Obituaries Archive

Marlyn E. Kramer, Sr.

Marlyn E. Kramer, Sr., 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa from complications of COVID 19 Pneumonia.

A private funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa and later uploaded to the funeral home website following the service. A private family visitation will be held. Burial will be at Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery.

Masks and social distancing will be required due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Marlyn Edward Kramer Sr. was born on May 24, 1934 in Muscatine, Iowa, to William Henry and Viola Lydia (Broadstron) Kramer. He grew up in the Muscatine area and attended Muscatine schools. He married Phyllis Johnson in Iowa. Four children were born to this union, Marlyn II, William, Jeff and Robin.

Marlyn had worked at Collis Inc. in Clinton, Iowa as a powder coater for many years until retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and bowling.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Marlyn (Penny) Kramer, Jr. of NC, William (Julie) Kramer of Monmouth, IA, Jeff (Sally) Kramer of TX, and Robin Anderson of MO; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Virginia Lamp, and a son-in-law, Donald Anderson.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o Marilyn E. Kramer Sr. Family.
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 support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Maxine G. Reistroffer

Our beloved mother, Maxine G. Reistroffer, passed away December 4, 2020, at Crestridge Care Center, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Maxine, the daughter of Ray and Beulah Morehead, was born December 20, 1918, in Crookston, Minnesota. The family later relocated to the Maquoketa area. She graduated from Maquoketa Junior College and taught at a country school near Maquoketa.

Maxine married Vincent Roeder July 16, 1941, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. She taught school in Georgia during Vince’s WW II service. After the war, she and Vince opened Vince Roeder’s Grocery Store in Goose Lake, Iowa, and later farmed west of Maquoketa. Upon Vince’s passing in 1960, Maxine moved to Maquoketa and worked at the ASCS office. In 1970, she married Claire Reistroffer and spent many happy years farming near Spragueville, Iowa. After Claire’s death in 1985, she moved back to Maquoketa and helped her daughter, Sharon, with her day care. Maxine was known affectionately as “Grandma” to many of the children there.

Maxine was active throughout her life, and she doted on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed genealogy, gardening, antiquing, going on anthropology digs, tending the Butterfly Sanctuary in Belleview, Iowa, and volunteering for the Jackson County Historical Society. She was also known for composing many “This and That” books. Maxine was especially proud of being able to do a head stand on her 100th birthday in Yoga class. Maxine had a unique quality of listening and made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room. Her positive attitude will always be remembered. We miss her already.

Maxine is survived by her children: Sharon Whitchelo, Maquoketa, Iowa, and Jim Roeder (Linda), Silvis, Illinois; grandchildren: Todd (Melaine) Whitchelo, Davenport, Iowa, Stacie (Jason) Heitland, Garner, Iowa, and Whitney (Nick) Alber, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and great grandchildren: Isaac Mohar, Kelsey Whitchelo, Aaron (Meagen) Whitchelo, Jasie Heitland, Jillian Heitland, Eric Heitland, Jessa Heitland, Addyson Alber, and Brayden Alber; brothers: Paul Morehead, Kenneth (Laurie) Morehead, and Stuart (Lavonne) Morehead; and sister: Shirley Huffman.

She was preceded in death by husbands: Vincent Roeder, Claire Reistroffer; her parents, Ray and Beulah Morehead; brothers: Carrol Morehead, Leonard Morehead, Gordon “Bud” Morehead, Claire Morehead; and sister: Donna Ripple.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com. Memorials may be sent to the Jackson County Historical Society.

Gerald E. Willey

Gerald E. “Jerry” Willey, 75 of Castle Pines, Colorado, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, November 29, 2020, at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, a private family graveside service and burial celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing during the services. A private family visitation will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. The service will be recorded and later uploaded to the Carson Celebration of Life Center website.

