Obituaries Archive

Vivian River

Vivian River, 92, of Maquoketa, IA passed away peacefully at home Friday, July 19, 2019.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 26 at 12:30 pm at the United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to noon at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.

Vivian was born April 23, 1927 in Minot, ND to Latvian immigrants, Alida and Ernest Mukin. She grew up in Crosby, ND and, following the early death of her father, she had many responsibilities helping her mother run the Allen Hotel in Crosby. Her mother sold the hotel prior to Vivian’s senior year of high school. They moved to Minot, ND where Vivian completed her senior year and then attended Minot Teacher’s College for one year.

She graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, where she met and married Ross River on March 25, 1951. Shortly thereafter, when Ross was called for more military service in the United States Air Force, Vivian accompanied him to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, where their first child, Susan, was born. After the military years, they moved to Maquoketa, IA where their other four children, Jean, Kay, Bruce and David were born and where Vivian and Ross have resided ever since during their 68 years of marriage.

Vivian was a devoted wife and she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. By example, she sought to instill the values of kindness, compassion, faith, humility, hard work and perseverance.

She handled the administrative responsibilities for the agricultural businesses and family farm that she and Ross owned.

She was on the Maquoketa Community School Board for several years and was its president part of that time. Education for all young people was very important to Vivian. She worked with others during her time on the board to start the MAC (Maquoketa Alternative Classroom). She worked with 4-H clubs for many years in Jackson County and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Maquoketa Area YMCA from its beginning.

Vivian also served as a very committed lay person as a long-time member of the United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, was a member of the Care Team, taught Sunday school for many years and served on many committees.

She enjoyed walking, reading, sewing, growing her flowers and following the ISU Cyclones and the Maquoketa Cardinals. She always loved a rainy day because she said there had been so few of them where she grew up in North Dakota. She loved nature, bird watching and said that she was blessed to live in Jackson County with so many trees and the beauty of seasons with green and colorful landscapes. She had a sparkling sense of humor and loved being around her family. Vivian lived with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She quietly did many things for others in the community in their times of need. When she became quite ill before she died, she was hesitant about accepting help from others. When it was pointed out to her that she had done so much for others, she said that she always wished she could have done more. As she often said to her children and grandchildren, “the best thing you can give someone is to give of yourself.”

Vivian will be remembered and missed dearly by many, among them her husband, Ross River of Maquoketa; her children; Sue River of Madison, WI, Bruce River (Chris) of Maquoketa, and David River (Paula) of Maquoketa; her grandchildren, Amanda River, Ashley River, Robert River, Ben Buchner, Peyton River and Carter River; great-grandchild, Hallie Harrison; her sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, her nieces and nephews and her cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two daughters, Jean River and Kay River.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of other expressions of sympathy to the United Methodist Church of Maquoketa, Camp Courageous or Hospice of Jackson County.

Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is in charge of the arrangements. Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Madelyn Tranel

M. Madelyn (Fleege) Tranel, 64, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Friday afternoon, July 19, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, following a sudden illness, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation is from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 2:45 p.m. Monday.

Madelyn was born on August 18, 1954 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Dorrance J. and Virginia (Graham) Fleege. She was a graduate of Wahlert High School, the class of 1972 and attended Loras College.

Madelyn was formerly a bookkeeper and in-home daycare provider.  She enjoyed puzzles, game shows, reading, music, hosting holiday parties, but most of all she enjoyed spoiling her 11 grandchildren.

Surviving are four children, Laurie (Eric) Miller, of East Dubuque, Jenny (Corey) LuGrain of Asbury, IA, Chris (Kim) Tierney and Mike (Abby) Tierney both of East Dubuque; 11-grandchildren, Ayden, Connor and Tierney Miller, Grace, Addison, Nick, and Jack LuGrain, Zander and Ashlyn Tierney, and Ella and Camden Tierney; her sister, Barb (Rog) Kramer of East Dubuque, and brother, Danny (Kelley) Fleege of Dubuque, and her sister-in-law, Nancy Fleege of Placentia, CA, her treasured companion Ernie Hart of Galena, and the father of her children, John Tierney of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Madelyn was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, David, Donald and Dean Fleege.

