Obituaries Archive

LaVern D. Wiederholt

LaVern D. Wiederholt, 78, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church, Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  A public visitation for friends will be held from 9-11:15 a.m. Saturday at the church before the service. The family requests you utilize masks during the duration of your visit in the church and that you practice social distancing. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

LaVern was born on March 24, 1942, on the family farm in Louisburg, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Irma (Dalsing) Wiederholt. He married Ruth Loeffelholz on May 21, 1966 at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville.

LaVern loved horses and was a member of the Kieler Saddle Club. LaVern served in the National Guard, entering in 1961 and served his country during the Berlin Crisis. He received an honorable discharge in 1963. He enjoyed buying and selling machinery, and farming for over 50 years. His two favorite things were driving his John Deere tractors and spending time with his girls.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Kathy DeYoung, Cuba City, WI, and Kristie Wiederholt, Gardiner, MT; two granddaughters, Rebecca DeYoung, Cuba City, WI, and Ashley (Marcus) DeYoung, Dickeyville, WI; three sisters, Alvara Francis, Dubuque, IA, Eileen Dunne, Dickeyville, WI, and Mary (Greg) Brandt, Cuba City, WI; and two brothers, Harold (Kay) Wiederholt, Potosi, WI, and Eldon (Judy) Wiederholt, Cuba City, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Herbert; a sister, Janet; and three brothers-in-law, Ralph Kirchen, Charlie Dunne, and Robert Francis.

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

Edwin K. Schmitt

Edwin Karl “Ed” Schmitt, Jr. 74, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Family and friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. Due to current circumstances surrounding Covid-19 we remind everyone to social distance, wear a mask and please do not attend if you are not feeling well. Private family burial will be held in Linwood Cemetery.

Ed was born on January 7, 1946 at the Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, IA, the son of Edwin Karl and Mary Phyllis (Braem) Schmitt. He married Audrey Davis on December 13, 1975 at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque, IA. Ed worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for 17 years. In his free time, he enjoyed NASCAR and loved to work with Model Cars and Trains.

He is survived by two sons, Robert (Lori) Schmitt and Gale Schmitt both of Dubuque; his two grandchildren, Alexis Hurt (Fiancé – Nick Cutsforth) Schmitt of Waterloo, IA and Barry Schmitt of Ames, IA

Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife, Audrey and his parents, Edwin and Mary.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

Judith A. Siegert

Judith (Judy) Ann Siegert, 77, of Dubuque IA, passed away on July 31st at Unity Point Hospital with her sister by her side, due to underlying medical issues and recently contracting COVID-19. 

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.  The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Judy was born on Aug 22, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and June (Walser) Siegert.  She was a confident, accomplished RN, who used her skills to travel the world. After graduating from Finley Hospital’s nurse training program in the early 60’s, she worked in Boulder Colorado, British Columbia, Ontario, Hawaii, and Florida.  She then travelled through and sometimes worked in Tehran (Iran), South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.  She backpacked in Nepal and spent time on a Kibbutz in Israel. She spent many years working in Los Angeles. She worked several years at a US military hospital in Augsburg, Germany.  She also worked as a prison nurse in Camden, NJ. She returned to California to work in San Francisco, and finally settled in Temecula near Los Angeles to work as an occupational health nurse. Her aunts Betty and Vera lived nearby, and they enjoyed local restaurants and year round good weather. Judy also found out that she was a good waitress when she helped out at Aunt Betty and Uncle Bob’s mexican restaurant in Crestline, CA. She and Betty spent a lot of time together and became very close. Her nephew Jeff lived nearby in San Diego and later Pasadena and visited often.  Health problems eventually led Judy to move back to Dubuque to be near her sister Sandy and the rest of the family.

Judy’s compassion, empathy, and pragmatic nature served her and her patients well as a nurse. She did private duty nursing for Phil Silvers, Sammy Davis Jr., John Ritter’s mother, and Walt Disney. She worked with Dr DeBakey, the surgeon renowned for pioneering the first successful heart transplant.

