Obituaries Archive

Ruby L. Otting

Ruby L. Otting, age 67, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 9:35 a.m., on Friday, October 5, 2018, at home. To honor Ruby’s life, funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Ruby’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Ruby was born on January 24, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Donald and Minnie (Davis) Ward.

Ruby was united in marriage to the love of her life, Emil Otting, on August 2, 1969, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque, and together they were blessed with 49 wonderful years and 4 adored children. She took great pride in being full time wife, mother and homemaker, who took meticulous care of her home and family. In her free time, Ruby was an avid bingo player and also loved playing on her kindle and chatting with friends. Going out for breakfast and shopping were always on her mind. Beyond a doubt, the light of Ruby’s life were her grandchildren and her great grandchildren, there was always a spot open on the arm of her wheelchair for any of the little ones. Christmas was her favorite time of the year from the size of the tree to the number of batches of fudge and popcorn balls. Everyone loved Ruby and we will deeply miss her.

Those left to cherish Ruby’s memory include

her husband,
Emil Otting, Dubuque, IA;

her daughters,
Kathy (Tim Loeffelholz) Reuter,
Billie Jo Pospisil
and Elizabeth (Shane) Vargas;

her grandchildren,
Brent Otting, Sydnie Otting, Nicolette (Robbie) Lange, Stephanie (Andrew) Maas, Bristol Reuter, Stacie Jo Otting, Emilie Pospisil and Timothy Pospisil;

her 3 great grandchildren,
Constance and Lillian Lange and Lilyanna Otting;

her mother,
Minnie Ward;

her siblings,
Cletus (Venita) Ward,
Ronald (Sandy) Ward,
Phyliss (Loras) Arensdorf,
Gail (Chris) Huston
and Raymond Ward;

and her in-laws,
Eleanor Ward,
Mary Weber,
Betty Otting
and Christine (Kevin) Lyght.

Ruby was preceded in death by her father; a son, Brian Otting; a grandson, Darren Bell; her sister, Rosemary Ward; her brothers, John Ward, Richard Ward, Donald Francis Ward, James Ward and Gary Ward; and a brother-in-law, Richard Weber.

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

Mary Jean Erner

Mary Jean (Martin) Erner, 90, of Lena, Illinois, formerly of Menominee, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, October 5, 2018 at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary/scripture service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Visitation will also be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Jean was born in Seymour Township of Lafayette County, Wisconsin on August 12, 1928, the daughter of John C. and Irene (Boyle) Martin. She was united in marriage to Melvin W. Erner on May 24, 1949 in Shullsburg, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on April 23, 2011.

Jean was formerly a telephone operator and homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, a good game of cards, music, dancing, was an excellent cook and baker, and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was very important to her.

Surviving are her children, Ronald Erner of Hanover, Madonna (Tim) Heller of East Dubuque, Daniel Erner and Kathy of Lena, Melanie (Rod) Wichman of Baileyville, and Michelle (Doug) Wybourn of Lena; seven grandchildren, Bill (Abbie) Erner, Chad (Katie) Erner, Danielle Erner, Kyle (Taylor) Wichman and Cody Wichman and Paige, Ryan (Kaitlin) Wybourn and Rachael Wybourn; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Nathan and Cheyenne Erner; special friend, Sue Schlarman of Dubuque, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Helen Martin of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin; her care givers, Jean Katzenberger and Judy Love, both of Lena, and her special angel Amy.

Jean was preceded in death by her siblings, Evelyn Straub and her twin brother, Jack Martin.

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

Allen R. Kluesner

Allen R. Kluesner, 65, of Florissant, MO, formerly of Farley, Iowa, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Charles, MO.

Friends and relatives of Allen may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the Farley American Legion Post #656 services will be held at 7:00. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the funeral home.

