Obituaries Archive

Robert G. Tittle

Robert G. “Bob” Tittle, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa went home to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of September 14th, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Visitation for Bob will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday with his son, Shane Blakeley officiating. Military honors by American Legion Post #6 will be accorded following the service.

Bob was born on July 12, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa; he came into this world with his beloved twin brother Richard, who precedes him in death. A half brother George Tittle Jr. survives, and his much-loved sister Virginia Darnell precedes him in death. He is survived by his dearly loved niece Connie McDonald.

He grew up in the little area of Daytonville (now Heritage Pond), as a young man Bob was a “hell raiser”. He enlisted in the Army at 17 and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He used to say, “I cannot believe I’ve lived as long as I have.” He gave full credit for that to me; his wife of 43 years and I gladly took it because my precious time with Bob was certainly no walk in the park.

It was growing up in that little area he so loved, where Bob met his life-long “best friend” Don Rusk and you can imagine they had many adventures together. Later in life God gave him another “best friend” Ron “Grumpy” Mueller who kept him laughing to the end. How blessed he was for God to have gifted him with these two and he knew it every day of his life.

Bob was the hardest worker and most honest man I’ve ever known. He married Mary (Smith) Blakeley and together they raised two amazing children. Shane Blakeley and Kelly Tittle. When younger Bob also loved and help raise Stacy Heim. He was a loving grandfather and great grandfather.

Bob worked at Trausch Bakery until retirement, he then went to work for his best friend Don Rusk at Rusk Metal Co. He loved that! His life had come full circle!

He loved to visit with friends especially Grumpy, drink coffee and laugh. He always knew someone everywhere we went. I could go on, but he didn’t leave a big inheritance, what he left me is priceless. Let me just say he was loved by many and will be missed by all who really knew him. Especially his little dog “Dolittle” who he adored.

Special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and in particular Jen Fondell who has not only been with us thru this tragedy but has truly become a member of our family. Most of all thank you to Marge Mueller who has kept me going. Thank you to Leonard Funeral Home for all you’re doing.

Most of all thank you Jesus for dying for us, John 3:16, so I know right where Bob is.

Gary M. Dangelser

Gary M. Dangelser, 68, of Bellevue, Iowa passed away July 15, 2019 from injuries sustained from a tragic motorcycle accident he and his wife were involved in near Elizabeth, Illinois on July 7, 2019. Gary was surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2019 at. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Iowa. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service at the church.

He was born May 3, 1951 in Estherville, Iowa, the oldest son of Philip and Rose (Arend) Dangelser. He graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Fonda, Iowa in 1969. He also achieved his Industrial Technology degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1974 and was immediately hired by John Deere Works Waterloo and retired after 42 years from John Deere Corporate. He married Constance (Connie) Pixley on December 30, 1998 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Survived by his wife, Constance “Connie” Pixley-Dangelser; daughter Charity (Josh) Dangelser of Iowa; son Luke (Nicole) Dangelser of Davenport, Iowa; daughter Lezlea (Christopher) Dahlke of Winona, Minnesota; son Samuel (Emily) Pixley of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Mary Jo of Iowa; Chase Allen, Jamison Allen, Owen Dangelser, and Jase Dangelser of Davenport, Iowa; Caroline, Ava, and Calvin Dahlke of Winona, Minnesota; Soren and Alina Lou Pixley of Portland, Oregon; as well as many dear family and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Rose; brothers, Steven and Lynn; brother-in-law, Ron Lundberg and sister-in-law, Mary Moses.

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

Lavern D. Ehrler

Lavern D. “Vern” Ehrler, 55, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 accidentally at home..

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at Schapville, IL (rural Scales Mound), with Rev. James Mehltretter officiating.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena, IL.

Friends and relatives of Vern may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and after 9:15 a.m. on Thursday at Sherpherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Vern was born on December 3, 1963 in Galena, IL, the son of Melvin G. and Mary E. (Wachter) Ehrler.  He was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, the class of 1982. Vern was employed at Rite Hite Corporation in Dubuque, IA, for thirty plus years.