Judy was an extremely thoughtful and generous person, who expected nothing in return. Although she did not have children of her own, she was very close to her two nephews and niece and gave them some experiences they will never forget. She took her niece Jodi to Hawaii for her sixteenth birthday, where she learned a quick lesson on independence and self-assurance by flying alone on a plane, taking a cab alone from LAX to Santa Monica, and experiencing an earthquake while alone in Judy’s apartment. She hosted her nephew Greg on an extended trip to California as he worked in various places in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They spent time having dinner together and going for walks at Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Her nephew Jeff recalls running with her to catch trains or ferries all over Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece – imbuing in him some of her confidence and grit to overcome unforeseen challenges.

Judy was also an avid reader and could easily read a book in a day’s time. She enjoyed going to the movies, although you could never sit next to her because she talked through the entire thing and had conversations with the characters on the screen! She was also an animal lover and had many furry friends over the years, including horses on the farm, her Arabian horse in California, her dog Tasha, and cats Tabitha, Hijack, Hunter and Bogart.

Judy was preceded in passing by her mother June (Walser) Siegert and father Arnold Siegert, aunts Donna Mae Moore, Marguerite Walser, June Walser, Loretta (Red) Bahl, Lavina Kleis, Sally Reavell and Virginia (Ginny) Siegert. She was also preceded in passing by her uncles Donald (Boots) Walser, Robert (Bob) Leibold, Gene Gates, Al Siegert, Laverne Brimeyer, Eldon (Bub) Bahl, Bob (Ozzie) Kleis and George Reavell.    

Judy is survived by her favorite (and only) sibling Sandy Regan, her brother-in-law Jim Regan, her niece Jodi (Jim) Watters and their boys Eli and Elliot, her nephew Jeff Regan, his wife Helena Vervoort and their girls Anika, Winnifred, Veronica and Pippa, and her nephew Greg Regan. She is also survived by her aunts Betty (Walser) Liebold, Vera (Walser) Gates, Marlene (Siegert) Brimeyer, Betty Tigges, her uncle Bob Siegert.  Also surviving are many cousins on the Siegert side and only one cousin, Cheryl Walser Kramer, on the Walser side.  Lastly, Judy is survived by her special friend Roy Child of Port Orange FL. The family was unable to reach him, but he called three days after she died because he knew something was wrong. He said, “I’ll never forget her, I loved that little girl.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ringold, Dr. Putz, Dr. Powers, the staff at Tri State Dialysis, the staff at Eagle Point Place, and the nurses at Unity Point 5 North and ICU.

Our family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. John Whalen for his care and compassion, and for giving us the precious gift of six more years with Judy when she was under his care.

Judy, 
You are our hero, so brave, love always and forever.
Your family

Marilyn L. Bowling

Marilyn L. Bowling, 69, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, August 3, 2020 at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 P.M., Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

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

Marilyn Lyn Teters was born on December 28, 1950 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Marvin “Mugs” and Betty (Foster) Teters.  She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School and married Dennis Bowling on December 30, 1966 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  A daughter Denise was born to this union.

Marilyn completed her education by earning her degree as a licensed cosmetologist from Stewart Beauty School in Davenport.  She worked in the costmetology field for a short time and realized it was not for her.  She later worked at Yogurt Time at Northpark Mall in Davenport, Hungry Hobo in Davenport and lastly at Davenport Bank and Trust.

Marilyn enjoyed country western dancing, her flowers in her yard, painting and crafts, and playing Farmville on Facebook.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Dennis Bowling of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Terry Haugen of Leavenworth, KS; sister, Lois DeMoss of Dubuque, IA; a grandson, Nathaniel and his wife Tiffani Withers of Leavenworth, KS; and 2 great-grandchildren, Luke and Oliver Withers.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Arlene Regenwether and Wanda Berner.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marilyn L. Bowling memorial fund has been established.

