Obituaries Archive

Richard A. Patters

Richard A. Patters, 76, of East Dubuque, passed away on June 27th, 2023, with his family by his side.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 5th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Funeral Service to start at 4:00 p.m.

Richard was born on September 28, 1946, in Dubuque, son of Robert Sr. and Mary E. (Konzen) Patters. He was united in marriage to Rita Bleile on May 3rd, 1969. He honorably served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the local UAW. He retired from the chemical plant in East Dubuque to pursue his business venture “Grandpa’s General Store” in Bagley, Wisconsin for 10 years. He also worked at the Diamond Jo Casino.

Rick had a heart made of gold. He was a proud man, dedicated husband and loving dad, father-in-law, and grandpa. The love he had for his grandchildren was unreal. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and Pompeii. Rick never met a stranger. If he was giving you a hard time you were close to his heart. He always had a witty come-back and a joke to go with it. His laugh was contagious, and he had a smile that made everyone feel welcome. He loved camping, watching TV, having a smoke, and playing the slots. He also enjoyed watching the Rams play with his sons. He had the honorable job of driving Ms. Daisies. Rick never hesitated to have his beloved son-in-law chauffeur him around. He was and will continue to be loved deeply. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Rita, sons Ricky Patters Jr. and Douglas (Jessica) Patters, Bobbie Jo (Brian) Hudspeth, grandchildren Tanner (Isabelle), Jordan, Brooksey (Nicholas), Parker, Rylee, and brothers Bobby Patters, Gary Patters, and Jay Patters.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary and parents-in-law Alfred and Lucille Bleile.

Thank you to the staff at MercyOne in Dubuque and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, and a special thanks to Dr. Ram and Karena.

Franklin T. Langkamp

Franklin T. “Frank” Langkamp, 90, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2023, at Holy Ghost Church, Dickeyville, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 2-5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Holy Ghost Church, Dickeyville, where there will be a Parish Scripture Wake Service at 1:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Monday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Frank was born on January 29, 1933 in Grant County, Wisconsin, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (McClain) Langkamp. He served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Spates on November 27, 1965 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Frank grew up and worked on the family farm. He was employed at John Deere Tractor Works for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, bowling and fast pitch softball. Frank’s faith was very important to him. Most importantly, he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Frank was well liked, respected by many and served as an excellent role model for all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife, Kathryn Langkamp, Dickeyville; two children, Robert (Carolyn) Langkamp, Independence, MO, and Sandra Zehner, Phoenix, AZ; three sisters, Kathryn Powell, Platteville, WI, Mary Ann Riesselman, Dubuque, IA, and Rose Marie (John) Reuter, Platteville, WI; Kathy’s siblings, Carol Becker and Michael (Linda) Spates; seven grandchildren, Bradley (Krista) Langkamp, Vincent (Emily) Langkamp, Lauren (Gage) Crowder, Jacob Zehner, Joshua Zehner, Sydney Zehner and Brandon Zehner; and four great-grandchildren, Lexi, Leah and Ellis Langkamp, and Sadie Crowder.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leroy (Mary) Langkamp; a sister, Berniece (Mervin) Broihahn; and four brothers-in-law, George Powell, Virgil Riesselman, Thomas (Marilyn) Spates and Marvin Becker. 

In lieu of flowers, a Franklin T. Langkamp 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 Dr. Brian Moran and his nurse, Nicole, at Grand River Medical of Dubuque; St. Croix Hospice of Platteville; and numerous family and friends for their love and support.

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

William F. Weick

William F. “Bill” Weick, 70, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 29th, 2023, at his residence. His life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and faith.

Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday July 6th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Peter Nugent officiating. A graveside service will be at Oakland Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa on August 4th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Bill was born on January 14, 1953, in South Carolina, the son of William J. and Elaine L. (Beil) Weick. He was united in marriage to Alice Riniker on August 13, 1977, in Petersburg, Iowa.

Bill loved scouting as a child, earning many awards and badges including the rank of Eagle Scout.

His love for scouts continued as a summer camp counselor for many years. Bill worked at Target and Lowe’s in the receiving department until his retirement.

