Obituaries Archive

Margaret A. Lakin

Margaret A. Lakin, 93, of Dubuque, died at home on October 10, 2024.

Margaret was born December 8, 1930, in Columbus, NE. She married Donald Lakin on September 4, 1949.

She was employed at Geisler Brothers for many years and was active in her church.

Margaret is survived by three daughters, Lora, Karen and Sharon; and three siblings, John, Dorothy, and Ken.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2145 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Visitation will be held 9 am to 10 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on October 11,2024, where services will follow.  Interment will take place at Linwood Cemetery following the service.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.  A live-stream of the service can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Robert W. Brittain

Robert Willis (“Bill”) Brittain, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.  Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  His kindness, patience, and generosity of spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, October 14, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa.  Visitation will precede the service from 9:00-10:30am in the Westminster sanctuary. Burial will follow at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, and the link can be found under Bill’s obituary on that website.

Bill was born on February 15, 1931, in Brevard, North Carolina, the son of Willis and Velma (Deyton) Brittain. He married Joyce Ann Henneman on July 12, 1958, in Rock Island, Illinois. They were blessed with 64 happy and adventurous years of marriage, and Bill set an impossibly high bar for his devotion to and love for Joyce.  When Joyce became ill almost a decade ago, Bill did all he could to help care for Joyce at Bethany Home. He considered the Bethany Home staff members his dear friends and partners. After Joyce preceded him in death on August 9, 2022, Bill missed Joyce terribly, but he continued to embrace life and enjoyed building new friendships at Bethany.

Bill graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in agricultural engineering and then earned his M.S. in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University.  Bill served his country through the Army ROTC during his time at NC State, with the Army’s Signal Corp in West Germany from 1954-1956, and in the Army Reserve after his return from Germany. Bill was employed as an engineer at John Deere for 35 years, retiring in 1992.  Following his retirement from John Deere, Bill taught for several years at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Bill was also a licensed private, instrument, and commercial pilot, and he was an active member and former president of the Key City Fliers club in Dubuque.  He flew his family, friends, and colleagues on many adventures until he retired from flying at age 75.  Flying brought Bill much joy, and he frequently shared flying stories as well as his pleasure that Key City Fliers is still an active organization with his family and friends.

Bill was also an active member of the community.  He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder. He also served on the Board of Directors at Mount Pleasant Home, and he was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Bill is survived by his children, Carolyn (Mark) Brodie, of Indianola, Iowa, Jean (Scott Reeder) Brittain, of Middleton, WI; his grandchildren, John “Jack” Reeder, and Ellen Brodie; his sisters, Ann McCormick, of Lillington, North Carolina, and Betsy Mann, of Blairgowrie, Scotland; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Shirley Myers, William Myers, Richard Henneman, Alice Henneman, John Henneman, Patricia Henneman, John Mann, and Edward McCormick; and his niece Suzann Sheley.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Home Retirement Center or Westminster Presbyterian Church, both in Dubuque.

Bill had a gentle and kind soul.  He was honest, patient, and generous.  He was an absolute gentleman in every way, and he always had a smile on his face.  He was always happy to help and support the people around him or to simply just listen.  Spending time with him was easy and uncomplicated.  He was the foundation and rock of our family, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jane F. Brandel

Jane F. Brandel, 87, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:30 pm Monday, October 14, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jane will be 10:30 am Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Jane was born December 21, 1936, in Grant County, WI, the daughter of Oliver Peter and Amelia Catherine (Weber) Neis. On May 6, 1958, she married John “Jack” Raymond Brandel in Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, WI.

Jane graduated in 1955 from Cuba City, Wisconsin High School.

She worked at Gordon’s Toggery, Armstrong’s Department Store, and Hartig Drug Store.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.  She loved flowers, gardening, birds, fishing, and cooking for her family. She was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears and Cubs. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, John “Jack” Raymond Brandel; seven children, Kimberly “Kim” (Charles) Fredrick of Dubuque, Mark (Tina) Brandel of Marquette, MI, Daniel (Lisa) Brandel of Cannon Falls, MN, Michael (Michelle) Brandel of Dubuque, Dale (Linda) Brandel of Sherrill, Kristy (Bruce) Spoerre of Kansasville, WI, Shane Brandel of Dubuque; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Peter Neis of Dickeyville, WI, and James (Sharon) Neis of Kieler, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, Leonard and Catherine Brandel, and one brother, David Neis, two brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center and Mercy Hospital staff.

