Obituaries Archive

James V. Manderscheid

James V. “Jim” Manderscheid, 74, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

His funeral service will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Andrew, IA, with military honors.

James V. Manderscheid was born on June 5, 1945, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to William and Marie (Kremer) Manderscheid.  He married Linda Mishler on October 5, 1969 in Maquoketa, Iowa. They later divorced.  “Jim” served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era.

“Jim” had worked at Naeve Hybrid for 8 years, Reichling Oil for 14 years, and then Manderscheid Oil for 8 years.  He later joined the Maquoketa School District where he was a custodian for 10 years, and also worked as a substitute bus driver for 22 years.  “Jim” had also operated Jim’s Locksmith Service in Maquoketa for many years.

“Jim” was a member of the Timber City American Legion Post #75 and had served on the Maquoketa Fire Department for 22 years.  He enjoyed refinishing furniture, model railroading, camping, fishing and spending time with family and friends, especially the Thursday Night Gang.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Brian (Lisa) Manderscheid of Maquoketa, IA, and Paula (Chris ) Brewer of Montgomery, IL; 2 grandchildren, Lainey and Bailey Brewer; brothers, William Jr. (Leslie) Manderscheid of Parker, AZ, John (Angie) Manderscheid of Davenport, IA, and Allen Manderscheid of Roggen, CO; sisters, Judy (Robert) Feller of Bettendorf, IA, and Mary (Dennis) Clark of Maquoketa, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Miles Brewer, and brothers David, Larry and Gilbert.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a James V. “Jim” Manderscheid memorial fund has been established.

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

Laura A. Brinkman

Laura Ann Brinkman, 87, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, IA

Her funeral service will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Monday, October 21, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Massillon, Iowa Cemetery.

Laura Ann Weasmer was born on October 26, 1931 in Preston, Iowa, to Burr and Minnie (Stender) Weasmer.  She was a 1949 Graduate of the Maquoketa High School.  She married Raymond “Ike” Brinkman on June 10, 1949. He preceded her in death on August 27, 2015.

Laura was a homemaker and helped her husband farm.  She enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening and playing cards.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter, Jennie (Jeff) Davis of Maquoketa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Bryce (Danika) and Abigail (Eric); 2 great-grandchildren, Kinsley and Kamden; 4 step-grandchildren, Kim, Brian, Sandy and Sue; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother James and a sister Doris.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Laura Ann Brinkman memorial fund has been established.

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

Carol A. Klinkhammer

Carol Ann Klinkhammer, 77, of Dubuque, died Monday, October 14, 2019, at the Dubuque Specialty Care Initiatives.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, October 18, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Klinkhammer will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Father Tom Heathershaw as the Celebrant.

Carol was born November 29, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of Victor Valentine and Geraldine Pauline Feller Helling. On August 18, 1962, she married Herb Klinkhammer at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She worked at Artistic Cleaners, the University of Dubuque, and the Dubuque Community School District.

She was a 1960 graduate of Wahlert High School.

She was a member of Cathedral of St. Raphael and Bridge Swing Club, as well as many other bridge clubs. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Disney. She enjoyed bowling and volleyball, helping with Girl Scout cookie sales, and supporting the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. She loved to bake and to attend her grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include husband, Herb; three daughters, Sue (Mark) Dutler of Countryside, IL, Cathy (Frank) Peterson of Richmond Hill, GA, and Jill (Kurt) Tennyson of Marion, IA, eight grandchildren, Jacob and Hannah Dutler, Herbie, Charis, and Calie Peterson, and Isaac, Eli, and Gus Tennyson; two brothers, Tom (Sherry) Helling and Gus (Ann) Helling, both of Dubuque; one sister, Patricia Casey of Dubuque; her in-laws, Peg Helling, Joyce Helling, Ruth Ann Heim, Tom (Deb Rooney) Klinkhammer, Jerry (Mary Jo) Klinkhammer, and Tim Klinkhammer, all of Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jim and Bob, and in-laws, Tom Casey, Terry Klinkhammer, Barb and Dave Beecher, Danny Klinkhammer, Bobby Heim, and a special Aunt and Uncle, Janaan and Bob Kolf.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Stonehill, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dubuque Specialty Care.

