Obituaries Archive

Clare A. Baldwin

Clare Ann Baldwin, 83, of Hale, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020 at her home.

A celebration of her life is pending at this time and will be announced at a future date. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster which includes mass gatherings: Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster.

Clare Ann Paulsen was born on August 12, 1936 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Harold and Alma (Kentner) Paulsen.  She grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School.  She married Clair E. “Eagle” Baldwin on December 24, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on November 1, 2010.

Clare had done waitressing and first worked at Wilson’s Packing in Cedar Rapids and lastly for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and Anamosa for many years.  She had also written a column for the Midland Times Newspaper each week called “Eagles Nest”.

Clare was a member of the Oxford Junction Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed gardening, genealogy, crocheting, knitting, reading, fishing, mushroom hunting, and being outdoors.  She especially liked being a homemaker and spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Mick Baldwin of Monticello, IA, Julie (Brad) Brownell of Wyoming, IA, Rosalinda Grimm of Bellevue, IA, Cindy (James) Baldwin-Herman of Oxford Junction, IA, and Billi Jo (Stan) DeWine of Hale, IA; 7 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother Paul.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Clare Ann Baldwin memorial fund has been established.

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

Wilma A. Taylor

Wilma A. Taylor, 95, of Wyoming, Iowa, died on March 16, 2020, at Anamosa Care Center.

A private family graveside service will take place on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A celebration of her life is pending at this time and will be announced at a future date. (Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster which includes mass gatherings: Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster)

Wilma Ann Tralau was born on January 2, 1925 in Clinton County, Iowa, to Wilhelm and Margarete (Matthiessen) Tralau.  She graduated from Elwood High School in 1942.  She married John E. “Jack” Taylor on January 31, 1947 in Zwingle, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on March 25, 1998.

Wilma was a homemaker and mother, and a member of the Wyoming United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed reading, watching tv, and most of all, music and dancing.  She was well known for her talent for playing piano even though she did not read music.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Willman and her husband Allen of Wyoming, IA, sons Craig Taylor of Wyoming, IA, and Jeffrey Taylor of Waterloo, IA; 4 grandchildren, Gail (Aubrey) Kurt, Jamie Willman, Cory (Lindsay) Taylor, and Justin (Nicole) Taylor; 5 great-grandchildren; four nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, brothers Walter (Dorothy) Tralau and Vernie (Darleen) Tralau, sister Louise (Bill) McNealey, sister-in-law Margaret (Harold) Bartels, one niece and four nephews.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Wilma Ann Taylor memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Vivian I. Cramer

Vivian Irene Cramer, 97, of Asbury, Iowa, formerly of Manchester, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque. She was born on February 4, 1923, in Manchester, the daughter of Vern and Blanche (Wilson) Hamblin.  Vivian was raised in Manchester and was a 1940 graduate of Manchester High School. She then attended Iowa Teacher College in Cedar Falls and received her normal teaching certificate.  Vivian received her B.A. from Upper Iowa University in 1973.

On October 5, 1943, Vivian was united in marriage to James K. Cramer in Manchester. Together they farmed near Delhi. In 1948 the family moved to Manchester. They also had their cabin at Lake Delhi since 1957. Vivian taught in Milo Township rural country school for several years. She then taught second grade at Ryan School from 1969 until the time of her retirement in 1988.  The couple moved to the cabin in 2002.

Vivian enjoyed sewing, reading, and working in her word search books.  She was a member of Red Hats Club and liked playing bridge. Vivian loved decorating for Christmas and had a huge Santa collection. She loved spending time at their cabin and always warmly welcomed friends and family to their homes.

