Obituaries Archive

David Mielcarek

David “Cowboy” Mielcarek, age 53, of Boscobel, WI, finished his last ride on August 10, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dave’s life, a memorial service will be announced at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dave’s family.

Dave was born on February 4, 1970, in Williamsburg, MO, a son to Robert Lee Mielcarek and Connie Louise (Krause) Exner.  He was born with a strong work ethic, a love for family and friends, and an appreciation for all that is good in this life.  David honorably served his country with the U.S. Army until 2006 and was also a loyal member of the American Legion.

He spent his working career as an operating engineer and made many friends throughout his years with them.  He was a faithful member of the Operating Engineers Local #139 and was proud of his union and the men and women who stood alongside him.

In his free-time, he was an avid Harley rider and never missed the opportunity to hit the road, traveling regularly with family and friends. Dave always enjoyed any opportunity to get out in the outdoors, especially if a little hunting or fishing was involved.

Cowboy’s devotion to his family and friends was second to none and his unwavering commitment to bring out the best in everyone around him was also continually on display.  We will miss Dave, his straightforward outlook on the world, and his bright light that shined through each day.  We pray now that he is free from his earthly battles and finds eternal peace as we all wait to join him again one day.  Thank you, Dave, for being exactly the man we all needed you to be and may your legacy live on vividly within the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved you.

Don’t bury me up in that cemetery
Where I’m just a name on a stone
Scatter part of me in that mountain stream
Take me to the woods
Where I can be part of a sapling
Then my cremation can become creation
An oxygen emanating tree, breath giving and free
Cast me to the winds
So I can fly with the eagles
Spread me around, off that Harley we love.
Let me live, to be shared, to feed the air.
Save some of me to mingle with my love and together we’ll rejoin on that old creek bed.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dave include,

his loving wife,
Cathryn “Cat” Hammes, Boscobel, WI;

his children,
Devin Mielcarek, Burlington, WI,
Alexander Hammes, Burlington, WI,
Sarah (Jamie) Faulkner, Boscobel, WI,
and Sandy Hammes, Wheatland, WI;

his granddaughter,
Trinity Weber;

his parents,
Robert Mielcarek, Kansasville, WI,
Connie (Krause) Exner, Burlington, WI;

his sister,
Christy Mielcarek, Kansasville, WI;

his grandmother,
Charlotte Krause, Burlington, WI;

his nephews,
Jack and Ryan Shenkenberg, Kansasville, WI;

along with numerous extended family and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his sister, Melissa Jorgenson; and his nephew, Timmy Jorgenson.

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

John T. Mullen

John Thomas Mullen, DDS passed away peacefully at home early in the morning on August 11th, 2023.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, August 14th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Key West Church on Tuesday, August 15th at 10:30 AM with Msgr. Thomas Toale Officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with Military Honors by the Iowa Army National Guard.

John was born on February 8th, 1947, to Francis and Maxine Mullen. He was the youngest of six. He attended St. Patrick’s elementary school and high school where he was reasonably formed by the nuns and priests who attempted to teach him. John loved playing basketball and was fairly good at it. There is a scrapbook full of his newspaper clippings to back up this claim.

In 1965 he hitchhiked across the state of Iowa to attend Loras College. While at Loras (all men) he met Marianne Olech who attended Clarke College (all women). They married on July 18th, 1970. John left Loras in 1968 to attend Dental school at the University of Iowa. He received his degree in dentistry in 1972. After dental school he enlisted in the military and served in the Army 101st Airborne Division – 136th Med Battalion in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Despite being in the field and looking the part, he never jumped out of an airplane.

John and Marianne returned to Dubuque in 1974 where he joined Dubuque Dental Associates with partners John Steger and Heyo Tjarks. He practiced dentistry for 32 years in Dubuque, and he absolutely loved his patients. Many of his patients called him “Doc,” some called him “Painless,” and some asked when he was going to stop practicing dentistry and actually start performing.

In his free time, he loved to play golf. As much as he used to play, many of us could never figure out why he was not better than he was. As he got older, he enjoyed older people things like reading and bird watching. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

John is survived by his wife Marianne; children Kevin (Trisha) Mullen and Mary Catherine Mullen; grandchildren Madelyn, Joseph, Lucas, and Marcus Mullen; his brother Jim and sister-in-law Bonnie; his sisters-in-law Dianne (Paul) Olech-Price and Julianne (David) Olech-Patterson; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Maxine; sisters Charlemagne, Mary Ann, and Sherry; his brother Edward; and father and mother-in-law Stanley and Loretta Olech.

