Obituaries Archive

Thomas S. Boever

Thomas S. “Tom” Boever, age 93, of Dubuque, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024.  Private family services will be held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Tom was born on September 7, 1931, in Granville, IA, one of 12 children of Herman and Lillian (Niichel) Boever.  The family later moved to a farm near Remsen, Iowa, where he attended St. Mary’s School.  He proudly served in the US Navy from 1951-1955 aboard the U.S.S. Iowa.  He married Mary Ann Roling on November 26, 1955.  They moved to Dubuque where he worked at John Deere for 32 years and Lacoma Golf Course for 20 years.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include: his wife, Mary Ann Boever, Dubuque, IA; his children, Russ Boever, Mike (Angie Harter) Boever, Keith (Jenny) Boever, Cathy “Cate” (special friend, Bill “BK” Kutsch) Richter and Steve Boever; his siblings, Jim (Phyllis) Boever, Becky (Dean) Norris and Judy (Bill) Pover; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a great great-grandchild due in March 2025.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Anthony; and 8 siblings.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Palliative Care, Hospice and his special caregivers, for their compassion and exceptional care over the last 1 ½ years.

The family requests no flowers.  Memorials may be given to Resurrection Church or Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Steve Toth

Steve Toth, 57, of Dubuque, passed away on September 4th, 2024, in Dalton, GA.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, at St. Joseph, Key West Church, followed directly by a mass with Fr. Martin Obeng.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Steve was born on February 12th, 1967, the son of Leslie Toth and Mary Daman.  He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and received some continuing education.  Steve was employed by ACI Mechanical Inc. in Ames, IA.

Steve (a.k.a. Loose) was a great guy with a beaming smile.  To say he was a social butterfly is an understatement.  Steve could talk to anyone!  If you knew him, he was like “Norm” at any local pub.  Steve truly liked being around people and having great conversations.  Many of the things he enjoyed doing were playing and watching baseball.  Cheering for his favorite football team “Go Steelers” and his greatest passion of riding his Harley. Growing up he spent many years helping his father Les at “The Olde Towne Shoppe.”  He then ventured on to work with the Behnke family business in Holy Cross. Lastly, he had a career as a traveling pipefitter for ACI Mechanical Inc. This gave him the pleasure to see many parts of this country.

Steve had an amazing group of friends extending all the way back to his childhood. He treasured you all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who were a part of his life. Those he loved, laughed with, worked side-by-side with and enjoyed long Harley rides with – you know who you are! He appreciated every one of you.

Steve is survived by his mother, Mary Daman; brother, Phil Toth; sisters Carolyn and Leigh Toth; nephew, Billy Wright, great nieces, Sophia and Bailey; and a girlfriend who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Toth; a niece, Stephanie Toth; and a nephew, Blaine Wright.

Dial 988 if you need someone to talk to.

Kimberly S. Nauman

Kimberly S. Nauman, 60, of rural Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Mercy One Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

The family will greet friends and relatives of Kim from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home, 894 Peosta St, Peosta, Iowa, where services will be held at 3:30 p.m. with Deacon Jim Koetz officiating.  Burial will be held in St. John’s Cemetery in Centralia at a later date.

Kimberly was born June 4, 1964, in Seoul, Korea, daughter of Richard and Nam Sue Boudreau.  She received her education in St. Cloud, Florida schools.  On December 17, 1988, she was united in marriage to Steven Nauman.

She loved her pets and enjoyed cooking and gardening.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Nauman of rural Dubuque, IA; three children, Chris Boudreau Nauman of Minneapolis, MN, Ryan (Maureen) Guskiewicz of Gainesville, FL and Elizabeth Page of Groton, MA; four grandchildren, Colin and Mora Guskiewicz, Avery Brunson and Bennett Page; her mother, Nam Sue Palmer of Florida; and three siblings, Tina (Tim) Sklarek, Ed (Melissa) Boudreau both of Florida and Scott (Mallory) Boudreau of Georgia; her father and mother-in-law, Donald and Helen Nauman of Centralia, IA; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Chris (Rob) Petsche of Centralia, IA, Diane (Randy) Laughlin of Centralia, IA, Sara (Brian) Blair of Dubuque, IA and, Susan (Todd) Wernimont both of Farley, IA, Bill (Barb) Nauman of Farley, IA, Dennis (Kathy) Nauman of Peosta, IA, Gerard  (Catherine) Nauman of Takoma, WA, and Scott (Robin) Nauman of Dubuque, IA.

