Obituaries Archive

Richard L. Griebel

Richard Lee “Dick” Griebel, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 3, 2019 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday July 8th, 2019 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Martyn officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time of service.

Dick was born on July 11, 1929 in Bellevue, Iowa the son of Arthur and Cora (Hinke) Griebel. He served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. He married Irene Oberfoell on November 13, 1954 at St. Peter and Paul Church in Sherrill.

He worked for Clinton Engines, Dubuque Packing Company, Carnations Artificial Breeding, and at the Ertl Company; lastly, he was a salesman for Moorman’s Feed.

Dick was a great outdoors man and enjoyed fishing and Bow Hunting; he was an avid reader throughout his life. Dick was a very humble and decent man who had a great sense of humor and was devoted to his family.

He is survived by his children, John Griebel, Pamela (John) Renfro, and Rebecca (Michael “Moe” Miller) Griebel, all of Dubuque. One grandchild Jennifer Renfro along with nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Irene, brothers Glenn, Earl, and a sister Ellen Reed.

In lieu of flowers a Richard L. Griebel memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Dick.

Mary M. Blatz

Mary Margaret “Susie” Blatz, 89, of St. Catherine Rd, Dubuque, passed away in her home on the evening of July 3rd, 2019 surrounded by family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Susie was born September 23rd 1929, in Faribault, MN to Rosalie and Gentiel Vandendriessche. Her father Gentiel migrated from Belgium at the age of 27. In Faribault, she attended Kindergarten at Garfield School, 1st- 8th at Immaculate Conception and Graduated High School in 1947 from Bethlehem Academy where the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Mound taught her.

She married Alcuin Blatz from New Trier, MN on April 6th 1948 at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque. They were married 24 years when Al passed away of a heart attack on October 25, 1972. They were blessed with 10 kids. They lived in an apartment in Dubuque until 1952 when they moved to a basement home built by Al. Eventually Al built the home on top where Susie resided the remainder of her life.

Her first job was at Rice County Regent Clerk Office and Rice County Superintendent’s Office of schools both in Faribault, MN. Then she worked for Fischer Company in Dubuque until her and Al started their family. Susie returned to work after Al passed away retiring from Valet Food Service after 25 years at the age of 71.

Susie was a faithful member of St. Catherine’s Parish, St. Catherine’s Rosary Society, Catholic Order of Foresters and St. Catherine’s Renew and Prayer Group.

She made the best Pumpkin bread according to her grandchildren. She loved having her family around her especially when her grandchildren played 65 along with her friends Velma Hoppman and Evelyn Specht. She was always knitting pot-holders, gloves, socks and dishcloths.

She is survived by her children; Barb (Joe) Lyons, of Dubuque, Susan (Larry) Metcalf, of Dubuque, Joanne (Jim) Oberbroeckling, of Cascade, Larry (Sheila) Blatz, of Dubuque, Mike (Karen) Blatz, of Dubuque, Kathy (Tony) Reiss, of La Motte, Mark (Jean) Blatz of Dubuque, Tom (Sarah) Blatz, of Bellevue, and Mary (John) Giesemann, of La Motte; her daughter-in-law Angie Blatz-Malott, of Dubuque. Two sisters-in-law Maryann Blatz, of Sterling, IL, and Ferrell Blatz, of Stanchfield, MN. Her 34 surviving grandchildren: Paul, Molly, Chris, Michelle, Travis, Brenda, Nicole, Matt, Mike, Craig, Lindsay, Helen, Al, Ben, Tonya, Michael, Kimberly, Laura, Sara, Julie, Brian, Eric, Kelly, Brandi, Natalie, Jared, Madalyn, Anna, Amanda, Anthony, Adam, Andrew, Ryan, and Nicholas. Her 50 great grandchildren and one on the way, along with two great-great grandchildren.

Susie is preceded in death by her husband Alcuin; her parents Rosalie and Gentiel Vandendriessche; her son Joey; her grandchildren Tommy Lyons, Katie Lyons, Marty Lyons, and Rosalie Blatz. Her sister Helen Remold and brother Marcel Vandendriessche along with 13 brothers-in-law and 10 sisters-in-law.

A special Thank You to Mom’s “11th child” Steve and Liz Staner for being such a great neighbor to our Mom. Also, a thank you to two of the world’s greatest caregivers Phyllis Freiburger and Jeanette O’Brien. Finally thank you to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque especially Amy.

