Obituaries Archive

Cheryl A. Gaul

Donita M. Weeber Jaeger

Donita M. Weeber Jaeger, 89, of Peoria, Illinois, formerly of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 5, 2021.  Private funeral services will be held.

Donita was born April 9, 1932 in Asbury, Iowa, daughter of Harold and Martha (Dietz) Koster.

She married James E. Jaeger on February 22, 1997 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  He preceded her in death on August 24, 2001.

Donita worked as a receptionist for many years; first for Dr. Robert Meyer for 13 years, then Medical Associates for 15 years.

She was a past mentor at Lincoln Elementary School and volunteer at Finley Hospital.

She loved her family dearly.  Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought great joy into her life.

She is survived by a son, Michael (Jackie) Weeber of Dubuque; daughter, Pamela (Paul) Trimble of Peoria, IL; nine grandchildren, Kate Kruse, Molly Weeber, Jodi Weeber, Jacob (fiancé Stacey) Weeber, Josh Weeber, Nathan (Cathy) Trimble, Nicki (Chris) Collins, Zack Trimble and Katelyn Trimble; great grandchildren, Nathanial Kruse;  Anna, Madeline, Lexi, Ava, and Brooks Weeber; and Ciara Timble, Camryn Collins, Cydney Collins and Rohman Timble;  brother in law, Robert Murphy and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her twin brother and his wife, Donald and Joyce Koster and sister, Shirlene “Toots” Murphy.

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

Online condolences may be left at egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Barbara A. Block

Barbara Ann Block, 75, of East Dubuque, IL died August 4, 2021.  Visitation will be at the Mystique Community Ice Center Saturday, August 14 from 2 to 4 pm followed by sharing of memories at 4 pm.  A committal service will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday, August 16 at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Barbara was born March 18, 1946 in Dubuque, daughter of Harold “Hal” and Elsie (McNamer) Block.

She started work at Frommelt Industries which later became Rite-Hite Corp, and worked there for over 40 years until her retirement.

Barbara had two passions in her life; her dogs and Hockey.

Her dogs meant the world to her and as she would say, they taught her about unconditional love.

She was an avid supporter of local hockey and the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Barb also had a heart of gold and would try to help anyone who was in need or pain.

Barb is survived by her brother, Bob (Pat) Block of Summerville, SC; and two cousins, Deborah Block of Dubuque and Toni Hurley of Bellevue, Iowa.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

A Barbara Block Memorial Fund has been established.

Gary L. Germain

Gary L. Germain, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 8, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gary’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., at the Linwood Mueller Memorial Chapel, 2736 Windsor Avenue in Dubuque.  A prayer service for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m., with Father Herbert Pins officiating.  Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on January 4, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Maurice “Maury” and Betty (Knapp) Germain.  He grew up surrounded by friends and family and spent his entire life embracing and adoring every opportunity to share his days with them.  Gary eventually turned his passion of restoring painting and antiques into his own business, Germain Fine Arts and Associates, and thoroughly treasured the opportunity to make a living out of doing what he enjoyed most. When the workday was done, Gary’s 2nd love in life was anything on or near the water.  Fishing, boating, and water skiing were always an acceptable way to spend a little free time in Gary’s eyes, and he had even spent a few years sharing his talents with the Tommy Bartlett Show in the Wisconsin Dells during some of his earlier years.  Gary also thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity he could spend a little time with his grandsons as well.  Whether it was with fishing poles in hand, or shooting hoops on the basketball court, if the boys were by his side, all was well.  Any day that Gary could spend a little time with family, at work, and be blessed enough to discover a little free-time on the river, was all that he could ever ask for.  We are truly broken-hearted today at the mere thought that we have shared our last conversation with our dear Gary.  His love for life, and the memories which he leaves behind, are surely an inspiration to all who knew and loved him and will hopefully help to heal the pain of his absence from our daily lives.  We thank you, Gary, for simply being the best man that you could be and will never forget the sight of your smile.  May the Lord grant you the peace you’ve been seeking and hold you securely in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his son,
Chris (Nancy) Germain, Buffalo, IA;

his grandson,
Michael Germain, Buffalo, IA;

his siblings,
Nancy (Jym Lyons) Germain, Dubuque, IA,
and Dennis “Denny” (Linda) Germain, Granada Hills, CA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice “Maury” and Betty (Knapp) Germain; and his grandson, Nicholas Germain.

