Obituaries Archive

David J. Ostrander Sr.

David John Ostrander Sr., 79, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019, surrounded by his honey love and family at his home.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday, December 8, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Ostrander will be 10:30 AM Monday, December 9, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

David was born September 22, 1940, in Dubuque, the son of Carl and Hilda “Moore” Ostrander. On December 29, 1973, he married Mary V. Grotjohn in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1958.

He worked for Interstate Power and retired with his disability and then became Mr. Mom to his children.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, I.B.E.W. Local 263, as well as the Teamsters #421, Dubuque Boat Club and St. Vincent de Paul. He was the 39th Heart Transplant person in Iowa City, back on July 24, 1990 and had a kidney transplant in September 2012. He also was a member of the transplant Support Group, the Iowa State Organ Procurement Association, and the anxiously awaiting the organ transplant support group in Iowa City, Iowa.

Survivors include his honey love, Mary; six daughters, Lisa (Jeff) Kohl of Dubuque, Kristina (Kenneth) Klinkhammer of Durango, Karen (Steve) McConnell of Dubuque, Kim (Dennis) Einspahr of Clinton, Michele (Matt) Swanson of Stillman Valley, IL, Kathryn (Joshua) Ostrander-Krier of Dubuque; two sons, Donald (Debra) Ostrander of Des Moines, and Daniel (Kristie) Ostrander of Asbury, daughter-in-law, Sue Ostrander of Greensboro, NC, He was Papa Bear to 32 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one brother, Michael (Elaine) Ostrander of Potosi, WI; two sisters, Linda Moscoso of Dubuque, and Nancy (Terry) Nix of WI; one Half-Brother, Carl Ostrander, Jr. of MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Hilda Kuennen and his grandmother Mary Moore, and a son, David Ostrander, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially, Jessica and the University of Iowa Transplant team for all their and concern and Carol Laxton for her 29 1/2 years of support.

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

Jeff K. Janssen

Jeff K. “Whitey” Janssen, 56, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019 at his home in Epworth, Iowa.

Visitation for Jeff will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa. Visitation will also be held after 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home in Epworth.

Services for Jeff will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, with Pastor Julie Schubert officiating. Burial will be held in Highview Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

Jeff was born September 5, 1963 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Kenneth and Betty (Schmitt) Janssen. He received his education from the Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa. Jeff worked for the Michaels Corporation.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Janssen of Epworth, IA, Carrie Janssen-Smith (Terry Smith) of Pocatello, Idaho, James (Mary) Janssen of Farley, IA, Laurie Janssen of Epworth, IA; niece and nephew, Kristine (Jay) Jubeck and Aaron Janssen.

He is also preceded in death by his father, Kenneth H. Janssen on January 26, 2001.

In lieu of flowers a Jeff K. “Whitey” Janssen memorial fund has been established.

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

Jeffery A. Davis

Jeffery A. “Jeff” Davis, 68, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday Afternoon, December 3, 2019, at his home.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Jeff from 3 to 7 P.M. on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at THE TIMBER CENTER, 1005 EAST PLATT STREET, MAQUOKETA.  A private family service will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

Jeffery Allen Davis was born on October 24, 1951 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Robert D. and Betty Laurine (Lange) Davis Sr.  He was a 1969 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  He then worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa from 1969 to 1971 and Caterpillar at Mt. Joy from 1972 to 1987.  From 1989 until present he was the business owner and operator of the American Family Insurance Office in Maquoketa.

He married Becky Hurley on September 27, 1969 in Kirksville, Missouri and to this union four children were born:  Kim, Brian, Sandra and Susannah.  He later married Jennie Rae Brinkman on June 19, 2010 in Lost Nation, Iowa.

Jeff was a member of the Jackson County Beef Producers and a former Boy Scout Leader.  He was a great storyteller who loved a good laugh.  He enjoyed farming and combined for five straight days in November of this year.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, building houses, occasional gambling at the “boat” and wine trips/discovery tours.

