Obituaries Archive

James L. Barry

James Louis “Jim” Barry, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on June 16th, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19th, 2020 at Mueller Chapel, Linwood Cemetery where family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the chapel.  The Dubuque County Sheriff Department will provide an honor guard. Graveside Military honors will follow by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. A livestream of the services will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

Jim was born on August 26, 1932 in Turkey River, Iowa the son of Patrick and Lucille (Ferris) Barry. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1971 and was a Dubuque County Sherriff Deputy from 1971 to 1989.

He married Beverly Fischer in 1954 and later married the love of his life Patricia Good in 1977.

Jim loved his old-time country music and sang and played his guitar with his sister Evelyn at the old Melody Mill and on KDTH Radio. He especially enjoyed time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughter Sherie (Vincent); his son James Jr.; Patricia’s daughters Cathy (James), Tina (Colden) and Angeline; his sister Virginia Link and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Alan, Lyle and Jack and a sister Evelyn.

In lieu of flowers a James Barry memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cao and his staff along with all the nurses who took great care of him at Stonehill.

George W. Flanagan

George W. Flanagan, 72, of Leisure Lake formerly of Dubuque passed away peacefully on June 16, 2020 at home surrounded by family.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory. We remind you to practice the social distancing guidelines and if you are not able to attend the service a live stream will be on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

George was born on July 3, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of George and Enid (Rudd) Flanagan. He married Mary Lou Cornwell on June 11, 1966 at St. Raphael Cathedral.

George worked for H & W Motor Express for 30 years until retirement. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 421 and the Teamsters Retirees.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; children, George (Lisa) Flanagan Jr., Tom (Stacy) Flanagan, Mike (Peggy) Flanagan and Bob (Tina) Flanagan. Grandchildren, Olivia, McKinzie, George III, Jon, Cory, Matt, Dylan, Logan, Connor, Taylor and Charley. Step grandchildren Olivia (Kevin Scheffert) Leslein and Brittany and James Gaylord. Four great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren along with his sister-in-law Phyllis Lang.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother and father-in-law Alfred “Red” and Betty Cornwell and members of their family including 6 brothers-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank Dr. Eric Engelman, the Oncology Department, the 3rd floor staff at Mercy, Hospice of Dubuque, Marvin Ney with Paramount Ambulance for all the wonderful care and kindness they gave George.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Freedom Center or Hospice of Dubuque.

Sister Kathleen Marie Carr, BVM

Sister Kathleen Marie Carr, BVM, 73, 940 C Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Mercy Hospital.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2020. A virtual visitation will be held from 1:15-1:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Kathleen was the director of campus ministry at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. She worked as a program administrative assistant at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. She ministered as a secondary teacher in Wichita, Kans., and in Rock Island, Ill., where she also served as retreat director. She was a parish social ministry coordinator in Corvallis, Ore. She served the community as initial membership coordinator.

She was born Feb. 19, 1947, in Seattle to James Patrick and Genevieve Agnes Kuhry Carr. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1965, from Christ the King Parish, Seattle. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1968, and final vows on Feb. 2, 1974.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Michael Carr. She is survived by siblings William (Anne) Carr, Spokane, Wash.; Patrick Carr (Richard Hess), Santa Rosa, Calif.; and Mary Ann Carr, (Dale Cox) Alsea, Ore.; a sister-in-law Lisa Carr, Bellevue, Wash.; niece(s), nephew(s) and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 55 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.

Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main St, Dubuque IA 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

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

Samuel J. Parkin

Samuel J. “Sam” Parkin, age 64 of Peosta, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on May 1, 2020 at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.  To honor Sam’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Raphael Church, 231 Bluff Street in Dubuque, with Rev. Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Sam’s family.

Sam was born on March 7, 1956 in Dubuque, Iowa, the oldest of 10 children to John and Mary (Fink) Parkin.  Sam was a determined young man who carried great pride in being an Eagle Scout by the time he graduated from high school.  He took those skills and lifelong lessons for success he had learned in his earlier training to help him obtain a position as an operating engineer for the City of Dubuque’s wastewater management department.  Sam devoted over 30 years there before eventually moving into retirement.

