Obituaries Archive

Galen J. Kremer

On August 27, 2019, an Angel driving an 18-Wheeler came and took our beloved Galen, 75, of Maquoketa, Iowa, to Heaven.

He left behind his wife Susan “Sue” of 46 years; daughter Heidi of 44 years. Galen will stay in our hearts forever and be sadly missed by all he knew and all who knew him.

Family and friends may gather for a graveside service and burial with military rites at 10 A.M., Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. There is no visitation. Cremation has taken place.

Heidi and Susan would like to thank family, friends and Hospice of Jackson County for the last 10 days of Galen’s life.

Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Kenneth Carl Nauman

Kenneth Carl Nauman, 74, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Unity Point Health Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, August 30, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Dubuque, IA, where a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, August 31, 2019, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque with Rev. Monsignor Thomas Toale as celebrant. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 6 and the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans.

Born November 4, 1944 in Dubuque, he was the son of Albert and LaVera (Freihoefer) Nauman. On July 10, 1971, he married Marilyn Hansen in Dubuque at St. Raphael Cathedral.

He was a 1962 graduate of Wahlert High School.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a medic in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.

Ken worked at Dubuque Packing Company and later worked at the U.S. Postal Office as a postal clerk for 25 years.

He was a member of St. Raphael Cathedral, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus Council #510, Tri-State Vietnam Veterans, Amvets, and American Legion Post #6.

He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and an Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball fan. He was a strong supporter of all his children and grandchildren’s activities. He loved country and polka music, playing euchre, gardening, and the great outdoors. He was always there with a “dad” joke. Dad will be remembered for his infectious smile, kind heart, and willingness to help others.

Survivors include Marilyn; his five children, Deana Kueter of Kansas City, MO, Allen (Crystal) Nauman of Dubuque, Steven Nauman of Lawrence, KS, Sara Nauman of Kansas City, MO, and Gina (Chad) Wilming of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Noah Kueter, Chase Nauman, and Brodie Wilming; one brother, Eugene (Carole) Nauman of Dubuque; three sisters, Dianne (Gene) Finzel of Bellevue, Marlene (Ken) TeKippe of Key West, and Janice (Terry) Smith of Rio Rancho, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one daughter, Carla.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Luther Manor and Clarke Physical Therapy for their loving care of our dad.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent at www.hskfhcares.com.

Patricia L Gabrielson

Patricia L Gabrielson left this earth to be with her Lord on August 21, 2019.

She requested her body be donated to the University of Iowa for medical research. A Celebration of Life will be held by her 4 children September 15, 2019, at Bethany Home, Dubuque, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Pat was born February 3, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, daughter of Margaret Wick and Walter A. Dotseth. After high school she moved to New York and graduated from NYACK New York College (Missionary Training Institute) as an LPN. Pat also received a BA in social work from the University of Dubuque.

She moved to Lumberton, North Carolina as a lay missionary for the cotton mills, and then moved to Whitesville, West Virginia in the coal mining area. Pat served in churches in both Illinois and Iowa. Pat moved to Dubuque in 1971 to work at Bethany Home. She served there for 26 years, first as Assistant Administrator and then as the Administrator.

Pat was a deacon and an elder at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. She was a member of American Business Women and PEO Chapter HL.

Pat is survived by her 4 children, Mark (Doris) Gabrielson, Kathleen Fox, Ellen (Jamie) Koster, and Janice Gabrielson, 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, as well as her 2 sisters Diana Sornborger and Norine Martin.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Matthew Gabrielson and brother Walter Dotseth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethany Home.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Burton J. Hubanks

Burton J. “Burt” Hubanks, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 27th, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley hospital.

Private family burial in Linwood Cemetery with military honors will be accorded. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Burt was born on April 7, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Delmer Hubanks and Mae Hill. He attended Dubuque area schools and served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War.

He married Nancy Weiland in Ratoon, New Mexico and worked for the Dubuque Packing company for 38 years.

Burt was a motorcycle enthusiast, he loved gardening, morel hunting, and searching for watercress and wild asparagus. He also enjoyed woodworking and crafts; his “Uncle Sam” carvings were coveted by many. Burt was a kind and gentle man.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Hubanks and daughter-in-law Sandy Hubanks, of Colorado and Steve Hubanks. Granddaughter Nancy and grandson Jason; son-in-law John Winger, of Dubuque; the family of Frieda Luther: Dave and Kathy Baker, Tina and Kenny Womack, Debbie Pierce and their children and grandchildren (Burt was “Grandpa); sister-in-law Marion Hubanks; nephews, Gary Hubanks, Larry Hubanks, Rhonda McMahon and Ann Williams.

