Obituaries Archive

Margaret C. Sullivan

Margaret C. Sullivan, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Margaret was born on April 25, 1930, in Primghar, Iowa, daughter of Vincent and Irene (McAleer) Cassidy. She received her nursing degree from Mercy School of Nursing, her B.A. from Clarke College, and her M.A. from Loras College. She taught in both the nursing and general education departments at Northeast Iowa Community College for 20 years. On October 2, 1954, she was united in marriage to Paul B. Sullivan at St. Columbkille’s. He preceded her in death in 2006. Together they had four sons: James, Brian, Mark, and Joe. She also studied art and became an accomplished artist, and many of her pieces could be seen hanging in her house.

Margaret is survived by her two sons Jim Sullivan and Mark (Brenda) Sullivan, four grandchildren Brandi (Adam) Johnston, Krista, Paige (Troy) Thoma and Shane Sullivan, four great-grandchildren Amara, Beckett, Emery and Arabella, and sister Jean Olson of Austin, Texas.

Those welcoming Margaret home are her parents, husband Paul, sons Joseph and Brian Sullivan, and brothers Robert and Fr. John V. Cassidy.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all of their amazing care of mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Margaret’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

“Love, laugh, and believe – life was a beautiful journey. Thank you, God, for your absolute presence.” – Love, Margaret. “Oh. Poof.”

Mary M. Weiss

Mary Margaret Weiss, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Dubuque, Iowa on December 1, 2024.

Mary adored her husband, Eldon; her sons, Neil and Lee, and her daughter, Lisa, as well as her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Those who were fortunate to know her, knew what she loved, and she loved her family the most.

There will be no services.

Robert C. Hirsch

Robert C. “Bob” Hirsch, 83 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by all his immediate family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Additional visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2024, at Mueller Chapel Linwood Cemetery with a funeral service to begin at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Bob was born on December 20, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Carl M. Hirsch and Helen V. (Butler-Wittstock) Hirsch. He attended Dubuque Senior High School and on February 11, 1961, he was united in marriage to Jenny June Dodge in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bob worked in the family Construction business with his dad and brothers. He worked for Grove Tool and Die and Total Structures Construction; he was later self-employed alongside his son Kevin with Town and Country Builders. To keep himself busy he worked for the former Brown Publishing-Times Mirror-McGraw Hill as Construction Coordinator – retiring February 2003. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #678.

Bob enjoyed bowling in league and working with his new blue Ford tractor in his younger years, enjoyed working on cars especially his dune buggy from ground up and his newer 1929 MB Gazelle convertible. He loved watching western shows like Gunsmoke, Molly B Polka shows and Marty Stewart. He especially loved the time spent with his son Kevin working on and rebuilding “old blue”. His most important time of all was spent with his family, especially the tradition of dying Easter Eggs with Ash and Jennifer “MeMe”. He was a “jack of all trades” could fix anything.

He is survived by his son Kevin (Nancy) Hirsch; daughter Tammy Jo (Hirsch) Bardon; Grandkids: Jamie Hirsch, Tricia Hirsch, Ash Bardon, Jennifer “MeMe” Bardon, Devin Hirsch. Great-grandson: Matthew Jr. Louis. Step grand-daughter Erika (Chris) Nelson-Hayes. Siblings and in-laws: Richard “Dick (Rosalie) Hirsch; Mary Loes; Lois (Allen) Jones; Tom (Carol) Hirsch; Robert McNinch and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jenny; son-in-law Steve Bardon; siblings and in-laws: William “Bill” (Loretta) Wittstock; Ruth (Donald) Ballinger; John “Jack” (Lorraine) Hirsch; Gerald Loes; Dorothy McNinch; Sandra Kaesbauer; Ronald Hirsch; Donald Joe Hirsch in infancy; along with nieces and nephews.

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

The family wishes to Thank the Key West Fire & EMS, MercyOne Medical Center and Dr. Mark Runde along with his nurse Julie for all the wonderful care given to dad.

