Obituaries Archive

Cletus J. Engelken

Cletus J. Engelken, 83, of Dyersville passed away from a broken heart Friday, October 23, 2020, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, just a couple of weeks after his wife, Arlene passed away.

A double visitation for Clete & Arlene will be held Thursday, October 29th, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville from 8 am to 10 am prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29th, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Clete was born October 17, 1937, in Farley the son of William and Monica (Gaul) Engelken.  He graduated from Xavier High School in Dyersville and served for the U.S. Army in 1957, completing his services with the National Guard of Iowa.  Clete married Arlene Lynch on November 28, 1963, in Dubuque.  Together they farmed on the Engelken family farm.  His family was very involved in 4-H, the Dubuque County Pork Producers, & Dubuque County Cattlemen & Women’s organizations.  Clete was a successful sales representative for Epley Seed, Nachurs Fertilizer, & New Concepts Pre-Mix.  Later he co-owned All Star Feeds in Dyersville & when his partner retired, he took over the feed store in Dyersville and opened All Star Manufacturing in Earlville.  Clete and Arlene enjoyed many road trips delivering feed together and visiting with the farmers, especially the Amish.  In his spare time he loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and WWE Wrestling.  He also enjoyed trips to Branson, going to the rodeo each year & watching his grandkids in various sports.  Clete was a dedicated hard-working man.  He loved unconditionally and was a loving husband, father, & grandfather.

Survivors include two daughters: Ann Boeckenstedt and Theresa (Jeff) Neuhaus, both of Dyersville, three grandchildren; Amber and Heather Boeckenstedt and Devin Neuhaus; one brother, George (Sherry) Engelken of Atlanta, GA, in-laws: Barb (Dwain) Kilburg of Bellevue, IA, Lois Lynch of Dubuque, Janaan (Don) Junk of Bellevue, Robert (Charlene) Lynch of La Motte, Irene Engelken of Earlville & Dale Zeimet of Lakeview, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Arlene on October 11, 2020, siblings: Elmer (Mary Lou) Engelken, Edwin (Aletha) Engelken, Julius Engelken and Alma (Charlie) Brehm, in laws: Raymond Lynch, Richard Lynch, Mary Diane Lynch and Rosemary Zeimet.

The family wants to give a special thank you to the entire staff at MercyOne Dyersville Senior Care for the compassionate care they provided for their parents and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for providing comfort during their last days.

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

Arlene M. Engelken

Arlene M. Engelken, 78, of Dyersville passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, just two weeks prior to her husband, Clete.

A double visitation for Clete & Arlene will be held Thursday, October 29th, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville from 8 am to 10 am prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29th, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Arlene was born Jan. 14, 1942, in Dubuque and was the daughter of Joseph and Marcella (Theisen) Lynch. She graduated from Holy Rosary High School in La Motte. She worked at Prepared Food Shoppe which was a bakery in Dubuque. She married Cletus J. Engelken on Nov. 28, 1963 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque.  Together they farmed on the Engelken family farm and later she worked at All Star Feeds in Dyersville. She enjoyed visiting with the customers and especially loved delivering feed with Cletus.  During the last 6 years she enjoyed keeping the staff and residence at MercyOne Dyersville Senior Care laughing and smiling (they were her second family and she loved each and every one of them. She was a loving wife, mother, & grandmother. She loved trips to Branson & watching her grandkids in various sports.  She will always be remembered by her wonderful smile, her contagious laughter and her loving heart.

Survivors include her loving husband, Cletus of 56 years, two daughters: Ann Boeckenstedt and Theresa (Jeff) Neuhaus, both of Dyersville, three grandchildren; Amber and Heather Boeckenstedt and Devin Neuhaus; 3 sisters: Barb (Dwain) Kilburg of Bellevue, IA, Lois Lynch of Dubuque and Janaan (Don) Junk of Bellevue; one brother: Robert (Charlene) Lynch of La Motte, in-laws: Irene Engelken of Earlville, George (Sherry) Engelken of Atlanta, GA, and Dale Zeimet of Lakeview, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Raymond Lynch, Richard Lynch, Mary Diane Lynch and Rosemary Zeimet. In laws: Elmer & Mary Lou Engelken, Edwin & Aletha Engelken, Charlie & Alma Brehm, & Julius Engelken.

The family wants to give a special thank you to the entire staff at MercyOne Dyersville Senior Care who cared for Arlene with amazing compassion over the last 6 years. Also thank you to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for helping provide comfort during the last days.

