Obituaries Archive

Richard D. Michels

Richard D. “Dick” Michels, age 88, of East Dubuque, and formerly of Waupeton and Dubuque, passed away at 1:55 a.m., on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center.  Per Dick’s wishes there will be no public service.  Burial will be at a later date, on a warm sunny day, in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include;

5 children,
Deborah Zabel,
Judith Mitchell,
Christy Stockwell,
Steve (Kim) Michels
and David Michels;

a step-daughter,
Ann (Scott) Moore;

and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 53 years, Gail Michels.

Life – it is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty, well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, worn out and loudly proclaiming, “Wow, what a ride!”.

Greeting cards in Dick’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dick Michels Family.

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

Bruce H. Droessler

Bruce H. Droessler, 79, of Maquoketa passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at home from bile duct cancer, a rare cancer.

Bruce was born to Howard and Katherine “Kay” (Flogel) Droessler in Key West, Iowa, on April 16, 1945. He spent his childhood in LaMotte, Iowa, then moved to Bellevue, where he graduated from Marquette High School in 1964. There, he combined his talent for engineering with the mischievous energy he inherited from his father. In one notable incident, he combined his backpack, a cleverly assembled outfit, and various electronics and accessories to listen covertly, during class, to a World Series radio broadcast. In attempting to better hide his shenanigans from a nun walking by his desk, he inadvertently shook loose a cord from a radio jack, causing a loud outburst. Luckily for him, the nun could not pinpoint the source of the noise or the rascal who caused it — though she likely had her suspicions.

Building on his engineering prowess, Bruce graduated with an applied science and electronics engineering degree from DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago in 1966. He then moved to Florida, where he worked for IBM at Cape Kennedy as a launch technician for numerous Apollo missions, including the Apollo 11 flight that sent Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon. Bruce then worked briefly in New Jersey, where his daughters Tracy and DeeDee were born, before returning to Florida to write computer code for three decades for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). After retiring in 2002, Bruce returned to Iowa, where he married Deborah “Deb” Roach in 2005.

A lifelong volunteer, Bruce taught his daughters’ elementary school classes about computers, coached numerous youth softball teams, clerked for a Maquoketa state legislator, and for 17 years repaired home medical equipment to prepare it for resale at the Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities ReStore. In addition to taking adventures with his family, Bruce enjoyed genealogy, playing pickleball and golf, sharing the rhubarb that grew abundantly behind his home, and making sure visiting wild birds (and the neighbor’s dog) were well fed.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Droessler; daughters, Tracy (Matt) Larson of Gainesville, Fla,, and DeAnne “DeeDee” (Jon) Hinson of Venice, Fla.; stepdaughter, Sarah (Derek) Paulson of Dubuque, Iowa; stepson, Seth Roach of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Elyse, Evelyn, and David Larson, all of Gainesville, Fla., and Claire, Audrey, Caleb, and Autumn Paulson, all of Dubuque; great-grandson, Luka Paulson-Siegert of Dubuque; sister, Shirley (Patrick) Cloos of Springbrook, Iowa; brother-in-law David Deppe of Bellevue, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Howard and Kay Droessler, and sister, June Deppe, preceded him in death.

Bruce’s final act of love and generosity was to donate his body for medical research.

A visitation will be held on June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Remembrances may be made through contributions to the Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, Hospice of Jackson County, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Saint Joseph’s Church in Bellevue or the charity of your choice.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 W. Pleasant St., Maquoketa, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Donald L. Schultz

Donald Lynn Schultz of Dubuque, born on the 4th of October 1951 sadly passed away May 16th at 2:30am surrounded by loved ones.

Don started out his life as a son and a brother. He left us as a husband, brother, father, grandfather (papa), leader and mentor. He leaves behind but not alone a wife, sons, daughter, brother, in-laws, 9 grandchildren and countless friends… Loved by all. Don will be missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Celebration of Don’s full life will be at 12:00 pm (Noon) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Msgr. Jim Miller officiating.

