nick (Nettie) Elliott, and Sara (Jeff McMillen) Elliott; two grandchildren, Dawson and Payton Elliott; one brother, David (Jeanette Frederick) Elliott; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Elliott, Diane Elliott, Anna Elliott, Tom (Melinda) Betts, Bob (Claudette) Betts, Frank Kalb, Steve (Donna) Kalb, Cindy Gansen, Kathy Kalb, Fred Pierce, and Mike Hannan.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; two unborn children; siblings, Kenneth (Audrey) Elliott Sr. Richard Elliott Sr., Lyle Elliott Sr., Lois Smith, Phillip Elliott, and Jeneen Pierce; in-laws, Alfred and Mildred Betts, Leonard and Marie Kalb; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeanette Elliott, Loras Kalb, Ken Kalb, and Mary Hannan; three nephews, Robert Elliott, Leslie Ganfield, and DJ Elliott; two nieces, Theresa Sawvell, and Tracie Elliott; two great nephew, Jeremy Fischer and Christian Simon; and a great niece, Jennifer Elliott.

Max’s family is deeply grateful to the residents, nurses, and staff at Harmony Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque, for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to Divine Word College in Max’s memory – leaving a continuing legacy of his faith and devotion to Catholicism.

A Tribute Video may be viewed, and online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com