Obituaries Archive

Emil L. Hoffmann

Emil L. Hoffmann, 90, of Dubuque, died Friday, February 2nd, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque.

Family will greet friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 5th, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd, with a 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Life and Remembrance Service. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6.

Emil was born December 14, 1927, in Dubuque, the son of Otto and Dorothy (Janssen) Hoffmann.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1946, and after returning to Dubuquehe finished his high school education at St. Columbkille of Dubuque. A few years later he met Betty Thatcher to whom he married July 28, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque. Together they were blessed with 4 children.

Emil’s lifelong love of sports began with regular attendance at the Dubuque Boys Club. He was among the better basketball and baseball players in the City Industrial league, utilizing his playing skills to land a job with Dubuque Packing Company where his career in the meat packing industry began and continued for over 42 years.

He was a member of Thunder Hills Golf and Country Club and Lacoma Golf Club for many years. He was instrumental in forming several local golf tournaments which continued in popularity for many years. One of his fondest golf memories was his double eagle at Fillmore Fairways. Emil loved a golf game with his friends and family and as his golfing career slowed he became a fixture on the first tee at Lacoma well into his 80’s, reminding everyone to keep up the pace of play! This past summer Emil’s family and friends celebrated a surprise 90thBirthday party filled will wonderful story telling and laughs.

Throughout his life Emil was blessed with many great friends. His years made him a wise man, always offering guidance and help to many. His friendship, strength and guidance will forever be missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dave(Sue) Hoffmann of Shelbyville, KY, Steve ( Diann Wilson) Hoffmann of Hawi, Hawaii, Julie Hoffmann of Fort Myers, FL and Dubuque and Scott Hoffmann of Farmington, NM, grandchildren Jill, Todd, Kelly, great grandchildren Bailey, Jordan and Eli, several nieces and nephews and special companion Mary Lou Jacobi.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, son-in law David Juergens, brothers Bill and Don Hoffmann, sister in lawsSandy Funk, Jackie Herburger and Beverly Winkelman.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Dubuque.

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

Alma G. Brehm

Alma G. (Engelken) Brehm 93 formerly of Dubuque passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, February 5, 2018 at Church of the Resurrection 4300 Asbury Rd in Dubuque. Visitation will be 12:00 pm (noon) – 5:00 pm, Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd. in Dubuque, with a 5:00 pm Scripture Service. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Alma was born July 15, 1924 on the Hickory Valley Farm near Dyersville. She was the daughter of William and Monica (Gaul) Engelken. Alma received her education at the Hickory Valley rural school in the Dyersville area and at St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville. She married Charles William Brehm on April 8, 1947 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, he passed away on August 13, 2005. Alma was a member of the Church of the Resurrection. Alma’s foundation of her life was her family and faith. She faithfully attended Sunday Mass and prayed the rosary daily. She treasured the time spent with family, friends, and family get togethers.

Alma enjoyed planting and growing a garden, canning fruits and vegetables, growing flowers, playing with the grandchildren, embroidery, and making baby blankets.

Those left to cherish her memory include; her eight children, David (Sherry) Brehm of Durango, Delbert Brehm of Potosi, Wisconsin, Allan (Debbie) Brehm of Durango, Daniel Brehm of Dubuque, Carol (Curtis) Dahlke of Earlville, Gary (Karla) Brehm of Farley, Richard Brehm of Dubuque, and Roger (Lois) Brehm of Earlville; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, George (Sherry) Engelken, and Cletus (Arlene) Engelken; a sister in-law, Irene Engelken.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; brothers, Edwin (Aletha), Julius, and Elmer (Mary Lou) Engelken.

The family would like to thank Shady Rest Care Center for their excellent care and also the family would like to thank Above and Beyond Hospice for your care during this time.

A memorial fund has been established in Alma’s memory.

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

Joseph E. DeMar

Joseph E. DeMar, 63, of Dyersville and formerly of North Liberty, ended his earthly journey Friday, February 2, 2018, from complications of muscular dystrophy at home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:30 pm. Visitation will continue Monday from 8:30 – 9:30 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, with a private burial at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville. Rev. John Haugen will officiate.