Opal Laugesen Turner

Opal Laugesen Turner, 102 passed away peacefully on Sunday morning December 1st in Dubuque, Iowa.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:45am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dubuque followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Opal was born on October 3rd, 1922 in Burton, WI.  She was the eighth child of nine born to Dustin and Ocea Potter.  She married Lorraine Laugesen on April 19th, 1944 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burton, Wisconsin.  Their early years of marriage were spent in Beetown, Wisconsin where they welcomed two daughters (Donna & Sandy) into their life.  They later moved to Dubuque, where they enjoyed a happy life in a picturesque river town.  After many years serving as his caregiver, Opal sat with Lorraine as he passed into eternity in 2003. She was united in marriage again in 2008 to Harlyn Turner who was also widowed after serving as caregiver for his wife Colleen. The two of them were great companions and were able to support one another through the grieving process of losing their spouses. They enjoyed traveling and experienced their first flight together as well as many new memories while living happily until Harlie’s passing in 2021.

Opal’s top priorities in life were faith and family.  She instilled those same values in her daughters from an early age. She was a most devoted wife, mother, and in later years grandmother and great-grandmother.  She had a very strong work ethic and relentlessly offered love and guidance to her family.  She was an expert seamstress and spent many hours creating beautiful clothing with her sewing machine.  Opal was gifted with an eye for detail and artistry, coloring black and white photographs with her oils, bringing memories of color into the world.  She spent her free time restoring their homes back to their original beauty.  Opal persevered without complaints and devoted her life entirely to the things and people she loved giving heart and soul to faith, home, and family.

Surviving are her two daughters, Sandra Koehler and Donna (Bob) Humke, grandsons Adam (Bridget) Koehler, Ben (Leah) Koehler, and five great grandchildren; Mackenzie & spouse Evan Lowther, Hudson, Griffin, Dexter, and Felix.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Ocea and Dustin Potter, siblings LaVern, Hazel, Lulu, Cecil, Clyde, Glenice, Dorothy, and Marilyn and Son-in-law Gary (Sandy) Koehler.

A Memorial fund has been established for Opal Laugesen Turner.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Moore and Dr. Whalen for their many years of care and concern. Eternal gratitude for the support from her special caregivers Angie Huntley, Ginger Deutmeyer, Jodie Legassick, Patty Humke Powers, Staff at Stone hill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for making this portion of her journey more than an ending of a story.  Special thanks for visits, prayers, and support from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Nancy McGinnis.

Tyler L. Biedermann

Tyler L. Biedermann, age 30, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, doing what he loved.  To honor Tyler’s life, private family services were held.  Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.  There will be a Celebration of his life held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 2pm-6pm at Horizon Lanes Hall in Bellevue, Iowa.

Tyler was born on January 24, 1994, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Jeremy and Rhonda (Kirk) Biedermann.

Tyler graduated from Hempstead High School, Class of 2012. Tyler was a decorated snowboarder and skateboarder growing up. He enjoyed all things that would give him an adrenaline rush, especially if he could win. He never turned down a chance to play cards, shoot pool, or throw darts. Tyler was a very loyal friend, he had an infectious personality, and he was fiercely competitive. Tyler left us far too soon. He was greatly loved and will be missed tremendously.

Those left to cherish Tyler’s memory include

his mother,
Rhonda (Chet) Knake, Bellevue, IA;

his father,
Jeremy (Andrea) Biedermann, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Cole Biedermann, Dubuque, IA,
Kylee (Keenan) Ploessl, Bellevue, IA,
Mason Ender, Dubuque, IA,
Kali Knake, Bellevue, IA
and Kora Knake, Bellevue, IA;

his grandparents,
Melody Thiltgen, Dubuque, IA,
Lyle (Deborah) Biedermann, Menominee, IL,
Shirley Tracy, Dubuque, IA,
Pat (Lori) Knake, Bellevue, IA
and Vickie (Robert) LaGrotta, Bellevue, IA;

and his great-grandmother,
Janet Entringer, Dubuque, IA.

