Obituaries Archive

John A. Schoen

John Andrew Schoen, 92, of East Dubuque, IL passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA surrounded by his family.

Family and friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 4th, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. Burial will follow in the East Dubuque Cemetery, with military honors accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League and the Iowa National Guard.

John was born on August 31, 1931, in Detroit, MI, the son of John and Gladys (Crahan) Schoen.  He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1953 where he met the love of his life, Joan Prindiville.  Together they had 6 children. Joan preceded John in death on October 15, 2016, after 61 years of marriage.  John moved his family to Dubuque in 1967. With an entrepreneurial spirit, John created a number of businesses throughout his lifetime. The Metrix Company was his greatest professional accomplishment and the one he felt most pride in. The success of Metrix led John to create The Schoen Family Charitable Trust, which continues to support communities across the Midwest. John was an avid golfer who loved to travel and was fortunate to have played many of the best courses in the world. He counts 5 holes-in-one in his lifetime. For many years, he built and flew model planes as a member of the Tri-State Modelers.  He also loved to play bridge.

Those left to cherish his memory are his six children, John “Andy” (Deb) Schoen of Dallas, TX, Michael (Vicky) Schoen of DePere, WI, Susan (Russ) Coblentz of Naperville, IL, Peter (Karla) Schoen of Dubuque, IA, Laura (Jeff) Mootz of Neenah, WI, Daniel (Bobbie) Schoen of Dubuque, IA; his two sisters, Marilyn Leahy of Glen Ellyn, IL and Peggy Igyarto of Darien, Illinois; and 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the nurses, staff and administrators of Stonehill Care Center for their loving care of our father. We would also like to thank the many hardworking people at Metrix in both Iowa and the Dominican Republic for your service and dedication throughout the years, you made our father’s legacy.

Memorials may be given to Stonehill Care Center or Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Josephine M. Roling

Josephine “Jo” Mary Roling, 99, of Dubuque, died Friday, October 27, 2023, at her home.

A prayer service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jo will be 10:00 am Friday, November 3, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Josephine was born August 26, 1924, in Dubuque, the daughter of John and Stella (Szmeter) Block. On May 25, 1946, she married Gilbert F. Roling at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He died April 5, 1993.
Josephine worked for her husband’s concrete construction business as an accountant and secretary. She also worked for Holy Trinity Catholic Church in various positions.

She was a long-time member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she served on the Rosary Society, helped serve funeral diners, and volunteered to assist with masses at Sunnycrest Manor. She enjoyed tending to her garden and was an avid crocheter. Above all, Josephine treasured spending time with her family.

Survivors include her six children, Ervin Roling of Dubuque; Mark Roling of Mechanicsville, IA; Michael (Kathie) Roling of Dubuque; David (Constancia) of Dubuque; Janel Roling of Iowa City, IA; and Mary (Scott Ronning) Roling of Duluth, MN; 8 grandchildren, Rosemary, JoAnn, Ambrose, Maria, Tammie, Terry, Colin, Rachael; 9 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Wayne Roling; two brothers, Frank and Charles Block; and four sisters Sabina Block, Frances Drozdowski, Jean Kleps, and Ann Bohnsack.

The family thanks Constancia and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

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

Lila Reiter

Lila Reiter, 92, of Dyersville, IA, passed away on Friday, October 27th, 2023.

Her funeral mass, officiated by Rev. Jim Miller while Rev. Phillip Gibbs concelebrates, will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, IA, with a visitation beginning at 9 a.m.prior to the mass at the church. Interment will be held at St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery in Cascade, IA.

Lila was born on December 16th,1930, in Dyersville, IA, the daughter of Elmer and Adele (Becker) Rohenkohl. Lila graduated from Xavier High School in 1948.

On December 31st, 1951, Lila was united in marriage to Paul M. Reiter, son of Edward and Margaret (Kurt) Reiter, of Cascade, IA at the St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, IA, alongside her sister, Jo Ann, and brother-in-law, Donald Scherbring, in a double-wedding ceremony.

