Obituaries Archive

Viola A. Roeder

Viola A. “Vi” (Hingtgen) Roeder, 100, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 9:00 am until service time also on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Vi was born December 24, 1918 in Jackson County, the daughter of Nicholas and Katherine (Heiar) Hingtgen. She married Floyd P. Roeder on June 27, 1939 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, he passed on January 4, 2014. Vi was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society. She was a hard worker, working sunup to sundown, she made her daughter’s clothing, always putting her family first and was well respected by all. Vi and Floyd enjoyed going to dances every weekend. Vi was devoted to the Rosary and said it many times each day.

Survivors include her children, Barb Roeder, Bob (Rose) Roeder, Diane Berlage, Cheri Griebel, Gary (Katy) Roeder, Rick (Donna) Roeder, and Mary (Aron) Thielen; 22 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; a sister, Delores Eggers; and a sister in-law, Janet Hingtgen.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Al (Elnora) Hingtgen, Vern Hingtgen, Loretta (Ray) Clasen, and Donna (Eldon) Oster; a brother in-law, Richard Eggers; and 3 sons in-law, Van Rolling, Glenn Griebel, and Dennis Berlage.

The family would like to thank Clover Ridge for their special care of our mother.

A memorial fund has been established in Vi’s memory.

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

George A. Sharkey

George A. Sharkey, Sr. 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 28, 2019 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

George was born on February 22, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Charles and Margaret (Allen) Sharkey. He served in the United States Army from October of 1961 to August of 1962 in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He married Mary Faulhaber on November 26, 1960 at Sacred Heart in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 9, 2018. He worked for John Deere for 38 years until retirement. He also worked at Sharkey building and Wrecking with his brothers. He was a member of the UAW Local 94.

George loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren along with being outdoors and playing cards. He loved to work and take care of his family.

George is survived by his son George (Julie) Sharkey, Jr. of Casper, Wyoming, and daughter Michelle Tigges, of Dubuque. Five grandchildren Jessica, Shawn, Jamie, Cory and Candi. Four great grandchildren, Jaylinn, Jasmine, Brooklyn and Wiley. His brothers Dennis Sharkey, Gary Sharkey, and Greg Sharkey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, brothers Mick, Tom, Tim and Chuck.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

Mary Ann Hermsen

Mary Ann Hermsen, 86 of New Vienna passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 pm Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:00 pm and the NV/Luxemburg Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, with burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Mary Ann was born October 15, 1932, in Luxemburg, Iowa the daughter of Felix and Rose (Meyers) Oberbroeckling.  She attended Holy Trinity School in Luxemburg, however left school early after the death of her mother (which was the day after Mary Ann’s 16th Birthday) to help raise her younger siblings.