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

Raymond J. Collins

Raymond J. Collins, PhD. 92 of Bethany Home passed away on July 31, 2020 at Bethany Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph the Worker Church on Saturday, August 8th at 10:30 a.m.  with Rev. Jim Goerand officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. No public visitation will be held; a live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Mask are required if attending mass.

Ray was born May 30, 1928 and grew up on a farm near Zwingle.  His parents were Roy and Katie (Laughlin) Collins.

After attending elementary schools in the Zwingle area, he graduated with highest distinction from St. Columbkille’s High School.  During the last semester of his senior year he took college courses at Loras College.  He earned a B.A. maxima cum laude (Loras College), a M.S. (The Catholic University of America) and a Ph.D. (The University of Minnesota), all in mathematics.

Ray enjoyed teaching mathematics and interacting with students on the college level.  His teaching career began at Loras College in Dubuque, IA.  In 1973 he joined the Mathematics Department of Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.  As an associate professor, Ray was awarded tenure in 1976.  He served as chairperson of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department 1979-1982.  From 1990-1992 he was Project Director of a National Science Foundation funded project for the effective use of the computer in the teaching of calculus.  In 1994 Ray retired from Xavier University as Professor Emeritus of Mathematics.

On December 21, 1973 Ray married Patricia (Pat) L. Monnens at St. Barbara’s Church in Northern Kentucky.  Ray and Pat lived for many years in the Cincinnati area.  In 2010 Ray and Pat moved to the Bethany Retirement Center in Dubuque, Iowa.  This brought them closer to their families in Iowa and Minnesota.  In 2014 Ray was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

While in Cincinnati they were active members of the Territorial Parish whose worship center (Bellarmine Chapel) and offices are located on the Xavier University campus.  Since moving to Dubuque, they were members of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

During his retirement Ray worked on several small mathematical projects and continued to be active in gardening, flower-growing and carpentry around their home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; parents, Roy and Katie Collins; brothers, Loras (Catherine) and Jim; sisters-in-law Audrey Runda, Marion Monnens, Jean Monnens; brothers-in-law Don Monnens, Fr. Merle Monnens and nephews Rick Collins, Dave Mausser and Jim Ehr. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Darlene Collins and many nieces and nephews

Ray’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to each and every Bethany Home employee for their love, friendship and exceptional care given to Ray over the years. Also, to the residents of Bethany Home for their wonderful friendship. Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Medical Associates for their care and kindness given to Ray; and a special thank you to his two nieces Sharon Foust and Monica Redmond for all their loving care of Ray over the years.

Cody J. Gibson

Cody J. Gibson, age 19, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly as the result of a fall, on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque.  To celebrate Cody’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family asks that anyone attending please wear a mask.  To honor Cody’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 7, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Cody was born on October 6, 2000, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lisa Gibson.

Cody was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 2019.  After graduation he began working in the construction industry for Bullseye Construction out of Maquoketa, Iowa.  Cody was always very active and loved spending time with his family and friends, never passing up the opportunity to take the perfect selfie.  He was a very light hearted guy, always joking and listening to music.  We are truly heartbroken at the sudden loss of Cody in our lives.  We love you, miss you, and are grateful for all of the happy memories we have to cherish forever.

Those left to cherish Cody’s memory include

his mother,
Lisa (Cody Roling) Gibson, Dubuque, IA;

his sister,
Nevaeh Klenzman, Dubuque, IA;

his grandparents,
Jean Matlock, Omaha, NE
and Caroll (June) Gibson, Dubuque, IA;

his aunt and 2 uncles,
Jenny (Benny Lopez) Gibson,
Joe (Angie French) Gibson
and Randy Gibson, all of Dubuque, IA;

and several cousins including Nathan Blackburn and Kalyssa (Mike Milroy) Wharton, with whom he shared a special bond.

