Obituaries Archive

Brandon P. Drazkowski

Brandon Paul Drazkowski, 47, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 12:00 p.m.

Brandon was born in Winona, MN on July 15, 1972 to Kathy (Filipenko) Pershell and Gary Drazkowski. Brandon married Tracey McGinnis in Las Vegas on January 27, 1998.

He attended schools in Winona & Minneapolis and was a certified chef in a variety of restaurants in Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and Iowa. He was most recently working at Timmerman’s Super Club in East Dubuque and Tavern on the Main in Dubuque.

Brandon enjoyed cooking, canoeing and playing guitar with his band Zero2Sixty. He especially loved spending time with family and friends and was known for his strange obsession with rubbing people’s ears.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey; their children, Bradley (Brittany Davis) McGinnis, Jessica McGinnis, Kaylee (Matt Heacock) Drazkowski and Luke Drazkowski; and his favorite girl, Grayce, his granddaughter, all of Dubuque. He is also survived by his sister, Bridget (Brad) Morgan, of Dubuque; step-sister Alicia (Anand) Kameswaran, of Lutz, FL; his mother, Kathy (Rich) Pershell, of Mansfield, AR; his father, Gary Drazkowski, of Winona, MN; his in-laws Wayne (Cindy) McGinnis, of Dubuque and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for all their care, kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at Midwest One.

Rest in peace ya big Schweetie

Joseph E. Doyle

Joseph E. “Buddy” Doyle, 77, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on, Thursday, October 3, 2019 at his home in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation for Buddy will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2019, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the Dyersville American Legion Post #137 will meet in a body at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the funeral home in Dyersville, IA.

A Mass of Christian burial for Buddy will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Jim Goerend officiating. Burial will be held in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Buddy was born March 18, 1942, in Washington D.C., son of Joseph and Maureen (O’Connell) Doyle. He graduated from Washington and Lee High School in Arlington, VA. On June 26, 1965 he was united in marriage to Barbara Westemeier at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville, IA. Buddy worked for Coca-Cola and the City of Dyersville in the Street Department where he retired in 2004. He loved spending time at his cabin and sitting underneath his apple tree in North Buena Vista, IA and boating on the Mississippi River.

He was a member of St. Francis Parish in Dyersville, Iowa. Buddy was a veteran, having served in the in the United States Army, serving from 1960-1963. He is also a member of the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Barbara Doyle of Dyersville, IA; daughter, Tammy (Mike) Then of Dyersville, IA; 2 grandchildren, Jessica and Bryan Then of Dyersville, IA; sisters, Joanne Daft of Oxnard, CA and Kathleen Kane of Arlington, TX; brother-in-law, Roger (Judy) Westemeier of Dyersville, IA.

He was welcomed in to heaven by his parents; grandson, Matt Then; brother, James (Shirley) Doyle; Father and Mother-in-law, Benny and Janie Westemeier; brother-in-law, Joe Kane; along with many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers a Joseph Doyle memorial fund has been established.

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

Sr. Carol Hoverman

Sister Carol (Angela Merici) Hoverman, OSF, of Dubuque passed away, Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Clare House.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel.

Sister Carol was born November 22, 1938 in Alta Vista, IA, daughter of Gerhard (Gary) and Amanda (Pins) Hoverman.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1956 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1962. Sister received her bachelor’s degree in music education at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered as an educator in Illinois at Melrose Park and in Iowa at St. Mary’s, Dubuque. In 1980, she began her ministry at the Archdiocese of Dubuque – first as the Communications Director and later as editor of The Witness.

Sister is survived by her brother Jim Hoverman (Mary Pat Cole); nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA or to Steeple Square, Dubuque, for the organ fund.

Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the Sisters.

Geraldine M. Engler

Geraldine M. Engler, 93, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in St. Paul Cemetery, Worthington, IA. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Geraldine was born February 25, 1926 in Worthington, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Mary (Baum) Hess. She married David A. Engler on January 27, 1948 in Worthington. Geraldine ran the office at the Dyersville Sale Barn and worked as the bookkeeper at the Worthington Creamery Company. In 1973 she and her twin brother Gerald, purchased the Dyersville Sale Barn and continued as the co-owner and office manager until she retired at age 72.