Sam was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, Annice Jaeger, on April 27, 2007 after they decided to head down to St. Louis to elope.  They have been blessed to have known one another for 19 years altogether and have created countless memories to treasure along the way.  Sam was a laid back and care-free dude who enjoyed his family and friends, along with a little Lynyrd Skynyrd playing in the background.  He had plenty of hobbies in his spare time, but visiting with his loved ones was always a top priority.

Sam was quite active in his leisure time.  An afternoon working on his handicap at the golf course with his father and brothers was considered time well spent, but a brisk morning in the timber waiting for the perfect shot on a big buck could also bring a smile to his face.  And if the outdoors simply couldn’t be achieved that day, watching NASCAR, or his Bears and Cardinals play would also suffice to pass the time. During any sports season, he especially enjoyed razzing his rival fans, most notably Vikings and Cubs fans. In fact, the family chuckles that Sam simply couldn’t handle an April with zero wins for the Cardinals and decided now was as good a time as any to leave us. Sam was a good and decent man who did his best to take all of the moments in his life in stride.  His sudden passing has left many broken hearts behind wondering how to face another day without Sam, but we do trust that the Lord has him safe in His arms now and will provide peace for both Sam and us until we meet again.  Thank you, Sam, for always giving your best in this life and for teaching us to value what’s truly important in this world…those we love.

Those left behind to cherish Sam’s memory include,

his loving wife of 13 years,
Annice Parkin, Peosta, Iowa;

his 2 children,
Jamie (Ryan) Mahlberg, Rochester, Minnesota;
Pops, I knew I could always count on you to pick up the phone with a “Hey Toots!” any time of day…any day of the week. Making you proud was one of the joys of my life and I’m devastated to have lost my #1 cheerleader much earlier than I had hoped. Cardinals games won’t be the same without you, but we’ll continue to have a Bud at the ballpark in your honor whenever we make it to a game. Love you. ~Toots.

and Brody Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa;
To Pappy, I am more appreciative for the life I have. Through your guiding light through the dark of life, your strength and wisdom will be missed and remembered. Love, Brody

their mother,
Rita Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa;

his parents,
John and Mary Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 2 step-children and grandchildren,
James (Erica) and Aubrey Kirkpatrick, Dubuque, Iowa,
Timothy and Felicity Kirkpatrick, Dubuque, Iowa;
Dear Dad,
Words cannot express the pain of losing you or how much you have impacted our lives. You have taught us so much about life and helped mold us into the men we are today. We will miss all of our talks and listening to your stories, even the ones you’ve told us a dozen times, you always made it feel like we were right there watching it unfold. We will cherish the memories we made watching the Cardinals play, the games and concerts we went to, and the time we spent together. We are eternally grateful to have been blessed with having you in our lives and our daughter’s lives. Aubrey and Felicity always loved visiting their Poppa Sam. We just hope we can continue to make you proud and be half the Dad you didn’t have to be. Love your sons, James & Tim.

his siblings,
Lucy (Steven) Nailor, Arroyo Grande, California,
Jenny Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa,
Polly (Dan) Fleming, Dubuque, Iowa,
Penny (Dan) Sacco, Dubuque, Iowa,
Jess (Sholanda) Parkin, West Hartford, Connecticut,
Ben (Cheryl) Parkin, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota,
Guy (Beth) Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa,
Ned Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Chad (Heather) Parkin, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Sam’s family would like to thank Madison Ploessl, and her sister, Bailey, for their immediate attention to Sam after the accident.  Along with the doctors, nurses, and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care of Sam, and his family.

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

Sister Dorothy Feehan, BVM

Sister Dorothy Feehan, BVM (Agnes Cecile), 93, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Caritas Center.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020. The Virtual Visitation will be from 10:30-10:45 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Dorothy was an education department instructor at Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.  She was an elementary teacher in Fort Dodge and Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago; and in Missoula, Mont., where she also served as principal and later as a spiritual director. After serving as a Regional Representative for the BVM Congregation, she was a pastoral minister in Longmont and Arvada, Colo., where she also ministered as religious education director. She was a ministry training services staff member in Littleton, Colo.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1927, in Oak Park, Ill., to James and Irene (Davy) Feehan. She entered the BVM congregation on Feb. 2, 1945, from Ascension Parish, Oak Park, Ill. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1947, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1952.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Mary Margaret Graver, Cecilia O’Meara, and Irene Allen.  She is survived by nieces and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 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 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque IA 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Sister Carolyn Farrell, BVM

Sister Carolyn Farrell, BVM, (Lester), 85, of 1150 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Marian Hall.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.  A virtual visitation will be from 10:30-10:45 a.m. and followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. All events may be viewed through video stream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters.

