Obituaries Archive

Colleen A. Sisler

Colleen “Coke” A. Sisler, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on February 22, 2025.

Committal prayers will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday March 8, 2025, at Mount Olivet Cemetery’s chapel.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Colleen was born on December 5, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Joan M. (Dougherty) Sisler.  She worked at MercyOne in Dubuque as the Admissions Coordinator for 30+ years. Coke was one of those beautiful, kind hearted, nurturing souls that few have the privilege of experiencing in a lifetime.  Always one to seize every opportunity and adventure; her free and infectious spirit allowed countless travels, endless hours of card playing and unmeasurable amounts of memories with friends and family who she loved more than anything in this world.  She truly lived life to its fullest.  She was humble to her roots, thoughtful to her core and leaves the most monumental void in so many lives left here earthside.  The unbearable pain that her absence casts is eased in the ever slightest by the infinite gifts she gave to this world with her presence and selflessness.  She would want us to be strong, and remember her with happy thoughts filled with love.

She is survived by her brother William Sisler, and his family Michie (Dwight), Caitrin and Caraline Turner, William Jr. (Gretchen), Declan, and Alexis Sisler, brother Jeff Sisler, and his family Dawn (Chris), Lexi and Max Streets, and Destiny Sisler, brother Charles (Roxane) Sisler, and their family Nicholas (Kari) Owen, Cameron, Mason and Jaxson Sisler, Brandon (Hailey Julson) Sisler, Amanda (Kyle), Mia, Kya, Kip and Koy Bergfeld, sister Laura (Mike) McNamer, and their family Shannon (CJ), Colton, Lochlan, Caden and Bristol Yager, Shane(Amanda), Audrey and Nolan McNamer, and her significant other of 30 years, James Stackis.

She was preceded in death by her father Arnold Sisler, her mother Joan Sisler, sister Peggy Sisler, sister-in-law Char Sisler, and sister-in-law Pam Sisler.

In lieu of flowers, a Colleen Sisler Memorial has been established.

The family would like give a special thanks to the MercyOne Emergency doctors and staff, the EMT team that cared for Colleen, the Air Care team for their response, and Donna and Mike Fuller for all of their amazing care of Colleen.

Patricia Ries

Patricia “Pat” (Weber) Ries, 73, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. 

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Wake Service will begin at 3:30 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025 with visitation until 7:00 pm at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:00 am prior to Mass at the funeral Saturday. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue. 

Pat was born September 27, 1951, the daughter of Vernon and Lorraine (Naumann) Weber.  She graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in 1969.  Pat married Ronald J. Ries on February 11, 1972.  She worked with her husband Ron at Ron’s Feed Store and also for Rockwell Collins until retiring in 2014.  Pat enjoyed quilting, going to garage sales, dancing at Mooney Hollow with Ron, and spending time with family and friends.  She helped start Quilts of Valor in Bellevue, past Treasurer of Bellevue Horseman’s Club, member of Bellevue Fire Department Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.  Pat was a longtime devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 

Survivors include her husband, Ron; children, Ronda (Kirk) Sherwood and Rochelle “Curly” Ries; grandchildren, Madison and MaKenna; siblings, Peggy Weber, Kathy Weber, Leonard (Jane) Weber, Liz (Steve) Staner, Loras (Carolyn) Weber, Larry Weber, Cletus (Theresa) Weber, Joan Weber, Nancy (Pat) Hanson, Cindy (Gerry) Kluesner, and Joe (Ann) Weber; brothers and sister in-law, Becky (Kevin) Hurlburt, Roxey (Doug) Kueter, Randy (Linda) Ries, and Barb Ries; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Joyce in infancy, and a brother, Paul “Dickie” Weber; sisters and brothers in-law, Bob Ries, Ruth (Larry) Weimerskirk, Rosalie (Art) Ploessl, Rita (Steve) Putman; a nephew, Nick Weber; and her father and mother in-law, Melvin and Kathleen Ries. 

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Pat’s memory. 

The family would like to thank Phyllis Freiburger, Hospice of Jackson County, and the numerous family and friends for your care and support during this time. 

