Obituaries Archive

Al Heitzman

Al Heitzman, 97, of Dubuque, passed away September 2, 2024 at home.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00a.m., Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. Inurnment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 6 of Dubuque.

Al was born on July 23, 1927, to Adolph and Mathilda (Kiefer) Heitzman in Dubuque, IA.  Other than his years in the Navy and University of Iowa he was a lifelong Dubuquer.  He would regale stories of playing pranks with his Lowell Street gang growing up.  He treasured fond memories of visiting Sherrills Mound during his youth to visit his grandparents at the Heitzman Homestead or Kiefer’s Place (The Barn).

He graduated from Loras Academy and cherished lifelong friendships with the class of 1945. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the recruitment station in downtown Chicago.  After leaving the Navy, he attended Loras College, and in 1950 graduated from the University of Iowa. When the Korean War began, he served at the 10th Naval District Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  He was Past Commander of American Legion Post 6, a 72 year member and frequent visitor to the “club” to play a game of euchre and enjoyed time with friends.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann (O’Connor) Heitzman on November 4, 1961 at Corpus Christi Church in Fort Dodge, IA. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2018.  Together they raised five children.

Al was employed by the City of Dubuque for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 1992 as Finance Director. He served as President of the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association and was appointed by Governor Branstad to the State of Iowa, Cities Finance Committee.

He was an avid fisherman with the Twelve Mile Slough and Lake Lacoma as two of his favorite spots.  During retirement he and Shirley golfed most weekdays at Fillmore Fairways.  They enjoyed gardening, Caribbean Cruises, bus trips around the United States and winter vacations to Las Cruces, NM.  He also served as Treasurer of the Dubuque Food Pantry.

Al is survived by his children, David Heitzman of Dubuque, IA, James Heitzman of Dubuque, IA, Mary (Paul) Prososki of Spirit Lake, IA, Ann (Tim) Gillispie of Tucson, AZ, and Joseph (Shelly) Heitzman of Urbandale, IA. He is survived by grandchildren Will Shellenberger, Jake and Josh Prososki, Kendall and Jordan Gillispie, and Anna and Emily Heitzman.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Charlie Shellenberger; son-in-law, Timothy Shellenberger; and five siblings: Loretta (Francis) Berens, Richard (Celeste), Harold (Marie & Bernice), Walter (Mary) and Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Dubuque Food Pantry, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Steeple Square, Archdiocese One or Hospice of Dubuque.

Al’s children would like to express their gratitude to his medical professionals and primary caregivers:  Dr. Mark Moore and his nurses, Christine with 24 HR Care and Meghan, Angelia, Ryan, Kim with Hospice of Dubuque staff.

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

Roger W. Earle

Roger W. Earle, age 82, passed away on September 3, 2024, at Stonehill Communities Health Center in Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. To honor Roger’s life, a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Dennis Quint as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque with full military honors rendered by the American Legion Post #6.

Roger was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on May 26, 1942, son of Charles C. and Isabel (Pauly) Earle. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karen (Strohmeyer), on February 19, 1966, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Together they shared 58 years of love and happy memories.

Roger was a member of the first graduating class of Wahlert Catholic High School, graduating in 1960. He enlisted in the USAF and served our country from 1964-1968 achieving the rank of staff-sergeant.
Roger was a model railroader and an avid fan of NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He enjoyed playing various card games, especially euchre. He and Karen spent many a spring, summer and fall at their cottage in Conover, WI, fishing and enjoying all nature had to offer.

Roger was a lifetime Catholic man, a devoted and loving husband to his wife Karen, and a caring and loving father to his two sons Roger II and Timothy. He taught them how to play guitar, fish, play cards, build and “fix” things, be kind to others and respect our Creator. He was employed for 38 years at Barnstead Thermolyne where he was granted three patents.

