Obituaries Archive

Roger J. Tarr

Roger John Tarr, 89, of Green Island, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Monday, February 24, 2025 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Funeral Services will begin following the visitation at the funeral home.  Burial will be in First Presbyterian Cemetery in Bellevue.

Arlene G. Kritz

Arlene G. Kritz, 83, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Arlene was born on September 16, 1941, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Clifford and Lila (Spores) Bellows. She was united in marriage to Eldon A. Kritz on August 10, 1957, in Dubuque, IA. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2005.

Arlene was formerly employed at K-Mart in Dubuque and Timmerman’s Hotel in East Dubuque. She enjoyed bingo and spending time with her grandchildren. Arlene was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Surviving are her children, Kelly (Abel) Ibarra of Dubuque, IA, Eldie (Mary) Kritz, of East Dubuque, IL, Darrell (Sherry) Kritz of Dubuque, IA, and Kurt (Jenny) Kritz of Peosta, IA; son-in-law, Steve Lutgen of Dubuque, IA; seven grandchildren, Kenneth, Alyssa, Mitchel, Kelsey, Rio, Justin and Kirsten.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Lila, her husband, Eldon, a daughter, Sherry Lutgen, granddaughter, Brooke Kritz, brother, Darrell Bellows and sister, Marilyn Duran.

On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©

Yvonne M. Collins

Yvonne “Bonnie” Marie Collins 71 of Asbury, IA, passed away at home on Saturday, February 15, 2025, she was surrounded by her loving and devoted husband Steven Collins and by her two daughters, Stacy Stackis and Melissa Martin.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Jack Redmond Officiating.

Bonnie was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, coming into this world on May 23, 1953. The daughter of Shirley Harrington and Eddie Allen along with her 6 siblings. Bonnie and former spouse (William R. Plowman Sr) had 4 children together who they loved and adored. Though this marriage was not permanent the love they had remained for their children and still remained friends. Bonnie went on to marry the love of her life Steven P. Collins on July 26, 1991, until this present day.

Bonnie loved with ease and purity. She was the life of the party. Bonnie enjoyed hosting parties in her home (card parties, get togethers, family gatherings) she loved the outdoors, camping fishing, boating, heading north to her favorite place “My Last Resort” to cherish her time and make many great memories with her husband Steven Collins. Bonnie also loved her time traveling to various destinations and her cruise trips. Bonnie’s last loving trip was to see Holly (lee) Culbertson as Holly was like another one of her daughters who she loved dearly. Bonnie also had a deep passion for shopping and remaining “fashionable”. She loved waking up in the early mornings by being told “GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL.” Most of Bonnie’s precious moments were any chance she could have with her grandchildren by entertaining them on facetime, hide and seek, dancing, playing games, going for car rides or simply sitting around while they tell her stories.

Bonnie is survived by her husband Steven P. Collins, her son, William R. (Trish) Plowman Jr. and two daughters Stacy (Steve) Stackis and Melissa (Jason) Martin. Grandchildren: Jamaica (Brian) Dobrowolski, Chelsie Plowman, Chance Plowman, Cameron Curler, Ashley (Logan) Steffans, Cody Stackis, Melia Plowman, Jaxx Martin, Jamey Martin and Raley Martin. Great grandchildren: Daise Androusky and Bryce Dobrowolski, Lotus Plowman, Rohan Steffans and baby Steffans on the way.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Harrington, father Eddie Allen, late husband William R. Plowman Sr., brother Steven “Burr Head” Allen, brother Ronald Harrington, sister Sharon “Sher Bear” Harrington, nephew Greg Harrington, niece (who was like another daughter) Holly Culbertson, son(s) William R. Plowman Jr. and Brandon Plowman.

The family would like to thank all of Bonnie’s friends and family that were able to be at her side through her journey. Also, we would love to thank Hospice of Dubuque with all the help and support they have provided with comfort and loving care during this time.

Donald A. Katuin

Donald A. Katuin, 83, of Monticello, Iowa passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Campus, in Monticello, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa, with services immediately following. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.