His social life consisted of playing pool, darts, bowling, golf, cards, boating and being with friends at some of their favorite places. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Vern was a life-long member of Sherpherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at Schapville.

Vern will truly be missed by a multitude of family and friends from the entire tri-state area.

Surviving are his siblings, Janice Radabaugh of Galena, IL, Kay Hesselbacher of Apple River, IL, Marie (Harold “Jim”) Moser of Galena, Mel (Deb) Ehrler of East Dubuque, Ronald “Ron” (Connie) Ehrler and Kathy (Marvin) Gerlich both of Galena, and Nancy (Stephen) Petsche of Lena, IL; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mary; three brothers, George, David and Jim; sister-in-law, Vicky Hesselbacher Ehrler, brothers-in-law, Loren Hesselbacher and Dean Radabaugh and a great niece Gabby Petsche.

In lieu of flowers, a LaVern D. “Vern” Ehrler memorial fund has been established.

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

Pam Redick

Pam Reddick, 72, of Dubuque, died Saturday, September 14, 2019, at her home, after a sudden illness surrounded by her loved ones.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road.

Pam was born September 29, 1946, in Iowa City, the daughter of Glen and Juanita Christensen Larsen. On August 18, 1974, she married Les Reddick in Danforth Chapel in Iowa City. She had one daughter, René.

She was a 1965 graduate of Iowa City High School and attended Kirkwood Community College and University of Iowa studying sociology.

While her husband was in law school, Pam worked many jobs. After law school, she became a housewife. She loved her adopted town after moving to Dubuque 42 years ago, calling it “our little piece of heaven”. She was ecstatic when her daughter René moved back to Dubuque from the west coast after a long absence.

She was an avid bowler and belonged to many leagues. She made lifelong friends through bowling and served on the Board of the Dubuque Women’s Bowling Association. She loved to read and cried when her favorite author, James A. Michener died. She had a great sense of humor and loved to play euchre, dominoes, and her Wednesday afternoon cards with “the Girls”, who she was close to and felt like they were family. She was a welcoming hostess and loved to decorate her home and her beautiful gardens. She adored her three puppies, Bo, Sammy and Leila, who remain waiting for her at the back door.

Survivors include her husband, Les of Dubuque; one daughter, René (Kevin Kraus) Reddick of Dubuque; one brother, Phillip (Jan) Larsen of Ely, MN and their children, Brad & Amy Larsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial has been established for Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

The family thanks the medical staff at Finley Hospital and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and the professional staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and loving care in Pam’s last hours.

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

Bernard R. Dansart

Bernard R. “Bernie” Dansart, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, friends and an abundance of love, on September 14, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center, of pulmonary fibrosis.  Visitation will be from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Monday, September 16 at the Church of the Resurrection followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Bob Beck officiating.  Bernie will have a natural burial as a Franciscan Associate.

Bernie was born on June 2, 1933 in Chicago, IL, son of Edmund J. Dansart, a postman and Angela M. (Davidson) Dansart, a homemaker.  He grew up on the south side of Chicago, the fifth of seven children, and attended St. Gall Parish School and De La Salle High School, both in Chicago, IL.

In 1951 he entered the Christian Brothers Novitiate in Glencoe, Missouri.  He earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree from St. Mary’s College, Winona, MN, in 1955 and 1962 respectively.

Beginning in 1955, Bernie taught biology a various Catholic high schools.  In 1972, he earned a Doctorate in Counselor Education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.

On April 14, 1973, Bernie married Marilyn Neubert at Christ the King Newman Center in DeKalb, IL.  In 1974, Bernie and Marilyn moved to Dubuque, where Bernie was a Professor of Counselor Education at Loras College, until his retirement in 2000, after which he continued as Professor Emeritus.  During his years at Loras College he trained students who went on to become school counselors throughout Northeastern Iowa.

Bernie enjoyed a lifelong love of reading.  In his younger years, he was a tennis player and long-distance runner, having participated in many tri-state area road races over the years.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Dubuque; children, Ann (Ravi) Hirekatur of Madison, WI and Philip (Meggie Borboa) of El Segundo, CA; grandchildren, Melkiya and Zerihun Hirekatur; brother, David (Mary Anne) Dansart; and sisters, Joanne (Raymond) Wagner and Rita (Tom) Madeja; sister in law, Elaine (Bill) Yoakum of Sugar Grove, IL; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edmund Dansart; sisters, Mary Jane Lehner and Patricia Cibach; and his dear lifelong friend, Joel Gorun in March of 2019.