Joe was born July 31, 1954, in Iowa City the son of Francis and Norma (Rhoades) DeMar. He graduated from Solon High School and worked in the lumber business until 2010, when muscular dystrophy forced his retirement. Joe always enjoyed a great game of cards, a good round of golf and the thrill of a 300 game in bowling.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karon (Ries), whom he married on October 25, 1980, and their sons: Chad DeMar of Dyersville and Travis DeMar of Boston, MA. Family was everything to Joe and he needed nothing more than to be at home with them. Also surviving Joe are his siblings: JoAnne (Earl) Ernst, Judy (Terry) McDougal, Dodie DeMar (Larry Krob), and Kay (Rich) Fulkerson. Others who shared in Joe’s life were his in-laws: Sharon (Bruce) Besler, Gladys (Dennis) Felton, Harold Ries, Lou Ann Hutchinson, Gerald (Betty) Ries, and Jane (Kevin) Linebaugh and many nieces & nephews.

Those waiting to greet him are his parents, parents-in-law: Herbert & Alvina (Sabers) Ries, siblings: Kenny, Jeff and Jack in infancy; in-laws: Rodney Hutchinson, Dianna Ries and Ethel Tholander, and a great nephew, Ian Felton.

Memorials are preferred to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org)

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

Cecil A. Duffy

Cecil A. Duffy, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 2:14 a.m., on Friday, February 2, 2018, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital. To honor Cecil’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. To celebrate Cecil’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 6, 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. Calvary Cemetery.

Cecil was born on August 21, 1931, in Middlefield Township, Buchanan County, Iowa, son of Clement F. “Clem” and Genevieve “Jane” (Heffernan) Duffy.

Cecil was united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Herber, on October 8, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque. They were blessed with 52 years together, and 5 wonderful children, before Marilyn was sadly called home ahead of him on December 12, 2007. Cecil was a loyal employee of John Deere Dubuque Works for almost 38 years of his life after beginning his working career at the ripe young age of 15. In his free time, Cecil was fortunate enough to have many interests to occupy his mind along his 86 year earthly journey. A peaceful morning hunting for pheasant and quail, countless hours raising his hunting dogs, an afternoon boating on the river, or even an evening around the card table working on his best poker or euchre hands were always considered time well spent to Cecil. He also enjoyed sitting down in his comfy recliner with his trusty remote in hand when one of his favorite westerns were on, or if his beloved Hawkeyes or Bulls were playing. His faith was also very important to Cecil as he was a long-time member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral and continued to participate in weekly communion even though he hasn’t been able to physically attend church for some time now. Thankfully, all of these pleasant memories, and so many more, still remain for us to find comfort in after the sudden loss of our dear Cecil. Our hearts are heavy, but we know we’ll find peace through faith and time, we trust Cecil is being joyfully reunited with his beloved Marilyn once again, and we discover true comfort in the realization that he’ll have an entirely new collection of wonderful tales to share with us all when we finally join him again. May God continue to bless you Cecil, and thank you for all of the love you shared with the world while you were visiting.

Those left to cherish Cecil’s memory include

his children,
Timothy (Nancy) Duffy,
Steven Duffy,
Molly (fiancé Dennis Bradley) Behnke
and Amy Peacock, all of Dubuque, IA;

his 8 grandchildren;

his 14 great-grandchildren;

and his sister,
Dolores Morley, Dubuque, IA.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn Duffy; a daughter, Kathy Duffy; his siblings, Leo Duffy, Boniface (Ann) Duffy, Laticia (Harold) Hartman, Donna (Don) Smock, Marlene (Sonny) Hubbard, Margie (Bud) McMahon, Jean (Harold) Schuster; and a brother-in-law, Eugene Morley.

A Cecil A. Duffy memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their professional care and concern.

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

Cindy L. Heim

Cindy L. Heim, 59, of Onslow, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, January 31, 2018, at her home in rural Onslow.

A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, February 5, 2018, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Clay Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.

Cindy Lou (Wiese) Heim was born on October 21, 1958 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Albert and Madeline (Batey) Wiese. She attended Maquoketa and Preston Schools. She married Paul Heim on April 3, 2004, in rural Scotch Grove, Iowa.

Cindy worked many jobs through the years including Wady’s, Hound-Dog, Sunrise, City Limits, Longbranch and finishing with MedPlast in Monticello when her cancer no longer allowed her to work.