Don was born on February 12, 1941, on the home farm in Kanawha, Iowa, son of Dick and Grace (Eenhuis) Katuin. He graduated from Kanawha High School in 1959. Before entering the Army, he worked on the family farm and at Kanawha Farmer’s Co-op grain elevator. He later moved to Monticello in 1975 where he continued work in various agriculture related jobs. He married Sharon (Holmes) Ahlrichs on July 30, 1994, in Monticello, Iowa. He served on the Monticello Board of Education, volunteered with the Monticello ambulance service, and coached girls’ softball. Switching careers later in life he became a paramedic and respiratory therapist where he worked at St. Luke’s Hospital and flew with the LifeGuard air ambulance.

Don was a very active person, always working outside. He loved fishing, gardening, farming, hunting, horseback riding and tinkering in the shop. His family knew him as a very kind, compassionate person and a jack of all trades.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon; children: Melanie (Jun) Manares of Milton, MA, Rachel Katuin of Lawrence, KS, Bob (Barb) Ahlrichs of Dubuque, Rod (Cheri) Ahlrichs of Hernando, MS and a chosen daughter, Kim (Shawn) McQuillen of Monticello; grandchildren: Liam Manares, Abbey (CJ) Hanten, Alex Ahlrichs, Cassie Ahlrichs, Lauren (Adam) Johnson, Nathan Ahlrichs and Keziah McQuillen; in-laws: Dale (Joyce) Bakker, Beth Menges, Betty Prull, Richard Harms, Dave Conway and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Nadine (Dale) Bakker, and a brother, Richard (Beth) Katuin; in-laws: Rose Conway, Harry Prull, Meg Harms, and Bob and Kathy Holmes.

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

Loretta A. Reistroffer

James J. Astgen

James J. Astgen, of Glendale, Ariz., passed away unexpectedly at home on January 18, 2025.

Jim was born in Dubuque, IA, on October 30, 1957, to Robert E. Astgen & Dorothy A. (Kress) Astgen.

A memorial gathering will be planned for a future date.

Jim spent his early years living in Canoga Park, CA, before moving back to Dubuque and graduating from Dubuque Senior High School. Over time Jim would return to live in California, as well as Burlington, VT, and Lake Elmo, MN, before retiring and settling in Glendale, AZ.

Jim applied his knowledge and skills to maintenance and property care including Thompson Food Stores and the Telegraph Herald in Dubuque. After leaving Dubuque he spent 30 years in the hospitality industry as manager of multiple service departments for Hilton Hotels.

In addition to traveling to visit family and friends, Jim enjoyed western and sixties music, television series from the sixties, and creative cooking as a hobby. He always knew how to make others laugh.

Jim is survived by his siblings Gary (Phyllis) Astgen of East Dubuque, IL, Tom (Gail) Astgen of Glendale, AZ, and Mary (Lyle) Moulton of Peoria, AZ, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, two nephews, and a beloved sister-in-law.

Tracy A. Gehrts

Tracy Anne Gehrts, 68, of Galena, IL, our beloved sister, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, while listening to the birds sing at Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena. A funeral service will be held at Noon on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may call from 11 AM until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.

Tracy was born on January 22, 1957, in Dubuque, IA, to William and Evelyn (Phillips) Gehrts. She was one of the first attendees of The Workshop in Galena and was loved by all who worked there. Tracy enjoyed swimming and bowling for the Special Olympics, proudly earning numerous medals for her achievements. She loved going for rides, shopping, preparing for holiday parties, and vacationing. Tracy cherished the time spent with her sisters, whether being silly, cruising around, or simply enjoying each other’s company. This sisterhood will be forever treasured.