She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Boudreau.

A Kimberly S. Nauman memorial fund has been established.

Dale L. Tubbs

Dale Leroy Tubbs, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, in Charlotte, Iowa, at the age of 78. Born on Independence Day in 1946, in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Glen and Laura (Graves) Tubbs.

Dale grew up in Maquoketa, where he graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1964. His commitment to service was evident early on as he served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. On February 8, 1969, he married the love of his life, Beverly Ruth Crouse, in a ceremony in Charlotte, Iowa. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised three wonderful children: Dawn, Kevin, and Laura.

Throughout his life, Dale was known for his strong work ethic. He held various positions, starting with Clinton Engines and Curly’s Tires in Maquoketa. His leadership skills shone through during his time as a foreman for Wick Buildings. Later in life, he took pride in working alongside his son at KT Masonry in Clinton, Iowa.

Dale’s interests were as grounded and authentic as he was. He found pleasure in the great outdoors, whether it was fishing for catfish, searching for mushrooms, or simply enjoying nature. His love for NASCAR and the thrill of the casino spoke to his adventurous spirit, while his passion for tinkering on projects in his garage reflected his constant desire to stay active and engaged.

He is survived by his loving children, Dawn (Brian) Carstensen of Charlotte, IA, Kevin Tubbs of Clinton, IA, and Laura (and fiancé Adam Hoover) Heitmann of Fulton, MO. Dale’s legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who will miss his guidance and gentle presence. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard Tubbs of Maquoketa, IA, and his special dog, Snuggles, who was a constant companion.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Laura (Graves) Tubbs, and his beloved wife, Beverly, who passed away on July 4, 2024.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family would like to give thanks to Hospice of Jackson County for all the special care given to Dale.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Dale L. Tubbs memorial fund has been established.

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

Harold D. Fuller

Harold D. Fuller, 73 of Peosta, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics after a sudden illness.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Harry was born on August 21, 1951, in Richland Center, WI, the son of Edward and Elsie (Neurauter) Fuller. He graduated from Hazel Green High School and on November 13, 1971, he married the love of his life Dorothy Jones. Together they shared 52 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Timothy and Adam.

He is a US Army Veteran serving from 1971 to 1973, he worked and retired from Prairie Farms as a semi-truck driver.

Harry enjoyed golf, woodworking, fishing and going to the casino. He loved being with his family and friends. He and his family were a very patriot family, and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; two sons Tim Fuller, his fiancé Rozi and her daughter Emilee; and Adam Fuller. Grandchildren: Gavin, Paxton (fiancé Mariah), Hailie, Darnell, Ayden and Lydia. Sisters Andrea (Jim) Martens and Veronica Castle. Brothers-in-law Rick Schuchart, Craig (Becky) Jones and Todd Jones. Sisters-in-law Judy Kurt, Carolyn Suby, Cheryl (Chuck Stewart) Cullum, Holly (Dean) Nauman, Tracy (Steve) Terry, Vickie (Tim) Callahan, Sharon (Jeff) Wischmeyer, Lisa (Mike) Miller, Kathy Ernzen, and Dee Jones, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved dog “Goldie”

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Emma, his parents Edward and Elsie; in-laws John and Dorothy Jones; siblings Ed Fuller and Diana Schuchart; brothers-in-law Raye Castle, Tom Sloan, Dave Suby, Kurt Cullum, Keith Jones, Johnny Jones, and Darren Jones; sister-in-law Pamela Sloan and a nephew Christopher Schuchart.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Medical Center and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and a special thank you to Leonard Funeral Home for all of their care, kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers a Harold Fuller memorial fund will be established.

