Obituaries Archive

Mary Lou Jacobi

Mary Lou Jacobi, 70, of Dubuque, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until a 7:00 PM prayer service, Monday, March 16, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Lou will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Father Thomas McDermott as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Mary Lou was born August 8, 1949, in Dubuque, the daughter of Donald Wesley and Eldora Christina (Richard) Eddy. On November 23, 1990, she married Gerald Harold “Jake” Jacobi at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death September 14, 2012.

She was a 1967 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. She was a office manager for Dr. Zelinskas for 22 years, Dr. Herzberger for three years, and worked at Steve Buchheit State Farm for 25 years.

Mary Lou’s family was very important to her. She loved her brother Dick and sister-in-law Darlene and their families. She was a proud aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt.

Jake was the love of her life. They did everything together. They both loved Christmas. The house was decorated every year – Jake with his villages and Mary Lou with her Christmas trees and decorations in every room of the house.

Mary Lou was “the friend a friend would love to have.” She was always going to a nursing home, hospital, or someone’s house to visit, play cards, or just sit and talk or pray. If you needed her, she was there.

She loved life and lived life her way. She didn’t have any children – her pets were her kids.

She had a strong faith in God and rarely missed a mass. Consider yourself blessed if you were on her prayer list – that meant you were someone very special to her.

Birthdays were something special to her, only she didn’t have a birth”day”, she had a birth”month”. She celebrated the whole month of August.

She loved her country. The fourth of July was almost as important as Christmas.

When her friend Emil Hoffman lost his wife, he moved in with Mary Lou and they had a great companionship. They both enjoyed playing the penny slots at the casino. She took care of Emil until his death at the age of 90 years old.

She had a great but short friendship with Tom Glab. They both lost their spouses and enjoyed going out together with friends.

Survivors include her brother, Richard (Darlene) Eddy of Dubuque; four nieces and nephews, Dick (Paula) Eddy, Kathy (Steve) McDermott, Jeff (Char) Eddy, and Nancy (Dave) Crimmins; 11 great-nieces and great-nephews; ten great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and her poodle, Penny.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Donald Eddy, and her special friend Emil.

Her family thanks Dr. Kirkendall and his nurse Kate and the staff at MercyOne for their kind care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Dubuque Humane Society and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Dwight W. Bischel

Dwight William Bischel, of Dubuque and formerly of Evanston and Galena, IL, passed away on February 28 at the age of 91.  Born on May 4, 1928, Dwight was the son of the late Albert Clair Bischel and Alice Bensen, and husband of the late Sally Krauss Bischel.

A longtime resident of Evanston, Dwight attended Northwestern University, and pursued a career in the relatively young field of television, directing programs at NBC Channel 5, ABC Channel 7 and WFLD  in Chicago.  For many years he was the director of the popular Kukla, Fran and Ollie show, during which it won an Emmy Award.  His show Newscope also won an Emmy.  In 1957, Dwight traveled with station colleagues to the Soviet Union, a rare event during the height of the Cold War.  Dwight later worked for Illinois Bell Corporate Television Group, directing internal films and videos.  Dwight was a member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, serving as the secretary for 18 years, and the Directors Guild of America.  He also had a successful photography business, winning several awards for his work, including three at the International Exhibition of Nature Photography.

Dwight was well known for his many charitable activities and life long association with scouting.  An Eagle Scout and recipient of the Order of The Arrow and Silver Beaver Award, he was a long serving Scout Master for Evanston Troop 21 and a Wood Badge Counselor; for many years he took his scouts on expeditions to the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Scout Jamborees.  In 1952, Dwight authored the much beloved Wabaningo Lodge Emblem Handbook, documenting the early badges of the Boy Scout’s Order of the Arrow lodges.  In 1976, he received Illinois Bell’s most prestigious award, the Alexander Graham Bell Award for his community service, and in 1980 was given the prestigious Good Scout Award by the Chicago Area Council of BSA.  Dwight  was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, where he met his wife, Sally.

