Obituaries Archive

Sharon H. Stecher

Sharon H. (Heacock) Stecher, 70, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Peosta. Fr. Michael Schueller will officiate. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Centralia. Friends may greet the family from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque.

Sharon was born February 11, 1948, the daughter of Allen and Nevada (Allen) Heacock. She grew up in a limestone house (which is now Cushman’s Greenhouse) and farmed in rural Asbury, IA. She would often tell childhood stories of having to clean out hog pens consisting of “two six pens, two four pens and the silo.” Memories of selling eggs and of her getting in trouble for climbing the windmill!

In 1966 she graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and briefly worked at St. Regis. She met William (Bill) Stecher at a dance at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, where she and her twin sister, Shirley, would often attend. Sharon and Bill married on April 27, 1968 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. Their wedding dance broke the dance attendance record at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. This past April they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family.

She and Bill owned and operated a dairy farm together in Centralia for 25 years. They worked side-by-side milking cows, doing field work, and managing the herd. During this time she sold Mary Kay cosmetics for 15 years helping make other women look beautiful.

After retiring from farming in 1993 she held various part-time jobs and discovered her true passion in quilting, making blankets for every member of the family (even some of the furry ones)! She also took up collecting porcelain dolls and enjoyed going to doll shows with her twin sister, Shirley. One of her favorite memories was traveling to Germany with Shirley for three weeks visiting doll factories.

Sharon learned how to can from her late mother-in-law, Grace, and during the summers she would spend countless hours canning items from the garden. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards and listening and dancing to country music. Sharon and Bill enjoyed flea markets, antiquing, fishing and attending car shows. She loved eating anything with blueberries, ice cream, dark chocolate, and seafood. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Sharon was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and its Rosary Society. She spent fifty years working funeral dinners at the church.

Sharon is survived by her husband, William ‘Bill’ of Centralia; children, Jody (Steve) Rausch, of Robins, IA, Kim (Calvin) Gilbert, of Cedar Rapids, and Al (Amy) Stecher, of Central City, IA; grandchildren, Alex (Desirae Hesseltine) Himmelsbach, Austin Himmelsbach, Aaron Gilbert, and Jack and Jase Stecher; her great grandchild, Wyatt Himmelsbach; her twin sister, Shirley (Roger) Dalbkermeyer, of Dubuque; sister, Sandy (David) Staat, of Lonoke, AR; four brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law , two aunts, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Harvey Heacock.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Centralia/Peosta Fire Department, Hospice of Dubuque, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family would like to thank the Centralia/Peosta Fire Department, Unity Point Home Care, and friends, neighbors, and family who helped Sharon these past few months.

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

James Ostert

James ‘Jimmy” Ostert, 74, of Dubuque passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 at home.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1640 Main Street.

Jimmy was born August 30, 1944 in Iowa City, Iowa, son of Louis and Beaulah (Dague) Ostert. He married Rebecca ‘Bekki’ Puccio January 21, 1995 in Dubuque.

Jimmy grew up in Dubuque, and worked as a logger for many years. For the last 18 years, Jimmy helped his wife on her paper route.

He was an avid Bridge player, winning many championships and attending Grand Nationals twice. He also enjoyed playing poker, morel hunting, and watching Westerns. He was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball. Jimmy loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife Bekki, sons, Ken (Kelly) Ostert, and their daughter, Lilith, and Louis (Jacque) Ostert and their son, Ryan all of Dubuque; brother, Dick (Sue) Ostert, of Maquoketa; sisters, Dina (Larry) Pickel, of Wisconsin, Patty (John) Piper, of Dubuque, and Judy (Larry) Marcue, of Hazel Green, Wisconsin; and a sister-in-law, Jean Ostert, of West Union, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bob Ostert; sisters, Joan (Dick) Bailey, Lois Ostert, and Verdina Ostert in infancy; parents-in-law, Ron and Sheila Puccio and a brother-in-law, Steve Puccio.

