Obituaries Archive

Barbara J. Weber

Barbara Joan Weber, 79, long time resident of Dubuque and current resident of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020, at Lincolnwood Assisted Living in Edgewood. She was born on November 19, 1940, in Rockford Illinois, the daughter of Russell Bennett and Angeline (Armato) Jones. Barbara attended and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1958. She was thesecretary at St John’s Episcopalian Church and then thesecretary for the Dean at Dubuque Theological Seminary. Barbara then began working in sales and publishing,eventually retiring from McGraw-Hill in Dubuque.

Barbara enjoyed motorcycling and golfing with her deceased husband Albert “Scooter” Weber.  She loved to play games with her family and enjoyed winning not losing!  Most of all Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her four children, Brian (Deb) Lewin of Norfolk, Nebraska, Kim (Larry) Thein of Colesburg, Terry (Cat) Lewin of Shiloh, Illinois, and Kelly (Pete) Wiederholt of O’Fallon, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way; three brothers, Jim Jones of Dubuque, Jack (Helene) Bennett of Surprise, Arizona and Jerry Bennett of Naples, Florida; one sister, Beth (Ron) Hoffman of Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,Albert (Scooter) Weber; her sister, Frannie (Dick) Leppert;her brother, Leonard “Billy” Armato; her sister–in-law, Sharon Jones; and special daughter, Pam Finney in 2015.

Because of COVID-19, masks are required at the funeral home and the church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, with Reverend John Haugen officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood with Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood.

Inurnment: Will be at a later date – Mt. Calvary Cemetery – Dubuque, Iowa

Helen M. McClain

Helen M. (Wickham) McClain, age 94, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 4:38 a.m., on Friday, October 9, 2020, at home with her loving family at her side.  To celebrate Helen’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to the COVID-19 concerns all who attend will be required to wear a face covering.  To honor Helen’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 12, 2020, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Rev. Greg E. Bahl officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Helen was born on May 21, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James W. and Roseline C. (Delaney) Wickham.

Helen was a proud life long resident of Dubuque where she graduated from IC Academy, Class of 1944.  She was united in marriage to Francis McClain, on October 10, 1959, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral.  They were married for 33 years, and blessed with 4 children together, before Francis passed away on January 15, 1993.  Helen was no stranger to hard work.  She started out as a waitress at Grady’s downtown Dubuque, the Hotel Julien, and was lastly employed in the food service department with the Dubuque Community Schools for 10 years until her well earned retirement.  She was a member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral and the YWCA.  Helen had a lifelong passion for politics, culminating in 2008 with her induction to the Dubuque County Democratic Hall of Fame.  She was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver that same year.  Helen was a very social person and always on the go.  She enjoyed traveling and bicycle riding, and said her 70’s were the best years of her life.  Spending time with her family was always at the top of Helen’s list.  She truly cherished her time with them, and tried to make it out to every activity to cheer them on.  We are saddened at losing our amazing mom, grandma, sister and beloved aunt to all her nieces and nephews, but know that she is now at peace, free from the health challenges of the past few years. Helen is reunited in Heaven with all of her loved ones who have gone on before her.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include

her children,
Teresa (William) McClain-Cullen,
Jean (Joseph) Hartel,
Frank McClain
and Tim (Maria Araeipour) McClain, all of Dubuque;

her 5 grandchildren,
Hope Cullen, Patrick Cullen, Helen Hartel, Mary Hartel and Ella Hartel;

and her brother,
and Thomas (Brenda) Wickham, all of Dubuque.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis McClain; 2 sisters, Sr. Rosemary Wickham, OSF and Sr. Jeanne Wickham, OSF; a brother, James (Genevieve) Wickham; and a step-grandson, Alex Araeipour.

Helen’s family would like to thank all of the staff and nurses of Hospice of Dubuque and all of her caregivers for the outstanding care they have provided not only to Helen, but to the entire family.

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

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

James L. Dodds

James L. Dodds, 93, of Dubuque Iowa passed away peacefully on September 30, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.