Cody was preceded in death by his brother, Gavin Klenzman; his great-grandparents, Pat and Carol LuGrain; an uncle, Jeff Gibson; and 3 cousins, Alexander Gibson, Ashley LuGrain and Andy Gilbert.

Cody’s family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this very difficult time.  Also a special thank you to Bullseye Construction for taking Cody under their wing, teaching him valuable skills, and giving him the opportunity to grow in his knowledge of the construction process.

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

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

Janet M. Benischek

Janet M. (Andresen) Benischek, 81, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Mechanicsville Specialty Care in Mechanicsville, Iowa.

A celebration of her life is pending and will be announced at a later date next year.  Burial will be at Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction, Iowa.

Janet Marlene Andresen was born on June 11, 1939 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Mark “Max” Andrew and Wilme Irene (Edwards) Andresen.  Her mom died in April of 1952 and her dad remarried Ila Brown later that year and helped raise her.  Janet grew up attending rural Baldwin school until her family moved to the Monmouth farm in 1954.  She was a 1956 graduate of Monmouth High School and after graduation enrolled in the Nursing Program at St. Luke’s Hospital Training School (now Genesis) to become an RN.  She then worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital as Head of the Pediatrics Department until a health issue required her to retire in 2005.

Janet married Stanley Victor Benischek on June 11, 1975 at the Wagon Wheel Lodge in Rockton, Illinois.  They lived in Davenport until earlier this year, when she was moved to Mechanicsville Specialty Care for rehab after suffering a stroke in October of 2019.

Janet loved genealogy, researching Andresen and Benischek family history.  She was an avid Hawkeyes fan, enjoyed eating out, appreciated art and music, and playing cards, especially Bridge Club.  She was actively involved with River Action and reviving areas along the Mississippi River most recently the Nahant Marsh Project.  Most importantly she loved her family and attending family and school reunions.  She always greeted you with a big smile.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Stanley Victor Benischek of Mechanicsville, IA; step-sons by marriage, Greg Benischek of Durant, IA, Mark (Donna) Benischek of Davenport, IA, and John (Gretl) Benischek of FL; 2 step-grandchildren Lucas and Jacob Benischek; a brother, Darrell Andresen of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Nancy (Larry) Morris of Cedar Rapids, IA; and a step-sister, Janet (Marvin) Hansen of Renton, WA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, step-brother Arnold (Alice) Brown and their two boys Gordon and Joel, and step-sister Norma (Allen) Clark.

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.

Joseph J. Nehl

Joseph J. “Joe” Nehl, 87, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Saturday July 25th at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital with Connie, his loving wife by his side.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, August 7th at 10:30am at the Church of the Resurrection, officiated by Rev. Phillip Gibbs, with a gathering at the church social space at 9:30am.  Mass will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home Facebook Page. The interment service will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monticello on Sat., Aug 8th at 11:00am with Rev. Paul Baldwin officiating. Military honors will be accorded.

Due to COVID-19 related concerns, the family asks everyone to wear a mask at all services and practice social distancing. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Ninth of 10 children, Joe was born on January 4th, 1933 to Charles and Rose (Gilbert) Nehl in Fillmore, IA.  After graduation from Sacred Heart High School in Monticello, Joe moved to Dubuque and enrolled in Loras College for one year.  Later the army drafted him where he served two years in Korea.  After discharge, he enrolled as a heavy equipment technician at Baily Technical School in St. Louis, MO, beginning a career and life-long passion in heavy equipment.

Joe worked for many companies throughout his career including: Franklin G. Hough Co., International Harvester, Herman M. Brown Co., Dressta, and Komatsu.  His job took him all over the country, as well as to Poland and the Dominican Republic.  Joe loved solving the most challenging problems to keep the machines moving for his customers.

In 1962, he married Connie Pacquer at Sacred Heart Church in Rock Island, IL.  They were blessed with two sons, Michael and Marcus while living in Columbus, OH. During their years together, Joe and Connie lived in Ohio and many Iowa and Illinois cities, each time establishing new friendships.

