Obituaries Archive
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Phyllis Blichmann
Phyllis Blichmann, 94, of Dubuque, died Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home in Dubuque.
Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
The Funeral Service for Phyllis will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
Phyllis was born January 1, 1930, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of John C. and Celia Roediger Lange. On August 8, 1953, she married Arlan F. Kubitz at Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. He passed away on October 10, 1984. On February 4, 1989, she married Donald “Jim” Blichmann in St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque. He passed away on May 12, 2001.
She was a 1948 graduate of Senior High School.
She was an x-ray technician at the original Medical Associates before staying home to raise kids. When her children were in school, she returned to work as a receptionist at Dodge Street Internists.
She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where she had served as Eucharistic Minister and belonged to it’s Altar Society. An avid skier, she skied with both husbands. She was a ski instructor until the age of 82 and was a past member of Snomad. She was especially proud of being on the A team as a ski instructor at Sundown. She also love to golf and worked at Bunker Hill Golf Course. She took great pride in her flower and vegetable gardens that she spent countless hours tending to. Phyllis and Arlie were active members of the Dubuque Water Ski Club and spent countless weekends on the river. During her years living in Kansas City with Jim, she became a passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan. She and Jim traveled all over the country with Mid-America New Voice Club.
Survivors include one son, Greg (Deb) Kubitz of Asbury; one daughter, Kris (Jeff) Kahle of Lake Geneva, WI; four stepdaughters, Kathy (Bob) Adkins of El Paso, TX, Patti Blichmann of Carbondale, KS, Denise Blichmann of Kansas City, MO, and Julie (Ted Fore) Blichmann of Oskaloosa, KS; five grandchildren, Josh (Jamie), Alyssa (Luke), Lindsey (Rob), Becky (Trent), and Claire (Jeremiah); eleven great-grandchildren, Marcus, Max, Henry, Oliver, Noah, Rylee, Ethan, Rhett, Amelia, Emma, Norah, and one more on the way; three step-grandchildren, Gary, Marika, and Athena; six step-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Marty Lange of Dubuque, Father John Lange of Mary Knoll, NY, and Carl Lange of Dubuque; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Bakewell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her two husbands, she was preceded in death by, her parents, parents-in law, George and Minnie Kubitz, three sisters, Rita (Joe) Knabel, Lou (Art) Schmalz, Betty (Ray) Knabel, sisters- and brothers-in-law, Janice Lange, Mary Lange, Hank (Clara) Kubitz, Donnie (Mary Jane) Kubitz, David Kubitz, and Shirley (Paul) Regan, two nieces, Carol Knabel and Connie Regan, and two nephews, Dennis Regan and Jim Kubitz.
A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.
Her family thanks Dr. Konz and nurse Cherrie, Dr. Ringold, the whole staff at Oak Park Place, especially Susanne, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli, and all family and friends for the love and support.
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 Phyllis’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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Dell L. Pooler
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Joseph E. Bechen
Joseph E. Bechen, 87, of Dubuque, was reunited with his loving wife, Ellyn, Friday, June 7, 2024.
A prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM Monday, June 10, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be 10:30 am Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Brian Dellaert as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
He was born on September 16, 1936, son of Emil and Edna (Franz) Bechen. He married the love of his life, Ellyn J. Genz on December 27, 1954. After 63 wonderful years together, Mom passed away on December 19, 2017.
Dad was a family man. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family. He enjoyed going for ice cream and he put on one hell of a fireworks show! Sunday nights were reserved for Old Time Radio, comedies were his favorite. Dad was a kid at heart and loved to decorate for the holidays. He has a Snow Village that was a work of art and a labor of love. He enjoyed dressing as Santa and going out into the community and brought joy to many people. He was also a familiar face at the Village Inn as their “unofficial” morning coffee maker and supervisor.
Dad had a very long and successful career; often working multiple jobs at once. Starting at age 14 at a grocery store where he hid in the rafters to avoid the truant officers. One of his favorite jobs was being a security officer. The job he is most known for is being a produce manager at Randall Foods where he was recognized for his expertise.