The Mullen family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy Hospital, Dr. John Whalen, Dr. Jared Freiburger, and Dr. Eric Engleman for extraordinary care and compassion.

Richard T. Morgan

Richard T. “Dick” Morgan, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 1, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dick’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dick’s family.

Dick was born on September 1, 1944, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Thomas and Evelyn (Heuchelin) Morgan.  Dick was very active and continually finding the joys life had to offer even from a young age.  He always enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially on his farm in Elizabeth where a little hunting and camping could easily make their way onto the list for the day.  He was also an avid runner who was a proud member of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) and was truly blessed to have been invited to run the Boston Marathon twice in his life.  Dick was a Vice President of Manufacturing for over 20 years until his retirement was eventually realized.  Dick had a strong work ethic and always took great pride in all that he did throughout his years.  Our hearts are broken today at the mere thought of all of the earthly battles that Dick faced over the recent years, but we find peace thankfully in the knowledge that he is now at peace and only awaits patiently for us to all be reunited once again.  Thank you, Dick, for being a true man among men and may the abundance of wonderful memories which you leave behind help to heal our pain of loss and bring us comfort within the most difficult days ahead.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dick’s include,

his four children,
Shannon Morgan, Woodinville, WA,
Shelby Watson, Silverdale, WA,
Michael Morgan, Chicago, IL,
and Mackenzie Morgan, Arlington Heights, IL;

his grandchildren,
Gabe Watson, and Naia Reed;

his siblings,
Edward Morgan, Galena, IL,
Patricia Morgan, Dubuque, IA
Kathy Ingraham, Tarpon Springs , FL,
Thomas Morgan, St. Cloud, FL,
and Matt Morgan, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Major General Mary Morgan.

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

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

Jane F. McDonald Kane

Noted eccentric, road warrior, artist, collector of many books if not always a reader of them, Sun Dancer, Catholic, hoarder of odd and beautiful things, well-known sweet tooth, and beloved, if often nettlesome, mother, Jane Frances McDonald Kane, aged 87, passed away in Missoula on May 15, 2023.

A great outliner of very specific memorial requests-including the direction that her headstone be surrounded by a “white picket fence” and, further, that a “bench with rotating reading materials” be part of her resting ground-Jane was waked at home in Missoula on May 17th, 2023.

Funeral services will be held in the city of her birth, Dubuque, IA, with a public Funeral Mass held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as Celebrant. Burial of her ashes will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery and later, in honor of her maximalism and her manifest wishes, at Linwood Cemetery and the Jocko River in Montana. A vigil will be held Friday, August 18th, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

All who knew Jane-those who loved her as well as those who ducked into a doorway when they saw her-are welcomed by her seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to attend any of these events and to bear witness to her passing and to her unique life. We children and grandchildren of Jane thought she would live forever, and it seemed for a while as though she would.

A golfer, tennis player, ace jack-knife diver, field hockey sweeper, yoga student, and funky dancer, Jane was uncommonly physical and powered through many ailments and obstacles. One of four siblings, Jane was born in Dubuque, IA on March 14th, 1936 to Andrew Young McDonald IV and Frances Marshall McDonald. Her beloved sister, Ann Louise McDonald, was born in 1937 and was Jane’s occasional traveling companion and partner in overly lengthy discussions about social and culinary minutiae such as relish trays. (It should be noted that if Ann chose a color or a team, Jane, ever refractory, inevitably chose the opposite-purple instead of pink, sled dogs instead of poodles, the White Sox instead of the Cubs, etc.) Another sister, Susan Jean McDonald, was born in 1943 and died shortly after her birth. Jane’s brother, Andrew Young “Drew” McDonald V, whom she pined for during the later years of her life, was born in 1947 and preceded Jane in death in 2021. Also preceding her in death in 1990 was her adored Aunt Abby McDonald Dancer, with whom Jane could and did converse for staggering amounts of time on the telephone and with whom she went on many a station wagon trip (“those g.d. buggy rides” as Jane’s father referred to them). Aunt Abby is greatly missed by the whole family but was especially mourned by her niece.