Tyler was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ron Kirk and his great-grandparents.

Tyler’s family would like to thank his nurse practitioner, Karena Sauser, for the outstanding care she has provided these past years.  Also special thanks to his family members and friends for all of their care and support.

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

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

Gary R. Bartell

Gary R. Bartell, 81, of Galena, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Midwest Senior Care Center, Galena surrounded by his three daughters. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may gather after 11 AM until the time of the service. The burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date.

Gary was born January 29, 1943, in Rockford, IL, the son of Robert and Irene (Murphy) Bartell. He graduated from Harlem High School with the 1961 class, where he played baseball and basketball and ran on the track team. After graduation, he worked for Jewel-Osco for a few years before realizing his passion for teaching. He returned to college to pursue a degree in education to teach history. In 1971, he graduated from Illinois State University and started his first teaching job at the Grayslake School District in Grayslake, IL. At Grayslake, he coached the Grayslake Rams in both basketball and cross-country track. Some of his students and athletes from that time remain his friends today.

In 1978, he moved his young family to Galena to take a teaching job at Galena High School, where he would continue his passion, teaching US History, Sociology, Contemporary Issues, and Geography until his retirement in 2008. After retiring, he loved to substitute teach at Lena-Winslow, where his grandkids attended. In addition to his teaching duties, Gary proudly spent years in the gym coaching the Galena Pirates Boys Basketball Team and announcing the Galena Pirates Football Team in the Pirate Press Box, where he coined the phrase, “shipload of Pirates”.

Although he loved his titles of “Mr. B.”, “Coach,” and “Voice of the Galena Pirates,” his favorite title was “Dad” to his three girls, and he was so good at it! His patience with us was endless (with one bathroom in a house filled with girls, he had little choice), but he never complained. He was always ready to comfort us, cheer for us, and provide solid advice.

Gary was so proud of his community; he served one term as the Mayor of Galena, served on many boards, and volunteered countless years as an EMT, often spending early morning hours on an ambulance call, yet never missing a minute of his school day.

Gary is survived by his three daughters, Kris (Bruce) Meekhof of Alto, MI, Jodi (Jeff) Zeal of Lena, IL, and Shannon (Luke) Feldermann of Lisbon, IA; his grandchildren, Spencer, Rachel, Nathan, Jenna, Jake, Olivia and Payton, and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Carter, and his best friend, Mike Sciutto, bonus family, Kevin Williams, Mark and Amy Miles, and his two brothers, Chuck and Curt Bartell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sharon, and his best dog and buddy, Max.

We want to thank Midwest Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for taking incredible care of our dad. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Mary J. Chapman

Mary Josephine Chapman, born on Christmas Day, 1954, in Huron, SD, brought light and joy to all who knew her. The daughter of Leo Whitman and Kathryn Smith, Mary grew up with a vibrant spirit and a deep love for life that she carried through her 69 years. Mary graduated from Galena High School in 1973 and married Richard “Rick” Chapman, on November 9, 1974, in Bloomington, Illinois. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, raising three children: Matthew (Deanne) of DeKalb, IL, twins Cory (Treasure) of San Marcos, CA, and Katie (Kevin) of Juneau, AK. Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren: CJ, Zac, Summer, Grayson, and Presley.

Mary dedicated three decades as the bar manager at the Galena Elks Lodge, where her warm smile and lively personality made her a beloved fixture in the community. Whether crafting her signature apple pie shots or orchestrating memorable events, Mary left a lasting impression. Her quick wit, infectious humor, and selfless kindness brought joy to everyone she met.

She was an active member of the Galena Elks, VFW Auxiliary, and Galena Eagles, and she co-founded the Slick and Easy Golf Tournament. Mary’s hobbies reflected her zest for life: she was an enthusiastic golfer and bowler, an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and a lover of card games and slot machines. She also had a special place in her heart for children with special medical needs, a passion inspired by her mother’s example. Mary dedicated time and resources to advocating for these children and supporting their families.