Burt was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nancy in 1986; daughters Linda Winger and Kris Hubanks; brother Harlo Hubanks; step-father Jim Markham, and long-time companion Frieda (Schurman) Luther.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at Finley Hospital (S North), Father Tom McDermott, John Winger and a special thank you to Dave and Debbie Baker and family for always treating Burt as family.

Joseph P. Burns

Joseph Peter Burns, 67, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at home following a prolonged illness, with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West, with military honors accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Visitation is from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Joe was born on July 22, 1952 in Phillipsburg, NJ, the son of Joseph P. and Elinor Mae (Wolfe) Burns.  He was a graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s Prep School, Gladstone, NJ, and Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Joe was a member of the Army Reserves Special Forces Airborne.

He was united in marriage to Maria Droessler, formerly of Kieler, WI, on November 18, 1989 at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. Joe was employed at Hormel Foods in Dubuque, and was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Dubuque.

Surviving is his wife Maria; their daughter, Fiona Burns, of Dubuque, IA; his siblings, Timothy (Diane) Burns of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Susan (Todd) Craig of Houston, TX, and Brigid (Ron) Rizzo of Long Valley, NJ; his in-laws, William (Sharon) Droessler of McFarland, WI, Sally Jo (Randal) Halford of Georgetown, TX, Terrence (Sue) Droessler of Columbus, WI, and twelve nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe’s family wishes to thank the staff at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, and Hospice of Dubuque, for the wonderful care given to Joe, their beloved husband and father.

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

Kenneth Jess

Kenneth “Kenny” Jess, 88, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Court Yard Estates in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Friday, August 30, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Graveside services with Military Honors Conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be 10:30 am, Saturday, August 31, 2019 at First Presbyterian Cemetery in Bellevue.

Kenny was born June 20, 1931 in Dubuque, the son of Louis and Minnie (Moltman) Jess. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1949. Kenny served his country in the US Air Force 1949-1952, he then married Charlotte McMillion on May 29, 1953. Kenny as a young boy growing up in Bellevue, enjoyed sledding, ridding bikes, and swimming, as a teenager he worked for a farmer outside of Sabula during the summers and dearly loved working at the farm during those times. He returned to Bellevue after serving his country and worked at Clinton Engines, Savannah Army Depot, and finally starting in 1956 at John Deere Dubuque Works until retiring in 1986.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; their children, Nancy (Kevin) Metz of Des Moines and Thane (Pam) Jess of West Des Moines; granddaughters, Alexis Laslo of Clive, Olivia Laslo of Des Moines; a great-grandson, Malone Slothhower; a sisters in-law, Joan Jess of Bellevue, Nancy Eckrich of Mt. Airy, Maryland, Betty Marshik of Rockville, Maryland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bernard, Joseph, Howard, Clyde, Louis, Donald, Robert, Grace, Norma, and Jeanette; a granddaughter, Claire Ann Laslo; and numerous sisters and brothers in-law, nieces and nephews.

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

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

Margaret B. Kretschmer Schmitz

Margaret Bennett Kretschmer Schmitz, daughter, wife, sister, mother, nana, nana-great, and friend, led a life filled with gratitude. The daughter of Charles G. and Mary Agnes (Lavery) Kretschmer, she was born in Dubuque, Iowa on March 9, 1930 and died peacefully on August 20, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31st, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Josef Voller-Konig officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 30th, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church where a rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret was a graduate of Visitation Academy in 1948 and Clarke College in 1952. Margaret met James Peter Schmitz at morning mass at the Church of the Nativity in 1948. They married on June 14, 1952 and together they raised eleven children. They were blessed with forty-four years of marriage.

Margaret’s legacy of grace and love lives through her children Ann (Kevin) O’Connor, Marc (Joyce) Schmitz, Peter James (Maria) Schmitz, Thomas (Deirdre Egan) Schmitz, Laura (Bruce) Anderson, John (Deb) Schmitz, Mary Margaret (Steve) Wraneschetz, Sara (Mark) Burns, Kathleen (Eric) Schmitz Lynn, and Martha (Chris) Schmitz Paar; twenty-five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and dear friends whom she treasured.