Services for Allen will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller Presiding. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s cemetery with Full Military Honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Allen was born December 19, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Joseph C. and Verena R. (Wulfekuhle) Kluesner. He is a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, Iowa. He is a Veteran having enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1971 and served in until October 1975. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA and he went on to teach at Preston High School and Western Dubuque High School. He received his Engineering degree from the University of Iowa. In 1988 he moved to St. Louis to work at McDonald – Douglas, Boeing and retired June 1, 2017.
Allen was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved golfing, fishing, crossword puzzles, reading, watching movies, and listening to all kinds of music.

He was a member of The Farley American Legion Post #656 in Farley, Iowa.

He is survived by twelve siblings, Daniel Kluesner of Farley, IA, Dianne (Bruce) Batteram of Hazel Green, WI, Robert (Karla) Kluesner of Farley, IA, Vernon (Jackie) Kluesner of Dubuque, IA, Edwin (Mary) Kluesner of Farley, IA, Therese (Jerry) Renz of Earlville, IA, Barb Kluesner of Marion, IA, Craig Kluesner of Farley, IA, Ernie (Karen) Kluesner of Marion, IA, Cyril (Amy) Kluesner of Dubuque, IA Rosie (Daryl) Nurre of Petersburg, IA and Lois (Rich) Wubben of Galena, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. and Verena (Wulfekuhle) Kluesner one nephew, Ryan Wubben on March 4, 1989.

Online condolences may be sent to www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Arnold L. Mangler

Arnold L. Mangler, 78, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Monday, October 8, 2018, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Arnold Leroy Mangler was born on February 15, 1940 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Ervin Sr. and Matilda (Seiler) Mangler Sr. He married Darla Kay Arensdorf on November 5, 1960 at St. Donatus, Iowa. She preceded him in death January 16, 2017.

Arnold had first helped his uncles with their excavation business. He then worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for a short time and lastly for 34 years on the assembly line with John Deere in Moline.

Arnold enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed coon hunting and going to casinos all over the state with Darla.

Those left to honor Arnold’s memory include his children Lori Simmons of Delmar, IA, and Paul (Carrie) Mangler of Milan, IL; 2 granddaughters, Whittley Simmons and Morgan Simmons; 4 great-grandchildren, Kameron Sagers, KeeLynn Eby, Jaxon Eby and Maverik Eby; brothers Ervin Mangler Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, and Rich Mangler of Dubuque, IA; sisters, Arlene Jewell of Moline, IL, Mary (David) Wallace of Bellevue, IA, and Darlene (Lanny) Lewis of Adrian, MI; brothers-in-law, Butch (Tootie) Arensdorf of Dubuque, IA, and Robert (Diane) Arensdorf of Dubuque, IA; a sister-in-law, Sharon (Wayne) Kearney of IA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Darla, a son Arnold Jr., a brother Robert (Carol), sisters-in-law Sherry Mangler and Betty (Jim) Rauscher, and a brother-in-law Rick Arensdorf.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Arnold L. Mangler memorial fund has been established.

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

Robert L. Shaffer

Robert L. “Bob” Shaffer, 63, of rural Hazel Green, Wisconsin, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away Wednesday evening, October 3, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 12:50 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Bob was born March 2, 1955 in Dubuque, the son of Irvin and Eileen (Cleary) Shaffer. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Foht on June 2, 1990 in Dubuque.

Bob was the former owner and operator of Bob’s Auto on Kerper Blvd, in Dubuque.

He loved yardwork, feeding the birds, building bird houses, the outdoors, fishing and being with his family.

Surviving is his wife Carolyn; three daughters, Ruthann (Dale) Schmitt of Dubuque, Nikki Leib of Detroit, Michigan, and Tabatha Shaffer (friend Caius Qualls) of Dubuque; four grandchildren, K-Leigh, Kerstein, Kendra and Alex; his siblings, Carol (John) Horkheimer of Dubuque, Linda (Jim) Seys of Kansas City, Missouri, Marty Shaffer of Monroe, Wisconsin, Debbie Meyer of East Dubuque, and Mike (Chris) Shaffer of Dubuque; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Eileen; a grandson, Shawn Shaffer; and two siblings, Tonna Flaherty and Tommy Shaffer.

A Robert L. “Bob” Shaffer memorial fund has been established.