At home, Mary’s love shone through her daily acts of care—always preparing home-cooked meals for her family, collecting clowns, enjoying scary movies, and reading books. Music was a constant in her life, filling the air as she laughed and enjoyed the simple joys of life.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Rick; her children and their spouses; her grandchildren; and her brother, Bill Whitman (Anna) of Lakeland, FL.

She is reunited in peace with her parents, Kathryn and Leo, and her siblings: Jim (Diane) Arth, Pat (Louie) Timp, Roberta Arth, and her twin brother, Michael (Leona) Whitman.

Mary Chapman will be remembered as the life of the party, a beacon of kindness, and a woman with a heart full of love for her family and friends. Her vibrant spirit and laughter will forever echo in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

A private family service will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for their support.

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

John A. Eisbach

John Arthur Eisbach, Jr. 76 of Galena, IL passed into his heavenly home on December 1, 2024, at his home in the country. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of mass. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. A parish rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. The burial will be in the Eisbach Family cemetery.

John was born September 12, 1948, in Cuba City, WI, the son of John A. Sr. and Lois Saima (Keskitalo) Eisbach. He attended grade school at St Michael School in Galena, IL, and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, IA in 1966. He married Ginger Kay Karberg of Galena, IL on May 1, 1971, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Galena, IL. John was above all things a philosopher, a teacher of many things, and a dreamer. Rarely did a day go by that John could not be found teaching a lesson to anyone who encountered him. He built the Wooded Wonderland Sawmill and Lumber business from scratch. He was an avid land steward and found peace in the forest. He taught his children, and later his grandchildren, the wonders and happiness that can be found in nature. His pride and joy were his family, who had all learned to appreciate his complex sense of humor and to never stop learning. He was a member of St. Michael Church, the Church’s financial committee, and the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his wife Ginger, children Christina (David Rury) of Galena, IL; Heather (Bill) Miller of Prescott, AZ.; Adam (Nicky) Eisbach of East Dubuque, IL; and Sarah (Jason) Hansen of Pulaski, WI. Seven grandchildren: Sydney and Samantha Rury; Alexander, Isabella, and Lilly Eisbach; and Cora and Henry Hansen. A brother Dave (Liyuza) Eisbach and family of San Jose, CA.; three sisters-in-law Nancy Karberg of Phoenix AZ; Lyn Karberg of Scottsdale AZ; Geraldine Eisbach of Galena, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard Eisbach of Galena, and a brother-in-law, Robert Karberg of Scottsdale AZ.

The family wishes to thank Fr. Barch for his spiritual guidance as well as Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Teresa of Calcutta Conference, or the Galena Parishes.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Bernetta F. Cogan

Bernetta F. Cogan, 89, of Ahva Living, 430 Sidney St, East Dubuque, IL formerly of Hazel Green WI passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6^th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:40 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler, WI, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Bernetta was a homemaker. She loved a good game of euchre (whether in person or on her smart phone), playing bingo at Ahva, and doing puzzles with her best friend and cousin Bonnie before her death earlier this year.

She survived breast cancer and enjoyed traveling late in life to California, Alaska, cruising with her son and daughter-in-law and a church trip to Rome where she was within 10 feet of seeing the Pope. She also spent many weekends camping with Joe and Mary.

She was born April 26, 1935 on the family farm in rural Dickeyville, daughter of Margaret (Wallenhorst) and George Schroeder. She married Joseph E Cogan on August 23, 1955 at Holy Ghost Church, Dickeyville, WI. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish.

Surviving are her son Joseph J (Mary) Cogan of Hazel Green; granddaughter Britt (Tim Crall) Cogan of Mammoth Lakes, CA, bonus great-grandchildren, Ellie, Bram and Leah Crall; grandson Troy (Amy Strasburg) Cogan of Overland Park, KS great-grandsons, Russell and Brandon Cogan; a brother Jerry Schroeder of Dickeyville and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph E Cogan on July 6, 2001, daughter and grandson Shirley Cogan and Michael Cogan on July 24, 1979, her sisters and their spouses Rosie (Joe) Peiffer, Joan (Jim) Timmerman and Joyce (Delbert) Kliebenstein, and a sister-in-law Judy Schroeder.

