Obituaries Archive

Thomas L. Hildebrand

Thomas Leo “Tom” Hildebrand, 71, of Dubuque, died suddenly Thursday, November 28, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be 10:00 AM Monday, December 2, 2019, St. Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tom was born December 7, 1947, in Farley, IA, the son of Albert and Mary Miller Hildebrand. On October 25, 1969, he married Elaine Kraus at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, IA.  It gave Tom much joy to recently celebrate 50 years of marriage to the love of his life, Elaine.

He worked as a machine operator for Flexsteel Industries and did maintenance work at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and brought communion to the homebound for many years, and helped with Bingo.  Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He cherished time with family and friends and loved nothing more than a good game of Dominoes or Euchre.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine; five daughters, Kathy (Kurt) Wuertzer of Dubuque, Shelly (Mike) Miller of Dubuque, Jody (Eric) Olson of Galena, IL, Jenny Hildebrand of Dubuque, and Tina (Keith) Krabbenhoft of Dubuque; one son, Phil (Julie) Hildebrand of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Christopher and Emily Wuertzer, Hannah Miller, Maxwel and Molly Hildebrand, and Megan, Joshua, and Allison Krabbenhoft; six sisters, Mary Milligan of Dubuque, Cathy (Roger) Bartels of Durango, Verna (Vesse) Klostermann of Edgewood, Carol (Dave) Gaul of Guttenberg, Norma (Dick) Kelchen of Farley, and Joyce Hildebrand of Dubuque; three brothers, Steve Hildebrand of Dyersville, Rick (Donna) Hildebrand of Raleigh, NC, and Albert Jr. (Kelly) Hildebrand of Dixon, IL; in-laws, Elaine (Dave) Shaw of Springville, IA, Helen Hildebrand of Holy Cross, Helen Hildebrand of Bankston, Phyllis Hildebrand of Dyersville, Paul (Joyce) Wagner of Dubuque, Jean Nauman of Cascade, Jim (Sue) Kraus of Cuba City, WI, Willy (Norma) Kraus of Dubuque, Mary (Duane) Kruse of Dubuque, and John (Cheryl) Kraus of Galesburg, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Gladys, four brothers, Robert, Jerry, Lenny, and Loras Hildebrand, two sisters, Ruth Wagner, and Gladys Gaul.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Donald Eigenberger

Donald “Zeke” Eigenberger, 78, of Dubuque, died peacefully Tuesday, November 26, 2019, with his family by his side.

The funeral service for Mr. Eigenberger will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Rev. Father Mark Kwenin as the officiant. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Don was born May 2, 1941, in Dubuque, the son of Donald and Mary Lou Wittstock Eigenberger. On July 26, 1961, he married Mary Jo Ricketts at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a mechanic for the bus garage for Interstate Power Company and then Packing House through its changes until it closed its doors.

Don was a hard working man and great provider for his family. He was a loving, supportive husband and a truly wonderful, caring dad. His grandkids were the twinkle in his eye. You could find Don at his favorite spot, the Airport Inn with his friends watching the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR races. He took pride in his “toys”, his Harley, IROC, and his Chevy truck. He leaves us saying “Youll C”.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo of Dubuque; one daughter, Deb Minnick of Dubuque; two sons, John Eigenberger and Ron Eigenberger, both of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Danielle (TJ) Burghy, and Jakob Eigenberger; two great-granddaughters, Elliana and Paislee, and one great-grandson on the way; two sisters, MaryLynn (Rick) Donovan of Dubuque, and Sherrie (Marty) Werner of East Dubuque, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and son John Alfred in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family sends out a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Crestridge Nursing Home and to Hospice of Jackson County for the special care they gave to Don.

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

Willaura P. Keil

Willaura P. “Billie” Keil, 92, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 26, 2019, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. until 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Willaura Pearl Williams was born on July 28, 1927 in Marion, Iowa, to Marvin and Sarah (Kramer) Williams. She moved to Maquoketa at age 6 and was a 1945 graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married Wesley W. “Wes” Keil on April 21, 1946 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union 3 sons were born, Gary, Kevin and Brent.

