Obituaries Archive

John F. Muenster

John F. Muenster, 84, of Dubuque, died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Church of the Nativity with Father Stephen Audu as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Mid-Atlantic Region Navy Honor Guard.

John was born on March 20, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of John and Mary (Herrig) Muenster. On September 22, 1973, he married Barbara “Bobbie” Brennan at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

John graduated from Loras Academy in 1959. Following graduation he joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era, serving from 1959-1963. John was a Radioman 2nd Class and earned a Good Conduct Medal. He later attended Loras College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in 1967.

John began his career as a Controller for Mercy Hospital in Clinton, IA, he then worked as the Director of Finance for Finley Hospital in Dubuque and Mercy Hospital in Davenport, IA. John retired as the CFO for the Visiting Nurse Association in Davenport.

John’s faith was very important to him.  He was a former member of Church of the Resurrection and most recently, a member of Church of the Nativity where he was involved in Bible Study and served as a Eucharistic Minister to those in nursing homes.  John was a member of the Mississippi Valley Patriots, an organization that organized and displayed Tribute to Medal of Honor Recipients. He was also a member of the Health Care Financial Management Association and was proud to have received the Follmer Bronze Merit Award for outstanding service to Health Care.

John had a passion for learning about history and was an avid reader. He loved flowers, gardening and decorating for Christmas.  Having a cookout in the backyard with family surrounded by his beautiful garden always made him smile.  After retirement, John and Bobbie took many trips around the country with their camper and also traveled abroad.  Memories of those trips were some of his favorites.  John was so very proud of all of his grandchildren.  He could often be found rocking them or napping with them when they were babies and as they grew, he loved to watch their ball games, meets, concerts, performances and every other activity.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” of Dubuque; seven children, Christofer (Stacie Swenson) Muenster of Minneapolis, MN, Kelly Jo (Matt) Hunt of Broken Arrow, OK, Renate “Rennie” (Corey) Root of Dubuque, Katy (Danny) Kieffer of Eagan, MN, Erin Muenster of Dubuque, Ryan (Kally) Muenster of Eagan, MN, and Colin (Elizabeth Enzler) Muenster of Dubuque, IA; 17 grandchildren, Dylan, Jay, Ian, Lydia, Alexa, Maddie Jo, Sam, Nathan, Joseph, Johnny, Clara, Tommy, Quinn, Willie, Olivia, Josie, and Elena; two siblings, Joe Muenster and Barbara Mary Armstrong both of Dubuque; and sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Brennan and Geri Kay (Paul) Frommelt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by one sister, Lumilda (George) Frommelt; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Armstrong and Jim McNamara.

John’s family would like to extend a Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, the nurses and aides at Mercy Hospital, and the Staff at Luther Manor for all of their care.

A memorial has been established.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

 

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Vicki A. Kramer

Vicki A. Kramer, 73, of Sand Springs, Iowa passed away after a brief illness, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Monticello, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Monticello Eagles Club from 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, where a brief prayer service will begin at 2 p.m. Vicki was born on November 10, 1951, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Ernest A. and Regina (Lasche) Burger. She attended St. Paul’s School in Worthington until the ninth grade. She graduated from Dyersville Beckman Catholic High School in 1969 and later attended NICC and Kirkwood Community College to become a registered nurse. She married Dean Kramer on June 9, 1984, at the Catholic Church in Sand Springs, Iowa. Vicki worked at Ertl Toy Company in Dyersville, drove school bus, then attended NICC and later went back to Kirkwood Community College to receive her RN. She would work at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa. She loved playing softball and the piano. She loved to cook and collect cookbooks and spend time in her garden. She cherished her time with good friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Dean Kramer; children: Brian (Angie) Kramer, Keri (Jeff) Fitzpatrick; grandchildren: Evan and Kellan; siblings: Julie (Denny) Schilling, Lolly Burger, and Ernie J. (Adela) Burger. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lori Miller; brother-in-law, Kevin Kramer; parents-in-law, Millie and Larry Kramer. A special thank you to the staff at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Above & Beyond Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family, Monticello Animal Shelter, or the Monticello Food Bank. Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Monticello is assisting the family.  Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

 

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Richard J. Bakey

Richard “Dick” J. Bakey, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on July 3, 2025, at Bethany Home.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. An additional visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Schwering officiating. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6, as well as a detail from the Iowa State Patrol.