Mary Ann married Virgil Hermsen on September 22, 1954, in Luxemburg.  After marriage she worked at Roshek’s Cafeteria in Dubuque and The National Tea Grocery Store in Dyersville.  But for most of her life Mary was a stay at home mother until the early 1960’s when Virgil purchased The New Vienna Feed Mill where she helped when needed.  They also owned and operated Virgil’s Woodshop after the sale of the Feed Mill.  For many years they attended auctions and set up Flea Markets in Illinois and Minnesota. You could also find her helping out at Breitbach’s Country Dining in the kitchen or bar area until her health started to fail.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil, (they would have been married 65 years this September 22); children: Robert (Teresa) Hermsen of Belle Plaine, Debra (Gary) Osterhaus of Petersburg, Patrick (Kim) Hermsen and Susan (Joe) Kluesner, both of New Vienna, Mike (Tiffany) Hermsen of Kansas City, MO, and Sara (Gary) Goedken of Worthington; 20 grandchildren: Anne (Graham Critch) Hermsen, Katie (Kyle) Grosz, Andrew Hermsen, Chris (Rochelle Hunter) Hermsen, Chad (Kris) Osterhaus, Kurt (Christy) Osterhaus, Lara (Shawn) Summer, Luke Hermsen, Lindsey Hermsen, Kevin Kluesner, Molly Kluesner, Mary (Kirby Kendrick) Kluesner, Daniel (Holly Offerman) Kluesner, Mariah (Jacob Ross) Hermsen, Hannah Hermsen, Sierra Hermsen, Tyler (Megan) Goedken, Elizabeth (Mario) Ibarra; 10 great grandchildren: Ellyn, Kinnick, Garrett, Kilee, Dalton, Josalyn, Valen, Elyse, Myles and Emilio; 2 step great grandchildren: Daniel and Adam; siblings: Dennis (Barb) Oberbroeckling of Cedar Rapids and Patricia (Joe) Wulfekuhle of Petersburg; in-laws: Doris Lake of Dyersville, Fred (Barb) Hermsen of Peosta, Daniel (Jean) Hermsen of Dyersville and Jean (Marvin) Kramer of Farley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, John and Sylvia (Thillen) Hermsen; grandchildren: Greg and Abby Osterhaus; siblings: Gregor (in infancy), Henry (Jeanne), Albert (Gladys), Leonard Oberbroeckling, Elizabeth (Louis) Loeffelholz, Lucille (LeRoy) Loeffelholz and Theresa (Herman) Mueller; a brother-in-law, Lavern “Doc” Lake.

A Mary Ann Hermsen Memorial Fund has been established and memorials are preferred.

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

Ralph Kunkel

Ralph Kunkel, 86, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 104, Cuba City. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2019, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where the parish wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Ralph was born on April 17, 1933, in Kieler, Wisconsin, the son of Kilian and Angeline (Roth) Kunkel. Ralph graduated with distinction in 1951 from Loras Academy, Dubuque, Iowa. While at the Academy, Ralph participated in their Reserve Officer Training Corps and was promoted to the rank of Cadet Master/Sergeant. Following graduation, he entered the military. After completing six months of Signal School, Ralph served as section sergeant for the 3rd Signal Battalion.

He married Darlene Brant of Dickeyville, WI, on October 30, 1956. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2016. Ralph worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works and sold insurance.

Ralph loved to hunt deer and bear in Northern Wisconsin and took many extended fishing trips to Canada. He enjoyed bowling and traveling. Ralph was a member of American Legion Post 104 and Wings over Wisconsin.

Ralph and Darlene were blessed with two children, Terry Kunkel, Warner Robins, GA, and Vicki Kunkel, Aurora, IL. Ralph is also survived by two grandchildren, Kim and Monique; seven great-grandchildren, Kali, Emma, Nicoles, Kyley, Michael, James, and Amelia Rose; two brothers, John (Patricia) Kunkel and Floyd (Darlene) Kunkel; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kunkel and Rose Ann Kunkel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; twin infant children in gestation; three brothers, Kenneth (Marie), Donald and Gerald; and two sisters, Rita (Eugene) Hornbeck and Marian (Gilbert) Vaassen.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Murilla A. Gehl

Murilla A. Gehl, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, surrounded by her family, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa. Friends and relatives of Murilla may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, September 2, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. Friends may call after 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the funeral home in Cascade. Services for Murilla will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Murilla was born July 25, 1937 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Dan and Mary (Stanton) Martin. She graduated from the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade, Iowa. On June 22, 1959 she was united in marriage to Richard F. Gehl at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in South Garryowen, Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 4, 1995. She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa. Murilla was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother; who truly enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by six children, Margie (Jeff) Frank of Bellevue, IA, Kevin (Vicki) Gehl of Cascade, IA, Colleen (Larry) McMahon of Cedar Rapids, IA, Craig (Kathy) Gehl of Cascade, IA, Renee Lyons of Dubuque, IA, Brad (Abby) Gehl of Maquoketa, IA; twelve grandchildren, Megan, Cody, Ashley, Nicole, Mitchell, Chad, Mikaela, Michael, Madeline, Carsyn, Tyler and Trent; one great grandchildren, Keeley; one sister, Marie Kivlahan.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandson, Martin Gehl; two brothers, John W. “Billy” (Rita) Martin and Joe (Katie) Martin; one sister, Madonna (Gene) Redmond; a brother-in-law Bill Kivlahan.