Following his 1992 retirement from Illinois Bell, Dwight and Sally moved to Galena, IL, where he continued his community activities, becoming an active member of the Galena Rotary Club, instituting a program whereby every local 3rd grade student received a dictionary.  In 1999, he was one of the club’s Rotarians of the Year.  Dwight worked on documenting local history, creating a detailed areal map of the Galena River, and creating several videos related to the Galena area.  He was also a member of the Galena Art Guild, showing his photographs. Until 2016, local residents could often find him working at Gasser’s Hardware Store, where he worked part-time, indulging in his love of computers, gadgets and strawberry milk shakes from nearby Culvers.

Dwight was preceded in death by Sally, his wife of 37 years, his parents, and sister Elinor.  He is survived by his son Wesley Bischel of Lancaster, PA, husband of Marsha, and their son Samuel.

Dwight preferred to photograph live flowers, so the family asks that donations be made to the Galena Rotary Club, c/o The DeSoto House, 230 South Main ST, Galena, IL 61036; or your local Boy Scout Troop.  And Dwight would have asked you to remember him by doing “a good turn” for others.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 11 AM  at the Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, 635 East Schapville Road, Elizabeth, IL.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dwight’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mary R. Derby

Mary Ruth Derby, 92, of Burlington, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at New London Care Center, New London, IA.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be in Linwood Cemetery Mausoleum.

Mary was born January 16, 1928 in Lowell, Kansas, the daughter of Andrew and Lena Beryl (Newman) Stuart. She married Howard C. Derby on July 17, 1951 in Lynnville, IA. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2013.

Mary was a teacher for the Burlington Community School District for 31 years.

Mary enjoyed the arts and frequently attended plays and musical performances. She also enjoyed tending to her flowers. She played the piano for many years at Heritage Free Methodist Church, where she and Howard were members. Family was very important to her and she spent many days during her retirement with her grandchildren, making sure that they too had these experiences.

Mary is survived by two children, H. David (Patti) Derby, of Dubuque and Deborah (Jim) Stinson, of Burlington; her grandchildren, Christina (Bill) Gilpin, Melissa (Scott Rood), Marcques (Kaylyn Parker), Andrew (Krystal Brokus Davis), and William (Jessica) Derby, Amber (Ben) Robinson, and Brandon (Kristine Schwass) Stinson; her great-grandchildren, Clayton, Brock, and Addison Gilpin, Cassandra, Bryson, Marjorie, and Wyatt Derby, Aden Nelson, and Miah and Raven Brokus Hughes; and two sisters-in-law, Juanita and Lorraine Stuart.

In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by three brothers, Ashley, David, and Paul Stuart; one sister, Helen Miller and one great-grandchild, Colton Rood.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and friends at New London Specialty Care and Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque.

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

Vernon Kass

Vernon Kass, 83 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at home.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Saint Raphael Cathedral with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation for Vern will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a parish wake service at 3:00 p.m.

Vern was born on April 20, 1936 in Saint Catherine, Iowa, the son of Charles and Theresa (Poll) Kass. He married Janice Stoffel on June 18, 1960 at Saint Patrick Church in Epworth, and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2016.

Vern farmed in the St. Catherine area for many years. In his later years, he worked in construction as an old school roofer for many years. Vern was a hardworking man who passed on his work ethic to his children.

He was a devoted and loving husband and was dedicated to caring for his wife, Janice. Vern had a giving nature and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He would give the shirt off his back to help anyone.

Vern loved to make pies, play Euchre, and cribbage, and work in his garden. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed collecting John Deere memorabilia. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and parish member of St. Raphael Cathedral.

