Obituaries Archive

Kelli L. Howes

Kelli L. Howes, 60, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church where visitation will also be held Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Kelli was born January 18, 1959 in Guttenberg, Iowa, daughter of James and Cheryl (Brandenburg) Eberhard.

She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1977 and on September 24, 1977 she married the love of her life, Michael Howes at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Kelli worked at Heritage Manor/Hawkeye Care Center for 40 years. She started out as a Med Aid, then realized it was her passion and became an Activities Coordinator. She was very involved with the Memory Care aspects of her job and recently became the Director of the Memory Care Assisted Living Unit at Hawkeye Care. She loved each and everyone of her residents making sure their well being was first. She was still making sure everything was fine with her “peeps” when she was in ICU Monday.

Kelli and Mike had a love for the outdoors that they share with their daughters. They would camp every chance they could when they were younger. Kelli’s favorite place in the world was Yellow River State Forest. Kelli was a Girl Scout when she was younger and became a leader for her daughters. She wanted to make sure her girls could outshine any Boy Scout like she could. Kelli would tell her daughters stories about when she was younger and she would go hunting and fishing with her Dad.

Kelli also shared her love for music with her husband Mike. She was always singing around the house, at work with her residents or with her daughters. She was also Mike’s biggest fan whenever his many bands played around the Tri-States.

Kelli loved fiercely. Her family always came first. She was so proud of her grandchildren. Kaitlyn with her grades and music and Charlie with his sports. She had such a big heart that she shared with so many. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. She was truly a hidden gem. She will be missed more than any words can truly express.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Michael Howes of Dubuque; one daughter, Nicole (Jay) Kress of Balltown; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Charlie Kress; Parents, father, James Eberhard of Dubuque and Cheryl Kramer of Vinton; and two sisters, Kris (Greg) Schadle of Keystone, Iowa and Kerri (Terry) Benda of Urbana, Iowa; sister in laws Deb (Ron) Posey, and Becky Clark; brothers in law Ron Howes and Don (Lisa) Howes.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Katrina “Katie” Howes, two nephews Thad Howes and William Howes, and in laws, Gertrude and Harold Howes.

Mike and Nicole would like the thank Dr. Khan, Paramount Ambulance Team, Unity Point ER Team and the compassionate Unity Point ICU Team.

In Lieu of flowers, a Kelli Howes Fund will be set up to help Mike with the medical expenses.

Helen M. Meyer

Helen Marie Meyer, 87, of Dyersville, Iowa died peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at her home in Dyersville, Iowa.
Friends and relatives of Helen may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2019 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with Rev. Richard Ament presiding. Concelebrating will be Rev. Dennis Quint, fellow priests from the Archdiocese and Deacon Jim Steger assisting. Burial will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa.

Helen was born on November 15, 1931 in Monticello, Iowa, daughter of Herman and Frances (Grace) Ament. She attended St. Paul’s school in Worthington, Iowa and graduated from St. Joseph Mercy’s School of Nursing in Dubuque, Iowa in 1953.
On June 26, 1954 she was united in marriage to Donald Meyer at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa. Don and Helen were blessed with 10 children, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Helen’s devotion to her Catholic faith was evident throughout her life in many ways. She enjoyed being involved in: the Christian Family Movement, Catholic Lay Ministry Program, Marriage Encounter, and St. Isadore bible study group. As an active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Basilica, she served on the Welcome Committee, ministered as a Lector and was a member of the Resurrection Choir.

She also enjoyed volunteering for the Dyersville Historical Society, Oak Crest Nursing Home, Hospice of Dubuque and as a registered nurse for the Red Cross blood drives. Helen enjoyed her time with family at their cabin on Lake Delhi, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, golfing, gardening, and cards. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sincere friend.

