Obituaries Archive

Robert P. Thill Sr.

Robert P. “Bob” Thill Sr. 85 of Dubuque passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at home.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday May 7, 2018 at St Joseph the Worker Church with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military rites accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday May 6, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with a parish wake service at 4:00 p.m.

Bob was born on June 13, 1932 in Hanover, IL the son of Hilbert and Dorthea (Lombard) Thill Sr. Bob served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean War. He married Betty Gansemer on April 27, 1963 at St Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

He worked for many years as a ready-mix truck driver for Dubuque Ready Mix and for Molo Ready Mix. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #421. Bob later worked driving Shuttle Vans for Heartland Medical Transport and for several Dubuque care facilities.

Bob enjoyed being outdoors, working in the garden, watching the birds and taking a ride on one of his tractors. He enjoyed doing woodworking, and being Mr. Fixit with baling wire; more of an artist with it.

He is survived by his wife Betty; six children Penny Thill, Robert Thill, Jr., Marty Thill, Kenneth (Rhonda) Thill, Kathy (Chris) Soeder, and Kerry (Rob) Rogers; 22 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; his sister Kay Pink of Monroe, WI, and brother Thomas (Mick) Thill of Baraboo, WI, and his good friends Thomas & Del Rose McGraw, and Dennis & Linda Noel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jerry Thill and two brothers Donald and Hilbert Thill Jr.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ron Schope and his nurse Lori, Dr. Michael Ward, Hospice of Dubuque, and especially his granddaughter Tana Thill for all the great care they gave to Bob over the years.

Marilyn Jayne Houtakker

Marilyn “Jayne” Houtakker, 75, of Cuba City, WI, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at home.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in Holy Ghost Cemetery in Dickeyville. Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Church where the parish and Catholic Daughters of the Americas rosary will be at 1:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Monday at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is in charge of arrangements.

Jayne was born on February 1, 1943, to Charles and Geneva (Schmitt) Arlen in Graf, IA, the 3rd of 15 children. She graduated from Senior High School; then was employed at Dubuque Community Schools and John Deere Dubuque Works.

She married the love of her life, Gerald F. Houtakker, on August 22, 1964. They moved onto the family farm in Cuba City where they raised their five children.

Jayne was known for her love of flowers and gardening, dahlias being her favorite. Cinnamon rolls, divinity pie and cherry dessert were the most requested homemade treats from the grandchildren. Spending time with her siblings was important; a highlight was baking sour cream cookies at Christmas with them.

A favorite winter hobby was picking out walnuts and playing Crazy 8 and Rummy with her grandchildren. Together as a couple Jerry and Jayne enjoyed being a part of the same euchre club for over 50 years. Jayne touched many lives through her strong work ethic, caring heart and generosity.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald; children, Tammy (Shane) Marti, David (Joni) Houtakker, both of Cuba City, Tina (Doug) Williams, Mount Horeb, WI, Lisa (Jamie) Kumhala, Oshkosh, WI and Jennifer (Ryan) Downey, Williamsport, MD; grandchildren, Samantha, Kayla, Jessica and Benjamin Marti, Cody and Cheyanne Houtakker, Rachael, Alexander, and Elijah Williams, Katelyn, Joshua and Emma Schuttenhelm, Jay and Brody Kumhala and Jack Downey; siblings, Rosene Moreland, Dubuque, IA, Marlene (Glenn) Stoner, Charlottesville, VA, John (Dana) Arlen, Wilton, IA, Richard (Caroline) Arlen, Boise, ID, Connie (Allan) Connolly and Cindy Bartels, both of Dubuque, IA, Darwin (Becky) Arlen, Hartford, NY, Charles (Julie) Arlen, New Vienna, IA, Denise McNatt, Cary, IL, Christina (Bruce) Dokkebakken, Big Lake, MN, Russell (Karen) Arlen, Dubuque, IA, Audrey Zankle, Woodstock, IL, and Mary Monroe, Davenport, IA; brother-in-law, Bill Ament, Epworth, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Julie Ament; and brothers-in-law, Francis Moreland and Robert Bartels.

