Obituaries Archive

Kenneth F. Olberding

On April 19, 2019, Kenneth Francis Olberding, 70, of Dyersville, loving husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord after a long, courageous battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma Cancer with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a prayer service will be held at 1:00 p.m. and an American Legion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning from 8:30 -10:00 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuersday, April 30, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post # 137. Rev. Phil Kruse will officiate.

Ken was born November 15, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Gerald and Erma (Klostermann) Olberding. He was a lifelong resident of Dyersville. Ken graduated from Xavier High School in 1966, and then joined the United States Army. He was united in the sacrament of marriage to Lois Reiter on May 30, 1970, in the St. Francis Xavier Basilica. He worked for the Dubuque County Road Department before retiring in 2016.

Keeping Ken’s memory alive are his wife of 49 years, Lois, daughters: Keri (Brian) Annis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tricia (Scott) Kitt of West Des Moines, Iowa, and son, Chad (Katie) of Ladera Ranch, California; his grandchildren: Tyler and Nate Annis, Zachary and Brennan Matt, Mallory Kitt, and Morgan Olberding; brother, Steve (Karolyn) Olberding of Dyersville, sister, Joyce Meyers of Dyersville; sisters-in-law: Kay Raab, Mary (Jerry) Jorgensen, Karen Reiter, and step brother-in-law, Jim (Daphne) Loecke.

Ken was very proud to be an American Legion Post #137 member for 52 years, he held office for 25 years and served as Commander for two years. He was active for 24 years with the Dubuque American Legion baseball team, acting as the Legion State Baseball Vice Chairman for 6 of the years. Ken was inducted into the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in May 2018. Ken’s grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved spending time with them and attending their activities. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ken joins his beloved family members in heaven, including his parents, Gerald and Erma Olberding, sister, Janet Olberding, niece, Stefanie Olberding, in-laws: Frances Reiter, George and Vi (Reiter) Loecke, brothers-in-law: Jim (Dawn) Reiter, Bob Reiter and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Memorials will be given to the Hope Lodge of Iowa City and St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

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

Joseph E. Kapler, Sr.

Dr. Joseph Edward Kapler, Sr., 95, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2019 with family. Visitation will be Monday, April 22nd from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with wake service following at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection; burial to follow immediately at Resurrection Cemetery.

Dr. Kapler was born on March 13, 1924 in Cresco, Iowa, the son of Albert and Mary (Drilling) Kapler. As a young man, he worked on the family farm and became a skilled farmer. Upon on his 18th birthday, the U.S. Selective Service assigned him to work for two years on another farm in order to maintain wartime food production. He then attended Loras College and received a Bachelor of Science degree (1948). He later obtained a Master of Science from Marquette University (1953) and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin (1958) and returned to Loras to rejoin the faculty. He married Helen Bamrick of Rockwell, Iowa in 1959 and raised their family at their home in Asbury, Iowa.

He retired in 1989 after 37 years of teaching in the Loras College biology department. During his tenure, Dr. Kapler was highly involved in many professional organizations and committees focusing the areas of phenology (the study of plant and animal life cycles) and entomology (the study of insects). He participated in the national research effort to stop the progression of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960s and worked for years trying to save the majestic elm trees along Dubuque’s Rhomberg Avenue. He received the Loras College Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2005 and was a Professor Emeritus.

Besides teaching, Dr. Kapler was highly involved with multiple wildlife and conservation organizations, including the Dubuque County Conservation Society. In 1976 he was named Dubuque County Conservationist-of-the-Year. He was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church serving a term on the Parish Council and a term on Asbury Planning and Zoning Commission.

In 1967 Joe, Sr. and Helen purchased woodland in Jones County which became over the years a living laboratory for tree and habitat restoration, home to large family gardens, and a recreational get-away appreciated and enjoyed by generations of family and friends.

Dr. Kapler is survived by his children and their spouses: David and Jennifer (Nicks), Mark and Tracie (Lenz), Mary Kapler and Shawn Blythe, and Joe, Jr. and Erin Hoag. Nine grandchildren: Zach, Alex, and Emma Kapler; Christopher, Jack, Sam, and Martin Blythe; and Kasey and Kylie Kapler. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen, and beloved dog, Bear. Siblings: Clara, Victor, Rita and Vitalis Kapler. In-laws: Martin Bamrick, Jack Bamrick, Jim Nowell and Sharon Bamrick.