Cindy enjoyed spending time with her family the most, especially her grandchildren. She also loved cooking, mushroom hunting, and spending time out in nature. She loved the casino and going dirt roading with Edna.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Paul Heim of Onslow, IA; children Paul (Karmen) Heim of Muscatine, IA, Candida (David) Gregorich of Camanche, IA, Desiree (Kal) Vergauwen of Marshalltown, IA, Cassey (Jude) Abell of Anamosa, IA, and Chelsey Heim of Clinton, IA; 15 Grandchildren that meant the world to her: Andrew, Ashton, Brittani, Emily, Katelyn, Shaylee, Samantha, Sadie, Adelina, Adrian, Kyleigh, Tristan, Shaylee, Malachi & Micah; a brother, Charles Wiese of Oxford Junction, IA; sisters Janet DeLarm of Oxford Junction, IA and Edna Edwards of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Karl Vohringer and son Knathan Vohringer, brothers Ronald and Richard Wiese, sisters Sarah Manning and Alberta Bodkin, father-in-law Frank Heim and mother-in-law Rose Heim.

Special thanks to Hospice Above and Beyond, especially Lindsey, Sarah, Megan and Jennifer.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Cindy Lou Heim memorial fund has been established.

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

Nancy K. Leibfried

Nancy K. (Doll) Leibfried, 77, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center, after a brave battle with cancer.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2018 at Grand View United Methodist Church, 3342 John Wesley Dr., conducted by Rev. Tom Shinkle. Visitation will also be 9:00 am – 10:00 am, Monday at the church prior to services. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Nancy was born in Bloomington, WI on December 24th, 1940 to Willis and Glennie (McCluskey) Doll. She lived most of her early life in Lancaster, WI and graduated from Lancaster High School. She married Roger L. Leibfried in 1960 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque. Nancy was a master gardener, and her flower beds were pristine and admired by many. Through the years she worked at Theisens, Hy-Vee, and Mercy Hospital. She volunteered many years as a co-circle leader for Holy Ghost Catholic Church, the Arboretum and Mercy Hospital. Nancy will be remembered for the endless love and devotion for her family.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Roger of 57 years; five children, Cheryl (Lewis) Burmeister of Gratiot, WI, Kim (Tim) Lower of Dixon, IA, Brian (Peggy) Leibfried of Dubuque, IA, Becky (Joe) Siech of Norcross, GA, Scott Willis Leibfried of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Tuthill, Jessica Tuthill (Glen Frey), Ben Resch ( fiancé Shanley McGlaughlin), Megan, Kaitlin and Justin Siech, and Hillary Kapparos; three great grandchildren, Lilyan and Tate Tuthill, and Emarie Frey; in-laws, Jeanne Doll, Julie Jansen, Larry Timmerman, Richard (Jane) Leibfried, Ken (Jane) Lange, Bob (Margaret “Peg”) Pitzen, Joan (Dan) Shireman, Randy (Jane) Leibfried; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Glennie Doll; 2 brothers, Lloyd and Laverne “Shot” Doll; her father and mother in-law, Leo and Anastasia (Eggers) Leibfried; in-laws Keith (Marlene) Leibfried, Jeff Leibfried, Shirley Blindert, Marilyn Sexton, Don Jansen, and Donna Rae “Dot” Timmerman.

Memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to Hospice of Dubuque or Grand View United Methodist Church.

The Leibfried family extends a special thank you to Mercy Hospital nursing staff and Hospice of Dubuque and their staff, especially Allison, Amy and Jan for their wonderful care, dedication and support.

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

Janice L. Kutsch

Janice L. Kutsch, age 80, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at home on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. To honor Janice’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, February 5, 2018, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. To celebrate Janice’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Janice was born on January 19, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Paul and Dorothy (Coyle) Sands.

Janice was a lifelong Dubuquer. After graduating from the Academy of the Visitation, Janice went on to study nursing in Marshalltown and obtained her LPN. She worked in the nursery at Xavier Hospital and cared for many newborns, and later worked with many families and patients at Stonehill Care Center for over 25 years. She married Ronald Kutsch on October 3, 1959 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral Church. They were blessed with 58 wonderful years together, 7 children, 22 beautiful grandchildren, and 20 adored great-grandchildren, with 1 great-grandson due in April. Janice was a genuinely great person. She was sincere and thoughtful. She taught her children to love unconditionally as we continue to teach our children to do the same. She will be in our hearts forever.