She is survived by her sisters, Gretchen (Tim) Wienen and Anne (John) Huber, along with her sister-in-law, Diane Gehrts, all of Galena. Tracy is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Amy (Jason) Wiegard, Kari Gehrts, Justin (Tracy) Gehrts, Jessica (Nathan) Studtmann, Emily (Tim) Van Pelt, Nicholas (Tatum) Wienen, and Kayla, Sam (Ally Switzer), and Jack (Makaila Stuckey) Huber; as well as her great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William “Bill” Gehrts.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque, the staff at Midwest Senior Care Center, the nurses and CNAs who cared for Tracy, and the wonderful past and present employees of The Workshop. “Tracy taught our family love, laughter, and forgiveness in many ways. We will forever miss her smile.”

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

Lois A. Laughlin

Lois Ann Laughlin, 84, of Epworth, Iowa formerly of Peosta, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at her home in Epworth.

Visitation for Lois will be held from 10:00 to noon, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa, where a Memorial Service for Lois will be held at Noon with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held at a later date in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lois was born on April 10, 1940, in Worthington, Iowa, daughter of Elmer and Delores (Kelchen) Weydert.  She was a graduate of St. John’s the Baptist High School in Peosta, Iowa.   On October 7, 1961, she was united in marriage to Allen Laughlin at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa.

She worked in the cafeteria for the Western Dubuque School District, where she took great pride in her work, until her retirement in 2003.  She was a terrific wife and mother and a truly great grandmother.

Lois was a member of the St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth, Iowa.

Those left to cherish Lois’s memory are her husband, Allen Laughlin of Epworth; four children, Richard Laughlin (Lisa Shoeman) of Rochester, MN, Carla Laughlin of Dubuque, Randy (Diane) Laughlin of Peosta, and Douglas (Michelle) Laughlin of Johnston; 8 grandchildren, Keeley (Vince) Williams, Krista, Kelsie and Kendra Laughlin, Shayla and Nathan Laughlin, Collin and Mackenzie; 2 great grandchildren, Isaac and Elise Williams;  siblings, Elaine Tracey of Cascade, Jack Weydert of Dubuque, Joyce Horsfield of Epworth, Janet Pitz of Peosta, Tom (Donna) Weydert of Farley, Jerry (Marty) Weydert of Dubuque, Marilyn (John) Kettmann of Bellevue, Marlene Kramer of Farley, Joe Weydert of Dubuque, Bill (Janice) Weydert of Peosta, and Dave Weydert of Dubuque; four sisters-in-law, Doris Laughlin of Zwingle, Rosetta Laughlin of Maquoketa, Donna Weydert of Peosta, and Elaine Tracey of Cascade.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Gery Weydert; her father and mother-in-law, Irvin and Lucille (Dimmer) Laughlin; one brother James Weydert; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Weydert, Kathy Weydert, Judi Weydert, Darlene (Donald) Kamm, Helen (William) Powers; brothers-in-law, Erwin Horsfield, Lloyd Kramer, Ronald Pitz, Joseph Laughlin, Robert (Mae) Laughlin, Justin Laughlin and John Tracey,

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

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Buffy, Jennie and Jill.

Sandy J. Weidenbacher

Sandy J. Weidenbacher, 75 of Dubuque, IA joined the Lord in Heaven on Friday, February 14, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family and her faithful companion, her fur-baby, Celtic.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday February 20, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a service to be held at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Jeff Frieden officiating.

Sandy was born April 27th, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa to Hollis and Audrey (Neuhaus) Root. She was raised in Dubuque attended St. Mary’s Catholic elementary and junior high school and graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1967.

She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Thomas J. Weidenbacher on October 25, 1969 – just a few days after he returned home from the Vietnam War. They celebrated 55 years of marriage this past October.

Sandy worked for various companies in Dubuque which include John Deere, Dubuque Packing Company, Disco Building Improvements, Manor Care Nursing Home, and Foodliner Inc. She had 54 years of administrative and clerical work combined before she retired. After two short months of retirement Sandy headed back to work for the Dubuque Community Schools serving breakfast and lunch to the Marshall Elementary students. Seeing the children every day gave Sandy so much joy, unfortunately she had to leave the school after being diagnosed with cancer, it saddened her to leave the students.

