Obituaries Archive

Richard F. Nunez

Richard F. Nunez, 93, of Dubuque died Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center with his wife and son by his side. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post 6.

Rick was born July 29, 1925, son of Rafael and Soledad Nunez. After graduating from Colorado Springs High School, Rick enlisted in the US Navy on June 23, 1942 at the age of 17. He saw action in the South Pacific during WW II. Following six years of active duty, Rick served in the Naval Reserve for the next 44 years, retiring at Chief Boatswain’s Mate.

He was pleased when a group of navy personnel took him out for brunch and presented him with a big cake designed like a ship for his 93rd birthday. He felt badly he didn’t have their addresses to send notes to let them know how proud it made him feel.

He married Eleanor Kohn at St. Francis De Sales Church in Hazel Green, Wisc. in 1955. Together they had two sons, Randy and Robert.

Rick was employed at DDDKG Architects for 20 years, and later retired from the plant engineering department at John Deere Dubuque Works.

He was a member of St. Columbkille’s parish where he was an usher and member of the buildings and grounds committee. After retirement, he put in many hours working on repairing windows and rooms at St. Columbkille’s school & church.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor Nunez of Dubuque; and two sons, Randy Nunez of Bettendorf, Iowa and Robert Nunez of Bridgewater, New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Robert, Joe, Ralph and Rafael; three sisters, Linda, Carmy and Marie, and their spouses; his father and mother-in-law, Cooper & Adaline Kohn; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul & Dorie Kohn.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to distribute among veterans’ organizations.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Sullivan, his nurses and staff, especially nurse Lorilee; as well as the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center ICU and 3rd floor for their wonderful care.

Kenneth J. Fluhr

Kenneth J. “Ken” Fluhr, 89, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 2:10 A.M. Sunday, December 30, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 3, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post #787. Visitation is from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where the parish scripture service will be at 2:30 P.M. Members of American Legion Post #787 will meet at 5:30 p.m. and members of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept. will meet at 6:00 p.m. A visitation will also be held on Thursday from 9:00 – 9:45 A.M. at the funeral home.

Ken was born in East Dubuque, IL on May 21, 1929, the son of Joseph and Ann (Sendt) Fluhr. He was united in marriage to Mary J. MacFarlane on November 27, 1958 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. They recently celebrated 60-years of marriage.

He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1947. Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He was formerly employed at Flexsteel Industries retiring in 1994. He was previously employed at Caradco Mfg. Co. and Sheehan Shell Service in East Dubuque.

Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, his dogs and grand dogs, and was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. He participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 25, 2011 with his daughter Jodi and son-in-law George. Ken was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, American Legion Post #787, V.F.W. Post #2665 of Galena, a retired member of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept. and Upholsterer’s Union Local #1861.

Surviving are his wife Mary, three children, Joleen “Jodi” (George, who he thought of as a son) Murphy and Julie Fluhr both of Dubuque and Jeffrey “Jeff” (Heidi) Fluhr of Sun Prairie, WI; two grandchildren, Marleigh and Kendall; a brother, David (Bonnie) Fluhr and sister JoAnn (Dallas) Belken both of East Dubuque; numerous nieces and nephews; in-laws, Bob MacFarlane, Mike (Kathy) MacFarlane, Kathy MacFarlane, Harold Howard and Janet MacFarlane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ann, a brother, Tom (Mary) Fluhr, in-laws, Esther Dalsing, George “Bud” (Rosemary) MacFarlane, Joyce Howard, David MacFarlane, and Joyce MacFarlane.

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

Ruth R. Nauman

Ruth Regina Nauman, 95, formerly of Dubuque, died Friday evening, December 21, 2018, at Evangelical Home, Saline, Michigan following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 4, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, where there will be a wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Ruth was born on December 12, 1923, in Dubuque, daughter of Nicholas and Christina (Schueller) Trieweiler. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1941. She married Reginald (Reg) Nauman on August 9, 1948, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on June 21, 1995. She resided in Dubuque until August 2016, when she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to be closer to her daughter.