Survivors left to cherish her memory are her four children, Georgia (Michael) Deep of Elgin, Illinois, Roger Cramer (friend, Mary Mace) of Littleton, Colorado, Gretchen (Russ) Domeyer of Asbury, Iowa, and Kimberly (Patrick) Gordon of Cocoa Beach Florida; eight grandchildren, Shane (Cathy) Nemmers, Lance (Cari) Nemmers, Brett Nemmers, Jared (Jessie) Cramer, Seth Cramer, Katie (Jimmy) Gordon, Catharine and Connor Gordon; four great-grandchildren, Nikolette, Brock and Dylan Nemmers, and Savanna Nemmers; and her Swedish foreign exchange student, Birgitta Lindqvist of Paris, France.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim in 2005; one brother, Allan (Mary) Hamblin; one sister-in-law, Calista (Cal) Little; and a daughter-in-law, Roxie Cramer.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Because of the current Corona Virus 19 concerns, there will be a Private Family service and interment held at this time. The family will plan a public memorial at a later time.

Interment: Oakland Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Sr. Mona Wingert OSF

Sr. Mona Wingert OSF, age 92, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at MercyOne Hospital.

Following Archdiocesan directives, a private Committal Service will be held at 1:30 PM Thursday, March 19. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled for a later date.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Michelle M. Tigges

Michelle Marie Tigges, 53, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 16, 2020 at Ennoble Manor.

Due to COVID-19, private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Michelle was born on February 1, 1967 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of George and Mary (Faulhaber) Sharkey Sr.

She worked in nursing homes as an LPN. Michelle dedicated her life to serving others especially her residents, children and grandchildren. She loved all animals especially cows and cats. She was a vibrant, fun-loving, beautiful soul.

She is survived by her children, Jamie, Cory and Candi. Grandchildren, Brooklyn and Wylie; her brother George Sharkey and her cat “Socks”.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary Sharkey.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Ennoble Nursing and Rehab for all their care they gave to Michelle.

Beverly A. Isaacson

Beverly A. Isaacson, of Kieler, Wisconsin, completed her earthly journey on March 16, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Bev’s life, a private family celebration will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bev’s family.

Bev was born on March 25, 1938, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Neale C. and June K.(Bauer) Leete.  She was the oldest of nine children.  She was united in marriage to Theodore E. “Ike” Isaacson, and together they had one daughter, Tammy.

Bev worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for over 20 years.  Following their closing, she worked at Swiss Colony.  When she found free time, she could always be found in her craft room.  Her sewing, quilting and general crafting abilities were second to none.  Bev always looked forward to spending some time each summer “up north”, visiting with family and “quilt shop hopping” with her sisters.  Her dog Toby, and newest addition, Millie, brought her great joy and company.

Bev will be best remembered for her love of family, especially her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include,

her loving daughter,
Tammy (Mike)Hafeman,  East Dubuque, IL;

her 2 adored grandchildren,
Joshua (Ashley Moore) Eggers, Wichita, KS,
and Jennifer (Cody) Sweet, East Dubuque, IL;

her “perfect” great-grandchildren,
Henry, Isaac and Anastasia Eggers, Wichita, KS,
and Abraham and Augustus Sweet, East Dubuque, IL;

her siblings,
Sharon Poupard,
Susan (Martin Behrens) Pfeifer,
Mary (Jon) Frankovich,
James Leete,
Lani (Robert)Boyer,
John(Diane)Leete,
and Kay DeBaere.

along with and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ike; her brother, Charles Leete; her brothers-in-law, Leonard Pfeifer and Jospeh DeBarere; and a sister-in-law, Susan Leete.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melanie, Amy and Jessica, for all of the care and compassion they gave to Bev and her family in these last months.

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

Richard P. Kennedy

Richard P. “Skip” Kennedy, 85, of Hazel Green, WI passed away Friday, March 13, 2020 after a sudden illness.

To honor Skip’s wishes, no traditional services will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Skip retired from the Dubuque Packing Company after 30 years. He was owner of Kennedy Aquarium and Pet Center, opening its doors in 1971 at 2900 Jackson Street. He later moved to 120 Main Street in Dubuque until 1997 when a fire prevented him from re-opening.

Skip was a well-known stock car driver (dirt track) in the Midwest beginning with the old coupe racing days of the 50’s counting through late model racing in the 80’s.

He lived in Dubuque before moving to Hazel Green in 1999 to enjoy having lunch with friends, working out on his Bowflex, mowing his lawns, cutting wood, tending to his hosta gardens and woodworking. He also worked at Walmart in Platteville until 2017.

He is survived by a son, Kenneth (Deb) Kennedy, a brother Alvy (Denise) Kennedy, Jr., and sister Gloria Pline, all of Dubuque. Four grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Mary (Schleicher) Kennedy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Madison Meriter Hospital doctors, nurses and all the staff in the ICU and Tower 8 for their excellent care and kindness. A special thank you to Ray Grant for being such a caring friend.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Meriter Foundation, of Madison, WI.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

James A. Seeley

James A. “Jim” Seeley, 77, of Bellevue, IA passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque, with Sister Margaret Anne Kramer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Funeral Home. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

Jim was born in Dubuque, IA on August 14, 1942, the son of Gaylon C. and Dorothy E. (Schuster) Seeley. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1961. Jim married Karen A. Kramer in August of 1970. He worked as a foreman for Unique Balance for many years before retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Jim (Mary) Seeley of Charlotte, N.C., Kevin (Susan) Jones of Clarence, IA, Tim Jones of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Sean Jones of Waterloo, IA; his daughter Heather (Michael Henry) Seeley of Dubuque, IA ; his 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Shirley Seeley of Dubuque, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylon and Dorothy and his brothers, Tom and John.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all that have showed support during this difficult time.

Kathleen E. Winter

Kathleen “Kay” Elizabeth Winter, 95, of Dubuque, passed away in her home on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

In celebration of her life, a Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Tom Heathershaw will officiate. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Kay was born December 6, 1924 in Potosi, WI, to Chris and Bertha (Menne) Craugh. She grew up in rural Grant County, and graduated from Tennyson High School in Tennyson, WI, and Bayless Business College in Dubuque. She married Carl Winter on May 23, 1953 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Tennyson and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Living in Dubuque, Kay raised their two sons, Dave and Steve. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her unconditional love and support made her the great matriarch of our family.

Kay’s cooking skills were legendary in the Winter household. Family, friend, or stranger, Kay won the hearts of anyone who sat down at the table to share a meal. Then once the dishes were clear, she was more than happy to whup anyone in a game of cards. As an avid bowler, Kay won numerous individual and team awards through the years until she retired at the age of 89.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Carl; children Dave (Dorothy) Winter of Johnston, IA, and Steve Winter of Newcastle, WA; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Pat Craugh of Sinsinawa, WI; and special family friend Lynne (Don Heming) Lippert of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Dan Craugh; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Tina Vogt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer research.

Arrangements entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

 In keeping with Governor Reynolds executive order on March 17, 2020 prohibiting events of more than 10 people, visitation and Mass will be private for family at Church of the Resurrection.

Donald H. Gagne

Donald H. “Don” Gagne, age 90, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 4:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Don’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Don’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Behr Funeral Home with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Don was born on May 16, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Clarence and Blanche (Fisch) Gagne.

Don was united in marriage to Gloria Ryan and they were blessed with 4 children together.  He was later united in marriage to Pamela Pearl Priebe on September 17, 1976, in Dubuque, and they have been blessed with 43 wonderful years together.  Don was employed with Nurre Glass and the Dubuque Packing Company for several years.  He founded the Tri-State Independent Blind Society in February of 1972, helping people who are visually impaired to lead more independent lives.  Don served on many boards within the city, but his true passion was his work with the Blind Society.  In his free time Don enjoyed listening to old time radio, playing cards, going to the casino and trips to Las Vegas with his family.  He also enjoyed talking with people over the CB radio, his handle was “Frenchy”, and was a radio back-up man for the Dubuque Police Auxiliary.  His family was beyond a doubt the most important aspect of Don’s life and he always made sure that everyone knew how important they were to him.  The world is definitely a better place because Don was here with us, making a difference in the daily lives of countless people throughout the years.  He will not be forgotten because he left a little part of himself in each of us.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include