Margaret believed she was greatly blessed from the moment she was born until the day she died. She was preceded in death by her husband James Peter, her son Peter Charles, grandson Kevin Charles O’Connor, daughter-in-law Joyce Pollack Schmitz, and brothers Charles G. and Frederick L. Kretschmer.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Agnes Meyer; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Kretschmer and Jean Schmitz Moore, and a brother-in-law Phil Schmitz.

Memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, Iowa 52003; the chapel at Carondelet Village, 525 Fairview Avenue South, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116; or St. Therese at St. Odilia Hospice, 3500 Vivian Avenue, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.

Gwen E. Healey

Gwen E. Healey, age 80, of Dubuque, died peacefully in the company of family on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Internment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Proceeding the rosary at 2:30 pm, a visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29t?h ?from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Joseph the Worker church.

Gwen was born on February 10, 1939 in Luxemburg, Iowa, the daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Naber) Gaul. She grew up in Dyersville, Iowa, where she met and married her beloved husband of 57 years, Carl Healey, on November 26, 1959.

The couple moved to Dubuque that same year and Gwen began her career as a Nurse. She was employed with Xavier Hospital until its closing and then with Mercy Health Center, retiring in 2001, when her new favorite phrase became, “I can do that, I’m off tomorrow.”

Gwen was a charter member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and involved in virtually every aspect of the parish. She was a member of Mother’s Club, Birthright and many other organizations, as well as Catholic Daughters, where she was serving as President. She loved attending her grandchildren’s programs and activities, shopping, golf cart rides, going out to lunch, and fussing over her two cats Silky and Chrissy.

Gwen is survived by her children, Cathy (Steve) Schlueter, Steve (Rhonda) Healey both of Dubuque, IA and Mike (Penny) Healey of Tampa, FL; her grandchildren Jessica Healey, Lindsy (Marty) Hurm, Jenny (Jack) Flanigan, Katie (Tyler) Thomas and Christy Healey; 4 great grandsons; her siblings Les (Debbie) Gaul of Ethel, MO, Karl Gaul of Worthington, IA, and his close friend Joan, Cyril (Paula) Gaul of Schaumburg, IA, Mark (Mary) Gaul of Worthington, IA, Mary Lou (Ivan) Meyers of Bellevue, IA, Ruth (Darel) Hilkin of Dubuque, IA and Julie (Clark) Bradley of Marion, IA; her sister-in-law Cheryl Gaul of Worthington, IA and her dear friend Rita Reicher of Dubuque, IA.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Carl on February, 6, 2017; her parents; two brothers Bernard and Leon and two sisters Rose and Peggy; and five in-laws.

A Gwen Healey memorial fund has been established.

The Healey family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the first responders and the ER personnel at Mercy Health Center and to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. who are taking care of arrangements.

Barbara M. Bray McFarlane Kruse

Barbara M. Bray McFarlane Kruse, 91, passed away on August 23, 2019, and was blessed with a remarkable and long life.

Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

She wanted all to know that her parents and all four grandparents were born in Dubuque. That progeny, plus her birthdate of April 29, 1928, make her an “Olde Dubuquer!” Although her passing is a terrible loss to the Dubuque community, she was truly an inspiration to her dear friends and generations of family members. Her memory continues in those she interacted with through her nursing, teaching, volunteering, and social activities.

Barb’s six children were born to her and her first husband, Dr Donald J McFarlane: Kevin (Connie) McFarlane of Dubuque, formerly of Anchorage Alaska, Kathleen (Edward) Zwirko of Tucson, Arizona, Stephen (Sheila) McFarlane of Scottsdale, Arizona, Peter (Jane) McFarlane of Fredericksburg, Texas, Molly (Dr. Michael) Dalton of Dubuque and their children, Dr. Stephanie, Jenny, and Sarah; and Dr. Jeffrey (Beth) McFarlane of Shawano, Wisconsin and their children, Erin, Lindsey, and Colleen. She is also survived by her sister Marianne (Carl) Haupert; two sisters-in-law, Gwenn Bray of Waukon, Iowa; and Elizabeth Bray of Dubuque.

In 1981 she was joined in marriage to William G. “Bill” Kruse. He preceded her in death in 2012.

She also joins in Heaven those family members who have patiently awaited their reunion; her infant son Michael; her parents Louis and Dorothy Bray; and two brothers, Louis and John Bray.

Barb attended grade school at Nativity and high school at the Visitation Academy, Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 1946. After one year at Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois, she entered nurse’s training at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, graduating with an RN degree in 1950. She furthered her education by graduating from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois with a BSN degree in 1951.

