Obituaries Archive

Betty Lou Stackis

Betty Lou (Scholl) Stackis, 77 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 26th, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 4th, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Andrew Mensah officiating. Committal prayers and burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 3rd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:45 p.m.

Betty was born on September 4, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (O’Regan) Scholl. She attended Sacred Heart and Immaculate Conception Academy.

On November 8th, 1958 she married Theodore “Ted” Stackis at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque. Ted passed away on September 15, 2008.

Betty was such a giving, caring person, who always put others before herself. She loved spending time with family and friends. Betty was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by four sons, Timothy Stackis, of Dubuque, Kevin (Debbie) Stackis, of Rio Verde Arizona, Theodore “Ted” (Darla) Stackis and Jeffrey (Linda) Stackis, both of Dubuque. One daughter, Connie (Aaron) Konrardy, of Durango, IA. 11 grandchildren: Melia, Josie, Easton, Kylie, Abbie, Nick, Katie, Jordan, Alex and Sky Stackis and Justin Beck. Great Grandchildren: Ryan and Alaina Stackis and Brooklyn and Jase Beck. One sister Maggie (Vince) Kotz, and one brother Tom (Barb) Scholl. Brothers-in-law Jim (Colleen) Stackis and Louie Tsacudakis. Sisters-in-law, Marie Stackis and Maria Enos; along with many nieces and nephews.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents Eleanor and Joseph; father and mother-in-law, Nicholas and Angeline Tsacudakis; sister Mary Davis, brother Jim Scholl, brothers-in-law, Mike (Emil) Stackis Andy Tsacudakis, John Stackis, and George Stackis and sisters-in-law Donna Wooldridge and Anna Tsacudakis.

Memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Church or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family request no flowers; in lieu of flowers a Betty Stackis memorial fund will be established.

Rose Marie Oswald

Rose Marie Oswald, 91, of Monticello passed away Monday, April 29, 2019, at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 3:45 pm. Visitation will continue from 10 – 11 am Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Rose was born November 28, 1927, in Cascade, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Mary Anna (Koob) Merfeld. She married Earl G. Oswald on September 6, 1951, in Cascade. Together they farmed in the Monticello area and later moved to the family farm in 1970.

She worked hard at gardening as she raised her family. She also worked in the medical field in various positions for over 60 years. She was active politically as a member of the Democratic Party, and she enjoyed playing cards, Bingo, and visiting.

Survivors include 6 sons: Don (Nancy) Oswald of Earlville, James, Leon, Dean (Lisa), Paul (Julie) and Ed Oswald, all of Monticello; 4 daughters: Ann (William) Buckner of Monticello, Janet Fischer of Oneida, Betty Bagley of Mercer, MO, and Joan (Barney) Dirks of Anamosa; a son-in-law, Joe Nosek of Cedar Rapids; 28 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; siblings: Joseph Merfeld of Cascade, Louis (Gladys) Merfeld of Dubuque, Ann Gudenkauf of Manchester, Theresa Drew of Cascade, Allan (Bev) Merfeld of Rockford, IL; in-laws: Cheryl Merfeld of Rockford, IL, Gerry Merfeld of Benton Harbor, MI, and Kathleen Hunt of Hopkinton and AnnaBelle Oswald of Monticello.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Earl in 2001, a daughter, Lois Nosek, a son-in-law, John Bagley, a great grandson, Samuel Boehm; siblings: Carl (Peg) Merfeld, Francis and Robert Merfeld, Mary Margaret (Larry) Ahlers; in-laws: Dode Merfeld, Gerald Gudenkauf, Ralph Drew, Lloyd Oswald, Mary (Harold) Schneiter, Patricia (William) McDonell and Bob Hunt.

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

Sally J. Steiner

Sally J. Steiner, 89, a life-long East Dubuque resident, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Ennoble Manor Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sally was born on July 1, 1929 in Dubuque, the daughter of Chester and Bessie (Williams) Steiner. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1947.

Sally worked as a receptionist until her retirement. While growing up, she loved to go fishing at their cottage at Frentress Lake. Sally enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, was an avid bingo player, she loved playing a good game of euchre and working crossword puzzles.