Joan M. Leibold

Joan M. Leibold (Tigges) 69, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 surrounded by her loving husband and three sons.  Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 JFK Rd.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Reverand Brian Dellaert officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Joan was born on July 28, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Dorothy (Merfeld) and Martin Tigges.  She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1973.  She married her high school sweetheart Terry Leibold on April 5, 1975 at Nativity Church and together they were blessed with almost 50 years of marriage.

Joan was a loving wife, mother and grandma, most important to her was always being there to care for and support her family’s needs.  She was passionate about her family and always enjoyed getting together, a vacation, holidays, or being a fan at one of her grandchildren’s activities.

Over nearly 50 years, Joan and Terry enjoyed raising “my three sons” and were extremely proud of the life they built together.  Their joys included family vacations, many camping trips with friends, spending time together at an antique store or going out to dinner and playing cards.  She also enjoyed spending time outside working with her flowers and the landscaping that surrounds their beautiful home.  Her most recent adventures included a two-week trip and cruise through Alaska with Terry, and a cruise to the Bahamas with her most cherished family members.

For over 40 years, Joan demonstrated a work ethic that many admired.  Joan spent the majority of her career in the mortgage lending industry, primarily at Dupaco, Premier Bank and most recently at Kane, Norby & Reddick.

Surviving are her husband of 49+ years Terry Leibold of Dubuque, IA; her children Brian (Tiffany) Leibold of North Liberty, IA, Keith (Samantha) Leibold of Aurora, IL, Jeff (Tracy) Leibold of Dubuque, IA; her grandchildren Brady and Madelynn Leibold (Brian & Tiffany), Allyson, Carter, and Stephanie Leibold (Keith & Samantha), Gavin and Olivia Leibold (Jeff & Tracy).  She is also survived by siblings Randy (Ann) Tigges, Patty Even, Steve (Teri) Tigges and in-laws Tom (Zelda) Leibold, Krista Beidler, Karla Durgin, Laurie Leibold and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Martin Tigges, her mother and father in-law Virginia and Melvin Leibold, her brother Duane Tigges, brother in-law Jim Even, brother in-law Tim Leibold, sister in-law Kathy Leibold, brother in-law Bill Beidler, and brother in-law David Durgin.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established with donations being directed to Joan’s favorite charities.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Engelman for his guidance and support during her three-year cancer journey as well as the staff at Mercy Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and commitment to Joan.  Their efforts allowed her to pass the way she wanted, in her sleep, at peace and at home without pain.

In addition, we appreciate the generous outreach of love and support from family and friends and remind everyone to remember Joan as an amazing wife, mother, grandma and friend and the impact she had on us all.

Ruth M. Kausal

Ruth Mary Kausal, 100, of Asbury, died Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Hawkeye Care Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be at 10:30 am on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.

Ruth was born May 7, 1924, in Dubuque , IA, the daughter of Frank and Lucille (Gruber) Kelly. On July 7, 1951, she married Richard Kausal at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on January 30, 2006.

Ruth attended St. Columbkille School from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1942. She then attended Clarke College for two years.

Ruth was a faithful member of the Church of the Resurrection and was also a member of the Legion of Mary and the America Needs Fatima. She and Richard retired to Bella Vista, AR, where she was active in St. Bernard Catholic Church and the VFW Auxiliary. After eighteen and a half years returned home to Dubuque.

Survivors include her eight children, Mary (Alan) Wilson of Davenport, IA; Francie (Roger) Cox of Asbury; Paula (David) Endress of Jasper, TN; Richard (Sharon) Kausal, Jr. of Tempe, AZ; Patricia (Charles) Armstrong of Pinedale, AZ; Joseph Kausal of Peosta; Kate (Bill) Perrin of Bellevue, IA; and Janice (Tom) Splinter of Dubuque; 16 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren, with two on the way.

Besides her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by triplet daughters in infancy, Elizabeth Carol, Margaret Ellen, and Laura Marie; a son in infancy, Robert; a brother, Francis Kelly; and three grandchildren, Mason Bly, Joshua Bly, and Justin Schloz.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, her friends and caregivers at Hawkeye Care Center, and special friends, Monica and Mary for everything they all did for Ruth.