Donations may be made to Christian Foundation for Children and Aging or the Sister Water Project.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family would like to thank Marilyn Gorun, the friends who visited and prayed for Bernie and hosted us, Hospice of Dubuque, and the staff of Hawkeye Care Center.

Donald D. Deweber

Donald D. “Mr. Checkers” Deweber, 81, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Gravesite services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, September 20, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, located just south of Bellevue, Iowa.

Don was born February 16, 1938 in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Charles and Maxime (Warnke) Deweber. He graduated from Manchester College in Indiana on May 29, 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He taught biology and history for fourteen years at a high school in Nebraska before moving to Dubuque, where he owned and operated Dr. Pet in Kennedy Mall until his retirement.

Don had the world’s largest checker book library (Caldwell-Windt Library of Checkers). This library was donated to the Loras College Rare Book Library. The checker sets and memorabilia were donated to the Branson, Missouri Toy Museum.

Don enjoyed playing checkers, running checker tournaments and attending church services and activities.

Survivors include his sister, Reta (Lloyd) Erickson and his fiancée and long time companion and caregiver, Rebecca Noble. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Daniel J. Wackershauser

Daniel J. “Dan” Wackershauser, 66, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Friday, September 13, 2019, at home. Services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Private family burial will take place in the church cemetery at a later date. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City. Friends may also call from 10-11:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service.

Dan was born on December 14, 1952, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the son of Wilfred H. “Bud” and Marian T. (Johns) Wackershauser. He married Patricia L. Welk on October 26, 1989, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dan graduated from Cuba City High School and attended UW- Platteville. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works, owned and operated DJ’s Bar in Cuba City, sold real estate, was a motor coach driver for 35 years logging over 3 million miles, and owned D&D Custom Travel LLC in Cuba City. An avid sports fan, he loved the Badgers, Packers and Brewers, attending spring training camp this year in Arizona with his son, Dan Jr. Dan loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren lit up his life.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; his children and grandchildren, Dan Wackershauser Jr, and his children, Abby and Hailee, Platteville, Heidi Wackershauser, and her children, Miranda, Christopher and Tyson, Cuba City, and Kari (Jorge) Lopez, and her children, Devan and Ellie, Kieler; his sister, Nancy (Sam) Droessler, Kieler, his nephew, Brad (Melissa) Droessler, Madison; his niece, Holly (Jason) Krieger, Madison; a great-nephew, Finn Krieger; his in-laws, James Welk, Keith Welk, Linda (John) Rasmusson, Nancy Olson, and Janet (Steve) Saxton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Marian, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gene and Mildred Welk.

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

Elizabeth A. Fuerst

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Fuerst, 85, of Dubuque, died peacefully Friday, September 13, 2019, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, September 16, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Born April 27, 1934, in Dubuque, IA, she was the daughter of Louis and Agnes Mastin Fischer. On May 21, 1955, she married Fred M. Fuerst in St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He passed away May 21, 2001 on their 46th wedding anniversary.

She worked at Stampfers Department Store before purchasing their home and then was a homemaker.

She was a member of Church of the Nativity. She liked to read and was a collector of many things including antiques and cookbooks. She especially enjoyed traveling with her husband and cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her six daughters, Carol Krohmer, Cindy Fuerst, Cathy (Tim) Moler, Connie (Doug) Moyer, Christine (Roger Maber) Fuerst, and Candy (David) Raymond, all of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Heather, Mike, Becky, Justyn, Nick, Maranda, Emilee, Noah, and Fred; five great-grandchildren, Sophia, Hadyn, Kynick, Erik, and Tyler; two sisters, Mary (Don) Wright of Cascade, IA and Barb (Eldon) Wear of Gainesville, FL; and one brother, Bill (Kay) Fischer of Arizona; and her cat Sophie.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother in infancy, and her cat Cheetos.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque, Bethany Home, and Dr. Konz and her nurse, Sherry, for their special care of Betty.