Madelyn’s family wishes to give special thanks to the East Dubuque Ambulance and EMT’s, the doctors and staff at Mercy One-Dubuque, Air Care personnel and the wonderful doctors and staff at UIHC, Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, a Madelyn Tranel memorial fund has been established.

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

Mary Jane Moss

Mary Jane Moss, 80, of Dyersville, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2019, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, July 26, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday from 8:30 – 9:30 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10 am Saturday, July 27, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Mason City at a later date. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Mary Jane was born November 1, 1938, in Rockwell, Iowa the daughter of Bernard Joseph and Mary Catherine (McCarthy) Fitzgerald. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in 1956.

She married Kenneth L. Moss on September 6, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. She moved to Dyersville with her husband in June of 1961, from Iowa City where her husband graduated from the University of Iowa Law School.

She was family oriented and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Mary Jane also thrived working as a legal secretary for a number of years at Moss, Heims, and Casey Law Firm. She was a volunteer worker for the Mercy Health Center, St. Mary’s Unit (now MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center) Auxiliary Gift Shop, the Dyersville Area Historical Society, and she was a lifelong member of the St. Anne’s Mother’s Club.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; four children: Diane Marie Moss of Dyersville, Patricia Lynn Moss (Jeff Johnson) of Crystal MN, Susan Michelle (William) Sharp of Des Moines, Brian Kenneth (Heather) Moss of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren: Briana Marie Moss (friend, Steven Louis Meier), Jesse Tyler Sharp, Jade Alexandra Sharp, Nickolas Kenneth Lenane, Andrew Patrick Lenane, Soren Lee Moss-Johnson, Sophia Grace Moss and Isabella Rose Moss; a sister, Alice (Gary) Ebeling of Clear Lake, brothers-in-law: John (Wanda) Moss and Jerry (Mary) Moss, and sisters-in-law: Dixie Shimak, Marilyn Moss-Taylor, Patricia Moss-Farnan, and Kathy (Dan) Moorhead, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Colleen Kay Lenane (formerly married to Patrick Lenane), a brother, Bernard (Doris) Fitzgerald, sisters, Marguerite (William) Maxwell and Genevieve M (Harold) Witt, a brother-in-law, Ray Shimak, and one great nephew, Robert Francis Tenney.

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

Rita J. Lansing

Rita J. Lansing, 84, of New Vienna, Iowa passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held 2-8 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday, July 22 from 8:30- 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2019, St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Rita was born March 6, 1935 in Petersburg, Iowa the daughter of Hugo and Regina (Deutmeyer) Funke. She married Lawrence Lansing on October 1, 1958 in Dyersville, Iowa. Together they started farming near Earlville for 6 years, before moving to the farm north of New Vienna in 1965 where they still lived on that farm today. While on the farm, Rita was a homemaker who enjoyed being busy outside, quilting, baking & crocheting. She & her husband, Lawrence loved dancing and listening to polka music. Rita loved spending time with her family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren, and friends.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Lawrence, 7 children: Randy (LuAnn) Lansing of New Vienna, Barbara (Steve) Hermsen of Bennett, Elaine (Roger) Langel of New Vienna, David (Becky) Lansing of Worthington, Joan (Brad) Cunningham of Cedar Rapids, Larry (Brenda) Lansing of Cedar Rapids and Kim (Matt) Miller of Marion, grandchildren: Jason Lansing, Amy (Seve) Rodriguze, Adam Lansing, Josh (Brittany) Lansing, Chad Hermsen, Joy (Josh) Kessler, Justin Hermsen, Ashley (Andy) Aldridge, Tyler (Karen) Langel, Staci Langel (fiancé Tyler Steger), Nicole (Wes) Marbach, Callie Lansing (fiancé Chris Nurczyk), Jenna Lansing, Emily, Sarah, and Michael Cunningham, Devin and Rilee Lansing, Brooklyn, Blake and Bryson Miller,12 great grandchildren; 4 sisters: Verna Lee Digmann, Lois (Art) Kern, Theresa (Charlie) Schindler, Darlene (Wayne) Wegmann; in-laws: Karen Funke, Janet Funke, John Lansing and Donald (Diane) Lansing, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugo & Regina Funke, grandson, Ryan Langel, siblings: Dorothy (Leo) Mensen, Janice (Laverne) Mensen, Leon Funke, Mary Lou Funke, Floyd Funke; parents-in-law, John & Margret Lansing, in-laws: Edward Digmann, Lois Lansing, Lavern Lansing, Anna Mae Lansing, Glady (Lavern Lansing) (Purl Lake) Lansing-Lake and 5 nieces and nephews.