Carolyn and family wish to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at Unity Point Health, Stonehill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care given to Bob.

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

Evadeen A. Strang

Evadeen A. Strang, 86, of Cascade, Iowa passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Evadeen may call from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a CDA Rosary will be held at 1:00 p.m. Services for Evadeen will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 5, 2018 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

She was born July 13, 1932 in Fillmore, Iowa daughter of Joseph and Grace Horsfield. On May 28, 1953 she was united in marriage to Edward N. Meier at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 12, 1991. On January 29, 1993 she was united in marriage to Alan Strang at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. She was employed at Shady Rest Care Center for 25 years, retiring when she was 80.

She enjoyed sewing, making quilts, playing euchre, praying the rosary, gambling trips, puzzles, but most of all sitting on her patio with her husband, Al, family, friends and neighbors just enjoying each other’s company.

She was a member of St. Matthias Parish, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas-Our Blessed Mother Court #1926 and the Society Prayer Line. She volunteered for the Cascade food pantry and Aquin Elementary. Evadeen was always the one to make sure that her family knew she “Loved Them More.”

She is survived by her husband, Alan Strang of Cascade, IA, eight children, John “Jack” (Marylou) Meier of Thayer, MO, Alan “Bounce” (Lou Ann) Meier of Bellevue, IA, Joseph (Karen) Meier of Cascade, IA, Terry (Dawn) Meier of New Hampton, Kevin (Rhonda) Meier and Mark (Lorrie) Meier both of Cascade, Carol (Steve “Herman”) Recker of Bernard, IA, and Bill (Andrea) Meier of Peosta, IA, four step-children, Terry Strang of Liscomb, IA, Tim (Laura) Strang of Madison, WI, Dave (Heidi) Strang of South Carolina, Dan (Rhonda) Strang of Madison, WI; 29 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren; three siblings, Lolly Kurt and JoAnn Horsfield both of Monticello, IA, and Daniel “Magoo” and (Colleen) Horsfield of Cascade, IA; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Urbain of Epworth, IA.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Dale C. Meier on April 3, 2017 and Gerard and William Meier both in infancy; three sisters, Mae Becker, Elenor Urbain and Marie Agnes Horsfield; a brother Billy Horsfield; and two brothers-in-law Vernon Becker and Carl “Butch” Kurt.

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

Lois A. Gross

Lois A. Gross, 90, of Applewood 1, Dubuque, was called home peacefully on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 1 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. To celebrate Lois’ life, family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where a wake service will be held at 7 p.m.

Lois was born on September 12, 1928 in Dubuque County, Iowa the daughter of William and Viola (Thielen) Kingsley.

On October 20, 1951 she married Paul Gross at St. Clement Church, Bankston, Iowa. They were blessed with three children before Paul was called home on March 25, 1986.

Paul and Lois were administrators of the Dubuque County Care Facility for 33 years, retiring in 1985.

She took great joy in spending time with her family and friends and enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and poker, family fishing trips, golfing, and bowling. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fans.

Lois was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, ACCW at St. Joseph the Worker and Power of Prayer.

Those left to cherish Lois’ memory are her daughters, Cathy Flannery Nodorft of Potosi, Wisconsin, and Diane (Bernie) Nie of Maquoketa, Iowa; grandchildren, Phil (Andrea) Flannery, Tara Odefey, Melissa (Bill) Wohlers, Theresa (Pete) Roth, Christina (Rob) Hayes, Shannon (JD) Morscheck, Katie (fiancé Alex Fleiner) Devereaux; great- grandchildren, Drake Nie, Caiden and Brennen Wohlers, Luke and Claire Odefey, Noah and Brody Flannery, Olivia and Ashton Roth, Logan and Dylan Hayes, Gwyneth, Calvin and Franklin Morscheck; 3 step-great granddaughters; 7 step-great, great grandchildren; brother-in-law Joe Gross; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her husband Paul; a son, Daniel; infant grandson, Bryant; son-in-law, Duane Nodorft; and brothers, Dale, Charles, and Jack Kingsley.