Geraldine was a true caregiver as evidenced by how she tended to and loved her family and friends. She was a terrific cook and was always ready to set an extra plate for anyone who dropped in. Of course, if you ate you also would stay and play cards. A good Solo or Euchre game could easily last until it was time to go to 6:00 a.m. mass on Sunday. She loved winning, even if it was a nickel or dime, especially from her grandson, David, or grandson-in-law, Dan. Geraldine could always be found cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs.

She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the Rosary. As a member of her family or as one of her countless friends, you have been on the receiving end of her countless Rosary Novena petitions.

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Vincent) Folkedahl of Iowa City, IA, 2 grandchildren: David (fiancé Jodi Flynn) Folkedahl, their children; Vincent and Gabriel Folkedahl and Morgan Flynn, Elizabeth (Daniel) Guza and their children; David, Matthew and Katelyn Guza, her twin brother, Gerald Hess of Dyersville. She is also survived by her “honorary daughters”, Laura Phearman of Iowa City, Lois Forkenbrock of Dyersville and Dorothy Kramer of Worthington.

She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2003, brothers: A. Michael, Ambrose, Donald Hess, sister, Florabelle Heiser and two brothers in infancy: Harold and Ronald Hess.

Geraldine spent the past 4-1/2 years living at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), where she was treated with dignity and love by an amazing group of caring staff. For this, her family will be forever grateful.

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

Barbara Ann Johnson

Barbara Ann Johnson, 68, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 1st, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7th, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Monday, until time of mass at the church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Barb was born on December 3, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Aloysius and Eleanor (Chase) Pfiffner along with her stepmother Dolores Pfiffner. She attended Nativity Grade School, graduated from Wahlert High School in 1969 and from Indian Hills Community College.

She met the love of her life, Stephen Johnson, at a New Year’s Eve party. They were married February 4th, 1978 at the Church of the Nativity.

Barb worked as a cashier for the A & P and then for the Post Office. When becoming a mother, she left the Post Office to raise her beautiful daughters. She later worked for Target and Nordstrom’s.

She enjoyed being able to take an early retirement and being able to care for her grandchildren. She loved road trips to Tama, IA for Bingo at the Meskwaki Casino and enjoyed playing euchre at Holy Ghost.

Spending time with family was important to Barb along with carrying on holiday traditions that her parents passed on to her. Biologically, Barb may have only had two daughters, but all of their friends were considered a son or daughter to Barb.

She is survived by her husband Stephen; two daughters Jennifer Johnson and Patricia Bender (significant other, Alex Swart); grandchildren, Izzy, Orion, Chloe, Ethan and Eli; her fur grand-puppy Belle; siblings Ted (Pam) Pfiffner, Sharon Pfiffner, Cathy Haislet and Terry (Terri) Pfiffner; her brother-in-law Richard (Lynne) Johnson and sister-in-law Mary (Chuck) Steinbrook; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother.

The family would like to thank the staff of Tri-State Dialysis, Dr. Ringold, the emergency room staff at MercyOne especially Paige for all their care, kindness and compassion.

Alice M. (O’Brien) Egan

Alice M. (O’Brien) Egan, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:32 a.m., on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Luther Manor, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Alice’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Church, with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. To celebrate Alice’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Alice was born on August 16, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James and Della (Heer) O’Brien.

Alice was born and raised in Dubuque where she attended Catholic school and then went to work as a teller with DB&T. She would take a leap of faith and agree to accompany a handsome young man named Edward Egan on a blind date, which would turn out to be one of the best decisions she ever made. That young man quickly became the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on October 22, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. They were blessed with 62 years and 6 children together, before Ed was sadly called home ahead of her on July 29, 2018. After the children were a little older, Alice would begin working in the daycare at the YMCA and then become a paraprofessional with the Dubuque Community School District for 20 years. She was always a very active woman, playing tennis in her younger days, bike riding, bowling and spending time in the great outdoors hiking and walking with Ed and their faithful Chihuahua companions. Alice was an avid reader who also enjoyed attending plays and theater productions. She had a great appreciation of music of any kind, even singing with the “Sweet Adelines” for a time. Alice was very personable and enjoyed spending time with her friends and volunteering to help those less fortunate than her in her community. Her Catholic faith was also an extremely important aspect of her life, as evidenced by her long time membership with St. Anthony’s Church. She was a kind and gentle soul, who possessed a “wee bit” of an Irish sense of humor. Alice was never one to draw attention to herself or put on airs, a true lady through and through. She truly cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our dear, sweet, beautiful mom, grandma, great-grandma and great great-grandma in our daily lives, but find some comfort in knowing that she is now happily reunited with her beloved husband, walking hand in hand for all Eternity.