Gerald Elzie Willey was born on May 22, 1945 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Marvin and Frances Marie (Widel) Willey. He was a 1963 graduate of Maquoketa High School and served his country in the United States Navy as a MM2 during the Vietnam War from 1963 – 1967. He married Connie Faye Current on August 11, 1968 in Baldwin, Iowa. A son Nick J. Willey was born to this union. Connie preceded “Jerry” in death on February 9, 1998.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, “Jerry” returned to Iowa. In 1967, he began working at Caterpillar in Mount Joy, Iowa and later transferred to Mossville, Illinois, retiring in 1999 as a purchasing analyst after 32 years with Caterpillar.

While living in Maquoketa, “Jerry” was a member of the Maquoketa Fire Department as a volunteer for 13+ years and achieved the rank of Captain. He also enjoyed membership of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and later in Castle Rock, Colorado.

In retirement he moved to Colorado, to start a new chapter in his life with Marie Shanahan. While living in Colorado these past 17 years, he has enjoyed the natural beauty of the Centennial State. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking around Bear Lake, and viewing all the wildlife in its natural habitat. Estes Park, CO was his favorite getaway. He enjoyed spending quality time with his grandkids / great grandkids, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, traveling, cruises, and riding ATVs.

Those left to honor his memory include his son Nick J. Willey of Castle Rock, CO; his partner Marie Shanahan of Castle Pines, CO; a brother, Jack (Marilyn) Willey of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Rose Heiring of Dubuque, IA and Becky Wiese of Andrew, IA; Marie’s children, Scott Sarver (Tanya) and their children, Brody & Mason of Parker, CO; Doug Sarver of Centennial, CO and his children Mietka Head & DevAnn DiOrio and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Connie, brothers Timothy, Robert and grandson Alexander Sarver.

Jerry would want us all to remember the good times, the laughs, and all the adventures. He loved all his friends & family. There will be a celebration of life when it is safe to gather in Iowa and Colorado.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 C/O Gerald E. “Jerry” Willey Family.

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 support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Steven M. Edmonds

Steven Michael Edmonds, 74, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Galena, IL, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital from complications of Covid-19.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where social distancing, face masks and occupancy restrictions will be observed.

Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.

Steve was born on March 30, 1946 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Darnell and Grace M. (Berger) Edmonds.  He was a graduate of Galena High School, class of 1964.

Steve was employed at Interstate Power Company in Dubuque for 48-years. After retiring, he worked for Per-Mar Security and Clarke University.

He was an avid New York Yankees fan, enjoying all sports, and just being around friends. Steve was a people person, and was a very caring and giving person.

Surviving are two children, Lance and Elizabeth Edmonds; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Darnell in 1964 and Grace in 2008.

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

Rev. Andrew G. Oppedahl, Jr.

Rev. Andrew Gerhard Oppedahl, Jr. of 2700 Matthew John Dr. #313, Dubuque, IA 52002, died early Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2020, in Rochester, MN after a month-long battle with COVID-19. Andrew was the third child of Andrew Sr. and Stella (Byro) Oppedahl, born on the family farm on October 14, 1930 in Humboldt County, IA near Goldfield. Growing up he worked on the farm with his sisters Marguerite and Averil and brother Sumner, and attended a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated as valedictorian from Renwick High School in 1948.

He briefly attended St. Olaf college in Northfield, MN but left to help on the farm when his father was injured and his mother became ill. After the Korean war started he was drafted into the Army where he served in the Signal Corps at the Pentagon and at SHAPE headquarters in Paris. Upon completing his service in 1954 he returned to Iowa and finished his college degree at Drake University in Des Moines, graduating in 1957. During this time he discerned a call to the ministry, and subsequently enrolled at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. After his first two years he spent his third year interning in eastern Montana in Broadus.

