Obituaries Archive

Gary M. Burkey

Gary M. Burkey, 61, of Anamosa, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, at the Anamosa Care Center in Anamosa, Iowa.

Gary Marvin Burkey was born on August 16, 1963, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Galen and Arlene (Folkers) Burkey.  He grew up in Maquoketa and was a 1983 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.  After high school, he began working at Hide Co. in Maquoketa, and later, he contributed his talents to the Maquoketa Sentinel Press. His career was cut short in 1994 due to a motorcycle accident, but this did not diminish his spirit or his ability to touch the lives of those around him.

Those who knew Gary will remember him as a thoughtful and caring individual. He demonstrated his love for his family in countless ways, including the special tradition of taking his mother to lunch every day after his father’s passing. His devotion to family was also evident in the joy he found in supporting and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Gary was an avid fan of NASCAR, and his loyalty extended to his favorite sports teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.  In addition to his love for sports, Gary also had a fondness for his jeep.

Those left to honor his memory include siblings, Ron Burkey of Anamosa, IA, Mike Burkey of Wyoming, IA, Eileen (Steve) Orcutt of Anamosa, IA, Brenda (Dan) Seeley of Anamosa, IA, and Angela Kennedy of Anamosa, IA; sister-in-law, Diane Burkey of Baldwin, IA; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Thomas and Larry Burkey, sister Gail Clary, and brothers-in-law, Phil Clary and Bob Kennedy.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

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

Joan A. McCarron

Joan Ann (Ressler) McCarron, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, Iowa.

Friends and family may visit from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with Rev. Mark Ressler officiating. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Joan was the first of five children, born on July 26, 1936, 1936, to Jacob and Marie (Klocker) Ressler at the family farm in Worthington, Iowa. She graduated from the Visitation Academy, class of 1955, in Dubuque. She married Jon “Jim” McCarron on October 30, 1965, at St. Columbkille’s Church in Dubuque.

Joan led an active social life with many friends and adored her family. She was extremely generous and loved hosting gatherings and being social. She had a deep love for the outdoors and stayed physically active throughout her life, especially as a dedicated cyclist. Over the years, she worked at many restaurants in town and retired from the Dubuque Community School Lunch Program.

Joan is survived by her husband, Jim McCarron, her twin daughters Bridget and Kathleen McCarron, her grandchildren Margaret and James Yapp, Jack Murphy, and Grace McCarron, her two sisters Margaret Delaney of Dubuque and Janet Clemens of Dyersville, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Marie Ressler, two brothers John and Michael Ressler, her in-laws Harold and Helene McCarron, sister-and-brother-in-law Mary Ellen and William Billington, nephew Richard Clemens, sister-in-law Ginny Ressler, and brother-in-laws Donald Delaney, and David Clemens.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of Dubuque and the Hawkeye Care Center for their kindness and exceptional care.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in Joan’s memory.

Rita M. Helmer

Rita M. Helmer, 99, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Sunset Park Place Senior Living in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be at 10:30 am on Friday, April 4, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Rita was born on December 28, 1925, in Dubuque, the daughter of John and Anna (Sullivan) Seymour. On April 17, 1948, she married Terrence Hitchcock. He preceded her in death on July 7, 1966. She married William “Bill” Helmer on February 4, 1967. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2020.

Rita worked as a secretary in the medical field for fifty years.

Rita loved to travel with her husband, Bill, and made friends everywhere she went. Those that knew Rita, knew how outgoing and witty she was. She enjoyed staying active, playing card games, and helping with the newsletter at Sunset Park Place.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

Besides both husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Gerald (Deane), Alan (Leora), and Cletus (Helen) Seymour, and one sister, Mary (John) McClellan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

Rita’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, the staff at Sunset Park Place Senior Living, and Dr. Kumor for their care and support.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Rita’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Marge Nauman

Marge Nauman, 90, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:45 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father David Ambrosy as the Celebrant. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Marge was born on July 29, 1934, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Clarence and Lucille (Welbes) Schuster. On July 10, 1954, she married Herman “Boots” Nauman at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2017.

Marge graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1952 and worked in food services at Finley Hospital for 20 years before her retirement.  She was a member of Church of the Resurrection but was also an integral part of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, where she was in charge of the card club, helped with bingo, and also volunteered for various activities at the church for over 50 years. She started the “Nifty After 50” Red Hat Chapter in Dubuque. In her free time, she loved to play bingo and do a little shopping but only if the item was returnable. She cherished time with her family, where family holiday weekends and vacations were some of her favorite memories.