A Lois Gross Memorial Fund has been established.

Special thank you to Dr. Ryan Stille and staff, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melanie, Jenni A., Stacy and Karlyn, and her Applewood 1 family.

Lynne M. Thomas

Lynne Marie Thomas, 62, of Dubuque Iowa after a long battle with COPD passed away peacefully surrounded by family in her home on September 28, 2018 at 10:00 PM. Per her wishes there will no services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family.

Lynne was born in Dubuque, February 29, 1956 to Clarence and Rose (Hanson) Klein of Rickardsville.

Lynne married Andrew Thomas in 2001 and had a loving and wonderful relationship. She loved traveling, canoeing and camping with her husband and dogs they had many happy years together. Lynne was an outdoors woman through and through and nothing brought her more joy than a good campfire in the great outdoors. She was raised a farmer and really knew how to cook amazing meals for her family. In her earlier years she was known for her canning skills and would line the walls with jars of canned goods for her family to enjoy. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her family and many grandchildren which she was very proud of.

Lynne was a devoted CNA using her special skills to care for others for over 30 years, 18 of which were spent working at Mount Carmel for The Sisters of Charity in Dubuque. She had a loving soul and found peace in caring for others with her personable touch. She loved her job and all of the sisters she cared for as if they were an extension of family.

Lynne is survived by her loving Husband of 17 years, Andrew Thomas, her daughter Rose (Thomas) and Christopher Thoeni, son Brian/Cassie Thomas, and Step daughters Melissa Thomas, Heather (Thomas) Mcintyer, and Amber (Thomas) and Greg Specht along with 10 grandchildren. She is also survived by father, Clarence Klein, siblings Michael/Sue Klein, Patrick Klein, William/Mary Klein, Barb/Ted Maiers, Beverly/Mark Leibfried, Gregory Klein, and Paul/Cyd Klein.

Lynne was preceded in death by her mother Rose (Hanson) Klein, brother Thomas Klein, and step-mother Delores Klein.

Laverne F. Mensen

Robert William Ferring, resident of Rio Verde, Arizona, formerly of Dubuque, Ia, passed away on Sept 11th at the age of 89 years.

Robert, son of William and Lulu Ferring, known by all as Bob, was born June 14th, 1929 in Dyersville Ia., also fondly known as the filming location of the well-known baseball movie, “Field of Dreams.” Bob attended Xavier High School in Dyersville where he excelled at sports, most notably baseball and basketball. He took his switch hitting and lefty pitching prowess to Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and briefly considered playing professional baseball with an offer from the Chicago Cubs farm club network in 1948. He graduated from Loras with a BA in Business in 1951.

Bob was then drafted into the Army in June of 1951 and devoted 2 years of his life supporting the Korean conflict as an X-ray technician primarily at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Upon returning to Iowa, Bob began his work career with Interstate Finance of Dubuque for several years. During this time he fell under the spell of the beautiful and talented Mary Jane McMahon of Farley, IA. They were married at St. Joseph’s Parish in the small town of Farley, Ia. on Nov 25th, 1954. And smart man that he was, they remained married until the day of his passing!

Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Bob eventually left his job at Interstate and embarked upon a 42 year adventure as a family run business owner. Doing much of the labor himself, he initially developed and ran a 42 unit mobile home park and sales lot just outside of Dubuque. For the next 30 years Bob continued to run this community plus several more in the tri-state area including the expansion of Table Mound II and III. In the upcoming years, sales outlets included Mason City, Waterloo, and Clinton, Iowa and Hazel Green Wisconsin. He served as the president of the State Association, and won many honors within the manufactured home community which led to many fun national and international trip awards for him and his lovely wife Jane. He also broadened his business base by diverging into other arenas including furniture stores, partnerships in several restaurants, development of the Colonial Estates residential community, and a Casey’s General Store in Asbury, IA. As part of this adventure, Bob also owned and ran two UPS stores and participated in the manufactured home business in Phoenix, AZ.