Surviving are her nephews, Bill (Bonnie) Timmerman of East Dubuque, Mike Richards of Cedar Rapids, IA, Dane (Sue) Steiner, Jr., of Dubuque; nieces, Joan (Larry) Harwood of Cedar Rapids, Mardelle (Jerry) Rojemann of Menominee and Kelly Richards of Cedar Rapids; many great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and three great-great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Bessie; three brothers, Carl, Billy & Dane L. “Jiggs”, and three sisters, Ora, Gloria & Lorraine; one nephew, Pat Richards, and one great niece Jody.

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

Bernice M. Rickey

Bernice (Beecy or Bernie) M. Rickey, 87, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 18, 2019 at Finley Hospital due to heart failure.

memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends may gather after 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Bernice was born on September 6, 1931 in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph C. and Mathilda (Weber) Becker. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and married Marion “Rick” Rickey on August 24, 1972. He preceded her in death on May 28, 2001.

Bernice was employed as a key punch operator at John Deere Dubuque Works and at John Deere Harvester in the Quad Cities retiring May 31, 1986.

She was a diehard Cubs fan and watched and kept score for every game that she could. She also would fly the “W” flag outside her apartment so all the other Cub fans at Assisi Village would know when the Cubs won. Her favorite actor was John Wayne, and she had all his movies on DVD. Many years ago she was a member of the Dubuqueland Women’s Bowling Association and served one term on the DWBA board as a director.

She is survived by “many” nieces and nephews from the Becker clan including Linda (Tom) Ehlinger and Jerry (Karyn) Lange who assisted and watched over her for the last 9+ years. “To all of us she was known as Aunt Beecy.” She also had step-grandchildren in the Quad Cities area including Samantha “Sammi” (Don) Shook, Renee (Jeff) Richmond, Zack Rickey, and Ed Jordan and step great grandchildren Blaine Rickey, Bryce Barnett, Jared Richmond, and Reese Richmond.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by one brother, Joseph (Dorothy) Becker and five sisters, Florence (Jerry) Lange, Esther (Don) Huntington, Helen (Minor) Maas, Rosemary (Ed) Riley, and Rita (Whitey) Dura. She was the baby and last one left of that immediate family.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital for their care, and the Assisi Village staff and the other apartment dwellers who live at Assisi Village for their friendship with “Bernie”.

Janice M. Brant

Janice M. Brant, 62, of Kieler, Wisconsin, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at home.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where the parish rosary will be at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Thursday at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is serving the family.

Janice was born on September 9, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Vergil J. and Teresa F. (Hesseling) Brant. She graduated from Hazel Green High School in 1974. Janice worked for 45 years at McDonald Supply in Dubuque.

Sports were an important part of her life. She enjoyed softball, sand volleyball, winter volleyball and bowling. Janice was secretary for her bowling league for 28 years. She was also a very caring person who always thought of others. Janice served on the Immaculate Conception Parish Council and was a regular blood donor until she was unable to donate due to cancer. Taz, her beagle, was a beloved part of her life.

Survivors include two brothers, Ken Brant, of Hazel Green, and David (Mary Jo) Brant, of Cuba City; her godmother, Celina Hesseling; her nieces and nephews, Craig (Heather Johnson) Roth, Niki (Fred Freiburger) Roth, Andy Roth, Amanda (Matthew) Diercks, Aaron (Courtney) Brant, Alex (Amanda) Brant, Alyssa (Darious Johnson) Brant, Dallas (Shelby Kramer) Brant, and Dustin (Alanna Imobersteg) Brant; and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Debra Leonard; and her godfather, Ray Hesseling.

Special thanks to all the family members who helped with her care and spent time with her, especially Makenzie and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Donna J. Cyborski

Donna J. Cyborski, 70, of Potosi, Wisconsin, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at St. Andrew Church in Tennyson, Wisconsin, with Rev. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is guiding the family through this heavenly journey.

Donna was born on December 8, 1948, in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, the daughter of Arthur L. and Audrey (Edge) Hancock. She married Greg J. Cyborski on August 8, 1970, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, Iowa.