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

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

Charles E. Stork

Charles Edward Stork died on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Galena, IL where friends may call after noon until the time of service.

The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. Military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born as the oldest twin before his brother Leroy, on June 15, 1933, to parents Edward and Charlotte Stork on the farm in rural Arlington, NE. After serving in the US Navy (1952-54) Chuck married Harriet Van Uxem on May 28, 1955, in Wauwatosa, WI. Together they moved to Lincoln, NE where Chuck attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959. Chuck spent his entire career working in Human Resources for Deere and Co. While he and Harriet raised their three children, Susan, David, and Jon in Cedar Falls, Davenport and Dubuque, IA. They later divorced.

Chuck married Carolyn Bennett on September 16, 1989, and they made their home in Dyersville, IA, and ultimately, East Dubuque, IL. They have enjoyed a second home in Maricopa, AZ since 2006. In both East Dubuque/Galena and Maricopa, Chuck was active in his church, a longtime member of the Early V-8 Ford of America club, Jaguar Club of North America and the Studebaker Drivers Club, and a lifetime antique, classic and modern car enthusiast. He regularly participated in local and national car shows with many of his prize cars over the years, winning numerous awards. In 2023, Chuck was pleased to participate in the Dubuque Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Bennett Stork, of East Dubuque, his sisters Ruth Doelman, of DuPont, WA, and Eva Stork, of Waukesha, WI, his children Susan Stork, David (Debra) Stork both of Dubuque, Jon (Alice) Stork, of Cedar Rapids, IA, Dennis (Angie) Bennett, of Norwalk, IA, and David (Sarah) Bennett, of Chandler, AZ. Grandchildren include Carly Stork, Krista Stork (Lauren Ghiradello), Dylan Venneman, Emily Venneman, Anderson Bennett, Alexandra Bennett (Chase Schoenfelder), Sara Bennett and William Bennett.

Charles was preceded in death by an infant sister Eunice, his parents, Edward and Charlotte, and his twin brother Leroy.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in memory of Chuck.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Delores I. DeLarm,

Delores I. DeLarm, 86, of Wyoming, Iowa, and formerly of rural Onslow, passed away on Wednesday morning, September 11, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. 

A public graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 12:30 P.M., Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A public visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.   

Delores Iona Tracy was born on March 12, 1938 in Milford, Iowa, to Clifford Albert and Esther Charlotte (Sonnemaker) Tracy.  She was a 1956 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married Richard Arlen DeLarm at the Tracy Family Farm in Baldwin, Iowa on March 20, 1957.  To this union three children were born, Bret, Diane and Patty.

Following high school, Delores worked as a Bell Telephone Operator for one year.  She then became a housewife and farmed with her husband, first north of Monmouth for 20 years, and for 42 years west of Canton.

Delores was a member of the East Iron Hill Community Church, and its Ladies Aide.  She enjoyed fishing, canning, and baking award winning pies.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Bret (April) DeLarm of rural Onslow, IA, Diane (Matt) Schaeffer of Wellman, IA, and Patty (Brian) Podhaski of Wyoming, IA; 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Burton (Rosemary) Tracy of Wyoming, IA, Mark (Lanette) Tracy of Oxford Junction, IA, and Jerald (Jan) Tracy of WI; brother-in-law, Tom Soppe of OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard on June 2, 2020, 2 sisters in infancy, 3 sisters Shirley (Keith) Crowe, Maxine (Don) Miller, and Leona Soppe, and 2 brothers Carlyle and Darryl Tracy.

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

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com. 

Patricia A. Winklehaus

Patricia A. “Pat” Winklehaus, age 85, of Asbury, passed away peacefully at 1:07 a.m., on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Grand Meadows.  To honor Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday at the Church of the Resurrection, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Pat’s family.

Pat was born on February 4, 1939, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy (Kuster) Klein.  