“Billie” was a housewife who in her early years had worked at the Fishing Tackle Company in Maquoketa as an inspector, and at Clinton Engines in the service department.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, flowers, walking and any outdoor activities. Additionally, she enjoyed following her children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. She was a longtime volunteer and member of the Jackson County Historical Society, and a 70-year member of the First United Methodist in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Gary (Vickie) Keil of Davenport, IA, Kevin (Janet) Keil of DeWitt, IA, and Brent Keil of Camanche; 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; a sister, June (Virgil) Roeder of Tucson, AZ; and sisters-in-law, Laurel Williams of Preston, IA, and Darlene Cook of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wes of 64 years on April 28, 2010, and brothers Jack Williams and Allan Cook.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Hills and Dales, or Strides for Clinton County Autism.

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

Rita M. Palen

Rita Mary Palen, 95, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 16, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd. Rev. Tom Heathershaw will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, November 15, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., where there will be a prayer service at 2:30 p.m.

Rita was born March 21, 1924 in Dubuque, the daughter of Carl and Evelyn (Stillmunks) Schrup. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy. In 1946, Rita married Harold Palen in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on November 26, 1993.

Rita was a member of Resurrection parish, where she was also a member of the Rosary Society. Rita was a Gold Star Mom; On January 3, 1971, Rita and Harold’s son Tony was MIA in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Rita then joined the National League of POW-MIA Families from Southeast Asia; and remained a member. She was employed as a bookkeeper for O’Toole Office Supply for 16 years, until her retirement in 1981. She enjoyed reading and gardening. Rita was a wonderful grandmother; and will be sadly missed.

Rita is survived by two sons, John (Joann) Palen of Pardeeville, WI, and David (Elaine) Palen of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Jacob (Mia) Palen of Dubuque, Joseph (Megan) Palen of Dubuque; Nicholas (Andraya) Palen of Beaver Dam, WI, and Benjamin Palen of Pardeeville, WI; five great grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn “Dee Dee” Stieber of Dubuque, Karen (Mike) Pauly of Winterset, IA and Mary Kay “Shatzie” Speak of Davenport; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her beloved husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Carl “Tony” Palen; and her sisters, Dorothy Brown, Arlys Runde, Sally Ann Ryan and Elizabeth Schrup in infancy.

Memorials may be made to the family.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Hawkeye Care Center for their care.

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

Leon W. Bleile

Leon William Bleile, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 25, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 2, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 5:30 p.m.

Leon was born on September 21, 1933 in Balltown, Iowa, the son of Victor and Margaret (Heber) Bleile. He served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957 in Germany and received an honorable discharge. On February 15, 1958 he married Marie C. Wagner at St. Joseph Church in Rickardsville.

He worked for the former Dubuque Packing Company and FDL Foods until retirement. After retirement he worked at Medical Associates where he was known as the Tootsie Roll Man. He was a member of the UFCW Local 150 A and a very active member Sacred Heart Parish, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society.

Leon was also known for his homemade caramel candies. He enjoyed gardening and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Marie; children, Deb (Scott) Patton, of Nevada, Iowa, Bob (Jodee) Bleile, of Asbury, Don (Roselle) Bleile, of Angleton, Texas, and Karen (Harry) Pitzen, of Potosi, WI. Grandchildren, Madaline Patton, Haileigh Patton, Katie (Nick) Steffen, Chris (Jessica) Bleile, Kourtnee (Jude) Smith, Steven Bleile, Taylor Bleile and Richard Menadue; seven great grandchildren, several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Siblings, Dolores Reinert, Cletus (Sally) Bleile, and Margaret Heiderscheit; his sisters & brothers-in-law Betty (Jim) Barth, Paul (Joyce) Wagner, Carol (Rick) Smith and Gene Boge.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Delbert Bleile and Raphael (Anna Mae) Bleile; his father and mother-in-law Elmer and Madaline Wagner; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles Reinert, Kenneth Heiderscheit, David (Rosie Boge) Wagner, Ruth Wagner, Janet and Joe Bleile along with three nephews and one niece.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals, the staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque especially Paul, and to their family and friends for all their care, kindness and love shown to Leon and his family.

Marilyn Joyce Clark

Marilyn Joyce “Granny” Clark, 81, of Dubuque, and formerly of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 P.M., Monday, December 2, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:30 P.M. until 2:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Marilyn Joyce McCutcheon was born on April 8, 1938 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Ervin John and Myrl Marie (Miller) McCutcheon. She attended Maquoketa schools. She married Floyd L. “Pete” Clark on July 21, 1956 in Keokuk, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2014.

