Obituaries Archive

John D. Tracey

John D. Tracey, 89, of Riverbend Retirement Community and formerly of Epworth, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by his family.

Friends and relatives of John may call from 10 to noon, Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa where services for John will be held at 12:30 p.m., in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating.  Assisting Deacon will be Joe Schockemoehl.  Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Amvets Post #13.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa is assisting the family.,

He was born October 6, 1935, in Farley, Iowa, son of Hugh and Irene (Becker) Tracey. He is a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, Iowa.  He then attended a Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, and later received his Graduate degree from Buena Vista University.  He owned and operated the restaurant “The End Gate” in Worthington, Iowa while in college.

On May 17, 1958 he was united in marriage to Elaine Weydert at St. John the Baptist in Peosta, Iowa.

John ran the family farm for three years.  He was then employed at General Motors Diesel Division in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA.  He was later employed as the Instructor and coordinator of instruction at the Advances Technology Center in Indian Hills in Ottumwa, Iowa.

He is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army for two years.  He was a member of Amvets Post #13 of Epworth, Iowa, a member of the Farley Knights of Columbus Council #2001, a member of the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly #1573 of Dubuque, and a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa.

John was quite quick witted, he always loved to entertain and was the life of the party.  He lived by his motto it was never too early for a whiskey.  He loved his grandchildren immensely…when they were with grandpa there were no rules.  Oh, you want to color on the roof, “grandpa will go get the ladder”.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Tracey, of Cascade, IA; three children, Patrick (Vickie) Tracey of Dyersville, IA, Michael (Debbie) Tracey of Roselle, IL, and Colleen (Chris Dean) Sincox of Cedar Rapids, IA; one daughter-in-law, Denise Tracey of Worthington, IA; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; one sister, Margie (Dick) Phillips of Austin, TX; one sister-in-law, Fay Tracey, and one brother-in-law, Fritz Fuhs of Tampa, FL.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Terry Tracey, his son-in-law, Steve Sincox; one grandchild, Nathan Tracey; his sister, Carol Fuhs and his brother, Jim Tracey.

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

The family would like to thank the staff of Riverbend Retirement Community, the Cascade Ambulance and the staff of Unity Point Finley Hospital.

Walter M. Hodge

Walter M. “Butch” Hodge, 83, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center.

Butch’s family will host a celebration gathering from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, at The Lodge at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club, where Butch was a life-long member and avid golfer. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements. Private burial will be at Linwood Cemetery.

Butch was born September 27, 1941 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Walter J. and Marjorie (Marsden) Hodge. He married Beverly Rae Smith on June 2, 1962. She preceded him in death on January 13, 2004.

As the second-generation owner of HODGE, Butch led the company from 1978 to 2003, guiding it from a modest beginning with just ten team members and laying the foundation for growth.

HODGE was founded in 1958 by Butch’s father, Walter J., and it saw tremendous growth under the leadership of Butch and his late wife, Bev. Their commitment to putting employees first and supporting the community – through both good times and challenging ones – left an indelible mark.  This legacy of philanthropy is one that Butch instilled in his three sons, who have, in turn, passed it on to the fourth generation. Butch’s leadership was characterized by an eagerness to grow and evolve the business. Under his guidance and in collaboration with his sons Tim and Mike, HODGE not only supported Dubuque Pack but also became a key supplier for John Deere.

Reflecting on Butch’s leadership, long-time team member Ding Bell recalls, “Butch was pretty laid back, but he always wanted to get the work done. He was a good listener and treated people fairly. He was great to work with.”

Butch also saw potential where others might not have. His ability to connect with people, whether during a game of golf or in the warehouse, built lasting relationships.

Butch is survived by his partner of 18 years, Karen Jertson and her family; three sons, Tim (Connie) Hodge, Mike (Annette Hall) Hodge, all of Dubuque, and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matt (Karee) Hodge, of Eldridge, IA; his grandchildren, Zach (Laura) Hodge, Jordan (Michael) Fullan, Lucas Hodge, Jacob (Hannah Kilburg) Hodge, Katelyn (Mitchel) McDermott, Grant Hodge, and Anna Hodge; his great grandchildren (who referred to him as “Grandpa the Great”), Oliver and Eben Hodge, and Maverick and Finley Fullan; and his sister, Rita Hodge, of Dubuque.

