Obituaries Archive

Madonna Schmitt

Madonna Schmitt answered God’s call to come home on Sunday, April 19, 2020, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, just weeks short of her 100th birthday.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Madonna will be held Thursday, April 23, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta. Burial will be in the church cemetery in Centralia which is directly across from the home she and Harold built in 1977.  The service will be available for viewing shortly after the Mass is concluded at www.hskfhcares.com.

She was born in Emery, South Dakota on June 4, 1920 to Michael and Edna (Thielen) Koetz.  Madonna called Centralia, Iowa home and where she and her husband, Harold,  bought a farm in 1947.

On February 27, 1943, Madonna married Harold Schmitt at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa where she had been a life-long member.  Together, she and Harold raised five children, Pat (Ron) Schueller of Cuba City, WI, Joann of Omaha, NE, Richard of Columbia, MO, Ken (Carol) of Dubuque and John (Robin) of Buford, GA.  Having been married over sixty years, Harold preceded Madonna in death on December 31, 2003.

Madonna graduated as valedictorian from Peosta High School in 1938 where she played basketball.  She was an avid bowler as well as a member of St. John’s Rosary Society.  After they retired from farming, she enjoyed working in the kitchen at Helen’s.  For many years, Madonna was a voting clerk at the Centralia Fire Department during elections.

Madonna is survived by her children and nine grandchildren including Karen (Ron) Snyder of Peosta, Greg (Marcia) Schueller of Ft. Atkinson, WI, Gail (Dana) Benson of Cumming, GA, Dana Schueller of Chicago, IL, Dianne (Ron) Jentz of Platteville, WI,  Lynee (Rod) Robson of Cuba City, WI, Maureen (Terry) Waskow of Dubuque, Jared (Megan) Schmitt of Centralia, and Josh (Michele) Schmitt of Livermore, CA.  Madonna took joy in her twenty-two great grandchildren.  She is also survived by siblings Francis (Marian) Koetz of Centralia, Mildred Finzel of Dubuque, Glen (Donna) Koetz of Dubuque, and sisters-in-law Rosie (Ed) Horsfield of Epworth and Carol Schmitt of Peosta.

In addition to Harold, she was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, as well as siblings Marilyn Koetz, Joseph (Louise) Koetz, brother-in-law Norb Finzel, Harold’s brothers Gerald, Jim, Robert, and George Schmitt, and sisters Marguerite Richter, Marcella Schmitt, Gertrude McGovern, Bonnie Moses, Alice Burds, Evelyn Hammes, Dorothy Von Ah, and Mary Lou Lindecker.

We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Hawkeye Care Center which Madonna has called home and been treated like family for the last seventeen years. Our family would also like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially our Megan, Angelia, Suzanne, Scott, Heather and Kelli for the skilled expertise, compassion, and dignity provided to Madonna and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Madonna’s name to Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002.

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

Alvin C. Weirup

Alvin C. Weirup, 81, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, April 16, 2020, at his home.

A private family graveside service and burial will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A private family visitation will be held.  A celebration of his life will be announced at a future date.

Alvin Charles Weirup was born on April 11, 1939 near Buckhorn, Iowa, to Herbert and Lila (Conger) Weirup.  He grew up in the Delmar area and went to Delmar High School, graduating in 1956.  He married Ester Barten in 1959 in Andrew, Iowa and they raised three children, Roderick, Jolene and Chad.  Alvin later married Arlene McAnnany in Lost Nation, Iowa and they resided on the farm near Baldwin, Iowa.

Alvin had farmed most of his life in Clinton and Jackson Counties and also operated his own earth moving business from 1963 to 1969.  He also drove truck for Amhof Trucking in Eldridge, and Quest Liner (formerly Gless Bros.) in Dubuque.

Alvin had served as a Lost Nation/Elwood Telephone Company Board Member for 37 years.  He loved his farm, cattle, horses, and John Deere Tractors.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Arlene Weirup of Baldwin, IA; children, Roderick (Julie) Weirup of Delmar, IA, Jolene “Jo” (Jeff) Freeman of Eldridge, IA, and Chad (Susan) Weirup of Lost Nation, IA; a step-son, Burt Moreau of Virginia Beach, VA; a brother, James (Connie) Weirup of Andrew, IA; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an older brother Leo Weirup, and his sister-in-law Shirley Weirup.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County or any children’s charity.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Gary R. Anglin

Gary R. Anglin, 71, of Dubuque, died Friday, April 17, 2020, at his home.

