Obituaries Archive

Lynnann M. Maiden

Lynnann M. Maiden, age 67, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at her home.  In keeping with Lynnann’s wishes there will be a Celebration of Life held for her at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Lynnann’s family.

Lynnann was born on August 31, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William and Lorraine (Kenyon) Fransen.

Lynnann graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  She was united in marriage to Daniel Michael Maiden on March 3, 1989.  They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary together before he sadly passed away on October 29, 2014.  Lynnann was a school bus driver in Dubuque and later moved to Texas where she did antiquing with her husband.  When she moved back to Dubuque she managed Whitetail Bluff Campground in Cassville, Wisconsin until 2020.  In her free time Lynnann enjoyed attending local car shows and was a “food junkie”.  She loved getting together with family and friends to go out to eat at her favorite places.  Lynnann was a very spiritual person and liked to collect miniature figurines, especially dragonflies and angels.  She loved animals, and her french bulldog, Smoochie, was her “ride or die”.  She and Smoochie spent many days exploring the hidden treasures of Eagle Point Park.  Family was always her top priority and Lynnann loved getting together with all of her cousins.  She also looked forward to getting together regularly with her “sistas” which always provided lots of fun and laughter.  She was also known to indulge in a little “retail therapy” on shopping trips.  Lynnann was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed!

Those left to cherish Lynnann’s memory include

her children,
Allyssa (Jacob) Raley, Granbury, TX
and Eric Maiden, California;

2 grandchildren,
Gage and Connor;

her siblings,
Randy Fransen, Dubuque, IA,
Gary Fransen, Dubuque, IA
and B.J. Fransen, Arlington, TX;

her niece,
Jamie Fransen, Dubuque, IA;

her great-nephew,
Damon, Dubuque, IA;

and several treasured cousins and sistas.

Lynnann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel Maiden; and a son, Garrett Maiden.

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

Marlene M. Schlarmann

Marlene Marie (Willenbring) Schlarmann, 80 of Worthington, Iowa fell asleep with the Lord on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at her home surrounded by love.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the funeral home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Marlene was born on December 11, 1942, in New Vienna, Iowa, the daughter of Sylvester and Evelyn (Digmann) Willenbring of Luxemburg, Iowa.  She was joined in holy matrimony to Raymond Schlarmann Jr. on August 13, 1963, in Luxemburg.  From this union 9 children were born, 33 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.  Marlene enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, gardening, and crocheting.  Religion and family were her priorities.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond Schlarmann Jr.; her children: Dale (Amy) Schlarmann of Dubuque, Michael (Cindy) Schlarmann of Dyersville, Carol (Chris) Betzer of Central City, Kathy (special friend, Fred Benn) Jordan of Dyersville, Mary (Melvin) Heims of Petersburg, Kenneth (Elizabeth) Schlarmann of Hopkinton, David (Tracey) Schlarmann of Worthington, Joyce (Curtis) Morehouse of Cedar Rapids, Shelley (Michael) Crow of Blairstown; grandchildren: Stephanie (Dan) Sowienski, Melissa (Luke) Hibbing, Jason (Blake) Schlarmann, Emily (Ryan)( Kennedy, Alex (Jolynn) Schlarmann, Nick Schlarmann, Lindsey (Mamadou) Tall, Allison Schlarmann, Brittany (Evan) Jackson, Alden and Arwin Betzer, Ethan (Colby) Jordan, Erica (fiance, Jon Paulsen) Jordan, Nicole (Justin) Taylor, Austin, Dylan, and Alyssa Jordan, Ashley, Angie and Dustin Heims, Isaac, Ryan, Jacob, Andrew and Nathan Schlarmann, Olivia (Austin) Breitbach, Spencer, Evan, Emma, Brooklyn Schlarmann, Caitlyn and Curtis Morehouse, Caleb Crow;14 great grandchildren; siblings: Gloria Maiers and Dianne (Bill) Ernzen, both of Dyersville; in-laws: Marilyn (Joe) Willenbring and Elaine Willenbring all of Luxemburg, Donna Willenbring of Guttenberg. Rosemary Krogmann of Manchester, Grace (Richard) Koob of Illinois, Patricia (Dale) Casper of Belmont, Wisconsin, Monica (Ronald) Wiskus of Luxemburg, Robert (Margaret) Schlarmann of Hopkinton and Jerome (Star) Schlarmann of West Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Evelyn Willenbring, parents-in-law, Raymond and Veronica Schlarmann, Sr.; siblings: Daniel, Richard, and Dennis Willenbring, Patricia (Donald) Tegeler, in-laws: Vernon Maiers, Paul Krogmann Sr, and John Schlarmann in infancy.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Jane M. Felton

