Obituaries Archive

Lloyd G. Scheele

Lloyd G. Scheele, age 78, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:11 p.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Sunnycrest Manor.  To celebrate Lloyd’s life a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Lloyd was born on May 26, 1941, in Waukon, Iowa, son of Willhelm and Veronica (Hagen) Scheele.

Lloyd graduated college and was employed in the early years of his career at Mercy Medical Center in the computer room.  He moved to Rockford, Illinois and worked for Honeywell.  He also worked at ARC in Dubuque in the group home.  Lloyd loved to read the newspaper and work on crossword puzzles.  He was a collector of music items and enjoyed listening to them.  Lloyd always stayed busy with collecting coins and stamps, playing bingo and cards, and spending time with family.  His great nieces and nephews will remember him for the wonderful and unique gifts he gave them at holidays.

Those left to cherish Lloyd’s memory include

his niece and caretaker,
Mary (Ray) Leppert;

his nieces,
Diane (Doug) Kohnen
and Deb Juno;

his nephew,
Ronald Meyer, all of Dubuque;

and Lloyd is also survived by several great nieces, great nephews, and his extended family at Sunnycrest Manor.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Lorna Meyer.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the Sunnycrest Manor staff for all the care and love that was given to Lloyd for over 15 years and also to Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials may be made to Sunnycrest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Shirley A. Johll

Shirley A. Johll, 77, of Dubuque, died Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, January 20, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for Mrs. Johll will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon Mike Ellis as the officiant. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Shirley was born August 15, 1942, in Beetown, WI, the daughter of Burdette and Hazel Burrows Rennison. On April 4, 1959, she married David J. Johll in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died on December 13, 2000.

She retired after 40 plus years at Flexsteel Industries.

She was a member of Resurrection Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Club Aerie 568 serving as past president. She was an avid Packers and Cubs fan and in her younger years, she loved to read books. Shirley loved her daschunds Cricket and Candy.

Survivors include three sons, David Johll, Jr. of East Dubuque, IL, Daniel Johll of Dunedin, FL, and Donald Johll of East Dubuque, IL; two daughters, Cheryl (Scott) Withington of Yukon, OK, and Catherine (Wayne) Selle of East Dubuque, IL; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Harry (Verna) Rennison of Green Cove Springs, FL, Jerry (Ann) Rennison of Dubuque, Rick (Kathy) Rennison of Dubuque, Eldon (Mary) Rennison of St. Donatus, IA; one sister, Dorothy (Mike) Leppert of East Dubuque, IL; sister-in-law, Sandy Johll of Dubuque, Claudine Rennison of Webster, FL, and brother-in-laws, Bill Johll of Dubuque, and Orville (Jody) Brothers of Kieler, WI.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two grandsons, Josiah Withington and Travis Johll, and two brothers, Roger Rennison and Edward Rennison.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family thanks Stonehill Care Center staff for their care of Mom.

Ron C. Beversdorf

Ronald C. Beversdorf, 78, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital. According to his wishes there will be no public services. Burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Ronald was born on July 21, 1941, in Dubuque the son of Charles and Elsie (Haar) Beversdorf. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Air Force later that year, serving until July of 1963. He married Sandra Burroughs on July 10, 1982. He worked in construction for many years as a heavy equipment operator. He also owned Beversdorf Wrecking Co. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local #234 and the American Legion Post #6.

He is survived by his wife Sandra; four children Michael (Kathy) Beversdorf, Dennis Beversdorf both of Woodstock, GA, Rachel (Roger) Weber of Peosta, and Rebecca (Tom) Thill; nine grandchildren and a great grandchild. He also has seven stepchildren, Toni (Tom) Wandling, Terry (Deb) Webb, Tamara Tomkins, Anna Beeh, Roger Brooks, Timothy (Amber) Brooks, and Bobby (Wendy) Brooks along with 40 step grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a sister Linda Schmidt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three infant grandchildren a sister Rita Mae Beversdorf, daughter-in-law Tina Beversdorf, and brother-in-law Robert Schmidt.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they gave to Ron.