The family of Murilla would like to thank the staff at Shady Rest Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, River Bend Retirement Community and Rev. Douglas Loecke for all the care and support they gave to Murilla. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Joseph J. McPoland

Joseph James McPoland, 87, of Sherrill, passed away Monday, August 26, 2019 at Luther Manor surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 30th at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5131 Sherrill Rd. Sherrill with Rev. Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 29th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Joe was born March 19, 1932, in Fillmore, IA, he was the son of William and Mary (McCabe) McPoland. He married Janann Meyer September 28, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 20, 1997.

He was employed in his earlier years as an independent milk hauler and later as a truck driver for Alter Scrap Metal Company.

He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul parish in Sherrill, the Dubuque Boat Club and a member of the Epworth and Sherrill Fire Department for a total of 50 years.

Joe loved life. In his younger years he spent much time at the Melody Mill with the “Bankston Gang”. You could always find him with a fishing pole in one hand and a cold beer in the other. He loved feeding and watching his birds, and playing cards with those at family events and the Boat Club. Brewing up a barrel of his homemade wine to drink and share with everyone, was something he treasured. He was proud of the 50 years of service volunteering with the Epworth and Sherrill Fire Departments. But the most important thing he loved was his family.

Surviving are his children Cathy Robertson, Benton, WI, Deblyn (John) Russell, of Cedar Falls, IA, Steve (Debbie) McPoland, of Dubuque, Carol Beil, of Cherry Valley, IL, Dan McPoland and Dave McPoland, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Jim Robertson Jr., Shannon Hamm, Steffane Harjehausen, Melissa Briggs, Bekka Sobolewski, and C.J. Beil; ten great-grandchildren and another one due in October; one brother, Don McPoland, of Glendale, CA; and a sister, Nancy Then, of Dyersville, IA; and one sister-in-law, Betty McPoland of Dubuque.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two son-in-laws, Jim Robertson and Jeff Beil; a grandchild, Jolene Steinhilber; one great grandson, Braydon Robertson, and a brother-in-law, Joe Then, and one brother, John “Jack” McPoland.

The family appreciates all of the love, care, and support given to Joe by the Luther Manor staff and residents

A memorial has been established for the Sherrill Fire Department.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com

Gary L. Pfeiler

Gary L. Pfeiler, age 74, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 1:10 p.m., on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at Select Specialty Hospital, Davenport, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Gary’s life, funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Gary’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday.

Gary was born on March 8, 1945, in Peosta, Iowa, son of Roy J. and Viola “Shorty” (Klein) Pfeiler.

Gary was born on the family farm in Peosta, Iowa, and after the family moved to Dubuque he attended grade school at Holy Ghost School and then went on to Dubuque Senior High School. He was a hard worker and was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company from age 16 until they closed the plant in Dubuque. He then relocated to Wichita, Kansas, to finish out his working career before his well earned retirement 40+ years later. Gary was a member of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union, the 700 Bowling Club, and Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, in Dubuque. He was united in marriage to Dixie Carnicle in 1967, in Dubuque, and they were blessed with 2 children. Later in life he would once again find love with Karen Tomter, they would marry in 1975, and he would adopt her 3 children into his family. In his free time, Gary enjoyed sitting down to watch a Chicago Cubs or Bears game. He was excellent in the kitchen and was a wiz when it came to firing up the grill creating something delicious. Gary was an avid bowler, affectionately known as “Coach” to those he helped improve their game. He was also an accomplished fisherman who loved fast cars, big trucks, and a good game of Euchre. Beyond a doubt Gary’s greatest joy came from spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, and his special little buddy, Lucky Dog. We are deeply saddened at losing the patriarch of our family, but are thankful for all of the wonderful photos and memories we have to cherish.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory include