Jane M. Felton, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Monday November 13, 2023, at Sunny Crest Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Jane will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., on November 17, 2023, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Jane was born on May 10, 1939 in Cascade, Iowa daughter of John F. and Mary (O’Connell) Felton.  She received her education in the St. Peter’s School in Temple Hill, Iowa.  Even though Jane endured many health issues since childhood, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo.

Those left to cherish Jane’s memory are her 3 brothers, Mark (Kym) Felton of Cascade, Iowa, Loras Felton of Ely, IA and Robert (Diane) Felton of Anamosa, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Betty Felton of Anamosa, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; two brother, Fredrick (Agnes) Felton and Bill Felton.

Rev. Linda Axelson Packard

The Reverend Linda Axelson Packard of Galena, IL, died on November 10, 2023.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Grace Episcopal Church, 107 S. Prospect Street, Galena, IL.  The Rev. Dr. Paula Harris and The Right Rev. Bonnie Perry will officiate.

Linda was born on March 7, 1942, in Chicago, IL to William A. and Elin K. (Andersson) Axelson, undocumented Swedish immigrants.  Linda attended Lawrence College and earned her Masters in Divinity from Seabury-Western Seminary.  She served as the rector at Church of our Saviour, Chicago, IL, for more than 10 years, and as interim rector at Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, IL, Grace Episcopal Church, Oak Park, IL, supply priest at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Dubuque, IA, and St. Andrew’s Pentecost Episcopal Church, Evanston, IL.  She also volunteered on mission trips to Liberia, Myanmar, Haiti, and Southeast Mexico.  She served as a mentor to many clergy women in the Episcopal Church.

Linda and Tony Packard initially met in their freshman biology class at Evanston Township High School.  They reconnected at the 20th reunion of their high school class in 1980 and married three months later at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, Linden Hills, Minneapolis.  After raising their family in Evanston, IL, and upon retirement, they moved to the Galena Territory.  There Linda enjoyed spending time tending her gardens, training and showing her Bernese Mountain dogs, and baking Swedish cookies and breads.  She was a loyal member of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southeast Wisconsin, the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Cambridge, MA, and the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Charles Anthony “Tony” Packard, her three children, Ingrid (Dean) Kash, Kate Packard, and Tom Packard, and three grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, and Emerson, along with several nieces and nephews and many cousins in Sweden.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William G. Axelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Linda’s name to the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, or the Lawrence University Fund.

Linda’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Prairie Ridge and Hospice of Dubuque for their professional and compassionate care.

The Tri-State Cremation Center has provided guidance and services to Linda’s family.  Online condolences may be shared with Linda’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com.

James A. Guerdet

James “Jim” A. Guerdet, 96, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 11, 2023, at Luther Manor Communities.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday November 16, 2023, at Church of the Nativity with Monsignor James Miller officiating.

Friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. until the start of Mass at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Jim was born on October 28^th, 1927, in Zwingle, Iowa, son of Dennis and Mary (Donahue) Guerdet. He attended St. Columbkille High School. His career began with the Milwaukee Railroad, and he retired from the SOO Line Railroad. James honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II, and he was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

James enjoyed euchre and traveling with his family and helping on the farm. He was very generous and inspirational to his nieces and nephews, helping pave the way through their education and careers. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his sister Janelle Donahue, sister-in-law Mary Carol Guerdet, 10 nieces and nephews Mary Ellen Donahue, Pat (Mary Lynn) Donahue, Dennis Donahue, Paul (Becky) Donahue, Kelly Donahue, Karen (Todd) Guerdet-Schuster, Janice Arends, Robert (Maurine) Guerdet, David (Dennis) Guerdet, and John (Kerry) Guerdet.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene and Richard, nephew Kenneth, and brother-in-law Joseph Donahue.