He is survived by his children Debra (George) Moler, Charlie Kass, David (Siow Leng Long) Kass, Dan (Theresa) Kass, Don (Karla) Kass and Dennis Kass; seven grandchildren Kyle Sheffer, Nicole Kass, Nathan Kass, Lauren Kass, Meredith Kass, Jordan Kass, and Ryan Kass; two sisters Rose Hartung and Mary Ann Steffen; brother-in-law Noel Kurt and sister-in-law Mary Agnes Kass; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Janice; two brothers, his twin Vincent who passed 8 years ago also on March 11th, and Joseph; two sisters Betty Kurt and Theresa Basten; brothers-in-law Loras Steffen and Leonard Hartung; sister-in-law Margaret Kass.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Schope and his staff, the VNA Clinic, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Paul, for all their care and kindness they gave to Vern. A special thank you to all of Vern’s family for their dedicated, loving care.

In lieu of flowers, a Vern Kass memorial fund will be established.

Jean (Hughes) Dunne

Jean “Duffy” (Hughes) Dunne, 83, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Mill Valley Care Center.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, March 16, 2020 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek. Family will greet friends 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, additional visitation will be again Monday morning from 9:00 am – 10:00 am also at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery in Otter Creek.

Jean was born February 17, 1937, the daughter of John and Rita (Duffy) Hughes. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School. She married Joseph Dunne on November 10, 1956 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Temple Hill, he passed on June 15, 2015. Jean was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, enjoyed quilting, playing cards, and attending family events. She was an avid Cubs Fan, Hawkeye Fan, active in AA and Al-Anon. Jean was a great cook, and the “rock” of her family.

Survivors include her children, Gary (Martha) Dunne of Otter Creek, Pat (Jody) Dunne of Andrew, Kevin (Allison) Dunne of Orlando, FL, Brian (Wendy) Dunne of Andrew, Phillip (Lanie) Dunne of Marion, and JoEllen (Terry) McGugan of Denver, CO; 21 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert (Donna) Hughes; sisters and brothers in-law, Katie Hughes, Kay Hughes, Donna (Maurice) Sturm, and Bill (Jean) Dunne.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Pat and Dave Hughes; and a sister and brother in-law, Ellen (Neil) Donovan.

The family would like to thank all the staff of Sunrise Villa and Mill Valley Care Center and Hospice of Jackson County for your care and support during this time.

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

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

Sr. Patricia Heuer, OSF

Sister Patricia Heuer, OSF, 103 of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa, died at 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Clare House.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be, Monday, March 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation: 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel.

Sister Pat was born on July 29, 1916 in Sturgis, South Dakota., the daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Frisch) Heuer.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 12, 1933 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1939.   Sister ministered as an educator in Iowa at Waterloo, Sioux City, and Dyersville; in Illinois at Midlothian, Melrose Park, and North Riverside; and in California at Crescent City.

Sister is survived by her sister-in-law Berniece Heuer, her nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: John Heuer, Roman (Helen) Heuer and Henry Heuer; her sisters: Sister Mary Heuer, OSF, and Ora Belle (Edward) Sheehan.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary A. Zepeski

Mary A. Zepeski, age 92 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on March 7, 2020 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury.  To honor Mary’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on January 21, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter to Leo and Agnes (Wilberding) Reiff. She was a proud graduate of the Immaculate Conception, Class of 1945. Mary began her working career as a telephone operator with Northwestern Bell, but eventually found herself working alongside Norman Zepeski at his Link Art and Photography Studio in Dubuque. The two were soon united in marriage on April 17, 1951 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. They were blessed with two sons, and 59 years of marriage before Norman was sadly called home in October of 2010. Her heart was broken, never to be completely healed, until she joined his side again in heaven.

