Obituaries Archive

Marcella J. McCullouch

Marcella J. McCullouch, 83, of Clinton, and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Marcella’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, April 5, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

Marcella Jean Considine was born on September 12, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas J. and Rose M. (Kwilosz) Considine. She was a graduate of Kelly High School in Chicago, Illinois. She married Billy Gene McCullouch in Chicago, Illinois. Three children were born to this union, Deborah, Billy Jr. and Thomas.

Marcella was a housewife and had also worked for Brodies and Calamar Mailing Houses in Chicago. She loved sewing, working on puzzles, planting plants, flower gardening, bird watching, picnics, shopping and most recently coloring in coloring books. She loved spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor Marcella’s memory include her son and daughter-in-law, Billy Jr. and Cheryl McCullouch of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren, Rosella, Charles, Krystle, Billy III, Roxanne and Marcella; 4 great-grandchildren, Willow, Piper, Vanessa and Jamie Jr.; and one aunt, Marie Shoaf of Midlothian, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Billy on February 14, 1995, a son Tommy, and a daughter Deborah Fairbanks.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marcella J. McCullouch memorial fund has been established.

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

Leon L. Kurt

Leon L. Kurt, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at his home after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Friends and relatives of Leon may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m., and a KC Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Services for Leon will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born August 25, 1936 in Cascade, Iowa, son of John P. and Lena (Hosch) Kurt. While at a dance in Worthington, he met the love of his life, Mary Gertrude (Trudy) Meyer. They were united in marriage on September 9, 1961, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Leon grew up on the family farm where he learned to feed livestock and grow crops. He spent his lifetime farming in the Cascade area. Leon served in the Navy, 1957-58, at the Norfolk Naval Base and spent time on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy (DD-850).

Leon is a member of St. Matthias Parish, a 50 plus year member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930, American Legion Post #528, and the Dubuque County Cattlemen’s Association (Hall of Fame).

In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a blackjack dealer at the first floating casino in Dubuque. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, playing blackjack, watching Gunsmoke and college and professional sports. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, attending their activities, and teaching a number of them how to play golf.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Trudy; five children, Kris (Jim) Messerschmidt of Lake Zurich, IL, Kathleen (Dr. David) Prentice of Elgin, IA, Kerri (Bill) Reed of Newton, IA, Kim (Dr. Doug) Wong of Golden, CO, and Kevin (Stacey) Kurt of Cedar Rapids, IA; 13 grandchildren; David and Laura Messerschmidt; J.D., Kailee and J.K. Prentice; Trae Reed, Abby (Travis) Ewing, and Paige Reed; Kai and Koa Wong; Carter Kurt, Anthony Bartlett and Alyssa Grant; and two brothers, Carl Kurt and Melvin (Lavonne) Kurt both of Cascade; and in-laws, Wayne (Liz) Zumhof, Jean Meyer, Rita (Jerry) Hubbard, Clete Meyer, Herman (Sandy) Meyer, Kathy (Doug) Schlickman, JoAnn Lehman and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Fred (Alvina) Kurt, Mary (Wilfred) Dolphin, Joe (Jane) Kurt, Sam (Tess) Kurt, Andrew Kurt, Herb (Dottie) Kurt, Margaret Ann (Ralph) Otting, Eleanor (Pat) Burke, Anna Mae (Bill) Lehman, Mary Lou Kurt, Mary Zumhof, Don (Eileen) Meyer, Willie Meyer and Ann Meyer.

The family wishes to thank Father Loecke and the parish staff/volunteers for their comforting visits. We also thank Hospice of Dubuque (Tammi, Heather, Amy and on-call staff) and Helping Hands for all of their compassionate care.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to St. Matthias Parish in Cascade or to Hospice of Dubuque.

Milo D. Schoenthaler

Milo D. Schoenthaler, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Milo’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Milo David Schoenthaler was born on March 4, 1930 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Ed and Osta (Hamilton) Schoenthaler. He was a 1948 graduate of Elwood High School and then served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He married Fern D. Schnoor on June 14, 1954 in Nebraska. To this union four children were born, Mark, Boyd, Leon and Todd.