Ruth was a loving wife and mother, who was dedicated to her home and family. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafts, and gardening and gifted many of her handmade items and homegrown vegetables to family, friends, and neighbors.

Surviving are a son Tom (Vanessa) Nauman of San Diego, California, a daughter Ann (Tom) Zimmerman of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and four very special grandchildren: Cheryl, Philip, Kyle, and Christian Lee Nauman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her six brothers, Leo, Irvin “Mollie,” Ralph “Whitey,” Raymond, George “Jiggs” Trieweiler; and Gerald “Jerry” Trieweiler; and her four sisters, Sybilla Hanson, Ida Hirsch, Jeanette Nauman, and Bernice Thill.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful staff at Evangelical Home-Saline for their care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church or Evangelical Home, Saline, Michigan.

Imelda M. Beringer

Imelda M. Beringer of Cascade, Iowa, died Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 12:10 p.m., peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Imelda may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Services for Imelda will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 4, 2018 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Imelda was born July 20, 1928 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Curtis) Kedley. She graduated from St. Martin’s High School in 1947. On November 25, 1947, she was united in marriage to William Beringer at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade where they remained married for 66 years until her husband’s death in 2014. Together they farmed their entire lives with the first 10 years of marriage in the Fillmore/Bernard rural areas, and then moving to Cascade where they purchased their family farm for the remaining years of their marriage.

Imelda was a very spiritual person, she believed in the power of prayer, and divine intervention. She would often quote to her children the Irish Catholic Priest Patrick Peyton quote “the family that prays together stays together”. Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and their many family gatherings.

She was a member of St. Mathias Parish, the Cascade Catholic Daughters of the America’s-Our Blessed Mother Court #1926 and the Cascade Senior Citizen’s. She enjoyed playing cards with her neighborhood friends for over 50 years.

She is survived by eight children, Linda (Ladd) Nachazel of Anamosa, Barbara (Martin) Shafer of Coralville, Edna (Larry) Heiar of LaMotte, Bill Beringer Jr. of Cascade, Mary (Dan) Goedken of Petersburg, John (Sheila) Beringer of Cascade, Amy (Rick) Bergfeld of Peosta, and Sandra Dotterweich of Monticello, IA. Also , 27 Grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; Sister-in-laws, Teci (Jim) Lehmann of Cascade, and Bernice Beringer of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her Parent; her husband, William Beringer on July 1, 2014; her siblings and their spouses, Paul (Hilda) Kedley, Leanard in infancy, Donald Kedley, Curtis (Mary) Kedley, Mary Carmelita (Marcellus) Westemeiar, Melba (Nickolas) Bertling, Orville Kedley, Orland (Edith) Kedley and Ione (Arnold) Beringer; Her father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary Beringer. Her brother and sister-in-laws, four brothers: Victor (Anna) Beringer, Carl (Alvina) Beringer, Nick Beringer, Arnold (Ione) Beringer, and Odelia (Eldon “Pete”) Boffeli.
The family would like to thank Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care of Imelda, and a special thanks to Fr. Loecke for all his care and support.

A Imelda M. Beringer memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Anna Mae Hildebrand

Anna Mae (Crimmins) Hildebrand, 93, of, Epworth, Iowa, passed away Friday, December 28, 2018 at 2:58 a.m., at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Anna Mae may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, December 30, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Services for Anna Mae will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

She was born March 9, 1925 in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Leo and Emma (Kramer) Crimmins. She graduated from Epworth High School in 1943. Started working at the former Dubuque Packing Company the week after graduation and worked there for 38 years until she retired in 1981. On July 21, 1945 she was united in marriage to Edward Hildebrand at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa. He preceded her in death on December 31, 1982.

Anna Mae and Ed loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, which they got to enjoy four times. Anna Mae excelled in doing embroidery work, giving most of her beautiful creations as gifts to family and friends. Anna Mae enjoyed spending time with her family and was an avid fan of her children and grandchildren’s baseball and softball games. She was the center of attention for her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren who all loved her.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth, Iowa. Anna Mae was also a member of the Local Union 150A of Meat Cutters, President of the Epworth American Legion Auxiliary. She was also president of the Western Dubuque Band Parents for 9 years, and a member of the Epworth Centennial Park Board.