She was especially proud of her family. Traveling to visit her children with Ron were some of her fondest times. She loved celebrating birthdays, going on picnics, family gatherings, and the holidays; with Christmas being her favorite. She was always sending birthday cards. She loved her frequent road trips with her brother, Jim, her annual Christmas dinner with her siblings, and going out to lunch with her sister, Judy, and many close friends. Janice also especially enjoyed her 80th birthday party which we just held for her on January 20th.

We know that heaven has gained a very special angel. She will be sadly missed by many.

Those left to cherish Janice’s memory include

her loving husband,
Ronald Kutsch, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Carol (Louie Sutter) Bly, Dubuque, IA,
Robert (Lynn) Kutsch, Dubuque, IA,
Mary (Thomas) Thill, Dubuque, IA,
Jean (Mark) Fagan, Lexington, KY,
David (Teresa) Kutsch, San Antonio, TX,
Teresa (Todd) Sheeder, Lee Summit, MO
and Mark (Jeanne) Kutsch, Des Moines, IA;

her 22 grandchildren,
Melissa (Nick) Distler, Emily (Justin) Kaufman, Lee (Ken) Bowman, Bryan (Hayley) Bly, Matthew Kutsch, Nicole (Alex) Miller, James (J.P.) (Jean) Meisenburg, II, Marty (Ashlie) Meisenburg, Andrew Thill, Paul Thill, Kenny Fagan, Staci Fagan, Kristina (Mark) Maynard, Steven Fagan, Joshua Kutsch, Jacob Kutsch, Jon Kutsch, Lewis Sheeder, Megan Sheeder, Lauren Sheeder, Sarah Kutsch and Anne Kutsch;

her 20 great-grandchildren, with 1 more on the way,
Derrick, Levi and Austin Distler, Hailey, Kenna, Eli and Thea Bowman, Trent Kutsch, Weston Miller, Kyle, Natalie, Ashlie and Jack Kaufman, Carter Bly, Keagan and Lincoln Tate, Kaylee Maynard, Teagan, Aidan and LillyAnn Meisenburg and Matthew James Meisenburg, due in April;

her siblings,
Paul (Mary Ann) Sands, Bartlett, IL,
Judy (Dennis) Ball, Dubuque, IA,
Robert (Janet) Sands, Madison, WI
and Jim (Patti) Sands, Dubuque, IA;

and her in-laws,
Ken (Donna) Kutsch, Dubuque, IA,
Joe Kutsch, Dubuque, IA,
Ginny Hurlburt, Dubuque, IA,
Norb (Linda) Kutsch, Sherrill, IA,
Linda Klinkhammer, Dubuque, IA
and Lenny (Tyra) Kutsch, Dubuque, IA.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray (Louise) Kutsch; a sister-in-law, Mary Clare Kutsch; and 2 brothers-in-law, Art Hurlburt and Ed Klinkhammer.

A Janice L. Kutsch memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

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

Jean F. Hufnagel

Jean F. Hufnagel, age 99, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 11:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at her daughter, Margie and Ron’s home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Jean’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Duane J. Thoman and Rev. Paul Ouderkirk officiating. To celebrate Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, February 5, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Jean was born on October 27, 1918, in St. Catherine, Iowa, daughter of Henry and Margaret (Pillard) Hilkin.

Jean was born and raised in St. Catherine and was very proud to have lived her entire life in the Dubuque area. She would meet, and eventually marry the love of her life, Ervin Hufnagel, on October 21, 1941, in Sherrill. The couple was truly blessed with 50 wonderful years together, and 3 loving daughters, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on July 21, 1992. Jean fully embraced her role as wife, mother and meticulous homemaker, and was also able to generously share her talents in the laundry department at Bethany Home for 15 years. Jean’s faith was very important to her and she was an active and long-time member of Holy Trinity Church, and their Rosary Society. When she was fortunate enough to find some free time in her days, Jean was quite content to quietly sit down and work on her latest embroidery or crochet project, gather around the card table for some competitive and festive fellowship, or even venture out to the bowling alley to practice knocking down some pins. Above all though, Jean’s family was the most important aspect of her life and she absolutely cherished every moment she was able to spend with Ervin, the girls, the grandchildren, and her siblings. We surely feel deeply blessed to have been given the gift of having Jean with us for 99 years here on this earth, and we also discover true comfort in the knowledge that she has now been lovingly reunited with her beloved husband, Ervin, along with all of her other family members who’ve been called home ahead of her. Thank you very much Jean for all of the love, lessons and memories you leave behind and know we will faithfully carry your wonderful legacy forward until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her 3 children,
Lillian (Jerry) Stumpf, Dubuque, IA,
Joyce (Tony) Hemmer, Dubuque, IA
and Margie (Ron) White, Dubuque, IA;