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

Carol M. (Cupps) Maas

Carol Marie (Cupps) Maas, 60 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 18th, 2019 at home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.

Carol was born on December 11, 1958 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Gerald “Jerry” and Virginia Cupps and attended Wahlert High School in Dubuque. She married Donald “Dino” Maas on July 11, 2000.

Carol worked at Dubuque Golf and Country Club for 29 years until her health wouldn’t allow it. She was courageous and strong as she fought cancer since 2009. She was so strong that she was on hospice twice, but now she is no longer suffering. She loved going to Zoo’s, Wisconsin Dells and fishing.

She is survived by her husband Donald “Dino” Maas; her daughter Tina (Chris Somers) Jellison; her son John “Jake” White. Grandchildren, Cody and Haley Jellison and Spencer White. Stepchildren Amanda and Austin Maas; two step-grandchildren and her mother-in-law Helen Wernke. Her siblings Jim Cupps, Gene (Vickie) Cupps, Joe (Sheree) Cupps and Jackie (Dave) Kieffer along with nieces, nephews and many in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law Minor Maas and step-father-in-law Don Wenke.

Special thank you to Melissa and Nichole from Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care; also thank you to the management and staff at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club for their kindness throughout the years during this difficult process.

Jerry E. Udelhofen

Jerry E. Udelhofen, 86, of Potosi, Wisconsin, died Monday, July 15, 2019, at Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2019, at St. Andrew Church in Tennyson with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Thursday at St. Andrew Church in Tennyson where the parish wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:00-10:45 a.m. Friday at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Jerry was born on May 30, 1933, in rural Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Bernard and Anita (McReynolds) Udelhofen. After school he pursued his life passion of farming, working briefly at the Dubuque Packing Co. before meeting Mary Lou Kieler. They were united in marriage on May 14, 1957. Besides farming he worked part-time at Kieler’s Store in Dickeyville.

Jerry was very active and competed in bowling, golfing, and horseshoes. His passion for sports carried into his grandchildren and he was there to support them at many of their sporting events. When he wasn’t being active he enjoyed playing cards or the poker machines for “profit” as he liked to say. His family remembers him as a “wise-cracker” who always enjoyed a good joke. Family time was important to him, whether it was vacations or hunting, the time spent with family was cherished. Jerry was a veteran serving our country in the Army from January 1954-January 1956. Most of his time spent in the military was served in Japan as a sergeant.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; a daughter, Gina (Mike Wieland) Udelhofen, of Potosi; two sons, John (Angie) Udelhofen, of Potosi, and Pat (Wendy) Udelhofen, of Potosi; a sister, Phyllis Genthe, of Cuba City; two brothers, Donnie (Doris) Udelhofen, of Potosi, and Ronnie (Helen) Udelhofen, of Potosi; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Ames and JoAnne Udelhofen; nine grandchildren, Markus (Nakila), Mitch, Nick, and Rachel Reuter, Kristen and Andrew Udelhofen, and Alex, Ben, and Sam Udelhofen; three great-grandchildren, Lila, Deacon, and Kaleb Reuter; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kay Herbsleb; two brothers, Bob and Jake Udelhofen; two sisters-in-law, Connie and Florence Udelhofen; four brothers-in-law, Jerry Ames, Harold Genthe, Carl Wallig, and Ray Herbsleb; and deceased nieces and nephews, Mike and Kyle Udelhofen, and Debbie, Jim, Dennis, and Cindy Wallig.