Those left to honor Jeff’s memory include his wife, Jennie Davis of Maquoketa, IA; children, Kim (Jim) Ernst of Clinton, IA, Brian (Lawrence) Davis of Maquoketa, IA, Sandra (Alen) Kloos of Maquoketa, IA, and Susannah (fiancé Derrick Dirks) of Lost Nation, IA; bonus children, Bryce (fiancé Danika Sawyer) Perry of Lowden, IA, and Abigail (Eric Atwater) Perry of Davenport, IA; 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Judy) Davis Jr. of Sabula, IA, Thomas (Kathleen) Davis of Delmar, IA, Larry (Pam) Davis of Maquoketa, IA, and Boyd (Rhonda) Davis of Maquoketa, IA; and a sister, Kaye Miller of TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Monica Faye, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Raymond and Laura Brinkman.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Jeffery A. “Jeff” Davis memorial fund.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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

Constance A. O’Neill

Constance A. “Gagee” O’Neill 80, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, December 1, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday December 7th at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. followed by a memorial service at 3:30.

Constance was born on December 31, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of William O’Neill and Viola Artus.

Mom intricately invested her love into the lives of those she cherished.

She is survived by the loves of her life, Kim (Dave Winders) Barrett of East Dubuque, IL, Kelli (David) Naylor of Monticello, IA, Joseph (Kris) Miller of Swisher, IA and Kristi (Eric) Sebby of Omaha, NE; her grandchildren Brandi (Shane) Kampas, Jef (Courtney Tomlinson) Barrett, Dustin (Annie) Farber, Britni Farber, Nick (Stephanie) Farber, Brittany (Adam) McClain, Jaxson Naylor, Dawson Naylor and Max Sebby; her great grandchildren Mikayla, Eli, Bianca, Cosette and Griffin Farber, Hudson Reilly, Cruz Eckermann, Nolan, Reid and Sylvia Farber; her sister Elaine (Brad) Klug of Ft. Dodge, IA.  Connie is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Constance was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters Patricia and Jeanette and her brother Bill.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

“You’re pretty much our most favorite person in the history of ever.”

Richard W. Anthony

Richard W. “Dick” Anthony, age 87, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 10:25 a.m., on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Dick’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  To honor Dick’s life, funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, December 6, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Dick was born on September 6, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Paul and Mathilda (Schmit) Anthony.

Dick was a life long Dubuquer and self employed contractor, who has worked on several prominent buildings around town throughout the years.  He was united in marriage to Joanne Neuhaus on May 3, 1958, and they would be blessed with 5 children and 52 wonderful years together before Joanne was called home on June 15, 2010.  Dick honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1953-1955.  He was a proud supporter of all veterans and was a long standing member of the American Legion Dubuque Post 6 and the V.F.W.  A true highlight for Dick was traveling on the Honor Flight a few years ago to visit the memorials in Washington DC.  He was also a 25 year member of the Dubuque Shooting Society 660 Club, and a faithful member of Holy Trinity Church.  In his free time, Dick enjoyed traveling and going out socializing and  playing Euchre with his friends.  He also loved spending time out on the river when the kids were younger.  We are deeply saddened at the loss of our father and grandfather, but find some comfort in the knowledge that he is now free of the heath issues he has faced these past weeks.

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include

his 3 children,
Jill Anthony, Prairie du Chien, WI,
Kenneth Anthony Dubuque, IA
and Robert Anthony, Dubuque, IA;

his 6 grandchildren;

his 5 great-grandchildren;

his in-laws,
Inez (Clair) Fannon, Edgewood, IA
and Donald (Mary) Neuhaus, Dyersville, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne Anthony; a daughter, Christine Horsfield; a son, Steve Anthony; a sister, Rosemary Walsh; and 2 brothers, Paul Anthony and Don Anthony.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

John A. Koppes

John A. Koppes, 71, of Onslow, Iowa, passed away, Monday, December 2, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of John may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the funeral home. Services for John will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill, with Rev. Douglas Loecke. Military Honors will be afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born November 27, 1948 in Cascade, Iowa, son of Albert and Afton (Merrill) Koppes. He is a graduate of the former Aquin High School in Cascade, Iowa. On June 21, 1969 he was united in marriage to Gail M. Fields at St. Martin’s in Cascade. He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 29 years. After retiring he was Grounds Keeper for Little Bear Golf Course.