his 2 children,
Rick (Jennifer) Pfeiler, Bernard, IA
Tammy (Ron) Kaesbauer, Dubuque, IA,

his 3 adopted children,
Lisa (Cable) Gray, Iowa City, IA,
Lori (Joe) Kimura, Iowa City, IA
and Michael (Erin) Pfeiler, Severance, CO;

his 12 grandchildren;

his 13 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Kenneth A. (Darlene) Pfeiler, Asbury, IA,
Darlene A. (Robert) Mauer, Dubuque, IA,
Roger F. (Donna) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA
and Randy J. (Diane) Pfeiler, Cedar Rapids, IA;

and his former wife,
Karen Pfeiler, Iowa City, IA.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; 2 great-grandsons, Aaron and Dean Schramm; and a sister-in-law, Janis Pfeiler;

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

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

Donna M. Rutenbeck

Donna M. Rutenbeck, 87, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Donna Mae Buck was born on August 30, 1931 at the family farm near Monmouth, Iowa, to Albert Otto and Esther Ida (Bock) Buck. She was a 1948 graduate of Monmouth High School and then attended AIC Business School in Davenport, Iowa.

She married Alan Pangborn Rutenbeck on June 9, 1950 in Iowa City, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Jeanne, Joan, Lynne and Lee.

Donna worked various jobs in her lifetime, but her true calling was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a member of various card clubs and the Baldwin/Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church. She enjoyed baking; wheat bread, cinnamon rolls, and cookies were some of her specialties. She also enjoyed sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. She was proud of her family and loved attending their sporting and music events. Additionally, she loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and all Maquoketa Cardinal sports.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Alan Rutenbeck of Baldwin, IA; children, Jeanne (Rob) Christensen of Marshalltown, IA, Joan (Dave) Etringer of Beloit, WI, Lynne (Bill) Edleman of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Lee Rutenbeck of Maquoketa, IA; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three nieces, Sue Broderson, Joy Eichhorn and Jan Bahnsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bill Reed.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County or the Baldwin/Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church.

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

Galen J. Kremer

On August 27, 2019, an Angel driving an 18-Wheeler came and took our beloved Galen, 75, of Maquoketa, Iowa, to Heaven.

He left behind his wife Susan “Sue” of 46 years; daughter Heidi of 44 years. Galen will stay in our hearts forever and be sadly missed by all he knew and all who knew him.

Family and friends may gather for a graveside service and burial with military rites at 10 A.M., Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. There is no visitation. Cremation has taken place.

Heidi and Susan would like to thank family, friends and Hospice of Jackson County for the last 10 days of Galen’s life.

Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Kenneth Carl Nauman

Kenneth Carl Nauman, 74, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Unity Point Health Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, August 30, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Dubuque, IA, where a Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, August 31, 2019, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque with Rev. Monsignor Thomas Toale as celebrant. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post 6 and the Tri-State Vietnam Veterans.

Born November 4, 1944 in Dubuque, he was the son of Albert and LaVera (Freihoefer) Nauman. On July 10, 1971, he married Marilyn Hansen in Dubuque at St. Raphael Cathedral.

He was a 1962 graduate of Wahlert High School.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving as a medic in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.

Ken worked at Dubuque Packing Company and later worked at the U.S. Postal Office as a postal clerk for 25 years.

He was a member of St. Raphael Cathedral, Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus Council #510, Tri-State Vietnam Veterans, Amvets, and American Legion Post #6.

He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and an Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball fan. He was a strong supporter of all his children and grandchildren’s activities. He loved country and polka music, playing euchre, gardening, and the great outdoors. He was always there with a “dad” joke. Dad will be remembered for his infectious smile, kind heart, and willingness to help others.

