Obituaries Archive

Gary W. Mauritzson

Gary W. Mauritzson, 73, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 24, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, January 27, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for Gary will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, with Rev. Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will be in Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island.

Gary was born May 3, 1946, in Moline, IL, the son of Anders and Eleanor (Bixler) Mauritzson. On April 25, 1970, he married Ann Marie Wennerholm in Chicago.

He was a 1964 graduate of Moline High School and attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He received his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1969 and his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Iowa in 1977.

Gary was an engineer with John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 years, retiring in 2001.

He was a very active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was a member of Sundown Mountain Ski Patrol, Dubuque Bike Club, and an AARP Tax Preparer. He loved traveling, biking, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Marie; two sons, Matthew (Kirsten) Mauritzson of Peoria, IL, and Scott (Katie) Mauritzson of Kansas City, MO; and three grandchildren, Paige, Isabelle, and Lily.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bruce Mauritzson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Mauritzson Memorial Scholarship at Augustana College, which was established in his grandfather’s name.

The family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Bill Silverman and Dr. Dave Kemp for their care and guidance through this journey.

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

Walter W. Graumann Jr.

With Karen by his side, and two close family friends, Walter W. Graumann Jr., after a long 18-year sustained battle with dementia, which he unwillingly participated in, went to be with the Lord.

He was born October 8, 1941, in Sheboygan, WI, the firstborn son of, deceased, Walter and Enola Graumann. He attended Sheboygan schools and graduated from Stout State College in Menomonie, WI. He received a Master’s degree from U of W – Platteville in Industrial Technology and the University of Dubuque.

Wally married Karen Sauer, his high school sweetheart, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage together.

Wally was employed by the Manitowoc, WI, public school system for two years teaching Jr. & Sr. High Industrial Arts. He moved to the Kohler Co., of Kohler, WI, working in their engine division and later to John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 2001 as an advanced engineering analyst.

Wally was a member of Hope E. Free Church and served various churches as elder and deacon. He had a passion for coin collecting, fishing, woodworking, teaching boys auto mechanics, and working as a leader in Junior Achievement. He served others and showed the love of Jesus with his wisdom and kindness. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by son Timothy Graumann, daughter, Terry (John) Lyon, and son Thomas (Lori) Graumann. Grandchildren Dalton, Abby, Logan, Maddie and Garrett, sisters LouJean (Ed) Greger and Maggie (Bill) Schink. Also, Karen’s brothers Mark (Karen), Jonathan and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 31, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd. from 9 AM until 11 AM with the funeral immediately following.

Special love goes to all the CNA’s, nurses and staff of Hawkeye Care Center who so lovingly cared for both Wally and I through the good times and the bad. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

Arlene A. Birch

Arlene A. Birch, 87, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

In keeping with Arlene’s wishes, there will be no visitation and a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 11AM at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

She was born on July 6, 1932, in East Dubuque, IL, the youngest daughter of Laura and Leander Fleege.  She married Milo S. Birch on June 25, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque.  Milo preceded her in death in 1991.

Arlene was a long-time hostess in the area and worked for many years at Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque.

Surviving are her daughters Betsy (Curt) Hanson of Rochester, MN and Carolyn Birch of Iowa City, IA; two granddaughters Lisa Hanson of Minneapolis, MN and Andrea (Liam) Zakko of Farmington, CT; and two great-grandsons Nathaniel and William Zakko.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband; her sister Mary Runde; and brothers Dorrance Fleege, Harold Fleege, and Ralph Fleege.

Memorials are preferred to Hospice of Dubuque.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Daniel D. Burns

Daniel D. “Burnsy” Burns, 64, of Lancaster, WI, passed away on January 17, 2020 at Orchard Manor in Lancaster, WI.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Dan was born on August 16, 1955, in Lancaster, WI the son of Clarence “Bud” and Laugine H. (Barr) Burns. He worked for the Grant County Highway Department for almost 30 years.

He enjoyed visiting Zippys Brass Rail Tavern on a daily basis. Every morning he enjoyed his coffee and an egg and cheese sandwich. Dan enjoyed the great outdoors and nature. He had a strong passion for hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He has a passion for motorcycles and had a variety of guns. He enjoyed meeting new people and spending time with his daughter and grandkids.

Dan is survived by his daughter Deborah (Kurt Hale) Burns; six grandchildren, Taylor (Brandon Hall), Tyler, Adam, Ashley, Andrew and Tessa Hale. Siblings, Gary (Jo) Burns, Shirley (Jerry) Beshear, Peggy Burns Thompson. Many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Gerald, James and Michael Burns along with many other relatives.