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

Janet T. Boyes

Janet T. Boyes, 84, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at Unity Point Finley Hospital with her two sons by her side.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Janet was born on January 17, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Celestine (Manders) Althaus. She grew up in the Zwingle area on the family farm and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in LaMotte in 1959. On June 15, 1963, she married Dean Boyes at Saint Joseph the Worker Church. They shared 54 years together until Dean’s passing in 2017.

Janet enjoyed bowling and participated in many leagues. She served as secretary for the Hawkeye Vintage Tractor Club and wrote the club newsletter. She loved country music, especially Johnny Cash, who was a personal friend. She also enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and visiting with her friends and neighbors.

She is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Jeanne) Boyes and Kenny (Sandy Temperley) Boyes; her grandchildren, Allison (Dan) Tringale, Jaclyn (Jack) Dambeck, Brooke Alexander, and Brenda Wilde; her great-grandchildren Xander Tringale, Mikaylah, Eizabellah, Marques, Jennacee, and Hadlee; her sister, Donna Daily; two brothers, LeRoy (Dorothy) Althaus and Richard (Linda) Althaus; her brother-in-law, Gene Boyes; and her sister-in-law, Alice (Jerry) Schueller, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sisters-in-law Lois (Dan) Potter and Roxy Boyes.

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

Kevin and Kenny would like to thank Dubuque Fire Department and the nurses and staff at Finley for all the kindness and care that they gave to Janet.

E. Maxine Vande Drink

E. Maxine Vande Drink (nee Anderberg), 89, of Elgin and formerly Galena, IL, passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may gather from 11 AM until the time of the mass. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Maxine was born on December 29, 1935, to Percy and Vera (Zeal) Anderberg in Council Hill Township. She graduated from Galena High School in 1953. On November 25, 1954, she married Kenneth R. Vande Drink of Elizabeth, IL. They began their life together in Hanover, IL, before moving to Elgin, where they raised their family and later retired.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Kenneth, the love of her life for 70 years, and two sons: Gregory (Shauna) Vande Drink of St. Louis, MO, and Douglas (Lisa) Vande Drink of St. Charles, IL. She is also survived by her siblings: Richard “Dick” Anderberg of Galena, Malcolm (Leah Mae) Anderberg of Kirkland, IL,  her sister-in-law, Maria Vande Drink (nee Spates); four grandchildren: Derek (Arica) Vande Drink of Lake St. Louis, MO, Justin Vande Drink of St. Charles, IL, Chelsea (Trent) Crutcher of Cincinnati, OH, and Brandon (Tiana) Vande Drink of Barrington, IL; and six great-grandchildren: Avery and Emily Vande Drink, Soren Andress, and Marley, Mayer, and Orion Crutcher. She is also survived by nieces: Michelle Anderberg Simpson, Nadine Anderberg Bonnin, Natalie (Scott) Christopher, Cynthia (Brian) Kummet, and Lisa Vande Drink; and nephews: Jeff (Michelle) Anderberg, Eric (Gillian) Anderberg, Todd Jacobs, and Scott (Sarah) Vande Drink.

Maxine was preceded in death by her son, Bradley Vande Drink; sisters Marion Anderberg-Maurizi and Shelby Anderberg-Jacobs; sister-in-law Virginia Anderberg; and brothers-in-law James Vande Drink and Vince Maurizi.

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

James P. Taylor

James Patrick Taylor of Canton, Ohio, formerly of Holy Cross, passed to eternal life on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Canton, OH due to a heart attack, with his son by his side. Jim “Smokey” was born on March 15, 1951 at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, IA, the 11th of twelve children of Francis and Dorothy (Rea) Taylor.

Jim graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross in 1969, and worked a variety of heavy-duty construction jobs all over the country.  Jim married Marie Louise Gagne on July 11, 1991. Marie passed away on February 15, 2010.

Jim is survived by his son, Dylan (Sammie), of Cedar Rapids.  He is also survived by one brother, Paul (Sue) of Zwingle; five sisters, Mary Kahle of Dubuque, Helen (Scotty) Thomas of San Francisco, Jane (Ken) Rausch of Knoxville, Bridget (Robert) Kluesner of Owatonna, and Patricia (Michael) Thies of Peosta; sisters-in-laws, Mary Taylor of Dubuque, Lois Taylor of Dyersville, Karol Taylor of Marshalltown, Barb Taylor of Holy Cross.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, his parents, Francis and Dorothy Taylor, his wife’s parents, Oscar and Mildred Eaton Gagne and brothers & in-laws: Ray & Joan, Frank, Charles, Joseph, and John Taylor, and Wayne Kahle and nephew Zack Taylor.