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

Mrs. Donald (Geraldine A.) Oliver

Mrs. Donald (Geraldine A.) Oliver, 90, formerly of 351 Highland Drive, East Dubuque, IL, died Thursday, Sep. 12, 2019, at Bethany Home, in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at St. Mary’s Church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Gerry was born on August 9th, 1929 in Flint, MI, daughter of Edward and Marie (Cluka) Knaeble. She was a 1947 Graduate of Immaculate Conception Academy, Dubuque IA.

She married Donald C. Oliver July 29, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Dubuque.

She worked as a Receptionist in the office of Dr. Leslie M. Fitzgerald while attending night classes at the former Bayless Business College in Dubuque. She then worked in the offices of Drs. Earl and Joe Locher, Sr. as Dental Assistant and Lab Technician. When she and Don began their family, she stayed home until the youngest of their five children went to Kindergarten. She then worked nights for a short time at Finley Hospital as a Switch Board Operator and Night Admitting Clerk. Then she worked for 16 years at Clarke College as Secretary to the Director of Graduate Studies.

She was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque and their Altar & Rosary Society. She was a Charter Member of the Gramercy Park Foundation and originally served as Treasurer for several years. She represented ICA on the All Former Catholic High School’s Graduating Class of 1947 Planning Committee.

Her favorite sports were Alpine Skiing and Golf. She was a member of the Sundown Ski Resort and the Lacoma Ladies Day Golf League. She liked to play Bridge and was a member of several Bridge Clubs. She also enjoyed the many river trips she and Don took up and down the Mississippi river with their friends.

She loved being involved in their children’s lives, especially celebrating special occasions with them and watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and flourish.

Surviving are her husband Donald C. Oliver, a son, Larry (Diane) Oliver of East Dubuque; four daughters: Sandy (Tom Sitzmann) Schnee, Cindy (Lee Theis) Oliver of Dubuque, Amanda O’Connor of Seal Beach CA and Sarah Oliver of East Dubuque; six Grandchildren and five Great-grandchildren, and two very dear sister’s-in-law. Carol (Oliver) Boal of Dubuque and Kay (Oliver) Zillig of East Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Knaeble.

We would like to thank the staff at Bethany Home for their kind care in the final years of her life.

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

Lucina C. Haas Kerper Morris

Lucina C. “Lou” Haas Kerper Morris, 93 of New Vienna, Iowa passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville.

Visitation will be held 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2019, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna. Visitation will continue Monday from 9-10 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2019, St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Lou was born July 1, 1926 in rural Guttenberg, Iowa the daughter of Hubert and Anna (Drilling) Haas. She married Arthur E. “Bob” Kerper on June 9, 1949 in Garnavillo; he passed away on May 2, 1958. She then married Richard E. “Dick” Morris on June 15, 1973 in New Vienna, Iowa. He passed away May 5, 2002.

Lou worked for many years as a bank teller in local area banks. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Kerper Produce, the Dyersville Sale Barn on Thursdays and Morris Livestock.

Lou was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary 9th district in New Vienna and was past president.

She was an avid euchre player and a league bowler for many years. Lou volunteered delivering meals for senior citizens for 11 years. She was the New Vienna citizen of the year in 2010.

Lou was a member of the New Vienna Historical Society and served as a tour guide at the Heritage House. She loved cooking for and entertaining family and friends and was always interested in her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. She was a Cardinals baseball fan and enjoyed watching Chris and Craig play for the Farley Hawks.