His children would like to thank those who helped Joe live healthy and comfortably the past few years. Alex, Kim and the entire Grand Meadows staff for the care given to their father. Hospice of Dubuque; especially his nurse Janette. Dr. Mark Runde and the staff at Medical Associates.

Visitation will be Monday, April 22nd from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. with wake service following at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home in Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection; burial to follow immediately at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dr. Kapler’s name.

Timothy J. Ganahl

Timothy J. Ganahl, 58, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 18th, 2019 at home. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 at Hope Church, Kennedy Campus with Pastor Matt Collins officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of service. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Tim was born on July 20, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Kenneth Ganahl and Carole Honn.

Tim loved life. He was a light in a not so always gracious world. If he met, you he was your friend for life. He taught everyone how to love unselfishly, give kindly, and that sometimes you win sometimes you lose, but it’s ok either way.

Tim loved so much about life, and taught us how to love. He loved corny jokes and had an infectious laugh. He loved country music and boot-scooting on Wednesday nights at the fairgrounds. He’d been to Nashville, Memphis, and Branson so often that he could have been an honorary resident.

He was an avid Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and for some weird reason, Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved going out for supper at places like Culvers and Happy Joes.

Tim always wanted to be a paramedic, he loved firetrucks, the TV show “Emergency” and especially loved Red-4 firetruck at the Airport.

He loved Cozy Corners, “It’s the best!” He loved the other residents at his ARC group home. Cozy and ARC treated him like family, and he loved the staff at both.

The family would like to thank all ARC, DHS and Cozy Corners staff who throughout the years made sure Tim was taken care of and enriched his life. We would also like to thank DBQ police and fire who came to try to help. You treated us and ARC staff with respect and dignity during a horrible time.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother Dan Ganahl; his sister Karin (Matt) Spisak; two nephews Benjamin and Riley Nemec; his aunt and uncle Shirley and Robert McLaughlin; his many cousins; and Dick Hoelzer. Also, all his friends, staff and fellow residents at Spires, ARC, and Cozy Corners.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth J. Ganahl and Carole J. Hoelzer as well as paternal grandparents, Jym and Grace Ganahl and maternal grandparents, Harvey and Delpha Honn. Also beloved aunts and uncles, Bob and Nadeyne Ganahl, June and Paul Seitz, Lawrence and JoAnn Williams, and cousin Thomas Williams.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to Area Residential Care Foundation or to Cozy Corners in Tim’s name.

Stephen A. Koch

Stephen A. Koch, 71, of Worthington passed away Thursday, April 18, 2019, at MercyOne in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. The American Legion Post #137 will gather for a service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington with burial at St. Francis Xavier cemetery in Dyersville where American Legion Post 137 will accord military honors. Rev. Douglas Loecke will officiate and Rev. Dennis Quint will concelebrate.

Steve was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Kathy, children: Mary (Kurt) Mrowicki of Chicago, Terry (Pam) Koch of Minneapolis, Julie (Dennis) Womer of Dyersville, Steven (Jessica) Koch of St. Mary’s, PA, David (Amy) Koch of Eldridge, Michael (Katie) Koch of Ames, Kevin Koch (special friend Alyssa Anderson) of Dubuque, nine grandchildren, siblings: Janet Westhoff of Manchester, Jerry (Jeanine) Koch of Dyersville, Ken (Diane) Koch of Petersburg, Carol (Jim) Cole of Hopkinton, in-laws: Janet (Don) Schmitt of Holy Cross, Joan (Les) Feldmann of Rickardsville, John Decker of Sherrill, Larry (Trudy) Decker of Sherrill, Ann (Andy) Baumann of Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews, including his goddaughter, Vicki Ries of Earlville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Lawrence and Loretta Decker, brother Robert “Bob” Koch, in-laws: June Decker in infancy, Walter Westhoff, nephew Joe Koch, and niece Tricia Yauk.

Steve was born September 11, 1947, in Dyersville, Iowa the son ofLawrence and Julanda (Osterhaus) Koch. He received his education at St. Peter & Paul elementary in Petersburg, St. Boniface High School in New Vienna, and graduated from Loras College. He married Kathy Decker on August 14, 1971, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, Iowa. Together they farmed south of Worthington, raising livestock and crops. After over 25 years as a Rural Letter Carrier with the Farley post office he enjoyed farming full time.

Steve began his career doing carpentry with brothers Jerry and Bob, working his way through college. He taught history and social studies at Beckman High School 1971-76. He proudly used his carpentry talents to build the family home and many farm buildings. He enjoyed working on the Field of Dreams and Miles From Home movie sets.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Worthington where he was a eucharistic minister and lector for many years. He was an active supporter of St. Paul’s Elementary and Beckman Catholic High School including serving on the board of education for both. He served as a Dubuque County Farm Bureau President. He enjoyed coaching Worthington Little League baseball.