Joyce was a housewife and later in life worked part-time jobs at Subway in Maquoketa and as a custodian for the Delwood Elementary School.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, crosswords and crocheting.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Cindy Holdsworth of Dubuque, IA, Dennis (Mary) Clark of Maquoketa, IA, Craig (JoAnn) Clark of Onslow, IA, Bryan (Sarah) Clark of Delmar, IA, Teresa (Ron) Grandick of Delmar, IA, and Stacie Bowling of Goose Lake, IA; sister, Mildred Wilcox of Baldwin, IA; brother, Ronald (Linda) Miller of Rock Island, IL; 26 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Donald McCutcheon, sisters Marcella Dorsey and Lorraine Makeever, and a great-grandchild Maddy.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marilyn Joyce “Granny” Clark memorial fund has been established.

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

James Richard Woods

James Richard “Ricky” Woods, 59, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Sunnycrest Manor.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Dan Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 29th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Ricky was born on April 19, 1960 in Ashland, Kentucky. He worked for Area Residential Care for many years and was a resident at the Beacon Hill Group Home. He later moved to Sunnycrest Manor where he became part of their family.

God has a new Angel in Heaven to look over us and protect us.

He is survived by his mother Sheila Woods, of Zwingle, a sister Barbara (Dave) Weldon, of Danville, KY, a brother Charles “Chuck” (Luann) Woods, of Prairie du Sac, WI. Many nieces in nephews in Kentucky and Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles Woods; a brother Terry Woods, his paternal grandparents in Kentucky Richard and Irene Woods, and his grandparents in Dubuque, Joe and Eileen Bellings.

Memorials may be given to Area Residential Care or Sunnycrest Manor.

The family would like to thank the nurses, staff and residents of Sunnycrest Manor for all their care, kindness and making Ricky a part of their family.

Jay R. Hanken

Jay R. Hanken, 67, of Monticello, passed away unexpectedly.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at SS Peter and Paul Lutheran Church of Castle Grove, with burial in Prairie Hill Cemetery. Rev. Holly Knouse will officiate.

Jay was born December 29, 1951, in Monticello, the son of Wesley and Nedra (Kromminga) Hanken. He graduated from Springville High School with the Class of 1970 and from Iowa State University in 1975. He married Cindy Rowen on August 23, 1975, in Anamosa and raised 4 children together. Jay was a self-employed contractor in the Monticello area for nearly 40 years.

Dirt track racing, gardening and his grandchildren were his passions and he was known for legendary shenanigans. He also liked a good poker game and good music.

Survivors include his mother, Nedra Hanken of Monticello, children: Garett (Jenny) Hanken and Gabriel Hanken, both of Monticello, Whitney Hanken of Cedar Rapids and Kaelor Hanken of Iowa City, their mother, Cindy Hanken of Monticello, 3 grandchildren: Olyvia, Waylon and Rosa Hanken; siblings: W. Chris (Lin) Hanken of Maquoketa, Cynthia (John) Coy of Wintergreen, VA, Jeffrey (Sharon) Hanken of Cedar Rapids, and Beth Hanken of Monticello; a sister-in-law, Bobbi (Mark) Ball of Anamosa.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Hanken, two grandchildren, Anton and Brooks Hanken; parents-in-law, Robert and Rosa Rowen, a sister-in-law, Terri Vanek.

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

Shirley M. Ackley

Shirley M. Ackley, 92, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Guttenberg, IA, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center, where she was fondly known as Sassy Shirley.

Memorial services will be held at a later date to be announced.

Shirley was born on August 25, 1927 at Stanhope, IA, the daughter of Leo and Ruth (Winburn) Philp. She was united in marriage to Glenn Ackley on May 26, 1945. To this union six children were born.

Shirley loved animals of any kind!

Surviving are two sons, Terry (Arlene) Ackley and Rick (Dianne) Ackley both of Dubuque, IA, three daughters, Robin (Eric) Kelso of Huntsville, AL, Cindy (Fred) Ginnetti of Phoenix, AZ, and Jamie (George) Baker of Burlington, IA; 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 4 great- great grandchildren; a step-son, Gary (Rusty) Duenow, and son-in-law, Dave Schmitt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Glenn on November 24, 1995, a daughter Sue Schmitt on September 9, 2013, a grandson Eric Schmitt at 6 months; and two brothers.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.