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

Mitch Appleby

Mitch Appleby passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 15, 2024, following a long struggle with heart disease.   

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Egelhof Siegert & Casper Funeral Home at 2659 John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at Christ Church Dubuque in Fountain Park, 2728 Asbury Road, led by Pastor Chip Gatto.  Following the service there will be a luncheon at the church.

Mitch was born on August 12, 1946, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Donald Appleby and Aleda Ruth (Taylor) Appleby.  In 1989 he was united in marriage to Leslie Einhorn.  They have three children:  Michael J. Appleby Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Abigail Appleland of Cedar Rapids, and Joshua Appleby of Dubuque.

His three surviving siblings are Bill (Linda) Appleby of Pella, Iowa, Rick (Elaine) Appleby of Loveland, Colorado, and Jim (Mary) Appleby of Newton, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his older brother David (Helen), and by his previous wife Cynthia, who succumbed to cancer.

Mitch retired in 2017 from Dubuque Stamping where he worked for 17 years as Network Administrator.  Prior to that he spent 9 years in Manchester running his own computer business.  He was also previously employed by Daylight Screen in Warsaw, Indiana and by Sea Nymph boat company in Syracuse, Indiana, working as a draftsman.  In his younger years he was a tour guide at the Grand Canyon, and later worked with the group Wandering Wheels, a Christian outreach group based at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana which sponsored bicycle trips across America for college age students.

Mitch was a committed Christian who centered his life around the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was a member of Christ Church Dubuque and participated in the worship team for the Sunday morning services, playing string bass.  The church body has been a second family to him.

Mitch enjoyed working with his hands and was skilled at woodworking, building everything from guitars to sailboats.  He was also an avid motorcyclist.  He played a number of musical instruments, including guitar and string bass.  His other hobbies included baking, sewing, and hunting.  Mitch was able to find enjoyment in many aspects of everyday life.   He took particular interest in learning how things are built and manufactured, and was able to repair almost anything, creating his own tools as needed.

Mitch was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Memorials can be given to Christ Church, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque.

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

LaVonne J. Cook

LaVonne J. Cook, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 14, 2024 at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

A Private Family Service will be held. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

LaVonne was born on July 7th, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Adolf and Charlotte Keehner. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jerry L. Cook on June 23rd, 1951 in Dubuque. He preceded her in death in 2009. Before marriage, she worked at the U.S. Credit Bureau before becoming a homemaker.

LaVonne found joy in the simple things, like bus trips with her daughter and granddaughter, solving puzzles, shopping, and reading – especially every word of the daily issue of the Telegraph Herald. She also loved getting her cup of coffee from Hardee’s in Key West or Village Inn. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she gave freely without expecting anything in return. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her boundless love and selflessness.

LaVonne is survived by her children Jeff L. Cook, Jim L. (June) Cook, and Jeanne L. (Brian) Loeffelholz, grandchildren Gary Cook, Nicole Cook, Garrett Cook, Travis Cook, Amanda (Branden) Blakemore, and Katie (Cruz) Carreno, and great grandchildren Paisley and Tatum Blakemore.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Cook, parents Adolf and Charlotte, and brother Melvin Keehner.

Thank you to the nurses and staff at Oak Park Place and St. Croix Hospice.

Stephen L. Podnar

Stephen L. Podnar, of Scales Mound, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Dubuque, Iowa.

Stephen was born on March 19, 1937, in Center Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, the son of Adam and Frieda Leuenberger Podnar. On September 20, 1958, Steve married Jeanette Bruun at Galena, Illinois. 

He is survived by his wife, sons, Kevin (Ann) Podnar of Scales Mound, IL, and Craig (Sharon) Podnar of Oregon, WI., grandchildren, Jennifer Podnar, Olivia Blythe and Jared Podnar, great grandchildren Beau Podnar and Finley Blythe, sister-in-law Roselyn Bruun and brothers-in law, Gary Fulton and Ronnie Hinzmann, numerous nieces and nephews and by his siblings, Adam Podnar and Rosemary Hodapp. 