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

Patricia Ann Bartmann

Patricia Ann Bartmann, 61, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 11, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. with Father Steven Garner officiating.

Patricia was born on September 19, 1958 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of John and Joan (Swift) Chambers. She attended Dubuque Senior High School and worked in several nursing homes as a CNA.

She married Terry Bartmann on June 13, 2006 in Dubuque.

Patty was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church for many years and read the bible daily. She had a great sense of humor along with a big heart. She would help anyone in need and she continued that after her passing by being an organ donor.

She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and her greatest joy was her grandchildren.

She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Patty is survived by her husband Terry; children, Shannon (Robert Taylor) Morrison, Jon Morrison, Andy Bartmann and Kristi (Kristen Senior) Morrison. Her grandchildren, Sabrina, Dontae, Cori, Dylan, Gavin, Hunter, Robisha, Jerob, Robiere, Robert, Dalontae, Ryder and Graham; great granddaughter Aliyah; two sisters Jane (Joe) Small and Linda (Ross) Vanderbilt; 13 nieces and nephews; step brother and step sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Chambers in 2005 and Joan (Bud) Clausen in 2006; her sister Kathy Chambers in 1963 along with her father and mother-in-law.

A Patricia A. Bartmann memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the ICU nurses and staff at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital especially Gloria for all their wonderful care, kindness and compassion they gave.

Julia Pasker

Cynthia L. Mehrl

Cynthia (Cindy) L. Mehrl, born June 27, 1958, age 61, was reunited with her parents Martin and Shirley (Keller) Mehrl and pet dog, Molly, on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Cindy was being visited and comforted by her family members at the time of her passing.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cindy’s life at the Tri-State Community Church, 12937 Derby Grange Rd., Dubuque, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019. Service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Hoffman Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of arrangements.

Cindy was a 1977 graduate of Senior High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dubuque in 1987. Additionally, she received her degree as a registered nurse from NICC in 1996. She had a long-standing career with Finley Hospital, beginning in the Central Service Department in 1978 and ending as an Operating Room Surgical Nurse in 2008 when she became disabled.

Cindy held the essence of joy. She developed friendships that were solid and sacred. To her family, she was there in all facets of life providing support and love whenever needed. She worked hard throughout her life, initially a professional student; but, eventually her years at Finley Hospital led her to a nursing career. She was a wonderful caretaker and brought comfort to all those around her. Nursing was a perfect fit for her, and she excelled at it.

Cindy loved her family and was connected to each one in a special way. She had a unique bond with her parents, from whom she was inseparable. Her nieces and nephews were treated like they were her own. She enjoyed puzzles, going to Bingo, playing cards, and exercising at the YMCA. Her cousins Diane Mueller, LuAnn Keller, and Annie Mehrl partook of these activities with her on many occasions. She reveled in baking, decorating her house and yard, and making beautiful jewelry for those she loved.

Cindy was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2012. As the dementia set in, her playfulness and passion were unbridled. She continued to bring joy and happiness to all those that were around her, and will continue to bring a smile to our faces when memories arise.

