Obituaries Archive

Rita A. Johns

Rita A. Johns, age 85, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 11:50 p.m., on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Rita’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Grace Baptist Church, 3966 Asbury Road, with Pastor Billy Carter and Tony Johnson officiating. To celebrate Rita’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, May 18, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Rita was born on July 27, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of John and Teresa (Duschen) Tschiggfrie.

Rita was born and raised in Dubuque and would go on to complete her entire 85 year earthly journey right here in God’s country. She eventually met her soul-mate, John Johns, and the two were united in marriage on December 31, 1949, at the Church of the Nativity. They would be truly blessed with 58 wonderful years together, and 4 lovely daughters, before John was sadly called home ahead of Rita on June 22, 2008. Rita fully embraced her role as wife, mother and homemaker; faithfully caring for her husband and children and always keeping meticulous care of their home. She was an absolute natural in the kitchen and everyone always looked forward, not only to the delicious meals she prepared daily, but especially to the sweet treats for dessert which she was famous for. Rita enjoyed spending time doing the simple things in life; such as tending to her bountiful garden, creating her next latch hook masterpiece, curling up with a good book, keeping her mind sharp working on her latest word search, or even finally earning her G.E.D. while still in her early 50’s. She was also known to enjoy a spirited game of Euchre with family and friends, as every true Dubuquer does from time to time. Above all though, family was what brought the most joy into Rita’s days. She looked forward to every opportunity to spend time with John and the girls, and when the grandchildren came along you would be hard pressed to find a more doting grandmother. Rita’s faith was also a very important aspect of her life, and her personal relationship with her Lord and Savior were continually reinforced with her faith family at Grace Baptist Church. Our hearts and minds are deeply broken today by the sudden physical absence of our dearly sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend; but we know and trust that Rita’s soul now rest safely in the loving arms of her Creator and that her and John have now begun their beautiful eternal courtship. Thank you Rita for all of the love, lessons and life you shared with us while you were here and may we carry your legacy forward with pride until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Rita’s memory include

her children,
Mary (Paul) Swartzel, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Jeff) Chiott, Dubuque, IA,
Laura (Tony) Johnson, Dubuque, IA
and Toni (Robert) Backes, Peosta, IA;

her grandchildren,
Chad (Naomi) Johns, Angela (Pete) Román, Adam (Josie) Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Tabitha (Alex) Stuart, Brooke (Tim) Leonard and Ben (fiancé Katelyn Short) Backes;

her great-grandchildren,
Kristopher, Raeann and Lila Stuart, Brooke and Aidan Román, Landon, Lauren and Logan Leonard;

her brothers,
William (Janet) Tschiggfrie, Veronia, OR
and Eugene (Carol) Tschiggfrie, Slidell, LA;

a sister-in-law,
Phyllis Tschiggfrie, Asbury, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, John Johns; and her siblings, Ardelle (Richard) Genthe, Thomas Tschiggfrie, Kenneth Tschiggfrie and Ray Tschiggfrie.

In lieu of flowers, a Rita A. Johns memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Rita’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, and Stonehill, for their kind, attentive and professional care of Rita, and her family.

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

Jerry McCord

Jerry McCord, son of Donald and Mildred (Lex) McCord passed from this world on April 29, 2018 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS. He was a resident of Alton, KS.

He was born in Dubuque, Iowa. He spent 10 years in the Army and did 3 tours in Vietnam and was very proud of his service to his country.

Jerry was a true cowboy and spent most of his life on horseback. He was the huntsman for clubs in Michigan and Virginia. He also worked for two major ranches in Colorado. He and his family moved to Kansas after he retired from the cowboy life. In Kansas, he was an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement.

His major interests in life were his family, horses and dogs, hunting and fishing, cooking, and his vegetable garden.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sandra (Riedi) McCord and their son Sam McCord of Alton, KS; a son Jeffery McCord; and 2 grandsons, Yann McCord and Nils McCord all of Germany; 3 sisters, Marie (George) Yeager of Brookfield, NH, Cindy (John) Bailey of Independence, KY, and Jennifer (Ronald) Tigges of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews, one of whom he had a special connection with, Mitchel Tigges of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mildred (Lex) McCord and his Father and Mother-in-law, Charles and Alice (Schepple) Riedi.