Jimmy’s family would like to thank the Rehab Unit at St. Luke’s in Cedar Rapids; Hospice of Dubuque; the nurses and CNAs at Stonehill Care Center that took care of Jimmy; and niece Megan Carter from Mercy Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Mary K. Meis

Mary K. “Kay” Meis, 75, Dubuque, Iowa and formerly from Colesburg, Iowa died Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Kay may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. at the funeral home. Services for Kay will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colesburg, Iowa, with Father John Haugen officiating. Burial will be held in Saint Boniface Cemetery in New Vienna, Iowa.

Kay was born January 14, 1943 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Frank and Margaret (Hutchinson) Kubesheski. She is a graduate of Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa. On September 6, 1969 she was united in marriage to Euguene P. Meis at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 6, 2008.

Kay worked at Roshek’s department store in Dubuque, Iowa and cleaned houses and businesses throughout her life.

She enjoyed spending time with family. Kay liked to play cards with family and friends, especially euchre, bridge and 500. She also liked to crochet and enjoyed the friendships that she built with the Colesburg ladies who crocheted with her. Kay also enjoyed watching sports and was a Green Bay Packers fan. She had a love for dogs, especially her black labs throughout the years. Dogs always brought a smile to her face.

She is survived by one child, Robert “Bob” (Lisa) Meis of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two grandchildren, Melissa and Madison Meis; brother-in-law Vince Meis of Dubuque, IA; sisters-in-law, Lenore Kubesheski, Beverly Kubesheski both of Dubuque, IA, Rose Fischer of Manchester, IA, Mary Meis of Adel, IA and Margaret Hall of Independence, MO.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Jean Konzen; and two brothers, Robert “Bud” and John Kubesheski.

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

Mrs. Roger (Helen M. Lindauer) Sherman

Mrs. Roger (Helen M. Lindauer) Sherman, 84, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Sunday morning, September 9, 2018 at Prairie Ridge of Galena, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 and from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where there will be a Scripture Prayer Service at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Helen was born on August 12, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Edwin and Stella (Kintzle) Lindauer. She was united in marriage to Roger C. Sherman on February 23, 1957 at St. Patrick’s Church, North Garryowen.

Helen was formerly employed at Stampfer’s Department Store and later William C. Brown Publishing Co. She was a former Cub Scout leader, loved golfing, flowers and gardening.

Surviving is her husband, Roger; five children, Rick (Mary Anne) Sherman of Davenport, IA, Dan (Stephanie) Sherman of East Dubuque, Tim (Kelly) Sherman, of Dubuque, Judy Sherman of East Dubuque, and Nancy (Mark) Mueller of Hazel Green, WI; 12-Grandchildren, Paul Sherman, Sara (Jeff) Long, Matt (Anna) Sherman, Jessica (Jacob) Puls, Carissa (Austin Kennicker) Sherman, Laura and Anna Sherman, Jenna (Matt) Berning, Jason (Taylor Kuhnen) Schneider and Justin (Marissa) Mootz) Schneider, Nate and Rachel Mueller, six great grandchildren, Cody and Noah Long, Madelyn and Micah Sherman, Ava Berning and Augustus Kennicker; her siblings, Isabel Lindauer and Alice Wolf both of Dubuque, Don (Ellen) Lindauer and Mary Green, both of Cascade; sister-in-law, Helen “Blondie” Lindauer of Cascade, in-laws, Richard Sherman of Dubuque and Fay Ann (Jim) Tracey of Castle Rock, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Stella; a son, Joseph Sherman; siblings, Edwin, Jr, Bob, and Jane Lindauer; and sisters-in-law Marie Lindauer and Maggie Sherman, and a brother-in-law, Jim Wolf.

Roger and family would like to thank the staff at Prairie Ridge of Galena, the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the excellent care given to their wife and mother.