John was an avid golfer, and a Notre Dame, Packer fan. John was known for being a very selfless person and would help anyone. Most important to him was time well spent with his family.

He was an Army Reserve Veteran. He was a member of St. Peter’s Parish in Temple Hill and a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528

He is survived by his wife, Gail Koppes of Onslow; three children, John (Lori) Koppes of Waukee, Shannon (David) Van Vors of Center Point and Danny (Amy) Koppes of Wyoming; seven grandchildren, Brett, Tyler, Damon and Brooke Koppes, Jordan Van Vors, Madi Van Vors and Cali Koppes; one great grandson, Hudson Koppes; brothers and sisters, Nick Koppes of Onslow, Mike Koppes of Monticello, Sarah (Mike) Bradley of Onslow and Janice (Bob) Moriarity of Cascade.

He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Virginia M. Knepper

Virginia M. Knepper, 101, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Virginia may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3 p.m., a CDA rosary at 4:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2019 at the funeral home. Services for Virginia will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2019, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

She was born March 16, 1918 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of John and Florence (Brown) McAllister. She is a graduate of the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade. On October 12, 1944 she was united in marriage to Leo Knepper in Seattle, Washington. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1989.

She worked at Koster’s Cafe in Cascade, the former Dubuque Packing Company and later worked with her husband, Leo, cooking at various restaurants in the area.
After raising her own family, Virginia began babysitting in her home for local families. She was very proud to have played a part in raising over 40 children for 25 families in the local area. Her great joy was seeing these kids all grown up with families of their own.

One month before her death, Virginia lost her warm companion of many, many years, her beloved cat, Sadie. They are now together.

Virginia was always proud of her “big white house on Main Street”. She was very honored in 2002 to be recognized by the Dubuque County Historical Society for the historic preservation and restoration of the Knepper family home since 1948.
The Christmas holidays were very special for Virginia. She enjoyed decorating the entire house with multiple trees. Her Santa collection was displayed in many rooms. Her large home was filled on Christmas day with family, grandkids, and great grandkids. The gift exchange was chaos! The season also included her month long baking of candy, cookies, and other treats; she will be dearly missed in 2019.

Last, but certainly not least Virginia enjoyed years and years of comfortable living in her own home as she approached 101 years. All of that was made possible by the loving daily care provided by her son, Gary. He truly did everything…cared for the huge lawn, trees and flowers…kept the house in working order…made it a welcoming place for family. His daily routine included Virginia’s “longevity ” breakfast of fresh pineapple, yogurt and granola bar. He could also fill her request for a nice evening meal each and every day. The evening ended with David Letterman starting at 10:30.

She is survived by three children, Allan (Barb) Knepper of Pewaukee, WI, Steve J. Knepper and Gary Knepper both of Cascade, IA; many nieces and nephews and 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Nicholas L. Knepper on October 25, 2008; a step-daughter, M. Nancy Loes on April 28, 2018; brothers, Jim McAllister, Ray (Mary) McAllister, Earl (Lorraine) McAllister; a sister, Lucille (Clarence) Winter; a grandson, Rob Loes and many other nieces and nephews.

After living for over 101 years, Virginia was asked “What is the secret to your longevity?” Her quick answer was “Great Doctors!” A special thanks goes out to all her medical providers and doctors, including Dr. Liaboe but most importantly her doctor of many years and a dear friend, Dr. Darryl Mozena.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and workers at Stonehill Franciscan Care Center for bringing comfort to Virginia each and every day.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Florence M. Bonnet

Florence M. Bonnet, age 95, of Dubuque passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Mark Kwenin officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish scripture wake service will be recited at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday followed by a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and also from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Florence was born on her family farm on March 7, 1924 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Emma (Westemeier) Doyle. She graduated from Hazel Green High School and attended the Davenport School of Commerce. On February 10, 1945 Florence married Elmer Bonnet at St. Frances de Sales Church in Hazel Green.