Gary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Gary, and his family.

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

Dr. Robert McGrath Miller

Dr. Robert “Bob” McGrath Miller, passed away on August 8 at home surrounded by family.

Friends and relatives may call from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, August 11 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury, Iowa. Services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, August 12 at Lord of Life where visitation will also be held from 9:00 to 9:45 am. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery.  Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, masks will be required at the visitation and funeral service. The service will be livestreamed by Lord of Life, the information is as follows Zoom:https://bit.ly/2PvSCQJ Meeting ID: 563 582 7371 Passcode: Luther or Phone in at: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 563 582 7371 Passcode: 456037.

Bob was born on November 16, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Arthur J. and Annetta (McGrath) Miller, Sr.. Except for a few early years at Lattnerville and Graf, IA and graduate school years, Bob lived his entire life in Dubuque. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1960 and the University of Dubuque in 1964. He later earned an M.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Botany, both at the University of Iowa. Bob met the love of his life, Janice Butler Downey, in 1968, and they were married on July 27, 1969, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque.

Bob began his college teaching career at the University of Dubuque in 1966, and he was on the faculty there until 2004. He retired as Professor of Biology and Chair of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. Highlights of his teaching career were teaching field courses and the development of the Environmental Science major at Dubuque, along with fond memories of the many students and advisees that he served over his 38 years of teaching at the University.

As a devoted member at St. Matthew, Bob served in many roles, including congregational chairman. He and Janice especially enjoyed seeing their son and daughter baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew. In later years, he and Janice joined the church family at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

Bob was a lifetime fan of the Dodgers and Packers, and enjoyed attending Hawkeye football games with family and friends. He had a true love for the farm at Lattnerville that was in his family from 1853 to 2013, and was very happy to see it become a county park and wildlife area. Bob kept a parcel on Girl Scout Road, where he had a log cabin built that provided years of quiet enjoyment for him. Somewhat late in life, Bob developed a love for the Mississippi River, taking family and friends out on his pontoon boat. Notable was Bob’s role as organizer for a very close group of buddies who “hung out” since attending school together, most of whom were members of the ‘Hempstead Hillbillies’.

Janice and Bob enjoyed going out with friends and family, traveling, reading, dancing, and playing cards. High points were the times spent with children and grand-children, sharing their activities, in school and afterwards. Holiday traditions were particularly meaningful, including July 4th and Christmas brunch at the Butler home on Derby Grange Road.

Bob served for years as a board member of the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation Board, assisting with many projects in the county, particularly Heritage Trail which passes by the Miller-McGrath farm. He also served on the Dubuque Civil Service Commission and on the board of the Mississippi River Research Consortium.

Surviving Bob are his wife, Janice Miller, son Todd Miller and daughter Lisa Miller Hopkins and granddaughters Alyssa Hopkins, Sydney Miller, and Emma Miller.

He is also survived by two siblings, Charles (Marie) Miller, Nettie (John) Combs, in-laws Burton (Ellen) Butler, Dean Butler, Richard Anderson, Laurie Anderson, Sally (Koehler) Miller, as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grand-parents, parents, sisters in-law Jeanette Anderson, Patti Butler, and brother Arthur J. Miller Jr.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at Egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Friends of the Dubuque County Conservation Board, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, or Hospice of Dubuque.

David J. Johll, Jr.

David J. Johll Jr., 61, of East Dubuque, died Sunday, August 8, 2021, at his home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday August 10, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for David will be 10:00 am Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The service 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.

David was born November 11, 1959, in Dubuque, the son of David John and Shirley Ann Rennison Johll.

