Obituaries Archive

Steven J. Krogmeier

Steven Joseph Krogmeier, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in The Villages Florida, surrounded by family, due to complications from ALS on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

Let me tell you about Steve. He was many things to many people: husband, father, brother, banker, farmer, mentor, teacher, student, joker, business partner, and friend. He lived the American Dream of being his own boss by starting three business and retiring from his full-time position at Dubuque Bank and Trust after his last venture, Valley Pork, LLC, became successful. He never shied away from hard work, knowing that it built character and did all he could to instill that virtue in the people around him. He was one of the founding members of the Dubuque Soccer Alliance, acting as Treasurer for more than 20 years, and could be regularly seen mowing fields at the Dubuque Soccer Complex.

He enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories. He was infamous for striking up conversation with strangers to figure out what brought them to that spot, on that day, so he could have the pleasure to talk with them.

“What are you reading now?” was a question that could get you into a 20-minute discussion on World War II, baseball pitchers, cars, pigs, Alice Cooper, or any other random assortment of things you had no idea that you wanted to know.

Above all, Steve was joy. He made the best out of any situation and never let the little things bring him down. Our annual family vacations were often filled with go-carts, banter and baseball games. On one particular trip to St. Louis, he begrudgingly sold his Cards/Cubs tickets -when his family was too hot and exhausted from the day to sit through an entire nine-inning game. He watched the game in the hotel room, eating pizza, watching his children play in the pool, with no complaints and a smile on his face.

He was a role model, believed in playing the hand you were dealt and enjoying the game regardless of the outcome. Through his battle with ALS, he kept his sense of humor. Always quick to make a joke and crack a smile. His laughter was contagious, sometimes not getting to the punchline before he, and everyone in the room, were laughing with him.

He took on ALS with a sense of curiosity and turned it into a learning experience. He enjoyed discussing what he was discovering about the disease and the science behind it. He was one of the few people that would describe leg braces as “neat” due to the engineering and understanding of human physiology that went into them. In order to prevent others from suffering from ALS, Steve donated his body to the Mayo Clinic ALS Research of Jacksonville, Florida as follow-up to his participation in multiple stem cell research studies.

Steve, son of Francis “Charlie” and Mary Krogmeier, was born on October 24, 1956 in Fort Madison, Iowa. Steve is survived by his wife, Jane; three children: Michelle of Brooklyn, New York; Bob (Erin Fitzgerald) of West Branch, Iowa; and Curtis of Swisher, Iowa; two brothers: David (Denise) Krogmeier of Fort Madison, Iowa; Ralph (Collen) Krogmeier of Donnellson, Iowa; and five sisters: Linda (Steve) Bantz of Columbia, Missouri; Irene (Gene) Lucas of Bettendorf, Iowa; Phyllis (Kent) Seymour of Liberty, Illinois; Joan (Roger) Moeller of West Point, Iowa; and Julie (John Head) Davis of Frisco, Texas. There is also a plethora of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Mary Krogmeier.

The visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19th at Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20th at Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, 60 South Algona Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. A luncheon will follow the mass.

He will be laid to rest in Fort Madison, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association of Florida, ALS Association of Iowa, or YMCA / YWCA of Dubuque, Iowa. The family would like to thank the staff at Mayo Clinic for all their work with Steve. Special thanks to Dr. Staff, Karla, Michelle, and our home health aide Mari. We are eternally grateful for the care you have given.

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

Shirley A. Steuri

Shirley Ann Steuri, 87, of Earlville, died Friday, December 13, 2019, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA. The Funeral Service for Mrs. Steuri will be 10:30 AM Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Shirley was born February 15, 1932, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Emil and Helen Bauer. On November 18, 1950, she married Paul Steuri in Dubuque, whom she met while visiting her sister-in-law in Monticello. He died August 22, 2014.

In 1955, Paul and Shirley purchased a family farm. Years later in 1959, they started a Rochester Silo dealership on the farm, and the business eventually moved to the north end of County Road X-47 in 1974. Shirley will be fondly remembered for her loving devotion to her family, especially her husband Paul and her grandchildren.