Survivors include her children: Steve (Linda Goedken) Kerper, Rick Kerper both of New Vienna, Karen (Steve) Tapke of Dyersville, 7 grandchildren: Chris (Danielle) Kerper, Cheryl (James) Biermann, and Craig (fiancé Allison Koss) Kerper, Justin (Jennifer) Kerper, Melissa (Brian) Mensen, Jennifer (Adam) Oberbroeckling, and Nicole (Sean) Stelken, 12 great grandchildren, Elisabeth, Alexander Kerper, Max, Elena Biermann, Ethan, Madison Kerper, Rylie, Karlie, Tate Mensen, Emma, Ava, Oberbroeckling, Olivia Stelken, brother: Lavern (Bernice) Haas, and sister-in-law: Norma Kerper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Otto and Anna Kerper, husbands Bob and Dick, granddaughter Emily Kerper, siblings: Anita (Alfred) Klosterman, Erwin Haas, Imelda (James) Boeckenstedt, Aletha (Edwin) Engelken, in-laws: John Kerper, Mary (Louis) Fell, Sr. Ann Marie Kerper, Theresa (Roland) Domeyer, Albert Kerper, Anthony (Iola) Kerper, James (Kathy) Kerper, Donald Kerper, and half brother-in-law, Leo Kinser.

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

Karen M. Kloser

Karen M. Kloser, 66, of Epworth, Iowa and formerly of Worthington, IA, passed away, Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Karen may call from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa. Services for Karen will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Fr. Steven Lange officiating. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

She was born April 13, 1953 in Peosta, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Arlyce (Westhoff) Clapham. She is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. On November 27, 1971 she was united in marriage to Robert Kloser at Holy Family Catholic church in Peosta, Iowa.

She was employed at Mercy Medical Center in Dyersville in the Housekeeping department.

She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, attending their games and activities and playing cards. She loved listening to country music, and especially loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Kloser of Epworth; four children; Terry (Alta) Kloser of Greeley, Jennifer (Duane) Sadler of Lisbon, Brian (Liz) Kloser of Nichols, and Scott (Pam) Kloser of Marion; her grandchildren, Cory Kloser, Adam Kloser, Aaron Kloser, Kaitlyn Kloser, Skylar Sadler, Wesley Sadler, Ryan Kloser, Emily Burke, Tyler Kloser, Brennen Kloser and Jack Kloser; her mother, Arlyce Clapham; her siblings, Bonnie (Bill) Steines of Dubuque, Gary (Kathy) Clapham of Dyersville, Bill (Karen) Clapham, Rick (Bev) Clapham both of Dubuque, Lynn (Ralph) Delaney of Peosta, Judy (Bob) Rosenow of Epworth, Nancy (Chris) Rondeau of Peosta and Fr. Steve Lange of Cuba City, WI.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Clapham; one sister, Kathy Lange.

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

David A. Rea

David A. Rea, 79, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Dave may call from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Services for Dave will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore, Iowa.

He was born April 4, 1940 in Bernard, Iowa, son of Oliver and Florence (McCarthy) Rea. He received his education in the Sacred Heart School in Fillmore and graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa.

On June 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Geraldine “Gerry” Lynch at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.

He owned and operated David Rea Trucking.

He is a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Fillmore, a lifetime member of the Dubuque County Saddle Club and a member of the Knights of Columbus-Council #930. Dave was also a former Prairie Creek Township Trustee, and served on the Aquin School Board, the Sacred Heart Church of Fillmore Parish Board and was a 4-H Leader.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry Rea of Bernard; six children, Linda (Brian) Martin of Zwingle, Mike (Bridget) Rea of Cascade, Julie (Nolan) Ford of Tipton, Mary Jo (Jonathan) Jordan of Yorkville, IL, Angie (Darrin) Treptow of Dunkerton, Anthony “Tony” (LaKesha) Rea of Peosta; nineteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Pat (Ruth) Rea of Bernard; six sisters, Kay McDonnell of Bernard, Anna Ruth O’Shea of Overland Park, KS, Mary George of Dickeyville, WI, Nancy (Jim) Oglesby of Cuba City, WI, Joyce (Al) Koster of Asbury and Lois Wubben of Oregon, WI; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Kay (James) McDonald of Marion, Helen (Joe) Burlage of Worthington, Richard (Joyce) Lynch of Cascade, Elaine (Norman) Jacobson of Springville, Joe (Jean) Lynch of Cascade and Lois Lynch of Bernard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandchild, Jessica Martin; two brothers, James (Valeria) Rea and Michael Rea; a sister, Sr. Lois Ann Rea, OSF; brothers-in-law, Paul McDonnell, Willie George, Ray Wubben, Jim O’Shea and John Lynch; and his parents-in-law, Gerald and Harriet Lynch.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jeanette and Jennie, and Rev. Douglas Loecke for all the care and support they gave to Dave.