Dick was born on November 22, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of James and Bernice (Cavanaugh) Bakey. He attended Dubuque Senior High School before graduating from Peosta High School. Dick honorably served his country for over two years in the Iowa National Guard, and almost eight years in the United States Air Force as an Airman 2nd Class. He was united in marriage to Keiko Yamashiro in Okinawa, Japan. He worked as a Police Officer for one year before serving as an Iowa State Patrol Officer for five years in Iowa Falls before serving almost 25 years in Dubuque. Richard was a member of the Dubuque Seventh-Day Adventist Church and the Iowa State Troopers Association. Dick was an honorable public servant his entire adult life: first in the military, and second in law enforcement.

Richard is survived by his wife Keiko; children, Ruth (Jim) Bond of Fort Myers, Florida, John (Pat) Bakey of Omaha, Nebraska, Julie (Craig) DeMoss of Dubuque, Paula Bakey of Coralville, Iowa, and Cris (Nikki) Bakey of Dubuque; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brothers Gene “Mudd” Bakey of Surprise, Arizona, and John (Ruth) Bakey of East Dubuque, Illinois; sister-in-law Juanita Bakey of Dubuque; brother-in-law Mike Breen of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry Bakey; sister-in-law Kay Bakey; sister and brother-in-law Carol and Gary Smith; sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Mark Beckman; and sister Mary Breen.

In lieu of flowers, a Richard “Dick” J. Bakey Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Bethany Home for the loving and compassionate care extended to Dad these last seven and a half years. It was truly his home away from home. And to Megan, Chris, and Jeremiah from Hospice of Dubuque for providing comfort and care during Dad’s final days.

 

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Victor J. Breitbach III

 

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Janet A. Beireis

Janet Ann Beireis, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 2nd, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center with family by her side.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025, at Holy Family Church, New Melleray with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Janet was born on July 29, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Angela (McCarthy) Kane.  Jan graduated from Wahlert High School, Class of 1965.  She married John Beireis on January 28, 1967, they were married 47 years before John passed on December 6th, 2014.

Jan and John moved to Plymouth, MN in 1970 where Jan was employed as a bookkeeper for a truck dealership.  In 1998, they retired to their lake cabin on Platte Lake near Hillman, MN.  During that time she tended bar at a couple Minnesota bars where she liked to share Ole and Lena jokes to the locals.  In 2014, Jan and John returned to Dubuque as John’s health declined.

Jan liked to fish and hunt with John at the lake.  They often entertained and played cards with their lake friends.  They also enjoyed hosting their families at the lake house.  They looked forward to trips back home to Iowa to visit their parents and siblings several times a year.

Jan belonged to Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, The Red Hat Society in MN, and the Moose Lodge in Dubuque.

Jan is survived by her siblings: Joyce (Jan’s twin) (Leon Freese) Haudenshield, Marie (Jim) Balk both of Dubuque, IA,  Marty (Cindy) Kane of Ringsted, IA, Mike (Margie) Kane, of Epworth, IA, Linda (Clarence) Hoftender, Galena, IL, and Bill (Mary Kay) Kane, of Zwingle, IA, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Also, her sister-in-law, Phyllis Miller of East Dubuque, IL.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Mary Jo (Jay) Kiernan, Shirley (Glenn) Sieverding and Daniel Kane; her in-law: James Haudenshield

The family wishes to thank staff at MercyOne of Dubuque for their special care.

