Obituaries Archive

Lawrence F. Kruse

Lawrence F. “Larry” Kruse, 75 of Dubuque passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at MercyOne, Dubuque as a result of an auto accident.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, September 19, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Rev. Mark Osterhaus will preside and Rev. Phil Kruse will concelebrate.  Masks are required and social distancing should be observed.

Since Larry so generously deeded his body to science, burial will be held at a later date at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.

Larry was born April 21, 1945, near Chicago, IL the son of Leander “Moose” & Margaret (Milbert) Kruse.  He graduated from St. Leo High School in Chicago, earned a BA at Loras College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame.  He taught at RHCL in Holy Cross, IA and over 20 years at NICC in Peosta.

Since retirement he was an active volunteer at the Presentation Lantern Center, a center offering hospitality, educational opportunities and advocacy to adult immigrants.

Survivors include his brother, Giles (Rosemarie) Kruse of Henderson, NV, a niece, Amy (Tom) Kruse of Arlington, VA, nephews, Matthew and David Shuemaker, both of Lombard, IL, and many loving cousins & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Mary Catherine (Harry) Shuemaker.

Condolences may be sent to Lawrence Kruse in c/o Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SE, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 or sent online to www.kramerfuneral.com.  Please keep the family in your thoughts & prayers.

Leon L. Brockman

Leon Louis Brockman, 78, of Sherrill, died Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Due to Covid-19 and family health concerns, a private family funeral service for Leon will be held at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Rev. Father Noah Diehm as the officiant. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Sherrill. The service will be live streamed at 2:00 PM Friday, September 11, 2020 on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. A memorial mass will be held at a later date.

Leon was born June 28, 1942, in Dubuque, the son of Carl and Helen Noel Brockman. On July 13, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart Darlene K. Jaeger in Sherrill, Iowa.

He was a 1961 graduate of Senior High School in Dubuque.

He worked for Dubuque John Deere Works for 31 years.  He retired in 1996.   He also worked at Horsefield Construction for a few summers for fun money.

Leon was a lifetime member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill. He was a Sherrill volunteer fireman for 31 years and served several terms on Sherrill Town Council. He was an avid outdoorsman and had many interests over his lifetime: fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, trapshooting, pool, softball, arrowhead hunting, and geocaching. He was a lifelong Cubs fan. After retirement he took up woodworking, traveling with a camper, and bus trips. He and Darlene wintered first in Florida and then in Arizona. He loved spending time with his grandkids and attending all their activities. He was lucky enough to meet and hold two great-grandsons.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene; two daughters, Ann (Kevin) Schmerbach of LaMotte, IA, and Cindy (Randy) VanCleve of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Lindsey (Matt) Pillard, Megan VanCleve, Hope (Dalton) Jackson, Logan Schmerbach; two great-grandchildren, Brooks Jackson and Weston Pillard; one sister, Judy (Frank) Romano of South Pasadena, FL; and his nieces and nephews, Tom Watson, Allison (Mike) Schroeder, Justin (Stacy) Jaeger, and Cory Bauer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Dan Brockman, his father- and mother-in-law, Pete and Madonna Jaeger, and his step-mother, Wilma Brockman.

A memorial has been established in his name.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to his Hospice of Dubuque team, Amy B, Courtney, and Amy D, and Dr. Herman for their special care for Leon.

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

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

Claudio Vargas

Claudio Vargas, age 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on September 8, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Claudio’s life, a memorial service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Claudio’s family.

Claudio was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, on October 6, 1936, a son to Claudio and Nereida Cruz (Caicoya) Vargas.  He eventually made his way stateside and settled in the Chicago area for a bit, where he met his wife, Mary K. Heiberger.  They began their family together while Claudio diligently climbed the ladder to finally become a chef.  He worked at 7 Hills in Chicago for many years before moving his trade to the Dubuque Area.  Serving Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Jimmy Durante were among some of his favorite memories while always cherishing their photos together allowing him to reminisce in his later years of the days gone by.  Claudio worked at The Chateau, The Bridge, among other restaurants around town, before eventually retiring.  Claudio was as detail oriented at home as he was in the kitchen as well though, and countless hours were spent on keeping the yard and gardens in pristine order.  He was the epitome of a quiet, reserved and mild-mannered gentleman, but found the space to come out of his shell a little when his Cubbies were playing, or if some time to fellowship with friends at the bowling alley would make its way into his calendar.  Our hearts break as we must say Farewell for Now to our beloved Claudio, but be pray that he is now at peace from his earthly battles and that one day we will hear his calming voice once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Claudio’s include,