Donald P. Dupont

Donald P. Dupont, 89, of Dubuque, and formerly of Phoenix, Az. and Palatine, Ill., passed away in his home on Saturday, June 29 with family at his side.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 2001 St. Joseph Street, Dubuque. Fr. Paul Attah-Nsiah will officiate. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2019 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, in Dubuque. Interment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Dubuque, where there will be a flag presentation by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Don was a Dubuque boy who travelled the world during his 38 years with the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen & Co., and he was one of nine Phoenix Civic Leaders who founded the Fiesta Bowl-now a host of the National College Football Championship Game-in 1971.

He began his four decades at Andersen as an auditor in the Small Business Division of the firm’s Home Office in Chicago from 1953 to 1969, where he made Manager in 1959 and became a Partner in 1966.

Don was then promoted to Managing Partner of the firm’s Phoenix office from 1969 to 1982, where he directed a massive business expansion that tripled the size of the office staff from 75 to 225 employees.

He finished his career at Andersen’s World Headquarters in Chicago, where from 1982 until his retirement in 1990, he oversaw 85,000 world-wide employees as Managing Director of Personnel.

In that role, he attended global planning meetings in Zurich, Switzerland, participated in Far East business expansions in places like Thailand and Indonesia, and fought for upgraded daycare and eldercare programs to improve the retention rates of Andersen’s female employees.

But it all began in Dubuque. Don was the eldest of four children (he had 3 sisters) born to Ralph and Margaret (Kintzle) Dupont on August 7, 1929.

Ralph was a woodworker who helped construct Eagle Point Park while with the WPA, He later ran a small grocery in the 1950’s on what is now Pennsylvania Avenue, and then owned and operated the Y Motel on Highway 20 West with Marge for two decades.

Don attended Nativity grade school and then graduated from Loras Academy in 1947, where he was on the Honor Roll all four years. He was also Class President in his senior year, and he was Lt. Col. and Battalion Commander of the school’s ROTC.

Don joined the boxing team at Loras-he wanted to wrestle, but the school had no team-and he became an undefeated Golden Gloves boxing champion who never lost a fight in three years at 112 pounds, as noted by the Encyclopedia Dubuque.

He lacked knockout power, but Don was such a fast and entertaining fighter that his Flyweight matches were often the Main Event during regional summertime exhibition fight cards in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

His life’s biggest regret came in 1947 when Golden Gloves boxing returned to Iowa, and Don won the 112-pound title as a 17-year-old Senior at Loras. He was unable to compete in the National Golden Glove Championships in Chicago because the dates conflicted with his Senior Retreat, and Loras leaders convinced him he had to attend the retreat as Class President.

The fighter he defeated for the Iowa title-who was several years older-went to Chicago in his place and finished 2nd at Nationals.

Don’s academic work at Loras Academy earned him the award of Highest Distinction-which his classmate Fr. John Friedell won as well-and Don was one of five Academy graduates to receive a tuition scholarship to Loras College.

He supplemented his scholarship money by working at Stampfer’s Department Store during his high school and college years. Stampfer’s was Dubuque’s oldest department store, founded in 1855, and in 1908 it moved into a new four-story building at 800-847 Main, according to Encyclopedia Dubuque.

Don initially worked at Stampfer’s produce farm before eventually moving into the main building as a 4th-floor stockboy.

He earned his accounting degree at Loras College in 1951, where he played intramural sports, ran the 2-mile, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also one of 14 seniors chosen to represent Loras in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.”

During his college summers, Don played Town Ball in the Prairie League on the Asbury Phils, where he was one of three Loras students who served as ringers on the otherwise all-local team. He played catcher and shortstop for the Phils, and occasionally pitched in a pinch.

After college graduation, Don served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, and he was stationed in Tokyo during the Korean Conflict. He continued to serve in the Reserve Corps on standby until 1960.

When he returned from the military, Don accepted an accounting job with Arthur Andersen in Chicago. His original plan was to work there two years, and then return to Dubuque to open up his own practice. But the opportunities were so great with Andersen that he never left.

The other thing Don did when he got back from Japan was tell all his friends that he would be married within a year, even though he didn’t have the specific candidate lined up yet.

But he was as good as his word. In October 1954, he married Janet M. Bahl of Asbury, who was the sister of a teammate on the Asbury Phils, and whom he met at their Sunday games. Together, they had two boys and two girls, and were married for 40 years until Janet died of pancreatic cancer in 1995.

They started their life together in an Italian neighborhood of Chicago and bought their first home in the northwest suburb of Palatine in 1959. A decade later, Andersen transferred them to Phoenix.

While running Andersen’s Phoenix office, Don threw himself into civic life. Andersen became a significant contributor and recruiter at Arizona State University’s School of Accountancy. The school established a Don Dupont Faculty Excellence Award in his honor.

He was also the local President of Junior Achievement, which mentors high-school students in business-related projects, and he was Chairman of the Foundation for Senior Adult Living.