Survivors include Marilyn; his five children, Deana Kueter of Kansas City, MO, Allen (Crystal) Nauman of Dubuque, Steven Nauman of Lawrence, KS, Sara Nauman of Kansas City, MO, and Gina (Chad) Wilming of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Noah Kueter, Chase Nauman, and Brodie Wilming; one brother, Eugene (Carole) Nauman of Dubuque; three sisters, Dianne (Gene) Finzel of Bellevue, Marlene (Ken) TeKippe of Key West, and Janice (Terry) Smith of Rio Rancho, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one daughter, Carla.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Luther Manor and Clarke Physical Therapy for their loving care of our dad.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent at www.hskfhcares.com.

Patricia L Gabrielson

Patricia L Gabrielson left this earth to be with her Lord on August 21, 2019.

She requested her body be donated to the University of Iowa for medical research. A Celebration of Life will be held by her 4 children September 15, 2019, at Bethany Home, Dubuque, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Pat was born February 3, 1925, in Los Angeles, California, daughter of Margaret Wick and Walter A. Dotseth. After high school she moved to New York and graduated from NYACK New York College (Missionary Training Institute) as an LPN. Pat also received a BA in social work from the University of Dubuque.

She moved to Lumberton, North Carolina as a lay missionary for the cotton mills, and then moved to Whitesville, West Virginia in the coal mining area. Pat served in churches in both Illinois and Iowa. Pat moved to Dubuque in 1971 to work at Bethany Home. She served there for 26 years, first as Assistant Administrator and then as the Administrator.

Pat was a deacon and an elder at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. She was a member of American Business Women and PEO Chapter HL.

Pat is survived by her 4 children, Mark (Doris) Gabrielson, Kathleen Fox, Ellen (Jamie) Koster, and Janice Gabrielson, 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, as well as her 2 sisters Diana Sornborger and Norine Martin.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Matthew Gabrielson and brother Walter Dotseth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethany Home.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Burton J. Hubanks

Burton J. “Burt” Hubanks, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 27th, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley hospital.

Private family burial in Linwood Cemetery with military honors will be accorded. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Burt was born on April 7, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Delmer Hubanks and Mae Hill. He attended Dubuque area schools and served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War.

He married Nancy Weiland in Ratoon, New Mexico and worked for the Dubuque Packing company for 38 years.

Burt was a motorcycle enthusiast, he loved gardening, morel hunting, and searching for watercress and wild asparagus. He also enjoyed woodworking and crafts; his “Uncle Sam” carvings were coveted by many. Burt was a kind and gentle man.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Hubanks and daughter-in-law Sandy Hubanks, of Colorado and Steve Hubanks. Granddaughter Nancy and grandson Jason; son-in-law John Winger, of Dubuque; the family of Frieda Luther: Dave and Kathy Baker, Tina and Kenny Womack, Debbie Pierce and their children and grandchildren (Burt was “Grandpa); sister-in-law Marion Hubanks; nephews, Gary Hubanks, Larry Hubanks, Rhonda McMahon and Ann Williams.

Burt was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nancy in 1986; daughters Linda Winger and Kris Hubanks; brother Harlo Hubanks; step-father Jim Markham, and long-time companion Frieda (Schurman) Luther.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the staff at Finley Hospital (S North), Father Tom McDermott, John Winger and a special thank you to Dave and Debbie Baker and family for always treating Burt as family.

Joseph P. Burns

Joseph Peter Burns, 67, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away at 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at home following a prolonged illness, with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West, with military honors accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Visitation is from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Joe was born on July 22, 1952 in Phillipsburg, NJ, the son of Joseph P. and Elinor Mae (Wolfe) Burns.  He was a graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s Prep School, Gladstone, NJ, and Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA. Joe was a member of the Army Reserves Special Forces Airborne.

He was united in marriage to Maria Droessler, formerly of Kieler, WI, on November 18, 1989 at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. Joe was employed at Hormel Foods in Dubuque, and was a member of St. Mary’s Parish in East Dubuque.