Survivors include daughters, Susan Tucker of Monticello, IA; Diane (Mike) Russell of Seattle, WA; Julie Steuri, of Dubuque, IA; Kathy (Jamey) Dirks of Cedar Rapids, IA; Patty Steuri of Earlville, IA; son, Steve (Wanda) Steuri of Monticello, IA; seven grandchildren, Jenny (Mike) Rose, Ashley Russell, Wesley Russell, Daryn Dirks, Deidra (Justen) Scranton, Jaryd Dirks, and Aaron Steuri; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nicholas, and Avery; and a brother, Wayne (Betty) Bauer of Dubuque, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Rosemary Patters and Lorriane Krueger; a brother, LaVerne Bauer; a son-in-law, Jim Tucker; and a grandchild in infancy, Sheryl Tucker.

A memorial has been established for the American Heart Association.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and all of her devoted health care providers.

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

John C. Pooley

John C. “Jack” Pooley, 79, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Bell Tower Retirement Community in East Dubuque, IL.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, with Pastor Libby Rutherford officiating. Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Jack was born on April 2, 1940 at Shullsburg, Wisconsin, the son of Charles L. and Helen E. (Distler) Pooley. He was united in marriage to Jeanne A. Wienen on February 14, 1960 in Galena, Illinois.

Jack formerly farmed for 38 years until 1992, and then worked for Galena Utilites at the Galena Territory until retiring in 2005. He enjoyed coon hunting, mowing grass, cutting wood, and driving his skid-loader. He was known as “Mr. Fix It”.

Surviving is his wife Jeanne; three children, Pamela Spittler of Lincoln, IL, Penny (Tony) Cook of Galena, and Rick (friend Candi) Pooley of Galena; six grandchildren, Eric, David, Amy, Curtis, Trinity and Chance; six great-grandchildren, Hayden, Monroe, Ohanna, Mikey, Emma Lou, and Paizley; his two sisters, Darlene Rosenthal and Dorothy (George) Petitgout both of Galena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Albert and Lily Pooley, brothers-in-law, Chuck Rosenthal, Luras “Jr.” Wienen and DuWayne Schultz, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luras and Helene Wienen, Sr.

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

Jeanelle Page Westerfield

Jeanelle Page Westerfield, 80, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 15, 2019, at her home.

Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 St. Ambrose Street. The Mass of Christian Burial for Jeanelle will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant.

Margaret was born December 5, 1939, in Prairie Du Chien, WI, the daughter of Alva and Adella Brown DuCharme.

Jeanelle was a Dubuque professional artist for over 60 years! Her love to color began as a child where she looked forward to receiving crayons and coloring books for Christmas every year from her parents. She grew up on a farm but dreamed of going to art school and becoming an artist. One of her first jobs was working in Kenosha, Wisconsin at a photography studio where she hand-colored black and white photos. While she never had the chance to go to formal art school she taught herself how to use many mediums. She learned china painting from Helen Burkart in Dubuque and became a professional glass painter, restoring antique “Gone With the Wind” lamps for antique dealers all over the country. She also was an artist in residence for Creative Touch gallery for many years. She was known for her Dubuque scenes depicting “The 4th Street Elevator” and the “Town Clock”, as well as her beautiful floral paintings and so much more. She opened an art gallery called Page Art & Antique Studio, where she sold her work and beautiful antiques and jewelry in downtown Dubuque. She loved antiques and would drive all over looking for those perfect finds! She lived in a beautiful Victorian home in downtown Dubuque that she took pride in restoring. Being a member of the “Old House Enthusiasts” group was something she enjoyed. Jeanelle’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, hearing their adventures, attending school activities, doling out advice and simply adoring them. She was a creative, spunky, beautiful person who inspired others to live creative lives!

Survivors include two sons, Karl Page of Carbondale, CO, and Mark Page of Dubuque; one daughter, Sarah (Riley) Barnes of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Kendra, Kristin, and Kassidy Page, and Emily and Elijah Barnes; one brother, Alvin DuCharme of California; and three sisters, Lucille Walters of Prairie Du Chien, WI, Marilyn Vance of Ohio, and Addie Lechnir of East Dubuque, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Delbert and Lloyd.

Karen L. Jones

Karen L. Jones, 55 passed away Friday, December 13, 2019.

Private services will be held at a later date. The Egelhof, Siegert &   Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with her arrangements.

Karen was born on June 21, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Frederick and Johna (Godby) Jones. She grew up in Hawaii and has lived in Dubuque for the past 10 years working for IBM. The three causes that Karen championed for were LBGT rights, animal rescue and advocating a cure for diabetes.