During his senior year back at St. Paul, Andy went to a dinner party with his classmate Don Fisher and the “Schardt sisters” from Cedar Falls, IA. Afterward, Don chose Lucia (“the one with the glasses”) to visit again, so Andy asked Carolyn out. In a few short months, both couples were engaged. Andy graduated in June 1961, and received his first call to Saco-Hinsdale-Immanuel Lutheran Parish back in eastern Montana. He was ordained at his home church, Lake Lutheran near Goldfield. A year and many love-letters later in June of 1962, Andy and Carolyn were married by Carolyn’s father Rev. Adolph Schardt in Cedar Falls, IA. After a honeymoon at the World’s Fair in Seattle, the couple began their life together in Saco.

The couple’s first child Mark was born during Andy’s Montana ministry, and in 1964 he took a call to Trinity Lutheran in Hawkeye, IA. During his five years there the family grew to include Nathan and Paul. Andy’s next call was to Immanuel Lutheran in Rock Rapids, IA, which lasted eight years. The boys attended grade school there and in 1970 they were joined by their sister Beth.

In 1978 Andy began his ministry at St. John’s Lutheran in Dubuque, IA and served there for 18 years until his retirement in 1996. While faithfully attending to his congregation, he also was active in many community ministries such as the Center for Public Ministry, the Dubuque County Jail ministry, president of the Dubuque Area Congregations United, various social justice initiatives, and serving on many boards. He was central to the launch of the Open Closet, a free clothing program housed at St. John’s that today serves thousands of Dubuque residents especially in the downtown area. Along with a homeless shelter for men, the Open Closet is part of Almost Home at St. John’s.

During retirement Andy continued his community involvement, and also served eight years as visitation pastor for St. John Evangelical Lutheran in Charles City, IA, commuting 140 miles each way weekly. In recent years Andy maintained his professional engagement and curiosity through reading, seminars, and conferences, even attending a weekly text study via Zoom with pastor colleagues up until the day before he died.

Andy was relentlessly curious about people, memorizing the name and life story of virtually everyone he met. Carolyn will miss him answering her question, “What was their name again?” Through the years he attended many concerts and sport tournaments to watch his children and grandchildren. Along with Carolyn he traveled the world, from family vacations throughout the U.S. every summer, to world-wide choir tours with the Dubuque Chorale, cruises in Europe and the Caribbean, and a mission trip to Malawi in Africa. He read constantly, and made sure his family had subscriptions to publications he felt were important.

Andy is survived by his wife Carolyn, children Mark (Kristofer), Nathan (Jeneann), Paul, and Beth; grandchildren Laila, Jonah, and Madeline; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

A private funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran, 1276 White St, Dubuque on Saturday December 12 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed on the church’s FaceBook page (search for @stjohnselca or visit https://facebook.com/stjohnselca). There will be a public visitation at St. John’s Friday December 11 from 4 to 6 pm. Per state proclamation, masks will be required and social distancing enforced. There will be no interment. Memorials may be designated to St. John’s. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories, tributes, photos, and videos on the Memory Wall at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home website, https://www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com/memorials/andrew-oppedahl/4444460/index.php.

Douglas C. Bark

Douglas C. Bark, age 81, of Lancaster, WI, went to his eternal home on Wednesday, December 3, 2020 at Lancaster Health Services.  He was born on June 5, 1939 in Lancaster, the son of Reuben and Grace (Leist) Bark.  He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1957 and went on to study Agriculture and Biology at UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater.  Doug married Jill Myers on February 21, 1959 at the United Methodist Church in Lancaster.  He was awarded a National Science Stipend to further his education with a master’s degree in science, specializing in Biology.  In addition to operating the Bark family farm near Lancaster, Doug spent his life as an educator, coach, mentor, leader, and father figure to many.  He was a tireless educator and coach who had a knack for seeing hidden talents within kids and encouraging them to reach their full potential.  Doug’s mission in life was to help others and lead by example as a true testament to God, leaving a legacy of love far and wide. He began his career at Brooklyn/Oregon before going to Iowa-Grant in 1964, where he taught, served as athletic director, and coached just about every sport at Iowa-Grant and Lancaster.  After his retirement in 1997, Doug continued to substitute teach in Lancaster and coached at UW-Platteville in 2008.  In his spare time, Doug liked to trout fish, gather and crack walnuts, travel with his family and visit friends.