But Don’s single biggest civic involvement-and the milestone that gave him the most satisfaction in his professional career-was his collaboration with eight other Phoenix business leaders to create the Fiesta Bowl in 1971.

That multi-year effort came at a time when there were just a handful of NCAA-approved Post-Season College Football Bowl Games, and only one-the Rose Bowl in California-played in the Western half of the country. And the NCAA had very little interest in starting a new one.

Phoenix hotelier Jack Stewart, whose Camelback Inn Resort was an Andersen client, invited Don to join the small group pursuing the Bowl when he learned of his interest in athletics. Don became Treasurer of the group, and his Andersen office got the Bowl its not-for-profit status and contributed all of the early accounting work.

Against all odds, and with the help of U.S. Attorney General John Mitchell and the philanthropic promise to plow Bowl profits into the fight against substance abuse, the Fiesta Bowl group finally won NCAA approval.

The rest is history. Coming up on its 50th Anniversary, the Fiesta Bowl is inarguably Arizona’s most successful civic venture of the past half-century. It has hosted several National Championship Games, and, according to its website, the Fiesta Bowl has generated an estimated $2.75 billion for Arizona’s economy over the past 12 years and it has contributed $12.5 million to charitable causes over the last 8 years.

Don was Fiesta Bowl President in 1979-1980, and he invited the University of Arizona to make their first appearance in the Bowl. It was also around that time he made his most important impact on what became The Little Bowl That Could.

The Fiesta Bowl was offered a multi-year contract to match the second-place teams from the Big Ten and Pac-10 Conferences in their annual game. It was a prestigious offer that guaranteed a huge television audience, but it would come at the sacrifice of the Bowl’s independence to select its own teams.

Don cast the tie-breaking vote to turn down that contract. That decision to retain the Bowl’s independence allowed the Fiesta Bowl to stage National Championship Games between Penn State and Miami in 1987 and Notre Dame and West Virginia in 1989. Those games cemented the Fiesta Bowl’s national standing and reputation.

When Don was promoted to Andersen’s World Headquarters in 1982, he and Janet returned to Palatine, settling into a century-old historic home near the old downtown. Their house was one of five homes featured in the Palatine Historical Society’s House and Garden Tour in 1998.

When Don retired from Andersen in 1990, Janet encouraged him to become more active in Palatine civic affairs. She ran his campaign to get him elected to the Palatine Public Library Board, where his business acumen was essential for the site selection and construction of the new Main Library.

He was also the chairman of Vision in Progress, a civic organization that worked to place a new community center in Palatine’s under-served north side.

In 2009, Don was one of four community volunteers added to the Palatine Park District’s Honor Roll-the District’s “highest honor,” its executive director said-for years of contribution to the community. He was also specifically cited for “the vision, leadership, planning and hard work that led to the creation of what grew to become the Palatine Opportunity Center.”

In 2012, Don moved back to Dubuque to be closer to his sister Shirley, Janet’s surviving brothers and sisters, and his classmates from high school and college. But in another sense, he had never really been gone.

Throughout his years in Chicago and Phoenix, Don continued to maintain strong ties to Dubuque, especially to his alma mater. He was a member of the Loras College Board of Regents for 18 years, and Board Chairman from 1984 to 1987.

Don was also given the Loras College Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990, he was designated a Loras “Regent Emeritus” in 1999, and he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 2001.

In a letter to the Dupont family, Loras College President Jim Collins said, “Your Dad was very engaged with Loras. He and your Mom contributed annually since he graduated from Loras in 1951. They made a major gift to every campaign the College launched. His leadership allowed Loras to achieve much success in the following building projects: Alumni Campus Center, Byrne Oaks Apartment Complex, Keane Hall renovations, and Rock Bowl Stadium.”

Collins also wrote, “Your father helped to hire a number of Loras graduates at Arthur Andersen, and he hosted numerous Loras Alumni gatherings in Arizona, Chicago and Dubuque. He attended almost every Alumni function Loras hosted, including many annual homecomings. Upon his advice, I created a President’s Advisory Council, and he served as its founding Chair. Though he had to cancel out of the last couple of meetings, he was an active participant up to his passing.”

Don was also closely connected with the Sisters of the Visitation, where he served as an Advisory Board Member and volunteer financial consultant. His ties to that group were based on his warm and enduring friendship with Sr. Bernadine Curoe.