his wife,
Pamela Gagne, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Cathy (Dan) Sauser, Hartford, WI,
Debbie Gagne, Dubuque, IA,
Michael (David Tejeda) Gagne, San Francisco, CA,
Mark (Tammy) Hittenmiller, Dubuque, IA,
Jenny Kelly, Dubuque, IA
and JoAnn “JoJo” Larson, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Amy (Keola) Kalua, Matt (fiancé Krista Sobieski) Sauser, Andrew (Maria) Sauser, AJ Gagne, Christopher Hittenmiller, Bradley Hittenmiller, Brandon Hittenmiller, Tanner Hittenmiller, Samantha Launspach, Matthew Launspach, Jesse (Briana) Larson, Chad (fiancé Ashley McCormick) Larson, Kristina Larson, Kylie Larson-Blodgett, Penny Kelly and Catlyn Kelly;

his great-grandchildren,
Dylen Brzezinski, Kailyr Sauser, Kaiden Beyer, Carter Gagne, Zander Larson, Ethan Hittenmiller, Cole Hittenmiller and Weston Hittenmiller;

and his sisters,
Rosemarie Aird, Chicago, IL
and Violet Haverland, Cuba City, WI.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph Michael Gagne; his 3 brothers, Elmer, Delbert and Kenneth Clyde Gagne; his former wife, Gloria Gagne; and his brothers-in-law, Arthur Aird and Eugene Haverland.

Don’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Keri, Emmy and Jennifer, and all who have cared for Don these past months.

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

Verna M. Bergman

Verna Mae Bergman, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, March 13, 2020, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John. F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1276 White St., Dubuque, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Rev. Jay Ilten will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Verna was born September 13, 1932 in Dubuque, the daughter of Otto and Hulda (Fanslow) Ulrich. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Verna married Orville Bergman on August 27, 1950 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on March 19, 2005.

Verna was employed in accounting at Sears Department Store for many years until her retirement. She was a life-long active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she served as choir director and organist for many years. She was instrumental in founding the Open Closet.

Verna loved to play euchre with friends and belonged to many euchre clubs. She enjoyed baking, and was a very generous person with a feisty spirit.

Verna is survived by three children, Alan (Donna) Bergman of Cole Camp, MO, Ann Bergman of Dubuque, and Alysia (Tim) Hedrick of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Melissa, A.J., Christian, Nick, Ashleigh, Zack, Keeghan, Eric, Casey, Colton; five great grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Karl (Ruth) Ulrich; and two sisters, Eileen (Alfred Farnochi) Ulrich, and Helen (Donald Sr.) Thomas.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Luther Manor Grand Meadows for their care of Verna.

Memorials may be made to the family for later donation to her favorite charities.

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

Patrick W. Scherrman

Patrick W. Scherrman, 81 of Dyersville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, March 13, 2020, at home in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 1:30 pm, American Legion Post 137 will gather at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9 – 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday March 18, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Pat was born April 27, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa the son of William and Dula (Willenborg) Scherrman.  He served in the United States Army Reserves “Red Arrow Division”.  Pat married Elizabeth “Betty Anne” Showalter on October 25, 1958, in Dyersville.

Pat worked alongside his father, brothers, and family at Scherrman’s Implement serving the Dyersville & Monticello farming community for many years.

Pat had a loving spirit and a great sense of humor.  He loved golfing and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  He served as a leader to his country, community, faith and family. Pat was a member of the American Legion, a board member of the Commercial Club Park, and a retired member of the Dyersville Fire Department.  He also served on the St. Francis Xavier School Board and was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Knights of Columbus.