Family love was a very important part of his life. Left to cherish the memories are his wife Alice, sisters Betty Coop of Lockridge, Iowa, and Kathleen (Peter) Nugent of Leawood, Kansas, brother (CSM-Ret) Knute (Wendy) Weick of St. Charles, IL, sisters-in-law Stella (Paul) Helle of Dyersville, Iowa and Theresa (Jim) Richter of Earlville, Iowa, brothers-in-law Don (Carol) Riniker of North Buena Vista, Iowa and Dan Riniker of Bernard, Iowa, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elaine Weick and William J. Weick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Tri-State Dialysis unit, University of Wisconsin Madison, Transplant or Dialysis Unit, and the Diabetic Association.

Charles D. Block

Charles D. “Chuck” Block, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023, in Maquoketa, Iowa. Born on February 28, 1939, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, Chuck was known for his kindness, humor, and courageous spirit.

In his early years, Chuck moved to and became a proud resident of Iowa, where he graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1957. A gifted athlete, he played first string football and excelled in wrestling, competing at the state tournament. He was also an industrious young man, working at the Snack Bar in Maquoketa during his high school years. Following his graduation, Chuck honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, a testament to his bravery and commitment to his nation.

Returning home after his military service, Chuck’s career path was diverse and industrious. He initially worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, where he met his future wife, Darlene M. Comer. Chuck then owned and operated the Snack Bar, before moving on to work as a machinist at IH Farmall in the Quad Cities. Darlene and Chuck were united in matrimony on December 17, 1966, in Rock Island, Illinois. After Farmall closed, Chuck continued his work as a machinist at Red Jacket until his retirement.

Chuck was a man of many passions. He was an ardent bowler, participating in several area bowling leagues over the years. An avid outdoorsman, he treasured the many hours spent fishing and bow hunting for deer and turkey with his brother, Eugene “Doodee” Block. At home, Chuck loved home-cooked meals, with spaghetti and meatballs being a particular favorite, as well as cookies.

Those left to honor Chuck’s memory include his devoted wife, Darlene Block of Maquoketa, IA; his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle L. Block and Robert Nelson of Zionsville, IN; his stepson, William Drumbarger of TN; three treasured step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene “Doodee” and Dianna Block of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Wayne, and brothers Marvin, William, Lloyd, and Gary.

Chuck’s life was a testament to his kind and humorous nature, and his courageous spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. His generous heart, warm smile, and love for life will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of his loved ones. As we remember Chuck, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and an enduring spirit of adventure.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial with military honors will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, followed by a reception and lunch at the Timber Center from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

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

Weaver D. Crouch

Weaver Douglas Crouch, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023, in Maquoketa, IA, at the age of 80. Born on May 18, 1943, in Verona, Missouri, Weaver was a man of kindness and friendliness that touched the lives of many.

Weaver spent his early years in Missouri, where he attended local schools before moving to Iowa. He continued his education in Maquoketa, where his strong work ethic and dedication to learning were evident from a young age. Weaver’s commitment to service led him to the U.S. Army, where he served his country for 2 years.

On October 29, 1965, Weaver married the love of his life, Hazel Mae Wallroff, in Delmar, Iowa. Their union was blessed with three beautiful daughters, Theresea, Angela, and Tina. Hazel sadly preceded him in death in 2006, but their love story remains a cherished memory for their family.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Weaver moved to Iowa. He initially worked as a farmhand before joining Stickley Electric. In 1972, he embarked on a fulfilling 31-year career with John Deere, Dubuque Works, where he served as an electrician until his retirement in 2003. Weaver was an entrepreneur & that led him to establish Crouch Electric in Maquoketa, which he owned and operated for many years.

Weaver was a man of many interests, and he had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, whether with a pistol, shotgun, muzzle loader, or bow. He also enjoyed fishing and morel hunting, activities that allowed him to fully appreciate the beauty of nature. A dedicated fan of Hawkeyes sports, Weaver could often be found cheering on his favorite Iowa teams. He loved socializing with neighbors, friends, and family, and his garage was his sanctuary, a place where he could work, think, and share a good story with anyone.