Sister Carolyn was an elementary teacher at St. Paul School in Davenport, Iowa, and St. Tarcissus School in Chicago and principal at St. Patrick’s School in Dubuque. During her tenure as Director of Continuing Education at Clarke University, she served on the Dubuque City Council and as Mayor. Carolyn also served two terms as regional representative in the BVM Congregation and as founding Director of the BVM Women’s Office. In Chicago, Carolyn was interim President of Mundelein College, Associate Vice President at Loyola University, and founding Director of the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. She returned to Dubuque to become the Director of the Roberta Kuhn Center and served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Clarke University.  During her retirement, Carolyn continued to advocate for women and justice for all people.

She was born on November 2, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to James L. and Catherine Carroll Farrell. She entered the BVM congregation September 8, 1953, from Holy Trinity Parish, Des Moines. She professed first vows on March 19, 1956, and final vows on July 16, 1961.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Freddy and John. She is survived by siblings Dolores (George) Zeller, James (Caroline) Farrell, Margaret (Ed) Whitman; and Thomas (Sandy) Farrell; nieces, nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 66 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.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd., Dubuque IA 52002is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Thomas

Mary Lou Thomas, 80, of Dyersville passed away peacefully Monday, June 15, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday, June 20, from 8:30 – 9:30 at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 20, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.

Mary Lou was born Nov. 28, 1939, in Dyersville, the daughter of LaVerne and Bernice (Kramer) Lansing. She married David Reittinger and had 5 children together but later divorced. She married Bill Thomas in 1978, and he preceded her in death in 2013. Mary Lou worked as a CNA for Mercy Medical Center in Dyersville for forty years.

She enjoyed playing the accordion, golfing, crocheting and going to the casino.

Survivors include her children: Dan (Lori) Reittinger, Mike Reittinger, both of Dyersville, Mark (Tracy) Reittinger of Verona, WI, and Jay (friend Molly Lammers) Reittinger of Dyersville, a son-in-law, Bob Tegeler of Dyersville; the father of her children, Dave Reittinger of Dyersville; 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; siblings: Don (Becky) Lansing, Betty (Jim) Boeckenstedt, both of Dyersville and Carol (George) Davis of Farley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill Thomas, one daughter, Sandy Tegeler, and siblings: Richard and Darlene Lansing in infancy.

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

James A. Baker

James A. “Jim” Baker, 92, of Asbury, Iowa died Monday, June 15, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a virtual hug to Jim’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 10:30 AM Friday, June 19, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Rev. Father Rodney Allers as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6.  The service 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.

James was born March 7, 1928, in Dubuque, the son of Harry A. and Margaret E. Schadle Baker. He received his education at Nativity and Holy Trinity Catholic Schools and Dubuque Senior High School.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1947. He served aboard the USS Paul G. Baker (DE-642). His tour of duty was in Asia, serving time in China and Japan. While he was in the US Naval Hospital in San Diego he attended school to receive his G.E.D.

After returning to Dubuque he worked at John Deere for 34 years retiring in 1982. He worked 10 years a machine operator and set-up man, and 24 years as a supervisor.