He is loved and missed more than words can say. Until we meet again my Love.

Donald O. Scheibe

Donald O. “Don” Scheibe, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at the Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Thursday, May 17, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Donald Otto Scheibe was born on December 29, 1928 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to George Otto and Adele (Bartels) Scheibe. He attended the Little Red Schoolhouse and later graduated from Maquoketa High School. He married Vera Harriett Ringen on June 12, 1953 in Preston, Iowa. To this union two children were born: Steven and Mark.

Don was a farmer who farmed with his wife Vera, first south of Maquoketa, and in 1962 they purchased a farm west of Maquoketa. As lifetime farmers and partners, they farmed together for over 60 years.

Don was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Through the years Don had been actively involved with the Jackson County Cattlemen and the Jackson County Pork Producers, and had helped young kids getting started with 4-H. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, morel mushroom hunting and attending grandkids’ sporting events. He was a collector of steins and coins, and had raised purebred Duroc hogs and Charolais cattle for many years.

Those left to honor Don’s memory include his children, Steven Scheibe of Fairview, TN, and Mark (Milissa) Scheibe of Maquoketa, IA; and 4 grandchildren, Bryan Scheibe of Smyrna, TN, Emily Scheibe of Nashville, TN, Zachary Scheibe of Maquoketa, IA, and Bradley Scheibe of Maquoketa, IA; and sisters-in-law, Lois (Richard) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA, and Janet (Charles) Hindley of Clinton, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Walter, an infant sister Ruth and a sister Evelyn Small, and his wife Vera on January 29, 2017.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Donald O. “Don” Scheibe memorial fund has been established.

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

Dianne M. Fritsch

Dianne M. Fritsch, age 51, of Asbury, was called home peacefully at 7:00 a.m., on Friday, May 11, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Dianne’s life, private family funeral services will be held. To celebrate Dianne’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Dianne was born on August 18, 1966, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Leroy and Eunice (Wolbers) Bastian.

Dianne enjoyed her youth growing up in Dubuque and learned very early in life the value of faith, family and friends, along with the love and respect required to properly care for them all. She eventually found the love of her life, Douglas Fritsch, and they were united in marriage on May 28, 1988, at St. Joseph Church in Key West. The two have been blessed with almost 30 wonderful years together, and 3 undeniably adored sons, who are their pride and joy. Dianne was naturally gifted and personally driven within to always maintain excellence in all she was involved in, or put her mind to. This trait would definitely shine through as she committed the last 17 years of her working career to the Dubuque Community School District in the Hempstead High School Cafeteria. Dianne not only shared her baking talents at work, but her abilities were first and foremost nurtured in her kitchen at home. Dianne was an excellent cook and a talented baker who always made sure that her boys favorite desserts would be ready and available for them just because she felt like treating them to another special moment and memory created especially by Mom. Dianne was also a very faith-filled Christian woman who possessed an incredible inner strength and trust in her Lord and Savior. In her free-time, Dianne enjoyed hitting the trail for a long walk, spending a little time with her 4-legged canine friends, pulling up a chair to the card table to see who was going to have the best cards that day, watching her boys play football, as well as spending Sunday afternoons with her family watching her beloved Kansas City Chiefs take the field. Above all though, Dianne’s family was her world. She was a kind, caring, sincere, humble and loving wife, mother, sister and friend who always put others first and never expected anything in return. The legacy of love Dianne leaves behind will be seen in the generations yet to follow her, and we are forever grateful for the time the Lord was generous enough to share such a rare gift with us. We can all agree that 51 years with Dianne could never be considered enough, but we can also agree that 51 years with Dianne were more abundantly full of love that most people could ever experience in an entire century of their own lives. We will miss you Dianne, we love you more than words can say, and please know and accept that all of our lives are beyond blessed simply because we knew you!