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

Prosper Hammerand

Prosper Hammerand, 82, of Sherrill, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at United Methodist Church, Sherrill, with Rev. Emily Blue officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque.

Prosper was born March 1, 1936 in Sherrill, the son of Gilbert and Selma (Hartbecke) Hammerand. He married Karen M. Kupferschmidt on June 15, 1963 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on December 12, 2006. He served in the Army National Guard with the 133rd Infantry, 34th Division for eight years.

Prosper spent his life farming in Sherrill, first on the farm he grew up on, and later with his wife Karen on his own farm. He could fix anything, and made sure his four daughters knew how to change a flat tire. Prosper also worked as a rural letter carrier for 27 years, retiring on March 30, 1996, and was a member of the National Rural Letter Carrier Association.

His faith and church were very important to him, and he was a lifetime member of Sherrill United Methodist Church, where he held many positions, offices, and served as a lay speaker for many years.

Prosper was a devoted husband and father who loved his family and provided for them all his life.

Prosper is survived by four daughters, Connie (Pat) Hennings and Cindy Reding, both of Dubuque, and Julie (Karl) Buerger and Diane (Jeff) Miller, both of Farley; nine grandchildren, Stephanie, Audrey, and Susan Reding, Chelsea (Eric Gleason), Sean, Josh, and Tyler Buerger, and Samantha and Alyssa Miller; three siblings, Virgil (Luella) Hammerand of Sherrill, Phyllis Remakel of Dubuque, and Delight (Delbert) Brimeyer of Dubuque,two siblings-in-law, Lynn and Gary (Mary) Kupferschmidt, both of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Vince Remakel and Edward “Kenny” Kupferschmidt.

Memorials may be made to the Prosper Hammerand Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank everyone who contributed to Prosper’s care over the last few years.

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

Gloria L. Jacobson

Gloria L. “Tootsie” Jacobson, 77, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at home surrounded by her family.

Family and friends may gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque.

Gloria was born on May 31, 1940 in Dubuque the daughter of John H. and Violet (McKeown) Morton.

Gloria loved her family and had a special love for animals. She loved her interior decorating and beautiful things.

She is survived by her daughters, Sue (Mike) Herrick and Kelly (Scott) Miller; sisters, Rita M. Hicks and Marylou Morton; six grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and three special friends, Mary Gordon, Patricia Rodriguez and Shirley Dunne.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl “Jake” Jacobson; daughter, Kimberly Kiefer and son Dave Jamison; brothers, James “Jim” Morton and Wayne “Buddy” Morton; and a sister, Darlene Nauman.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care they gave to Gloria especially her nurse Shirley.

Richard D. Paar

Richard D. “Dick” Paar, age 80, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:15 p.m., on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Dick’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Dick was born on May 27, 1937, the youngest of 11 children, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Victor and Marie (Berg) Paar.

Dick was a proud life-long Dubuquer who naturally developed his character, learned the value of hard work, and understood the concept of love and respect for family and friends all by the time he graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He was also a very patriotic gentleman who honorable served his county with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was a longtime member of the American Legion Dubuque Post #6. Dick was united in marriage to Loretta Weires, on July 29, 1981, in Dubuque, and the two were truly blessed with 36 wonderful years together. Dick would invest almost 40 years of his working career as a lineman with Northwestern Bell and was forever grateful to be able to find a nice balance in life between work, family and fun. In his free-time, Dick enjoyed spending time at the bowling alley perpetually working on his 300 game, chasing that ever elusive hole-in-one under the warm summer sun, or casually moving the pegs around the cribbage board with family and friends. Dick also enjoyed traveling to Florida with Loretta every winter, definitely missing their family during their stays, but gratefully welcoming the opportunity to get away from the cold, snow and ice all while comfortably embracing the warmth of the southern climate. Above all though, Dick loved to be in the company of his family! They absolutely meant the world to him and an hour of playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought an extra bright smile to his face. We are deeply saddened today with the new reality we must face without Dick’s physical presence in our daily lives, but we know that he’s in a much better place now and we trust that the memories he leaves behind will bring us some peace until we meet again. Thank you Dick for all of the love, laughs and lessons you shared throughout your 80 years and may your legacy of integrity carry on throughout generations to come. “I loved you every day and I’ll miss you every day!”