To honor Jim’s life, a private family funeral mass will be at St. Raphael Cathedral with Rev. Gregory Bahl officiating. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Jim was born near Dubuque in 1927, the son of Joseph and Mary (Groves) Dodds, the fifth of seven children.  Soon thereafter the family moved to a farm near Cuba City, Wisconsin where Jim attended grade school and 3 years of high school.  In 1945, Jim graduated from Loras Academy. 

In 1952 Jim married the love of his life, Dorothy Palzkill at St Mary’s Church in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and she was a true partner to him in every possible way.  They raised 4 children together and are the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. 

Jim was engaged in family business consisting of manufacturing, importing and the national distribution of agricultural materials for baling cotton, hay and other forage crops.  He continued into his retirement years as a consultant in this activity, that he so enjoyed, with business associates and friends both here and abroad.

Jim’s favorite activities were with his family.  He enjoyed sports like golf and basketball with his kids and grandkids.  He loved music and always admired those you could play the piano.  One of Jim’s most favorite pastimes was playing euchre with family and friends; Dorothy was always his favorite euchre partner.

Jim is survived by his wife Dorothy of 68 years, his children Steve (Eleonora) Dodds, Mary (Tom) Doll, Carol (CJ) Schweich and Julie (Pat) Merriam, 10 grandchildren, Alana (Jason) Steinlicht, Marcus (Chantal) Dodds, Chris Dodds, Kendra (Luke) Burbach and Olivia Dodds;  Sam, Jake and Ben Schweich; Nick and Erin Merriam, 4 great grandchildren, Max and Anika Steinlicht; Sydney and Sienna Dodds, a brother Don Dodds and a sister Helen Sowerby.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Dodds, an uncle, George Dodds, a sister, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Wershing and brothers, Robert, Gerald and Paul Dodds.

Memorials may be given to Stonehill Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, St Raphael’s Cathedral or the charity of choice.

The Dodds family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Finley Unity Point Hospital, Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they provided to Jim.

Arthur J. Kronlage

Arthur John Kronlage, 95, of Dyersville died Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 12, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, IA with burial in the church cemetery. Reverend Dennis Quint will officiate and Deacon Roger Riesberg will assist.  Masks and social distancing protocols are required. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 137. The Mass will be live streamed starting approximately 12:45 pm from this link, https://youtu.be/gPKkYJqwgKM

Art was born September 7, 1925, in Dyersville the son of Joseph A and Elizabeth (Rolfes) Kronlage.

On November 9, 1946, he married Elizabeth Ann Schuster at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. To this union eight children were born.  His life was centered on his faith, family, friends and his home. Art was a lifetime member of St. Francis Xavier Basilica. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. He was a grain and livestock farmer until moving to Dyersville with his wife Betty in 1990. He was a fertilizer, seed corn and small grain seed dealer for many years traveling throughout the local area. He was a member of the American Legion Post 137 for 43 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years.  Art enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. He taught his children and grandchildren many card games and a card game was sure to be a part of family gatherings.

Survivors include his three sons: Doug (Vickie) of St. Paul, MN, Phil (Jane) of Bloomington, MN, David (Sherry) of Dyersville, IA; five daughters: Beth (Stephen) Heims of Manchester, IA, Mary Kay (Keith) Newton of West Des Moines, IA, Joan (Doug) Thompson of Solon, IA, Karolyn (Mike) Wicht of Omaha, NE and Aimee (Rob) Rooney of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren: Michaela Kronlage, Chris and Nick Heims, Alana DeMoss, Stacy Woellert, Laura Besler, Sarah Schmitz, Joel and Jared Newton, Abby Wegner, Wes Thompson, Matt Kronlage, Callie Budden, Stephanie Manternach, Sean Allen, Nicole Eichhorst, Ben and Will Rooney; 31 great grandchildren with another arriving soon; and one sister-in-law, Verna Lee Kronlage of Dyersville, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty in 2003; his siblings Ray (Marie), Louis (Mabel), Joe Kronlage, and sisters Magdalen (Adrian Wolfe and Bill) Shockemoehl, Marie (Leo) Rahe and Leona (in infancy).