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

Lori Schulz

Lori (Schissel) Schulz, 56, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 10, 2024, after a brave struggle with COPD.

A Private Family Celebration will be held at a future date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Lori was born on February 20, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Vern and Sharleen (Smith) Schissel. She attended school at St. Patrick’s (1-6), Washington Junior High (7-9), and Dubuque Senior High School (10-12). She was a loving, caring person.

Lori will be sadly missed by her husband Mick, mother Sharleen, sister Pam (Rich) Lenz, brothers Jay (Eileen) Schissel, John Schissel and Tom Schissel, brother-in-law Jeff Swift, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lori is reunited with her dad Vern, sisters Peggy Swift and Dellane Tressel, brother Frank Schissel, and sister-in-law Penny Schissel.

The family would like to thank the hospice care members who took such loving care of Lori.

Ruth A. Gartner

Ruth Ann Gartner of Banner, Kentucky passed away at the age of 79 on September 18, 2024, at the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Ruth was born on December 11, 1944 to Clarence and Mary Manderscheid in Maquoketa, Iowa. Ruth married her husband James J. Gartner on September 16, 1967, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ruth is survived by her husband, James J. Gartner of Banner, KY; sister, Lois Coakley (Tom Coakley, dec.) of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Carma Homjak (Ted Homjak, dec. Wayne Kress, dec, Wayne Pollock, dec.) of Dubuque, IA.; brother, Karl (Ginny) Manderscheid, of Apollo Beach, FL. and caregiver, Kayla Doernte of Sitka, KY.Her in-laws Terry & Doris Gartner of Dubuque, IA; DeLaine Gartner (widow of Joe Gartner, dec.) of Conway, AR; Bill and Birgit Gartner of Carlisle, IA; Mike & Donna Dendy of San Antonio, TX; Diane and Bob Mueller of Dubuque, IA; Steve and Carmen Gartner of Clarksville, TN; and Greg and Carol Gartner of Dubuque, IA.

Preceded in death by her daughter Gwen Gartner, her father and mother Clarence and Mary Manderscheid, brother Loren Manderscheid, and her father and mother-in-law, Arnold and Marian Gartner.

Visitation will be in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024, in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel with Jody Thompson officiating. Visitation before the funeral begins at 10:00 A.M.

Paul C. Jarding

Paul C. Jarding, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on October 8, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Paul’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Road in Dubuque, with Rev. Phil Gibbs officiating.  Burial with full military honors accorded by the Farley American Legion Post #0656 will be held at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, IA, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paul’s family.

Paul was born on November 11, 1947, in Farley, IA, a son to Marvin and Helen (Burger) Jarding, Sr.  He was blessed to spend the majority of his life on the farm and always treasured the lessons and memories that came along with it.  He did eventually spend a few years running his own short haul trucking company and invested his final working years before moving into retirement in the assembly department at Wal-Mart.  Paul was united in marriage to his first wife, Mary Ritt, in 1967.  They were blessed with 27 years together and four children before Mary was sadly called home ahead of Paul in 1994.  Thankfully, Paul discovered love again and in 2002 he was joined in marriage to Debra Murphy.  His love for his family, and now extended family grew with each passing day and Paul would consider himself blessed even through the hardships and trials life had to offer.

Paul made sure to prioritize his time throughout his life and when the work was finished for the day, time would remain for family and friends whenever possible.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Farley American Legion Post #0656.  He also made yearly pilgrimages with his friends to the Toma Tractor Pulls and made sure that the joys of his youth were never allowed to truly disappear.  Paul also enjoyed spending time keeping his lawn looking perfect and throw in an evening of Euchre around the table coupled with some hamburgers and chocolate and Paul would consider this to be a perfect day indeed.  He understood fully what the most valuable treasures in life were and not one of them reflected the likeness of a dollar bill.  Family, time, memories, friends, and genuine love and respect; these were what real wealth looked like to Paul and gratefully in the end he was the wealthiest man alive.