As the manufactured home business tended to be seasonal, Bob was able to leave his businesses in the capable hands of his manager and perform executive duties remotely while he and Jane started their over 40 year adventure in the Phoenix area. They discovered this beautiful paradise (along with scores of their Midwestern neighbors!) in 1978 and eventually built a home as one of the original folks in the Rio Verde over 55 community in 1985. They fell in love with the Rio Verde environment and people and devoted increasingly longer yearly periods living there and eventually chose to be there full time. Bob had many friends in Rio Verde over the years and loved to good naturedly rib them on the golf course and tennis court, especially with his many wins in the lefty golf tournaments! He and his buddies also enjoyed the wonderful outdoor opportunities in the area including fishing at San Carlos Lake and in the White Mountain wilderness. For many years living the good life in Rio Verde entailed long drives from Iowa for the “winter season.” But Bob still looked forward to the wonderful summers they spent in Iowa with children and grandchildren.

The outpouring of love from friends and family, and beloved Rio Verde “expanded family” for Bob after news of his passing has truly been remarkable. Bob was known to many and loved by all. He was famous for his friendly demeanor and propensity to visit with anyone he meets. And of course the legendary Ferring humor was on display at all times. You knew that you were really “in” with Bob when he gave you a hard time….his greatest demonstration of affection. And when he was not in the company of his buddies doing his usual competition thing, he could be found in the companionship of wife Jane, the love of his life for 64 years. A true lifelong demonstration of love and commitment.

Bob will be sadly missed by his wife Jane, his children Mike(Jeni), Mark(Lea Ann), Julie(Gary), and John, his Grandchildren Matt(Jes), Nicole, Michael(Michelle), Daniel(Shannon), Sarah, Anya, Jack, Megan, and Luke, and all the many other family members and friends who will miss his always jocular and fun friendship. Bob was predeceased by his sisters Mae Lou and Jeannie.

The funeral will be held on Oct. 27 at St. Dominic Catholic Mission at Rio Verde at 10 am.

Memorial donations may be made to Verde Cares, the Andre House, Esperanza, or charity of your choice­­­­­­­­­­­.

Laverne F. Mensen

Laverne F. Mensen, 87, of Petersburg passed away Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

Visitation will be held 2 – 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 am Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, SS. Peter Paul Catholic Church, Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137.

Laverne was born March 1, 1931, in Petersburg, the son of Frank and Henrietta (Kramer) Mensen. He married Janice Funke on Oct. 8, 1953, in Dyersville. Together they farmed on the Mensen family farm north of Petersburg. On April of 1989, they retired and moved into Petersburg, and finally moved to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in January of 2015.

He was a faith-driven man who enjoyed attending Mass. He was also a soft-spoken farmer and a proud veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean War. He was also proud of all of his grandchildren and enjoyed a good Coke High.

He is survived by his 6 children: Karen (Ron) Hillers of Guttenberg, Kenny (Kathy) Mensen of Cedar Rapids, Ronnie (Deb) Mensen of Earlville, Duane (Celeste Nunemaker) Mensen of Solon, Carla (Dan) Lechtenberg of Manchester and Pat (Kay Blair) Mensen of Petersburg; 18 grandchildren: Jeremy (Kristina) Hillers, Jason (Jamie) Hillers, Laurie (John) Donovan, Becky (Scott) Siegel, Jenny (Brad) McIntire, Eric (Tasha) Mensen, Tim Mensen, Kristie (Justin) Penner, Ashley (Tanner) Warrington, Kelli (Travis) Schaunaman, Kerri (Jon) Anton, Chris (Nichol) Mensen, Angie (John) Dolan, Ben (Madie) Lechtenberg, Greg Mensen, LCP Austin Mensen, Morgan Mensen and Kyle (Emily) Mensen; 23 great-grandchildren with another due in October; in-laws: Verna Lee Digman, Lois (Art) Kern, Theresa (Charlie) Schindler and Darlene (Wayne) Wegmann, Karen Funke and Floyd (Janet) Funke, all of Dyersville, Rita (Lawrence) Lansing of New Vienna, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, siblings: Edmund (Irene) Mensen, Ambrose (Mary Ann) Mensen, Arnold (Charlotte) Mensen, Leo (Dorothy) Mensen; in-laws: Mary Lou Funke, Edward Digman, Leon Funke, and a great-grandson, James Anton.

