Obituaries Archive

Joseph B. McNamer

Joseph “Joey” Brady McNamer, 32, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Friday, August 10, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Heritage Center, John and Alice Butler Hall at the University of Dubuque campus. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the center.

Joey was born on June 2, 1986, in Dubuque, the son of Marty and Nancy (Comer) McNamer.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 2005 and earned his B.A. in Business from the University of Dubuque. After working various jobs in Chicago and Dubuque, he began work as a realtor with American Realty. Joey also worked closely with his dad and mom to build and sell several beautiful homes in which he took great pride.

Joey loved music. Whether it was catching a live show, playing the drums, or having an impromptu dance party in his living room, Joey always seemed to have music flowing through him. He also had a passion for exploring new places and often traveled to visit family and friends across the country and beyond.

Joey was full of kindness, charisma, generosity, and love. His exuberance for life and ever-present smile were contagious, and he always seemed to know when someone needed an ear to bend or a shoulder to lean on. Joey was a fiercely loyal friend, brother, and son who approached life with an open-heartedness rarely seen. He learned from his parents’ example to be intensely loyal to his friends, compassionate to all, and to strive for success in all his endeavors.

Joey brought joy into the lives of all who knew him and he will be deeply missed. He will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Joey is survived by his parents, Marty and Nancy McNamer, of Dubuque; his brothers, Will Goodmann, Tony Goodmann and Jason McNamer; paternal grandmother, Barbara (Stock) Hackbarth; aunts and uncles, Sandy (Phil) Perry, Angie McNamer, Terry (Connie) Hackbarth, Chris (Sue) Bobst, Jay (Christine) Bobst, Waylen (Jen) Hackbarth, Wendell Comer, Wayne (Deanne) Comer; and many wonderful cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Bonnie Comer; paternal grandfather, Donald Hackbarth; maternal uncle, Gary Comer; and aunt, Janis Comer.

Online condolences may be left for the family www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dubuque Film Festival, Dubuque Arboretum Music in the Park, NAMI or a charity of your choice.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Marty and Nancy would like to thank the birthday group and their husbands for their continued love and support during this difficult time.

Florence C. Ernzen

Florence C. Ernzen, age 96, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:12 a.m., on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center. To honor Florence’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, August 13, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Florence’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Florence was born on December 6, 1921, in Balltown, Iowa, daughter of John and Cecilia (Hansen) Link.

Florence surely enjoyed growing up in the amazing world of country life. An honest days work was never to be missed, but some relaxing time with family and friends always seemed to find its way into the days also. Florence was fortunate enough to cross paths with her soul-mate, Harold Ernzen, and the loving couple was united in marriage on April 12, 1944, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Balltown, Iowa. They would be blessed with 47 wonderful years, and 7 adored children together before Harold was sadly called home ahead of her on September 13, 1991. Florence was primarily a devoted wife, mother and grandmother throughout her 96 year earthly journey, but she did also faithfully devote over 30 years of her talents outside of the home at both Leiser’s and Sweeney’s Supper Club. Florence’s main focus in life was undeniably her family and to hold a place in her heart as one of her dearly loved ones was all anyone would require to find fulfillment in this world. But, her commitment to her church and community would run a close 2nd to family in Florence’s mind. Her faith was found not only in how she lived her daily life, but also within her long-time membership to Holy Ghost Church and their Rosary Society. Florence also generously gave of her personal time with many social and senior citizen groups around town; including any opportunity to create masterpieces in multiple quilting groups, an evening of hoping for the opportunity to yell “Bingo”, or absolutely any opportunity to sit around the card table and regularly prove her uncanny ability to produce a winning Euchre hand again and again. We arrive in this new day with broken hearts, but we are forever grateful for the 96 years Florence blessed our lives and we know that she was beyond ready to be reunited with her 3 sons, and her loving husband, Harold, so they could begin their eternal walk together, hand in hand once again. We miss you Mom, we love you, we thank you and we will forever treasure every memory you leave behind. God Bless You!