Upon returning home from the military, Milo worked for a Railroad Station near Elwood, Iowa. He then worked for the Buckhorn Creamery until its closing and after that at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for ten years. For a short time thereafter, he worked at John Deere Harvester Works in Moline, Illinois. He then worked for the Maquoketa Community School District as a custodian for over 25 years, retiring in 1992.

Milo was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed going for coffee each day and having breakfast every Thursday morning with friends. He was an avid sports fan with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes being a few of his favorites.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Fern Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA; sons, Mark (Kathy) Schoenthaler of Colorado Springs, CO, Boyd (Pam) Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA, and Todd (Chris) Schoenthaler of Edmond, OK; 7 grandchildren, Ian, Chad, Megan, Mindy, Curtis, April and Shaun; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother George “Stu” Schoenthaler, and a son Leon Schoenthaler in 2010.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Kathleen J. Dittmar

Kathleen J. “Katie” Dittmar, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 31, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Katie was born on March 29, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Ervin and Marguerite (Miller) Berger and graduated from St. Columbkille High School. She married Philipp Dittmar Jr. on November 21, 1953 in Dubuque.

She was manager of Casey’s General Store for 30 years and change attendant at the Dubuque Greyhound Park. She was an avid bowler and an enthusiastic gambler.

Katie is survived by her children, Thomas (Brenda Mohr) Dittmar, Diane (Kenneth) Smith, Cynthia (Douglas) Fitzpatrick, Laura (Bradley) Richard and Patricia (Mark Becker) Delaney. Grandchildren, Steven (Susan) Swift, Daniel (Maiko) Dittmar, Andrew (Dawn) Fitzpatrick, Amanda (Don Rury) Fitzpatrick, Amber (Codie) Jacobsen, Keegan Delaney along with many great grandchildren. Her sisters Lenore Kubesheski, Delores McCarthy and Linda Greenwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Philipp Dittmar, Jr.; her parents Ervin and Marguerite Berger; a brothers Ervin and Robert and a sister Susan.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill Care Center especially Felicia for all their wonderful care.

Sister Mary Pierre Kollasch, PBVM

Sister Mary Pierre Kollasch, PBVM, 94, died on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 pm.

Sister Mary Pierre, daughter of Peter and Gertrude (Koehn) Kollasch, was born Loretta Anne Kollasch on April 29, 1924 in Whittemore, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 15, 1945 and professed her perpetual vows on May 3, 1951. She received a BA degree in Education from Loras College, Dubuque in 1957.

Sister Pierre’s ministries took her to Humboldt, Waukon, Clare, Charles City, Mason City, Lawler, Epworth, Bankston, and Dubuque Resurrection (1981-1984), all in Iowa where she taught grades K-3. In addition to teaching, she served as the coordinator of personal care at Dubuque’s Villa Raphael, retirement home for priests, where she ministered for 15 years. Following that position she came to Mount Loretto as head baker at the motherhouse. This new ministry brought her full circle to her earliest ministry dream to help sisters who served in domestic roles to become more connected to their community. With her box full of delicious recipes, her dedicated service and loving care over 70-plus years of religious life, the result is hospitality in the spirit of Nano Nagle that was embodied in Sister Pierre.

She retired to Mount Loretto in 2000 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2006. Sister Pierre enjoyed baking her treats, playing cards, visiting, reading, a good movie, and community service. In quiet moments she enjoyed her extended prayer time.

Surviving is her brother, Arthur, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 73 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bernard, and her sisters Alvina Elgersma, and Mary Thompson.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dubuquepresentations.org.

Robert James Foddrill

Robert James Foddrill, 76, of 2390 Chaney Road in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at his home on March 29, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at noon at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 255 W. 10th Street in Dubuque. There will be a time to gather with friends and family starting at 11:30 AM. A funeral dinner will follow the service in the church social rooms.

Bob was born on January 13, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Clyde and Betty (Griggs) Foddrill. He grew up on the East side of Des Moines. He graduated from Tech High School and Drake University. He worked at the John Deere Des Moines Works where he met his wife, Judy. They were married on May 4, 1963. Bob was transferred to the John Deere Dubuque Works in 1978 and worked a total of 40 years for Deere & Company. He retired in 2001.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his wife of 56 years, Judy; daughter, Barbara (Eric) Weisenberger; granddaughters, Kaystin and Clare Weisenberger; brother, Michael (Marilyn) Foddrill; sister-in-law, Sharon Foddrill; nieces and nephews, Mark (Kristen) Sydness, Jodi Reinhart, Paul (Angela) Sydness, Brian (Kristian) Foddrill, John (Angela) Foddrill and Shelly (David) McElligott.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William Foddrill and a granddaughter Lauren Weisenberger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Hospice of Dubuque.