Weaver is survived by his daughters, Theresea Hamilton of Clinton, IA, Angela Dugan (Ward) of Trenton, MO, and Tina Gallagher (Maury) of Amana, IA; five grandchildren (Tristan, Cade, Hunter, Carsyn and Madison); and sisters, Charlene Regenwether of Centerville, IA, and Arlene Witzak of Nanticoke, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Hazel, and brothers Jack, Ennis, and Tom.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Friday, July 7, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A memorial visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be at the Ozark Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Weaver Douglas Crouch memorial fund has been established.

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

Maribeth Stair

Maribeth Stair, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 26th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7th at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena, IL. A funeral service will follow immediately after the Visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m . Private family burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Brodhead, WI at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Maribeth was born on March 22nd, 1942, in Janesville, Wisconsin, daughter of Clinton C. and Pearl E. (Norman) Erickson. She graduated from Broadhead High School. On January 29th, 1966, she was united in marriage to Stephen J. Stair. He preceded her in death in July of 2006. She worked at Universal Foods in Broadhead before opening Stair’s Food Center in Galena, IL, operating from 1977 to 1995. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxillary, Galena Historical Society, Fort Nightly, and Beading Club.

As a member of the Galena Golf Club, Maribeth was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in the ladies league, with her family and special golf club events.  In addition, she also enjoyed, traveling, bowling, playing cards, especially Bridge. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and she above all loved spending time with her family and friends.

Maribeth is survived by her two sons Chris (Cindy) Stair of Elburn, Illinois their children Alyssa and Bryce, and Justin (Tina) Stair of Dubuque, Iowa, their children Taylor (fiancé Micaela), Austin (girlfriend Savanna), and Brody Stair, great granddaughter Thea James and great grandson Granger Lee, sister Naomi Gourley of Santa Monica, California, two sisters-in-law Judy Erickson of Brodhead, Wisconsin and Jean Erickson of Midlothian, Texas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Stephen, parents Clinton and Pearl, son Matthew in 1967, and two brothers Curtis Erickson and Terry Erickson.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Maribeth’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, MercyOne of Dubuque, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, for their caring support through her times of illness and family and friends for all the love and support for mom throughout her life.

Carol N. Ludovissy

Heaven’s choirs of angels led Carol M. Noethe Ludovissy, 69, of Dyersville to be with Jesus placing her in God’s embrace of perfect love, eternal peace and everlasting happiness on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at her home.

A private family Celebration of Life and burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in North Buena Vista, Iowa.

Carol was born on June 18, 1954, the daughter of Irvin and Marlys (Cordray) Noethe. She married her best friend Steven Ludovissy on October 6, 1979. He preceded her in death on December 24, 1980. Within her large friendly, fun loving and very close-knit family Carol enjoyed boat-rides, sunny beaches, strumming tunes on her banjo and dulcimer, generously giving nice gifts, and dancing with the whole entire family together. Carol was an avid reader and a master wordsmith. Carol graduated from Beckman High School, Loras College with a BA in English and received a MA Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. She was a gifted writer, journalist, and a remarkable college professor. Later in life Carol’s true friend and constant companion was her fiancée Ron Romandine doing everything together Carol and Ron became the owners of their most prized possession, Zeus Maximus of Juneau, a registered purebred Great Dane “Zeuser.”

Survivors include her siblings: Brian (Peggy) Noethe of North Buena Vista, Wayne Noethe of South Bend, IN, Alice Noethe of Dubuque, IA and Lee (Becky) Noethe of Dyersville; a sister-in-law, Karen (Dennis) Steffensmeier of Dyersville, a brother-in-law, Jim Schmitt of Dyersville and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Steven, fiancée Ron Romandine, a brother, Ken Noethe, and a sister, Gwen (Vernon) Benn-Schmitt.

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.

Carol J. Burkart

Carol Jeanne “Punk” Burkart, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday June 20th, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center.

A Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday July 10th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service at 5:00 p.m.  A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, with burial to follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Carol was born on October 1, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter to David Edward and M. Jeanne (Downes) Burkart.

She is survived by her; nephew Tim (Lisa) Burkart of Carlsbad, California; a niece Chris Ann (Derek) Watson of Beaverton, Oregon; a nephew David (Courtney) Burkart of Montclair, New Jersey; a niece Barbara Burkart; and Four great-nephews Braden and Alex Burkart of Carlsbad, California and Graeme Watson of Beaverton, Oregon; Jack Burkart of Montclair, New Jersey and 1 great-niece Charlotte Watson of Beaverton, Oregon.

She was predeceased by her mother Jeanne Burkart on March 2, 1994, and her father David E. Burkart on June 26, 2000, and brother Tom Burkart August 31,2022.

Since I (Punk) wrote this obituary, I would like to thank my family and friends for making my time on earth so enjoyable. I had the greatest family in the world. I love you all. Don’t forget to pray for Punk.

Mary E. Weisnewski

Mary E. (Mueller) Weisnewski, age 102, of Bellevue Iowa  died on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Excellent Adult Family Home in Seattle, Washington.

Mary was born to Alfred and Nettie (Heacock) Mueller in Bellevue on June 15, 1921.  She graduated from St.  Joseph’s High School and then worked as a teacher in the country schools in the Bellevue area, driving a Model A Ford over the country roads in all sorts of weather.  Mary joined the Navy during World War II and was stationed in Seattle and worked as a radio person.  She was responsible for coding and decoding messages sent and received to the American forces in the South Pacific.  While stationed in Seattle, she met Joseph “Ski” Weisnewski, a sergeant in the Marine Corp.  It was not love at first sight.  Ski controlled the rations available for the night crew where Mary worked.  Mary was tired of bologna sandwiches every night and wanted better food for the graveyard shift. She struck a deal where she agreed to teach Ski how to drive a jeep in exchange for better rations.  As Ski would say many times over the years, she never stopped telling him how to drive.  Eventually love bloomed and Mary and Ski were married in Seattle in November of 1944.  After the war, Mary returned to teaching while Ski remained in the Marine Corp.  This resulted in numerous moves across the country including Maine, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, California and Iowa.   Mary obtained teaching jobs at the various locations, including teaching kindergarten in Bellevue for a few years.  Mary obtained a master’s degree in Education from San Diego State College and became a certified reading teacher for the San Diego School District.  Mary retired from teaching in the 1990’s and she and Ski moved back to Bellevue.  Mary was very involved in genealogy and frequently helped Anabelle Wacker researching family histories.  Mary was a regular volunteer at the Bellevue Library and maintained notebooks containing local history and records of births and deaths.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and community service.  She was an avid traveler visiting China, Poland, England, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Canada, Mexico, Spain, South Africa and just about everywhere in the US.

Mary is survived by her two children, Joseph (Mary) Weisnewski in Seattle, Washington and Anya (Eamonn) Stanley in Pismo Beach, California; a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Ripley; four grandchildren, Jonathan (Maria) Weisnewski, Catherine Weisnewski, Ailsa Weisnewski and Tara (Simon) Morgan; and four great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Joseph “Ski” Weisnewski, her parents Alfred and Nettie Mueller; her brothers, Ferd Mueller, Robert Mueller, William Mueller, Loren Mueller and Alfred Jr. Mueller; and her sisters,  Esther  Wood, Hazel  Cooney, Arlene  Mader, Lois  Palmer and Bernice Belitz.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am, Monday, July 10, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 9:00 am – 10:30 am, also Monday, July 10, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, Iowa prior to Mass. Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue, IA.

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

James M. Torson

James “Jim” M. Torson, 85 of Colesburg, Iowa passed away June 26, 2023, at Home surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Parish Center.  Visitation will continue at 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Colesburg with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. John Haugen will officiate.