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

Chester L. Kamm

Chester Louis “Chet” Kamm, 96, of Dubuque, died Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the Oak Park Place.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Thursday October 29, 2020, at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ 2885 John F. Kennedy Road. 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 Chet’s family.

The Funeral Service for Chet will be 11:00 AM Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Karen Candee and Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6.  The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Chester was born June 7, 1924, in Dubuque, the son of Henry Louis and Viola Margadant Kamm. On September 18, 1946, he married Ruth Adele Johnson in Darlington, WI.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving with the 35th Infantry Division in the European Theatre from 1942 until 1945.

He worked as a Pharmaceutical Buyer for Torbert Drug Company.

Chet was an avid reader. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, and listening to classical music.

He was a member of Summit Congregational United Church of Christ, the V.F.W., and the American Legion.

Survivors include three sons, Rodney (Rosie) Kamm of Dubuque, Mark (Candise) Kamm of Dubuque, and Randy Kamm of Irmo, SC; one daughter, Beverly (Kurt) Welu of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Oliver, Kenneth, Floyd, Harold, and Donald, one daughter-in-law, Sheryl (Laufenberg) Kamm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hospice of Dubuque and the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to say thank you to Oak Park Place, Hospice of Dubuque, and Pastor Karen Candee at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ and Deacon Mike Ellis.

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

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

Kenneth J. Pickel

Kenneth Joseph Pickel, 82, of Kieler, Wisconsin, known as Kenny by everybody, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 23, 2020, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.   Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Center in Kieler, and from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the funeral mass. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Bernard Rott, Rev. Randy Timmerman, and Deacon Larry Tranelofficiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Services will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Kenny’s family welcomes you to join them at the visitation and funeral mass. Please utilize masks during the duration of your visit in the church and practice social distancing. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is serving the family.

Kenny lived his life to the fullest, he captured every day and always made it his mission to make a new person smile. His story starts locally in Kieler, Wisconsin, where he was the second oldest son of George and Marcella Pickel. Kenny was born on November 26, 1937, and grew up on a farm and enjoyed nearly every minute of it. During his time at Cuba City High School, he was a two-time All-Conference Right Guard (sporting the strange linemen number 85), superstar left-handed catcher, as well as a four-year member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). After high school, Kenny decided he wanted to travel and see the world. When he was 19, he enlisted in the Army (or as he liked to call it, the Service), and was stationed in Germany for three years. While in Germany, Kenny learned to speak some German, as well as learning Morse Code. Once Kenny made it back to America, he met the love of his life, Berneice Langmeier. They married in 1959 and began their family with Julie their first daughter. Soon to follow was Jim, then Joe, and finally Jenny. The family lived on a farm in Kieler, where Kenny would split time farming and working at John Deere. After realizing their parenting job was done, Kenny and Berneice packed their bags, sold the farm, and moved to a house in Kieler. Kenny spent the rest of his life in this home. In a sense, Kenny had retired. He retired from working at John Deere after 32 years and retired from his lifelong job as a farmer. Despite the positive connotation that comes with retirement, Kenny learned he wasn’t too keen on it. He went on to become a school bus driver for Kieler/Hazel Green Schools and drove kids to and from school for 27 years. Kenny was often described by his riders as the best bus driver ever. On several occasions, he got in trouble with the teachers for sending the kids into class with Tootsie Pops, or Mountain Dew or Pepsi. When he wasn’t driving the bus, you would most likely find Kenny either playing Poker with his beloved Poker buddies, or going on an adventure with his son, Jim, and brother, Pete. While Kenny might have been described as a nice and kind man, he did occasionally show flashes of anger and rage. Those moments came out at least once or twice a week when he was either watching the Packers or the Badgers. His strong love for both teams often resulted in frustration when he thought the team did not execute on plays. Somedays, when the Packers would perform so poorly, he would abruptly get up and announce to everyone in the room that the game didn’t bother him at all, and he was going to go hunting. Hunting and fishing were truly his great escapes.  Kenny also had special relationships with all seven of his grandchildren. If any of the seven were asked, they would probably each come up with a reason why they felt as though they were his favorite.  Community service was important to Kenny. He served as a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and Choir, past member of the Holy Name Society and Parish Council; a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus; past president of the Southwestern School Board; proud past member of UAW Local 94 Union and National Farmers Organization; retired member of the Kieler Volunteer Fire Department and former member of the State Line Archers.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 61 years, Berneice Pickel; children, Jim (Jane) Pickel, Joe (Lori) Pickel, and Jenny Brosius; four granddaughters, Jessica (Anna) Pickel, Erica (Nick) Berning, Gabrielle Brosius, and Lexi Brosius; twograndsons, Blake (Michelle) Pickel, and Joey Pickel; one step grandson, Gage Brosius; five great-grandchildren, Ellie, Emery and Jace Pickel, Jackson and Brooklyn Berning; one step great-granddaughter Ella Brosius; sister, Lavon Heinricy; sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, Sally Dietzel, Bernita Digman, Donald and Mary Ann Langmeier, Sylvester and Joyce Langmeier, Merlin and Janilda Busch, Joe Timmerman, and John and Jean Herbst.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Pickel; parents, George and Marcella Pickel; father and mother-in-law, Edward and Regina Langmeier; and siblings and in-laws, Orville and Dolores Pickel, Pete and Arlene Pickel, Darlene and Paul Schroeder, Ron Heinricy, Ambrose Dietzel, Francis and Izzy Langmeier, Eddie Digman, Frankie and Harriet Freeze, Geri Timmerman, Mary Ann Langmeier, and Leila Langmeier.