Those left to cherish Florence’s memory include

her loving children,
Mary Ann (Leonard) Kremer, Dubuque, IA
and Kay (Dave) Stoffel, Sherrill, IA,
Geralyn “Geri” (Bill) Hall, Dubuque, IA
and Mark (Beverlie) Ernzen, Dubuque, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Mary Ernzen, Luxemburg, IA;

14 grandchildren,
Steve (Jackie) Stoffel, Tom Stoffel, Terry (Jenny) Stoffel, Traci (Peter) Gael, Candice (Lon) Heinkel, Heather (Shawn) Spina, Nick (Janel) Hall, Matt Ernzen, Dave (April) Ernzen, Beth Ernzen, Jessica (Robert) Young, Michael Ernzen, Ben Ernzen and Robin Ernzen;

19 great-grandchildren;

and a sister-in-law,
Velma Link, Key West, IA.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold Ernzen; her 3 sons, Davey in infancy, Jim Ernzen and Donnie (Rosemary) Ernzen; her siblings, Hilda (Joe) Klosterman, Carl Link, Silverius Link, John Link and Edwin (Carmelita) Link; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital, Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their wonderful and professional care through these last days with Mom. We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to all of her friends at Windsor Park for all of the companionship and continual support over the years.

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

Sara A. Breeden

Sara A. Breeden, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at her home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Sara’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, August 13, 2018 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Sara Ann Clark was born on January 5, 1939 in Maquoketa, Iowa to William Howard and Elsie (Hoffa) Clark. She attended Jones County country schools and later received her GED. She married James Loras “Jim” Breeden on September 16, 1955 in Fulton, Iowa at the RLDS Church.

Sara was first and foremost a wonderful mother and wife. She had worked various jobs throughout the years including waitressing at Rocky’s Café for over ten years, and on the assembly lines at both General Thermal and Hoof Products in Maquoketa. She had also delivered the Clinton Herald daily for a couple years and she and Jim had delivered the Sunday Quad City Times for over 15 years.

Sara enjoyed gardening and canning, genealogy, volunteering at the Jackson County Historical Society, and assisting Jim with researching cemeteries involved with the Jackson County Pioneer Cemetery Association.

Those left to honor Sara’s memory include her husband Jim Breeden of Maquoketa, IA; children, Wayne Breeden of Clinton, IA, Sue Imming of Beaver Dam, WI, Vickie (Bob) Anstey of Cumberland, IA, Diane (Jerry) Sneed of New Orleans, LA, and Shirley (Brad) Schmidt of Thornton, IA; a brother, Robert “Bob” (Helen) Clark of Concord, CA; 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Jim, and a son John Loras Breeden in September of 1989.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Sara A. Breeden memorial fund has been established.

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

Karl J. Kohnen

Karl J. Kohnen

Karl J. Kohnen, 71, of Dubuque died Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Ave., Dubuque with Rev. Dwayne Thoman officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Egelhof, Siegert, Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. where a parish scripture wake service will be recited at 7:30 p.m.

Karl was born on December 20, 1946 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Tenhaaf) Kohnen. He married Jean Duffy, August 31, 1968 at Cathedral of Saint Raphael, Dubuque.

Karl received his bachelors degree from Loras College in 1968 and his masters degree from Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, Illinois, 1970. He was a licensed social worker in Illinois. Karl returned to Dubuque in 1974 and worked in social work, housing and development.

His love in life was music. Karl was a music minister for Holy Spirit Parish and substitute for St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Dubuque Area Retired School Personnel Association and played piano for their band.