Services to be announced.

John A. Manning Sr.

John A. Manning Sr., passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025 at his home in Baldwin, Iowa, at the age of 76.

John Manning was born on January 14, 1949, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the son of Loyd L. and Arlene (Davenport) Manning.  John was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  John was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved hunting, fishing, and camping.  He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

John is survived by his children, Kevin (Diane) Clark of Maquoketa, Iowa, Tammy (Noel) Pierson of Davenport, Iowa, John A. (Crystal) Manning Jr. of Andrew, Iowa, and Renee Manning of Dewitt, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and his brother, James Lee Manning.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clayton Manning, and his sister, Myrna Manning Anderson.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  No public services are planned at this time.

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

Kc J. Summers

Kc James Summers, 36, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on February 19, 2025.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2505 Rockdale Road with a service to be held at 12:00 p.m.

Kc was born on January 16, 1989, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Chris W. Summers and LouAnna Tiana (Goins) Pfab. KC worked at Jackson Pallet for his grandpa, and at the time of his passing KC was working for Midwest Hardwoods.

Kc was an ordained minister and performed many weddings, usually donating his time. Kc was kind, caring, and empathetic. He dreamed of being a counselor to help others through the temptations and traps he himself experienced. Kc loved to make people laugh with his quick wit. He was fond of telling jokes and being the family jokester. His four boys have always been his world. After a long day’s work, his favorite thing was cuddling and falling asleep with one or more of his boys in his arms. Kc was very close with his sister Felon, enjoying long motorcycle rides. He also enjoyed time riding with his good friends, whom he referred to as his “brother.”

Kc is survived by his wife Amanda Rose Summers, his four boys Wyatt James, Hunter Dean, Jasper Wayne, and Mason Reid Summers, his mother LouAnna Tiana (Tony) Pfab, his sister Felon (Kevin) Pline, his brother Calieb Scott; grandfather Carl (Mary) Summers, nephew Taylor Pline, nieces Marley Pline and Jayden Pline, aunt and uncle Linsy (Corey) Adams, and Charlie (Anna) Summers, cousins JR and Tiffany Summers, along with many loving and caring relatives and friends.

Kc was preceded in death by his father Chris W. Summers, and grandmother Francis Jean Summers.

Dan Brown

Retired City of Dubuque Fire Chief Dan Brown, 68, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center following a brief illness.

Visitation for Dan will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road. At 5:30 p.m. the Dubuque County Firefighters retired and active will come through as a body to honor Dan. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. and the Dubuque Fire Department Ceremony of the Four Fives. A continued celebration of Dan’s life will follow the service at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Rd. A livestream of his funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Dan was born in Dubuque Iowa, the son of Everett and Mary (Sanger) Brown. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1974. After high school he worked for Al Beyer at Beyer Aviation until joining the Dubuque Fire Department in 1983. On June 9, 1984, he married Karen Bleile at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Dan had a long career in The Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. He rose up through the ranks to become the Chief, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 2014. He was instrumental in establishing the Fire Training Center, the county wide 911 public radio system, modernizing the fire department fleet and a major addition to fire headquarters.

Dan also loved the outdoors. He and Karen were long-term members of the Dubuque Water Ski Club and the Ski Patrol at Sundown. They also spent many hours on the Mississippi River boating and spending time at Midtown Marina where they docked their boat. They also had a great love for dogs and together enjoyed their 8 dogs over the years.

Dan was a devoted mentor and teacher throughout his life. He provided guidance to many through the fire department as well to individuals interested in skiing whether it be snow or water.

He is survived by his wife Karen, a sister Mary Lou (Donnie) Jaeger of Asbury, a brother Russ Brown of Dubuque, a sister-in-law Kim (Darren) DeMoss of Dubuque a niece Deb (Jeff) Wilson and two nephews Duane and Dale Jaeger, two nieces Tarra (Adam) Etheredge and Teresa (Ryan) Johnsen, along with Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Dan Brown memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals, especially Dr. Caceres and the staff at Medical Associates along with the doctors and nursing staff in the ICU at MercyOne Medical Center for all of their care and compassion they showed.