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

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor Communities for their loving care of our brother, uncle, and friend.

Beulah L. Shannon

Beulah L. Shannon, 98, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, November 13, 2023, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Beulah Lorraine Scott was born on July 14, 1925 in Baldwin, Iowa, to Lewis Charles and Ida Mae (Houle) Scott.  She was a 1943 graduate of Baldwin High School.  She met her future husband, Everett C. Shannon, while he was a recovering military patient at Schick Hospital in Clinton, Iowa.  They were married on January 26, 1946 in Paris, Kentucky.

After getting married, they lived in Kentucky for three years until they moved to Iowa where Beulah was a housewife, and taught knitting classes through Clinton Community College, and had worked at the Yarn Barn in Maquoketa.

Beulah was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America where she had at one time served as a local officer. Additionally, she was a member of the Merry Knitters since 1965.  She enjoyed knitting, quilting, and crocheting and donated many handmade and hand quilted her quilts throughout the years. She also was a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and had crocheted and knitted many for individuals who were ill and in need.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Sandra Anderson of San Pablo, CA, and Ida Mae Walters of Burlington, IA; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Rose Scott of Anchorage, AK; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Everett on November 15, 2006, daughter Peggy Koranda, 2 brothers and 5 sisters.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, November 17, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from Noon until 1 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Jean M. Bryson

Jean M. Bryson, age 82, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 1:20 a.m., on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center.  To honor Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where memories of Jean will be shared at 6:30 p.m.  Burial will be in East Dubuque Cemetery.

Jean was born on April 11, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Raymond and Alma (Reiter) Ball.

Jean grew up in Dubuque before moving to East Dubuque with her husband, Bennie.  She and Bennie were married on her 18th birthday, April 11, 1959, in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 3 wonderful children and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary earlier this year.  She was a devoted wife, mom and homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family.  Jean was a faith filled woman who was a long time member of Wesley United Methodist Church.  She also looked forward to spending the winters in Texas with Bennie where she liked to cook at the R.V. Parks they stayed in.  Jean loved fishing and would have gone 8 days a week if she could.  She also looked forward to listening to Bennie play the guitar.  Jean truly loved all of her family and friends and treasured spending time with the grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her loving husband,
Bennie Bryson, East Dubuque, IL;

her children,
Kim Vondal, East Dubuque, IL,
Jeffrey Bryson, Dubuque, IA
and Kevin (Maria) Bryson, Dubuque, IA;

8 grandchildren,
Crystal (Brooke) Vondal, Jeremy (Sabrina) Vondal, Joshua (Stephanie) Vondal, Courtney Christianson, Chloe Bryson, Cassie (Luke) Roth, Ashley (Joe) Biedermann and Mitchell (Stacey) Bryson;

14 great-grandchildren;

her brother,
LaVerne Ball, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Eugene Bryson, Bellevue, IA;

and her nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Darlene (Dave) Miller; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Catherine Bryson; and a brother-in-law, Ron Bryson.

Jean’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they provided for Jean and their kind support of the entire family.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Jean’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jean Bryson Family.

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

Cade D. McGovern

Cade David McGovern, 8, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 10th, 2023 at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital surrounded by loving family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a parish wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16th, at the Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Centralia.

Cade was born on October 4th, 2015, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ryan and Erin (Boxleiter) McGovern and brother of Chase McGovern.  Cade entered this world on his own terms and has lived that way every day since.

Cade brought so much joy to his family and friends through his smiles, giggles, and endless cuddles.  Some of Cade’s favorite things were snuggling with his grandparents, swimming, giraffes, traveling with family and being anywhere with his older brother Chase.  Their bond was indescribable, and they were the best of friends.  He was fortunate to spend time every week with his loving grandparents and they took incredible care of him.