He was preceded in death by daughter Susan, grandson Matthew Podnar, his parents, brothers Alex Podnar and Robert Podnar and sisters, Teresa McAvoy, Sandie Podnar and Clara Hinzmann, sister-in-law Nancy Fulton and brothers-in-law Norman Bruun and Tom Bruun and in-laws Willis and Alberta Bruun. 

Steve served in the National Guard and enjoyed sports, fishing, playing cards, western music, and most of all being with family. He was also very fond of Hershey’s Almond Nuggets, Baby Ruths and DumDums. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Medical Associate Doctors and staff, Mercy One staff and Hospice of Dubuque.

Family and friends may call   after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, where funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Libby Rutherford officiating. Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

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

William J. Kluesner

William “Bill” J. Kluesner, 73, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 14, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday May 20th, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Military Honors will be accorded at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home by the American Legion Post #6. A private family burial will be at a later date at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Colesburg, Iowa.

Bill was born on December 10, 1950, in New Vienna, Iowa, the son of Linus and Agnes (Boge) Kluesner. He married Sylvia J. Thein on May 24, 1975, in Garber Iowa.

Bill honorably served his country in the United Stated Navy during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a maintenance man until he retired in 2005.

Bill was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, Buffalo Bills, and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He enjoyed going to the casino and spending time with his grandkids. In his younger years Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, or attending a Nascar race.

He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Sylvia; and their children Dale (Nicole) Kluesner and Nikkie (Kyle) Glatt; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Brooksey), Parker (Abbey), Reed (Ashley) Kluesner, and Alexandria “Alex” Glatt; and his sister Kate Kluesner.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald, Dale and Dave; and his sister, Dori Hochrein.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy, especially Hayley and Ellie, Care Initiatives Hospice, especially Trish and Angie, and the staff at the VA Clinic.

The family requests no flowers.

Walter F. Hedrick

Walter F. Hedrick, 90, of Dubuque, passed away on May 14th, 2024, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehab. 

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. The burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Walter was born on May 18, 1933, in Dubuque, the son of Elmer and Ruth (Gantenbein) Hedrick.  He graduated from Senior High School in 1951 followed by one year at the University of Dubuque. Walter served in the United States Navy Reserves where he received an honorable discharge.

He married Edna J. Witte on October 2, 1954, in Dubuque, IA. Walter was employed by Caradco for 25 years followed by the Adams Co. and Dubuque Sash and Door.

He was a member of the UKC Kennel Club and the Willowa Beagle Club (Wisconsin).

Walters greatest joy was spending time with his son, Kevin, whether it be hunting, fishing or baseball.  His hunting included racoon, rabbit, deer, and turkey.  Also, a lifetime of fishing on the river, along with all his friends from hunting and fishing.  He was also a baseball fan, coaching the Hawks in independent league and Dubuque Merchants semi-pro.

Surviving is his son Kevin (Joan) Hedrick, brother Clifford Hedrick of Plano, TX, sisters-in-law Charlotte Vanderbilt and Mabel Witte both of Dubuque, along with numerous nieces, nephews and families.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife Edna, parents Elmer and Ruth Hedrick, in-laws Carl and Edna Witte, sisters-in-law Frieda (Hank) Suverkrup and Barbara Hedrick, brothers-in-law Robert Witte and Russ Vanderbilt and nephew Michael Vanderbilt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.

The family wishes to thank the staff and community at The Rose of Dubuque, Ennoble Manor Staff and Hospice of Dubuque, Especially Chris.

Melvin L. Schroder

Melvin L. Schroder, 84, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, May 13, 2024, at the Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

A private burial will be held at the Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family has honored his wishes and cremation rights have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Melvin Lawrence Schroder was born on June 8, 1939, in Rock Island, Illinois, the fourth child born to Arthur and Rosella May (Kelly) Schroder.  He grew up in Rock Island and Moline Illinois.  He later moved to Maquoketa, Iowa, and lastly was a resident at Fieldstone of DeWitt, Iowa.