In addition to his wife, Butch was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Suzanne O’Brien; and his brother, Steve Hodge.

Butch’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at MercyOne and Medical Associates for their care of Butch.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the Beverly R. Hodge Fund for Dubuque Public Schools (CLICK HERE or linked in his obituary on the funeral home website).

Butch taught his sons to play by three rules: 1. Tuck In Your Shirt, 2. Play Fast,  3. Count ‘Em All.

Candace J. Schaefer

Candace JoAnn “Candy” Schaefer, age 72, of Asbury, IA, died on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at home after a short battle with Carcinosarcoma Cancer.

Candy was born on January 26, 1952 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of William and Audrey (Theisen) Schaefer.

Candy is a graduate of Wahlert High School and St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Rock Island, IL. Her career was spent in NICU and Pediatrics up until her retirement. Her greatest pleasures were her family, friends, and fur babies (Poppy and Nell).

She is survived by her two children, Nathan Elder and Alesha (Don) Barklow; her two grandsons, Ty and Easten and three step-granddaughters, Maddie, Sam, and Ali; her mother, Audrey Schaefer and siblings: Chris (Jim) Kirk, Bill (Jackie) Schaefer, Diane (Mike) Covol, Deb (Bill) Brandt, Patty (Pat) Barry, Peggy (Scott) Cosley, Mark Schaefer, Lisa (Kevin) Smith, Scott (Tammie) Schaefer, Leslie (Greg) Hayden, Mike Schaefer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father William Schaefer, sister Jill Schaefer and brother-in-law “Willie” Mark Wilson.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Emily Hill, Dr. Eric Engelman and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dubuque Humane Society, Hospice of Dubuque, or her family.

There will be a graveside service for family and friends at the East Dubuque, IL. Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating, with a celebration of life to follow.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is assisting the family.

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

Verlyn F. Schmitt

Verlyn Francis Schmitt, aka “Schmitty,” “Fat,” and “The Gambler,” cashed in his chips at the poker table of this earth on October 10, 2024.

He lived a long and colorful life, born in 1928 as the ninth of twelve children to Frank and Mary Schmitt, in Rickardsville, Iowa.  He taught himself to read with the Li’l Abner comics in the newspaper.  Saw his first automobile at five years old.  At nine, he took a daring joy ride, and his lifelong love of cars was born.  He married Blanche Borden in 1949, was married for 37 years, and raised eight children.  He farmed in Bankston and Graf for many years.  With just a fifth-grade education, he could do algebra in his head.  This gift served him well when he gambled professionally in the second half of his life.  He set records in the game of euchre, played in the World Series of Poker, and has been mentioned in several published books about card playing.  Schmitty was also a good dancer and baseball player in his youth.  He loved guns and was a crack shot.  Schmitty may have kept the chocolate milk industry alive with his three-gallon-per-week habit.  He was a big fan of Johnny Cash, Willy Nelson, and classic country music.  He produced homemade wine from the fruits in his garden.  He loved horses and dogs.  After seeing a rodeo cowboy stand upright atop a horse at full gallop, he taught himself to do the same.  He was a proficient, self-taught leather artist, creating hundreds of bracelets and watch bands and customizing his cherished saddle.  His interests, beyond games of skill, were astronomy, Native American and cowboy culture, and history.  He was an adventurous learner.  A self-made man, Schmitty was comfortable in his own skin and never tried to be anything but what he was.

Schmitty was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Schmitt and Mary (Weidemann) Schmitt, siblings Marie (Kelly) Even, Evelyn (Elmer) Lucas, Leo Schmitt, Geneva (Charles) Arlen, Selena (Dale) Waters, Jerome (Josephine) Schmitt, LaVern (Lillian) Schmitt, Eldon (Joan) Schmitt, Luella (Virgil) Hammerand, and Doris Schmitt, and a son, Steve (Mary) Schmitt; many horses and dogs, including his beloved “Pal.”  He leaves one sibling, Arnita (Bob) Erickson, seven children, Reggie (Suzie), Tom (Diane), Peggy (Sam), Brenda, David, Penny (Wally), and Tim (Michelle), seventeen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and hundreds of nieces, nephews, friends, and cardplayers.

Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Iowa.  Family will greet friends 9:00 a.m. to mass time at the church.  A luncheon at Horizon Hall will follow.

We release Schmitty, not just to heaven, but also back to his first and enduring love–the land.

Robert L. Yeager

Robert L. “Bob” Yeager, 87, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Visitation will take place from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, with an additional visitation at the funeral home from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Born on June 4, 1937, Bob was the son of Lester and Ottilia (Haiar) Yeager. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1955 before pursuing mechanic training in Kansas City. His career included working for Achen Motors and Goetz’s, and in 1985, he purchased the old DX station and opened Bob’s Service Center, where he proudly served the community until his retirement. Even in retirement, his passion for mechanics never faded, as he continued to repair small engines from his home for many years.

A devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bob’s faith and kindness were central to who he was. He was known for his generosity, always ready to lend a hand or offer a quick fix for friends and neighbors. Bob cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, sharing countless adventures in fishing, hunting, and flying—creating memories that will be treasured forever. He took great joy in hosting gatherings, whether it was a fish fry, a lively game of cards, or taking his grandchildren fishing on the river. His passion for building and flying radio-controlled planes was a source of happiness, especially during his beloved Wednesday night meetups with friends.

Bob married Judy E. Roe-Culver on October 12, 1996, and their love was a constant source of joy until her passing on January 21, 2020.

He is survived by his children, Jason (Makaela O’Donnell) Yeager and Casey (Johannah) Yeager; step-children Greg (Etta) Culver, Gary (Joyce) Culver, and Kristie (Kevin Scholtes) Culver; grandchildren Ethan, Nicole (Graham), Sarah (Zayne), Ava, Katie (James), Marie (Ryan), Bobbie Jo (Mike), Robyn (Matt), Devon (Raven), and Brendon; 9 great-grandchildren; his sister, Joan Kerns, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Judy, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Kerns.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bob’s memory.

Bob will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering support for his family and friends will forever be remembered. We want to thank all of the staff from MercyOne Cancer Center, Medical Associates, and all of Bob’s wonderful friends and neighbors for their support and care.

Janet M. Alcorn

Janet M. (Galle) Alcorn, 47, of Clarksville, Tennessee, formerly of Dubuque passed away on Friday September 27, 2024, after a yearlong battle with cancer. 

Private family burial will be held at Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family with local arrangements.  

Janet was born on March 30, 1977, in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, daughter of Donald and Debra Galle of Dubuque, Iowa.

She is survived by her two daughters Emma Hayes and Avah Alcorn; her parents Don and Deb Galle of Dubuque; two brothers Brian (Amber) Galle, and Matthew Galle both of Dubuque. 

Memorials in Janet’s memory may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Margaret A. Lakin

Margaret A. Lakin, 93, of Dubuque, died at home on October 10, 2024.

Margaret was born December 8, 1930, in Columbus, NE. She married Donald Lakin on September 4, 1949.

She was employed at Geisler Brothers for many years and was active in her church.

Margaret is survived by three daughters, Lora, Karen and Sharon; and three siblings, John, Dorothy, and Ken.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2145 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Visitation will be held 9 am to 10 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on October 11,2024, where services will follow.  Interment will take place at Linwood Cemetery following the service.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.  A live-stream of the service can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Robert W. Brittain

Robert Willis (“Bill”) Brittain, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.  Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  His kindness, patience, and generosity of spirit were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, October 14, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa.  Visitation will precede the service from 9:00-10:30am in the Westminster sanctuary. Burial will follow at Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, and the link can be found under Bill’s obituary on that website.

Bill was born on February 15, 1931, in Brevard, North Carolina, the son of Willis and Velma (Deyton) Brittain. He married Joyce Ann Henneman on July 12, 1958, in Rock Island, Illinois. They were blessed with 64 happy and adventurous years of marriage, and Bill set an impossibly high bar for his devotion to and love for Joyce.  When Joyce became ill almost a decade ago, Bill did all he could to help care for Joyce at Bethany Home. He considered the Bethany Home staff members his dear friends and partners. After Joyce preceded him in death on August 9, 2022, Bill missed Joyce terribly, but he continued to embrace life and enjoyed building new friendships at Bethany.