Don is survived by his sister, Patricia Lange of Rockford, Ill.; his daughters, Anne Dupont of Centennial, Colo. and Jill Dupont of Duluth, Minn., and sons, Michael Dupont of Albuquerque, NM and Mark Dupont of Chicago, Ill.; his granddaughters, Kaitlin (Thomas) Boileau of San Jose, Cal. and Maureen Phenix of Ft. Collins, Colo.; and in-laws Betty Allen, Nita Betts, Mary O’Hea, Charles Bahl, Joseph (Susan) Bahl, Tom (Wendy) Bahl, and Verne Wilson, all of the Dubuque area, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet and her parents, Joseph and Vi Bahl, and Joe’s second wife, Marie; his parents, Ralph and Marge; his sisters Bette Dale and Shirley Bahl; his sister-in-law Susan (Bahl) Wilson; his brothers-in-law, Robert Allen, Robert Betts, Del O’Hea, Edward Lange, and Jack Dale; his nieces, Michelle Bahl, Karen Lange, and Jean (Bahl) Kliebenstein-Koren; and his nephews John Allen, Doug Bahl, and Gary Betts.

Don’s family extends heartfelt thanks to Jean Ough and the other caregivers and staff of Home Instead, and nurse Shirley and the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care they provided to Don.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Don’s memory be made to the Loras Fund, 1450 Alta Vista Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 or the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, 700 Locust Street Suite 195, Dubuque, IA 52001.

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

Charles L. Miller

Charles L. “Charlie” Miller, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 3rd, 2019 at Bethany Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 6th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 5th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Charlie was born on January 27, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Erwin and Margaret (Sullivan) Miller. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 in Korea. He married Jean Ann Bisanz on October 6, 1956 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2013.

He worked at Divine Word College as a chef for 30 years until his retirement. He enjoyed playing cards, was an avid Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Viking and Iowa Hawkeye Fan. He loved to cook for his family and friends; was a devoted husband and family man and was a wonderful care giver to his wife Jean for many years.

He is survived by his two children, Linda (Scott) Havertape, of Hazel Green, WI, and Paul Miller of Monroe, WI. Three grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff Bradley) Callahan, Sean (Meghan Ziffra) Callahan and Kayleigh Miller; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jean, two brothers Dan and Jim and a sister Mary Schurb.

The family would like to thank the Medical Associates physicians and staff, Bethany Home staff and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Charlie.

Tracey Hartnett

A Memorial Gathering to Celebrate the Life Of Tracey Hartnett
July 4th, 1968 – June 20th, 2019

Beloved Daughter of JoAnn Combs
Sister of Jennifer Williams and Priscella Encalade
Loving Mother of Edan, Taran, Lucius, Jean Pierre and Enzo

Please join us on the Riverfront to celebrate the life of our dear Tracey Hartnett. We will be honoring her at the white gazebo on Sunday July 7th 2019, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Let us remember her free-spirited character and cherish all of the memories she has blessed us with. Her boys have asked for everyone to bring a photo of your favorite memory with her along with a flower of your choosing to lay in her remembrance.

Tracey moved to Bellevue Iowa in 2012 with her five boys. She often attended the local farmers markets while she worked her way through massage school. She was a dedicated worker who always found the time to enjoy her family, massage, gardening, music, fashion and cooking. You could find her at Codfish Hollow providing healing massage services to the band members and dancing freely to life’s songs or putting her green thumb to use in the garden growing a variety of vegetables and flowers.

She was a true and loyal friend and a loving mother. There is nothing she would not do for those she loved. Her contagious, positive and uplifting outlook on life, her deep conversations and her genuine, loving character will truly be missed.

Any memorials given in her honor will be directed towards her sons.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.

Mary Jo (Merfeld) Dalen

Mary Jo (Merfeld) Dalen, 57, danced her way up the top of the mountain with her family and friends ending her journey on July 2, 2019.

Mary Jo began her adventure at Xavier Hospital in 1961 when she was born to Orland and Mavis (Chadwick) Merfeld. She moved from Bernard to East Dubuque and attended all East Dubuque schools, graduating from high school January 13, 1979. She obtained her dental assistant degree from NITI and started working at West Third Oral Surgery. The practice grew and moved on to become Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. For 38 years, Mary Jo was a part of this team.

Mary Jo, more affectionately referred to as MJ, Jo, Mama Jo Dalen, or Diva, could often be found on the dance floor shaking it to Brown Eyed Girl or whatever song happened to be playing. If she wasn’t on the dance floor, you might find her at the casino, soaking up the sun, or taking a nap on the couch. She taught 9 years of CCD classes at the Nativity BVM in Menominiee. Every year for the last 20 or so years, Mary Jo helped with Lulu’s Thanksgiving dinners at Seldom Scene.