Special thanks to Doctor Hillard Salas, and to Paul, Stacy, Amy and Allison from the Hospice of Dubuque for all the care and compassion shown to both Bob and Judy.

Sandra M. Gassman

Sandra MaryLee (Pline) Gassman, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 28th, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Andrew Awotwe Mensah officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 1st, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Sandy was born on August 26, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Reuben and Alberta (McCartney) Pline. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy, an all-girls school, in 1957. On November 29th, 1958 she married William H. “Bill” Gassman at St. Joseph The Worker.

Sandy worked as a secretary for CPA Pink & Fehey for 3 years; was a stay-at-home mom for 40 years and then as a cashier at Walmart for 8 years. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Rosary Society; and became a Girl Scout leader for several years so both her daughters could enjoy being a scout.

Sandy met the love of her life at a Christmas party where Bill swept her off her feet and kissed her under the mistletoe, which she happened to be wearing in her hair! Their story spanned more than 60 years.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Gassman; five children, Mike (MaryBeth) Gassman, of Rock Island, IL, Dee (Dave) Hohmann, of Dubuque, IA, Suzie Stroud, of Dubuque, IA, Albert (Teresa) Gassman, of Sherrill, IA, and Jake (Lori) Gassman, of Charles City, IA; her sister Cindy Breithaupt;12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers Ronald, Dale and Harlow; and a sister Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers a Sandra Gassman memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Stonehill Franciscan Care Facility, Hospice of Dubuque and MercyOne Medical Center for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Sandy.

Michael J. Strief

Michael J. Strief, 49, of Cascade, Iowa died Friday, March 29, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Mike may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayers service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Services for Mike will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Concelebrating will be Rev. Thomas McDermott. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, IA.

Michael was born February 17, 1970 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William “Bill” and Donna (Simon) Strief. He was a 1988 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, IA. On September 24, 1994 he was united in marriage to Shawn Kennedy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa. He was employed with UPS for 30 years.

Mike was famous on his UPS routes for his brown shorts and chicken legs. No one was a stranger to Mike, he was able to shoot the breeze with everyone. All other days you would find him putzing on the farm with his right hand man, Adam. At family events Mike was a boisterous Euchre player who could play his hand along with everyone else’s. He passed his love for riding horses on to Madison and Grace and was proud of their many accomplishments. Even though his ability to “ride” found him on the ground more often than not. Horse riding is a fabric of their family and those memories will be forever cherished.

He was a member of the Eastern Iowa Horse and Pony Camp, Dubuque County Saddle Club, Tri-State Saddle Club, Teamsters Local #120, the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Assoc., American Angus Assoc., the Dubuque County 4-H, IA – MN Chuckwagon Association and Friends of the West Dubuque FFA.

He was also a member of St. John’s Parish in Placid, Iowa and he was involved with the Farley-Epworth Christian Experience Weekend (CEW).

He is survived by his wife, Shawn Strief of Cascade, IA; three children, Madison, Grace and Adam Strief at home; his mother, Donna Strief of Farley, IA; six siblings, Julie Strief of Fenton, MI, Jolene Strief of California, Mark (Lydia) Strief of Bernard, IA, Janda Waters of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jodi (Russell) Kronlage of Epworth, IA and Matt (Kristi) Strief of Farley, IA; a sister-in-law, Christine (Dean) Schrader of Monticello, IA; his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Sue Kennedy of Farley, IA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dana (Jason) Wegmann and Shelley (Brad) Wilken both of Marion, IA, and Kari (Chris) Smuck of Waterloo, IA; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, William K. “Bill” Strief on September 26, 2010; a brother, Martin Strief on August 23, 1996.

“Just one more, you know what I’m Sayin.”