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

Wallace A. Pensel

Wallace Adam “Wally” Pensel, 83, of East Dubuque, Illinois, danced his way to heaven on Tuesday, July 16, 2019.  Wally was born March 26, 1936, he was the oldest of three children to Edgar and Marie (Handke) Pensel.  After graduating from Colesburg High School in 1953, he served in the US Army from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in Germany.

On June 20,1959 he married Janet Angell.  She preceded him in death in 1982.  Later in life, he met Faye Warne. They married and started a new venture on February 14, 2008.

Wally worked at John Deere Dubuque Works, first on the line, then as an inspector, retiring in 1988. After retirement, he helped his nephew work on the farm.

He was an avid classic car collector and enthusiast, belonging to the Cedar Rapids Car Club for 20 years and Gary’s Graffitti Cruisers for 30 years, participating in hundreds of shows and cruises.  He enjoyed going dancing and kicking up his heels, as well as taking in the sites while travelling.

He and Faye also loved tending to their beautiful farmette in Livingston, WI where they could sit and look at the stars while overlooking the lake from the light house, or be found puttering around on his tractors or 4-wheeler.

Family was important to Wally, he loved visiting with all of his nieces, nephews, children, step-children, and he loved his grandchildren greatly.  Whenever they would give him a hug, he’d ask them to “give me a big squeeze”. Then add, “make it a little tighter”.

Faith was also important to Wally, and he was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he spent many years as a trustee.

Wally was even a movie star! He was an extra in the filming of the movie “Field of Dreams”.

A common theme when Wally’s name is brought up, is hearing about his kind, giving, and patient demeanor along with being the first to crack a joke and enjoy a good laugh. Everyone that knew him truly was blessed for having him in their life.

Wally is survived by his wife, Faye (Warne) Pensel of East Dubuque; two sons, Kenneth W. Pensel of Columbus Junction and Gary L. (Rita) Pensel of Dubuque; three stepsons, Eldon L. (Vicki) Warne of Livingston, WI, Scott D. Warne of McFarland, WI and Randy L. (Nikki) Warne of Livingston, WI; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by a brother in law, Burnell Smith and three sisters in law, Jean Pensel, Jan Johnson, and Juanita Hargrove.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sharon Smith and a brother, Kermit Pensel.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where visitation will also be held Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post #6.

A Wallace Pensel Memorial Fund has been established.

Philip J. Weigel

Philip J. Weigel, 98, of Dyersville passed peacefully from this earth on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at Oak Crest Manor in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial at St. Francis Cemetery.  Rev. Al Vorwald will officiate.

Philip was born February 8, 1921, in Dedham, Iowa the son of Joseph and Catherine (Hoffman) Weigel.  In 1943 Phil began a lifetime of dairy farming in Earlville.  He was a dedicated and respected Holstein dairyman and received many awards including: Top Dairy Producer, Distinguished Dairyman Award, Distinguished Dairyman Service Award, and the Iowa Holsteins Distinguished Service Award.  Phil also received the Diamond Clover Award for twenty years of service to 4-H as a volunteer leader.

Phil’s love of animals was his lifelong passion with a very special place in his heart for rat terrier puppies.  Playing euchre was his favorite pastime.  Having friends over to his house on Friday night to play cards was the highlight of his week.  He also enjoyed state & county fair celebrations and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

He was a member of St. Francis parish for many years and was a devout Catholic.

Philip is survived by his 8 children: John Weigel, James (Dawn) Weigel, Eugene Weigel, Thomas Weigel, Susan (James) Gruber, Charles (Madeline) Weigel, Dr. David Weigel and Dr. Daniel (Sandra) Weigel, 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Charles (Iva) Weigel, Lucille (Paul) Gudenkauf, Robert (Germaine) Weigel and Mary (Edward) Fortmann.

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

Jeanne Cavanaugh

Jeanne M. Cavanaugh, 100, of Dubuque, formerly of Waverly, IA, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM Monday, July 22, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Ave. Dubuque. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Cavanaugh will be 10:00 AM Monday, July 22, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Ave. Dubuque with Rev. Father Mark Kwenin as celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Dubuque are in care of the arrangements.