Sandy enjoyed reading, diamond art painting, going to the casino, playing bingo, cooking and baking. She also loved to listen to Elvis, walking her dog, and of course seeing and spoiling her grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Tom Weidenbacher; her children, Dale of Dubuque, Jim (Candice Puccio) of Dubuque, Sabrina (Jeremy) Vondal of Dubuque, Robin (Aaron) Long of Kearney, Nebraska. Seven grandchildren, Alex, Logan, Jordyn, Ally, Gage, Layne and Drew. Also, her faithful companion for the last 12 ½ years, Celtic, along with many friends and neighbors.

She was preceded death by her parents, a stillborn daughter Laura Lynn in 1980, five brothers Jim, Ron, Dale, Donnie, and Bill Root, and brothers-in-law Randy Gray, Dave Laufenberg, Wesley “Sonny” (Hattie) Martin Weidenbacher Jr., Keith Weidenbacher, George Husemann, and Ron Lamb.

Sandy’s family would like to thank the Oncology Department at Medical Associates- East Campus, Oncology department at University of Iowa Hospitals, Hospice of Dubuque (East), and Leonard Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Sandy.

Alice M. Koob

Alice M. Koob, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 11, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Alice Marie Smith was born on April 23, 1953 in Monticello, Iowa, to George W. and Lavina Smith.  She grew up in Monticello and was a graduate of Monticello High School.  Her thirst for knowledge led her to further her studies at Kirkwood Community College and Scott Community College, where she excelled academically. On December 11, 1971, Alice married her soulmate, David Koob, in her hometown of Monticello, Iowa. Together, they welcomed four daughters into the world, Tracy, Rebecca, Brenda, and Tamara, who were the center of Alice’s universe.

Throughout her life, Alice was a hardworking and versatile professional. She held various positions, including at Gastroenterology Associates PC in Bettendorf, Jack’N’Jill Grocery Store, and B Cap Corporation in Maquoketa. At the time of her passing, she was a valued employee at both Kwik Star and Fareway Stores in Maquoketa.  She was respected and admired by her colleagues and customers alike.

Alice’s zest for life extended beyond her professional endeavors. She was a woman of many interests and talents. She was a dedicated 4-H leader, and her volunteer work with the Speedway Fire and Rescue Squad showcased her desire to help others. Alice’s passion for photography was evident as she captured the excitement of race car drivers at local tracks in Maquoketa, Tipton, and Davenport, sharing her husband’s love for racing.  She also supported her good friend, Patricia Denklau, with whom she took pictures of the Tractorcade Across Iowa.

Alice’s legacy is carried on by her devoted husband, David Koob of Maquoketa, IA; her daughters, Tracy Koob of Tiffin, IA, Rebecca (Kevin) Guinn of Davenport, IA, Brenda (David) Roddenberry of Grand Mound, IA, and Tamara Koob of Bettendorf, IA; and her stepdaughter, Jamie (Loren) Martin of Anamosa, IA. Her twelve grandchildren will miss her dearly. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Joseph (Donna) Smith of Monticello, IA, Paul (Janice) Smith of Monticello, IA, Joyce (Adam) Meehan-Olszewski of Chicago, IL, Nancy Smith of Ocala, FL, Elaine Eggiman of Monticello, IA, and sister-in-law, Jean Smith of Clinton, IA. Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert “Bob” Smith.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monticello, at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Alice M. Koob family c/o Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

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

Joyce F. Huss

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Joyce Francis Huss, age 85, of Dubuque on February 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday February 20, 2025 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church following the visitation. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on November 2, 1939, in Dubuque to Frank and Anna (Wagner) Pusateri. She graduated from the Academy of the Visitation and later married the love of her life, William (Bill) J. Huss, on November 8, 1958.

Joyce was a gifted artist, expressing her creativity through her floral designs. Her work with Flowers of Joy, Ice Harbor Emporium, and Hy-Vee Floral brought beauty, joy, and happiness to many in the community. Joyce had a unique gift—she could strike up a conversation with a stranger and walk away with a new friend. Her warmth, kindness, and “gift of gab” will forever be remembered by all who knew her.