Surviving are his wife Karen, sons Roger II (Michelle) and Timothy (Kimberly), 7 grandchildren, 2 great grand-children, sister-in-law Lynn (David) Feltes and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles R. (Mary) Earle and James (Mary) Earle, sister Virginia (Fred) Uthe and infant sister Mary Jane Earle.

Roger’s family would like to thank all those who offered their kindness and care: the staff at Stonehill; Jessica, Kevin and Ryan of Hospice of Dubuque; Hospice volunteer Kevin Walsh; Rev. Dennis Quint and Sister Sharon Rezmer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Patrick Catholic Church.

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

Sarah A. Webster

Sarah A. Webster, age 63, of Galena, IL, completed her earthly journey suddenly on September 2, 2024, at home.  To honor Sarah’s life, a private family graveside service will be held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Sarah’s family.

Sarah was born on March 10, 1961, in Mt. Carroll, IL, a daughter to Leo and Charlene (Raab) Todd.  She was a kind and generous soul who loved her boys without end and only her canine companion, Max, and her adoration for butterflies could possibly come in at a close second.  Sarah had recently been working as a hostess at the Galena Brewing Company and made many friends along the way.  Her family and friends endearingly referred to her as “Noisy” as her passionate streak was quite often visible for all to see, but those who knew her well knew that her heart was as gentle and considerate as we could ever hope to possess.  Sarah found great pride in reaching her 30 years in sobriety landmark recently and never looked back with regret.  Her positive force of love and light will surely be missed moving among us through the months and years ahead, but we are forever grateful for the time the Lord was kind enough to share her loving spirit with us.  Thank you, Sarah, for making the world a better place simply with your physical presence throughout each day and may peace be yours now as we wait patiently to see your beautiful smile once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Sarah include,

her two adored sons,
Kaleb (Eena) Webster, U.S. Air Force, England,
and Jareb Webster, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
Susan Bushee, Mt. Carroll, IL,
and Mike Todd, Mt. Carroll, IL;

her sister-in-law,
Debbie Todd, Thompson, IL;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Douglas Todd.

Sarah’s family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Galena Police Department and Galena Fire Department for their professional care and compassionate support during this difficult time.

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

Nicholas A. Wagner

Nicholas A. Wagner, 64, of Dubuque passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 30, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, September 6 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Sherrill. A livestream of the funeral can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Nicholas was born June 3, 1960. The son of Donald ‘Butch’ and Marion (Ulbrich) Wagner. He graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 1978. He married Melody Winans in 2011.

He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing. Many nights were spent in the garage tinkering with various motors and equipment.

He will be missed by his three children, Melissa (Adam O’Brien) Distler of Scales Mound; Emily (Justin) Kaufman of Iowa City and Tyler (Megan) Wagner of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Derrick, Levi and Austin Distler; Kyle, Ashlie, Natalie and Jack Kaufman; and Wyatt Wagner; and a great granddaughter, Aliya Kaufman; his special friend, Tara Davis, a sister, Jane (Leo) Becker of Gilbertville, IA and his niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Melody.

Sr. Jeanine McDermott

Sr. Jeanine (Marion) McDermott, OSF, 96, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 2, 2024 at MercyOne Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

The burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

She was born on October 21, 1927 in Epworth, IA the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Nevins) McDermott.

Sr. Jeanine entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1946 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1952. Sister received her bachelor’s degree in business from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered in Iowa at Xavier Hospital and Alverno Apartments in Dubuque, Le Mars, and Briar Cliff College.

Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mabel (LaVern) Roths, Eleanor McDermott, Honora Schmitt, Vivian (Ernie) Zalaznik, Luella (Donald) Krapfl, and Kathryn McDermott; brothers, Daniel (Elizabeth) McDermott and Ray (Lillian) McDermott, .