She is survived by her siblings: Christy (Paul) Potter of Durango, IA, Cathy (Mike) Waddick of Dubuque, IA, Vicky (Tim) Close of Des Moines, IA, Gregory (Theresa) Mehrl of Pleasant Hill, IA, Randy “Bubba” (Kimmy Hicks) Mehrl of Des Moines, IA, and Lori Beireis of North Liberty, IA; her nieces and nephews, Jaime Potter, Braden (Diana) Waddick, Colin (Laura) Waddick, Austin Waddick, Aaron Waddick, Jordan (Natalie) Waddick, Connor Close, Derek Mehrl, Damon Mehrl. Dalton Mehrl, Kennedy Anderson, Jarrett Beireis, Hunter Beireis, and Gracie Beireis.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD), 290 King Of Prussia Road, Building 2, Suite 320, Radnor, PA 19087 or online at https://www.theaftd.org/support-aftds-mission/. We wish to give special thanks to her relatives, friends, in-home caregivers, Hospice of Dubuque, and the Luther Manor staff for the love and care they showed to Cindy these past years.

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

Gary Kempthorne

Gary Kempthorne, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 in Dubuque. Gary was born in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Quintin and Maude (Myers) Kempthorne, on August 17, 1937. He graduated from the University of Dubuque and served in the U.S. Army. He was the manager of Job Service of Iowa for 20 years and the owner of Gordon’s Toggery since 1969.
Gary and Dina (Dingbaum) were married on February 11, 1978 in Dubuque.
He is survived by his wife, Dina, his daughters, Kimberly (Robert) Racanelli of Western Springs, IL and Theresa (Michael) Jared of Hot Springs, AR, his grandchildren Katherine and Robert Racanelli, Emily (Hunter) James and Isabelle (Colton) Wiggins and one great grandson, Cotton James, his brother Dion (Jane) Kenpthorne, of Richland Center, WI and sister Ramona Day, of Sussex, WI; brothers-in-law Joseph (Sigrid), Robert (Beth), Paul, Tim (Diane) Dingbaum, sisters-in-law Mary Doughty and Nicolette Ellis and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Norman Day, Dale Doughty and Ron Ellis.
In keeping with Gary’s wishes, there will be no public services. Private family services will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.comGary

Mary Jane Boleyn

Mary Jane F. Boleyn, 92, of Oak Park Place, and formerly of 1000 Kane St., passed away Friday, October 11, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center, Dubuque.

Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 18, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Ave., where friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Re. Mark Kwenin will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary Jane was the 2^nd oldest of 9 children born to Ben and Clara Markus.  She grew up at Massey Station, IA on a farm.  She came to Dubuque and met the love of her life, Allen “Bud”, and they were wed in 1946. Together they had 4 children.  After losing Bud in 1992 she remained independent.

As a young lady Mary Jane worked at The Pack to earn money to be able to go to the Dubuque Beauty Academy, where she proudly obtained her cosmetology license.  Later, she worked at The Battery Factory, Caradco, and waitressed at The Hop.  Using her cooking skills, she was also employed by DCSD to work in the cafeteria at both Jones and Senior High schools.

MJ, as those close called her, was a talented and hard worker.  She was instrumental in helping build the house her and Bud made home for many years at 1000 Kane St. in Dubuque, and was especially proud of her hardwood floors.  Later she used her talents in helping build her and Bud’s cottage at Spruce Harbor near Bellevue.

She was a great cook and home maker.  She gardened, canned, sewed, crocheted, and created many items in plastic canvas- which made for great gifts for those lucky enough.  MJ claimed that keeping her hands busy helped her to quit smoking.   She also liked to play cards, bowl, and bargain shop at the grocery store or discount store.  Mary Jane also never missed a Thursday to get her hair done.  She was a committed member of Holy Ghost and frequently helped with bingo.

She enjoyed having a beer with family and friends.  MJ never met a stranger.  She could easily pick up a conversation with anyone and found that she could always find a connection between them.

