Obituaries Archive

James N. May

James N. “Jimmy” May, age 54, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 7, 2025, with his youngest daughter Mikayla Randall right by his side playing his favorite music.  To honor Jim’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on September 21, 1970, in Dubuque, IA, the youngest son to Tom and Donna (Hillard) May.  He had a natural ability to be the life of the party and always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  Jim worked at Spahn & Rose for a time, but those who knew him best always understood that his heart was continually striving to be surrounded by his friends and family.  When time allowed, he wasn’t afraid to try his luck at the casino.  Jim enjoyed getting tattoos as well and took great pride in each one, always willing to share and show off his collection.  He also had a lot of love and appreciation for his music and quite often his surroundings were filled with his favorites playing in the background. Jim had an affinity for fast cars too and enjoyed testing the limits whenever possible.  He also made time to do a little mall walking from time to time and if he met you during his walk, you could be sure he was working on his next good joke in an attempt to bring a smile to the face of anyone who ventured into his path. You could often see him walking with his twin sisters, “Patty” and “Pammy” who would eventually end up leaving him behind because he just couldn’t, or wouldn’t keep up.  It’s beyond heartbreaking to have to say farewell for now to Jimmy much too early in his life and we do hope and pray that he now resides in eternal peace completely free from his earthly health battles.  Thank you, Jimmy, for reminding us that life is not meant to be taken so seriously that we often forget to take a moment to enjoy it and may the memories you leave behind help to comfort our heavy hearts until we meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his three children,
Brittany May, Dubuque, IA,
Jade Ernzen, Dubuque, IA,
and Mikayla Randall, Dubuque, IA;

Mikayla’s mother and friend,
Mandy Randall, Dubuque, IA;

his granddaughter,
Rebecca Ruff;

his siblings,
Kevin (Theresa) May, Dubuque, IA,
Bob (Jan) May, Dubuque, IA,
Pat May, Dubuque, IA,
Pam (Dean) May, Dubuque, IA,
Tom (Cheryl) May, St. Catherine, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors;

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jamie R., for all of their professional and compassionate care.  A very special thank you to Marvin Ney, Jimmys lifelong friend from Paramount Ambulance, for bringing him back home to Dubuque.  We would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Jim’s brother, Kevin and his wife, Theresa, for opening up not only their hearts, but also their home during this difficult time. Also to his siblings Kevin, Bob, Tommy, Pat and Pam for all of their love, comfort and company in his final days.  And finally, a huge thanks to his lifelong friend and the mother of his youngest daughter, “the love of his life” as he would say Mandy Randall, who surrounded him with love, comfort, and kindness throughout his final days with us. May the Lord bless all of you who have helped Jimmy and truly helped to bring a little peace into his life when needed most.

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

John W. Vonderhaar

John W. Vonderhaar, 84, of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Visitation for John will be held from Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a prayer service will be held at 12 p.m. and the Dyersville American Legion services will be held at 6 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa with Rev. Philip Agyei presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

John was born on October 24, 1940 at his family home in New Vienna, Iowa, son of Albin and Agnes (Schwers) Vonderhaar.  He received his education from St. Boniface Catholic School in New Vienna, Iowa.  On November 14, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judith Lucas at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross, Iowa.  Together the couple farmed on the family farm in the rural New Vienna area. This farm has been in the family since 1847 and has been recognized as a Century and Heritage Farm.  It was on this farm where the couple raised their three children along with fostering over 40 boys.

He was a member of the St. Boniface Parish in New Vienna, Iowa.  John was a veteran having served in the United States Army.  He was a member of the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.  He was also a founding member of the Tri-County Sportsmens and the New Vienna area Historical Society.

