Obituaries Archive

Roger H. Steffen

Roger H. Steffen, 88, of Luxemburg, Iowa passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at Guttenberg Care Center, in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Luxemburg, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Roger was born on February 28, 1936, on the family farm in Luxemburg, Iowa, son of Charles and Gunilda (Lake) Steffen. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School. Roger married Mary Catherine (Katie) Maiers on April 22, 1958, in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Together they raised six children. He lived on the family farm for 82 years, during that time he farmed, helped other neighbors with field work, worked at Schmitt Implement and sold concessions at farm sales. In his past time, he loved spending time with family, fishing, snowmobiling, playing cards, telling jokes (good, bad, and in-between), attending card club, neighborhood gatherings, and was a choir member for many years. Roger also had a love of tractors and participated in tractorcades.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66+ years, Katie; children: Sherri Steffen, Pat (Patty) Steffen, Mike (Joan) Steffen, Sandy (Daryl) Klein, Susie (Tom) Schmitt, son-in-law, Greg Clay; grandchildren: Angie Colony, Amanda (Matt) Jones, Christie (Friend, Randy) Steffen, Kyle (Justine) Steffen, Amber (Josh) Feldmann, Ashley (Jacob) Lansing, Jerry (Meggan) Sigwarth, Stacey (Mitch) Bryson, Nick (Nicki) Klein, Katlin (Greg) Klimesh, Scott (Kaitlyn) Klein, Tracy (Josh) Rubner, and Alexis Clay; great grandchildren: Greyden, Shyah, and Avianna Colony, Madison, Avarie, Brieya, Emerlie, and Fynnlie Jones, Blake and Nolan Steffen, Caleb, Jonah, and Micah Sigwarth, Ellie Bryson, Decklan and Sawyer Klein, Croix and Rowan Klimesh, Savannah, Alyvia, and Devon Rubner; a brother, Herb (Norma) Steffen; sisters-in-law: Maggie Bockenstedt, Carol Lattner, and Diane Maiers.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Clay, his parents, parents-in-law, Peter and Bertha Maiers; siblings: Vincent (Betty) Steffen, Harry (Marcella) Steffen, and MaryAnn (Don) Feltes; in-laws: Joseph (Shirley) Maiers, Bernie (Connie) Maiers, Dave Maiers, Annie (Dave) Krapfl, Rosie (Greg) Helle, and Vernie Bockenstedt.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Living Center in Guttenberg, Guttenberg Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care of Roger.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Ann M. Nesteby

Ann Marie Nesteby, 61, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Sunday January 19, 2025, at home, following a sudden illness.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Rd. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. A burial at Mount Calvary will follow at a later date.

Ann was born May 19, 1963, in Dubuque to Charles and Margaret (Baumgartner) Koch. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Dubuque Wahlert in 1981. Ann married Randy Nesteby on April 17, 1982, in Dubuque.

Ann worked at Hills & Dales, the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Carlisle Graphics, and lastly at Locators Ltd.

She is survived by her husband, Randy; sons, Kyle (Katie) Nesteby, Travis (Christine) Nesteby, and Charlie (Holly) Nesteby; grandchildren, Carson, Ila, Bailee, and Cash; her mother, Margaret Koch; sister, Jan (Mike) Hochberger; siblings-in-law, Marilyn (Mickey) Allendorf, Connie Plowman, Doris (Dave) Hedrick, Tim (Diane) Nesteby, and Rick Nesteby.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, a sister Carol (Larry) Ender, and nephew and Godson, Josh Hochberger.

William J. Thul

William J. “Willie” Thul, age 86, of Marshalltown, IA and formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 3:35 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Iowa Veterans Home.  To celebrate Willie’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Willie was born on September 25, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Alphonse K. and Barbara C. (Vaessen) Thul.