his wife,
Mary K. Vargas, Dubuque, Iowa;

his children,
Antonio (Tammie) Vargas, Dubuque, Iowa,
Desiree (Jeff) Nelson, Panama City, Florida,
Dominic (Lori) Vargas, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Michael (Laura) Vargas, Dubuque, Iowa;

his grandchildren,
Shane, Justin, Danielle, Faith, Alexandria, Kayla, Emma, and Ashley;

his great-grandchildren,
Leah, Madelyn, Paisley, and Sophia;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Claudio was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Nereida Romero; and his brother, Alfredo Vargas.

Claudio’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their tender care and support.

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

Barbara J. Hare

Barbara J. Hare, 73, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 4:30 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2020 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

Barbara Jeanne Keil was born on April 13, 1947 in Clinton, Iowa, to Ellis Gerald and Mary Catherine (Rollinger) Keil.  She was a 1965 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married John Leonard Hare on July 14, 1967 at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri.  To this union three children were born, Brian, Michelle and Christopher.

Barbara had done in-home daycare while her children were young.  She then worked as a cook at several area restaurants and was famous for her homemade soups.  Lastly, she worked as a direct care provider for home healthcare in Maquoketa.

Barbara enjoyed needlepoint, cross stitch, NASCAR, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  She loved to cook for people, and always looked forward to the “Friday Night Friends” group.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband John Hare of Maquoketa, IA; children, Brian (Tammy Posey) Hare of Pelham, AL, Michelle (Rick) Jacobs of Maquoketa, IA, and Christopher (Hollie) Hare of Winthrop, IA; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Dianne (Steve) White of Vermont, IL, and Susan Keil Keenan of Robins, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sue McAfee of Maquoketa, IA, Gay and Dennis Storlie of Maquoketa, IA, Tom and Dawn Hare of Maquoketa, IA, Bill and Sue Hare of Maquoketa, IA, Linda Hare of Maquoketa, IA, and Jean Hare of Keokuk, IA; and a very special bonus daughter, Tabitha (Nick) Hasenbank.  She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Rose Hare, brothers-in-law Robert Keenan, Robert Hare and Claude Hare, and a sister-in-law Lois Houston.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Barbara J. Hare memorial fund has been established.

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

Gary W. Latham

Gary W. Latham, age 82, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on September 5, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gary’s life, a private family service is being held, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  Burial will be in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on July 16, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, a son to Donald J. and Angeline K. (Lebben) Latham, Sr.  Gary grew up learning the values of family, faith and freedom and would excel in all three as his life progressed.  He proudly joined the U.S. Marine Corps after high school and honorably served his country.  He was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, LaVonne Frederick, on March 2, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dubuque, and the two were blessed with many wonderful years together, and a family that Gary was proud to provide for, care for, and lead.  Gary spent over 33 years with John Deere Dubuque Works as a General Supervisor before eventually retiring, and joyfully invested a few more hours each week to perfecting his golf game.  The golf course wasn’t the only manicured lawn Gary was blessed to walk upon though.  Anyone who knew Gary well, knew that his meticulous manner definitely carried over into his lawn and gardens at home.  He also enjoyed collecting John Deere Tractors and many hours were spent on each and every one being the best examples which he could acquire and display for all to enjoy.  Gary was a personable and practical gentleman who didn’t waste too much time within the gray areas of life.  There was a right and wrong way in everything, and sometimes you’d simply have to understand that Gary’s way was definitely going to be the right way.  Gary was as solid as a rock, with a tender heart encased securely within, and the legacy he leaves behind is quite evident as those who follow his lead can all state quite proudly that it is not his shadow they are behind, but rather his footsteps they are walking upon now.  Our broken hearts will miss and love Gary more than he could ever imagine possible, but, in time, as our sorrow begins to fade and our peace slowly returns, we can find comfort through it all knowing that our dear husband, father, grandfather and friend is resting quite comfortably in the secure and loving arms of his Lord and Savior until we meet again.  Thank you, Gary, for every memory, lesson, and example of love you leave behind; we will treasure them all until the end of time!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gary include,
his loving wife of 63 years,
LaVonne L. Latham, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 2 children,
Clinton “Clint” W. Latham, Farley, Iowa,
and Lori L. (Wayne) Kenniker, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 5 adored grandchildren,
Codi M. (Randy) Thul, Dubuque, Iowa,
Joseph W. (Alyssa) Latham, Balltown, Iowa,
Jacob W. (Tara) Kenniker, Dubuque, Iowa,
Samuel L. (Ashley) Kenniker, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Alexander W. (Calee) Kenniker, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 6 much loved great-grandchildren,
Caleb, Presley and Lenny Thul, Jack and Annie Latham, and Liam Kenniker;