Those left to cherish John’s memory are his wife of 63 years, Judy Vonderhaar of New Vienna; three children, Bill (Shirley) Vonderhaar of New Vienna, Susan (Travis) Meadows of Valparaiso, IN, and Mike (Shirley) Vonderhaar, Beloit, WI; 8 grandchildren, Johnathan, Sabrina, and Samuel Vonderhaar, Andrew and Lucas Vonderhaar;  Osman Alibasic (Sondra Bennett) of Dubuque, IA; Milisa (Pat) Torrance of Dyersville, IA;  Jacob, Rebecca, and Taylor Close ; Tanner Meadows; Nancy (Doug) Hoefler of New Vienna, IA; Rebecca (Korey) Stockman; Chase Miller; one brother, Francis (Elaine) Vonderhaar of New Vienna; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Ruth) Lucas of Dyersville, Mark (Jen Stansberry) Lucas of Coralville, John (Bev) Lucas of Sherrill, Joe (Michele) Lucas of Lake St. Louis, MO, Dan (Angie Phillips) Lucas of Minneapolis, MN, Carrie Schmitt of Richardsville, Connie (Leon) Jaeger of Dubuque and Barb Lucas of Iowa City; step brothers and sisters-in-law, Al (Jeanne) Kluesner of Dubuque, Peter (Karen) Kluesner of New Vienna, Duane (Mae) Kluesner of Holy Cross, and Chuck (Donna) Kluesner of Peosta; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson Dillon Bond, Scott Close; one brother, Leonard (Margaret) Vonderhaar; two sisters, Theresa (Jim) Elgin, and Rita (Mel) Schuster; father and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Dolores (Meinen) Lucas; step mother-in-law, Dorothy (Englin) Kluesner-Lucas; brother-in-law, Mike Schmitt; step sister-in-law, Cathy Kluesner; step sister-in-law Jean Kluesner; three nephews, James, Randy, and Steve Vonderhaar; and one niece, Debra Burkart.

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

Dale G. Ball

Dale G. Ball, 85, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at Harmony Care Center in Dubuque.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon Mike Timmerman officiating. The burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Dale was born December 5th, 1939, in Dubuque, IA, to Irvin and Dorothy (Dausener) Ball. He served in the US Navy 1959-1961 followed by seven years in the Navy Reserves.

He was always cracking jokes, Dale was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time at the casino.

Dale is survived by his special cousins, Dana (Dale Winter) VanOstrand and Laura (Jay) Leigh, who is also his Goddaughter, along with many other cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff at Harmony Care Center, especially Tammy; also to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelly for their exceptional care of Dale.

James L. Roseliep

James Louis Roseliep was born on May 28, 1949, to Cathryn (Heim) and Louis Roseliep. He was the second of three children, including his older brother, Tom, and younger brother, Dan. He grew up in the North End on Central Avenue, attending school at Holy Ghost and Wahlert High School.

Jim was a product of the post-war baby boom, and his tastes ran to the era’s typical obsessions: rock ‘n’ roll, the Yankees, The Three Stooges – and above all else, cars. Jim’s love for muscle cars was completely unbounded, although he swore allegiance to Chevy over Ford, and more specifically, to Corvettes over all other cars. Jim wasn’t bookish by conventional standards, but give him a model year of a Corvette or Camaro and he was ready with the specs. As a teenager he and his friends burned around Dubuque in their parents’ cars, and when those weren’t fast enough, they bought their own to speed through deserted county roads. On Fridays in the warmer months Jim’s crew would head to Cordova, Illinois, where they raced modded muscle cars on the quarter-mile track. Sometimes they won, too.

Jim’s dad, Louis, founded Office Furniture Warehouse, and from a young age Louie’s sons learned firsthand what it took to run a business. When Louie started tinkering with home security systems, Jim took it on as his personal challenge. Eventually Jim left his two jobs at Beecher’s and the Pack to found his own company, Security Products of Dubuque.

By the mid-1970s business at Security Products was thriving, and so was his personal life: Jim married fellow Dubuquer Jacquelyn Zwack. In 1981 their first child, Will, was born. Three years later a girl named Justine came along, prompting a move from their house on West 17th Street to Fairway Drive, where they’d stay for over twenty years. Their third and youngest child, Andy, arrived in 1986.

Jim worked long hours, even starting a second business – Classic Motors of Dubuque – as a way to buy, sell, and talk cars. But first and foremost Jim was a family man. Always one for parties and impromptu celebrations, he and Jacquie decked their house for every holiday, and every gathering, large or small. They hauled the kids all over town for sports practices and music lessons. And the family were regulars at Sunday Mass, first at Nativity, then St. Anthony’s, and finally St. Raphael’s.