Kenny made everyone around him a better person. He loved living in Kieler and cherished every single moment in it. He will surely miss everybody as he watches down on them from Heaven.

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

June Prull Wagner

June Prull Wagner, joined her beloved husband, Donald, on October 25, 2020.

June passed away at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital at the age of 87 years young.

Visitation for June will be Friday, October 30, 2020 from 8:30 am until the time of service at 10:30 am at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Fr. Jim Goerend officiating . Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore, IA. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. 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 June’s family.

June was born June 23, 1933, on the homestead farm in Monticello, IA, the daughter of Henry and Frances Prull.

She met Donald at a dance in Cascade and they married September 15, 1954.  They eventually settled in Dubuque, IA after Donald’s military service.  After Don retired from John Deere, Don and June enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with family.

June enjoyed gambling, not only at the casinos, but also in the stock market.  She was well known for her baking skills, often being referred to as Betty Crocker.  Family was very important to June.  She compiled five genealogy books for all to enjoy. June often lit up a room with her sequin and rhinestone attire.

She is survived by her three children, Doug (Doreen) Wagner of TX, Luann (Mike) Burton and Daniel (Lori) Wagner both of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Betty Prull and Jean Prull both of Monticello, IA and Kay (Richard) Russell of Naperville, IL; and brother-in-law, Louis Wagner of Dubuque.

Special thanks to her extended family from the Julien Dubuque Drive apartments.  Thank you for your love and friendship!

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

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

LeRoy S. Siegworth

LeRoy S. “Roy” Siegworth, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 23, 2020 at Luther Manor.

Private family gathering and service will be at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial with military honors by the American Legion Post #6 will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Roy was born on August 8, 1928, the son of Raymond and Anna (Klett) Siegworth; He is a US Army Veteran serving from 1950 to 1957 during the Koran War. He married Shirley Ann Richard on March 8, 1951 and together they shared 69 years of marriage.

He worked for Anthony’s Body Shop, Dubuque Boat and Boiler Works, John Deere and Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Roy built two homes for his family, he enjoyed woodworking and built a variety of furniture and also rebuilt several cars. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family, he was very creative, talented and a hands on kind of man. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; children Pamela (Richard) Helmer, Steven (Deb) Siegworth, Cheryl (Mark) Kalb, Brenda (Curt) Lang, Thomas (Nina) Siegworth, Scott (Lori) Siegworth and Terri (Andy) Dolter; his daughter-in-law Beverly Miller; sister-in-law Aileen Pins; 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, John Siegworth, Gary Siegworth and Mark Siegworth; two brothers Clarence Siegworth and Marlin Siegworth; his sister Anna Mae (Siegworth) Robertson and several in-laws.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

Edwin P. Banfield

Edwin P. “Ed” Banfield, 93, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Friday, October 23, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2020, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Services will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page.  A visitation for friends will be held from 9-10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. The family requests you utilize masks during the duration of your visit in the church and that you practice social distancing. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Ed was born January 15, 1927, on the family farm by Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Thomas N. and Mary Ann (Sullivan) Banfield.  He married Arlene J. Chapman on October 18, 1950, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City.  They recently celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary.