her 7 grandchildren,
Laurie (Dan) Krebiehl, Jill Barden, Angie (Kevin) Anglin, Eric (Beth) Hemmer, Aaron (Liz Caldwell) Hemmer, Kristy (Nick) Duran and Dan (Andrea) White;

her 9 great-grandchildren,
Kiah and Domi Hall, William, Benjamin and Nicholas Barden, Michael Anglin, Andrew and Sam Hemmer and Isabel Duran;

and her brother,
Kenneth (Mary) Hinkel, Dubuque, IA.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ervin Hufnagel; her 2 sisters, Delores (Lloyd) Ouderkirk and Helen (Frank) Hinkel; and her brother, Earl (Ruth) Hilkin.

A Jean F. Hufnagel memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Jean’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Jean, and her entire family.

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

Rosemary M. Hutchins

Rosemary M. Hutchins, 88, of Dubuque died Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Ennoble Manor. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church where visitation will be held Friday from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Rosemary was born September 24, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Edgar and Ella (Renk) VanVors. She is a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and worked in the cafeteria at Washington Junior High for many years.

On October 14, 1949 she married Eldon Hutchins in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2013.

She is survived by two children, Janice (Richard) Welsh of Waterloo and James (Barbara) Hutchins of Ankeny. She is also survived by five grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by four brothers.

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

Kellie M. Galle

Kellie M. Galle, 36, of Dubuque passed away Sunday January 21, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Family and friends of Kellie may gather on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., where services will be held at 12:00 p.m.

Kellie was born on November 19, 1981 in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Bruce Scheffert and Sheri (Cremer) Scheffert. She married Michael Galle on February 13, 2016.

Kellie had a heart of gold and an infectious smile. She cherished her memories with her family. She was creative, she wrote her own poetry, made jewelry and enjoyed making personalized gifts for loved ones.

She is survived by her husband Michael Galle; sons, Devon Scheffert and Alexander Frapolli; mother, Sheri Scheffert; father, Bruce Scheffert; grandmother, Cecelia Hofland; mother-in-law Sarajane Galle; father-in-law Dennis Galle; as well as siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her son Kalvin Scheffert, grandfather Gary Cremer, grandparents Thomas and Mary Lou Scheffert.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support at this time.

In lieu of flowers a Kellie Marie Galle memorial fund will be established.

Alfred J. Montgomery

Alfred J. Montgomery, 85, of Dubuque died at home Saturday, January 27, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Family and friends may gather from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. A memorial service will take place at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in at Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

Al was born on November 20, 1932 in Monona, Iowa. He was the son of George and Theodora (Daugs) Montgomery. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1951, then served in the U.S Army from 1953-1955. Al was a part of a Nike Guided Missile unit, first in El Paso, TX then on Long Island, New York.

On September 10, 1955 he married Rita Tarnutzer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

For 23 years Al worked for The Adams Co., then was an antiques dealer for many years, with shops in Galena and Dubuque. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family.

He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Al will be remembered for the love and care he gave to his family, as well as for his wit and charm.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; two daughters, Lynn (Bob) Trievieler and Lisa (Al Larson) Olson; five granddaughters, Jessica Krumm and Emily Olson, of Texas, Claire Hunt, and Paige Trievieler, great grandsons, Liam Krumm and Sawyer Hunt; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister, Lola (Lester) Deininger of Galena, IL; and brothers Lee Montgomery and Lyle (Patty) Montgomery of Dubuque.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; and by his brother Errol of Cedar Rapids.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Alfred’s name has been established.

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

Phyllis Nissen

Phyllis Nissen, 87, of rural Maquoketa, Iowa, died peacefully at Crestridge Care Center, Maquoketa, on Thursday January 26, 2018 after a short illness.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa from 4 to 6 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. The funeral service will take place at The United Church of Christ on Thursday, January 8, at 11 am, followed by a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery at a later date.