Mary found plenty of activities to keep her mind and body busy outside of work. Her faithful devotion to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church was continually on display as she practiced her faith life through a daily walk with her Lord and Savior. She also gave continually of her time and talents as a board member with ARC, and a longtime member of the YWCA. Mary also spent countless afternoons boating on the river with her family, venturing to Colorado on ski trips, and playing multiple rounds of golf each week when the weather was welcoming. Mary and Norman went on several trips to Door County, WI and passed this love on to her family. Her affection for companionship was always evident whether she was gathering with her Bridge Club, or spending some quality time just visiting with her friends. Her grandchildren will remember her as an expert euchre partner, Hawkeye sports aficionado, and steadfast source of conversation and honest advice. Mary cherished gathering with relatives and seeing the family she helped to nurture and build. We will love and miss Mary with heavy hearts moving forward, but we have faith that she is now walking humbly with her Lord. Thank you, Mary, for the life lessons and stories, may the peace you have searched so diligently for, finally be yours!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her son,
David J. (Kay) Zepeski, Dubuque, Iowa;

her daughter-in-law,
Sondra Zepeski (Mixdorf) , Dubuque, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Douglas (Anne) Zepeski, Scott (fiancé Kelsie Berns) Zepeski, Laura Zepeski, Taylor (fiancé Jason Pfankuch) Zepeski, Kaitlin (Micah) Vansciver, Zachary (Haley) Zepeski, Zachary (Sommer) Mixdorf, Nathan Mixdorf, Myra Mixdorf, Justin Mixdorf and Ayla Mixdorf;

her great-grandchildren,
Mari O’Malley, McKenzee and Madden Vansciver, Cooper, Zoe and Ellie Zepeski and Aria Mixdorf;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman Zepeski; her son, Jay Zepeski; and her sister, Eulaia (Richard) Unsen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Mary’s name to Luther Manor Grand Meadows, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Mary’s family would like to extend a sincere, enormous thank you to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the professional and compassionate care they have given to Mary, and her family.  We would also like to thank all of Mary’s dear friends over the years who have provided more love and support than anyone will ever know.  Mary’s life was abundantly full because of those who gave generously of their own time and energy and we cannot thank you enough for simply being you.

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

LaVonne F. Hoffman

LaVonne F. Hoffman, 91, of Dubuque died peacefully at Grand Meadows on Friday, February 28. 2020, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

The family will receive guests from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 29th at Steeple Square, 101 East 15th Street where a prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Private internment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

LaVonne was born on June 23, 1928 in Sherrill, Iowa daughter of Herman J. and Mary Susan (Jungblut) Nauman.

She married Robert B. Hoffman on November 27, 1947 at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Sherrill. He proceeded her in death on November 27, 2006 (their 59th wedding anniversary)

LaVonne was an excellent baker of breads and worked in that capacity at the Ryan House. She also later worked at Bishop’s Buffet. She was a volunteer at the Dubuque Arboretum and enjoyed tending to her many flower gardens that adorned her homes. She also had a love for reading, literally reading thousands of books.

LaVonne is survived by her children Bob (Faye) Hoffman, John (Sue) Hoffman, Kathy (John) Jeidy, Ed Hoffman, Nancy (Fred Wallace) Tauke, Bill (Julie) Hoffman, Laura (Brian) Barry, Andy Hoffman, Nick (Carol) Hoffman and Mark (Jayne Kotecki) Hoffman, 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings John (Ann) Nauman, Germaine Freiburger, Teresa Kroll, Agnes (Robert) O’Neill, Adele Peters and Margaret (Ken) Ziegenfuss, sisters-in-law Marge Nauman, DaLee Preston and Charlene Wiebold and brother-in-law Herbert Benn and many nieces and nephews,

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Christopher Tauke, sibilings Mildred Wirzbach, Gregory Nauman, Henry Nauman, Norbert Nauman, Herman Nauman, half brother Eldon Nauman, half sisters Marian Bales, Lucille Beau, Sister Eleanor Nauman, and Clara Spoden; in-laws Robert Wirzbach, Helen Nauman, Eileen Nauman, Leora Nauman, Loras Freiburger, Gene Kroll, George Peters, Jeanette Williams, Donna Benn, William Hoffman and Burton Hoffman.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shaw for his kind attention to our mother over several decades. In lieu of flowers, LaVonne requested memorials be given to the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in her name.