his sister-in-law,
Diane M. Latham, The Villages, Florida;

along with many cherished brothers and sisters in-law’s, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Donald J. Latham, Jr.

Gary’s family would like to thank the many dedicated doctors and nurses that helped him on this journey, all of Gary’s friends at Cardiac Rehab, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional care and support.  Losing our Patriarch has been a very difficult place to find any peace, but thankfully because of family, friends, and angels like you, we’ve been able to make it through each day, one at a time.  Thank you and God bless you all for your mission and service.

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

Luana M. Perry

Luana M. Perry, age 67, of Dubuque, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2020, at ManorCare Health Services. To celebrate Luana’s life, private family services were held. Burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery following cremation. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Luana was born on July 22, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Paul and Virginia (Manuel) Perry.

Luana graduated from high school and went on to attend Clarke College where she studied social work. She was employed with Goodwill, ARC and the Gannon Center. In her free time, Luana enjoyed researching family tree history and scrapbooking her findings to share with others. She also liked to put together puzzles, pay card games and work on crossword puzzles. Luana especially loved spending time with all of her nieces and nephews. Luana’s faith was very important to her, and she was an active member of Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church. Luana will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Luana’s memory include

her siblings,
Steven (Jo) Perry, Dubuque, IA,
Philip (Sandra) Perry, Dubuque, IA,
Bruce Perry, Amarillo, TX,
Larry Perry, East Dubuque, IL,
Paula Goerdt, Davenport, IA,
Jeff (Carol) Perry, Farley, IA,
Faith (Bruce) Hoskins, Dubuque, IA,
Patty Perry, Dubuque, IA
and Timothy (Shelly) Perry, Dubuque, IA;

and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Luana was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael A. Perry; 2 sisters, Pamela Perry and Jodie Perry; a brother, Rick Perry; a brother-in-law, Herb Goerdt; and a nephew, Adam Goerdt.

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

Agnes Gerdemann

Agnes Gerdemann, 103, of Dubuque, died Sunday, September 6, 2020, at her home in Dubuque.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for Agnes will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Agnes was born March 3, 1917, in Holy Cross, IA, the daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Hess) Freiburger. On July 9, 1941, she married Arthur Gerdemann in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death in 1992.

She was a proud homemaker and had a green thumb. Agnes also enjoyed puzzles, crocheting, reading, watching baseball (Go Cubs Go), but most of all she loved being with her family.

She was a member of Church of the Nativity.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Gerdemann and Joan Gerdemann both of Dubuque; two granddaughters, LuAnna Gerdemann and Olivia Gerdemann both of Dubuque.

Agnes is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; her parents; seven sisters and six brothers.

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

To sign Agnes’s online guestbook or to share condolences to the family please visit her obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Linda L. Saeugling

Linda L. Saeugling, age 63, of Dubuque, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at Sunnycrest Manor.  To celebrate Linda’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Linda was born on November 2, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Harold and Margaret (Mellon) Saeugling.