Melvin was an avid writer.  He especially enjoyed writing in his daily journal, letters to the editor, and poems.  He looked forward every year to baseball season and attending the Clinton Lumberjack games.

Those left to honor his memory include several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Harold, Rev. Ivan, and Jerry, and three sisters; Lois, Loretta and infant Catherine.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, sixth floor nurses and staff and to the staff at Fieldstone in DeWitt.

Memorials may be given to your favorite charity. 

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

Leo M. Mallie

Leo Marvin Mallie, 86, of Dubuque died on May 12, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center. The son of Marvin and Stella Mallie, Leo was born in Muscatine, IA on February 20, 1938, and grew up on farms in New Boston, IL and Tipton, IA, the oldest of nine siblings.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Leo will be at 10:00 am Monday, May 20, 2024, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father Thomas McDermott as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

A 1960 Iowa State University agronomy graduate, Leo was one of the pioneers of the agricultural lending field in the tri-states. Leo’s first job was with the Dubuque County Extension Service working mainly with the 4H program.  In 1962, two major life events happened, he began his career with First National Bank of Dubuque and he married Rosemary Murphy of Dike, Iowa, his wife of 62 years. In the mid-1960’s, Leo headed up the first agricultural lending department in the area at a time when farming was becoming a big business in the American economy. He continued his service for 38 years, during which he worked for five banks by merger (First National, Hawkeye, Mercantile, First Star and U.S. Bank) yet never moved his desk. Leo served as chairman of the Iowa Bankers agriculture committee, president of the Iowa Extension Council and in the farm crisis of the 1980’s was asked to join the President’s Council at Iowa State University.  Leo was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2022.

Leo was a member of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church for over fifty years, serving on the Finance Committee, Parish Council and School Board. He was an early member of the Cursillo movement in Dubuque and treasured those friendships all his life. Leo’s kindness, quick wit, storytelling prowess and engaging smile will not be forgotten. He loved the game of golf and his golf buddies. Leo was especially proud of his two holes in one (both on #7 at Lacoma), and his Czech heritage. Leo traveled the world with many groups and friends, but his favorite companion was always Rosie. They especially loved their winter trips to Destin, Florida and summer outings to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada.

Of all the things Leo treasured in life, he was most grateful for and dearly loved his family. In addition to his wife Rosemary, Leo is survived by their four children: Kathy (Steve) Schneider of Bloomington, MN, Mary Beth Garrett of Dubuque, IA, Mark (Molly) Mallie of Rochester, NY and Judge Matthew Mallie of Brainerd, MN. His grandchildren: Kelley (Igor Karlicic) Schneider, and John Schneider both of Chicago, Rachel Schneider of Boulder, CO, Katie (Travis) Bridges of Virginia Beach and Patrick Garrett of Norfolk, VA. His great grandchild: Stella Bridges. He is survived by three sisters: Mary (Craig) Townley, Mildred (Roger) Deevers, and Beth (Mark) Meyer and four brothers David (Jennifer), Joe (Betty), Michael (Marilyn) and John (Jody) and one brother-in-law Gene Mundt. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and one sister Anne Mundt.

Our thanks to the special people who helped us along the way; Our wonderful South Grandview neighbors, staff at Assisi and at Stonehill, Dr. Brian Sullivan, and our caregivers Sean Bradley, Ed and Sandy Gau, and Julie Kaufman, all who have our everlasting gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to St. Columbkille Church, Stonehill Care Center and Dubuque Rescue Mission.