In 2005, they moved to Dubuque, IA, working at home for Komatsu North America, then retiring for the third and final time in 2007.  The move to Dubuque brought him back home to where he started his early adult years to be closer to his siblings and cousins.

After retiring, Joe found his second calling as a community volunteer.  For eleven years, 5 days/week, he delivered for Meals on Wheels.  For ten years he was a regular DU Ride driver.  Joe was also an avid reader and computer user.  He really “knew how to move that mouse around.”  He devoted countless hours creating original greeting cards for family and friends.

He was a fan of the Iowa State Cyclones, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Chicago Bulls, Bears, and Cubbies.  He loved reading the comics every day, loved to joke around, and often shared his great sense of humor, especially singing silly songs with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Connie of 57 years.  His son, Michael of Carnation, WA (friend Laurel Nehl) and Marcus and life partner Theresa Elmore from Northglenn, CO, Grandson, Grant from Northglenn, CO, and Granddaughter McKenna Nehl from Greeley, CO; Brother-in-Law David (Arlene) Pacquer of Kewanee, IL., Brother-in-Law Greg Pacquer (Mike Johnson) of San Francisco, CA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Gerry (Paul) William, Vernon Nehl, Wally (Rose) Nehl, John (Janet) Nehl, Rita (Willis) Doden, Isabel (Joe) Lahr, Gib (Wanita) Nehl, Joan (Jack) Bockenstedt, and Gene (Angie) Nehl; mother-in-law Florence (Fred) Pacquer and sister-in-law Joan Pacquer.

The family thanks Dr. Powers and Dr. Ellis from Unity Point Hospital and the devoted nurses who cared for Joe.  Our hearts go out to them.

Connie thanks Joe for taking her on a wonderful journey of love for 57 years, filled with happy times and memories.  Along the way, they met such wonderful people.  We know Joe is delivering meals to his family and friends in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s name can be sent to Resurrection Parish, DU Ride, or Veterans at the Freedom Center in Dubuque

On-line condolences can be made at https://www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com/memorials/joseph-nehl/4286573/

Judy A. Switzer

Judy Ann Switzer, 71, of Dubuque, died Friday, July 31, 2020, at home surrounded by family.

Per her wishes, Judy donated her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program in Iowa City.

Judy was born December 12, 1948, in Dubuque, the daughter of Clarence S. and Vera (Stowe) Switzer.

She grew up in Galena and graduated from Galena High School.

Judy enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking and spending time with her beloved cat, Panther Puss.

Survivors include two daughters, Julie (James) Harwick of Benton, WI and Victoria Conrad of Dubuque, four grandchildren, including her favorite grandson, Johnathon Conrad, 2 great-grandchildren, one brother, Gary (LuAnn) Switzer of Graf, IA, two half brothers, Tyler Switzer and Todd (Rhonda) Switzer, one half sister, Jodi Switzer and three sister-in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Bill Sheredy, Terry Switzer and Ronald Switzer, one grandchild, Joshua Grensing, step-father, Art Rangel.

The family would like to give special thanks to Larry Bowers and Hospice of Dubuque.

A memorial has been established and those wishing to send a card, please send to the funeral home with attention to “The Switzer Family”.

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

Gloria A. Steil

Gloria Ann “Snap” Steil, 85, formerly of LaMotte, IA, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Bell Tower Retirement in East Dubuque, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 6 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, IA with Rev. James Chappell officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 6 at the church. Burial will follow at St Theresa’s Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests that social distancing be followed and masks be worn during the services.

Gloria was born December 20, 1934 in Asbury, IA to Harry Sr. and Emma (Hinzman) Ernster. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1952. She worked at Interstate Power while in high school and until she was married.