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include

his loving wife,
Loretta Weires Paar, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Angela Walden, Henderson, NV,
Pamela (Phil) Williams, Henderson, NV,
Daniel (Hallie) Paar, Dubuque, IA,
Neal (Debra) Paar, Homassa, FL,
James (Carol) Rowell, Colorado Springs, CO,
Jannell (Gary) Borgstahl, Dubuque, IA,
Michelle (Ric) Schickel, Dubuque, IA
and Amy (Tom) Correll, Dubuque, IA;

his 20 grandchildren;

his 8 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Arlene Reisen, Dubuque, IA,
Joan (Bill) Herrig, Dubuque, IA,
Bill Paar, Fairfield Bay, AR
and Bob (Sue) Paar, Sylmar, CA;

and his sisters-in-law,
Pat Paar,
Maxine Paar,
June Paar
and Millie Paar.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; 2 grandchildren; his siblings, Art Paar, Donald Paar, Walter Paar, John Paar, Fred Paar and Marion (Leroy) Hefel; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Paar; and a brother-in-law, William “Buzz” Reisen.

Dick’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Dick and his family.

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

Veronica E. Gogel

Veronica E. Gogel. 98,of Worthington, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Veronica may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial for Veronica will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2018 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa with Rev. Dennis Quint presiding. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

She was born April 29, 1920 in Holy Cross, Iowa, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Schultz) Foxen. She received her education in the Holy Cross country schools. On April 29, 1946 she was united in marriage to Thomas Gogel in Holy Cross, Iowa. He preceded her in death on September 1, 1991. The couple farmed together in the Worthington area. She was also a great homemaker.

She loved making quilts, playing cards and doing puzzles.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Parish in Worthington, Iowa, and was also a member of the Parish choir.

She is survived by four children, Virginia (Clem) Henry of Marion, IA, David (Judy) Gogel of Dyersville, IA, Jerry (Mary) Gogel of Bettendorf, IA and Terry (Connie) Gogel of Freeport, IL; 13 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; 2 sisters-in-law, Germaine Foxen of Luxemburg, IA and Romilda Westenhofer of Louisville, KY; and a brother-in-law, Andrew “Jack” Gogel of Mariah Hill, IN.

She is also preceded in death by one son, Larry Gogel on August 20, 1951; five brothers, Joe, Louis, Leonard, Emmett and Clarence Foxen and one sister, Lorraine Foxen.

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

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Shady Rest Care Center and the Ellen Kennedy Living Center and Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Allison,

Kathleen M. (Currie) Kiefer

Kathleen M. (Currie) Kiefer, 84, of Asbury, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Church of the Resurrection. Friends may call from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, May 4, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, where there will be a parish scripture service at 7:00 pm. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Kathleen was born April 9, 1934, in San Antonio, TX, daughter of Paul W. and Margaret M. (McCall) Currie. Kathleen graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Belleville, IL. She married Edward H. Kiefer, November 26, 1955 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville.

Kathleen was also known as Kathy by friends, and Katie, Kate, and Kiki by her family. She was also fondly called the “Lege” (short for “Legend”) by her son. She was a volunteer at the Resurrection School Library, enjoyed reading, eating out with the family, attending the grandchildren’s activities, cake decorating, sewing, knitting, working with ceramics, and shopping at Younkers. Kathleen always enjoyed doing sparklers with her family during the 4th of July. She was funny, sweet, and generous. Kathy was a member of Mother’s Club, Classy Red Hatters Club, Catholic Daughters of Americas Court #1287 of Dubuque, and she was a 50 year member of Church of the Resurrection.

