Obituaries Archive

Jerome J. Steffen

Jerome J. Steffen Sr., 95, of Peosta, IA died Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Luther Manor Communities – Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2019 at Holy Family Church, Peosta. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Peosta. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1st, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where there will be a wake service at 2:45 p.m.

Jerome worked at Farley & Loescher Co, Caradco, and lastly Flexsteel Industries retiring after 20+ years of service. He was a proud member of Local 1861 Steel Works Union.

He was born on June 11, 1924, in Luxemburg, IA, the son of Clem and Catherine (Greiner) Steffen. He married Lorraine Brummer on June 16, 1948 at Holy Family Church, Peosta. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. She preceded him in death. He was a member of Holy Family Church, Peosta.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who to pride in his family members. He enjoyed traveling, cheering for the Hawkeye’s and watching the Cubs. His hobbies were fishing and playing euchre with his brothers and friends.

Surviving are his daughters, Kay Oberhoffer, Sharon Frommelt, both of Dubuque, and Nancy (Mike) Felton, of Monticello; sons, Jerry (Marge) Steffen Jr. and Charles (Nancy) Steffen, both of Dubuque; grandchildren, Matthew (Beth) Oberhoffer, Michelle (Paul) Munya, David (Ashley) Frommelt, Robin Uzel, Mike (Samantha) Felton, Erica (Anthony) Reiss, Dawson and Ellyn Felton, Dan, Nick and Tony Steffen, David (Jessica) Steffen and Michael (Jessica) Steffen; and 20 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine Steffen; sons-in-law Kent Frommelt and Michael Oberhoffer; sister Lorraine and Marce Heisler; brothers and sisters-in-law Edward, Sylvester and Marie, Reynold and Frances, Francis, Gerald and Viola, and Andrew and Eileen Steffen.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to the staff of Luther Manor Community and Hospice of Dubuque for all their tender loving care of Jerome.

George F. Willging

George F. Willging, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 5:55 a.m., on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at home, with his loving wife by his side. To honor George’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating. To celebrate George’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

George was born on May 20, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Henry and Anna (Kregle) Willging.

George was a proud graduate of Loras Academy and went on to school at Loras College, where he earned his teaching degree. He would devote his time and talents teaching math at Loras Academy and Wahlert High School, before going to work with United Electric Company and eventually settling into his role at the John Deere Dubuque Works, until his well earned retirement at age 59. George was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Frances “Fran” Savary, on January 29, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. The two were blessed with 64 wonderful years and 8 adored children together. In his free time George was a master fisherman. His happiest place was on the Mississippi River with his former fishing partner, Jimmy O, or his sons and grandchildren, Zach and Brian. He knew the entire landscape of the river from Guttenberg to Bellevue, and tracked daily river stages for over 60 years. George was also an accomplished musician, having sung and traveled with the Dubuque Chorale for 25 years. He was extremely proud of the fact that he sang with them at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He played the violin in the Dubuque Community String Orchestra and continued to practice for 30 minutes, twice a day, up to his current age of 86. When he moved to Oak Park Place, he and his wife, Fran, started the Oak Park Singers. We are deeply saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and will miss George more than words can ever truly express.

Those left to cherish George’s memory include

his loving wife,
Frances “Fran” Willging, Dubuque, IA;

his 7 children,
Steve (Kathy) Willging, Minneapolis, MN,
Cathy (Fred) Peters, Atlanta, GA,
Susan Troy, Dubuque, IA,
Andy (Linda) Willging, Sherrill, IA,
Joan Willging, Minneapolis, MN,
Joe (Dawn) Willging, Iowa City, IA
and Paul (Dianne) Willging, Camanche, IA;

his grandchildren,
Kurt, Ryan, Allyson, Eric, Anna, Justin, Zach, Brian, Alexandria, James, Jeff, Jake and Abby;

his great-grandchildren,
Naomi, Ella and Parker;

a brother,
Tom (Pat) Willging, Freeport, IL;

and a sister-in-law,
Joy Willging, St. Joe, MI.