Florence was the principal’s secretary at Sacred Heart School and then worked at Mercy Health Center retiring in 1989.

She was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital for many years after her retirement and was a member of Sacred Heart Altar & Rosary Society, Dubuque Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Emerald Crown Club.

Surviving are her children Katie (Carl) Langston of San Diego, CA, Dick (Leiann) Bonnet of Boise, ID, Roger Bonnet of Agana, Guam and Mark (Barb) Bonnet of Cedar Rapids, IA; her granddaughters Rachel and Claire Bonnet both of Boise, ID; her brother William Doyle of Hazel Green, WI and her sister-in-law Julianna Haight of Moline, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer on June 11, 2000; her sister and brother-in-law Helen (Fidelis) Bosch; her brother and sister-in-law Tom (Mildred) Doyle and her sister-in-law Rosie Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

Anna M. Soppe

Anna M. Soppe, 81, of Monticello died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Unity Point – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 am Friday, December 6, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello.

Anna was born on Nov. 9, 1938, in Iowa City the daughter of Walter and Dorothy (Michels) Tuel. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1957. In 1960, she married Louis Soppe. They later divorced, but to this union 4 children were born.

In her junior/senior year she worked for Olive Shover, and in 1959 she began her work at Collins Radio until 1968. She also did bookwork for her husband, and had several part time jobs before working at John McDonald Hospital as tray person and head cook. She also worked at the Monticello Sale Barn and Dairy Sweet before going to Doer Electric/Emerson.

She enjoyed having grandchildren around. She liked watching stock car and truck races, doing crossword puzzles and making quilts for her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Gayle Pearson of Anamosa, Bryan ( Kathy) Soppe of Ankeny, Lou Ann Soppe of Cedar Rapids and Curtis Soppe of Monticello; 9 grandchildren, Craig (Holly), Shawn ( Danielle), Chelsea, Rachel, Brandon, Erik, Britney, Nicholas, and Tyler Soppe; 4 great grandsons: Tavian, Tayton and Oweyn Soppe, and Treven Teasdale; siblings are Robert (Arlene) Tuel of San Bernardino, CA, Janice Jacobsmeier of Monticello, Michael Tuel of Monticello, William (Sharon) Tuel of Clarence, and Connie Tuel of Monticello.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Pamela and Bonnie, a brother-in-law, Bernard Jacobsmeier, and a sister-in-law, Carol Tuel.

Information available at www.kramerfuneral.com

Duane W. Schroeder

Duane W. “Dunes” Schroeder, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday morning, November 30, 2019, at his brother Alan’s home in Lost Nation, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, December 5, 2019, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 210 EAST PLATT STREET, Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, from 2 to 7 P.M. at the Timber Center, 1005 East Platt Street, Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery. Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is in charge of the arrangements.

Duane Wilbert Schroeder was born on September 13, 1957 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Wilbert John “Gus” and Lois Elaine (Steinke) Schroeder. He grew up in Lost Nation and was a 1977 graduate of Lost Nation High School.

Dunes was a lifelong florist and gardener most recently working at RonAnn’s Floral Shoppe in Maquoketa since 2005, as well as owner of the Welcome Flower Shop in Lost Nation, Iowa. He also worked as a bartender at many local establishments with many years at Timber Lanes in Maquoketa. Additionally, he enjoyed many summer nights greeting customers at the Voy 61 Drive-In Movie Theatre in Maquoketa.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Jackson County Master Gardeners and the Jackson County Fair Board Association. He was an avid bowler and had been a member of several area bowling leagues. He enjoyed flowers, horseback riding, birds, fish, the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Dennis (Phyllis) Schroeder of Cheyenne, WY, Randy (Anna) Schroeder of Riverdale, GA, James (Sally) Schroeder of Lost Nation, IA, Susan (Dana) Zeller of Lost Nation, IA, and Alan (Kelly) Schroeder of Lost Nation, IA; a foreign exchange brother, Genio (Carol) Mallillin of NJ; 14 nieces and nephews, 27 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert, and 2 nephews.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Duane W. “Dunes” Schroeder memorial fund has been established.