A special thanks to the staff at Mercy Hospital ICU.

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

Sr. Mary Kenneth Hemann

Sister Mary Kenneth (Mildred) Hemann, OSF, 101, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Clare House in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sister Mary was born July 8, 1923 in Meyer, IA, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Smith) Hemann.

Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1940 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1946. Sister received her certification as a Dietary Manager from State University of Iowa, Ames. She ministered at Corpus Christi, IL and Okolona, MS. Other missions in Iowa included Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, St. Mary, Waterloo, and Saint Francis Home, Stonehill Franciscan Services, Shalom Retreat Center, and Mount St. Francis Center in Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sister, Theresa Theis; her brother Kenneth (Ann) Hemann; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Angela (Herbert) Werner; brothers, Cletus (Kathleen) Hemann, Ray (Beatrice) Hemann, John (Joan) Hemann, Robert (Norraine) Hemann, and Arthur (Darlene) Hemann, and brother-in-law George Theis.

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

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

Mary R. Dickey

Mary Ruth Dickey, 96, of Charlotte, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2024. Born on October 19, 1928, in Petersville, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Luella Cleary.

Grandma Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She lived a life defined by her unwavering love for her family. Her greatest joy came from the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, devotion, and kindness will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

She is survived by four children, Patti (Bill) VanSlingerlandt, Janice Fuller, Mary Jo Dickey (Gary Brunscheen), and Steven (Tracy) Dickey; son-in-law Dennis Stolk; two sisters, Darleen Soenksen and Carol Kash; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Randall Dickey Jr., daughter Donna Stolk, and son-in-law David Fuller.

At Mary’s request, a private family viewing will be held.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Mary Lou Althoff

Mary Lou (Nemmers) Althoff, 74, of Maquoketa was welcomed into Jesus’ loving arms on Friday evening, November 29. She died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep with her husband and daughter nearby.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

We will celebrate her life at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 S Vermont St in Maquoketa. There will be an additional visitation held on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. before the mass. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery following the mass.

Mary Lou was born on September 27, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa to Vince and Louise (Federspiel) Nemmers. Mary Lou attended St. Lawrence school in Otter Creek where she met her future husband in the 1st grade. She tolerated him for the next eight years before going to school at the Visitation in Dubuque. Mary Lou went on to attend Marycrest College in Davenport where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. It was during this time that she fell in love with Kenny.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to her soulmate, Ken, on June 23, 1972, at St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa. Shortly thereafter, she began her teaching career in
Dubuque, Iowa, before stepping away to devote herself to raising her daughters. After returning to teaching, she continued as a cherished member of the Dubuque Community School District. Throughout her years of teaching, she worked at Kennedy School, Marshall School, Table Mound School, and Eisenhower School. She spent the majority of her career as a Kindergarten teacher, caring for and inspiring countless children with her patience, kindness, and love. She retired in 2014 having successfully taught hundreds of 5-year-olds that, “all of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten.”

In retirement, Mary Lou’s dedication to children and education remained unwavering. She continued to make a difference through substitute teaching and through devoting countless hours to volunteering. Mary Lou especially enjoyed helping at her grandsons’ school, where her love for teaching and nurturing young minds shone brightly.

Beyond teaching, Mary Lou spent her time joyfully loving her friends, family, and church. She was a founding member of the Otter Creek Bunco club. She hosted annual Christmas parties for Shelley’s & Tara’s classmates. She spent endless time sewing quilts and donating them to charity. In her lifetime she devoted countless hours to faith sharing groups, TEC, CEW, the Lion’s Den youth group, the Sacred Heart Deliverance music group, sponsoring and mentoring engaged couples, saying the rosary, and being a prayer partner. She loved to clean, write cards, and shop. She also loved to go out to eat with her friends and family and thrived on regular “Girls Day Out” adventures with her special friends, whom she cherished. She loved Jesus and His people with every fiber of her being. Every person who knew her felt deeply loved by her.