Those left to cherish Dianne’s memory include

her loving husband,
Douglas Fritsch, Asbury, IA;

her sons,
Dr. Jesup Fritsch, Davenport, IA,
Bryer Fritsch, Iowa City, IA
and Layton (Allison) Fritsch, Iowa City, IA;

her parents,
Leroy and Eunice Bastian, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
Pam (Charlie) Klein, Dubuque, IA
and Ryan (Tracy) Bastian, Hiawatha, IA;

and 2 sisters-in-law,
Dawn (Jerry) Christensen, Naples, FL
and Lisa (Dr. Silvanus) Udoka, Greensboro, NC.

Dianne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her favorite physician, Dr. Monga, and the staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Dr. Engelman, and the staff at Medical Associates, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Dianne, and her family. We also want to thank Dianne’s countless friends for all of their love and support along this difficult journey.

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

Robert N. Bechen

Robert N. “Nubbins” Bechen, 85, of Cuba City, died Friday, May 11, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cuba City, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Tuesday morning at the church. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Bob was born on September 12, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Emil S. and Edna (Frantz) Bechen. He married Carol Herrig on October 7, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa. She preceded him in death. Bob then married Ann (Kennicker) Ernst on October 31, 1964, in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2014.

“Nubbins” worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for forty-four years, and then in retirement was a farmer on their “Roadrunner Farm” located on Louisburg Road. He enjoyed collecting toy tractors and belt buckles. He also enjoyed going to Daniel’s Lounge for lunch and a few beers.

Survivors include his step-son, Duane (Betty) Ernst, of Cuba City; three grandchildren, Vicki Redfearn (fiancé, Donnie Wand), Scott Ernst, and Jason Ernst; a great-grandson, Wyatt Redfearn; three brothers, Raymond Bechen of Dubuque, Joe (Ellen) Bechen of Dubuque, and Ed (Lorraine) Bechen, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

In addition to his parents and both of his wives, “Nubbins” was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Eugene.

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

Valita M. Bradley

Valita M. Bradley, 85, of Zwingle, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018 at Genesis Hospital, Davenport.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 17th, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may also gather after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of service.

Valita Marie Bradley was born March 28, 1933 in Bellevue, IA, the oldest daughter of Alvin and Marie (Sanders) Felderman and graduated from Andrew High School. On September 1, 1952 she was united in marriage to Richard S. Bradley of Zwingle, where the couple farmed together. She loved her family and enjoyed dancing with Richard, gardening, baking pies, and quilting.
Valita was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, LaMotte, and participated in the ELCA women’s group.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; four children, Marilyn Bradley, of Dubuque, Janell (Richard) Wampler, of Minneapolis, Karen (Scott) Buechler, of West Des Moines, and Kathy (Greg) Blum, of Zwingle; four grandchildren, Eric and Josh Blum, and Michael (Robyn) Wampler and Stephen (friend Jennifer) Wampler; two great-grandchildren Phillip and Bradley Wampler; and a sister Norla Bormann of Zwingle.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother Loren Felderman; and an infant daughter Eileen.

Memorials may be made to Area Residential Care or to Valita Bradley Memorial Fund.

James Loetscher Paisley

James “Jim” Loetscher Paisley, age 93, passed away Saturday, May 5, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.

Graveside services will be 9 a.m., Saturday, May 19 in Linwood Cemetery, where Military Honors will be conducted by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is assisting the family.

He was born August 16, 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa, the eldest of three children of Lewis C. and Evelyn L. Paisley.
Jim graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1950.

He served in the US Navy in WWII as an electronics technician aboard the USS Samar, an engine repair ship that saw service in the final days of WWII and the post-war period.

Jim’s career began with General Electric Corporation in Erie, Pennsylvania followed by a thirty year tenure with Hughes Aircraft in Culver City, California, where he led purchasing negotiations with the US government.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Thomas Paisley and Janet Paisley Smeltzer.

He is survived by nieces, Stephanie McCoy and her husband, Dan and their sons; Nina Hoban; nephew Schuyler Smeltzer and his wife, Judy, and their daughters; brother-in-law, Carl Smeltzer, Jr.; sister-in-law, Sherril Paisley and various cousins.