Those left to cherish Alice’s memory include

her children,
Anne Powell, Dubuque, IA,
Joseph (Karin) Egan, Park Ridge, IL,
Karen Egan, Dubuque, IA
and Brian Egan, Dubuque, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Shanna Powell, Matthew Egan, Bradford Egan and Gregory Egan;

5 great-grandchildren,
Madeleine, Oliver, Sage, Niya and Willow Powell;

and 3 great great-grandchildren,
Alyza and Lilyanna Powell and Mekhi Finley.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; and twin girls in infancy.

Alice’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mercy Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor, for all of their kind, professional and compassionate care of Alice and her entire family. Also a special thanks to the staff of Home Instead whose assistance allowed Alice to stay in the home she loved so much.

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

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

Nina M. Collins

Nina M. Collins, age 73, of Princeton, IL, and formerly of New York City and Cassville and Lancaster, WI, died peacefully at her home of ALS at 12:15 a.m., on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. To honor Nina’s life, funeral services will be held at 6:45 p.m., on Friday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Bill Biver officiating. To celebrate Nina’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

Nina was born on August 28, 1946, in Mt. Pleasant, MI, daughter of Harold Emile and Nathalie Margaret (Fluke) Collins.

Nina was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and grew up in Clare, MI and Brookfield, IL. Her parents were Harold and Nathalie (Fluke) Collins. She attended Riverside-Brookfield High School, and was active in drama and music, playing violin in her father’s orchestra, and volunteering at the Veterans’ Hospital.

Nina attended Drake University and later moved to New York to pursue an acting career. A student of Uta Hagen, Nina appeared in many off-Broadway plays while continuing her education at Marymount College. She subsequently worked in New York law offices and advertising agencies, organizing national conferences for the Society of Plastics Industry, and serving as executive assistant to the Vice-President of Nordeman Grimm, Inc., an international executive search firm, and to the President of Sacks & Rosen, Inc., an international advertising agency.

Nina continued her commitment to volunteer work, spending many weekends and vacations distributing meals for the underprivileged in New York churches.

Nina moved to Cassville, WI in 1992 to care for her father, who was in failing health. She remained in the Midwest after his death, living in Dubuque, IA and Lancaster, WI and working as Human Resource Manager in area firms, and also caring for disabled clients through Homeward Bound.

Nina loved attending the opera, the symphony and plays in New York and Massachusetts with her sister, and later continued this with many trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony, and travels to Greece, Vieques, St. Croix and Puerto Rico, and family vacations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California.

She moved to Princeton in 2018, to be closer to her sister as her health declined.

She was devoted to her family and brought untold hours of happiness to them and to her friends. She is survived by her sister, Dana Collins of Princeton, and her niece Jen Collins (Ouellette) and family of Oakland, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Caitlyn Dane.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Nina’s favorite charities.

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

Hedwig Van Milligen

Hedwig “Pat” Van Milligen (nee Pienczykowski) of Stonehill Care Center, formerly of  Lansing, Illinois passed away on September 26, 2019. Pat was 99 and was born on January 23, 1920 in Erie, Pennsylvania as a first generation American.

Services will be held at a later date. Castle Hills Funeral Home in Calumet City, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.

Our Mother was a part of the “Greatest Generation.” She grew up during the Great Depression with a Mother and a Father who were from Poland and spoke broken English at a time when the safety nets of today did not exist. The first language in their home was Polish and at the public grade school she attended in Erie teachers taught in Polish and English. When she was born her Grandmother, who had been a medical doctor in Poland, delivered her at home as a midwife.

After high school she worked the assembly line at General Electric and as a Sales Clerk at Sherman Dress Shop. At night she went to Erie Commercial College to become a Stenographer.