Surviving are her husband, Edward H. Kiefer of Asbury; children, Ann (Alan) Kirschbaum of Bloomington, WI, Eddie Kiefer of Eagan, MN, Karen (Frank) Kilcoyne of Lancaster, WI, Cheryl (Tom) Hilby of Cuba City, WI, Janet Kiefer and Mike (Wendy) Kiefer, all of Dubuque; ten grandchildren, Jeremy (Brianna) Kirschbaum, Nathan Kirschbaum, Andy (Charlotte) Kilcoyne, Amanda (Justin) Abing, Alyssa Kilcoyne, Adam Hilby, Katie Hilby, Emily Hilby, Ella Kiefer, and Anthony Kiefer; three great grandchildren Hunter Abing, Haileigh Abing, and Hannah Abing. Kiki is also survived by her two sisters, Barbara Cogan of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Helen (Jim) Mennes of Miami Shores, FL; a brother, Jack Currie of Louisville, KY; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Patrick Currie, and a niece, Chrissy Mennes.

Memorials may be made to the family for later donation to Kathleen’s favorite charities.

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

Merwyn R. Ellis

Merwyn R. “Skinny” Ellis 93 of Dubuque, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 J.F. Kennedy Rd. where a parish scripture wake service will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Skinny was born on July 8, 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Glenn V. and Cecelia M. (Pauly) Ellis. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1942. On June 18, 1946, Skinny married Bette J. Paisley at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on September 14, 2006.

He was a Boy Scout leader for over 40 years and proud that he had over 80 Eagle scouts in that time period. He received two scouting awards for service, the Silver Beaver and the St. George Awards.

Skinny started his appliance service career as service manager at Montgomery Ward in the 50’s and later started Ellis Appliance in 1972. He was known to be able to repair anything.

He was a Master Gardener and did volunteer work for the Iowa State extension office. He was a lifetime 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 510 and a member of the local musician union. Skinny played saxophone with dance bands in Dubuque with many dances at the Melody Mill. He enjoyed his monthly lunches with his class of “42”.

Surviving are his children, Robert (Judy) Ellis, William (Mary) Ellis, Judith (Dennis) Bemboom and Peggy (Gary) McGraw all of Dubuque, Sue (Ron) Bergfeld of Clive, IA, Cathie (Dale) Bemboom of N. Buena Vista, IA and Tom (Christy) Ellis of Dubuque. 15 Grandchildren, Scott, Chad, David, Amy, Stacy, Josh, and Arron Ellis, Mara McGrath, Steve and James Bemboom, Julie Russell, Dr. Jennifer Mohr, Jeremy McGraw, Cindy Winston and Lisa Vento; 25 great grandchildren and one on the way; his brother, Keith Ellis of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bette, a grandson Alan Bergfeld and a brother, Robert V. Ellis.

A Merwyn R. Ellis memorial fund has been established.

The Ellis family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center for their constant care and support.

Delbert J. Sendt

Delbert J. “Del” Sendt, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa and formerly of East Dubuque, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday April 29, 2018 at Manor Care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday May 4, 2018 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a parish wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Delbert was born in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Albert and Mary (Jackoniski) Sendt. He married Kay Mitchley on June 23, 1962. She preceded him in death on April 6, 2015. He worked for Celotex Corporation for 15 years. He then finished his career as a tour bus driver with Iowa Coaches and Tri-State Tours until his retirement.

He was involved in the East Dubuque Cub Scout Program, the East Dubuque Little League program, was a past member of the East Dubuque Warrior Booster Club and a proud member of the East Dubuque Fire Department where he served for 26 years.

Delbert enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing euchre, watching sports and camping.

Delbert is survived by his five children, Lemmie (Joe) Reiss of West Allis, Wisconsin, Dave (Janie) Sendt of East Dubuque, Dan (Missy) Sendt of East Dubuque, Mary (Don) Wendel of LeClaire, Iowa, and Adam Sendt of Dubuque. He has eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Suzy), and Alison Reiss, Jon (Missy) and Tyler (Alexandra) Sendt, Michael and Matt Sendt, Andrew and Lucas Wendel. He also is survived by sisters Mary (Bob) Heim and Ellen (Paul) Largent; sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Charlene Sendt, and Joan Mitchley; brothers-in-law, Dale (Sue), Erv (Janet) and Mark (Helen) Mitchley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kay; two brothers Darrell and Duane; and his father and mother-in-law Erv and Dolores Mitchley, Sr.