Jane attended the Visitation Academy in Dubuque for primary school where she was taught by Sullivan great-aunts. She fondly remembered “The Vis,” but was less sentimental regarding her time at Saint Clara’s Female Academy, a boarding school located at The Mound complex in Sinsinawa, WI. After her primary and secondary education, Jane attended Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia from September 1954-August 1956. Later she attended Loras College, majoring in Fine Arts. Never in it for the degree, Jane was an inveterate student, enrolling in many schools and colleges without completing coursework: Mary College in Bismarck, North Dakota; Salish Kootenai Community College in Pablo, Montana; and The University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, among others.

A true bohemian-often, but not always, bordering on the lunatic-Jane fiercely loved but could not always care for her family. She taught her seven children fearlessness and a wide-ranging cultural competency making sure that any book a child wanted was purchased, any lessons in tennis or French, for instance, would be secured, and powwows or museum exhibits would be attended. She was not always equally careful in providing meals, on-time attendance, personal discipline, or recognition of the individuality of each of her children. Raised in the shadow of the 1950s, Jane was in near constant rebellion against the norms of that era for women. A great and unconscious beauty, Jane initially attempted to navigate those rules by conforming. She married Bartholomew John Kane II in 1958, noting after his death in 1969, “Well, there goes my dream of having thirteen children.” Jane quickly moved from her Jackie O period (during which time she was a founder of the first Montessori school in Minneapolis, MN, and her children were dressed in the fashion of the Kennedys) into her “Whole Earth Catalog” era- it should be noted that neither of these phases was particularly popular in Bismarck, North Dakota where she lived for some 14 years. During this time, she married Arlin Arthur Fraederichs who provided her and their children with great stability and cornbread for breakfast.

She and Arlin raised chickens, communed with the Missouri River, and went to innumerable Threshing Bees and rural antique shows. (Both husbands proceeded her in death.) Her back-to-the-land epoch gave way to something more hippie and more New Age in which astrology, yoga, alternative spirituality, candles, the no-bra look, and a standard 1970s recklessness characterized both her days and nights, most of the latter spent at the GP Warehouse Bar and Disco or the Pepper Mill. During this interval Jane worked for The United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, primarily in the North Dakota State Prison, helping to implement the reforms of The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. It was at this time that Jane began her slightly problematic but always sincere and often contributory participation in Lakota, Salish, and Blackfeet religious practices culminating in her work in ceremony, including the Sun Dance, with Buster Yellow Kidney, the great Blackfeet spiritual leader. It is worth noting the generosity and patience with which Jane was received by Yellow Kidney, and by Courtney Red Horse, Katherine “Cat” Face, Agnes Vanderberg, Mary Rose Morigeau, the Matts, the Big Sams and many other family and friends in Indian Country in both North Dakota and Montana. Though she never did find her true and lasting home, Jane was greatly attached to Arlee, Montana, the town she called her residence from 1981 to 2001.

In her last act, Jane moved to Missoula, Montana where she continued to practice her unconventional and singular ways, taking seriously her calling as Yiyi and Grandmother to her many grandchildren-well, as seriously as she could. (There was that one incident in Ellensburg, WA in 1999 . . . and other defugalties and minor apocalypses.)

Preceded in death by her daughter Abby and by many of the cats, dogs, husbands, lovers, and people she made cranky, Jane is survived by a large, patchwork family made up of friends, folk she adopted into her always chaotic but interesting orbit, and her still dazed children and grandchildren: Katie Kane of Missoula, MT; Sean Kane of Minneapolis, MN; Margaret O’Sullivan Kane of St. Paul, MN; Siobhan Kane of St. Paul, MN; Bart Kane of Boston, MA; Jim Fraederichs of Madison, WI, and Abby’s sister and Jane’s adopted daughter, MaryRose Morgieau, Pablo, MT. She also leaves behind a clan of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many Kane and McDonald nieces and nephews-all of whom are bereft in their loss and largely grateful for the crazy stories and experiences.