Surviving are Karen’s two sisters, Cheryl (Glenn) Burke of Ocean Park, WA and Sandra Jones of Long Beach, WA and her aunt Carol Welch of Torrance, CA.

Karen was preceded in death by parents.

Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.

Richard J. Widmar

Richard James Widmar, 66, of Oklahoma, City, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at his home on Saturday, December 7th, 2019.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019, at Mueller Chapel, Linwood Cemetery, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Richard was born in Dubuque, IA to Mildred (Wittmann) and James Widmar. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High school and Iowa State University. In 1982, Rich came to Oklahoma and worked for the Bureau of Land Management, doing most of his work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, until his retirement.

He loved golfing, playing cards, antique cars, following sports (especially Iowa State) and spending time with family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Katie Widmar of Chicago, IL; sister, Joan (Jim) Luikart of Geneseo, IL; niece, Jessica (Jacob) Specht and great nephews and niece, Ryder, Kasen, Gabriella and Knox Specht of Annawan, IL; niece, Allison Luikart (Steven White) of Homer Glen, IL; family, Cheryl Widmar and daughters, Megan (Justin Watson), Jessica (Fernando) Lino; grandchildren, Gabriel, Charlee, Aden and Mia; and many wonderful family and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Eldon Manderscheid

Eldon Manderscheid, 81, of Hastings, MN, formerly of Zwingle, IA, passed away on December 12, 2019.

Services for Eldon will be held Sunday, December 22nd, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch.

Eldon was born at home on January 22, 1938, in Bellevue, IA, the son of Orville and Marie (Ryan) Manderscheid.

Eldon was the oldest of seven children. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to their farm outside of Zwingle, Iowa. He graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic High School in LaMotte, Iowa.

Eldon married Judy Sweeney on July 25, 1959, they had four children and 12 grandchildren. Eldon reclaimed his heritage by becoming a Luxembourg citizen in January. Eldon and Judy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July.

Eldon retired from the John Deere Dubuque Works after 31 years. Eldon and Judy had purchased a farm in 1961, adjacent to his parent’s farm where he farmed for 30+ years. He was a farmer at heart, a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He served in the Iowa National Guard Reserve, was a proud UAW member, Zwingle city council member, AARP legislative liaison, Zwingle Recreation Association member, and most recently, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Three years ago, he and Judy moved to Hastings, Minnesota to be closer to family.

Eldon is survived by his wife Judy; children Kate (Bret) Lewallen, of Tucson, Az; Karen (Paul) Simons, of Hastings, MN, Dan (Ann) Manderscheid, of Ankeny, IA, and David (Laura) Manderscheid, of Gaithersburg, MD; grandchildren Krista (Ryan) Nelson, Kyle Lewallen; Hannah, Grant, Ryan, Natalie Simons; Sarah, Rachel, Chloe Manderscheid; Eric, Jake, Jennifer Manderscheid; brothers Roger (Judy), Duane (Mary) and a sister Carol Ernst.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Justin and Florence Sweeney; siblings Gerald and Glenn Manderscheid; sister Ardis Cobar, and brother-in-law Gary Ernst.

Jimmy G. Rockwell

Jimmy G. “Jim” Rockwell, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, December 15, 2019, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Jimmy Gene Rockwell was born on November 4, 1934 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Glenn and Geraldine (Parmer) Rockwell. He was educated in Maquoketa schools and served his country in the U.S. Army earning an honorable discharge. He married Nancy Lee Bock on January 18, 1975 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She preceded him in death on November 1, 2015.

Jim had farmed, worked at Clinton Engines and for Bob Head as an auto mechanic. He also was the caretaker at Sutton Cemetery in Maquoketa where he mowed the cemetery and did private mowing for other area people as well.

Jim had served on the Sutton Cemetery Board at one time. He enjoyed motorcycles and he and Nancy traveled all over the United States. He loved his cats, watching old western shows, and tinkering around the house.

Those left to honor his memory include a brother, Don (Wanda) Rockwell of Maquoketa, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy, brother Carlyle, sister Reta Blizek, and nieces Lynn Rockwell, Linda Derganz and Sharon Derganz.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Jimmy G. “Jim” Rockwell memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Michele A. Higley

Michele Ann Higley, 67, of Dubuque died Friday, December 13th, 2019 after a 16+ year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 17th at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road from 3 to 7 pm followed by a parish wake service at 7:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am. Wednesday, December 18th at Resurrection Catholic Church.  Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary mausoleum.

