Obituaries Archive

Kenneth L. Meyer

Kenneth L. Meyer, 76, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family in Manchester, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:30 – 9:30 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.  Masks are preferred and social distancing should be observed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tony Nketiah will officiate and Deacon Jim Steger will assist.

Ken was born August 28, 1944, in Dyersville the son of Leo and Loretta (Weber) Meyer.  He grew up east of Dyersville on the family farm.

He married Kathryn Billmeyer on May 8, 1965, in Greeley, Iowa.  He entered into business with several of his brothers at Home Appliance/Meyer Mechanical where he worked for nearly 50 years.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and attending his grandchildren’s events.  Other hobbies include golfing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and playing cards with his friends and neighbors.

Survivors include 4 daughters: Kim (Mark) Wingert of Cedar Rapids, Kristi (Gene) Niemer of Manchester, Karmen (Randy) Jernigan of Marion, Katie (Larry) Sadler of Dyersville;

7 grandchildren: Noah and Sophia Niemer, Allyson, Emma and Claire Jernigan, Jacob and Evelyn Sadler;  siblings: Betty McLane, Joyce (Ron) Drey, both of Dyersville; in-laws: Harry Steger of Edgewood, Dorothy Meyer, Sheila Meyer and Pat Meyer all of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathy in 2018, parents-in-law, Henry and Catherine Billmeyer; siblings: John & Anne Meyer in infancy, Loras Meyer, Dick Meyer, Don (Helen) Meyer, Mary Jane Steger, Jim Meyer, Janice (Ron) Alfred; in-laws: John J. (Marie) Billmeyer and Loma (Irvin) Kerkenbush.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Above and Beyond Hospice, Regional Medical Center and other daily caregivers for their love and compassion over the last seven months.

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

Margaret Koenig

Margaret “Maggie” Koenig died peacefully on September 30, 2020 at her beloved Stonehill Care Center surrounded by her extended family there.

Private family service will be on Monday, October 5, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Maggie was born on December 21, 1927 to William and Genevieve (Lanser) Drosopoulos in Dubuque, Iowa. She married Raymond “Ray” Koenig on March 2, 1946. They were married 38 years when Ray passed away on October 29, 1984.

Maggie was employed at Stonehill Care Center for over 40 years before retiring at the young age of 90. Stonehill Care Center was her second home and the friends she made while working there became her extended family. She enjoyed keeping in touch with them all. She also loved the Cubs, Bears, popcorn and The Farmers Market. “You got that right, kid!” was one of her favorite expressions.

Maggie is survived by her daughters Rae Ann (Tom) Freund, of Dubuque, Kristie (Jon) Russett, of Clayton, Iowa; daughter-in-law Judi Koenig, of Dubuque, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a few great-great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Ray; her son Jack; her daughter and son-in-law Sharon “Sherry” and Ron Breitbach; granddaughter Tammy Koenig; and her sister and brother-in-law Angela and Bob Kilby.

Maggie’s family would like to thank the wonderful extended family of Stonehill Care Center for their fellowship and kindness during her working days and all the way to her final days before leaving us.

Karl E. Rohnke

Karl E. Rohnke, age 83, of Galena, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on September 20, 2020, at home in the tender care of his loving wife. To honor Karl’s life, a private family service is being held.  A Celebration of Life is being scheduled in 2021 with the details to be determined. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Karl’s family.

Karl was born on May 28, 1937 in Neptune, New Jersey, the only son of Rear Admiral Oscar C. Rohnke and Gladys (Kutcher) Rohnke.  Karl graduated from Washington & Lee University (Lexington, VA) in 1960 and then served two drafted years in the U.S. Army.  This was followed by four years of teaching outdoor education in the Southern California area where he met and courted Gloree Certoma.