Survivors include her eight children, Terry (Linda) Nauman of Holy Cross, IA, Pat (Scott) Cawiezell of Long Grove, IA, Connie (Terry) Kennedy of Altoona, IA, Jeff (Melissa) Nauman of Whitewater, WI, Dave (Lucy) Nauman of Belchertown, MA, Randy (Kris) Nauman of Dubuque, Tom (Heidi) Nauman of Chanhassen, MN, and Jenny Daughetee of Dubuque; 22 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Jeanne (Dick) Stierman and Loie (John “Whitey”) Leytem both of Dubuque, IA; and in-laws, Ruth Schuster, Norma Schuster, John (Ann) Nauman, Germaine Freiburger, Teresa Kroll, Agnes O’Neill, Adele Peters, and Ken Ziegenfuss.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Clete and Nick Schuster; her son-in-law, Andy Daughetee; and in-laws, Millie (Bob) Wirzbach, Hank (Eilene) Nauman, Greg “Butch” (Helen) Nauman, Norb (Leora) Nauman, Lavonne (Bob) Hoffman, Loras Freiburger, Gene Kroll, George Peters, Margaret “Dolly” Ziegenfuss, Bob O’Neill, Eldon Nauman, Eleanor Nauman, Lucille Beau, Marian Bales, and Clara Spoden.

In lieu of plants and flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Veterans Freedom Center or to the Andy Daughetee Family Fund which provides support for brain cancer research and families braving this journey. https://dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/daughetee-family-endowment-fund

Marge’s family wishes to thank Eagle Pointe Place for welcoming her into a community full of friends and fun and making her feel safe and comfortable. Also thank you to Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

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

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

Alvin H. Nerney

Alvin H. Nerney, 88, of Maquoketa, Iowa, formerly of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Jackson Ridge Care Center in Maquoketa.

Visitation for Alvin will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Friday, April 4th at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Alvin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Philip Agyei presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville at a later date.

Alvin was born November 17, 1936 in Hammond, Indiana, son of Francis and Violet (Johnson) Nerney.  He received is education from in the Hammond, Indiana schools.  He was a Veteran having served in the United States Army, during the Korean Conflict.

In 1960, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Scherer.  She preceded him in death on May 15, 1986.  On November 17, 1987 he was united in marriage to Diane Soppe in Louisville, Kentucky.

He was a traveling engineer consultant and enjoyed his job.  He also like learning all about History, and the companionship of his dogs.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane Nerney of Maquoketa; three daughters, Kathy (John) Bucciferro of Bettendorf, Jennifer (Tony) Luna of Corsicana, TX, and Emily (Justin) Candler of Cedar Rapids; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Nerney of Dyersville; 18 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; his brothers and sisters in laws, George (Connie) Helle of Anamosa, Carol Oberbroeckling, Doris Soppe, and Debbie Steger all of Dyersville, Dave Holz of Dubuque, and Leo (Donna) Soppe of Cascade.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Nerney on October 14, 2023; two brothers, Jerold Nerney, and Robert Nerney; two sisters, Francis Nerney, and LaRue Nerney; his brother and sisters-in-laws, Louis (Jeri) Soppe, Loras (Erma) Soppe) Andy Soppe, John Steger, Beverly Holz, and Bill Oberbroeckling.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolence may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Linda Manternach

Linda Manternach, 84, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on March 29, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, Iowa.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Linda was born June 23, 1940 to George and Ella (Brun) McGovern in Cascade, Iowa. She was united in marriage to her high-school sweetheart, Urban Manternach, son of Clem and Mary (Gudenkauf) Manternach on October 21, 1961 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.  Together they had four children. Urban preceded her in death on March 23, 2024.