Doug’s dedication earned him a place in the Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame for Coaches in 2012.  During his induction ceremony, Doug summarized his journey saying, “I have lived every coach’s dream during my years of coaching football.  It began by coaching my son, Duane, in High School football, and then having him on the same Iowa-Grant football coaching staff.  Probably one of the most difficult parts of my career was coaching against my son’s team.  I also had the opportunity to coach a grandson while coaching against another grandson for four years.  I also coached my daughter’s Powder Puff football team.”

Doug is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Jill; daughter, Kim (Al) White; grandchildren: J.J. (Jodi) White, and their son, Easton; Brianna White, and her children, Dakota, Bentley, and Maverick; Lucas (Haley Schultz) White; Bradley (Candice) Bark, and their children, Cora, David, and Reuben; Brian (Caitlin) Bark, and their children, Henry, Russell, and Eliza; and Brittany Bark; a daughter-in-law, Pam Bark; brother, Dick Bark; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his sons, Duane and David Bark; brother, Stan Bark; sisters-in-law; and nephews.

A private family gathering will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster.  Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at a future date when it is possible to gather in a group safely.  Cards of condolence may be sent to the Doug Bark Family at P.O. Box 30, Lancaster, WI 53813.  The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with his services.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Sister Anita Montavon, BVM

Sister Anita Montavon, BVM, (Felicity), 82, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. A virtual visitation will be held from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Anita was an elementary and/or junior high teacher in Chicago, East Moline and Rock Island, Ill., Boulder, Colo.; Butte & Missoula, Mont.; and Seattle. She served as director of religious education in Gillette, Wyo.; pastoral minister, librarian, library associate and office manager in Chicago; and library staff member in River Forest, Ill.

She was born on Jan. 16, 1938, in in DeKalb, Ill., to Paul Augustine and Marie (Pitzen) Montavon. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1956, from St. Mary Parish, DeKalb, Ill. She professed first vows on Feb 3, 1959, and final vows on July 16, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jerry, Paul Thomas, and Leonard Montavon; and brothers-in-law Lars Bleivik and Jim Byrne. She is survived by her twin sister Miriam (Mimi) Montavon, sisters Jane Bleivik, Staten Island, N.Y.; Ruth (Jake) Graves, Ames, Iowa; and Terese Byrne, Hanson, Mass.; sister-in-law Carolyn Montovon, Malta, Ill.; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 64 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.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy 35 N, East Dubuque, IL 61025 is in charge of arrangements.

Isaac J. Weires

Isaac James Weires passed away at the age of 19 on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.  To celebrate Isaac’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., on Monday, December 7, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.  Due to COVID-19 concerns the number of people inside the building will be limited, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices.  To honor Isaac’s life, a private funeral service will be held for the immediate family.

The beloved son of Craig and Jenny, Isaac was so loved by many friends and family. A bright light in a dark world, Isaac always welcomed everyone with a polite smile and few words. His shy smile could light up a room and his enormous physical presence was only matched by the size of his heart. He loved his cats, Mo and Ryno. He was famous for his one-word text messages and leaving his boat-sized shoes in the middle of the rug. Forever forgetting to turn off lights and shut doors and cabinets, the loss of his presence will leave an unfillable void in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his mom, Jenny Coakley, dad, Craig Weires, step-dad, Curt Gruber, step-mom, Melanie Weires, his maternal grandparents, Diane (Jim) Winders and Loras Coakley, fraternal grandparents, Maureen (Dale) Knipschield and Otto Weires, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and his best friend, Ethan Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to St. Mark Youth Enrichment in Dubuque or the Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

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

James W. Goetzinger

James W. “Jim” Goetzinger, age 70, of Dubuque, passed away at 7:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Luther Manor. To celebrate Jim’s life, private family services will be held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. The service will be available for the public to watch on the Behr Funeral Home Facebook page on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Jim was born on August 22, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Delbert and Rosemary (Murphy) Goetzinger.