It’s been a long and courageous journey for Paul over these last years as he faced each health battle head on.  With the love and support around him continually, he embraced each day as both a challenge and a triumph to be won.  We will never forget the example and legacy Paul has left behind for us to follow and we are forever thankful for each day the Lord was gracious enough to share him with us.  Thank you, Paul, for leading by example, entering each room with humility, and for never allowing life to get the best of you even when it tried its very best to defeat you.  We will love and miss you dearly and wait patiently now to see your joyful smile once again as the Lord holds you securely in His grace filled arms until we arrive.

Those left to cherish the memory of Paul include,

his loving wife of 22 years,
Debra Jarding, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Brian (friend Carrie) Jarding, McKinney, TX,
Laura (Brian) Kennedy, Epworth, IA,
Andy Jarding, Farley, IA,
and Jeremy Pust, Milwaukee, WI;

his adored grandchildren,
Austin (Andrea) Allen, Avery (Jess) Jarding, Anna (Eric) Xayarinh, Aleister Jarding, Adrian Jarding, Jacob Jarding, Sarah Jarding, Nolan (friend Aly) Kennedy, Becca (Devon) Driscoll, Caitlin (Nate) Funke, Brianna (fiancé Joe) Kennedy, Evelyn Jarding, Zachary Pust, and Sophia Pust;

his great-grandchildren,
Zachary Allan, Elliana Allen, Jonah Derks, and Hadden Driscoll;

his brother,
Marvin (Joan) Jarding, Jr., Farley, IA;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,
Joyce Jarding, Farley, IA,
Kate (Jon) Berkley, Dubuque, IA,
Jim Murphy, Farley, IA,
and Dan (Chris) Murphy, Farley, IA;

his mother-in-law,
Alvina Murphy, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Ritt; his brother, Loras Jarding; his son, Darin Jarding; his step-son, Zachary Pust; his father-in-law, Virgil Murphy; and his mother and father-in-law, Ed (Eleanor) Ritt.

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

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

Dorothy A. Roling

Dorothy A. Roling, 80, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at her home.   

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa. Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish Center prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Haugen will officiate.

Dorothy was born September 3, 1944, daughter of Cletus and Elizabeth (Heiring) Nachtman. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque. She married Leo C. Roling on May 30, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville, Iowa.

Dorothy loved her family and serving others. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, reading, and cooking. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Griffin for 10 years. She also worked as a hospice volunteer for several years. After her children were grown, she held a daycare for over 20 years and loved spending time with the kids. She was very active in the St. Patrick Parish as a contact for the prayer chain and a faithful servant of God. 

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Leo; children: Judith (Ross) Cummings of Central City, Charles Roling of Oceanside, CA, Thomas (Cindy) Roling of Dyersville, Kristie (Jenny) Henry-Roling of West Melbourne, FL, Stephanie (Brett Blowers) Burkett of Prairie City, IA; grandchildren: Nicole (Josh Kelly) Roling, Matt (Shauna Kerr), Michael, Sarah, Steven, Andrew Roling, Allison, Evelyn, Madeline, Carolyn, Caedmon Burkett; great granddaughter, Harper June Roling; siblings: Frank Nachtman, Rita Nachtman, Julie (Bob) Wessel, Betty (Gene) Kruse; in-laws: Elaine Wulfekuhle, Alan (Jean) Roling, and Charlotte Nachtman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law: Lawrence and Aurelia, children: Stephen and Roberta Jo, siblings: Mary (Bob) Murray, John Nachtman; in-laws: Lester Wulfekuhle, and Jeanne (Dennis) Rolfes.

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

James J. Tigges

James Joseph Tigges, a.k.a. Ernie, aged 76, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday October 11, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Memorial Service starting at 6:00 p.m.