Memorials and cards may be sent to Deb Burns-Hale, 8216 Boice Creek Road, Lancaster WI 53813.

Mary L. Zasada

Mary L. Zasada, 83, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died Friday, January 24, 2020, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2020, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Glen Oaks Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Friends may call from 1-2:45 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home before the service.

Mary was born on September 13, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank and Louise (Dankert) Schilsky.  She worked as a certified nursing assistant.  Mary loved bingo, cooking and game shows.  She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren.  Mary was always taking care of everybody.

Survivors include her sons, Randy (Karen) Zasada, Brantwood, WI, Bill (Michelle) Zasada, East Dubuque, IL, Tim (Julie) Zasada, Platteville, WI, and Dave (Missy) Zasada, of Darlington, WI; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Frank, Bill and Richard Schilsky.

A Mary L. Zasada Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Carol L. Flynn

Carol L. Flynn, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 19, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 29^th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Pastor Derek Rosensteil officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Carol was born on February 13, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Eldon and Mabel (Bemis) Essman.

On October 24, 1961, Carol married John Flynn in Dubuque, and they were blessed with 58 years of marriage. John passed away on December 15, 2019.

Carol Flynn was an exceptional woman who loved and cherished her family. Her sense of style showed both in her home and her attire.  Carol was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. Her strong work ethic was apparent with her contributions to Flynn Co Inc. and the organizations she volunteered for.  She enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, canasta and hosting many parties.  Over the years, she was involved with the Humane Society, Grand Opera House, United Way, YMCA, and the YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tammy) Flynn, of Dubuque, Ann (Mike) Martin, of Litchfield, New Hampshire, Mike (Cindy) Flynn, of Dubuque, and Carrie (Jeremie) Livingston, of Winter Park, Colorado. Two grandchildren, Halle Flynn and Flynn Livingston; step granddaughter Crista (Will) Fischer and great granddaughter Annie Fischer.

Sisters-in-law Mary Meyer, of Arizona and Jane Rodell, of Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her brother Bud, and sisters Mae and Joan.

In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the Carol Flynn Memorial Fund.

Carol’s family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Home for all their wonderful care they gave to Carol.

Paul S. McKnight

Paul Stanley McKnight, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa, died peacefully January 22, 2020, at Luther Manor Hillcrest in Dubuque, Iowa, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Visitation will be at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque, Iowa, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Karen Candee, will be at 10:30 a.m. followed with military honors.   A luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.

Paul was born December 17, 1927, in Burlington, IA, the son of Fred and Helen (Courtney) McKnight. When he was five years old, his family moved to Memphis, Missouri, where his father farmed.  Paul attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse.  He was a 1946 graduate of Memphis High School.  After high school, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II from 1946 until 1948.  He was a proud attendee of the 2010 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., and received the Quilt of Valor in 2018.

After serving in the Army, Paul applied to John Deere Dubuque Works after reading an advertisement in the local newspaper.  Little did he know, he would spend the next 39 years working for John Deere which became his passion. He retired from John Deere Dubuque Works on October 1, 1987.

On May 3, 1980, he married Donna Marie Webster (Heim) at Summit Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque.  Throughout their marriage, Paul and Donna enjoyed traveling on numerous bus trips throughout the United States, a cruise to the Bahamas and a trip to Hawaii.

Paul enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and shooting guns.  Since 2000, Paul looked forward to the annual farm pond fishing trip in Southeast Iowa with family members.  Because of a 23 ½” bass that Paul caught, an annual traveling “Lunker Award” was created, which Paul holds the record for as a five-time winner.

Paul was a member of Summit Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque, IA, John Deere Retirees Association and America Legion Post 6 Dubuque, Iowa.

Survivors include his wife, Donna; two step-sons, Wayne (Tina) Webster of Wilmington, IL, Gary (Angela Heidenreich) Webster of Stoughton, WI; one step-daughter, Marcia (Robert) Broshous of Dubuque; ten step-grandchildren, Lisa (Jason) Wiegel, Adam (Jayne) Webster, Cassie Gold, Cody (Danielle) Anderson, Whitney (Zachery) Basner,  Russ (Ashley) Webster, Nicole Webster, Ashley (Nate) Mealhow, Adrienne (Darrin) Kaisand and Alea Broshous and 21 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his only sibling, a sister, Marjorie DeLair.

The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Manor Hillcrest and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Richard C. Spangler

Richard C. “Dick” Spangler, 88, of Dubuque died Monday, January 20, 2020 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Private funeral services will be held at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory. Private Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Dick was born November 29, 1931 in Dubuque, son of Charles and Freda (Karsch) Spangler. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1949. He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954.