Caroline J. Eilers

Caroline “Kay” J. Eilers, 83, of Monticello passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a Rosary will be held at 3 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate and Deacon Jeffrey Sutterman will assist.

Kay was born March 9, 1936, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Paul and Eleanor (Petr) Joy. She married Lawrence Sutterman on June 9, 1956, in Rock Island, IL. He preceded her in death in 2004. She later married Robert Eilers on April 14, 2007, in Monticello, Iowa.

She worked as a nurse’s aide for most of her working years. She and Larry settled in Monticello and worked part time at Family Foods and later at Fareway Grocery Stores. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and volunteered for many years. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and her interior design was second to none.

Survivors include her husband, Bob, children: Steven (Tammy) Sutterman of Monticello, Jeffrey (Beth) Sutterman of Frederick, MD, step-children: Allen (Julie) Eilers of Quincy, IL, Deanne (Clint) Bennett of Wheatland, IA; grandchildren: Nash Sutterman, Kelli and Brittany Sutterman, Samantha, Anthony, Timothy and Nathaniel Sutterman; step grandchildren: Jennifer & Michelle Dettbarn, Corynn & Chloe Bennett, Devon & Andrew Eilers; 1 great grandchild; in-law: Jerry Vietti of Peoria, IL, Mel (Becky Menster) Eilers of Monticello, Loren Eilers of Cedar Rapids, Donald (Glenda) Eilers of Scotch Grove, Steve Eilers of Harrisonville, MO, Sharon (Ernie) Rahm of Anaheim, CA, Jean Nelson of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Lawrence, one son, Scott Sutterman in 2011, in-laws: Marian (Larry) Harksen, Patricia Vietti and Bill Nelson.

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

Marvin A. Faley

Marvin A. Faley 87, of 2261 Chaney Rd., passed away Friday, November 22, 2019.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 29, 2019 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. with Deacon John Stierman officiating.

Marvin was born on July 22, 1932 in Cascade, Iowa, the son of Daniel and Mary (Devaney) Faley.  On October 24, 1959, he married Shirley Arthofer.  She preceded him in death on May 8, 1999.  Marvin graduated from Senior High School and then spent 4 years in the Marine Corp.  He was employed by John Deere Dubuque Works for over 31 years.

Surviving are his five children, Tammy, Danny, Mikey, Timmy and Tom.  Marvin was preceded in death by sisters, Dolores, Lenore, Gen, Mellicent and Lois and his brother Danny.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Marvin Faley memorial fund.

Michael J. McDermott

Michael J. “Mike” McDermott, Jr., age 67 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on November 22, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Mike’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mike was born on September 29, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa, a son to Michael J. and Rosemary I (Baumgartner) McDermott, Sr.  Mike grew up in a good family where thankfully a strong work ethic, and an even stronger demand of character were both firmly instilled at a very early age.  After school, Mike promptly joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served as Commanding General with the 1^st Marine division at Camp Pendleton before completing his duty.  He carried his affinity for scuba diving back into his private life and was not only a member of the National Association of Underwater Instructors for many years, but also took the time to teach his own children to dive at home.  Mike was an operating engineer, licensed machine operator and licensed plumber by trade and faithfully invested over 33 years of his time and talents at the City of Dubuque water treatment plant before retiring in 2007 due to health issues.

Mike was about so much more than work though.  A family man through and through who religiously searched out any opportunity where he could share his love with those he cared for.  A little line dancing with his beautiful bride, Cindy, was always a welcome option, but a ride on the Harley would also do the trick.  Spending time working on the motorcycles out in the garage was continually considered to be time well spent, and if a go-kart happened to end up being fabricated for the kiddos along the way, even better.  Taking his nieces and nephews out hiking was definitely another adventure Mike never passed on.  Mike possessed a stubborn will to live and carried it perfectly with his contagious smile and sound advice on life.  Losing our dear husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend will be one of the hardest trials we will ever have to face, but we also know that his suffering has finally ceased and in that we will find our peace.  Thank you, Mike, for the amazing legacy you leave behind, and may we daily find your spirit living large in our moments until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mike include,

