Obituaries Archive

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.

Evelyn Katherine Miens

Evelyn Katherine (Ahlschlager) Miens entered God’s Garden in Heaven on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 9:00 AM with family and care givers present. She spent the last 8 years in her own apartment in the home of her grandson, Tim, and good friend/caregiver, George, at 16992 Middle Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

A Dubuque service will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until time of service. A Sioux City service will be 4 p.m. Saturday at the Meyers Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Avenue where visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until time of service. Entombment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa.

Evelyn was born on June 30, 1916, at home near Balaton, Lynd Township, Lyon County, Minnesota, youngest child of George & Mary (Tiedje) Ahlschlager.

On October 29, 1936, in Elk Point, South Dakota, Evelyn married Harry Miens, the love of her life. Evelyn met Harry in Worthington, Minnesota, while she served as a housekeeper and caregiver to the Jack C. Boote family. Harry preceded her in death on March 3, 1996.

Evelyn shared her talents, skills, and love as a housekeeper; homemaker; member of church circles and committees; Sunday School teacher; Brownie leader; hospital aide; ceramicist; and gardener. Her love of irises lead to her long-time membership in the Roving Garden Club (75 years) and the Siouxland Iris Society. Her gardens of irises served as the setting for weddings, family gatherings, and bus tours. She and Harry were featured in Country Woman magazine. Evelyn was the last remaining member of the garden club.

Evelyn’s strong faith in God made her a model Christian. She read the Bible daily and read many inspirational poems and books. She left this world as a 22-year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS) and a 60-year member of Calvary Lutheran Church (LCMS) of Sioux City, Iowa, where she appreciated the comfort given by Pastors Kapanka, Schoop, and Travis.

Following Harry’s retirement from the Sioux City Sanitation Department and Payless Cashway, they traveled to the places they dreamed of: Holy Land, Egypt, Norway, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Australia, Switzerland, and Denmark. Following Harry’s death, Evelyn traveled throughout the states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Iowa. In March of 2016, Evelyn traveled through Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia to Disney World in Florida to celebrate her 100th birthday a few weeks early.

In her move to Dubuque in 2010, she was a supporter of the Bell Tower Theater, enjoying the musical and comedy performances. She had two iris beds made with bulbs from her Sioux City gardens. She learned how to play Apples to Apples and was quite good at convincing her partners that her choices were the best. She enjoyed dressing up and going out with her special friends to eat. Her favorites were the best fried chicken in town at Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque, Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme pie at Village Inn, and chicken wings from Jack’s Chicken Palace in Dubuque. She enjoyed rides through the countryside to check on crops throughout the year as well as trips down to the lock and dam to watch the barges move through, people out on the river in their boats, to see the birds, and to watch for eagles.

At home, she enjoyed watching the birds outside her living room window. She was blessed with many cardinals, blue jays, finch, nuthatches, woodpeckers, Baltimore orioles, and many more. She had many feeders which were filled daily. Squirrels, possum, and raccoons were not her friends. She had been blessed a couple of times by a deer or two outside her window.

Challenged with a severe hearing loss, Evelyn kept up with the news by reading the Sioux City Journal as well as watching the 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00 news casts with closed captioning. She was a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) with John Cena as her favorite. She enjoyed the music of the Gaither Family and Danny O’Donnell. (She cranked the sound high and appreciated closed captioning.) She gradually shifted her interests to Rick Steves’ Europe, Andre Rieu concerts, and country music shows.

Those left to honor Evelyn’s life are her daughter, Debbie (Marlan) Anderson, Sioux City; grandchildren, Marsha (Dale) Miller, Valpariaso, IN; Dan (Dawn) Krom, Woodbury, MN; Paul (Edie) Krom, Pittsburgh, PA; & Tim Krom, Dubuque, IA; great grandchildren: Michael Krom & Michelle Krom, Pittsburgh, PA; Keri (Tim) Miller, Kouts, IN; & Erin Miller, Winston-Salem, NC; and great-great grand-daughter: Natalee Miller, Kouts, IN. Many special friends will miss their dear friend.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Beverly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Bell Tower Theater Endowment Fund, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, to the Dubuque Lutheran School Tuition Assistance Fund, 2145 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002, or to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