Art’s family would like to recognize the compassionate care that Art received while a resident at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center, the Good Neighbor Home and Above and Beyond Hospice.

Memorials preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica and the Ellen Kennedy Living Center, Dyersville.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Sister Jane Haslwanter, BVM

Sister Jane Haslwanter, BVM, (Janette), 87, of 1315 Acre St, Guttenberg, Iowa, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at the Guttenberg Care Center, Guttenberg, Iowa.

Visitation and natural burial Rite of Committal were held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020. Burial was in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be at 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, followed by a Memorial Mass in the Marian Hall Chapel at 10:45 a.m.

Sister Jane was an elementary teacher at St. Patrick and St. Anthony in Dubuque, Iowa; St. Patrick in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and St. Athanasius in Jesup, Iowa. She also taught in Chicago and Wilmot, Wis. She served in Chicago as an instructor at Mundelein College and as the director of the Mundelein Center Religious Education. She ministered as director of religious education in Schaumberg, Mokena, Orland Park, and Roselle, Ill. She served as administrator of a living center for adults with special needs in Schaumberg, Ill.
She was born on Jan. 8, 1933, in Chicago to John and Stephanie (Lingg) Haslwanter. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1951, from St. Benedict Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Marie Prost and Janette Haslwanter.

She is survived by cousins and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St., Bellevue, Iowa 52031 is in charge of arrangements.

Rosella M. Dyas

Rosella M. Dyas, 101, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2020, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.  At Peace Cremation Services have taken place.  There is no public visitation or service planned.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Rosella Marie Burkert was born on January 21, 1919 in Andrew, Iowa, to Lloyd and Nettie (Gnade) Burkert.  She was a graduate of Andrew High School.  She married Thomas Edward Dyas on August 19, 1937 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on September 5, 1996.

Rosella was a homemaker and had also worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa in the service department for many years until retirement.  She was an avid reader.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Richard (Nancy) Dyas of Maquoketa, IA, and Willard (Nan) Dyas of OR; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother Lloyd, sisters Leta, Florence and Charlotte, and a son Floyd.

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

Beverly A. Yarolem

Beverly Ann Yarolem, 83, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Beverly’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Canton, Iowa Cemetery.  A public visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Friday, October 9, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation and practice social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Beverly Ann Curley was born on September 6, 1937 in Hale, Iowa, to Raymond Hayes and Anna Viola (Leslie) Curley Sr.  She received her education in Clarence.  She married Wayne F. Yarolem Sr. on April 2, 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on December 1, 2011.

Beverly had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa and several other factory jobs.  She later worked at Maquoketa Care Center however the longest and most loved job was working at the Hide-Away in Monmouth.

Beverly was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa.  She was an avid NASCAR fan, loved flowers, a good Poker game with family, and camping.  Additionally, she cherished the special bond she shared with her loving sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Chuck.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Wayne Jr. (Trish) Yarolem of Tipton, IA, Joe (Pam) Yarolem of Maquoketa, IA, Janetta (Brett) Harms of Wyoming, IA, Debra (Daryl) DeVore of Monmouth, IA, John (Kathy) Yarolem of Monmouth, IA, and Charles (Cheri) Yarolem of Monmouth, IA; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Margie Taylor of AR, Elizabeth (Caylop) Minchew of AL, Peggy (Chuck) Wolfe of Dixon, IA, Bonnie Kuehl of Walcott, IA, and Mary Score of Marion, IA; and brothers, Larry (Marlene) Curley of Oxford Mills, IA, Lyle (Gwen) Curley of AL, Wayne Curley of CA, Danny (Kathy) Curley of Clarence, IA, Dennis (Diane) Curley of AR, and Rex Curley of AR.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Rodney D. Yarolem, grandchildren Nicole and Scott, sister Marsha, and brothers Raymond Curley, Keith Curley and Arnold Curley.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Beverly Ann Yarolem memorial fund has been established.