Jim was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Dorothy M. Reed

Dorothy M. Reed, age 83, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:55 a.m., on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Dorothy’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Dorothy’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Dorothy was born May 17, 1934, in Dubuque; one of Francis and Leona (Maiers) Jochum’s 11 children. She married Lyle V. Reed on September 27, 1952, and they started their beautiful family.

She was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished by her many family and friends. “Do,” as she was called by her beloved husband of 50 years, Lyle, was the rock of her large family, quick witted, and made homemade chocolate candy like no other.
She was very involved in many aspects of the Dubuque community and enjoyed every minute of it. She had a special place in her heart for the St. Mary’s Catholic Church community, serving as President of the rosary society, a volunteer tutor at St. Mary’s elementary school and their girls volleyball coach. She and her sisters were founding members of the Women’s Recreation Association and played together on a competitive volleyball team. She served as Vice President of the executive committee board and was the volleyball chairman. Decades later, you could occasionally hear a nonchalant comment about all of the trophies they won. Dorothy was an amazing seamstress, making her kids’ clothes through the years and even wedding party gowns for several nieces and grandchildren.
Dorothy and Lyle had seven wonderful children, and they were her greatest joy. After her children started school, Dorothy went to work at the Walsh Stores, where she was an institution in the Domestics department until her retirement. She lived a wonderful, full life, surrounded by family, enjoying crossword puzzles, sketching, reading, traveling with her husband and siblings, gardening, decorating for the holidays, and making special food for her family. Dorothy inspired multiple generations of young women to be smart, strong, and independent; her legacy continues on through their tenacity and successes.

Loved ones who will miss her until they meet again include

her children,
Terry Reed, Springfield, IL,
Peggy (Richard) Herbst, Dubuque, IA,
Thomas (Nancy) Reed, Dubuque, IA,
David (Robin) Reed, Center Point, IA,
Patrick Reed, Rockford, IL,
Karen Reed, Connecticut
and Ryan (Jane) Reed, Arlington, VA;

her 15 grandchildren,
Josh Ballard, Brittany (Chamo) Perez, Heather Green, Matt (Kelly) Herbst, Ben (fiancé Maggie Graham) Herbst, Amy (Dave) Reed-Flanagan, Nick Reed, Anthony Reed, Andrew Reed, Tonya Hinton, Zachary Reed, Kris Reed, Alicia Reed, Brandon Reed and Jordan Reed;

her 19 great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Robert Jochum, Dubuque, IA,
Patricia Schumacher, Dubuque, IA,
Carole Thul, Dubuque, IA,
Joan Wagner, Dubuque, IA
and Gary (Donna) Jochum, Dubuque, IA;

her sister-in-law,
DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Gerald Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

Loved ones who cleared the path for Dorothy are her parents; her husband, Lyle “PeeWee” Reed; a grandson, Joshua Reed; her siblings, Mary (William) Fransen, Jeanne Meyer, Leone (George) Reed, Wayne Jochum, Kenneth (Caroline) Neely and Donnie, in infancy; her sister-in-law, Lynn Jochum; her brothers-in-law, David Schumacher and David Thul, and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill for their loving and wonderful care of their mother for the past two years, and to Hospice of Dubuque for all that they do.

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

Eva J. Schneider

Eva J. Schneider, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home on May 9th, 2018 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 14th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road and after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of the service.

Eva was born on August 5, 1936 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Theodore and Delores Olds. She attended Senior High School and then went to Dubuque Beauty Academy.

Eva owned and rode many horses over the years. Her favorite horse was an Appaloosa named Casey that she rode for 25 years. She was a member of the Tri-State Boot Scooters, All Stars Country Dancers and the Dubuque Country Saddle Club.

She is survived by her husband Frank; two daughters Kathy Walker and Dianne Schneider; one grandson Bill Walker, and two great grandchildren Brandon & Alec.

She was preceded in death by her father Theodore Olds and her mother Delores Clary; her step father Vird “Shorty” Clary; one sister Nancy Schneider.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care, and to Hospice of Dubuque especially Tammy M. for all their wonderful care they gave to Eva.