Paul and Lila lived together, with their five children, on their farm in Cascade, IA. Lila was an avid artist, baker, crafter, cook, seamstress, storyteller, giver, and proud member of the St. Francis Xavier Parish of Dyersville, IA. Lila was defined by her warmth, admirable character, and the endless love she extended to those she cherished and cared for. (She always ensured her “Honey’s” sweet tooths were satisfied.)

Those left to celebrate and honor Lila’s memory include her five children: Tom (Jayne) Reiter, Richard (Margie) Reiter, Jerald Reiter, Marie Knipper, and Michelle (Todd) Hoffman; her four grandchildren: Jeremy (Lacey) Reiter, Jolene (Josh) Trenkamp, Christopher Leibold, and Paul Knipper; her four great-grandchildren: Kambrie and Kessyn Reiter, and Elsie and Winston Trenkamp; her sister-in-law, Jean Reiter; and her extended friends and family.

Lila was preceded in death by her husband (and now reunited in Heaven after 50 years since his passing), parents; grandson, Brian Reiter; and sister.

The family would like to offer their gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque, Accura HealthCare of Cascade, and Nancy Werner for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a memorial mass.

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, Iowa 52040.

Lillian I. Berns

Lillian I. Berns, 96, of Luxemburg formerly of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Accura HealthCare of Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 a.m., prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2023 at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo with burial in Garnavillo City Cemetery.

Lillian was born on November 10, 1926 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the daughter of Otto and Edith (White) Titlbach. She married Decellis Berns on September 21, 1948 in Prairie du Chien, WI.

Lillian enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, fishing and camping. She loved to play cards and board games with family and friends. She also loved to dance and listen to music, especially Lawrence Welk.

Survivors include her children: Debra Lee (Ambrose) Heisler, Albert Berns; grandchildren: Jessica Rhodes, Adam Rhodes; and a great-grandson, Callan Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Decellis; siblings: John Titlbach, Ernie Titlbach, Lucille Benhart, Joe Titlbach; in-laws: Mary Titlbach, Luella Titlbach, Cordelia Titlbach, Les Benhart, and Lois Titlbach.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com.

Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Cynthia S. Shaw

Cynthia Sue “Cindy” Shaw, 65, of Dubuque, died Thursday, October 26, 2023, at her home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date.

Cindy was born September 26, 1958, in Dubuque, the daughter of Isaac Vern and Ruth Florence (Schmitt) Bartlett. On December 7, 1989, she married Mark D. Shaw in Brighton, CO.

She graduated from Hempstead High School in 1977.

Cindy was a para-professional at Roosevelt Middle School in Dubuque for 17 years and also worked at Operation New View for 12 years.

She had several hobbies, and loved canning, crafting, and being in her flower and vegetable gardens as well as being an avid crocheting enthusiast. Some of her favorite things were Dr. Pepper, cream soda and dark chocolate Milky Way candy bars. Her favorite shows were The Andy Griffith Show and MASH, she also loved music and was a fan of Willie Nelson and Phil Collins. Above all else she loved her children and grandchildren and cherished every moment she had with them.

Survivors include her husband, Mark of Dubuque; one son, Dustin Shaw of Dubuque, and a daughter, Katlyn Shaw of Belmont, WI; two grandsons; Matthew and Ryker; two brothers, Ron (Jackie) Bartlett of Springfield, IL, and, Mark (Donna) Bartlett of Des Moines, IA, one sister, Linda (Don) Duschen of Dubuque; her mother-in-law, Ann Shaw of Dubuque; sister-in law, Linda (Butch) Maas of Peosta; brother-in-law, John Shaw of Clive, IA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Dick Bartlett, her father-in-law Reece Shaw, and a sister-in-law Kathleen Shaw

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, and Grand River Medical Group.

A memorial has been established.

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

Carol A. Brimeyer

Carol Ann Brimeyer, 82, of Dubuque, died Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, October 30, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Carol will be 10:30 am Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ with Morgan Frazer and Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Carol was born October 6, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of George Edward and Pearl Marie Hartman Doerr. On June 3, 1961, she married John J. “J.B.” Brimeyer at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He died November 7, 2018.

She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.

Carol worked for the Dubuque Community School District in the library before retiring to watch her grandchildren.

