Obituaries Archive

Constance C. Steinmetz

Constance C. “Connie” Steinmetz, age 76, of Platteville, WI, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI.

She was born in Potosi, WI, on September 16, 1943 the daughter of Lester and Dorothy (Russell) Kitto. Connie attended Potosi and Lancaster schools before going on to earn a teaching degree from UW-Platteville. She started her career working for the Potosi School District in a one-room county school. Connie then went on to teach for well over 30 years at Saints Andrew-Thomas Catholic School in Potosi until her retirement. She married Dale Steinmetz on November 5, 1983 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson.

In her free time, Connie enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and doing the household shopping. She also liked to garden, especially flowers, and filled her small yard with an array of flowering plants.

Connie is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dale; a brother, Darrell Kitto; two sisters-in-law, Linda and Coreen Kitto; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by three brothers: Gary, Leslie and Kip Kitto; and a sister-in-law, Judy Kitto.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Potosi with Fr. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in the Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may call on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Platteville is entrusted with her services.

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Mae M. Gantenbein Charley

Mae Margaret Gantenbein Charley, age 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on August 29, 2020, at Dubuque Specialty Care in Dubuque.  To honor Mae’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mae’s family.

Mae was born on November 13, 1928, in Earlville, Iowa, daughter of Matthew and Bertha Mae (Haar) Gantenbein.  She married Gus W. Charley in Scales Mound, Illinois on November 20, 1948.  Mae had one priority in her life; family.  She always made sure those she cared for knew that they were everything to her.  Mae’s baking skills were second to none, you could always be sure that everyone around her was going to benefit from her time and talents in the kitchen with a sweet treat.  She loved to crochet and made countless afghans for her family and friends. She worked outside of the home for a few years at the Dubuque Packing Company, but primarily, at home was where Mae desired to be.  In her later years, Mae would enjoy completing a good word search or crossword puzzle from time to time. Thank you, Mae, for always being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and friend anyone could hope for.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mae include,

her 3 children,
Steve (Linda) Charley, Rock Hill, South Carolina,
Gerald “Jerry” (Lisa) Charley, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Sandra (Tom) Cavanaugh, Dubuque, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Carrie (Richard) Brown and Jason (Mandy) Charley;

her great-grandchildren,
Collin Brown, Eric Brown, Chloe Brown, and Julie Charley;

her sister,
Marjorie (Merle) Wilson, Tucson, Arizona;

and her brother,
Ronald Dzaboff, Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and stepmother, Hazel Mae Gantenbein; her siblings, Jeanette (George) Charley, Robert (Annette) Gantenbein, Donald (Lois) Gantenbein, Matthew, Eugene, Jimmy, and Leonard Gantenbein.

Mae’s family would like to thank Dr. Runde, along with the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and St. Croix Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Sarah M. Meyer-Pratti

Sarah M. Meyer-Pratti, age 52, of Dubuque, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020, in her home due to an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Sarah’s life, private family services were held. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery following cremation. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Sarah was born on March 7, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Wilfrid “Willie” and Jean (Mueller) Meyer.

Sarah attended grade school at Nativity and graduated from Wahlert High School, Class of 1986. She then moved to Minneapolis where she studied fashion design before moving to Boston and Chicago. Sarah was a hard worker and was employed with several firms as a property manager. She was united in marriage to Bill Pratti, and the two would be blessed with a son together. She lived in Davenport and Clive for a time before returning to Dubuque where she went to work with Target. It was while she was working there that she met her loving fiancé Jeff Fink, and they made a wonderful life together. In her free time Sarah had a knack for design and loved to decorate her home, as well as helping out family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and loved to watch The Food Network for inspiration in the kitchen. Sarah had a great love of animals and anyone who knew her knew how spoiled her dogs were. We are heartbroken and will miss Sarah terribly, but know that she is now resting peacefully free of the health challenges she has battled so bravely these past years.

Those left to cherish Sarah’s memory include

her son,
Jordan Pratti, Chicago, IL;

her fiancé,
Jeff Fink, Dubuque, IA;

her mother,
Jean Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
John (Nina) Meyer, Dubuque, IA,
James Meyer, Dana Point, CA,
Dennis (Renee) Meyer, Ft. Myers, FL,
Paula (Ernie) Dykstra,Thomson, IL
and Phillip (Debbie) Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

and her former husband,
Bill Pratti, Des Moines, IA.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Wilfrid “Willie” Meyer.

Sarah’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her fiancé Jeff for his enduring love and all of the wonderful care he has provided throughout the years, allowing Sarah to stay in the home she so loved.