She will be sorely missed and survived by her daughters Melissa (Dr. Robert) Morley and Kaila Dalen; her favorite grandson, Everett Morley; her mother, Mazie Merfeld; siblings David (Joyce) Merfeld, Marcie (Steve) High, Orland Merfeld Jr, Donnie (Joni) Merfeld, many nieces, nephews, aunts, and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mark; father, Orland Sr.; brother-in-law, Lyle; grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to give a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice as well as all family and friends for their support given during the past months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice or Menominee-Dunlieth Fire Department.

Mary Jo hoped to leave this world with a smoking hot body, so before going to see the great creator, she will be going to see the great cremater. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque where a short service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in East Dubuque Cemetery, East Dubuque, IL.

Mary E. Dempsey

Mary Elizabeth Dempsey, 101 years of age, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2019.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Stephanie Schlimm will officiate. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. is entrusted with arrangements.

Mary was the fourth child of Florian and Barbara Kasper, and was born in Trempleau, WI on April 30, 1918. She was born the year women got the right to vote, and she proudly voted in the 2016 presidential election. She was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, which she enjoyed so much. A dear friend and fellow parishioner, Sue Hattel, visited her often and brightened her days.

Mary also enjoyed her friends at St. Mary’s Apartments where she resided for 19 years, and her caregivers at Stonehill Care Center where she has lived since 2011.

She married Jack Dempsey in September of 1937, and they divorced in 1952. Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake with seven minute icing for her family. She enjoyed gardening, and weeds were her enemies. She was an avid letter writer, and family members in California looked forward to her warm letters and newspaper clippings that she knew would interest them. She was a good friend to her neighbors on Washington Street where she raised her family.

Mary was employed her whole adult life at difficult jobs that paid well and supported her family. She was a hard-working and independent person, and a wonderful loving mother who will be missed very much.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary (Robert) Timmerman, of Dubuque and Jackie Dzieciolowski of Matteson, IL; one son, Gilbert Dempsey of Hammond, LA; her grandchildren, Sheree Spraglin, Michelle Falcon, Beth Peters, Tim Timmerman, Pamela Rogers, Lori Martinez Julia Lucas, Mark Dempsey, and Tonya Pillar; 21 great- grandchildren; two great- great- grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbara (Gerald) Roth; and two brothers, Florian (Georgette) Kasper and George (Esther) Kasper.

The family wishes to thank all her wonderful and devoted care givers at Stonehill Care Center, Unity Point Finley Hospital, and Hospice of Dubuque, who were so kind to her over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stonehill Care Center, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, or Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Dennis A. Wolf

Dennis A. Wolf, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Farley, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at his home in Dubuque, Iowa. Friends and relatives of Dennis may call from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa.

Memorial services for Dennis will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Dennis was born February 13, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Charles A. and Catherine L. (Fox) Wolf. As a child he was paralyzed due to Polio. He received his education from St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, IA and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA. He worked at Ertls in the Quality Control Department in Dyersville, IA until he retired due to his disability.

He loved living in is trailer in North Buena Vista, Iowa (Buenie), where he enjoyed boating, fishing and playing cards.

He is survived by Five siblings, Judy (Joe) Miller of Perrysville, OH, Daniel Wolf of Peosta, IA, Gerald Wolf of Colesburg, IA, David Wolf of Earlville, IA, Mary (David) Marin of Farley, IA; Nieces and Nephews, Laura Miller, Carrie & Ryan Frasher, Sarah Wolf, Brian Wolf, David Marin, Juan Marin, Judi Marin, Andrea Marin, Salomon Marin and Alisa Marin and many great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Larry Wolf on Nov. 1, 1975, Charles Wolf on Sept. 3, 2001 and James Wolf in infancy; one nephew, Aaron Miller.

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

Steven D. Niemann

Steven Douglas Niemann, 65, of Bellevue, Iowa, formerly of DeWitt, died Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2019.

Steve Niemann was born May 7, 1954, in Clinton to Roland and Elizabeth (Schnack) Niemann. He was a 1972 graduate of Central Community Schools in DeWitt and also attended Iowa State University. Steve married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Ann Hatch, on January 6, 1979, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt.

Steve’s knowledge of farming was the culmination of both his father’s mentoring and his own forward vision. Building on his father’s hard work, he brought the farming operation to the successful state it is today. Steve’s strong desire for working the land planted the seed for both sons and a nephew to follow.

Steve and Ann raised their two sons and a daughter on their family farm in rural DeWitt. Steve instilled in his children a “Work Hard and then Play Hard” mentality.

Steve was truly the jack-of-all-trades, always working on numerous projects at any given time. Those around him would often question his methods, but he was quick to show them that Steve Niemann’s way was always the right way.