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

Gary M. Kelchen

Gary M. Kelchen, 70, of Temple Hill, Iowa passed away, Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Gary may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa where a wake Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friends may also call 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Funeral Home. Services for Gary will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill, Iowa with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Toale presiding. Burial will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Temple Hill, Iowa.

He was born August 21, 1948 in Monticello, Iowa son of Andrew M. and Mary (Moes) Kelchen. He received his education in the Monticello schools. On August 8, 1970 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa he was united in marriage to Mary Kay Quint. The couple farmed in the Temple Hill area for many years.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Kelchen of Temple Hill, Iowa; two children, Chad (Melinda) Kelchen of Ankeny, IA and Jeff (Sherry) Kelchen of Cascade, IA; six grandchildren, Kylie, Madison, Ty, Hallie, Samantha and Nicholas; one brother, Carl (Karen) Kelchen of Cascade, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Karen Kelchen on September 27, 1954.

A Gary M. Kelchen memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Marcelline M. Welsh

Marcelline M. “Marce” Welsh, 89, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, September 9 at Unity Point Finley Hospital, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Marce was born on December 26, 1928 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Melvin and Muriel (Manderscheid) Ryan.

Marce graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque. Shortly after graduation, Marce met the love of her life, Vincent Welsh. Marce and Vincent married on April 28, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville, Wisconsin. The two were blessed with 68 years of marriage before Vincent’s death on December 27, 2016.

Marce will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed being a 4H leader and also cherished any opportunity to teach her loved ones different card games, to roller skate, and the importance of family. Marce was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed creating beautiful articles of clothing and an abundance of quilts. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild has received numerous sewn items over the years which will be cherished as tangible keepsakes straight from grandma’s loving hands.

Marce’s lifelong journey in her faith was exemplified through her long-time membership at St. Anthony Church and her daily prayer of the rosary. Although Marce’s 89 year earthly journey has ended, she and Vincent are dancing once again. Notably, her favorite Cubbie, Rizzo, has a new angel watching him play from the best seat in the house.

Those left to cherish Marce’s memory include her children, Kathy (Ron) Theobald of Dubuque, IA, Pauline (Matt) Winney of Eureka, CA, and Patrick (Sandi) Welsh of Dubuque, IA; her 8 grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Troxel, Irene Ryan, Janna (Miguel) Cruz, Shawnté (Marques Evans) White, Shannon (Robert) Fader, Hilarie (James Bird) Welsh, Kelsey Welsh, and Collin Welsh;

her 22 great-grandchildren;

and her brother, John (Joann) Ryan of Asbury, IA.

Marce was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Vincent Welsh; and 2 sisters, Phyllis Kass and Joan (Dale) Fritch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marce’s name to St. Anthony Church or the organization of your choice.

Marce’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff on the 4th floor at Finley Hospital for their professional care and tender support over the last week.

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

Sosiro Isaac

Sosiro Isaac, 46, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Sosiro’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, September 15, 2018, from the Maquoketa Island Church (Faith Community Church), 511 West Summit Street, Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Sosiro Isaac was born on December 11, 1971 in Pingelap, Micronesia to Sohsy and Erwihne (Aise) Isaac. He attended the Pingelap Elementary School, and the Pohnpei Island Central High School. He married Rosalihna Capelle on November 22, 1991 in Pingelap, Micronesia.

Sosiro had worked as a cook at the The Depot Restaurant in Maquoketa and later for WADY Industries in Maquoketa as a Robert Operator for over ten years.

Sosiro enjoyed playing baseball, singing, and hanging out with friends and family. He was always very cheerful and loved to tell jokes and make people laugh.