Born on April 2, 1948, Jim was the beloved son of Gerald and Stella Tigges, husband of Julie Tigges, father to Adam Tigges (Michele) and Luke Tigges (Brooke), and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Jim received a computer programming degree at Scott Community College and pursued a career in payroll management. In his retirement, he was also part of the team at Turpin Dodge in Dubuque, where he worked part-time, always bringing a little extra Iowa Hawkeye spirit to the workplace. An avid softball coach, Jim would rally the team with everyone’s favorite, “A little fire, little chatter, little rat-a-tat-tat!”

Jim married Julianne Loney on December 15, 1973, celebrating 50 happy years together. Their love and commitment to each other were a constant source of joy and inspiration to their family.

Most importantly, Jim’s greatest passion was teaching Sunday school. His trademark question, “Who loves you?” was asked to many kids over the years, and even now, as adults, they still answer with the same response: “Jesus!” It was a simple yet powerful reminder of Christ’s enduring love that Jim enjoyed sharing with every generation.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie; his sons, Adam (Michele) and Luke (Brooke); his sisters, Betty McGovern and Linda Medley; his brothers-in-law, Dave Loney (Lori), Dan Loney (Cindy), Rod Loney (Cathy), John Loney (Nair), and sisters-in-law, Chris Schmidt (Cai) and Mary Loney-Bichell (Ken); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Gabriella, Abigail, Allison, Olivia, Ruth, Josie, Derik, Emma, Trever, Lilyan, Eva, Drake, Kyllian, and an unnamed great-grandson; his dear friend, Bill White; and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the memories of those who knew him best.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Tigges; his mother, Stella Tigges; his father-in-law, Earl Loney; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Loney; his brother, Mike Tigges; his brother-in-law, Terry McGovern; his nephew, Todd McGovern; and a great-granddaughter.

A separate celebration of life ceremony will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM at 14877 Hwy 20 West, East Dubuque, IL, behind Tri-State Pool & Spa.

In lieu of flowers, a Jim Tigges memorial fund has been established.

Psalm 86:5

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (KJV)

Joseph L. Monner

Sharon M. Mueller

Sharon Marie Mueller, 83 Years, of Dubuque, passed on into Heaven on, Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at home.

Private family services will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

One of two children, Sharon was born February 20, 1941, in Springfield, IL. She was the daughter of Roy and Nadine (Elbow) Hayes. Sharon graduated from Madison East High School in 1959. She then attended the University of Wisconsin Platteville where she met the love of her life, Robert Mueller, at a local dance. They married on April 28, 1962, in Madison, WI.

Sharon had long been a figure in the Dubuque business landscape, having first demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit. She started out by finding items at estate sales that she could resell to make money for the family. This ultimately led to her owning and operating Sharon’s Furniture for 45 years. She had a heart of gold and compassion in running her business and would often donate items from her store to those most in need in the community.

She also loved buying homes that needed renovation. She had the vision and Robert had the skills to fix and flip many properties over the years and way before it was popular on HGTV. Above all, she treasured time with her family and friends. She loved relaxing and telling stories and made sure everyone knew that Wheel of Fortune, AGT and The Voice were on that night. She was also known as Momma Christmas. She took great delight in finding gifts for everyone she cared about and had the whole family delivering those gifts to their surprise.

Survivors include her husband, Bob; four children, Patti (Brad) Muench of Florida/Arizona, Julie (David) Lott of Dubuque, Kevin (Tracy) Mueller of Dubuque, and Eric (Lynn) Mueller of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Dominique Mitchell, Louie Mitchell, Brooks (Mariah) Mitchell, Taylor (Bradley) Saxe, Emily Lott, Lucky (Mackenzie) Lott, Nadine Mueller, Bock Mueller, and Elin Mueller; four great-grandchildren, A.J., Arayah, Amyah, and Julius; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Patsy (Patrick) Conlon, and one great-grandson, Roman Mitchell.

The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice of Dubuque.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Mary L. Steines

Mary Lou Steines, 70, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Grand Meadows in Asbury.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:00 am Monday, October 14, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Mary was born August 4, 1954, in Dubuque, the daughter of Herman M. and Agnes E. (Engling) Steines.

Mary attended Wahlert High School, class of 1972.

Mary was part owner/operator at Harold’s Radio and TV and worked for Cozy Corner Adult Day Services in Dubuque.