Willie served in Vietnam from October 11, 1961 until August 21, 1963.  He was a trained sharp shooter and served during the Cuban Missile crisis and the Germany Berlin Crisis.  He earned honors for both Sharp Shooter rifle M14 and Motor Vehicle Badge.  He was united in marriage to Joyce Zahina on September 26, 1964, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 5 children and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary before Joyce passed away on October 24, 2022.  Willie worked as a heavy equipment operator for Fondell and Son Construction for several years.  He was proud of his work and would often tell people how he could operate every piece of equipment they owned.  He also was the crane operator that put the Dubuque Town Clock in its current location.  In his free time Willie enjoyed farming and spending time in the great outdoors cutting and splitting wood.  He also looked forward to deer hunting season with his son Steve and grandson Nathan.  Willie liked to tinker around with cars and would help fix them whenever someone needed help.  He was known to enjoy a nice cold one, and liked Old Style Beer so much that his CB handle was the “Old Style Kid”.  Willie was one of a kind and he will be remembered as a hard working no nonsense man who lived life to the fullest.

Those left to cherish Willie’s memory include

his children,
Angie Thul,
Peggy (Tim) Sindt,
Michelle (Carlton) Sloan,
Steve (Tonya Jo) Thul
and Tonya Thul-Theis;

his grandchildren,
Ashley (Chris) Caccitore, Gina Thul, Nathan (Taylor) Thul, Devon (Chelsea Schack) Sindt, Mallory (Cole Wilson) Thul, Alyssa (Ian) Davis, Landon Theis and Olivia Thul;

his great-grandchildren,
Abi Tobey, Bri Tobey and Quinton Caccitore;

his siblings,
Darlene Wubben
and Ray (Pat) Thul;

and several nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce Thul; 2 siblings, Margaret (Daryl “Buddy”) Ernster and Leonard Thul; and a brother-in-law, Vern Wubben.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Iowa Veterans Home for the outstanding care they have provided for Willie these past years.

Cards and memorials in Willie’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. William Thul Family.

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

William R. Parker II

William “Bill” R. Parker II, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 18, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bill was born on March 6, 1952, in Iowa, son of William R. and Joyce J. (Allen) Parker I. He married Brenda Lindecker on July 12, 1986, at the Dubuque Arboretum. He worked for the Chicago Central Pacific Railroad.

He loved the river, tinkering on Harley-Davidsons, and riding them just as much. If you ever needed to find Dad, you knew exactly where to look—he’d be in the garage!

Bill is survived by children Tressa (Dennis) Pergande, William “Will” Parker III, Chad (Kim Sutter) Parker, and Calee (Jason) Robey, grandchildren Bryce (Sadie), Madalyn, Madalynn, Lizzy, Mya, Evelyn, Dallas, Olivia, and Skyler, great grandchildren Ryder, Colt, Wylder, and Azariah, siblings Tammy Parker, Larry (Debbie) Parker, Kristine Beckman, and Ronald Parker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda, granddaughter Hailey Tracy, his parents William and Joyce, and his mother-in-law Betty Lindecker.

In lieu of flowers, a William R. Parker II Memorial Fund has been established.

Ronald L. Liskey

Ronald L. “Ron” Liskey, age 71, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 19, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Ron’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the North Grove Cemetery in Caro, MI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ron’s family.

Ron was born on May 22, 1953, in Mayville, MI, a son to Herman L. and Shirley E. (Frenzel) Liskey.   

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his daughter,
Marlaina B. Liskey, Madison, WI;

his grandson,
Presley L. Liskey, Madison, WI;

his ex-wife,
Barbara Liskey, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Michael N. Liskey, Lincoln Park, MI,
and Kristi L. (Jeff) Rackel, Bishopville, S.C.;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Care Initiatives Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Ron’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Aneta M. Mistek

Aneta M. Mistek, 81, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Tuesday January 14, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Aneta was born December 28, 1943, in Windom, MN, to Gordon A. and Grace L. (Sether) Hansen.

She graduated from Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, MN. She went on to earn her Associate in Commerce degree from Waldorf College in Forest City IA.

Aneta married Jerome J. “Jerry” Mistek, June 18, 1966, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN.