Karl is survived by his wife and 5 children. David (Sarah Goldberger), North Kingstown, Rhode Island; Laura (Don) Stanner, Dubuque; Michael (Val) Kohnen, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; Sara (Rob) Hofer, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Daniel, San Francisco, California; seven grandchildren, Jacob and Lucas Stanner, Ethan Hofer, Elisabeth and Katherine Kohnen, Gabriella and Benjamin Kohnen. His brother, Mark, (Beth) and brother-in-law, Del (Jan) Tucker and sisters-in-law, Kit (Ray) Kengott and Maggie (Steve) Canter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Charles, and sister Karolyn Tucker.
Memorials may be given to Holy Spirit Parish.

The Kohnen family wishes to thank the staffs of Mercy Medical Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.

Doris A. Selchert

Doris A. Selchert

Doris A. Selchert, 89 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2018 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Rosonke officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Chapel Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road.
Doris was born in Dubuque, Iowa on April 29, 1929, the daughter of Joseph V. and Rita V. (Wiedner) Schuler. She married Russell J. Selchert on August 13, 1949 at the Church of the Nativity, he preceded her in death on September 22, 2003.

Doris was a homemaker, who later in life volunteered her time at Ennoble Manor and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. She enjoyed embroidery and was especially proud of the quilts she made for each of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed her time as a singer with the Sinsinawa Singers. Her family was very important to her, and the annual trolley ride at Christmas time made for wonderful memories, thanks to her. Our beautiful mother will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her three sons Steve (Judy) Selchert, of Dubuque, Robert (Cindy) Selchert, of Aberdeen, Maryland, and John (Chris) Selchert of Dubuque; her five daughters Kathie (Randy) Thor, of Cuba City, WI, Marilyn (Don) Steinhoff, of Cuba City, WI, Sharon (Dennis) Sweet, of Louisburg, WI, Jacque (Pat) Engling, of Dubuque, and Carrie (Joe) Mauss, of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter-in-law Arlene Selchert of Horicon, WI; 24 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, 16 step great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Luella Schuler, of Waterloo, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Larry Selchert; a granddaughter, Jodi Metcalf; and a brother, Jim Schuler.

A Doris Selchert memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff of Sunset Park Place for all the friendship, care and compassion they showed to Doris during her time there, especially Kathy Lansing and Sue Mills. She truly considered it her home.

Frances G. Kringle

Frances G. Kringle, 96, of Dubuque died Monday, August 6, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Military rites will be held following the service.

Frances was born July 17, 1922 in Ft. Ransom, North Dakota, daughter of Alfred and Emma (Carlblom) Highness. She graduated from Ft. Ransom, N.D. High School, attended Valley City, N.D. Teachers College for one year, the received her nursing training at Lutheran Deaconess Nursing School in Chicago.

On March 19, 1946, she married Richard O. Kringle. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2007.

Frances was a nurse most of her life of her life and served in the Army Nurses Corps during WW II. She enjoyed nursing and especially loved in-home nursing. Before her retirement, she was a restaurant inspector in Dubuque.

The most important things in life to Frances were her church, family and playing Euchre. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she was involved in quilting and Stephen Ministry. She was also a member of the Eagles Club and American Legion.

She is survived by five children, Mary (Gary) Kottman of Minneapolis, Minn., Janice (Vernon) Linenfelser of East Dubuque, Ill., Diane (Eldon) Begle of Donna, Texas, Julie (Michael) Yakin of Elk River, MInn., and James (Linda) Kringle of Kansas City, Missouri. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard W. Kringle; her parents; six brothers and three sisters.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A Frances Kringle Memorial Fund has been established.

Paul Joseph Gisch

Paul Joseph Gisch, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 6, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11th, 2018 at St. Joseph The Worker Church with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with a flag presentation by the Iowa Army National Guard. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Paul was born in Iowa City, Iowa on April 29, 1928. He was the youngest of the 10 children of Benedict Gisch and Clara Lenertz Gisch. He was a graduate of St. Cecilia Academy in Algona, Iowa.

Mr. Gisch served in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne Division in Italy.

He was a graduate of Loras College in June of 1951. Mr. Gisch was also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin in Madison and the National Mortgage School of Ohio State University.