When Steve didn’t have his feet on the ground, he enjoyed being in the peaceful blue skies by plane. Steve learned to fly in 1983. Since then, he’s become known for giving many their maiden voyage in the sky. Steve was proud to share what he loved with those around him.

Scuba Steve, Social Steve, Captain Nemo, The PRO, and Papa were typical aliases he held.

Steve was a member of St. Joseph Church in Bellevue, Iowa. He was also a member of the aviation groups AOPA and EAA.

His passions remained in farming, flying, boating, friends, and especially family. In 2006 his wife, Ann, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Steve made it his new passion to care for her and fight the disease. He stayed by her side through sickness and in health.

Steve enjoyed the serenity of the Northwoods with his wife, sons, daughter, and their families up in Bemidji, MN. To avoid the winter weather, they’d head south to their Florida villa to enjoy the ocean and a relaxed life. Bellevue was where Steve called home, and a place where Steve and Ann could regularly be found watching the river flow south. Steve widely used the excuse of having 10 grandchildren, as to obtain many fun toys such as firetrucks, boats, and karaoke equipment. In the most recent years, Steve would organize spontaneous social gatherings with friends which always included music and singing. Steve strived each day to smile and bring smiles to all those around him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Ann; a son and daughter-in-law, Luke and Lanna Niemann and their children, Cole, Alyssa, Callie and Levi, a second son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Erin Niemann and their children, Mae, William and Jacob and a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jared Scheckel and their children, June, Josie and Brigham all of DeWitt; his parents, Roland and Elizabeth Niemann of DeWitt; a brother and sister-in-law, Wade and Patricia Niemann of DeWitt; a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Patrick Hatch, Jane Green and Katherine Hatch; numerous loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Preceding Steve in death were his sister, Debra; his grandparents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Helen Hatch and a brother-in-law, Michael Hatch.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, July 3, 2019, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Buzzy’s in Welton.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Steve’s memory with a gift are invited to make a donation to St. Joseph School in DeWitt, where Steve’s grandchildren attend.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.

Marcella M. Schmidt

Marcella M. Schmidt, 90, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.
A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 6 P.M. on Friday, July 5, 2019, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private family graveside service and burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Marcella Mary Ruggeberg was born on June 1, 1929 in rural Elwood, Iowa, to Marvin and Lillian (Farmer) Ruggeberg. She was a 1945 graduate of Elwood High School. She married Darrel J. Schmidt on October 26, 1946 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Brenda and Robert.

Marcella was a homemaker and worked as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa for over 40 years.

Marcella loved dogs and mostly all animals. She enjoyed watching basketball and sports on tv, and playing cards, especially Euchre. Her family was most important to her and she loved spending time with them and attending the grandchildren’s events.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Brenda (Paul) Koob of Maquoketa, IA, and Robert “Bob” (Jeanne) Schmidt of Waterloo, IA; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Bob) Gavin of Maquoketa, IA, Joshua (Christa) Koob of Maquoketa, IA, Michael (Eileen) Schmidt of Hartford, WI, and Emily (John) Michel of Cedar Falls, IA; 8 great-grandchildren, Liz Gavin, Zac Gavin, Cael Koob, Cole Koob, Samantha Schmidt, Laura Schmidt, Charlotte Michel and Luke Michel; a sister, Evelyn Wachal of Davenport, IA; several nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law, Haven (Irma Jean) Schmidt of Maquoketa, IA; and a sister-in-law, Betty Eckeberg of Stevens Point, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Darrel in 1970.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marcella M. Schmidt memorial fund has been established.

“The family wishes to especially thank the staff at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa and the staff of Hospice of Jackson County.”

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

Betty Jean Ansel

Betty Jean Ansel, 70, of Dubuque, was called home on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Brenda, surrounded by family.

Graveside memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 at Mount Olivet Cemetery with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. According to Betty’s wishes, no visitation will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Betty was born November 2, 1948 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Alfred & Betty Jane (Fox) Cornwell. She married the love of her life Dennis W. “Denny” Ansel on February 4, 1967, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque, IA. They spent 36 beautiful years together before his passing in 2003.

Betty and Denny were the owners of Ansel’s Auto Service & Towing and Betty waitressed at Monte Carlo Restaurant, for many years.

Betty enjoyed country music, racing and most of all family. Up until Denny’s passing in 2003, she could be found holding down the fort at the garage and on the weekends sitting in the grandstands at the local dirt tracks, surrounded by family and friends, wearing her Ansel 80 racing gear. After Denny’s passing you never seen Betty without her daughters, grandkids or great-grandkids nearby. She enjoyed her trips to Florida, The Dells, camping and her iced-cold Busch Lights, where everyone was welcomed.