The life of a business owner is never uncomplicated, starting with the daily running of a team of workers, and extending out to all aspects of a business, including sales, service, and reams of paperwork. Jim greeted everything with a smile and characteristic resolve. By quitting time he’d be back home cooking meat on the grill, cigar in hand, with kids and dogs running around the backyard.

In the mid-2000s Jim’s fortunes changed. He suffered a series of mysterious medical incidents that had doctors baffled. Ever one with the soft touch – Jim was a kid at heart who loved practical jokes, working on model trains, or racing slot cars with the kids – he was now sometimes closed off and impatient. It took years for him to receive the diagnosis that explained the changes his family noticed.

After selling Security Products, Jim stayed busy consulting and working out car deals. But his greatest success during this period was becoming a grandpa four times over. Jim was overjoyed that his family now included Axel, Effi, Viggo, and Georgie.

Jim Roseliep passed away on January 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Cathryn, and his brother, Tom. Jim will be remembered for his generosity, his love of family, and his inexhaustible supply of stories about fast cars and bygone days.

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

David J. Haas

David J. Haas, 74, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Monday January 6, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday January 10, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1780 White St, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the church with Pastor Ann Fritschel officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Dave was born on May 31, 1950, the only son of Warren C. and Velma (Earle) Haas. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1968. He was a Vietnam Vet who honorably served his country in the Air Force, stationed at Biloxi MS, Thailand and Offutt AFB, Omaha NE and later in the Naval Reserve in Dubuque. On July 29, 1981, he married his Belmont, Wisconsin sweetheart, Kaye Kilian, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He worked at Theisen’s in Dubuque for 25 years until his retirement in 2012. To his family, hundreds of friends, and motorcycle buddies, Dave was a beacon of warmth and friendship. He enjoyed being a great photographer for all of the music venues in the tri-state area.

Dave is survived by Kaye, his son Kyal (Brianne Boals) Haas of Dubuque, sisters Sandi (Terry) Schmidt of Apple Canyon Lake, Illinois and Sue (Mike) Schwartz of La Motte, Iowa, and nieces and nephews Nicole and Finley Schmidt, Jacob (Cyndy Montgomery) Schwartz, Jeff (Stephanie) Schmidt, and Molly (Jamie) Scott, Greta and Enid, brothers-in-law Ken Kilian, Randy Kilian, and Rick Kilian, and his fur-babies Snickers and Friskie.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Lorraine Haas, and in-laws Lyal and Melva Kilian.

In lieu of flowers, a David Haas Memorial Fund has been established.

David’s final great act was the donation of his pacemaker to the Iowa State University College Lloyd Veterinary Medicine Center for the advancement of science and care of dogs.

Dorothy F. Schmaltz

Dorothy Frances Schmaltz, 86, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy will be 10:00 am Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Lyle Wilgenbush as celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Dorothy was born October 8, 1938, in Cuba City, WI, the daughter of Clarence and Rosalyn Droeszler Timmerman. On November 23, 1968, she married Richard J. Schmaltz Sr. in Kieler, WI.

She was a 1960 graduate of Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI.

Dorothy was in the Order of the Sisters of the Franciscans, where she had the honor of meeting Mother Teresa. She was a teacher teaching over 5,000 kids in her lifetime including the migrant children in Wisconsin.  She spent the majority of her career at St. Joseph the Worker.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, sharing her love of God with the church’s choir.  An avid reader and the family’s historian, she also possessed a deep spirituality, always praying for those in need.  She cherished the time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Richard; her five children, Rich (Angela) Schmaltz, Jr. of West Des Moines, IA, Maria (Dan) Stephenson of Normal, IL, Tanya (Doug) Lex of Dubuque, Steven (Missy) Schmaltz of Prior Lake, MN, and Sonya (Steve) Waldorf of Middleton, WI; 16 grandchildren, Caitlin (Robin) Tedford, Hannah (Alex) Smith, Morgan (Matt) Olsen, Madeline (Sam) Glancy, Mikhayla Schmaltz, Clarissa Stephenson, Patrick Stephenson, Connor Stephenson, Kaylee Lex, Nathan Lex, Ryan Lex, Trevor Schmaltz, Tyler Schmaltz, Nicholas Waldorf, Nolan Waldorf, and Adeline Waldorf; six great-grandchildren, Kit, Hadley, Declan, Rory, Maeve, and Amir; three brothers, Tom (Elaine) Timmerman of Hazel Green, WI, Joe Timmerman of Dickeyville, WI, and Peter (Joyce) Timmerman of Dubuque; and two sisters-in-law, Alice (Terry) Trigg of San Jose, CA, and Karen Timmerman of Kieler, WI.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, two great-grandsons, Luka and Ira Smith, one brother, Elmer Timmerman, one niece, Renee Timmerman, and in-laws, Geri Timmerman, Wendlin Schmaltz, and Kathryn Olson.