Timothy J. Loomis

Timothy “Tim” Joseph Loomis, 60, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, surrounded by his siblings.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Tim will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tim was born October 1st, 1964, in Dubuque, IA to Harold and Joyce (Fishler) Loomis.  He was the middle child of five.

Tim graduated from Hempstead High School. He worked at various places over the years, Selco was one stop, but his last stop for 22 years was his favorite as a truck driver for Tucker Trucking.  He loved the people there and they loved him back.  They were very, very good to Tim even after his diagnosis of ALS.

Tim was always there if you needed help. His sense of humor and smile was contagious.  He never complained about all he was going through with ALS, and he was such an inspiration to all those he met.  We will miss his smile and hugs.  He loved the men of TMIY (That Man Is You) and wouldn’t miss a Saturday morning at Holy Spirit Parish.  He loved the Holy Spirit Parish CEW community.  Most importantly he loved our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his daughter, Holly (Skyler) Loomis-Stading of WI; his siblings, Garry (Julie) Redman, Sue (Mike) Polkinghorn, and Mike (Lisa) Loomis, all of Dubuque, and Harold (Donna) Loomis, Jr. of Ferndale, WA; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his step-son, DJ Peterson, and his parents and grandparents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Aunt Rose for her countless hours helping Tim after he was diagnosed with ALS.

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

Ronald J. Mueller

Ronald J. “Bubba” Mueller, of Dubuque, passed away on his 77th birthday, February 22, 2025, at home with his loving family surrounding him.  To celebrate Ron’s life, committal services will be held in the chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1111 Davis Street, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Ron’s family.

Ron was born on February 22, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Loretta (Duehr) Mueller.

He was employed for 50 years as a Master Journeyman Electrician working for several companies and owning his own business, Mueller Electric.  He married Margaret Barry on September 16, 1980.  Ron was active in his community and a long time member of the Moose Lodge and IBEW 704.  “Grumpy” loved his family more than anything.  He also loved music, playing guitar, fishing, motorcycles, muscle cars, the Steelers, a good drink, a fine cigar and a good joke.

Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include

his loving wife,
Margaret Mueller, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Angela (Mark) Wessels, Dubuque, IA,
Ronald (fiancé Gina Linde) Mueller Jr., Baraboo, WI,
Benjamin Mueller Sr., Dubuque, IA
and Jonathan Mueller Sr., Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Kevin, Erin, Paige, Carissa, Kylee, Kelsey, Mary, Benjamin Jr., Francesca, Jonathan Jr., Levi, Brayden, Luella, Stella and Morgan;

and his great-grandchildren,
Odin, Jerome, Aurora, Aaliyah and Xander.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Mueller; a great-grandson in infancy, Donnie Mueller; and his sister, Elizabeth Mueller.

Ron’s family would like to thank all of his family and friends for their love and support.

Cards and memorials in Ron’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Ronald Mueller Family.

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

Constance Henkel

Constance “Connie” Henkel, 78, of Dubuque, died Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Connie will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Bill Biver officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Connie was born February 19, 1947, in Epworth, IA, the daughter of E. Connor and Amanda “Min” (Lehnhoff) Callahan. She was united in marriage to Gary Henkel on February 1, 1969.  

Connie worked as an X-ray technician for many years at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, as well as in Waterloo. She and Gary then owned and operated Garden & Blossom Shop in Galena, IL for 13 years. In her free time, Connie enjoyed knitting, doing crossword puzzles, and absolutely loved playing Bingo. Most of all, she was family focused. Spending time with Gary, her sons, and her grandchildren was her favorite pastime.

Survivors include her husband, Gary of Dubuque; two sons, Nick Henkel of Dubuque and Berry (Brenda) Henkel of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Stephen Henkel of Cuba City, WI, Darien Henkel of Dubuque, Connor Smith-Henkel of Dyersville, IA, Skylar Smith-Henkel of Dyersville, IA, and Ty Bartles of Dubuque; two great-grandchildren, Alana Lou and Ava; one sister, Shelia (Jim) Dougherty; four siblings-in-law, Joy White, Richard Henkel, Charles Henkel, and James Henkel; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Connie was preceded in death by a grandson, Devon Henkel; her son, Jayson Henkel; siblings, Tony, Pat, Mike, and one at birth; and siblings-in-law, Jean, Bob, Lee “Butch”, Sandra, Marian, Gail, and Lonnie.