She is survived by three children, Gail (Greg) Featherston, Wanda (Steve) Bries both of Epworth, IA, and Craig (Mary) Hildebrand of Melbourne, FL; daughter-in-law, Julie Hildebrand of Sun Prairie, WI; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, with another due in January, and many nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Paul E. Hildebrand in July 2018, two brothers, Ralph Crimmins and William (Mary) Crimmins; two sisters, Mary (Norbert) Leick and Mildred (Harold) Klostermann.

The family would like to thank the staff at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade for the wonderful care and attention they showered onto our mother. You brightened her days with laughs and smiles. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. We also would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Janette, for your gentle caring of our mom during her journey and passing.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Friedrich Fallmezger

Friedrich “Fritz” Failmezger, 80, of Asbury, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 31, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Rev. Dianne Grace will officiate. According to his wishes, there will be no visitation.

Fritz was born November 25, 1938 in Mannheim, Germany, the son of Friedrich and Wanda (Beuchert) Failmezger. Fritz methis high school sweetheart, Waltraud “Peggy” Springer in 1956. While in Germany, he earned his Master’s Degree in Chemistry and Physics, and worked for BASF Chemical Company. Fritz came to Dubuque in 1962, where he worked at Midland Laboratories for a year, and then relocated to Chicago in 1963, where he worked for USG Corp as a chemist. In 1964, he returned to Germany and married Peggy, and they returned to Chicago. Fritz retired as Division Manager of USG Corp in 1996, and he and his wife came back to Asbury in order to be close to his twin brother, Heinz. During his career, Fritz obtained several U.S. and foreign patents.

Fritz was an avid golfer and a wonderful cook. He enjoyed traveling all over with Peggy, including visiting family in Germany. He was a selfless person, and could always be counted on to help others. Family was deeply important to him.

Fritz is survived by his daughter, Susan (Dana) Schroeder of Asbury; two grandchildren, Sierra and Michael Schroeder of Asbury; his nieces and nephews, Fred (Stephanie) Failmezger of Peosta, Debbie Beck of Dubuque, Debbie (Steve) Reeder of Missouri, Andreas (Beate) Ditter and Torsten (Heike) Ditter, both of Mannheim, Germany; several great nieces and nephews; his sister-in- law Monica Casini of Missouri; and his brother-in-law Detlef (Monika) Ditter of Mannheim, Germany.

He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy in 2004; his parents; his twin brother, Heinz (Pat) Failmezger; his nephew-in-law, John Beck; and his great niece, Jennifer Reeder.

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

Clyde T. Travis

Clyde T. Travis, 87 of the metro Atlanta, GA area died peacefully at PruittHealth on Friday morning 12-21-2018 following a stroke in August 2018.

Services to be held at the Mt. Calvary Chapel at 1 p.m. on Friday 01-05-2019, in Dubuque IA. Mr. Travis was born in Dubuque IA on a Saturday 06-27-1931.

The son of Edward R. Travis and Ermenilda Schlickman Travis.

He had been a resident in the metro Atlanta GA area since 1993.

He enjoyed his retirement years managing his rental property and doing crafts. His primary career was as a Mortician with Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Later Clyde Graduated from the University of Iowa in 1977.

Survived by; Sisters -Joyce Gansen, Jane Swift, and Janet Dwane. His 3 sons; Michael E. Travis, David R. Travis and Daniel J. Travis, Grandson; Shane M. Travis, Previous wife; Joan Hermes Bedient.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His Brothers; Jim Travis, Jerry Travis, Jack Travis and Sister Jenny Engling.

In lieu of Flowers; To Clyde T. Travis Memorial Fund; via Zelle banking system; [email protected]

Verdus L. Patzner

Verdus L. Patzner, 92 of Dubuque died Monday, December 24, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steve Rosonke officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum. Military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Verdus was born November 15, 1926 in Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Martin and Mabel (Schiffman) Patzner. After graduating from Guttenberg High School he served in the US Navy during WW II.