His most important job was being a loving and positive role model to a large family network.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Betty Anne, children: Margaret “Meg” (Paul) Cook of Wheaton, IL, Elizabeth “Beth” (Brian) Berk of Lapeer, MI, Marypat (Tom) Stoddard of Ft. Smith, AR, Jayne Scherrman of Cape Girardeau, MO, Sally (Russ) Drafahl, Molly (Jerry) Evers both of Dyersville and Francis Xavier “Frank” (Theresa) Scherrman of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren: Casey (Ben) Raevsky, Daniel, Brad and Joseph Cook. Andy and Allie Berk. Janet, Melissa (Scott Burleson), Jake and Max Moore, Shannon Stoddard and Caitlin (Joey) Farley, William and Elizabeth Keene, Claire and Eva Williamson, and Jesse Drafahl, Tracy (Greg) Bognich, and Erica Evers, Jared, Justin, Jenna and Jolene Scherrman; 5 great grandchildren; uncle, Emmett (Ann) Scherrman of Cedar Rapids, IA; siblings: Don (Cookie) Scherrman of Dyersville, Bonnie Hunt of Fennville, MI, Scott (Sharon) Scherrman of Penngrove, CA and Joe (Shari) Scherrman of Lake Delhi; in-laws: Rose Marie (Leon) Lammers, Patrick (Dianne) Showalter, Peggy Westhoff, Tim (Mary) Showalter, and Jeanne Kass.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Dula, a sister, Beth Scherrman in infancy, grandparents: Francis “Frank” and Philomena (Kelly) Scherrman, Ben and Molly (Gerken) Willenborg, and Godfather Carl Willenborg, who was killed in WWII; in-laws: Tom (Toby) Westhoff, and Rick Kass.

Special Thanks to Dr Robert Thomas and staff at Medical Associates of Dyersville.  All the staff at Mercy Hospital/Medical Associates of/in Dubuque who cared for Pat.

Hospice of Dubuque for all of their compassionate and loving care they gave to Pat and his family.

Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

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

Mary Lou Jacobi

Mary Lou Jacobi, 70, of Dubuque, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until a 7:00 PM prayer service, Monday, March 16, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lou will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Father Thomas McDermott as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Mary Lou was born August 8, 1949, in Dubuque, the daughter of Donald Wesley and Eldora Christina (Richard) Eddy. On November 23, 1990, she married Gerald Harold “Jake” Jacobi at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death September 14, 2012.

She was a 1967 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. She was a office manager for Dr. Zelinskas for 22 years, Dr. Herzberger for three years, and worked at Steve Buchheit State Farm for 25 years.

Mary Lou’s family was very important to her. She loved her brother Dick and sister-in-law Darlene and their families. She was a proud aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt.

Jake was the love of her life. They did everything together. They both loved Christmas. The house was decorated every year – Jake with his villages and Mary Lou with her Christmas trees and decorations in every room of the house.

Mary Lou was “the friend a friend would love to have.” She was always going to a nursing home, hospital, or someone’s house to visit, play cards, or just sit and talk or pray. If you needed her, she was there.

She loved life and lived life her way. She didn’t have any children – her pets were her kids.

She had a strong faith in God and rarely missed a mass. Consider yourself blessed if you were on her prayer list – that meant you were someone very special to her.

Birthdays were something special to her, only she didn’t have a birth”day”, she had a birth”month”. She celebrated the whole month of August.

She loved her country. The fourth of July was almost as important as Christmas.

When her friend Emil Hoffman lost his wife, he moved in with Mary Lou and they had a great companionship. They both enjoyed playing the penny slots at the casino. She took care of Emil until his death at the age of 90 years old.

She had a great but short friendship with Tom Glab. They both lost their spouses and enjoyed going out together with friends.

Survivors include her brother, Richard (Darlene) Eddy of Dubuque; four nieces and nephews, Dick (Paula) Eddy, Kathy (Steve) McDermott, Jeff (Char) Eddy, and Nancy (Dave) Crimmins; 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; ten great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her poodle, Penny.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Donald Eddy, and her special friend Emil.

Her family thanks Dr. Kirkendall and his nurse Kate and the staff at MercyOne for their kind care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Dubuque Humane Society and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Dwight W. Bischel

Dwight William Bischel, of Dubuque and formerly of Evanston and Galena, IL, passed away on February 28 at the age of 91.  Born on May 4, 1928, Dwight was the son of the late Albert Clair Bischel and Alice Bensen, and husband of the late Sally Krauss Bischel.

