Obituaries Archive

William C. Sawatzky

William Charles Sawatzky gained his precious wings on March 2nd 2018. He was born on January 10th 2017 to Derek Sawatzky and Kelly (Jobgen) Sawatzky.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8th, 2018 at the church of the Resurrection with Rev. Andrew Marr officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Will was a sweet baby with bright blue eyes and a smile that would melt anyone’s heart. He didn’t have a meal he didn’t love, except peas, and his favorite were Lolly’s cheesy eggs. He loved spending his time playing hockey with his big brother Declan, and would cheer for whoever scored. He recently found a new love for show choir and would do a little “hoot” when he heard a good song. He loved to joke around and would do a fake fall that put everyone on their toes but ended with the sweetest giggle.

Will was adored by so many, especially his other “Grandmother,” Ann Bahls, that cared for him every day. She knew him so well, she always made sure to have his breakfast ready before he got there, and knew to always feed him first before the other kids, if she were to forget he would make sure to remind her. He will also always have a special place in the hearts of his godparents, Abby Jones and Jeff Sawatzky.

Will is survived by his father Derek, mother Kelly, big brother Declan, Grandparents Corey and Kim Sawatzky, Uncle Jeff Sawatzky, Great Grandparents Dean and Virginia Remy, Great Grandparents Jake and Wanda Sawatzky, Grandparents Mark and Arlene Jobgen, Uncle Todd and Aunt Kassie, Aunt Sue (Jobgen) Rudiger, cousins Beckham Abbott, Charlotte Jobgen, Tanner and Bryce Rudiger, and a lot of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Great Grandparents Jack and Marlene Bishop, Great Grandparents Charles and Rita Jobgen, and Great Grandparents Sever and Charlotte Anderson.

We would like to express a special thank you to the Dubuque County Sherriff’s department and the Asbury Police Department for their assistance.

Lucille Ellen Sorensen

Lucille Ellen Sorensen, 92, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, March 10, 2018, from the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. There is no visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is in charge of the arrangements.

Lucille Ellen Meinke was born on July 24, 1925 in Clinton County, Iowa, to Louis C. and Thelma M. (Staman) Meinke. She attended Elwood school and upon graduation enrolled in Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI). She married Richard “Dick” Sorensen on July 23, 1950 in Elwood, Iowa. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2003.

Lucille had taught in various school systems including Bellevue, Elwood and Maquoketa until her retirement.

She excelled in 4-H activities in Clinton County as a young girl, and later was involved in 4-H Junior Leaders, which was a part of the 4-H program in Jackson County.

Lucille was very active in the Jackson County Historical Society and their genealogy department for many years. People would often call on Lucille for history facts and figures concerning events, people, family ties, etc., of the area.

Lucille is survived by two nephews, Lynn Tonderum of Maquoketa, IA, and Paul Tonderum of Delmar, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, and a sister Evelyn Tonderum.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Jackson County Historical Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Cyril J. Gansen

Cyril J. “Cy” Gansen, 91, of Peosta died Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 pm Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at (time). Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery.

Cy was born July 8, 1926 in Dubuque, son of William and Marie (Theisen) Gansen. He graduated from St. John the Baptist Catholic High School. He married Jane Delaney on August 11, 1948, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Peosta. She preceded him in death on January 24, 2014.

Farming was his passion and he farmed in rural Peosta until he was 87 years old. He was a member of Peosta Knights of Columbus Council 5513.

He loved to go dancing with his wife, Jane, at the Melody Mill. He also had an interest in John Deere tractors and going to parades.

He is survived by six children, Judy (Bob Smith) Callahan of Dubuque, Daniel (Barb) Gansen of Peosta, Thomas (Mavonne) Gansen of Peosta, Larry (Mary) Gansen of Dubuque, Dale (Tammy) Gansen of Dubuque and Mike (Becky) Gansen of Epworth; 17 grandchildren, Lisa, Allen, Nicole, Luke, Terry, Tracy, Kelly, Dan, Jenna, Nick, Jesse, Sara, Callie, Candy, Christy, Joe and Rob; 38 great-grandchildren, and four siblings, Francis Gansen, Marylou McFadden, Melita (Ray) LaPoint, and Shirley (Roger) Eppler.

He was also preceded in death by four siblings, Florence Delaney and Bernard, William and Edward Gansen.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Kenneth J. Siegert

Kenneth Joseph Siegert, age 80, died on March 4th, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, with a Wake service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph the Worker Church. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Born November 4, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, he was the son of the late Walter and Clara (Kress) Siegert.