On August 5, 1947, he married Fern Moser at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2000.

Verdus worked as a truck driver, first for Dubuque Packing Co., then for Standard Forwarding, retiring in 1991. He loved spending time with his family and also enjoyed doing projects around the house.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Verdus is survived by three daughters, Judy (Gerald) Raymond of Salem, Mass., Margaret (Terry) Larson of Dubuque and Lisa (Ken) Carney of New Lenox, Ill.; a son, Bill (Lisa) Patzner of St. Charles, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Conan Grap, Mya (Kevin) Calaro, Traci (Jamie) Jorgenson, Sheena Gillen, Ryan (Hannah) Carney, Rebecca Carney and Shelby, Jenna and Brooke Patzner; six great grandchildren, Lane, Ethan, Brayden, Addalynn, Abby Sue, and Luella.

He is also survived by two brothers, Joe (Jean) Patzner of Sigourney, Iowa and Delbert (Verna White) Patzner of Rochelle, Ill.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jeanette Junk and two brothers, Danny and Mark Patzner.

A Verdus Patzner Memorial Fund has been established.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place for their care.

Dennis R. Hansen

Dennis R. Hansen, 58, of Panama City, FL formerly of Dubuque passed away on December 23, 2018 in Tallahassee, FL.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon Jim Thill officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 3rd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Dennis was born on September 20, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Eugene and Fay (Dix) Hansen. He attended Holy Ghost Grade School and Wahlert High School in Dubuque.

He worked for Kings Bay Construction, LLC in Panama City, Fl where he was described as a valued member of their team and who truly knew his craft.

He enjoyed fishing, barbecuing and hanging out with friends. The family is grateful for the support network of his close friends in Panama City that were like a second family to him.

He is survived by his parents Eugene and Fay Hansen; siblings, Michael Hansen, of Colorado, David Hansen of Waterloo, Laura (Rick) Urbain, of Dubuque and Vickie (Tige) Lamb, of Lenexa, KS. Nephews, Nicholas and Zachary Urbain and Griffin Lamb and a niece Amelia Lamb.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents George and Iola Dix, and Frank and Margaret Hansen, along with uncles Tom and Jack Dix, Tom Bastian and Carson Koeller.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Diamond Black Fan Anemia Foundation.

The family wishes to thank the CICU Staff at Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee, Florida for their care.

Georgette M. Beaman

Georgette M. Beaman, age 63 of Dubuque, completed her earthly journey on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital, Dubuque, IA. To celebrate Georgette’s life, private family services are being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Georgette’s family.

Georgette was born on July 11, 1955, in Colorado, a daughter to Jose I. and Marie O. (Ahuero) Coronado. Georgette was a kind soul with a gentle heart who touched and impacted many lives throughout her 63 years among us. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but we are forever grateful that she will be able to ring in this New Year with her heavenly family by her side, especially her daughter, Tabatha.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Georgette include,
her ex-husband,
Benjamin “Ben” Beaman, Sr.;
her children,
Tammy Wood, Chaz Plaggemeyer and Ben Beaman, Jr.;
her grandchildren,
Serenity, Hiro, Jazmin, Mystery, Jose, Skyler and JohnnyCash;
her sisters,
Yolanda (Jack) Hennings and Marina Fisher;
and her sister-in-law,
Mary Montoya.

Georgette was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Tabatha Wood; and her brothers, Henry Cisneros, Dale Coronado and Pat Montoya.

Georgette’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their wonderful care and support.

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

John F.E. Steger

John F.E. Steger, 83, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, at the Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery at a later date as John has donated his body to science. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

John was born January 1, 1935, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Edward and Josephine (Vogl) Steger. He married Deborah Soppe on November 21, 1992 in Placid, Iowa. He was a devoted Catholic and served his church in many ways.