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

Duane R. Weber

Duane R. “Dewey” Weber, 63, of Dyersville passed away Monday, October 1, 2018, at his home after an illness.

Visitation will be held 2 – 8 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where the Fire Dept. will gather at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, October 5 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Ralph Davis will officiate.

Duane was born November 15, 1954, in Dyersville the son of Elmer and Mary (Greenwood) Weber. He married Mechelle Then on May 31, 1980, in Dyersville. Together they owned & operated Spring Green Lawn Care & Mechelle’s Gifts & Lighting. Duane enjoyed watching the races from the skybox at the Farley Speedway, searching for treasure at local auctions, and snowmobiling during his winters off. Everyone enjoyed Dewey, especially his grandchildren. Duane was the Secretary of the Dyersville Fire Dept., a member of St. Francis Parish and Secretary and honorary member of the Dyersville Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mechelle, three daughters: Nicole (Eric) Rubner of Dyersville, Amanda (Steven) Randall of North Liberty, Melissa (Brett) Frasher, of Dyersville; grandchildren: Carter Wachendorf and Spencer Randall both of North Liberty, Myia Rubner and Lena Rubner, both of Dyersville, his mother, Mary Weber of Dyersville,

siblings: Lori Gingery of Boone, Diane Weber of Iowa City, and Chris (Ginger) Deutmeyer of Farley, his mother-in-law, Nancy Then of Dyersville, in-laws: Lynne (Dan) Lueck of Dyersville, Gary (Lisa) Then of Tuttle, OK, Mike (Tammy) Then and Sharon (Steve) Prier, all of Dyersville, Donna (Steve) Reinert of Aledo, TX, Peggy (Les) Newby of Carlinville, IL, and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Weber, father-in-law, Joe Then, brother-in-law, Steve Gingery and nephew, Matt Then.

Memorials may be directed to the Dyersville Fire Dept. in memory of Duane.

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

David C. Naber

David C. Naber, 84, of Dubuque went to meet our Lord on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Friday, October 5th, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 6th, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where visitation will proceed the mass on Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

David was born September 14, 1934, in Dyersville, Iowa, son of Fred “Fritz” and Agnes (Tegeler) Naber.

He served in the US Army as a Gunner from May 1957 to April 1959.

On June 4, 1966, he married Doris Droessler Schick at the Church of the Nativity. She preceded him in death on January 3, 2015.

David worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 32 years before his retirement and was a member of UAW Dubuque Local 94.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

David enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, bowling and playing Euchre. The biggest joy of his life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Michelle “Micki” Marolf of Dubuque, Angel Naber of Coralville, Julie (Robert) Axtell of Mt. Vernon and Jeffrey Naber of Marion; grandchildren, Sara (Richard) Flannery, Kimberly (Patrick) Gunderson, Tyler (Jessie) Marolf, Ryan (fiancé Ashely) Axtell, Jordan Axtell, and Rachel Axtell; and great grandchildren, Jocelyn and Amelia Flannery, Liliana Gunderson and Lila Marolf.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses, Florine and Eddie Klostermann and Charles and Elma Naber, and son-in-law, Gregg Marolf.

In lieu of flowers a David Naber Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a big thank you to the nursing staff and aides at the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon for their compassionate care.

Sheryl P. McMullin

Sheryl P. McMullin, 73, of Monticello passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Sheryl was born March 14, 1945, in Monticello the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Pede) Tobiason. She married George McMullin on November 20, 1966, in Monticello. He preceded her in death on July 28, 1998.

Sheryl was a horticulturalist who grew and sold her plants and enjoyed working at her business, Everlasting Flowers. She was a member of the Questers Antique Club, editor of the Questers Iowa Hawkeyes Newsletter and was a Past President of Riverside Gardens.