In 1943 she joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) the Women’s Branch of the United States Army. She rose to the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged in November, 1945.  Mom had secret clearance as she worked as a Signal Message Center Clerk in an active war zone in New Guinea in the Pacific Theater. She was authorized to wear several medals and ribbons, including the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with one Bronze Star. When President Truman was personally calling military commanders in the Pacific Theater to tell them the Japanese had surrendered Mom took one of those calls and spoke to President Truman.  Our Dad, Al Van Milligen, was a Captain fighting in the Battle of the Admiralties when injured and temporarily assigned a desk job and met Mom, who would be delivering the incoming messages to him. Their first date was New Year’s Eve 1944 in New Guinea. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at Assisi Village in 2016, shortly before Dad passed away at 94. They were fortunate to attend one of the Dubuque Honor Flights to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. with their son, James, a Vietnam Veteran and his wife, Mary, accompanying them.

They raised 6 children in a Chicago suburb, Lansing, Illinois, in a 2 bedroom house with one bathroom. Along the way our Aunt, Grandmother and Great Uncle lived with us at different times for as long as 7 years. Mom was always taking people in whether it was “babysitting” or having military people over for holiday meals because they were at Fort Sheridan or Great Lakes Naval Station and could not go home for the holidays.

Mom enjoyed playing cards, Bridge and Pinochle, and there were many a card party at our house. It seems she volunteered at every event ever held at St. Ann Parish and School. Her prized apple pie was the hit of many a parish picnic. Mom never had a drivers license, walking and riding her bike everywhere she went. Mom loved to dance and was the jitterbug champion at Fort Benning, Georgia and in several clubs in New York and Chicago. When the ships would come into harbor in New Guinea Mom would go to the service club and the boys would be lined up around the building as she would dance one dance with each one until exhaustion set in. Many a Mother wrote her a letter saying their son had written to them talking about the angel who helped them forget about the war for just those few minutes. One soldier named his jeep after her.

Surviving are six children: Cornelius Van Milligen of Utica, Kentucky, who served as a Tank Commander Army Captain like his Dad; James Van Milligen (Mary), of Wichita, Kansas, who served as a Medic in the Vietnam War; Tish Aguilar of Lansing, Illinois (Tish was able to help keep our parents in their home for years beyond what they could have done on their own); David (Kathie) Van Milligen of Pewaukee, Wisconsin (David spent the last four summers in Dubuque visiting at Stonehill all day, every day); Joy Knollenberg (Terry) of Manito, Illinois; and Michael Van Milligen (Nancy) of Dubuque, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 29  great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

“We have shared the incommunicable experience of war; we have felt, we still feel, the passion of life to its top. In our youth, our hearts were touched by fire.” Oliver Wendell Holmes.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Stonehill (Mom’s home for the last 3 years), Hospice of Dubuque, Assisi Village, Medical Associates and Mercy Hospital for providing Mom the friendship, care and dignity she so richly deserved. They are truly Angels.

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

Maynard Garlow

Maynard “Mike” Garlow, 89, of Plainfield, IL / Holy Cross, IA, after a one-year battle with cancer, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019 at his home in Plainfield, IL surrounded by his family.

Visitation for Mike will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa. They may also call from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at the Funeral Home. The Farley American Legion Post #656 will meet in a body at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Mike will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2019 at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Burial will be held in St. Clements cemetery with Full Military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Mike was born June 10th, 1930 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Maynard “Major” (1908-1997) and Anna (Ward) Garlow (1903-1997). He is a graduate of Harpers Ferry High School in Harpers Ferry, Iowa.

Too young to participate in World War II, yet a strong patriot, Mike enlisted in the Air Force immediately following his graduation from high school. Mike served for 4 years in the Air Force, including the Korean War. He was stationed in several different locations including Georgia, Colorado, California, England, Puerto Rico, and Morocco. While in the Air Force, Mike was a camera repairman for the Air Force bomber planes. Mike remained active with the American Legion in Farley, Iowa.

Mike left the Air Force in 1954 and returned to Dubuque, Iowa. He split his time between Dubuque and Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Upon his return, Mike and a couple of buddies bought a plane and continued to fly for enjoyment.

He then met his future wife, Mary L. Schellsmidt (Lansing, Iowa). They united into marriage on July 12th, 1958, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Wexford, near Lansing, Iowa. Mike and Mary were married for 61 years. Mike and Mary moved to Sherill, Iowa, near Mike’s employment at John Deere Dubuque Works, Dubuque, Iowa. Mike was employed for 31 years at Deere’s, where he worked as a Maintenance Engineer and was extremely active in the UAW Local 94 Union, as a union committeeman. During this early period, Mike also started an LP gas business, purchasing in volume and making sales and deliveries to local residents.