He was a proud Veteran of the US Army Reserves 389th Engineering Battalion based in Dubuque. He was a member of the American Legion Post #137. He served as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Dyersville.

Steve was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Indians, Iowa Hawkeyes, and local teams including his grandchildren’s sports teams. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, traveling locally and abroad, joking and telling stories, and spending time with friends and family. He was a steady partner with Kathy making many rhubarb and apple pies.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped in the emergency response for Steve at the farm that morning and the Mercy One Dubuque ER Staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial fund in Steve’s memory which will include a gift to Beckman Catholic High School.

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

Sister Teresita Poulin, BVM

Sister Teresita Poulin, BVM, 87, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 16, 2019, at Caritas Center.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Teresita was the first director of the Roberta Kuhn Center at Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa. She directed a children’s center in Kansas City, Mo., and in Santa Rosa, Calif., where she also ministered as a congregational regional representative, directed housing programs for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa and managed elderly housing apartments. In addition, she was an elementary teacher in Memphis, Tenn., and in Pasadena, Tujunga, and Montrose, Calif., where she also served as principal.

She was born on June 28, 1931, in Heath, Mass., to Wilfred and Amy Lively Poulin. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1949, from St. Leo the Great Parish in San José, Calif. She professed first vows on March 19, 1952, and final vows on July 16, 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Levi and Ronald, and sister Claudia Hanney.

She is survived by sisters Davina Gaumont, Susanville, Calif.; and Mabel (Phillip) Trifilo, Gilroy, Calif.; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

Loras M. Bellmann

Loras M. “Lorry” Bellmann, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 13, 2019 at Stonehill Franciscan Services Rehab Unit.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

He was born on December 1, 1924 in Rickardsville, Iowa the son of Herman and Mathilda (Farni) Bellmann. He served in the US Army during WWII from 1945 to 1947 in Okinowa.

Loras married the love of his life Luella “Lou” M. Hoffmann on June 5th, 1951 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He grew up on the family farm in Rickardsville, Iowa. After he was honorably discharged from the Army he owned and operated his own trucking business. He later was a truck driver for Concrete Products – Top Block for 40 years until retirement in 1987.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #6, lifetime member of VFW and member of Teamsters Union & Retirees.

He was proud to have participated in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. Loras volunteered for various organizations and events around Dubuque. He always enjoyed a good game of euchre, working in the yard and visiting while sitting in his glider. But most of all he enjoyed his wife, his daughters and son-in-law and his grandsons, Grant and Graham, who were truly the light of his life. His most enjoyable moments were attending anything his grandsons were involved in.

Loras was the kindest sweetest man who never had a negative thing to say about anyone. He was a good man who touched many lives and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Luella “Lou” Bellmann; his daughter Diane (Gary) Houselog, of Dubuque; 2 grandsons Grant (Elise) Houselog, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa who are expecting Lorry’s 1st great granddaughter in August, and Graham Houselog, of Dubuque; his brother Rudy (Joan) Bellmann, of Dubuque; sisters-in-law Helen Bellmann, of Durango, Iowa and Mary Jane Bellmann, of Dubuque; along with many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Debbie; brothers, Leonard, Joe, Carl, and Gene; sisters Mary Becker, Ceil Tigges, Clara Ahman and Agnes Melssen.

In lieu of flowers a Loras Bellmann memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Dennis and Karen Schmitt for all the food and their many, many hours of help and kindness to the entire family. Thank you to Dr. Kirkendall and his wonderful nurse Kate; Hospice of Dubuque, and a very special thank you to the entire staff of Stonehill Franciscan Services Rehab Unit for all their love and compassionate care they gave to Loras and his family.

Alan J. Reisen

Alan J. “Joe” Reisen, 81, of Zwingle, Iowa passed away on April 16th, 2019 at home.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Joe Corbin officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony Cemetery, Zwingle, Iowa. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 19th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Joe was born on February 23, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Frank and Grace (Redmond) Reisen. When Joe was 9 years old his family moved to Zwingle when his dad Frank opened a Standard Oil Gas Station. It was there that Joe learned the skills to become a great auto mechanic and maintenance man. He always helped whenever someone needed a car repair and when asked “What do I owe you?”, he would say “Just get me next time.”