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Connie’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Connie Wiederholt

Connie Wiederholt, 70, of Dubuque, died Thursday, February 20, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 12:45 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Connie will be 1:00 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.

Connie was born November 27, 1954, in Platteville, WI, the daughter of Jamie and Lola (Droessler) Dye. On October 23, 1976, she married Roger Wiederholt in Platteville.

Connie farmed for 35 years with her husband. She found joy in farming, raising her children, and watching her grandkids grow. As much as she loved the farm though, she never passed up the opportunity to get off the farm and take a trip. Connie never gave up on what she wanted to do when she grew up. After the kids were grown, she worked as a secretary, in food service at Clarke College, she then went to cosmetology school, then school to become a medical transcriptionist, as well as a barista at Starbucks and in the bakery at Charlotte’s in Dubuque. All of this while baking and decorating cakes for any and everyone. What she may be remembered most for though, was her ability to whip up a meal for numerous people at the drop of a hat with just what she had on hand in the house.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Wiederholt of Dubuque; four children, Louie (Jill) Wiederholt of Platteville, WI; Mike (Erica) Wiederholt of Hartland, WI; Curt (Angie) Wiederholt of Indianapolis, IN; and Judy Wiederholt of Dubuque; 13 grandchildren, Micah, Adriana, Levi, Arthur, Nathan, Ella, Raymond, Jack, Ben, Nolan, Luke, Avelyne, and Josh; five siblings, Mary Rose Kieler, Fred (Glenda) Dye, Bonnie Eustice, Janann Clark, and Beth (Chip) Rowedder; two brothers-in-law, Donnie (Joanne) Wiederholt and Eugene (Linda) Wiederholt; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Steven J. Kaune

Steven “Steve” Joseph “Papa” Kaune went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025 after a long battle with kidney disease. A private family celebration to be held at a later date.

Steve was born November 25, 1951 to Melvin and Elizabeth (Betty) Kaune in Dubuque, Iowa. Steve attended Wahlert High School and graduated from Loras College. There were no strangers to Steve – to know him was to be his friend.

After college, Steve went on to work at the Dubuque Packing Co., FDL, and Farmland where he retired after a transfer in 2000 to the Wichita, KS area.

Steve married the love of his life, Karen Marie Kilkelly on October 7, 1977. Steve and Karen’s daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks of Goddard, KS and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari of Wichita, KS, meant the world to them until the grandchildren came along.

Steve was an avid softball player, spending many years organizing fast-pitch teams. He also enjoyed refereeing football and basketball where he was often remembered as a mentor to young coaches and countless young athletes.

After moving to Wichita, Steve became active in the area Master Gardeners Program.

Steve’s grandchildren were the light of his life. He would often give them rides to school, practices, and rarely missed a game even if he had to catch them online due to his health. There was often a fresh-baked cookie from the drive-through if the kids had a good day at school. He was the Greatest Papa to each of them in their own special way.

Steve was a friend to everyone he met, sending birthday wishes, uplifting memes and positive messages to people all over the country. If he knew someone needed a ride, he provided it, if he knew someone needed a visit, he visited. Early mornings were Steve’s favorite time of the day, and he spent his mornings sending texts and posts to help others start their day with joy.

Steve is preceded in death by his father and mother, father and mother-in-law, and brother-in-law Mike “Buck” Powers. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari; grandchildren, CJ and Breckin Reicks, Tallen Engels, Kiyan and Kyrie Kingari; six siblings; his in-laws; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and his life-long friend, Gerald “Beanie” Baumhover.

May Steve rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Elmer Jaeger

ELMER “BUD” JAEGER, 90, of Leesburg, FL, formerly of Camanche, IA and Morrison, IL, died Thursday, February 20, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton, IA.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation, and a private family graveside service will take place at Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, officiated by Pastor Tony Liston of Adventure Christian Community in Davenport, IA.