George was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, David Willging; a great-grandson in infancy, Carson Willging; a sister, Pat Hebert; 2 brothers, Clarence Willging and Ronald Willging; a son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Troy; and his best friend, Jimmy “Jimmy O” Oberfoell.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Henry A. Ollendick

Henry A. “Hank” Ollendick, age 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 25, 2019 at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Holy Ghost Church, 305 West Main Street, Dickeyville, Wisconsin with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will follow in the Holy Ghost Church Cemetery.

Hank was born on May 20, 1930 in Elgin, Nebraska to Bernard and Elizabeth (Baechler) Ollendick. He grew up farming in Elgin, Nebraska and Cresco, Iowa Hank proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked on the family’s various farms and was later a carpenter and handyman for several companies.

Hank was an avid pheasant and deer hunter but loved hunting morels most of all. He enjoyed fishing and liked to spend his free time tending to his flowers but was always willing to lend anyone a helping hand whenever he could. Hank enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing family history with his nieces and nephews, and talking about his time in the military.

Hank is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Salber of Marathon, Wisconsin, Francie Salber of Browerville, Minnesota, and Bernadine (Dave) Sloan of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister-in-law, Kay Ollendick of Dickeyville, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Marie (Lawrence) Hayes, Clara (Walter) Dorn, Theresa (August) Moser, Alfred “Fritz” (Ivy) Ollendick, Theodore “Ted” (Hilda) Ollendick, Louise “Butch” (Tom) Smith, Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Al) Kalvelage, Charles “Chuck” (Jean) Ollendick and Don Ollendick; and brothers-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Salber and Jerome “Shorty” Salber.

Hank’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their care and support over the last few weeks.

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

Louis E. Kartman

Louis E. “Louie” Kartman, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019, at Manor Care.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury with Pastor Paul Amlin officiating. Following the service there will be a procession to the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and other Dubuque Veterans Groups. Private family burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury and also after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of service. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Louie was born on November 14, 1931 in Grant county Wisconsin the son of Gerald and Lela (Rech) Kartman. He served with the United State Marine Corps during the Korean War and on October 10th, 1953 he married Ramona J. Meredith in Dubuque, Iowa.

He worked as a truck driver for various Dubuque Companies and was an independent operator-owner for 40 years. He was a member of the VFW, Marine Corps League, American Legion and Men’s Breakfast at Lord of Life.

Louie was the founder of the Veterans Memorial Plaza; founding member with his wife Ramona of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury, IA; on behalf of their church they did mission trips to Texas and Mexico. Louie also enjoyed fishing and telling stories.

He is survived by his wife Ramona Kartman; children, Scott Kartman, Lori (David) Burrows, both of Dubuque, LouAnn DeMoske, of Jacksonville, FL, and Kari (Jim) Hamilton, of Madison, WI. Grandchildren Curt (Pam), Kalee (Trown), Matthew, Ryan (Kara), Christopher (Holly), Natalie and Emily; along with 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including his new nephew Dale, who spent the last year listening to Louie’s stories of family and the Korean war.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents; two sons-in-law; two brothers Bob and Howard; two sisters Eunice Brooks and Erma Jean Jobe.

The family would like to thank Pastor Paul, Manor Care nurses and staff and Edna from Hospice of Dubuque for all their care, kindness and compassion.

Michael H. Hess

Michael H. Hess, 65, of Worthington passed away Friday, July 26, 2019, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Dubuque after a brave battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Mike was born on September 21, 1953 to Henry and Clara (Weber) Hess. He grew up on a farm in Worthington with his three siblings. He continued farming in Worthington with his brother Pat while raising his family.