He was employed by the First National Bank of Dubuque for many years and was retired from the Bank in April of 1990 as Senior Vice-President and Director. Mr. Gisch served the Dubuque Community on many boards and commissions.

Mr. Gisch was married to Anna Mae Runde of Hazel Green, Wisconsin on September 8, 1951 at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

Paul is survived by his wife Anna Mae; his children, Mary (Rick) Marinelli, of Kansas City, MO, Joseph (Kate) Gisch, of Irvine, CA, Jill (William) Wilberding, of Edwardsville, IL, and Mark Gisch, of West Desmoines. Five grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, a sister Dolores Engle, of Sioux City, IA along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, six sisters and a grandson Daniel Wilberding.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Joseph The Worker or the Children’s Tumor Network.

Sandra Sue Meier

Sandra “Sandy” Sue Meier, 78, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, at St. Raphael Cathedral. Fr. Greg Bahl will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #787 East Dubuque, of which Sandy was a member. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Eden, WI. Friends may greet the family from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Friday, August 17, at Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1640 Main St., Dubuque, where there will be an American Legion Post #787 East Dubuque walk through at 6:30 p.m.

Sandy was born January 29, 1940 in Madison, WI, the daughter of Milton and Lillian (Waehler) Mellor. She married Leo Meier on October 12, 1963 in Madison, WI. He preceded her in death on August 8, 2003.

Sandy graduated from Madison Central High School in 1957 and completed her nurses training at Madison General Hospital School of Nursing in 1960. She served in the Air Force National Guard, achieving the rank of first lieutenant while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, TX.

After her marriage, Sandy and Leo lived In North Lake, IL where Sandy worked as a registered nurse. In 1965, Sandy and her family moved to Dubuque, where she continued her nursing career at numerous hospitals and nursing homes.

For a number of years Sandy also owned and operated a small boutique in East Dubuque where she sold unique home décor and furniture that she had refinished. In the last 10 years of her life, Sandy worked part time as a reporter, photographer, and general office assistant at the Dubuque Leader, published by her dear friend William Winders.

Sandy had a beautiful voice and often sang at funerals and weddings. She was dedicated to the Democratic Party and enjoyed campaigning for Democratic candidates. She was an active volunteer for the Dubuque Rescue Mission, where for the last six years she served as a member of the board of directors.

She enjoyed traveling, especially with her beloved husband Leo. She was a lifelong University of Wisconsin Badger fan. She delighted in telling stories and surprising people. Those who knew her understand that she endeavored to be unpredictable.

Sandy is survived by her children, Patricia (Benjamin Chalkley) Meier of North Liberty; Debra (Brian Dietz) Meier of Birmingham, MI; Tonya (Barry Randle) Meier of Dallas, TX; Rebecka (Mike Gunderson) Meier of Fort Worth, TX; and Charles (Jessica Weigel) Meier of Minneapolis, MN. Sandy also is survived by her 13 grandchildren Samuel, Oliver, and Lilia Chalkley; Andrew Claire, Rachel, and Leo Meier Dietz; Leo Abraham and Ann Frances Randle; Lillian and Ava Gunderson; and Henry and Lauren Meier; as well as a special cousin Carole (Lee) Bailey of Fountain City, WI; sisters-in-law Mary Bick of Campbellsport, WI; Rita (Harlan) Draeger of Racine, WI; Monica McDaniel of West Bend, WI; and Elizabeth (Richard) Theis of Centennial, CO; brother-in-law Bob Meier of Eden, WI; 16 nieces and nephews, and further extended family, all of whom she loved dearly.

In addition to her husband, Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother in infancy; a brother-in-law, John (Jack) Meier and his wife Ruth Meier; and brothers-in-law William Bick and Thomas McDaniel.

Sandy’s family would like to thank Sandy’s friend and helper, Tanya Welter, and all the caregivers from By Your Side Care, especially Lisa Flanagan, who treated Sandy as if she were her own mother.