Mary Jane is survived by her children, Terry (Beth Ames) Boleyn of Dubuque, Bob (Dana) Boleyn of East Dubuque, IL, Dan “Boone” (Carolyn) Boleyn of Dubuque, and Debbie (fiancé Alan Caldwell) of West Union, IA; 10 grandchildren, Doug (Brenda) Boleyn, Sara Boleyn, Kelly (Jason) Howard, Anne Robbins, Lee Boleyn, Scott Boleyn, Jenny (Mike) Vrabel, Brian (Heather) Boleyn, T.J. (Bri) Thies, and Stephanie (fiancé Drew Winegar) Thies; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dorrance “Buck” (Ida) Markus of the Quad Cities, and Ronnie (Gloria) Markus of Dubuque; one sister, Linda (friend Ron) Takes Davis of Cascade; and one sister-in-law, Marie Boleyn of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Lavern and Ben Markus; two sisters, Gerry Williams and JoAnn Hefel Kremer; and many in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mary Jane Boleyn Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque.

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

Laura M. Willenbring

Laura M. Willenbring, 88, of Farley, Iowa, died Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows Nursing facility in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Laura will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where the Farley American Legion Auxiliary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Laura at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Mike Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

She was born November 13, 1930 in Worthington, Iowa, daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Melchert) Jaeger. She graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Worthington, Iowa. On November 16, 1949 she was united in marriage to Cletus Murphy at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 16, 1973. She later married Donald Willenbring on July 29, 1974 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, IA. He also preceded her in death on September 5, 2012.

Laura was a member of the St. Joseph Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society in Farley, IA. She also belonged to the Farley American Legion Auxiliary. Laura worked at Ertl’s and later at the Shady Rest Care Center for 25 years until her retirement.

She loved spending time with her family and was devoted to her faith and prayed the rosary sacredly.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Judi(Murphy) (James “Skip”) Carr of Dubuque, and Janet (Murphy) (Bob) Sands of The Villages, FL; four step-children, Ann (Dr. Jay) Ginther of Waterloo, Dan (Bede) Willenbring and Steve (Jacque) Willenbring both of Farley, Sandy (Phil) Swift of Platteville, WI; 5 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 24 step-great grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Jerome (Arlene) Jaeger; two sisters Helen (Gilbert) Honkomp and Grace (John) Wolfe.

In lieu of flowers donations maybe be given to, Hospice of Dubuque, Divine Word Seminary, or Beckman Catholic High School in memory of Laura Willenbring.

The family would like to give a special thanks for all who came to visit mom and also to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor Grand Meadows for the special care they gave to mom.

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

Randall E. Hantelmann

Randall “Randy” Emil Hantelmann 59, of Dubuque, IA passed away early Saturday morning at Finley Hospital following a sudden illness.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery following the service.

Randy was born December 21, 1959 in New Haven, CT to Richard and Helen (Walters) Hantelmann. In 1978, Randy graduated from Hempstead and moved to Denver where he worked in the hotel industry before going to study at UW Stout in 1984. After graduation, he moved to St. Louis, MO and married Lisa Bossert on May 7, 1988. He returned to Dubuque in 1995 where he spent most of his career working in sales, most recently at the Holiday Inn Express. Randy served as Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, was active in the Rotary Club, and was almost always volunteering his time with other charitable organizations over the years. Randy was well-known for lighting up any room he was in with stories, jokes and endless trivia on just about every subject and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Randy is survived by his wife Lisa, son Ian, brother Shawn, sister Roxanne, and brother and sisters-in-law Steve and Diane Bossert, Vicki and Dave Ploessl, Laura and Mark Joyce and many nieces and nephews.

“The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.”

Georgia Bankson

Georgia Bankson, 85, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at home.

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Loren Shellabarger will officiate. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Georgia was born September 7, 1934 in Stanford, IL, the daughter of Orville and Opal (Lumley) Hendren.

She married Glenn “Tom” Bankson on July 30, 1954 at 3^rd Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2015 after 61 years of marriage.

Georgia was employed for many years as a maintenance secretary at University of Dubuque until her retirement. She enjoyed taking trips to Minnesota with her family, and was blessed to recently vacation there with her twin sister, where they celebrated their 85^th birthday together. She also enjoyed winters in Florida with Tom, and camping trips with the family. Georgia was an outgoing social butterfly who never turned down an invitation out. She loved to play cards, dice, and cribbage, and get together with her various ladies groups.