In lieu of flowers an Eva Schneider memorial fund will be established.

Henry J. O’Connell

Henry J. “Hank” O’Connell, 91, of Bankston, Iowa, was born into eternal life with Jesus Wednesday, May 10, 2018 at his home in Bankston, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Hank may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m, and a KC Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Friends may call after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Services for Hank will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating and assisting Deacon, Dan O’Connell. Burial will be held in St. Clement’s Cemetery in Bankston, Iowa.

Hank was born August 17, 1926 in Bankston, Iowa, son of Henry V. and Geneieve (Kennedy) O’Connell. He graduated from St. Clements High School in Bankston, Iowa. On May 21, 1949 he was united in marriage to Lois Keleher at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. She preceded him in death on December 21, 2016.

He was a member of St. Clement’s Parish in Bankston, Iowa. Hank was also a member of the Farley Knights of Columbus Council #2001 and the 4th Degree Dubourgh Assembly #1573.

Hank was born and raised on his family farm and he continued the family farming tradition by taking over the Heritage farm and raising his own family on the farm. He was very proud of the Heritage farm and his Irish heritage. He loved to share his song about his Shillelagh stick to bring a smile to those he met. He could always tell a good joke to watch people laugh.

Hank was known for his neighborly ways and was called upon to help many of them. One neighbor recalls having Dad offer his barn as a place to keep his car ready to go first thing in the morning. When a crisis called he was one of the best to help out.

He also embraced the latest technology. He would tell how he was one of the first to have actual turn signals on his car. He got his children involved in looking for “Sputnik” traveling across the night sky while lying in the grass on the front lawn. Later he was one of the first with a cell phone and computer, which became a challenge for his son when he was called upon to become the “IT guy”.

He is survived by his four children, Sherry (Greg) McGinn of Dubuque, IA, Kim (Paul) Forsberg of Santa Clara, CA, Daniel (Ellen) O’Connell of Bankston and Jack (Peri) O’Connell of Bankston, IA; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Harrold of Palmer, IA and Mary Lou Korte of Fort Dodge, IA; two brothers-in-law, Keith (Lois) Keleher of Palmer, IA and Paul Benson of Des Moines, IA.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one daughter, Kathleen O’Connell in May 1961; two sisters, Mildred O’Connell and Rosie (Bernard) Burds; one sister-in-law, Naida Benson; two brothers-in-law, Owen Harrold and Robert Korte.

Henry J. “Hank” O’Connell memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.

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

John J. Otting

John J. “Popper” Otting, 59, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away at home surrounded by his family Thursday, May 10th, 2018 at 1:50am.

Friends and relatives of Popper may call from 4-7pm, Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, at Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, where a memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Reiff Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass for John will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Basilica St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Dennis Quint presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa at a later date.

John was born on February 13, 1959, in Monticello, Iowa, son of Wilbur “Bill” and Madonna (Stecklein) Otting. He graduated from Cascade High School. He married Lisa (Kremer) Otting on April 24, 1982, and together they had 4 children. He worked at Modernfold for 32 years, where he retired in 2016.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his 4 grandchildren. On warm days, his tunes could be heard blaring out of his windows. Rarely was he spotted without an Iowa Hawkeye logo as he was an avid fan of all things Hawkeyes. Fishing was one of his favorite hobbies and he spent many weekends with his son and brother on the Mississippi.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Dyersville, Iowa.

Those left to continue his musical legacy, are his four children, Aaron (Kelly) Otting in Worthington, IA, Ashley Otting (Nate Hall) of Dyersville, IA, Callista (Brandon) Gibbs of Dubuque, IA, Jackie Otting (Alan Utria) of Iowa City, IA; four wonderful grandchildren, Lucy, Ben, Evan and Alaina; four siblings, Nancy (Carl) Dolphin, Steve “Otto” (Cindy) Otting, Jeff “Rocks” (Linda) Otting all of Cascade, IA Russ (Kay) Otting of Peosta, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Madonna, and his step-father Roger “R.L” Tucker.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to our Hospice of Dubuque staff. We want to thank Edna and Peggy for their compassionate care provided to our Dad.
GO HAWKS

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

Richard Cyril Konrardy

Richard Cyril Konrardy, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in Placid. The family request that visitors wear camouflage to honor Richard’s memory.