Memorials may be made to the Dubuque Rescue Mission, 398 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

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

Donald E. Gieseman

Donald E. Gieseman, 81, of Asbury, Iowa, passed away Saturday August 4, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals, due to injuries sustained in a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, August 10 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1276 White Street, Dubuque, where Don was a member. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday at Egelhof, Siegert, Casper Funeral Home, 2659 JFK, Dubuque. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Friday at the church.

Don was born May 27, 1937, to Henry and Belle (Tietgen) Gieseman in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended Jefferson Junior High School in Dubuque, where he was part of a singing quartet. They submitted a record which took first place in the 1949 National Boys Club of America vocal quartet competition. They sang the “Boys Club Marching Song” and the hymn, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Former U.S. President, Herbert Hoover, and elder statesman, Bernard Baruch, announced in New York City that the award went to Don’s group, and they were thrilled to learn they had won. Don graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, and served twelve years in the United States Navy and in the Naval Reserve.

He became a Certified Manufacturing Engineer, and worked for many years as an engineer at John Deere in Dubuque. After he retired he continued to work as an engineering consultant for several years. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers since 1966; and a member of the John Deere Retiree Association.

Don was a judo enthusiast, and also was a fitness instructor at the Dubuque YM/YWCA. He had a lifelong love of books and learning, which he passed along to a few of his nieces and nephews, and to some of the young people he mentored through his work with DeMolay youth at the Masonic Temple, where he was a longstanding member and leader. Don played a key role in every Masonic organization in Dubuque for many years. He received the Legion of Honor, which is the highest award that can be bestowed by the DeMolay.

Don will be remembered for his intelligence, his wit, his kindness, and his commitment to working for the betterment of his community and his country.

He is survived by his brother Kermit Gieseman in Palm Bay, FL; by his sister-in-law Mary Juen Gieseman in Dubuque; and by several nieces, nephews, and chosen family, whose lives he enriched with his quick wit and interesting conversation, and who benefited from his guidance, generosity and kind heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his sisters and their spouses, Lois and Lewis Holm, and Arliss and Donovan Hyde; by his sister Corinne “Corky” Krelle; by his brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Marlene Gieseman, by his brother Dale Gieseman; by his sister-in-law Shirley Gieseman; and by three nephews: David Holm in 1967, James “Coach” Gieseman in 1987, and Peter Holm in 2016.

In lieu of plants and flowers a Donald E. Gieseman memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Deb Langkamp, who was Don’s neighbor and friend, and who, at least once, literally saved his life. We also want to thank the Dubuque Fire and Police responders who cared for Don at the accident scene; the staff at Mercy ER, the Mercy Air Care crew; and the University of Iowa Hospitals ER, ICU, and Palliative Care teams, especially Dr. Rogers, Jenn, Katie, Victoria and Eric.

Marcella C. Jaeger

Marcella “Sally” C. Jaeger, 90, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 6, 2018 at Finley Hospital.

Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8, and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, August 9, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 9, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Fr. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sally was born October 8, 1927 in Spechts Ferry, the daughter of Nicholas and Magdalene (Schueller) Koltes. She married Lawrence “Larry” Jaeger on October 14, 1947 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Sherrill. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2002.

Sally was an Avon dealer for over 20 years, and enjoyed the friends she met and kept over the years. She was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s Parish. Sally enjoyed boating on the river with family, shopping, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Sally is survived by three children, Judy (Paul) Demkier of Dubuque, and their children: Dawn (Randy) Avenarius of Dubuque and Dana (Russ) Hamm of Benton, WI; Joan (Mike) Hames of Le Claire, IA and their children: Tracy (Jeff) Little of Dubuque and Chad (Liz) Hames of Long Grove, IA; and Bob (Jackie) Jaeger of Dubuque and their son Sam Jaeger of Dubuque; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; five step grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; seven step great great grandchildren; and two sisters in law, Ramona Shireman of Dubuque and Alberta “Babe” Lahey of Dubuque.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her infant grandson; five sisters; and four brothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marcella C. Jaeger Memorial Fund for later donation to her favorite charities.