Georgia will be remembered by her children, Rick (Tracy) Bankson of Dubuque, Lori (Bruce) Erickson of Madison, WI, and Ginny (Peter) Bellings of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Matthew, Lindsey (Dusty), and Ryan; her great grandchildren, Lily and Henry; her brother, Bill (Linda) Hendren of Dumont, IA; her twin sister, Gladyce Malony of Jacksonville, OR; her sister in law, Judy Hendren of Waterloo; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lyle Hendren; and her brother in law, Earl Bankson.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Philip J. Sullivan

Philip Joseph Sullivan, 61, of Bernard, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of service. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Phil was born on January 7, 1958 in Sioux City, IA. He was the 10th child of Robert and Theresa (Dieter) Sullivan. Phil graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1976 and later graduated from Kirkwood Community College. He married the love of his life, Betty Kringle of Bernard on May 1, 2001.

Phil lived his passion for all things farming.  His love of the land, cattle and horses filled his daily life. He was a lifetime member of the National Farmers Union and the Iowa Farmers Union. Phil befriended all he met and touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his wife Betty Sullivan; siblings Bob (Marianne) Sullivan, Ed Sullivan, Margie Sullivan, Cathy Claiborne, Tim (Joan) Sullivan, Colleen (Kirk) Caufield, Tom (Mary Ann) Sullivan, Rose (Harry Ingram) Villasana, Marie (Dennis) Mabie, Monica (Bill) Baldwin, Sam (Terri) Sullivan and Christine Sullivan; in-laws Nancy Kringle and John (Jeanne) Kringle; several aunts and uncles, including Father Xavier Dieter, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law John and Elsie Kringle; his sister Mary Sadaj; sister-in-law Barb Sullivan; godson Josh Klein and nephews Paul Sullivan, Nick Cappanno and Jason Weinert.

Phil was loved by many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Philip J. Sullivan memorial fund has been established.

Randal L. Bublitz

Randal L. “Zuba” Bublitz, age 63 of Dubuque, Iowa completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Randy’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Steeple Square, 101 East 15^th Street, Dubuque, IA, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Family and friends of Randy’s may gather to visit prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Steeple Square.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Randy’s family.

Randy was born on May 4, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, the youngest son of William F. and Lois M. (McPoland) Bublitz.  Randy was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’74 and would go on to faithfully offer his time and talents with several businesses around town, including Inland Protein, the Wisconsin Barge Line, John Deere and the Chicago-Dubuque Foundry,  with Eagle Window and Door being his most recent for the last 15 years.  Randy’s work was always very important to him, as were the people he worked with.  The Eagle Window company, and his friends there, had become his extended family over the years and his commitment to both was abundantly apparent to all whom he had befriended over time.  Randy always enjoyed spending free time with his family and friends outside of work also; with an afternoon out on the boat, or a weekend of relaxation while sitting around the campfire being among the top hits on his favorites list.  Randy also enjoyed visiting and socializing on holidays and always while his Dallas Cowboys were playing to win.  Randy has been called home much too early for those who knew and loved him, to understand or accept.  His independent and fun-loving spirit was the spark which has ignited the countless memories we will all embrace over the years to come, as we seek peace from our broken hearts.  The tears we shed today are a beautiful reminder of all the love which Randy has so effortlessly bestowed upon everyone who crossed his path.  Thank you, Randy, for all you’ve done, and may you find eternal peace until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Randy include,

his 5 siblings,
Dan (Sue) Bublitz, Dubuque, Iowa,
Gerald (Jill) Bublitz, High Point, North Carolina,
Debra (Joe) Bush, Dubuque, Iowa,
Dina (Tom) Kremer, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Lora (Chuck) David, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 7 nieces and nephews,
Scott, Lisa, Chris, Kori, Kaylee, Zach and Benjamin;