Cade’s life was short, but it was full.  For every adventure he took us on, we tried to do the same for him.  He dipped his toes in the Atlantic, Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, sailed across the Caribbean, his Make-A-Wish trip to San Diego allowed him to pet a sea lion, a koala, and be kissed by a dolphin, he and Chase threw out the first pitch at the Field of Dreams, he spent a day with the Iowa Hawkeye football team and throughout the years spent countless hours floating in the lazy river in Wisconsin Dells.

Cade was born facing insurmountable odds and defied the expectations time and time again.  He continuously showed his strength and perseverance as he fought through many illnesses and surgeries in the past eight years.  Throughout all of this, he taught us lessons of love, understanding and compassion. He was truly our miracle, and we are grateful for the time we spent with him.

Cade, our hearts are broken and we will miss you so much, but we take comfort in knowing you’re no longer in pain, your body is free to run, jump and play.  We hope you’re eating all the cupcakes and ice cream you wish and until we meet again, watch over us and fly high little man!

Cade is survived by his parents, Ryan and Erin (Boxleiter) McGovern, the most incredible older brother Chase, grandparents Dave and Sherry (Anthony) Boxleiter, Donald and Julie (Tangeman) McGovern, aunts and uncles Aimee (Tim) Schmidt, Kevin (Jenna Eason) McGovern, cousin Henry Schmidt, many extended relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his great uncles Jim Clemenson and Steve Golinvaux.

A special thank you to the dedicated doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for their exceptional care of Cade over the past eight years, especially Sheila Frascht, Karen Johnson, Kayla Tate, Tucker, and Dr. Shilpa Balikai for her compassion for Cade and our family in  Cade’s final days.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Medical Associates Pediatric department, especially Dr. Kevin Mullen, Dr. Tom Callahan and Dr. John Callahan.  Your care, support and friendship throughout Cade’s life has been so important in ensuring we could give Cade the life we wanted to.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s hospital or a children’s charity of your choice.

Fred Wallace

Fred Wallace, 91, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day) at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Church of the Resurrection followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.

Fred was born May 16, 1932, in Rock Island, IL, son of Fred M. and Luella (Condon) Wallace. He attended Alleman High School in Rock Island and was later inducted to service in the United States Army on October 28, 1952, where he served in Korea.  Upon return from service, he was employed at International Harvester Farmall Works in Rock Island.  It was there that a good friend, John Valentine, convinced him to go on just one blind date with a girl he knew.  This resulted in a quick engagement and almost 68 years of marriage to Georgia Glaub.  They were married on November 26, 1955 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Mystic, Iowa.

Fred was employed by the City of Davenport for 35 years as a project technician, where he served as a draftsman to layout plans for new street and sewer development, as well as managing the installation of city street lights.  He was able to help many citizens of Davenport have adequate and safe street lighting in neighborhoods and residential areas, and thoroughly enjoyed working with all employees of the City of Davenport in the public works, city council, and Davenport Police Department.

Fred had a passion for things with motors.  He owned 43 different automobiles as well as 27 motorcycles, with his first being a WWII surplus Cushman Airborne scooter.  Fred’s father flew WWI surplus “Jenny” biplanes at Wallace Field in Bettendorf, Iowa, and because of the dangers of flying made Fred promise he would never venture into aviation.  However, at 50 years of age, Fred broke a promise and earned his private pilot’s license and then continued earning ratings for commercial, multi-engine and teaching advanced ground school.

He enjoyed time at home washing cars, working with Georgia in the garden and many home projects.  He always looked forward to time with family and grandchildren.  He was always willing to jump in and help family and friends with projects as well as contribute great conversation.  He insisted on “going the extra mile” in all aspects of life and treating everyone respectfully.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Georgia, his son Dan (Paige), and four grandchildren Abigail, Owen, Eva and Aiden.

He was preceded in death by parents Fred and Luella Wallace, and son Andrew Wallace.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fred Wallace Memorial Fund.

Fred’s family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Stonehill Care Center, Hospice and Palliative Care of Dubuque, and Fr. Phil Gibbs, Deacon Mike Ellis and the staff at Resurrection Church for their prayers and caring support.