In lieu of flowers, a Jan Beireis memorial fund will be established.

 

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Stanley K. Ward

Stanley Keith Ward, 74, of Asbury, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at home after a life threatening illness.

Stan was born on May 20, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Howard and Mary (Staskal).

Stan worked at Durant Architectural Firm as a Mechanical Engineer, Dubuque Supply as a Kitchen Designer, and after retiring, Lowes, and Theisen’s.

Stan was an excellent Golfer. He was so passionate about the game that he built a fairway and golf green in his back yard along with two palm trees. He was co-owner of Tri-State Golf Center. He also played softball, volleyball, and raced motorcycles in his younger years.

Stan and Lou Ann enjoyed gardening together and grew a variety of vegetables which they sold at Dubuque Farmers Market for around 10 years.

He was a long-time member of the Church of the Resurrection.

Survivors include his wife, Lou Ann Ward (Cogan) of Asbury; his two children, Carrie Ann Parker (David Craig) of Knoxville, TN, and Stacey (Michael) Beaupre of Galivants Ferry, SC; his three grandchildren, Jocelyn Ward (Steven Tuohey), Malyssa Beaupre, Lexus Beaupre; two great-grandchildren, Carson and Isabella Tuohey; a niece, Angelic Foht; in-laws, Eugene “Geno” Cogan of East Dubuque, IL, Karen Cogan of Des Moines, IA, and Beverly (Jerry) Eklund of Casper, WY.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Joann Foht.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Eagle Point Park (Open Air C Pavilion) in Dubuque, Iowa on Sunday, July 20, 2025,  from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.

Online condolences for Stan’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

 

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Drake Tallman

Drake Tallman, 18, of Maquoketa, passed away at home on July 1, 2025.

Drake was born September 21, 2006, in Maquoketa, to Bret and Sarah (Woodrum) Tallman. He graduated from Maquoketa High School with the Class of 2025. Drake was preparing to enter the United States Navy.

Drake enjoyed gaming and construction. He had a love for the chickens and ducks at his home, and loved his two dogs, Trip and Bernice. Drake had a wonderful relationship with his family, and enjoyed picking on his brothers and sister. He was almost closer than a twin to his sister Rinoa.

Drake is survived by his parents, Bret and Sarah Tallman of Maquoketa; his brothers, Syfer and Stark Tallman of Maquoketa; his sister, Rinoa Tallman of Maquoketa; and his grandparents, Deb Johnson of Monmouth, Iowa, Julie (John) Keeney of Maquoketa, and Jim (Sue) Tallman of Baldwin, Iowa; and honorary grandmothers Kathy Moore, and Donna Kurtenbach.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Clay Johnson and his great grandmother Mary Tallman.

A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation. A private family burial will be held at a later date.  For those that wish to attend services, the family asks that you not dress up for the occasion. Please join us dressed as Drake would normally see you.

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

 

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Ronaele Heil

 

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Gregory J. Lippe

Gregory James Lippe passed away on June 16, 2025, at his farm in Hillsboro, Wisconsin.
Born on April 26, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, Greg was the son of Cletus and Delora Lippe. He was the youngest of four children, preceded in birth by his sisters Margo Lippe Schmitt and Faye Lippe Montonaga, and his brother George Lippe. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margo, and his brother George. His sister Faye resides in Temecula, California.

Greg attended Sacred Heart Parish School and later Wahlert High School. After graduating in 1970, he moved to Mission Viejo, California, to attend college. In July 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Peggy) Ellen Linden. Later that same month, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served most of his two-year term at the Department of Defense Computer Institute in Washington, D.C.

Following his military service, Greg and Peggy returned to the Midwest to attend the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Greg earned a BA in Accounting, passed the CPA exam, and completed his MBA in 1976.

In 1977, Greg began his professional career at Arthur Andersen before transitioning into the healthcare industry, where he held leadership roles in finance and business development and eventually served as CEO of a healthcare start-up.