Daniel Heiderscheit

Daniel Heiderscheit, 51, of Ankeny and formerly of Luxemburg, died at home with family and friends surrounding him on January 15th, 2020, in Ankeny from complications due to renal cell cancer, fighting the disease right to the end.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm Sunday, January 19, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a gathering and celebration will continue until 7 p.m.

A celebration of life will also be held at Firetrucker Brewery at a later date.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dan’s life.  If you are interested please check the Firetrucker Brewery Facebook Page.

Dan was born on May 4th, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Robert and Ann (Meyer) Heiderscheit.  He graduated from Iowa State University in 1991, with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.  After graduation, he started a career in the field of information technology.  His career allowed him to become a world traveler, exploring the globe and experiencing as many cultures as he could take in.  His mission in life was to make people happy.  He combined this with his passion for brewing, and founded Firetrucker Brewery in 2015.

Dan is survived by his parents, Robert and Ann Heiderscheit of Dyersville; children, Andrew Heiderscheit of San Francisco, CA and Thomas Heiderscheit of Houston, TX; domestic partner, Monica Wescott of Ankeny; siblings: Karen (Duane) Nieman of Earlville, Lois (friend Al Timmerman) Heiderscheit of Strawberry Point, Diane (Brian) Brown of Peosta, Donna (Ranger) Fenton of Dyersville, Mike Heiderscheit of Worthington, and Pat (Jill) Heiderscheit of Dyersville; a sister-in-law, Karen Heiderscheit of Center Point, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Martha Heiderscheit and Joseph and Florence Meyer, a brother, Ron Heiderscheit, a sister-in-law, Brenda Heiderscheit, and a nephew Owen Heiderscheit.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, In-Patient Cancer Unit, Powell 3.  Special thanks to Andy and Pam Wescott and many other biking and brewery friends for all their help in the last few months of Dan’s life.

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

Jeremiah W. Shanahan

Jeremiah William “Jerry” Shanahan, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 15, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Atah-Nsiah officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 17th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Jerry was born on April 4, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Cornelius and Estelle (Melloy) Shanahan. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1964. On August 29, 1964 he married Marilyn Comer in Dubuque.

Jerry worked for the former Dubuque Packing Company for 42 years and then worked various jobs until retirement in 2004.

He was an Izaak Walton League Member and enjoyed hunting and trapshooting.

Jerry was a family man and a good friend to many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Marilyn; children, Tammy (Greg) Johnson, and Sandy Shanahan; grandchildren Caley (Luke) Pursley and Alexa Johnson. Siblings, Jim (Connie) Shanahan, Marie Shanahan, Richard (Shelley) Shanahan, Phil Shanahan, Bill (Maureen) Shanahan, Barb (Randy) McPhail, Deb Gashchler, and Joanne Shanahan; brother-in-law Jerry Donahue; sisters-in-law Jean (Bill) White, Lois Aurand and Betty Quade; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Suzanne Donahue; brothers, Steve, Thomas, and Neil; father and mother-in-law Edward and Lylia Comer and brothers-in-law Darrel Comer and Kene Quade.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center, Jack and Marilyn Hafeman, John Hoerner and Jim Hoerner for all their care, kindness and compassion they gave.

Bonnie M. Kress

Bonnie Marie Kress, 75, was born December 24, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, and died on January 15, 2020. Her parents were Iona Marie (Ripperton) Kress and Harold Stafford Kress, of Davenport. She attended Taylor School when it served elementary students with intellectual disabilities; Williams Junior High; and West High school. She graduated from West in 1965.
Bonnie worked at the Handicapped Development Center, Rudy’s Tacos, and St. Ambrose University. She lived in Davenport until 2011, when she entered Southeast Iowa Behavioral Healthcare, a nursing home in Keokuk, Iowa.