His first job was at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, Iowa; he then worked at North End Wrecking and lastly at John Deere & Company in Dubuque retiring in 1994. He was a member of the UAW Local 94, and Harmony Church in Zwingle.

On June 13, 1959 he married the love of his life, Janaan Dimmer. Together Joe and Janaan built their loving home and were blessed with 4 girls. Janaan’s support and love as a wife and friend were invaluable.

In the mid 60’s Joe got the racing bug; he raced stock car as #48 in the summer and go-karts on the ice at Frentress Lake in the winter.

Joe is survived by his wife Janaan; daughters Cindy (Roger) Hook, Sally (Mark) Krepfle, Susan (Tim) Heilig and Cathy Hayward. Five grandchildren, Melissa and Michelle Krepfle, Ryan (Lori) Heilig, Lauren Heilig and Wes Hayward. Five step grandchildren, Marcy Davidson, Carrie Clauer, Stacy Ramaker, Jamie Balentine, and Amanda Carder; along with his sister Shirley Kempter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Richard “Bud” Reisen; a sister Betty Bell and grandson Alan Marcus Krepfle and several brother-in-laws.

Our hearts ache with the pain of loss which only faith and time can heal. We thankfully find subtle amounts of peace and comfort in trusting that Joe is once again reunited with his Dad, Mom, Bud and Betty, and that they’ll all be in good company until we see them again.

Joe is a hero to many, especially to his nephew Kerry Reisen. We love and miss you every day, Dad.

The family wishes to thank Jackson County Hospice, and the Zwingle Community for all their wonderful care, kindness and friendship they gave to Joe.

Inez E. Engelken

Inez E. Engelken, 87 of Allen, Texas and formerly of Dyersville, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas.

Visitation will be held 3 – 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday from 9 – 10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Inez was born June 17, 1931 in Monona, the daughter of Joseph A. and Henrietta J. (Mensen) Wegmann. She married Albert L. Engelken on October 10, 1951 in Greeley. After her retirement Inez volunteered many hours at the Dyersville Historical Society and the Dyersville Library. Inez and Albert loved traveling and playing games with the family. Together they wintered in Texas for many years sharing a home with their son Tom. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Mike (Cora) Engelken, Barb (Don) Doudna both of Cedar Rapids, IA, Tom Engelken of Allen, TX, Jim (Julie) Engelken of Durango, CO, grandchildren: Andrew (Michelle) Engelken, Kevin (Chelsi) Engelken, Emily (Michael) White, Mari (Tim) Lewis, Matt (Melissa) Doudna, Bart (Crystal) Doudna, Jared Engelken, Jenna Engelken, great grandchildren: Aubrey, Autumn and Aurora Engelken, Elise and Lydia Engelken, Myles, Grace and Caleb Lewis, siblings: Don (Lavonne) Wegmann, Bob (Agnes) Wegmann, Roger (Rosie) Wegmann, Wayne (Darlene) Wegmann, Daniel (Mary) Wegmann, David (Helen) Wegmann, and sister-in-law: Karen Engelken.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Ben and Agatha Engelken, her husband, Albert in 2010, siblings: James Wegmann, nieces, Susan Wegmann, Lynn Westhoff, in-laws: Lawrence Engelken, Clarence (Eileen) Engelken, Don Engelken, Mary Ann (Ambrose) Mensen and Joe (Viola) Engelken.

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

Phylis D. Lange

Phylis D. Lange, 79, of Onslow, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 17, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Phylis on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the gathering, and a private burial will be held at the Clay Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa, at a later date.

Phylis Darlene Pavlista was born on August 15, 1939 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Adolph and Vera (Elkins) Pavlista. She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married Leon Lange on December 6, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Randall, Debra and Scott.

Phylis had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa prior to her marriage and for a short time after. In May of 1962, they moved to a farm in rural Onslow where she became a homemaker and farmed with her husband.

Phylis enjoyed horses, playing the accordion and sketching.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Leon Lange of Onslow, IA; children, Randy (Judy) Lange of Onslow, IA, Debbie (Tim) Zabawa of Athol, ID, and Scott (Julie) Lange of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Karen (Verlon) Huston of Delhi, IA, and Carol Jenkin of Clinton, IA; and 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 5 step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson Tyler.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Phylis D. Lange memorial fund has been established.

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

Joan Wagner

Joan Wagner, 81, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, April 15, at Manor Care.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a funeral service at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Rev. Dianne Grace will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Joan was born October 16, 1937 in Dubuque, the daughter of Francis and Leona (Maiers) Jochum. Joan graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. Joan worked in management at Dubuque Golf & Country Club for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed taking trips to the casino and watching courtroom T.V. shows. Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and she was known for her Monday shopping sprees spent buying them gifts. She made Christmas very special for the grandkids.