At the age of 50 after a successful 25-year corporate career, Greg fulfilled a personal promise by making a meaningful career shift to education. He earned a master’s degree in education and spent eight years teaching business courses at Whitefish Bay High School, a suburb of Milwaukee. Beyond his classroom instruction, Greg enjoyed mentoring students through business club activities and mock trial competitions. He officially retired in 2018.

In retirement, Greg and Peggy moved to a 29-acre farm in the Driftless region of southwestern Wisconsin. They took great pride in improving the land and deeply appreciated the friendship of their neighbors. Beyond the farm, Greg and Peggy traveled extensively in Europe, walking historic routes in Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and England.

Greg found joy in life’s simple pleasures—sipping a brandy old-fashioned, watching a Brewers game, or finding the last piece of a puzzle, always surrounded by family.
Greg loved bringing his family together to “make new memories.” One of his fondest was a vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he and Peggy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. When the trip was over, he was quick to create a photo album to preserve the moment.

Above all else, Greg and Peggy centered their lives around their family. They raised seven children: sons Gareth Lippe (Milwaukee), Eliot Lippe, Zachary Lippe, and Taylor Lippe (Brookfield); and daughters Meredith (Lippe) Creegan and Claire Lippe (both of Wauwatosa). Their eldest daughter, Hannah Lippe, resides in McKinleyville, California.

Greg often said he and Peggy raised seven “pretty good” children—and he was immensely proud and supportive of each of them. He cherished his role as “Poppa” to his twelve grandchildren, often roughhousing and joking with the youngest among them. When Poppa was in a room with his grandkids, there was always running and yelling and laughter.

Greg will be remembered for his steadfast love, support, and humor—gifts he shared freely with family, friends, and colleagues. He lived by his father’s quiet example of how to live—and die—with grace. As he often said, with sincerity and hope: “Good things lie ahead.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, Iowa, and will include a visitation from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m., a traditional Mass at 11:00 a.m., and a luncheon to follow. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

The family will also host a celebration of Greg’s life on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.

They invite you to honor Greg’s memory by donating to a charity of your choice, volunteering in your community, or simply spending time with those you love.

 

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Megan E. Pinkham

Megan Emley Pinkham, 45, of Dubuque, Iowa, entered glory on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after a wonder-woman battle with breast cancer.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Celebration of Life service for Megan will be at 10:00 am on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Hope Church with Pastor Travis Roehm and Mr. Jim Gephart officiating. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery, followed by a picnic lunch at Eagle Point Park Riverfront Pavilion. Megan requested that those attending wear one or more of the following of her favorite things: something blue, cute red shoes, a fancy hat (aka a fascinator).

Megan was born April 26, 1980, in Dallas, TX, the daughter of Gary W. and Jane E. (Whitver) Weston. Megan graduated from Brookfield East High School, Brookfield, WI, in 1998. She then furthered her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Engineering (2002) as well as her Executive MBA (2013). She was united in marriage to the love of her life Joel T. Pinkham on August 18, 2018, in Dubuque.

That’s the 411 as we used to say in the ‘90s, but the full details of Megan’s life reveal a woman as tough as she was tender, as intelligent as she was nurturing, as fearless as she was curious. A true “obstinate headstrong girl” (see A&E’s Pride and Prejudice), Megan genuinely loved others well with her time, interest, and affection. She traveled the world for different reasons, with missions, with work, and for pleasure. Megan tackled physical and mental obstacles with grit and grace. She learned new hobbies and sports just to spend time with the people she loved, like training and riding in RAGBRAI with her brother and friends. She loved her friends’ children as if they were her own, taught them skills like skiing and cooking and having fun, and proudly earned her Auntie title at numerous band concerts, birthday parties, and sporting events. She extended her affectionate care to her friends’ parents as well. She loved to laugh and had an ear for a corny joke.

