Obituaries Archive

Colleen Lindstrom

Colleen Bradley Lindstrom, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Colleen’s life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  Social distancing guidelines will be followed at the cemetery.  A public visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Due to COVID 19, social distancing guidelines will being followed with only 10 people allowed in the building at any time.

Colleen Bradley was born on April 12, 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Gordon Harrison and Dorothy Marie (Blosch) Bradley.  She grew up in Zwingle and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  She married Owen Lee Lindstrom on March 30, 2002 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Colleen had worked for Metrix Company in Dubuque in 1987.  She then started Rustic Hills Carriage Tours in Dubuque, Iowa.  She owned and operated the horse drawn carriage tours business from 1988 until present.

Colleen had been active in 4-H growing up.  She loved horses and loved her job in the carriage business.  She enjoyed living and working on the farm and all the baby animals that were born each spring.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Owen Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; a son, Wyatt Lee Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Linda Pearson of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Gordon (Connie) Bradley of Peosta, IA, and Daryl Bradley of Zwingle, IA; mother-in-law, Liz Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Rhonda and Alan Pape of Maquoketa, IA, Mark and Teresa Lindstrom of Bryant, IA, and Reece and Sheila Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Dorothy Bradley Sr., her father-in-law Arnold Lindstrom, and a brother Virgil Bradley on February 19, 2020.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Colleen Bradley Lindstrom memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Carmelita M. Witter

Carmelita M. Witter, 88 years old, of Dubuque IA, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on May 14, 2020 at 8:23 a.m. at Bethany Home with family by her side.

Arrangements are being handled by Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA, with burial in Dubuque Linwood Cemetery.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carmelita, daughter of Louis and Loretta Till, was born on September 10, 1931 in Bellevue, IA, She married Carl Witter of Dubuque, IA on October 16, 1950 in Bellevue, IA.

Carmelita was a passionate and loving person who enjoyed dancing, finishing and decorating homes, and spending time with her family and friends.  Carmelita’s favorite prayer was the “Our Father”, stressing the importance of forgiving each other so that we may be forgiven.  She was the glue of her family by keeping peace and harmony between everyone.  Carmelita was a member of the The Church of the Resurrection.

She is survived by her nine adoring children, Bruce (Janet) Witter of Irving, TX, Gary (Sherrie) Witter of Marion, IA, David (Michelle) Witter of Dubuque, IA, Kathy (Mike) Knake of Bellevue, IA, Vickie (Robert) LaGrotta of Bellevue, IA, Cindy (Tony) Reed of Avada, CO, Jeff (Sarah) Witter of Springville, IA, Kristi (Jude) Sabers-Sullivan of Dodgeville, WI, and Curt Witter of Arlington, TX, as well as 29 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, sister Linda (Ron) Ruden of Dubuque, IA, sister-in law, Dorothy Herzog of Rice Lake, WI.

Carmelita was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Carl Witter; her parents, Louis and Loretta Till; her father in-law and mother in-law, Carl and Esther Witter; sisters and brother in-laws, Dale and Marilyn Grashorn, Rosemary and CO Lamp, and Bob Herzog and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful, caring staff at Bethany Home and the services of Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Scott E. Schroeder

Scott E. “Scooter” Schroeder, age 61, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:16 a.m., on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Scott’s life, visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to the current gathering restrictions the number of people inside the building will be limited to 10 people at a time.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Scott was born on September 30, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John F. and Barbara (Bradley) Schroeder.

Scott graduated from Stephen Hempstead High School and right after graduation entered the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1976.  He was united in marriage to Lisa Driscoll on November 15, 1986, in East Dubuque, Illinois, and they were blessed with a son together.  Scott was a hard worker who was employed with A.Y. McDonald for 33 years, never missing a single day of work, until his retirement in 2013.  In his free time, Scott enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings or spending the afternoon trying his luck at his favorite fishing hole.  Scott was very kind and humble, with a low-key personality, but wasn’t afraid of being the life of the party.  His laugh was infectious, and if you were lucky enough to have heard it you will never forget it!  His family and friends were no doubt the most important part of his life. Scott would do anything for anyone, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was quite happy keeping his life drama free.  Everyone who knew him, knew that the kids and grandkids were his pride and joy, he loved spending time with them.  We are truly heartbroken at losing Scott in our daily lives, but take some comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully, free of the health issues he has faced so bravely these past months.

Those left to cherish Scott’s memory include

2 sons,
Jacob John “Jake” Schroeder, Dubuque, IA
and Corey Scott Nugent, formerly of Dubuque, IA;

his granddaughters,
Ava Mary Digman and Audrey Rose Schroeder, both of Dubuque, IA;

his mother,
Barbara Schroeder, Dubuque, IA;

2 sisters,
Cindy (Carl) Freiburger
and Sharon (Roger) Henkel, both of Dubuque, IA;

a nephew,
Jayson (Emily) Freiburger, Liberty, MO, and their 3 children, Jack, Karly and Ella;

an aunt,
Mary Link, Franklin, WI;

his former wife,
Lisa (John) Mueller, Farley, IA;

and his step-niece and step-nephew,
Kelcie Fonck and Russell Henkel.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Schoeder; and 3 uncles, William “Bill” Bradley, Robert “Bob” Bradley and Herbert Link.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Scott Schroeder Family.

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

Bruce E. Accola

Bruce Edward Accola, 67, of Dubuque, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Family graveside services will be Monday at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, with Deacon Doug Kremer officiating.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.

Bruce was born on December 12, 1952 in Dubuque, the 5th child of Arnold J. and Muriel M. (Erschen) Accola.

He grew up in East Dubuque and attended St. Mary’s Grade School and East Dubuque High School.  He briefly worked as a courier at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Bruce was known for his sense of humor and pranks, and his smile was contagious.

He is survived by his brother, Joe (Julie Billmeyer) Accola, and a sister Joyce Thompson, a niece Jennifer Schmid and a nephew Nicholas Schmid.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, and his sisters, Rosemary and Kim, and a nephew Jeffrey Schmid.

Memorials contributions are requested for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family sends out a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Dubuque Specialty Care.

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

Harlan E. Petsche

Harlan E. Petsche, 88, of rural Epworth, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Luther Manor.

In accordance with current restrictions on public gatherings, private services will be held. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Centralia, with military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, and memorial cards mailed to the funeral home.

Harlan was born May 6, 1932 in Guttenberg, the son of Andrew and Gertrude (Miller) Petsche. He served his country as a radio operator with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Harlan was united in marriage to Jeannine R. Kratz on November 22, 1955 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dubuque. Jeannine preceded him in death on July 26, 2017.

Harlan was an auto mechanic at first, and then he changed to working in construction. Together, he and Jeannine built homes and raised their son, Scott, before moving to their farm in rural Epworth, where they lived for 46 years. Harlan loved being back in the country. He enjoyed spending his time working outside and farming with Scott. He taught his granddaughters how to play card games and often played Solitaire in the evenings. He always had an interest in whatever activities his granddaughters were involved in. He was a beloved father and the best grandfather; generous and kind.

Harlan is survived by his son, Scott (Shannon) Petsche; two granddaughters, Heather (Troy) Scott and Rachel (Lee) Plummer; his siblings, Angela Farnum, Donna (William) Steger, Judy (Joseph) Kramer, Verdus (Nancy) Petsche, Robert (Mary) Petsche, and David (Mary Jo) Petsche; his sisters-in-law, Bonita and Marilyn Kratz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Leon, Marvin, Wilbur, and Elroy Petsche, Althea Freiburger, and Patricia in infancy.

Harlan’s family would like to thank Patrick and Wanda Petsche for all the friendship and support they provided to Harlan and Jeannine over the years. Thank you also to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

Marilyn L. Notz

Marilyn Louise Notz, age 90, of Delmar, IA, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in DeWitt, IA.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at Upper York Cemetery, Argo Fay, Illinois. Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Marilyn Louise Vogel was born in Fulton, IL on September 5, 1929, the daughter of Sikka and Ethel (Miller) Vogel. She attended Fulton schools through the eighth grade. At that time, the family moved to Clinton where she attended Clinton High School, graduating in 1947. In the early Spring of that year she started working part-time at the Climax Engineering Company, later working full-time. She also worked for the Clinton Teacher’s Agency. On June 12, 1949, she married Robert E. Notz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. They lived in Savanna, IL for 10 years where she worked for the Savanna Ordinance Depot. The family then moved to Maquoketa, IA for 3 years and then Delmar, IA for over 50 years. Marilyn moved to Maggie’s House Assisted Living in DeWitt, IA in the Spring of 2016 where she remained until the time of her death.

Her family was of utmost importance to her. She enjoyed walking, crocheting, crossword puzzles and reading. She tended to the fruits of the earth and became skilled at canning and freezing. She was a hard worker who was known for her tender heart and deep sense of caring for others. While living in Maquoketa she attended the Assembly of God Church where she taught Sunday school. In Delmar, she attended the United Methodist Church where she was active in UMW, Ruth Circle and often sang solos for regular services as well as special services, sometimes accompanied by her daughter, Cynthia.

She is survived by 2 sons, Randel (Kim) Notz of the Chicago area, David Notz of Wisconsin; and 2 daughters, Cynthia (Warren) Ness of Iowa City and Christine (Reginald) Rivers of New Orleans, LA; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Howard Vogel of Clinton, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Notz, son Eugene Notz, her parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marilyn L. Notz Memorial Fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Merlin A. Heitkamp

Merlin A. Heitkamp, 73, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2020 at home following an accident.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 (Noon) on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Menominee, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

There will a public visitation at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the strict guidelines issued by the CDC will be followed and only (10) people will be allowed in the Church at any one time. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Merlin was born on September 5, 1946 at Hazel Green, WI, the son of Robert H. and Margaret M. (Runde) Heitkamp.  He was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1964. Merlin married Linda H. Stillmunkes on September 25, 1971 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bellevue, IA.

He was a lifelong resident of Menominee and lived on the family farm his entire life.  Merlin was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society. Family, faith and farming were his life.  He was a great teacher and jack of all trades.  The sparkle in his eyes were evident by the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his wife Linda; four children, JeffRay (Lyndsi) Heitkamp of Mindoro, WI, Terry (Jodi) Heitkamp of Steward, IL, Jason (friend, Sarah Schueller) Heitkamp of East Dubuque and Lisa (Matt) Neyens of Kenosha, WI; eight grandchildren, Dustin & Alexa, Mia & Owen, Brody & Jessa; and Margaret & Elizabeth; siblings, Lois (Bob) Wagner of Asbury, IA and Dennis (June) Heitkamp of Ottumwa, IA; in-laws, Charlotte Heitkamp and Debbie Heitkamp, Carol (Bill) Ihrig, Sharon (Gary) Hoffmann, Lois Stillmunkes, Mark (friend Karla Reuter) Stillmunkes, Leta (Phil) Wallace and Renee Stillmunkes.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret; his brother, Jerry; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray & Isy Stillmunkes and brother-in-law, Randy Stillmunkes.

Merlin’s family extends deep appreciation to Galena Area Ambulance, the Menominee-Dunleith EMS, Mercy-One Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care provided to their husband, father and grandfather. They would also like to thank the Menominee community for the outpouring of support and love they have provided.

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

Mary A. Clasen

Mary Ann (Yeager) Clasen, 80, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Stonehill Health Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Private family memorial service will be 10:30 AM, May 30, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Memorial Services will be live broadcast on Bellevue Cable Channel 38 and will be uploaded on SaintJohn Devotion Youtube Channel following the services.  During this time of the Cov-19 Pandemic and limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.  Mary Ann’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.  If you chose to give a memorial in Mary Ann’s memory please send to Hachmann Funeral Home at 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o family.

Mary Ann was born May 10,1940 in Bellevue, daughter of Albert K.S. & Mae (Gamble) Yeager. She married Alvin “Slim” Clasen on September 19, 1959 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue, he passed on December 3, 2008.