Helen is survived by her 10 children, Rachele (Doug) Rickels of Worthington, IA; Pam Meyer of Dyersville, IA; Clyde (Nanci La Susa) Meyer of Naperville, IL; Dennis Meyer (fiance, Debbie Gomez) of Westminster, CO; Mary Meyer of Dyersville, IA, John (Laurie Bildstein) Meyer of Dyersville, IA; Teresa (Matt) Bockenstedt of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mark (Darla Carithers) Meyer of Dubuque, IA, Geralyn Maloney of San Diego, CA and Chris Meyer of Sacramento, CA; 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Rev. Richard Ament of Dubuque, IA.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Meyer; her parents; and her siblings, Paul Ament, Carol Gudenkauf and Doris Ament.

To celebrate Helen, the family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Divine Word College, Dubuque County Right to Life, Eternal Word Network, Mary’s Inn Maternity Home and Hospice of Dubuque.

We would like to thank Dr. Hermann, Hospice of Dubuque and all those who reached out to Helen through cards and phone calls during her illness.

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

Walter E. Bockenstedt

Walter E. “Wally” Bockenstedt, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away April 6, 2019. Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Walter’s life will be honored on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27th, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Dyersville, Iowa with full military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and Tri-State Vietnam Veterans. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27th, at the church.

In lieu of flowers a Walter E. Bockenstedt memorial fund will be established. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Walter was born to John and Hilda (Hermsen) Bockenstedt and raised on the family farm east of Petersburg, Iowa. He served his country as an Operating Engineer in the U. S. Marine Corps. Walter worked as an Engine Tester with John Deere Dubuque Works for 32 years and was a member of Local UAW 94.

In retirement, he was an avid trout angler and volunteered on an emergency response team with the Red Cross and later in the Dubuque Tool Library.

He is preceded in death by a son, Daniel; his father and mother; sisters, RuthAnn Bockenstedt, Jan (Henry) Oberbroeckling, and Pearl (Vic) Meier; and brothers, Irvin and Vernon (Sharon) Bockenstedt; and brother-in-law, Paul Westmark.

Cherishing his memory, are Walter’s wife of 54 years, Mary; children, Paul (Cathy) Bockenstedt, of Minnesota and Ann (Andy) Rettenmeier, of Dubuque; grandchildren, Lara and Daniel Bockenstedt, and James and Peter Rettenmeier; sister, Arlene Langel; brothers, John (Dorothy) Bockenstedt, and Virgil (Sue) Bockenstedt; sisters-in-law Valeria Bockenstedt and Toyoko Westmark; brother-in-law Fred Westmark and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Dubuque Police and Fire Department for their efforts and compassion.

LaVern J. Weber

LaVern J. “Flute” Weber, 83, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away, Monday, April 8, 2019 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Friends and relatives of Flute may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:00 p.m., and a KC Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., on Friday at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa. Services for Flute will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

He was born May 16, 1935 in Cascade, Iowa, son of Vernon P. and Lillian M. (Schlemme) Weber. He received his education in the former St. Martin’s School in Cascade. On November 23, 1961 he was united in marriage to Jean M. Klostermann at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade.
He owned and operated Weber Construction (earth moving) in Cascade, Iowa until his retirement.

He enjoyed playing cards with friends and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
He was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa and the Cascade Knights of Columbus-Council #930.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Weber of Cascade; Steve (Kathy) Weber of Cascade, Mike (Donna) Weber of Bernard, Pat Weber (special friend, Charity Rausch) of Cascade, Sara (Troy) Donath of Dubuque, Sandra Weber (fiance, Tim Mentzer) of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Karen) Weber of Cascade; his grandchildren, Jared Weber, Nick, Emily, and Anthony Weber, Nolan, Macie, Maddie and Sydney Weber, Morgan, Natalie and Lillian Donath and Ben, Jillian and Ted Weber; and his siblings, Jayne Landes of Kansas City, MO, Ronnie “Doc” (Karen) Weber of Cascade, Arlene (Nick) Durian of Oskaloosa, Dennis (Karla) Weber of Dubuque; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darlene Klostermann, Lois (Dave) Gavin, Leo (Carol) Klostermann, Jan Beaman, Larry (Linda) Klostermann, and Gary Klostermann; his step mother-in-law, Alice Klostermann and sisters-in-law, Geraldine Gorman and Geralyn Puccio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Weber; a brother, Larry Weber; brothers-in-law, Jerry Landes, Carl Klostermann and Merlyn Beaman; and a sister-in-law, Mary Manders.