Megan was employed as an engineer at John Deere Dubuque Works for 17 years. While she flourished at Deere, she retired in order to pursue her long-awaited role of mother (spreadsheets helped then too). She adored her little boy, Titus, and cherished every moment she got to spend with him and Joel. They enjoyed traveling, hiking, exploring, family movie night, and laughing together.

All of the moments of Megan’s life, both beautiful and difficult, revolved around her commitment to following Jesus Christ as the Lord of her life. She first accepted Jesus as her Savior in 1985 at the age of 5. She continued to grow in her knowledge and love of Him throughout her life, participating in church youth groups (high school) and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (college). After moving to Dubuque in 2002, she was active in her local churches, first at Galena Bible Church and for the last 10 years at Bridge Christian Church. She served in various capacities from worship team to youth leader to deaconess. Wherever and however she participated, she endeavored to live in the love of Jesus authentically, asking real questions, studying Scripture for true answers, and leading others to a deeper relationship with the Good Shepherd. Above and beyond everything else, she desired to please God, and she increasingly looked forward to spending eternity in Heaven with Him.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Joel and their son, Titus, of Dubuque; her mother, Jane Weston, of Dubuque; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Sarah Weston; nephew, Mason Weston; her paternal grandmother, PJ Weston and paternal aunt, Shirley Weston, all of Fort Myers, FL; her maternal uncles, Tim Whitver and Dan Whitver; her parents-in-law, Tim and Peggy Pinkham, of Washington, IN; and sister-in-law, Rebekah Pinkham, of Indianapolis, IN; her “first babies” Caleb, Audrey, Peter, and Jasmine Wagner, Galena, IL.

Megan was preceded in death by her father, Gary; her maternal grandparents and her paternal grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the family to purchase memorial benches, to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and to the Avery Foundation.

The family would like to extend a deeply heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Hermann, Oncology nurse, Bobye Manning, and the entire Grand River Medical Group Oncology Team. Through all the years of treatment, she was so grateful for the care she received both in Dubuque and in Rochester, MN.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Megan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Additional stories and memories for the family to treasure can be posted on the living memorial page https://murial.life/meganpinkham.

 

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Sr. Veronica Higgins, BVM

Sister Veronica “Ronnie” Higgins, BVM, (Rosine), 79, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Veronica was an elementary teacher in Des Moines, Iowa; Iowa City, Iowa; East Moline, Ill.; and Chicago, where she also served as a secondary teacher. She worked in the public relations office and the learning center at Mundelein College in Chicago. She ministered as a hospital chaplain in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Springfield, Ill; Belleville, Ill.; and St. Louis.

She was born Nov. 21, 1945, in Chicago, to Joseph and Roseanne (Keenan) Higgins. She entered the BVM congregation July 31, 1963, from St. Bartholomew Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on Feb. 2, 1966, and final vows on Jan. 6, 1974.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Bernadette (Edward) Nolan, Pat Higgins, Tom Higgins and Dan Higgins. She is survived by nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 61years.

Miller Funeral Home 1185 Hwy 35 N, East Dubuque, Ill. 61025 is in charge of arrangements.

 

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Charlene Muntz

Charlene Muntz, 75, of Dubuque, IA passed away June 24, 2025, at Banner Baywood Hospital, Mesa, AZ.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00p.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Visitation will continue from 10:00-10:45a.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the funeral home, with memorial services immediately following at 11:00a.m.

Charlene “Char” was born on September 18, 1949, to Charles and Gloria (Hantelman) Skemp in Dubuque, Iowa. She married James Forrest Muntz on May 24, 1969, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Char attended Dubuque Senior High School, where she graduated in 1967. She then attended The University of Dubuque, where she graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching certificate.

Char worked as a teacher for two years at Table Mound Elementary School in Key West, IA and was a substitute teacher for many years in the Dubuque Community School District. Char started her career as a legal secretary at Joseph Bitter, Attorney at Law, then moved to Reynolds and Kenline Law Firm. Char ended her career at Clemens, Walters, Conlon, Runde & Hiatt, LLP.