Mike enjoyed watching sports and getting together with friends and family playing card games. Later in life he enjoyed playing golf and looked forward to playing the many courses in the area. Being a grandpa was a big highlight in his life. Mike had an infectious smile and laid back attitude. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Survivors include his children; David Hess of Chandler, AZ, Casey (Becky) Hess of Earlville, Jennifer (Brian) Akerberg of Ely, grandchildren; Amber, Austin, Lexis, Easton, and Emmett, siblings; LuAnn (Pat) Putz of Dyersville, Kenneth Hess of Prairie du Chien, WI, sister-in-law; Dianne Hess of Dyersville, half-sister, Jane Pettinger and half-brother, Dick (Nancy) Hess.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clara Mae and Henry, step-father Richard Tobin, brother, Patrick, sister-in-law, Wendy Hess.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Nursing Home and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their support and kindness toward Mike through his illness. He always had good things to say about both places during his stay.

Betty L. Kuepers

Betty L. Kuepers, 91, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, died Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville with Rev. Bernie Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Monday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the church before the service.

Betty was born on April 16, 1928, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Oscar and Florence (Bode) Slaats. She married Jerome Kuepers on June 1, 1949, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1999. Jerry and she ran Kuepers Bar for 50 years.

Betty was a devoted wife and mother. There was nothing more important than her family and she spent many hours babysitting her grandchildren. Betty was a member of Holy Ghost Parish for 70 years, Holy Ghost Council of Catholic Women and Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed Chicago Cubs games and traveling.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Gary) Leibfried and Laura (Mick) Meyer, both of Dickeyville; her sons, Luke (Kay) Kuepers, Dickeyville, Mark (Kathy) Kuepers, Hazel Green, and Matthew (Kim) Kuepers, Green Bay; her daughter-in-law, Chris (George) Kuepers, Dickeyville; a sister, Julitta Rokusek, Dubuque; two brothers, Merlin (Doris) Slaats and Roger (Mary) Slaats, both of Cuba City; 21 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her son, John; her brother, Guerdon (Donna) Slaats; and a brother-in-law, Jack Rokusek.

Thank you to the staff at Epione Pavilion and Hospice of Dubuque for their special and loving care of Betty.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

John W. Goffinet

John William Goffinet, age 74, Asbury, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Tom Heathershaw officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a wake service will be at 3:30 p.m. Private family burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
John was born April 12, 1945 in Shullsburg WI, the son of John Wilson and Margaret Hannah (McAuliffe) Goffinet. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1963 and attended vocational school in Madison, WI.

He married Joyce Lucas July 22, 1994, in Dubuque, IA.

John worked as a Quality Engineer at John Deere in Dubuque and worked from 1964 until his retirement in 2000.

He was active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 37 years in both Dubuque and Monticello IA. In Dubuque he was club secretary for 16 years. In Monticello he was Chaplain 2006, President 2007, and has been the Auditor from 2009-present. He also was the State President in 2008-2009.

John was an avid golfer even after being struck by lightning, until MSA (Parkinson’s disease) set in. He loved the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, ISU Cyclones and NASCAR. He enjoyed vacations and wintering in TX, AZ & FL. He had a soft spot for casinos and there is a certain slot machine that will get a lot less action.

He is survived by his children; Kelly (Mike) Dickson, Marco Island, FL, Mark (Marcia) Goffinet, Ankeny, IA, Master Sergeant David Goffinet USAF, Retired, Surprise, AZ, Tom (Sara) Goffinet, Dubuqu,e IA, Korrinna (Scott) Glass, Cherry Valley, IL. Special friends; Pat (Paul) Luna, Canton IL, honorary daughter Donna (Mihalakis) Moore, Dubuque. Step-daughters; Lisa (Robert) McGhee, and Dawn Clemens. Grandchildren; Allison (Mike) McGuire, Collin (Siobhan) Dickson, Mason and McKenna Goffinet, Janelle (Jake) Diehl, Jackson (Katelyn Fraley) Goffinet, William and Cole Glass. Great Grandchildren; Bradley and Alena Diehl, Finn and Graham McGuire. Step Grandchildren; Amanda and Emily Fudge, Robbie McGhee, Michael Tigges, and Tanner Clemens.

He is also survived by his siblings; a sister Patricia Fitzpatrick, brothers Ron (Jane) Goffinet, Mike (Sandy) Goffinet and Bob (Jill) Goffinet.