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

Janet Fessler

Janet Fessler, 82, of Asbury, Iowa and most recently of Assisi Assisted Living in Dubuque passed away on September 11, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 13th, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

Janet was born on August 17, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Ken and Elizabeth (Jochum) Hammel. She married Robert “Bob” Fessler on October 4, 1958 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Janet worked at Pickle Barrell Subs, Big Apple Bagels and most recently at the Hy-Vee Bakery on Asbury.

Mom was an angel on earth. According to Merriam Webster, an angel is “a person with exemplary conduct or virtue and a spiritual being to act as a messenger of God.” Mom encompassed what it meant to be an angel.

She is survived by her children Ann Hansen, of Manitowoc, WI, Susan (John) O’Neill, of Janesville, WI, Robert “Bob” (Deborah) Fessler, of Pella, IA, Francis (Tammy) Fessler, of Brentwood, TN, Jeannette Fessler, of Dubuque, Andy (MariEllen) Fessler, of Hazel Green, WI, and Nichole (Chad) Schockemoehl, of Dubuque; 23 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; one brother Bob (Joyce) Hammel.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bob; her mother and father-in-law; sister Rita Bettcher and brothers Jim and Jack Hammel.

A Janet Fessler memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Covey, Dr. Mohr and the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Assisi Village for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Janet.

Donald R. Sheldon

Donald R. Sheldon, age 52, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home unexpectedly on August 26, 2019, at home. To honor Don’s life funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Tom C. Shinkle of Grandview United Methodist Church officiating. To celebrate Don’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Don was born on November 17, 1966, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Richard and Namie (Aoki) Sheldon.

Don was born and raised in Dubuque and attended Dubuque Senior High School. After high school he attended cosmetology school in Dubuque and graduated in Chicago. Don put his considerable talents with hair color, styling and makeup application to good use, always taking great pride in making sure his clients looked their best when they left his chair. He was always in high demand and women would line up just hoping to get an appointment time with him. Don definitely had an artistic side and also enjoyed putting his special touch on interior design projects. He was united in marriage to Anne Lee in Dubuque, and they had two wonderful sons together. He would later go on to marry Nicole Smeathers in Dubuque. We are saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of Don from our lives, but take some comfort in knowing that he is now resting in peace.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include

his 2 children,
Ryan Sheldon, Denver, CO and Blaine (Maggie McGonigle) Sheldon, Chicago, IL;

his 2 grandsons,
James and Hayes Sheldon, Chicago, IL;

his wife,
Nicole Sheldon, Dubuque, IA;

his step-daughter,
Silver Losh, Maquoketa, IA;

his father,
Richard Sheldon, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,
Timothy (Leah) Sheldon, Dubuque, IA;

and his nephew and niece,
Bryce and Brittany Sheldon, both of Dubuque, IA.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Namie Sheldon.

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

Marjorie E. Rohwedder

Marjorie E. Rohwedder, 86, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at the Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, September 14, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.

Marjorie Ellen Ehlers was born on March 7, 1933 in Monmouth Township, Jackson County, Iowa, to Edward and Ellen Christina (Snyder) Ehlers. She was a 1950 graduate of Baldwin High School. She married Willis Edward Rohwedder on July 22, 1950 in Maquoketa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2004.

Marjorie was a housewife who had also worked at the Spot Café, co-owned the Baldwin DX Station with her husband, and lastly worked for Ben Franklin Store in Maquoketa.

She enjoyed playing bingo, listening to country music, and camping.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Ellen Rickels of Monmouth, IA, Robert (Sherry) Rohwedder of Baldwin, IA, and William “Bill” Rohwedder of Baldwin, IA; 4 grandchildren, Brian, Joni, Becky and Rachel; and 2 great-grandchildren, Austin and Aiden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Margaret, a half-sister Leona Miller, and a son-in-law Howard Rickels.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marjorie E. Rohwedder memorial fund has been established.

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