Char loved arts and crafts and was well known for her homemade cards, she also loved to decorate, especially for holidays. Char had a love for well-worn antiques, shopping, and the art deco style. Char was a card shark who loved euchre, hand & foot, and bridge. She was very competitive (especially in euchre). Char was very active, she loved playing golf, racket ball, and walking. Char and Jim had a love for travel, including taking all-inclusive resort trips, cruises, and an “occasional” trip to Las Vegas. Char cherished time with her many friends and family, but especially with her grandchildren Jake, Savannah and Penelope. After retirement Jim and Char became snowbirds and had a second home in Mesa, AZ, where they enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and going to potlucks with their friends. Jim and Char also loved off roading in their yellow Jeep Wrangler.

Char is survived by her husband, Jim; two daughters, Jenni Anderson (Donald Anderson), of Pingree Grove, IL and Amy Paulsen-Beer (Mark Beer), of Marion, IA; two grandchildren, Jacob Paulsen, of Cedar Rapids, IA and Savannah Beer, of Marion, IA; one great grandchild, Penelope Paulsen, of Cedar Rapids, IA; two sisters, Linda Heyer, of Dubuque, IA and Sharon Parker, of Dubuque, IA; brother, Charlie “Chuck” Skemp (Juli Skemp), of Dubuque, IA; sister-in-law, Andrea Muntz, of Dubuque, IA; four nephews, Brett Heyer, Jared Skemp, Charlie Skemp and Greg Muntz; four nieces, Jodi Schuster, Sarah Cosley, Sophia Skemp and Rachel Muntz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Gloria Skemp, her in-laws, Lowell “Bud” and Betty Muntz and brother-in-law Gary Muntz.

Special Thank you to all friends and family for your love and support.

The family welcomes flowers as a meaningful way to express sympathy. Those wishing to send flowers can have them delivered to Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home at 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, IA, 52002 for the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor or memory of Char Muntz to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.

 

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Louis McDermott

Louis McDermott, 103, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Louis will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian burial for Louis will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Phillip Agyei presiding.

Louis was born October 27, 1921 in Placid, Iowa, son of William and Julia (Faley) McDermott.  He received his education in the rural country school in Placid and graduated from Epworth High School.  On August 28, 1945 he was united in marriage to Mabel Bradley at St. Patrick’s Church in Epworth, Iowa.  She preceded him in death in January 2011.

He helped his father on the farm during World War II.  He was quite an energetic entrepreneur, at age 16 he started buying farm equipment and doing custom work for other farmers, at 17 he bought a thrashing machine from an area farmer and started doing custom thrashing for all the neighbors around Pleasant Grove.  A year later he took over a creamery route from his father-in-law.  He then sold out and went into a used car business with his brother, Clare in Dubuque.  They were both licensed pilots for some time.  In 1949 Louis purchased the Ford dealership in Dyersville and operated it for 31 years.  He was a big boost for the Dyersville community and he was proud to call Dyersville home.

He was an avid and accomplished golfer.  He golfed until he was 100 and was proud of his hole in one.  He enjoyed cooking and was known for his skills in the kitchen.  He loved to play Euchre and to gamble a bit playing Poker.  He enjoyed traveling, to Lake Havasu City and camping in Colorado with his family in the big blue bus/camper.  He liked to stay busy in the garage working on mowers or just tinkering.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Dyersville, Iowa, a member of the Dyersville Knights of Columbus-Council #1734, and a member of the Dyersville Country Club.

He is survived by his four children, Marie Schuster of Dyersville, Kym (Greg) Hauser of Cedar Rapids, Todd (MaryJo) McDermott of Dubuque, and Tanya (Gene) Schlichte of Dyersville; a daughter-in-law, Sharon McDermott of Marion; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Madonna Bradley of Sebring, FL.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Cherry Beth McDermott on Dec. 10, 1949; two sons, Lanz McDermott on May 31, 2010 and Dean McDermott on April 10, 2024; a son-in-law, Mark Schuster; a grandson, Jeffery McDermott; his siblings, Melvin (Loretta) McDermott, Marie (Gene) Carmody, Callista (John) Secker, Hazel (Jim) Woods, Clare (Bertha) McDermott, Bernice (Clifford) Knippel, and Luanus (Dr. Roger) Ott Sr.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Truman and Rose (Kroeger) Bradley; and three brothers-in-law, Donald Bradley, Kenneth Bradley and Dale Bradley.

 

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Constance Jo Johnson

Constance Jo “Connie” Johnson, 76, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, June 30, 2025, at Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

Born January 7, 1949, in Maquoketa, Connie was the daughter of Harold and Gloria Ann (Budde) McCutcheon. She grew up in Andrew, Iowa, graduated from Preston High School, and earned an associate degree from Clinton Community College. Connie spent 35 years with Caterpillar, retiring as a DBSI Learning Consultant. She also worked as a purchasing manager at S & H Fabricating and PMW.

Connie first married Kenneth L. Snyder, with whom she had two daughters, Kimberly Sue and Diane Lynn. During that time, the family home in rural Spragueville was built—a place she lovingly maintained after marrying Jeffrey “Jeff” Johnson in 1981. Surrounded by gardens and animals, Connie found great joy in rural life.

Following retirement, she adjusted from a busy travel schedule to a life centered on home. Her days began with coffee and the Today Show, caring for animals, and tending her gardens. She was an active member of the Andrew Lions Club, Andrew Saddle Club, Caterpillar Retirees Club, and volunteered at Re-Store. Horseback riding with her daughters remained one of her favorite activities.

Connie’s greatest joy was being a grandma. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought light to her life. She never missed a chance to support, cheer, or love them fully.

Survivors include her husband Jeff; daughters Kimberly (Jon) Elizondo and Diane (fiancé Al Lyons) Miller; stepchildren David (Lynda) Johnson and Lisa (Kim) Johnson; siblings Terese (Jim) Berthel, Karen (John) Gibbs, and Nick (Dee) McCutcheon; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her dog Daisy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers William “Billy,” Mark, and Dwaine.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 P.M., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, with a gathering from 4–6 P.M. in “The Bistro.” Burial at St. John’s Cemetery, Andrew, will follow at a later date.

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

 

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Martin G. Schuster

Martin G. Schuster, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away June 29, 2025, at MercyOne in Dubuque.

A private family burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Martin was born on June 5, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Elizabeth “Betty” (Bakey) Schuster. He attended Dubuque Senior High School, and later received his GED. Martin honorably served in the U.S. Navy, where he was enlisted for 14 years before being medically discharged as a Petty Officer.

He married Kimberly Reinhardt on September 6, 2014, at Breitbach’s in Sherrill, Iowa. Martin worked for Kimbie Enterprises, LLC as a Livestock Hauler until his medical retirement. He enjoyed fishing, playing the lottery, and his canine companions.

Martin is survived by his wife, Kimberly; his mother, Betty; brothers: Mike (Chrystal Miller) Schuster of Omaha, NE, Mark Schuster of Omaha, NE, and Matthew (Lisa) Schuster of LaMotte, IA; his sister, Denise (Kevin Guizar) Schuster of Waukesha, WI; brother-in-law, Randy Reinhardt of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Karen Orcutt and Karla Reinhardt both of Dubuque, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alfred, his sister, Diana Schuster, his mother and father-in-law Ferdinand and Rosemary Reinhardt, brothers-in-law Richard Reinhardt and Ferdinand Reinhardt Jr., and sister-in-law Kathy Schuster.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Janes, along with his staff, MercyOne ER and the 3rd floor staff for their compassion and excellent care.

 

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