Pat graduated from Cassville High School, Class of 1957.  After moving to Dubuque, she graduated from Bayless Business College.  Pat would put the knowledge she obtained to good use for several companies throughout the years.  She worked at B&G Automotive, Spensley & Gallogly Insurance, Dun & Bradstreet and Dubuque Star Brewing Company.  Pat married Arthur Winklehaus on February 5, 1982, at Sacred Heart Church.  They had a wonderful life together before Art preceded her in death on August 2, 2001.  Pat was always active and was a member of several organizations including Alpha Phi Master Sorority, Tri-State Antique Club, Church of the Resurrection and was a former member Sacred Heart Church.  She had an artistic eye.  Pat enjoyed adult coloring books and has created countless crochet pieces for family and friends, crocheting was her passion.  She and Art also loved to travel and have traversed the globe on several exciting adventures.  Pat has lived a full, wonderful life, and when adversity came her way she always rose up to the challenge.  She loved her family and will be deeply missed by her sisters, nieces and nephews.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include: 2 sisters, Eileen Johnson, Dubuque, IA and Phyllis (David) Koeller, Tiffin, IA; a nephew and 3 nieces; Brett (Karen) Koeller, Fox Point, WI, Lea (Dave) Montross, Williamsburg, IA, Rita (Rick) Elliott, Loves Park, IL and Erin (Mike) Ward, St. Joseph, IL; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews and 1 great great-niece.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur Winklehaus; and a brother-in-law, Earl Johnson.

Pat’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Grand Meadows the excellent care they have given Pat these past weeks.

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

Greeting cards and memorials in Pat’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Patricia Winklehaus Family.

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

Elaine D. Snider Woodrum

Elaine Doris Snider Woodrum, 92, of Dubuque, died Friday, September 6, 2024.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 21, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Marsha Wilfong officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the times of services. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Elaine was born on March 6, 1932, in Hudson, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Ed and Laura Snider. She graduated from West Waterloo High School. Elaine married Duaine Greenfield on July 26, 1950, and this union brought three daughters and two sons into the world.

On March 12, 1976, she married Arden Woodrum and they spent time together with numerous hobbies and adventures. Their most memorable times were traveling the USA and internationally. They became biking enthusiasts, enjoyed singing in the choir and working with the Westminster Church.

Elaine was a homemaker and kept busy raising the family. She was involved with several clubs and service organizations including PEO, TTT, and Mt. Pleasant Home. Cooking, sewing, skiing, glamping, and riding in Ragbrai, created many memorable times and lasting friendships.

She is survived by her children, Kathe (Neal) Rusher of Arizona, Sue (Steve) Butt, of Dubuque, Joan (Tony) Reidsma of Michigan, and Tim (Kristen) Greenfield of Dubuque; Stepson, Douglas (Linda) Woodrum, of California; brother, Norman Snider of Tennessee, and many treasured grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Duaine Greenfield and Arden Woodrum; sisters, June Rhoades and Marilyn Roberts; infant son, David Greenfield; and stepson, Brian Woodrum.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Special thank you to the dedicated staff at Oak Park Place, MercyOne, Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Andrea Ries.

George J. Skertich Jr.

George J. Skertich Jr., 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at home Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Visitation will be held 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa followed directly by a mass. The mass will be live-streamed on the church’s website (stanthony-dubuque.org).  Burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Dubuque.

George was born on August 24, 1938, in Whiting, Indiana.  He is the son of George J. Skertich Sr. and Grace M. (Roberts) Skertich. He met the love of his life Bette A. Furness on a blind date during the time that Bette was attending nursing school. They married April 10, 1965, at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.

George grew up in Whiting, Indiana, Harvey, Illinois and Crete, Illinois. George graduated from Thornton Township High School and later Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado with a degree in teaching. George started his career at his alma mater Thornton Township High School District 205.  It was there in 1962 that George began the very first special education class for children in Harvey, Illinois.  Over the summers George later attended the University of Arizona to earn his Masters of Special Education.  In 1967 George was named the Director of Special Education for the Thornton Area Public School Association.  This organization encompassed Thornton Township High School District 205 and 9 elementary school districts.  In January 1968 the Association added Public School District 215 in Calumet City, Illinois and 6 more elementary school districts, bringing the total to 17 public school districts covering 48 square miles in South Suburban Cook County, Illinois.