Our dear husband, dad, grandpa and friend deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Dubuque. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Centralia where military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Gary was born July 29, 1948, in Dubuque, the son of Merle and Lucille Winders Anglin. On September 25, 1971, he married Debbie Goedken at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He attended St. Columbkille’s School and graduated from Wahlert High School.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during the Vietnam War from 1968 until 1970.

Gary was a route salesperson for Trausch Baking Company for 33 years. Following retirement from the bakery, he worked at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home as a funeral attendant.

Gary was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church, where he spent many hours a week helping out as needed as Sacristan. He was also a member of St. Columbkille’s Knights of Columbus Council #15813, 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus Assembly #3556, and Past President of St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was Past Chief and an active member of the Dubuque Auxiliary Police for 39 years. He loved to be of service to people and, in true Christian spirit, he selflessly volunteered his time to anybody who needed it.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie; his son, Kevin (Angie) Anglin of Centralia/Peosta; his daughter, Angie (Rich Curiel Jr.) Anglin of Dubuque; one grandson, Michael Anglin; and four brothers, Keith (Nancy) Anglin of Dubuque, Kenny (Diane) Anglin of Dubuque, P.J. (Tina) Anglin of Hazel Green, WI, and Steven (Tanya) Anglin of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Robert and Ronald Anglin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Nancy E. Heiring

Nancy E. Heiring of Dyersville, Iowa passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Dubuque, Iowa after a courageous battle with bone cancer.

A funeral mass and burial service for Nancy will be held at a later date.  Services are pending with Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Nancy was born August 27, 1948, in Pittsfield, MA. She was the daughter of Alice Margaret (Farr) and Charles August Seibold II.  She spent her younger years living in Baltimore, MD and Munich, Germany due to her father’s military career.  Her parents eventually settling in Avon Park, Florida where Nancy graduated from Avon Park High School in 1966, and then attended South Florida Junior College in Avon Park.

Nancy married Allen Clayton on January 2, 1970, in Avon Park, FL. They moved several times while working in the restaurant industry, including stays in Aspen, CO, Prescott, AZ and eventually settled in southern California. Together they had two daughters, Christine and Melissa.

Nancy’s husband Allen died in 1991, and Nancy later married Ken Heiring in 2001.  They initially lived in Avon Park, and eventually made their way north to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville, Iowa in 2012.

Nancy enjoyed being a housewife and mother.  She also served as a Girl Scout Leader in Prescott, AZ, and was an active participant in the Hibiscus Garden Club in Avon Park. After moving to Dyersville, Ken and Nancy belonged to St. Francis Xavier Basilica where Nancy was on the Stewardship Committee, was a Faith Formation leader, a Eucharist Minister and a Confirmation Catechist.  Throughout her life, Nancy enjoyed the love of travel, camping, RVing, knitting and sewing.  But most of all, Nancy loved being with her family and the faith-filled friends she made through church, retreats, seminars and pilgrimages.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Christine Clayton (Brian Fisher), son-in-law John Tydlaska, step-daughters: Laura (Dean) Richardson, Leslie (Thomas) Simpson, and Leah (David) Mobarak, her brother Charles A. (Nina) Seibold III, nieces and nephews: Wendy (Brian) Watts, Charles A. (Elisabeth) Seibold IV, and William (Amanda) Seibold, brothers/sisters-in-law: Verna Fangman, Betty Heiring, Bill (Pat) Heiring, Jerry Heiring and Marian (Ron) Kingrey, several great nieces and nephews and step-grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Allen Clayton and Ken Heiring and daughter Melissa Tydlaska.

Nancy’s family would like to thank the staff at the Ellen Kennedy Center, Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor Grand Meadows of Asbury for their loving care for Nancy.

Memorials may be made to the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville, Iowa, or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Avon Park, Florida.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

William D. Winkler

With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Bill (William) Dean Winkler on April 16, 2020 at the age of 84.