Michele was born August 7th, 1952 in Dubuque, IA. She was the daughter of Merlin “Bud” and Coletta “Coke” (McGrath) Schultz.  She graduated from Wahlert High School in 1970 and University of Dubuque with a bachelors in biology and minor in chemistry.
On May 17th, 1980 she married Roger James Higley at the Church of the Nativity.

She worked in chemical and environmental engineering at John Deere Dubuque Works for 44 years, retiring in 2017. She was a member of an engineering society S.T.L.E while working at Deere’s.

She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection where she was a lector and choir member until she was unable to following a stroke in 2000. She was also a member of the St. Peregrine cancer prayer and support group for 18 years.

Michele enjoyed reading, traveling, trying new foods, seeing plays, and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. In her earlier years, she enjoyed skiing, canoeing, and camping. She was also a Hawkeye and Packer fan.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Higley of Dubuque; two children, James Higley of Dubuque and Ann (Michael) Ungerman of Overland Park, Kansas; three grandchildren, Adeline, Jillian, and Calvin Ungerman; her mother, Coletta Schultz; a brother, Cory (Monica) Schultz of Davenport, Iowa and a sister, Mira (Matt) Kukla of Troy, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her father, Merlin Schultz and a brother, Colin Schultz.
Memorials may be made to Resurrection Church.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Grand River Medical Group, Dr. Mark Hermann, Mr. Tony Heiar, ARNP, Laura, Sarah, Sara Jo, and Linda for the care they provided Michele over the last several years. We also would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their support.

Elmerial R. Haskin

Elmerial Rose “Ellie” Haskin, 9 month old daughter of Daniel and Michelle Haskin of Dubuque, was called home unexpectedly on Friday, December 13, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Ellie’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Ellie’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Brennan officiating.

Ellie was born on February 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa, daughter of Daniel and Michelle (Gibbons) Haskin.

Ellie was a fighter from the very beginning.  She beat all the odds stacked against her and lived for a beautiful 9 months.  In her short life Ellie brought great joy to all those around her.  We are heart broken at losing our sweet, beautiful girl, but we know that she is watching over us from Heaven this year for Christmas.

Those left to cherish Ellie’s memory include

her loving parents,
Daniel and Michelle Haskin, Dubuque, IA;

her brothers,
Tobias “Toby” Haskin and Dimitri “DJ” Haskin, both at home;

her maternal grandparents,
Rich and Ann (Kelly) Gibbons, Dubuque, IA;

her paternal grandparents,
Dean Haskin, Waverly, IA
and Rose (Cliff) Hunt, Waterloo, IA;

her maternal great-grandmother,
Pat Gibbons, Las Vegas, NV;

her paternal great-grandparents,
Harold (Sharon) Haskin, Backus, MN
Ruth (Gary) Lienemann, Nashua, IA
and Gene Murray, Waverly, IA;

and several aunts, uncles and a cousin.

Ellie was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Robert Gibbons, Gene and Elmerial Kelly; and her paternal great-grandmother, Jeanne Haskin.

Ellie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Omaha, as well as Dr. David E. Kragenbrink and the nurse and therapists who made home visits, for all of their caring support of Ellie and her family these past months.

Memorials will be accepted by the family.

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

Jeneene Hennings

Jeneene (Hines) Hennings, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 10:36 p.m., on Friday, December 13, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Jeneene’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Jeneene’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Jeneene was born on August 7, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Cecil and Ila (Wolbers) Hines.

Jeneene was a proud life long resident of Dubuque who was employed with both the telephone company and the egg factory before meeting the love of her life.  Jeneene was united in marriage to Wayne Hennings, on September 8, 1951, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 55 years together and 5 children before he was sadly called home on February 2, 2007.  After she married, Jeneene took on the role of full time wife, mother and homemaker.  Her skills in the kitchen were enjoyed by her family, as well as her fellow members of the Boat Club when she would make her famous Mulligan Stew.  Jeneene enjoyed getting together with friends playing cards and visiting, but also appreciated a little quiet time to sit and relax with her latest book.  She also had a soft spot for her furry canine companions, Bucko and Duke.  Her faith was an important aspect of her daily life and Jeneene was a loyal member of Sacred Heart Church.  Family was always at the top of Jeneene’s priority list, and this past year she definitely started to let her softer side start to show through.  We are saddened with Jeneene’s passing from this world to the next, but find some comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her husband and son in Heaven to celebrate Christmas this year.