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

Rowena (Johnson) Boyer

Rowena (Johnson) Boyer, age 92, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 12:15 a.m., on Monday, April 8, 2019, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To honor Rowena’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Rowena’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, April 12, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 3:45 p.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Rowena was born on September 7, 1926, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, daughter of Leroy and Elizabeth (Crawford) Johnson.

Rowena was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joseph Boyer, on March 11, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and they were blessed with 36 wonderful years together, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on May 1, 1980. Rowena was taught early on the value of having a strong work ethic, a trait which she proudly roll modeled and passed on to her family. She devoted her time and talents as a seamstress with the Bridal Embassy, and her caring and attentive nature was evidenced in her care of patients as a CNA for Sunnycrest Manor and Orchard Manor for several years. Rowena enjoyed following and discussing politics, never shy about sharing her opinions on the issues, and was very active volunteering her time with the Democratic Party. In her free time Rowena could be found helping out on the farm, in the kitchen doing some canning, sitting at the sewing machine creating her next masterpiece or simply sitting down working a word search puzzle. Above all, Rowena’s family brought her the greatest joy, and she cherished any opportunity to spend time with Joe and the children. She was quite the dancer in her younger years, and she and Joe could regularly be found out on the dance floor spinning and twirling the night away. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister, but are truly grateful for the 92 years we were blessed to have her here with us teaching us life lessons and loving us unconditionally.

Those left to cherish Rowena’s memory include

her children,
Mary Boyer, Blue Springs, MO,
Kay McCabe, Cuba City, WI,
Ronald Boyer, Dubuque, IA
and Kelvin (Theresa) Boyer, Tehachapi, CA;

her 10 grandchildren,
Dennis (Shannon) DeBolt, DeLisa (Randy) Rogers, Jason Boyce, Somer Boyce, Ronald (Shelly) Bahr, Christina Boyer, Erica (Mark) Denny, Sarah (Gabe) Orellana, Makenna (Phillip) Kuenstle and Ryan (Susan) McCabe;

her 25 great-grandchildren;

her 2 great great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Rowetta Freese, Hazel Green, WI,
Carolyn Ruth (Richard) Reed, Denver, CO
and Margie (Larry) Gilliland, Tusla, OK;

her son-in-law,
Aric Stroup, Galena, IL;

and 2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Johnson
and Carol Johnson.

Rowena was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Boyer; 2 daughters, Susan Boyce and Nancy Stroup; a granddaughter, Heidi Marie Boyer; her siblings, Betty Jo (Carace) Radney, Rose Ann (Bob) Green, Priscilla (Jack) Smith, Norma (Richard) Dill, Ester (Thad) Nunn, Arthur Johnson and Gene Johnson; a son-in-law, Bob McCabe; and a brother-in-law, Joe Freese.

Rowena’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Rowena and her family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

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

Ronald J. Winter

Ronald J. Winter, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 6, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 12th, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Rev. Dwayne Thoman officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Ron was born on November 10, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Charles and Jeannette (Drumm) Winter. He married Barbara Behnke on September 9, 1967 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2017.

Ron attended Loras Academy, graduating from Wahlert High School 1962. He attended Loras College before starting his career with Eagle Food Stores working at all three locations in various positions and management areas until the stores closed.

Ron was an avid Green Packer fan sticking with them thru the good and the bad years. He also enjoyed the Hawkeyes and the White Sox games. He most enjoyed the summer months finding the fishing holes with his brothers-in-law Robert and Irv, bringing home the stories of the big ones lost and who caught the most fish.