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

Herman Rickels

Herman Rickels, passed away on August 29, 2020 at his home in rural Monmouth surrounded by family.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from the Monmouth, IA Cemetery. A public luncheon will be served at Noon at the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and all are welcome to attend. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Herman was born July 3, 1933 in Harrisonville, Missouri to Harm John Rickels and Phoebe Gladys (Westphal) Rickels.

Herman served in the Army for two years and was deployed to Korea during the War. After returning, he was a lifelong farmer, working on the Rickels Brothers family dairy farm. Later in life, he ran Rickels Standard in Monmouth and then in Baldwin.

Herman was an avid bowler, loved to play cards, “go to the boat” and he never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, a sister, Gladys, three brothers, John Henry and Howard Glen and one who died at birth and one nephew, Randy Milota.

He is survived by brothers George Donald and Carl Edward, both residing on the family farm in rural Monmouth, and one sister, Agnes Milota, Maquoketa and his beloved nieces and nephews: Stephen, Carol, Debbie, Dale, Michael, Gregory, Brian, Joni, Tamara, Tiffany, Gerald Jr., Catherine, Regina, Teresa, James, Jodi and Lori and 37 great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all of the family who provided care to Uncle Hermie and helped him know he was as well-loved as he made us feel our entire lives. In honor of Herman and the tremendous care he received over the past several months, the family suggests contributions to Jackson County Hospice.

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

Josephine Bollwitt

Josephine Bollwitt, 77, of Monticello passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. Due to COVID protocol, masks are required and social distancing should be observed for all attending the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with private burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. Masks are required and social distancing should be observed.

Josephine was born January 14, 1943, in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Louis and Mercedes (Lara) Valadez. She married Duaine Bollwitt on October 12, 1962, in Kansas City, after meeting at a Catholic Youth dance. Together they moved to Cedar Rapids for employment at Collins Radio. In 1972, they moved to Monticello where they eventually opened their own business, JEMM Controls, from which she never retired.

Her hobbies included ceramics, sewing, cooking, watching the KC Royals and Chiefs, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Duaine, children: Michael (Jeri) of North Liberty, Elizabeth (Jim) Bollwitt and Matthew (Wendy), both of Monticello and John (Rebecca) of Vancouver, Canada; grandchildren: Alexander, Benjamin, Anthony, Julia, Josephine and Zachary; one great grandchild expected in December, a sister, Linda (Mark) Zimmerschied, and many extended family members in Kansas City, Oklahoma and Nebraska

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers: Refugio Flores and Richard Valadez.

Memorials are preferred to Camp Courageous in honor of her grandson, Zachary.

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

Dawn M. Battaglia Wismeier

Dawn Marie Battaglia Wismeier, 58, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Rolling Meadows, IL, having received the sacraments of the Catholic Church, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on Friday, August 28, 2020, at her home.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 1st, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA, 52003 with a Memorial Service to follow visitation at 11:00 am.

Dawn was born on June 13, 1962, in Chicago, IL, to Marlene and Michael Battaglia.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Carl Wismeier, whom she married on August 15, 1992, at Third Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. She was blessed with two children, Vanessa (Kyle) Rouse, and Matthew Wismeier. She was also blessed with one grandchild, Madeline.

She is also survived by her father; her sisters, Nancy (Tom) and Angel; nieces Mara and Ashley; cousin, Edward Burchert Jr; and her nephew, Anthony.

Dawn spent her life serving others. She was a caretaker to her grandmother Myrtle Burchert, a full time mother to her children, and a second mother to many in need of a guiding voice or listening ear. Helping others was her true passion in life. Her door was always open, and a cup of coffee waited for anyone in need. Dawn especially cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

“Sunrise or Sunset live each day with no regret, live a life you will never forget.” – Dawn Wismeier

Jerry K. Fjelseth

Jerry K. Fjelseth, 76, of Dubuque, died Monday, August 31, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Jerry was born February 9, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Oscar and Ethel May Garrett Fjelseth.

Jerry was self employed with Budget Pest Control Company.

Survivors include one sister, Sherrill Kidd of Sioux Falls, SD, and several friends and neighbors.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Jerry’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Eugene A. Prier

Eugene A. Prier, 88, of Dyersville, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020.

Public visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, with limited family presence due to COVID protocol.  Masks are recommended and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate and Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137.  Masks are recommended and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

Eugene was born December 6, 1931, in Farley, Iowa the son of Edward B. and Lucille (Lansing) Prier.  He married Lucille Steffensmeier on January 3, 1953, in Dyersville.  Together they raised their family & farmed near New Vienna.