She married Gerald “Jerry” Steil on August 22, 1953. They lived in Asbury until 1971 and then moved to the farm in LaMotte. Gloria loved the farm life and spent her time raising children and chickens and helping with the farm work but mostly she made lots and lots of delicious meals for her hungry bunch of boys and everyone that her boys added to the family. Birthdays and holidays were always celebrated with a special meal.

She was a recycler before recycling existed and found a use for many things that most people would just throw away. She truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Many memories were made with overnights, birthday lunches with shopping and the annual trip to the Dubuque County Fair.

She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in rural LaMotte for many years and most recently a member of St Lawrence in Otter Creek. She served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister at both parishes.

Gloria is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jerry, her 5 sons, Terry (Sue) of Key West, IA, Kevin (Karen) of LaMotte, IA, Dion of Benton, Wis., Keenan (Sue) and Darren (Jenny) both of Dubuque and her 8 grandchildren Aaron (Aaron) Steil, Becky (Pedro) Crispin de Jesus, Sara (Rob) Goedken, Andrew (fiancée Abbie Halvorson) Steil, Derek (Angel),Ryan, and Emma Steil and Audra Steil, Jeremie and Carissa Oberbroeckling as well as 9 great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings Deryl “Buddy” Ernster and Harry, Jr “Sonny” Ernster, and by her brothers and sisters in-law Alvina Murphy, Jim (Jean) Steil, Jude Steil, Vern (Elaine) Steil, Mary Ann Derouin and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister Gayelle (Roy) Blum, sister-in-law Margaret Ernster and brothers and sisters in-law Evie (Albert) Beecher, Eleanor (Don) Lombardi, Virgil Murphy, Lenny Steil, Don Derouin and Norm (Minnie) Steil.

Gloria’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bell Tower Retirement and Hospice of Dubuque for the loving care that was given to our mother and grandmother over the past years as she lived with Alzheimer’s.

The family requests no flowers. Condolences may be sent online at www.leonardfuneralhome.com and memorials may be sent to the Steil Family at 23681 384th St. LaMotte, IA 52054 or Leonard Funeral Home 2595 Rockdale Rd Dubuque, IA for Gloria’s favorite charities, Camp Courageous, Dubuque Humane Society, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Joseph J. Michels

Joseph J. Michels, Jr., 85, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020 surrounded by his family.  Family Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook page, on their You Tube Channel and on Bellevue Cable TV at 10:30 am, Thursday, August 6, 2020.

Joseph was born February 20, 1935, the son of Joseph J. and Alice E. (Kilburg) Michels, Sr. in rural Springbrook.  He married Betty Gerardy on July 16, 1957 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook.  Joseph was a barber for many years in Springbrook, he also worked for Clinton Engines/Catepillar, Finley Hospital & Bellevue State Park Association before retiring.  He enjoyed dancing and passed that passion onto his children, fishing, hunting, hunting mushrooms, playing cards, and was an excellent griller.  Joseph will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of 63 years; children; Joey (Linda) Michels, Tina Theisen, Sheila (significant other Jim Weinschenk) Anton, Brian (Kathy) Michels, Chuck (Kris) Michels, Becky (Mike) Carter, Linda (Denny) Walgamuth, and a daughter in-law, Debbie Michels; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald (Dorothy) Michels, Darlene  Rubel, and Mildred Kruel; brothers and sisters in-law, Gene (Joan) Gerardy, John (Rosina) Gerardy, Janice Jackson, Lorraine Ruff, and Gerald Fuegen.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Marty Michels; 2 grandchild, Taylor Anton and Rachel Michels; a great-grandchild, Scarlett Peterson; brothers and sisters in-law, Herald Kruel, Leo Rubel, Roger (Lois) Gerardy. Bub Ruff, and Shirley Fuegen;

Local arrangements with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

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

George L. Wagner

George L. Wagner, 93, of Bellevue, passed away on July 31, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.  Public graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273.

George was born July 29, 1927, in rural Bellevue, Iowa, the older child of Louis and Clara (Felderman) Wagner. He was very affable and had a warm endearing smile with a twinkle in his eye.