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

Donald L. Lakin

Donald L. “Don” Lakin, of Dubuque died Monday, October 5, 2020 in his home.  Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 Friday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church followed by a funeral service at 11:00.  Masks will be required and social distancing will be enforced. Livestream of the funeral can be viewed at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Don is the husband of Margaret Lakin.  He was born in Indiana on December 30, 1924 to the late Oscar and Mary Lakin.

Don was an engineer at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works for over 35 years until his retirement in 1982.  He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he was an elder for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years and three daughters.

He was preceded in death by his son, John L. Lakin in 1974.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Francis W. Gansen

Francis W. “Franny” Gansen, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Saturday, October 3, 2020.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the Church of the Resurrection where visitation will be held Saturday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.  Live stream of the service can be viewed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Facebook page.  Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, masks and social distancing will be required.  Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Peosta, where military rites will be accorded.

Franny was born February 25, 1931 on the family farm in local Peosta, Iowa, one of nine children of William and Marie (Theisen) Gansen.

He was very proud of his service in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War, standing up against socialist communism and later was a proud, patriotic supporter of Donald J. Trump.

On April 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Joyce Elaine Travis at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, and their marriage was blessed with six children.

Franny was employed at Caradco before becoming employed at John Deere as an inspector, from which he retired on September 30, 1987.

Upon retirement, Franny traveled to Ireland with his brother in law, John Dwane and also did extensive traveling to the western U.S. with his neighbor, Mike Hogan, where they hiked the Grand Canyon and hiked and biked 15 National Parks during their travels.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; six children, Julie Connolly of Scottsdale, Arizona, Timothy Gansen, of Geneva, Illinois, Anita Gansen of Dubuque, Duane (Susie) Gansen of Bedford, Texas, Betsy (Ron) Gibbons of Altoona, Iowa and Sue (Bob) Emrich of Ankeny, Iowa; 16 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

He is also survived by three siblings, Melita (Ray) LaPointe, Shirley Eppler and MaryLou McFadden and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Tim’s wife, Roberta Gansen; a grandson, Benjamin Gibbons; and five siblings, Bernie, Cy, Eddie, Florence and Billy.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Francis Gansen Memorial Fund.

Edward J. Breitbach

Edward J. Breitbach, 87, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at his home surrounded by family.

A private funeral mass for the immediate family will be held at the Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 8, 2020 and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Ed was born December 24, 1932 in Key West, Iowa the son of William and Agnes (Lynch) Breitbach. He married Arlene T. Streif on December 28, 1954 in Bankston, Iowa. They were able to enjoy 62 years, raising a family and building cherished memories together.

Ed was a longtime member of the Church of the Resurrection. For over 30 years he delivered mail and the Telegraph Herald throughout Dubuque County. Many would recognize him in his signature Volkswagen Bugs. He enjoyed his retirement years working at Derby Grange Golf. He enjoyed fixing machinery, tractors, cars, and doing anything for his family. Ed took much joy being with his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Sue (Scott) Matye of Shullsburg, WI, Paul (Vicki) Breitbach of Dubuque, Ron (Mary) Breitbach of Dubuque, Julie (Don) Sherman of Robins, IA, and Nancy (Tony) Mustain of Gordonsville, VA; nineteen grandchildren, Michelle (Gerhard) Lourens, Tim O’Neal, Becky (Jared) Stein, Sara (Becky) Bender, Lisa Hefel, Brett Matye, Hunter Matye, Josh (Sara) Breitbach, Zach (Kelly) Breitbach, Tony (Brittani) Breitbach, Rachel (Jason) Cox, Lauren (Sean) Faherty, Tyler (Nicole) Breitbach, Casey (Justin) Smith, Shawn Breitbach, Sammy Sherman, Brooke Sherman, Jake Mustain, and Niki Mustain; twenty seven great-grandchildren; siblings; Jim (Harlene) Breitbach, Joan Staver, Rose (Fran) Brune, Dorie (Wayne) Dodds, Bill (Jeanne) Breitbach; In laws; Sr. Mildred Streif, Laura Streif and Donna Streif.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, his parents; father and mother in-law, George and Mary Streif; his daughter, Deb O’Neal; granddaughter, Melinda O’Neal; a great grandson, Jordan O’Neal; siblings, Ramona Kluesner, Tom Breitbach; in laws, Ed Streif, Alice Wilwert Oeth, Gilbert Wilwert, Bernard Oeth, Marion and Wayne Kirmse, Darrell and Lorraine Streif, and Don Staver.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Paul, Ryan, and Kelli for their compassionate care during this time. Ed was able to live the last few years of his life in his own home with the help of his grandson, Shawn as his caring roommate. For this, the family will be forever grateful.