She was a member of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ and a member of the church’s women’s fellowship group. She was an avid boater and particularly enjoyed trips down the Mississippi River. She was an adoring grandmother who was active in her grandchildren’s lives, and was a library volunteer at local schools where she read to kids. In her free time, Carol loved watching ice skating, as she had grown up ice skating at Comisky Park. She met her husband at the Eagle Point Roller Rink.   They enjoyed car rides looking at Fall foliage and sitting by the river.  Above all, Carol treasured spending time with her family.

Survivors include two daughters, Dawn (Randy Lowenberg) Connolly-Lowenberg of Cross Plains, WI, and Denise (Jim) Schemmel of Sherrill, IA; nine grandchildren, Meagan (Adrian) Lamp, Lyndsay (George) Juno, Ryan (Jessica) Lowenberg, Paige (Troy) Thoma, Devin Lowenberg, Zachary (Cassandra) Connolly, Shane Sullivan, Jordan (Cassidy Olberding) Schemmel, Cole Connolly; 13 great-grandchildren, Amara, Jackson, Beckett, Scarlett, Jameson, Emery, Amelia, Maya, Cameron, Anika, Emmett, Ella, and Westley; and one sister-in-law, Sally Doerr.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Bob (Helen) Doerr, Merlin (Barb) Doerr, Lavonne (Dwayne) Marshall, Ed Doerr, Ron and Camellia Doerr, and brother-in-law and sister in-law, Sam and JoAnn McPoland.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque and Hawkeye Care Center, Heacock Unit.

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

Hester A. Pitts Newton

Hester Ann Pitts Newton, 95, possessed a unique ability to judge people by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. Her heart was filled with friendships made along her life’s path. There was always room for more friends.

The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Hester died on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Prairie Ridge of Galena, where she had lived since September 2019. She was born on January 24, 1928, in her family home in Alton, Iowa, the daughter of Chan and Hester Ann Carter Pitts. She was the fifth generation bearing the name of “Hester Ann.”

The family later moved to Le Mars, Iowa, where she graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1945. She then majored in history at Grinnell College. Afterward, she worked for the YWCA in Sioux City, Iowa, and then Kalamazoo, Mich., where she met her future husband, Lewis Paul Newton, in Kalamazoo. They married in August 1953 and later moved to Muskegon, Mich.

Hester was a stay-at-home mom until the 1970s when she started teaching elementary school in the Muskegon Heights School District after earning a teacher’s certificate. She then earned a master degree. She was a member of PEO for more than 75 years and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon. She lived a life of purpose and served in many organizations in order to improve and lift up the lives of others. She lived in the same house for a month shy of 65 years.

Hester is survived by two sons, Carter (Sarah), Galena; and Tom (Toni) Englewood, Fla.; five grandchildren, Paul (Kendall), Jane (Mike Boruta), Vincent (Emily Riley), James (Leah Bowden) and Katie (Norm Vogele); and two great-grandchildren; and her “adopted son,” Henry Hartfield, Atlanta, Ga.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her first husband, Paul; her second husband, Carl Finney; her youngest son, James Eric Newton; her two brothers, Carter and Chan Pitts; and her sister, Carol Pitts Oppenheimer. She was a direct descendant of Mayflower Pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden.

The family will celebrate her life in Muskegon at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Galena Public Library digitization project, First Presbyterian Church of Muskegon or Muskegon Community Foundation where there is a scholarship fund for her youngest son.

The family wants to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Richard Farrell for their kind and loving care and Prairie Ridge for being such a welcoming community.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

James J. Weber

James J. “Potsy” Weber, 63, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church, Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4-8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Kieler and from 9-10:15 a.m. Friday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Jim was born on July 27, 1960 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Eileen (Averkamp) Weber. He worked as a truck driver for 42 years.

Jim was a kind-hearted soul, a friend to many and always willing to help anyone. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles, NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and stock car racing. He enjoyed woodworking with his dad, fishing and camping. Jim believed in supporting and honoring veterans. Above all, he cherished time with his grandchildren and was an awesome uncle.