Mary Ann started her career at the Bellevue Herald Leader as a Linotype operator in 1957. She met the love of her life there, Slim, who was the Shop Foreman. From there she went to the telephone office and worked as an operator until 1961. From 1963 until 1988 she spent working at the Bellevue Community Schools as the School Board Secretary.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Elizabeth Circle, Bellevue Golf Club, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Bellevue Fire Dept. Auxiliary/Fireflies, B.E.S. Club and Jackson County Republican Central Committee.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her distinguished laugh and always willing to help everyone. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, socializing, golfing, Florida Beaches and watching the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Braves on television. Mary Ann was very proud of the Bellevue Community and took pride in her affiliation with the Bellevue Community School System, she was a true Comet! She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Karolyn (Loxley) Eckles, Kent (Susie) Clasen, daughter-in-law; Stephanie Clasen, grandchildren; Lee (Amber) Eckles, Leslie (Josh Juel) Eckles, Laura (Josh Rockwell) Eckles, Jenny (Todd Randall)Tomita, Stephanie (Phil) Porter, Melissa (Eric) Pruess and Victoria (Libby Small) Clasen, Great-grandchildren; Marcus and Ariyah Clasen, Nicole and Brad Tomita, Juniper Porter, Ava and Marcus Pruess, Siblings; Alice (Cal) Boland, Jane (Bob) Heisen and Neill Yeager, In-laws; Virtus (Marilyn) Clasen, Merlin (Marilyn) Clasen, Mary Ellen Kirk, Pauline Wagener, Lela Roiger, and nieces & nephews and great nieces & great nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin “Slim” Clasen, son Kurt Clasen, parents Albert & Mae Yeager, brother Leslie Yeager, mother & father in law, Alvin & Emma Clasen, sister-in-laws, Marilyn Yeager, Judy Yeager and Bernardine Nefgzer, brother-in-laws, Arthur Goldsmith, Ed Nefgzer, Jim Kirk, Leroy Wagener, Dennis Hines, Clifford Roiger and nephew Jeff Hines.

Ralph P. “Junior” Cremer Jr.

Ralph P. “Junior” Cremer Jr., age 88, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:40 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Luther Manor, with his loving family by his side. Due to the current gathering restrictions, private services will be held for family and friends to celebrate Junior’s life at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. A celebration of Junior’s life for all to attend will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Junior was born on January 15, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ralph and Marie (Vogt) Cremer Sr.

Junior was a proud life-long Dubuquer who owned and operated Cremer’s Grocery store for his entire working career, officially “retiring” in 2011. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vivian Koppes, on June 21, 1952, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They were blessed to have 3 daughters together, and would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary next month. Junior was a hard worker who enjoyed his work. He found much of that enjoyment in the relationships he made with his employees and customers, whom he considered friends and family. He treated all with kindness and generosity, that is not to say they were not subject to some “ribbing”. One of the main attractions at the meat counter, besides the excellent products, was the chatter, and back and forth banter that went on. He loved that. Everyone that falls into this category please know you meant the world to Junior, and he and we appreciate you, your friendship and your patronage. When he did manage to find some free time Junior enjoyed getting out on the Mississippi when the weather was nice, as well as hitting the bowling lanes. He was an excellent bowler and was a member of the Dubuque Bowling Association and the 700 Club. His faith was also an important part of his daily life, he was a long time member of Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church and the Sacred Heart Men’s Club. We are deeply saddened at losing such a wonderful, hard working and loving man in our daily lives. We will miss you more than words can say and look forward to the day when we are all reunited for Eternity.

Those left to cherish Junior’s memory include

his loving wife,
Vivian Cremer, Dubuque, IA;

2 daughters,
Mary (Al) Slattery, Mustang, OK
and Cathy (Mark) Stone, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Eric (Alicia) Steffen, Danielle (Tom) Klostermann, Luke (Alexandra) Slattery, Adam (Chelsey) Slattery and Levi Stone;

10 great-grandchildren,
Aiden Steffen, Theo Steffen, Dillion Glew, Lucas Klostermann, Gwendolyn Klostermann, Vaughn Slattery, Gillianna Slattery, Grant Slattery, Nora Slattery and Ivy Slattery;

2 sisters,
Sandi (Jim) Klinge
and Carol (Gary) Schubert, both of Dubuque, IA;

a son-in-law,
Iver Bryan, Columbus, WI;

his in-laws,
Madonna Lucas,
Judy (James) Lang,
Karen (Leon) Burke,
Tom (Mary Ann) Yates
and Lucille Koppes;

and several nieces and nephews.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Pamela Cremer; a brother, Gary (Donna) Cremer; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lucille Frost; and his in-laws, Mary Agness (Jack) Miller, James Koppes and Robert Koppes..

Junior’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Luther Manor, especially Diane Kaiser Pearce, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their care and support.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, attn. Ralph Cremer family, and will be distributed among Junior’s favorite charities.

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

John J. Watson

John J. “Jack” Watson, 78, of East Dubuque, Illinois passed away Monday May 11th at home.

A private graveside committal service with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Austin Wilker will officiate.

Jack was born on July 19, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois the son of Thomas and Viola (Gross) Watson. He never married.

Jack served in the U.S. Army, and later graduated from a 4 year college. He was employed by Mobile in Evanston.

He enjoyed playing cards and games at family gatherings. He was an avid history buff and Chicago Cubs fan. He was always willing to share his knowledge of stocks.

Survivors include several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Rev. John N. Porter

Rev. John “Jack” Nesler Porter, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Luther Manor.

Jack was born March 1, 1934 in Manning, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Myrtle (Nesler) Porter. In the fourth grade, Jack and his family moved to Dubuque, and he completed his schooling at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Senior High School, graduating in 1952. Jack enrolled at the University of Dubuque that fall, graduating with a BS in Business Administration in 1956. After graduation, he joined the 82nd Airborne (paratrooper) Division of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.

After the army, Jack worked for four years at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Having felt a calling, in 1962 Jack shifted from a career in business to the ministry. He attended the Dubuque Theological Seminary over four years and served internships at two churches in Oklahoma, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1967. On June 8, 1968, he married Gladys Ellen Howard at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. He served pastorates in Monroe, Iowa (1967-72), Delavan, Illinois (1972-91), and Hoopeston, Illinois (1991-98) while being a loving and supportive husband to Glady and father to their son, David.

Jack and Glady retired back in Dubuque and enjoyed a variety of activities: square and ballroom dancing; tutoring children from Irving School through a Westminster program; patient advocacy at Bethany Home; playing in a summer tennis league; attending musical events and plays at the local colleges; and meeting with cronies for lunch. Jack and Glady also enjoyed traveling around the US — especially to San Francisco to visit their son and grandchildren — and the UK. Jack was an active member of Westminster, where he sang in the choir, and sat on the board of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Jack loved music (especially jazz) — which he learned to play on his Amazon Echo in recent years — and proudly promoted his son’s streaming music startup (8tracks) to captive audiences at restaurants and retailers alike.

While Jack endured challenges from prostate cancer and, in recent years, Parkinson’s Disease, he maintained his kind nature and sense of humor. When he and Glady moved to Oak Park Place in 2017 and Luther Manor last year, Jack made new friends with the residents, nurses, and staff and enjoyed meals out (especially pizza) and Quiddler and Rummikub with Glady, family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gladys; their son David (Dorothy Kaslow) Porter; his grandchildren Asher Porter Hassan and Alia Kiran Hassan; their mother, Naureen; his brother Bill (Janet) Porter and their children Steve, Suzanne Taylor, Doug, and their families, including special great niece Melissa Taylor; his brother Paul (Carole) Porter and their children, Gretchen, Bryan, Kara, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Daniel L. Westemeier

Daniel Leo Westemeier, 76, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Our dear husband, father, and grandfather deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please with us in prayer. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Daniel was born April 8, 1944, in Guttenberg, IA, the son of Leo and Loretta (Foxen) Westemeier. On February 14, 1976, he married Betty  Benskin in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dan graduated from Guttenberg High School.

He was a machinist at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years. Following his retirement he began working on the Diamond Jo Boat as a dealer.

Daniel enjoyed fishing, loved playing euchre, and cherished fish fries with his buddies.

Survivors include Wife, Betty Westemeier; daughters, Tammy (Tom) Wagner, Sheri Westemeier, and Amber (Richard) Kelley; his grandchildren, Danielle, Olivia, Gabrial, Nathan, Evan, and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 sisters, Judy and Joan

A special thank-you to the ICU nurses and the staff at Finley Hospital.