In 1964, with three sons in tow, Mike and Mary purchased and moved to a farm near Holy Cross, Iowa. As a first-generation farmer, Mike could frequently be seen reading and researching farming techniques as they raised beef cattle, chickens, pigs, and corn. Over the years Mike and Mary had four more kids for a total of 7 children (5 boys and 2 girls), which supplied them with a built-in work force for the farm. In addition to raising the kids, Mary also worked as a nutrition teacher for Dubuque County where she taught local residents about nutritional foods and cooking. In 1976, Mike and Mary bought the adjoining farm to expand their corn program and raise cattle. In 1987 (as several of his children/workers went off to college) Mike retired from John Deere and spent his full focus on farming. In 2000, Mike suffered a severe 3-story fall. He broke his neck, crushed 3 vertebrae, and broke his pelvis but after 8 months of rehabilitation, he was able to resume his duties on the farm. In 2011, Mike and Mary decided to fully retire and moved to Plainfield, IL. They sold a portion of their farm to their son, David, and rented out the remaining property to local neighbors. To Mike, family, farming and country was everything. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing skills he taught his children and his patriotism will live through the generations of his family.

He enjoyed playing cards, talking politics, and doing geneology.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary (Schellsmidt) Garlow; seven children: son Kenneth Garlow of Plainfield, IL, son James Garlow and his wife Jeanette (Kurz) of Libertyville, IL, son Karl Garlow of Dubuque, IA, son Robert Garlow and his wife Kathy (Hagensee) of Elmhurst, IL, son David Garlow and wife Chris (Pierce) of Holy Cross, IA, daughter Carol Bolton (Garlow) and her husband Mark of Livingston, MT, daughter Shirley Morris (Garlow) and husband Michael, of Bolingbrook, IL; 16 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Boardman of Guttenberg IA, and Annie Meehan, Austin, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents Anna and Major Garlow; his parents-in-law, Elmer and Clara Schellsmidt.

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

Sarah Chamberlain Knapp

Sarah Chamberlain Knapp, 80, of Dubuque, passed away at home on Thursday, September 26 in the evening, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 8 pm Wednesday, October 2nd at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road. Service will be 11 am, Thursday, October 3rd at Blades Hall on the University of Dubuque campus.

Sarah attended the University of Dubuque, worked in fashion and interior design, volunteered with the Finley Sunshine Circle and was a certified therapeutic masseuse. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, painting and writing short stories.

Sarah was born and raised in Dubuque, the first child of Donald and Elizabeth Chamberlain. She married William Andrew Knapp of Dubuque in 1963 and they had three children, Chris, Stacey and Scott (Stacy), who all survive. Sarah has two grandchildren, Conner and Rian Knapp.

Sarah is also survived by her sister and best friend Belle Chalmers; five nieces and nephews and 13 grand-nieces and nephews, including her niece Charlene (Jeff) Eddy and their children, Lauren, Jack and Rachel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her siblings, Mary Beth and Mark.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, the University of Dubuque or any charity you choose.

Sarah’s spirit, humor and charm will resonate in all of our lives forever.

Jean A. Kluesner

Jean A. Kluesner, 69, of Dyersville passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, as a result of an auto accident.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 am Friday prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Jean was born June 25, 1950, in Holy Cross, the daughter of Bernard F. and Dorothy (Engling) Kluesner. She graduated from Leo High School and went on to Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque. She earned her BSN from the U of Dubuque, and earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the U of Iowa. Jean established herself an expert in wound care, holding positions in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Madison.

She had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, often bestowing them with Christmas presents, taking them fishing, baking or simply having them for sleep-overs.