Bill graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in agricultural engineering and then earned his M.S. in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University.  Bill served his country through the Army ROTC during his time at NC State, with the Army’s Signal Corp in West Germany from 1954-1956, and in the Army Reserve after his return from Germany. Bill was employed as an engineer at John Deere for 35 years, retiring in 1992.  Following his retirement from John Deere, Bill taught for several years at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Bill was also a licensed private, instrument, and commercial pilot, and he was an active member and former president of the Key City Fliers club in Dubuque.  He flew his family, friends, and colleagues on many adventures until he retired from flying at age 75.  Flying brought Bill much joy, and he frequently shared flying stories as well as his pleasure that Key City Fliers is still an active organization with his family and friends.

Bill was also an active member of the community.  He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder. He also served on the Board of Directors at Mount Pleasant Home, and he was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Bill is survived by his children, Carolyn (Mark) Brodie, of Indianola, Iowa, Jean (Scott Reeder) Brittain, of Middleton, WI; his grandchildren, John “Jack” Reeder, and Ellen Brodie; his sisters, Ann McCormick, of Lillington, North Carolina, and Betsy Mann, of Blairgowrie, Scotland; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Shirley Myers, William Myers, Richard Henneman, Alice Henneman, John Henneman, Patricia Henneman, John Mann, and Edward McCormick; and his niece Suzann Sheley.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Home Retirement Center or Westminster Presbyterian Church, both in Dubuque.

Bill had a gentle and kind soul.  He was honest, patient, and generous.  He was an absolute gentleman in every way, and he always had a smile on his face.  He was always happy to help and support the people around him or to simply just listen.  Spending time with him was easy and uncomplicated.  He was the foundation and rock of our family, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jane F. Brandel

Jane F. Brandel, 87, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:30 pm Monday, October 14, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jane will be 10:30 am Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Jane was born December 21, 1936, in Grant County, WI, the daughter of Oliver Peter and Amelia Catherine (Weber) Neis. On May 6, 1958, she married John “Jack” Raymond Brandel in Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, WI.

Jane graduated in 1955 from Cuba City, Wisconsin High School.

She worked at Gordon’s Toggery, Armstrong’s Department Store, and Hartig Drug Store.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.  She loved flowers, gardening, birds, fishing, and cooking for her family. She was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears and Cubs. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, John “Jack” Raymond Brandel; seven children, Kimberly “Kim” (Charles) Fredrick of Dubuque, Mark (Tina) Brandel of Marquette, MI, Daniel (Lisa) Brandel of Cannon Falls, MN, Michael (Michelle) Brandel of Dubuque, Dale (Linda) Brandel of Sherrill, Kristy (Bruce) Spoerre of Kansasville, WI, Shane Brandel of Dubuque; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Peter Neis of Dickeyville, WI, and James (Sharon) Neis of Kieler, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, Leonard and Catherine Brandel, and one brother, David Neis, two brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center and Mercy Hospital staff.

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

Lori Schulz

Lori (Schissel) Schulz, 56, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 10, 2024, after a brave struggle with COPD.

A Private Family Celebration will be held at a future date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Lori was born on February 20, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Vern and Sharleen (Smith) Schissel. She attended school at St. Patrick’s (1-6), Washington Junior High (7-9), and Dubuque Senior High School (10-12). She was a loving, caring person.

Lori will be sadly missed by her husband Mick, mother Sharleen, sister Pam (Rich) Lenz, brothers Jay (Eileen) Schissel, John Schissel and Tom Schissel, brother-in-law Jeff Swift, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lori is reunited with her dad Vern, sisters Peggy Swift and Dellane Tressel, brother Frank Schissel, and sister-in-law Penny Schissel.

The family would like to thank the hospice care members who took such loving care of Lori.

Ruth A. Gartner

Ruth Ann Gartner of Banner, Kentucky passed away at the age of 79 on September 18, 2024, at the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Ruth was born on December 11, 1944 to Clarence and Mary Manderscheid in Maquoketa, Iowa. Ruth married her husband James J. Gartner on September 16, 1967, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Ruth is survived by her husband, James J. Gartner of Banner, KY; sister, Lois Coakley (Tom Coakley, dec.) of Maquoketa, IA; sister, Carma Homjak (Ted Homjak, dec. Wayne Kress, dec, Wayne Pollock, dec.) of Dubuque, IA.; brother, Karl (Ginny) Manderscheid, of Apollo Beach, FL. and caregiver, Kayla Doernte of Sitka, KY.Her in-laws Terry & Doris Gartner of Dubuque, IA; DeLaine Gartner (widow of Joe Gartner, dec.) of Conway, AR; Bill and Birgit Gartner of Carlisle, IA; Mike & Donna Dendy of San Antonio, TX; Diane and Bob Mueller of Dubuque, IA; Steve and Carmen Gartner of Clarksville, TN; and Greg and Carol Gartner of Dubuque, IA.