John is survived by his wife, Deb, in-laws: Louis (Jeri) Soppe of Monticello, Erma Soppe of Cascade, Connie (George) Helle from Anamosa, Doris Soppe of Dyersville, Diane (Al) Nerney of Oxford Junction, Carol Oberbroeckling of Farley, Leo (Donna) Soppe of Cascade, Bev (Dave) Holz of Dubuque, and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law: Reynold and Albertha Soppe, siblings: Julien Steger, Rita Mae (Mike) Metz, Jolene (Gene) Evers, in-laws: Loras Soppe, Andy Soppe, Bill Oberbroeckling, niece & nephews: Wanda & Dave Eilers and Chris Soppe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Beckmann Catholic High School, Xavier Grade School or St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

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

Donald Leo Schmit

Donald Leo “Don” Schmit, 86, was called home on December 26, 2018 surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Dubuque, IL with Rev. Dean Smith. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time of service. Burial with military honors will be at a later date in Wisconsin. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Don was born to the late Leo and Adeline (Krautkramer) Schmit on January 16, 1932 in Athens, Wisconsin. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Schauer in Sauk City, Wisconsin and they married in California on December 28, 1954. They proceeded to raise a family of 15 children that consisted of 9 boys and 6 girls. Along with his large family, Don was also very proud of his service in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Don was a jack of all trades having many careers during his lifetime and there were few things he couldn’t fix. He spent his retirement helping his kids with home improvements and finding the perfect fishing spots. Don was the quintessential storyteller. He reminisced about flying his plane, being in the Navy, driving truck, how he met Betty, and his childhood shenanigans were some of his favorite stories to tell.

Don is survived by his children: Randy (Donna) Schmit, Susan Hyatt, Mary Servia, Ronald (Terri) Schmit, Larry Schmit, Jeanne (Alex) Jones, Theresa (Curt Gerhard) Budde, Joseph Schmit, Jeffrey Schmit, Ann (Scott) Berry, Stephen (Tammy) Schmit, Donald (Shannon) Schmit, Brian (Josi) Schmit, brothers: Jerry (Emmita) Schmit, and John (Mary) Schmit, along with 35 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, son Stephen, daughter Nancy Meinholz, daughter-in-law Kathleen Schmit, sons-in-law; Walter Meinholz, Joseph Hyatt, Luke Buettell, and brothers Tom and Jim Schmit.

Sylveria M. Ruden

Sylveria M. “Sylvia” Ruden, 95, passed away Tuesday morning, December 25, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 30th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, where there will be a wake service at 4:45 p.m.

Sylveria was born on March 30, 1923, in New Vienna, Iowa, on the farm of her parents Arthur & Elizabeth (Ploessl) Sabers. Sylveria was the Matriarch of the Sabers Family helping to raise her siblings after the death of her Mother at an early age and taking special care of her brother, Roger.

She married Clarence J. Ruden in 1940 in New Vienna, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2006.
Sylveria worked at The Dubuque Pack and later FDL for over thirty years.

Over the years, Sylveria had many interests and hobbies including compiling genealogy for the Sabers Family Tree book, bowling in the Aces League at Creslanes for many years, and monthly “Let’s Do Lunch” card games at St. Columbkille’s. She and her husband, Clarence, attended many of their Grandchildren’s’ sporting events and in recent years Sylveria attended many Wahlert, Clarke University, Waterloo Bucks, and Key West Ramblers baseball games with her Sons cheering on her youngest Grandson, Anthony.

Sylveria was a great homemaker known for wonderful roasts, potato salad, and homemade strawberry-rhubarb jelly. She loved her sweets and her white chocolate Chips-A-Hoy cookies and little Debbie’s. Bishop’s Buffet held special memories for her.

