Obituaries Archive

Russell E. Kieffer

Herbert J. Bisping

Laura M. Schemmel

The loving, generous, and passionate life of Laura M. Schemmel, 77, of Dubuque, came to an end with her passing on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Laura will be 10:30 am Monday, December 2, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary in Dubuque.

Laura was born April 12, 1947, in Dyersville, IA, the daughter of Alfred and Madonna Juran Roling. On November 27, 1965, she married Anthony J. Schemmel at St. Joseph’s Parish in Rickardsville

Laura was retired from Jeld-Wen and Medical Associates Clinic.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She was a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and an amazing wife and grandmother. Laura enjoyed playing dominoes and caring for her beautiful flower garden. She was always deeply interested in the lives and concerns of her children and grandchildren. Above all, Laura cherished spending time with her family in the warmth of her home. Her greatest legacy lives on in her three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Survivors include her husband, Tony; one son, Michael (Julie) Schemmel of Epworth, IA; two daughters, Jennifer (Brian) Schultz and Robin Schemmel, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Alec (Josie) Schemmel, Rachel (Nixon) Schemmel, Matthew (Haley) Schemmel, Megan Schultz, Carter (Faith) Schultz, and Austin (Mina) Schemmel; three great-grandchildren, Adelyn, Madden, and Tage; two brothers, Tom (Linda) Roling of Durango, IA, and Dennis (Debbie) Roling of Rickardsville, IA; one sister, Diane (Joe) Schemmel of Dubuque; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve Kress of Sherrill, IA, Elsie Payton of Tipton, IA, Donald (Diane) Schemmel of Sherrill, IA, Marge Schemmel of Durango, IA, Coralee (Fred) Schaumburg of Durango, IA, Chuck (Sharon) Schemmel of Dubuque, Joyce (Don) Tigges of Dubuque, and Bob (Cindy) Schemmel of Dubuque and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sharon Kress, her father- and mother-in-law, Anthony and Ida Schemmel, and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Millie Schemmel, Bob and Lois Gruel, Jim Payton, Jim Schemmel, Pete and Del Rose O’Meara, and Rick (Carol) Schemmel.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, Kristina, Amy, and Jamie, for the compassionate care and support you provided to Laura.

Until we meet again, thank you, Mom, for leading by example. May the loving arms of the Lord hold you safely and securely as we seek healing for our broken hearts.

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

Niculae Schimbeski

Niculae Schimbeski, 90, of Dubuque, died on Monday, November 25, 2024, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Niculae was born on September 17, 1934, in Sulina, Romania, the son of Gheorghe and Sevastia (Manolatos) Schimbeski. On December 19, 1955, he married Epistimia Braileanu in Sulina, Romania.

Niculae was a 1952 graduate of Military Academy in Romania, and 1956 graduate of Military Academy in Bucharest, Romania. He served in the Romanian Air Force for 35 years as an Aircraft Mechanical Engineer, retiring in 1989 with the rank of Colonel.

Niculae was a member of St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Dubuque. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing with cats and dogs, and photography.

Survivors include his wife, Epistimia Schimbeski of Dubuque; two daughters, Camelia Rehus and Luiza Lidia (Nicolae) ILIE both of Dubuque; three grandchildren, Michael C. Rehus, Dan Adrian ILIE, Gabriel Matthew ILIE; and two great-grandchildren, Emmy Rose Rehus and Danny Matthew Rehus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ion, one sister, Nina, and one son-law, Adalbert Rehus.

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

Frances A. Wessels

Frances A. Wessels, 94, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Wednesday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Frances was born July 20, 1930, daughter of George and Mayme (Ricken) Menke.  She married Robert W. Wessels on September 18, 1951 in Dyersville, Iowa.  Together they farmed for 25 years. Frances, devoted countless hours of love and guidance to her family and enjoyed giving of herself by volunteering for her community in countless ways.