Nina J. Jurisic

Nina June “Boots” Jurisic, 94, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The funeral service for Mrs. Jurisic will be 1:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Reverend Dianne Grace as the officiant. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Boots was born October 1, 1925, in Dubuque, the daughter of George “Pat” and Minnie Jonas Avenarius. On April 15, 1946, she married George P. Jurisic in Dubuque. He died January 1, 1971.

She had worked at Mercy Medical Center in the cafeteria as a salad maker.

She was a member of the Eagles Club and was a foster grandparent. She was very close with her sisters and loved spending time with them.

Survivors include two sons, Gene Jurisic of Dubuque, and Terry (Debra) Jurisic of Eldridge, IA; six grandchildren, Gene Jurisic, Jr., Susana Jurisic, Harley Jurisic, Nicole (Allan) Vatnsdal, Joshua (Melanie) Jurisic, and Stephanie (Matthew) Arensdorff; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Ruth Ann Jurisic, one grandson, Christopher Jurisic, five brothers, Harold “Cyril”, Milton, Gerald, Norman and Eldon Avenarius, and three sisters, Mona “Sis” Fens, Delaine Vogt, and Minnetta “Nettie” Fortner.

The family thanks the 3rd floor staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care.

Memorials have been established for Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

June M. (Kress) Friederick

June M. (Kress) Friederick, 76, of LaMotte Iowa had her last day in this life and began her new one on March 8th, 2020.

To honor June’s life, friends and family can join us at Midtown Marina in East Dubuque, IL on March 18th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a celebration of a wonderful life she lived.

June was born on June 11, 1943 in Potosi, WI, the daughter of George and Viola (Bierman) Kress. She graduated from Potosi High School in 1961. She married Kenny Friederick on November 30th, 1963 in Dickeyville, WI.

June & Ken farmed in LaMotte Iowa their entire life together. June milked cows for 44 years and was great at her job. Along with working hard she was an excellent gardener, canner, and cook.

She loved euchre, poker, fishing, gambling, spending time at their cabin, enjoyed their time spent in Arizona and most of all laughing and having a good time. Her friends and family were her greatest joy.

June has always said “saying I love you doesn’t mean much, it’s showing it, that’s’ what counts!” She did by example, her advice, time, a helping hand, acceptance and loving nature. Her last amazing act of kindness was donating her body for research. Her humor and laughter were contagious. She will forever be missed.

Those left to cherish so many great memories are her husband of 56 years, Kenny Friederick; her sisters, Nell Leibfried and Diane Schaal; sisters-in-law Suzanne Kress, Carol & Carl Friederick, Ester & Clete Kruser, Carol, Janet and Pat Friederick; lots of nieces and nephews. Her 5 children, Renee (Brian) Ridenour, of Luana, Iowa, Tim (Dawn) Friederick, of St .Donatus IA, Rhonda (Dirk) Deutmeyer, of Epworth, IA, Tom Friederick (Jackie) of LaMotte, IA., and Jodi (Tim) Cook of Cascade, IA; 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Eldon Kress, John (Sandy) Kress & Pete Kress. Brother & Sister in laws Ralph (Florence), Joe (Mary), Earl, Donny, Shirley, Leo Friederick and Doug Schaal. No shortage of euchre players.

So much thanks to Hospice of Jackson Co. for their excellent care. June considered the nurses her friends.

In lieu of flowers please do a kind act for someone in her memory. Memorials will be split among her favorite charities.

Make people laugh, spend time with those who make you laugh
~June

Marie Dorothy Donar

Marie Dorothy Donar, 98, of Menominee, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, in the company of her nephew Dan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, March 14, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church, Menominee, with the Rev. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish and St. Ann’s Society rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Marie was born on August 8, 1921, at home in lower Menominee, the third of six children. She grew up in the Menominee and Galena area, attending school at “Dirty” Ridge School and Menominee School.