John was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, parents Wilson and Margaret, brothers Gerald and Don Goffinet, sister Emelda Strong, brother-in-laws Russ Fitzpatrick and Vern Strong and sister-in-law Ruth Goffinet.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the John W. Goffinet Memorial Fund and will be distributed to his favorite charities.

Thank you to Kim, Katherine and Amber for the excellent care given for his LSVTBIG therapy at Medical Associates. It gave him hope and he always looked forward to his sessions.

Jay A. Streinz

Jay A. Streinz, age 62, of Dubuque, was called home at 2:25 p.m., on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at home, following a long, hard-fought health battle that lasted many years. He fought a good battle and is now at peace. To honor Jay’s life, private family services will be held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jay was born on December 30, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Andrew J. and Jeannette “Jan” (Selle) Streinz.

He was the sixth born child of the 10 Streinz children. Jay grew up in a large family and always found a way to stand apart from his siblings. He enjoyed the company of his family (most of the time). Jay always enjoyed a good game of euchre, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears… when they didn’t stink.

Jay was a peaceful, private person who enjoyed his freedom and found happiness living a minimalist lifestyle. He lived life one day at a time with an easy-going attitude.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1975, and was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1975 until 1979. Jay received his Rifle Marksmanship Badge and a Good Conduct Medal (No really, he did). He later attended NICC and Loras College.

Those left to remember his spirit and miss his mischievous smile include all nine of his siblings,

Jim “Corky” (Corliss) Streinz, Sarasota, FL,
John (Bonnie) Streinz, North Liberty, IA,
JoAnne Schack, Chicago, IL,
Joel (Stacy) Streinz, Nokomis, FL,
Judy (Paul) Beck,
Jerry (Kathy) Streinz,
Julie (Don Jecklin) Van Zile,
Janet Streinz
and Jeff (Libby) Streinz, all of Dubuque;

and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Jeannette “Jan” Streinz on November 29, 1997, and Andrew J. Streinz on November 4, 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Albrecht Acres, 14837 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, Iowa 52073.

Jay’s family would like to give a special thank you to his wonderful neighbors, Dave and Suzie Carner, for all of the kindness, friendship and support they have given Jay over the years.

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

Cornelius L. Donovan

Cornelius (Neal) L Donovan, 90, formerly of rural Bernard died Saturday July 20, 2019, at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade, Iowa.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Garryowen, Bernard, Iowa with Fr. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26th, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd where there will be a prayer service beginning at 2:00pm.

Neal was born in Jackson County, Iowa to Richard and LuLu “Blanche” (Johnson) Donovan on February 18, 1929. Neal attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Jackson County.

Neal married Ellen Dunne of Andrew, Iowa, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew on November 18, 1950. After several moves, they purchased and occupied the original homesteaded Donovan family farm where they raised their nine children, farmed and resided for over 50 years.

He is survived by his nine children: Richard (Mary Lou), of Bernard, Tom, of Zwingle, Connie, of Cedar Rapids, Pat (Marty) Ryan of Waterloo, Nora (Lee) of Ft. Worth, TX, Jim (Linda), of Austin, TX, Chris (Glen) Ehlinger, of Marion, Kathy (Chris) Frerichs, of Cedar Rapids and Susan of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Neal is also survived by one sister, Lois Houselog of Dubuque and a brother Frank Donovan of Santa Rosa, CA, brother-in law Bill (Mary Jean) Dunne of formerly of Bernard, sister’s-in-laws Jean Dunne of Bellevue and Donna (Maury) Sturm of Dubuque in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his wife Ellen in 2013, Sister Donna Brenke, Brother Gerald (Buzzy) and his wife Joan, and brother-in-law Joe Dunne.

While Neal would describe himself first as a farmer, he was an accomplished auctioneer and real estate agent involving agriculture. The stories he would weave will forever be etched in many family and area residents’ minds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neal Donovan memorial fund. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Riverbend Retirement Community, Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and kindness.