Survivors include her children: Michael (Joyce) Wessels of Rickardsville, IA, Beverly (John) Lucas of Sherrill, IA, Debra (Charles) Klein of Farmingdale, NY, Thomas (Terry) Wessels of Marquette, MI, Jeffrey (Amy) Wessels of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and Amy (Tim) Koehn of Holy Cross, IA, and a son-in-law, John Oberbroeckling of East Dubuque, IL; 18 grandchildren: Jenny (Justin), Lynn (Chad), Jay (Kathy), Brian (Amanda), Wendy (Kyle), Anne (Matt), Amber (Nate), Steve (Katie), Jonathan, Jeremy (Sharon), Alison (Aaron), Johanna (John), Emily (Kevin), Dan (Ashley), Olivia, Heather (Nick), Megan (Max) and Sam (Lillian); 37 great grandchildren; siblings: Wilma Lake; in-laws: Gladys Wessels and Cheri Wessels all of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2008, parents, parents-in-laws, Edward and Dorothy Wessels, a daughter, Shirley Oberbroeckling, grandchildren: Mary Frances and Kelly Marie (both in infancy), siblings: George (Grace) Menke; in-laws: James Lake, Ernest Wessels, Ida Rose (Lavern) Sabers, Francis “Hank” Wessels and Richard “Breeze” Wessels.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the staff at Stonehill Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Ellen Kennedy Center for taking incredible care of their mother.

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

Alvina M. Murphy

Alvina M. Murphy, 93, of Farley, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Alvina will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m., and a CDA Rosary at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with the Rev. Michael Schueller officiating.  Burial will be held in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Alvina was born February 20, 1931, in Lore, Iowa, daughter of Clement and Matilda (Behnke) Steil.  On May 10, 1952, she was united in marriage to Virgil Murphy at St. Philomena’s Catholic Church in Asbury, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on January 9, 2018.

The couple farmed south of Farley for several years. Alvina was a devoted farm wife, mother, and grandmother who was constantly working on the farm, feeding the calves, milking the cows, and gardening.  She was very frugal and canned everything she possibly could.  She was a wonderful baker and cook, baking the most wonderful bread and pies.  Alvina enjoyed many forms of needle point.  The couple enjoyed hosting a lot of family picnics at the farm.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa.  Alvina was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Presentation Court #1460

She is survived by four children, Debra Jarding of Dubuque, IA, Kathryn (Jon) Berkley of Dubuque, James Murphy of Farley, and Daniel (Christine) Murphy of Farley; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; her siblings and their spouses, James (Jean) Steil of Asbury, LaVern (Elaine) Steil of Dubuque, Jude Steil of Bettendorf; and sister-in-law, Betty Murphy of Dubuque.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one son-in-law, Paul Jarding; two grandsons, Zachary Pust and James C. Murphy; her siblings and their spouses, Gerald (Gloria) Steil, Leonard Steil, Norman (Mary Ann) Steil, Mary Ann (Donald) Derouin, Evelyn (Albert) Beecher, Eleanor (Donald) Lombardi; in-laws, Eileen (Duane) Bruening; and Louis Murphy.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Jeanette K. Russell

Jeanette “Jen” Katherine Russell, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday December 1, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a wake service beginning at 4:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday December 2, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Jeanette was born on May 29, 1934, in St. Donatus, Iowa, daughter of Vincent and Lucille (Lynch) Kingsley. She was united in marriage to her husband, Robert E. Russell, on October 29, 1955, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in La Motte, Iowa. Jen worked as a bookkeeper at Interstate Finance, was a restaurant owner, as well as a stay-at-home mom. She was an active member of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

Jeanette is survived by her children Paul (Jan) Russell, Barbara Frandsen, Brenda (Harold) Caves, Mark (Pam) Russell, Michael (Tina) Russell, Tom Russell, Roger (Peggy) Russell, Bonnie (Jim) Beardsworth, and Kathy (Bob) Torrey. Three generations of grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Russell, son Dale Russell, her parents, and family members Alecia and Shots Konrardy, Joe (Merl) and Anna Mae Kingsley, Jerry and Rosie Kingsley, Thelma and Arnie Herrig, Chuck Kingsley, Dena and Tom Schliesman, and four nephews Mike Kingsley, Jude Herrig, Dan Herrig, and Wayne Konrardy.