Richard was born on March 12, 1941 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Raymond and Leona Konrardy. He resided in Dubuque until 1970 where he and his family then moved to Colorado. He returned to Dubuque in 1996 where he shared 22 years with his wife Mary Lou.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Richard was a US Army Veteran, a valued member of the Dubuque Fellowship Club, an avid sportsman, and gardener.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; his children, Shadrick (Kathleen), Kimberly, Daniel, Kyle, Karl, Breann (Klade), Jeffrey (Dawn), Lynda (Roger), Jody (Tim); 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. His brothers Phillip, Gene, Gerald, Roger, Neil and Lloyd; his sisters Norma Jean and Marie. His best friends Doug and Big Dog, and faithful companion “Taz”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Casper in infancy and siblings Linda, Sheila, Marvin and Kenneth.

The family request no flowers; donations may be made to the Richard Konrardy memorial fund and the Dubuque Fellowship Club.

The family wishes to thank the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics especially Tayler and Jess in the ICU Unit; the Dubuque Fire and EMS, Mercy Medical Center Emergency Room staff in Dubuque, Air Care 3, and Leonard Funeral Home for all their wonderful care and compassion they gave to Richard and his family. Also, a special thank you to his friends in sobriety at the Dubuque Fellowship Club.

Michael C. White

Michael C. “Mike” White, 59, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday evening, May 8, 2018, at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A funeral mass celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where a 6:45 P.M. Scripture Service will be held. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Michael Curtis White was born on May 30, 1958 in Clinton, Iowa, to Dale and Patricia (Clark) White. At an early age his parents divorced and his mom met and married Tom Straub who became like a father to him. Mike was a 1976 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then served his country in the U.S. Navy receiving an honorable discharge. He married Coni J. Risinger Hart on June 20, 1997 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Mike was a welder by trade and had worked various jobs throughout the years most recently from 2003 to present at John Deere in Moline, Illinois.

Mike was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed collecting coins, playing Texas Holdem, and going to flea markets, auctions and estate sales. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Coni White of Maquoketa, IA; his mother and father, Pat and Tom Straub of Maquoketa, IA; children, Janelle (Allen) Weimerskirch of Cedar Falls, IA, Ed (Kathy) Hart of Johnson Creek, WI, and Rusty Hart of Prescott, WI; 8 grandchildren, Lekeisha Weimerskirch, Hali Weimerskirch, Emma Weimerskirch, Kelcey Omeig, Libby Omeig, Brian Omeig, Eddie Hart, and Lucas Hart; brothers, Steve (Diane) White of Vermont, IL, and Joe (Rosie) White of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Sue (Mark) Pothoven of Pella, IA, and Lynne (David) Dubert of Odgen, IA; and 10 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale D. White and a brother Tommy Straub.

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

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

Loren J. Fischer

Loren J. Fischer, age 65, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 7:07 a.m., on Friday, May 4, 2018, at Desert Spring Hospital, Las Vegas, NV, with his loving wife by his side. To honor Loren’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. To celebrate Loren’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Loren was born on May 22, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, son of Roger and Mary (O’Brien) Fischer.