Bill was born December 16, 1935 in Hebron, IN, the son of Lawrence and Orvilla (Rhodes) Winkler. He graduated from Chesterton H.S. in 1954. Bill served from 1956 -1960 in the United States Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
The last love of his life he married Shirley Kamentz-Winkler on July 7, 1997 in Dubuque, Iowa.

He worked for Westinghouse/Schindler Elevator company as an Elevator Mechanic for 30 years. Prior he worked as a Mechanic for Mack Truck and Goben Cars. He was a proud member of International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 132. He was an avid golf player and played with the Dirty Dozen group with the American Legion Post #6 in Dubuque, Iowa. He also loved playing pool with his good buddies in the Legion pool league. He volunteered with Labor Harvest and was a board member for many years.

He loved and is survived by his children, Carla (Richard) Kim, Cathy (Mark Lawson) Winkler, Step Children: Jeff (Janet) Kamentz, Susan (George) Herrig, Joan Kamentz, Steve (Luanne) Kamentz, Chris (Dawn) Cappetto, Stephen (Pam) Cappetto, Renee Cappetto, Laura (John) Moss, Tracy (Grant) Ragsdale.  Many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother Harold Winkler, sisters June Jefferson, Irma Massom, son Dean Carlos Winkler, and daughter Janel L. Winkler.

We would like to thank, the American Legion Post #6 that became part of his family, the Breezy Ridge QOV quilters for his Quilt of Valor, Eagle Pointe Retirement Home, Medical Associates, Dr. Brian Sullivan, Dr. Christine Holm, Mercy Hospital, Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

No services will be held at Bill’s request, but there will be a celebration of life held at The American Legion Post #6 in Dubuque, Iowa at a later date.

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

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

Mary Ann Till

Mary Ann (Theisen) Till, 87, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Mill Valley Care Center.

Private Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, April 20, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Funeral Mass will be live streamed on St. Joseph Bellevue-Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook Page, Youtube Channel and Bellevue Cable TV.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.  A celebration off Mary Ann’s life will be held at a later date.

Mary Ann was born, July 25, 1932 in St. Donatus, the daughter of Erwin and Gertrude (Heinricy) Till.  She married Orlyn Till on May 11, 1954, he passed on May 16, 1984.  Mary Ann was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  Mary Ann enjoyed baking with her grandchildren; fourth of July gatherings, spending time with her family and friends. Her faith and devotion to God was never ending.

Survivors include her children, Mike (Carla) Till of Andrew, Carol (Michael) Dry of Owasso, OK and Cathy Till of Bellevue; 8 Grandchildren; 14 Great-grandchildren; siblings, her twin sister Marilyn (Cy) Ploessl of Bellevue, Richard “Dick” (Pat) Theisen of Dubuque, Paul (Bonnie) Theisen of St. Catherine, and Carolyn (Walter “Fritz”)) Wertzberger of Key West; a sister in-law, Joyce Till of Maquoketa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Orlyn; her parents; 1 sister in-law, Mary Theisen; 2 brothers in-law, Lorin Till and Brother Wayne Till, SVD.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Hachmann Funeral Home c/o of Mary Ann Till Family at 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031.

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

Marie E. Jogerst

Marie E. Jogerst, 95, of Dubuque, died Thursday, April 16, 2020, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

Marie was born June 30, 1924, in Dubuque, the daughter of John R. and Susan A. Reiter Purcell. On August 7, 1954, she married Ernest F. Jogerst at Church of the Nativity. He died June 23, 2008.

Mrs. Jogerst was employed at Dubuque Fire and Marine Company and Mettel Realty and Investment Company for many years.

She was a member of Nativity Parish and the Visitation Alumnae Association where she served as treasurer for many years.

Survivors include one sister, Catherine “Kitty” O’Dell Novis of Great Falls, MT; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings, John C. (Jack) Purcell, William R. (Bill) Purcell, James T. (Jim) Purcell, and Margaret Conner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Bethany Home, 1005 Lincoln Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001.

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

Sister Clarenita Froehlich, BVM

Sister Clarenita Froehlich, BVM, 85, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, April 13, 2020, at Marian Hall.