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

Susan Elizabeth Curtis

Susan Elizabeth Curtis, 46, ended her thirty-month struggle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 at her parents’ home in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Saturday, August 11th, 2018 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller and Rev. Ardel Barta officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Susan was born in Dubuque on August 21, 1971 to John Taylor Curtis and Judith (Grab) Curtis. She graduated from Wahelrt High School in 1989 and from Loras College in 1993 with a B.A. in Speech Communication. She spent most of her adult life in Chicago where she worked as an office manager for several large corporations, most recently for Merisant Worldwide.

Susan loved socializing with her many friends, planning and organizing events, traveling, going to the beach, reading, following the Cubs and the Packers, and being with her beloved Golden Retriever, Dexter.
Susan is survived by her parents, John and Judith of Dubuque; her sister, Sara Curtis Schumacher, and her niece Nora Schumacher, both of Appleton, Wisconsin; aunts Janet (Jerry) Swafford, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Jackie (Randy) Burke, of Marion, Iowa, and Barbara McDonnell, of Champagne, Illinois; cousins Stacey and Brad Burke; and very special friends who assisted her during her illness: Madelin, Kristen, Patti, Anne, Katina, Kari, Liz, Peggy, Karla, Isabelle and several others.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her uncle, Robert Curtis.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Cindy, Kristen, Elizabeth, Amy, Suzanne, and Jessica, as well as Dr. Mark Liaboe of Grand River Medical Group, for their care during Susan’s final days. A special thank you, too, to everyone at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Illinois, who treated and cared for Susan during her long illness.

Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Dubquue, Loras College, or CTCA Midwestern Regional Center, 2520 Elisha Ave., Zion, IL 60099.

Kathryn N. Schilling

Kathryn N. “Kay” Schilling, 74, of Colesburg passed away Monday, August 6, 2018, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, August 9, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. A private family Memorial Service will be held. Burial in the St. Patrick Cemetery in Colesburg.

Kay was born June 24, 1944, in Elkader, Iowa the daughter of Azel and Norma (Warner) Pratt. She graduated from Central High School in Elkader. She married John Schilling on November 21, 1963, in Elkader. Together they farmed near Colesburg. When they retired, Kay worked at Products Unlimited in Guttenburg.

Kay enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening and her flower beds, reading, and driving around with John. She also enjoyed her morning coffee group and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed baking cookies for her grandkids as the cookie jar was never empty.

Survivors include her husband, John, 4 children: Lisa (Steve) Kroeger of Petersburg, Linda (fiancé Dean Dempster) Schaul of Delhi, Julie (Duane) Staner and Mark (Melissa) Schilling, all of Colesburg; 10 grandchildren: Chris (Jenna Simon) Kroeger, Jessica (Brian) Stover, Nikki ( friend Brock Berto) Kroeger, Cassidy (friend Riley Walter) Schaul, Hayley Schaul, Rick Schilling, Kelly (friend Justin Curtis) Staner, Austin Staner, Mason and Makayla Schilling; 2 great grandchildren: Carter and Owen Stover; in-laws: Sharon Pratt of Waukon, Harold (Alice) Schilling of Colesburg, Mary (Joe) Goebel of Luxemburg and Diane Schilling of Guttenberg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: twin brothers that died in infancy, Ray Pratt and Anna Marie Butikofer and a brother-in-law, James Schilling.

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

Grace V. Vondran

Grace V. Vondran, age 89, of Potosi, WI, was called home peacefully at 9:35 a.m., on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Grace’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 9, 2018, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Kieler, WI. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Grace was born on October 4, 1928, in Grant County, Wisconsin, daughter of Michael and Barbara (Riley) Kirchberg.