Since that time, Karl has been an important “player” in the field of experiential/adventure education. He was a watch officer at Hurricane Island Outward Bound in Maine in 1967, and chief instructor at North Carolina Outward Boundwhere he and his bride were married in 1969.  In 1971, he left Outward Bound to become one of the founders of the Project Adventure program in Hamilton, MA, and worked there continuously until 1996. During his employment with Project Adventure, he developed a reputation as an innovative teacher and program developer.  He continued on as director and president of the organization. Afterwards, Karl co-founded the High 5 Learning Center in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Karl’s creative and experiential facilitation style laid the foundations for adventure program development for individual and team growth in schools, colleges, corporations, camps, therapy, and elder education. Play, challenge, fun, and laughter were tools to enhance learning experiences whether in indoor and in outdoor settings. He became known as the “Father of rope course construction” ultimately opening the way for low and high rope and cable elements that incorporated problem-solving, teamwork, and self-awareness.  Somehow during his busy schedule he wrote curricula books to enhance the resources for participants.  His contributions to the experiential education field were recognized through multiple awards and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 1977 was granted by Unity College in Maine.

Karl’s fun-loving, adventurous, and determined spirit would mentor many colleagues and students in ingenious programmatic education. Even in early retirement, Karl continued to travel worldwide presenting clinics about the use for games and initiative problems as applied to various pedagogic applications.   Later, Karl found hiking backwoods trails or a little time kayaking on the Mississippi River to being a most joyous event in his free-time.  Karl made friends wherever he went and the opportunities for joy and fun which he always left behind continue to bring forth wonderful memories to all who participate in his visions yet today.

Several years ago, Karl found himself facing a new type of obstacle course.  He became fully engaged learning about his diagnosis and managing the degenerative effect of Lewy-Body Dementia.  It would be his final challenge.  The trials and tribulations were as difficult as any he had ever faced, but he resisted the entire time and met head-on the constant challenges. We will miss our master of adventure as he now finds release from his earthly struggles. Thankfully, the plethora of memories he leaves behind can now help heal all of the saddened hearts who will miss his kind and gentle soul. Thank you, Karl, for showing us that life is so much more than just the day-to-day grind we sometimes accept.  Until we meet again, may you walk in peace.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Karl include his loving wife of 50 years, Gloree Rohnke, Galena, Illinois;

his 4 children:  Matthew Rohnke, Peabody, Massachusetts;  Drew (Kathy Foster) Rohnke, Delray Beach, Florida;  Kali Rohnke, Fullerton, California;  and Kurt Rohnke, San Diego, California;

and Karl’s three adored grandchildren:  Corin Rohnke, Scarlett Rohnke and Ryan Rohnke; along with global extended family of colleagues, and friends.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents.

In memory of Karl, memorials may be made in his name to:

Caring Bridge.org.

The Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 93026 or at www.brainsupportnetwork.org;

Lewy Body Dementia Association,
912 Killian Hill Road, S.W.
Lilburn, GA 30047.  Or https://www.lbda.org/donate/

Karl’s family would like to thank the following for all of their professional and compassionate care for Karl, and his family.

Dr. Teresa Mangin, Neurologist, and her nursing staff, UW Health.

Dr. Christopher Stille, Medical Associates, his nurses and his staff. 

Thank you Karl’s home health aide, Marianne Trenhane, CNA.

Social Worker, Sarah Rogers and Palliative Care physicians, Veterans Administration, Madison, Wisconsin. 

Thanks to Dr. Garrett Mortenson and his nurses and staff.

Other attending Medical Associates doctors and staff.

UW Health Hospital Neurology doctors and nurses.

Midwest Medical Center doctors and nurses.

MercyOne Medical Center doctors and nurses.

And deep appreciation for the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque. 

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

David W. Kruckman

David W. “Dave” Kruckman, 70, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 29, 2020.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A private family service will follow with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating and military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Please remember to social distance and wear your mask.

Dave was born on November 21, 1949 in Storm Lake, Iowa the son of William and Effie (Henry) Kruckman.

Dave is a retired US Navy career veteran, serving for 23 years. He also worked for Oak Ridge Athletics.

On September 16, 1970 he married Vicki Christian in Anacortes, WA. Dave loved watching the Green Bay Packers and playing golf. He enjoyed his morning walks by the river and watching his grandchildren play soccer; but he mostly loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Vicki; two daughters, Lisa (Chris) Molzof and Jodi (Paul) Curl. His brother Richard Kruckman and two sisters Delora Steinkamp and Ardyce Hanson. His grandchildren, Chelsea, Cortney and Lindsey Molzof and Cameron Curl.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father and two brothers Dale and Darrel.