Funeral Rite of Committal will be Friday, April 17, 2020, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. The Sharing of Memories will be held at a future date.

Sister Clarenita was elementary principal in Sioux City and Boone, Iowa, Omaha, Neb.; and Melrose, Minn. She also ministered as an elementary teacher in Boone and Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; and Los Angeles and Montrose, Calif.

She was born July 18, 1934, in Chicago to Fred and Myrtle Quade Froehlich. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1952, from Holy Redeemer Parish, Montrose, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1955, and final vows on July 16, 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 67 years.

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

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

Donald E. Burrows

Donald E. Burrows, 81, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at his home.

Our dear husband, dad, grandpa and friend deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please be with us in prayer. A private family funeral service will be held at Church of the Resurrection. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery with Military Honors rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Donald was born May 27, 1938, in Iowa City, the son of Albert Lee and Violet Mary Hartnett Burrows. On November 28, 1959, he married Joyce Ann Barker.

Don served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1959. Don was a hard worker. He worked 40 plus years at John Deere Dubuque Works. Don was a proud union man. He served on the UAW Local 94 executive board as SGT of Arms for 18 years. Don was also on the pension committee for 22 years. He served on many other committees at Local 94. Don was a member of the American Legion Post 6 and 40 & 8 Voitures Local 632. Don was a Green Bay Packers fan.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; a special granddaughter, Hailey, who helped take care of Don; three daughters, Cynthia (Marty) Latulippe of Swanton, VT, Suzette (Don) Pope of Dubuque, and Jolene (Paul) Peil of Spicer, MN; his only son, Donald “DJ” (Michelle) Burrows of Dubuque; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many friends. Don is also survived by his traveling and best friends, Alan and Kathy Ernzen.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and seven sisters

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jenni and Ryan, for all the care and support to the family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Robert A. “Bob” Kaufman

Robert A. “Bob” Kaufman, age 70, of Lancaster, WI passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020, following a short illness.

Bob was born July 27, 1949, to Thomas and Inez (Blum) Kaufman. After graduating from Cassville High School Bob served in the United States Air Force. After serving in the military Bob moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania where he met and married Jan Barlow. While he lived in Pennsylvania, Bob worked for Bethlehem Steel for 29 years.

Bob was an avid New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.

Bob is survived by his fiancée Debra Kirschbaum; sisters: Patricia (Morris) Schauff, Donna Klauer, Susan Crandall, Kathy (Steve) Marx, Tina (Roger) Breuer; his brothers: Rod (Linda Kluesner) Kaufman, Kevin (Sue Neis) Kaufman. Bob is also survived by sisters-in-law: Maria (Fritz) Kaufman and Bonnie (Gary) Kaufman and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jan, parents, Tom and Inez, brothers: Fritz and Gary Kaufman.

Due to COVID-19, the family will not be holding a viewing or funeral at this time. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with his care.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Cletus J. Hilby

Cletus Joseph Hilby, 90, of Galena, formerly of Menominee, passed peacefully Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2020, at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. A celebration of Clete’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Cletus was born November 23, 1929 in Menominee, IL, son of Leo and Sophie (Wubben) Hilby.  Cletus served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 with most of his time being stationed at Ft. Meade, MD.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lois Budden, on October 6, 1954 at St. Joseph Church, Sinsinawa, WI.  Cletus and Lois enjoyed almost 65 years together.  After returning from the service Cletus and Lois farmed in the Menominee area.  Cletus was able to help on the family farm until into his 80’s.  He was especially proud that the family farm has been in the Hilby name for over 150 years.

One of the highlights of his life was to be able to participate in a Dubuque Honor Flight to Washington, DC in Sept. of 2013 with his daughter Nancy.  He enjoyed a good game of Euchre, loved to discuss anything to do with farming with his sons and sons-in-law, and especially loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of Nativity BVM Parish and a member of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque.