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

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Ed’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Bridget Constance Kelly

Bridget “Connie” Constance Kelly peacefully passed away at the age of 93 on October 4, 2020, at her daughter Bridget’s home in Dubuque, IA. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren in her final moments.

Her memorial mass will be at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Columbkilles Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St Dubuque, IA on Thursday October 8th, 2020 with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Please remember to social distance and mask must be worn.

Connie was born April 13, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Robert Anthony McCarron and Julia Wolfe. As a young nurse in training, she met and fell in love with William “W.J.” Kelly, a man she claimed rivaled Clark Gable in good looks and charm. They tied the knot on November 4th, 1950 and remained deeply devoted to each other over the course of their 46-year marriage. Connie affectionately called her husband “Kelly” throughout their relationship and continued to think of him as her “spark” even after his passing in 1996. As a young couple, Connie and Bill went on to have 8 children together. Their home on Tressa St, if rowdy at times, was always full of love and life.

Connie loved to dance, joke, and spend time with friends and family. A devoted Catholic, Connie was an active presence in her parish at St. Columbkille’s Church, and she blessed everyone who crossed her path with a prayer and a broad, kindhearted smile. She was a warm presence to all who surrounded her. Working as a delivery nurse for over 45 years at Xavier Hospital, Connie welcomed thousands of babies as they entered this world and greeted each and every one with love. She also assisted in the delivery of many of her own grandchildren.

Always a caretaker, Connie changed the lives of countless people with her tireless devotion to others. Connie’s legacy of open-hearted generosity only deepens as her family continues to grow.

Connie had eight children: Dr.​ Kathleen “Kit” A. Kelly (Dr. Fred Hoffer), William “Bill” J. Kelly, III (Candance Breiner), Bridget C. Heim (Leo Heim), Michaela M. Kelly, Maureen S. Kelly, Sheila J. Kelly, Shawn P. Kelly (Paula Herting Kelly), and Daniel T. Kelly (Cory O’Hara Kelly). She is survived by her brothers Mike McCarron, Dan​ McCarron, Kevin McCarron, and her sister Kate Lampe, as well as 24 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

She will join her husband, “Kelly”, her eldest daughter, Kit, and two great-grandchildren, Peyton Rose Stedman and Patrick David Steadman; brothers Bob, Hugh and Patrick McCarron in Heaven.

Connie’s family would like to thank Dr. Ewen, Caitlin Daack and Kristin and Ryan from Hospice of Dubuque, for their care and support in her final days.

We love you, Connie, and we will continue to carry you with us. We will miss​ you, but we take comfort knowing you are somewhere with those that you love, dancing with joy.

James J. Nachtmann

James J. “Jim” Nachtmann, age 77, of Luxemburg, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at home with his loving wife by his side. To celebrate Jim’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at the Word of Life Church, 4450 Dodge Street, Dubuque, IA. Due to the COVID-19 concerns all who attend will be required to wear a face covering. To honor Jim’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Loren Hirschy officiating. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born on November 29, 1942, in Earlville, Iowa, son of Joseph and Martha (Hess) Nachtmann.