Preceded in death by her daughter Gwen Gartner, her father and mother Clarence and Mary Manderscheid, brother Loren Manderscheid, and her father and mother-in-law, Arnold and Marian Gartner.

Visitation will be in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2024, in the J.W. Call Funeral Home Chapel with Jody Thompson officiating. Visitation before the funeral begins at 10:00 A.M.

Paul C. Jarding

Paul C. Jarding, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on October 8, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Paul’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Road in Dubuque, with Rev. Phil Gibbs officiating.  Burial with full military honors accorded by the Farley American Legion Post #0656 will be held at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, IA, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paul’s family.

Paul was born on November 11, 1947, in Farley, IA, a son to Marvin and Helen (Burger) Jarding, Sr.  He was blessed to spend the majority of his life on the farm and always treasured the lessons and memories that came along with it.  He did eventually spend a few years running his own short haul trucking company and invested his final working years before moving into retirement in the assembly department at Wal-Mart.  Paul was united in marriage to his first wife, Mary Ritt, in 1967.  They were blessed with 27 years together and four children before Mary was sadly called home ahead of Paul in 1994.  Thankfully, Paul discovered love again and in 2002 he was joined in marriage to Debra Murphy.  His love for his family, and now extended family grew with each passing day and Paul would consider himself blessed even through the hardships and trials life had to offer.

Paul made sure to prioritize his time throughout his life and when the work was finished for the day, time would remain for family and friends whenever possible.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Farley American Legion Post #0656.  He also made yearly pilgrimages with his friends to the Toma Tractor Pulls and made sure that the joys of his youth were never allowed to truly disappear.  Paul also enjoyed spending time keeping his lawn looking perfect and throw in an evening of Euchre around the table coupled with some hamburgers and chocolate and Paul would consider this to be a perfect day indeed.  He understood fully what the most valuable treasures in life were and not one of them reflected the likeness of a dollar bill.  Family, time, memories, friends, and genuine love and respect; these were what real wealth looked like to Paul and gratefully in the end he was the wealthiest man alive.

It’s been a long and courageous journey for Paul over these last years as he faced each health battle head on.  With the love and support around him continually, he embraced each day as both a challenge and a triumph to be won.  We will never forget the example and legacy Paul has left behind for us to follow and we are forever thankful for each day the Lord was gracious enough to share him with us.  Thank you, Paul, for leading by example, entering each room with humility, and for never allowing life to get the best of you even when it tried its very best to defeat you.  We will love and miss you dearly and wait patiently now to see your joyful smile once again as the Lord holds you securely in His grace filled arms until we arrive.

Those left to cherish the memory of Paul include,

his loving wife of 22 years,
Debra Jarding, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Brian (friend Carrie) Jarding, McKinney, TX,
Laura (Brian) Kennedy, Epworth, IA,
Andy Jarding, Farley, IA,
and Jeremy Pust, Milwaukee, WI;

his adored grandchildren,
Austin (Andrea) Allen, Avery (Jess) Jarding, Anna (Eric) Xayarinh, Aleister Jarding, Adrian Jarding, Jacob Jarding, Sarah Jarding, Nolan (friend Aly) Kennedy, Becca (Devon) Driscoll, Caitlin (Nate) Funke, Brianna (fiancé Joe) Kennedy, Evelyn Jarding, Zachary Pust, and Sophia Pust;

his great-grandchildren,
Zachary Allan, Elliana Allen, Jonah Derks, and Hadden Driscoll;

his brother,
Marvin (Joan) Jarding, Jr., Farley, IA;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,
Joyce Jarding, Farley, IA,
Kate (Jon) Berkley, Dubuque, IA,
Jim Murphy, Farley, IA,
and Dan (Chris) Murphy, Farley, IA;

his mother-in-law,
Alvina Murphy, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Ritt; his brother, Loras Jarding; his son, Darin Jarding; his step-son, Zachary Pust; his father-in-law, Virgil Murphy; and his mother and father-in-law, Ed (Eleanor) Ritt.