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

Jerry Breitbach

Jerry “Fritz” Breitbach, 74, of Cascade Iowa passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Jerry may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, December 4 , 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where services will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Douglas Loecke presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa at a later date.

He was born November 9, 1945 in Cascade, Iowa, the son of Clarence L. and Hazel A. (Behrends) Breitbach. On February 17, 1968 he was united in marriage to Constance “Connie” Picray at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello, Iowa. She preceded him in death on September 14, 2018. He was employed with Schwan’s Company and later at Wal Mart in Dubuque as an assembler.

Jerry was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and he especially looked forward to going on casino trips.

He is survived by two sons, Joe (Stacie) Breitbach of Monticello, IA and Steve (Amy) Breitbach of Ankeny, IA; three grandchildren; Clint (Julia Lanpher), Zach, and Ava; two sisters, Sharon “Potts” Meyer of East Dubuque, IL, and Vickie (Stu Hetherington) Holub of Mesa, AZ; three brother-in-laws, Ron (Jane) Picray of Monticello, IA, Rick Scott of Epworth, IA and Dan Moats of Monticello, IA; and one sister-in-law, Judy (Duane) Sternhagen of Hopkinton, IA.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lois Scott and Shirley Keating; brothers-in-law Dean Meyer and Eugene (Peg) Picray; and a sister-in-law, Marlene Moats.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.

Raymond F. Fishnick

Raymond Francis Fishnick, 81, of Asbury, died Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at his home surrounded with family and friends.

Ray was born January 28, 1938, in Cassville, WI, the son of Fred H, and Mildred Laufenberg Fishnick. On April 24, 1960, he married Phyllis A. Thielen at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.

He was the last of the 4th generation of SOP-HO-KAB (“Indian Kate”) a full blooded Sox Indian.

Ray worked 33 years at John Deer Tractor Works, nine of those years in foundry squeeze molding and then in the plant as an assembler. He also farmed, did mason work, worked at Dubuque Pack and commercial fished with his brother-in-law, Freddie. After retirement, he and Phyllis created marquetry pieces, traveling from Asbury to Washington D.C., Gatlinburg, TN, and visiting family who lived around Lake Michigan as they sold their creations at art-in-the-parks. He loved spending time with his family. Later years, Ray designed and built props Phyllis used in her clowning. Ray was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury.

Survivors include his wife Phyllis; one daughter, Benay (Terry) Carlstrom of Vancouver, WA; four sons, Rob (Patsi) Fishnick of Holland, MI, Fred R. (Cindy) Fishnick of Maple City, MI, Greg (Denise) Fishnick of Holland, MI, and Jason T. (Lora) Fishnick of Epworth, IA; six grandchildren, Josh (Renee) Fishnick of WA, Jasmyn (Jose) Ortiz of MN, Roxanne (Matt) Adkins of MI, Jason A. Fishnick of MI, Stephanie (Troy) Kurkjian of MI, and Tara Fishnick of MI; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Belva (LeRoy) Bausch; brothers-in-law, George Hollister of Dubuque, Freddie (Mary) Thielen of Bellevue, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ima Jean, Bernard & Edna Fishnick, Gerald & Margaret Fishnick, Walter & Joyce Fishnick, Sonny & Lu Puccio, Marge Hollister, and Verona & Harlan Ketelsen.

Ray’s wish was neither visitation nor funeral. The family will gather in April for graveside services. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is caring for Ray and his family.

We are thankful for Pastor Paul, nurses and aids from Hospice of Dubuque and the Grace of God who watches over us all. Memorials may be given to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church and/or Hospice of Dubuque.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Ray’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Theda M. Hall

Theda May Hall, 93, of Graf passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

A Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at St. John the Baptist in Peosta. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, with burial in the Latnerville Cemetery. Rev. Michael Schueller will officiate.