Memorials may be given in Jeanette’s memory to St. Jude Hospital and St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque-especially Amanda, Peggy, and Hilary, as well as Dr. Christopher Stille and Dr. Rahm, and all of the wonderful caregivers who helped take care of Jen.

Susan Funke

Susan (Sinn) Funke, 62, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the presence of her devoted husband, Kevin Funke, on November 25, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center.  She was born on June 16, 1962 to M. George and Delta (Rankin) Sinn.

Susan was raised on a family farm in Boyton Center, Illinois. She graduated from Bradley with a double major in biology and psychology and a masters degree in psychology. She was a counselor, devoted wife, loving mother, loyal friend, and enthusiastic grandma.

There was music wherever Susan went, from singing nursery rhymes to her children, to rocking out to Meatloaf, to singing the perfect snippet of song for any conversation. She brought sparkle, wit, and laughter to every gathering. She took immense joy in her family and making every family event one to remember.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Funke, 62, as well as her children Katherine, Scott (Amy), and Claire (Ashwin), as well as her granddaughter, Emma.

The visitation for Susan will take place at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL on Friday, November 29th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a memorial service at Saint Luke’s UMC in Dubuque on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

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

Karen R. Pfab

Karen R. Pfab, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 24, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. The burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

She graduated from Northeast High School in Elvira, IA, then went on to Mt. St. Claire in Clinton for two years and finished with her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Clarke College in Dubuque.  Karen went on to become a teacher for the Holy Family Catholic Schools.

Karen was born on August 25, 1946, in Preston, Iowa, the daughter of Benedict and Laurentia (Reuter) Roling. She married Eugene “Gene” Pfab on July 7, 1966, in Preston, Iowa.

She was very involved within her church, especially the choir and lecturing.  She was also active in the Red Hat club and TOPS.  She volunteered at the Arboretum, Meals on Wheels, DuRide and helped establish a cancer support group – which was special to her.

Her husband, Gene, was her best friend and travel companion.  Her kids were the ultimate joy of her life, and her grandchildren were her absolute blessings.

Karen is survived by her husband, Gene; her children, Sarah Ann (Jay) Cottrell and Jason (Vickie) Pfab; her grandsons, Brandon, Matthew, Ian, Dylan, and Louden; bonus granddaughters, Abigail (Kyle) Hammann, Haley Cottrell, and Monica (Caleb) Bulland; Six bonus great-grandchildren; sisters, Bertha Pfab, Doris Lawrence, Lois (Darrell) Trenkamp, RuthAnn (Terry) Hahn; brother, Lawrence (Joan) Roling; sisters in law, Veronica (Al) Burds, Eileen (Ray Bliesmer) Conlan-Morken; brothers-in-law, Richard (Sandy) Pfab, Robert (Barb) Pfab, Roger (Linda) Pfab, Delbert Pfab, Carl Pfab; sister-in-law, Gaby Pfab.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Hayley Ann Pfab; parents, Benedict and Laurentia Roling; siblings, Kenneth, Leo, and James Roling and Delores Woods; in-laws, John and Viola Pfab; sister-in-law, Pam Pfab; brothers-in-law, Clarence, Melvin, baby boy Pfab, Raymond, Leroy, David, and Gary Pfab.

The family would like to thank MercyOne Cancer Center, Dr. Engelman, Tammy Noonan and staff, along with Dr. Sullivan and Hospice of Dubuque for all of the support and kindness through this difficult time.