Dorothy’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Tri-State Dialysis and the ICU nurses at Finley Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

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

Steven A. Naderman

Steven (Steve) Alan Naderman, 53, of Iowa City, formerly the Dubuque area, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 and from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday.  Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Steve was born in Iowa City on November 23, 1971, the son of Pat and Julie (Hawk) Naderman.

After high school Steve began working for Manatt’s Inc in the paving division and was still employed with them at the time of his death. His work ethic, attention to detail and dedication to excellence allowed him to rise within the company, resulting in a career that spanned almost 4 decades.  Steve will forever be remembered for his coined leadership motto “We are Manatt’s, we are better than that” as a measure of the expectations and quality of work he expected from crews.

In 2003, Steve married Jenny (Osterhaus) Naderman and had a marriage that lasted 20 years.  They had 2 sons, Griffin (19) and Leo (12) along with a stepdaughter, Megan Krapfl (30). The pride Steve had for his children and their accomplishments was immeasurable and evident in the joy displayed when talking about them.

Steve is survived by his parents,  Pat & Julie Naderman, St.Donatus, IA; his former wife & children, Jenny, Griffin, and Leo Naderman, and Megan Krapfl all of Tipton IA; brother, Pat (Becky) Naderman, Des Moines IA, sister, Christine (David) Kelchen, Vinton IA, and brother, Billy ( Lisa) Naderman, Hazel Green WI; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clarence & JoAnn Hawk, and paternal grandparents, Jo & Rita Naderman, and uncles and aunts, Jim & Linda Hawk and Brian & Gladys Hawk.

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

Cooper D. Cook

Cooper Dale Cook, 16 of Cascade, Iowa passed away on January 4th, 2025.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. His burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Cooper was born to Jodi (Friederick) and Tim Cook on March 12th, 2008.  He attended Cascade Elementary, Bernard Elementary, and was currently enrolled online at Penn Foster, preparing to graduate this year.

As the oldest boy, he had no fear of diving into anything, even if it was new to him.  Cooper had a love for farming, using his own tractor and bailer to tend to the fields, including custom baling for his dad and neighbors.  He was good with his hands and mechanically inclined.  Cooper was a fast learner and a very smart kid.  He loved vehicles, the faster and louder the better, loving to give others a crazy ride. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, 4-wheelers, and snowmobiles.  He had a love for hunting and fishing that started at a young age.  He was very strong for his age and loved a good arm-wrestling session, with whoever was willing to step up, even though they would usually lose.

Cooper was quiet, but once you got to know him, he had a lot to say.  Cooper was witty, hardworking, and always willing to help someone in need.  Cooper was a protector to his siblings and friends, a great son and complete B.S.er who loved to tell a tall tale and goofy stories.  He was such a wild child that you never knew if his stories were true or not.

He loved his older sisters, Autumn and Lacie, his younger brother, Dustin with all his heart.  His friends were a staple in his life, always around the house and the farm.  He was surrounded by such great friends and family. He loved teasing them, playing pool, fishing and hunting, and driving vehicles that sometimes ended up in the junk yard!

He is survived by his parents, Tim and Jodi Cook, his siblings, Autumn, Lacie and Dustin Cook. Grandma Alice Cook and Grandpa Kenny Friederick; aunts and uncles: Tom (Jean) Cook, Troy (LeeAnn) Cook, Tricia (Terry) McElmeel, Todd (Kathy) Cook, Tony (Tanya) Cook, Tanya (Steve) Kluesner, Travis (Diana) Cook, Terry (Holly) Cook, Tara (John) Lynch, Renee (Brian) Ridenour, Tim (Dawn) Friederick, Rhonda (Dirk) Deutmeyer, and Tom Friederick, as well as many close cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa, Dale Cook, grandma June Friederick,  farmhand/friends/mentors, John “Crow” Krogman, Jim “Eb” Fischer,  and Alan “Squeak” Turnis.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Cooper’s name.