Jim attended school in a one room schoolhouse outside of Manchester. He worked on the family farm until joining the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After his service, Jim returned to Manchester and went to work for Jasper Construction as a welder, and would later join the team at Ertl for over 30 years, until his retirement in 2010. He was united in marriage to Mary Disch in 1970, and they were blessed with 3 children together before she passed away in 1977. Jim was fortunate to once again find love with Linda Crimmins, and they would marry in 1979, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville. Jim truly loved spending time on the family farm, but he could also be found casting a line at his favorite fishing hole, sometimes catching more turtles than fish. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include

his wife,
Linda Nachtmann, Luxemburg, IA;

his children,
Donna Noblin, Luxemburg, IA
Karen Simon, Strawberry Point, IA
and Shannon (Alison Apol) Nachtmann, Grand Rapids, MI;

his 2 granddaughters,
Alex Nachtmann and Alyssa Noblin;

his sister,
Marge (Bob) Nefzger, Delaware, IA;

and his sister-in-law,
Mary Ann Nachtmann, Dyersville, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife, Mary Nachtmann; a daughter, Joanne Nachtmann; a brother, Norbert Nachtmann; and a sister, Rita (Ronald) Palmer.

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

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

Amy A. (Phend) Scholtes

Amy A. (Phend) Scholtes, age 45, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital on Saturday, October 3, 2020. True to her giving spirit, Amy’s final gift was to be an organ donor. To celebrate Amy’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 10, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Due to the COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering. To honor Amy’s life, a time of sharing memories will be held immediately following visitation on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Amy was born on July 12, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Grover Phend and Margaret Hogue.

Amy attended school at Dubuque Senior High School. She was united marriage to Jeffrey Scholtes on March 19, 2011, at Center Grove Church in Dubuque. Amy was a hard worker and was employed with Bethany Home as a CNA and CMA for 19 years, as well as Roots of Dubuque for the last 2 years as a caregiver. She had a great love of children, and has raised not only her own family, but also several foster children throughout the years. Family was no doubt always her main priority and brought her the greatest joy. She loved taking care of everyone, and was always on the lookout for bargains so that she could make holidays and birthdays extra special for the grandkids, who affectionately called her “Nana”. She also kept an eye out for bargains so that she could donate clothing and necessities to families in need. Amy always made sure to take plenty of family photos, she loved to capture all of the fun and memories they were making. When she did find some time to herself, Amy enjoyed watching Vikings football and doing craft projects. Her latest obsession was using her Cricut to create something unique. We are heartbroken at losing such a wonderful woman in our daily lives, and will treasure all of the countless memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Amy’s memory include

her husband,
Jeff Scholtes, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Jennifer, Jessica, Jana, Justin, Travis, Margaret, Matthew, Destini and Ariel;

her 26 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild;

and her 14 siblings.

Amy was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Amanda; a grandson, Hank; and a brother, Dean.

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

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

Eugene J. Bird Sr.

Eugene J. Bird Sr., 85, died at Mercy Medical Center on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Private services will be held at Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, and will be available to view on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page on Tuesday, October 13. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Eugene was born April 25, 1935 in North Buena Vista, the son of Leo and Rita (Schaul) Bird. He married Verna L. Meyers on September 24, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque. Eugene served his country with the U.S. Army.

With only a pick-up truck, ladder, and a tool box, Eugene started his own business, Sign Service, which he owned and operated for 41 years.

Eugene enjoyed football, golf, cars, trucks, and good food. He loved when people would stop in anytime for a cup of coffee and good conversation. Most recently, he enjoyed spending time with friends at Windsor Park.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Verna Bird; three children, Carol (Marty) Petitgout of East Dubuque, IL, Eugene (Joy) Bird Jr. of Waukee, IA, and Marilyn (Edwin Barber) Bird of Scottsdale, AZ; his grandchildren, Zach Bird of Chicago, Abby (Zach) Berger of Iowa City, Sophia Bird of Des Moines, and Stephany and Natalie Stueck; and his sister in law, Ruth Bird.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Merlin Bird, Charles (Germaine) Bird, Francis (Virginia) Bird, Clyde Bird, and Anna Mae (Frank) Barry.