She worked as a secretary at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, from 1963-1966, and as a paraprofessional at Hoover and Kennedy Elementary schools in Dubuque, IA, from 1980-2006 until her retirement in June 2006.

Aneta enjoyed spending time with family members, her time spent at the Mistek cabin in Ely, MN, long walks, writing family history, and flower gardening.

She is survived by her husband Jerome J. “Jerry” Mistek of Dubuque, IA; children Jodi A. (Steve) Moore of St. Joseph, MO, Joseph G. Mistek of St. Joseph, MO; granddaughters, Jaime A. Moore and Kristen L. Moore; siblings Carmen L. Schacherer of Wallingford, IA, Gary W. Hansen of Jackson, MN, and Marilyn A. (Doug) Miller of St. Peter, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Aneta is preceded in death by her parents.

Patricia Kirk

Patricia “Pat” Kirk, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday January 23, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will be held in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

Pat was born on February 13, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Ambrose and Kathrine (Carr) Blake. She graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School. She married Loren “Toby” Kirk on October 19, 1963, at Church of the Resurrection in Asbury. She lived in St. Donatus for 30 years before moving to Dubuque.  Pat worked various jobs throughout her life. Pat enjoyed family gatherings, game nights and being in different card clubs.

Pat is survived by her children Kathryn (Robert “Bob”) Wagner, Karen (Dennis) Wemett, John (Mandy) Kirk, Joe (Carrie) Kirk, Kris (Bryan) Ortiz, and Katie (Jeff) Pregler, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, brother David Blake and sister Barb Blake.

She was preceded in death by her husband Toby, her parents, and sister Mary Behnke.

In lieu of flowers, a Patricia Kirk Memorial Fund will be established.

Betty J. Davis

Betty J. Davis, age 98, of Geneseo, Illinois passed away on January 18, 2025.  Betty was the second of four children born to David and Edith (McDonald) Gildersleeve.  She graduated from Annawan-Alba High School in 1943, and was the bookkeeper for P. R. Deane Plumbing in Geneseo for several years.  She married Donald J. Cherry on 2/16/52 and on 12/12/55 he passed away at age 31. She married Ross Davis of Maquoketa, Iowa on 1/24/59.  She enjoyed working as a clerk at the Sale Barn in Maquoketa, and was later a real estate broker, owning Ross Davis Real Estate with her husband.  She had two sons, Scott G. Davis and John R. Davis.  Her husband and son Scott preceded her in death in 2006 and 2010.

Betty returned to Geneseo, Illinois in 2010 and resided at Liberty Village, where she loved their many activities.  For many years she attended First Lutheran Church with her sister Doris, followed by a hot fudge sundae treat at the Dairy Queen. She also enjoyed many years of going out for dinner with her longtime friend June Swint and sister Doris. Betty looked forward to visits and car rides with brother and sister-in-law Joe and Betty Gildersleeve prior to their passing. Visits from son John, nieces Peggy Schram (Brian) and Deborah Swanson (who she often referred to as the daughters she never had) were highlights in addition to the comfort she felt from her sister Doris’s many years of care and companionship.

Betty loved to laugh and enjoy good times with family and friends.  She loved country music and numerous gatherings in Geneseo and at the Atkinson lake.  Betty and her siblings were often seen using sign language as their parents were deaf.  She will be remembered for her big smile, fun loving laugh, bright blue eyes, and her infamous streak of white hair that she insisted on keeping throughout her adult life.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Don and Ross, son Scott, sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Wendell Hill, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Betty Gildersleeve, brother-in-law Stanley Swanson, brother-in-law George Davis, and sister-in-law and husband Mary Ellen and Richard Bilsborrow.  She is survived by son John R. Davis, Clinton, Iowa, granddaughter Kathryn (Katie) Davis, Maquoketa, sister Doris Swanson, Geneseo, and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held through Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Skyline Center, Inc 2600 N 4th Street, Clinton, Iowa or to your favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful staff at Liberty Village for many years of heartfelt care.

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

Michael J. Heinrich

Michael J. Heinrich, a cherished family man, and respected chiropractor, passed away at the age of 54 on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at home.