Phyllis was born on December 20th, 1930 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Walter and Beulah (Rimmer) Rugger. She graduated from Maquoketa Community High School in 1948, valedictorian of her class. Phyllis was editor of the high school yearbook and the first chair flutist in the high school band, and also sang in chorus.

Following high school, Phyllis attended Arizona State in Tempe, Arizona on a full music (flute) scholarship. Because her father worked for the railroad, she traveled back and forth to school for free by train. While there, she earned several awards and honors in music and mathematics before leaving college to be married. She played flute and piccolo for the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as well as the Arizona State band and orchestra.

While on Christmas break from college in 1950, she met her future husband, Donald Nissen, after she was asked to complete a foursome for a pinochle game across the street from her parents. It was a match made in heaven! They married on April 22, 1951 and together they had four children: Cindy (1953), Chris (1957), David (1958) and Jonathan (1962).

Family was very important to Phyllis. When their children were in school, hardly a game or program was missed by Phyllis and Don. They continued to be supportive and play a large role in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives throughout all their days.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling with her family and was in all 50 states except Washington and Oregon. She and Don also loved birding and planned many vacations in order to see a specific variety of bird. They particularly loved Arizona and also took many trips abroad including Chile, England, Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Antigua, as well as Canada and Mexico.

Other activities Phyllis took great pleasure in included counted cross-stitch, playing cards and dominoes, canoeing, gardening, collecting Dickens houses, reading, and having breakfast with her many friends.

Phyllis enjoyed being active in many local groups which included the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, PEO, Red Hat Society, Friends of Jackson County Conservation, Foster Care Review Board, Friends of the Maquoketa Caves, the Jackson County Historical Society, Friends of Ohnward, and also playing her flute for Peace Pipe Players.

Phyllis was devoted to the United Church of Christ (formerly the Congregational Church) where she first began attending as a child. She sang in the choir from 1943 – 2017 and even sang from her wheelchair 2 months before her death. Other church involvement included playing the flute and piccolo for numerous programs, and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was a longstanding member of the Women’s Fellowship group holding several offices and was the first woman moderator of the UCC. Phyllis also enjoyed chairing the October Fest, working with the Cookie Walk, a Taste of Heaven, and helped compile a church cookbook. One of her last and most joyful activities for the church was being a mentor for the confirmation students.

Phyllis’ employment history started when she worked at the local JC Penney store. After her husband purchased the John L. Jones Insurance and Real Estate Agency from his uncle in 1955, she started working there. Phyllis prepared taxes for hundreds of clients of this agency and other firms over the years. After retiring, she worked at Sue’s Hallmark in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor Phyllis’ memory include her children: Cindy (Fred) Hoffman of Alpharetta, GA, Chris (Mara) Nissen of Maquoketa, and David (Lynn) Nissen of Maquoketa; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several step great-grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren; several nephews; and her honorary son Eduardo Gomez (of Temuco, Chile) who had spent a year living with the family as a foreign exchange student.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 65 years, Donald (in 2017), her son Jonathan (in 2008), three sisters and three brothers.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to The United Church of Christ, Hospice of Jackson County, the Hurstville Interpretive Center, Ohnward Fine Arts Center, The Jackson County Historical Society and Museum, or the donor’s choice.

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

Patsy L. McElmeel

Patricia L. “Patsy” McElmeel, 54, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 23, 2018.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 1 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 31 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where a scripture wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Patsy was born on February 2, 1963 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Gerald and Bonita “Bonnie” (Becker) Roussel.

She married her high school sweetheart, Scott McElmeel on October 3, 1992.

After graduating from Clarke College in Dubuque, she went on to receive her master’s degree as an adult Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University.

Patsy was a devoted and skilled Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Arizona for 23 years before taking her current position a Nurse Practitioner at Phoenix Heart Center. With her warm smile and caring manner, Patsy was a valued colleague and friend to many. Her gentle nature and cheerful demeanor resonated deeply with patients and helped to put them at ease during their appointments. In her time with the Phoenix Heart Center Cardiology Group she quickly distinguished herself with her skill set and clinical care.

For the past 22 years, Patsy was involved with the Phoenix College Cardiac Fitness & Senior Wellness. A wellness program she was especially passionate about, providing cardiac assessments and other key preventive tests to keep members healthy and achieve longevity.