He was 1978 graduate of Hempstead High School and attended Iowa State University.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving from April, 1982 until April 2002 as Master Sergeant. He was stationed in Saudia Arabia, Okinawa, England and South Dakota and was known as “King Dave”.

He served in the U.S. Civil Service for the Federal Aviation Administration in Juneau, Alaska.

He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Dubuque Fraternal Order of Eagles #568. He played fantasy football and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. He loved music and played soprano for the Dubuque Colts Drum and Bugle Corps.

Survivors include four siblings, Daniel Johll of Dunedin, FL, Cheryl (Scott) Withington of Yukon, OK, Cathy (Wayne) Selle of East Dubuque, and Donald Johll of Waterloo, IA; a special aunt and uncle, Mike and Dorothy Leppert of East Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews, and his grandparents.

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 David’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Kyle Pearce

Kyle Pearce, 85 of Elizabeth, IL passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 6, 2021, after an unfortunate farming accident. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Military honors will be accorded at 7 PM at the Funeral Home by the Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Burial will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 11:30 AM in Elizabeth Township Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born July 6, 1936, in Hanover, IL the son of James and Mildred (Allen) Pearce. Kyle graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1954. He joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, in Washington where he achieved the rank of corporal before being honorably discharged in 1956. Prior to joining the army, he worked at Farley and Loescher. Kyle was united in marriage to Sharon Niemeyer on June 29, 1957. Together they began farming in rural Galena. He worked at the Elizabeth garage from 1967 until 1980 as a mechanic while continuing to farm. He and his wife moved to their current farm in Elizabeth in 1973 with their three children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, three children, Rob (Donna) Pearce of Elizabeth, Lori (Steve) Beach of Rockford, IL, and Richard (Meah) Pearce of Elizabeth, nine grandchildren, Shannon (Justin) Diehl, Renee (Brian) Busch, Amy (Justin) Wiscons, Sara (Mat Loveridge) Beach, Hayden Beach, Jessica Beach, Zoe (Anthony Bertucci) Pearce, Eli Beach and Abby Beach, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lisa, and son, William both in infancy, sister Virginia Bruner and a brother-in-law, Wayne Bruner.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Mary F. Year

Mary F. “Frankie” (Gruber) Yeary, 83, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Jackson County Regional Health Center.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a Celebration of Life service will be at 12:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born on August 27, 1938, in Big Stone Gap, VA the daughter of Curtis and Elma Mae (Bailey) Yeary.

Frankie was most remembered by her knack of creating anything she set her mind to. She would spend hours searching for that special rock to build her rock gardens just right. Frankie had an incredible talent of envisioning beautiful creations from just a skein of yarn. Her designs were from remarkably detailed doll dresses to elegant afghans that will be cherished for years to come. She was an amazing cook that not only did her children enjoy but also her beloved pup Peanut. Frankie’s infectious smile along with her sharp-witted personality will hold dear to the hearts of those who she encountered.

Frankie is survived by her children, Mike (Sue Lang) Gruber, of Dubuque, IA, Deb Gruber of Spanaway, WA, Lisa Gruber, of Burgess, VA, Jeff Gruber of Dubuque, IA, Joe (JoAnn) Gruber, of Dubuque, IA and Missy (Merlin Hansen) Donovan, of Dubuque, IA. Her grandchildren, Megan Kedley, Ben (Ariel Miller) Donovan, Tishana (Eric) Suiter, Ryan (Dana) Gruber, Brandon (Ellie Loes) Gruber, Jake Donovan, Brittany (Kyle) Burch, Jenna Gruber, Katie (Adam) Kurt, Jake Gruber, Kristina (Drew Collins) Gruber, Emily Donovan and ten great grandchildren. Two sisters Ann (Bill) Akers and Connie (Rodney) Bray both of Virginia.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband Francis X. Gruber Jr.; a special angel Danny Gruber and her ever faithful and loving dog Peanut.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Whispurring Hope Rescue.

The family would like to thank the staff at Crest Ridge Nursing Home with a special thank you to Mary’s caregiver Karen. The family would also like to thank Vickie at Whispurring Hope Rescue for caring for Peanut.

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.