Ed worked many jobs throughout his life including farming, mining, meat processing at the Dubuque Packing Company, trucking and was a local business owner. During his truck driving years he was especially proud to have driven over 3 million miles accident free.  Ed was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #765, a fourth degree member of  Knights of Columbus Assembly #1202, and the Cuba City Lions Club for many years.  He loved to sing and was a member of the Sinsinawa Madrigal Singers.  Ed was also an avid Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Brewers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fan.  He enjoyed playing cards where he was highly skilled at euchre, cribbage and poker. Most especially he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene;  his daughters, Linda (Ron) Whitt, Slinger, WI, Julie Bockhop, Cuba City, WI, Laura (Jeff) Johnson, Delavan, WI, and Jane (Ron) Slaght, Pleasant Prairie, WI; his sons, Ed (Pam) Banfield, Festus, MO, and Bill (Mary Jo) Banfield, Kewaskum, WI; a sister, Mary “Beebe” McWilliams, Cuba City, WI; a sister-in-law, Janet Esch, Ridgeway, WI; seventeen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Sylvester and Louis; his sisters, Imelda Alt, Luella O’Neill and Catherine Weber; and a son-in-law, Dewey Bockhop.

An Edwin P. Banfield Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from St. Croix Hospice, especially his two guardian angels, Shannon (the little one) and Jodi, for all their loving care over the last five months.

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

Thomas G. Goodman

Thomas G. Goodman, 87, of 2700 Matthew John Drive, died Thursday, October 22 at home. There will be no visitation. The cremains will be interred at Mt. Calvery Cemetery. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born April 21, 1933, in Dubuque, the son of Ed and Ann Goodman. He married Geraldine M. Hanten on August 17, 1957, at St. Columbkille Church, Dubuque.

He was Professor Emeritus at Loras College where he was a faculty member for 37 years, retiring in 1995.

Surviving are his wife, Geri; a son, Tom (JoAnn) of Dubuque; three daughters: Teri (Dave) Abbott of St. Paul, MN, and Tori (Dave) Richter and Cathy of Dubuque; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Edward J., Oliver R., and J. Donald.

“Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” —William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Lori S. Steger

Lori Ann Steger, 57, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Private graveside committal will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.

Lori was born February 1, 1963, in Monticello, Iowa the daughter of Donald H. and Gladys (Goedken) Steger.  She graduated from Western Dubuque High School with the Class of 1981 and was a Data Analyst with Auxiant in Cedar Rapids.

Lori enjoyed family and friends, playing board games and going out for lunch, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews.  She was known to enjoy reading which led her to be smart and witty.  One of her favorite hobbies was making jewelry.

Survivors include her siblings: Randy (Kathy Jo) Steger of Dubuque, Mike (Lois M.) Steger of Dyersville, Patrick (Lois A.) Steger of Worthington, Judy (Keith) Steger of New Vienna, Linda (Gary) Lange of Dyersville and many nieces, nephews & friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents & grandparents, her godchild/nephew, Jason Steger, and a niece Mary Robin Steger.

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

Vivian M. Miller

Vivian M. Miller, 99, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa.

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic a private family celebration of her life will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Vivian Maxine Phillips was born on May 22, 1921 in Monmouth, Iowa, to George James and Anna Ida (Eye) Phillips.  She attended school in Illiniois.  She married Carlyle “Curly” Atwood Miller on September 12, 1939 in Burlington, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on April 20, 2002.

During World War II, Vivian and “Curly” had owned and operated “Danny’s Lunch Room” until 1942, and from 1949 to 1976 she and Curly had owned and operated the “The South Inn” Supper Club in Maquoketa.

Vivian was a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Maquoketa and the Altar Guild for many years.  Additionally, she was a 75-year member of the Maquoketa VFW Ladies Auxiliary and a 38-year member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  After retirement, she and “Curly” became a member’s of the British Car Club and they traveled with a group for many years.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Richard (Jean) Miller of Baldwin, IA, and Linda Aho of Ironwood, MI; a special cat, “Callie”; 3 grandchildren, Debbie (Jeff) Manderscheid of Maquoketa, IA, Dorian (Paul) Mattson of Ironwood, MI, and Steven (Missy) Aho of Menasha, WI; 7 great-grandchildren, Kurtis (Brittany) Manderscheid of Jacksonville, FL, Cole (Kelsey) Manderscheid of Delmar, IA, Corissa Mattson of Ann Arbor, MI, Bo Mattson of Ironwood, MI, Lineah Aho, Parker Aho, and Zechariah Aho, all of Menasha, WI; a great-great-grandchild, Ayla Manderscheid of Delmar, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, infant son Gerald, sisters Dorothy Koehn and Mildred Heneke, brothers George James Phillips and Lester Phillips, and a son-in-law Richard Aho.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Vivian M. Miller memorial fund has been established.