Those left to honor Sosiro’s memory include his wife Rosalihna Isaac of Maquoketa, IA; children, Renselynn Isaac of Maquoketa, IA, and Joshua Capelle Isaac of Maquoketa, IA; his mother, Erwihne Isaac of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Maureen Sepedy (Masami Robert) of Maquoketa, IA, Donna Isaac of Maquoketa, IA, Salter Isaac (Charlotte Manuel) of MO, Herbert Isaac of Maquoketa, IA, Sohsy Isaac Jr. (Nanette Soto) of MO, and Chernenko Aise of Maquoketa, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father Sohsy Isaac Sr. and a niece Ashley Yens.

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

Bonnie J. McDonald

Bonnie J. McDonald, 85, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, September 6, 2018, in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at 5:30 P.M., Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 4 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 14, 2018, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Bonnie June Davison was born on December 4, 1932 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dale Matthews Davison and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Davison. She attended Maquoketa schools, and on June 4, 1950 she married Howard Lynn McDonald in Maquoketa, Iowa. Bonnie was a homemaker. She lived briefly in Scott County and Clinton County, but spent most of her life in Jackson County until the last six weeks when she moved to Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

Those left to honor Bonnie’s memory include her children, Dee (Carl) Flint of Clinton Township, MI, Dixie “Lee” (James) Karabin of Maquoketa, IA, Connie (Larry) Taylor of Lake St. Louis, MO, Dale McDonald of Bettendorf, IA, and Alice McDonald of Sherwood, OR; sisters Janean Cook of Maquoketa, IA, and Barbara Bruse of Solon, IA; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one infant son.

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

Bonnie J. McDonald

Bonnie J. McDonald, 85, of Lake St. Louis, Missouri and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, September 6, 2018, in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at 5:30 P.M., Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 4 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 14, 2018, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Bonnie June Davison was born on December 4, 1932 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dale Matthews Davison and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Davison. She attended Maquoketa schools, and on June 4, 1950 she married Howard Lynn McDonald in Maquoketa, Iowa. Bonnie was a homemaker. She lived briefly in Scott County and Clinton County, but spent most of her life in Jackson County until the last six weeks when she moved to Lake St. Louis, Missouri.

Those left to honor Bonnie’s memory include her children, Dee (Carl) Flint of Clinton Township, MI, Dixie “Lee” (James) Karabin of Maquoketa, IA, Connie (Larry) Taylor of Lake St. Louis, MO, Dale McDonald of Bettendorf, IA, and Alice McDonald of Sherwood, OR; sisters Janean Cook of Maquoketa, IA, and Barbara Bruse of Solon, IA; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one infant son.

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

Thomas E. Hinderman

Thomas E. “Tom” Hinderman, 71, of Superior, Montana, formerly of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, passed away, suddenly, on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 near Superior in a car accident.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville, with Fr. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of V.F.W Post # 6455 of Dickeyville.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Tom was born on August 23, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Roland “Hank” and Lucille (Gartner) Hinderman. He graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, IA. Tom attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He joined the Air Force and went to Vietnam as a medic. He was awarded numerous medals including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery as a combat Veteran. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in nursing and worked as an intensive care nurse for many years. He met Gloria Schnell, in 1996 and married her in 2001. Together they created Hearing Northwest, building the business to 5 private practice Audiology clinics. Tom sold the business in 2006 and built a home in the Mountains of Montana fulfilling a life-long dream. He physically built a 3800 square foot home on top of a mountain. He, his dog, Monty, and Gloria enjoyed many enjoyable years there. The property in Montana provided Tom many years of hunting on his own land. In 2012 they purchased a home on Big Lake in Mount Vernon, WA. Tom loved boating and fishing there.