Eugene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center for their wonderful care.

Carolyn Bodish

Frost: a threshold we cross again and again in the natural seasons and cycles of life. For many years on cold fall mornings, Cookie would call in friends, kids, and grandkids to work the cider press. According to the lore, apples should be picked at first frost—it’s when the harvest is ripe and sweet. But before a tree can bear fruit, of course, it has to grow.

Carolyn Martin was born beautiful, but her name didn’t quite stick. The story goes that a neighbor came over to meet her and said, “You look just like a little cookie!” So it was “Cookie” that stuck. She grew up with her parents Viola (Meyer) and Arnold, sister Marilyn (Maggie) and brothers Arnold Jr. and Donald (Donnie) in Dubuque, where she slept beneath a poster of Elvis Presley taped to the shared bedroom ceiling. When she was 14 years old, she got a job at Kresge’s 5 & 10¢ store where she worked the soda fountain and dressed the windows. One July day in 1958, Paul Bodish rode up on his ‘57 BSA and, enamored by her beauty, asked “You wanna ride?” She hopped on for a magical, winding trip that would last for 61 years. 

Some apples are ripe by July, but they’re far from the sweetest—it’s patience that gets you the sweet ones. Cookie was a creative visionary. By 16, she was so good at trimming windows that Kresge’s had sent her off to Cedar Rapids to help open a new store. While she was away, Paul sat in Eagle Point Park and wrote her letters. When he finally picked her up again, he pulled her ring out of the glove box and tossed it into her lap. “See if this fits,” he said. At 17, she married him. Paul had already saved enough money to buy their first home on Garfield, near the river. Their love began to bear fruit. 

To create something good that lasts, there is always work involved. Plucking every apple from every tree in the yard was just one of many ways that Cookie taught the people around her to engage with community and invite each other in. She donated her labor to every church she ever attended, taught Sunday school, led troops of Boy and Girl Scouts, and tended gardens at the Dubuque Arboretum. She took her children to visit the elderly in nursing homes on Sundays—they brought baskets of fruit to share. She volunteered at the Rescue Mission for years. Honest and open, she was known for welcoming neighbors, strangers and the down-and-out to her family’s supper table. She accepted everyone, even those she disagreed with—but she never failed to make her own convictions known.

Cookie had her first baby at 18 years old. Over the next 12 years, 8 more were born. Each day for decades, Cookie woke up at the crack of dawn to get everyone ready for the day. She packed lunches for Paul, Daniel (Danny), Theresa (Teri), Robert (Bobby), Barbara (Barbie), William (Billy) Kathleen (Kathie), Rebecca (Becky), Joy, and Timothy (Timmy). Yes, she cooked—and she also cleaned the house, sewed clothes, quilted and crocheted blankets, washed and ironed laundry, healed ailments, watered and weeded a half-acre garden, and helped with homework… from 9 different grades. 

A tough and nurturing mother, Cookie never complained about her work. If she started something, she saw it through. She had a rock-solid work ethic and a sense of duty that could never be subverted. In cider-making, she’d fill up tubs of water with the garden hose, where each and every apple was washed by hand before getting cut and cored for the press. When other people complained about the frigid water or the chill in the air, Cookie just kept on washing apples. 

She was strong and versatile. In her youth she raced motorcycles, and always loved riding with Paul, regardless of the weather. In the last year of her life, they rode together through Eagle Point Park every day—and sometimes multiple times a day—to spend time with the birds, the deer, and the river. They spent every season together. Cookie was committed to her relationships: she never quit a journey just because there were rocks along the way. Her marriage and many, many friendships lasted literally a lifetime.