She was a devoted mother to her five children: Gina (Kevin) Danner, Steven

(Joanne) Huss, Todd (Kim) Huss, Sharon (Kelly) Myers, and Cara (Jim) Marek.

Her love and dedication extended to her twelve grandchildren who she had a special bond with each of them and was the ‘keeper of secrets’. Her twelve grandchildren include: Ashley (Christoph) Esch, Alyssa (Jason) Leutzinger, Ali (Zach) Althaus, Daniel (Kara) Huss, Brian (Michelle) Huss, Christopher

(Stacy) Huss, Kaitlyn (friend Micah Oostenryk) Huss, Mitchell (fiancée Amelia Miller) Huss, Nicholas (Rachel) Huss, Zachary (Sarah) Myers, Chelsea (Kelli Kreuser) Myers and Erica Marek. She also had eleven great-grandchildren and two on the way! Joyce is also survived by her sisters, Jeanne Schrobilgen of Dubuque and Andrea Schwegman of Davenport, along with many friends.

Joyce is now reunited with her beloved husband Bill, of 62 years, her daughter Gina Danner, and her parents, Frank and Anna Pusateri. She was also predeceased by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Pusateri, and sister Judith Flanagan. Joyce is also preceded in death by her in-laws, Arthur and Marie Huss, stepfather-in-law H. Ervin Meyer, and in-laws Donald & Ruth Huss and Donna Jean & Lavern Mueller and many lifelong friends.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care and support.

Rhonda K. Connolly

Rhonda Kay (Weber) Connolly, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on February 12, 2025, at home surrounded by her daughters and her two beloved cats.

To honor of Rhonda’s wishes, there will be no services. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family with Rhonda’s final wishes.

Rhonda was born on February 25, 1959 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Ronald & Beverly (Corwin) Weber. She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1977. She was united in marriage to Thomas Connolly on June 28, 1980 at Grand View Methodist Church in Dubuque. They later divorced, but remained close for their girls and grandkids. Rhonda worked for Leggett & Platt for many years until their closure. She then began working at Nordstrom and remained there until her retirement this past December.

Rhonda loved racing and hockey. She cherished her relationships with her Iowa, Illinois, and Florida racing friends, as well as all of her hockey friends. She loved Nascar races and attended many of them over her years. She also loved attending concerts. But most importantly, Rhonda loved her three girls and her grandkids, and she deeply cherished the relationships that she had with each of them. Even in her passing her first concern was her daughters, no matter what cancer threw at her.

“Mom, there are no words for how proud of you we are! You were so tiny but you took cancer on like you were 100 times bigger than it right from the start. You did all that was asked and we couldn’t ask for any more than that. Now we have to find peace that you are pain free, happy, and with your loved ones who have gone before you. We will miss you every second, of every day. We love you so very much, and we can’t wait until we are with you again!”

Rhonda is survived by her daughters Crystal (Lance) Butler, and their children Jaynen, Matthew, & Jackson Butler; Jessica (Craig Mueller) Connolly, and their children Mya Connolly & Lillian Mueller; and Jennifer Connolly and her children Haedyn & Jaeda Blocker. She is also survived by her former husband and cherished friend Thomas Connolly, brother Randy Weber, and the rest of her Weber and Connolly family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Beverly Weber, her daughter Shannon in infancy, granddaughter Miracle Leigh Blocker, brother Ronnie Weber, her paternal and maternal grandparents, and her best friend, Julie Reuter, whom she missed so very much.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent for the family to Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Iowa City Hospital and Clinics Cancer Center, especially Dr. Sharif.

Janet Hennekens

Janet (Rahe) Hennekens, age 78, died Thursday February 13, 2025, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5 at a venue to be determined.  Janet will be interred with Bill at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial near Spooner, Wisconsin.