While Tom lived in Dickeyville from 1970-1976, he was Chief of the Dickeyville Rescue Squad. Pioneered the first chapter of the Dickeyville Jaycees; was President the first year, and Vice President the second year. He always considered Dickeyville his home.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Gloria Schnell, brother, Tim, sister-in-law, Carol, niece, Tara and family, step children Jeremy Avise, Kim Avise, and Tara Brook; best friend Steve Loeffelholz and family, and numerous friends including Jim Hollenbeck, Lee Dygert, Jim Pagel, and Bob James, his Starbucks buddies, and numerouse others. Tom had a smile for everyone and remembered their names.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Marjorie M. Ball

Marjorie M. (Marge) Ball, 92, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, died peacefully at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque with Jeff Timmerman as celebrant. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 10:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Marjorie was born at home on May 13, 1926 in rural Monona, IA, the daughter of Hubert and Ruth (Kuthe) Sass. She attended school in Monona, IA.

Marjorie married Harold Ball on February 7, 1945 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Monona, IA.

Marjorie (Marge) worked for many years in the Pet Department at Roshek’s Department Store, and as a Receptionist in the Appliance Service Department. She then became a full-time Avon representative, always winning top honors in the President’s Club. She loved her Avon customers and friends, and missed them dearly after she retired. She was full of fun and always up for a good laugh. Any day spent with family/friends was a “happy day,” she said.

Marjorie is survived by six children: Vicki (Tom) Houts, Leawood, KS, Lynn Ball, Dubuque, IA, Shari (John) Arthofer, East Dubuque, IL, Neil Ball (Jeanne), East Dubuque, IL, Ross Ball (special friend Kelly Hauer) Dubuque, IA, and Cathi (Jeff) Timmerman, Lisbon, IA; 29 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter-in-law, Nancy; a great grandson, Kael, and a nephew, Allen.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury and Hospice of Dubuque for the care, laughter, and kindness they provided Mom.

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

Virginia G. Pregler

Virginia G. Pregler, age 97, of Zwingle, formerly of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 7:15 a.m. on September 6, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Virginia’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, September 10, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Rev.Karen Candee officiating. To celebrate Virginia’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Virginia was born on August 5, 1921, in Dubuque, the youngest daughter of Peter and Gertrude (Matthew) Coyle’s 12 children.

Virginia was born into a large family and was beyond grateful to have lived her entire life right here in God’s country. She learned the values of faith, family, fellowship, hard work and love and respect at a young age and would faithfully keep them firmly intact throughout her entire 97 year earthly journey. Virginia was fortunate enough to find her true love, Howard Pregler, and the two were united in marriage on January 7, 1939 at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. They were truly blessed to have been given 53 years together, and 12 wonderful children, before the Lord decided it was time for Howard to come home. Virginia devoted her entire life to her family. She was a loving wife, and an even more amazing mother and grandmother. Her devotion never wavered, her patience never tired and her commitment to those she loved will continue to be clearly evident within the stories which will be shared by those who knew and loved her in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Virginia did thankfully find a little personal time now and then to indulge in some of her favorite activities also. An afternoon in the flower garden, or some downtime relaxing with her adored pets would always warm Virginia’s heart and place a sincere smile upon her face. Virginia made the world a better place simply by being herself and a legacy as honorable as that is all any of us could hope for. We will miss her beautiful laugh, her tender side and her strong will, but we know she is residing in a much more amazing world than we could ever discover here and we are at peace today with the knowledge that she has finally been reunited with all of her other loved one’s who’ve already begun their eternal journey. Thank you very much Virginia for everything you taught us, the memories of fun and love you leave behind, and may the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again!

Those left to cherish Virginia’s memory include
her 10 children,

Sandra (Richard) Tigges, Bernard, IA,
Janet Brown, Dubuque, IA,
Sharon Hadley, Durango, IA,
Ralph Pregler, Zwingle, IA,
Joyce Maggert, Colesburg, IA,
Joan (Kurt) Cable, East Dubuque, IL,
Virginia “Ginny” Hudders, Zwingle, IA,
Maureen Schmitt, East Dubuque, IL,
Ronald Pregler, Zwingle, IA
and Kathy (Robin) Laughead, Zwingle, IA;

her countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

numerous nieces, nephews and cousins;

and her son-in-law, William Smith, East Dubuque IL.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; her daughter, Carol Smith; her son, Richard Pregler; her daughter-in-law, Debby Pregler; her sons-in-law, Donald Brown, Richard Hadley and Kenneth Hudders; along with her 10 brothers, and 1 sister.