Mary was an active member of 4-H, showcasing her talents as a skilled seamstress. She lovingly crafted Christmas pajamas and baptismal gowns for her nieces and nephews. A passionate cook and baker, Mary also hosted unforgettable Halloween and Christmas parties that brought joy to her family and friends. In addition to her creative pursuits, she served as the primary caregiver for her parents as they aged, demonstrating her deep commitment to family.

Survivors include five brothers, Leon (Dorothy) Steines of Bernard, and Robert (Donna) Steines, Tom Steines, Joe Steines, and Tim (Lynn) Steines, all of Dubuque; 20 nieces and nephews, to whom she was honored to be the godmother of six; several great-nieces and nephews; one sister-in-law, Lorrie Steines; and her Godfather, Elmer Engling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Richard Steines.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque and a special thanks to Mandy.

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

Thomas J. Emerson

Thomas J. Emerson, 76, of Peosta, IA, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, October 5th, 2024, surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA. A funeral service will follow at 5:30 p.m. with Dianne Grace officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, IA.

Tom was born on October 1, 1948, to Charles Edward and Dorothy Jean (Norman) Emerson in Nashua, IA.  He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Raschke on June 7, 1969, in Des Moines, IA.

Tom graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1966. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he majored in education. He was a teacher in Lancaster, WI, a guidance counselor in Belle Plaine, IA, and a principal at HLV High School in Victor, IA, and at Starmont High School in Strawberry Point, IA.  After 28 years he retired from education and became an agent for Thrivent Financial.

Tom enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends. He most enjoyed his happy place in Clear Lake, IA, and watching sunsets with his beloved wife.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; his children Christina Emerson, Kimberly (Jeff) Fabor, Stacy (Jeremy) Pollock, and David Emerson; his grandchildren Megan (Denny) Mockmore, Alyssa (Bryce) Dreckman, Dylan Fabor, Emily (Samm) Ford, Elizabeth, Lillian and Arielle Pollock, and Thomas and Kaylee Emerson; his great-grandchildren Aiden Ostrum, Cael and Finley Mockmore, Mason Ford, and Tatum Dreckman; his brother Richard (Diana) Emerson; his in-laws Fred (Kate) and James Raschke.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his infant brother David and his father and mother-in-law Fred and Colleen Raschke.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas Emerson Educational Memorial Fund, or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hermann, Bobye and Sara at Grand River Oncology, the staff at Finley Radiology and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Tom through out his cancer journeys.

Rebecca Menster

Rebecca “Becky” (Beyer) Menster, 49, of Dubuque, passed away October 4, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.

A Farewell Toast Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00p.m., with a parish scripture wake service at 6:30p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Becky was born on October 27, 1974, to Paul and Robin (Jaeger) Beyer in Dubuque, Iowa.

She was united in marriage to Paul Menster at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on October 5, 1996.

Becky attended Holy Ghost school thru eighth grade. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High
School in 1993. She attended Ashford University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in
psychology and health care studies.

Becky had a kind spirit and soul. She made it her life’s purpose to help others, this extended into
her work and personal life. Becky started working at Hill’s and Dale’s in High School, after 10
years she transitioned to ARC where she worked 14 years. Becky went back to school to obtain
her degree and started working at Northeast Iowa Area Agency of Aging (NEI3A). When she
finished there, she helped start up the Care Coordination program at Iowa Total Care, where
she retired from. During her time off, she volunteered at Open Closet and Almost Home. She
enjoyed Photography, Antiques, Gardening, a special love for pumpkins, ice cream for dinner
and candy. A lot of Becky’s joy with her family centered around camping, where she would
arrange games and activities for the kids, walk to the bakery late on Friday nights with the girls,
and sing around the campfire. She also loved Christmas Night’s Dance Party USA.