Betty is survived by Peggy (Doug) Ohmert, La Motte, IA, Brenda (Mark C.) Sullivan, Kathy (Edward) Clancy, both of Key West, IA, Lori (Greg) Merfeld, Peosta, IA. Grandchildren Brandi Sue “the favorite” (Adam) Johnston, Krista Sullivan, Allan Ohmert, Steve Miller, Bubba (fiancé Abi), Thomas (Ariel) Ohmert, Morgan Miller, Dennelle and Jaime Clancy, Lucy, Joe and Maxine Merfeld; 6 great children, sisters Mary Lou (George) Flanagan, Phyllis Lang, and special family friends Richard & Judy Schmitt.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, brothers Don, Ron & Butch Cornwell; sisters Margaret “Peggy” Cornwell and Patricia “Pat” McAtee.

Peggy and her sister’s would like to give a very special thank you to her co-workers at Hospice of Dubuque for their help and support. A special thank you to Schmitty for “Beer Thirty’s” you spent with mom thru the years. She looked forward to her Saturday night visits with her drinking buddy.

Norman C. Steil

Norman Carl “Norm” Steil, 78, of Dubuque, IA went to join friends and loved ones in Heaven on Thursday, June 27th, 2019 after a long and hard-fought battle with stupid cancer.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque, with Pastor Dennis Schmitt officiating. Burial of Norm and Minnie will immediately follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens with the presentation of the Four Fives by the Dubuque Fire Department. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Norm was born in Asbury IA to Clem & Mathilda (Behnke) Steil on October 4, 1940. Norm spent early childhood with his 8 siblings on the farm until moving to the Carter Rd. area. He attended Dbq. Senior High. He served in the US Army National Guard. He then returned to Dubuque to create his legacy.

Norm married Mary Ann “Minnie” Dolter on January 22, 1966 at Holy Trinity Church and they spent nearly 50 years together raising 3 daughters and living life. Minnie sadly left us in 2014 and it was up to the girls after that to take care of Dad until his passing.

He joined the Dubuque Fire Department in 1966 and never looked back. He knew a good thing. He retired after 31 years of service to the City of Dubuque in 1997.

How do we describe our dad: hard worker, inspirational, inventive, genius, mentor, honest, perfectionist, bullheaded & stubborn, demanding of respect, strong willed, calling a spade a spade, anal with a touch of OCD, talented beyond belief, jack of all trades and master of many, “Stormin’ Norman” and of course ” our Dad, Grandpa and friend”.

The fire departments schedule offered the luxury of time, a schedule allowing him to do all sorts of side jobs. He was able to help at his sister & brother in laws farm, drive school bus and put his love of carpentry and construction to work. He and fellow fire fighter & friend Jim Weitz spent years doing odd jobs. Later in life he worked with his brother, Jim Steil, together they were a highly sought-after team. Together, they created a local reputation for doing meticulous carpentry work, often incorporating innovative ideas to show off their level of expertise.

Norm was always improving his home, helping others with odd jobs and was the one SO many went to for advice on projects. He could fix damn near anything…he may have had to do some head scratching, but loved a challenge and rarely did a problem present itself that he couldn’t solve and fix. Dad was the master of ideas & inventions that made things just plain better. A staunch and vocal critic of anything designed in a “piss poor” manner. Something he would groom his girls to be able to identify late on in life….because being off 1/16th of an inch matters! His girls would come up with crazy ideas of stuff we wanted built or fixed and after much grumbling (no seriously, a lot of grumbling) and saying it couldn’t be done, he would create what we thought we wanted, except he would make it better than what we had envisioned. He would point out the initial design flaws in our idea and then show us how he fixed them. Spending time with Norm was always a learning experience. He just had that knack for knowing a lot about a lot. Never arrogant but knowing the right way it should be done and wasn’t shy of calling you out when your ideas were not up to his standards!

Norm valued family. Minnie & Norm raised 3 daughters, and no one can dispute they provided love, stability and common sense values to each of them. He was an amazing teacher and mentor to his grandson Kyle and his son in law Jeff, 30+ years of being their go to person when they needed advice, guidance or a friend to just hang with.

He enjoyed so many great times throughout his life with great friends (typically involving cold beer). The stories he told…insert smiley face. The boys from the Durango area who he spent his teens with, raising hell, taking chances & living it up. The Jansen clan in the Sherrill area, cousins & partners in crime. The hunting trips are epic tales to remember. Fishing up in Danbury, Canada and down south. Guys he hung with at the taverns, worked with at the fire station, and fellow tradesman. Road trips with Stomp. Seeing Sequoia’s in Yosemite with Sandy. Wonderful neighbors whom he valued as fantastic friends & the weekly West Dubuque breakfast with Jim Hirsch & the ladies.