Donna graduated from Mercy Medical Center School of Nursing and worked for 49 years in the medical field. She was a very talented, dedicated and empathetic nurse who went above and beyond in caring for her patients and family. She worked at the Cuba City Medical Center, Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, home care nurse, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque and at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City.

Growing up on a farm, her passion for growing beautiful flowers and gardening continued into her adulthood. She also enjoyed spending time with her family. Donna was a member of St. Andrew-Thomas Catholic Church.

She started the Grant County Fair Cat Project and served on the committee and was 4-H Cat Leader for 27 years.

Survivors include her husband, Greg; three daughters, Julie Cyborski and Janet (Jason) Friederick, both of Potosi, and Jennifer (husband, Neil Roehrborn) Cyborski, of Appleton, WI; a brother, Jerry (June) Hancock, of Darlington; and four grandchildren, Alysha and Jeffrey Jacobson and Brooklyn and Roman Friederick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ronald Hancock.

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

Lois (Headington) Schaefer

Lois (Headington) Schaefer, 97, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, April 27, at Luther Manor.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 St. Ambrose Street, Dubuque, where Mass will be at 11 a.m. Fr. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque.

Lois was born April 6, 1922 in Decorah, the daughter of Ingolf and Blanche (Marlow) Forde. She married Robert Headington on October 4, 1942. He preceded her in death on June 14, 1968. Lois later married Paul E. Schaefer, and he also preceded her in death.

Lois was employed at Hilldale Dairy, and then at Medical Associates, where she worked for many years.

She was a devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Her numerous hobbies included crossword puzzles, bowling, and playing cards (especially Euchre). Lois was a Bingo player in her younger years, once winning a large jackpot and donating part of her winnings to her parish. She was a master of the penny slots, and made many friends at the Diamond Jo Casino. In her 97 years, Lois probably read thousands of books, especially of the Western and Romance genre. Any time a trivia game was about to be played, Lois became the most in-demand partner due to her fantastic memory. She was a huge Cubs fan, and was grateful for the 2016 season.

Lois is survived by her sons, Leo Headington of Dubuque, Lyle (Diane) Headington of Greenwood, IN, Donald Headington, and Marc (Debbie) Headington of West Des Moines, IA; three grandchildren, Marc Robert (Amanda) Headington and Kathy (Tom) Thompson, both of Newton, IA, and Tom (Kathleen) Headington of Fishers, IN; and ten great grandchildren.

In addition to both husbands, Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her son Michael Headington, and her sister, Doris McDonald.

The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Manor; Dr. Ries and the nurses at Medical Associates; and the staff and customers of Diamond Jo Casino.

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

Cheri L. Colbert

Cheri L. Colbert, 62, of Lone Tree, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at Pioneer Park in Lone Tree.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019, at the United Presbyterian Church in Lone Tree. Interment will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery. Following the committal services at the cemetery, a time of refreshments will be held at the church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Lone Tree.

Cheri Linn Dodson was born on February 28, 1957, in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Kenneth R. and Audrey Irene (Brenneman) Dodson. Cheri graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Arts and from Kirkwood with Graphic Design Degree. She was united in marriage to Patrick Colbert in 1979 and later divorced.

Cheri was an Interior Designer and a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Lone Tree and was very active with the Youth Groups. She enjoyed painting, art, sewing, antiquing, historical preservation and photography.

Cheri will be deeply missed by her mother, Audrey of Lone Tree; brother, Keith (Lois) Dodson of Lone Tree; nephew, Andrew Dodson; niece, Elizabeth Dodson and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Cheri was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth.

Memorials may be directed to the Lone Tree Foundation or the United Presbyterian Church in memory of Cheri. Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Loras J. Steffen

Loras J. Steffen, 84, of Asbury, Iowa passed away on April 27th, 2019 at Luther Manor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 Friday, May 3nd, 2019 at the Church of The Resurrection, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Loras was born on June 1, 1934 in Guttenberg, Iowa the son of Frank and Evelyn (Hoeger) Steffen. He is a US Army Veteran having served in Germany from Jan. 9, 1957 until Dec. 17, 1958 and in reserve status until Jan 8, 1963.