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

Patricia J. Ott

Patricia J. “Pat” (McDermott) Ott, age 75, of rural Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:56 p.m., on Friday, March 29, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by her family and friends. To honor Pat’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Pat was born on June 22, 1943, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, daughter of John J. and Virginia (Morris) McDermott.

Pat married Lyle M. Ott on November 3, 1962, at Holy Ghost Church, in Dubuque. She grew up in the New Diggings, Benton and Shullsburg, Wisconsin vicinity. Pat always had a great sense of humor, she could always make you laugh with her wit. She said she must have gotten it from her father, he was a true 100% Irishman. Once she knew your birthday or special occasion, you got a card, she kept Hallmark in business. Pat worked in customer service for over 43 years, first with Tegelers Dairy, managing three Milk Houses in Dubuque from 1972-1982, City of Dubuque Five Flags Center Ticket Office from 1982-2004, and most recently at the Dubuque Greyhound Park as a Pari-Mutuel from 2005-2018. She went on oxygen 24/7 just after starting at the dog track. She always said that going to work gave her an incentive to “go till I drop”. She credits all the help she received from her coworkers, Greyhound Association staff, Q Casino, Valet and Security for all their help in enabling her to continue working as a Pari-Mutuel. Pat enjoyed traveling, concerts, plays, shopping and especially time spent with her daughter and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

her husband,
Lyle Ott, Dubuque, IA;

her daughter,
Tammy (Charlie) Hunt, Dubuque, IA;

her grandson,
Lyle (girlfriend Amy Bowden) Hunt, West Des Moines, IA;

her granddaughter,
Lianna Hunt, San Diego, CA;

her brothers,
John “Jack” McDermott, Dubuque, IA,
Dan (Carol) McDermott, Cuba City, WI
and Michael (Jan) McDermott-Morton, Rockford, IL;

her sisters,
Rose Mary (Paul) Rupp, Dubuque, IA
and Susan (Dwayne) Murphy, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Manuel Echeagaray, San Lorenzo, CA;

and her sisters-in-law,
Shirley McDermott, Dubuque, IA
and Lois Ott-Tarnutzer, Peosta, IA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jesse and Loretta (Percival) Morris and Catherine and Dan McDermott; her mother and father-in-law, Milton and Bernita (Freiburger) Ott; her sisters, Dorothy Echeagaray and Joann Kegler; her brother, Jim McDermott; her nieces, Corena McDermott-Shaffer and Claudia McDermott; her nephews, David McDermott and Dan Rupp; her sister-in-law, Delores McDermott; her brothers-in-law, John Kegler and Donald Tarnutzer; and a special friend, Shirley Wasmund.

The family would like to give a very special thank you for all the GREAT doctors and staff who took such great care of her over the years: Dr. Mark Janes, who always went the extra mile for Miss Pat, Dr. Bruce Obbink, Dr. Christine Sinsky, Dr. Tom Sinsky, Medical Associates Oncology Department, Finley’s Wendt Center and the retired Dr. John Patrick.

A special thanks also to her co-workers past and present who watched over her. Mom always said she had the best.

Thanks, Sue, for always looking out for mom.

Mom’s favorite quote: “Always think positively, nothing is impossible. Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.” Mom had 75 years of tomorrows with no regrets.

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

Merlin R. Schwers

Merlin R. “Merle” Schwers, 79, of Luxemburg passed away Friday, March 29, 2019, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held after 2 pm Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where the New Vienna/Luxemburg Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm and an American Legion service will be held at 7 pm. Visitation will continue Friday from 9 – 10:30 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Friday, April 5, 2019, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Merle was born Feb. 1, 1940, in New Vienna, Iowa the son of Herman and Marie (Foxen) Schwers. He enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1959, and served 6 years until 1965. He married Marie Klein on June 3, 1967, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Balltown. Together they began farming in the New Vienna area and eventually bought their own farm near Luxemburg. Merle semi-retired from farming in 2002. He and Marie have spent the last 14 winters in Florida and Merle has spent the summers helping on the farm.