The family wishes to thank many people who touched Evelyn’s life while in Dubuque: Primary Caregiver – George Wm. Holland; Special Friends – Lorraine Brennan, Gertrude Klinge, Anita Eggers, Phil Marzen, Sue Riedel, Suzanne Blum; Home Care Givers – Mary Ann, Mary, Joan, Colleen, Linda, Michelle, CheyAnn, and Christine; Kathy, Kim, and Carolyn at the Stardust Beauty Salon; Dr. Ryan Stille and Staff at Medical Associates; Dr. Peggy Mulderig and Staff at Medical Associates; Dr. Jennifer Schope and Staff at Dubuque Internal Medicine; Wendt Regional Cancer Center – Dr. Bobby Koneru, Mary Carol, Julie, Laura, Mary, Theresa, Charlye, Rebecca, Taylor, Chris, Elayne, and Mike; Asbury Hy-Vee Pharmacy Staff; the Kuttler Dental Team at Fountain Park; Steve at Carter Hearing Aid Center; and Melanie, Stephanie, Suzanne, Jan, Shirley, and Sharon of Hospice of Dubuque.

Catherine Gottschalk

Catherine “Janaan” Gottschalk, 82, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, IA, on Saturday, February 24, 2018.

Services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 3rd, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Family and friends may visit after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of service. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Janaan was born on September 30, 1935 in Dubuque to Edward and Lucille (Weber) Traut. She married Raymond “Sonny” Gottschalk, Sr. and they lived in Dubuque before moving to a farm west of Zwingle, Iowa in 1969. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Janaan was an excellent seamstress and quilter and was a long-time member of Cable Car Quilters Guild and was also involved with the Bellevue Quilts of Valor. For many years Janaan and Sonny owned and operated Pape’s Shoes & Shoe Repair in downtown Dubuque.

Janaan is survived by her three children: Mary (Terry) Gordon of Dubuque, IA, Vickie (Ronnie Snyder) Gottschalk of Wyoming, IA, and Ray “Bouck” (Lisa) Gottschalk of Maquoketa, IA. She also is survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, plus one sister, Margaret “Peg” Meyers of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny; her parents Edward and Lucille Traut; brothers George and Frank; and sisters Eleanor Vorman and Mary Ansel.

In lieu of flowers, a Catherine Janaan Gottschalk Memorial Fund has been established.

Jeanne M. Randell

Jeanne M. (Sheean) Randell, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 4:07 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

There will be no public visitation. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Jeanne was born in East Dubuque, the daughter of Raymond and Estella (Leibold) Sheean.

She was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grade School and East Dubuque High School. Jeanne was employed at Ann Chapman’s in Galena, IL, until her retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society.

Surviving is her sister, Violet Sheean of East Dubuque; nieces, Jacqueline (Frank) Meyer, Ada Hale, Pamela Sheean, Debra (Jack) Tully, and Dona Oberfoell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jack, Patrick, and Corrine DeGear.

Memorials may be given to the Jo Daviess County Workshop in Galena, IL, and St. Mary’s Parish, East Dubuque.

“Special thanks to David for all of his help.”

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

Bette L. Weidenbacher

On Friday, February 23, 2018, Bette L. (Ellwanger) Weidenbacher of Dubuque passed away at the age of 89 years old. Bette will forever be remembered by her daughters, Kim (Kurt) Lange of East Dubuque, IL and Vicki (Mark) Weidenbacher-Hoper of South Beloit, IL; grandchildren, Alex, Cody, Jake, and Jade; a sister in-law, Lois Ellwanger; her cat, Tiger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Milton Ellwanger, Lorraine (Clair) Davis, and Jane (Rost) Kaune; in-laws, Elsie (Andy) Schumacher, Wesley (Lucile) Weidenbacher, Rayse (Pete) Weimerskirch, and Charles Weidenbacher.