Feel free to ask about those adventures and tales at her vigil on Friday, August 18th, 4:00 to 7:00 pm, an event for which Jane will, at last, be on time. Jane McDonald Kane’s paintings, lists, photos, and relatives will all be present to tell some of those stories-or left unspoken, discretion being the better part of valor. We, her family, invite one and all to briefly, or at length, celebrate Jane’s singular and beautiful life as she passes beyond her era on earth. We loved and cherished her despite and because of it all.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

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

Rita M. Berning

Rita Mae (Hilby) Berning, 85, of Cuba City, WI, formerly of Sinsinawa, WI, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at home, following a brief illness.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Church, Sinsinawa, WI, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, with Fr. Peter Auer officiating.  Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Rita was born on April 8, 1938 at home in Menominee, IL, the daughter of Leo J. and Sophia M. (Wubben) Hilby.  She was a graduate of St. Clara Academy at Sinsinawa, the class of 1956. On September 3, 1960 she was united in marriage to Louis J. Berning at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Menominee.

She was a homemaker, drove school bus, and was employed in the bakery at Sinsinawa Mound for 15 years. Rita loved quilting, sewing, cross-stitch, bowling, hunting, fishing, time spent up north with her family, and attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities. Rita was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish and its Council of Catholic Women.

Surviving is her husband, Louie, four daughters, Barb (Terry) Temperly of Platteville, WI, Karen (Mick) Schultz of Grand Mound, IA, Sharon (Dale) Kaiser of Cuba City, WI and JoAnn (Jay) Roussel, Durango, IA; daughter-in-law, Kathy Berning of Hazel Green, WI; 16-grandchildren and 36-great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenny Hilby of Menominee, IL and a sister, Lorraine Wills of Cuba City, WI, and brother-in-law Wayne Arand of Stillman Valley, IL, and sisters-in-law, Marion Goerdt of Clinton, IA, and Eileen Hilby of East Dubuque, IL.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Sophia, a son, Dennis M. Berning, siblings, Cletus (Lois) Hilby, Merlin Hilby, Viola (Bob) Scharpf, Rosetta Arand, and sister-in-law, Janice Hilby.

Louie and family wish to thank the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Cheryl Morgan-Ihrig for their care and kindness.

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

Eunice M. Bastian

Eunice M. Bastian, 82, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until 10:00 am on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Eunice will be 10:30 am Saturday, August 12, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Rev. Monsignor Thomas E. Toale as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Eunice was born March 2, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Clarence and Anita (McDonald) Wolbers. On July 15, 1961 she was united in marriage to Leroy J. Bastian at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She spent most of her working career as a convenience store manager. Eunice was a great mother of three children.  Eunice was an avid sports fan and loved to attend her children and grandchildren’s events, she was their biggest fan, she was also a Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Vikings fan.  Eunice enjoyed time with family, especially the Wolbers’ family reunion. She could also give anyone a lesson in euchre and wouldn’t shy away from a poker game.

Survivors include her husband, Leroy of Dubuque; two children, Pam (Charlie) Klein of Dubuque and Ryan (Tracy) Bastian of Hiawatha, IA; son-in-law, Doug Fritsch of Asbury; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Cody) Hannan, Bridget (John) Doyle, Jesup (fiance, Jackie) Fritsch, Bryer Fritsch, Layton (Alli) Fritsch, Bailyn (Ed) Booto, Brylee Bastian, Bryson Bastian, and Brielle Bastian; eight great-grandchildren; ten surviving siblings, Mary Ann (Dick) Hefel, Larry (Katie) Wolbers, Robert (Margot) Wolbers, Carol (Keith) Hilkin, Mark Wolbers, Gwen (Kenny) Loes, Jolene (Dick) Bybee, John (Monica) Wolbers, Brian (Sharon) Wolbers, and Martha (Paul) Gartner; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Veronica; brother-in-law, Jerry (Connie) Bastian; and her best friend, Jeanne (Jerry) Fudge.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Dianne Fritsch; two brothers, Sam and Neil Wolbers; mother-in-law, Catherine Bastian; sister-in-law, Joanna; and brother and sister-in-law, Don (Joyce) Bastian.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Oak Park Place and Hospice of Dubuque.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

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

David A. Hogan

David Allan Hogan, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his home in Dubuque, surrounded by his family.

Visitation for David will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m., on    Monday, August 14, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa.

Services for David will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held in St. John’s Cemetery in Placid, Iowa.

He was born April 24, 1940, in Dubuque County, Iowa, son of Fred and Pauline (Sauser) Hogan.  He received his education in the St. John’s School in Placid.  On September 14, 1963, he was united in marriage to Janet Staner at St. John’s Catholic Church in Delhi, Iowa.