Paul’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Dorothy A. Roling

Dorothy A. Roling, 80, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at her home.   

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa. Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Parish Center prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John Haugen will officiate.

Dorothy was born September 3, 1944, daughter of Cletus and Elizabeth (Heiring) Nachtman. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque. She married Leo C. Roling on May 30, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville, Iowa.

Dorothy loved her family and serving others. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, reading, and cooking. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Griffin for 10 years. She also worked as a hospice volunteer for several years. After her children were grown, she held a daycare for over 20 years and loved spending time with the kids. She was very active in the St. Patrick Parish as a contact for the prayer chain and a faithful servant of God. 

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Leo; children: Judith (Ross) Cummings of Central City, Charles Roling of Oceanside, CA, Thomas (Cindy) Roling of Dyersville, Kristie (Jenny) Henry-Roling of West Melbourne, FL, Stephanie (Brett Blowers) Burkett of Prairie City, IA; grandchildren: Nicole (Josh Kelly) Roling, Matt (Shauna Kerr), Michael, Sarah, Steven, Andrew Roling, Allison, Evelyn, Madeline, Carolyn, Caedmon Burkett; great granddaughter, Harper June Roling; siblings: Frank Nachtman, Rita Nachtman, Julie (Bob) Wessel, Betty (Gene) Kruse; in-laws: Elaine Wulfekuhle, Alan (Jean) Roling, and Charlotte Nachtman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law: Lawrence and Aurelia, children: Stephen and Roberta Jo, siblings: Mary (Bob) Murray, John Nachtman; in-laws: Lester Wulfekuhle, and Jeanne (Dennis) Rolfes.

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

James J. Tigges

James Joseph Tigges, a.k.a. Ernie, aged 76, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday October 11, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Memorial Service starting at 6:00 p.m.

Born on April 2, 1948, Jim was the beloved son of Gerald and Stella Tigges, husband of Julie Tigges, father to Adam Tigges (Michele) and Luke Tigges (Brooke), and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Jim received a computer programming degree at Scott Community College and pursued a career in payroll management. In his retirement, he was also part of the team at Turpin Dodge in Dubuque, where he worked part-time, always bringing a little extra Iowa Hawkeye spirit to the workplace. An avid softball coach, Jim would rally the team with everyone’s favorite, “A little fire, little chatter, little rat-a-tat-tat!”

Jim married Julianne Loney on December 15, 1973, celebrating 50 happy years together. Their love and commitment to each other were a constant source of joy and inspiration to their family.

Most importantly, Jim’s greatest passion was teaching Sunday school. His trademark question, “Who loves you?” was asked to many kids over the years, and even now, as adults, they still answer with the same response: “Jesus!” It was a simple yet powerful reminder of Christ’s enduring love that Jim enjoyed sharing with every generation.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie; his sons, Adam (Michele) and Luke (Brooke); his sisters, Betty McGovern and Linda Medley; his brothers-in-law, Dave Loney (Lori), Dan Loney (Cindy), Rod Loney (Cathy), John Loney (Nair), and sisters-in-law, Chris Schmidt (Cai) and Mary Loney-Bichell (Ken); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Gabriella, Abigail, Allison, Olivia, Ruth, Josie, Derik, Emma, Trever, Lilyan, Eva, Drake, Kyllian, and an unnamed great-grandson; his dear friend, Bill White; and many nieces and nephews. Jim’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the memories of those who knew him best.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Tigges; his mother, Stella Tigges; his father-in-law, Earl Loney; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Loney; his brother, Mike Tigges; his brother-in-law, Terry McGovern; his nephew, Todd McGovern; and a great-granddaughter.

A separate celebration of life ceremony will be held Friday, October 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM at 14877 Hwy 20 West, East Dubuque, IL, behind Tri-State Pool & Spa.

In lieu of flowers, a Jim Tigges memorial fund has been established.

Psalm 86:5

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (KJV)

Joseph L. Monner