Family will greet friends from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 3860 Asbury Road with a 6:30 pm Scripture Service. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church conducted by Rev. Steven Rosonke. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Bette was born on August 24, 1928 in Dubuque, the daughter of Harry and Louise (Stallman) Ellwanger. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1946. On August 26, 1961, Bette married Eldon E. Weidenbacher at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church; he passed on January 31, 1996. She worked for Interstate Finance Corporation, Union-Hoermann Press and finally Nacos & Puff C.P.A. before retiring in 1993. Bette enjoyed spending time with her family, going to plays, reading, dominos, and line dancing. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, volunteered at the Dubuque Arboretum, was a member of R.S.V.P., Country Steppers, DucPaco line dancing, and the Red Hat Society.

The family would like to thank Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern during this time.

Memorial donations in memory of Bette can be made to Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Theodore C. Miller

Theodore C. “Ted” Miller, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, February 23, 2018, at the Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in celebrating Ted’s life from 5 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private graveside service and burial will be held at the Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Theodore Clare Miller was born on December 19, 1939 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Norman and Alverda (Carter) Miller. He attended Bridgeport and Maquoketa schools. He married Elizabeth Anne Clark on February 22, 1957 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Andrea, Malise, Salina and Shalan.

Ted had first worked for Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for nine years, then Hayes Bros. Dairy in Maquoketa for 15 years, and later painted houses with his wife Anne for two years. Lastly he worked for Campbell Cleanup and Ruff N’ Ready in Maquoketa for 25 years.

Ted was a member of the Izaak Walton League and the Jackson County Historical Society. He enjoyed fishing, hunting in his earlier days, going on walks, feeding the birds, and his garden. Additionally, he loved history and reading about it. He was a social person who looked forward to going for coffee with his buddies each day.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters, Andrea (Dan) Foley of Twin Lakes, WI, Malise (Rick) Usher of Delmar, IA, Salina (Dave) Durr of Solon, IA, and Shalan Miller of Maquoketa, IA; 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty (John) Gebhart of Quincy, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Elizabeth Anne on April 26, 2013.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Theodore C. “Ted” Miller memorial fund has been established.

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

Ruth V. Kruse

Ruth V. Kruse, 86, of Dubuque passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Bethany Home. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 -11 a.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Ruth was born August 15, 1931 in East Dubuque the daughter of William and Ruth (Werner) Adams. Ruth graduated from the Immaculate Conception Academy in 1950, which is now known as the Shalom Center. The next year she married the love of her life Elmer Kruse on November 10, 1951 at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque. Elmer preceded her in death on September 28, 1992. Ruth was employed with the Dubuque Community School District as a Secretary at Sageville school where she worked for many years. In her spare time she enjoyed tending to her garden, and canning the foods she grew. She also loved to bowl and was a member of two bowling leagues at Creslanes. Ruth was an active member of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ for years as well. Her faith allowed her to support many organizations in the community such as Goodwill, Albrecht Acres, and Camp Courageous. Ruth was a generous and kind woman who was always happiest when she had busy hands helping others through their struggles or just offering a kind word. Spending time with family is what Ruth held closest to her heart. She was always there at the drop of a hat and you knew you could count on her for anything.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Carole (Paul) Porter of Dubuque; Bruce A. (Mary) Kruse of Robins, IA, Jeanne (Gary) Snyder of Hazel Green, WI, Arlene (Richard) Courtade of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren Gretchen (Josh) Kanas, Bryan Porter, Kara (Sara) Montgomery-Porter, Carissa Kruse, Kimberly (Aaron) Fitch, Quinn Snyder, Kristina Snyder, Addison Redfearn, Amon Redfearn, Keenan Redfearn, Winifred Redfearn, Mamie Redfearn; and 6 great-grandchilldren Zachary Pust, Brennan Kanas, Opal and Otto Montgomery-Porter, Ellie Lentz, and Olive Fitch

She is preceded in death by her husband Elmer Kruse, her parents, and her in-laws.

Memorials may be made out to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque

The family would like to thank Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their generous care and Compassion.