Cletus is survived by his six children, Diane (Glenn) Heller, Nancy (Paul) Fleege, Cathy (Mike) Brotzman, Bob (Polly) Hilby, Joyce (Randy) Wills and Tom (Judy) Hilby; 13 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren with 2 babies due in the next few months, and 11 step-great-grandchildren with a baby due in September; one brother Kenneth Hilby, three sisters, Rosetta Arand, Rita Berning, and Lorraine Wills; brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne Arand, Louis Berning, Eileen Hilby, Richard and Kay Budden, Arlene Budden, Ellen Timmerman,  Judy Budden-Tigges, and many nieces and nephews.

Cletus was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lois; 2 grandsons, Jared Fleege and Nick Hilby; his siblings Merlin Hilby and Viola Scharpf; his brothers and sisters-in-law Bob Scharpf, LaVerne Wills, Janice Hilby, Jim and Roger Budden, Clair and Joan Kieler, and Dick Timmerman.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community for their wonderful care the last year of his life, and Lee Donar for his visits.

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

Paul H. Yarolem

Paul H. Yarolem, 56, of Savanna, Illinois, and formerly of Nashville, Iowa, passed away on April 11, 2020, from injuries received in an automobile accident on Illinois Route 84 north of Fulton, Illinois.

A private graveside service and burial celebrating Paul’s life will be held at a later date at Canton, Iowa Cemetery. There is no public visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Paul Harvey Yarolem was born on January 18, 1964 in Iowa City, Iowa, the youngest of six children born to Rex and Marlene (Ringen) Yarolem. He was a 1983 graduate of Andrew High School and then spent four years in the Army National Guard.

Paul was a lifelong mechanic. Through the years he was employed with various automobile dealerships and also worked on cars as a small side business. In addition to his job as a mechanic, he worked as a handyman doing home restorations. He loved being with friends and family and restoring vehicles.

Those left to honor Paul’s memory include his children, Patrick Yarolem of Davis Junction, IL and Nicole Yarolem of Rockford, IL; his mother, Marlene Yarolem of Baldwin, IA; siblings, Steve Yarolem of Baldwin, IA, Rexann Roach of Ft. Madison, IA, Mike (Connie) Yarolem of Maquoketa, IA, Jody Yarolem of Oxford Junction, IA, and Tim (Thelma) Yarolem of Wyoming, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his father Rex Yarolem on January 13, 2001.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Lawrence D. Flesch

Lawrence “Larry” Donald Flesch, age 68, of Blue Mounds formerly of Potosi, died peacefully on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, at his home with his loving wife by his side.

Larry was born on October 17, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Donald and Florence (Reynolds) Flesch.  He graduated from Cassville High School in 1969.  After high school, Larry worked at the Potosi Brewery and then John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works in Dubuque, retiring after 30 years.  He was an avid outdoorsman, spending many days hunting, camping and fishing.  Larry was passionate about his Roman Catholic Faith and belonged to St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Mount Horeb, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson.  On June 30, 2007, he was united in marriage to Margaret “Marge” Fried.  Larry was a kind person and had many friends.  He lived life to the fullest.  During his illness, he never complained.  Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Marge; his children:  Amber Marie (William) Osmulski; Nicholas Jon (Rebecca) Flesch; Tiffany Ann (David) Michalkiewicz; step-children: Amy (Mark) Wipperfurth; Angie (Kurt) Phillips; grandchildren: Eli, Nolan, Theo, and Mack; step-grandchildren: Tara, Casey, Lexi, Austin, Deven, Cole; 1 step-great-grandchild, Emma; his siblings:  Sandy Drapeau; Steve (Kim) Flesch; Pam (Mike) Fritz; Karla (Randy) Lange; Kevin (Beth) Flesch; David (Joy) Flesch; Angie (Tom) Reinecke; Jim (Roxane) Flesch.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating.  Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is entrusted with his care.

Online condolences:  www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Robert J. Mezera

Robert “Bob” J. Mezera, age 83 of Glen Haven, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 29, 1937 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the son of Matthew and Rose (Morovits) Mezera.  Bob graduated from Prairie du Chien High school in 1955.  On August 23, 1958 he was united in marriage to Marcia G. Hedeman at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. After their marriage, Bob and Marcia lived and worked for a short time in the Madison area. Bob later worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works in Dubuque, Iowa for 30 years.

Along with his career at John Deere, Bob was a full-time dairy farmer his entire life. Bob and Marcia first farmed in Bridgeport, and later purchased a farm in Glen Haven.  After his retirement in 1996, he continued to help his sons on their family farms. Bob was a devoted member of St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Glen Haven. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years, actively helping with many service projects for Wisconsin Badger Camp and other local charities. He also served as the Council’s Financial Secretary and Grand Knight.

Bob loved to play cards, fish, sing karaoke, and play golf.  He loved gardening and took pride in his beautiful backyard.  Bob loved his family very much and enjoyed attending school and sporting activities of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Most of all Bob loved holidays and casual gatherings when his home was filled with family.

He is survived by his children:  Sue (Tom) Kuenster, Jeff (Julie) Mezera, Scott (Jenny Udelhofen) Mezera, Angie (Jeff) Redman, Krista (Lonnie) Hiley, and Nikki (Brad) Nemitz; 31 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; siblings: Lucille Casper, Elaine (Bill) Fischer, Mary (Pete) Neisius, and Mark (Mary Jane) Mezera; in laws:  Charlotte Mezera, Karla (Curt) Troester, Robyn (Lori) Hedeman, Steve (Mary) Hedeman, Michael Hedeman; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marcia; parents, Matthew and Rose Mezera; his father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Jacquelyn Hedeman; twin granddaughters, Jill and Jennifer Mezera; great grandson, Bryce Heckendorf; sister, Joanne Mezera; brothers, Eugene (Geraldine), Richard, Gerald, and Paul (Bonnie) Mezera; brother-in-law, Tom Casper; and nephew, Johnathan Hedeman.

Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Glen Haven, with Father John Meinholz officiating.  Burial will be in Gockel Cemetery, Glen Haven.  A Memorial Mass in Bob’s Memory followed by a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Bloomington is entrusted with his care.

Online condolences:  www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Robert B. Wessels

Robert “Bob” B. Wessels, 81, of Dyersville and formerly of Dubuque died April 10, 2020, at home after a yearlong battle with an aggressive form of bladder cancer.

Bob was born in Dyersville, IA to Edward and Frances Wessels.  After proudly serving in the Unites States Air Force, he went to work at John Deere Dubuque Works for 34 years.

He found the love of his life, Doris Osterhaus, on the dance floor and together they spent 57 faith-filled years together.  They started their life together in Dubuque where they raised their two children before returning to Dyersville.

Bob spent the majority of his retirement doing volunteer work at the Basilica and in the community, visiting his grandchildren, traveling and enjoying his family and friends.  He enjoyed golfing, coffee with friends, helping others, and watching the Cubs and Hawkeyes.  He was honored to be a member of the American Legion Post 137.

In the words of his grandchildren: “Grandpa has always been a sweet, caring, giving man.  He will do whatever he possibly can to help somebody, and expect nothing in return.  He would go to the ends of the Earth if it meant putting a smile on his grandchildren’s faces.  He was a devoted husband who loyally used the catch phrase “yes dear”.  He is one of the strongest men I know, and faced his battle with cancer like the hero he is.”

 Bob left a lasting impression on all those he met.  He exemplified faith, family and patriotism, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Doris; his son Patrick (Karen) of Wildwood, MO, his daughter Nancy (Wayne) Quade of Milbank, SD, and his eight grandchildren: Justin, LeShea, Mitchell, and Victoria “Tori” Quade, Maggie, Gracie, Libby and Kate Wessels; his brothers: LeRoy (Irene) and Lloyd (Eunice); his in-laws: Joan Lahr, Roger (Darlene) Osterhaus, Ruth (John) Ries, Marian (Bob) Philipp, Shirley (friend James Loucky) Osterhaus, Dave (Marilyn) Osterhaus, Rita (Paul) Wilhelm, Dan Osterhaus and Loras (Penny) Osterhaus, and many niece and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers in infancy, sister, Verna Watts; parents-in-law, Emily and Ambrose Osterhaus, and a brother-in-law, Jim Lahr.

Please leave online condolences for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards, letters and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home at 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.  Memorials are preferred to Beckman Catholic High School, St. Francis Xavier Basilica or the Dubuque County Right to Life.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2020, at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.  If you wish to attend, please stay in your vehicles as we must comply with all current precautions for the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration.