Obituaries Archive

James R. Thompson

James R. “Boar” Thompson, age 77, of East Dubuque, Ilinois, completed his earthly journey on August 27, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., at R Place, 292 Sinsinawa Ave, in East Dubuque.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center in humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on February 23, 1943, in Dubuque, a son to Vivian (Russo) Thompson.  He grew up surrounded by family and friends in the exact same neighborhood where he would spend his entire life making his way in the world.  Jim worked as a truck driver for many years, as a mechanic for a few, he also enjoyed spending the spare time in his retirement with the maintenance department at Eagle Ridge, while most recently helping his friends at R Place get the days started with everything in proper working order.  But, all who really knew and loved Jim know that where he truly shined was at home.  Jim was the epitome of a man among men, and a Jack of all Trades.  All of his family, friends and neighbors knew that if they needed anything built, repaired, assembled, or simply improved through modification, Jim was the man for the task and the answer would always be “Yes”.  His skillful generosity is legendary and the abundance of memories he leaves behind are inspiring indeed for all of us who strive to serve others within our communities.  We will surely miss Boar for the rest of our days; his grand stories of fishing and more, his severely dry wit, his unending supply of colorful clichés, and the peaceful sight of this continually content man when a cold Keystone Light was in his hand while tinkering in the garage.  Jim embraced the uncomplicated joys of living life simply, while also to the fullest.  We will miss this man who taught us by example that life is but a journey to be lived once, and in case there’s ever any question about it, water is meant for fishing.  Thank you, Jim, for the love and lessons you leave behind, and may the peace of the Lord be with you and Joan until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his 3 daughters,
Tamara Lynn “Tammy” (Tim) Freisinger, East Dubuque, Ilinois,
Jean VanBlaracom, Monks Corner, South Carolina,
and Karla (Donny) Kass, Cumming, Georgia;

his 6 grandchildren;
Heather Freisinger, Tanner Freisinger, Valerie VanBlaracom, Michael (Michelle) VanBlaracom, Jordan Kass, and Ryan James “R.J.” Kass;

1 great-grandson,
Xavier VanBlaracom;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful bride, Joan Thompson; and 2 brothers, Steve “Biff” Thompson, and Mike “Dipe” Thompson.

Jim’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, the University of Iowa, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their compassionate care and support over these last days.  Your kindness is appreciated more than you know.

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

Pamela J. Davis

Pamela J. “Pam” Davis, 66, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, August 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2020, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at a later date at the Esgate Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation and service at the funeral home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pamela Jean Burns was born on January 21, 1954 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Roy Kenneth and Shirley Jean (Beach) Burns.  She was a 1972 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then Scott Community College in Davenport.  She married Larry Dean Davis on September 1, 1973 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union:  Shane, Kelli, and Dan.

Pam had worked at U.S. Bank in the Customer Service and Loan Department for over 20 years.  She had also worked at Kohl’s for over 10 years as a Store Support Lead.

Pam had a profound passion for the outdoors.  She found great joy in traveling and even in the process of planning for these special family trips.  They went every year they were married.  She also enjoyed hiking, waterfalls, lighthouses, birdwatching, taking care of her flowers, and shopping.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and attending their events.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Larry Davis of Maquoketa, IA; children, Shane (Hope) Davis of Spragueville, IA, Kelli (Jason) Bendixen of Maquoketa, IA, and Dan (Melissa) Davis of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Kevin (Ann) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Keith Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Ken (Sheryl) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, and Mike Burns of Marion, IA; and 9 grandchildren, Alyssa Davis, Keily Davis, Cameron Bendixen, Sydnee Davis, Anna Bendixen, Carley Davis, Gavin Davis, Madison Davis and Kannon Davis.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Pamela J. “Pam” Davis memorial fund has been established.

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

James T. Ryan

James Timothy “Jim” Ryan, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Thursday August 27th, 2020 at home surrounded by family following an extended illness.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM.   Please respect our current social distancing requirements and the Mask Mandate. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Jim’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant.  The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Jim was born March 1, 1938, in Dubuque, the son of Edmund and Callista (McCarthy) Ryan. He was the youngest of four siblings growing up on his family’s farm. Jim was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1955. On July 12, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Kaiser at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jim worked as a Sheet Metal worker in Dubuque for 45 years and was a member of SMART Local 91 for over 65 years.

After retirement in 2000, Jim discovered cycling which resulted in countless miles on the road, participating in RAGBRAI events and rides all around the Midwest. He was a ski instructor at Sundown Ski Resort. He enjoyed traveling the world, including cultural family stay exchanges and trips to many adventurous countries. He began his love of camping with the Dubuque National Hikers and Campers Club when his children were young. Jim was his happiest experiencing the mountains of Colorado, making regular trips to ski, backpack, hike, camp and explore the backroads. He was proud to help his son build several houses. Riding his 1947 Farmall tractor on his farm, that he had worked with his dad as a boy, was his peaceful place to go and remember his family. He often remarked on how much he enjoyed his life, especially the many friends he met along the way.

Jim was a member of Nativity Parish.

Surviving to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife, a son, Timothy Ryan, of Zwingle, IA; a daughter, Dayna (Robert) Ryan and their son Nicholas James Ryan, of Lakewood, CO; sister-in-law, Darlene Ryan, of Dubuque, and brother-in-law, Bobby Campbell, of Northglenn, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy Fangman and Lorraine Schuster; his brother, Albert Ryan; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Saloma Kaiser; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Campbell and his brothers-in-law, Charles Fangman and Lorain Schuster.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s compassionate caregivers from Home Instead, Hospice of Dubuque and Palliative Care.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Rescue Mission or Hospice of Dubuque.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

William Demkier

William “Bill” Demkier, 70, of Dubuque, left on his eternal fishing trip on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, as a result of heart complications.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 12 Noon on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow the visitation at the funeral home beginning at 12 Noon. Please come dressed as Bill would expect to see you on any given day. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. Due to the current Dubuque city ordinance, masks are required in the funeral home. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Bill’s family.

Bill was born January 16, 1950, in Dubuque, the son of Harold and Dorothy (Schneider) Demkier. On August 9, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sandra “Sam” Seiler in Bellevue, IA. They literally have been in each other’s pocket since they were teenagers and their love for one another was like no other.

Bill’s passion for hunting and fishing, and Sam’s passion for fishing, lead to them owning and operating Cygnet Lake Camp in Minaki, Ontario, Canada for over 25 years. Upon retirement they built a cabin on the lake and continued spending summers there, as their heart was always in Canada. Bill’s most enjoyable times were spent with friends and family doing what he enjoyed most, this led to many lifelong and new friendships over the years. While Bill loved all of his family equally and treasured each and every one of them, one of his most talked about memories of Canada was when his two nieces, Chelsey and Courtney, who were 4 and 7 at the time, spent the summer with them learning how to fish. Bill’s famous saying for years after was “I wished there was a pill I could give those girls to keep them little.”

Bill is survived by his wife and lifelong fishing partner, Sam Demkier; his two brothers, Bob (Paula) Demkier and Paul (Judy) Demkier both of Dubuque who were his loyal hunting and fishing partners; one sister, Pat (Al) Roth of Dubuque who was known to bake his favorite molasses cookies; one brother-in-law, Gary Seiler of Bellevue; one sister-in-law, Shirley Cornwall of Bellevue; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his proud parents, Harold and Dorothy, and his beloved labs Coal and Simba. Also, preceding Bill in death are his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Bonnie Cleveland, and his brother-in-law Carl Cornwall.

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

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

Mrs. Frank W. (Elaine M.) Thumser

Mrs. Frank W. (Elaine M.) Thumser, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 27, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Dubuque Memorial Gardens, 8289 Jecklin Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003. According to Elaine’s wishes, no public visitation will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Elaine was born on June 23, 1934 in Bellevue, Iowa the daughter of Glenn and Elsie (Roe) Heckelsmiller. She married Frank Thumser on September 22, 1978.

Mrs. Thumser was employed for many years at United Telephone Co., the Telegraph Herald, and Flexsteel Industries.

Frank and Elaine enjoyed many years of traveling around the USA. They especially enjoyed golfing together and dancing every week. They enjoyed Tuesday evenings at the Moracco with Friends.

Elaine is survived by her husband Frank; three children, Debra (Mike) Angstadt, of Fort Meyers, FL, Douglas (Yolanda) Griebel and Keith (Jeanie) Griebel, both of Bellevue. Five step children, Sandi (Pat Welsh), of Dubuque, Douglas (friend, Theresa) Thumser, of New Castle, CA, Kevin Thumser, of Palm Bay, CA, Gary (Candi) Thumser, of Woodland, CA and Craig (Natalie) Thumser, of New Castle, CA. Eight grandchildren, six step grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, eight step great grandchildren and a sister Shirley Peterson, of Sabula.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Phyllis Sieverding and a sister infancy.

Denny J. Davis Sr.

Denny Joe Davis Sr., 61, of Dubuque passed away unexpectedly at home on August 24th, 2020.

According to his wishes there will be no public visitation or services. A celebration of is life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Denny was born on May 4th, 1959 the son of Vernice and Rose Marie (Molitor) Davis.

Denny had a big heart, he loved his kids, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren, he was so proud of all of them, and he loved them all so much. He was deeply passionate about his family, and he looked forward to every holiday spent surrounded by them. He adored his animals and was always there to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Vicki Nethery; Sons Mike (Jenn) Nethery, Denny Joe Davis Jr., Travis Leick; his Daughter Nicole Davis; Grandchildren Gavin, Reese, and Noah; His mother Rose Marie Davis; 2 Brothers, Norman and Howard Davis.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Vernice Norman Davis, and a Sister, Tina Hall.

Loyd J. Jasper

Loyd J. Jasper, 79, of Dyersville passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am Saturday, August 29, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Anthony Nketiah will officiate and Deacon Dan Hoeger will assist. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery where American Legion Post 137 will accord military honors.

Loyd was born December 1, 1940, in Dyersville the son of Emil & Monica Jasper. He married Carol Mensen on September 7, 1964, in Dyersville. Together they raised their family & farmed near Dyersville and co-owned and managed All Star Feeds until retirement. Loyd worked many years on his custom toys and was very proud of his craft. He was featured in the Toy Farmer magazine four times.

He was a very social person and enjoyed being with his children and their families, including regular annual vacations together. He also spent many hours playing cards with friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his children: Duane (Anne), Glen (Kris), Kevin (Courtney) Jasper all of Cedar Rapids, and Janet (Jamie) Hogan of Lake Villa, IL;
12 grandchildren: Alexander, Nathaniel, Logan, Oren, Whitney, Erica, Hanna, Zachary, Lucille, Ryan, Tyler and Travis; a brother, Kenneth (Margie) Jasper of Manchester, his
step mother-in-law, Jean Mensen of Dyersville, and a sister-in-law, Wilma Mensen of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol in 2014, a sister, Gladys (Tony) Hoeger, and a brother-in-law, Dale Mensen.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque for the wonderful care and compassion during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica (https://spiresoffaith.com/parishes/st-francis-xavier-dyersville).

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

Robert Pommerich

Robert Pommerich, 83, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at his home at Assisi Village.

In his own words…
Bob was born December 29, 1936, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the only child of George and Rose (Washbush) Pommerich. In Bob’s senior year at St. Mary’s Springs High School, a letter arrived at school one day from legendary Loras basketball coach Vince Dowd, offering Bob a scholarship to play basketball at Loras. Bob had never heard of Loras college and was not exactly sure where Iowa was. Nevertheless, he traveled by Greyhound bus on a Sunday afternoon in September 1955 to Dubuque and the Loras campus, sight unseen, and enrolled. Everything he brought to Loras was contained in two suitcases, and one of them was not very large. During his senior year at Loras, Bob was interviewed by George Hansen of McGladrey, Hansen, Dunn & Company. He accepted a position on the audit staff in the Chicago office of Arthur Andersen & Co. After receiving his B.A. degree in Accounting from Loras, Bob enlisted in the Army in June 1959, spending 6 months active duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In December 1959, he went to work in the Chicago office of Arthur Andersen & Co. In the fall of 1962, Bob began his 37-year teaching career by joining the Accounting faculty at Loras College. He passed the Certified Public Accountant exam in May 1963, receiving Iowa certificate number 640 from Virgil Hancher, who was the President of the University of Iowa and the speaker at the awards banquet. On August 22, 1964 Bob married Mellita Hanten at St. Columbkille Church in Dubuque.

Bob received an M.B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in August 1965. He was a pioneer in the development of computer usage at Loras, being the campus representative in a 1968-1970 project funded by the National Science Foundation comprised of a Regional Computer Center network headquartered at the University of Iowa under the direction of Gerard Weeg. Bob was a registration counselor for 17 successive years and served on numerous committees, including a memorable three year term as Chair of the Arts & Lectures Series Committee (1995-1998). During the 1994-1995 year, Bob and Mellita enjoyed a sabbatical year when Bob had an appointment as a visiting scholar (admittedly, a real stretch) at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. In 1991, Bob was honored to receive the Sears Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award. He was also very honored to receive a Loras Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2002. In 2016, Bob was inducted into the Loras College Athletic Hall of Fame as a contributor. Bob was rather well-known for his dubious attempts at humor in the classroom. Frank Noonan coined the term “Pommerisms” in reference to some of his puns and stories.

Physical fitness and exercise were a big part of Bob’s life. He played on the basketball and tennis teams in high school and college. Tennis, in particular, was a life-long love, as he spent many an hour over the years on the courts at Loras and elsewhere. For 11 years, Bob participated in USTA Over 55 and Over 65 singles tournaments at various sites in Iowa. Once retired, Bob liked to exercise every morning. In the colder months, he had a routine at the fitness center. From April into November or December, it was tennis or biking, which he resumed when he acquired a bicycle in 1992. Some additional interests which surfaced following retirement were crossword and sudoku puzzles. Also, Bob enjoyed attending the Wednesday matinee performances during the live racing season at Dubuque Greyhound Park. Bob liked to attend events where food was served.

After retirement in 1999, Bob was named a Professor Emeritus and he maintained his ties to the college. His colleagues, Karen Sturm and Deb Pauly, spearheaded an effort to establish the Robert Pommerich Professorship in his honor. He occasionally helped out in the Business department to fill in for a faculty member as needed. He was the official scorekeeper for Loras Women’s and Men’s basketball from 1998 through 2015. Bob also thoroughly enjoyed his work as an AARP Tax Aide volunteer for 17 years beginning in 2001. He also served on the board of directors at the Dubuque Area Lifetime Center for over 6 years, part of that time being spent in the role of treasurer. Bob also took pleasure in his visits to Wrigley Field, benefiting from complimentary tickets from two former students. He and Mellita greatly enjoyed the weekly duplicate bridge games at the Lifetime Center. They also attended many concerts and plays at Loras and other Dubuque venues and elsewhere. Travel to visit children and grandchildren was also a distinct pleasure. One of the highlights of Bob’s life was being at centre court at Wimbledon in 1998 for the finals of the Men’s Singles (Pete Sampras beat Goran Ivanisevic in five sets) and the Women’s Doubles. Bob loved competition and always did his best to win, whether it was in board games with his children, on the tennis or racquetball court, at the bridge table, or in the fantasy football league with his Loras colleagues. He considered himself extremely fortunate to have survived cardiac arrest, suffered in November 2002, prostate cancer, diagnosed in November 2007, and a stroke, suffered in April 2015. In his healthier years, he was a regular blood donor.

In 2007, Bob was granted a free Life membership in the American Accounting Association, by virtue of having been a member of the AAA for 40 consecutive years.
Bob relished his roles as husband, father, and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by four children and five grandchildren: Karen (Michael Hosford) Pommerich of Swannanoa, North Carolina, Jim (Finola) Pommerich and their children, Liam, Tara, and Rory, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mary Pommerich (Skip Kadish) of Marina, California, and John (Karen Saxer) Pommerich and their children, Earl and Raymond, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mellita, on April 10, 2018.

Memorials may be given to the Pommerich professorship at Loras College, the Dubuque Rescue Mission, or the charity of your choice.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Msgr. James Miller as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. There will be a public Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of Assisi Village and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Bob’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Gerald F. Hohensee

Gerald F. “Jerry” Hohensee, age 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on August 26, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Gerald’s life, his Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gerald’s family.

Gerald was born on November 6, 1947 in Winona, Minnesota, a son to Frederick and Ethel Hohensee. He eventually made his way to the Dubuque area and was a proud graduate of Bellevue High School. Shortly after graduation, Gerald joined the U.S. Navy and went to serve beside his fellow Brothers in Arms in Vietnam. He proudly completed his tour and returned home to begin his career in Plumbing and Heating. Gerald spent over 44 years in the trade before finally retiring. In his free-time, Gerald had 2 favorite ways to spend his day. First, was enjoying a relaxing day boating on the river while taking in all of the serenity and glory of God’s creation as it surrounded him. And second, was any opportunity for a little socializing and working alongside all of his friends at the Veteran’s Freedom Center. Gerald always knew that his faithful cat would be waiting for him at home, but every hour he was able to spend helping and serving our community’s fellow veterans was time well spent by any measure. Gerald was a good and decent man through and through and his legacy is just as wonderful as he set out to make it. We will miss his gentle heart, patient soul, and continually joyful spirit, which generally possessed a perfectly content whistle moving right along within them. We find peace in knowing that his suffering is now over, but our broken hearts will never truly mend until we finally see our Gerald once again, and thankfully, in a state of eternal perfection.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Gerald include,

his 2 sons,
Tracy A. Hohensee, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Travis L. Hohensee, Galena, Illinois;

his grandchildren,
Alan L. (June Kruse) Hohensee, Dubuque, Iowa,
Alley P. ( A.J. Prine) Hohensee, Dubuque, Iowa,
Amanda L. Hohensee, Dubuque, Iowa;

his great-grandchildren,
Addaylee J. Hohensee and Landyn J. Kane;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.

Gerald’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional, compassionate, and tender care of Gerald, as well as his family. You truly helped Dad find peace through some very difficult days and we appreciate all that you’ve done!

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

Jeannette L. (Koenig) Campbell

Jeannette L. (Koenig) Campbell, 92, of Nashua, Iowa, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Cedar Valley Hospice House in Waterloo, IA.

Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, where she will be laid to rest next to her daughter, Nancy (Campbell) Ball, her son, Thomas Campbell, and her great-grandson, Kael Ball.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at Eagle Point Park – The Bridge Room on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a Hospice Service of your choice. Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©

Donny D. Graves

Donny D. Graves, 42, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2020.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

He was born on November 25, 1977, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Jerry and Carol (Kirschbaum) Graves.

Donny was very outgoing and loved by all. He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching Nascar Racing and playing games on his phone. He loved going antiquing with his Aunt Mary.