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

Kelsey M. Caspersen

Kelsey Marie Caspersen, 30, of Dubuque, died at home after a brief illness.

Services will be private. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Kelsey was born on July 13, 1990 in Dubuque, the daughter of Rick and Linda (Hedrick) Caspersen. She was a spoiled only child, and she took every advantage of it! Kelsey graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 2008, and from University of Dubuque in 2012 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She did not get a chance to put that degree to use.

Kelsey worked at various retail businesses, and most recently at The Point Café. She loved working with people. Kelsey loved music. She enjoyed cooking, and her dream was to open a restaurant with her dad, Rick.

Kelsey is survived by her mom, Linda, who was her best friend and vice-versa; her two furry companions, Mila and Chanel; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Rick in 2018; and her grandparents, Frank and Helen Hedrick, Irvin Caspersen, and Lee and Patrick Brady.

You will be missed, sweet girl. You were always looking for your path in life with many obstacles you  had to overcome. Rest in peace Honey.

Deanna I. Cliff

Deanna I. Cliff, age 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on October 20, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Deanna’s life, a private family service is being held at Grand View United Methodist Church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Deanna’s family.

Deanna was born on May 18, 1943 in McGregor, Iowa, the eldest of four daughters to David F. and Edna M. (Miller) McGill.  Deanna grew up along the mighty Mississippi in the beautiful rolling hills and valleys north of here, where she dreamed of one day having a family of her very own to love and nurture.  After graduating from Prairie du Chien High School in 1961, she attended Madison Vocational Technical School in Madison, WI.  She was united in marriage to her soul-mate, Eugene H. Cliff, on May 19, 1962, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien.  They moved to the Dubuque area to plant their roots and have been spreading their abundant love and joy throughout the community ever since.  They were blessed with 6 children, and when Deanna wasn’t home taking care of her family, you could find her working diligently as a Certified Dietary Manager at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque Healthcare, and finally at Luther Manor before retiring.  Deanna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who thrived on every opportunity to have her loved ones around her.  Kind, sweet, and gentle are only a few of the words which unfortunately can barely scratch the surface of what her tender soul and spirit would so easily display throughout her 77 years among us.  Deanna enjoyed traveling whenever possible, playing cards and games with family and friends, and quilting with her friends in the Grand View Quilt Guild.  Our hearts are broken beyond repair today as we’ve had to watch the Lord call her home before we were truly ready to let her go, but we know that He will hold her so very safely in His loving grace and mercy, and that all we have to do now is pray for peace and healing while waiting patiently until we get to see her wonderfully warm smile once again.  Thank you, Deanna, for the amazing example you’ve not only set, but instilled within all of us along the way.  May we carry your bright light bravely along our paths as well and remember you fervently through each step along the way.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Deanna include,

her loving husband of 58 years,
Eugene H. Cliff, Dubuque, Iowa;

her 6 adored children,
Barbara J. Cliff, Dubuque, Iowa,
Sandra J. Cliff, Reedsburg, Wisconsin,
Brian E. Cliff, Madison, Wisconsin,
Gary D. (Lea) Cliff, Marion, Iowa,
Laura A. Cliff, Palo, Iowa,
and Teresa C. (Tim) Dalsing, Fort Collins, Colorado;

her 7 beautiful grandchildren,
Kelly Cliff, Rylee Cliff, Jillian Cliff, Samantha Dalsing, Megan Dalsing, Scott Dalsing, and Owen Dalsing;

her 3 sisters,
Jane Jacobson, Lake Oswego, Oregon,
Ruth McGill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
and Beverly (Michael) Kozelka, Madison, Wisconsin;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Deanna was preceded in death by her parents.

Deanna’s family would like to thank Dr. Angela Kelly for her excellent diagnostic skills, Dr. Tauseef Kahn for his compassionate cardiac care, and Dr. Mark Hermann and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care and support during this most difficult time.  Your sincere kindness truly helped bring the peace we needed into the days we simply didn’t want to have to face.  Thank you and God bless you all!