James was born on May 10, 1938, in West Union, Iowa, the son of Milfred and Marie (Anderman) Torson.  He married Patricia Ament on September 3, 1960, in Worthington, Iowa.  Together they raised their family and farmed near Colesburg since 1970.  James was a husband, father, brother, and mentor.  He farmed most of his life and has worked many jobs; always loving and cherishing his family, his friends and his animals, especially his mules and horses. James had a huge love for horses; he drove the horses while the children rode, making it a team effort.   He passed his love for life and family onto all who were blessed to know him.

James is blessed with seven children: Thomas (Chong Suk) Torson of Clarksville, TN, Timothy (Kimberly) Torson of Strawberry Point, IA, Milford of Colesburg, IA, Mary (Robert) Link and Madonna Torson of Colesburg, IA, Deborah (David) Leuchtenmacher of Elgin, IA, Dorothy (Daniel) Dietz of Charlotte, TN, 8 grandchildren: Jason & James Link, Jammie and Jessica Torson, Alison & Jacob Leuchtenmacher, and Joshua & Brandon Torson and siblings: Stephen Torson, David Torson, Nancy Torson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Patricia in 2002; Siblings:  Susan Torson and Ronald Torson.

Thanks to all for your love and support.  God bless you Dad and Mom, we love you always, till we are together again.

Richard L. Blackburn

Richard L. Blackburn, age 66, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 23, 2023, at his home.  To honor Richard’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Richard was born on January 9, 1957, in Illinois, son of David and Joy (Turner) Blackburn.

He grew up in Illinois where he graduated from Princeton High School.  After school, Richard moved around doing construction work and automobile repair and rebuilding.  He loved his Harley Davidson’s and rode for years until his health issues forced him to give it up.  He married Corrine Plossel and adopted her children, Bobby and Peggy Jo.  Sadly, Richard and Corrine would end up going their separate ways.  He liked watching football and was a die hard Packers fan, who loved harassing the fans of other teams.  We are sad at losing Richard, but know that he is now at peace, free of the health issues he has faced these past years.

Those left to cherish Richard’s memory include

his children,
Bobby Blackburn and Peggy Jo Blackburn both of Dubuque, IA;

numerous grandchildren;

his siblings,
Diane (Frank) Jackson, Lake Thunderbird, IL,
David Blackburn, State Center, IA,
Kenny (Marcia) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,
Linda Douglas, Crystal Lake, IL
and Cathy Jo (Phil) Mihalakis, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Phil Blackburn; and a sister Joanne Harmening.

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

Bernice Ehlers

Bernice Ehlers, 98, passed into the arms of God Sunday, June 25, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Bernice was born on April 26, 1925, in LaMotte, Iowa, the daughter of Andrew and Christina Schilling. She married Nester Kueter in 1945. He preceded her in death in 1953. In 1956, Bernice married Richard Ehlers. Richard passed away in 2007. Bernice was a kind and gentle homemaker. She had a remarkable green thumb for gardening and enjoyed baking cookies and pies for family and friends. She also enjoyed looming rugs. Dick and Bernice enjoyed traveling all over the United States.

Bernice is survived by her children; Janie Kueter Rafoth of Asheville, N.C., Kevin (Sandy) Ehlers and Terry (Mary) Ehlers both of Dubuque, IA; a daughter in law, Kathy Kueter of Dubuque; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; her brothers Russell (Joan) Schilling of Dubuque, IA and Lester Schilling of Burlington, IA; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her son, Lynn Kueter; her son-in-law, David Rafoth; one brother and four sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Bernice Ehlers memorial fund to be donated to her favorite charities.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Roger J. Breitbach

Roger Joseph John Breitbach, 75, of St. Peters, MO, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023, after experiencing a stroke. Visitation will be from 10 AM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, IL until the time of mass at 11 AM. The burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born June 16, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Vern and Mary Breitbach. After graduating from Galena High School in 1966, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1970. Roger worked most of his career in Sales for NCR (National Cash Register) then AT&T through various roles increasing in responsibility.  He started out as a Branch Manager in Evansville, IN, then was promoted to Sales Training Manager in St. Louis, MO, then promoted to Manager of the Sales and Service Department in Detroit, MI. In his free time, he enjoyed many activities including camping, windsurfing, swimming, playing cards especially euchre, fishing, tennis, and stamp collecting.