On April 23, 1949 he married Nyra Potter in St. Mary’s Church. They had seven children, Edward (Michelle) Baker, Robert (Tamie) Baker, Gail (Terry) Winter, Jack (Barb) Baker, Peggy (Tom) Hoppman, Lisa (Dave Hibbard) Hoppman, James R. (Teresa) Baker, and 30 grandchildren, and 50 great-grandchildren. Nyra went to heaven on May 21, 1993. On February 18, 1995 he married Katie Krueger. Katie had three children, Dan Grutz dec., Gina (Paul) Cesaretti, Julie (Dennis) Rima. After Katie died he lived alone and life wasn’t good. With the help of Gail they found a senior apartment on Starlight at the Woodland. He met the manager who was Shirley. One day after a windstorm Shirley asked if he would fix her flag pole, which he did. When he was leaving she asked, “how much do I owe you?” which he responded, “a kiss would do”. You all know the rest of the story. On July 10, 2010 they moved to the Village Co-Op in Asbury. On April 8, 2011 they eloped and got married, and Jim was happy to have been befriended by her family, Lueann Bregman and friend, Al Cox, Terry (Debee) Strub, Vicki (Francis) Weber, Peter (Denise) Strub, Janet (Stephen) Shepherd, and all her grandchildren. Jim was very thankful for having three wonderful women in his life. He is also survived by his brother, Jerry (Sherry) Baker, his sister, Elaine Thurston, and sister-in-law, Rita Baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Nyra, wife, Katie, two brothers, Richard Baker and John Baker, two brother-in-laws, Ronald Meyer and Joe Thurston, sister-in-law, Juanita Baker, Abe Richman, Dan Grutz, Dr. C.H. Bregman, and two great-grandchildren Owen Verle Scharpf and his angel, Evelyn Grace Schnulle, who passed away while in the hospital. God took her from all of her Baker family, his most love is for her, his only wish was that he would have gotten to hold her.

Jim did volunteer work for St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary’s Parish, and served as a volunteer pallbearer for St. Vincent de Paul. He also did work for Washington Tool Library and St. Vincent Food Bank. He was a lifetime member of the D.A.V. and belonged to the John Deere Retiree and Supervisor Club. He was also a loyal fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Greenbay Packers.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. If family or friends would like to send a memorial contribution, please mail them to Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, Attn: Jim Baker Family, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, IA 52002, and we will gladly forward them to the family.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque, his caregivers, Pennie and Molly, and especially our “sister” Vicki Weber for all she has done.

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

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

James W. Heim

James “Jim” W. Heim, 59, of Rockford, IL passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020. He was born November 17, 1960 in Dubuque, IA the son of Irma (Wand) and Kenneth Heim. James attended Wahlert Catholic High School graduating in 1979 and chose Loras College, his field of specialty in the languages of Greek, Latin, Spanish, French and German. Seeking further education, he obtained his Masters in Theology from Marquette University. 

In 1984 at Christmastime, he met the love of his life, Socorro Medellin Gonzalez through cousins at Mass in Muscatine, IA and the course of their lives changed. They were married on August 8, 1987 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

James taught Theology at Boylan Catholic High School for 26 years. He was a compassionate, dedicated teacher engaging his students most memorably with catchy raps. He coached several sports, including baseball and golf, and was Moderator for the Student Pro-Life Club.

James was a devout Catholic and we in turn were awed by his encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible. Sundays were spent with family and summers were spent golfing, doing yardwork, and the occasional family vacation to Mexico. Let’s not forget, he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. All that he did was with great purpose, digity, and love up until the last moments of his life. He will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survived by his beloved wife, Socorro; children, Grace (Brian) McClowry and Elizabeth Heim; siblings, Mary (Charles) Seipp, Thomas (Carol) Heim; father-in-law, Luis Medellin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jose Luis Medellin, Marco (Josefina) Medellin, Mario (Elia) Medellin, Carmen (Alejandro) Medellin, Carlos (Idelia) Medellin, Teresa (Antonio) Medellin, Enrique (Marcela) Medellin, Miguel Angel (Lorena) Medellin; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; grandparents; mother-in-law, Carmen Gonzalez and many aunts and uncles. 

Walk-through visitation will be from 4:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Please follow social distancing and wear a mask if attending. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61102 by invitation only. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Cards may be mailed to Fitzgerald for the family in honor of James. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com

Stephen L. Miller

Stephen Lee Miller, 63, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2020, from injuries received in a tractor accident.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Stephen’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, June 18, 2020 at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. A public memorial visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Stephen Lee Miller was born on December 28, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Donald Franklin and Maxine Faye (Tracy) Miller. He grew up on the family farm and was a 1974 graduate of Maquoketa High School. He married Barbara Spaete on March 19, 1977 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Ben, Nick and Michele.