Janet, daughter of Gilbert and Florabelle Rahe, was raised on the family farm northeast of Dyersville and attended the Xavier Catholic School system.  After graduating from high school and being impressed by “the land of sky- blue- waters” on a Hamm’s beer commercial, Janet headed to the North Woods and never looked back.  She earned her undergraduate degree from The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota and her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.   

She began her career as Miss Janet on Romper Room, a popular children’s television program at the time. She next worked in student services at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and eventually became the Superior, Wisconsin, City Clerk.  She and Bill later moved to Minneapolis where she was involved with the implementation and training of software systems used by school districts across the country.

Upon retirement, Janet and Bill built their dream home in the woods near Solon Springs, Wisconsin. After Bill’s death in 2017, Janet returned to Iowa to be close to her family. She spent her remaining years at Eagle Pointe Place Retirement Community in Dubuque.

Janet is survived by her siblings, Mary Kay Matisheck, Lois Noel, Doris (Gary) Brown, Dewayne (Krystal) Rahe, Marsha (Mark) Hauser, Carmen (Jim) Epstein, Keith (Jacque) Rahe, Colleen Mormann, Michelle Rahe and her sister-in-law Nikki Rahe, along with many nieces and nephews.  Janet was preceded in death by her husband Bill Hennekens, her parents, and her brother John Rahe.

Janet’s family would like to thank Chelsea McElmeel from Eagle Pointe Place (EPP) for her friendship with Janet and being a bright spot in her life at EPP. They would also like to thank the staff at The Gables at Mount Carmel Bluffs for Janet’s care during her final days.   

John C. Abitz

John C. Abitz, 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Saturday February 8, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital surrounded by his family.

According to John’s wishes, no local services will be held. There will be private family gathering. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

John was born August 6, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, to John J. Abitz and raised by his grandmother Margaret Abitz.

John served in the armed forces in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he met and married the love of his life Hannah K. Abitz, they joined in union on November 9, 1965. They later moved to Dubuque to continue with their adventure. John retired from Interstate Power Company after 30 years. He was a well-known and decorated fast pitch softball player, and set records in football at Loras College. He loved fishing, gardening, and restoring his truck and Hannah’s mustang. He loved the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed his time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John is survived by his daughters Ida (Joe Solem) L. Ahtoong, and Arleigh “Cissy” (Brian) Schlarmann Sr., sons Jimmy Abitz, Bo (Danita) Abitz, and John (Karen) C. Abitz Jr., 18 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Hannah K. Abitz, son Galen W. Abitz and Uncle Leo Abitz.

The family would like to thank the staff at UnityPoint Finley Hospital.

Kenneth F. Kruser

Kenneth Francis Kruser, affectionately known as “Kenny”, age 62, passed away at University of Iowa Hospital on February 10, 2025.

To celebrate Kenny’s life, his visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 18th at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Vigil service and time for sharing stories will be at 6:30 p.m. with Deacon David Roth officiating.

Kenny was born July 16, 1962, in Dubuque, IA to Ambrose and Rosemary (Loeffelholz) Kruser and graduated from Hempstead High School in 1980. On May 6, 2016, Kenneth Kruser married Kimberly Ohnesorge of Las Vegas, NV. He began his 32-year career at Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1990. He retired in September 2022. Kenny had an infectious personality and will be missed by his wife, cat Maddie, family, friends and his band of brothers.

Kenny is survived by his wife Kimberly (Ohnesorge) Kruser and his seven sisters, Karen (Patrick) O’Malley, Kathleen Rainey, Kimberly Kruser, Kelly Kruser, Karla (Brian) Wolf, Kristie (Jon) Baker, Kerry (Daniel) Walker, his mother-in-law Kristine Digman, his sister-in-law Kelli (Dave) Smutzler, brother-in-law John (Terissa) Ohnesorge and many great-nieces and nephews.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents Ambrose and Rosemary (Loeffelholz) Kruser and his father-in-law Bruce Ohnesorge.

There will be a small celebration with light hors d’oeuvres following the visitation at Mulgrews in East Dubuque, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Kenny’s name can be directed to the family.