Theda was born February 4, 1926, the daughter of Samuel and Violet (Boyes) Berger. She married Robert Hall on August 26, 1947, in Epworth, Iowa, he preceded her in death on March 15, 1975. Theda worked at the Battery Factory in support of WWII when she was young and later in life worked at Ertl’s in Dyersville.

Her hobbies included fishing, hunting, canning, gardening, dogs, bingo, TOPS, cards and cooking.

Survivors include her children; Barbara (Buck) Callahan, Patrick (Dorothy) Hall, Marlene (Mike Bockenstedt) Kalb, son-in-law, Leo Roling, sister-in-law, Judy Berger, 9 grandchildren: Tina and Jean Callahan, Mary Lou (Steve) Koehler, Jason (Nicole) Hall, Robert (Beth) Hall, Stacy Kalb, Jack (Jamie) Kalb, Jacob (Samantha) Kalb, Donald (Amanda) Kalb, 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, Mary Lou Roling on December 24, 2002, son-in-law, Donald “Jack” Kalb Jr. on Febuary 4, 1993, brothers: Art (Linda) Berger, Ivan Berger, Louis Zinn, Sisters: Norma (John “Clayton”) Brady, Betty (Gene) Goetzinger.

Theda’s family would like to thank the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they showed to their mother.

The family requests no flowers.

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

Dorothy J. Gottschalk

Dorothy Jean Gottschalk, 85 of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Bethany Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 p.m.

Dorothy was born on February 8, 1934, the daughter of William and Bertha (Widmar) Becker Sr. She married Earl H. Gottschalk, on Feb. 2, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, together they shared 58 years until Earl’s passing on Feb. 14, 2010.

Dorothy retired from Flexsteel Industries after many years and later worked at the Dubuque Advertiser, along with being a full-time mom and grandma. She loved to work in the garden, bake and enjoyed providing sweets for her family. She had a special love for animals especially her cats. As you can see “Speedy” never slowed down.

Dorothy was a member of the Eagles Club and served with the Knights of Columbus Council #5513 Auxiliary.

She is survived by her 10 children Dennis Gottschalk, Tim “Fuzzy” (Kelli) Gottschalk, Jane Connolly, Don (Julie) Gottschalk, Sarah (Dan) Zenner, Greg (Debbie) Gottschalk and Marty (Teresa) Gottschalk, all of Dubuque, Cindy Gottschalk, of Freeport, IL, Dorothy “Dottie” (Dennis) Anderley, of Austin MN, and Tammy (Max) Osman, of Minneapolis, MN, 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, 4 sisters Evelyn “Evie” High, Delores Kloser, Joan Miller, and Lois Rannals, all of Dubuque along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents along with 4 brothers William Jr., Harold, Walter, and Roger Becker and 4 sisters Marie, Eleanor, Roselyn “Rosie” and Alice, along with a grandson in infancy Andrew Gottschalk.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for all the wonderful care they gave to our mom and grandma these last years.

In lieu of flowers, a Dorothy Gottschalk memorial fund will be established.

Roger W. Hager

Roger W. Hager, 76, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, December 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Fellowship and Lunch will follow the interment at Horizon Hall in Bellevue.

Roger was born August 2, 1943 in Bellevue, the son of Raymond and Sedalia (Jacobs) Hager. He graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 1961. Roger married Carol Ploeger on May 17, 1969 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. He worked for John Deere Works in Dubuque for 30 years, retiring in 1996.

Roger also farmed, enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, snowmobiling, and riding in the side by side. Roger and Carol were in card club for over 30 years, enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Florida, and attending the Iowa State Fair.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; children, Randy “Rufus” (Lynne) Hager and John (Jennie) Hager; grandchildren, Colin, Trevor, Aubrie, Austin, and Aunika; a brother, Lorin ( Ceil) Hager; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Cindy Hager in 1979; siblings, Orville (Arlene) and Merlin Hager; and father and mother in-law, Edward and Eleanor Ploeger.

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

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