He was employed for 30 years at the John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement in 1998, he also worked part-time at the Dubuque Twine Company.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Hogan of Dubuque; four children, Christopher Hogan of Catoosa, OK, Kimberly (Thomas) George and Bruce (Sara) Hogan both of Peosta, and Chad (Traci) Hogan of Catoosa, OK; 9 grandchildren, Aleesha Lowe, Hannah Brown, Tiffany George, Thomas George, Michael George, Heather Hogan, Clara Hogan, Andrew Schmitt and Brittany Schmitt; 10 great grandchildren; his siblings, Arlene Hogan of Dubuque, Velma Furgerson of Ft. Meyers, FL, Dick Hogan of Delhi, Maxine (Andy) Goedken of Dyersville, Nancy Mausser of Monticello, Bernadette (Ron) Manderfield of Rickardsville, Lloyd (Cheri) Hogan of Dubuque, Louie (Jeannie) Hogan of Bankston, Stanley (Julie) Hogan of Key West, Herb (Karen) Hogan of Dubuque, Ted Hogan of Epworth, Sam (Darla) Hogan of Farley, Milly (Mike) Burkart, Gloria Hogan, Linda Hogan and Nick Hogan all of Dubuque; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl (Claudine) Staner, Robert (Bernadette) Staner, and Lois Goedken all of Dyersville, Madonna (Mark) Loeffelholz of Davenport, James (Darlene) Staner of Colesburg and Steven (Liz) Staner of Dubuque.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Michael Hogan.

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

Ralph J. Kieffer

Ralph J. Kieffer, 80, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph will be 10:00 am Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Dennis Quint as the Celebrant.  Burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and the Offutt Air Force.

Ralph was born May 3, 1943, in Dubuque, the son of Milton and Verna Schauer Kieffer. On April 17, 1971, he married the love of his life and soul mate, Susan M. Davis at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a 20 year U.S. Air Force Veteran serving in Germany, Spain, Arkansas, Illinois, and Vietnam. He retired as Master Sergeant after 20 years. Following his Air Force career, he worked at Morrison Brothers in Dubuque for 19 1/2 years.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion, V.F.W., D.A.V., and Air Force Sergeant Association. He loved to bowl, shooting his first 300 game at Cherry Lanes which was also the very first 300 game bowled at Cherry Lanes. He also enjoyed golfing, watching westerns and game shows, and was an Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan.  Most of all he cherished time with family and was very proud of his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife and caregiver, Susan; two daughters, Julie (Ty) Petsche of Urbandale, and Kelli (Mike) McPoland of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Nathan Petsche, Megan Petsche, and Zach Petsche and Ashley McPoland; two sisters, Helen and Donna; brother and sister-in-laws, Bonnie, Ronnie, Wally, John, Lorna, Terry, Cherie, and Cindy; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Eldie (Boots) Kieffer, one sister, Kay (Jerry) Manders, his father- and  mother-in-law, Walt and Rita Davis, one brother-in-law, Jim Davis, and one sister-in-law, Cecelia Davis.

The family thanks Drs. Liaboe, Elsey, and Geerling and the nurses and staff at Unity Point Finley 5th Floor North for their care and support.

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

Mary E. Herman

Mary Elizabeth (Flury) Herman, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Monday August 7th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Mary was born on April 15th, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James and Laura (maiden) Flury. She attended Dubuque Senior High School. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Herman Jr. She worked for Todd’s Catering, Massey Marina, and IOCO Truck Stop.

Mary loved playing bingo and going to the casino, but most of all she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Carol (Doug) Paul, Steve (Donna) Haferbecker, Mike Haferbecker, and Lloyd (Laura) Herman, grandchildren Steven, Summer, Amber, Ashley, Charmane, and Laney, great-grandchildren Isabella, Delilah, Blake, Bentley, Payton, Leland, Harrison, and Vadya, and siblings Pat Huseman and Dave Flury.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Jr., daughter Laura Kay, and several brothers and sisters.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center for their loving care.

Robert N. Drury

Robert Norman Drury, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Friday August 4th, 2023, at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday August 10th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Celebration of Life will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Military Honors will be accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post #6.