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

Marguerite M. Sweeney

Marguerite M. Sweeney, 99, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 11th, 2020 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions the funeral mass will be live streamed on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 14th, 2020. Please LIKE the funeral home Facebook page to view the funeral. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

She was born on March 25, 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alberic and Mary (McDonald) McDermott. She married Tom Sweeney on March 2, 1946 at New Melleray Church. Tom and Marge owned and operated Sweeney’s Ace Hardware for many years in Dubuque.

Marge enjoyed working at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Robert’s River Rides and Happy’s Place. She loved to sit on her patio and enjoyed taking care of her flowers and her beautiful lawn on Asbury Road.

She is survived by her children, Peter (Maryann Beecher) Sweeney, Diane (Tom) Thill, both of Dubuque, Sara (Ed) Ullrich, of Coralville, IA, and Jane (Rodney) Mannino, of Fulshear, TX. Grandchildren Neal (Tara) Sweeney, Nick (Tamara Hanson) Sweeney, Kim (Bill) Grant, Lindsay (Ryan Maxwell) Firzlaff, Samantha Mannino and Andrew Mannino. Great grandchildren, Brittany Dix, Cody Sweeney, Sam Grant, Mike Grant and Olivia Grant along with her sister Pat (Joe) Larkin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tom on December 22, 1990; five brothers Louis, Bernard, Emmett, Chuck, and Clem; three sisters Mabel, Bernice, and Dorothy.

The family request no flowers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and to her nurse Mia for taking such loving care of mom.

Curt J. Curoe

Curt J. Curoe, 61 of Bernard, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 following a sudden illness at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. A live stream of the funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14th on the funeral home Facebook page. You must LIKE Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory on Facebook in order to view the service.

Curt was born on January 16, 1959 in Dubuque the son of Louis E. and Shirley A. (Federspiel) Curoe. He married Ann Donovan of Dubuque on May 11, 1979 at St. Joseph’s Church, Key West, IA., and together they lived, farmed, and raised their family in rural Bernard. Curt’s joys in life were his show cattle, his grandchildren, and his family, not necessarily all in that order. He was a dedicated employee of Horsfield Construction for 30 years. He felt as though they were his second family and they treated him the same. He also served as a 4-H leader and was a tissue donor.

He is survived by his wife Ann; his four children Chad (Keeley) Curoe, Casey (Nicole) Curoe, Caden Curoe all of Bernard, Lexi (Matt) Weigel, six grandchildren Corbin 6, Colton 4, Keira 6, Louis 2 Curoe, and Kohen 3 and Zade 2 Weigel, and a special son Jordan. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Curoe; his siblings Cindy (Larry) Trumm, Cathy (Mark) Knuth, Cheri (Tom “Mooder”) Ryan, Christy (David) Crees, and Chuck (Lizz) Curoe. His mother and father-in law Ron and Pat Donovan; and his sister and brother in laws; Rose (Mark) Hoerner, Mike (Sue) Donovan, Joan (Gene) Kies, Beth (Steve) Timmerman, Patrick (Jenny) Donovan, and Brian (Shelly) Donovan, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Louis and his uncle Col. Patrick Curoe, USAF.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque County Sheriff Dept., Bernard Fire and EMS, and the staff at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital Emergency Room especially Mary Rausch and Beth Timmerman, for all their efforts and compassion to Curt and his family.

Julie M. Gentz

Julie Marie Gentz, 61, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Private family funeral service will be held with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. The Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Julie Marie McCarthy was born July 10, 1958, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy (Feldman) McCarthy. She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School.

She married Robert Gentz on Oct. 20, 1979, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. Julie was a loving wife, mother and homemaker.

Survivors include her husband Robert; her children, Erin and Kevin; her mother Dorothy; her siblings; along with her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; a sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff of the Intensive Care Unit at UnityPoint in Bettendorf and the Medical Intensive Care Unit at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their excellent care of Julie.

Memorials may be made to the family or to The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at donate.givetoiowa.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.