Surviving are five children: Connie (Art) Leuschner, Susan Wahlert, Melissa (John Sr.) Jensen, Joseph (Tammy) Bechen Jr. and Jennifer (Roger) Bahl; grandchildren: Victoria Maas, Sarah Dress, Christopher Wahlert, James A. Wahlert, Daniel Wahlert, Nicholas Wahlert, John Jensen Jr., Kristin Beermann, Erica Jensen, Brian Jensen, Jesse Bahl, Rebecca Vasquez and Josephine Bahl; 27 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one brother: Edward Bechen.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, James R. Wahlert; and four brothers: Eugene, Donald, Robert and Raymond.
A memorial has been established for Dubuque Regional Humane Society.
The family wishes to thank Hawkeye Care Center for taking care of our Dad during his time there.
“And God Will Call You Home”
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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Marjorie Dolan
Marjorie “Marge” Dolan, 97, of Bethany Home, formerly of 474 Primrose, entered eternal life on June 5, 2024. Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, where a prayer service will begin at 4:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 10, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church, with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Click here to view the Mass of Christian Burial for Marjorie Dolan. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Margie was born February 26, 1927, in Forest City, IA, daughter of Milford D. and Gladys (Quandahl) Keeler. She graduated from high school in 1945 in Mason City, IA. Following high school, she lived in Washington D.C. and worked for the FBI for a year. She then returned to Mason City where she was a “number please” girl for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. It was here that she met her first husband, Paul T. Dolan. They enjoyed attending dances at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. She attended State Teachers College (UNI) in Cedar Falls and then taught Kindergarten for a year in Latimer, IA.
She married Paul on June 14, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Church in Mason City. They lived in Nashua, and Garner before settling in Mason City in 1954. They had six children before Paul was killed in a car/train accident in 1958. She met and married Ozzie Dolan in 1960. They moved to Dubuque, where she had three more children.
Marge’s life was all about family. She was never happier than when she was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful example of patience, faith and trust in God. She loved to read, make cookies for her grandchildren, and travel. She also did daycare in her home. She and Ozzie enjoyed trips to Ireland, England, Europe and Ecuador. They pulled their RV on many trips across the US every winter until 2010. She was an active member of Holy Ghost Parish and Rosary Society and was a past president of Catholic Daughters of America.
She will be greatly missed by her family.
Family survivors include her children, Mary Neuhaus, of Dubuque, IA, Kathy (Mike) Weibel, of La Crosse, WI, Greg (Janis Dunahoo) Dolan, of Glendale, AZ, Tom (Ceci) Dolan, of San Bernardina, CA, Deb (Dave) Welsh, of Dubuque, Marta (Randy) Bender, of Bellevue, IA, Barb (Chris) Ehlers, of Dubuque, and Amy (Joe Andresen) Dolan, of Dubuque; 24 grandchildren; 28 great- grandchildren, and three on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul in 1958; second husband, Ozzie in 2017; son, James Michael Dolan in 2020; brother, Bob Keeler; and son-in-law, Chuck Neuhaus.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be given to Holy Family Catholic Schools or the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
We are grateful for the many wonderful years of having Mom with us. Thank you to the amazing staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque.
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Karolyn K.Riggins
Karolyn Kay Riggins, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Marshalltown, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 30, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque. To honor Karolyn’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Karolyn’s family.