Robert was born on July 15th, 1947, in Rockville Center, New York, son of William and Hazel (Witty) Drury. He attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Polly Johnson on February 5, 1995, in Dubuque, Iowa. He worked as the Director of Five Flags, the Dubuque Historical Society, and at Old Creamery Theatre Company.

Robert honorably served his country in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 as a Cobra pilot, where he flew 1,100 combat hours. He was awarded the Bronze Star, 32 Air Medals, 2 Vietnam campaign ribbons, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Bob wrote and performed a one man play “Blue Ghost Two-Zero”, reflecting on his experience in Vietnam and his return home.

Bob is survived by his wife, Polly Drury, son Benjamin Drury, and stepdaughter Allison Kochneff. He enjoyed time with his family, especially his three grandsons: Brayden, Kameron, and Taylor. He is also survived by his siblings Carol (John) Pfalz, John Drury, and David (Donna) Drury, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Hazel, and his son Jon Drury.

A Robert N. Drury Memorial Fund will be established.

Thank you to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, and Dubuque American Legion Post #6.

Joyce M. Weidenbacher

Joyce M. Weidenbacher, 89, of Dubuque, died Monday, August 7, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

The Funeral Service for Joyce will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel with Pastor Jack Fish officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Joyce was born December 27, 1933, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Clarence  and Pearl Fuller Urban. On March 27, 1952, she married Albertus G. “Al” Weidenbacher in St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Dubuque. Their marriage was later blessed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Al died on August 20, 2019.

Joyce worked at the Triangle Cafe for 17 years, Maidrite for five years, and then at Midway Motor Lodge for 14 years.  She also worked at Timmerman’s, and Diamond’s Cafe.  She volunteered at the Rescue Mission.

She was originally from the Flats, and she would always say that the best people are from over the tracks, especially the Flats picnics on city island. She loved going on picnics with family and enjoyed bus trips to Branson, MO, dancing, and going to the catfish festival and Jazz festivals.

Survivors include four daughters, Vickie (Jim) Metz of Dubuque, Rhonda (Kenny) Norpel of Dubuque, Linda (Tong) Chong of East Dubuque, IL, and Pam Reding of Dubuque; four sons, Tom (Becky) Weidenbacher, Ronnie Weidenbacher, and Albert (Amy) Weidenbacher, all of Dubuque, and David (Dana) Weidenbacher of Cedar Falls, IA; 27 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Lyons of Rockford, IL, and Dixie Bennett of Dubuque; and one sister-in-law, Sheila Urban.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Rick, two grandsons, Eric Metz, and Collin Weidenbacher; daughter-in-law, Barb Weidenbacher; six sisters, Sue Shaffer, Ruth Ann Walton, Colleen Urban, Jackie Aldeman, Rhonda Donath, and Gloria “Patricia” Lieb, and four brothers, Jim Garry, Bill, and Larry.

A special thank you to the UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital fifth floor staff and her Arbor Oaks church family especially Pastor Jack and Nancy Fish.

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

Kathryn McCoy

Kathryn Buechele McCoy was born December 7th, 1941, infamously departing from our world after a courageous battle with cancer on August 6th, 2023.  Up until her final breath she was a crazy, funny, cantankerous, tender, belligerent, sweet yet stubborn redhead who lived a full life.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 11th, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 12th at the funeral home with Fr. Dennis Quint officiating. In lieu of flowers Kay would wish a memorial in her name be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

Kay was an artistic woman with a flair for fashion which fit so naturally into her career as a hair stylist spending 60 years trimming, cutting, coloring, plucking and styling generations of clients. She did not just stand behind the chair; she was an owner, a mentor, a counselor, a confidant, a friend and loved not just the industry but the countless stylists she worked with along the way.

She was blessed with a loving family; daughters Mary Clarke through an earlier relationship and Michelle (Hirsch) Elkhabbaz through her first marriage. In both daughters she saw parts of herself but loved the whole person with all of her being.   She worked hard to fill her life with art, music, movies & dancing and more hours of watching professional tennis than one would consider healthy.  She loved her time with friends and family and would spend hours talking and laughing but also the quiet moments of life coloring with her granddaughter Callie (Elkhabbaz) and watching old movies.

It was late, but fortunately not too late, in life she met her last love Robert McCoy.  Together the two of them built a beautiful home and life together enjoy sunsets near their garden and wintered as oft as they could in Naples. The tranquil peace of their marriage was woven with intense matches on the pickle ball court where they would compete mercilessly, forgoing all sense of decorum and civility.