Professionally, she worked as an RN at Mercy Hospital from 1950 to 1951; in OR at Huron Road Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio from 1951 to 1952; and then returned to the OR at Mercy from 1974 to 1984.

Her personal interests included lifelong sports-related activities: swimming, snow skiing, tennis, boating, water skiing, biking, and hiking. She also enjoyed sewing, crafts, playing bridge, and she was a ferocious euchre player.

She devoted her time to many area professional and charity organizations. She was a past member of the American Operating Room Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and the Iowa Nurses Association. She was a member of the St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Dubuque and its Alter & Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Arch Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. For her civic activities she was a member of the Dubuque Chapter of the American Red Cross and its Volunteer Program, teaching swimming classes for special needs people for 45 years. She was a past president of the American Red Cross Water Safety committee. She held offices in the Visitation Alumnae Association and the Rosary College Alumnae Association. She served on the Heritage Trail Executive Committee, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Senior Board, the Visiting Nurse Association Board of directors, and the Key Home Care Board of Directors. She is a lifelong member of the Dubuque Golf and Country Club and the Sunshine Circle of Finley Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a Barbara M. Kruse Memorial Fund has been established.

For further information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, and the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy One for their loving care.

“A life that touches others goes on forever.”

Francis J. Bechen

Francis J. Bechen, 84, of Dubuque passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Church of the Nativity with burial at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery immediately following.

Francis was born March 9, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Frank and Crescentia (Wathier) Bechen.

He was a beloved school teacher for the DCSD for 30 years, teaching Spanish at both Dubuque Senior and Hempstead High Schools and then retiring in 1998.

Francis was a six-time Iowa Golden Gloves boxing champion and six-time Ringside World Masters Champion. He was also a boxing judge and referee for over 40 years. He was recently inducted into the National Golden Gloves Officials Hall of Fame and received the Outstanding Judge Award.

Outside of the boxing world, he enjoyed watching football, bowling, skydiving, fitness and traveled extensively.

He was also a loving and supportive father and grandfather, pilot and member of the EAA, former member of Optimist Club and devoted member of the Church of the Nativity.

Francis is survived by five children, Dan Bechen of Aurora, Illinois, Darci (Austin) Bechen Terry of Missouri City, Texas, Scott (Stephanie) Bechen of Dubuque, Jeremy (Kate) Bechen of Dubuque and Todd (Leslie) Bechen of Des Moines; and nine grandchildren.

He is also survived by four siblings, Richard Bechen of Dubuque, Robert Bechen of Dubuque, Zita (Larry) Elgin of Dubuque and Pauline (Harlow) Meyer of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Olin Bechen, a sister, Ruth Becker and a nephew, Greg Becker.

The family would like to send their special thanks to the boxing community, all his former students and dear friends who have brightened his life.

Mary V. Hesselman

Mary Virginia Hesselman, 96, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 24th, 2019 at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 29th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Rev. Andrew Upah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary was born on June 28, 1923 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Dewell and Mildred (Brennan) Anderson. In 1941 Mary graduated from the Visitation Academy. She married Donald J. Hesselman Sr. on September 26, 1944 and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2018.

Mary was a lifelong member of Nativity Parish; was a loving mother to 10 children, 27 grandchildren, and 46 great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Don (Gwen) Hesselman, Steve (Becky) Hesselman, Mary Gereau, Mark Hesselman, Mike (Terri) Hesselman, Elizabeth Hesselman, Tony (Jill) Hesselman, Ann (Dave Heller) Volkert, Julie (Dave) Naumann, and Jane Scarlino; 27 grandchildren, and 46 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Don; a brother Robert D. “Hunk” Anderson, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Anderson.

In lieu of flowers a Mary Virginia Hesselman memorial fund will be established. The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque.

Joyce J. Parker

Joyce Jayne Parker, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 25, 2019 at home. Funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Joyce was born on May 4th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Marie (Sullivan) Allen. She attended Marshall Elementary School, Jefferson Jr. High and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married William Roger Parker Sr. On May 22, 1948 in Maquoketa. She worked for Flexsteel and the Battery Factory; and was a member of AKC Kennel Club. She loved and adored her animals.

She is survived by her husband William; children, Tammy Parker, Larry Parker, William Parker Jr., Kristine Beckman, Ronald Parker Sr. and Ronald Parker Jr.; nineteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to her husband William Parker. The family would like to thank her lifelong friends Bernice and Rita for all their care, kindness and friendship.

