Obituaries Archive

Ralph J. Ernst

Ralph J. Ernst, 73, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. Burial in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post #787.
Visitation 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 – 9:45 a.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish prayer service will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Members of American Legion Post #787 will meet at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

Ralph was born on November 2, 1944 in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of Orville M. and Marie H. (Till) Ernst. He graduated from Marquette High School in Bellevue. Ralph served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1965 – 1967. He married June “Bonnie” Splinter on July 8, 1972 at Nativity Church in Dubuque, IA.

Ralph was a member of Local #94 U.A.W. and American Legion Post #787 of East Dubuque. He retired after 33 years from the John Deere Dubuque Works.

Ralph and Bonnie were caretakers at the East Dubuque Cemetery for 15 years. He loved to hear and tell good jokes, play golf, take care of his immaculate lawn at home and also enjoyed watching the Cubs, Packers and Bears with his wife by his side. Ralph loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years; his children, Cindy (Jeff) Apel of East Dubuque, Jeff Driscoll and (special friend Angie) from Louisiana, Lisa (John) Mueller of Farley, IA, and Tanya (Pat) Schilling of Dubuque; three grandsons, Jake Schroeder of Dubuque, Joe Apel of Germantown, MD, and Michael Atchison of Dubuque; great-grandaughters, Ava and Audrey; and one great grandson, Kellen; his siblings, Juneva Sagers, Cleo Manning, and Annaclete (Julius) Nimms all of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Edward Splinter, Brenda Halfhill and David “Pete” Splinter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Jerry Manning; niece Chris Manning; sisters-in-law, Doris Splinter and Debbie Levins; brother-in-law Mike Levins; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Dorothy Splinter; great nephew, Nick VanOstrand and great niece, Donna Splinter.

Ralph’s family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Officer Kyle Huseman and the East Dubuque Area EMTs for their quick response and compassion.

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

Marijo M. O’Brien

Marijo M. O’Brien, 95, of Dubuque died Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating. A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the church.

Marijo was born on March 21, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph D. and Mary A. (Fleming) Martin. She attended Trinity High School in Oak Park, Il and the University of Iowa where she met her husband, Dr. Stephen A. O’Brien. They were married on May 4, 1946.

She was a volunteer at Mercy Hospital, active in Theresians and the Sunshine Circle service group as well as an avid golfer and bridge player.

She is survived by her children, Kathy of Oak Park, IL, Steve (Alice Kilgo), David (Nancy) of Dallas, TX, Molly (Bill Beyer) of St. Louis Park, MN, Sheila (Michael Kelty) of Oak Park, IL, and Meg Northey (Tom) of Oak Park, IL; her grandchildren, Sean (Carrie) O’Brien, Shay and Bridget O’Brien, Kelsey and Dannel Beyer, Kiernan and Griffin Kelty, Kirby, Liam, and Henry Northey; her great-grandchildren, Nico and Isabela O’Brien.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Stephen A. O’Brien in December, 1968 and her sisters, Jeanne Martin and Helen McManus.

The family would like to thank her incredible caregivers, Kathy and Angie whose devotion allowed Mom to be in her home and to Hospice Care of Dubuque for their compassionate care as well.

In accordance with her wishes, Marijo’s remains were sent to the University of Iowa Medical School as part of the Deeded Body program. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The University of Iowa – Deeded Body Program, 1-402 BSB, 51 Newton Road University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242.

William J. Hennings

William J. “Burt” Hennings, 56, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. with Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 18, 2018 at the funeral home.

Burt was born William Joseph Hennings on April 16, 1962 to Wayne and Jeneene (Hines) Hennings. On November 29, 1986, he married Mary Peterson at the Dubuque Boat Club.

Burt was an avid outdoorsman who loved to be fishing and hunting when he wasn’t working and if he was working, he was thinking about it. His biggest accomplishment in his fishing career was a walleye tournament where he and his brother-in-law, Billy Peterson, finished “in the money”.

Burt was a family man to the core. He loved his family with all his heart and would do anything for them. He loved being a “Papa”, he loved his wife Mary and all his children and grandchildren so much. Burt was such a kind hearted man, a big ole teddy bear. Burt also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Dubuque Boat Club. He was also a football fan, We know he’ll be rooting for the Packers from above. Burt will be greatly missed by so many and we know he is still with us.

Burt worked at Addoco Inc. for many years as a fork lift operator.