Merle was active in the Luxemburg community, serving as a member of the NV/LUX Fire Board, Holy Trinity Parish Council and School Board, was a member of the Holy Trinity Choir and American Legion Post 137.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Marie, children: Steve (Donna) and Marty (Jan), both of Luxemburg, Michelle (Chad) Koopmann of Epworth and Kevin (Amelia) of Ankeny; grandchildren: Libby, Spencer and Mitchell Schwers, Haiden, Owen and Levi Koopmann, and Kelen, and Araya Schwers; siblings: Germaine Theisen of Dyersville, Lillian Greiner of Independence, Eileen (Ambrose) Hellmann of Ryan, Caroline Nachtman of Manchester, Betty (Hal) Schultz of Cedar Rapids, Lawrence Schwers of Anamosa, Elmer Schwers of Dubuque, Charles (Donna) Schwers of Colorado Springs, CO and Jim Schwers of Tulsa, OK; in-laws: Arlene (Jack) Bahl of Balltown, Nancy (Joe) Banwarth, Sandy (Dave) Kauffmann, Madonna (Harold) Nauman, Lonnie (Dianne) Klein, Marleen Klein and Sandy Pierce, all of Sherrill, Loras (Marlene) Klein of Rickardsville, and Lenny (Judy) Klein of Belmont, WI, and Leon Klein of Balltown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws: Elmer Greiner, Merlin Theisen, Colleen Schwers, John Nachtman, Lyle Klein, Lester Klein, nephews, Mark Greiner and Randy Bahl, and a niece, Jennifer Schwers.

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

Frances Lamb

Frances “Fran” Lamb, 86, formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, in Wesley Chapel, Florida, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mark Khan.

A celebration of her life will be held at 12 P.M., Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 A.M. until service time. A Graveside Service and Burial will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, April 4, 2019, at East Linn Cemetery, rural Redfield, Iowa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Frances Ann Altwegg was born on October 23, 1932, in Algona, Iowa to James and Irma (Windell) Altwegg. Her family moved to Redfield, IA, in 1943 and Frances graduated with the 18-member 1950 class of Redfield High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill D. Lamb, on April 15, 1951 in Redfield.

After Bill served in the Korean War, the couple settled near Redfield, living on the Lamb family farms until 1960 when the family moved to Nevada, Iowa, and eventually to Maquoketa in 1965. Frances was the quintessential stay-at-home Mom while her children were young. She then worked alongside her husband in their family business, Lamb Fertilizer and Crop Services, Inc., from 1971 until they sold the business in 1995. In retirement, Frances and Bill became “snowbirds” and spent their winters in Punta Gorda, FL where they had their second home. After Bill passed away in January 1999, Frances continued to migrate south and north each year, determined to never give up any new or old friends. Frances relocated to Florida permanently in 2013, where Susan and Mark lovingly cared for her the last five years of her life.

Frances was active in the Maquoketa United Methodist Church and was a 50-year member of P.E.O. Chapter BX. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the P.E.O. book club and many other social activities with numerous friends and neighbors in Maquoketa and Punta Gorda. Frances took great pleasure in all forms of music, both as a member of her church choirs and a spectator at countless symphony concerts, musicals and shows. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed doing needlework. Travel was another of Frances’ favorite activities and she traveled extensively throughout her life, keeping detailed travel journals that are a testament to the joy she found in each of her many journeys.

Frances was a truly loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Those left to honor her memory include her three daughters and their husbands, Barbara and Joel Bierig of Venice, FL, Carol and Mark Behrer of Urbandale, IA, and Susan and Mark Khan of Wesley Chapel, FL; four grandchildren, Rebecca (Joseph Cohen) Bierig of Plano, TX, Brian (Emily Shelkowitz) Bierig of Denver, CO, Jessica Behrer of West Des Moines, IA, and Linda Behrer of Johnston, IA; step-grandchildren Sara (Thomas Renn) Khan of Tampa, FL, and Matthew Khan of Clearwater, FL; her brother Gary Altwegg and his wife, Sharol, of Logan, IA; sister-in-law Pat Altwegg of West Des Moines; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, James W. Altwegg.

The family would like to express much appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful caregivers, Katherine Van Dam and Ellen Brake, who were so dedicated and compassionate to Frances through her struggle with Alzheimer’s in the last years of her life.

Memorials in Frances’ memory may be made to the Maquoketa United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Roger John Callahan

Roger John “Jeep” Callahan, 83, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Colfax, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Roger may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 31, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019 at the funeral home.