A longtime resident of Evanston, Dwight attended Northwestern University, and pursued a career in the relatively young field of television, directing programs at NBC Channel 5, ABC Channel 7 and WFLD  in Chicago.  For many years he was the director of the popular Kukla, Fran and Ollie show, during which it won an Emmy Award.  His show Newscope also won an Emmy.  In 1957, Dwight traveled with station colleagues to the Soviet Union, a rare event during the height of the Cold War.  Dwight later worked for Illinois Bell Corporate Television Group, directing internal films and videos.  Dwight was a member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, serving as the secretary for 18 years, and the Directors Guild of America.  He also had a successful photography business, winning several awards for his work, including three at the International Exhibition of Nature Photography.

Dwight was well known for his many charitable activities and life long association with scouting.  An Eagle Scout and recipient of the Order of The Arrow and Silver Beaver Award, he was a long serving Scout Master for Evanston Troop 21 and a Wood Badge Counselor; for many years he took his scouts on expeditions to the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Scout Jamborees.  In 1952, Dwight authored the much beloved Wabaningo Lodge Emblem Handbook, documenting the early badges of the Boy Scout’s Order of the Arrow lodges.  In 1976, he received Illinois Bell’s most prestigious award, the Alexander Graham Bell Award for his community service, and in 1980 was given the prestigious Good Scout Award by the Chicago Area Council of BSA.  Dwight  was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, where he met his wife, Sally.

Following his 1992 retirement from Illinois Bell, Dwight and Sally moved to Galena, IL, where he continued his community activities, becoming an active member of the Galena Rotary Club, instituting a program whereby every local 3rd grade student received a dictionary.  In 1999, he was one of the club’s Rotarians of the Year.  Dwight worked on documenting local history, creating a detailed areal map of the Galena River, and creating several videos related to the Galena area.  He was also a member of the Galena Art Guild, showing his photographs. Until 2016, local residents could often find him working at Gasser’s Hardware Store, where he worked part-time, indulging in his love of computers, gadgets and strawberry milk shakes from nearby Culvers.

Dwight was preceded in death by Sally, his wife of 37 years, his parents, and sister Elinor.  He is survived by his son Wesley Bischel of Lancaster, PA, husband of Marsha, and their son Samuel.

Dwight preferred to photograph live flowers, so the family asks that donations be made to the Galena Rotary Club, c/o The DeSoto House, 230 South Main ST, Galena, IL 61036; or your local Boy Scout Troop.  And Dwight would have asked you to remember him by doing “a good turn” for others.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 11 AM  at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, 635 East Schapville Road, Elizabeth, IL.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dwight’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mary R. Derby

Mary Ruth Derby, 92, of Burlington, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at New London Care Center, New London, IA.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be in Linwood Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mary was born January 16, 1928 in Lowell, Kansas, the daughter of Andrew and Lena Beryl (Newman) Stuart. She married Howard C. Derby on July 17, 1951 in Lynnville, IA. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2013.

Mary was a teacher for the Burlington Community School District for 31 years.

Mary enjoyed the arts and frequently attended plays and musical performances. She also enjoyed tending to her flowers. She played the piano for many years at Heritage Free Methodist Church, where she and Howard were members. Family was very important to her and she spent many days during her retirement with her grandchildren, making sure that they too had these experiences.

Mary is survived by two children, H. David (Patti) Derby, of Dubuque and Deborah (Jim) Stinson, of Burlington; her grandchildren, Christina (Bill) Gilpin, Melissa (Scott Rood), Marcques (Kaylyn Parker), Andrew (Krystal Brokus Davis), and William (Jessica) Derby, Amber (Ben) Robinson, and Brandon (Kristine Schwass) Stinson; her great-grandchildren, Clayton, Brock, and Addison Gilpin, Cassandra, Bryson, Marjorie, and Wyatt Derby, Aden Nelson, and Miah and Raven Brokus Hughes; and two sisters-in-law, Juanita and Lorraine Stuart.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by three brothers, Ashley, David, and Paul Stuart; one sister, Helen Miller and one great-grandchild, Colton Rood.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and friends at New London Specialty Care and Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque.

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