Patrick K. LuGrain

Patrick K. “Pat” LuGrain, age 65, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on November 24th, 2024, after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. To honor Pat’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is assisting Pat’s family throughout this difficult time.

Pat was born on August 30th, 1959, in Dubuque, IA, a son to William and Carol (Weidenbacher) LuGrain and was united in marriage to Laurie Leibfried on August 24th, 1979. In their many beautiful years together, they were blessed with four children and six grandchildren. Pat’s greatest accomplishments consisted of being a devoted husband, a loving father, but his greatest title of all was grandpa, or “Papa Pat”.

For those that had the privilege of knowing Pat, they can attest to his strong-willed, hardworking, loving, and straight-forward character. Pat was known for his off-beat sense of humor, always bringing laughter and unexpected wit to every conversation, leaving a smile on the faces of those lucky enough to be around him. He was most recently employed with Peosta Warehousing until health issues forced him to retire. In his free time, Pat enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, fishing, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. Some of Pat’s favorite times were spent sitting in the garage, a cold beer in hand, good music playing, enjoying conversations and laughter with family.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Laurie LuGrain of Dubuque, IA; his three children, Patrick J. “PJ” (Jennifer) LuGrain of Galena, IL, Corey LuGrain of Peosta, IA, and Amber (Jesse) Heslop of Marion, IA; his six grandchildren, Payton (Kylie Brown) LuGrain, Nolan LuGrain, KiLynn Lindsay, Vivian LuGrain, Everly Heslop, and Emersyn Heslop; his siblings, Rose Leifker of Dubuque, IA, Sue (Darrell Unreuh) Atkinson of Blair, NE, Mary Jo (Gary) Schroeder of Dubuque, IA, Jean Matlock of Dubuque, IA, Jim (Mary) LuGrain of Dubuque, IA, and Kathy (Randy) Fritz of Dubuque, IA; his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Leibfried of Dubuque, IA; and his brother-in-law, Rich (Michelle) Leibfried of Naperville, IL; along with numerous extended family.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, William and Carol; his beloved daughter, Ashley E. LuGrain; his sister, Sandy LuGrain; and his father-in-law, Richard Leibfried.

Pat’s family would like to express a deep-felt gratitude towards the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris and Amy for all of their love and support. Additional gratitude is extended to Dr. Hermann, Dr. Heiar, nurses and staff, the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, and the oncology nurses and staff of Finley Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care over the last two years while Pat bravely faced his battle with Leukemia.

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

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

Richard Duddeck

Richard Duddeck, 90, passed away on November 25th 2024, with his daughter by his side.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm (Noon) until 1:00 pm on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home where full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Center Grove Cemetery, Dubuque.

Richard was born in Rastenberg, Germany on September 8, 1934 to Carl and Martha Duddeck. He traveled to the United States at the age of 17. He served in the United States Army as a P4 Paratrooper where he earned his Silver Wings where he was stationed in Germany.

He met and fell in love with Yvonne Burrows, and they married on July 27, 1957. She preceded him in death in 1995.

He worked at Eska, Metz, Klauer Manufacturing, John Deere Dubuque Works, Browns Publishing, and Eagle Window and Door before retiring in 1995. Richard was a proud member of UAW Local 94.

He loved spending his free time working on old cars, among his prized possessions were his 1968 Ford Mustang convertible, and his 1954 Chevy truck. He spent his Thursdays at Graffiti Night, and breakfasts with his car club guys.

Richard was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and made special memories with family building things together. He and his family built four houses together, still living in the first house he built.

Above all things, the light of his life were his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Spending nearly every day, helping his daughter, Heidi, baby sit her four grandkids in recent years. He was their favorite napping buddy, and proudly fed each new great grandbaby, as he knew that was his job.