Linda worked in the ARC vocational center for several years.  She was a sweet and gentle soul who enjoyed listening to music, watching tv and sitting in her rocking chair for hours.  Linda also had a sweet tooth and loved when people brought her little treats to enjoy.  She will be missed by all of her family and friends at Sunnycrest.

Those left to cherish Linda’s memory include

her sister, Sharon (Doug Harris) Saeugling, Seattle, WA.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and a sister in infancy.

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

Diane K. Wuestenberg

Diane K. Wuestenberg, 74, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, September 8, 2020, at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 11, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 A.M.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

It is recommended that you practice social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Diane Katherine Barenthin was born on September 27, 1945 to Beatrice Margaret (Wittrock) Nelson and Ferd Barenthin. She was a 1964 graduate of Davenport West High School in Davenport, IA. She married Terry Wuestenberg on October 30, 1982 in Taylor Ridge, Illinois. Diane spent many happy years on her beloved farm outside of Maquoketa, breeding and raising Tennessee Walking Horses, before recently residing at Crestridge Care Center.

Diane was deeply passionate about her horses and her family.

Those left to honor her memory include two Granddaughters, Sierra Scharff of Dubuque, IA and Savannah Scharff of Clinton, IA; and one great-grandchild, Hailie Boyd. Diane was proceeded in death by her parents and siblings; sister-in-law Linda Barenthin, her son, Wayne Scharff JR.; and Husband, Terry Wuestenberg.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Diane K. Wuestenberg memorial fund has been established.

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

James F. McAuliffe

James F. McAuliffe, 74, of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, died Monday, September 7, 2020, at UW-Madison Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Services will be live streamed through the funeral home Facebook page. Friends may call from 1:00-2:45 p.m. at the funeral home before the service. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Gratiot, Wisconsin. The family requests that all who attend wear masks and practice safe social distancing. We understand if you are unable to attend due to any health concerns.

Jim was born on October 3, 1945 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Francis and Charlotte (Harvey) McAuliffe. He graduated from Gratiot High School. Jim was a tool and die maker and retired from Dubuque Stamp.

Jim loved spending time with his friends and family. He enjoyed traveling and watching NASCAR, as well as all Wisconsin sports. Jim was an avid collector of die-cast cars, baseball and football cards, and NASCAR memorabilia.

Survivors include his daughter, Denise (Valarian) Kohout, DeForest, WI; two step-sons, Thomas (Jodi) Johnson, Dubuque, IA, and John (Kasia) Johnson, Fulton, NY; two sisters, Cathy Mellenberger, Cuba City, WI, and Annette (Fred) Vick, Warren, IL; two brothers, Tim (Donna) McAuliffe, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and John (Judy) McAuliffe, Benton, WI; seven grandchildren, Carsen Kohout, Josh, Morgan (Cody), Lydia, Cole, Haiden, and Grant Johnson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Paulson and Theresa Mau; and a brother, Allan McAuliffe.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 3826 Riedner Ct., De Forest, WI, 53532.

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

Patricia L. Dean

Patricia L. “Tricia” Dean, 70, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, formerly of Potosi, Wisconsin, died Monday, September 7, 2020, at Southwest Health Center Hospital in Platteville, Wisconsin, surrounded by her family.  Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2020, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating.  Burial will be in St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Tennyson.  Services will be live streamed through the funeral home Facebook page. Friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Monday at the church before the service. Please utilize masks and practice social distancing. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Tricia was born on September 22, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph E. and Florence C. (McDonnell) Dean.  Tricia led a simple life, well cared for and loved by her family on the family farm near Potosi.  She loved animals, especially kitties and puppies, drawing and Gunsmoke (Marshall Dillon).  After leaving her family farm Tricia lived at Orchard Manor in Lancaster from 1992-2006, Lawrence’s Family Adult Home in Benton from 2006-2014, and at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City since 2014.

Survivors include her sister, Carol A. (husband, Tom Mootz) Dean, Cuba City, two brothers, Roger H. (Rita) Dean, Orfordville, and Gary J. (Karla) Dean, Potosi; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers a Tricia Dean Memorial Fund has been established.  Memorials may be sent to 203 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI  53807.