Shella Kobza

After a courageous battle with breast cancer for several years, Shella Kobza, 84, of Dubuque passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center, with her dedicated son, Daryl at her side.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 28 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, with Sr. Margaret Anne Kramer officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

Shella was born on January 24, 1934 in Beech Bottom, West Virginia the daughter of, Detmer and Jessica Eicholtz. She attended Wellsburg high school in West Virginia, class of 1951, where she played women’s basketball, played piano and sang, participated in many missionary camps and was lead majorette in the marching band.

In 1954 she graduated from Wheeling Hospital School of Nursing, The Sisters of Saint Joseph, the Mother Hospital of West Virginia. She started her career in nursing at Wheeling Hospital and eventually became house supervisor.

She met the love of her life, Frank Kobza in Wheeling, West Virginia. The two were married on November 3, 1956 and moved to Gary, Indiana.

In 1963 they moved to Dubuque where her husband owned Stampfers Shoe Department and she worked at Finley Hospital in the nursery until retirement.

Shella was very active in the Dubuque Women’s Club, serving and chairing several projects and fund raisers. She produced and edited the first TV Christmas Program for the Dubuque Women’s Club.

Shella was also involved in St. Anthony’s Church. She worked and chaired several programs and Fall Festivals.

She was a talented artist, working with watercolors, oils and acrylic. She attended many art classes at Mt. Carmel. She had a love of gardening and enjoyed working in her rose garden with her husband, Frank. She won numerous awards for her roses, including her and Franks pride and joy, the ribbon for Best of Class- Tri state Garden Club at the show at the Dubuque Arboretum. Her roses were showcased in many shows at the Arboretum. Shella also enjoyed cooking and baking cookies, especially during the Holidays.

Surviving are her two sons, Daryl Kobza, of Dubuque and Detmer Kobza, of West Burlington, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; and her parents, Detmer and Jessica Eicholtz.

A Shella Kobza Memorial Fund has been established.

Anna Mae Powers

Anna Mae Powers, 89, of Dubuque, died Thursday, February 22, 2018 at UnityPoint Health- Finely Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 26 at Resurrection Catholic Church, where a visitation will be held from 9:00-10:45 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road is in charge of the arrangements.

Anna Mae was born on November 8, 1928 in Dubuque, the daughter of Leo and Esther (Fransen) Reiter. She married James K. Powers Sr. in 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was a housekeeper at Americana for many years until retiring in 1987.

Anna Mae was a woman of very few words but stern in her thoughts and beliefs. As she and Jim started their family, they enjoyed camping and started out the old- fashioned way and progressed to purchasing their motor home. Together they traveled the country and visited many sites and state parks.

She was a quiet individual and enjoyed baking and needlework. However, her greatest enjoyment would find her on Wednesday and Friday evenings at the bingo hall or an occasional visit to the casino.

As soon as the air had the warmth of the spring she could be found daily sitting on their front deck with Jim at the home they have lived in for 61 years.

She is survived by her husband, James; children, William L. (Bonnie) Powers, James K. Powers, and Lori (Vincent) Tillman, all of Dubuque; grandchildren, Billy Powers, of Dubuque, Lisa (Cornelius Johnson) Powers, of Chicago, IL, Jacey (Brian) Shea, of Belmont, WI, Paige Powers, of Chilton, WI, Michael (Keri) Tillman and Tracy (fiancé Steve) Tillman, all of Dubuque, and Thom (Sheri) Wasmund, of Lena, IL; 8 great- grandchildren; siblings, LaVern (Gayle) Reiter, Virginia Lyons, all of Dubuque, and Carol Godwin, of Galena, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Merlin (Janaan) Reiter, Leroy Reiter, in infancy, Orvetta Reiter, Jeanette Reiter and Marion (Homer) Jewell; brothers-in-law, Francis Callahan, Lacy Godwin, Bob Brotheridge and LeRoy Lyons and two nieces, Susan and Linda Lyons; mother and father-in-law, William and Lucille Powers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Jo) Powers, Rosemary (Lloyd) Valley and Larry (Carmen) Powers and a niece, Michelle Powers.

An Anna Mae Powers Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 5th floor nurses, doctors and staff at Finley Hospital, especially Nurse Chrissy and Dr. Boone, Deacon Jim and Mary Schmidt at Resurrection Church and to the EMT and first responders for their exceptional care and compassion.