Stephen farmed his whole life on the family farm north of Maquoketa. He raised three children and taught them how to work hard, be honest, treat everyone equally and to love and respect the land. He was kind and gentle, loved his family, was easygoing and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed playing cards, eating out with his family and would eat pizza of any kind every day. There wasn’t a pizza he didn’t like!

Additionally, he cherished his grandchildren and was an amazing “Popper Doodle” to Braiden, Briley, Levi, Kyra, Evelyn and Hazel. He also had three dear friends who were like brothers to him, Keith Nims, Lyle Rowan and Randy Duhme.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Barbara Miller of Maquoketa, IA; children, Ben (Dawn) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Nick Miller of Maquoketa, IA, and Michele (Eric) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; his mother, Maxine Miller of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren, Braiden, Briley, Levi, Kyra, Evelyn and Hazel; and sisters, Joyce (Kim) Richardson of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Tracy (Keith) Nims of Davenport, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Franklin Miller on September 1, 2018.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Stephen Lee Miller memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Carol M. Bechen

Carol M. (Reavell) Bechen, age 57, of Dubuque, passed away at her home after a long 7 ½ year battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving husband and son.  To celebrate Carol’s life, private family services will be held with Rev. Stephen J. Rosonke officiating.  Entombment will be in the mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Carol was born on October 3, 1962, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Richard and Evelyn (Ehlers) Reavell.

Carol attended school at St. Anthony’s Grade School and went on to graduate from Dubuque Senior High School, class of 1981.  Carol met Tom Bechen and they moved to Casper, Wyoming, where they had a son, Tom Jr., who was her pride and joy.  She was employed by MT Bell and Lerners clothing stores.  After living in Wyoming for 8 years, they returned to Dubuque and Carol worked in retail and optical.  For the last 20 years she managed the store and was a certified optician for a local optical center.  Customer service and meeting with patients brought her great enjoyment and many of them became her friends.  In her free time, Carol enjoyed spending time with family and friends, shopping, working out and water walking each summer.  She also had a great love of animals, especially dogs, and Dodger was by far her favorite.

Those left to cherish Carol’s memory include

her loving husband,
Tom Bechen Sr., Dubuque, IA;

her son,
Tom (Betsy) Bechen Jr., Janesville, WI;

her grandson and the joy of her life,
Nolan Bechen;

her mother,
Evelyn Reavell, Dubuque, IA;

her sister,
Jean (Duane) Merrit, Dubuque, IA;

her in-laws,
Ray (Shirley) Bechen, Dubuque, IA,
Pam Mays, Casper, WY,
Rae Ann Bechen, Denver, CO
and Karla (Dennis) Leick, Dubuque, IA;

and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and too many friends to mention.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Richard Reavell; a brother-in-law, Mark Redmond; and a sister-in-law, Laura (Jack) Naderman.

Carol would like to thank Dr. Ann Stroh and the staff of the Hall Perrine Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids for the support and the excellent care that she received, and Hospice of Dubuque for all her wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted by the family, and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Carol Bechen Family, and will be distributed among the Dubuque Humane Society, Hall Perrine Cancer Center and the Ronald McDonald House of Madison.

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

Austin W. Parrott

Austin W. Parrott, 93, of rural Elizabeth, IL, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.

Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at the Zion Presbyterian Cemetery, Schapville, IL, with Pastor Dottie Morizzo officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the Zion Presbyterian Church, where he was a lifetime member.  Social distancing rules will be observed, and wearing of face masks would be appreciated. The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound, IL is serving the family.

He was born on August 25, 1926, the son of Nolah and Stella (Bahr) Parrott on the family farm in Guilford Township and that remained his home for the next 93 years.

With his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 at the age of 17.  He proudly served on a transport ship in the South Pacific. After discharge, he returned to the family farm which he dearly loved.  In 2010, he and his brother Ken were able to go on one of the Honor flights to Washington D.C. and he loved every minute of that trip.  Along with running the farm, he also worked many years at Westwick Foundry in Galena.  In later years, we discovered his hidden talent for writing poetry and we dubbed him “Farmer Poet”!  He got his first computer at age 86, signed himself up for Facebook and enjoyed keeping up with his ever growing family on social media.