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

Norma J. Sieverding

Norma Jean (Kilburg) Sieverding, 87, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Friday, May 17, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  A Vigil Service will begin at 3:30 pm with Visitation to follow until 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 16, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:30 am – 10:15 am prior to Mass on Friday at church.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Norma was born August 20, 1936 on the family farm in Springbrook, the daughter of Nicholas and Frances (Clasen) Kilburg.  Norma married David Sieverding on April 18, 1959 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew.  Norma had a strong faith, enjoyed spending time with her family, card club, cooking, gardening, and riding horses when she was younger.  Norma and Dave loved to travel and enjoy many trips to the Smokey Mountains and an occasional trip to the casino.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, David; a son, Chad (Stacy) Sieverding; grandchildren, Crystal, Curtis, Nicole, Brady, and Ashlyn; siblings, Donald (Viola) Kilburg, and Judy Moran; sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Kilburg, Alice Kilburg, Cletus Sieverding, Glen (Shirley) Sieverding, Dan (Mary) Sieverding, Mark (Sherri) Sieverding, Donna Sieverding, Darlene Sieverding and Darla Sieverding.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Randy Sieverding in 2006; siblings, Leon Kilburg, Arlin (Bernice) Kilburg, and Sr. Lou Ann Kilburg; sisters and brothers in-law, Michael Moran, Karen Sieverding(infancy), Tom Sieverding, Don Sieverding, Phyllis Sieverding, Lorin Kilburg, Betty Sieverding, Lorin Sieverding and Marilyn (Virtus) Clasen.

Memorials may be directed to Marquette Catholic Schools or Hospice of Jackson County in Norma’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com;

Edward L. West

Edward LeRoy West, 81, of Asbury, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Friday, May 17, 2024 at Word of Life Church.

The Funeral Service for Edward will be 11:00 am Friday, May 17, 2024, at Word of Life Church with Pastor Loren Hirschy officiating. Burial will be at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Badger, Iowa, at a later date.

Edward was born June 25, 1942, in Lehigh, IA, the son of Arthur and Violet (Knutson) West. On February 13, 1999, he married Julie Nash in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Edward graduated from Lehigh High School in 1959. After high school Edward attended tech school. He worked for Fort Dodge Laboratories for 40 years before starting his own business, West Engineering. During his retirement, Edward built his own jet boat and became an author, publishing his own book, Outboard Jets. He was also in the works of writing his next book which was about the Bible as he saw it.

In his younger years, Edward enjoyed hunting and fishing. As he got older, he loved the Mississippi River and any river in general. He loved boating the backwaters of the Mississippi. Edward also was very passionate about genealogy.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Julie; two daughters, Kris (Robert) Stender of Fort Dodge, IA; Melanie Boehnen of McFarland, WI; daughter-in-law, Joy (Michael) Thoma of Clare, IA; three grandchildren, Joe Frasher of Seattle, WA; Grant (Tasha) West of Lehigh, IA; and Kelsey West of Storm Lake, IA; step-grandson, Jon (Misha) Thoma of Ankeny, IA; step-granddaughter, Maddie (Zach) Lind of Fort Dodge, IA; three step-great-grandchildren, Gemma and Elliot Thoma and Brynn Lind; two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Joe) Scudera and Barbara (Dennis) Noble; brother-in-law, Stephen (Angie) Nash; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his son, Todd West in 1998; step-great-grandson, Parker Thoma; and three siblings, Ardith (Don) Kenne, Margaret West, and Mary (Orrin) Halgrim.

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 Edward’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Rick Kragenbring

Rick “Revy” Kragenbring, 63, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at home with his wife by his side.

Family and friends may call from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 19th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be held in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Atwater, MN, with military honors accorded by members of Spicer American Legion Post # 545.

Rick was born on January 11, 1961, in Willmar, MN, the son of Paul F. and Patricia A. (Liestman) Kragenbring.  He was a 1979 graduate of Atwater High School where he was a state wrestling champion. Rick was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1982 – 1985.

He was united in marriage to Darrellyn K. “Sparrow” Stevens on June 30, 2018, in East Dubuque.  Rick was known as a River-Rat. He enjoyed boating, riding his Harley motorcycle, and music. Rick previously was a DJ and had his own Karaoke business. He was employed by Cox Automotive as a marketing representative, and formerly worked for Runde Pre-Driven Auto Sales, rural Hazel Green, WI. Rick was a member of the Spicer American Legion Post # 545 and will be missed by many people.