Survivors include her siblings: Al (Jeanne) Kluesner of Dubuque, Peter (Karen) Kluesner of New Vienna, Duane (Mae) Kluesner of Holy Cross, Chuck (Donna) Kluesner of Peosta, and Sherrie (Ron) Hogan of Dyersville; step siblings: Judy (John) Vonderhaar of New Vienna, Tom (Ruth) Lucas of Dyersville, Connie (Leon) Jaeger of Dubuque, Mark (Jen Stansberry) Lucas of Coralville, John (Bev) Lucas of Sherrill, Carrie (Mike) Schmitt of Rickardsville, Joe (Michele) Lucas of Lake St. Louis, MO, and Dan Lucas of Minneapolis, MN; aunts & uncles. Elmer and Marilyn Engling and Babe Kluesner, all of Dubuque, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step father, Lawrence Lucas, sister-in-law, Cathy Kluesner, grandparents: Peter and Katherine Kluesner and Michael and Veronica Engling, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

Jeffrey J. Sharkey

Jeffrey J. Sharkey, 38, of Dubuque, IA passed away on September 24, 2019.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 4th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating.

Jeff was born on July 26, 1981 in Dubuque, Iowa. He is the son of Dennis J. Sharkey Sr. and Dianna “Diane” Selle. He attended Hempstead High School and was currently working at Sharkey’s Building and Wrecking.

Jeff enjoyed fishing, ATV riding, and rock hunting; he mostly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a man of many talents and was always willing to help a person in need. He had a witty sense of humor and loved making others laugh. He was a member of PETA and deeply cared for animals. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all that were blessed to have known him.

He is survived by his father Dennis Sharkey, Sr., his significant other Martia Eimer; sisters, Christine Sharkey, Julie (Frank) Berwanger, Connie Sharkey, and Becky Sharkey; two brothers Dennis Sharkey Jr. and Wayne Sharkey; his Pitbulls Angel & Bro.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother Dianna “Diane” Sharkey; grandparents Charles & Margaret Sharkey and Horace and Marcella Selle; a brother in infancy and his Pitbull Punk.

The family would like to thank the emergency personnel who assisted the family.

Clarence A. Pfab

Clarence A. Pfab, 81, of Bernard, IA passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 3rd, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Garryowen Catholic Church with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by Cascade American Legion Post 528. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Clarence was born on April 27, 1938 in Bernard, Iowa, the son of John and Viola (Arensdorf) Pfab. He attended St. Patrick’s (North Garryowen) School. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church in Bernard.

He married Bertha Roling on June 3, 1961, at Sugar Creek Church. Clarence was a 3rd Class ETN3 in the Navy (1956-1958) and upon discharge, worked at Clinton Engines and John Deere Dubuque Works. He then dairy farmed on the Pfab Century Farm and owned/managed apartment buildings.

Clarence was a generous man who loved to spend time with his family and friends. He seemed to have more energy than all of us and kept busy with Bertha with dancing, traveling, card and domino clubs and volunteering. They served many lemonades at the Dubuque County Fair each year as well as rang many Salvation Army bells during Christmastime.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bertha; children Lisa (Dave) Errthum of Guttenberg, Cindy (Mike) Schlarmann of Worthington, Larry (Maggie Maurer) of Central City. Grandchildren: Andrea, Alicia (Tanner King), Sarah, Jenna Errthum; Alex (Jolynn) Schlarmann; Nick, Lindsey (Mamadou Tall), Allison Schlarmann; Tyler, Austin, Joseph Pfab; Jacob, Danny Maurer. Great grandchildren: Finnick, Duncan Schlarmann.

Clarence is survived by his siblings, Richard (Sandra) Pfab of Bernard, Veronica (Allen) Burds of Epworth, Eileen (Ray Bliesmer) Conlan Morken of Parker CO, Eugene (Karen) Pfab, Robert (Barb) Pfab of Dubuque, Roger (Linda) Pfab, Delbert Pfab of Cascade IA, Carl Pfab of Flowery Branch, GA; sisters-in-law Gaby Pfab of Monroe, OH; Doris (Dan) Lawrence of Miles IA, Delores Wood of Maquoketa, IA, Lois (Darrell) Trenkamp, Ruthann (Terry) Hahn of Charlotte IA; brothers-in-law Kenneth (Diane) Roling of DeWitt IA, Leo “Pete” Roling of Bryant, IA, Jim Roling of DeWitt IA, Lawrence (Joan) Roling of Preston, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law Benedict and Laurentia Roling; his son, Steven Pfab; brothers Melvin, Baby Boy, Raymond, Leroy, David, Gary Pfab; brothers-in-law David Conlan, Donald Morken; sisters-in-law Pam, Nancy and Leslie Pfab; Carolyn, Marilou Roling; niece Laurie Heintzelman; nephews Paul Conlan, Mark, Carl Roling.