In lieu of flowers, and in loving memory of Deanna I. Cliff; cards, memorials and all other expressions of faith and sympathy may be sent directly to her family – Eugene Cliff, 722 Edith Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001.  We thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness, her services will be available online for those who will be unable to attend in person, and all donations will be generously distributed among Deanna’s favorite charities.

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

James E. J. Koser

James Edward John Koser, 61, known to others as Jim or Jimbo, formerly of Galena, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Newton, IA, on October 17, 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a private family burial will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Jim was born on June 22, 1959 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Glenn and Elizabeth “Bette” (LaBore) Koser, and was raised in Galena and attended Galena High School. He lived in Clinton, IA, for a number of years and moved to Newton, IA, where he remained until his passing. He finished classes through Indian Hills Community College and worked in the manufacturing industry and then in the trucking industry as an over the road truck driver.

Jim had a fond love for his motorcycles and cars.

Surviving are his siblings, Gail (Doug) Schultz, Galena, IL, Gloria Schemehorn of Ottawa, IL, Nancy Foley of Galena, IL, Glenn “Bud” (Jill) Koser of Cedar Rapids, IA, Janine (Ron) Berning of Galena, IL, and Allison (Mark) Schuster of Dubuque, IA. Jim also had many nieces and nephews and many that he had “Special relationships” with.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Elizabeth “Bette” Koser, grandparents, John & Anna Koser and Ralph & Lauretta LaBore.

In lieu of a funeral in accordance with Jim’s wishes, the family will have a private celebration of life to honor him.

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

Betsy A. Hamilton

Betsy A. Hamilton (nee Hembd), passed away suddenly at Bethany Home in Dubuque early October 19.  Betsy lived the past 5 years at Sunset Park Place. Good years too. She was happy and enjoyed the family atmosphere. But found herself at Bethany for what turned out to be a short stay.

Born in Chicago on April 9, 1927, she was the daughter of immigrant parents from Germany, Alfred and Bertha Hembd. After graduating from North Park Academy, Betsy found herself in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, attending Iowa Wesleyan College.  She met a young man she would soon marry, Cecil Hamilton, Jr.,  who recently returned to Mt. Pleasant after WWII where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain from the Army Air Corps.

After four kids and many moves, the family finally settled in for a good long stay in Clinton, Iowa.  The children all went from grade school through high school there.  The family enjoyed boating on the Mississippi and skiing at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
Along  the way Betsy learned to be very accomplished at oil painting as well as a fast knitter, and she had a green thumb and loved to dance. At 46, Betsy became a widow and after taking stock of her life decided, at age 57, to move to Dallas, Texas, to be near her eldest daughter and to start a new adventure.  As luck would have it, Betsy was a natural saleswoman which ultimately led to a rewarding career in the high-end jewelry business and was a well-respected member of the Eiseman Jewels sales team. Selling an engagement ring to Troy Aikman and a pretty expensive watch to Willie Nelson, among other notables, were stories we loved to hear about.

Betsy enjoyed working until she was 74 and enough was enough…retired. Not long after, she and her BFF, Frank dined and danced regularly at the hotspots and the two travelled to Europe on 5 different occasions, one adventure better than the other.

Nothing lasts forever and Mom moved to Dubuque to be near her youngest son for what turned out to be 5-1/2 really good years and here is where she took her last breath.

Betsy is survived by her four kids, Cheri (Joe-Denton, TX), Ceci (Burt-Durango), Scott (Marianthe-Philadelphia) and Tom (Karen-Dubuque).

Sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, and Sunset Park Place for all of their compassionate care and love.

There will be a private family service at Memorial Cemetery in Clinton where Betsy will join her late husband Cecil.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Joyce A. Ford

Joyce Alice Ford, 78, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

There will be no formal services at this time. We encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Joyce’s family.

Joyce was born July 23, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ronald Francis and Edna V (Hedrick) Marietta. She married Ronald L. Ford on December 8, 1965.  He passed away on March 4, 1988.

She enjoyed arts & crafts, woodworking, traveling, sewing and animals.

Survivors include one son, Tim (Rachel) Ford of Dubuque; two granddaughters, Emma & Grayson Ford of TX; two brothers, Paul (Joan) Marietta of Bettendorf and Mark (Cindy) Marietta of Le Claire; one sister, Diane (Dick) Pape of Fort Wayne, IN; her significant other, John Werner of Galena, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald L. Ford; her parents and one brother, James Marietta of Montrose, CO.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Hospice of Dubuque.

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