On February 12, 1955, he married Mary “Elaine” Steinhoff at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death in 1982.

Dick was a long time employee of John Deere Dubuque works, retiring in 1987. He was an avid Cubs fan and was able to visit their training field in Mesa, AZ in 2000. For a non-traveler, that was a great accomplishment for all of us. He was excited to be able to see them win the 2016 World Series.

He is survived by seven children, Karen (David) Phillips of Goodyear, AZ, Pamela (T.J.) O’Toole of Bellevue, Rick Spangler of Sherrill, David (Lorie) Spangler of Isanti, MN, Mark (Rhonda) Spangler of Dubuque, Marla (Jack Anthony) Spangler of Sherrill and Gemma (Doug) Still of Bellevue; 12 grandchildren, Abby (Arno Adkins) Moriarty, Morgan (Devin) Scherer, Zachary, Ethan, Jesse and Jamie (Abby) Spangler, Patrick (Danielle) and Erik (Jordan) Lemieux, Dillon, Dalton and Brooke (Nathan Kroeger) Spangler, and Kannon Still; and nine great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathleen “Boots” Spangler Schwartz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard Spangler Memorial Fund, and will be distributed to Dick’s favorite charities.

The family would like to thank Drs. Horchak, Hermann, Heiar and Compton, and well as Dr. Arnold and his staff and the incredible nurses and staff at Luther Manor, especially his special care giver Diane for their loving care.

Terry N. Toutsch

Terry Nicholas “Nick” Toutsch, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, January 20, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics under Hospice Care in Iowa City, Iowa.

Memorial Services are pending. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date.

Terry Nicholas Toutsch was born on May 5, 1941 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Harvey Nicholas and Ruth (Hinkel) Toutsch. He was a 1959 graduate of Fayette High School and then attended Upper Iowa University graduating in August of 1963 with a bachelor’s degree. He married Nancyjane Fellows on January 26, 1963 in Fayette, Iowa. Two children were born to this marriage, Mandi Lea and Ansel Nicholas.

Nick had first worked on the family farm, and while in college he measured land for the United State Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency. Upon graduating from college he moved to California where he worked for the CalFire – Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Services in Trinidad, California. Returning to Iowa, he became a teacher working for the Delwood Community School District as an art teacher and a social studies instructor. He also worked for the Central of DeWitt Community School District in Welton, IA as an art teacher.

Nick was an avid model railroad enthusiast and was a member of several train organizations. He loved creating scratched built barns, railroad dioramas and scenes for model railroad layouts. Additionally, he enjoyed photography, most notably taking photographs of landscape, wildlife and railroads as well as teaching photography in the college for kids program. He also loved traveling the backroads throughout the United States and Canada.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Nancyjane Toutsch of Maquoketa, IA; children, Mandi Lea Toutsch of Bettendorf, IA, and Ansel Nicholas Toutsch of Maryland; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mark and Martha Fellows of Hammondsport, NY; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert Toutsch, and sisters Evelyn Toutsch and Joan Hackett.

In lieu of other expressions, memorials may be directed to the Jackson County Historical Society Train Depot Fund, Ohnward Fine Arts Center or Camp Courageous of Iowa.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Brenda S. Shireman

Brenda Sue Shireman, 63, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully at 10:40 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2020 at UW Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where a Celebration of Life will follow.

Brenda was born on June 14, 1956 in Watseka, IL, the daughter of Homer and Elizabeth (Robertson) Kelnhofer. She was a graduate of Milford Township High School, class of 1974 and attended Danville Junior College. On August 27, 2003 she was united in marriage to Doug Shireman in Niagara Falls. With that union, her family grew to include 4 additional children.

She enjoyed working as a social worker with the Grant County Dept. of Social Services for more than 20 years where she touched many lives. She later worked at J & J Consignment in Dubuque, where she could showcase her creative side. Brenda loved decorating her home, spending time with family and friends, but most of all, spoiling her 2 grandchildren.

Surviving is her husband Doug; six children, Melia (Allen Plear) Evans of Cuba City, WI, Scott (Ashley) Schumacher of Edgerton, WI, Jamie (Larry) Autin, Las Vegas, NV, Lisa (Nina) Keefer of Huntington Beach, CA, Douglas (Florine) Shireman of Marietta, GA and Scott Flaucher of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Aydan and Kellan. Also surviving are two brothers, Jim (Teresa) Kelnhofer of Savoy, IL and Greg (Brenda) Kelnhofer of Hoopeston, IL and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be donated to a charity close to Brenda’s heart relating to organ donation.