Services for Roger will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2019 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Temple Hill, Iowa. There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Roger’s honor on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Colfax Historical Society building in Colfax, IA.

Roger was born June 30, 1935 in Kansas City, MO, son of Eugene and Mary Alice (Hosch) Callahan. He received his education in St. Martin’s school in Cascade and went on to University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls where he received his teaching certification. On August 18, 1956 he was united in marriage to Mary Margaret Supple at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill, Iowa.

He taught physical education and was a coach at Colfax and later at Southeast Polk School System for 30 years when they resided in Colfax.

He enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. He was a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Hawkeye football and wrestling. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.

He is an Army Veteran, having served in the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Callahan of Maquoketa, IA; six children, Tim (Patricia) Callahan of Pella, IA, Mike (Laurie) Callahan of Kansas City, MO, John (Charlotte) Callahan of Doniphan, MO, Mark (LuAnn) Callahan of Prior Lake, MN, Sean (Jodi) Callahan of Mingo, IA, and Jennifer (Randall) Schoenherr of Canton, IA; 12 grandchildren, Johanna and Luke Callahan, J.R. and William Callahan, Ryean Callahan and Cayla Saragusa, Britnie and Stephanie Callahan, Trevor Callahan, Patrick and Nick Callahan and Brett Schoenherr; and 3 great grandchildren, Emma, Michael, and Max; his siblings, Eugene “Ronnie” (Joanne) of EWestern Springs, IL, Joyce Burke of Menominee Falls, WI, Judith Callahan, BVM of East Dubuque, IL, Lois Mast (Chuck) of Whitewater, WI, Warren “Jerry” (Bonnie) Callahan of Cascade, IA, Stanley (Karen) Callahan and Quentin Callahan both of Bernard, IA, Mary Lou Callahan of Dubuque, IA and a sister-in-law, Judy Callahan of Independence, IA; and sister and brother-in-laws, Loretta (Francis) Connor of Lisbon, IA, Alice (Kenny) Widel of Maquoketa, IA, and Donald (Judy) Supple of Onslow, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jim “Muttley” Callahan; brothers, Maurice “Red” Callahan, Philip Callahan, Claude Callahan and John “Jack” Supple and in-laws, Lorelei (Fox) Callahan and Thomas Burke.

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

Dr. Jerry F. Ziegenhorn

Dr. Jerry F. Ziegenhorn, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa died March 26, 2019. As per Jerry’s request there will be no services. Burial will take place in Florida at a later date. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory at 2659 JFK Rd. is assisting the family.

Jerry was born in Independence, Missouri on April 1, 1938 the son of Forrest and Mildred (Garland) Ziegenhorn. Jerry moved to Amarillo, Texas when he was in the 10th Grade and went on to graduate from Amarillo High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart Judy (Burnett) Ziegenhorn in 1955. Together Jerry and Judy moved to Odessa, Texas where Jerry went to Odessa College on a basketball scholarship. Jerry moved his family to Independence, Missouri so he could continue his education at the UMKC School of Dentistry. He had a long and happy career as an Oral Surgeon in Dubuque eventually retiring in 1990. In his retirement Jerry enjoyed traveling across the United States and abroad visiting and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Judy Ziegenhorn; two sons Gene (Pam) Ziegenhorn and Joel (Anne) Ziegenhorn; five grandchildren Melissa Peters, Tara Torres, Nick Ziegenhorn, Leah Ziegenhorn, Aiden Ziegenhorn; five great-grandchildren Ava Torres, Maya Torres, Ellie Torres, Emilea Peters, and Ethan Peters. Jerry is also surved by his brother Garland Ziegenhorn and his sister Genneil Curphey.

He was preceded in death by his parents Forrest and Mildred; a brother Howard Ziegenhorn; and a sister Ruth Ann Austin.

All memorials can be directed to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Ronald Schope for their care of Jerry.