Mary Lou’s life was filled with many passions. The most important of her passions was her family, especially her husband, daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons. Throughout their 52 years of marriage Kenny and Mary Lou were inseparable, always supporting one another through life’s ups and downs with a faithful love that reflects God’s love for us. Her grandsons were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, which were many! Her time was well spent because she made an enduring impact on them.

They will always remember her unforgettable phrases like: call the cats in, many hands make light work, jeekers moses, snazzy, and go suck eggs. From her grandsons’ mouths she is and will always be, “Grandma Lou: the most admirable, miraculously joyful and determined lady, with a radiant and beaming smile, who was kind, patient, and empathetic. She had an unwavering, faithful and devoted love for Jesus. Her sacrificial servant-heartedness was unmatched and she was a persistent prayer warrior who gave the best hugs. She was always present for everything and everyone. Her love for music, our artwork, and our jokes always made us feel so loved.”

Survivors include: her beloved husband, Ken, her daughter Angie (her “baby doll”), her
son-in-law Ben, her four grandsons: Caleb (18), Elliott (16), Gabe (14), and Toby (11), and her brother Ron Nemmers.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vince & Louise, her infant brother Roger, her
treasured sister Audrey, several wonderful in-laws (Al and Aileen Althoff, Phil Lambe, Ron and Carol Althoff and Loras Delaney), numerous nieces and nephews and her precious and beautiful daughters, Shelley and Tara. We can only imagine what that glorious heavenly reunion was like.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Mary Lou’s name be given to Sacred Heart Church or the Mayo Clinic.

Velma J. Moor

Velma Jean “Red” Moor, 89 of Kieler, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 and from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday at the at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler, where the Parish Scripture Service will be recited at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler

on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception church cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.

Velma was born May 19, 1935 in Kieler, the daughter of Chris and Mary (Dalsing) Pickel. She attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She married Paul J Moor on April 16, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler. He preceded her in death on July 24, 2010.

Velma and Paul were the former owners of Moor’s Salvage in Kieler, and in 1980 they purchased the 3-Mile house Supper Club, which they operated until 1997.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kieler, its Council of Catholic Women, and an active member of various church organizations. She volunteered as school librarian.

Surviving are her children, Peggy (Al) Fleege of East Dubuque, Chris (Cindy) Moor of Kieler, Jeff (Julie) Moor of Hazel Green, Paula (Steve) Kane and Audrey (Rod) Murphy-Potter of Kieler, daughter-in-law Carolyn Moor of Kieler; 17 grandchildren, Nicholas (Lassen) Fleege, Benjamin Fleege, Molly (Kyle) Spurley, Megan (Branden) Baumiester, Chris (Madison) Moor, Cori (Jim) Kunnert, Jennifer (Kyle) Sydow, Julius (Jamie) Moor, Paul (Pearl), Moor, Dustin (Callie) Moor, Allie (Shane) Sparrgrove, Hillary (Jake) Lange, Adam (Maura Zaccaria) Kane, Peter, Paige, Alex, Chloe (Garrett Hottenstein) Murphy. 29 great-grandchildren, sisters Doris Ihm, Leila Stierman and Lorraine (Bruce) Pluemer, sister-in-law Judy Pickel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son Julius (Jube) Moor, a granddaughter Carolyn Moor, a great grandson Julius Joseph Moor, brothers Lyle Pickel and Eldon Pickel, in-laws Agnes Pickel, Bill Ihm, Roman Bonifas, Bert Steirman, Julius and Kay Moor, John and Louise Orin, Roy and Tena Schultz, Herb and Julia Schultz, Lena and Herman Gartman and Ella and Elmer Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, a Velma Moor memorial fund has been established!

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

Larry Bullock

Following his second battle with cancer, Larry “Joe” Bullock, 78, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. His abiding faith and courage was a lesson for all of us. 