Those left to cherish Jeneene’s memory include

her children,
C.J. (Debbie) Hennings, Dubuque, IA,
Shelly Holland, Wilmington, NC,
Kevin (Lynne) Hennings, Asbury, IA
and Jack (Yolanda) Hennings, Dubuque, IA;

her daughter-in-law,
Mary Hennings, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
John (Alyssa) Hennings, Ashley (Chad) Saeugling and Jessica Hennings;

8 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren;

her 4 step-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren;

and her siblings,
Dale (Sara) Hines, Dubuque, IA,
Lana (Joe) Pfab, Dubuque, IA
and Denise Hines, Heber Springs, AR.

Jeneene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne Hennings; a son, Bill “Burt” Hennings; a grandson, Austin Hennings; a son-in-law, Dan Holland; and her siblings, Phyllis (Bill) Hessel, Donald (Betty) Hines and Janaan (Richard) Kieffer.

Jeneene’s family would like to thank all of Jeneene’s caregivers at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, for the wonderful care they have provided throughout the months.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

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

Dennis Feil

Dennis “Bear” Feil, 72 of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.  Funeral Services will be 12:00 pm (noon), Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 10:00 am until service time on Wednesday at the church prior to services.  Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Dennis was born July 11, 1947 in Bellevue, the son of Harold and Althea (Gieseman) Feil.  He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1965 and then attended University of Dubuque.  Dennis married Laura Roth on January 7, 1977.  Dennis farmed, enjoyed collecting antiques, trading and going to flea markets.  After retiring from farming, he went to Texas for the winter with his 4 legged friends Hunter and Buddy.  Bear enjoyed riding his Harley, going to concerts at Codfish Hollow, painting, drawing, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Laura; children, Allison (Ryan) Moore of Parker, CO, Kristina Feil of Centennial, CO, and Rachele (Ryan) Burton of Littleton, CO; a grandchild Riley Ann Burton who is due in February of 2020; a brother, Cecil Feil of Bellevue; father and mother in-law, Richard and Helen Roth; sister and brother in-law, Linda (Terry Kane.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial fund has been established in Dennis’s memory.

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

Larry W. Davis

Larry W. “Smoke” Davis, 81, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, December 20, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, December 19, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the visitation.  Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.

Larry Wayne Davis was born on March 7, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Claire Franklin and Veda Marie (Howell) Davis.  He attended Delmar Grade School and graduated from Delmar High School in 1955.  He then went to Augustana College before entering the U.S. Navy where he earned an honorable discharge.  He married Shirlene Claire VanPelt on August 29, 1959 in Delmar, Iowa.  To this union five children were born, David, Douglas, Michael, Lori and Kim.

Larry had first worked as the manager of Gambles Department Store in Watseka, Illinois and then returned to the Maquoketa area where he managed the Maquoketa Gambles Store for a short time.  He then started a 30 plus year career with the U.S. Post Office in Maquoketa, starting out as a mail carrier and retiring as the Assistant Postmaster.

Larry was an avid golfer carding a hole-in-one and spending many days on the course and the clubhouse as a member at the Maquoketa Country Club.  He had umpired high school baseball for over 50 years and enjoyed trapping and coon hunting with his favorite buddy, his dog Lute. Over the years he loved watching his grandchildren’s activities, spending time with his family, playing Spade Euchre with friends, watching his LA Dodgers, and Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball. He so enjoyed the Monday night gang at Obies and was known to have 1 or 2 Jim Beam and water. He also enjoyed Saturday morning coffee at Fareway.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 60 years, Shirlene Davis of Maquoketa, IA; children, David (Denise) Davis of Delmar, IA, Douglas (Johneen) Davis of Frankfort, IL, Michael (Cathy) Davis of Murfreesboro, TN, Lori Fisher of Johnston, IA, and Kim (Liz) Davis of Beverly, MA; 12 grandchildren, Brooke, Brittney and Jordan Davis, Russell (Michelle) and Traeger (Brook) Penicook, Josh (Page), Abigail, and Tayne Davis, Mallory Manning, Jacob Fisher, Julie Milder and Tre Davis; and 1 great-grandchild, Jayce Merkle.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Linda VanPelt.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Larry W. “Smoke” Davis memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Virginia L. Potts

Virginia L. Potts, 82, of Dubuque died Thursday, December 12, 2019.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection.   Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Virginia was born May 24, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Cletus and Ruth (Heaton) Grue.  She graduated from the Visitation Academy.