Christopher J. Young

Christopher John Young (Chris), 53, of Lone Tree, Colorado, formerly of Dubuque, passed away at Sky Ridge Medical Center surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 10.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28th at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a wake service at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 29th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Chris was born on July 19, 1965 in Dubuque, son of John and Janet (Hendricks) Young. He loved roaming the hills behind his house, fishing in the Mississippi River, playing golf, softball, baseball, sledding, and skiing on Snowmad Hill. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School where he was an outstanding wrestler and participated in the State Wrestling tournament. Later he moved to Colorado where he continued his love of the outdoors. Throughout his life he was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan but after living in Colorado he cheered for both the Packers and Denver Broncos. Chris and his friend Jeff Lukens worked together on opening a painting company, Tri-Plex Painting, where he worked for 23 years.

Chris loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, his extended family and many friends. He was a kind, loving and gentle man who always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Chris recovered from cancer five years ago but continued to battle numerous health issues with a determined spirit and an upbeat attitude.

Chris is survived by his parents; two daughters, Chelsea Young and Olivia (Cameron) Moss, both of Lone Tree, Colorado; two grandchildren Taelynn and Corbin; a step-daughter, Kearah Williams, Lone Tree, Colorado; three step-grandchildren, Keagan, Tavin and Jaxen. He is also survived by a brother, Kevin Young (fiance Laura Gassman), Dubuque; and a twin sister Kerry (Scott) Douglas, Dubuque; a nephew, Seth Godwin; and a niece, Maranda (Emily) Peterson; seven aunts, Sharon (Bob) Cate, Sheila (John) Walsh, Mary Jo (Jerry) Klinkhammer, Pat Link, Susan Young (Randy Theobald), Karen Scheckel and Valeria Roll; two uncles, Bob (Kathy) Hendricks and Jim Young; two godchildren, Maranda Peterson and Peyton Lukens.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Doloras (Crimmins) Hendricks and Roy and Thelma (Rank) Young; four uncles, Donald Hendricks, Terry Hendricks, Dale Mahoney, Leo Link; one aunt, Linda Young; three cousins, David Hendricks, Danielle Cate and Anna Weitz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Anna Weitz Foundation or Dubuque Rescue Mission.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Chris was held on March 16th in Colorado.

Eva Merfeld

Eva Merfeld, 69, of East Dubuque, IL passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL. Private family visitation only will be Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Eva was born on May 13, 1949 in Nogales, AZ, the daughter of Ricardo and Carmen (Mendivi) Espiriti. She married Raymond L. Merfeld on March 2, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church, Nogales, AZ.

Eva was a learner at heart. She attended and graduated from Capri Cosmetology and she took art classes at Clarke College in Dubuque, IA.

Eva sought out opportunities to teach others. After graduating Capri she returned there as an instructor, she volunteered for the Girl Scouts and worked as the salon manager at JCPenney. More recently, Eva taught several painting classes at the Creative Adventure Lab in Dubuque.

Eva was an exceptionally talented artist. She excelled in several creative disciplines, including painting, life drawing, interior design, and pottery. She shared these passions with her friends and family which was her gift to the world.

As a wife, mother and grandmother, Eva was loved by her family who regarded her as a joyful matriarch. After raising three sons, Eva continued as constant support to her grandchildren and their families. As a sister and daughter, Eva offered herself, home and love to her family. She remained connected to her family with regular visits to Nogales. Her family was one of her great life passions and her source of joy.

Most of all Eva was a lover of life. She was known for her bright smile and endless generosity. She made the lives she touched better with her spirit and grace. She impacted so many lives and each one made brighter because they knew her.

Eva is survived by her husband of 51 years, Raymond L. Merfeld of East Dubuque, IL, her three sons, Richard L. (JoAnn) Merfeld of Tucson, AZ, Robert R. Merfeld of Phoenix, AZ, and Daniel P. Merfeld (Elizabeth) of Madison, WI, her four grandchildren, Taylor J. Merfeld, Lauryn M. Merfeld, and Jenna L. Merfeld and Berkley A. Welsh; four great-grandchildren, Raymond M. Merfeld, Dawn M. Merfeld, Mary L. Merfeld and Lily E. Merfeld; her mother, Carmen Espiriti of Nogales, AZ; her brothers, Ricardo (Debbie) Espiriti of Tucson, AZ, and Hector (Robin) Espiriti of Phoenix, AZ, and her sister, Alva Espiriti of Tucson, AZ, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ricardo M. Espiriti.

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