In his younger days, George enjoyed playing cards, roller skating, and dancing.

He served his country in the US Army during World War II.  George was a tool and die maker by trade. He held many positions at the Savanna Army Depot attaining the position of Chief, Ammunition Peculiar Equipment Fabrication Branch. He retired in July 1982.  After retiring, mixed in with spending time on his farm, he enjoyed many years as a tour bus driver and commercial vehicle delivery driver. He especially enjoyed delivering Winnebago Motorhomes all over the country.

Survivors include first cousins Marjorie Jury, Rogers, MN, Eugene Wagner, Maquoketa, IA, Jeanette Ilg, Dewitt, IA and Orville Wagner, Delmar, IA.

Also left to honor his memory are longtime special friend and companion, Janet Clark, Rockford, IL, longtime friend and caregiver, Edna Tucker, and special friend Cindy Fuller, both of Dubuque, IA.

George was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ruth E. Wagner.

Masks and social distancing are required.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Online condolences may be left in George’s memory at hachmannfuneralhome.com

Charles Spielman

Charles “Chuck” Spielman, 85 of Dubuque passed away Friday July 31, 2020 at home with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Goerand officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard and the American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a parish wake service at 3:40 p.m. Social distancing and mask are required for the wake and funeral.

Chuck was born on August 7, 1934 in Dubuque the son of Frank “Hank” and Geraldine (Koppes) Spielman, and married Helen A. Miller on October 15, 1960 in Darlington, WI.

He attended Dubuque Senior High School and served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. After serving his country he returned to Dubuque and worked for the former Dubuque Packing Co. until 1975. Chuck also owned and operated Spielman’s Lounge from 1970 until 1977. In 1977 he opened Spielman’s Supper Club/Ballyclough Inn and operated there until May of 1990. Chuck also served on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission from 1991 to 2003.

Chuck was very involved in the Dubuque Community and served on many Board’s. He was involved with Albrecht Acres since 1975 and started the Albrecht Acres Hall of Fame, and was instrumental in starting the Annual Golf Outing which is in its 23 year.

He also had a great love of softball. He played for many years and sponsored many teams through his tavern. He also helped start many local Fast Pitch Tournaments.  He worked to establish the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1975 and was inducted into it in 1982.

Other accomplishments and memberships include his lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus Council John F. Kennedy Council #5513, and through his bowling talents received multiple 1st place trophies at Knights of Columbus Bowling tournaments.  Induction into the Kiwanis Hall of Fame in 1982, helping establish AAA Bass Fishing in 2005 and volunteered with Hospice of Dubuque since 2006.

Chuck loved to spend time with his grandchildren and enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and watching sports.

He is survived by his wife Helen; five children Stacy (Ted) Hoerner, of Dubuque, Craig Spielman, of Hazel Green, Sheila (Pat) Siegert, of Dubuque, Suanne (Dale) Schueller, of Flemington, NJ, and Sara (Jim) Davison, of Albuquerque, NM; his nine grandchildren Jason Hoerner, Jordan Hoerner, Abigayle (Mikael) Nielsen, Shayna Siegert, Merrick Siegert, Cormac Siegert, Claire Siegert, Landon Schueller and Jacob Schueller; his sister-in-law Mary Pat Kilkelly of Dodgeville, WI, nieces and nephews along with his many special friends “you know who you are”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, a sister Shirley (Bill) McGovern and two brothers-in-law William Kilkelly and William (JoAnne) Miller.

A Chuck Spielman memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they gave to Chuck.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Robert Jordan

Robert (Bob) Jordan, 91, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully with family on Thursday, July 30^th at 5:30pm at Stonehill Care Center.  Bob was born on December 24, 1928 in Dubuque, IA to William (Doc) and Gertrude Jordan.