On June 15, 1957 she married Cyril “Cy” Potts at St. Raphael Cathedral.  Virginia called Cy the love of her life, and was deeply saddened when he preceded her in death in 2012.  From that union came a family that became the most important role for Virginia—that of mother and grandmother.

Virginia’s greatest passions in life were her children and grandchildren.  She loved spending time with them, hearing of their adventures, watching their sporting events, doling out advice, and simply adoring them.  She made a tremendous impact on them all and considered those roles her greatest accomplishments.

Virginia was a huge sports fan, most times proving more knowledgeable of the games than most.  She loved to debate anything sports and typically had a good ribbing going via text with her grandchildren about some game or team.   Oftentimes she could be found watching golf, tennis, football, basketball and baseball on TV.

Virginia also loved going out to eat with family and friends, the morning crossword with coffee, ipad slots, winning at Euchre, and spending time with her wonderful neighbors who were more like family to her. She had an incredible sense of humor and an infectious smile that will be missed dearly.

Virginia had a deep faith that guided her through life and strengthened as she grew older.  It is this faith that allowed her to look forward to the day she went home and was reunited with Cy, also realizing those left behind would grieve her absence.  Her wish would be that we celebrate her life and derive comfort from the many sweet memories we have with her.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cy and Virginia’s close family friend Ron Kelley, who continued his friendship and support after Cy’s passing, to Kay Potts, Virginia’s cohort in lunch outings and bible studies, and to the Gabriel Drive families who held a special place in her heart.  All proved to be of invaluable comfort and joy to Virginia.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Dawn) Potts of Durango, IA., Tom (Beth) Potts of Peoria, IL., Sue (Jim) Hannon of St. Paul, MN, and Sara (Mark) Sauter of Edina, MN; her grandchildren, Tommy, Kevin and Michael Hannon, Nicole, Tyler, Brandon and Morgan Potts, Ella and Joe Sauter and Kristin (Dave) Keil, their children Jacob, Rachael, and Zachary; and Beth Hannon.

She is also survived by her dear sister, Carole Hanrahan of Eden Prairie, MN, and in-laws Gene “Tiny”  Potts, Jean Potts and Carole “Kay” Potts.

She was also preceded in death by a sister and brother in-law, Janann and Leo King; a brother in-law, James Hanrahan; and Cy’s siblings and in-laws, Dorothy and Emmett McDermott, Mary Lavon and Mark Brown,  Warren “Bud” and Shirley Potts and Jerry Potts.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Steven Smelcer

Steven “Steve” Smelcer passed away at Mercy Hospital on December 11, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on February 19, 1961, in La Grange, IL, to Jane & Glen Smelcer. He was an older brother to Michele and Suzanne. His family moved from Illinois to Dubuque, IA in the early 1970s. He most recently resided with his mom Jane and stepfather Jon McPhail. Nancy was the love of his life and best friend for many years.

Steve was a gentle soul with a kind heart. He was a caring and loving son, brother and friend who we made many happy memories with. He always watched out for us. His faith was very meaningful to him.

Steve was a talented artist who could draw anything. He enjoyed creating art in all mediums. In his younger years, he took pride in crafting elaborate card houses and radiant suncatchers that wow’d everyone. The artistic use of light and bold color fascinated him and informed his own projects.

Growing up, he was always a good sport with his younger sisters and their friends. He made magical childhood experiences for them often using just his imagination and creativity.

He loved waterfalls and finding beauty in nature. Parks across the country and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens were his happy places.

One of many cherished memories happened during a family vacation to Yosemite National Park. He and sister Suz rode together on a jet ski all around the most breathtaking pine-lined lake, laughing, reveling in adventure and soaking up the majesty of their surroundings.

Steve will be deeply missed and never forgotten. He is now our guardian angel and lives on in our hearts.

We find comfort that his mind will finally be at peace.

Through organ donation, Steve will be saving several lives in the Tri-State area.

Hebrews 13:5: For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”