Jim is survived by his fiancée, Julie Husemann, Dubuque, IA; four children, Alan (June) Hohensee, Alley (AJ) Hohensee, Cassie (Dalton) Kirk and Jenna (Karsun) Grant, all of Dubuque, IA; three grandchildren, Addaylee, Landyn and Michael; two siblings, Keith (Diane) Weber, Hazel Green, WI and Sarah (Joe) Foley, Dubuque, IA; a niece, Morgan Foley, Missoula, MT; a nephew, Ben Foley, Dubuque, IA; and a brother-in-law, Bob (Jeanie) Splinter, Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Mary Christine “Chris” Splinter. 

In lieu of flowers, a James. J. Weber Memorial Fund has been established. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807. 

The family would like to thank the Key West Fire Department, and the staff of MercyOne Medical Center.

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

Mary Jane Schute

Mary Jane (Jacquinot) Schute passed away October 15th 2023. Visitation will be held from 4-6pm Wednesday Nov.1st at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home 2659 John F. Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, Nov 2nd at Resurrection Catholic Church.

Mary was born November 14th, 1925. She was the daughter of Martin and Lillian (Grime) Jacquinot. An Iowa native, Mary enjoyed her final years in the sunshine state with her daughter Mary Jo Manatee and Son in law Bernard, along with her favorite dog Solomon.

In 1943 Mary graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. She married Donald J. Schute on July 5th, 1948. Together they raised 2 children, Donald and Mary Jo. Mary worked at the T.J. Mulgrew office and Concrete Block Products. In 1975 they purchased Donut Boy. The sweethearts worked tirelessly side by side, providing one of Dubuque’s most favorite gathering spots. Many of the world’s problems were solved by loyal customers over donuts and coffee.

The Schute’s retired in 1987 and took up camping and fishing at Lake Joy. Lots of fun times and of course one of Mary’s big hugs were shared with family & friends.

Left to celebrate this beloved woman is her daughter, Mary Jo Manatee (Bernard) of Florida; grandson, Josh (Erin) Pace, of Florida; grandson, Christopher Schute; a special niece, Barbara Wolter along with great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J; son, Donald Schute II; sister, Bernice (Clarence) Arthofer, and son-in-law, Steven Pace.

Mary’s family would like to thank the staff and residents of the Canopy at Harper Lake for their compassion, support, kindness, and professionalism. Mary loved this place because of all of you.

In lieu of flowers, a Mary Schute memorial fund has been established.

William J. Smith

William J. “Bill” Smith, 81, of Dubuque died Friday, September 22, 2023.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00a.m., Saturday, October 28. 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:00a.m. with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. The funeral mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@SaintAnthonyDubuque.

Bill was born and raised in Sussex County Delaware. He graduated in the top 10 of his class in 1959.

He worked in chain grocery stores and worked his way up to store manager of Acme Markets and Safeway Stores.

But his first love was horses.  From the mid 1960’s to the early 1980’s, he bred, raised and showed Appaloosa and Quarter Horses, showing championship horses on a local, regional, and national stage.

In the 1980’s, he worked for Wonder Bread as a Regional Sales Manager in Washington and Baltimore areas and a Plant Manager in Cleveland, Ohio.  From there he managed wholesale bakeries in North Carolina, Detroit, Dubuque, Omaha and Chicago.

He retired in 2002, moved back to Dubuque and returned to the horse business, again with both regional and national championship horses.  He finally gave that up for good in 2019, and was content to play golf. Bill also enjoyed listening to music and attending Broadway shows.

He is survived by the love of his life, wife, Mary Ellen (Zalaznik) of Dubuque; three children, Mark, Mike, and Michelle, all of whom live in Delaware and Maryland.  He leaves brothers, Thomas, LeRoy, David, Jeffrey, Kenneth and Timothy and one sister, Kay.  All whom live in Delaware and Maryland, except Tim, who lives in Texas.

He also leaves his in laws, who became his best friends, Margaret Zalaznik, Sue (Ed) Kramer, Marge (Peter) Eldridge, Dan (Vicki) Zalaznik, Kathy (Jerry) Lukan, Steve (Sandy) Zalaznik, David (Clare) Zalaznik, Alan Zalaznik, and Mike Zalaznik. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, William and Naomi Smith; one brother, Greg; in-laws, Vic (Eunice) Zalaznik; and a brother-in-law, Paul Zalaznik.