In 1968 George was asked to write the educational specifications for a public school day building to serve severely mentally and physically handicapped children age 3-21 years of age.  A 15 acre site in South Holland, Illinois was selected and under George’s direction the building was completed in 1972.  The school was named E.C.H.O. School, which stands for Exceptional Children Have Opportunities.  On opening day the school welcomed 250 children from those 17 school districts.  George was named the Principal of E.C.H.O. School and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994 after 32 years of service.  E.C.H.O. School is still in operation today.

George was one of the hardest workers. He was always thinking of others and putting others before himself, especially his loving wife Bette and family.  He used to throw fund-raising dinners for the students at E.C.H.O. School – shopping for and cooking the entire dinners himself.  He used to throw dances for the children where they would get to dress up and dance to a D.J. all evening.  Three to four times a year he would have lamb roasts at his home and invite many friends and family to partake in the festivities, including tractor rides around the property.  Many games of baseball were played in the yard, as well as kite-flying, Croatian smoked sausage making; Tamburitza playing and singing.

George was passionate about all things in life and a family man through and through.  He taught his children to work hard, play even harder, go to church, “keep it in the family”; change a tire, shoot a gun, skin a squirrel, clean a chicken, hunt for mushrooms in the forest and “have a deer walk into your freezer”.

In the 1980’s George organized the Skertich Family Reunion.  There were 9 uncle’s and 1 aunt on his father’s side and long before computers, the internet or Facebook he compiled a Skertich Family History Book with a family tree and contact information of all the family members. To this day the Skertich family still refers to this book.

After retirement George continued to enjoy cooking, lamb roasting, wine making, tennis, trap shooting, fishing, gardening and travel.  In 2014 George and Bette moved to Dubuque, Iowa to be closer to their grandsons.  George relished spending time with his grandsons Michael and Matthew and was very proud to say he was always on time and never missed a day picking them up from school.  He loved being their bus driver, #1 sports fan, chief chicken soup / salami sandwich maker, and fishing rig tie-er.  One of grandpa’s many talents was being able to fit 20 lb. of stuff into a 10 lb. box and his motto seemed to be anything could be fixed with an old piece of electrical wire, a piece of string or if you pounded on it hard or cussed loud enough.

George is survived by his wife Bette; son George J. Skertich III; daughter Nancy; son-in-law James Bodnar; grandsons Michael and Matthew Bodnar; brother Lee (Olive) Skertich of Phoenix Arizona; sister-in-law Marilyn Morgan of Clayton, North Carolina and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents George Sr. and Grace M. (Roberts) Skertich; his in-laws Carl and Dorothy (Troyer) Furness; sister and brothers-in-law Carol Blagg, Tom Blagg and Jack Morgan.

The family would like to thank Lisa Crawford and the staff and fellow residents of Assisi Village for their loving compassionate care and friendship of George the last 10 years of his life.

Leonard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements (leonardfuneralhome.com).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to Hills and Dales, 1011 Davis Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 (hillsdales.org) or Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, Illinois 60660 (misericordia.com).

Dorothy M. Link

Dorothy M. Link, 96, of Dubuque formerly of Key West and Bernard, completed her earthly journey on Monday September 9, 2024.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 13th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Her Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m.  on Saturday September 14, 2024, at the funeral home with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating. The burial will follow the service at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on August 11, 1928, in Rickardsville, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Frances (Ellerbach) Wilwert. She married Lavern Link at Saint Joseph Church in Rickardsville on November 20, 1947, and together they shared 60 years of marriage until his passing on Feb. 25, 2008.

Dorothy and Lavern farmed together in Bernard from 1953 until retirement in 1980 when they moved to Key West.  She was an active member of Saint Joseph Key West parish and was a member of the Rosary Society, the prayer group, the craft league, and volunteered with the school lunch program.