Surviving are his children: Elaine (Cletus) Urbain of Dyersville, Janice (Wayne L.) Steffen of New Vienna, David Prier of Marina CA, Carl (Julie) Prier of Dyersville, Wayne (Beverly) Prier of Dyersville, Dale (Sandy) Prier of Hopkinton, Allen (Joyce) Prier of Elkader, Mark (Annette) Prier of Dubuque, Daniel (Kim) Prier of Dyersville and Donald (Christine) Prier of Dyersville; 34 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren; siblings: Germaine Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Kay (Ambrose) Eilers of Monticello, Gerald (Marilyn) Prier of Dyersville, Ed (Eileen) Prier of Dubuque, Charles (Janet) Prier of Dyersville, Will (Bonnie) Prier of Dubuque, Loras (Mary Ellen) Prier of Scottsdale, Arizona; in-laws: Eunice Prier of Manchester, Alice Na dermann of Dyersville and Mary (Charles) Hellman of Holy Cross, Elaine Steffensmeier of Dyersville, Wilfred (Andrea) Steffensmeier of Farley, James (Rita) Steffensmeier and Agnes Steffensmeier, both of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2005, daughters: Lois in 2002 (Mark) Hermsen in 2019, Patricia in 2012 (Dale) Demmer in 2014, 1 grandson and 3 great grandchildren, a brother, Marvin Prier; in-laws: Roger Deutmeyer, Wilma Prier, Florence (Joe) Meis Arthur Steffensmeier, Richard Nadermann, Eugene (Helen) Steffensmeier, Eldon (Clara) Steffensmeier and Donald Steffensmeier.

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

Barbara J. Miller

Barbara J. “Barbie” Miller, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Barbie’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A public memorial visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, September 1, 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.

Barbara Jeanne Spaete was born on June 25, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Robert Warren and Dolores Marie (Rittmanic) Spaete.  She was a 1977 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She then received her Registered Nursing degree from Clinton Community College and later her BSN from the University of Phoenix.  She married Stephen Lee Miller on March 19, 1977 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  To this union three children were born, Ben, Nick and Michele.

Barbie had a passion of caring for others and worked as a registered nurse for many years at area hospitals and assisted living centers.  She was currently working at The Rose of Dubuque.

Barbie loved to spend time with family, play cards and tiles, quilt, play Words with Friends, and most notably baking decorative cakes.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Ben (Dawn) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Nick Miller of Maquoketa, IA, and Michele (Eric) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, Braiden, Briley, Levi, Kyra, Evelyn, Hazel and Jacob; siblings, Ann (Dave) Coffman of Muscatine, IA, Sue (Joe) Vorbeck of Maquoketa, IA, Norma Mangler of Dubuque, IA, Mike (Danielle) Spaete of Cape Coral, FL, Dan (Darlis) Spaete of Bettendorf, IA, Steve (Karen) Spaete of Oro Valley, AZ, and Bob (Madeline) Spaete of Colorado Springs; and her mother-in-law, Maxine Miller of Maquoketa, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Roger Spaete, and her husband Stephen Lee Miller on June 13, 2020.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Barbara J. “Barbie” Miller memorial fund has been established.

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

Mildred C. Zugenbuehler

Mildred C. Zugenbuehler, 93, of Stonehill Care Center passed away on August 24, 2020 at Stonehill.

According to her wishes, no public visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.

Mildred was born on January 30, 1927 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Nicholas Hemmer and Francis Rettemeier. She married Charles Zugenbuehler and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Toni (Dick) Heller, of Dubuque, Karen (Bob) Elliott, of Florida, Patty (Bud) Mowitt, of New Hampton, IA, Dave (Julie) Zugenbuehler, of Madison, WI, Marc Zugenbuehler, of Dubuque and Sue (Ed) Walz who she thought of as her own.  Five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; her sister Carol (John) Pins

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, siblings Delores Manning, Ruth Schumacher, Anna Mae Fries and Doc Hemmer.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Library in memory of Mildred.

Mildred’s family would like to thank Stonehill Care Center, Dr. Salas, Dr. Viner, the staff at Grandriver Medical and Hospice of Dubuque for all their care and kindness.

Mildred M. Tressel

Mildred “Millie” M. Tressel, formerly of 770 Harvard Street, died August 28, 2020 at Bethany Home, Dubuque.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of the Nativity with Father Dwayne Thoman presiding.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Masks and social distancing are required.  No public visitation will be held. Mass will be live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. Monday on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Mildred was born November 11, 1934 in North Buena Vista, IA, daughter of Fred and Hilda (Tschirgi) Brimeyer. On June 22, 1957, she married Norbert Tressel in North Buena Vista. They were married for 63 years.