Born August 25, 1918 in Dubuque, she was the daughter of Leo J. and Cecile C. Samson Pittz. Raised in Dubuque, she attended Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Conception Academy. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1935 and then from Clarke College in 1939.

Jeanne worked in Chicago as an executive secretary until her marriage to Bert B. Cavannaugh on August 21, 1947 at St. Edward’s Church in Waterloo, IA. Together they traveled to California and to North Carolina, where Bert served as a career Navy man. Upon his retirement, the two established their home in Florida until his death in 1966.

Jeanne then returned to the Waterloo area and was employed for 16 years at Chamberlain Mfg. Corporation’s Production Division office. She retired in 1983 and made her home in Waverly, IA until 1999 when she moved to Assisi Village in Dubuque. She belonged to Kappa Gamma Pi, a National Catholic College Honor Society, to ACCW, and to the Assisi Village Literacy Club.

Her lifetime hobbies included traveling the U.S. and Canada, enjoying spectator sports, theater, volunteering, and always reading.

She enjoyed visits from out-of-state cousins and often their children and they very special outings; or shopping with Dubuque cousins, Colleen and Sidney Wallace, and also her husband’s two nieces, Diane (James) Miller and Pricilla (Arlyn) Hanson, and Dayton (Janice) Frederickson.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a stepfather, Henry Anhalt, two stepbrothers, Wendell and Lawrence, and a half sister, Rosemary Anhalt.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, the staff and care givers at Stonehill Care Center, and the staff and care givers of Assisi Village of Stonehill.

Condolences may be left by visiting Mrs. Cavanaugh’s obituary at www.hskfh.com.

Kathryn A. Ben

Kathryn A. “Katie” (Leliefeld) Ben, age 82, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 10:39 a.m., on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Katie’s life, funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Rev. Tom Heathershaw officiating. To celebrate Katie’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 19, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 2:45 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Katie was born on November 23, 1936, in Guttenberg, Iowa, daughter of Daniel and Rose (Kleine) Leliefeld.

Those left to cherish Katie’s memory include

her children,
Tim (Jean) Ben, Dubuque, IA,
Tammy Ben, Dubuque, IA,
Jerry (Pam) Ben, Sherrill, IA,
Roger (Linda) Ben, Sioux City, IA,
Debbie McGinnis, Dubuque, IA,
Doug (Vicki) Ben, Durango, IA
and Kathy Ben, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Randy (Ginny) Fens, Ryan (Nicole) Fens, Ron Fens, Kassy (Daniel) Moore, Kelsey (Jacob Schroeder) Ben, Ryan (Cynthia) Ben, Jonathon (Kristen) Ben, Doug (Cindy) Siegert, Laura McGinnis, Tammy (Bill Kaufmann) Sprecher, Tera (Aaron) Turner and Logan Ben;

her great-granddaughter,
Ellie Lynn Siegert;

her siblings,
Lois Goerdt,
Joanie White
and Bill (Rita) Leliefeld, all of Guttenberg, IA;

her in-laws,
Richard (Mavis) Ben, Alfred, ND
and Rose Ben, Gackle, ND;

and her special grand-puppy,
Diego.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harry Ben; a granddaughter, Krista Kay Ben; a son-in-law, Gary McGinnis; her siblings, Norman (Lois) Leliefeld, Dorothy (Orvin) Knudtson, Bernard (Bernita) Leliefeld, Vera (Cliff) Mirocko, Mary (Manford) Sherriff, Opal (Robert) Goerdt, Betty Leliefeld, Kathleen Leliefeld, Pat (Glen) Bolsinger, Carol Rose Leliefeld and Gary (Corinne) Leliefeld; and her in-laws, Richard Goerdt, Keith White, Marvin Ben, Clarence (Mary Jean) Ben and Johnny Jerome Ben.

Katie’s family would like to thank Dr. Hillard Salas and his nurse, Kristy, as well as the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Katie and her entire 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

Floyd J. Hammel

Floyd John Hammel, 83, of Dubuque passed away Monday, July 15, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on 10:00 AM Friday, July 19, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steve Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Dubuque Marine Corp. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury where there will be a wake service at 2:45 p.m.