He married Mary Ann Kass on July 29, 1961 at St. Columbkille Church in Dubuque. He worked as a press operator at Dubuque John Deere Tractor Works for 34 years and was a member of the UAW Local #94 and the retirees group.

Loras enjoyed playing euchre and reading. He could be often found reading an encyclopedia and was a great one to have on your team for trivial pursuit.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; two daughters Laura Steffen, of Dubuque and Lisa (Angelus) Okeke, of New City, New York; his three grandchildren Edward, Laurence and Mary; a brother David (Eileen) Steffen; a sister Mary Kay Shanahan; five sisters-in-law Phyllis Steffen, Nancy Steffen, Vivian Steffen, Rose Hartung, and Mary Agnes Kass; and two brothers-in-law Vernon Kass and Noel Kurt, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank & Evelyn Steffen; his father and mother in-law Charles & Theresa Kass; a grandson Paul Okeke; four brothers Leon (AnnaMae), Kenneth, Elmer and Donald Steffen; one sister Bernita (Merlin) Kaiser; and in-laws Joe (Margaret) Kass, Theresa Basten, Vincent Kass, Janice Kass, Leonard Hartung, and Betty Kurt.

In lieu of flowers a Loras Steffen memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff of Saint Croix Hospice especially Cathleen and to the nurses and staff of Luther Manor for all the great care they provided for Loras.

Judy Lee (Clasen) Gruntkosky

Judy Lee (Clasen) Gruntkosky, 72, of, LaMotte, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at UPH-Finley Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery in LaMotte.

Judy was born May 8, 1946 to Raymond J. and Loretta M. (Hingtgen) Clasen in Bellevue, the third of four children. Raised on the family dairy farm near LaMotte, she attended Holy Rosary School in LaMotte, then graduated high school in Andrew in 1964.

After high school, Judy was employed at Oakland Dairy and at KMart while living in Dubuque. On May 13, 1967, she was united in marriage to Joseph “Ski” Gruntkosky, Jr. in LaMotte. At the time of their marriage, Ski was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard and the couple spent time in Memphis, TN, Kodiak, AK, and Seattle, WA. During, her time as a serviceman’s wife, Judy traveled to the various ports with their infant daughter. Following Ski’s discharge in 1970, they moved to Peabody, MA where they welcomed a second daughter.

Judy enjoyed being a wife and homemaker, raising her daughters. She was later a business owner in LaMotte where she and Ski operated the Corner Tap. Judy enjoyed traveling with Ski throughout their marriage and together they saw almost every state. They took many trips by way of Harley-Davidson and she was an active member of the Hawkeye Motorcycle Club. She also loved cruises and her time spent at their Palm Bay, FL home. Judy lived a strong and courageous life. Her greatest love and what made her most proud was her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Ski; daughters, Jodi Terry and husband Charles, and Jacquelyn Arthur and husband Jeffrey; granddaughters, Briana Hayward and husband Cameron, Megan Jimmerson and Lauren Jimmerson; grandson, Andrew Arthur; brother, Robert Clasen and wife Kathy, sister Lois Lapolice, brother, Jerry Clasen and wife Lori; brothers in-law, Bill Gruntkosky and wife Jean, and Tom Gruntkosky and wife Anne; sister in-law, Ruth Thorpe and husband Bill; nephews, Lonnie Lapolice and wife Karena, Jamie Clasen and wife Laura, Jason Gruntkosky, Toby Gruntkosky, and Tim Gruntkosky and wife Erica; nieces, Lori Lapolice, Janelle Haun and husband Ben, and Melissa Gruntkosky and husband Bob Gill; and several great nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Loretta, brother in-law, Larry Lapolice, and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Judy’s memory.

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

Molly Jo Hayward

Molly Jo Hayward, 57, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, at her home in Maquoketa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Molly’s life will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation has taken place and a private burial will held at the Esgate Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, at a later date.

Molly Jo Hayward was born on January 1, 1962 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Donald Levi and Charlene Mary (Heister) Hayward. She was a 1980 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.
Molly had worked as a caregiver for many years. She had also been employed at Sunshine Day Care and lastly for B & C Liquor, both in Maquoketa.