Mildred is survived by her spouse, Norbert Tressel, her children Michelle of Cedar Rapids, IA, Dennis (Ann) of Dubuque, IA, Sharon (Steve) Roling of Eldridge, IA, Rodney (Kirsten) of Ankeny, IA, Kurt (Pam) of Bettendorf, IA and Karen (John) McCartney of Verona, WI, her grandchildren Ben (Adrienne), Elizabeth, Luke (Katie), Mark, Katie (Jeremy), Andrew, Matt, Haley, Holly, Josie, Max, Amelia, her great-grandchildren Camryn, Ellie, Casey, her siblings Greg, Earl, Stella, Carol, Laura, many nieces and nephews, including her godchildren Dana, Diane, Bob, Dan, Kathy and Susanne.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Hilda Brimeyer, her siblings Selma, Alvin, Bob, Nick, Harvey and granddaughter Emily.

She was a member of Nativity parish, Rosary Society and the Catholic Order of Foresters, Marquette Court #811.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Church of the Nativity, Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, the Iowa Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hospice of Dubuque or Bethany Home.

My wife of 63 years had a deep faith and a profound love for her immediate and extended family. She created a home where family and friends would gather for a birthday celebration, Christmas Eve, a game of cards or a cup of coffee.  She cherished family events, especially the annual family reunion, typically attended by over 100 people. She took up her cross, when she was challenged by cancer, broken bones or heart problems. Each of our grandchildren is our favorite.

We, her children, recognize the sacrifices Mom made for us and for others.  She and Dad sent all six of us through Catholic schools from 1st grade through high school and modeled how to practice our Catholic faith. She was very generous and quick to help elderly neighbors and relatives in need.  She taught us and other relatives how to sew, quilt, can and find a good bargain while shopping.  Many friends and family members were gifted with items she handmade: crocheted blankets, baby quilts, doilies, tablecloths and painted ceramic Nativity sets. When we were growing up, Mom was always home when we arrived home from school. After we were grown, she worked at Armstrong’s doing bridal alterations. It wasn’t until we were adults that we grasped that Mom was quick-witted and extremely funny.  Even in her last days, she would tell a story and break out in laughter.

Our family extends our deepest appreciation to the community at Bethany Home: to the employees for the love, friendship and exceptional care given to our Mom and to the residents who befriended Mom. We are also grateful to Hospice of Dubuque and to our extended family and friends for supporting us with love, encouragement and prayers.

Sister Eileen E. Fuchs, BVM

Sister Eileen E. Fuchs, BVM, 61, of 3175 Pennsylvania Ave, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, followed by a virtual visitation from 10:25-10:40 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Hall Chapel at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Eileen served the BVM congregation as a Congregational Representative and ministered as a science teacher at Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, Mo. She worked as a medical technologist at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis prior to entering the BVM community.

She was born July 31, 1959, in St. Louis to William and Eileen (Hannifin) Fuchs. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 27, 1995, from St. Elizabeth Parish, St. Louis. She professed first vows on July 18, 1998, and final vows on July 16, 2005.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dan Fuchs, and sister Betsy Demny. She is survived by a brother Bill (Chris) Fuchs, Boca Raton, Fla.; and sisters Terry (Jack) McGauley, St. Louis; and Cece Seida, Ballwin, Mo.; many devoted nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 25 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.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

James R. Thompson

James R. “Boar” Thompson, age 77, of East Dubuque, Ilinois, completed his earthly journey on August 27, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., at R Place, 292 Sinsinawa Ave, in East Dubuque.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center in humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on February 23, 1943, in Dubuque, a son to Vivian (Russo) Thompson.  He grew up surrounded by family and friends in the exact same neighborhood where he would spend his entire life making his way in the world.  Jim worked as a truck driver for many years, as a mechanic for a few, he also enjoyed spending the spare time in his retirement with the maintenance department at Eagle Ridge, while most recently helping his friends at R Place get the days started with everything in proper working order.  But, all who really knew and loved Jim know that where he truly shined was at home.  Jim was the epitome of a man among men, and a Jack of all Trades.  All of his family, friends and neighbors knew that if they needed anything built, repaired, assembled, or simply improved through modification, Jim was the man for the task and the answer would always be “Yes”.  His skillful generosity is legendary and the abundance of memories he leaves behind are inspiring indeed for all of us who strive to serve others within our communities.  We will surely miss Boar for the rest of our days; his grand stories of fishing and more, his severely dry wit, his unending supply of colorful clichés, and the peaceful sight of this continually content man when a cold Keystone Light was in his hand while tinkering in the garage.  Jim embraced the uncomplicated joys of living life simply, while also to the fullest.  We will miss this man who taught us by example that life is but a journey to be lived once, and in case there’s ever any question about it, water is meant for fishing.  Thank you, Jim, for the love and lessons you leave behind, and may the peace of the Lord be with you and Joan until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his 3 daughters,
Tamara Lynn “Tammy” (Tim) Freisinger, East Dubuque, Ilinois,
Jean VanBlaracom, Monks Corner, South Carolina,
and Karla (Donny) Kass, Cumming, Georgia;