Ken was the Director of Purchasing for Phoenix Chemical in East Dubuque for more than 35 years. He and his wife Maureen owned Shamrock Imports in Dubuque for 32 years and they hosted tours all over Europe, with a focus on Ireland. He was a recipient of the Irish Presidential Award for contributions to Irish Tourism.

He was very active as a community leader with the Dubuque Jaycees (President and Lifetime Member), Dubuque County Fair Board (President and Honorary Director), Cable Car Association (President), the Dubuqueland Irish, the Irish Hooley (Founder) and many other charitable organizations.

He served in the US Army from 1956 to 1959 and was stationed in Korea.

He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, golfing, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Maureen (Corcoran) Siegert; along with six children; Keven and Debi (Smith) Siegert, James and Lora (Richardson) Siegert, Patrick and Sheila (Spielman) Siegert, Noreen (Siegert) Fitzpatrick (Special friend Ron Welter), Ann (Siegert) and Pat Schroeder, Michael and Judy (Murphy) Siegert; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; three siblings, Shirley Bergfeld, Bill and Janet Siegert, Jeanette and Gary Fagan; and many other loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law John Bergfeld and his son-in-law Robert Fitzpatrick.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Dawn, for their loving and professional care. Special thanks also to Tom and Chappy for their numerous rides, friendship and support.

Irvin L. Wallroff

Irvin L. Wallroff, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Irvin’s life was at the First Baptist Church in Maquoketa. There was no visitation and cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Irvin Leon Wallroff was born on March 5, 1947 in Cascade, Iowa, to Owen and Sibyl (Carpenter) Wallroff. He had four children: Tonia, Craig, Chad and Leah.

Irvin had worked for Hoof Corporation and Earles Concrete in Maquoketa. He loved fishing, playing cards, and driving on gravel roads for sight-seeing.

Those left to honor Irvin’s memory include his children, Tonia (Paul) Velte of Rogers, AR, Craig (Irene) Wallroff of Maquoketa, IA, and Leah (fiancé David Creger) of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; a brother, Vurt (Deb) Wallroff of Maquoketa, IA; and sisters, Verna (Steve) Flagel of Zwingle, IA, Rose (Lyle) Rowan of Maquoketa, IA, and Pat Peiffer of Minonk, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Chad, a brother Alva Shady, and sisters Carole Dodds and Marilyn Earles.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Irvin L. Wallroff memorial fund has been established.

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

Norman F. Duehr

Norman F. Duehr, age 89, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:25 a.m., on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Norman’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 5, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Norman’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 5, 2018, at Holy Ghost Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Norman was born on September 1, 1928, in Spechts Ferry, Iowa, son of Frank and Josephine (Trierweiler) Duehr.

Norman was an honest and kindhearted man who was raised with an undeniable love for family and a strong work ethic, which was greatly appreciated by his employer, R.S. Bacon Veneer. Norman was also blessed with a deep connection to his Catholic faith, and was a long-time member of Holy Ghost Church. When Norman wasn’t working, he thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with current events by reading the newspaper every morning, or even capturing a little serenity in his evening by just sitting down and watching his favorite tv shows. Norman was a wonderfully unique man who definitely blessed all whom were fortunate enough to know and love him throughout his life. He continually set a remarkable example for all by truly appreciating the simple pleasures in life and keeping an easy going disposition no matter what the day brought his way. We are deeply saddened by the passing of such an amazing gentleman, but thankfully we find some comfort in the fact that he is now at peace with his parents, and brothers, Herb and Dick, awaiting our eventual arrival one day to visit with him again at his Heavenly Estate.

Those left to cherish Norman’s memory include

his nieces and nephew,
Kathy (John) Kapparos,
Jim (Sue) Duehr
and Karen (David) Roth, all of Dubuque, IA;

his sister-in-law,
Eileen Duehr, Dubuque, IA;

and several cousins.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Herbert and Richard Duehr; and a great-niece, Kaitlin Roth.

A Norman F. Duehr memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Norman’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Stonehill for the kind, compassionate and professional care they have provided to Norman, and his entire family.