Michael John Heinrich was born on May 23, 1970 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Robert “Jack” and Constance Jean “Connie” (Edwards) Heinrich.  He graduated from Maquoketa Community High School in 1989 and continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, earning his degree in 1994. His commitment to helping others was evident in his choice of profession, and he went on to own and operate Heinrich Chiropractic in Maquoketa from 2001 until his passing. Michael’s work ethic was unparalleled; he balanced his chiropractic practice with a longstanding commitment to Richardson’s Trucking in Boscobel, Wisconsin, where he worked for over two decades.

On October 12, 2002, Michael married the love of his life, Danielle Daugherty, in Bellevue, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Jori and Jadyn, who were the light of his life. Michael’s love for his family was profound, and he cherished every moment spent with his girls and wife.

Michael’s interests extended beyond his professional life. He had a deep passion for tractors, particularly collecting them and engaging in farm and field work with his beloved IH tractors. His enthusiasm for these machines was more than a hobby; it was a way of connecting with the land he so loved.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Danielle Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Jori Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA, and Jadyn Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA; his mother Connie Heinrich of Zwingle, IA; brothers, Lyle (Jodi) Heinrich of Langworthy, IA, and Wade (Aimee) Heinrich of Zwingle, IA; in-laws, Gina and Ron Hingtgen of Bellevue, IA, David and Deb Koppes of Bellevue, IA, and John Koppes of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father John “Jack” Heinrich in 2015, and a brother Daniel Heinrich in 1981.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private family prayer service will be held.  Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Heinrich family.

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

Sheila F. Burggraf

Sheila F. (Curran) Burggraf, 61, of rural Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Due to facility issues at St. Joseph’s Chuch at Sinsinawa the Mass of Christian Burial will be moved to St. Francis de Sales Church at Hazel Green, WI at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with Fr. Peter Auer officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the church (St. Francis de Sales in Hazel Green).

Sheila was born on February 14, 1963, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Gerald P. and Fern V. (Hyde) Curran. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, the class of 1981.  On July 9, 1983, she was united in marriage to Thomas A. Burggraf at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

She was formerly a waitress at Toni’s Cafe on Central Ave. in Dubuque, and later at the Toll Bridge Restaurant from its inception until it closed. Sheila then went to work for the Dubuque Community School System as a paraprofessional at Eisenhower School until her retirement due to health conditions.

She loved baking and was known for her Potato Rolls and enjoyed attending flea markets and thrift stores.

Surviving is her husband, Tom; three children, Amanda (Chad) Whitt of East Dubuque, IL, Alex (Amanda “Ozzie”) Burggraf of Asbury, MO, and Abbey (Jake) Weigel of Platteville, WI; (8) grandchildren, Mason Burggraf, Ethan, Wyatt, Greyden, Scarlett, Maci, Ava and Archer; her siblings, Patrick (Karen) Curran, Pamela (John) Manders, Michael (Marianne) Curran, Angela (Todd) Thomas and Linda (Bryan) Paulsen, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Fern, her stepmother, Velma “Toni” (Breitbach) Curran, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold & Dolores) Burggraf.

Tom and family wish to thank Dr. Eric Engelman and staff; Mercy One Dubuque Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, a Sheila F. Burggraf memorial fund has been established.

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

Carol A. Geber

Carol A. (Michels-Lundin) Geber, 81, formerly of Clinton, passed on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Highlight Healthcare of Morrison in Morrison, Illinois.

Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue followed by a Funeral Service at 4:00 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be at a later date in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Springbrook.

Carol was born May 26, 1943, in Bellevue, the daughter of Wilfred and Bernice (Felderman) Michels.  She graduated from Andrew High School in 1961.  Carol married Roger John Lundin on August 24, 1963, he passed away on March 23, 1970, later she married Dale A. Geber on May 2, 1975, he passed away on June 3, 2022.  She worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services until retiring in 2002. Carol enjoyed Sunday drives along the river, camping and most importantly traveling to visit her children and grandchildren.  Carol was lovingly nicknamed “Grandma” by the staff at Highlight Healthcare. 