Becky is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Chanah Menster, and Alex (Becca) Menster
and their son, Lennon. She is also survived by her parents, Robin Greve, and Paul (Shelly)
Beyer; siblings, Victoria (Silas) Cline and their children Ryker, Odyn, Bernard, and Violet, Luke
(Dana) Knapp and their children Lily and Logan, Keith (Mary Ann) Knapp and their children
Carley and Jack,. Also surviving are her mother and father in-law, Richard (Barb) Menster;
siblings in-law, Carol (Keith) Gibbs, Judy (Tom) Greene, Janet (Karey) Davis, Linda (Rick)
Valentine, and Wayne (Karen) Menster; Close Family Friends, Jake and Sara Brown, their
children Abby, Colby, Ben and Aaron; and her godmother, Pat Wiezorek.

Becky was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger, Mr. Hamm, and Mr.
and Mrs. Beyer; bonus father, Ronald (Ron Ron) Greve, sister in-law, Annette Kertels; and her
godfather, David Beyer.

Becky’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and the Drs.,
nurses, and staff at the Cancer Institute of Finley Hospital; especially Dr. Mark Hermann, Tony
Heiar, Dr. Brad Willenberg, and Gena.

Memorials may be given to Almost Home, Open Closet, or the Dubuque Rescue Mission.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley Ann Strub-Baker

Shirley Ann Strub-Baker, 95, of Dubuque, died Monday, October 7, 2024, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley will be at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Father Martin Obeng as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Shirley was born April 30, 1929, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of William and Evelyn (Sassen) Oster. She was united in marriage to Robert LeRoy Strub on April 30, 1955. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1998. She later was united in marriage to James “Jim” Baker on April 8, 2011. He preceded her in death on June 15, 2020.

Shirley was employed at Sears for 14 years prior to being the manager for Woodland Apartments.

Shirley was very generous and giving of her time and was a very active member of the Dubuque Community including being a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West; a member of Beta Sigma Phi; member and Past President for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6 in Dubuque; she was a Dubuque Hospice volunteer; Bethany V.S.O; National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium volunteer; Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden volunteer; Charter Member of the Key West Sportsman Club; Friendship Force International Ambassador; was a Democratic Party delegate; and was a Dubuque County Fair volunteer.

Shirley was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. She loved dining out with family and friends, never passing up an opportunity to have her favorite food, shrimp. Shirley also loved to travel all over the world. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her five children, Lueann (Alvin Cox) Bregman of Cozumel, Mexico; Terry (Debee) Strub of LaMotte, IA; Vicki (Francis) Weber of Dubuque; Peter (Denise) Strub of Travelers Rest, SC; and Janet (Stephen) Shepherd of Cave Creek, AZ; ten grandchildren, Chuck Bregman, Bonnie (Charles “Chaz” Shaw) Margheim, Cody (Staci) Strub, Chris (Pam) Strub, Amy (Tim Dague) Kirman, Keith (Crista) Weber, Eric (Laura) Weber, Sean Strub, Nathan (Ethan Hupp) White, and Emily (Dr. Samir) Patel; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and both husbands, Shirley was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dr. C.H. “Breg” Bregman; grandchild-in-law, Dottie Bregman; three siblings, Virginia Dempsey, William Oster, and Robert Oster.

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

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

Donald B. Romer

Donald Burton Romer, 96, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa.

Donald Burton Romer was born on May 16, 1928 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Bert Adolph and Gladys Christine (Orr) Romer.  He attended #7 Country School for eight years and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1946.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country from 1951 to 1952, earning an honorable discharge.  He married Marta Ellen Nicks on July 31, 1971 in Viola, Wisconsin.

Upon returning home from serving his country, Burton farmed with his dad on the Heritage Farm north of Maquoketa.

Burton was a member of the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa where he had served in various capacities throughout the years.  He also served on the R.E.C. board for 24 years, and as a Township Clerk and Trustee for 30 years. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the Maquoketa VFW Post #3633 O’Connor-Regenwether and the Maquoketa American Legion Post #75, as well as a longtime member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, and the Jackson County Historical Society. An avid sports fan, Burton’s enthusiasm for the Chicago Bears was matched only by his support for his grandchildren’s various events. He took great joy in cheering them on, celebrating their achievements, and providing a loving and supportive presence in their lives.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Marta Romer of Maquoketa, IA; son, Todd (Ranae) Romer of Britt, IA; 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Delos Romer, sister Mona Kay James, and a daughter Christle Yates.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the church.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.

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