Jim graduated from Wahlert High School in 1968 and from Loras College in 1972. Jim received a BA in Social Studies and Education, and earned a coaching endorsement (PE) there. Jim has held many jobs, most of the time more than one at the same time. From 1965 to 2009, Jim’s jobs included working at Jim’s Drive-In, working the hog kill at the Dubuque Packing Company, teaching 7th grade at St. Mary’s in East Dubuque along with being the Athletic Director, bartending at the Finale and Dave’s Point After, manager of the Dunleith Pool and Park in East Dubuque, owner and operator of Goetz’s Tap, and substitute teaching from 1979 to 2009 for Dubuque Community Schools, East Dubuque Public Schools, Dubuque Parochial Schools, Western Dubuque Schools, and Hillcrest. He also held many coaching positions from 1972 to 2009. He coached 5 sports at St. Mary’s in East Dubuque while he taught there. He coached 8th grade football and Junior Varsity Football at East Dubuque Public School, along with basketball. Jim coached girls’ basketball and track at St. Mary’s in Dubuque, 8th grade football at Holy Ghost (Jim was the last Holy Ghost football coach), and junior high football and basketball at Washington Junior High in Dubuque. He was united in marriage to Patricia “Pat” Hutchcroft, on July 22, 1989, at Holy Trinity Church in Dubuque. They have enjoyed 31 wonderful years together. Jim was active in his community and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Dubuque Lodge #355 and Elks Lodge #297. In his free time Jim enjoyed playing Bridge, Euchre and Cribbage, as well as going out to eat with family and friends. Jim also enjoyed watching tv, especially if the Bears or the Cubs were playing. Jim was an outgoing man and a friend and mentor to many, he will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include

his wife,
Patricia “Pat” Goetzinger, Dubuque, IA;

2 brothers,
Thomas (Marcia Neville) Goetzinger
and Roger (Debbie) Goetzinger, both of Dubuque, IA;

and his in-laws,
Darlene (Jim) Fuerstenberg, Dubuque, IA,
Terry (Connie) Hutchcroft, Dubuque, IA,
Rose (Russ) Allen, Hiawatha, IA,
Sheila (Dave) Peterson, Maple Grove, MN,
Tom (Karen) Hutchcroft, Robbins, IA,
Sharon Hutchcroft, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Karen (Ed) Spring, Dubuque, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Salas and his nurse, Allison, and the nurses and staff of Luther Manor, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Jim.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. James Goetzinger Family.

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

Betty J. Schetgen

On Monday, December 1, 2020, Betty Jane Schetgen, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away at age 73. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life and private family interment will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born December 5, 1946, in Galena to Henry and Florence (DuBord) Smith. Betty was raised by Florence and her stepfather, Joseph A. Looney. She attended Galena High School.

Betty was a member of the Galena Bible Church. She had a passion for helping others, traveling to Africa on mission trips, and serving as a caregiver to many elderly people, including her parents. She enjoyed exploring the country in the family RV, spending as much time as possible with her grandbabies, and was an avid lover of garage sales.

Betty is survived by her children, Julie (Jerry) High, Brian Schetgen, and Joel Watson, four grandchildren, Erica Buchanan, Cory Watson, Alicia Schetgen and Lucas Noble, five great-grandchildren and two brothers, David (Cookie) Molitor and Larry (Joyce) Molitor, one sister, Sally Frazer, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Tyler Watson, her siblings, Frank Molitor, Florence “Dolly” (Molitor) Heinle, Richard “Dick” Molitor, Jean (Molitor) Hess, and Tom Smith, two nephews, Lawrence Molitor and Jason Smith, three nieces, Kathy Hess-Kolopka, Karen Hess, and Angella Frazer.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

John S. Lubben

John S. Lubben, 86, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, December 2, 2020, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa from complications of a hip fracture.