A special thank you to the staffs of Orchard Manor, Lawrence’s Family Adult Home in Benton, the Hodan Center, Epione Pavilion and Southwest Health Center Hospital for their professional and loving care throughout Tricia’s time spent there.

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

Martha M. Carrera Smith

Martha Maria Carrera Smith went to be with the Lord on Friday September 4, 2020. She was in Oak Park, IL on hospice, surrounded by family.

Martha was born December 12, 1939, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Otilio Carrera and Virginia Vasquez del Mercado Lopez Portillo Carrera. On August 9, 1958, she married Daniel Harold Smith in Chicago. They had been married for 61 years when Daniel went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2020.

She was a graduate of Knickerbocker Grade School, Waller High School, and Jones Commercial. She worked as a secretary for her husband at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, IA for many years. Martha visited every state and numerous countries around the world, spreading the word of God with her husband and sharing encouragement. She was famous for her hospitality, especially her taco dinners. She loved sewing, quilting, and crafting, and was in charge of Handcraft at LGYC for decades.

Survivors include three children, Grace Marie Smith, Anita Mae (James) Callahan, and John Daniel (Lori Ann) Smith; eight grandchildren, Bess Virginia Callahan, Hannah Elizabeth (Elliott) Harrington, James Patrick Callahan Jr., Bethany Grace Smith, Dora Mae Callahan, John Daniel (Kate) Smith Jr., Linda Blyer Callahan, and Jane Maria Callahan; four siblings, Virginia (Roy) Mould, George Carrera, William (Lillian) Carrera, and Robert (Karen) Carrera; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Carrera and Rita Carrera; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Harold Smith Jr.; her parents; three siblings, Armando Carrera, Dora Carrera, and Charlie Carrera; and sister-in-law Rosemary Carrera.

The family thanks the medical staff at Rainbow Hospice, and their Emmaus Bible College and Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel families.

In lieu of flowers, please give to Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel Missionary Fund.

Private family memorial services were held, and additional family and friends were able to attend virtually.

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

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

Mark D. Topf

Mark Daniel Topf, 76, of Dubuque, died Friday, September 4, 2020 at his home.

Mark was born on October 1st, 1943 in Salix, Iowa. He spent his youth working his family’s dairy farm where he developed his strong work ethic and commitment to his family. After graduating from Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City, he studied philosophy at Loras College, where he sang in the Tabernacle Choir. He received a Masters of Science in Education from Creighton University and a Masters of Theology from Aquinas Institute of Theology of Dubuque.

In 1971, he started his distinguished 42 year teaching career at Beckman High School.  Since 1983, he has held a real estate license and throughout the years owned and maintained many properties, including a family cabin along the river.

On June 17th, 1972 he married Elizabeth “Betty” Buchheit. Together, they raised their three daughters in a house filled with love and laughter.  He always knew the right tool or the right words to fix anything.  His strong belief in God drew him to a life of service for the Catholic Church as a lectern, school teacher, and Eucharistic minister.  Mark’s hobbies included, traveling with his brother Phil and rooting for the Cubs. What he loved most was fishing for Walleye on the Mississippi River. He will be remembered for his character, humility, and humor by all who loved him.

Those here to honor his memory include his wife, Betty Buccheit Topf of Dubuque Iowa; his three daughters: Michelle Topf (Joe Tustin) of Denver, Colorado, Jennifer Meyers (Rick) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Kelly Johnson (Benjamin) of Golden, Colorado; four grandchildren: Jack and Gabriel Meyers and Aiden and Mia Johnson; two brothers: Phil Topf and Reverend Thomas Topf; one sister, Marilyn Topf Jonas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Omer C. Topf and Florence K Deegan Topf, and three brothers Omer Francis Topf, William Topf, and Robert Topf.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM Tuesday September 15, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, followed by visitation until 7:00 PM. Please respect our current social distancing requirements and citywide mask mandate. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Mark’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mark will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

A memorial has been established.