Floyd was born July 29, 1935 in Dubuque, son of Christian F. and Edna Dorothy (Hammerand) Hammel. He married Rose Ann Klein, October 6, 1962 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Floyd served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer on the family farm and in 2016 the farm became a Heritage Farm. He retired in 2009.

He enjoyed watching old western movies, classic country music, playing euchre, gardening, collecting toy tractors and family pictures. He loved to tell one liners, “The Hammel humor.”

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish Holy Ghost Catholic Church and Farm Bureau.

Surviving is his wife, Rose Hammel; his children, Julie Milligan, of Sherrill, John (Patty) Hammel, of New Hampton, IA, Jane Hammel, of Dubuque, Jim (Laura) Hammel, of Sherrill, and Jeff Hammel, of Sherrill; grandchildren, Travis (Mariah), Michael (tomas), Zach (Samantha), Emily (Colton) Dan, Lacey, Nick (Abby) Luke (Jessi) Mitchel (Tierney) and Sydney; great grandchild Tyler John and one due in November; one sister-in-law, Darlene Klein and one brother-in-law, Norm Klein and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Merlin (Jean) Hammel, one sister-in-law, Delphine (Dick) Dolter, and brothers-in-law, Don (Ann) Klein, George Klein and Richard Klein.

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

Martha A. Neises

Martha A. “Marti” Neises, age 73 of Fillmore, Iowa completed her earthly journey on July 15, 2019 at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Marty’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Marty’s family.

Marti was a loving wife and mother who devoted her life to serving others and making the world around her a better place. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Marti include her husband and soul-mate, Jim Neises; two deeply adored daughters; along with many extended family, friends and neighbors who will miss her joyful smile.

Donations may be made to the Dubuque Humane Society in memory of Martha A. Neises.

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

Paul A. Downs

Paul A. Downs, age 59, of Dubuque, was called Home peacefully in his sleep on July 15, 2019, at home. He is now more alive than he has ever been. To celebrate Paul’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Dubuque Community Church, 3490 Keystone Drive, with Pastors Dennis Schmitt and Steve Downs officiating. In celebration of his life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, July 19, 2019, in “Joy’s Corral” at their home, 2165 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service held at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, at a later date.

Paul was born on October 1, 1959, in Dubuque, son of William and Ruth E. (Hamiel) Downs.

He was raised on the family farm near Balltown and attended Sageville School, Jefferson Junior High and graduated from Hempstead High School in Dubuque in 1977. Paul worked on the farm until he married the love of his life, Renee T. Scherf, on June 30, 1984 on Echo Mountain at the farm. Upon moving to Dubuque, Paul and some friends opened The Narrow Gate at 1654 Central Avenue. It offered the Dubuque community a relaxed atmosphere with coffee, music and Christian fellowship. Paul’s talents and interests were diverse. He and Renee opened Mississippi Fats Ice Cream Shop and a couple other short-term restaurants. Paul was a furniture restorer, antique shop owner and later began 17th Street Pawn, which they ran for over 25 years. He enjoyed old cars, antiquated machinery, guns, “garage saling” and movies. Paul delighted in spending time outdoors riding horses, fishing or mushroom hunting. He was a trivia buff, storyteller and a prodigious reader. Paul was a very talented writer who would often exercise his poetic license to the fullest. For many years, he was known as the “Muffin Man” as he flaunted his culinary proclivities. Most of all, Paul was a very soft-hearted and selfless man who loved people. He and Renee would regularly offer food and shelter to those who needed it. Paul left a legacy of giving to all who knew him.

Those left to cherish Paul’s memory include

his wife,
Renee Downs, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Daniel (Miranda) Downs, Dubuque,
Tommy Downs, Dubuque,
Harmony (Reece) Morgan, Balltown, IA,
Bonnie Downs, Dubuque,
Joy (Jake) Hopper, Balltown, IA,
Willie Downs, Dubuque,
Gracie Downs, Dubuque,
Faith Downs, Dubuque
and Andrew Downs, Dubuque;

his granddaughter,
Hope Morgan;

his father,
Bill Downs, Dubuque, IA;

and his brother,
Steve (Debbie) Downs, Spokane, WA.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Downs; and his daughter, Melody Downs.