Bud was born April 3, 1934, in Balltown, IA, to Nicholas and Irene (Thomas) Jaeger.  He honorably served in the 4th United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from April of 1951 to April of 1954.  On December 10, 1997, he married Beverly Jean Huizenga in Clinton, IA.  They shared their lives for over 25 years, until her passing on July 29, 2023.  Bud worked as a machinist for Case IH before taking a position at the Rock Island Arsenal. From 1974 to 1983, he pursued farming in Michigan. Later, he established and operated Bud Jaeger Trucking Company. In his free time, Bud was an avid woodworker and enjoyed collecting Marine and Korean War memorabilia.

Survivors include four daughters Patricia (Richard) Sheppard of Silvis, IL, Rita (Robert) Tomkins of Silvis, IL, Lynn (Jeff) Lamson of Baraga, MI and Paula Jaeger of Davenport, IA; two sons, Richard Jaeger of Morrison, IL and James (Wendy) Jaeger of Dubuque, IA; one step-daughter, Renee Housenga-Johnson of Clinton, IA; two step-sons, Shane (Jennifer) Housenga and Darin (Dawn) Housenga both of Morrison, IL; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; one sister, Madonna Bauer Gudenkauf of Dubuque, IA; one step-sister, Sandy Schmitt Rolwes of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly; one granddaughter, Melissa Sheppard-Nelson; one grandson, Alex Johnson, two sisters, Helen Leibfried and Vivian A. Ruden; step-mother, Stella Hefel Jaeger.

To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com

Margaret Wilke

Margaret (Downs) Wilke, age 93, of Tennyson, WI, was called home to her Lord and Savior on February 16, 2025.  To honor Margaret’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  Burial will be in the St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Tennyson, WI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Margaret’s family.

Margaret was born on October 25, 1931, in Tennyson, WI, a daughter to Arnold and Leona (Muller) Pluemer.  She was a genuinely kind and gentle soul who faithfully carried with her two main priorities throughout her life; faith and family.  Margaret knew from a young age that the Lord had created her to be a loving wife and mother.  She married Raymond J. Downs in 1950, and they started their family together.  After his passing in 1970, she met and married Delbert (Mort) Wilke in 1972.  Margaret took great pride in her family, and just to have them by her side was all the day required to be considered a success.  Her love was endless, and her devotion never wavered.  She played her role so perfectly, and her heart beat continuously with the desire to love and nurture everyone the Lord brought into her care.

Margaret was also a committed and faith-filled woman.  She was an avid reader by default, but her voracious appetite for Scripture was simply never meant to be satisfied.  Margaret had memorized multiple books of the Bible over the years, and she lived her life in an undeniable reflection of the wisdom she had gained through each passing year.  When time allowed, you could occasionally find Margaret practicing her skills with her favorite crochet needles in hand while working on her latest creation, but again, faith and family always came first.  It breaks our hearts to have to say farewell for now to our beloved mother and grandmother, but we thankfully find real peace in the knowledge that she now gets to stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive her crowns after a lifelong journey of service and in that, how can we possibly be sad for her.

We will miss her dearly, remember her fondly and do our absolute best to carry on all that she taught us moving forward.  Thank you, Mom, for all the love and light you shared so graciously and for being a living example that we can all follow.  We know the Lord will bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.  Your faithful life reminds us of the parable in which Jesus said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your Master.”  Matthew 25:23

Those left to cherish the memory of Margaret include,

her nine children,
Jerry Downs, Potosi, WI,
Tom (Jane) Downs, Altoona, IA,
Dennis (Tessi) Downs, Kieler, WI,
Terry (Sandra) Downs, Potosi, WI,
Raye Ann Downs, Dubuque, IA,
Martin (Diane) Downs, Bettendorf, IA,
Sue (John) Almquist, Vancouver, WA,
Carol Jean (Dan) Fry, Collierville, TN,
and Nicole (Mike) Williams, Madison, WI;

her daughter-in-law,
Judy Downs, Dickeyville, WI;

her 34 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren;

her sister,
Dorothy Richard, Platteville, WI;

along with countless extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Margaret was preceded in death by her first husband, Raymond J. Downs; her second husband, Delbert (Mort) Wilke; her son, Kenny Downs; and her siblings, Don (Eleanor ) Pluemer, Lloyd (Millie) Pluemer, Hazel (Francis) Fecht, Parnell (Jane) Pluemer, and Bob Pluemer.

Margaret’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Harmony Nursing Home for all their professional and compassionate care.

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