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

Georgia P. Sakas

Georgia Peter Sakas peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 18.  She will be interred at the Guttenberg City Cemetery and the family will have a private remembrance later this year.

Georgia was born September 8, 1926 in Rockford, Illinois to Peter & Helen Retsinas. She was the fourth of six children in a close-knit Greek family.  She was a beautiful little girl who was gifted with a superb singing voice and began performing as a child.  Georgia was the solo opening act for the Three Stooges at the Orpheum Theater in Rockford and the Stooges were so impressed with young Georgia they used her in one of their skits.  After high school graduation she continued singing and starring in performances while attending Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.   She married Basil Sakas in 1952. Basil and Georgia moved many times with Basil’s jobs before settling in Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1968.  They were blessed with two wonderful children, Lisa and Peter.

Georgia was an elementary music teacher, substitute teacher, choir director, home maker and volunteer.  She and her husband were 40+year members of the Ft. Collins Golf & Country Club.  Realizing early on “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” she learned to play golf and loved it, playing in the ladies leagues for many years.

Georgia was a devoted wife, mother and YiaYia (grandmother) and enjoyed caring for her family in many ways.  She was a great cook and was known for her pies and Greek pastries which she shared with friends and neighbors, especially at the holidays.  After Basil’s passing in 2006 she moved to Dubuque and lived with her son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Ginger Sakas.  While in Dubuque she made new friends, volunteered at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and spent time at Cozy Corner Adult Daycare where she made a best friend in Arlene. Lastly, she made Luther Manor her home where she enjoyed the music entertainment, activities and friendly staff.  She was fortunate to have a sweet roommate Diane, who became a special friend.

She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, humor and love of people. No one ever left her presence without a big warm hug.

Georgia is survived by her daughter Lisa Wolkin (Doug) of Parker, Colorado and her son Dr. Peter Sakas (Ginger) of Dubuque.  Her grandchildren, Sydnee Sakas and Elly Ahr (Artie) of Dubuque, Avery Hadzi (Jean), Michael Sakas, Ben Sakas and Zane Wolkin all of Colorado.  Two great grandsons Arthur and Wilder Ahr of Dubuque.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Nora Retsinas of Tucson, Arizona and Elsie Sigalos of Chicago, Illinois and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Basil, her parents and parents-in-law, her siblings and brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Luther Manor for their care and friendship to Georgia.  She loved you all and enjoyed her time with you.  The family would like to also thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and guidance.

Abbie I. Mormann

Abbie I. Mormann, 94, of Colesburg,  Iowa passed away Monday, January 20, 2020, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 2-7 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Colesburg.  Visitation will continue from 9-10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish Center prior to funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Colesburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Abbie was born February 14, 1925, in Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Gregory and Alvina (Bockenstedt) Lammers.  She married Arthur Mormann on   June 10, 1947 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg.

She enjoyed gardening, cards, visiting with anyone she met, and spending time with her family. She was blessed with great patience and the ability to socialize with anyone.

Survivors include her four children, Lawrence “Larry” (Joyce) Mormann, of Worthington, Wayne (Mary Sue) Mormann, of Colesburg, Shirley (Darrell) Lindauer, of New Vienna, Daniel (Sandy) Mormann, of Colesburg; 16 grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren;  siblings: Irvin (Eloise) Lammers, of Guttenberg, Carol Ann (Lester) Simons, of Colesburg; a sister-in-law, Karen Lammers, of Anamosa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur on July 3, 1995; a son, Gary on May 6, 2017; a great granddaughter, Grace Mormann on December 16, 2007; siblings, Alice (Lavern) Knipper, Mildred (Vernon) Helle, Vanita (Ralph) Knipper, Gladys (Purl) Lake, Lavern Lammers, Donald (Peggy Digmann) Lammers; in-laws: LuVerne (Catherine) Mormann, Evelyn (Elmer) Geistkemper, Walter (Jean) Mormann, Agnes (Melvin) Mensen.

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

Victoria S. Fischer

Victoria S. “Vicki” Fischer, 85, of Bernard, Iowa passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Holy Family Church, New Melleray with Rev. Rodney Allers and Deacon Loras Weber officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a parish wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Vicki was born on February 5, 1934, in Dubuque the daughter of Victor and Helen (Berwick) Walech. She married Albert Fischer on October 25, 1958 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque, and together they farmed in the Bernard area until retirement. She also worked at Ennoble Manor and was a member of the Holy Family Parish and the Rosary Society.