In lieu of flowers a Delbert Sendt memorial fund has been established.

Delbert’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque and the staff of Manor Care.

Gloria J. Wilson

Gloria J. Wilson, 87, of Dubuque died Friday, April 27, 2018 surrounded by family at Stonehill Care Center.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 4, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road. A visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m., Thursday and from 10-11a.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Gloria was born on January 9, 1931 in Dubuque the daughter of Ralph and Alma (Brun) Musfelt. In High School, she worked 2 years at Kresge’s dime store. She graduated from Senior High School class of 1948 then went to work for the phone company “on the switchboard”.
She married Harvey E. Wilson in 1950.

In 1965 she started working for Hartig drug for 13+ years and the Census Bureau.

Gloria enjoyed collecting owls, playing games and watching her “story” between 11 am and noon every day. Her family took yearly trips to Little Sand Lake, Minnesota.
She enjoyed the outdoors and going for walks or taking a scenic drive.

Attending all activities at Stonehill, she especially loved music programs and loved having visitors. She had a sweet tooth and would keep it satisfied with ice cream and Hershey kisses, 9 kisses per serving.

Surviving are her children, Pam Buttikofer, David (Carol) Wilson, Kim McNally, Kevin Wilson, Jeff (Tammy Barnes) Wilson; daughter-in-law, Patty (Pat) Barry; grandchildren, Michael (Stacy) Francois, Kelly (Teena) Francois, Nicole (Chris) Frommelt, Emily Wilson, Kellen Wilson, Erin (Colin) Butler, Kara McNally, Ben (Kayla) Wilson, Nick (Brenda) Wilson, Sam (Krystal) Wilson, Justin Wilson, Eric (Dwijavanthi) Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Lexi Wilson, Nate (Tia) Wilson, Tara (Kevin) Powell, and Corey Wilson; 22 great- grandchildren, Harper, Amos, Alyssa, Olivia, Iris, Reid, Gracie, Felix, Milo, Isabelle, Clara, Lyla, Everly, Hadley, Mia, Nayanthara, Kailee, Kaden, Jaxson, Ryleigh, Madison, and Lily and a sister, Sharon (Tom) Weber, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and son, Mark “Willie” Wilson.

A Gloria Wilson Memorial Fund has been established.
Gloria’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents at Stonehill for their friendship and care. Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for your care and concern.

Elizabeth Ann Wilson

Elizabeth Ann Wilson, 37, took her last breath on Earth and first breath in Heaven on April 20, 2018.

Visitation is 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Basilica.

We wish we could say something beautiful, but it wouldn’t do justice to how beautifully she lived her life. Liz received her devastating diagnosis April 20, 2014, and fought like a champion in her battle with lung cancer to the very end, never complaining and always smiling. She even selflessly comforted others.

Liz was born in Huron, South Dakota on January 22, 1981. On her 8th birthday, her parents Steve and Ann Salter moved her and her siblings to Dyersville, IA where she attend St. Francis Xavier Elementary and graduated from Beckman Catholic High School in 1999, with BFF Beth Wagner. She received her Associate of Applied Sciences in Allied Health from Kirkwood Community College in 2004. While working at rehab center in Ankeny, IA she met the love of her life who swept her off her feet to Tucson, Arizona. She continued her education towards her Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in rehabilitation services while raising two children and providing exceptional patient care as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. She received Rehabilitationist of the Year honors in 2009, from Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. She was preparing to begin her Master of Occupational Therapy studies when she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Liz was a loving, passionate wife and mother. She enjoyed golfing, riding dirt bikes, Disney movies, and taking her rescue dogs Maggie and Arlo to the dog park. She loved spending time with her family and friends with a cold beer, and she especially enjoyed watching her children excel in academics and athletics.