Richard is survived by his son, Dick (Annette) Duddeck; and his daughter, Heidi (Chris) Ludescher; four grandchildren, Rick (Jenna) and Rob Duddeck, and Jessica (Matt) Ehlers and Jon (Shannon) Ludescher; and ten great grandchildren, Jordan, Kennedy, Quinn, Sullivan and Reagan Duddeck, Blake, Deklan, Makynlee and Karlee Ehlers, and Wyatt Ludescher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; his parents, Carl and Martha Duddeck; his sister, Anne; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerhard and Ruth Duddeck; nephew, Tom; and niece, Susan.

The family would like to thank Dubuque Fire and Rescue, and Dubuque Police Dept for their help, along with Dr. Sullivan, Dr. Ram, and Dr. Bland for their care of Richard over the years. “Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not” “Auf Wiedersehen”

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

Timothy J. Gallagher

Timothy J. Gallagher, 72, died Saturday, November 23, 2024.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Friday, November 29 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 2:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.  The burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A livestream of the funeral Mass can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Tim was born November 25, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of James J. and Margaret M. (Kane) Gallagher. He graduated from Nativity Elementary School and Wahlert Catholic High School.  He then graduated from Loras College and Creighton Law School.

After graduating from law school, he began his career at Conzett, Norman and O’Brien law firm.  In 1980, he joined the Dubuque County Attorney’s office, where he was a fixture in the legal community with the innate ability to command a courtroom for over 38 years before his retirement.  While at the County Attorney’s Office, which included time as a Deputized Assistant United States Attorney, he served the citizens of Dubuque as the Drug Prosecutor.

On March 15, 1974, he married Kris Trausch at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Gags was a loyal fan and part time critic of the Hawkeyes, Packers, Cubs, Blackhawks, and Fever.  As an avid golfer, he enjoyed many successes and failures on the golf course.  He was a founding member and longtime board member of the Rock Golf Classic and finally perfected his game enough to become the one and only Millenium Rock Golf Classic Champion.  He was a founding member and former commander of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Legion (SAL).  He was able to celebrate his Irish heritage as a member of the Hibernians.  He was a skillful operator of the grill where he was able to provide many delectable pieces of meat.  His greatest source of pride was his 50 years of marriage, his 3 wonderful children, and his over 30 years of sobriety.

He is survived by his wife, Kris Gallagher; three children, Timothy John Gallagher Jr., Kelly Kathryn Gallagher, and Ryan James Gallagher; five siblings, Patrick Gallagher, Jeanne (William) Breitbach, Robert (Connie) Gallagher, Thomas (Cindy) Gallagher and Kathryn (Douglas) Bailey; and seven in laws, including Richard (Lori) Trausch, Timothy Trausch, Kevin Green, and Trish (Don) Boegel and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a “grand dog”, Matilda.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret; his in-laws, Arthur and Doris Trausch; sisters in law, Susan Green and Eileen Gallagher, close friends Monsignor Ed Petty and Monsignor Francis Friedl, and his “grand dog”, Hawkeye.

Sharon J. Tranel

Sharon J. (Sincock) Tranel, 81, of Galena, IL, formerly of Menominee, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Midwest Senior Care Community in Galena.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Friday, November 29th at the Nativity BVM Church in Menominee, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, with Fr. Edilberto Jarapa officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.

Sharon was born on June 10, 1943 in Galena, the daughter of Osburne R. and Ruth V. (Falancer) Sincock. She was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1961. Sharon was united in marriage to Cletus C. Tranel on June 13, 1964 at Nativity BVM Church, Menominee. He preceded her in death on November 24, 2015.

Sharon was a certified nursing assistant and materials management aide at Midwest Medical Center for a career spanning 50 years. She was a long-time member of Nativity BVM Parish, Menominee, as well as a member of several country music fan clubs, including those of Bill Anderson, Charley Pride, George Strait, and Brad Paisley. For many years she enjoyed travelling to Nashville to attend performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Fan Fare, and seeing up-and-coming musicians at Tootsie’s Orchard Lounge in Nashville. Sharon loved all animals and had many special pets over the years.