Karolyn was born on July 11, 1944, in Marshalltown, IA, a daughter to Joe and Marie (Talbert) Kopel. She was blessed to spend the majority of her life in the Marshalltown area surrounded by family and friends through each day. Karolyn was a wonderful wife and mother who found her greatest joy in loving and nurturing her family. There was no happier place in her life than playing this role to the best of her abilities. In her free-time, Karolyn always took advantage of every opportunity to spend time with the horses. An afternoon in the barn was always considered to be time well spent. She also took time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. A little Glenn Miller Orchestra on the radio, or a few episodes of Perry Mason on the tv were among her favorites, and to relax and enjoy either with a rice krispie treat in hand was all the better in her mind. We know her affinity for Pizza Ranch was also well known and appreciated by those around her and we’ll never forget our last visit ending with her content and joyful smile residing peacefully upon her beautiful face. Again, enjoying the simple moments and leaving all stress and complication behind intentionally. Karolyn embraced life with a touch of spunk when required and always with a tender heart. It’s difficult to imagine life moving forward with the pain of loss we face today, but we accept that Karolyn needed to finally have rest from her earthly battles and trust that she will be peacefully and patiently waiting for us all to rejoin her in time. Thank you, Karolyn, for the love, lessons, and legacy you leave behind and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we meet again.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Karolyn include: her two daughters, Janice (Earl) Waltemeyer, Marshalltown, IA, and Lisa (Dan) Starn, Marshalltown, IA; her five grandchildren, Nikki (Matt) Adelmund, Dubuque, IA, Colton Burrell, Marshalltown, IA, Deven (Shane Pollard Starn) Starn, Des Moines, IA, Cameren Starn, Marshalltown, IA, and Nolan (Haylie Owens-Starn) Starn, LeGrand, IA; her five great-grandchildren, Laycee Adelmund, Aaron Adelmund, Kadance Adelmund, Teddy Starn, and Jack Starn; her brother, Richard Kopel, Pleasant Hill, IA; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Karolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Riggins and Leroy Skees; and her sister-in-law, Frances Kopel.
Karolyn’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared with Karolyn’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
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Dorothy J. Bregman
Dorothy J. Bregman, 83, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on May 28, 2024, in Dubuque.
Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on June 17 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque. There will be a memorial service held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home following the visitation.
Dottie was born on February 28, 1941, in Oskaloosa, IA, to Irma Mae Schaeffner and James Elliott Hollister. She graduated from Lincoln High School in San Jose, CA and then went on to attend Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI. She married Chuck Bregman on April 28, 1990, in Ridgewood, NJ. Dottie worked as a G.S. Mapping Specialist at Interstate Power/Alliant Energy.
Dottie was a talented singer. In high school, she had the lead role in the school play “The Story of Abraham Lincoln” as Abe’s wife. The next year she had the lead role in the musical “HMS Pinafore”. She was also a talented piano/organ player, painter, quilter, and made beautiful doll and dog clothes. She was very involved with politics as a delegate in Iowa. She was the go-to family fact checker.
She is survived by her husband Chuck Bregman of Dubuque, son Darrin Fitch of Pittsboro, NC, daughter Laurinda Hollister aka Lisa Haghverdi, brother James Hollister of Turlock, CA, sister-in-law Nancy Hollister of Turlock, CA, grandchildren Andrea Fitch, Justin Fitch and Emily Wheelock, great-grandchildren Preston Fitch, Carson Fitch, Kirsli Wheelock and Jada Wheelock, niece and nephew Mandy Hollister and Ryan Hollister, great-nieces and nephew Carole, Shannan and Lauran Hollister.
She was preceded in death by her parents Irma Mae Schaeffner and James Elliott Hollister, her brother Carl Hollister and her grandson Brett Fitch.
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Larry B. Blankenbaker
Larry Bruce Blankenbaker, 74, of Galena, IL, unexpectedly passed away at home on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 PM, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Galena Elks Lodge, Galena. In keeping with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.Share this:
Patricia Steinbrecher
Patricia Steinbrecher, 92, of Galena, IL, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may gather after 10 AM until the time of mass. The burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, is assisting the family.
She was born March 27, 1932, in New York City, the daughter of Daniel and Marion (Sullivan) McConville. Pat attended Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, NY. She was united in marriage to Gerald Steinbrecher on November 28, 1953, in New York City, and he preceded her in death on February 7, 1997. Pat retired at 70 and enjoyed her friends, family, and beloved dog, Bailey. She loved needlework and was an avid reader and loyal Green Bay Packers fan.