Linda devoted her life to taking care of her children and husband, maintaining a clean house, and working as a nurse. Her strong faith guided her in her daily life. She was a loving mother and grandmother that cherished spending time with her loved ones at all the family gatherings.  She always made the Holidays extra special by preparing a fun game for all to enjoy (bingo for Casino gifts, hidden ornaments, and Easter egg hunts).  These special touches brought joy to the entire family.  Linda spent the majority of her career as a night nurse for the BVM sisters of Mount Carmel.  After retirement, she worked as a caregiver for the Sisters of the Presentation. She enjoyed spending time playing the penny slot machines at the Q Casino. Linda had a multitude of Barbies that she collected throughout the years which she recently shared with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her four children, Beth (Paul) Hayungs of Eldridge, Chris (Donna) Manternach, of Dubuque, Nina (Tom) Siegworth of Dubuque, Dede (Jason) McDermott of Peosta; twelve grandchildren, Sarah (Ryan) Hackbarth , Emily (Brad) Meyer, Kayla (Brian) Price, Adam Manternach, Chad Manternach, Sam (Katie) McDermott, Anthony (Tabitha) Siegworth, Rachel (Sean) Flynn, Rebecca McDermott, Alex Hayungs, Nathan Siegworth, and Anna McDermott; eight great-grandchildren;  four siblings, Sr. Ann McGovern of Canton OH, Joan Otting of Cascade, Betty Leibold of Cascade, Bob (Cheryl) McGovern of Madison WI; brothers and sisters-in-law, Phil (Nikki) Manternach of Cascade, Donna Reisberg of Dyersville, Marilyn (Steve) Skahill of East Dubuque, IL., Carol Dolan of Dubuque, Pat McQuillen of Cascade, and Lois Manternach of Worthington.

She was preceded in death by her loving spouse, Urban Manternach; her parents; her siblings, Buddy (Georgine) McGovern,  Jackie (Buddy) Trumm, Donna (Merlyn) Reinke, Faith (Bob) Kelly, Tommy McGovern, Marie (Ken) Green; brothers and sisters in-law, Delores McQuillen, Lloyd Manternach, Ellen Manternach, Pete Dolan, Don Reisberg, Louie Leibold, and Jerry Otting.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center, as well as, the staff from the Hospice of Dubuque for all their care, love and support.

William L. Ihm

William L. “Bill” Ihm, 89, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Luther Manor (Hillcrest) in Dubuque, IA.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., with Fr. Edilberto Jarapa officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787.

Bill was born on August 11, 1935, in Menominee Twp. of Jo Daviess County, IL, the son of Aloysius J. and Laura C. (Vaessen) Ihm. He was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society, East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787 and formerly served as a volunteer with the Menominee-Dunleith Fire Dept.

Bill’s passion in life was farming and enjoying time spent with his grandchildren. He was known to be a good storyteller and loved making people laugh.

Surviving are his children, Gregg Ihm and Gary Ihm, both of Menominee, IL, Cheri (Randy) Burkholder of Dickeyville, WI, Colleen (Mike) Schmidt of Woodbury, MN and Geoff (MaryAnn) Ihm of Thornton, CO; ten grandchildren, Brea,Jordan, Mitchel, Ben, Nick, Paul, Joey, Sam, Kiana (Seth) and Piper; his former wife, Ruth (Sherman) Ihm; his siblings, Jerry (Carolyn) Ihm, LaVonne Polfer and brother-in-law, LaVern Heitzman; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Laura, siblings, Mary (Alvin), Dorothy and Jim, brother-in-law, Al Polfer and sister-in-law, Loralee Ihm.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor, Hospice of Dubuque, Lee Donar and Dr. John Whalen for their care and kindness shown to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

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

Catherine M. Pfalzgraf

Catherine M. “Katy” Pfalzgraf, 92, of Dickeyville, WI, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday, April 2 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the committal in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  A livestream of the funeral service can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Katy was born December 30, 1932 in Dubuque, daughter of Harold and Mildred (Hocking) Milligan.

On October 17, 1970, she married Bruce Pfalzgraf at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Katy worked at Dubuque Packing Co. for 30 years, spending most of the time there in the sliced bacon department, and FDL for five years.  She also did house cleaning and taught senior water exercise class, “rusty hinges”.

She was a member of TOPS for many years where she made lots of friends.

She enjoyed going on trips to Las Vegas with girlfriends, where she saw Liberace and Tom Jones perform. She also enjoyed camping for many years, at Jellystone for 17 years then in rural Galena for 16 years.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Pfalzgraf of Dickeyville; five children, Diane (Don) Riedl of Sherrill, IA,  Pam (Dan) Wiederholt of Long Grove, IA, Steve Roloff of Lancaster, WI, Sheila (Charlie) Dimke of Galena, IL  and Vicki (Steve Lyster) Pfalzgraf of Platteville, WI; grandchildren, Jessica (Donovan Moser) Riedl, Kevin (Emily) Riedl, Carrie (Robbie) Aristodemo, Jenny (Kevin) Hulsen, Tyler (Nicole) Kleiner and Cole (Morgan Wiegel) Kleiner and nine great grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Joan Marie (Al) Reuter of Alabama and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Glen; and a sister, Carol Cole; a grandson, Keith and a great grandson, James.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Diane and Peggy, for their loving care.