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel)

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel), 97, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Caritas Center.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne was an elementary teacher in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Chicago; Maywood, Ill.; and Hempstead, N.Y. She worked as a salesperson and an office clerk in Hempstead, N.Y., and as a secretary in Chicago.

She was born on Sept. 5, 1921, in Milwaukee to Frank and Estelle Fielding Sheeran. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. Clare Parish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 70 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.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury, Rd, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert F. Pfeiler

Robert F. “Bob” Pfeiler, age 80, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 7:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 24, 2019, after living with Parkinson’s Disease for many years. There will be a celebration to honor Bob’s life at a date to be determined in the future. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Bob was born on May 29, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Leonard and Salome (Meyer) Pfeiler.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice K. Hartman, on August 26th, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church. They were an extremely close and loving couple, who were just two days shy of celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary. Bob was a welder at the John Deere Dubuque works from 1960 to 1996, with the exception of his 2-year Duty with the US Army from 1962 to 1964. Bob loved fishing and hunting and cherished the time spent with his family and friends. After his retirement, he spent most of his free time working on odd jobs and projects at Lake Hancock Resort, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Bob had several Hobbies. He was an avid stock car racing fan and attended races whenever possible. He loved woodworking, racing his greyhounds, and coached the Copper Kettle girls softball team for many years. His greatest joy was truly found in spending time with his family and Bob always made sure that every celebration included a game of Euchre. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and brother, and our lives will never be the same without him. We are however very grateful for the 80 years that Bob was here with us, and will cherish the countless memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include

his loving wife,
Janice Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Randy (Patty Trowbridge) Pfeiler,
Cindie Zeromski,
Tina (Dan Pfeiffer)Pfeiler,
Dan (Jean) Pfeiler
and Kim (Jason) Meyer, all of Dubuque, IA;

his 8 grandchildren,
Robert and Jesse Zeromski, Nathan and Nicole Pfeiffer, Meggan and Amanda Pfeiler and Hanna and Ellie Meyer;

his siblings,
Marlene (Jim) Robertson, Camanche, IA,
Tom (Marlene) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA,
Renee (Chuck) Fletcher, San Antonio, TX
and Steve (Sandy Evans) Pfeiler, Sun Prairie, WI;

his sister-in-law,
Peggy Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

and his brother-in-law,
Eddy Richard, Oak Harbor, WA.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Ronnie Pfeiler and Sandy Richard.

Bob’s family would like thank the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care, especially the physical therapy department, for all of their kind and professional care. Also a special thanks to all of the family members, especially Bob’s grandson Jesse, for all of the care they provided allowing Bob to stay in his home and remain comfortable. Also a heartfelt thanks to Bob’s long time friend and partner in crime, Tom Wunder, for all of his friendship and camaraderie throughout the years.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Bob’s favorite charities.

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

LeRoy J. Pancratz

LeRoy J. Pancratz, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Zwingle passed away on August 24th, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity, with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

LeRoy was born on December 12th, 1926 in Zwingle, Iowa the son of Leo and Elizabeth (Boyer) Pancratz. He married Inez Donahue on September 28, 1949 at Assumption Church, Sylvia Switch in Zwingle. He was very devoted to Inez for over 70 years as a husband and caregiver. LeRoy started farming at the age of 16 when his father died. He was very proud of his registered Golden Guernsey milking cows and he continued farming until his retirement. LeRoy was a humble and extremely hard-working man and had a great work ethic that he instilled in his family along with a strong faith. He also worked as an independent milk hauler, and at the foundry’s of A.Y. McDonald and East Dubuque. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus La Motte/Key West Council. He was also the leader and long-time member of the 4-H Washington Senators and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Inez; six children: Mary Jo (Wayne Beecher) Pancratz, Joyce (Richard) Veach, Tim (Mary Kay) Pancratz, Judy (Craig) Wurdinger, and Peggy (Dennis) Denlinger. Seventeen grandchildren: Amberai, Luke, Tyler, Melanie, Wes, Danny, Elizabeth, Molly, Arianne, Brett, Anna, Kelly, Ben, Jenna, Becca, Rachel, and Sam. Thirteen great grandchildren; and his sister Lillian Kies along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Leo; two brothers, Kenneth (Monica) Pancratz, and Charles (Dorothy) Pancratz; four sisters, Bernice (Henry) Schuster, Elizabeth (Sylvester) Ambrosy, Vivian (John) Hingtgen, Theresa (Clarence) Thole and a brother-in-law Karl Kies.

A LeRoy Pancratz memorial fund will be established. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for all their wonderful care and kindness.