He is survived by his former wife, Connie; two children, Adam (Tina) and Heather; and four grandchildren, Allison, Tyler, Josephine, and Owen, a sister, Ann (Karl) Lederman, and brother-in-law, Doug Schniepp.  

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Landon, two brothers, Ronald and Dale, and two sisters, Jane Breitbach and Judy Schniepp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to: National Alliance on Mental Health – www.nami.org or Mental Health America – www.mhanational.org

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

Keith K. Crooks

Keith Kay Crooks, 81, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on June 24, 2023, at MercyOne in Dubuque surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 29, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd.  A burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 28, 2023, at the funeral home.

Keith was born on August 6, 1941, in Gladbrook, IA, the son of Robert and Eva Mae (Rudebeck) Crooks.  On February 9, 1963, he married Darlene Iris Kipp at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.

He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad.  Keith was a member of Key City Sams Camping Club, The Northeast Iowa CB Club of Waterloo, The Dubuque Eagles Club, along with the Charles City and Mason City CB clubs.

Keith enjoyed working on the railroad, fixing his John Deere lawn tractors, mowing grass, and doing snow removal.  He loved spending time with his dog “Patches”.  He called her “My Little Girl”. He also enjoyed camping but most of all loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by three children: Richard Crooks (Noreen Daniels) of Dubuque, Rhonda Robinson of Independence, IA, and Rodney (Amanda) Crooks of Bernard, IA; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Dave (Marilee) Crooks of Evansdale, IA, Ronnie (Denise) Crooks and Kenny (Mary) Crooks both of Charles City, IA; two sisters, Jan (Duane) Wheat of Washington and Diane Kliepe of Charles City, IA; sister-in-law, Dorothy Crooks of Osage, IA.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene (February 2, 2018), his parents, his father and mother-in-law Floyd and Elsie (Kimber) Kipp, one brother Alden Crooks and two sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the amazing nurses, doctors, and staff at MercyOne Dubuque for their wonderful care and compassion.

Grace D. Kirsch

Grace D. Kirsch, 93, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Philip Agyei will officiate.

Grace was born on July 2, 1929 in Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Agatha (Bohnenkamp) Bockenstedt.  She married John Kirsch on January 29, 1952, in New Vienna, Iowa.

Grace spent the first 23 years of her married life being a full time “Mom”. She worked at the Dyersville National Bank before her children arrived to fill her life with excitement. When they were all in school, she began working as a sales clerk at Reicher Shoes in Dyersville. After 5 years at that place of business, she worked as Bookkeeper at Brunkan Equipment in Dyersville for 13 years.

A year after John retired, she also retired. She loved traveling with John and visiting her grandchildren. She looked forward to her family gatherings and cooking for her family. She spent many years taking good care of her husband, John during his illness.

Survivors include her children: Selena “Jane” (Steve) Thompson of Hanover, IN, Carmen Burns of Cedar Rapids, Linda (Dan Snyder) Kirsch of Anamosa, Charlie (Teresa) of Chesterfield, VA, and Rob (Tiffany) Kirsch of West Des Moines, IA, a dughter-in-law, Judy Kirsch of Dyersville; 12 grandchildren: Angie and John Purnell, Kerri (Mike) Kramer, Brian Kirsch and Krista, “Girl” (John) Dow, Dirk and Emma Snyder, Sammy Kirsch, Allie and Derek Kirsch, Gavin and Brynn Kirsch; great grandchildren: Julien, Jude, Sylvia Kramer, Eliza, Fiona and Quinn Dow.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, sons, Nick and David Kirsch, grandson, Grant Henry Kirsch, siblings: Alice, Clarence (Alice), LaVern “Toby” (Dula), Martin (Virgene), Eugene; in-laws: Louise White , LeonaWhite, Alfred Kirsch, Frank Kirsch, Ed Kirsch, Virginia Burger, and Ruth Kleis.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care for their compassionate care.

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.