Patsy was a 2015 recipient of the IASIS Chairman’s Award, which recognizes employees who go above and beyond the scope of their job to make a positive and lasting impact on their community. Her accomplishments also include being a co-author and having been published in Critical Care Nurse magazine.

Patsy’s willingness to serve led her on several mission trips to Mexico. She and her team provided free medical care in poor and vulnerable communities. She was a Site Steward for the Arizona State Parks and a member of the Catholic Order of Forester.

Patsy cherished time spent with her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, camping and hiking with her husband, cooking and entertaining, and shopping trips.

Patsy had a strong faith and a big heart. She had a passion to help others by improving health and wellness. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Scott; father and mother, Gerald and Bonnie Roussel; siblings, Julie (Bill) Reichle, Bill (Rose) Roussel, Linda (Rick) Rogers, Joe (Deanne) Roussel, and Jane Roussel; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jill (Perry) Henkes, Terry (Tricia) McElmeel, Tim McElmeel, Jay (Pam) McElmeel, and Jeff (Stacie) McElmeel; numerous nieces and nephews; and God children.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Robert and Judy McElmeel.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Kathleen A. Joester

Kathleen A. Joester, 96, of Dyersville passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where Catholic Daughters of America and American Legion Auxiliary Rosary will be recited at 4 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday from 10-11 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Kathleen was born June 3, 1921, in Dyersville the daughter of Ulrich “Ole” and Eugenia “Gene” (Milbert) Tegeler. She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and High School, graduating in 1938. She attended the University of Northern Iowa and Upper Iowa University. She married Donald A. Joester on July 6, 1946, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. He preceded her in death in 1972.

Kathleen had a teaching career that spanned more than 60 years. She began her career in 1939, teaching in rural schools for 9 years. She then had the distinction of being the first lay teacher to serve at St. Francis Xavier Grade School and taught there for 27 years. In her retirement, she continued to teach part-time for NICC’s Adult Literacy Program for more than 20 years.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her 5 children: Pat (Lori) Joester and Pam (Scott) Nesteby of Dubuque, Peggy (Tim) Michaelsen of Monticello, Paul (Sara) Joester of Clearwater, FL, and Phyllis Becker of Dyersville; 9 grandchildren: Katie (Brian) Mitchell, Steven and Kristina Nesteby, Brian (Suni) Michaelsen, Bre State, Laura (Nick) Linder, Natalie, Aaron (Erin), and Stephanie Becker; 8 great grandchildren; siblings: Eileen Olberding of Dyersville and Conrad (Jeanette) Tegeler of Manchester, and a sister-in-law, Janice Tegeler of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, John and Minnie Joester, her husband, a brother, Larry Tegeler, a sister-in-law, Jane Joester, and a brother-in-law, Bob Olberding.

Memorials are preferred to Beckman High School.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

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

Lois G. Riege

Lois G. Riege 101 of Vinton, formerly of Dubuque passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. A Celebration of her Life will be 12:00 pm (noon), Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury, Dubuque, Iowa where the family will greet friends 10:30 am until service time on May 12th at the funeral home.

Lois was born July 29, 1916 in Georgetown, Wisconsin, daughter of Lee and Hester Riege. Although she never married her family numbered in the hundreds of people and hundreds of animals she encountered during her life. She especially loved the years on the farm in Georgetown and in her later life the house she purchased when she was 92 in Vinton. She worked for many years at the Americana Nursing Home in Dubuque, but her real career was caring for others.

Survivors include her son Mike and the daughter she never had Bev, her grandson Kevin and granddaughter Lisa; 3 great-grandchildren, Sydney, Ben and Joe; special nieces and nephews, Sondra Narveson, John, Jim, Peter, Susan and Becky Riege; very special grand nephews and nieces, Tom and Beth Grashorn, Bob and Laura Linstrad, Linda Lang; and great nieces and nephews David and Katie Liu and Sarah Linstrad. Last, but not least was her adopted family at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Kenny (killed in WW2), Claude, George, Harold and very special niece Patricia Grashorn.

The family would like to thank Virginia Gay Hospital and Virginia Gay Nursing and rehab for all your care over the last 5 years.

Memorials may be directed to Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab and Friends of the Shelter in Lois’ memory.

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