Surviving is his wife Maria; their daughter, Fiona Burns, of Dubuque, IA; his siblings, Timothy (Diane) Burns of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Susan (Todd) Craig of Houston, TX, and Brigid (Ron) Rizzo of Long Valley, NJ; his in-laws, William (Sharon) Droessler of McFarland, WI, Sally Jo (Randal) Halford of Georgetown, TX, Terrence (Sue) Droessler of Columbus, WI, and twelve nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe’s family wishes to thank the staff at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, and Hospice of Dubuque, for the wonderful care given to Joe, their beloved husband and father.

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

Kenneth Jess

Kenneth “Kenny” Jess, 88, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at Court Yard Estates in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Friday, August 30, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Graveside services with Military Honors Conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be 10:30 am, Saturday, August 31, 2019 at First Presbyterian Cemetery in Bellevue.

Kenny was born June 20, 1931 in Dubuque, the son of Louis and Minnie (Moltman) Jess. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1949. Kenny served his country in the US Air Force 1949-1952, he then married Charlotte McMillion on May 29, 1953. Kenny as a young boy growing up in Bellevue, enjoyed sledding, ridding bikes, and swimming, as a teenager he worked for a farmer outside of Sabula during the summers and dearly loved working at the farm during those times. He returned to Bellevue after serving his country and worked at Clinton Engines, Savannah Army Depot, and finally starting in 1956 at John Deere Dubuque Works until retiring in 1986.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; their children, Nancy (Kevin) Metz of Des Moines and Thane (Pam) Jess of West Des Moines; granddaughters, Alexis Laslo of Clive, Olivia Laslo of Des Moines; a great-grandson, Malone Slothhower; a sisters in-law, Joan Jess of Bellevue, Nancy Eckrich of Mt. Airy, Maryland, Betty Marshik of Rockville, Maryland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bernard, Joseph, Howard, Clyde, Louis, Donald, Robert, Grace, Norma, and Jeanette; a granddaughter, Claire Ann Laslo; and numerous sisters and brothers in-law, nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund has been established in Kenneth’s memory.

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

Margaret B. Kretschmer Schmitz

Margaret Bennett Kretschmer Schmitz, daughter, wife, sister, mother, nana, nana-great, and friend, led a life filled with gratitude. The daughter of Charles G. and Mary Agnes (Lavery) Kretschmer, she was born in Dubuque, Iowa on March 9, 1930 and died peacefully on August 20, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31st, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Josef Voller-Konig officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 30th, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church where a rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret was a graduate of Visitation Academy in 1948 and Clarke College in 1952. Margaret met James Peter Schmitz at morning mass at the Church of the Nativity in 1948. They married on June 14, 1952 and together they raised eleven children. They were blessed with forty-four years of marriage.

Margaret’s legacy of grace and love lives through her children Ann (Kevin) O’Connor, Marc (Joyce) Schmitz, Peter James (Maria) Schmitz, Thomas (Deirdre Egan) Schmitz, Laura (Bruce) Anderson, John (Deb) Schmitz, Mary Margaret (Steve) Wraneschetz, Sara (Mark) Burns, Kathleen (Eric) Schmitz Lynn, and Martha (Chris) Schmitz Paar; twenty-five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and dear friends whom she treasured.

Margaret believed she was greatly blessed from the moment she was born until the day she died. She was preceded in death by her husband James Peter, her son Peter Charles, grandson Kevin Charles O’Connor, daughter-in-law Joyce Pollack Schmitz, and brothers Charles G. and Frederick L. Kretschmer.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Agnes Meyer; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Kretschmer and Jean Schmitz Moore, and a brother-in-law Phil Schmitz.

Memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, Iowa 52003; the chapel at Carondelet Village, 525 Fairview Avenue South, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116; or St. Therese at St. Odilia Hospice, 3500 Vivian Avenue, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.