James A. Schwendinger

James “Jim” Anthony Schwendinger, 82, of Cuba City, WI, died on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral.

The Mass of Christian Burial for James will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral with Father Dennis Quint as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

James was born October 14, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Alphonse J. and Catherine (Cleary) Schwendinger.

Jim served in the United States Army Reserves. He worked in retail for Sears for over 18 years after which he enjoyed working on his small hobby farm. Jim truly enjoyed farming, hunting, and shooting trap, he was an excellent shot and won many trophies. He was a longtime, faithful member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral, his faith was very important to him. Above all, he was happiest when he was spending time with his family.

Survivors include his two sisters, Rosemary Weydert of Winthrop, IA and Virginia McGovern of Kansas City, MO; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his four brothers, Robert (Dorothy), Anthony, John (Jean), and Donald Schwendinger; and two sisters, Kathleen (John) McKillip and Margie (Donald) Saugling; two brothers-in-law Roy Weydert, and Fred McGovern.

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

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

John K. Maurus

John Kenneth Maurus, 76, of Hanover, IL, passed away on February 1, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, IL, where friends may call from 10:30 AM until the time of service. The burial will take place at a later date.

John was born on August 9, 1948, in Irvington, NJ, to Jack and Theresa nee` Rehbein Maurus. He attended Rutgers University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, and later studied analytical chemistry at the University of Minnesota. He began his career as a chemist and fire investigator for Pantecnic Inc., later becoming a fire investigator for Probe Inc. In his later years, he founded John K. Maurus Fire Investigations Inc.

He served in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain before receiving an honorable discharge. On October 11, 1981, John married Laurie Starrett. He was actively involved in several organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he served as a scoutmaster, traveling with the scouts across the country and assisting those who were working to achieve their merit badges. He was also a member of the Sports Car Club of America, where he participated as a driver, pit crew member, and steward. John enjoyed reading, studying maps, exploring National Geographic, traveling, sports, music, and visiting National Parks, among other outdoor activities.

He is survived by his wife Laurie, their daughter Greta Starrett, a sister Joyce Maurus Sullivan of Lafayette, NJ, and a brother Joe and his wife Cindy Maurus of Branchville, NJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Nikolaus Maurus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASPCA or the Sierra Club in memory of John.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their loving extended family and caring friends during this difficult time.

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

Carol A. Lambert

Carol A. Lambert, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Stonehill Care Center on March 27, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home, with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Carol was born on August 23, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of William and Marian (Kraker) Connolly. She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque with an associate degree in education and dedicated her career to supporting students in the Special Education Department at Stephen Hempstead High School. On February 7, 1959, in Dubuque, she married the love of her life, Donald Francis Lambert.

Carol was a devoted member of the Adult Literacy Council and will be remembered as a loving and kind-hearted mother and grandmother.

Carol is survived by three children Larry Lambert, Sheila (Jack) Owen, Mike Lambert, 11 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, sister Mary Hagensten, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, and daughter Lisa Lambert.

The family would like to thank Stonehill Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Leonard Funeral Home for their loving care.

Ramona Sweeney

M. Ramona Sweeney, 95, of Dubuque died Thursday, March 27, 2025. A committal service will be held 9:30 am Wednesday, April 2, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Chapel.

Ramona was born August 13, 1929 in Holy Cross, Iowa, daughter of Clarence and Eve (Blake) Sweeney.

After graduating from St. Joseph Academy High School in Dubuque, she attended Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque.  She then received her BSN from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and her MSN from Catholic University of America in Washinton DC.

She worked at various positions in nursing and retired from the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Des Moines.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including her niece Maureen Wagner and great nephew, Doug Gauer.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She was also preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses; Cy and Rosie Sweeney, Monica and Lee Steffen, Ed and Helen Sweeney,  Esther and Al Wagner, Bernadette Sweeney, Sally and Joe Van Zile, and Mark and Jeanette Sweeney.

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

Jerome J. Mistek

Jerome “Jerry” J. Mistek, 86, of Dubuque, IA, passed away March 26, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory 2595 Rockdale Rd is assisting the family.

Jerry was born November 16, 1938, in Ely, MN, to Joseph and Mary (Lobe) Mistek.

He attended Ely Public Schools in Ely, MN, and earned a B.E.E. degree from University of Minnesota. As Registered Professional Engineer in Iowa, he worked at Interstate Power Co. in Dubuque, IA, as an Electrical Engineer from 1966 to 1998. Retiring as the Manager of Communications and Metering.