Bonnie loved stuffed animals, real cats, her purple bowling ball, going to the Mississippi Valley Fair, vacationing with her family at Lake Ada in Minnesota, listening to music by Johnny Mathis and Neil Diamond, telling jokes, and reading the Quad-City Times. She sang in the choir at Newcomb Presbyterian Church.

For much of her life, Bonnie found independence by riding the city bus, making friends with all the drivers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her aunts and uncles, and her best friend, Nancy Livingston. Surviving are her sister, Pam Kress-Dunn, and brother-in-law Robert Dunn, of Dubuque, beloved niece and nephew Allison Zordell, of Davenport, and Dan Zordell (Shanna Overturff), and her twin great-nieces, Vera and Jane Zordell, of Omaha.

Her family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to befriend Bonnie. There was absolutely no one like her, and she will be missed. Special thanks to the good people at DHS, especially her case manager Katie Wymore, and Vera French, especially her social worker Darin Brown, for guiding her through so many challenges when she lived on her own in Davenport, and to the staff of SE Iowa Behavioral Healthcare for their wonderful care in her later years.

A funeral service will be held on 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at The Runge Mortuary, 838 East Kimberly Rd. in Davenport, with a meal to follow. Everyone who remembers Bonnie is welcome to attend. Please consider making a donation to the Handicapped Development Center, 3402 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, IA 52806, in Bonnie’s memory.

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

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

Gloria Marie (Stadel) Winter

Gloria Marie (Stadel) Winter, 93, of Stockton, IL, formerly of Schapville, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Waverly Place of Stockton.

Services will be 12:00 (Noon) Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Zion Presbyterian Church in Schapville, with Pastor Dottie Morizzo officiating. Burial will be in the church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

Gloria was the first born daughter of Howard and Meta (Wasmund) Stadel on June 14, 1926. She met Glenn Winter in September of 1944 at a dance at Moonlight Gardens, Menominee, IL. They were united in marriage on April 17, 1949. They spent the next 60 years raising their children and farming in beautiful Thompson Township.
Gloria graduated from Scales Mound High School in 1944, attended Platteville State Teachers College, Platteville and taught at Pea Ridge School, rural Scales Mound until she became a wife and mother.

She loved living on the farm and helping Glenn farm, but she also dedicated a lot of time to her church. She worked as a treasurer at Zion Presbyterian in Schapville, she also helped with the bazaar every year and volunteered for years at the Sonshine Center. She loved baking, especially apple pies with her sisters. Gloria always had cookies or cookie dough at her house and she always let her grandkids lick the beater. She loved playing games and cards, darning socks for Glenn, journaling, gardening and decorating cakes with Laurie.

Surviving are her children: Donald (Karen) Winter of Nora, IL, Laurie (Daryl) Pahnke of Stockton, IL; her daughter-in-law Simone Winter of Schapville IL; her grandchildren: Chad (Chris) Winter of Lena, Becky (Neill) Cahill of Stockton IL, Luke Winter of Lena IL, Amy (Lee) Jansen of Franklin, WI, and Erin (Toby) Spillane of Shullsburg, WI; her great grandchildren: Hudson, Korbin, and Max Winter, Aidan and Masyn Cahill, Grady and Bennett Winter, and Reva and Stella Spillane; her siblings, Jean (Ralph) Muchow of Galena, Dave (Ginny) Stadel of Dixon, and Howard (Jean) Stadel of Freeport, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, her son James, her sister Betty, and her great grandson Owen.

Gloria lived a wonderful life – her tires were well worn and she was ready to see her maker. She lived a long, simple, and quiet life in Schapville, and spent her days loving her family and being loved.

Rose Ann Von Lehmden

Rose Ann Von Lehmden, 89, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Rose Ann was born July 26, 1930 in Holy Cross, IA, the daughter of Anton and Rose (Klostermann) Konzen. She married Donald Von Lehmden on November 14, 1950 in Dyersville, Iowa.