Loren was a very talented and hard worker who devoted 32 years of his working career as a welder at John Deere Dubuque Works until his long-awaiting, and yet pleasantly early retirement in 2005. Upon leaving Deere’s, Loren would soon search for a manner in which to spend his free hours, and would thankfully discover a brand new circle of friends in the Dubuque Senior High School lunch room whom graciously welcomed him in immediately. He would go on to invest yet another 10 years of his time and talents with the lunch ladies and provided not only a little muscle for the heavy lifting, but also a joyful co-worker who was simply happy to be keeping busy while helping, talking and listening. But, when Loren wasn’t at work, he was easily found by the side of his beautiful bride, Laura Tindell. They were united in marriage on June 9, 1989, in Dubuque, and the two have been truly blessed with 28 years together, sharing countless adventures and experiences, all while creating an abundance of memories along the way. When the couple weren’t out embracing the wind in their hair while riding their Harley with friends, Loren and Laura could be found traveling extensively around the United States; always in search of a little history whenever possible, but never to focused on learning something new to enjoy a little downtime on their yearly trips to Florida. In his younger years, Loren enjoyed a crisp morning of pheasant hunting, a sunny afternoon of fishing, or even the occasional exciting evening of Bingo. The Bingo bug would carry on throughout Loren’s life and his drive to not only win, but maybe even level the playing field from time to time (if a sweet treat was involved) became quite evident at the annual Family Thanksgiving Games. Loren was a good and decent man, the kind there just simply aren’t enough of in this world today. A solid provider, an honest soul, an adoring husband and a good friend to all (who didn’t just naturally annoy him). The world is a lesser place today because of the sudden absence of Loren from our daily lives; but we understand that the well fought battle with cancer is finally over, his soul now rest in absolute perfection within the loving hands of our Lord and Savior, and that all who knew and loved Loren thankfully retain countless stories to share until we are reunited once again. Thank you very much Loren for setting such a fine example of a real man along your journey and may we all be blessed enough to follow your lead for generations to come.

Those left to cherish Loren’s memory include

his loving wife,
Laura Fischer, Dubuque, IA;

his daughter,
Dawn Bernhard, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Justin (Arellhi) Pregler, Miranda Bernhard, Zach Pregler, Alec Frey and Samantha Frey;

a great-grandson,
Jaxon Pregler;

his sisters,
Lynn (Doug) Glandon, Sigourney, IA
and Laura (Paul) Ernst, Minneapolis, MN,

his sisters-in-law;
Nancy Dolce, Stevens Point, WI,
Linda (Mike) Pluemer, Dubuque, IA,
Sandra Feehan, Dubuque, IA,
Diane (Don) Pettengill-Tindell, Mt. Pleasant, SC,
Susan Winters, Aurora, CO
and Tanya (Dave) Wilson, Dubuque, IA;

and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers-in-law, Howard Dolce and Jim Feehan.

Loren’s family would like to thank Dr. Hermann and Tony Heiar, and their nurses and staff, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Loren and his family.

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

Timothy J. Leibold

Timothy J. Leibold, 57, of Dubuque died Monday, May 7, 2018 from injuries sustained in a construction accident.

Visitation will be 3 to 8 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Monday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Tim was born June 30, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Melvin and Virginia (Smith) Leibold. He graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1979, where he played football for four years.

On September 8, 1984 he married Laurie Peter at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Tim worked for Patrick T. O’Dowd Inc for nearly 40 years as a foreman, where he poured many many yards of concrete, said a few of his favorite “F” words, but made many friends and collected a lifetime supply of Bard Concrete tee shirts and hats. He also enjoyed playing in the snow while snow-plowing for both Apel Paving and CK Construction for many years.

He took great pride in the many Ford pickup trucks he owned over his lifetime and made a weekly trip to get them washed (let’s be honest, sometimes twice). He had a great sense of humor and was active in the Boy Scouts Nativity Troop 10, Tri-State Saddle Club and several horse-show communities with his daughter although he compared horse showing to watching paint dry (kidding of course) and was the best “horse show dad”. He enjoyed going to the cabin, riding ATVs and spending time with his wife and grandson, Lane.

He is survived by his kind and overly-patient wife whom he loved dearly, Laurie Leibold; his one and only favorite yet sometimes gray-hair causing daughter Amy Leibold (Phillip Mitchum) and the sweetest of all his grandson, Lane Leibold; all of Dubuque; five siblings, Tom (Zelda) Leibold of Davenport, Iowa, Terry (Joan) Leibold of Dubuque, Kathy “Kat” Leibold of Dubuque, Krista Beidler of Rockford, Ill, and Karla Durgin of San Angelo, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father in law and mother in law, Donald and Margaret Peter; and brothers in law.

A Timothy Leibold Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque first responders, the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center ER and Jones Regional Medical Center, the staff of University of Iowa Air Care and the many family and friends who have offered support during this time.