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, a private funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.  The service will be livestreamed on the First Lutheran Church Facebook page and available with a link for future viewing.

John Scott Lubben was born on December 22, 1933 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Theodore Roosevelt and Velma Opal (Scott) Lubben.  He was a 1951 graduate of Baldwin High School and then attended the University of Dubuque.  He honored his country by serving in the U.S. Marines, serving as an airplane mechanic, and earned an honorable discharge. He married Arla Nina Weirup on October 5, 1958 in Maquoketa, Iowa and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Their marriage was blessed by two daughters, Linda and Lori.

John grew up on the family farm near Baldwin and spent his entire life raising black angus cattle, cultivating crops and harvesting corn. What brought him the most joy was operating the combine. The lifelong farmer was proud of the Sesquicentennial Heritage Farm Award received by the Lubben Family at the Iowa State Fair.

John was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Jackson County Farm Bureau, and the Jackson County Historical Society.  He had served on the Board of Directors of the Baldwin Savings Bank and the Baldwin-Nashville Telephone Company.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Arla Lubben of Baldwin, IA; daughters, Linda (Darwin) Polk of Maquoketa, IA, and Lori (Kirk) Hoffman of Friendswood, TX; 4 grandchildren, TJ (Christina) Polk, Tyler Polk (Marah Kays, fiancé), Nathan Hoffman and Spencer Hoffman; 1 great-grandchild, Hayden Polk; sisters-in-law, Laveta Brady of Tampa, FL, and Patricia Weirup of Maquoketa, IA; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Special friends include the Robert and Sherry Rohwedder family and his pet cat Muffin.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Jackson County Historical Society, Hospice of Jackson County, or Camp Courageous of Iowa.

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

JoAnn M. McPoland

JoAnn M. McPoland, 78, of Dubuque, died Thursday, December 3, 2020, at her home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. Due to the state mask mandate, masks are required at the funeral home and church.  Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to JoAnn’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for JoAnn will be 10:30 am Monday, December 7, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at .

JoAnn was born November 29, 1942, in Balltown, IA, the daughter of John and Delores (Link) Brimeyer. On June 18, 1960, she married Robert (Sam) McPoland at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They had their marriage blessed in their home 60 years later on June 18, 2020.

JoAnn worked for the Dubuque Community Schools for 28.5 years before she retired.

Survivors include her husband, Robert (Sam) of Dubuque; children, Shelly (Shawn) Klinkhammer, Mike (Kelli) McPoland, Jim McPoland and Bob (Michelle) McPoland; grandchilden, Robert and Shawn Klinkhammer, Ashley McPoland, Samantha, Jeana and John McPoland, Brianna and Samuel McPoland and many friends and family.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her father, John Brimeyer; mother, Delores (Link) Brimeyer; one son, John McPoland; one brother, John Brimeyer and daughter-in-law, Lori McPoland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to the Church of the Resurrection or Hospice of Dubuque.

The McPoland family would like to specially thank all involved in caring for JoAnn, especially Dr. Andrea Ries who was her physician for many years.  Dr. Ries was always so kind and such a good listener.  The family would like to also thank Church of the Resurrection, especially Deacon Mike Ellis and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Hillary and Stacey.

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

Jeffrey K. Spahn

Jeffrey K. “Spahny” Spahn 63, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.  A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.  Please keep in mind occupancy limitations as well as mask and social distancing requirements.