Mary E. Fischer-Keeney

Mary E. Fischer-Keeney, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday evening, July 24, 2019, at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. There is no visitation. A private burial will take place at St. Patrick’s at North Garryowen, rural Bernard, Iowa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Mary Esther Fischer was born on June 2, 1949 in Cascade, Iowa, to Lawrence and Esther (Loeffelholz) Fischer. She was a 1968 graduate of Western Dubuque Epworth High School. She married Gerald Keeney on February 1, 1974 in Rock Island, Illinois. They later divorced.

Mary was a homemaker and had worked at DAC, Inc. for many years. She was of the Catholic faith. She loved to socialize with family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter, Virginia (Tom) Seawright of NC; 3 grandchildren, Kassandra (TJ) Johnson of AZ, Andreu Faulkner of Maquoketa, IA, and Christopher Faulkner of NC; sisters, Janet (Ron) Cook of Dubuque, IA, Bonnie (Bob) Molid of Dubuque, IA, Deb Watters of Maquoketa, IA, Joan Stewart of FL, Connie Carroll of NC, and Sheila (Dan) Heacock of Dubuque, IA; and brothers, Kenneth Fischer of Monticello, IA, Robert Fischer of North Liberty, IA, Ed (Linda) Fischer of Kalona, IA, and Paul Fischer of TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law of Jim Watters, nephew Kevin Arterberry, niece Liesel Fischer, and brothers Marvin and Wayne.

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

Gail A. Clary

Gail Ann Clary, 69, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, July 24, 2019, at her home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Gail Ann Burkey was born on September 29, 1949 in Anamosa, Iowa, to Galen Paul and Arlene Marie (Folkers) Burkey. She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married Phillip Clary in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Todd, Danny and Michael. Phillip preceded her in death. She later met her lifetime partner, Kevin Felten whom she’s been with for 37 years.

Gail was a homemaker and had worked various jobs throughout the years including working for the Maquoketa Newspaper, Honey Bears Restaurant, S & H Fabricating, and Stickle’s Feed in Anamosa. She also farmed with Kevin.

Gail enjoyed cookouts, caring for animals, horse riding, camping, fishing, traveling, baking, crocheting, looking at photo albums, taking walks, mushroom hunting. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandkids and great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her lifetime partner, Kevin Felten; children, Danny (Teresa) Clary of Monmouth, IA and Michael Clary of Dubuque, IA; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron Burkey of Anamosa, IA, Michael Burkey of Farley, IA, and Gary Burkey of Maquoketa, IA; and sisters, Eileen (Steve) Orcutt of Anamosa, IA, Brenda (Dan) Seeley of Anamosa, IA, and Angie (Bob) Kennedy of Baldwin, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Phillip, brothers John, Thomas and Larry, and a son Todd.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gail Ann Clary memorial fund has been established.

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

Ann L. Smith

Ann L. Smith, age 66 of Peosta, IA completed her earthly journey on July 23, 2019 at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Ann’s life, family and friends may gather together from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. for her Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the Peosta Community Centre, 7896 Burds Road, Peosta, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ann’s family

Ann was born on October 29, 1952 in Dubuque, to Lyle and Louise (Hanenberger) Marting.  She graduated for Dubuque Senior High School and eventually met and married her soulmate, Joe Smith.  They’ve been blessed with 47 years together, 3 children and 7 grandchildren. The couple has run the family business, Splendid Valley Nursery, together for many years.  Her keen eye for innovation, combined with her natural intellect for common sense solutions were definitely an asset to their success.