Elaine H. Mellon

Elaine H. Mellon, age 93, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on September 27, 2020, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque.  To honor Elaine’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Elaine’s family.

Elaine was born on May 27, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter to Harry and Lillian (Macker) Schroeder.  She attended Dubuque Senior High School and eventually made her way to the sales counter at Kresge’s where she would meet the love of her life, Maurice Mellon, who was heard saying at times that he met his million dollar baby at a 5 and 10 cent store.  They would be blessed with 3 children and 69 years together before he was sadly called home ahead of her.  Elaine also spent a few years working at Kmart, but primarily was quite content to be at home loving and nurturing her family.  She was a devoted wife and mother who thought she understood real joy; that is, until the grandkids came along, and now she was easily able to redefine that term.  Elaine’s home was known for wonderful Sunday dinners, the sounds of big band music in the background, and the most festive Christmas decorations around.  When the weather was nice enough, the family gatherings would regularly be moved to Eagle Point Park where a picnic atmosphere could be introduced for all to enjoy.  Elaine always loved dressing up to go dancing with Maurie, and their friends, at the Melody Mill and the Fairgrounds, but when a little time for tranquility made its way into her days at home, she could often be found with her crochet needles creating magic in her hands, or working on her most recent jig-saw and crossword puzzles.  We are beyond saddened that our sweetest mother, grandmother and friend has been called home today, but we are also grateful for the years that we were blessed with her loving spirit and to know that she and Maurice have finally found one another again.  Thank you, Elaine, for being a shining example for all who knew and loved you and may the peace of the Lord be yours, now and forever.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Elaine include,

her 3 loving children,
Maurine (Kenneth) Harris, Bellevue, Iowa,
Colleen (Robert) Steinmann, Dubuque, Iowa,
and David (Mary) Mellon, Davenport, Iowa;

her 7 adored grandchildren,
Michael (Shelly Cullen) Harris, Lori (Danny Whipple) Daniels, James (Beckie) Harris, Kerry (Robert) Preece, Benjamin (Kate) Steinmann, Courtney (Aundra) Robinson, and Andrew Mellon;

her 10 great-grandchildren,
Sarah Rogers, Reilly Gilbert, Brenna Harris, Hunter Harris, Kendra Harris, Kevin Mueller, Talia Robinson, Micah Robinson, Stone McKenna, and Sierra McKenna;

her 3 great-great-grandchildren,
Lilith Gilbert, Jax Gilbert, and Michael Gilbert;

her furry companion,
Angel;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maurice H. Mellon; and her brother and sister-in-law, Merlyn and Jean Schroeder.

Elaine’s family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Jared Freiburger, his nurses and staff, along with the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Elaine, and her family.

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

Amy M. Schumacher

Amy M. Schumacher, 66, of Dubuque, died Monday, September 28, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Church of the Resurrection.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will not be greeting people before Mass.

Amy was born July 12, 1954 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Earl and Betty (Peck) Schumacher.

Amy graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1974. Amy worked at Pizza Hut, Sisters of the Presentation, and Goodwill.

Amy was a great daughter, sister and aunt.  We will greatly miss her smile and laugh. Everyone loved Amy.

Amy has lived at Sunnycrest Manor for 17 years.  Amy’s family would like to thank Sunnycrest for all the great love and care she received there. They are our family.  Thank you Sunnycrest!

Amy is survived by four siblings, E. Thomas (Pat) Schumacher of Dubuque, Sally (Mike) Portzen of Peosta, Jean (Dan) Miller of Guttenberg, Iowa, Robert P. (Dianne) Schumacher of Eloy, Arizona, and nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.  Also surviving Are aunts and uncles, Elaine Schumacher, of Dubuque, Fred (Evelyn)  Peck of Spring Green,  Wisconsin and  Karen Peck of Champaign, Illinois, and many cousins.

Amy was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents,  nieces Christine Elizabeth and Mary Beth Schumacher and Theresa Miller Eglseder, and a nephew Timothy Scott Schumacher.  She was also preceded by many aunts and uncles.