Joan is survived by three children, Steve (Erin) Wagner of Cedar Rapids, Julie (Todd George) Wagner, and Michael (Kelly) Wagner, both of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Matthew, Mitchell, Michaela, and Anya, Justin (Luanna) and Nathan (Maggie), Joshua (Krista), Nicholas (Kelly), and Emily, and Madeline, Elizabeth, Cailey, and Will; her great-grandchildren J.D and Dominic; her siblings, Pat Schumacher, Carole Thul, and Gary (Donna) Jochum, all of Dubuque; her sister -in-law, DeLee Jochum of Dubuque; and her best friend, Joyce Whitt of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Bobby Wagner; her daughter Becky (Wagner) Schrock; and several brothers and sisters.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Manor Care.

Mary Ellen Capesius

Mary Ellen Capesius, 93, of LaMotte, Iowa passed away on April 15, 2019 at Manor Care with family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at St. Joseph Key West Church, with Rev. Rodney Allers Officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa’s Cemetery, La Motte. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 22nd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Mary was born on July 25, 1925 in Greeley, Iowa the daughter of Edward and Margaret (Wiley) Tinker. She graduated from Greeley High Scholl in 1944, and attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque. Mary worked for Rosheks dining area in Dubuque.

She married Robert C. Capesius on October 21, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Church in Greeley, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 29, 2000.

She was a member of St. Theresa Parish, their rosary society and choir until they closed. She then joined St. Joseph Key West Parish and their rosary society.

She is survived by her children; Jerry (Patty) Capesius of La Motte, Donald Capesius of La Motte, Elaine (Dan) Olson of Story City, IA, David (Julie) Capesius of La Motte, Daryl (Beth Herrig) Capesius of Springville, IA, Ronald (MaryLee) Capesius of La Motte and Linda (Bob Hartman) Capesius of Rickardsville, IA. Eight, grandchildren, Jeremy, Dina, Darren, Sara, Kenny, Travis, Jessica and Christa, along with nine great grandchildren. Two sisters-in-law Gladys Tinker, of Manchester and Rose Beauvais, of Green Bay, WI and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents Thomas & Ellen Wiley, and paternal grandparents Jacob and Genevieve Tinker; her husband Robert; brothers Joseph, Thomas, Philip, Frank (Shirley), and Jack; two nephews Larry Tinker & Kenneth Capesius, and a niece Mary Jo Becker.

In lieu of flowers a Mary Ellen Capesius memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Manor Care nurses and staff, Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Ronald Schope and his nurse Laurie, and a special friend Jeanette Wampler for all their wonderful care, kindness and friendship they gave to Mary.

Lois M. Wurster

Lois M. Wurster, 95, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, April 14, 2019, at Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, May 11, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.

Lois was born on December 10, 1923 in Jackson County, Iowa, the second youngest of nine of Lewis and Bertha (Downer) Bock’s children. She was the last to die of the family. She attended Baldwin school and had many stories about getting to school when Bear Creek would flood. She enjoyed playing basketball for Baldwin along with her sister Dorothy. Bertha always won the prize at church for the most daughters at the Mother’s Day event. Lois enjoyed playing with her brother Harold and Dorothy at the Eden Valley bluffs.

Her husband Max died suddenly on October 21, 1982 after suffering a heart attack. She became an independent woman and managed the farm until it was sold in 1995. To keep fit she walked many laps at the local Walmart store.

Lois loved cooking for the family and was very creative with pressed flower pictures that she entered into the Jackson County Fair each year. She won many blue ribbons with her framed pictures. She equally enjoyed dancing in Arizona and the Quad cities and was an excellent dancer. She and her dancing partner would always turn heads when they watched them dance.