Those surviving Liz knew she was in a win-win situation. She was either going to be cured of her cancer, or was going to be in Heaven with Jesus. She is survived by her husband of 11 years, Steve Wilson, and two children, Brody (8) and Stevie (7), of Marana, Arizona. She is also survived by her parents, Steve and Ann Salter, of Dyersville, IA; her father Steve Axtman, of California; her in-laws, Jim and Ellen Wilson, of Mexico, MO; siblings, Nick Axtman (Trang) of Des Moines, Iowa, Ellyse Ungs (Matt) of Dyersville, IA and Elliot Salter (Olivia) of Dyersville, IA; her sister-in-law Susan Walters (Craig) of Corpus Christi, TX; her BFF Beth Wagner of Ankeny, IA; grandparents, Jim and Janice Rounds, and Shirley Salter of Huron, SD; and her six nephews: Kenneth, Noah, Kasper, Brady, Oliver, and Tyler; and her five nieces McKenzie, Isabella, Peyton, Allie, and Olivia.

Funeral Arrangements in Dyersville and Celebration of Life in Arizona.

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

Eileen M. Putchio

Eileen M. (Thiltgen) Putchio, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Sunday, April 29th, 2018 at home surrounded by her family.

A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Mark Ressler officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a wake service will be at 8:00 p.m.

Eileen was born on May 28th, 19??, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Thul) Thiltgen. She married Ty Putchio in 1962 and worked aside him in the family business. She looked forward to her daily lunches with Ty and their trips to Branson.
Eileen was avid in volunteering; she volunteered at Birthright for 35 years, Hospice for 9 years, along with time at Mercy Medical Center and donated her time and clothes to the veterans.

Eileen enjoyed many things; attending water aerobics at the YMCA with her friends, dancing to live country music at the Hideaway in Wisconsin with her husband and friends, her Tuesday prayer group, and visiting her kids out of town in Texas and Minnesota. Most importantly, Eileen put her family first, IT’S A FAMILY TRADITION! She was a GREAT LADY.

She is survived by her husband Ty; her children, Rick (Leslie) Putchio, of Texas, Russ Putchio of Minnesota, Randy (Danette) Putchio, of Dubuque, Rhonda (Tony) Grooms, of Minnesota, Ryan Putchio, of Dubuque, and Renee (Mike) Clark, of Dubuque. Her grandchildren, Susana and Eileen Putchio, Kelsey (Ben) Olejnik, Rachael and Ty Putchio, Andrew, Brian (fiance Rachel), Megan Hayes, Whitney, Austin and A.J. Putchio. Chloe and Nora Clark; one step-grandchild Lexi Clark; two great-grandchildren, Aria Hayes and Callahan Olejnik. Brothers and sisters, Don (Peg) Thiltgen, Ron (Candy) Thiltgen, Connie (Carl Severson) Makovec, and Dan (Nacline) Thiltgen; her in-laws Donna and Larry Walter, Charlie & Mary Lou Putchio and Larry & Patty Putchio, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tom; her in-laws Doris & Gus Putchio, and a nephew Dan Walter and a niece Mary Putchio.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Oncology Dept. staff at Medical Associates, especially Jenny; and to Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful they gave our wife and mother.

In lieu of flowers and gifts Eileen wanted donations made in her memory to Hospice of Dubuque, Birthright, the Veterans or to Albrecht Acres.

Thomas D. Turner

Thomas D. Turner, 62 of Dyersville, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville with and a Sons of American Legion service held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 3, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Tom was born October 1, 1955 in Dubuque the son of Donald and Arlaine (Fenelon) Turner. He married Karen Brimeyer on May 13, 1978 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville. Tom was a Beckman graduate with the class of 1973.

He was an avid Packers, Cubs, and Hawkeyes fan. Tom was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed family time, especially with his three grandchildren, Olivia (O), Greyson (Buddy), and Jordan Thomas (Little Buddy).