Molly was an avid Chicago Bears fan. She enjoyed listening to music, shopping at secondhand stores, and playing cards, especially Euchre. Molly was a caregiver and burned the candle at both ends and it gave a lovely light. And it illuminated everybody who ever encountered her.

Molly is survived by her son, Zackary Michael Hayward of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Lisa (Danny Sylvester) Belsan of Maquoketa, IA, Susan (Galen) Kremer of Maquoketa, IA, and Linda (Dr. Larry) Cammarata of Asheville, NC; brothers, Mike Hayward of Maquoketa, IA and Tom Stutting of Camanche, IA; nieces, Amanda (Allen) Belsan-Boston, and Marcie Davidson; nephews, Jo Stutting, Kevin Stutting, Tommy Stutting, and Wes Hayward; and several cousins including a 2nd cousin Megan Jo Hayward. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to the family online by donating at: https://fundthefuneral.com/molly-jo-hayward

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Elizabeth J. Gibson

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” (Boxleiter) Gibson, age 95, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:45 a.m., on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at Bethany Home. To honor Betty’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Betty’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Betty was born on May 15, 1923, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William J. and Irene (Hipschen) Boxleiter.

Betty was united in marriage to William J. Gibson, Jr., on September 2, 1943, in Savanna, Georgia, and they were blessed with 36 years together before he preceded her in death on February 28, 1980. She would later marry Joseph Sutton on June 20, 1984, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, but sadly he would pass away on May 3, 1988. Betty was a hard worker and was employed at General Dry Battery, Medical Associates in the housekeeping department, and at Xavier Hospital in the laundry. She was a faith filled woman and long time member of Holy Ghost Parish. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling and was a member of various bowling leagues, as well as a member of the Betty Club, the 62+ Club and Americlub. Betty was also very creative and enjoyed crocheting and making crafts. She enjoyed traveling and has been to several countries, including a 3 year stay in France, where her husband was stationed with the U.S. Army.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her children,
Lynn Ann Gibson, Dubuque, IA,
Carolyn M. Benson, Dubuque, IA,
Marianne L. (Jack) Burrell, Carthage, MS,
William J. (Joan) Gibson, Dubuque, IA
and James M. Gibson, Columbus, OH;

her 10 grandchildren;

her 21 great-grandchildren;

her 10 great-great-grandchildren;

her step-sons,
William (Gin) Sutton, Mohnton, PA
and James (Lynn) Sutton, Freeport, IL.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, William Gibson Jr., and Joseph Sutton; a grandson, Ronald Meyer; 2 sons-in-law, Bernard Benson and Dennis McDermott; a sister, Marian (Daniel) Murphy; and 2 brothers, Raymond (Stella) Boxleiter and Donald (Betty) Boxleiter.

Betty’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Home for all of their kind, loving and compassionate care of Betty these past years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bethany Home or the Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

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

Larry E. Ries

Larry E. Ries, 69, of Dubuque died Saturday, April 27, 2019, surrounded by family at the University of Iowa City Hospital and Clinics after a work related accident.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday May 2, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, Dyersville, 750 12th Ave SW. Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Friday prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday May 3, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial in St. Boniface Cemetery in New Vienna. Fr. Carl Ries will officiate.

Larry was born December 19, 1949, in Dyersville, the son of Arthur and Louise (Goebel) Ries. He attended St. Boniface Schools and graduated from Beckman Catholic with the class of 1968. He earned his BA at Loras College and his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1977. Larry practiced law for several years, and then chose to pursue his love of the outdoors by starting his heavy equipment construction business. Larry said the best two days of his life were the days his daughters Lillian and Grace were born. Spending time on the family farm, visiting family, playing cards, and telling jokes brought him great joy.

Survivors include: his two daughters, Lillian Ries of Iowa City and Grace Ries of Dubuque, siblings: Fr. Carl Ries of Dyersville, Judy Ries of New Braunfels, TX, Nancy Ries of Downers Grove, IL, Susan (Steven) Shirk of Wilton, IA, Doris (Alan) Wessels of Dyersville, Dale (Karen) Ries of New Vienna, Barbara (Stanley Radio) Ries of Omaha, NE, Donna (Daniel) Drexler of Bettendorf, Connie (Dennis) Deutmeyer of Rye, NY, brother-in-law, Michael Wandry of Ankeny, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra Ries-Wandry.