Surviving are his wife of 31 years, Mary; his children Mike (Brenda) O’Toole, Heather (Ray) Lara, John (Alyssa) Hennings and Jessica (Mark Kohn) Hennings; his grandchildren Madaline, Autumn and Lauren O’Toole, Mackenzie, Kyler, Noah and Abby Lara, Jordan, Juliyanah and Hadlei Hennings and Aubreigh Cockrell, Antonia, Alexandria and Ava Naab, and Brianna King; his mother Jeneene Hennings; his siblings C.J. (Debbie) Hennings, Shelly Holland, Kevin (Lynn) Hennings and Jack (Yolanda) Hennings; brothers and sisters-in-law, George Peterson Jr., William (Linda) Peterson, and Vicky (Arnie) Henry, as well as numerous nieces and nephews on the Peterson side.

He was preceded in death by his father Wayne Hennings; his grandmother Rita Hennings; his; father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Joann Peterson, brother-in-law Dan Holland; his nephew Austin Hennings; and many other aunts and uncles.

A William J. Henning’s memorial fund has been established.

Burt’s family would like to thank Billy Peterson, and the first responders at Addoco, Inc. and the nurses and doctors at Unity Point Finley Hospital ER and ICU for their compassion and unending efforts in helping Burt.

Lucille M. Donovan

Lucille M. Donovan, 92, of Bernard, Iowa passed away on May 15, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 24th, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Garryowen with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Lucille was born on October 3, 1925 in Jackson County the daughter of Matt and Mary (Sterbenz) Gregorich. She married Arnold J. Donovan on November 28, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Garryowen. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2000.

She was an active lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Garryowen, where she was on the Altar and Rosary Society.

She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, going down to the farm and a half of glass of beer.

Lucille was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Fred (Elvira) Donovan, of DeWitt, Tom Donovan, of Milan, IL, Paula Strang, of Phoenix, AZ, Janet (Jerry) Feeney, of Dubuque, and Steve (Shannon) Donovan, of Tipton, IA; her son-in-law Norman Ottman. Sixteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. One sister Rita Hoffman, of Freeport, IL and 2 sisters-in-law Lois Donovan, of Bernard and Delores Gregorich, of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arnold; a daughter Mary Lou Ottman; six brothers and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. Patrick’s Garryowen Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the Memory Unit at Grand Haven Retirement Community in Eldridge, Iowa for all their loving care, kindness and friendship they gave to Lucille.

Dennis L. Volkert

Dennis L. Volkert, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 15th, 2018 at home with family by his side.

Funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating and military honors by American Legion Post #6. Family and friends may visit after 12:00 p.m. Saturday until time of service.

Dennis was born on October 30, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Clifford and Ivyl (Beerman) Volkert. He graduated from Senior High School and served in the US Army and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1978.

He married Tina Breitbach on April 11, 1987 in Dubuque and worked for United States Postal Service until retirement.

Dennis loved spending time with family and friends, playing golf, reading, and taking walks by the Mississippi river.

He is survived by his wife Tina; three children, Angel (Grant) Crow, of Prole, IA, Devin Volkert, of Pahrump, NV, and Brooks Volkert, of Norwalk, IA. Two grandchildren Aaylah and Easton Crow, of Prole, IA. His mother Ivyl Volkert; brothers Ron (Dianna) Volkert, Terry (Bev) Volkert and Ken Volkert, all of Dubuque; along with nieces, nephews, in-laws and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Clifford; father-in-law Alfred Breitbach and mother-in-law Betty Breitbach.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Mark Herman and his staff for all the wonderful care they gave to Dennis.

John R. McCorkle

John R. McCorkle, aged 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, died peacefully in the Lord surrounded by family, Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 at Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 18th at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2145 Kennedy Road, Dubuque, Iowa from 4 – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. preceding the service. Funeral service is Saturday, May 19th, 10:30 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Lunch will be served immediately following the service. A graveside service will be held at Linwood Cemetery after lunch.

John was born February 21, 1930 in Pipestone, MN. On August 28, 1949, John married his high school sweetheart Doris Schlapkohl in Pipestone. John served in the Korean War and then attended the South Dakota School of Mines on the GI bill where he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1959.
John and Doris then moved to Dubuque, Iowa with their three small girls, to begin his long and loyal career with John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works.

John and family were charter members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, involved in church activities his entire life. He led a full and faithful life enjoying church, camping, golfing, travel with Friendship Force, and creating works of stained-glass.