Memorials may be sent to Sunnycrest Manor Auxiliary, 2375 Roosevelt, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

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

Vickie L. (Brandenburg) Cornelius

Vickie L. (Brandenburg) Cornelius, age 59, of Dubuque, passed peacefully at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Luther Manor, surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Vickie’s life, private family services were held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Vickie was born on March 23, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Harold and Patricia (Culbertson) Brandenburg.

Vickie attended school in Tucson, Arizona, before having her son, Paul, in 1979, and returning to Dubuque in 1985. She was united in marriage to Scott Cornelius in 1989, they were together for 20 years before he sadly passed away in 2009. She enjoyed working and was employed with the Dubuque Leader from 2008, until she was forced to retire due to health issues. Vickie was a very social person who loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid football fan with the Green Bay Packers being her favorite team. In her free time Vickie also enjoyed camping, listening to music and caring for her cats.

Those left to cherish Vickie’s memory include

her siblings,
Roger (Sue Bodish) Brandenburg
and Jerry (Billie Heiderscheit) Brandenburg;

and several nieces and nephews.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul Brandenburg; a brother, Harold Jr. in infancy; and a sister, Rhonda Tafolla.

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

Shirley A. (Wanger) Noggle

Shirley A. (Wanger) Noggle, age 88, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 1:50 p.m., on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Sunnycrest Manor, surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Shirley’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 1, 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 Shirley’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Shirley was born on October 3, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Albert J. and Pearl J. (Noonan) Wanger.

Shirley married Don E. Noggle on October 23, 1954. He preceded her in death on November 14, 1969. Shirley worked and volunteered for many years at St. Mary’s Church and school. An avid fan of professional and collegiate sports, Shirley also enjoyed playing euchre and canasta, as well as watching old movies. “The Wizard of Oz”, was her favorite movie, and Bing Crosby was her favorite actor. Most of all Shirley loved spending time with family and friends.

Shirley will be greatly missed by

her four children,
Dennis (Laura) Noggle, Overland Park, KS,
Tom Noggle,
Carol Noggle, both of Dubuque
and Karen Noggle, Iowa City, IA;

her four grandchildren,
Jeremiah, Tinya, and Elijah Noggle, all of Dubuque
and Robin Noggle, Overland Park, KS;

her great-grandchildren;

a sister-in-law,
Maxine Wanger, Dubuque, IA;

and her beloved 4 legged Sheltie friend,
Corrine.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Joseph Wanger; her sisters Rosemary Steiner in infancy, Virginia (Sylvester) Steiner Mauer, Elizabeth (Joseph) Steiner Takos, and Mary (John “Jack”) Wanger Wagner; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the loving staff at Sunnycrest for their wonderful care of Shirley in her final days.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Shirley A. Noggle.

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

Steve E. Klemme

Steve E. Klemme, 66, of Miles, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 surrounded by his family. A Memorial Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, October 2, 2020 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue

Steve was born July 9, 1954 in Bellevue, the son of Eldon V. and Doris L. (Roe) Klemme. He graduated from Miles High School in 1973. Steve worked for 28 years at International Paper, and then 12 years at ADM.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, a good game of Euchre, and played in a pool league for many years. Steve will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children, Steven (Maddie), Josh, Skyler Klemme, and Tara (Darrin) Farrell; 8 grandchildren; siblings, Peggy (Marty) Mancebo, Keith (Diane) Klemme, Nancy (Chuck) Bentley, Delbert Klemme, and Dennis (Shelia) Klemme.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Karol Mootz; two nephews, Troy and Dustin Klemme; and a niece, Joy Kaiser.

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

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

Joy Blackburn

Joy (Turner) Blackburn, age 80, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at ManorCare Health Services.  To celebrate Joy’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 5:30 p.m.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering.  To honor Joy’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 5, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Joy was born on March 25, 1940, in Johnsburg, Illinois, daughter of Earl J. and Helen A. (Schaefer) Turner.