Pat is survived by her three daughters, Alice (Jim) Turner, of FL, and Ellen and Jane Steinbrecher, both of Galena; a granddaughter, Nicole (Courtney) Butler of FL; great-granddaughter, Hailey Butler, of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Dan McConville, and a granddaughter, Janelle Turner.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
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Carole Baranski
Carole Baranski, recently of Galena, IL was born Carole Salvino in Chicago on September 7, 1933. She graduated from Tuley High School in Chicago and married her high school sweetheart Raymond J. Baranski (he was the football star; she was a cheerleader) on September 17, 1955, after he returned from serving in Korea. They raised two daughters (Karen & Cathy) in Chicago and moved to Des Plaines in 1962 after their son, Jim, was born. Carole taught swimming classes to infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and to senior citizens at the Northwest Suburban YMCA from 1965-1975. She then worked as a production coordinator at La Marche Manufacturing from 1975 to 1998. After Ray died in 1994, she and her sister Anita moved into a townhouse together in Lake Barrington Shores. They lived in LBS for 22 years and were very much the “Belles of the Ball.” Carole loved red wine (two glasses or so each evening), bowling, and competitive 5K walks (she liked to win). She participated in 5K fun walks into her mid-80s. Carole died at home with her family around her on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.Share this:
Patricia C. Frey
Patricia “Pat” C. Frey, 81, of Dubuque passed away at MercyOne Dubuque on Tuesday, June 6, 2024.
Visitation will be held Sunday June 9, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 12:45 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd Dubuque. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, at Holy Spirit Church, Holy Trinity Parish with Rev. Jeff Frieden officiating. The burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Pat was born on March 17, 1943, in Dubuque to Carl and Monetta (Wilhelm) Pickel.
She was a part of the first graduating class of Wahlert High School. She worked as a secretary for Flynn Ready Mix for 33 years before retiring.
Pat loved playing Duplicate Bridge and was a “Grand Master”, a huge Cubs fan, she also loved reading, movies with Nikki, family gatherings, TV dramas, and hot fudge sundaes. Pat was also an avid church goer and often said the rosary with friends.
She is survived by her children, Nicolette “Nikki” (Steve) Kennedy of Dubuque, David (Nancee) Frey of Bloomington IL, and Jeremy Frey of Dubuque; grandchildren Jennifer (Mike) Nethery, Jodi (Casey) Stelken, Jerrod Croft, Marissa Cornell, Morgan Cornell, Allison (Clayton) Hamilton, Zach (Carly) Frey, Jace (Casper) Frey; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents and brother Carl “Butch” Pickel Jr.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
The family would like to express a thank you to all of Pat’s friends, caregivers, and extended Assisi family.
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Pauline R. Allendorf
Pauline R. Allendorf, age 82, of Galena, IL, completed her earthly journey on June 5, 2024. To honor Pauline’s life, a private family service is being held. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Galena. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Pauline’s family.
Pauline was born on March 5, 1942, in Galena, IL, a daughter to Earl E. and Ethel (Sanderson) Green. She was united in marriage to Gerald Allendorf on August 19, 1961.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Pauline include,
her loving husband of 63 years,
Gerald Allendorf, Galena, IL;,
her three children,
Keith Allendorf, Scales Mound, IL,
Leanne (Dave) Heffernan, Galena, IL,
and Wayne Allendorf, Scales, Mound, IL;
her six adored grandchildren,
Danielle Benson, Dustin (Nicole) Allendorf, Chad (Lexie) Allendorf, Cody Allendorf, Jesse Allendorf, and Cole Allendorf;
and her four great-grandchildren.
Pauline’s family would like to thank Dr. Hernandez, along with the nurses and staff at the Medical Associates Clinic, Midwest Senior Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared with Pauline’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
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Sidney W. Scott
Sidney William Scott, 81, of Dubuque, passed away June 3, 2024, after living with Alzheimer’s dementia for the past few years. Sid was born on December 8, 1942 to Ralph and Helen (Bean) Scott in Galesburg, IL. He was united in marriage to Janice (Smith) Scott on August 20, 1966 in Peoria, IL. They moved from Peoria to Dubuque in 1977. Janice served as his primary caregiver for the last years of his life.