Marie farmed with her parents, brothers, sister and sister-in-law in the Menominee, East Dubuque, Dubuque and Galena areas, and later near Potosi. She spent many years living with Dan and Mary Kay and helped raise their family. Upon retirement, she resided once again in Menominee with her brothers and sister. As the surviving matriarch of the Donar family, she lived with Dan and Mary Kay in her final years. She devoted her life to the Blessed Virgin Mary and helping others.

Surviving are her nephews, Dan (Mary Kay) Donar, of Menominee, and Leo “Lee” (Vickie) Donar, of Hazel Green; nieces, Theresa (Lewis) Riniker, of Benton, and Linda (Don) Stierman, of Toledo and Brenda (Ron) Donar of Cuba City, many great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins, especially her first godchild, Barbara (Steve) Vogt.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Theresa (Bishop) Donar; four brothers John, Leo, Clem, and Nick; one sister, Anna Mae; one sister-in-law, Mary; and two great nieces, Rebecca Riniker and Alazaya Vickerman.

The family wishes to thank Galena Stauss Senior Care Community and their employees for the care provided to Marie.

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

Lily Jo Cricket Davis

Lily Jo Cricket Davis, 9-year-old daughter of Joshua and Jennifer (Thoma) Davis of Durango and formerly of Dubuque passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral service will be at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12th, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may visit after 3:00 p.m. Thursday until time of service at the funeral home.

Lily was born on June 1, 2010 in Iowa City, the daughter of Joshua and Jennifer (Thoma) Davis. She attended Eisenhower School and was on the AYSO Soccer Team. She loved to dance and was a member of the Dubuque Dance Studio and Ainsley’s Angels running group. She also enjoyed swimming, being outdoors, riding horses and spending time with her dog “Miley”. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh.

Those left to cherish her memory include her parents; her siblings Aurora age 7, Kattarina age 4, and Pyper 17 months; her paternal grandparents Steve and Judy (Dieters) Davis; maternal grandparents John and Kelly (Dimmer) Thoma; maternal great grandparents Paul and Ruth Dimmer; her Godparents Jesse Davis and Angel Thoma; along with many aunts uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by an aunt, Jennifer Davis.

In lieu of flowers a Lily Davis memorial fund has been established.

Thank you to everyone for all their kind thoughts and prayers for Lily, and to Maya and Makayla at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinic Pediatrics for all their care and support.

Joan M. Hickson

Joan M. Hickson, 85, of Otter Creek, Iowa, passed away on Saturday evening, March 7, 2020 at her home.

A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the mass on Thursday beginning at 9:30 A.M. at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Joan Marie Hutchcroft was born on November 30, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa, to James and Nora (Urbain) Hutchcroft. She grew up in rural Jackson County and graduated from high school in Dubuque. She married James Hickson on May 5, 1956 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek. He preceded her in death in 1991.

Joan raised a family and farmed with her husband in the Otter Creek area for many years. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and its altar and rosary society.

Joan loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always taking care of someone and was a “one of a kind” mother and grandmother who gave unconditional love. All of her children and grandchildren are left with precious memories.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Mary Lou (Greg) Rorah of Bellevue, IA, Linda (Steve) Mask of DeWitt, IA, Carol (Doug) Boyler of Bettendorf, IA, John Hickson of Otter Creek, IA, Lisa (Steve) Clark of Otter Creek, IA, and Chris (Heather) Hickson of Otter Creek, IA; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Eulaine) Hutchcroft of LaMotte, IA, and John (Sandi) Hutchcroft of Dubuque, IA; a sister, Georgia (Jim) Willging of Dubuque, IA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Charlie Bergfeld of Peosta, IA, Charles and Rita Hickson of Dubuque, IA, and Dellene and John Till Jr. of LaMotte, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Dannie Hutchcroft and Bob (Leny) Hutchcroft, a sister Emma Jean Bergfeld, and a grandson Dylan Hickson.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Joan M. Hickson memorial fund has been established.