He married the love of his life, Monique Cooley on June 6, 1948.  She passed on September 14^th, 2006.  We can imagine Mom saying “welcome home, it’s about time… where have you been?”

He is survived by his four children.  Pat (Mel) Halstead, Hanover, Il, Cheryl Eversoll, Galena, Il, Kathie (Larry) Marty, Monticello, Wi and Kelly (Carla) Parrott, Elizabeth, IL , 10 grandchildren, Michelle (Buzzie) Harris, Jason (Amy) Montgomery, Billie Jo Peine, Edward Eversoll, Jennifer Smith, Jodi Benson, Josh (Jennifer) Montgomery, Jesse Montgomery, Michael and Tammila Parrott, 18 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Opal Parrott, nieces and nephews and his “deer” friends, Rocco and Joe Maggio, “cousin” Joe Maggio and Allen Wegener who loved his farm as much as he did.

He was  preceded in death by his parents Nolah and Stella Parrott, his wife Monique, his brother Kenneth Parrott, sister-in-law Dorothy Parrott, grandson Peter Eversoll, his in-laws, Isaac and Annie Cooley, Mildred Cooley, Margie (Clifford) Beyer, Mark (Margaret) Cooley and nephews Mark Cooley and Stanley Beyer.

Special thanks to Midwest Medical Center, Galena-Stauss Assisted Living and Nursing Home for the care given during the past 6 months.

Memorials are suggested for Zion Presbyterian Church, Schapville or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family @ www.millerfhed.com.©

Vernon F. Leick

Vernon Francis “Vern” Leick, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Family and friends may visit after 10:00 a.m. at the church until time of mass. We encourage all to continue to practice the social distancing guidelines. If you are unable to attend the funeral mass will be live streamed on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Vern was born on April 3, 1934 in Balltown, Iowa the son of John and Josephine (Sigwarth) Leick. He grew up on the family farm with his four brothers and two sisters. On November 3, 1956 he married the love of his life Shirley Leik. They would spend the next 62 years of their lives together raising five loving children. The have also been blessed with five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren with the 9th on the way.

He was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish. God and family were especially important to Vern, he enjoyed family and friends and cherished time spent together with his loved ones. Vern also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and he never missed a warm morning on the Meadows Golf course.

He was also a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan; he was very proud to pass his passion for the Red Birds down to his children and grandchildren.

Vern served proudly for nine years in the army National Guard and was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. He worked for the Dubuque Stamping Company for 19 years before being lured across the street to Flexsteel where he also enjoyed a 9-year tenure. He would put in another 15 years of service at Banstead-Thermoline before he retired in 1998.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; his children, Tim (Michele) Leick, Ron Leick, Dennis (Karla) Leick, Linda Leick, and his son-in-law Frank Gillispie. His grandchildren, Rachel (Jared) Hammerand, Lisa (Matt) Jones, Ryan (Heather) Leick, Kyle Leick and Olivia Clark along with eight grandchildren.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter and apple of his eye, Sharon Gillespie; brothers Norb and Tony as well as his sister Rita Link.

The family request no flowers, in lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Holy Spirit Parish.

April L. Kruser

April Lynn Kruser, 43, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2020.

Private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

April was born on March 4, 1977 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Donald & Virginia (Jameson) Kruser. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1995 and then from Loras College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business.

She married Kimberly Moeller, on December 12, 2011 in Dubuque

She was employed with Humach since 2007. April made many strong friendships throughout her years at Humach in which some very strong bonds were formed.  April loved her job and loved everyone she worked with.  Kimberly met April at work when she first started at Humach in 2007. April and Kimberly formed a very strong friendship, that later blossomed into the strongest love you can imagine.

April was such a wonderful, special & loving person. She was a dedicated, devoted, loving mother first and foremost. She loved spending time with her family, especially with her daughters, taking pictures, sending funny random snapchats and texts. April loved taking pictures, however, she did not like having her picture taken, so we always had to “sneak” those in. April was always there for the girls through the good and challenging times. April would always say “We will figure it out, we always do. Where there is a will there is a way”. April was always right- things happen for a reason, however, in the end, April always made sure we were all taken care of.

She loved telling stories, playing “cooking games” on her phone and always playing around with our pets.