Jeff was born on July 10, 1957 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John and Rita (Kurth) Spahn.  He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1976 then started working in the construction industry.  After several years, Jeff left construction to begin his 38-year career as a bridge tender for the East Dubuque railroad bridge.  On October 20, 1979, he married “his love” Catherine Steuer.  In addition to working for the railroad, Jeff cut firewood and helped his son with his logging company.  His grandchildren could not wait for grandpa to give them “Ranger rides” and tractor rides.  Jeff loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking care of his chickens and goats.  He also enjoyed playing at the casino.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Catherine of Dubuque; his children Heather (Ben Bergfeld) Pfaff of Farley, IA, Heidi Jasper of Epworth, IA, Jesse (Jolene) Spahn of East Dubuque, IL and Hannah (Trevor Thuman) Walz of Delhi, IA; his grandchildren Zoe, Beau, Miley, Rhyan, Jordan, Brady, Jackson, McKinley, Merritt and Zara; his siblings Jim (Terri) Spahn, Joel (Lora) Spahn, Sara (Mike) Wright, Justin (Karen) Spahn, Mary Kay (Jay) Jellison and Amy (Willie) Gutierrez.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law and a brother John Robert.

 A Jeff Spahn memorial fund has been established.   

Barbara L. (Massey) Van Blarcom

Barbara Lee (Massey) Van Blarcom, age 81, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:10 p.m., on November 30, 2020, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Barbara’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road. Due to COVID-19 concerns the number of people inside the building will be limited, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices. To honor Barbara’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the Church of the Resurrection, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Barbara was born on January 23, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Dale and Bernita (Kunnen) Massey.

Barbara was a proud lifelong resident of Dubuque who attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She was employed as a Teacher’s Associate for the Dubuque Community School District for over 25 years, until her well earned retirement. She was united in marriage to James Van Blarcom on September 14, 1957. They were blessed with 48 wonderful years of marriage, and 4 children together, before he sadly passed away on January 6, 2006. Barbara was a faith filled woman who was a long time member of Holy Ghost Church, and most recently the Church of the Resurrection. In her free time, she embraced her creative side. She worked on several types of crafting projects with woodworking being her speciality. Barbara also enjoyed staying active, and has made many friends while she was mall walking 6 days a week. She looked forward to the change of the seasons every year, and enjoyed taking fall drives and getaways. She also looked forward to doing her Tuesday night “running around”, no matter the time of year. Everyone who knew her knew that Barbara loved her family more than anything. She looked forward to spending the holidays together, especially Christmas, when she would make her famous dirt cake, much to the grandkids’ delight. Barbara was a great mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister, and we will miss her tremendously. We do, however, take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with all of her loved ones, especially her loving husband and son, in Heaven for Christmas this year.

Those left to cherish Barbara’s memory include

her children,
David (Elizabeth) Van Blarcom, Des Moines, IA,
Sharon (Terry) Pickel, Kieler, WI
and Lynn (John) Braford, Monticello, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Janet Van Blarcom, Belleville, WI;

her 7 grandchildren,
Jennifer (Joseph) Marruffo, Jeremy (Laurie) Van Blarcom, Stacie (Brandon) Tjaden, Derek (fiancé Amber Meyer) Van Blarcom, Brianna Pickel, Joshua Van Blarcom and Marisa Braford;

her 8 great-grandchildren,
Jasmine, Jade, Daisy, Dominic, Brantley, Sawyer, Micco and Aiyana;

and her in-laws,
Joe Pfohl, Dubuque, IA,
James Rollinger, Cascade, IA,
Mary Meyer, Dubuque, IA,
Lois (Delbert) Link, Dubuque, IA
and Earl Van Blarcom, Dubuque, IA.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Van Blarcom; her son, Mark Van Blarcom; her siblings, Judith Pfohl, Sandra Rollinger, Donna Brandel and Duane Massey; and her in-laws, Judy Van Blarcom and Phyllis Bly.