Norm is survived by daughters, who will miss him the most: Sheila (Jeff) Vandermillen, Lisa (Tim) Mueller of Dubuque and Sandy Steil of Iowa City, IA. His grandson and pride & joy Kyle Chase (Cassie Cannon); siblings Jerry (Gloria) Steil, Jim (Jean) Steil, Vern (Elaine) Steil, Alvina Murphy, Mary Ann Derouin (Twirp) & sister in law Jude Steil. Sister in laws Donna (Jim) Hirsch, Carol Karlin, Ruth (Roger) Konrardy and brother in law Dick (Barb) Dolter, step grandson David Mueller & many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his awesome wife, our mom “Minnie”, his parents, mother & father in law Leo & Leona (Schroeder) Dolter, brother Lenny Steil, sisters Elanor Lombardi & Evie Beecher, brother in laws Virgil Murphy, Don Derouin, Buck Beecher & Don Lombardi.

“That just about does it, don’t it” Vern Gosdin (the Voice)

Charles Klocker

Charles Klocker, 97, of Dubuque passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2019 at Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road and on Monday, July 1st from 9 to 10 a.m. at Church of the Nativity.

Charles was born November 12, 1921, in Dyersville, IA, son of John and Katherine (Claus) Klocker. He married Betty Weimerskirch July 30, 1953 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death in March, 2015.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army on his birthday in 1942. He served with the 104th (Timber Wolf) Infantry Division in Europe from September 1944 thru June 1945. After his military service he was employed as a body and paint man at Runkles Car Dealership in Dyersville. He later went on to John Deere as a machinist and then welder, and worked in various departments.

He enjoyed boating on the Mississippi river, family gatherings, gardening and woodworking. He enjoyed both model and real steam trains. He built a model railroad in the basement of their house. It was modeled after the Colorado Rocky Mountain, where he had taken numerous vacation trips.

He was a longtime member of Nativity parish.

Surviving is a son Keith (Sharon) Klocker, of Dubuque and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, three brothers, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Peter and Rayse (Weidenbacher) Weimerskirsch.

The family would like to thank Dr. Salas and the staff at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital for their care shown to Charles.

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

Harold J. Weber

Harold J. Weber, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Monday, June 24, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Entombment and military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will follow the service at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Harold was born on May 29, 1924 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, the son of Roy and Sadie (Strief) Weber. He attended high school in Wisconsin Dells and was a part of the State Champion Basketball Team in his junior year. He was granted an early diploma in his senior year to allow him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

He served in the Marine Corps during WW II in the Pacific Theater, “Island Hopping” during many hard-fought battles. He returned home, and on December 14, 1948 he married Jocille Honerbaum in Lancaster. He owned and operated DISCO Building Improvement Co. for many years until his retirement.

Harold was a real people person. He loved to visit, and that quality made him a great salesperson. In his later years he enjoyed getting out for rides, and even made the trip to Washington DC with the Honor Flight program.

He is survived by his three children Sandra Gavin, Cindy Stecher and Randy Weber all of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; his sister Dorothy (Bob) Wick of Wisconsin Dells, and nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and eight siblings.

In lieu of flowers a Harold Weber memorial fund will be established.

Grace Elizabeth Carling-Kelly

A beautiful and gracious lady, Grace Elizabeth Carling-Kelly, residing in Dubuque, Iowa passed away at the University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa during the night on Wednesday June 26, 2019.

Please join us, as we gather to remember Grace and to celebrate a life well lived, at The Dubuque Museum of Art, 701 Locust St. Dubuque, Iowa on June 30th, 2019 between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com/notices/Grace-Carling-Kelly

Grace was born in Salem, New Jersey on March 13th, 1963 to Arlene and John Rieger. Shortly thereafter the family relocated to Ohio where Grace grew up New Philadelphia, Ohio before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University and later became a self-employed currency trader.

Grace met Terry Carling-Kelly in Cleveland, Ohio in 1998 and they were married on December 31st, 2006 in Key West, FL. Living and working with Terry led to many moves, from Cleveland to Kansas City, Chicago, Mexico, MO before finally locating in Dubuque, Iowa.

Grace very much enjoyed spending time in the Florida Keys, gardening, traveling, sailing in the Gulf of Mexico and just living life to the fullest.

Grace Carling-Kelly is survived by her spouse Terry Carling-Kelly and her sister Merry Jill Wilson and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s name to the Dubuque Museum of Arts are encouraged. http://dbqart.com/donate/

A little Poem for Gracie
Love, to me is stumbling around in the dark trying to find the right words to describe the feelings I get when she smiles while she sleeps.

(aticus)