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years Barbara; his siblings Allan (Sue) Winter, Mary Jo (Boyd) Card and Dale (fiance Dana) Winter; nieces and nephews Shannon Sitzmann, Dawn (Peter) Ruiz, Jennifer (Gregg) Winters, Lindsey (Chris) Borelli, Dallas (Michelle) and Dustin (Nicky) Winter along with 12 great nieces and nephews. In-laws Irv Kathy Behnke, Pete and Linda Behnke and Linda and Robert Stoll, 10 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step dad Bruce Wilcox.

In lieu of flowers a Ronald J. Winter memorial fund will be established.

Callista M. Decker

Callista M. Decker, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly on April 7, 2019 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11th, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Callista was born on April 24th, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Marcella (Maro) Tigges. She attended St. Catherine’s School and on May 25, 1954 she married Albert Decker at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Albert preceded her in death on January 8th, 2019.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of St. Joseph Key West Rosary Society and also belonged to the Mother Cabrini C.M.S.C.

Callista enjoyed her life on the farm and being a homemaker. She was known as the egg lady. She was a wonderful baker and cook, she would never let you leave hungry. Callista made many birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. Albert would offer cooking advice and she would remind him that she didn’t tell him how to farm.

Callista also loved to sew, making many stuffed animals and crafts that her grandchildren and great grandchildren are still enjoying. She enjoyed reading and her flowers along with spending time with her family during the holidays, especially Christmas, leaving many wonderful memories. She will be deeply missed.

Callista is survived by her children, Dale (Ann) Decker, of Key West, Ron (Bitzie) Decker and Jean Decker of Dubuque, and Gary (Lisa) Decker, of Robins, IA. Grandchildren, Tammi (Bob) Schroeder, Matt (Teeney) Decker, McKenzie (Tim Davis) Decker, Dena (Travis) Voss, Laura (Zach) Hodge, Brian (Amy) Decker, Jason Decker, Katie (Drew) Simpson, Elana (Coby Clapp) Decker, Sirena (Sam) Stark. Granddaughter-in-law Stephani Decker. Great grandchildren, Evan, Holli, Jacob, Alexis, Morgan, Peyton, DJ, Calli, Cate, Parker, Oli, Eben, Avery, Maddy, Gwen, Gus, Cooper, and Camille, and her 19th great grandchild is expected to arrive in June. She is also survived by her brother Ray Tigges; brothers and sisters-in-law, , Vincent (Evelyn) Decker, of Zwingle, Hubert (Elizabeth) Decker, of Cascade, Monica (Cletus) Thielen, of Zwingle, Darlene Collins, of Dubuque, John “JJ” (Erma) Decker of Dubuque, Louis (Darla) Decker, of Dubuque, Melita (Virgil) Hansen, of Maquoketa, Agnes “Fran” Decker, of Dubuque, Bernadine (Mark) Giese, of Dubuque, Kenneth Decker, of Dubuque, and Charlene Decker of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert; father and mother-in-law John and Frances Decker; her sister Mary in infancy; a son David J. Decker; grandson Timothy R. Decker; sister-in-law Rosie Tigges; brothers and sisters-in-law William “Willie” (Mary) Decker, Raymond (Phyllis) Decker, Harvey Decker and James Collins.

In lieu of flowers a Callista Decker memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Key West Fire and EMS; Dubuque County Sherriff Dept.; and Fr. Rod Allers for all their help and compassion that was given to them. Also, to Dr. Brian Sullivan, Dr. David Ringold, Dr. Scott Brock and Julie Ehlinger for all their care and compassion that was given to mom over the years.

Alice M. Skinner

Alice M. Skinner, Age 91, passed away at Luther Manor on Saturday, April 6, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 10 at 10 AM. Father Paul Attah-Nsiah will be presiding. A visitation will be held at the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3860 Asbury Road on Tuesday, April 9 from 3 PM to 7 PM, where a Prayer service will be given at 2:30 PM.