Surviving are her children, Ron (Mary Kay) Ruden of Dubuque, Ruthie Burrows of Urbandale, IA; Linda (Bob) Schneider of Menominee, IL, and Gary (Pat Kiernan) Ruden; and daughter-in-law, Sheri Ruden of Dubuque, Iowa. Also 14 grandchildren, Cindy (Steve) Westhoff, Jana (Kevin) Wangard, & Amy (Jason) Farrey; Tim (Deb) Ruden, Christine (Mark) Richman, Mike (Sue) Ruden, Michelle Colby, Pat (Kelly) Ruden, Brian (Ann) Ruden & Mark (Jodi) Ruden; Doug (Carol King), Matt (Libby) & Paul Schneider; and Anthony Ruden and one step-grandchild, Jamie Smith. 23 special great-grandchildren and one special step great-grandchild and two special great great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat Klostermann; sisters-in-law Darlean Sabers, Mary Ann Sabers, many special nieces and nephews and special friend Sally Kessmann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence; her son, Don, on August 3, 2018; brothers, Floyd (Cecilia), Roger, Marv (Irene), Jack, and Gene Sabers; and a sister, Ruth (Edgar) Holl; brothers-in-law Jerry Klostermann, Nick (Clara), Elmer (Marie), Jack (Bernice), Larry (Maggie), Louie (Delores), Ruden, and; sisters-in-law, Sr. Lorena Ruden, OSF and Edith Sabers. Also David Colby and various nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, a Sylveria M. Ruden Memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to thank the “Wonderful Staff,” Volunteers, and Secret Santa (Krystin), at Stonehill; Hospice of Dubuque; and Dr. Caceres and his nurse, Jackie, for all the care and kindnesses they gave to Sylveria and her family.

James A. Knipper

James A. Knipper, 71, of Earlville passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held 1 – 8 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday, December 31 from 9-10 a.m. prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earlville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Jim was born March 30, 1947, in Delaware County, Iowa, the son of Laverne and Alice (Lammers) Knipper. He married Bonnie Helle on November 30, 1968, in Earlville, Iowa, and five children were born to this union. He was a humble father and grandfather who was quiet and kind at heart.

He was a lifelong farmer in the Earlville area on the Helle family farm who loved to play cards and socialize with people, but his true passion was farming.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie, children: Mike (Becky) Knipper of Earlville, Angie (Al) Hoeger of Delhi, Peggy (Joe) Hildebrand of Manchester, Peter (Amanda) Knipper and Luke (Dawn) Knipper, all of Earlville; grandchildren: Allison, Erin and Dylan Knipper, Shawnae, Macy and Olivia Hoeger, Madison and Maleigha Hildebrand, Jada, Ava and Kyra Knipper, Blake and Trent Knipper; siblings: Dennis (Janice) Knipper of Greeley, Gene (Mary Pat) Knipper of Dyersville, Dianne (David) Kluesner of Luxemburg, Ken (Shirley) Knipper of Earlville, Marilyn (Dan) Friedmann of New Vienna, Steve (Vickie) Knipper of Dyersville, Bob (Patty) Knipper of Thousand Oaks, CA, and Ruth (Pete) Bockenstedt of New Vienna; in-laws: Linda (Roger) Recker of Manchester, Karla (Dick) Jasper of Dyersville, Nancy (Ken) Dunkel of Dyersville, Mary (Al) Hoeger of Delhi, Lyle (Marsha) Helle of Earlville, Dale (Heidi) Helle of Lago Vista, TX, and Carl (Karen) Helle of Verona, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Alice Knipper, two grandchildren: Karli Rose Hoeger and Reece James Knipper, and parents-in-law: Marvin and Olga Helle,

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

Sister Rita Rae (Raffaello) Burger, OP

Sister Rita Rae (Raffaello) Burger, OP, died Dec. 24, 2018. The funeral Mass will be Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sinsinawa motherhouse. A wake service will be Sunday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m.

After religious profession in 1956, she taught in Chicago at St. Sabina; Epiphany; and St. Thomas the Apostle. She also taught at St. Peter, Anaconda, Mont.; St. Mary, Cheyenne; All Saints, Los Angeles; Consolidated Catholic Schools, Faribault, Minn.; and St. John Vianney, Spokane. She ministered at St. Basil, Chicago; as support staff at Risen Christ School, Minneapolis; and St. Bartholomew, Wayzata, Minn. She returned to Sinsinawa in 2017.

Sister Rita Rae was born April 28, 1933, in Madison, Wis., to Raphael and Elizabeth (Ryan) Burger.

She is survived by nieces, nephews, and her Dominican Sisters.

Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.