Ann was an avid runner and fan of physical fitness.  She was always content to spend a little time tending to her flower gardens.  Ann was a genuinely kind and gentle soul who shared her love and empathy for others in a truly generous fashion.  The world is a much better place because of the 66 years Ann walked among us.  We will miss her deeply and dearly and continue to embrace the beautiful legacy she leaves behind until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ann include,

her husband,
Joe Smith, Peosta;

her children,
Peter (Sherry Russell) Smith, Portage, MI,
Emily (Chris) Habel, Bankston,
and Kallie (Nick) Welter, Rickardsville;

her 7 grandchildren,
Xavior, Audrey, Madelyn, Owen, Abigail, Ray and Vincent;

her sisters-in-law,
Carole Marting, Scottsdale, AZ,
Cindy Booth, Kansas City, KS,
Sue (Tom) Batell, La Crosse, WI,
Ann (Kevin) Grogan, Cascade,
and Martha Smith, Dubuque;

her brother-in-law, Jack (Maria) Smith, Bankston;

along with countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Allan Marting; her parents-in-law, Joe and Kay Smith; and her brother-in-law, Steve “Gomer” Smith.

Ann’s family would like to extend a sincere thank all of their family and friends, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Shirley and Julie, for all of the love and support they’ve provided to Ann, and her family.

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

Beatrice J. Kramer

Beatrice “Bea” J. Kramer, 89, of Dubuque passed over to be with loved ones and friends in heaven with Jesus on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at home with family at her side, from pancreatic cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM Saturday, July 27, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque with Rev. Steve Garner officiating. Friends may call from 9 AM until Mass time at Holy Ghost Church. Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road is assisting the family.

Bea was born on February 7, 1930 in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, daughter of Perry and Erma (Smith) Jones. She was united in marriage to Eugene G. Kramer February 3, 1945. He preceded her in death in 1983 after 38 years of marriage. From this marriage came 3 children, Mary Ann, Richard and Dolores whom they raised in Dubuque.

In October 1966 Eugene and Bea purchased, owned, and operated the Knight Light Supper Club in Dyersville with their son, Richard Kramer. They operated and managed the business until 1980 when they retired and their son, Richard E. Kramer took over and operated with other family members until 2005 when it closed after 40 years.

Bea was a delightful, hardworking, kind, caring, witty, very generous, and a strong willed person. After her husband died she joined the Society of the Most Holy Trinity as a lay missionary for about 10 years. She worked with homeless at the Star of the Sea, substance abuse rehab in upstate New York, she worked in the mission in Kansas City, and the mission in Belin, New Mexico where she did all the cooking. She loved and enjoyed life and lived it to her fullest.

Bea is survived by her son, Richard E. Kramer, of Dubuque; daughter, Dolores Schulte, Dubuque; 11 grandchildren, Karmen (Steve) Wilhem, of Hiawatha, Kourtney (Dan) Keough, of Urbandale, IA, Kurt Kramer, of Dubuque, Melissa Dutra (special friend, Al), of Earlville, IA, Mark (Angie) Dutra, of Monticello, IA, Diane (Chad) Deutmeyer, of Earlville, Lorenda (D.J.) Schulte VanWyke, of Panora, IA, Cheryl Schulte, of Auburn, IA, Jeff (Megan) Schulte, of Williamsburg, IA, Eric (Carrie) Schulte, of Independence, IA, and Emily (T.J.) Lynn, of Fort Dodge, IA; 14 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; son-in-law, Robert Dutra, of Earlville and sister-in-law, Anna Marie Jones, of Kansas City, MO and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Mary Ann Dutra (2013); 7 brothers and sisters Dale (Beula) Jones, Harley (Becky) Jones, Mildred (Ed) McGill, Leo Jones, Genevieve (Richard) Collier, James Jones, infant twins, (John and Pat Jones unknown) and a special friend, Lavern Patterson.

Family would like to give a special thank-you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially the nurses, Jessica and Julie, Dr. Cao, and Dr. Hermann for all of their help and support they showed to Bea.

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

James C. Duster

James C. (Jim) Duster, 62, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2019, at his home, as a result of chronic kidney disease. Jim will be remembered for his love of life and the never-ending laughs he inspired.

He was born in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Fabian and Lucille Duster of Rickardsville, Iowa. He married Char Roby on January 9, 1982, at St. Mary’s Church in Iowa City, Iowa.

He graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross, Iowa, served in the United States Army in Germany, earned his BBA from the University of Iowa and his CPA – State of Iowa. He built a successful career as a key senior executive with experience in sales, operations, finance, purchasing, and IT systems in both large and small companies, including international expatriate assignments, most recently serving as Director of Sales Operations with Securonix. Every company he joined grew during his tenure. Early in his career, Jim’s love of books led to his five-year ownership of Carrollton Bookcenter in Carrollton, Texas.

Jim & Char loved to travel and spend time visiting friends and relatives, including trips to their condo in Portugal. They were blessed to share a cruise on the Adriatic Sea in May, and to make the trip to Iowa for a Duster family reunion (and golfing with the brothers) in June.

He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend, and we will keep him in our hearts forever.

Surviving are his wife, Char Roby of Austin; his son Nick Duster of Austin; and his daughter Maria Duster, currently studying in London, UK; his mother-in-law, Ilene Roby; his sister-in-law, Cindy (Steve) McLaughlin of Flower Mound, Texas; his brother-in-law, Chris (Lona) Roby of Mary Esther, Florida; his 11 siblings, Mary (Don) Parker of Kingsville, Texas, Jane (Steve) Jones of St. Joseph, Mo, Alice (Allan) Link of Balltown, Iowa, Mike (Heidi) Duster of Kempner, Texas, Bill (Sally) Duster of Ellicott City, Md, Barb (Scott) Friedhoff of Wooster, Ohio, Marilyn (Terry) Berthel of Wheaton, Ill, Paul (Marie) Duster of Dubuque, Iowa, Brenda (John) Mosher of Austin, Texas, Brian (Audra) Duster of Ames, Iowa, and Keith (Jen) Duster of Solon, Iowa; his Godmother, Aunt Olivia Ernst; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Carroll Roby; a nephew; and many aunts and uncles.

True to his ongoing wish to help others, Jim donated his body to science. No formal services are planned. The family encourages you to celebrate Jim’s life in ways that bring you the most comfort.

If you’d like, you can honor Jim through donating to Hospice Austin. They cared for him in his last weeks of life and the family is so grateful for their help. Donation information may be found at: https://www.hospiceaustin.org/get-involved-2/donate/

Bonnie D. Smith

Bonnie D. Smith of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on July 23, 2019, at home with family by her side.

Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa. To honor Bonnie’s life, funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Karla Wildberger officiating. Burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. 

Bonnie was born on January 2, 1929 in Rockford, Illinois, the eldest daughter of Arnold and Elsie (Gronau) Beresford. She lived most of her life in Dubuque and attended Senior High School. She was proud to have received her GED later in life, at the age of 53. 

Bonnie held several jobs in her lifetime, including Stanley Home Products, Mercy Medical Center, and Betty Jane Candies. Her favorite “job” was singing with the band on weekends alongside of a red-headed guitar player with the smooth voice. 

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joe “Red” Smith on March 17, 1962, and they were blessed with 55 wonderful years together before he preceded her in death on December 4, 2017. 

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and adoring grandmother. She loved her family fiercely and worked hard all her life to provide for them. She enjoyed music, fishing, playing cards, watching baseball and basketball games, baking (especially banana cream pie), playing the slot machines, and of course…shopping. She never missed a garage sale sign or a great deal!

Those left to cherish Bonnie’s memory include her three children, Joe Smith of Nashville, TN, Karen (Roy) Mullins of Smyrna, TN and Randy (Lisa) Smith of Dubuque; her three grandchildren, Randi (Kalen) Bales, Joey (Kali Martinez) Smith, Matthew Mullins; two step-grandchildren, Leah Tam-Mullins and Clifford Mullins; her seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, Owen, Hatten, Eowyn, Violet and Kamden; her sister, Carol (Charles) Miehe of Belmont, WI, along with many nieces and nephews, and a very special long time “bestie”, MaryAnne Klein. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Red; brothers, Dale Beresford, Donald Beresford, Kenneth Beresford, Wayne Beresford, and sister, Janet Kohl.  

The family would like to extend appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque for their love, care and support of Bonnie in her final days.