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

William D. Meissner

William Donald (Bill) Meissner, 86, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Bethany Home.
Services will be held Monday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, where Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Post 6 immediately following. A visitation will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

Bill was born October 11, 1931, in Dubuque, the son of Wendell and Dorothy (Zogg) Meissner. Bill graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1949, where he was a member of the Football All-Conference Honor Roll. In 1952 Bill joined the U.S. Army, serving in Korea as a Radar Operator. In 1953 Bill married the love of his life, Monica Galliart, in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Bill was a city and over-the-road truck driver for more than 40 years at Dohrn Transfer and Consolidated Freightways, earning safety awards as a Million Mile driver. He was an avid boater and fisherman, and many Sunday afternoons were spent on sandbars in the Mississippi River. In his retirement Bill volunteered for 18 years for the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and was a board member of the Dubuque Rescue Mission. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel United Church of Christ where he indulged his love of gardening by tending the grounds. He loved the Eagle Point neighborhood and could often be seen on his bicycle making sure the River was still running. More than anything, he loved his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Monica Meissner, of Dubuque; children, Laurie (Jim) Birch, of Dubuque; Mark (Beverly) Meissner, of Milton, WA; Lynn (Gregory) LeBlanc, of Dubuque, and Paul (Nancy) Meissner, of Dubuque; 6 grandchildren, Chris (Crystal) Birch of Olive Branch, MS, Lee (Jodi) Birch of Parkersburg, IA, Sarah (Jake) Leytem, of Dubuque, Jessica (Garrett) Freiburger of Dubuque, Ryan (Lynette) Henson of Spanaway, WA and Clarice LeBlanc of Dubuque; 9 great-grandchildren, Joshua Birch, Abigail Birch, Matthew Birch, Tyler Birch, Katelyn Brokus, Madelynn Leytem, Zoey Henson, William Freiburger, and Joseph Freiburger.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness, compassion and generous care in this difficult time.

George B. Pickup

George B. “Skip” Pickup, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2018.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018, from 3 to 7 P.M. at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

George Bert Pickup was born on March 5, 1938 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to George and Virginia (Sweeney) Pickup. He was a graduate of North Division High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On August 30, 1958 he was united in marriage to Shirley Lueck and four children were born to this marriage: Beth, George, Sue and Lori. Shirley preceded him in death on April 25, 1993. He later married Linda Swanson Sturtz on February 25, 2006. He added two more children to his family, Darci and Tyler.

George was a pharmaceutical sales representative for McKesson Corp. for over 40 years. He enjoyed his job very much, meeting many pharmacists that became his dear friends. He maintained contact with his coworkers and his customers for many years even after he retired.

George was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He loved watching his grandchildren’s activities and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He also enjoyed playing golf, bocce ball and cards, both in Maquoketa and Florida. He was a social person who loved visiting with all of his friends and family from near and far, and every gathering he was known for saying, “I love this whole atmosphere.”

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Linda Pickup of Maquoketa, IA; children, Beth (Mark) Hillebrand of Maquoketa, IA, George (Cathy) Pickup of Delmar, IA, Sue (Scott) Toy of Long Grove, IL, Lori (Stuart) Swanson of Galt, IA, Darci (Kary) Becker of Maquoketa, IA, and Tyler (Katie) Sturtz of Marion, IA; 13 grandchildren, Zach Hillebrand, Tyler Hillebrand, Carolyn Pickup, George “Gus” Pickup, Adelai Swanson, Celeste Swanson, Lilian Swanson, Delia Swanson, Alex Becker, Ashley Becker, Abe Becker, Avery Sturtz, and Kendall Sturtz; two nephews, one niece and many dear friends and classmates.

He was preceded his father, his mother, two sisters, a brother, his wife Shirley, and a grandchild.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a George B. “Skip” Pickup memorial fund has been established.

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

D. Mardell Blaine

D. Mardell Blaine, 87, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at her home in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Mardell’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 3, 2018 from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Donna Mardell Everman was born on April 29, 1930 in Corydon, Iowa, to John Franklin and Donna Mae (Hilliard) Everman. She was a 1949 graduate of Allerton, Iowa High School. On November 25, 1949 she married John E. “Ted” Blaine in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on January 21, 2016.

Mardell was dedicated to her family, and was a loving wife and mother. Ted and Mardell enjoyed fishing early in their marriage and they shared the love of gardening, playing cards, checkers, and traveling. She was known as a wonderful cook, baker and dessert maker. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, where she was a greeter, committee member, and volunteered for church events. She especially cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Those left to honor Mardell’s memory include her children, John Blaine of Missoula, MT, Brenda (Scott) Banker of Clinton, IA, and Jill Blaine; 2 grandchildren Jennifer (Tyler) Doran and Alex Banker; 2 great-grandchildren Blake and Olivia Doran; a sister, Helen Wyatt of Corydon, IA; and 2 special nieces, Jerry Castor and Joan Langloss, along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John E. “Ted” Blaine, brothers Gerald and Jack, and sisters Fern and Wanda.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a D. Mardell Blaine memorial fund has been established.