A note from Kim – April was the strongest woman I ever met. She was my best friend and the love of my life and the best wife/mom anyone could ask for. She was not afraid of anything or anyone. April had an impact on everyone’s life, whether you were family or friend.  Her smile, love and commitment to others will never be forgotten. April always knew how to make people laugh, was always there for anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on.

April will be severely missed; however, April would not want us to continue to be sad.  April would want us all to be happy. April will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts, souls for the rest of our lives. I know we will continue to feel April’s presence around us all the time.

April always said she was the lucky one to have so many people care so much for her, however, the truth is – we are all the lucky ones to have had her in our life.

April- you are now our “Angel” in the sky, and we know you will be watching over all of us.  Our love for you will go on forever and forever.  Fly high April!  We love you more then what you will ever, ever know!

April is survived by her wife Kimberly Kruser, of Dubuque, IA; two daughters Nikki (Austin) Ockenfels, and Paige Cupps both of Dubuque, IA; her mother Virginia Kruser, of Dubuque, IA; her brother Adam (Brittany) Kruser, of Hopkinton, IA; mother-in-Law, Norma Jean Moeller, of Dyersville, IA; sisters-in-Law: Cathy (Gene) Sickels, of Masonville, IA, Donna Stock (Jerry Smith), of Luxenburg, IA, Patricia (Chris) Willenborg, of Dyersville, IA and Sharon Moeller (Richard Galligan), of Cedar Rapids, IA; her brother-n-Law: Bill Moeller, of East Dubuque, IL. April is also survived by many nieces and nephews. All in which she loved so very much.

She was preceded in death by her father Donald Kruser; father-in-Law Pete Moeller; Sisters-in-Law JoAnn and Lori Moeller, Brothers-in-Law Dale and Dusty Moeller.

Gryphon T. Metcalf

Our beloved Gryphon, departed this world on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at the age of 18.

Gryphon was born to Olivia Heiken and Thomas Metcalf in Dubuque, Iowa on March 22, 2002. As a child, Gryphon spent his early childhood living in Galena. He would dress up in rainboots and a toy sword to walk his sisters to school, proudly becoming their “keeping-safe-guy,” a role he continued to fill as they all grew. He also participated in the American Civil War reenactments, where he educated the public on the history of the era.

As a graduating senior at Hempstead High School, Gryphon was known by everyone as “Papa Bear,” and someone to go to for advice and motivation across niches and social groups, crossing all barriers to bring people together. Gryphon had a gift for seeing people’s unique core, and always knew what they needed to hear and how to make them feel safe and seen. Gryphon loved minecraft, fishing and poker, and would often organize game nights with his friends.

During his senior year at Hempstead, Gryphon completed his CNA and worked at the Bethany Home, where he was beloved by everyone, and gave each resident a nickname. A natural protector, Gryphon was incredibly dedicated to the safety of all the residents during the Covid-19 outbreak, picking up extra shifts and going above and beyond with social distancing practices to make sure everyone was safe.

After graduating Hempstead this June, Gryphon had planned to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology and then a career at the FBI. He had already jumpstarted his college education by reading textbooks, and had fallen in love with the study of psychology and sociology. At Hempstead, Gryphon played Varsity football as a lineman. He was often found at the YMCA working on his UPA powerlifting and making friends in the weightroom.

Along with his parents Olivia and Thomas, Gryphon will be forever loved and missed by his sisters Isabella and Chloe; grandparents Bill and Wendy Heiken; grandmother Cheri Scanlon, as well as numerous extended family members, friends and loved ones.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, June 12 from 1-5 pm at the Novelty Iron Works (333 E. 10th St., Dubuque, Iowa). Due to Covid-19 and for everyone’s safety, social distancing and other safety measures will be in place. A burial ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 10:30 am, at the Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, Wisconsin (2299 Spring Rose Road, Verona, Wisconsin). Parking is limited to 20 vehicles total, and attending the ceremony will require a short hike through the woods. Should you decide to make the journey, please check the website for details in advance (http://naturalpathsanctuary.org/). In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Gryphon Metcalf Memorial Fund. Please contact we****@**********ns.com about donating. More information will be available at the celebration of life on Friday.