John is survived by his wife Doris of 68 years, daughters Carene (Ray) Baslee of Texas, Denise (Daryl) Seaman of Colorado, and Renee (Dale) Lutzen of Missouri; grandchildren Mallory (Devin) McDonald, Cara (Michael) Weaver, Hannah (Alan) Waulet, Gregory (Christa) Seaman, Laura (Rev. Jeremy) Richert, Kate Elahi, and Kianna (Tony) Elahi-Gedwillo; and great-grandchildren Jane and Adam Seaman.

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

The family thanks Rev. Dr. Kristian Kincaid, Rev. Jesse Cearlock, and their many friends and family who have shared their love and concern. John will be missed by all, yet we rejoice in the knowledge he is safe in Christ’s arms.

Alvin C. Wernimont

Alvin C. Wernimont, 67, of 2722 Bankston Dr., died Monday, May 14, 2018.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Alvin was born on December 19, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Walter and Lois (Gilligan) Wernimont. He attended St. Columbkille Elementary until 8th grade, and for the last few years he loved to attend concerts, Grand Parent’s Day, or any event there with his grandson Jackson. He also attended Dubuque Senior High School for a few days, but then someone told him what to do and that was the end of that.

Alvin didn’t need a degree to be successful. He was a legend in the swimming pool business where he worked for most of his life, most recently as the founder of Alvin’s Pool and Spa in 1999. Everyone knew Alvin, but many probably didn’t even know he had a last name. And everyone that knew him had a story about him. He truly loved the work and the people. His customers became his friends and he could talk with them for hours. He was an extremely hard worker – he worked 7 days a week in rain, snow, or blistering heat to get the job done right. He had a sharp mind and loved to fix things and solve problems, although his methods may have been unconventional at times. In the end, Alvin left this world doing what he loved – working on a swimming pool.

Alvin should have written a book about his life, but it probably wouldn’t be fit for publishing. In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling, gambling, motorcycles, demolition derbies, speeding and general mischief. He had an exterior of steel but inside he was not nearly as tough as he acted. He eventually settled down, and some of his greatest joys were taking Jackson shopping for Nerf guns, doing burnouts for Ben, and letting them both drink Mountain Dew and do anything else their mother disapproved of.

Surviving are his daughters Katie (Andy) Thomas of Dubuque and their sons Jackson and Benjamin and Sadie (Jeff) Fick of Mason City and their daughters Delia and Brenna; his significant other Deb Callahan and her daughters Carrie (Jon) Welu of Dubuque and Laurie Callahan of Galena, IL; 7 grandchildren; his siblings Linda (Lynn) Johnsen of Lodi, WI, Sandi (Bob) Johnsen and Jim (Rhonda) Wernimont both of Dubuque, Kenny (Karen) Wernimont of Davenport, IA and Tom Wernimont of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews, including his favorite nephew, Travis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given to Albrecht Acres where he took care of the pool for many years for only the satisfaction of seeing the campers enjoy it.

Alvin’s family wish to thank Katie Harris and the staff at Mercy Medical Center ER for their care, compassion and support. They would also like to thank Dr. Andrea Ries and Dr. Martin Bagby for their excellent care along the way- there is no doubt that he spent a few extra years with us because of you.

Gloria L. Furrow

Gloria L. Furrow, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2018, at the Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private burial will be held at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa. A natural journey farewell with cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Gloria Lee Rockwell was born on June 2, 1946 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Forrest and Maxine (Shady) Rockwell. She attended Maquoketa schools and was part of the 1964 graduating class from Maquoketa High School. She married John E. Furrow on April 21, 1963 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union one son was born, Brian.

Gloria had most notably worked with her mom at Rocky’s Café in Maquoketa for many years. She had also worked for a short time as a vet assistant at Colonial Terrace in Dubuque.

Gloria had been an avid bowler for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, loved dogs, and was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Those left to honor her memory include a niece, Becky (Harlan Jr.) Doty of Dubuque, IA, and 2 great-nephews, Jake and Luke; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John on August 21, 2001, a son Brian on June 7, 2004, 3 infant sisters, a sister Marilyn Davison on August 16, 2014, and her beloved dog Pepper.

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

Rita A. Johns

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

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

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

Those left to cherish Rita’s memory include

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

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

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

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

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

and several nieces and nephews.

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

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

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

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

Jerry McCord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Donald O. Scheibe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dianne M. Fritsch

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

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

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

Those left to cherish Dianne’s memory include

her loving husband,
Douglas Fritsch, Asbury, IA;

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert N. Bechen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valita M. Bradley

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Loetscher Paisley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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