Alice was born on August 26, 1927 to her parents, Ralph and Corrine (Rapp) Howe. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School in 1945. She married the love of her life Eugene Skinner on October 5, 1946 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque. She was employed by the J. J. Hohnecker Company as a secretary and was also a loving mother to her eight children. She was a member of the Dubuqueland Women’s Bowling Association for 24 years in which she served as the Vice President and was the secretary for 4 years as well as a member of their Hall of Fame. She was also involved in the Iowa State Young American Bowling Alliance and served as the secretary-treasurer for 5 years. Alice was Past President and secretary of the Women’s Local 94 Auxiliary.

Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband of 72 years Eugene Skinner; her children, Connie (Don) Riedl, of Dubuque, IA, Barbara (Jerry) Hawbaker, of Cherokee Village, AR, Marsha (Pat) Corken, of Dubuque, Marla (Ken) Cruise, Dubuque, William Skinner, Dubuque, Gail (Dennis) Hayes, Dubuque, Paul Skinner, Dubuque, and Stacy (Tim) Vath, of Greer, SC; 24 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, 19 step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary Pauley, of Burton, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, eight sisters, Dorothy Finch, Myra Becke, Elaine Dade, Regina Flick, June Welter, Virginia Hillary, Janet Burd, Joan Gordon; one brother, Ralph Howe; brothers-in-law, Chuck Finch, Chris Becke, Russell Dade, Merv Flick, LeRoy Welter, Jim Burd, Matthew Gordon, Dale Hillary; and two sisters-in-law, Muriel Howe and Ruth Blindert.

An Alice M. Skinner memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to give thank-you to the staffs at the Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor.

Patrick F. Anglin

Patrick F. Anglin, 54, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Dubuque, passed away April 4, 2019 at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday April 9, 2019 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Lawrence Cemetery in Otter Creek. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Patrick was born in Dubuque on October 19, 1964 the son of John “Jack” and Laverne (Mahoney) Anglin. He graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1983 and the University of Iowa in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration.

He worked in publishing for many years in Dubuque and Columbia, MO.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes and also enjoyed coaching his daughter’s teams.

He is survived by his daughter, Josie Anglin, his former wife and dear friend, Tricia Anglin, both of Columbia, MO, his parents, John “Jack” and Laverne Anglin of Dubuque, 3 siblings, Robert (Diane Kaderavek) Anglin, Diane (Ruben) Forner and Sr. Lou Anglin, BVM, an uncle, Carl Anglin, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and many uncles and aunts.

Agnese Leticia (Connolly) Jaeger

Agnese Leticia Jaeger (Connolly), 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 8th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Agnese was born on March 10, 1936 in La Motte, Iowa, daughter of Sylvester and Bernadette (Dunn) Connolly. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa. On March 7, 1953 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Jaeger, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa.

Agnese enjoyed many jobs over the years from waitressing, to teaching at the local Head Start, to working the lunch line at St. Mary’s Catholic School; but above all things she loved spending time with her family more than anything.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 66 years, Ted; 5 children, Debra (Steve) Jaeger-Viertel, of Dubuque, IA, Anne (John) Fagan, of Onslow, IA, Donald Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA, John Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA and Julie Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA; 9 grandchildren, Sunshine (Matt) Hafner, Dawn (Chris) Norris, Michael Coyle, Katie Flores, Sarah Jaeger, Dustin (Nicole NanAcker) Jaeger, Amanda (Chris) Miller, Patrick (Abby) Fagan and Molly Fagan; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; her sister; Margaret Fromknecht; two brothers; Bill Connolly and Sylvester Connolly; one brother-in-law; Edward (Joan) Grant and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Bernadette; children, Theodore Jr. “TJ” Jaeger and Mark Jaeger; mother-in-law Katherine Fettgather; sisters, Mary Ann (Lee) Holland and Jan (Lyle) Bainbridge; brother Gary Hutter and her in-laws; John Fromknecht, Judy Connolly, Mary Connolly and Donna Stackis Wooldridge.