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 Mark’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Jeffrey R. Hayes

Jeffrey R. “Jeff,” “Shoes” Hayes, age 65 of Kieler, Wisconsin, completed his earthly journey on April 19, 2020, at home.  To honor Jeff’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Oxus Grotto, 3011 Autumn Drive in Asbury, Iowa.  Jeff’s burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, prior to his Celebration, at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jeff’s family.

Jeff was born on April 5, 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa, 1 of 8 children to Gerald and Joanne (Rossman) Hayes.  Jeff brightened his work family’s life at AmeriCold for a decade, before spending his last 13 years working in the security department at the Diamond Jo Casino.  He enjoyed life most when he was with family and friends.  He loved the outdoors whether it was pheasant hunting, teaching his girls how to morel hunt, playing backyard games like bean bags, golfing, or just relaxing on the deck with his love, Carolyn.  He was a natural for almost every sport he played, he even earned the nickname “Shoes” because he was an ace at horseshoes.  When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, you could find him at his favorite watering hole, the Sandy Hook, with his favorite beverage, a Budweiser, or he could be found in his recliner watching the hunting channel.  Jeff was a genuinely kind soul whose cool and calm demeanor are the framework of the abundance of wonderful memories he leaves behind.  One such memory is when he was struck by lightning, he simply walked it off and said, “I’ve had worse in my eye”.  The world could use more men like Jeff in it, but we trust that the Lord’s timing is as it should be, even if our hearts cannot begin to accept or understand it.  We are grateful for the years our gentle Jeff was given to us and maybe now there will be a few more Werther’s left for the rest of us.  Thank you, Jeff, for living life on your terms and may we use your example to slowly, but surely make the world around us a better place for those who follow behind us also.  God Bless and God Speed!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jeff include,

his loving partner of 18 years,
Carolyn Driscoll, Kieler, Wisconsin;

his 4 adored daughters,
Tobey (Jon) Carroll, Dubuque, Iowa,
Kristen (Brian) Cockroft, Ocean Springs, Mississippi,
Bess (Ricky Weber) Hayes, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Kellie (Jason) Hancock, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 8 grandchildren,
Jameson, Jackson, Parker, Sophie, Madison, Jordan, Harper, and baby Cockroft on the way;

his siblings,
Michael (Patricia) Hayes, Dubuque, Iowa,
Karen Kutsch, Dubuque, Iowa,
Lynn (Tom) Dotterweich, Dubuque, Iowa,
Dave (Penny Koelher) Hayes, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Jim Hayes, Dubuque, Iowa;

his brother-in-law,
Michael Avenarius, Dubuque, Iowa;

his sister-in-law,
Lisa Hayes, Aurora, Colorado;

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

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Deb Avenarius; and his brother, Jerry Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, a Jeffrey R. Hayes memorial fund has been established.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Carolyn Driscoll at P.O. Box 124, Kieler, Wisconsin, 53812, and Kellie Hancock at 320 Summer Drive, Asbury, Iowa, 52002.

Jeff’s family would like to thank all of our family and friends who have provided such an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.  Jeff’s sudden absence from our physical lives has left many broken hearts and minds behind.  Your consideration and kindness has helped to bring some peace and healing into our days and we cannot thank you enough for the role you’ve so generously played in that.

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

Maxine M. Egan

Maxine Marie Egan, 94, of Dubuque, died Friday, September 4, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center.

Due to Covid-19 there will be no public visitation or service. A private Mass of Christian Burial for Maxine will be held at 1:30 PM Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Fr. Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. 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.

Maxine was born September 4, 1926, in Potosi, WI, the daughter of John and Johanna Meoska Schroeder. On September 4, 1946, she married Glenn F. Egan in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died June 11, 2007.

She enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, John (Mary Kay) Egan, and James (Barb) Egan, both of Dubuque; two daughters, Kathy Egan of Dubuque, and Mary (Vern) Winker of Blue Mounds, WI; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, and her brothers, Alfred, Robert, Howard and Father Gaudence C. Schroeder.

We would like to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center and also Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care and support to Maxine and her family.

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

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