The family would like to thank the emergency and medical personnel who responded and cared for him.

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

Daniel J. Teasdale

Daniel Joe Teasdale, 42, of Dubuque, IA passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at his home. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 2, 2019, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Scales Mound, IL.

He was born May 26, 1976, in Cuba City, WI the son of his late father, Timothy and Susan (Keuter) Teasdale. Dan graduated from Scales Mound High School with the class of 1994. He was head banquet chef at the Concourse in Madison, WI for many years. Dan loved his family, motorcycles, basketball, and cooking. He will always be remembered for his ability to play practical jokes on everybody.

He is survived by his fiancee, Brittney Soppe, his children, Camilla, Kayla, Emmalyn and Treven Teasdale, his mother, Sue (Keenan) Steil, his paternal grandfather, Keith “Whitey” Teasdale, his siblings, Jeremy (Nicole) Teasdale, their children, Logan and Madeline, Christine (Rusty DeShaw) Teasdale their children, Trent and Harlee, Jesse (Jackie) Bell and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, paternal grandmother, Stella Teasdale and his maternal grandparents, Eldrew (Nancy) Keuter.

In lieu of flowers a Daniel J. Teasdale memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Police Department, First Responders and EMT’s your kindness and compassion during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Patrick Werner

Patrick Werner, age 75, of rural Dyersville, IA, died April 25, 2019, at Manor Care in Dubuque, after a long illness.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. April 28, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. The American Legion Post #137 will gather for a legion service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday from 9-10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate, and Deacon Roger Riesberg will assist.

Pat was born January 19, 1944, in Dyersville, IA, to Bill and Rose (Whiting) Werner. He graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in 1962 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967. He met his wife, Marilyn, in 1967, and they wed on August 10, 1968. They soon welcomed their daughters Kathy and Kris into their lives, followed a few years later by their son, Kevin.

Pat and his family lived in Dyersville for several years, where he worked as a service technician for Home Appliance (now Meyer Mechanical) until his retirement in 2003. In 1983 they moved to rural Dyersville to live on land once owned by his parents. It was there that Pat soon began work on a passion project that became one of his proudest accomplishments – what we affectionately know today as “Pat’s Pond.” Pat spent many nights working tirelessly to begin excavation, then later hired an earth mover to shape the pond into its current form. Pat enjoyed watching the pond and the variety of wildlife that frequented it. He also enjoyed the company of family and friends who came to visit and enjoy the pond and the wonderful fishing opportunities it provided.

In 2002, Pat was diagnosed with lung cancer but battled back against it. The cancer returned in 2006, and while doctors were able to successfully treat it, he began to experience several other complications from the disease. Despite the challenges, Pat continued to enjoy a full life for as long as he was able, attending the airshow at Osh Kosh several times and also traveling to Florida to visit his daughter Kris. His determination and courage in the face of the obstacles is an inspiration to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Kathy (Tom) DeBower of Carpenter, IA and their daughters: Emily and Lindsey; daughter, Kristine (Justin) Matthews of Fort Walton Beach, FL and their sons: Cameron and Christopher “CJ”; son, Kevin (Andrea) Werner of Springville, IA and their son, Kaleb; siblings: Jackie (Arnie) Merkes of Manchester, Richard (LaVerne Cross) Werner of Mesa, AZ, Bob (Cheryl) Werner of Grimes, Ed (Sue) Werner of Epworth, Sue (Ron) McDermott of Mt. Vernon, Steve (Linda) Werner of Dyersville, in-laws: Beth (Ed) Whisler of Dubuque, John (Ruth) Jaeger of Manchester, Leo (Diane) Jaeger of Kenton, OH, Leroy Jaeger of Earlville, Loras (Mikki) Jaeger of Davenport, and several nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Sylverius and Coletta (Pottebaum) Jaeger, brother, Dan, sister, Janet (David) Mescher, and several of his in-laws.

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