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Stephen J. Freese

Stephen J. Freese, 64, of Hazel Green, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on the 28th of August, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Steve succumbed to a hard-fought, two-year battle with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sinsinawa, WI, with Fr. Peter Auer officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery in Sinsinawa, WI. Family and friends may call from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6th at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI; also on Saturday, September 7th from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

In lieu of plants & flowers a Stephen J. Freese Memorial Fund has been established. This fund will go toward the preservation of historic sites throughout the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com

Jayme J. Bries

Jayme J. Bries, 51, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Jayme was born on June 4, 1974, in Dyersville. He is the son of Ken and Lois (Weber) Bries. He met the love of his life, Dawn Bries. They married on June 14, 2008, at St Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.

Jayme grew up in Dyersville, Iowa. He attended Western Dubuque High School and went to UNI for 1 year before returning home to work at the family business, Wholesale Meats and Processing. In 2009, he and Dawn purchased the locker from his parents. Jayme was an avid Hawkeye fan, often comparing the first football game of the season to the feeling of a kid on Christmas morning. His infectious smile and vibrant personality brightened the world of everyone who knew him. He fiercely loved Dawn and the boys and was also an amazing son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jayme is survived by his wife, Dawn; sons: Landon and Cohen; his mom, Lois Bries; siblings: Pamela (Peter) Durin, Kurt Bries; parent-in-laws, Dale and Jody Domeyer; siblings-in-law: Todd (Tina) Domeyer, Shawna Domeyer, Doug Domeyer, Tony (Sami) Domeyer; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Bries and brother, Gerard Bries.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Rita M. Noel

Rita M. Noel, 77, of Dubuque, passed away September 1, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45a.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Church of the Nativity. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00a.m. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Rita was born on October 11, 1946 to Robert and Marguerite (Rosenthal) Ohnesorge in Dubuque, IA.

She was united in marriage to John Noel on July 5, 1969 at the Church of the Nativity. They shared 55 wonderful years together.

Rita was a member of the Dubuque Women’s Club. In her free time she enjoyed crocheting and needle point. She had a true green thumb and loved tending to her wide variety of plants.

Her faith was very important to her. She was a longtime member of the Church of the Nativity where she enjoyed volunteering.

Her grandkids were truly the light of her life. She often shared how proud she was of each of them with her many friends at Stone Hill.

Rita is survived by her husband, John L.; son, Chris (Angie) Noel of Dubuque; grandchildren, Alayna, Cayden, Creighton, and Camden Noel. She is also survived by her siblings, Shirley Williams, Roberta (Jerry) Valentine. Also surviving are in-laws, Sue Ohnesorge, Karen Ohnesorge, Arthur (Shirley) Voss, Betty Fox, Connie (Joseph) Noel, Ron (Nancy) Noel, and Debra (Kelly) Kann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father in-law, Meneve (Josephine) Noel; siblings, Richard Bush, Dennis Ohnesorge, Bruce Ohnesorge, Steve Ohnesorge, Roger Ohnesorge, Anita (Robert) White, Betty Furlong, and Bobby Ohnesorge. She was also preceded in death by a brother in-law, John Fox; and sister in-law, Barbara Noel.

Rita’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Stone Hill and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. Your kindness will never be forgotten. They wish to especially thank Dr. Brian Moran, and special friends, Becky Krapfl and Bernice French and family.

Memorials may be given to the Church of the Nativity.

Mary M. Gamerdinger

Mary Margaret (Wellner) Gamerdinger, 94, of Guttenberg, formerly of Dunkerton, Iowa passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024 at her home surrounded by her children.

Mary was born on March 1, 1930 in Dunkerton, Iowa, the first born daughter of John Joseph Wellner and Margaret Catherine (Meier) Wellner.

As a young girl, Mary helped her parents on the farm. She looked after her two younger sisters, considered herself a tomboy hanging out with her young uncles and neighbor girls. She earned high marks attending the Dunkerton Community School, which her family helped build. All of her children went on to attend the school, and many of grandkids still attend today.