The family wishes to thank Stonehill Care Center staff and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their care and compassion. A special thank you to the All Star Dancers for bringing so much joy and laughter to Clarence, especially while at Stonehill.

Clyde A. Spidell, Sr

Clyde Aaron Spidell, SR age 86, of North Buena Vista, Iowa completed his earthly journey on September 25, 2019 at Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque.  To honor Clyde’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. at the Dubuque Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 2505 Mineral Street in Dubuque.  Burial will be in the North Buena Vista Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2019.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Clyde’s family.

Clyde was born on November 15, 1932 in Bealfore, Iowa, a son to William and Nora ( Shane) Spidell.  After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and went on to honorably serve his country during the Korean War.  He then began a family of his own with his wife, Arlene K. Berg, by his side for the duration.  They were blessed with 2 wonderful children, Clyde Jr. and Jennifer Lynn (who passed away in 2017) Spidell.  Clyde was head custodian with the South East Polk School District and always enjoyed the opportunity to witness the kids growing up year by year as his duties were being fulfilled.  Clyde was also a member of the VFW and the Moose Lodge where he enjoyed socializing with friends.  He retired in 1997 and eventually moved to North Buena Vista where he enjoyed retirement and being surrounded by good people in a friendly and relaxed environment.  The added boating and fishing on the Mississippi resulted in Clyde finding happiness and contentment.

Clyde had more than his share of health issues over the years, but most of the time he was able to bounce back.  A people person, Clyde was naturally gifted to make his life a full and abundant one.  We will miss our dear husband, father, brother, friend and neighbor more than he could possibly have ever realized or understood.  We are also grateful that he has found his way home to eternal perfection and we pray that in time our hearts will heal just enough to get us through until we meet again.  Thank you, Clyde for all you’ve done, and we’ll forever treasure the fond memories and big fish stories you’ve left behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Clyde include,

his loving wife of 58 years,
Arlene Spidell, North Buena Vista, Iowa;

his son,
Clyde “JR” Spidell, Jr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa;

his sister,
Beverly Sheppard, North Buena Vista, Iowa;

his sisters-in-law,
Carlene Spidell, Topeka, Kansas,
and Ruth Spidell, Des Moines, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter; and his 3 brothers, Floyd Spidell, Edward Spidell and Jerry Spidell.

Clyde’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Dubuque’s Mercy Hospital, Madison’s UW Hospital, Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional, compassionate and wonderful care of Clyde, and his family.

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

Shirley A. Tabor

Shirley Ann Tabor passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Genesis Hospital in Davenport.

Shirley was born in Chicago, IL on May 16, 1928, to Elwood Burkland and Mary Worthington Burkland. She attended George Williams College, where she was on the swim team, and Cornell College. At a Thanksgiving visit with a college friend to the Tabor family farm near Baldwin, IA, she met and fell in love with Jack Tabor. They married on February 19, 1949. Jack and Shirley farmed and raised a family together for 50 years.

After Jack’s death in 1999, Shirley stayed at the stone farm house, which remained the gathering place for family get-togethers and celebrations, until her passing. She loved tending her roses and being actively involved with the Tabor Home Winery. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, a voracious reader and a wise commentator on current events. Shirley was active in the Maquoketa United Church of Christ (UCC), 4-H, and numerous charities. She treasured the time she spent with her family.

She is survived by her children Paul (Martha) Tabor of Dubuque, Anne Tabor of Iowa City, Eric (Mike Youngstrom) Tabor of West Des Moines, and Mary (Phil Roeder) Tabor of Des Moines; daughter-in-law Jonna Jensen of Baldwin; grandchildren Ben, Kate, Megan, Emily, Maureen, Noah, Oliver, Hannah, and Sam; great grandchildren Lily, Charlie, Adeena, Amara, and Aliyan; and a brother Woody Burkland of Naperville, IL.

She was preceded in death by husband Jack and her parents.

The family would like to express gratitude to those who tenderly cared for Shirley at Genesis Hospital.

A private graveside burial ceremony will be conducted. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Maquoketa UCC.

Memorials may be sent to the UCC’s Iowa OCWM or the Ron Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation.

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