After the apples were washed, cut and cored, they were ready to go into the press. Everyone took turns dropping apples in and cranking the flywheel on the cider press—it was manual, the old-fashioned kind. Although Cookie was modest and respected tradition, she also had an adventurous spirit. She rode with Paul to Canada, Mexico, and many states, and traveled with others to places including Colorado, Washington, and even Jamaica. 

A cider press does its job methodically. It grinds the apples up and drops the pulp into a wooden basket. When it’s full, the pulp is pressed inside the basket and the fresh, foamy juice flows down through a spout into a bucket. It takes a full autumn day to complete the process when you start with five trees. But just because you’re organized and working hard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. Cookie snuck in little tastes of apple while she worked. She always chose delicious work—the kind that fulfilled her. She tended flower beds that completely surrounded her property. She pressed the flowers and preserved them; and she was a floral designer for over 40 years. She and Paul opened the Trailside Cafe together, where they fed hungry mouths and made friends who are still friends today. You really do reap what you sow, and Cookie was blessed for knowing it.

Aside from feeding patrons at the restaurant, Cookie made sure her family was well-fed. She canned jams and jellies, soups, stewed tomatoes, chili, pickles, veggies and more. Her kids remember a pantry lined with hundreds of jars that would nourish them all year long…and she canned the cider, too. The juice was collected and heated up over a fire outside, and then poured into rows of glittering, clean jars. The caps were screwed on and sealed, and there was cider all through the winter. There was plenty to share. 

It may sound like Cookie was too busy to possibly add anything else. But she still made time to practice her faith deeply and study the Bible extensively. She nurtured individual relationships with her children, and each of her many grandchildren. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries, wants and needs. When others found good fortune or achieved their goals, Cookie was never jealous; instead she celebrated proudly alongside them. Putting others first was not a question—Cookie sold the accordion she once played to buy a guitar for Paul and was rewarded with a lifetime surrounded by music. Her beauty was always obvious on the outside, but it shone from within as well.

In her autumn years, Cookie fought Alzheimer’s disease. She approached it with tenacity and curiosity. In the early stages, she laughed when little things were forgotten or misspoken. She learned and tried new tactics all the time to improve her condition. She took walks in nature, watching birds like she always did, and experimented with different medications, herbs and memory games. Even in the later stages, she never lost the dignity and grace with which she met all the adversities of life.

Patience, peace and loving bonds bring a life you can savor, like warm apple cider on a cold winter day. On October 2, 2020, she laid cozy under her mother’s heirloom quilt, listening to the gospel by Elvis. With Paul’s hand in hers, she passed away peacefully as the first frost crystallized on the plants outside. This is the beginning of a new season—without our matriarch in body, but with all her lessons in our hearts. 

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Viola (Meyer), her sister Marilyn (Maggie), her brothers Arnold (Junior), Donald (Donnie), nieces Debbie, Sherry and Vicky Martin, nephew Ronnie Jo Bryson, sisters-in-law Carol Martin and Sue Martin, and her grandson Joseph Kazmierczak.

She is survived by her husband Paul, 22 grandchildren, one great-grandson, a great-granddaughter on the way, and her own nine children: Daniel (Carol Wieland) (Danny; Hammond, WI); Theresa (Teri; Maquoketa, IA), Robert (Susan) (Bobby; Garnavillo, IA), Barbara (Barbie; Buffalo, NY), William (Molly Noonan) (Billy; Dubuque, IA); Kathleen (Kathie; St. John); Rebecca (Becky; Dubuque, IA); Joy (Darrell Mayne) (Dubuque, IA); and Timothy (Alisha Lust) (Timmy; Baxter, IA).

A service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 in the Riverfront Pavilion at Eagle Point Park. Friends may call from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, with prayer and a reading at 3:30 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dubuque Rescue Mission, the Northeast Iowa Council on Aging, and Hospice of Dubuque. The family extends its infinite gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque and the Northeast Iowa Council on Aging for their friendship, guidance and compassionate care.

Online condolences for Cookie’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com