his loving wife,
Cindy Magby, Dubuque, Iowa;

his children,
Stacy McDermott, Dubuque, Iowa,
Robert (Kate Widmeier) McDermott, Dubuque, Iowa,
Matt (Regina Sanders) McDermott, LaCrosse, Wisconsin,
Christy (Michael Collins) Welp, Dubuque, Iowa,
Lisa (Ivan) Reveles, Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
James (Kyla) Magby, Chicago, Illinois,
and Kenneth (Melissa) Magby, Marion, Iowa;

his grandchildren,
Dalton McDermott, Chloe McDermott, Morgan Hefel, Alexandra Magby, Abby Reveles, Vayda Magby, Mason Magby, Dawson Welp and Nathan Welp;

his siblings,
Artie (Elly) Mentz,
Denise (Roger) Bergfeld,
Diane Conley,
and Debbie (Larry) Lyons, all of Dubuque, Iowa;

his Godson,
Mike Lyons, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and sadly his son, Michael J. McDermott, III.

In both thanksgiving and memory of Michael J. McDermott, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque in Mike’s name.

Mike’s family would like to extend a most sincere thank you to his doctors, their nurses, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the professional and compassionate care they have provided to Mike, and his family. You all made a very difficult journey just a little easier to handle.  Thank You!

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

Irma A. Schrobilgen

Irma Ann Schrobilgen, 90, of Durango, died Friday, November 22, 2019, at the Grand Meadows Butler House.

Visitation will follow a 2:30 PM prayer service from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Irma will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 27, 2019, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville with Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Irma was born August 26, 1929, in North Buena Vista, IA, the daughter of Joseph Mathias and Leona  Klein Leick. On October 9, 1951, she married Melvin Joseph Schrobilgen at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Buena Vista. He died February 23, 2001. They had farmed and lived their entire lives on the family-owned farm at Five Points Road.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville and the Altar and Rosary Society and church circles. She enjoyed polka music, sewing and mending, gardening, canning and cooking. You never left her house hungry.

Survivors include one daughter, Karen (Gary) Janechek of Cedar Rapids; five sons, Joseph (Anne) Schrobilgen of Bellevue, Randy (Cindy) Schrobilgen of Dubuque, Kevin Schrobilgen of Monticello, David (Jenny) Schrobilgen of Dubuque, and Neil Schrobilgen of Durango; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Merlin (Ruth) Leick of Luxemburg, and Arnold Leick of Des Moines; one sister, Florence (Clarence) Kennicker of Holy Cross; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, Dorothy Ellerbach, Lucille Stoffel, Marina Hess, and Rosemary Tharp, one brother, Leonard, and siblings Alvin and Carol at birth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Joseph Catholic Church and Hospice of Dubuque.

The Schrobilgen family thanks the doctors, nurses, and staff at Finley Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque, and Grand Meadows Butler House for caring for Irma.

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

Janet E. Malone Spahn

Janet Elizabeth Malone Spahn passed away from a sudden cardiac event on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Jan was born to Jean and Ralph Anderson on January 30, 1947, in Spokane, Washington.  Jan was raised in Bellevue, Washington, by her mother, Jean, and stepfather, Robert Keeney, together with her four sisters, Frances, Marcia, Lisa and Jill.  She spent her early summers with her Grandma Ida exploring the woods and shores of Lopez Island, and her high school summers boating and fishing on Whidbey Island.  She was known by her classmates as the beautiful, funny and vivacious “Jannie” “Keeney-Wienie.”

Jan attended Central Washington University and met and married Jon Ruebel.  They moved to Seattle and she worked for John’s family business, Mid-Mountain Contractors.  When their marriage ended, Jan accepted a position as one of the first women salespeople with Gillette Company.  It turned out to be a life-changing career choice; shortly thereafter, in January of 1979, she flew to Arizona for a regional sales meeting, where she met and fell in love with Ron Malone.  Ron and Jan were married six-months later, and welcomed their daughter, Lindsey Elizabeth, that same year.  They moved to Dubuque for what was supposed to be a short Midwestern sojourn so that Ron could take a position with William C. Brown publishing company.  They never left.