Barbara’s family would like to thank Dr. Andrea Ries and Dr. Ram and his staff, especially Lacy and Julie, for all of their professional care of Barbara. Also a heartfelt thanks to the parish nurse from Resurrection, Mary Schmidt, and her dear friend, Patti Dix, for the friendship and support she has provided to mom all these years.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Barbara Van Blarcom Family.

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

Michael P. Kelly

Michael Patrick Kelly was peacefully called home at the age of 67 on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.  He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home in Dyersville, IA.

Visitation: Family and upon request only on Friday, December 4th starting at 3:00 pm at Mike and Gloria’s residence in Dyersville, IA. If you would like to attend, please contact a family member to coordinate.  Funeral (in Latin): Saturday, December 5th at 12:30 pm in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, IA. Open to the public, please adhere to standard social distancing measures. This will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/HTkpDnFUkY8.
Burial: Family and upon request only. If you would like to attend, please contact a family member to coordinate. A private visitation will be held at Mike and Gloria’s residence in Dyersville, IA.

“I have a party scheduled in heaven, and I want everybody to be there.”

Mike was born on November 15, 1953, in New Hampton, IA (alongside his twin brother, Pat) to Leo and Genevieve Kelly as the fifth of eight children. Growing up, Mike observed the work ethic of his father and the Catholic faith of his mother – critical values that Mike heavily leaned into throughout his life. At a young age, Mike had great conviction and purpose – he prayed for four things: (1) to travel the world, (2) to have a large family, (3) to start a family business, and (4) to know Truth. God’s grace certainly poured over Mike throughout his life, and his prayers were answered.

Mike graduated from the University of Northern Iowa; while attending, he met his wife Gloria. Mike and Gloria married in 1976, and welcomed their first child the following year. Mike joined the Air Force in 1978, where he served as a C-130 navigator for eight years. During this time, Mike and Gloria traveled around the world and were blessed with four more children. Mike left the military to start a new chapter – in 1986, he and two of his brothers started a technology business called Circle Computer Resources (CCR) in Cedar Rapids. Mike and Gloria welcomed their sixth child; soon after, Mike rediscovered his Catholic faith. Mike moved his family to Dyersville to dwell in the shadows of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier and to ensure Catholic education for his children. While in Dyersville, Mike and Gloria had five more children, whom he lovingly dubbed as the second batch.

God fulfilled Mike’s prayers in His perfect way while Mike’s feet treaded on this earth – he saw the world while serving in the military; loved 11 children and 27 grandchildren (and counting); built a successful business where many of his children work; and found as much truth as the human boundaries can comprehend, revealed through the Catholic faith. Given God’s grace, Mike’s final prayer has been fulfilled – to know Truth in its totality while bathing in God’s infinite love.

Today, Mike is preparing for the party he promised.

Survivors: his wife, Gloria (Engelmann); his children, Sean (Mary), Seth (Jana), Shea (Emily), Marie (Brandon), Katherine (Peter), Michelle (Christian), Theresa, Joseph (Miriam – engaged), Elizabeth, Veronica, and Patrick; his grandchildren: Philomena, Sean, Anthony, Cassidy, Damien, Claire, Augustine, Felicity, Annika (Sean); Connor, Gavin, Bryna (Seth); Oliver, Finnian, Cora (Shea);  Matthew, Lincoln, Leah, Abby (Marie); Rachel, Peter, Grace, Natalie, Angela, Jacob (Katherine); Zoey, Killian (Michelle); his siblings: Kathleen, Kevin, Nelly (Randy), Patrick, Maryellen, Christopher (Brenda); his aunt Fran, Gloria’s siblings: Mark and Vicki, and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Predeceased: his parents Leo and Genevieve, his parents-in-law Victor and Irene, his brother Timothy, sister-in-law Lynne (Kevin), and nieces Kelly and Heather (Kathy).

Donations: The5truths.org to promote the culture of life as designated by the family (currently not a 501(c)(3)).

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com. Cards and memorials may be sent to the Kelly family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA, 52040.