Theodore N. Taber

Theodore “Ted” Nicholas Taber, passed away on November 11, 2023 after a six month battle with colorectal cancer. He was 38 years old.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 12:45 pm Monday, November 27, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Ted will be 1:00 pm Monday, November 27, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Jim Schmidt officiating. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Ted was born on July 3, 1985 in Des Moines, Iowa to Bill and Susan Taber. He attended Lincoln High School Class of 2004 and later earned a degree in management information systems from Iowa State University. He worked as a Technical Support Specialist at IBM from 2009-2020 and most recently as an IT Technician at Crescent Electric in East Dubuque, IL.

Ted is survived by his wife, Allison Elizabeth Taber; his parents, Bill and Susan Taber; and his siblings, Alex Taber, Ben Taber, Anastasia (Dean Ensley) Taber and their daughter, Vivian Ensley; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Emily Kerr, Greg (Gigi) Weydert, and Courtney (Andrew) Hensen; and father and mother-in-law, Jerry and Marty Weydert.

Ted spent his free time updating his home with the latest smart devices, helping relatives with all of their computer questions, playing video games, and enjoying time together with his wife Allison and their two cats. He was an Eagle Scout and volunteered as a poll worker for the election office in Dubuque.

Ted was known for his good hearted and teasing nature. He was kind to others and loved his family dearly. His abounding affection and quips will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Theodore “Ted” Taber Memorial Fund.

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

Donald E. Hawley

Donald Eugene Hawley, 74, of Galena, Illinois was called to be with Our Father in Heaven on November 9, 2023. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may gather after 10 AM until the time of service. The burial will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Don was a hairdresser for many years, running successful salons in California and Illinois. Throughout his life, he met challenges with courage, determination, and grace.  He is fondly remembered by his family and friends as a man of integrity, faith, kindness, generosity, and humor. He is sorely missed by his faithful dog Penelope, the best Morkie ever. And our world is a little brighter for his whimsical character pillows, so creatively crafted.  

Don is survived by his partner Bill Zwack of Galena; his sister Ida Jean Bremmer of Prescott Valley, Arizona and his brother Paul Hawley of Springfield, Missouri; his favorite aunts, Ida Kerr of Cordova, Illinois, and Myrtle Willis of Seattle, Washington; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Mary P. Birch

Mary P. “Pat” Birch, age 83, of Dubuque, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 6:35 p.m., on Friday, November 10, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.  In keeping with Pat’s wishes there will not be a public service.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Pat’s family.

Pat was born on April 28, 1940, in San Diego, California, daughter of Truman and Mary (Joyce) Vinson.

Pat moved from California to Paton, Iowa when she was 6 years old, where she graduated from high school.  She married James L. Fox in Paton in 1961. They moved to Ames for 5 years and eventually ended up in Dubuque in 1968.  They began their family together, but sadly would later part ways.  Pat enjoyed going square dancing and clogging and that’s where she would meet Leonard Birch.  The couple fell in love and married 1987, enjoying 17 years together until Leonard passed away on November 27, 2004.  Pat then moved back to Paton, but returned to Dubuque to help her daughter Karen care for foster children.  Pat enjoyed the simple things in life such as reading a good book and tending to her yard, garden and flowers.  Spending time with her family was always Pat’s top priority.  She made the world around her a better place and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

her children,
David (Kathy) Fox, Tiffin, IA,
Stephen (Rhonda) Fox, Cave Creek, AZ
and Karen Fox, Dubuque, IA;

6 grandchildren,
Jaime (Kyle) Canamar, Allie Fox, Santana, Ella and Brenna Fox and Emily Griffith;

8 great-grandchildren,
Braiden, Caleb, Parker, Hunter, Bodhi, Fiona, Kamden and Winona;

and her siblings,
Mike (Linda) Batcheller, Escondido, CA,
Kathy Wernimont, Jefferson, IA,
Jaylene Jensen, Urbandale, IA
and Jay Batcheller, Paton, IA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leonard Birch; her grandchildren, Lindsay and Jordan; and a nephew, Shane Batcheller.