Rose Ann was strong in her faith throughout her life. Her passions included music, animals, and spending time with her grandchildren. Those who knew Rose Ann knew she had a zest for life, was selfless, and adored by her family and friends.

Rose Ann was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary

Rose Ann is survived by her husband, Donald, children: Rob Von Lehmden of Dyersville, Terry (Chris) Von Lehmden of Peoria, AZ, Lisa (Doug) Pettinger of Boise, ID, Lori Yardley of Clive, IA, Lynn (Ken) Lueck of Fairfax, IA, 9 grandchildren: Dade (Tara), Arly, and Bree (Brayden Israel) Pettinger, Brandon, and Cassie Yardley, Halle (Ethan) Howard, Chloe (Nolan Even), Avery, and Maggie Lueck, 1 great grandson, Charlie Howard  and sister-in-law, Ruth Kinmonth of Bellevue.

Rose Ann is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Tom Von Lehmden, parents-in-law: Cornelius and Eleanor Von Lehmden, siblings: Ramona (George) Esch, Lestor Konzen, Grace (John) Ernster, and, Howard (RoseMary) Konzen, in-laws: Marlene (Lawrence) Oberbroeckling, Pearl (Edwin) Oberbroeckling, Viola (Gilbert) Knipper, Velma (Burnell) Lynch, and, George Kinmonth, nephews: Mark Oberbroeckling and Daniel Knipper.

Rose Ann’s family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha for their excellent care.

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

Julia L. Brandenburg

Julia Lloyd Brandenburg, 87, of Dubuque, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Schmitt officiating. Private family burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

She was born on November 10, 1932 in Gravel Switch, Kentucky, the daughter of Allen John and Audrey Iris (Rogers) Calhoun. She met the love of her life, Junior Brandenburg in 1948 while he was serving in the US Army in Kentucky. They married on March 28,1950 and he preceded her in death on November 25, 1987.

Julia and Junior loved fishing together and spending time with their grandchildren. Julia loved to draw, do anything crafty, hang tinsel on the Christmas trees and hide Easter eggs! The past couple of years she enjoyed getting to know her great and great great grandchildren.

Surviving are her two daughters, Judith Ann (Richard) Riedesel, and Nancy Jean (Daniel) Schmitt. Three grandchildren, Daniel “D.J.” (Tara) Schmitt, Janet “Gidge” Wernke (Jay Brokaw) and David “Dave” (Caitlin) Schmitt. Great grandma GiGi to Jessica (Cory) Schaeckenbach, Rachael Wernke, Dawson, Deacon, London and Giliana Schmitt. Great great grandma to Nehemiah and Isaiah, and baby due in June.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband Junior, her parents and her brother Kenneth C (Nellie) Calhoun.

We wish to thank the wonderful staff and friends at Ennoble Manor, especially Michelle, Abbey and her right-hand gal Mary, along with the great staff and volunteers of Hospice of Dubuque.

Nancy L. Winningham

Nancy Lee Winningham, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020, at her home in rural Maquoketa.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee. Cremation has taken place.

Nancy Lee Winningham was born on November 14, 1948 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mingus A. and Virginia L. (Forehand) Winningham. She grew up in Nashville and was a graduate of Central High School in Nashville.

Upon graduating from high school, Nancy began a 43-year career with the State of Tennessee’s Department of Education where she helped adults receive their GED’s. She retired in 2007.

She enjoyed crocheting, binge watching television shows and movies.

Those left to honor her memory include her friends and caregivers, Brian and Lawrence Davis of Maquoketa, IA; her friend, Laurinda Boyns of Maquoketa, IA; her Dachshund dog Baby Love; and friends in the Nashville, TN area. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Mary Ferrell.