Her smile and kind ways will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include three children, William (Susan) Wurster of Saint Louis Park, MN, Julie (Scott) Hersey of Eagan, MN, and David (Suzanne) of Tigard, OR; 5 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, 1 unnamed baby girl and 1 granddaughter.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Guttenberg Care Center, Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

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

James H. Goss

James H. “Jim” Goss, age 53 of East Dubuque, formerly of Savanna, Illinois, completed his earthly journey on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Jim’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Manny’s Pizza, 211 Main Street, Savanna, Illinois, 61074. Family and friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and are invited to share in food and fellowship with all who knew and loved Jim. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on May 12, 1965 in Savanna, Illinois, a son to Donald H. and Dolores (J. (Thulen) Goss. He was a proud graduate of the Savanna High School, Class of 1983. Jim was an avid music collector and a lover of animals.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim’s include,

his life partner and love of his life,
Richard Turner and family;

his sisters,
Joyce (Richard) Arno, Savanna, Illinois,
Donna Schuyler, Taylor Ridge, Illinois,
and Valerie (Rick) Steiner, Argyle, Wisconsin;

his brother,
Robert (Pam) Goss, Savanna, Illinois;

along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; step-mother, Betty; sister, Barb; and his brother, Bill.

Jim’s family would like to thank everyone who has helped him face his battle with cancer head on over the last year. Your time, care and support meant the world to Jim, his family and friends!

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

Sister Mary Bonita Determan, PBVM

Sister Mary Bonita Determan, PBVM, 87, died on Friday, April 12, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 pm.

Sister Mary Bonita, daughter of Raymond and Benita (Shire) Determan, was born Myra Wandera Determan on November 1, 1931, in Mason City, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Mason City on September 8, 1949, and professed her perpetual vows on June 19, 1955. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Loras College, Dubuque, IA, and a Master of Arts in Science from Clarke University, Dubuque, IA.

Sister Bonita served as principal, elementary teacher for grades 5-8, CCD instructor, pastoral minister, hospice volunteer and elder care minister. Her ministries took her to Key West, Whittemore, Humboldt, Elkader, Osage, and Mason City, all in Iowa, Oak Lawn, IL, and Monticello and Winona, MN. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2009 and permanently retired to Mount Loretto in 2016.

“I am filled with joy and gratitude to my God, my parents, family, priests and sisters in my life,” she recalled at her Jubilee Celebration.

Sister Bonita enjoyed prayer, community service, and visiting with family and friends.

Surviving are her sisters, Sister Rayanne Determan, PBVM and Sister Donna Determan, PBVM, her 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 and her sister, Donna Umbarger, and her brother-in-law, Robert Umbarger.

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.

Mary Thillmany

Mary “Jill” (Kerper) Thilmany, age 77, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:20 a.m., on Monday, April 15, 2019, at Mercy One, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Jill’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Church of the Nativity, 1225 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, with Msgr. James L. Miller officiating, where the rosary will be recited by the Nativity Rosary Society at 10:30 a.m. To celebrate Jill’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Church of the Nativity. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jill was born on March 19, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of John and Ellen (Tschudi) Kerper.

Jill was born and raised in Dubuque, proudly attending St. Joseph’s Academy, going on to become a member of the first class to graduate from Wahlert High School. After graduation, Jill went to work with A.Y. McDonald for a few years, before meeting and marrying the love of her life. She was united in marriage to her soulmate, Tom Thilmany, on October 24, 1964, at St. Patrick’s Church, and they were blessed with 54 years together and 3 children. After the children were born, Jill happily became a full time wife and mother, staying home until the children were grown, then reentering the workforce with Siebe Studio for several years, until health issues caused her to slow down and take it easy. Jill was always a very active woman who enjoyed spending time outside, whether it be tending to her beautiful flower gardens, chasing after that elusive hole-in-one at Thunder Hills Golf Club, or hitting the bowling lanes hoping for a perfect game. She loved all Dubuque history, and was the proud keeper of her family genealogy, spending countless hours at the court house and library, tracing her roots as far back as 300 years ago. Family, beyond a doubt, brought the most joy into Jill’s days, she loved spending time with Tom and the children, and was thrilled when the grandchildren started coming along. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beautiful, kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, she was truly priceless in our eyes, and the memories we have will be cherished in our hearts forever.

Those left to cherish Jill’s memory include

her loving husband,
Tom Thilmany, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Jeff (Jeannie) Thilmany, Streamwood, IL,
Lynn Thilmany, Inver Grove Heights, MN
and Julie (Dave) Theis, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Christopher, Katey, James and Lydia;

and her sister,
Judy (Maury) Niemer, Dubuque, IA.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents; her grandmother, Estelle McCurdey; and her brother, John (Gloria) Kerper.

Jill’s family would like to thank Dr. Wayne E. Richenbacher, for not only his surgical skills with Jill’s heart surgery, but for his continued support throughout the years, faithfully calling to check on her and see how she was doing. We also want to thank the wonderful staff of 4th floor surgical at Mercy Hospital, we could not have asked for a more caring and supportive group to help us through these past few days.

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