Jerry married Aneta Hansen June 18, 1966, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN. Aneta preceded him in death on January 14, 2025.

Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to1962. He was a member of the NRA, ATA, and ISTA, and served as secretary for Shot Tower Sports.

He enjoyed time spent with family, especially at the Mistek cabin in Ely, MN, as well trap shooting, and reading.

Jerry is survived by his children; Jodi A. (Steve) Moore of St. Joseph, MO, Joseph G. Mistek of St. Joseph, MO; granddaughters, Jaime A. Moore and Kristen L. Moore of St. Joseph, MO, sister Mary Theresa (Missy) Davis of Danville, CA.

He is preceded in death by his wife Aneta Mistek, parents Joseph and Mary Mistek, and brother Carl T. Mistek.

Tina Smith

Tina M. Smith, 65, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Care Initiatives, Dubuque Specialty Care, with her family by her side.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the funeral home with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tina was born on August 18, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph A. and Georgene M. (Nelson) Butlett. She worked as a beautician and hairdresser before joining Armstrong’s Department Store, where she met her husband. Later, she spent 11 years at Sears. She was united in marriage to her husband, Gary, on September 22, 1984, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She loved playing bingo in her younger years, crocheting, and caring for her beloved cats. She also enjoyed watching a good soap opera, but above all, she cherished time with her family. In her final months, she often brought smiles to those around her with her favorite response to “How do you feel?”—“With my fingers.” Her humor and warmth will be deeply missed.

Tina is survived by her husband Gary, daughter Teresa Smith, siblings Debbie (Randy) Oberfoell, Irene (Bob) Ehlers, Randy (Jodi) Butlett, Lisa (Keith) Williams, and Clint (Rita) Butlett, brother-in-law Dave Smith, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law Don & Effie Smith, brothers Joey and Greg (Kris) Butlett, and siblings-in-law Ron (Gladys) Smith and Karen Smith.

The family would like to thank Dubuque Specialty Care for all of their wonderful care of Tina, as well as Hospice of Manchester. The family would also like to thank her sisters Debbie Oberfoell and Irene Ehlers for all the special care and attention that they gave to Tina.

Cody A. Smothers

Cody A. Smothers, age 34, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque after a courageous battle with cancer.  There will be a Celebration of Cody’s life held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Lux Club, 3050 Asbury Road, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Cody’s family.

Cody was born on October 27, 1990, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Lonnie Smothers and Patricia (Tuthill) Wernimont.

Cody attended Fulton Grade School, Jefferson Middle School and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 2009.  He was a hard worker and began his working career helping out at Beanie’s Café.  He was later employed with Quad Graphics and as Team Lead in hinge doors for Anderson Window and Door.  Cody married the love of his life, Tasha Purdy, on October 9, 2020, at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  Cody was a self proclaimed “nerd”.  He was extremely competitive and liked playing video games, tabletop games, cards, bowling, and disc golfing.  Cody also enjoyed watching movies, dancing and doing projects around the house with the kids.  His family meant the world to him and he was a great daddy!  Cody was happiest when he was with family and friends.  He will be greatly missed, and we will cherish all of the memories we have made together throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Cody’s memory include

his wife,
Tasha Purdy-Smothers, Dubuque, IA;

3 children,
Vance Eubanks, Isabella Smothers and Maya Smothers;

his mother,
Patricia Wernimont, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Rhonda Smothers, Dubuque, IA,
Brian (Kelly) Smothers, Dubuque, IA,
Angel Smothers, Dubuque, IA,
T.J. (Nicole) Wernimont, Dubuque, IA,
Jason (Kay) Wernimont, Marl, Germany,
Josh (Karissa) Wernimont Dubuque, IA
and Tasha (Jake) Donath, East Dubuque, IL;

his father-in-law and mother-in-law,
Blaine and Pam Purdy, Sherrill, IA;

his in-laws,
Robert Purdy, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Brittany (Anthony Strub) Purdy, Dubuque, IA;

his other “brother”,
Jimmy Thomas, Dubuque, IA;

and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cody was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Smothers; his grandmother, June Tuthill; 2 uncles, Dan Tuthill and Rich “Tiny” Tuthill; and 2 aunts, Cindy Key and Sharon Armstrong.

Cody’s family would like to thank his co-workers at Anderson Window for the outpouring of support they have provided for Tasha and the entire family.  Also special thanks to Dr. Johlin with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the Holden Cancer Center and the entire ER staff of MercyOne Dubuque.

Cards and memorials in Cody’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Cody Smothers Family.  Donations may be made through their GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/cf1551ae

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