To honor Bob’s life, a service will be held at St. Columbkille’s Church at 11:30am on August 11th.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Bob attended Nativity grade school, Loras Academy, and Loras College. He was an avid golfer known as “Bobby Jordan” and won multiple City of Dubuque and Dubuque Golf and Country Club Championships, as well as tournaments throughout Iowa and Wisconsin.  He often bragged about playing golf with George Goebel and Lawrence Welk.

After school, Bob worked for the family plumbing business.   While working in Wisconsin, he met his first wife, Rosemary Hanifan. They were married in 1949. Rosemary passed away in 1960 and left him caring for 4 children under 9 years old.

In 1966, Bob met the second love of his life, Beverly Waldron. Bev was an intelligent, educated musician and grade schoolteacher. On February 4, 1967, they were married and became lifelong friends and had two children together.  They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in February. Bob and Bev looked for common interests. Together, they began a flower and garden business that flourished over the years. They still were planting flowers and vegetables together this spring.

During the 1980’s, Dubuque suffered through the “Agricultural Depression”. There was no plumbing work in Dubuque.  So, Bob worked for 8 years as a foreman at a nuclear power plant in Byron, IL, traveling back every weekend to be with his family. He eventually retired as a lifelong union plumber. Retirement was filled with the joys of being a father, grandfather, and avid gardener. Bob and Bev sold their vegetables and flowers at many sites throughout Dubuque, including the Dubuque Farmers Market.  This activity kept them active and provided their 6 children with more life-long skills.

The Jordan family would like the community of Dubuque to know that they appreciate
the support they have received over many years to their plumbing and gardening businesses.

Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly; five children, Patrick (Lucy) Jordan of Ankeny, IA, James (Susan) Jordan of Omaha, NE, Rosemary Jordan of Bettendorf, IA, William (Susan) of Dubuque, IA, and Jackie (Sharat) Ramaraju of Bettendorf, IA, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, WJ and Gertrude;  his son, Jon Jordan; his sisters, Marguerite Brodersen and Nike Dreier;  and his late wife, Rosemary.

May his soul rest in peace.

Online condolences for Bob’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Mary Ellen O’Brien

Mary Ellen O’Brien, 89 of Dubuque passed away Thursday July 30, 2020 at Luther Manor.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2020 at Saint Joseph The Worker with Fr. Jim Goerend officiating. Social distancing and mask’s will be required.  Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a parish wake service will be held at 1:00p.m.

Mary Ellen was born on March 6, 1931 in Sand Spring, Iowa the daughter of Hubert and Genevieve (McElmeel) Kroeger. She graduated high school in 1949 from St. John’s in Independence, Iowa; she then attended Mount Mercy Junior College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1951 and graduated from Mount Mercy in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education.

She married Stephen O’Brien on August 1, 1953 at St. John’s in Independence, Iowa and he preceded her in death.

Mary Ellen worked for Dubuque Community Schools from 1973 to 1995 at Fulton and Eisenhower, she retired in 1995. She was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church

She is survived by her four daughters Barbara Cutkomp, of Ainsworth, Iowa, Teresa (William) Brahm, of Dubuque, Maureen (Robert) Leuenberger, of Cedar Rapids and Leslie (William) Rhomberg, of Cedar Falls; a son-in-law Gary Williams of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren Luke (Kate) Cutkomp, Neal (Carley) Cutkomp, Jacqueline (Stephen) Biver, Erica (Zachary) Huk, Reece (Amanda) Leuenberger, Shane Williams, Alexander, Joseph, and Abigail Rhomberg; ten great grandchildren and a sister-in-law Ruth Kroeger.

She was preceded in death by her husband Stephen; a daughter Mary Ann Williams; a son-in-law Keith Cutkomp; brothers Bernard (Mae) Kroeger, Andrew (Emily) Kroeger, John Kroeger, Robert (Doris) Kroeger and Gerald Kroeger.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor along with Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy, for all the loving care they gave to our mother and grandmother.