Thank You to Cascade Ambulance Service, the staff at MercyOne Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care.

Gerald J. Ellerbach

Gerald “Jerry” J. Ellerbach, 81, of Holy Cross passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 6, 2019, at home.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 11, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross. The Farley Scherrman-Peterson American Legion Post # 656 will conduct a veteran salute at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross with burial in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #656. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Jerry was born on July 23, 1937, the youngest child of five sons and two daughters born to George and Regina (Hullerman) Ellerbach on a farm near Holy Cross, Iowa. He obtained his education in the Catholic school system in Holy Cross and assisted his father on the family farm.

Jerry joined the Army Reserve in March of 1958. He received basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was transferred to Fort Ord, CA until September of that year. On November 1, 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, Jerry was recalled to active duty and stationed at Fort Lewis, WA until August 31, 1962. He was honorably discharged as PFC in December, 1963.

Jerry returned to farm with his father at Holy Cross. On August 27, 1966 he married Joan Diers at St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna. They farmed together for more than 34 years until Joan became ill and moved on to heaven on March 21, 2001. Later that year Jerry became reacquainted with a friend from his youth, Darleen J. (Wolf) VanDenBerg from Bankston, who was living out west in the Rocky Mountains where she worked as a teacher. Through correspondence and visits back and forth, they decided to wed on August 3, 2002 in Durango, CO. Jerry became an instant step-father and grandfather. He built a new home in Holy Cross where he and Darleen reside. He still enjoyed farm life, and he and Darleen traveled around the United States, especially to the West where many of their family resides.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Darleen, 4 step-children: Randy (Kristi) VanDenBerg of Durango, Co, Colleen (Gary) Foust of Zwingle, Darwin VanDenBerg of LaPlata, NM, Troy (Kim) VanDenBerg of Dyersville, 9 step-grand-children, 9 step-great-grandchildren, a sister, Kay Daly of Bankston, and many other extended relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Joan, siblings: Lawrence (Rose) Ellerbach, William (Gladys) Ellerbach, Ernest (Dorothy) Ellerbach, Bernard (Margaret) Ellerbach, and Bernice (Leander Steffen, Gib Honkomp) Steffen-Honkomp; brothers-in-law: Jim Daly, Daniel Wolf and Paul Wolf.

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

Dale Allen Scott

Dale Allen Scott, Sr., 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at his home.

A private family service will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. There is no public visitation. Burial will be at the Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.

Dale was born on May 4, 1932 in Buckhorn, Iowa the seventh of nine children to Lewis Charles and Ida Mae (Houle) Scott. He graduated in 1949 from Baldwin High School.

He worked as a lineman for the Baldwin/Nashville Telephone Company at the same time working for his dad on the farm for five years. On June 8, 1951, he married LouJean Kleinsmith in Elwood, Iowa. They rented a farm north of Nashville until 1963 when they purchased a farm on Esgate Road. For the next 56 years they lived and farmed the same place.

Dale was a good athlete. He enjoyed square dancing, roller skating, fishing, and bowling. He was an avid mushroom hunter and berry picker. He was the driver of many hayrack rides, delivered sweet corn and would help anyone in need.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, LouJean Scott of Maquoketa, IA; children, Kathy (Dave) Borcherding of Bettendorf, IA, John Charles (Cheryl) Scott of Fort Collins, CO, and Glenda Jo (Kipp) Smallwood of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dale A. Scott, Jr., a brother and five sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of the family’s choice.

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

Helen T. Putman

Helen L. Putman, age 70 of Bellevue, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Friday, April 5, 2019. To celebrate Helen’s life, a private family service is being held. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois, where full military honors will be accorded. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Helen’s family.