Pat’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Iowa, Dr. Sara Loetscher and all of the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the outstanding care they provided for Pat.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Pat’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Mary Birch Family.

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

Vernon E. Puls

Vernon E. Puls, 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Family and friends may call from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery immediately following the Mass.

Vernon was born on May 24, 1941 in Dubuque, the son of Victor and Catherine (Vaassen) Puls.  He was united in marriage to Joanie C. Klauer on April 23, 1960 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

Vernon was a graduate of Elizabeth, IL high school, the class of 1959. He was a production supervisor for the Celotex Corporation in Dubuque and later at Merrero, LA until his retirement. Vernon was an avid fisherman, hunter, baseball player and enjoyed a good game of euchre and poker.

Surviving is his wife, Joanie; five daughters, Cindy (Kris) Kessler of Saratoga, WY, Debbie Swallow and Pam Puls both of Madison, WI, Marlana Hancock of Asheboro, NC, and Amanda (Brian) Walch of Anchorage, AK; 9-grandchildren, Megan, Morgan, Nicholas, Kiera, Katie, Andrew, Connor, Jenna, and Carli; and two sisters-in-law, Charlene Puls and Nita Puls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Catherine; siblings, Carl, Jerry, Alan, Joe, Alice, Eleanor, Vincent and Helena.

A Vernon E. Puls memorial fund has been established.

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

Connie K. Purtilo

Connie K. (Milburn) Purtilo, 79, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  Funeral Services will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, prior to services at the church. Local arrangements entrusted at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Connie was born February 16, 1944 in Perry, Iowa, the daughter of Wm. Alferd and Alene E. (Struble) Milburn. She married Gary Purtilo on February 14, 1965 in Honolulu, Hawaii during his time in service, he passed on August 15, 2021. Connie worked as an eye technician for Vision Health Center and  Dr. Sloan in Bellevue for over 20 years before retiring.  Connie enjoyed the outdoors, working in the yard, and baking cookies.  Connie and Gary enjoyed retirement together, traveling on many cruises, countries and going to every State.  Connie will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sons, Rod (Sherry Speciale) Purtilo and Terry Purtilo; siblings, Wilma York, Velma (Dale Hutzelt) Renfrow, Clarence (Colleen) Milburn, and Keith (Sharon) Milburn,; in-laws, Denny (Kay) Purtilo and Judy (Doug) McCart; also surviving are many extended relatives, and nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary; and a brothers in-law, Don York and John Renfrow; and a sister in-law, Barb Purtilo.

A memorial fund has been established in Connie’s memory.

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

Linda Farkas

Linda (Carr) Farkas, of Dubuque, formerly of Las Vegas, NV, died Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Linda will be 11:00 am Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Brother Stephen Markham officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Placid, IA at a later date.

Linda was born July 18, 1939, to John L. and Helen (Tucker) Carr. She grew up in the Placid, Cascade area. In 1968, Linda moved west to California and then Nevada where she met her future husband, Elmer Farkas. She spent her work life in banking, beginning with DB&T in Dubuque. After moving to California, she joined the United California Bank and retired from Nevada State Bank as a branch manager.

Survivors include one sister, Gwen Nilles; one brother, Kevin (Joyce) Carr; 11 beloved nieces and nephews, Bret (Suzanne) Nilles, Dawn (Roberto) Dominguez, DeAnn Nilles, Danette (Randy) Nilles-Putchio, Brian Nilles, Brad  Nilles, Craig Carr, Shawn (Linda) Carr, Courtney (Derek) LeVasseur, Michael Carr, and Patrick (Charlotte) Carr; and five step-children, Chuck (Lezlie), Sharon (Bing), Darlene, Judy, and Larry.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three infant siblings, Roger, Karen, and Perry, a brother, Richard Carr, sister-in-law, Sandy Carr Rollinger, brother-in-law Duane Nilles, and two step-children, Elmer Jr. and Ron.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center.

Thanks to Kristin from Hospice of Dubuque and the Stonehill staff for all of their compassionate care given to Linda and her family.

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