She is survived by her two sons, David (Joyce) Link of Weatherford, Texas, Kenneth (Debra) Link of Bernard, two daughters Leann Link of Key West, and Linda (Thomas) Bergfeld of Otter Creek, eleven grandchildren Jason Link, Jeremy (Misty) Link, Kristy Link, Tracy (Eric) Konrardy, Jennifer (Dennis) White, Andrew (Anne) Link, David (Michaela) Ward, Michael Ward, Melissa (Tom) Kieffer, Stacey (Andy) Rufer, Josh (Kelly Rojemann) Bergfeld, twenty-four great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Luella Pape, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lavern on Feb. 25, 2008, a son Robert R. Link on Nov. 30, 2003, her brothers Gilbert (Alice) Wilwert, Herman Wilwert, and Ralph (Elaine) Wilwert and sisters Calista (Paul) Hoppman and Mary Frances (John) Maiers.

The family would like to thank Sunset Park Place and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers a Dorothy Link memorial fund has been established. 

Mark A. Beckman

Mark A. Beckman, 78, of Dubuque, formerly of Peosta, Iowa, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center, Dubuque.

Mark’s family and friends are encouraged to attend a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road. Food will be served from 2 to 3 p.m. A private visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, at Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, 894 Peosta St., with a Mass to follow at St. John the Baptist Church, 235 Peosta St. A private interment of ashes will be held at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Centralia.

Mark was born on Sept. 4, 1946, in Dubuque, son of LeRoy and Eleanor (Radloff) Beckman.

He married Darlene Bakey on Jan. 7, 1967, at Holy Family Church in the New Melleray area of rural Peosta. Darlene preceded Mark in death on March 19, 2005.

Mark went by many names: Dad, Boppa, Grandpa, Uncle Mark, “Calhoun” and Marky. He was a loving and supportive husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, father-in-law and friend. Mark was determined to support the young people in his life by attending as many of their sports events and extracurricular activities as possible.

Mark excelled in baseball and softball, as a player and a coach. As a coach, he taught many of the Peosta area’s finest players the fundamentals of the game.

Mark was happiest tailgating at Milwaukee Brewers games, fishing at “The Ranch” outside Graf, cheering for his beloved Brewers and Iowa Hawkeyes, watching vintage Western movies on television, playing euchre with family and friends (“this hand looks like a foot,” he would say when dealt less-than-promising cards), and sitting on the deck of his home listening to the “Saturday Night Kat Cruise” on the radio.

“You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd,” Mark would say, and what seemed like a head-scratching non sequitur turned out to be a lyric from a Roger Miller hit single of the 1960s. Mark loved music and would sing along to Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton and Alan Jackson.

Mark was a hard worker. After graduating from Western Dubuque High School, he worked at Kalb Feed Store, Ridge Motor & Machine Company, John Deere and Flexsteel Industries, where he retired.

Mark is survived by three daughters, Jill (Erik) Hogstrom, of Dubuque, Cindy (Chris) Shaffer, of Grimes, and Kelly (Matt) Murley, of Bondurant; a son, David (Kimberly) Beckman, of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Trey (Grace) and Gabrielle Beckman, K. Lovisa (Tori) Railstrom, Annika Hogstrom, Morgan Olivia Shaffer and Finn and Ainsley Murley; and sisters Beverly Hedrick, of Dyersville; and Georgia Ann Carpenter, of Hastings, Minn.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to Darlene, Mark was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Patty Heiar, Marlene Miller, Roger “Butch” Beckman and Michael Beckman in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations in Mark’s name to Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Franciscan Services and Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

A Video tribute is available to view online and online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com.

Elinor M. Bowling

Elinor Mae Bowling, 93, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, September 8, 2024, at home.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 13, 2024, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.  There is no visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Elinor Mae Beaman was born on July 1, 1931 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Ralph and Rebecca (Holstein) Beaman.  She was a 1950 graduate of Bellevue High School.  She married George Bowling on September 12, 1952 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Everett, Thomas, and Kenneth.

Through the years Elinor had worked various jobs, most notably for five years at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, and for 15 years at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa.

Elinor enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening, fishing with her husband, reading books, and watching western television shows.

Those left to honor her memory include a son, Everett (Brenda) Bowling of Maquoketa, IA; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Bowling of Maquoketa, IA; 11 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George on January 17, 2016, sons Kenneth and Thomas, brothers Clarence and Robert Heister, sisters Arlene Fultner and Alice Milne, and a grandson Matthew Bowling.

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