Survivors include her children, Ron (Katie) Lundin of Des Moines, Phyllis Lundin of Iowa City, and John (Theresa) Lundin of Topeka; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob, Mikhaila, Calvin (Abril), Rachel (Cole), and Riley; great-grandchildren, Owen, Theo, Belen ; and a sister, Joyce (Kenneth) Laughlin.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and an infant brother, Wayne Michels.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Carol’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Dorothy M. Ruden

Dorothy M. Ruden, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Bernard, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 17, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a parish wake service at 3:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday January 18, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity with Rev. Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on August 10, 1929, the daughter of Anthony and Mary (Johnson) Fischer. She grew up on the family farm on Fischer Road by the Twelve Mile House.

She was united in marriage to Eldon J. Ruden on August 28, 1951, at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray, by Rev. Placid McGee. Together they farmed in the Bernard area before moving to Dubuque. Along with farming she worked at several Dubuque businesses including the Dubuque Packing Co. and Georgia Pacific.

Dorothy is survived by her children Dave (Rita) Ruden, Joyce Giannakouros, Dennis Ruden, her 14 Grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, a brother-in-law Dick Strohmeyer and two sisters-in-law Doris and Rita Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eldon, son Jeff “Jeep” Ruden, daughter Jane Ruden, son-in-law George Giannakouros, her parents Anthony and Mary, siblings Donald (Vi) Fischer, Bill Fischer, Marie (Alfred) Kass, Jack Fischer, Rosemary Strohmeyer, Paul Fischer and Albert (Vicky) Fischer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and Hospice of Dubuque especially Tami, Nicole, and Amber, along with Dr. Andrea Ries for all the loving care.

Parma Gean Lasche

Parma Gean Lasche, daughter, wife, mother and caretaker of many, died January 17, 2025

Parma was born in Spencer Iowa to Maude Twogood and Everett Palmer Boyles. She was the youngest of 8 and born in a time that believed in the importance of family, community, and the notion that there is always room at the table for at least one more.

Parma married Charles Lasche on May 12th, 1956. Together they started their new life in Cascade, Iowa, but eventually moved to Dubuque where they raised their children, Loren (Bianca) of Carlsbad CA, Gean (deceased), Susan (Ed) Heber AZ, Martin, Sandy UT, David (Karen), Des Moines and Julie Lasche Brown of West Des Moines; 4 grandchildren, Arianna and Bryan Lasche and Olivia and Jacob Brown.

Parma began her in-home daycare business when her youngest started kindergarten. She helped raise dozens of kids from so many different families. Many of those people remained a part of her life until she moved to West Des Moines to help care for her twin grandchildren, Olivia and Jacob. Many mornings while living in West Des Moines with her daughter, Julie, you would see her walking the twins to and from school where she made friends with all the other kids and their parents. Everyone called her Grandma.

Parma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her siblings, and her daughter, Gean.

A celebration of life, open house will be held on January 26th, 2025, in West Des Moines, at 4312 Aspen Drive from 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Gloria D. Templeton

Gloria D. Templeton, age 68, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on January 12, 2025, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, IA, while surrounded by her loving family and friends.  To honor Gloria’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gloria’s family.

Gloria was born on June 24, 1956, in Kentucky, a daughter to James E. and Mable L. (Graham) Templeton.  She went on to spend her life intently focused on one goal in mind; to bring joy to others wherever and whenever she could.  Gloria was a physical therapist by trade, but those who knew her best were well aware that her attendance in clown college was where her heart truly resided.  She found no greater joy than bringing smiles and laughter to the hearts and minds of those around her.  Gloria was one of a kind in the greatest sense of the words and anyone who met her was bound to love and adore her in time.