Upon graduation from High School, Mary worked in the offices of the Dunkerton Locker and Rath Packing Company.  After visiting an aunt in Milwaukee, she decided to relocate. Mary started working in the Radiology Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. In 1955, while sunning on Bradford Beach, she met her true love, James H. Gamerdinger. After 5 months, they were united in marriage.  She then became a housewife caring for her children.

After her last child was in school, Mary became an EMT for the Dunkerton Ambulance. She then cared for her mother for the next 15 years.

Later in life, Mary and James moved to Guttenberg, Iowa. Mary loved attending church, Sunday drives, holding babies, fishing, journaling, puzzles, playing cards, traveling, quilting, and knitting dishrags. They enjoyed getting away from the cold and spent their winters in Arizona.

She is survived by two sisters, Helen O’Connor and Dorothy Shannon; in-laws, Jack & Ruth Gamerdinger; her children, Ted (Angie) Gamerdinger, Cristina Johari, Tim (Lori) Gamerdinger, Tony (Kerri) Gamerdinger, Terry (Judy) Gamerdinger, Tom (Sharri) Gamerdinger, Teresa (Rick) Deardoff, Lisa (Larry) Spencer, Julie (Brian) Rottinghaus, Jon (Dawn) Gamerdinger, Susie (Mike) Scott, Jamie (Jen) Gamerdinger. 60 Grandchildren, 39 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son-in-law (Kenneth McMains) and 2 grandchildren: (Joshua Gamerdinger and Calvin Spencer).

Mary was a very devoted, loving mother, wife, and grandmother with a strong Catholic faith.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa from 5-8 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to funeral services. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa, with a luncheon immediately following.

Burial to follow at St. Francis Barclay Church Cemetery in Dunkerton, Iowa for her final resting place.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who did a wonderful job, especially her granddaughter, Erica.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg, Iowa, The Resource Center in Guttenberg, Iowa, St. Francis Barclay Church in Dunkerton, Iowa, The Alzheimer Association, or your favorite charity.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Alfred H. Mescher

Alfred H. “Fritz” Mescher, 96, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 at Stonehill Care Facility in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.

Fritz was born on July 2, 1928, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Henry and Matilda (Koopman) Mescher.  He married Jeanette Sellner on April 20, 1955, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville, Iowa.

Fritz was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed all the outdoors. He loved traveling, especially to visit family. He enjoyed dancing with Jeanette, woodworking, gardening. He loved all children and they loved him. He built beautiful, unique barnwood birdhouses, many of which were donated to the Beckman Gala. He took great pride in his work at BARD for 47 years, formerly Dyersville Sand and Gravel. He loved playing Euchre with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Jeanette; children: Shirley (Brad) Brown, Karen Craig, Ann (Tom Sievers) Mescher, Barb Penney; grandchildren: Logan Lyster, Alec (Jenna) Lyster, Taryn Penney; step-grandchildren: Angela (Michael) Aitchison, Russell Brown, Spencer Craig; great-granddaughter, Aspen Lyster; step-greatgrandson, Jace Aitchison; brother, Dick (Jean) Mescher; in-laws: Ed Sellner, LuAnn Mescher, and Donna (Joe) Fischer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Marie (Barney) Kramer, Viola Mescher, Rosemary (Lavern) Nelson, Alice (Sylvester) Althoff, Armella (Bud) Phillips, Harry (Marge), Bill (Germaine), Clarence (Alvie), Gilbert (Bernice), Louis (Kay), David (Janet), Bob (LuAnn); in-laws: Lillian (Lawrence) Diesburg, Doris (Ike) Wuchter, Lorraine Sellner, Louise Sellner, Joe, Lester (Ruth Ann), Bob Sellner; and a son-in-law, Mark Craig.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Mercy Hospital and Stonehill Care Facility in Dubuque for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Carl L. Muhlhausen

Carl Ludwig Muhlhausen, Jr, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Maquoketa Care Center.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the visitation and burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Born on January 13, 1933, Carl was the oldest son of Carl and Lisette (Wenzel) Muhlhausen. He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1950. Carl married Alice JoAnn Sugden on March 22, 1952, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Carl was a car enthusiast and owned and operated the popular Maquoketa hub, Carl’s DX station. In his later years, he continued to work delivering cars for local dealerships.