The family would like to thank his doctors, Mark Moore, Christian Schultheis, Eric Engelmann and the nurses and staff from the Mercy Cancer Center, with special thanks to Sarah, Jenny and Tammy.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Sr. Mary Lois Lehmann

Sister Mary Lois Lehmann, PBVM, 97, died on October 26, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road. 

On Monday, October 30, friends may call from 4 – 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. Friends may also call on Tuesday, October 31 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. with the funeral liturgy at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Lois, daughter of Anthony and Frances (Honkomp), was born Bernice Catherine Lehmann on January 9, 1926, in Worthington, Iowa.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 8, 1944, and professed her perpetual vows on May 16, 1950.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, and served as a teacher, principal and pastoral minister in Key West, Algona, Storm Lake, Sheldon, Waukon, Bankston, Charles City, Farley, Whittemore, and Dayton, all in Iowa; Timber Lake, South Dakota; and Oak Lawn, Illinois. She retired to Mount Loretto in 2008 and celebrated her 75^th Jubilee in 2019. Sister Lois had a special gift for conversation and storytelling and enjoyed traveling, music, games, walking, gardening, baking and art. She valued prayer and community service. Reflecting on her life, Sister Lois said, “I am grateful for my faith, family and Presentation community. I have a deep gratitude for the many people with whom I journeyed over the years. I pray that I helped spread the Gospel message by sowing seeds of love, joy, hospitality, generosity and peace.”

Surviving are her sisters, Florence Jaeger and Wilma Hogan; sisters-in-law Margaret Lehmann and Joanne Lehmann; 27 nieces and nephews, 79 great nieces and nephews and 105 great great nieces and nephews, all of whom she knew by name; and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 79 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Ruth McMahon, her brothers, John, Clarence, Elmer and William, her sisters-in-law, Verla Lehmann, Marina Lehmann, Anna Mae Lehmann and her brothers-in-law Merlin Jaeger, William Hogan and Joseph McMahon.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Frederic H. Hollingworth

Frederic “Fred” Howard Hollingworth, 47, a citizen of the world, passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 PM, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Ehrler Ranch Special Event Barn, 11866 W. Chetlain Lane, Galena, IL. Please come to share any stories or memories of Fred as we mourn his passing.  The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Frederic will be remembered by his friends and family as an adventurous, caring, hard-working, and loving person. He was born on September 13, 1976, in Galena, and from the very start, he was an outdoorsman. He, his grandpa, Howard, and his friends would spend countless hours fishing, hunting, and exploring along the Galena River. Summers were spent camping and fishing with his family throughout the Great Lakes.  Growing up, he was the proudest of big brothers and was known to have named his little brother, Charlie. Over the years, family evenings involved fierce rounds of cards, during which his mom, Suzanne, imbued in Frederic a competitive spirit that carried over to his love of chess. As they grew up, the brothers were best of friends, with Frederic charting the course and inviting Charlie on each of his adventures. 

Frederic was a varsity letterman in baseball, basketball, and track at Galena High School and a proud member of the class of ‘94. At this time, he developed a deep and enduring love of music. He played the trombone in the high school concert and marching bands and taught himself acoustic guitar. From that point on, he was hooked. He played with bands on multiple continents and loved the camaraderie of playing music with others. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and eventually became a distinguished Eagle Scout in the Blackhawk Council. As a Boy Scout, he attended the National Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA, participated in sailing adventures with his dad, Fred, at the Florida Sea Base in Islamorada, FL, and took multiple trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM, once roughing it on the Trail Crew for the entire summer of ‘92.

He would eventually work summers at the Florida Sea Base and develop lifelong friendships with the other counselors. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University and an M.A. in Education from Prescott College. While at IWU, he was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity and led annual trips with friends and family to Mardi Gras. During the summers he worked with his aunt, Martha, and brother at Four Mounds Summer Day Camp and eventually became the Camp Director. Every chance he could, he was mountaineering, ice/rock climbing, and enjoying the mountains with his friends and family. 