Gloria was naturally gifted with many artistic talents as well.  Her abilities to write, paint and so much more were continually being exercised for all to enjoy.  In her free-time, you could easily find Gloria perfecting her skills with a bow and arrow, or even a sword when the moment was right.  She also enjoyed baiting her hook when the weather was nice and time allowed her to see if she could finally catch the big one which was seemingly just waiting patiently for her arrival on the river’s edge.  Gloria was also a fan of UK College basketball and a little time in her favorite recliner as her team took the court was a perfectly acceptable way to spend a couple of hours if possible.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without Gloria’s love and laughter filling the space around us.  We will miss her more than words could say and only hope that she is now free from her earthly health battles as we long for the day when we will see her beautiful and joyful smile yet once again.   Thank you, Gloria, for doing your best to focus on the best parts of this life without hesitation and may the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Gloria include,

her three children,
Rosemarie Duty and her husband Roberto Reyes in Chicago, Il,
Eiliyah Ann Ali and her husband Khalid Ali in Temple Hills, MD,
and Kevin H. Duty and his wife Rebecca Duty in Pueblo West , CO;

her ex-husband,
Patrick J Bullock in Hanover, Il;

her grandchildren,
Joshua Reyes, Kaleb Duty, Alex Racine, Michaela Duty, and Jena Ali;

her siblings,
Sandria Templeton Hughes and Larry Templeton;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Gabriella Irizarry; her brother, James Templeton; and her ex-husband, Bruce Duty.

Gloria’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center, along with her friends at the Ecumenical Towers, for all of their love, care and support.

Online condolences may be shared with Gloria’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

George A. McDermott

George Alan McDermott, 94, of Cascade, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Accura Health Care in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Alan will be held from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m., Monday, January 20, 2025, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, where services for Alan will be held at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  The services will be live streamed on the St. Thomas Aquinas Facebook page at 12:30 p.m.   Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Alan was born August 20, 1930, at home in rural Cascade, Iowa, son of Raymond and Lenore (Dolphin) McDermott.  He received his lower education in a one room schoolhouse near his parent’s farm and went on to graduate high school from St. Martin’s High School in Cascade, Iowa.  Alan was a United States Veteran having served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, January 1952 to January 1954.

On August 8, 1959, he was united in marriage to Marjorie A. Luensmann at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa.   Together the couple went on to farm in the rural Cascade area and raise their ten children.  Alan also drove school bus for the Western Dubuque School district for 25 years while farming.  He also was courier for Ohnward Bank & Trust. His wife Margie preceded him in death on August 7, 2023.

Alan was devoted to his faith and an active member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade.  He was also a member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930 for 68 years and the Cascade American Legion Post #528 for 72 years.  In September 2011, Alan got the privilege to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D. C.

Those left to cherish his memory are his ten children, Cheryl (Don) Peters of Monticello, Lynne (Jim) Mona of Urbandale, Mike (Monica) McDermott of Bernard, Pat McDermott of Warrensburg, MO, Lisa (Jeff) Workman of Las Vegas, NV,  Joan (Jeff) Kramer of Bernard,  Bill (Tammy) McDermott of Ely, Tom (Kris) McDermott of Cascade, Judy (Mike) Hayen of Scotch Grove, and John (Rebecca) McDermott of Cascade; and 26 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren with two more on the way; four brothers, Earl McDermott, Jerry (Shirley) McDermott, and Bob (Barb) McDermott all of Cascade, and Howard (Carol) McDermott of Monticello, two sisters-in-law, Maureen McDermott of Cascade, and Susie Luensmann of Delhi.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Ryan Kramer; one brother, Ken McDermott; one sister, Betty (Jack) Vance; sister-in-law, Mary McDermott; father and mother-in-law, John and Marcella (Schute) Luensmann; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Luensmann, Lila Luensmann, Robert Luensmann, Irene (John) O’Brien, David (Kathleen) Luensmann, and Delrose (Tony) Broghammer.

In lieu of flowers, an Alan McDermott memorial fund has been established.

The family is extremely grateful for the staff of Hospice of Dubuque, Nurses and staff at Accura Health Center, Sherry Kelchen- ARNP, and Rev. Mark Osterhaus for all the wonderful care and support they gave to Alan.

A video tribute may be viewed, and online condolence may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com