Joy married David Blackburn when she was just 16 years old in 1956, and in their later years they eventually settled in Dubuque.  She was employed with several companies throughout the years including APAC and Advanced Datacom, where she did insurance sales.  She was an active member of DBQ Intergroup and was extremely proud of her sobriety.  Joy’s faith was also a very important part of her daily life.  She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and after they closed she became a member of Sacred Heart Church, where she continued to volunteer her time.  Her grandchildren truly were her world, she loved spending time with them any chance she could.  We will miss our mom, grandma and sister more than words can say, and will cherish all of the memories made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Joy’s memory include

her children,
Richard Blackburn,
Diane (Frank) Jackson,
David Blackburn,
Kenny (Marcia) Schmitt,
Linda Douglas,
and Cathy Jo (Phil) Mihalakis;

several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren;

and a brother,
Arlyn Turner.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; a son, Phil; a daughter, Joanne Harmening; 2 sisters, Elaine (Harold) Schmitt and Marilyn (Ray) Blackburn; a brother, Skippy Turner; and a sister-in-law, Avis Turner.

Joy’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all of your outstanding care of Joy, she considered all of you her angels on Earth!

Memorials will be accepted by the family and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Joy Blackburn Family.

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

Brent E. Bopes

Brent E. Bopes, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at his home.

A private family service will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded and there is no public visitation or service planned at this time.

Brent Edward Bopes was born on September 27, 1958 in Clinton, Iowa, to Charles Laverne and Mary Janet (Leigh) Bopes. He grew up in Clinton and first worked for Northwestern Railroad. He then worked as a welder at John Deere along with several other jobs until retiring. In retirement, he worked at Bowman’s Gas Station in Maquoketa for a brief period of time.

Brent enjoyed watching NASCAR and working on cars. He took great pride in his work as a welder at John Deere.

Those left to honor his memory include a daughter, Erica (Mark) Capron; 2 grandchildren, Gage and Harper; a sister, Ruth Bopes of Vail, CO; brothers, Bob (Karla) Bopes of Bourbonnais, IL, Dave Bopes of Silvis, IL, and Dan (Nancy) Bopes of Omaha, NE; a sister-in-law, Lynn Bopes of Maquoketa, IA; and step-mother, Violet Manning Bopes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a niece Jennifer Bopes, and a brother Brian Bopes on May 9, 2020.

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

Bryan E. Donatsch

Bryan E. Donatsch, 58, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at his home.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. There is no public visitation or service planned at this time.

Bryan Edward Donatsch was born on December 15, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to DeWayne Alfred and Lois Dorothy (Kieffer) Donatsch. He was a 1980 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School. He had worked at Banowetz Antiques in Maquoketa for many years and was a self-employeed woodworker.

Bryan enjoyed playing pool and being involved in pool leagues as well as riding motorcycles.

Those left to honor his memory include a son, Michael (Ashley) Donatsch of Davenport, IA; 4 grandchildren, Jackson, Juliette, Anna and Silas; brothers, Bob (Margie) Donatsch of Maquoketa, IA, and Brent Donatsch of Cedar Rapids, IA; and sisters, Barbara (Paul) Trenkamp of Preston, IA and Brenda Donatsch-Walker of Boston, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Jean L. (Burr) Kuster

Jean L. (Burr) Kuster, age 81, of Potosi, WI, formerly of Lancaster, WI, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Lancaster Health Services.

She was born January 7, 1939, the daughter of Arthur and Opal (Buroker) Gander. She went to Soldiers Grove High School. In 1960, Jean married Gary Burr and together they were partners of the Purity Bakery in Lancaster. After Gary’s death in 1990, Jean married Galen J. Kuster in 2008.

She enjoyed birdwatching, collecting knickknacks, and spending time with her husband. Jean will be fondly remembered for her big smile and joyful spirit.

Jean is survived by her husband, Galen; two nephews, Andrew (Jody) and Anthony “Tony” (Sue) Reynolds; five step-children: Bonnie (Paul) Klein, and their children, Cameron, James, Matt, Patrick and Kyle; Dwight (Beth) Kuster, and their children, Alesha, Travis, and Ryan; Kevin (Candy) Kuster, and their children, Ashley, Nicole and Mitchell; Karl (Melissa) Kuster; and Wade (Michelle) Kuster, and their children, Skyler, Owen, Riley, Wyatt, Cole and Baylee. She is also survived by a sister, Susan Milender.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gary, Jean was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie (Roger) Reynolds.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster with Pastor Jim McMahon officiating. In lieu of plants, flowers and other gifts, memorials in Jean’s honor may be mailed to P.O. Box 30, Lancaster, WI 53813. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Lancaster is entrusted with her services.