Frederic taught biology for four years at Hempstead High School, Dubuque, IA, and created an oceanography course in which he led two classes of students on weeklong learning expeditions to the Florida Keys. Being bilingual, he then accepted a teaching position at the American School in Paraguay, eventually teaching in Bolivia and Colombia. He loved the culture and people of South America, but the beauty of the ecosystems and mountain ranges there became his true passion. The next eleven years were spent traversing the continent, as he had finally found his piece of the world. While in Colombia, he met his wife Carolina, and was instantly in love with her and her family. They had a mutual love of science, music, dancing, scuba diving, and travel, sharing trips throughout the Americas and Caribbean. He eventually stopped teaching and became a serial entrepreneur, translating his skills as an educator to investing, photography, recruiting, and sales.  Frederic had a passion for life and endless ambition. He will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He is survived by his wife Carolina, father Fred (partner Hope), brother Charlie (wife Jessica), aunt Martha, aunt Betty, uncle Phil (wife Mary), Uncle Steve (wife Ann), and multiple cousins. 

Frederic was preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne, maternal grandparents (Howard and Eileen), and paternal grandparents (Fred and Betty). 

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Sr. Mary McElmeel, BVM

Sister Mary McElmeel, BVM (Eugenne), 99, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

Rite of Committal for Natural Burial will be Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. preceded by quiet visitation from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Natural burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories will be Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Mary was a pastoral associate at the Cathedral of St. Raphael and a teacher at St. Anthony, both in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was a teacher at St. Jude, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and St. Paul, Davenport, Iowa, where she also served as principal.  In addition, she taught in Chicago; San Francisco; Glendale, Calif.; and Omaha, Neb.  She volunteered in Hispanic ministry in Kankakee County, Ill.  She served the congregation as administrator of the Motherhouse and assistant novice mistress.

She was born on Aug. 18, 1924, in Delhi, Iowa, to Peter and Catherine (Byrne) McElmeel. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1944, from St. Mary Parish, Manchester, Iowa. She professed first vows on March 19, 1947, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1952.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Irene (Wayne) Millburn and Beatrice (Ken) Jenkins; brothers Raymond McElmeel, Elmer (Vi) McElmeel, and James McElmeel.  She is survived by a sister-in-law Elsie McElmeel, Waterloo, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 79 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St, Bellevue, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony C. Boland

Anthony C. “Tony” Boland passed away on October 23, 2023, after living an 89-year life filled with love, laughter, and selflessness.

Services will be on Saturday, October 28, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. The visitation will be from 9-11, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 with Fr. Andy Upah officiating. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Tony was born on June 14, 1934, in Freeport, IL, to Joseph & Fern (Cheeseman) Boland. Tony was the 8th of 15 children. He grew up in Freeport and Dubuque and spent seven years serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He was very proud of his Navy service and often shared stories of his adventures and travels. After returning home, he met Elizabeth A. (Betty) Kohnen through a blind date set up by his brother Jack’s wife, Marlene. They married on September 14, 1963. They celebrated 60 years together as best friends as well as husband and wife. They welcomed two children into their lives, Marianne (Ken) Fiedler, and David (Lisa) Boland. Tony was a maintenance welder at John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 1994.

Tony was a life-long learner. At the age of 35, he got his GED and taught himself to play the piano, convincing Betty to let him buy one at that point. Music was a very important part of Tony’s life. In addition to the piano, he learned to play the guitar, and took flute lessons after he retired, playing with the New Horizons Band and the Kennedy School band. He also loved to whistle and sing and sang in Nativity’s choir for 58 years.

Tony’s learning took many forms. He took painting lessons, taught himself woodworking and bread-baking. He learned to play cribbage in retirement and then taught countless others to play the game as well. He didn’t learn to read until high school when an older student tutored him. His passion for helping others learn to read was evident in his 19 years of volunteering at Kennedy School in Dubuque, working with kindergarten and second grade students on their letters and reading. He always said, “If you can read, you can do anything.” He lived by that advice.