Cooper had a great life and so much love surrounding him.  Some sorrow runs deeper than we can imagine.  Please do whatever it takes to let the pain out. Even when you are in pain, remember you are surrounded by family and friends that love you.  We love our Cooper so very very much.

Cooper’s last act of helping was to donate his organs to others.

Jeffrey A. Tracy

Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Tracy, 51, of Boone, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jeffrey Allan Tracy was born on March 30, 1974 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Jerald and Cindy (Clark) Tracy. He was raised by his mother and stepfather David Crochek.  Jeff had attended schools in both Maquoketa and Boone, Iowa.

Jeff had worked as a carpenter for Mike Holmes Construction in Delmar, and Jon Pritchard of Pritchard Construction in Boone, Iowa.

Jeff loved nature and the outdoors.  He was an animal lover and enjoyed fishing, deer watching, and mushrooming.  He believed in living the old way, like the old days.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Cody Tracy of Dubuque, IA, and Dakota (and fiancé Lucas Isaac) Tracy of Maquoketa, IA; his mother and stepfather, Cindy Holdsworth-Bock and Doug Bock of Bellevue, IA; father and stepmother, Jerald and Jan Tracy of WI; grandson, Silas Isaac; brothers, Jeramie Tracy of Dubuque, IA, Jason (Jolene) Tracy of Dubuque, IA, James Tracy of Boone, IA, and Douglas Holdsworth of Dubuque, IA; and sisters, Janey (Will) McCabe of Jefferson, IA, Alaina (Jason) Havens of Bellevue, IA, Chelbie (Ron) Holdsworth of Bellevue, IA, Brittany Holdsworth of Dubuque, IA, and Emily Strehle of Davenport, IA; and many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his stepfather who raised him, David Crochek.

A graveside and burial celebrating his life will be held at 12:30 P.M., Friday, January 10, 2025, at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, IA.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Tracy memorial fund has been established.

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

Carolyn T. Eggers

Sr. Myra Weitl, OSF

Sister Myra (Valerian) Weitl, OSF, 87, passed away on January 5, 2025 at Mount Saint Francis.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is in charge of arrangements.

Myra was born on October 1, 1937 in Templeton, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Liewer) Weitl. Myra entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1956 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1962. Sister received her BA in education from Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at St. Donatus, Holy Cross, Alton, Remsen, and Arcadia. She also served in Minneapolis, MN and Calhoun City, MS.

Sister is survived by her brother, Norbert Weitl, sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Weitl, Almyra Weitl, and Pat Weitl; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Arlene (Gaylord) Stangl and Nola (Vernon) Kohorst; brothers Richard Weitl, Marlo Weitl, and Charles Weitl.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and the MSFC staff for their care and concern.

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

Nancy R. Sawvell

Nancy Rae Sawvell, 63, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Sunnycrest Manor. To honor Nancy’s life, a private service will be held at a later date.

Nancy was born on March 5, 1961, in Seoul, South Korea. She was adopted by Francis Elba Nagel and Melva Mae Sawvell, and spent her early years in Monona, IA. She later moved to Lacrosse, WI, where she worked as a Direct Service Provider for adults with developmental disabilities, and also volunteered to provide support for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Eventually, Nancy found herself living in Dubuque, where she befriended people at the Hillcrest Family Services Wellness Center and the S.O.U.R.C.E. and became a beloved member/supporter of the recovery community. She could also be found working at the Center of I Am or volunteering at the Dubuque Museum of Art.

Although Nancy could be a bit rough around the edges, she also chose to love fiercely and wear her heart on her sleeve. We’ll miss being able to visit with her over cigarettes and coffee as she shared about whatever was currently on her mind. Nancy loved to study—especially the arts and religion/spirituality, and while she loved life, we can find solace that she has moved on to experience the mystery beyond.