Survivors include her children: Victoria McMullin of Monticello, Tonia (Kayla Gilman) Gilman of Menlo, IA, Nathaniel (Julie) McMullin of Oak Creek, WI, Millicent (Frank) Valy of Burlington, WI, grandchildren: Samantha Rose Alexander, Fiona Catherine Valy, Connor Michael McMullin, Isabella Ann McMullin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Memorials may be directed to the Monticello Fire Dept. or Riverside Gardens in Monticello.

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

Gary S. Grap

Gary Sylvester Grap, 67, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully holding his beloved daughter’s hand on Friday, September 28, 2018 following a reoccurrence of leukemia.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, where friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greenwood, Wisconsin at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin to Edna (Hinker) and Franklin “Kaiser” Grap on February 23, 1951. He began his education at St. Raphael’s School in Madison, and later at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Ossian, Iowa. Gary graduated from De Sales High School in 1969 and then from Loras College in 1973.

Gary was previously married to Margaret Patzner (1973) and Theresa Ernst (1990).

Over the years, Gary was employed at AY McDonald, Dubuque Pack /FDL, Tom Maher Insurance, Hillcrest Family Services, and finally with the US Postal Service from where he retired.

Faith and family were very important to Gary, and he was active in his parish of St. Joseph The Worker serving as lector, Eucharistic Minister and usher. He was also involved in the Community of the Living Word, Emmaus and CEW. Gary belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council 510, Wahlert Booster Club, and NALC Branch 257. Gary also enjoyed his affiliation with Dubuque Jaycees, Midwest Club Volleyball, Galena Spikers Volleyball, Dubuque Soccer Club and various softball leagues.

He is survived by his 7 children: Conan Grap, Mya (Kevin) Calaro, Martia Ernst, Kaiser (Candis) Grap, Garrett Grap, Magdalena Grap, Lola Grap, and one grandchild Elle B. Grap. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Robert) Werner and sister-in-law Vickie Grap, along with treasured nieces, nephews and cousins, including Louie Cota.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Greg Huinker; brother, Wayne Grap; sister, Patty Ann, in infancy; and beloved extended family members.

Gary and his family would like to express their gratitude to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 4 JPP East Team, Dr. Margarida Magalhaes-Silverman, and Stonehill for their kindness and care during his courageous battle with leukemia.

In lieu of flowers, a Gary S. Grap Memorial has been established.

Betty M. Farcas

Betty M. Farcas, age 96, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:40 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center. To honor Betty’s life, private family services were held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Betty was born on June 14, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Martin and Hazel (Shindledecker) Mommsen.

Betty was born and raised in the Chicago area and eventually graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. She had a strong work ethic and put her talents to good use first as a personal shopper with the Marshall Fields Company in Chicago. Next, Betty decided it was time for an adventure in her life and moved to Connecticut in the late 1950’s where she met her husband, Gordon Farcas; who was sadly called home in 2013. Betty spent the majority of her adult life there before she moved to West Chicago in 1975. She worked at the Ball Seed Company, and then as a children’s librarian in St. Charles, Illinois, before finally retiring. Betty was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Winfield, Illinois, before moving to Dubuque in 1997 and joining her new congregation at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. After moving to Dubuque, she was also able to share her love of reading with the other residents at Alverno Apartments, taking meticulous care of the library there for almost 20 years. Betty thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life; whether she would be sitting quietly watching her feathered friends out the window, creating her latest water color, or even pressing flowers to enjoy for years to come. She also enjoyed collecting seashells and butterflies along with rare and unique bottles. We will miss Betty more than words can clearly convey, but we also look forward to the day when we will see Betty’s beautiful smile once again and begin our eternal walk together in paradise.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her daughters,
Laura (Gary) Carstens, Dubuque, IA
and Jennifer Farcas, Chicago, IL;

her grandchildren,
Christiaan Brodlo, Ian Carstens and Danika Zivojnovich;

and a sister,
Mable Brady, Elburn, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Lisa Farcas in childhood; and 1 brother and 8 sisters.

Betty’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Stonehill for all of their professional and tender care of Betty, and her family.

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