Grace was born in rural Wisconsin and she would happily call the rolling hills of the Badger State home for her entire life. She was united in marriage to Robert Vondran, and together they would settle in Potosi to raise their 10 children, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on May 30, 2014. Grace was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, who, to everyone’s delight, had a passion for cooking and was excellent at creating a wide variety of wonderful dishes. She was a caring mother and was quite proud of her ability to make sure all of the children were well taken care of, always making sure each knew how loved they were. Grace was a straight-shooter and you never had to guess how she felt about any subject, whether you were on her side or not. In her free time, Grace loved to get in the car and head out for a “Sunday drive”, no matter what day of the week it was, and her happiest destinations were the ones that led to visiting with family and friends. She also enjoyed years of a little down time listening to Betty Thomas on the radio. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our kind mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and will surely miss her more than words can convey; but we are also grateful for the 89 years we had to spend with her and the memories we created which will last a lifetime.

Those left to cherish Grace’s memory include

her 10 children,
Daria Vondran, Potosi, WI,
Robert (Tina) Vondran, Monticello, IA,
Debra (Dennis) Byrnes, Bettendorf, IA,
Dennis Vondran, Platteville, WI,
Doug Vondran, Dubuque, IA,
Daniel Vondran, Dubuque, IA,
Randy Vondran, Cuba City, WI,
Donna Hessling, Dickeyville, WI,
Doris Vondran, Cuba City, WI
and Denise Vondran, Cuba City, WI;

11 grandchildren,
Scott Bradley, Andrew (Sarah) Bradley, Heather (Scott) Byrnes Isley, Brendan Byrnes, Catherine Byrnes, Joshua (Dominque) Vondran, Zachary (Lindsey) Vondran, Randi Lynn (Adam) Berning, Nathaniel Vondran, Isaih Hessling and Rachel Hessling;

6 great-grandchildren,
Kaitlyn, Tytus and Baryn Vondran, Persephone Berning, Chloe Isabel Isley and Haven Victoria Vondran;

and her sisters,
June (Ray) Owens, Madison, WI
and Rita (Glenn) Hansen, Bellevue, IA.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Vondran; a grandson, Chad Michael Vondran; a daughter-in-law, Vikki Vondran; and a sister, Edna (Orrin) Lenstra.

Grace’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, attentive and professional care of Grace and her entire family.

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

Jerome J. Meyer Sr.

Jerome J. “Jerry” Meyer Sr., age 82, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:15 a.m., on Sunday, August 5, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Jerry’s life, funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Jerry’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m., until the time of service at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Jerry was born on August 6, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Bart and Lucy (Tench) Meyer.

Jerry grew up in Dubuque’s North End and graduated from Senior High School in 1953. He joined the Navy in hopes of seeing the world, and eventually was stationed in Lake Michigan, where he met his future wife, Anita. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, especially his trips to Wyoming with “the guys”. Later, he gave up hunting and took up golfing, sometimes playing seven days a week. On August 17, 1957, he married Anita Elaine Kubitz, and they were married for over 50 years, raising 4 children together. Jerry was proud of the fact that he worked at “The Pack” for 38 years, especially in the “good ol’ days”, when it was a great place to work, having spent a majority of the time in the beef cooler or freezer. Jerry had been active in the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth degree Knight. In more recent years, he was a member and helped out at the local Moose Lodge Family Center, especially when his friend, Gordy Neumann, was tending bar or putting on a meal. Jerry and Anita traveled widely, often with their good friends, Gordon and Rosemary Neumann and Bob and Bobby Rogan, having visited too many places to list! In addition to the many other friends they made along the way. After they both retired, Jerry and Anita became “snowbirds”, following Anita’s brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Wanda Kubitz, down south to Florida. The warmer weather agreed with Jerry and after Anita passed away in 2008, he moved to Florida full-time, where his circle of friends continued to grow. In recent years Jerry started going for morning walks and doing crossword puzzles, staying healthy and keeping his mind sharp, and also took up reading thriller novels. In Florida, he was active in the Loyal Order of Moose and the VFW. In recent months, Jerry returned to his hometown of Dubuque, Iowa, where he enjoyed the best Midwestern steaks, Iowa cut pork chops, sweet corn and garden fresh tomatoes. He was fortunate enough to enjoy a few Maker’s Mark Manhattans and to say goodbye to friends and family.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory include