Sid earned a degree in studio art from Illinois State University in 1968 and an MBA from Bradley University in 1977. His 50+ year career included leadership positions in art, marketing, public relations, and organizational development for three media corporations–The Peoria Journal Star, Tazwell Publishing, and Woodward Communications, Inc. (WCI)– and he served as the business manager for Mercy Radiologists for several years. Simultaneously, Sid ran two one-man businesses: Scott Graphics in the early years and Scott Consultants, LLC from the mid-1980s on. He also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Beyster Institute, Rady School of Business, UC-San Diego, UW-Platteville, UW-Madison, Clarke College, and Cardinal Stritch College. Sid retired from WCI in 2008 as the VP of Human Resources. He was the author of over 200 articles in national and local trade publications and made over 100 presentations at meetings of the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) Association, the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), the Inland Press Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the American Society of Training and Development. From 1994 to 2006, Sid served on the board of NCEO, serving as co-chair for the last two years, and he was a founding officer and President of the ESOP Association’s Nebraska-Iowa chapter. Sid was especially proud of his instrumental role in helping WCI become a 97% employee-owned corporation. After retiring, he joined the WCI Board of Directors, serving as its chair from 2012-2016.
From 1964 to 1970, Sid served in the Illinois Army National Guard as a Specialist E-5. In the last years of his life he was especially keen to revisit cherished memories of this time, including his active duty in the Chicago Riots of 1968 after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. In both Peoria and Dubuque, Sid was an engaged citizen who participated in community service and fundraising activities for a long list of organizations including (but not limited to) American Red Cross, United Way, Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Dubuque Area Large Employers Health Care Coalition, First Congregational Church- United Church of Christ, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Rotary, Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque Chorale, Northeast Iowa School of Music, and the Dubuque chapter of PFLAG. In 2003, he was selected by Iowa Governor Vilsack to serve a six-year term on the Iowa Health Facilities Council.
The contribution for which Sid will be most fondly remembered by his family and many friends is his musicianship. As a teenager in the heyday of early rock and roll, “Bill” caught the bug. He took a few years of lessons but was a mostly self-taught musician who could pick up any instrument and play it. Primarily a keyboardist, he was in several bands over the years, including The Misfits in the 1960s and most recently, Sid V and the Human Resources, which was formed at his WCI retirement party and went on to play regional gigs for 15 years. Music was Sid’s happy place and he kept to the keyboard until just a few days before he passed.
Sid is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Britain Scott (Russ Lake) of Hudson, WI, Erin Scott of Woodbury, MN, and Ryan Scott of Dubuque; grandchildren Renn Elkins of St. Paul, MN and Sylvie Lake of Hudson, WI; his brother Steve (Joan) Scott of El Paso, IL and nephews Matt (Nikki) Scott and Michael Scott, both of Illinois.
Sid’s family would like to offer special thanks to Home Instead care providers and Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory. Kindly direct any memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Museum of the United States Army, or First Congregational Church-United Church of Christ in Dubuque.
The family is planning a celebration of Sid’s life in late July. Details about the date and venue will be forthcoming on social media.
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Kenneth B. Mulgrew
Kenneth Bernard Mulgrew, 85, of Pella IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL peacefully passed away Tuesday June 4, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday June 8th from 9-11 a.m. at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, followed by an 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s church, with Rev. Msgr. Daniel Knepper officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.
Ken was born on January 2, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Helen (Schulting) Mulgrew. Ken married his high school sweetheart Gayle Utzig on June 21, 1958.
He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1957. Ken retired after 40 years of management with the Dubuque Packing company and 10 years of management at Farmland Foods.
Surviving is his wife Gayle, children Scott Mulgrew & Tina, Shelley (Mulgrew) Beecher & Gary, Troy Mulgrew & