Obituaries Archive

Eric M. Fishnick Sr.

Eric M. Fishnick Sr., age 37, of Des Moines, IA, formerly of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 19, 2024, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.  To honor Eric’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the American Legion Hall, 1306 Delhi Street Dubuque, IA.  Burial will be in the Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Eric’s family.

Eric was born on September 25, 1987, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Patrick E. ”Chubbs” and Carolee A. (Blakeman) Fishnick Sr.  He was gifted with an intrinsic love for family which never wavered throughout his all too short 37 years of life.  Eric spent his last 10 years working at Wells Fargo in Des Moines and valued the many friendships he made there.  He took great pride in his work and was a very valued employee and coworker.

Eric was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan but deeply treasured taking his Dad to watch his father’s favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, play at Arrowhead Stadium in 2019.  Many precious memories were made on the trip as his father sadly passed away the following year.  Eric was also an avid lover of cooking and bowling.  His favorite dishes to make were chili and his Dad’s special recipe soup.  He began bowling at the age of 8, played in many leagues throughout the years, and entered the 300 Club in 2016.  But, for those who knew and loved Eric most, it was undeniably his family that was his entire world.  Eric loved his children, Eric Jr. and Lily more than words could ever accurately depict.

Eric, we will all miss you dearly, love you deeply, and forever remember you with a passion which will never fade until we see your joyful smile once again.  Thank you, Eric, for all of the love, laughter, and bright light you shared with us and may the peace of the Lord hold you securely in His grace-filled arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Eric include, his two adored children, Eric Fishnick Jr. and Lily Fishnick, Des Moines, IA; the mother of his children, Stephanie Archer, Des Moines, IA; his mother, Carolee Fishnick, Dubuque, IA; his siblings, Ronald (Becky Johnson) Fishnick, Sherrill, IA, Patrick (Dara) Fishnick Jr., Cedar Rapids, IA, Todd Fishnick, Dubuque, IA, and Stacy (Scott) Puccio, Dubuque, IA; his nieces and nephews, Lauren (Nick Hanson) Fishnick, Jacob Fishnick, Ava Fishnick, Katy (Dani Weber) Fishnick, Taylor (Nathan Murphy) Fishnick, Madison Fishnick, and Sarah Fishnick; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Eric was preceded in death by his father, Patrick E. Fishnick Sr.; and his grandparents, Bernard & Edna Fishnick and William & Sarah Blakeman.

In lieu of flowers, an Eric M. Fishnick Sr. memorial fund has been established.

Eric’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Lloyd E. Schromen Sr.

Lloyd “Butch” E. Schromen Sr., 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Friday December 20, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 26, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon David Roth officiating.

Butch was born on July 7, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lloyd F. and Rosella (Moore) Schromen. He worked as a bricklayer for Seedorff SMI in Dubuque, St. Dominic’s Villa, and lastly from Mount Saint Francis. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs, as well as the Iowa Hawkeyes. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. On Sunday’s he could be found at the Kieler mall playing euchre. Above all, he loved spending time with the one’s he loved.

Butch is survived by his children April (John) Berendes of St. Donatus, Kelly (Jon) Merfeld of Cuba City, and Danny Schromen of Dubuque, six grandchildren Autumn, Jeremy (Heidi), Morgan (Lucas), Will, Aubree, and Robert, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three sons Lloyd Jr., Robert “Robbie”, and Ryan Schromen, his parents, three sisters Mildred Stierman, Beverly O’Mara, and Rose Schromen in infancy.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill community as well as Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jamie and Steph, for all of their amazing care.

Dale R. Meier

Dale R. “2 dogs”  Meier, 71, of Bellevue, parked his equipment in the shed on Sunday, December 22, 2024 and closed the doors to start a new journey.

 Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Friday, December 27, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Wake Service will be 3:30 pm, Thursday, December 26, 2024 with visitation until 7:00 pm, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:00 am prior to Mass at the funeral home on Friday.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

 Dale was born on April 29, 1953 in Bellevue, the son of Robert E. and Marilyn J. (Schurbon) Meier.  He graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in 1971.  He worked for John Deere Works Dubuque until retiring in 2010.  Dale also farmed all his life.  He was a plain old farmer and enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time with his family and friends.  He married Barb Ament on September 10, 2010.  Dale was Past President and a member of Fritz Chapel for 40 years, served on Bellevue Ambulance, and a dedicated member of the Bellevue Centennial Lions Club.

 Dale is survived by his family and many close friends.

 Dale was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David and Donald “Donny” Meier.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dale’s memory.

 Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Nancy L. Anderson

Nancy Louise Anderson passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Friday December 27th at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd. and from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Saturday, December 28 at Hope Church where services will follow at 10:30 AM

Nancy was born on January 24, 1928, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter of Ethel (Wagster) Emery and Clyde Emery. They moved to Chicago shortly thereafter as her father sought work as a machinist during the Depression. When she was ten years old, she accepted Christ as her personal savior at First Baptist Church in south Chicago, and she later became active in the youth group at Bethel Evangelical Free Church on the South East side.  In high school, she studied at the Central Conservatory of Music in Chicago and later attended John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She married her childhood sweetheart, Wilford Robert Anderson, at Bethel on June 14, 1947 who had joined her at John Brown after he returned from the Coast Guard following World War II.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (piano and organ) in 1949 and was chosen to be the pianist for the college choir.

In 1952, Nancy and Wil moved to Venezuela to be missionaries under the Evangelical Free Church. Her primary ministry was music – giving piano lessons, organizing church choirs, writing worship songs, assisting in various radio music ministries, teaching music at a Bible institute and a seminary. In 1988, her church choir from Dios Admirable in Caracas was asked to perform a Christmas concert which was televised on national TV.

In 1989, Nancy and Wil retired to Miramar, Florida. They continued their ministry though the Miramar Evangelical Free Church. Nancy led several bilingual women’s Bible study and prayer groups, gave piano lessons, and assisted with Sunday morning worship. She took great pleasure in having a house full of her children and grandchildren and feeding them between their frequent trips to the beach and soccer games (as long as the Marlins were not playing on TV).

In 2007, Nancy and Wil moved to Dubuque, Iowa to be closer to family, now adding great grandchildren to their frequent family gatherings. She continued to serve God in this season of life through the Women’s Missionary Society at Hope Evangelical Free Church and New Beginnings ministry for new mothers. Nancy and Wil celebrated their 75^th anniversary in 2022. Later that year, they moved to Luther Manor where Nancy organized what was to become her last women’s prayer group.

Nancy passed away peacefully; she was surrounded by her family singing songs she had composed to worship her Jesus who had now come to take her to her eternal home.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Wilford Robert Anderson and her four children, Keith (Judy) Anderson of Palatine, IL, Kurt (Peggy) Anderson of Trevor, Wisconsin, Kent (Ann) Anderson of Dubuque, and Karin Anderson of Dubuque, nine grandsons and their wives, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ethel Emery, her brother Richard Emery, and her sister Marlene (Emery) Hawkins.

Eileen M. Hagemann

Eileen M. Hagemann, 95, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at MercyOne Senior Care, in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 8 – 10 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2024, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, in New Vienna, Iowa, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Eileen was born August 6, 1929, daughter of Otto and Theresa (Recker) Hagemann.

Eileen graduated from St. Boniface High School in New Vienna. She lived in Los Angeles, California, for 40 years, before retiring and moving back to Dyersville to be with family. Eileen was the last surviving of 12 children.

Survivors include her in-laws: Betty Hageman of Dyersville, Inez Hageman of New Vienna, Kay Hagemann of Dubuque, LaVerne Hagemann of Florida, James Hesselmann of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Urban (Grace) Hageman, Joseph Hagemann, Delores (Alfred) Biermann, Walter (Irene) Hageman, John (Veronica) Hagemann, Cindy Hagemann, Edwin Hagemann, Julius Hageman, Charles Hagemann, James Hagemann, and Joan Hesselmann.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

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Robert G. Weber

Robert G. Weber, 79, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena. Private services will be held.

 Bob was born on January 25, 1945, in Elmhurst, IL, the son of Robert and Vanja (Fritz) Weber. He graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst, IL, Class of 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, in 1974.

 He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1975 after serving from 1964 to 1975. Bob worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL, and as a Surgical RN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. After retiring, he founded “At Home Bob,” his own handyman business. He spent many hours tinkering in his workshop and was happiest spending time in his garden and with his grandchildren. He was a lifelong Cubs fan.

 Bob was married to his loving wife, Suzanne Weber, for more than 53 years. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Kristin Weber; son, Ryan (Megan) Weber; granddaughters, Reese and Macie Weber; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who he loved dearly.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Judy MacFeely.

 The family would like to thank Galena EMS, Midwest Medical Center Inpatient Floor and Rehabilitation Departments. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.

 The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com.

 Memorials may be given to the Parkinson’s Association or a charity of your choice in his memory.

JoAnn Wood

JoAnn Wood, 79, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 20, 2024, at home after a short but intense battle with cancer.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm Monday, December 30, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

A Prayer Service for JoAnn will be 12:30 pm Monday, December 30, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. A private Celebration of JoAnn’s Life will follow.

JoAnn was born October 7, 1945, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Lavern and Virginia (Gabriel) Friedlein.

JoAnn graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1963.

JoAnn loved the great outdoors and all it entailed from her many family vacations as a child to see the beauty of the national parks to traveling as an adult to the ocean and getting the chance to experience much of our beautiful country. She had a passion for morel hunting but especially fishing, she grew up with a fishing pole in her hand. She and her dad would often be found out fishing on Sunday instead of going to church. She loved the water, whether it be the river or the ocean. Out of town shopping trips with family were another favorite but most of all, any time spent with loved ones are moments JoAnn cherished most.

Survivors include her daughter, Kimberly (Brian Strohmeyer) Malek of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Alexandra (Alec Delaney) and Nicholas Malek of Dubuque; and two great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Bennett; as well as, two nieces, Michele Belding and Kris Belding; and one nephew.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Nicholas Lavern Friedlein; and sister, Judith L. Fondell.

JoAnn’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Finley Homecare.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or your local Salvation Army.

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

Marian P. White

Marian P. White, 85, of Monticello, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home, in Monticello, Iowa. Marian battled MS and other health issues couraegously and without complaint, for 45 years.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello. A Celebration of Life will follow mass from 12 – 2 p.m. in the church basement. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate the mass.

Marian was born January 19, 1939, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Clem and Rose (Herbers) Nurre.  She married Neal White on October 23, 1961, in Dyersville, Iowa.

Marian was a devoted wife and mother. She was committed to her faith and volunteered in her parish and at her children’s schools. She loved attending all her children and grandchildren events. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a slow meal with her family and friends, trips, baking, and playing cards.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Neal; children: Timothy (Vonnie) White, Beth (Rick) Alger, Carolyn (Trafford) Anderson, Ann (Troy) Norton; grandchildren: Derrick (Kylie) Alger, Joseph (Sara) Alger, Marie (Austin) Wheeler, Ben (Katelyn) Alger, Jacob Alger, Tim (Kendall) Norton, Marcus (fiance, Sami) Norton, Stephanie White; great grandchildren: Henry, Madelyn, Makaela, Zoey, Quinn, Lilly, Emma, Nora, Mason, Amelia, Cameron, Everett, Theo; sister, Norma (Dale) Vaughn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Rose; siblings: Cleo (Wilma), Ray (Joan), Ralph (Lillian), Rita (Leo), Caroline.

Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Joanne A. Willis

Joanne A. Wills 87, of Galena, IL passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Midwest Medical Center. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, on Monday, December 23, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Galena. Friends and family are welcome to gather after 9 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery in Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Joanne was born, and raised, on the family farm in Galena on May 3, 1937, to Charles and Elizabeth (Spensley) Feldermann. She was very proud that it is now a Centennial Family farm. Joanne graduated from Galena High School in 1955. On June 1, 1957, she married Donald Wills at St. Michael Church in Galena. Joanne worked for the phone company for over thirty years and then later at First National Bank of Galena. She enjoyed playing euchre with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends at Assisted Living. Joanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her time spent with her family. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her three children, Randy (Joyce) Wills, Terri (Tom) Richardson, both of Galena, and Ricky (Karen) Wills of Benton, WI. Seven grandchildren, Stacy (Mike) Casper, Emily (Tim) Middendorf, Ryan (Jill) Richardson, Rachael (Kevin) Ehrler, Mitchell (Tamara Bader) Richardson, Adam Wills, Jordanna (Jason) McCartney, step-grandson, Trevor Cherry, thirteen great-grandchildren, one sister Vickie (Tim) Roe of Freeport, IL, three sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Her parents preceded her death, her husband Donald, two sisters, Linda Feldermann and Judy Eastman, one brother Richard Felderman, a great-grandson, Tylor White-Richardson, and eight brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Galena Stauss Assisted Living and Dr. Maria Hernandez. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.

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

James D. Weydert

James “Jim” Donald Weydert 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, surrounded by his family at Mercy One Hospital in Dubuque after a long fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Visitation for Jim will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 12:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Centralia, Iowa with flag presentation afforded by the VFW Centralia Am-Vets Post #13.

Jim was born on January 23rd, 1939, son of Elmer and Dolores Weydert in Peosta.

Jim and Donna were married at Annunciation Catholic Church in Lattnerville on April 30, 1959.  Their marriage of over 65 years was blessed to have a wonderful family. Surviving are daughters Doris (Bob Strong) Weydert, Susan (Greg) Kedley, and Lynn (Steve) Stelken. Grandchildren: Shannon (Lauren Machanis) Winders, Amber Martin, Kyle Kedley, Katrina (Andrew) Scherr, Brett (Aly) Kedley, Travis (Caitin) Stelken, and Austin (Brooke) Stelken; and 13 great-grandchildren

Sisters, Elaine Tracey, Lois (Allen) Laughlin and Joyce Horsfield, Janet Pitz, Marilyn (John) Kettmann, and Marlene Kramer; brothers Jack Weydert, Tom (Donna) Weydert, Dave Weydert, Jerome (Marty) Weydert and Joe Weydert, and Bill (Janice) Weydert, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gery Weydert, in-laws, Matthew and Mildred Maas, Lloyd Kramer, Irwin “Red” Horsfield, Jeanne Weydert, Judi Weydert, Kathy Weydert, Bob and Dorothy Schilling, Matthew and Mary Maas, Earl Maas, Patricia Maas, John Tracey, Ron Pitz, Helen and Ed Burds, Marian and Tom Gloeckner.

Jim grew up working on the family farm, hunting, and playing basketball and Prairie League Baseball. His skills hitting and playing 1st base earned him a spot in the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.  Jim’s large presence earned him the nickname “Moose”. He served as a member of the Iowa National Guard.  Jim was an active member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peosta and served in the city council and as Mayor of Peosta.  The city recognized Jim with a Service Award in recognition and appreciation for over 45 years of service to the community. Under his leadership, Peosta earned the distinction of being the fastest growing community in the state of Iowa.  He helped to establish a city park, invest in needed infrastructure, and facilitated the construction of the Peosta Community Centre. These notable additions have helped make Peosta a thriving place to live and work.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Mary Fluckiger Butler

Mary Fluckiger Butler, 87, of Dubuque died peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Bethany Home in Dubuque, Iowa. Private family services will be held at Linwood Cemetery.

Mary was born on June 29, 1937 in Dubuque, IA, and was the only child of Frank and Bernice Fluckiger. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Mary married Peter Dan Butler on November 14, 1959 in Dubuque, IA. They had two children; Peter Butler II, and Paul Butler.

Mary was very proud of her family and loved spending time with Peter, their kids, and grandkids. They were a big part of her life. They had many happy memories as a family.

Mary and Peter II often teamed up against Peter Sr. and Paul on Sunday afternoons to play golf. Mary often accompanied Peter on the golf course and enjoyed putting (with one eye closed) while Peter was playing. She was a better putter than Peter, which made him both proud and annoyed.

Mary loved to travel with her husband, Peter. They particularly enjoyed train trips out west with their sons Peter II and Paul. Peter almost always took his golf clubs along to play the many renowned golf courses across our country. Their love of golf eventually drew them to Pebble Beach, CA, where they lived for many years overlooking their beloved Pebble Beach Golf Links next to Carmel Bay. Mary’s favorite daily activity in Pebble Beach was taking her morning walk on the Pebble Beach Golf Links overlooking the beach and Carmel Bay.

Mary was an active member of Finley Hospital’s Sunshine Circle. One of the special things she did was to make homemade Christmas ornaments for Advent calendars, which she loved and was very proud of.

Surviving are Mary’s two sons, Peter (Cara) Butler, of Pebble Beach, CA and their children, Ellis (Ellie) and Peter Butler III (P3); Paul (Kathleen) Butler, of Bozeman, MT and their children, William and Abbey Butler; and brothers-in law, John (Alice) Butler and Tim (Nancy) Butler, both from Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Peter D. Butler Sr.; her parents, Frank and Bernice Fluckiger; and her in-laws, Ellis and Barbara Butler.

Memorials for Mary may be sent to Bethany Home or the Sunshine Circle/Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Our family wants to extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Chad Nachtman and Bethany Home for compassionately caring for Mary in the last years of her life. We also thank Hospice of Dubuque.

Lisa Flanagan and Charlotte Leick were invaluable in the care they provided Mary. We can’t thank them enough for the thoughtful, one-on-one assistance they provided Mary.

Shirley A. Siegworth

Shirley Ann (Richard) Siegworth, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 15th, 2024. A private family gathering and service was held on Wednesday, December 18th, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory in Dubuque, Iowa.

Shirley, daughter of John P. and Ida Mae (Liddle) Richard was born on February 13th, 1931, in Menominee, IL. She married LeRoy S. “Roy” Siegworth on March 8, 1951, and together they shared 69 years of marriage.

She worked tirelessly as a homemaker, a seamstress for 3 different companies and for approximately 40 years for the Gantz Family of Dubuque.

Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren! She liked to bake, sew, camp, do puzzles, play the slots, cards & bingo, and watch the Wheel of Fortune.

Her family always came first. She was a strong, fun-loving lady that touched many hearts with her generous love and caring. Her good qualities were endless.

She is survived by her children Pamela (Richard) Helmer, Steven (Deb) Siegworth, Cheryl (Mark) Kalb, Brenda Lang, Thomas (Nina) Siegworth, Scott (Lori) Siegworth, and Terri (Andy) Dolter; her sister Aileen Pins; grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sons, John Siegworth, Gary Siegworth and Mark (Beverly Miller) Siegworth; three brothers, three sisters and several in-laws.

She happily spent the last few years with her loving “Hawkeye” family and staff at Hawkeye Care Center. Shirley’s catholic faith was unwavering. May she rest in peace.

Francine J. Stanton

Francine J. Stanton, age 55, of Preston, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 19, 2024, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Francine’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Francine’s family.

Francine was born on March 27, 1969, in Maquoketa, IA, a daughter to Glen H. “Buck” and Judith A. (Sample) Robinson, Jr.  She spent her working years with Ennis Business Forms, Berry Plastics, and Mollard Manufacturing.  She always enjoyed making friends at each location throughout her career.  Francine also treasured her free-time when it came around and she was quite content and satisfied when the opportunity to create a little magic with her paintbrush in hand arrived, or the chance to simply sit down at her craft table and concentrate on her next activity.  Francine greatest joy though was found in the time she was able to spend quality time with her family and friends.  She enjoyed visiting and catching up with everyone around her and many hours were spent sharing in their life’s events.  We are going to miss Francine and can surely find peace in knowing that her earthly health battles are now over.  Thank you, Francine for all of the memories you leave behind today and may peace be yours now as we patiently await our eternal reunion in time.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Francine’s include,

her son,
Lance (Katie) Felderman, Peosta, IA;

her grandchildren,
Landon Felderman, Liam Felderman, and Carley Felderman, Peosta, IA;

her step-mom,
Sharon Niebuhr, Clinton, IA;

her nieces and nephews,
Dominic Robinson, Nicole Robinson, and Nicolas Robinson, Preston, IA,
Hannah Robinson, and Cole Robinson, Camanche, IA,
and Emma Dougherty, and Bailey Dougherty, Clinton, IA;

her siblings,
Glen Robinson III, Preston, IA,
Beth Scheer, Clinton, IA,
and Ryan (Angie) Robinson, Camanche, IA;

her aunts and uncle,
Carson Robinson, Warwick, R.I.,
Nancy (Nick) Norguard, N.C.,
Jane Atkinson, Preston, IA,
Dale Sample, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Betty Robinson, Boyd, MN;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Francine was preceded in death by her parents; her aunts and uncles, Ruth Ann (Joe) Riordan, Gerald (Elaine) Robinson, Sr, Dale (Jean) Robinson, and Joseph Atkinson;  her grandparents, Glen (Marie) Robinson, Sr, and Glenn (Pauline) Sample.

Francine’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Care Initiatives Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Robert W. Heister

Robert William ‘Bill’ Heister, surrounded in his family’s love, passed onto heavenly life Dec 14, 2024. Bill was born in South Garryowen, Iowa December 14, 1934 to Iliff and Edna (Wallroff) Heister. The country doctor later completed the birth certificate with transposed first and middle names. He was Billy to family and all. When joining the Army in 1954, a drill instructor firmly assured him that his first name was indeed Robert.

Bill did basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas in a generational drought that sent many city boys reeling. The country boys did OK. He was one of the two physically fittest soldiers in his 100 man basic training Company. Bill was a 2nd Calvary communications lineman in Japan. He was discharged at Ft Lewis, Wash. Military service was his great pride and included a 2015 Honor Flight.

Eldest son of a 9 child farm family he worked hard. That priceless habit carried throughout his life. January 3, 1959 Bill met Martha Hardin, the love of his life. They wed Oct 10, 1959 in Seneca, Wi. With Dubuque residence they were blessed with two healthy children before losing a third prenatally.

Bill loved his 30 years at Dubuque John Deere Tractor Works. Prior, Maquoketa’s Clinton Engines and JH Case in Bettendorf were tolerated. In these ‘happy years’ Bill & Martha owned several well cared for and maintained apartment houses near Lincoln School. They were quite beloved by their renters.

Bill & Martha retired early and hit the road with an RV. Arizona then Florida were tried. They became ‘Winter Texans’ in ‘The Valley’ in south Texas near the Rio Grande River. They were RV ‘Full-Timers’ for 25 years. Several years permanent residence followed in their winter retirement park. June 2023 Bill & Martha returned to Maquoketa, Ia.

Despite the first RV years’ constant travel Bill & Martha visited their grandson, Brett, each spring and fall. During travel rest stops, Martha often found Bill mid-conversation with a perfect stranger. He left their company with a new friend.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one child, Charles John; 2 brothers and one sister- Hubert, Paul Richard and Mary.

Surviving are: wife Martha, son Ross (Jane) Heister, daughter Penny (Tony) Sanchez; grandchildren: Brett Stevens, Jimmy & Danny Sanchez, Tanya (Joe) Lourigan. Sisters: Alberta Waller, Shirley Gartman, Marie Klein. Brothers: Morgan Heister, Roger Heister. Plus numerous nieces & nephews.

Most importantly- many thanks to prayers and well wishers during Bill’s last 3 weeks. We survivors extend equal & immense gratitude to: Dubuque Finley Hospital’s 5th floor and ICU staff; also Madison, Wi Meriter Hospital’s 11th Floor Tower crew for their incredibly kind efforts, knowledge, and compassion during Bill’s final days. Endless thanks to Meriter IMCU’s grace filled hospice care at the end.

Bill’s body will be cremated with a May, 2025 Maquoketa area celebration of his heart and soul.

Sr. Ann M. Harrington, BVM

Sister Ann M. Harrington, BVM, (St. Remi), 85, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Visitation and the Rite of Committal for natural burial wereFriday, Dec. 20, 2024. Burial was in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Memorial services will be Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 1 p.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 2 p.m.

Sister Ann ministered as a French and history professor and director of the Liberal Studies master’s program at Mundelein College, and as a history professor and director of the Asian Studies program at Loyola University, both in Chicago. She served as a secondary teacher in Wichita, Kans., and St. Louis. She authored several books including two about the history of the BVM congregation.

She was born July 15, 1939, in Milwaukee to Earl and Tonnita (Freiman) Harrington. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1957, from Christ the King Parish, Milwaukee. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July16, 1965.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Helen Harrington, Mary (Eddie) Resch, and Kathleen “Katie” Harrington; brothers Thomas (Nancy), Timothy, and Joseph Harrington.  She is survived by a brother Michael Harrington, Dousman, Wis.; sister-in-law Marian “PeeWee” Harrington, Pewaukee, Wis., nieces, nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 67 years.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St, Bellevue, Iowa, 52031 is in charge of arrangements.