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Carla Behrend of DeWitt, IA, Christy (Paul) Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA, Cathy (Harold) Huebbe of Maquoketa, IA, Cheryl Fuller of Dubuque, IA, Carl “Al” (Nancy) Muhlhausen of Maquoketa, IA, Cindy (Steve) Starr of Maquoketa, IA, Clarissa Ferguson of Dubuque, IA, and Craig Muhlhausen of Maquoketa, IA; 20 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; and a brother, John (Carol) Muhlhausen. He was preceded into death by his parents, wife JoAnn, sister Phyllis Carmichael, and a son-in-law Lou Behrend.

Carl will be best remembered by those who love him for his genuine interest in all topics, especially gas mileage and prices, breaking out in a song or humming, a good meal and the twinkle in his eyes when he grinned.  He was an avid Hawkeyes fan, and enjoyed old country music, taking day trips that turned into overnight stays with JoAnn, playing Euchre and KMAQ Bingo, as well as listening to the sermons from First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Most importantly, spending time with his family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or the Maquoketa Rescue Squad.

“The family would like to especially thank Maquoketa Care Center and Hospice of Jackson County for their compassionate care.”

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

Marilyn F. Sterk

Marilyn F. Sterk, 89, of Sugar Creek, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at home.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. No public visitation or services are planned at this time.

Marilyn Faye Fuller was born on April 6, 1935 in Jackson County, Iowa, to George and Lenore Winnifred (Bullock) Fuller.  She was educated at the Emeline Country School.  She married Thomas Sterk on April 4, 1964 in Sugar Creek, Iowa.  They later divorced but remained friends.

Marilyn had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, and then raised a family and farmed with her husband in the Sugar Creek area.  Lastly, she worked in the shipping and receiving department at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa for over 15 years.

Marilyn was of the Catholic faith and had attended church at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Sugar Creek, and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  She enjoyed crocheting, embraced technology playing games on her computer and social media, traveling with family, and playing cards.  She was a very giving and generous person and had donated many crocheted items to family, friends and charities.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Kevin (Debra) Sterk of Naples, FL, and Paul (Megan Burke) Sterk of Charlotte, IA; 4 grandchildren, Heath (Amanda) Sterk, Nathan (Stephanie) Sterk, Keaton (Andrea) Sterk, and Keirre Sterk; 6 great-grandchildren, Eden, Rilah, Landon, Ridley, Klay, and Saylor; sister-in-law, Grace Sterk of Charlotte, IA; several nieces and nephews; AND her special dog Hank.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Bryce (Jacqueline) Fuller.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Daniel J. Althoff

Daniel J. “Griz” Althoff, 74, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, at his home.

Visitation will be held from 3pm to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday prior to the service.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home with burial in the St. Francis Cemetery.  Rev. Gabriel Mensah will officiate.

Dan was born June 1, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Sylvester and Alice (Mescher) Althoff. He grew up in Millville, Iowa with 11 siblings. He was the third oldest. He graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1968. He remained on the farm and enjoyed being outside. He later went onto be a laborer of many different jobs, including at the sale barns, factories and milking cows. He enjoyed building and repairing fences for many area farmers. He could be found at a sale wearing a bright colored hat and chatting with anyone and everyone. He retired from work at Modernfold in 2023. After retiring, he enjoyed walking at the park and Dyersville Rec Center. He liked to volunteer at the Dyersville Food Pantry. On Saturdays, he would visit his daughter, LuCinda, and grandchildren, Alphonse and Gerri; they would play and read books.