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

Gilbert N. Billmeyer

Gilbert N. Billmeyer, 91, of Dubuque died Tuesday February 27, 2018.

Funeral Mass will be Friday March 2nd at 10am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, where Military Honors will be conducted by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. In keeping with Gilbert’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Gilbert was born December 6th, 1926 in Dubuque, son of Paul and Caroline (Birner) Billmeyer. After graduating from St. Columbkille’s, He joined the Navy and later worked at John Deere until retirement.

He married Maureen Blocker on June 13, 1953 at Nativity Church.

He was a loving husband and father and was a long time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by four children, Thomas Billmeyer of Dubuque, Richard Billmeyer of Irvine, Calif., Mary Beth Rupert of Naperville, Ill., and Colleen (Troy) Martens of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Neal and Stuart Tjon-A-Joe and Zoey Billmeyer; 2 step-grandchildren Mitchell and Miles Martens of Cedar Rapids, IA and a sister, Jeanette Smith of Johnston, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his wife Maureen Billmeyer, a daughter, Carol Tjon-A-Joe; his brothers James Billmeyer and Richard Billmeyer and a sister, Mary Gebhard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation We Care c/o Veterans Freedom Center, 2245 Kerper Blvd., Suite 1, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Ronald Marbach

Ronald Marbach, 76, of Dyersville, formerly of Worthington, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018, at his home in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday 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. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Ron was born November 5, 1941 in Maquoketa, the son of Joseph and Marie (Ahern) Marbach. He married Marjean Hess on September 5, 1962 in Worthington. Ron and Marjean farmed the family home place for 40+ years. Ron also worked at Lumber Specialties for 15 years.

He was a volunteer fireman and first responder with the Worthington Fire Department for 20 years. Ron enjoyed playing softball, woodworking and taking care of his lawn. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Marjean, 2 daughters: Mary Jo (Chris) Piper of North Liberty, Lois (Mike) Faley of Jackson, WI, 3 grandchildren: Mike Faley Jr. of Des Moines, Brittany Faley of Iowa City, Megan Faley of Dallas, TX, sister: Kathleen (Allan) White of Worthington, in-laws: Janet Marbach of Manchester, Patricia (Richard) White of Worthington, and Deanne (Gary) Lammers of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ray and Irma (Funke) Hess, and brother, Raymond Marbach.

Ron’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

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

Mrs. Bernard (Anita Timmerman) Heileman

Mrs. Bernard (Anita Timmerman) Heileman, 83, of Dickeyville WI, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, with her family at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dickeyville, with Fr. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, where the parish rosary/scripture service will be at 3:45 p.m. Friday.

Anita Rose was born on January 14th, 1935 near Louisburg, WI, the daughter of Delvan and Irene (Wiederholt) Timmerman. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bernard A. Heileman, on Tuesday, June 4, 1957 at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville.

Anita had a green thumb and enjoyed nurturing a variety of indoor & outdoor plants. She also enjoyed bowling, music, sewing, painting, crocheting and knitting. She was exceptional at baking sweets, her pies being a work of art. She enjoyed vacationing with her family and life-long friends and spending time with her beloved family and wonderful neighbors. She loved children including but not limited to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anita was formerly a bank teller at Tri-State Bank of East Dubuque and Potosi State Bank of both Dickeyville and Potosi in addition to being a home maker and wonderful mother to her six children. Anita also taught painting classes at C & G Figurines.

Surviving is her husband Bernard Heileman and children Gary (Karen) Heileman of Sun Prairie, WI; Rick Heileman of Louisburg, WI; Sheila (Vince) Madama of Roscoe, IL; Roxane (Kevin Hafkemeyer) of Sherrill, IA; son-in-law Travis Franzen of Hazel Green, WI; and siblings Eldred “Gus” (Alvina) Timmerman of Cuba City, WI and Jeanette (Faber) Runde, of Kieler, WI.; 11-Grandchildren, great grand-children, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Phil Runde; son Daniel “Boone” Heileman; and daughter Cheryl Franzen.

The family would like to thank the wonderful compassionate staff of both Iowa City Hospitals and Home Care Select.

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

Debra J. Avenarius

Debra J. (Hayes) Avenarius, 64, of Dubuque peacefully passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018 while she was comforted and held by her immediate family at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 2, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd. Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the funeral home. Her final resting place will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Deb was born July 12, 1953 in Dubuque the daughter of Jerry and Joann (Rossman) Hayes. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1971 and then worked at Molo prior to marrying Mike Avenarius on December 9, 1972.