his goddaughter,
Rebecca Schumacher;

his significant other,
Denise Burnett, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous aunts, uncles, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Randal L. Bublitz memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Randy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Hermann, Dr. Tony, and Randy’s nurse, Laura, for all of their professional and compassionate care.  Also, to all of Randy’s caretakers; including everyone on the benefit committee, Sliver and Randy’s sister, Deb, for always going above and beyond while clearly being continually motivated by love and not duty.  And lastly, a very heartfelt thank you to everyone at Hospice of Dubuque, especially his nurses, Alisa and Edna, for always bringing comfort into our days when it seemed like none would be possible.  May God bless all of you for your kind and generous acts toward our Zuba!

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

Sr. Mary Stephen Eswine, PBVM

Sister Mary Stephen Eswine, PBVM, 87, died on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Monday, October 14, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 4:00 p.m.

Sister Mary Stephen, daughter of William and Frances (Zachman) Eswine, was born Helen Hope Eswine on February 16, 1932 in Humboldt IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Humboldt IA on June 5, 1950 and professed her perpetual vows on June 8, 1956.

She attended classes at Loras and Clarke Colleges, Dubuque IA and Briar Cliff University, Sioux City IA. Her ministries took her to Charles City, Elkader, Ryan, Waukon, St. Columbkille (1965-1968), all in Iowa, Timberlake SD, and St. Dorothy, Chicago IL, where she taught primary grades.

Sister Stephen retired to Mount Loretto in 1987 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2010. She loved caring for the plants and flowers on the grounds of Mt. Loretto, making and repairing rosaries, prayer and community service. “Gardening is a great means of learning to live in the presence of God, for I know that when I am alone gardening, I am never really alone. It is God who creates and who gives the growth. I am only the assistant and any talent I have is God’s gift to me, but not just for me.”

Surviving is her brother, Robert, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Bernadine Schwenck and Joan Eswine and her brother Charles.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dubuquepresentations.org.

Carol F. (Anthony) Downey

Carol Frances (Anthony) Downey, 82, passed away on October 5, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center. Her granddaughter, Kaitlin, was at her side. Carol had been a facility resident for more than nine years, battling advanced dementia.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m., with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. The ashes of both Carol and her husband, Len, will be spread on the ocean in Maui.

Carol was born at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Dubuque on October 24, 1936, to Drew Madero Anthony and Mary Lorraine (Krieger) Anthony. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and a short time later joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1954 to 1958. It was while she was stationed at Jacksonville, FL, that she met her future husband, Leonard Downey, who also was serving in the Navy.

After their service, they lived briefly in California, where their son, Drew, was born. They then returned to Dubuque, where Carol went to work for John Deere, from which she retired.

Carol enjoyed being with her friends and family, and travel to Hawaii and to Las Vegas with Leroy and Dorothy Althaus. Leroy and Dorothy were wonderful friends, visiting her weekly for the nine+ years she was in the nursing home.

Carol is survived by her two sisters, Susan K. Riedel (Ken) and Donita M. Cilch, both of Ankeny, Iowa. She also is survived by her granddaughter, Kaitlin Downey, and great grandson, Pete, of Wisconsin. Other surviving family members include niece Chris Riedel King (John), niece Stephanie FitzSimons (sons Carter and Griffin), and nephew Scott Riedel (wife Penny, sons Grant and Spencer.) On her husband, Len’s side, she is survived by his sister, Betty Crenshaw, and her children: Angaleta Crenshaw, Jack Crenshaw (Pam), Thelma Brazell (Tom), Kevin Crenshaw, Larresia Whitten (Lewis), Judith Brazell, Tonya Canales (Johnny), and Merida Robertson (Bryan).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son and her daughter Deanne, who died at birth.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa are suggested.

The family thanks Carol and Len’s loyal friends, the kind staff at Hawkeye Care, and all those who provided support the past several years.