Survivors include his children: LuCinda (Hans) Gaul of Peosta, step-children: Nick (Tiffany) Kirby of Colesburg and Dan (Victoria) of Albernett; grandchildren: Alphonse and Gerri, step-grandchildren: Cameron Kirby, Chase (Bailee) Kirby, and Conner Kirby, all of Colesburg; step-great grandchild, Isaac Kirby of Colesburg; siblings: Paul (Barb Ruedy) Althoff of Edina, MN, Ruth Eivins of Macksburg, IA, Jean Voss of Guttenberg, David (Barb) Althoff of Edgewood, Mark (Christine) Althoff of Manassas, VA, Mary (Patrick) Hogan of Monticello, Marvin (Robin) Althoff of Colesburg, Theresa (Dennis) Schmidt of Dyersville, Joseph (Joyce) Althoff of Guttenberg and William (Judi) Althoff of Edgewood; a sister-in-law, Thayis Althoff of Luxemburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Althoff, 2 brothers-in-law, Marlin Eivins and Keith Voss, and a niece, Jennifer Voss.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Janet L. Rang

Janet L. Rang, 88, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 29, 2024, at her home.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Janet was born February 4, 1936, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Francis Anthony and Leona Marie Casey Tallman. On January 22, 1955, she married Francis “Bill” Rang at Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. He passed away on April 19, 2022.

Janet dedicated her life to homemaking, with her family always at the center of her world. She took great joy in raising her children and babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Beyond her family responsibilities, Janet worked part-time in various roles

She was a devoted member of the Church of the Nativity, known for her steadfast faith and dedication to prayer. In her younger years, she found joy in needlepoint, and throughout her life, she was an avid reader.

Survivors include two sons, James (Michele) Rang and John Rang, both of Dubuque; two daughters, Judy (Ed) Arensdorf and Jalaine Steger, both of Dubuque; ten grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Hilbun, Jeana (Jerod) Driscoll, Jim (Jenny) Rang, Andrew (Christie) Rang, Melissa (Tim) Feldmann, Aaron (Erin) Rang, Adam Rang, Steve (Krystal Harmening) Steger, Holly Steger, and Allison (Brian Kirk) Steger; 20 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Leo Tallman and Frances “Buddy” Tallman.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Jesse James Rang and Jennifer Lee Steger, her parents, and one sister, Jeanne Foreman.

A heartfelt thank you to Lisa Victor, Janet’s niece, for her loving care and attention to Janet.

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

Brian P. Becker

Brian P. Becker, 68, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on August 27, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.

According to his wishes, private family services will be held. Burial will be at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Brian was born on February 13, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Walter P. and Joyce L. (Schurman) Becker. He worked as a mason for the family business for as long as he could hold a trowel. Brian had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. He loved his dogs, Diesel and Chloe, with his whole heart.

Brian is survived by two step-daughters Angie (Jim) Verbeke of Durango and Kelly (Brian Houston) Ogelsby, four step-sons Randy Dix of Denver, CO, Cale (Tiffeny) Bruggeman, Steve Bruggeman, and Christopher Kruse, all of Dubuque, six step-grandchildren, siblings Jeffrey W. (Janice) Becker of Edmond, OK, Bradley C. Becker of Dubuque, Kristin Lineen of Cheyenne, WY, Kimberly (Gregory) Yoko of Dubuque, and Jennifer F. (Mark) Wagstaff of NC; sister-in-law Geralyn Becker of Dubuque; three nephews Brandon (Kresha) Becker, Zebadiah (Samantha) Yoko, and Benjamin (Becca) Yoko; one niece Erienne Becker; one great-niece Norah Becker, and one great-nephew Peter Yoko.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sandra Dix in 2003, his parents, and four brothers Mark, Mike, Sam, and Todd Becker.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff at the University of Iowa and MercyOne Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, a Brian Becker Memorial Fund has been established.