Words cannot capture the moments of her life of great joy and happiness. How does one sum up a lifetime of immeasurable beauty and strength.  For all those stories missed, and those people not named, know that she held close the memories and experiences that defined her and yes, she lived a full life.  She will be sorely missed by the many with the good fortune to have met her.

Kay will join in Heaven those who have passed before her:  her father & mother Arnold & Virginia Buechele and her younger sister Mary (Dave) Schaller.

She is survived by her husband: Robert McCoy, her children Mary (Jeff) Clarke and family, Michelle Elkhabbaz and family, sister Joan Emberton and family, Kay was Step Queen to James (Amy) McCoy and family, Jonathan (Jennifer) McCoy and family and more amazing cousins, nieces and nephews than one could, or should, shake a stick at.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate nurses & staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all the loving care they gave to Kay.

Nora P. Cottrell

Nora P. Cottrell, 79, of Dubuque, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on August 6, 2023.

John Gabrenja

John Gabrenja, 65, of Epworth, formerly of Ankeny, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at his home in Epworth.

He is the son of the late Roy and Dorothy (Schrobilgen) Gabrenja of Rickardsville.

He is survived by his sisters, Diane (Bob) Meyer of Winthrop and Sandy (Steve) Zalaznik of Epworth; one aunt, Patricia Hough of Dubuque; nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and a good friend, Louie (Jeannie) Hogan.

Thank you to his Austin Court family, the Epworth Fire Dept., and his numerous doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their kindness.

Per his request, there will be no services. His cremated remains will be taken care of at a later date.

Any memorials will be distributed to his favorite charities/organizations.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting John ‘s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Anna Mae T. Lewis

Anna Mae T. Lewis, 95, of Dubuque, IA died Thurs, Aug. 3, 2023, at her home, in her sleep.

Visitation will be Tues. Aug 8th, from 4-7 pm with a wake service at 3:45, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 am Wed. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Holy Spirit Parish, Dubuque, with entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Anna Mae was born March 6, 1928 in Dubuque to Mayme M. (Wilhelm) and John G. (Jack) Schumacher.

She received her education at Sacred Heart School and Immaculate Conception Academy, leaving school upon the untimely death of her father, then working at the bag factory to help support the family. She met and went on to marry James L. Lewis on June 23, 1951 at Holy Ghost Church. Anna Mae then worked at AY McDonald while her groom finished his Army service in Alaska during the Korean Conflict until they started their family. In years later, she would work for Pixler Electric Co. and properties.

She was a member of the Rosary Society, a ladies bible study group, and the Holy Ghost Funeral Society.

Anna Mae always kept a current driver’s license, “just in case”, but much preferred the role of ”navigator” on their travels. She loved Jesus, her family, and her Mississippi River Museum membership, having attended twice in the week prior to her passing. At 95 she still finished a novel every few days and loved a game of euchre or farkle. If she didn’t have a book in her hand, it was a crossword puzzle or her rosary. She loved a road trip, lunch at Eagle Point Park, the Riverwalk, and animals of all kinds; while still able, a boat ride and the beach.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, James Lewis.

She cherished her time as a stay-at-home mom and was a dedicated and loving mother to Dianne Lewis-Engling and Laure Lewis; a special mother-in—law to Carl Engling and Tim Schneider; proud grandma to Morgan Engling and T.J. Dinkelman of Germany, Lauren Engling-Kapraun and Mark Kapraun of Roscoe, IL, and Alexander Engling of Dubuque; and doting great-grandma to James, Hunter, Jack, Theodore, and Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, John Jr. (Jackie) And Walter in infancy, 2 sisters, Rose M. Pixler and June L. Herzberg, sisters-in-law Loreen Lewis-Digmann, Vida Lewis-Shireman, and Marla Lewis-Nelson; brothers-in-law Howard Pixler, William Lewis, Charles Lewis, Alfred Digmann, Bernard Shireman, and Richard Nelson; a special cousin Ralph (Whitey) Woelk; and many dear relatives and friends.

Anna Mae was the epitome of grace and will be very deeply missed. A memorial fund has been established.

A thank you to the gracious Molly, officers, and Pat Leonard for assisting us on our darkest day.