his 6 grandchildren;
Heather Freisinger, Tanner Freisinger, Valerie VanBlaracom, Michael (Michelle) VanBlaracom, Jordan Kass, and Ryan James “R.J.” Kass;

1 great-grandson,
Xavier VanBlaracom;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful bride, Joan Thompson; and 2 brothers, Steve “Biff” Thompson, and Mike “Dipe” Thompson.

Jim’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, the University of Iowa, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their compassionate care and support over these last days.  Your kindness is appreciated more than you know.

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

Pamela J. Davis

Pamela J. “Pam” Davis, 66, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, August 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2020, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at a later date at the Esgate Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation and service at the funeral home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pamela Jean Burns was born on January 21, 1954 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Roy Kenneth and Shirley Jean (Beach) Burns.  She was a 1972 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then Scott Community College in Davenport.  She married Larry Dean Davis on September 1, 1973 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union:  Shane, Kelli, and Dan.

Pam had worked at U.S. Bank in the Customer Service and Loan Department for over 20 years.  She had also worked at Kohl’s for over 10 years as a Store Support Lead.

Pam had a profound passion for the outdoors.  She found great joy in traveling and even in the process of planning for these special family trips.  They went every year they were married.  She also enjoyed hiking, waterfalls, lighthouses, birdwatching, taking care of her flowers, and shopping.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and attending their events.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Larry Davis of Maquoketa, IA; children, Shane (Hope) Davis of Spragueville, IA, Kelli (Jason) Bendixen of Maquoketa, IA, and Dan (Melissa) Davis of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Kevin (Ann) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Keith Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Ken (Sheryl) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, and Mike Burns of Marion, IA; and 9 grandchildren, Alyssa Davis, Keily Davis, Cameron Bendixen, Sydnee Davis, Anna Bendixen, Carley Davis, Gavin Davis, Madison Davis and Kannon Davis.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Pamela J. “Pam” Davis memorial fund has been established.

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

James T. Ryan

James Timothy “Jim” Ryan, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Thursday August 27th, 2020 at home surrounded by family following an extended illness.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM.   Please respect our current social distancing requirements and the Mask Mandate. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Jim’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant.  The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Jim was born March 1, 1938, in Dubuque, the son of Edmund and Callista (McCarthy) Ryan. He was the youngest of four siblings growing up on his family’s farm. Jim was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1955. On July 12, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Kaiser at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jim worked as a Sheet Metal worker in Dubuque for 45 years and was a member of SMART Local 91 for over 65 years.

After retirement in 2000, Jim discovered cycling which resulted in countless miles on the road, participating in RAGBRAI events and rides all around the Midwest. He was a ski instructor at Sundown Ski Resort. He enjoyed traveling the world, including cultural family stay exchanges and trips to many adventurous countries. He began his love of camping with the Dubuque National Hikers and Campers Club when his children were young. Jim was his happiest experiencing the mountains of Colorado, making regular trips to ski, backpack, hike, camp and explore the backroads. He was proud to help his son build several houses. Riding his 1947 Farmall tractor on his farm, that he had worked with his dad as a boy, was his peaceful place to go and remember his family. He often remarked on how much he enjoyed his life, especially the many friends he met along the way.

Jim was a member of Nativity Parish.

Surviving to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife, a son, Timothy Ryan, of Zwingle, IA; a daughter, Dayna (Robert) Ryan and their son Nicholas James Ryan, of Lakewood, CO; sister-in-law, Darlene Ryan, of Dubuque, and brother-in-law, Bobby Campbell, of Northglenn, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy Fangman and Lorraine Schuster; his brother, Albert Ryan; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Saloma Kaiser; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Campbell and his brothers-in-law, Charles Fangman and Lorain Schuster.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s compassionate caregivers from Home Instead, Hospice of Dubuque and Palliative Care.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Rescue Mission or Hospice of Dubuque.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.