Tom was a long time employee at Mr. Lock and Key and currently employed at Inventory Trading Company. Tom was a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Karen, children: Sara (Justin) Koester of Cedar Falls, Megan (Kyle) Reeves of Dyersville, 3 grandchildren: Olivia Koester, Greyson and Jordan Thomas Reeves, sister, Mary C. Herbers of Dyersville, in-laws: Roy Schindler, Mary Lou (Roger) Meyer, Joanne (Tom) Oberbroeckling, Judy (Dick) Boeckenstedt, Kenny (Dottie) Brimeyer, Darlene (Larry) Boeckenstedt, Marlene (Jerome) Errthum, and Steve (Bonnie) Brimeyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ray and Alvina Brimeyer, siblings: Donna Jo Turner, Ruth Ann Schindler, in-laws: Pat (Clark) Lange and Kathy Brimeyer.

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

Christopher J. Stewart

Christopher J. “Chris” Stewart, age 38, of Asbury, and formerly of Waterloo, was called home at 9:25 a.m., on Monday, April 23, 2018. To honor Chris’ life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose St., with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. To celebrate Chris’ life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Chris was born on June 11, 1979, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of David and Cynthia (Aird) Stewart.

Chris attended St. Anothony’s Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Stephen Hempstead High School, Class of 1998. After graduation, Chris was fortunate enough to spread his wings and live in Colorado for ten years, taking full advantage of the outdoor activities the mountains provided. He would eventually return home to Iowa, going to work in the HVAC industry in Waterloo. He went back to school at Hawkeye Community College for Heating and Cooling. After school, he recently returned to Dubuque to be closer to family and went to work for Geisler Brothers. Chris loved his family and his love for them was always on display, especially when playing with his nieces and nephew. He was always looking for fun ways to make them laugh and earn himself the title of “favorite uncle”. He was a big supporter of his family in all they were doing and took a genuine interest in everyone. Chris who was often known as “Stew” was a loyal friend, everyone could always count on him anytime they needed something. His infectious smile and outgoing personality was known to all who met him. Some of Chris’s favorite things were, rock climbing, fishing, camping, dirt racing, NASCAR, and anything outdoors. He also loved animals, art, and music, especially his favorite band Tool. Our hearts are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our dear son, brother, uncle and friend. We take some comfort in the fact that he is now reunited with all of our loved ones called home ahead of us and is awaiting the day when we will all be reunited in Eternity.

Those left to cherish Chris’ memory include

his parents,
Dave and Cindy Stewart, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Jeff (Jaime) Stewart, Mableton, GA,
Jenny (Tim Turner) Stewart, Dubuque, IA
and Carrie (Travis) Kraus, Dubuque, IA;

his nieces and nephew,
Ella, Lily and Alex Kraus and Olivia Turner;

his girlfriend,
Janelle Spiegelhalter, and her children, Asbury, IA;

and his aunts, uncles and cousins.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Bernice Aird; and his paternal grandparents, James and Evelyn Stewart.

Chris’ family would like to thank the Dubuque County Sheriff Department, for their compassionate and professional care of the family, as well as Lance Wieskamp, for all of his support and kindness which was instrumental in helping Chris to maintain his sobriety for the last 5 years.

A Christopher J. Stewart memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities, AA and the Dubuque Humane Society.

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

M. Nancy Loes

M. Nancy Loes, 85, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Manor Care in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

Friends and relatives of Nancy may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Services for Nancy will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke Presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

She was born September 29, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Leo and Grace (Nolan) Knepper. She is a graduate of St. Martin’s High School in Cascade.

On August 1, 1959 she was united in marriage to Robert Loes at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 13, 1985.

She was employed at Ramm and Kurt Drug Store in Cascade for 47 years until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa.

She is survived by one daughter, Lori Loes and one son Nic (Diane) Loes both of Cascade, IA; two grandchildren, Megan and Ellie Loes; her stepmother, Virginia Knepper of Cascade, IA; and three brothers, Allan (Barbara) Knepper of Pewaukee, WI and Steve Knepper and Gary Knepper both of Cascade, IA; a sister-in-law, Fern Loes of Sioux Falls, SD.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Rob E. Loes on October 11, 2009 and a brother, Nick Knepper October 25, 2008.

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