Jan was the most devoted mother.  Every day was filled with books and crafts and laughter, and when Ron was traveling, bit plates of buttered noodles with parmesan while watching Dynasty in bed.

When Lindsey started school, Jan began a new career as a real estate agent, figuring that it would provide her with the flexibility to be a working mom.  Jan became one of the most accomplished and sought-after real estate agents in Dubuque – surprising even herself with the magnitude of her success.  Jan counted her many clients as friends; she could not walk into a restaurant or a store in Dubuque without seeing a familiar face.

Ron and Jan took fabulous trips, dined in amazing restaurants, built beautiful homes, and took immense joy in the closeness of their family of three.  Jan was Ron’s rock and caretaker during his five-year battle with cancer.

After Ron’s death, Jan had the unexpected and extraordinary good fortune of finding love again; it just happened to be residing right next door.  On January 17, 2017, Jan married her long-time neighbor, David Spahn, after a four-year courtship.  Jan and Dave loved nothing more than taking walks together, sitting outside with a glass of wine, dining at L. May, the Morocco, or Timmerman’s, and enjoying the company of their ever-expanding circle of dear friends.  Most of all, they delighted in spending time with their grandchildren, Andy, Henry and Rory in Dubuque, and Mac and Will in Seattle.

As friends and family have mourned Jan’s unexpected passing, the memories and stories they have shared all highlight the generosity and warmth of her friendship, the way she filled a room with joy and laughter, and the way she created moments, both big and small, that enhanced the lives of everyone around her.  She will be missed every moment of every day.

Jan is survived by her daughter Lindsey (Nik) Pflugrath, and her grandsons MacDougal and Willem Pflugrath; her husband David Spahn, and Dave’s son Matt (Jennifer) Spahn and grandsons Andrew and Henry Spahn, and Dave’s daughter, Sarah Spahn and granddaughter Aurora Spahn; her sisters Marcia Johnson-Witter, Lisa Keeney McCarthy, and Jill Keeney Cooper; her nephews Russell (Michelle D’Card), Mathew (Alexis) Johnson, Alexander Johnson, and Connor McCarthy, and niece Shannon McCarthy.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2019, from 1:00 to 5:00 at the Christ the King Chapel, Loras College, with a memorial service from 5:00 to 5:30.  In lieu of flowers, Jan’s family requests that donations be made to the Dubuque Humane Society in Jan’s honor.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in care of the arrangements.  A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Suzzanne M. Monahan

Suzzanne M. Monahan, age 55 of rural Benton, WI passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 at UW-Hospital in Madison, WI surrounded by her family.

She was born in Dubuque, IA on January 11, 1964, the daughter of Harvey and Marianne (Ohl) Frederick.  Suzy graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 1982 and later from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, WI.   Suzy married Timothy E. Monahan on March 17, 2000 in Galena, IL.  She grew up in Dubuque, IA and later moved to Benton, WI.  For the past twenty-one years Suzy worked at Lactalis Cheese in Belmont, WI.  She is  survived by her husband Tim, their children Marianne Monahan of rural Benton, Casey  Monahan and Paige Monahan both of Shullsburg, WI and four grandchildren: Aubrie, Asher, Aric and Khloe Monahan; siblings: Terry Frederick and Shari Frederick both of Dubuque, Lori (Rick) Stumpf of Peosta, IA, Tammy (Dennis) Lange of Benton; her mother and father-in-law: Keith and Nancy Monahan of Shullsburg; two brothers-in-law; Tony (Penny) Monahan of Argyle, WI, Ted Monahan of Fond Du Lac, WI and her sister-in-law: Traci (John) Hardyman of Farmington, MN.

Suzy loved spending time with her family, especially fishing and camping with her grandchildren.  She always looked forward to a good game of Euchre, watching her Hallmark movies, singing karaoke and curling up with a good book.  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A family remembrance will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November, 26, 2019 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church (344 N. Judgment Street, Shullsburg, WI) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Sudhakar Devarapu officiating.  A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at St. Matthews Catholic Church.  The Erickson Funeral Home in Shullsburg is serving the family.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com

The family would like to express special thanks to her close friend Susan Gengler for her friendship and caring support over the years as well as Dr. Engleman and staff, Mercy One Dubuque and Dr. Al-Niaimi and UW Madison staff.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Suzy’s name.