She loved children and especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and her sister Betty were especially close especially in their later years. They fulfilled a lifelong dream when they took a trip together to visit their ancestral home in Luxembourg, Germany.

She is survived by her three daughters Lauri (Mike) Kinsella, of Bernard, Dianne (Dale) Weber, of Saint Donatus, and Karen (John) Jesenovec, of Farley; seven grandchildren, Marty (Rachel) Kinsella, Traci (Tim) Mosiman, Dan (Katie Hale) Kinsella, Dustin and Dylan Weber, Heather (Ryan) Earles, and Kaitlyn (Austin) Schwendinger; 8 great grandchildren with one on the way; sisters, Marie Hansel, Betty Murphy both of Dubuque; special niece Jan Kueter of Durango; one brother, Leo (Mary Jean) Walech, of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert on Feb. 22, 2014; twin brothers in infancy and two brothers-in-law Bob Hansel and Louis Murphy.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque especially Paul & Peggy, and to the nurses and staff at Grand Meadows Luther Manor, especially Connie, for all the loving care they gave to our mother and grandmother.

Eileen Beaves

Eileen (Ryan) Beaves, 89, of Dubuque died Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Resurrection.  Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Eileen was born February 10, 1930 in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph and Alice (Lynch) Ryan.  She was a graduate of Visitation Academy. She worked part time at May’s Drug Store in Dubuque.

On September 30, 1950 she married Theodore “Ted” Beaves at St. Joseph the Prairie Catholic Church.  He preceded her in death on January 22, 2015.

She was an active member of Resurrection Parish and a member of Catholic Daughters of America.

Eileen is survived by six children, Carol Beaves of West St. Paul, MN, Ted (Deb) Beaves of Dubuque, Ann (Tom) Hanson of Manchester, Mary Jo (Bill) Einwalter of Farley, Julie (Mike) Dunn of Dubuque and Michael (Lisa) Beaves of Ankeny; 16 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Kay Steuck of Dubuque and in-laws, Geri, Gail and Andrea Ryan and Peter (Margaret) Beaves.

Eileen was also preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Paul, Ray and Bill Ryan, brother in law, Bob Steuck and in laws, Mary Ellen and Jim Kadra, Richard and Gerry Beaves, Charlotte and Bill Hanley, George and Dorothy Beaves and Jack and Veronica Murphy.

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

Memorials may be made to the Eileen Beaves Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staffs at Stonehill Franciscan Services and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their care.

Carol M. Defendi

Carol Marie Defendi, 76 of Dubuque Iowa was called home to the Lord on January 12, 2020 at home, surrounded by the loving embrace of her children.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 24th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a rosary will be said at 6:45 p.m.

Carol was born on March 24, 1943 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Ronald and Helen (Keppler) Nennig. She graduated from Wahlert High School and attended NICC in Peosta for nursing. Carol drove bus for the Dubuque Community Schools and was a Registered Nurse at SunnyCrest Care Facility.

She married Cyril W. Oswald in June of 1964 and he preceded her in death. She later married Albert J “Duke” Defendi in September of 1991, and he preceded her in death.
Carol was an incredibly strong woman, her faith was never broken, her love for her family was unconditional and her home was her foundation. She loved her friends, gardening, being out in nature, cutting down the occasional tree and burning an always too big burn pile. She craved spending as much time with her kids and grandchildren as possible. She was a loyal friend, trustworthy spouse and an extremely loving and forgiving mother.
In her later years her passion for gardening took over. If you would stop by the house you would find her taking care of her plants and her numerous flower gardens, feeding her birds out back or spending 3 or more days cutting her grass. On Friday’s she helped clean the church with Rosie and made sure they always hit the “DQ” before they went home. She always talked about how fun it was and joked that she would eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch AND dinner if she could and never have to cook again. Eat ice cream mom, everyday, for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.

She is survived by her two children, Kristina (Jason) Clausen, of Waukee, Iowa, and Brian (Teri Collins) Oswald, of Des Moines, Iowa. Grandchildren, Madison and Zachary; her brother John (Teresa) Nennig, of Independence, Iowa; brother-in-law William Whitters along with many loving nieces, nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Ruth Mary Whitters husband, Cyril W. Oswald; husband, Albert J “Duke” Defendi.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

If it wasn’t for these incredible people and organizations, we would not have been able to fulfill mom’s wishes as she continued along her journey. They include, John & Teresa Nennig, Corrine and Bob Schatz, Rosie Nolan, Jennifer Klein, Hospice of Dubuque, and Home Instead.