Deb was a homemaker, a loving in-home daycare provider and also enjoyed being an Avon Representative.

She truly loved and enjoyed all of her special times with her grandkids, nieces, nephews and her daycare children. Deb especially enjoyed going to BINGO with her sisters and had many fond memories of fun times together.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; their son, Ryan (Stacy) Avenarius of Dubuque; 3 grandchildren, Clara Avenarius, Kiernan Shaffer, and Kayla Shaffer; siblings, Mike (Patty) Hayes, Karen Kutsch , Jeff (Carolyn) Hayes, Lynn (Tom) Dotterweich, Jerry Hayes, David (Penny) Hayes, and Jim Hayes; in-laws, Michele (Mike) Schetgen, Mark Avenarius, and Todd (Theresa) Avenarius; and many nieces and nephews.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jerry Hayes; and her father and mother in-law, Clarence and Ellie Avenarius.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all their care and concern during these final days after her very courageous and long struggle with MS.

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

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

Richard I. Wohlgamuth

Richard I. “Duke” Wohlgamuth, 85, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018, at his home encircled by loved ones.

A private family service and gathering will be held at a later date. A natural farewell with cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Richard Ivo Wohlgamuth was born on July 14, 1932 in Lima, Ohio, to Ivo and Gertrude (Lippus) Wohlgamuth. He attended school in Ohio and served in the U.S. Army from July 1949 until receiving an honorable discharge in August of 1956. He married Vivian “Vickie” Miller who was the mother of all of his children. She died in a car accident in 1969. He later married Lori Swalwell on June 2, 1979 in Bellevue, Iowa.

“Duke” had worked various jobs throughout the years, starting first at Willey’s Overland Motors in Toledo, Ohio. He then owned and operated Duke’s Standard in Bellevue, and later as a mechanic for Joe Martin Auto in Maquoketa. He then worked at Caterpillar in Mt. Joy, and upon its closing he became the maintenance person at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa and the Andrew Jackson Care Center. He had also served as the Andrew Town Marshall and as a Special Deputy for the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

“Duke” was a member of the Joinerville Boat Club, Andrew Fire Department, and a 46 year member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, horseshoes, softball, bowling, darts and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lori Wohlgamuth of Andrew, IA; children, Dick (and his wife Cheryl) Wohlgamuth of Panora, IA, Kim Wohlgamuth of FL, Lindy McGranahan (Frank) of Eldridge, IA, Cindy Higgins of Eldridge, IA, and Dixie (and her husband Bob) Merritt of Ottumwa, IA; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dave, Bruce, Barb and Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Vickie, a brother Tom, and sisters Dorothy and Jane.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

“Duke dearly loved his family and friends and loved spending time with them. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Herman, Tony Heiar and the entire Grand River Medical Group Oncology staff, and Hospice of Jackson County for their excellent care and support.”

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

Victoria M. Skoff

Victoria M. Skoff, 64, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Granite Falls, Washington, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at her home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private service and gathering will be held at a later date. A natural farewell with cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Victoria Marie Skoff was born on July 7, 1953 in Clinton, Iowa, to Francis and Germaine C. (Goettsch) Skoff. She married Archie Frets on August 9, 2003 in Granite Falls, Washington.

Victoria was a 1971 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then received her Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College in 1981, a Medical Assistant degree from Hamilton Technical College in 1991, and in 2001 a Radiology Tech degree in Bellevue, Washington.

Victoria had worked in the medical field throughout her life. She first worked for Tipton Family Medical Clinic in Maquoketa, then Lowden Family Medical Clinic, and later the Wagner Foot Clinic. She currently was the owner and operator of Compliant Care (Chiropractic billing specialists) in the state of Washington.

She was of the Catholic faith. She enjoyed working on the computer, knitting, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her mother, Germaine “Geri” Lawrence of Maquoketa, IA; her son, William “Bill” Skoff of Seattle, WA; her husband Archie Frets of Granite Falls, WA; siblings, Nin (Doug) Flagel of Maquoketa, IA, Eunice O’meara of Maquoketa, IA, John (Ann) Skoff of Bellevue, IA, and Joe (Sue) Skoff of Mt. Vernon, IA; a sister-in-law, Linda Skoff of Preston, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death her father Francis, brothers Tony and Marty Skoff, and a nephew Francis J. “Frank” O’Meara.

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