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

Daniel P. Aslin

Daniel P. Aslin, 56, was called to heaven on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2018 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. There will be no public visitation.

Dan was born on September 13, 1961 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John M. and Ann “Cookie” (Fisher) Aslin. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1979 and was the Iowa Golden Glove champion in 1980.

Dan was a sales rep for Aslin Sales Inc. and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing and get-togethers with his nieces and nephews. Danny will be missed by the many people who loved him.

Surviving are his parents, John and Cookie Aslin of Dubuque; his two brothers, John A. (Barb) Aslin of Appleton, WI, and Jim Aslin of Kansas City, MO; his nieces and nephews Dr. Audra (Dr. Micah) Long of Madison, WI, Alexa (Jordan) Aslin of Neenah, WI and John V. (Melissia) Aslin of Los Angeles, CA; 5 great nieces and nephews, his special friend Paula VanGundy, his aunt Mary (Tim) Jirschele and his uncle Roy (Lucy) Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, A.C. (Helen) Fisher and his paternal grandparents William (Lucille) Disbrow.

Matthew J. Kettmann

Matthew J. Kettmann, 47, of Bernard passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with melanoma cancer at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, September 9, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue Monday, September 10, 2018, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at Kramer Funeral Home where a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.

Matt was born in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Milo, Jr. and Mary (Herst) Kettmann. He graduated from East Dubuque High School with the class of 1991. He was a welder for 28 years at several manufacturing companies, including John Deere Dubuque Works for the last 15 years.

Matt was a loving and caring father and soul mate. He loved watching the Detroit Redwings hockey, fishing at the lake and playing video games with his daughter and nephews. He has kept and cared for iguanas for the last 25 years. His current iguana, Gary, is looking for a new home. Matt had a unique sense of humor and his smile will be missed.

Survivors include his daughter, Madison Hines of Bernard, the love of his life, Jolene Hines of Bernard, his sister Monica (Dan) Burds of Holmen, WI; his parents, Milo, Jr. and Mary Kettmann of East Dubuque; Jolene’s family: Delbert and Sheila (Becker) Hines of Dubuque, Dave (Tammy) Becker of East Dubuque, Billy Jo Hines of South Carolina, Tara Jones and Jennifer Hines, both of Dubuque; nieces and nephews: Jordan (fiancé Emma Coryell), Jarod and Jesi Burds, Stacey, Tracey and Nichole Becker, Jacob, Austin and Cory Jones, Mercedes and Chevelle Hines

He was preceded in death by his cousin, Jonathon Engler.

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

Patricia A. Lyster

Patricia A. “Pat” Lyster, 77, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 10, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 12:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Monday at the church before the service.

Pat was born on April 17, 1941, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Otto and Anne (Vaassen) Burbach. She married Duane F. Lyster on January 10, 1959, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City. He preceded her in death on December 14, 2017.

Pat worked as an administrative assistant at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works.

Pat and Duane loved to travel and enjoyed camping with their children when they were young. They spent many happy years in Florida. Pat also loved to quilt.

Survivors include two sons, Marty (Rita) Lyster, of Cuba City, and Steve (Mary Lea) Lyster, of Greensboro, NC; three sisters, Shirley (John) Nolan, of Cuba City, Emma (John) McWilliams, of Verona, WI, and Mary Kay (Dennis) Lee, of East Peoria, IL; three grandchildren, Trevor, Alec and Logan Lyster; a step-granddaughter, Andi (Joe) Deckert; two great-grandchildren, Dallas and Grace Deckert; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark, and a brother, Kenneth Burbach.

A Patricia A. “Pat” Lyster Memorial Fund has been established.

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