Tony was a devoted family man. His wife, children, and grandchildren meant the world to him and he would do anything for them. He spent countless hours at his grandsons’ baseball games, scouting events, school concerts, graduations, etc. If there was an event in their lives, “Grandpa Tony” was there. He supported his family through health crises, moves, you name it. If they needed help, Tony was there, with a smile on his face.

“Everybody loves Tony” is something that we said often. He never met a stranger. If you met Tony, you loved Tony. He had many friends through Nativity Church, the Tri-State Travelers Camping Club, square dancing, ham radio group, John Deere, and cribbage at Roberta Kuhn Center.

Celebrating the life of this amazing man are his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Betty), his daughter Marianne (Ken) Fiedler, his son David (Lisa) Boland, grandsons Jacob (Megan), & Josh (Stephanie Dahl) Fiedler, Carson & Maximus Boland, and great-grandson, Colter Fiedler. He is also survived by his brother Barney (Char) Boland, and sisters-in-law Marianne Boland, Dolly Boland, Charlotte Boland, and Lois Boland, as well as numerous nieces & nephews, including a very special godson, Mike (Deb) Boland.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Charles (at birth), Leo (Gloria), Joe (Irene), Bill (Vi), Kenny, Mike, Danny (Pat), Bob, Brian (Shirley), Jack (Marlene), and sisters Mary (John) Fangman, Pat (Tony) Pfab, and Ann (Joe) Doyle.

To honor Tony’s memory, we encourage you to read a book with a child, play a game of cribbage, learn something new, or do something nice for someone else. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, Birthright of Dubuque, or Dubuque County Right to Life.

We extend our deepest thanks for the wonderful care given to Tony by the staff at Cozy Corners, Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque. We also want to thank the members of the dementia support groups at Resurrection and Stonehill, and The Woodlands community for their support of Betty during these difficult months.

Thomas W. McLees

Thomas Wayne McLees, 91, of Cascade Iowa and formerly or Rochester MN died peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Accura HealthCare of Cascade.

Visitation for Tom will be from 10 to 11 a.m. , Monday, October 30. 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, where a mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00  a.m., with Msgr. James Miller presiding.   Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.  The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tom was born December 22, 1931 in Chicago IL to Adeline (Kirsch) and Herbert McLees. He graduated from St. Martin’s High School in Cascade in 1950.  Following graduation, Tom enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Philippines and honorably discharged in 1955.

Tom attended Loras Academy, Dubuque Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 1959 with a degree in Industrial Administration. His first job was at Collins Radio in Mt. Vernon Iowa. He lived in several cities in the Midwest, retiring from Analysts International Corporation in 1995 after spending 19 years with the company in Rochester MN. After retirement, Tom went to Florida to escape the winters and golfed several days each week.

Tom exhibited a passion for life, traveling to many places throughout the world, including Singapore, Alaska, Hawaii, and Egypt. Tom was in a group affiliated with the Dominics, and the group went on many skiing and camping trips to National parks as well as Europe and the Scandinavian countries. Tom was a certified scuba diver, loved to kayak, an avid biker – both pedal and motorcycle, and ran 5K races, winning many in the 80+ age division.

Tom had a pilot’s license and was very proud of his time spent in the Civil Air Patrol.  He enjoyed going on search and rescue missions and served as a Squadron Commander.

Tom returned to Cascade in 2017, first residing at River Bend Retirement Community and then Accura HealthCare.  The family is grateful to the staff at both facilities, to Deb Rohr, DAP ARNP for her exceptional care, and Hospice of Dubuque for their services in Tom’s final days.  The family is also grateful to Tom’s long- time friends, Geri Welscher and Dennis Ostland for their assistance in the transition from Rochester to Cascade.

Tom is survived by nieces Beth (Matt) McQuillen, Anamosa, Patti (Tim) Gehl, Cascade, Amy Cooper, DeWitt, and nephew Chris (Jalessa) Neiers, Dubuque and their children; Maggie McQuillen, Melissa Gehl, Michelle Gehl, Lauren Cooper, Lexy Cooper, Bennett Neiers and Breckyn Neiers. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Paul Neiers, and great nephew Alex Cooper.