Surviving are his parents, Jerry and Carol; brothers, Joe (Lisa) Graves of Brodhead, WI, and Chris (Julie) Graves of Monroe, WI; his aunts and uncles, Mary Westemeier, Betty Schneider, Jeannie Dura, Harold (Carla) Staudenraous, David Kirschbaum and Sue Kirschbaum; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Donny was preceded in death by his brother, Scott Graves, paternal grandparents, Katie and Doyle Graves, maternal grandparents, Paul and Minnie Kirschbaum; uncles and aunts, Joe and Loretta Graves, Jake and Irene Graves and Steve Kirschbaum.

You will forever be in our hearts. We love and miss you so much. Mom, Dad, Joe and Chris.

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

Julie A. Potter

Julie Ann Potter, 57, beloved wife of John Potter, passed beyond this earthly place on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday, August 28 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 3:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Trinity Church. Burial will in Mt Calvary Cemetery.

Julie was born November 26, 1962 in Dubuque, daughter of Robert and Barbara (Strong) Durey. She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 1981. On August 15, 1992, she married the love of her life John.

Her love of baking and cooking started at a young age. She owned and operated Retro Cakes and Cupcravery since 2014.

Julie also enjoyed Retro Culture and festival events, live music, her “Motor Family,” exploration through local and long distance travels such as Colorado Rocky Mountains, Hawaii, and Alaska with her husband. She loved spending time with loved ones, especially with the “littles.”

She is survived by her husband, John of Sherrill; Mother, Barbara Durey of Dubuque; siblings, Robert Durey and Jennifer Durey Waugh, both of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews, including Amanda and Jordan Reynolds and Taylor Nemmers, with whom she had very special relationships.

She was preceded in death by a niece, Kelly Reynolds; sister, Jeanne Reynolds and father, Robert Durey.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Memorials may be made to the Julie Ann Potter Memorial Fund.

Ruby Williams

Ruby Williams, lovingly known as “Mama”, was born on March 10, 1930 in Wallace, Louisiana to the union of Abraham and Rosalie Adams. She was the youngest of six siblings, two boys and four girls: Roland, Bernard, Octavia, Rose, and Juanita.
Ruby received God at an early age. She was Christened on March 16, 1930 at St. Philip Church in Vacherie, Louisiana. She attended San Damiano Chapel for Mass in Dubuque, Iowa.
Ruby attended Doolittle elementary school, which all three of her children later attended. She also went to Dunbar trade school to learn Cosmetology.

Ruby worked various jobs, one being Oxford House Motor Hotel in housekeeping, but the job she was most proud of was being a stay at home mother and wife. Her children would have given her MOM of the year award each and every year for the amazing job she did and a side title of “bestest mom” would have been given daily by her youngest, Vernice.

Ruby married Moses Smith. To this union three children were born: Mark Anthony, Michael Andre, and Vernice Patricia. They later separated.

On July 30, 1975, Ruby met and married Milton Williams in Chicago, Illinois.

Rudy helped anyone in need. She loved children and animals, especially cats. She loved to cook and her food was amazing from her gumbo, pound cake, or her famous back-side soup she made for her grandchildren when they were sick. She loved music; Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye were a few of her favorites. Once the music started to play, she was ready to, as she would say, “PAR-TAY”.

Ruby lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday 22, 2020 in Dubuque, Iowa where daughter and granddaughter rarely left her side.

She is survived by her Daughter Vernice “Pat” Mosley (Marlon); daughter-in-law Sandra Morten; sister Juanita (Willie) Hawthrone; seven grandchildren Michael, Robert, Kenny, Marcus (Tomica), Temaka, Nicole, Ronniesia; eight great grandchildren Stephfon, Denise “Dee-Dee”, Danija, Thomas, Isiaih, Sierra, Taylor, Tobias; two great-great grandsons and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

She will be greeted in heaven by her parents Abraham and Rosalie Adams; special parents Clifford and Alice Lamar; two brothers Roland (mildred), Bernard (Pam), two sisters Octavia (Joe), Rose (George); her special brother George (Pauline); and two great grandsons D’ante and D’rod. Her biggest heavenly welcome with come from her two sons Mark and Michael.