Janis K. (Kemp) Waugh

Janis Kay (Kemp) Waugh, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at the Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, July 19, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. The family does welcome you to join her family and friends in memory and celebration of her life from 4 to 7 P.M. Cremation rites will be accorded and there will be no “body” present for visitation.

Janis Kay Kemp was born on June 11, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Harris John and Madge Helen (Lund) Kemp. She had one brother LaVern Harris Kemp. She grew up in the Baldwin / Maquoketa area. She went to a country schoolhouse and then attended Maquoketa schools to finish out her education. She married Kenneth Lee Waugh on November 20, 1961, later separating in 1996.

Janis was a farmer’s wife and mother until moving off the farm. Once she moved to Andrew she did sewing at Pacific Coast Feather and later at ADAC Plastics as a mold operator.

Janis enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, putting puzzles together, crocheting and knitting, and going out with her best friend Nancy Baker. She loved being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Kenneth Lee Waugh of Maquoketa, IA; children, Cindy Kay and Larry Lee Arensdorf of Maquoketa, IA, Bruce Allan and Lori Ann (Gilmore) Waugh of Maquoketa, IA, and Douglas Lee and Peggy Lynn (Smith) Waugh of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, Bradley Kenneth (Renae) Waugh, Mitchell Allen Waugh, Alicia Lin Arensdorf, Bethany Jan Waugh, Ashly Ann Arensdorf, Joshua J. Arensdorf, and Dalton Douglas Waugh; and 1 great-grandchild, Eloise Jo Waugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harris John Kemp and Madge Helen (Welch) Lund, a brother LaVern Harris Kemp and a granddaughter Crystal Lorraine Waugh.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Janis Kay Waugh memorial fund has been established.

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

Daniel R. Wolter

Daniel R. “Dan” Wolter, 61, of Dubuque, Iowa died peacefully on July 14, 2019, with his family by his side.

Per Dan’s request, he has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, from 4:30-7:30 pm, at the Grand Tap in Dubuque, IA. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

Dan was born on November 27, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Joyce (Tigges) and Lowell Wolter. Dan graduated from Hempstead High School in 1976. He married Barbara (Stillmunkes) Wolter on May 22, 2009 after many years of dating. Dan worked for the University of Dubuque for several years.

He lived and breathed hunting – deer, turkey, squirrel, you name it, he most likely hunted it. His happy place was being in the woods with his hunting buddies and his twin brother, Don. Dan and Don were the best of friends and were nicknamed Salt and Pepper, Dan being Pepper. He loved to cheer on the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and rooting for Rusty Wallace. If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he was watching a sports game with his family and lifelong friends. Dan always got a kick out of going to his kids’ workplaces to place a bag of candy on their cars and then leaving them a voicemail that candy was waiting for them when they got off work. He deeply loved his children and was proud of their accomplishments.

Dan is survived by his wife Barb Wolter of Dubuque, his children Drew (Harpal) Benavides Wolter of Sacramento, CA, Cody (April) Wolter of Dubuque, Rebecca “Scooter” (Tom) Ameche of Dubuque, stepdaughter Stacy (Shawn) Stackis of Peosta, one granddaughter Lucy Wolter and another granddaughter, Baby Ameche, due in early October, four step-granddaughters, Brianna (Tyler) Stillmunkes, McKenna, Rylie, and Brynlee Stackis all of Peosta. His father Lowell (Juanita Steichen) Wolter, twin brother Don (Sheila) Wolter, and sister Gayla (Randy) Mills all of Dubuque. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce, his grandparents, and step-granddaughter Maggie Stackis.

Dan’s family would like to thank Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation, Finley Hospital and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for the incredible care Dan received through his medical needs over the years. A special thank you to Dr. Kyle Brown, Dan’s liver doctor, who was always very compassionate and wonderful with Dan, and to the ICU doctors and nurses who cared for him in his final days, their compassion and love to him and his family will be cherished forever.