Joe was born on March 11, 1946, in Maquoketa. He was the eighth of ten children born to Dwight and Pauline (Hardin) Bullock. He grew up in a small house on Matteson Street, in a neighborhood full of children, many of them becoming his lifelong friends. 

Joe attended First Ward and Briggs elementary schools. He was a proud member of the Maquoketa High School class of 1964, where he held leadership roles, excelled in sports, and was named Homecoming King. He often reminisced that growing up in the 50’s and 60’s shaped his life. 

Following the example set by his parents, Joe’s unwavering work ethic was established at a very young age. He began driving truck in High School, and following graduation, he joined his dad and brothers in the family trucking business, which began humbly in 1938 with one truck. The business became known as Bullocks Inc. after incorporating in 1970. It eventually expanded into grain marketing and storage. He worked tirelessly to help grow the business over his lifetime. “Retirement” was never in his vocabulary. 

On December 17, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Riley, at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. The Reverend Harold C. Kumpf officiated the ceremony. Together, they created a life full of cherished memories. They were blessed with two children, Joseph Michael and Kristine Kathryn. They built a house on a small acreage north of Maquoketa, where they have resided for over fifty years.

 Their shared love of antiques allowed for many years of collecting as a common goal. But Joe’s passion was classic and antique cars, and he possessed several over his lifetime. However, one of his proudest purchases was his first new automobile at the age of nineteen – a ’65 Pontiac Bonneville, replacing his trusty old ’51 Plymouth. 

For many years, Joe was an avid golfer, once scoring the elusive hole-in-one. Many competitive rounds were played with his golfing companions. However, his time on the course faded following a major wrist injury and surgeries. And, very soon, grandchildren came along and took precedence over the game.

 He devoted the rest of his life to making those grandchildren the center of his attention. Life shined brighter when he gained the title of “Papa”, and more recently, “Great Papa”. He was a constant source of encouragement in their achievements. He took much pride and joy in attending their many activities and events, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with each of them.

 Visits to Papa and Grammy’s house were always made extra special. Joe transformed the machine shed into a temporary gymnasium that provided countless hours of fun and friendly “cousin competition”. He loved being the “chauffeur” during their visits, with a grandchild or two on his lap in the tractor; or perched behind him on a four-wheeler; or being pulled in a wagon or on a sled, all providing hours of fun and laughter. Katie, Mason, Sam, Adam and Lexi will miss him dearly; his presence, his generosity, his love and gentle guidance. Precious memories of their beloved Papa will remain in their hearts forever, and his legacy will live on through each of them.

 Joe was a man of faith and an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa where, over the years, he served on numerous committees, as well as two different terms as president of the congregation. He was recently named Honorary Co-Chair of the congregation’s current 100th Anniversary Committee. His time and commitment became limited due to his declining health.

 For years he voluntarily drove for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard, and occasionally helped with their snow removal. Before his cancer diagnosis, he was a long-time blood donor. He enjoyed many years of bellringing for the Salvation Army during the holidays.

Joe earned the respect and gratitude of many. His knowledge of the grain business was well known, and his marketing advice was often requested. He and Linda acquired full ownership of Bullocks Inc. in 2002. The fleet and transportation portion of the business was expanded. In 2015, they received the annual Friends of Agriculture Agri-Business Award, presented by the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce and the Maquoketa Rotary Club. Together, they continued to grow the company, which now includes their son, proudly paving the way for future generations to carry on its respected place in the Ag Community. 

Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 59 years, Linda; His children, Joseph (Jennifer) Bullock of Bettendorf, IA, Kristine (A.J.) Loss of Bettendorf, IA, His five grandchildren; Katie (Logan Boeh) Bullock, Adam (MacKenzie Clark) Bullock, Mason (Emma Pease) Loss, Sam (Maddie Baltazor) Loss, and Lexi Loss; one great granddaughter, June Loss; His siblings; Bonnie Maxey of Chesterfield, MO, Bill (Darlene Gleason) Bullock of Bellevue, IA, Connie (Bill) Caven of Highlands Ranch, CO, Jerry (Dot) Bullock of Maquoketa, IA , Linda Lahann of Long Grove, IA, Nancy Longwell of Arvada, CO, Barb (Steve) Wright of Davenport, IA, and Mary Lundeen of Highlands Ranch, CO; His in-laws John Stein of Hartland, MI, Janet Rollinger of Maquoketa, IA, Sheryle Riley of Dubuque, IA, Phyllis Riley of Bloomington, IN, Sharon Bullock of Des Moines, IA and Dianna and Eugene Block of Maquoketa, IA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Pauline Bullock, sister Judy Stein, brothers-in-law Don Maxey, Gary Lundeen, Barry Lahann, Warren Longwell, Lawrence Riley, Herbert Riley and Joseph Rollinger; two nieces, Lori Riley and Kelly Block-Davidson.

 A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, December 6, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the medical team at the MercyOne Cancer Center and the MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, as well as to Hospice of Jackson County for the amazing care and concern shown to Joe.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Maquoketa, Hospice of Jackson County, or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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

William J. Wentworth

William Jacob Wentworth was born on May 8, 1936, to Blair and Edna (Beck) Wentworth on the family farm, in a house that was built by his great-great-grandfather. He was named after his two grandfathers.

Starting when he was a very young boy, he would wander the countryside as much as possible, exploring it in all its facets. Even though he listed his religion as Lutheran, it was in nature where he found true and everlasting spiritualism. All of his life, he worshiped at the altar of Mother Nature.

Wm. had a quick, inquiring mind. At a very early age his paternal grandmother, who had been a teacher, instilled in him the love of books and learning, which continued the rest of his life. He would very often be seen haunting the public libraries and Goodwill store, enjoying the books and purchasing what he was interested in. During his life, he amassed an enormous collection of books and other reading materials. Literally enough to fill an entire grain bin and more.

He attended Fairfield #1 rural school, as did his parents, and was not allowed to go out for his 1st school recess due to getting in an argument with a much older girl, before school began that day. He always said that he was done with school right then and there. He mentioned how unfair he thought that was often, up to 5 days before his death. Even so, he always deeply cared about his country school friends, and was excited to see them the rest of his life. It is very fortunate that he got to re-connect with so many of them the last months of his life.

After graduating from the rural school, he attended Maquoketa High School, where he met two people who would become very significant in his life. Haven Schmidt became his best friend almost immediately, and, as he often said, if it wasn’t for Haven introducing him to football, he would have dropped out of school as soon as he could. Also, it was with Haven that he met his future wife, at school. He said it was, “Love at first sight.”

After graduating from Maquoketa High School in 1953 he worked on the farm and hired out to neighboring farmers when they needed help. On October 11, 1959, he married Joan Marsha Stoll, his high school sweetheart, at the old Methodist church in Maquoketa. They are said to be the last couple to get married there before it closed.  They had three children together, LuAnn, Don and Carolyn. Joan died on July 24, 2024. Bill had a fatal stroke on the 4-month anniversary of her death and died on November 26, 2024, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center.

During the early to mid-1960s, he worked for the State of Iowa DNR. His job mainly was to haul fish (usually trout) and stock them around the state. One time he was assigned to transport beds to the Anamosa Penitentiary. After leaving the DNR, he worked on the family farm, making numerous improvements. In 1987 he sold his herd of cattle, and about 10 years later he stopped raising hogs. Shortly after he began renting out the land, although he made it clear that he was not retired. To his mind, he never retired.

William is survived by his children, LuAnn (Jim) Goeke of Maquoketa; Don (Carol) of rural Preston, and Carolyn Wehr, of Olathe, Kansas, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as well a brother-in-law, Raymond “Rusty” Hayes of Maquoketa, and a 1st cousin he grew up with, Jack Marlowe, of Maquoketa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan, his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother.

Memorials can be made to the family.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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