Special thanks to Wade, Sandra, Dorothy, Pat, Wilburt (Pam), Levatta, Teresa, Mary, Veronica, Dr. Jedlicka and the many nurses who became family from Stonehill.
We are comforted knowing Ruby is no longer in pain and will be able to dance again.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Ruby’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Thomas R. Dorsey

Thomas R. “Tom” Dorsey, age 84, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 9:45 a.m., on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To celebrate Tom’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Friday, August 28, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Due to the COVID-19 mandate issued by the City of Dubuque all who attend will be required to wear a face covering. To honor Tom’s life, funeral services will be held immediately after visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 28, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Mark Kwenin officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Tom was born on September 21, 1935, in Waverly, Iowa, son of Richard and Mary (Donlon) Dorsey.

Tom was a proud lifelong Dubuque resident. He was employed with Caradco for several years as well as working part-time at the library and in the kitchens of several healthcare facilities. He was united in marriage to Genevieve LeClair, and Tom welcomed her and her 2 children into his home with open arms. Sadly, Genevieve was called home ahead of Tom on June 14, 1979. Tom was a very active member of Holy Trinity Church where he sang in the choir and enjoyed getting together with fellow church members to play cards. He loved being outside and walked all of the time, never driving anywhere. Tom was an avid sports fan, always rooting for the New York Yankees and the Chicago Bears. He was a quiet, humble man who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. Tom will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Genevieve Dorsey; a sister, Catherine (Donald) Cornwell; and a brother, Joseph (Dani) Dorsey.

Tom’s family would like to thank Dr. Angela Hubanks, and the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their outstanding care of Tom. Tom also appreciated all of the friends he made at Davis Place, they were truly like family to him.

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

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

William R. Maher

William Robert “Bill” Maher, 97, passed away on August 21st in Dubuque, Iowa.

William was born to William and Beatrice Maher on February 05, 1923 in Stockton, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1943 and served as a Sergeant First Class with the 290th Infantry Regiment of the 75th Infantry Division in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, earning a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged from active duty in December 1945 and served in the Reserves from 1950 through April 1953.

He wed Eleanor C. Eberle on December 8, 1943, in Freeport, Illinois. They had four children: Karen (Dave) Coale, Michael (Ranee) Maher, Jeanne (Leo) Czervionke and Stephen (Shavaun) Maher. He wed Helen Hafeman in April 1994.

He was an apprenticed and artisan plasterer for his career and a locally known artist in wood sculpture as his passion up until he could no longer safely carve.

He spent his entire 97 years with a moral compass that was centered around his faith in God, in his family, and in his country. He never picked easy, he always picked what was right. And it is because of him and people like him that his family is able to have the gifts and values that we have! Thanks Dad!

William was preceded in death by his wives Eleanor and Helen, his son, Michael, his parents, his sister Bette (Joe) Duehr, and his brother Robert Maher. Bill loved his time with his 10 grandchildren Stefanie (Ross) Silvers, Shannon (Robert) Matricardi, Sean (Charissa) Maher, Danielle Maher, Eric (Debra) Czervionke, Jessica (Brian) Johnston, Margaret (Steven) Holtkamp, Grant (Emily) Maher, Meredith (Brandon) Wright, and Caroline Maher and later his 12 great grandchildren.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Oak Park Place and to Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials may be given to Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Church.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements (www.hskfhcares.com). Due to Covid-19, the Mass of Christian Burial for William will be live streamed from Holy Trinity Church at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 31, 2020. Most of the family will attend remotely but we welcome those who live locally and want to celebrate his life in person. The link to the live service can be found on the Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com. A more extensive celebration of William’s long and interesting life will be held at a later time when it will be safe to gather in person.