We would like to thank the Tri-State Cremation Center and the Holy Spirit Parish for their support in this period. We are also thankful for the staff at Sunnycrest Manor, Hospice of Dubuque, and the Visiting Nurses Association for their assistance—your care during Nancy’s final days is much appreciated.

Online condolences for Nancy’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Jeanette B. Gotzinger

Jeanette B. Gotzinger, 91, of Dubuque, IA, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at MercyOne. In honor of Jeanette’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3685 County HHH in Kieler, WI, with Father Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call prior to the service at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center from 9:00-11:00 am.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jeanette’s family.

Jeanette was born on January 11, 1933, the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Helbing) Jansen raised in Kieler, WI. She was united in marriage to Milton H. Gotzinger on April 24, 1954, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Kieler, WI. Jeanette was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception. She was a homemaker and raised her four daughters.  Jeanette loved spending time with her family and especially caring for her grandchildren.  She enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her loving husband Milton and daughters, Lynn McGraw of Port Washington, WI, Nancy (Alan) Bahl of Dubuque, Peggy (Gary) Trowbridge, of Kieler, and Kelly (Mark) Chapman of Dubuque; two sisters, Shirley (Joe) Burbach, of Dubuque, and Sharon (Tom) Runde, of Hazel Green; a brother, Kenneth Jansen, of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Michael, Laura, Katie, Heather, Sarah, Kyle, Zach and Samantha, nine great grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Hilary Wiederholt; a son-in-law, Adrian McGraw; her brothers, Virgil (Bernadette) Jansen and Donald Jansen; sister-in-law, Sally Jansen; nephews, Paul Jansen, Brian Jansen and Tony Burbach.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and MercyOne for their professional and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, a Jeanette B. Gotzinger Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Bernice C. Beringer

Bernice C. Beringer, 102, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation for Bernice will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade.

Bernice was born on June 18, 1922, in Earlville, Iowa, daughter of Bernard and Margaret (Kramer) Schlarmann.  She received her education from Earlville and Xavier Catholic School in Dyersville.   On November 14, 1940, she was united in marriage to Nicholas Beringer at the Basilica St. Francis Catholic Church, in Dyersville, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on November 9, 1982.

She worked at Western Dubuque School district in Cascade as a cook from 1976-1997 retiring after 21 years of service.  Bernice was devoted to her faith and was a member of the St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa.

Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who truly loved her family and made them the priority in her life.  She was a woman known for her baking especially her cinnamon rolls and bread.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Kate (Ron) Leifker of Greenville, TX, and Bonnie (Steve) Brimeyer of Farley, IA; daughter-in-law, Sue Ann Beringer of Dyersville, IA; son-in-law, Celester Rausch of Epworth, IA; grandchildren, Chris Rausch, Jodi (Rick) Simon, Dan Rausch, Janelle (Eric) Spellerberg, Angie (Norman) Millman, Melissa Beringer, Amanda (Doug) Funke, Marty (Lynn) Leifker, Nikki Leifker, Heidi (Brandon) Scarbrough, Stephanie (Brett) Kluesner, Craig (Cher) Brimeyer, Josh (Sarah) Brimeyer, Jenny (Wendell) Hornsby, and Jason (Ashley) Brimeyer; 31 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren with another due in April; sister-in-law Juanita Schlarmann of LaMotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Gilbert “Gib” Beringer; two daughters, Joyce Beringer in infancy and Elizabeth “Betty” Rausch; a granddaughter, Kathy Ann Rausch; four sisters: Rita Schlarmann, Della Cameron, Marcella Bodine and Vera Elsner; four brothers, Leonard Schlarmann and Raymond (Veronica) Schlarmann, Clifford Schlarmann and Ambrose (Hattie) Schlarmann; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary (Rauen) Beringer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Odelia (Pete) Boffeli, Victor (Anna) Beringer, Arnold (Ione) Beringer, Carl (Alvina) Beringer, Bill (Imelda) Beringer, Frederick Beringer, Emil Beringer, and Tecie (Jim) Lehman.

The Beringer family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Ellen Kennedy Assisted Living Center, and MercyOne Senior Care for all their care and support they gave to Bernice over the past few years.

A Video Tribute may be viewed, and online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Kathleen Reeg