Surviving are two sisters, Colleen Dempsey of Galena and Diane Kowalski of Cuba City, WI, sisters-in-law, LaVonne (Cletus) Kaiser and Arletta Fransen, many nieces and nephews, as well as Midnight & Holly, her beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Beverly (Kenny) Jestice, nephew Kevin Jestice, brothers-in-law, Raymond Dempsey and Isadore Kowalski, and Clete’s family, Merla (Glenn) Carl, nephew Kevin Carl, Doris (Earl) Hasken, Joseph Fransen, and niece Linda Fransen-Delaney.

The family would like to thank Dr. Beth Gullone, Midwest Assisted Living, Midwest Senior Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for the care and concern provided to Sharon. They would also like to recognize Pauline & Jim Cox for being wonderful neighbors to Sharon.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon has asked for memorials to Purrfection Animal Rescue, 605 Ridge St., Galena, or Safe Haven Humane Society, 1471 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL.

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

Meghann Horn

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Meghann Horn on November 24, 2024, at the age of 45.  Meghann was born on June 25, 1979 in Orange, CA, to Larry and Marilyn (Loe) Horn and primarily resided in the Galena, IL area.

Meghann was an avid reader and loved animals and children.  She was known locally for Meg’s Eggs, her popular free-range chicken eggs.

She is survived by her son, Sidney (Morgan) Tessendorf; her parents, Larry and Marilyn (Loe) Horn; her sister, Erika (James Phomsavanh) Horn Phomsavanh; her nieces Leah and Hannah Phomsavanh; her companion Matt Keiffer; her beloved dog, Tango; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Amber and Anna (Mangan) Loe, Evan and Inez (Claybaugh) Horn, and her uncles and aunts Evan (Caroline) Horn, Robert (Patty) Horn, Donald (Roberta) Horn, and Johnny Horn.  Per Meghann’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.

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

Phyllis R. Hoerner

Phyllis Rose Hoerner, 90, passed away on November 23, 2024, with her family by her side at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a prayer service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Phyllis, the eldest daughter of Leo and Veronica (Ungs) Brecht, was born in Holy Cross Iowa. She studied nursing at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids and graduated in 1955. She worked as a registered nurse for more than 50 years in Dubuque. Phyllis provided care for hundreds of patients throughout her career at Xavier Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and Hospice of Dubuque. She also cared for many friends and family throughout her life.

Phyllis continued to give back to her community after retirement, spending her time volunteering at St. Joseph Key West Church, the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop, Stonehill Care Center, and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

She married John Hoerner on May 2, 1959, in Holy Cross, Iowa. Phyllis and John lived and were active in the Key West area until his death in 2000. In 2010, Phyllis moved to the Village Cooperative of Asbury. There, she built a strong community of friends and stayed active.

Phyllis is survived by daughter Lisa (Gary) Wittman and son Bill (Kathy) Hoerner, both of Dubuque, and seven grandchildren whom she dearly loved. Her grandchildren are Tammy (Jim) Robinson, Ted Wittmann (Janet), Tonya (Chris) Lenz, Ty (Ashley) Wittmann, Tim (Fiancé Audrey) Wittmann, Amber (Alex) Gonzalez, and Emily (Dan) Weiler. Phyllis had 10 great grandchildren, and they each brought her so much joy.

She is also survived by sister Kay Ross, in-laws Ann and Bob Lambe, and sisters-in-law Darlene Hoerner Schmitt and Sally Hoerner, along with many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, and her mother- and father- in-law Walter and Gladys Hoerner.

Phyllis’s family would like to give a special thanks to Vanessa and the entire 3rd floor staff at Stonehill Health Center, Hospice of Dubuque and the nursing community that Phyllis treasured throughout her life.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

Phyllis spent her long life caring deeply for her family, nurturing lifelong friendships and helping countless others through her nursing career. Even in her final months, Phyllis was drawn to the nurses’ station at Stonehill. As the adage goes, “once a nurse, always a nurse.”