his children,
Jerome J. Meyer Jr.,
William T. Meyer,
Jolene A. (Emmett) Young
and Keith R. Meyer, all of Dubuque, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Jason (Stacy) Meyer, Bart (Katie) Meyer, Jessica Young and Christopher Young;

3 great-great grandchildren,
Wesley, Elayne and Quinn Meyer;

his siblings,
Teresa Pluym, Dubuque, IA,
Robert “Bob” (Joyce) Meyer, Maron, MO
and John (Marian) Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Debbie Meyer, East Dubuque, IL;

and several nieces and nephews.

In death, Jerry is reunited with his parents; his loving wife, Anita Meyer; 3 sisters, Eileen (Richard) Breese, Alice (George) Mootz and Armella (Cyril) Grassel; a brother, Mark “Bud” Meyer; and a brother-in-law, Richard Pluym.

Jerry, and his family, would also like to give a very special thanks to the nurses at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kristin, Stephanie and Stacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted and donated to Jerry’s favorite charities.

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

Monica L. Morse

Monica Louise Morse was born 5th to Marjorie & Cleve Morse in Cedar Rapids Iowa on August 16, 1979. Monica came with a zest for life. Early years had lots of hospital time for Monica. Marjorie especially dedicated her life to trying to keep Monica safe. Monica on the other hand spent her life trying to do as much as possible and safe wasn’t her priority. Monica graduated from Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, May, 1999. She loved to travel and it didn’t matter if it was by car, plane, boat or her two feet she wanted to go. Monica loved the water and learned to swim at an early age. She tackled water slides, but she wanted to jump off diving boards. Monica had NO depth of field. So the board length, width, bounce of the board and her mom yelling she could NOT do it had always kept her from jumping. However, her nephew Andrew helped her overcome that challenge by standing on the side of the pool giving directions. He also had to yell at the other kids who wanted her to hurry up. She was ecstatic and after practicing with him as coach was able to do it without the coach. Monica had many pets: goats, rabbits, hamsters and dogs, however she was a cat person and Monique was her cat of choice for over 15 years. Monica loved projects and power tools. Screw guns were one of her favorite way to fix things. Monica enjoyed many things but helping in Kindergarten Sabbath School class, holding babies, saying scriptures with Rebekah and listening to Elvis.

Monica was pronounced dead on July 27th, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals. She went into St Luke’s hospital Wednesday morning the 25th and by the time she got to Iowa City she was not responding neurologically. She touched many people’s lives while she was alive and will continue to touch others with donated organs & tissue. Her death was caused by problems with the fluid in the brain. Monica had been born with Hydrocephalus in conjunction with Dandy-Walker syndrome. She had shunts that originally drained the fluid over time the shunts stopped working with what appeared no change in Monica. However, fluid was building up and it became too much.

At the Celebration of Life done July 30th words that people wrote to share with us were: Never saw her without a smile, always willing to help, caring, spitfire, kept her word, courageous, funny, passionate, friendly, always count on her to help me move things- she was so strong.

Monica is survived by Julie Morse Cedar Rapids, Iowa Rebekah (Clayton) Morse Cleburne Texas, Dave (Jen) Morse Marion Iowa, Donald Morse Midland Texas. Nephews Andrew & DeMarcus Stokes, Brandon & Dylan Morse. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and many very special friends.

Her parents Marjorie and Cleve proceeded in her death.

Family would like to thank the staff from Systems Unlimited for all their hard work with Monica over the last several years as Monica wanted to spread her wings and stop living at home.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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