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

Sister Mary Barbara Rastatter, PBVM

Sister Mary Barbara Rastatter, PBVM, (formerly Sister Mary Arthur) 86, died on Friday, March 6, 2020, at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Friday, March 13, 2020 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 Thursday, March 12 2020, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 pm.

Sister Mary Barbara, daughter of Arthur and Beatrice (Theis) Rastatter, was born Barbara Ann on January 25, 1934, in Dubuque, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Dubuque on September 8, 1953 and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1961.

She attended Clarke College, Dubuque IA and earned a Bachelor of Arts from American Conservatory of Music, Chicago and a Master of Arts from University of Northern IA, Cedar Falls.

Sister Barbara served as an elementary and secondary music teacher at Catholic schools in Iowa, including Algona, Farley, Cedar Falls, Epworth and Peosta, and in Timber Lake, South Dakota; she served in pastoral ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Waterloo, Iowa, and St. Anthony Parish, Dubuque (1993, 1998-2000). She was music consultant for the PBVM congregation from 1975 to 1981, and served in congregational leadership from 1991 to 1998. She also served as Director of Social Care and Senior Ministries in Chicago. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2013 and stated “I am grateful for the countless blessings through the years, but most of all, I give thanks for the privilege of making the journey with so many Presentation companions! My hope is that together we will strive to keep Nano’s dream alive and that we will always be willing to walk ‘one pace beyond.’ She retired to Mount Loretto in 2013, participating in community prayer and service and listening to music and visiting with family and friends.

Surviving is her sister, Miriam Rastatter, sisters-in-law, Pat (Charles) Rastatter and Maryann (Paul) Rastatter, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 67 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Jeanne (Norbert) Willging, and Lo-E (Joe) Miller, and her brothers, Charles, David and Paul.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper 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.dbqpbvms.org.

Ann T. Dietzel

Ann T. Dietzel, 95, of 3485 Windsor Avenue, formerly of Alverno Apartments, Dubuque, died on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott and Rev. Paul McManus officiating.  Burial will be in Holy Ghost Cemetery, Dickeyville.  Friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is in charge of the arrangements.

Ann was born on April 23, 1924, in Dickeyville, the daughter of Henry & Helena (Busch) Dietzel.  Ann moved to Dubuque in 1967 and was a self-employed beautician for most of her life.  She had a strong devotion to her church and the Blessed Mother.  She was a member of Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque and later, Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville.  She was a member of the 3rd Order of St. Francis and the Power of Prayer.  She was a Eucharistic Minister at Mercy Medical Center for many years.

Ann enjoyed gardening and flowers and was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious roast beef dinners and raspberry and rhubarb desserts.  She loved traveling, especially vacationing “Up North” in Wisconsin.  Ann dearly loved her nieces and nephews, her great-nieces and great-nephews and her great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews and would help them in any way that she could.  Ann had a special way of making everyone around her feel like the most important person in the world.

Surviving are her godson, Gene (Lois) Dietzel of Dickeyville and their family; her sister-in-law, Lucella Dietzel of Dickeyville; numerous nieces and nephews and their families; and her very good friends at Alverno Apartments and Stonehill Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her fiancé, Maynard Langmeier; her parents; two brothers, Bernard (Marcella) Dietzel and Ambrose Dietzel; three sisters, Marie Dietzel, Leona (Lavern) Digman and Angeline (Leonard) Digman; a nephew, Roland Dietzel; a great-nephew, Brian Muller; and a great niece, Katie Hartke.

An Ann T. Dietzel Memorial Fund has been established.

Ann’s family would like to thank the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they provided for Ann. 

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