Helen was born on November 17, 1948, in Bellevue, Iowa, the oldest daughter of George Louis and Elizabeth Ann (Fuller) Williams. Helen completed her high school education and went on to complete some college credits before she began her lifelong mission as a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She spent her entire adult life taking care of her family and reassuring them on a daily basis that they were her pride and joy. She did work outside of the home a little as a waitress at the Julien, but even when she was serving others her heart was always at home. Helen was a quiet and simple lady who never wanted to make a fuss about anything, especially herself. Always putting others first was her goal, and we can honestly say that she succeeded without fail. We will miss our dearly sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but we know that she is now reunited with her loving husband, Terry and her parents once again, and we will remain forever grateful for the abundance of wonderful memories she leaves behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Helen include,

her children,
Troy Williams, Bellevue, Iowa,
Dorie (Scott) Putman, Bellevue, Iowa,
and Shelly (Jesse) Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Lindsey Williams, Dubuque, Iowa,
Hunter Williams, Bellevue, Iowa,
Colton Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Nathan Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa;

her siblings,
Tommy Williams, Tyler, Texas,
Suzie (Louie) Dobbs, Savanna, Illinois,
Tina Williams, Mount Morris, Illinois,
Peggy Theilen, Reedsburg, Wisconsin,
Ivy Roy (Kathy) Williams, Monona, Iowa,
and John Williams, Bellevue, Iowa;

along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Terry Putman.

Helen’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Jackson Country, along with the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional care, love and compassion over these past few weeks.

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

Mary Ann Kern

Mary Ann Kern, 88, of Dyersville passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12thAve SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 3:30 pm and a Catholic Daughters Rosary will be recited at 4 pm. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9 – 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Ralph Davis will officiate.

Mary Ann was born February 22, 1931, in Kelly, Kansas the daughter ofHenry S. and Veronica E. (Lahr) Russ. After her mother’s death in 1936, she and her brothers came to Hopkinton to be raised by their grandparents. She worked as a hired girl for area families until she graduated from the Hopkinton High School in 1948, when she took a job at Al Danz’s Ben Franklin Store in Dyersville. She married LeRoy C. Kern on February 13, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sand Springs and helped LeRoy at the Kern Locker until 1980, when the business was sold. They then owned the Montgomery Ward franchise in Dyersville for 5 years when she went back to work at Westlinden Locker until finally retiring in 2004.

Survivors include her children, Bernie and Carol Kern, both of Dyersville, a brother, Anthony (Alice) Russ of Hopkinton, a sister-in-law, Rita Russ of Monticello, an aunt, Mary Jane Felton, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, LeRoy, in February, a brother, Nicholas Russ, an infant sister, Anna, and several aunts and uncles from the Lahr family, with whom she was raised.

We would like to thank the excellent staff at the Guttenberg Care Center for the wonderful care and kindness shown to our family these last several months.

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

Vincent L. Strong

Vincent “Vern” L. Strong, 88, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday April 2, 2019 at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corp League. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Vern was born on August 27, 1930 the son of Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong. He married Imelda (Goffinet) Strong in 1964. She preceded him in death. Vern attended St. Columbkille High School and went on to join the Marine Corp where he served proudly.

Vern was a member of the AMVETS as well as the Dubuque Marine Corp League. He was a dedicated plumber and a lifelong member of the UA Union.

In his free time Vern enjoyed woodworking; he would make birdhouses and other decorative items as well as building his own cabinets for his home. He also loved to travel around the country visiting family and seeing new destinations.

He is survived by his children; Michael Strong of Dubuque, IA, Julie (Mitch) Stermer of Campbell, CA, and Susan Harthun of Marion, IA; three grandchildren Calvin Stermer, Ethan Harthun and Robert (Elizabeth) Strong; two great grandchildren Josiah Strong and Gabrielle Strong; and a sister Delores Oliver of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong and his wife Imelda Strong.

A Vincent L. Strong memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Ringold and Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care.