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Cecil E. Simons

Cecil E. Simons, 93, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Meth-Wick Community Care Center in Cedar Rapids.  Private Family Memorial Services will be livestreamed on the First Presbyterian Church Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresBellevue) at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2020 with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273.  Family will greet friends 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Noon), prior to the services on Wednesday at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

It is required to utilize masks and respect social distancing during the visitation at the funeral home and at the memorial service due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A memorial fund has been established in Cecil’s memory, memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service  100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 if you are unable to attend services c/o Cecil Simons’ Family.

Cecil’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.

Cecil was born November 15, 1926 in Bellevue, the son of Earl C. and Laura M. (Stephenson) Simons.  Cecil graduated from Bellevue Public High School and proudly served his county in the US Navy aboard the USS Enterprise.  He married Arlene D. Horst on July 11, 1948.  Cecil worked at the Savanna Army Depot in Vehicle Operations, after retiring he drove school bus for Bellevue Public Schools for over 20 years.  He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue and was an elder and trustee for the church.  Cecil volunteered for the Bellevue Breadbasket, coached little league, and was a longtime treasurer for the Bellevue High School Music Booster Club.  Cecil was a member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273 and the Masonic Lodge.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan, enjoyed watching sports, hunting, playing sports, and loved to vacation, especially in the West with is favorite destinations being Colorado and the Grand Teton National Park.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Arlene; children, Larry (Kim) Simons and Linda (Frank) Alleva; grandchildren, Rachel (fiancé Matt Lively) Simons, Sarah Simons, and Anthony (fiancé Nicole Russell) Alleva; siblings, John (Sonia) Simons, and Donna Zeller.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Nathan Christian Simons; and a sister, Mary Eganhouse.

Patricia R. Behlmer

Patricia Ruth (Oberman) Behlmer, age 94 of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2020. Funeral mass will be held at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:30am, with burial service immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

She was born to Pearl and Fred Oberman on February 6th, 1926 and was married to Wilbur D. Behlmer at Nativity Catholic Church on September 17th, 1949.  Patricia and Wilbur were inseparable until Wilbur passed away on December 28th, 2011.

Patricia attended Nativity Catholic Grade School, followed by Washington Junior High school and Dubuque Senior High School, graduating with the class of 1944.  She went to work at Farley and Loetscher in Dubuque, and later, at John Deere Dubuque Works, in the payroll department.

Patricia devoted many years to caring for her family.  She enjoyed traveling with Wilbur, gardening, reading and relaxing with family and friends.  She and Wilbur were active members of St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque.   They lived for many years on New Haven Street in Dubuque and were fortunate to have found neighbors as lifelong friends, later adding to those friendships at their townhome community at Stone Ridge.  Patricia and Wilbur enjoyed their final years blessed with loving friends and caring staff at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur D., her daughter, Sharon R. Behlmer, her son-in-law Dr. Rob Ryan, her parents, Fred and Pearl Oberman, brothers Paul (Eunice) Oberman, Frederick Oberman (infant), Jack (Denise) Oberman, and sisters Jane (Bruce) Brady and Mary (Wayne) Seuntjens.

Patricia leaves behind five children:  Dr. Stephen D. (Lora)of Helena MT, Judith A. (Luke) Tieskoetter of Des Moines, IA, Dr. Patricia M. Ryan of Norfolk VA, Susan B. (Stephen) Gartner of La Crosse, WI, Lori A. (Keith) Buxbaum of Billings, MT, and Nancy L. (Randy) McGuire of Des Moines, IA.  She enjoyed 15 grandchildren Erin, Libby, Sean, Nicole, Patrick, Jessica, James, Shena, Sara, Molly, John, Rachel, Nathan, Jacob, Abigail, and 19 great grandchildren.

We were blessed to have had our mom, Patricia, in our lives and we will miss her dearly.  She was a beautiful, strong, caring woman, and an inspiration to each of us.  We would like to thank those who helped care for her in these last few months.