Surviving is his wife, Darrellyn “Sparrow”; a son, Ricky (Jami) Kragenbring, Jr. of Atwater, MN; four grandchildren, Jayden, Jayce, Kourtney, and Kylee; his mother, Patricia Power; siblings, John (Jean) Kragenbring, Grove City, MN, Mark (Cherie) Kragenbring, and Delisa Grahn both of Atwater; and his therapy dogs, Louie and Lucky.

He was preceded in death by his father Paul, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Darrellyn and family wish to thank the University of Iowa Oncology team and the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion.

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

Ruth A. Rea

Ruth A. Rea, 86, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Visitation for Ruth will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding and Mark Otting as assisting deacon. Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore, Iowa.

Ruth was born April 1, 1938, daughter of Lillard H. Kieler and Hazel H. (Lenstra) Kieler in Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School both in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was united in marriage to Patrick Rea on July 8,1961, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa.  She, along with Pat farmed and ran a seed business in the Bernard area.

She enjoyed flowers, her flower and vegetable gardens, making cookies, biking, wintering in Florida, and mostly loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ruth was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Fillmore, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Patrick J. Rea of Bernard; three daughters, Suellen (John) Lathrum of Johnston, Carolyn (Bryon) Kelchen of Cascade, and Sharon (Dan) Donovan of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Andy (Beth) Kelchen, Megan (Andrew) Smith, Katie (Justin) Wolber, Daniel and Joseph Lathrum; 4 step grandchildren, Andie, Alaina, Bridget, and Riley Donovan; 5 great grandchildren; In-laws, Gene Sullivan of Dubuque, Nancy Oglesby of Cuba City, WI, Joyce (Al) Koster of Asbury, and Lois Wubben of Oregon, WI, and Gerry Rea of Cascade.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lillard H. Kieler and Hazel H. Kieler-Meyer; Step father, Lawrence Meyer; one son, Steven P. Rea on May 6, 2003; two sisters, Jean (Mark) Adams, and Marilyn Sullivan; father and mother-in-law, Oliver and Florence (McCarthy) Rea; In-laws, James (Valeria) Rea, David Rea, Michael “Mickey” Rea, Lois Ann Rea OSF, Kay (Paul) McDonnell, Anna Ruth (James) O’Shea, Mary (Willie) George, Jim Oglesby, and Ray Wubben.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Aquin School in memory of Ruth Rea.

A video tribute may be viewed, and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Mary D. Neyens

Mary D. Neyens, 91, of Dubuque died Friday, May 10, 2024 at Hawkeye Care Center.  Visitation will be from 9 to 11 am Saturday, May 18 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 11 am.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born July 4, 1932 in Garryowen, Iowa, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lynch) McMahon.

Mary graduated from St. Raphaels High School in 1948 and Mount St. Joseph Academy of Dubuque in 1952

She was a cook for several night clubs in the Dubuque area and spent many years cooking at the Coach House until her retirement.

On September 26, 1953, she married Robert Neyens at St. Raphael Cathedral.  He preceded her in death on June 17, 2001.

She was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

She enjoyed quilting and crocheting and made many quilts as gifts and donations.

Mary is survived by two sons, Ronald R. Neyens and Ross A. Neyens; and in-laws, Claudette (Neyens) Coleman, Mike and Karen Neyens, Diane (Neyens) and Bill Zwack, and Ruth (Keller) Neyens.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Thomas and Willard McMahon; a sister, Catherine (McMahon) Beechen; parents in law, Claude and Imelda (Burgmeyer) Neyens; sisters in law, Joyce (Hohmann) Neyens, Naomi (Neyens) Meehan and June McMahon; and brothers in law, Edward and David Neyens, Donald Coleman, Eugene Beechen, and John Meehan.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Cathy Mootz and Deborah Johnson for all the years of help and support to Mary.