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

Bernice V. Fitzpatrick

Bernice V. Fitzpatrick, 103, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 12, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at St. Joseph Church Key West with Most Rev. Michael Jackels officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Bernice was born on October 6, 1916 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Maurice and Alvina (Reiff) Hill. She graduated from Senior High School in 1934 and worked at Roshek Brothers for 5 years.

She married Leo H. “Oakie” Fitzpatrick on May 23, 1939 at Nativity Church in Dubuque. Bernice and Leo farmed together on their Guernsey Dairy farm, retiring in 1978. He preceded her in death on July 8, 1995.

Bernice was named Dubuque County Farm Bureau “Mother of the Year”; was a member of “Sweet Adeline”, Roberts Kuhn’s Art Center, and St. Joseph’s Key West Rosary Society. She was on the Dubuque County Library Board; had poetry published in Lynical, Iowa; was in Sister Jean Hayen’s Tai Chi Class; and, Exhibited art in “Banking on the Arts.”

She is survived by her son Thomas (Jeanine) Fitzpatrick; grandson Andrew Richard Fitzpatrick; and many very dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; one sister Anna Marie Sheetz; two brothers Thomas and Richard Hill.

Madeline Kotz

Madeline Kotz, 88, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at her home in Dubuque with her family at her bedside.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Madeline will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 17, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Father Paul Attah-Nsiah as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Madeline was born July 9, 1931, in Toledo, OH, the daughter of Louis and Millie Shible. On June 17, 1952, she married Albert G. Kotz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died May 25, 2012.

Madeline worked at Sears for 20 plus years in the catalog department, during tax season she would work at H&R Block as a tax consult where she continued to for many years following. Later in life, she was passionate about volunteering for AARP doing taxes. She loved spring, she could often be found tending to her yard plants and flowers. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s various activities. Her family loved when she made her chocolate cakes, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip and raisin cookies.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Larry) Ryan of Dubuque; two sons, Kevin (Janell) Kotz and Karl (Shelly) Kotz both of Dubuque, IA; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Matt Rathe) DeSotel, Jennifer Ryan, Jill (Peter) Hancock, Jeffrey (Abbey) Ryan, Katie (Zach Howe) Kotz, Jacob (Melissa) Kotz, and Alex, Lauren, and Luke Kotz; and 10 great-grandchildren; in laws, Joyce Shible, Vince (Maggie) Kotz, Gene Kernall and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Kurt; three brothers, Leo Shible, Sam Shible, Joseph Shible, and one sister Marion.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

A special thank you to Dr. Chris Stille and his staff, Dr. Christine Holm and her staff and the amazing team at Medical Associates, and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support.

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

Shirley C. Gassmann

Shirley Catherine Gassmann, 84, of Dubuque, IA passed away on January 12, 2020 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. David Schatz officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Shirley was born on May 25, 1935 in Sherrill, Iowa the daughter of Roy and Marie (Tigges) Rubel. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy and Dubuque Beauty Academy.

Shirley owned and operated her own beauty salon until retirement.

Shirley loved many things: walking, music, dancing, traveling and shopping, especially when she found a good bargain. She especially enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren out of town whenever she had the opportunity and spending Christmas eve with her family.

She is survived by her former husband Lyle A Gassmann; their children, Rebecca (Mike) McMahon, Beth Ann Tabor, Lynn (Tony) Hancock, all of Dubuque, Jeff (Liz) Gassmann, of Tempe, Arizona, Susan (Dennis Daughtery) Giles, of Orland park, IL, Michael (Julie) Gassmann, of Marion, Iowa and Theresa (Brandon) Durrett, of Rusk, Texas. Nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest son Lyle and several aunts, uncles and many friends.

A Shirley C. Gassmann memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dubuque Fire and Police for their quick response, compassion and care.

Gordon V. Wells

Gordon V. Wells, 104 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 12, 2020 a Luther Manor.

Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew Agee officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will be in Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa with military honors by Clayton County AMVETS Post #27. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.
Gordon Victor Wells was born on December 12, 1915 in North McGregor Iowa which is now known as Marquette. He attended Marquette schools and graduated in 1934, often joking that the F’s shown on his report card stood for fantastic. He worked for about eighteen months in a local grocery store and then was off to Wyoming, working on a ranch for one summer. When he got off the train from Wyoming, his mother Mary made him shed his clothes outside and take a bath to keep the bedbugs out of the house. She burned his clothes.

Gordon joined the Navy on January 5, 1936 and served his country for four years on the battleship USS Mississippi. His stories about his Navy exploits included how the Japanese did not dare to attack Pearl Harbor until his discharge because he was there piloting his motorboat wielding his Navy pistol. After honorable discharge from the Navy he married Coletta Bentien on May 10, 1941 in Monona, Iowa. They then struck off for California and while living in San Diego, Gordon worked at Convair building B-24 bombers for the war effort and after the war worked at Kelco until 1950.

Missing the changing of the seasons, they moved back to Iowa where they settled in Dubuque. Gordon worked for the Milwaukee Railroad as a conductor and a brakeman from 1950 until July 1980 when he retired. This gave he and Coletta time to travel, and they saw many parts of the world and visited all of the continents except Antarctica. Both Gordon and Coletta have been members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for more than fifty years.

Gordon and Coletta had four children, their firstborn son died shortly after birth. Daughter Diane Locklear now lives in Santa Monica, California, son Gordon L. Wells (Debbie) lives in Rockford, Illinois and daughter Charlene Kenkel (Steve) is in Toledo, Iowa.

Gordon loved fishing and hunting. From his days back in Marquette, he had learned to hunt most everything, pheasant, rabbits, mushrooms and squirrels. When he was no longer able to walk the woods hunting, he discovered a surprising number of squirrels in the backyard attracted to the cracked corn that he would set out. He kept a pellet gun near to the kitchen window and when a squirrel would turn its back he would slowly open the window and take a shot. He kept track of the number of squirrels he bagged and over the years and he shared 99 of them with family and friends whether they wanted them or not. Telling stories was a favorite activity of Gordon’s, be it stories about being raised a Mississippi River rat or tales of small-town life in Marquette and all the characters he grew up with in the 1920s. He shared the stories with friends, family and anyone who sat next to him in the mall.

Gordon’s love of life motivated those around him to live to the fullest as well.
He is survived by his beloved wife of seventy-eight years Coletta, three children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Albert, stepfather Nobel, his mother Mary, sister Evelyn, firstborn son Gordon Lee and grandson Robert Kenkel.

The Wells family extends its gratitude to the staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Sister Helen Huewe

Sister Helen (Gerland) Huewe, OSF died at 5:55 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Mercy Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 16, 2020 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 PM in Francis Chapel.

Born October 1, 1935 in Remsen, Iowa, she was the daughter of Gerland and Celeste (Freymann) Huewe.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1955 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1961. Sister received her master’s degree in Hospital Administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. She ministered in Aurora, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and Ft. Worth, Texas. In Iowa, she was missioned at Davenport, Iowa City, and in Dubuque as Administrator of Xavier Hospital, President of Mercy Health Center, and as a member of the Congregational Leadership Team. Helen was currently serving on boards or committees of Steeple Square, Opening Doors, Crescent Community Health Center, Stonehill Benevolent Foundation, Loras College Columbia Housing, the Marshallese Church Renovation Project, Shalom Spirituality Center, and the Sisters of St. Francis Long Range Planning.

Sister is survived by her brother, Phil Huewe; sister-in-law, Margy Huewe; nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathleen Huewe; her brother, Robert Huewe; and sister-in-law, Shirley Huewe.

Helen asked that memorial donations be directed to the Marshallese Church Renovation Fund at the Greater Dubuque Community Foundation.

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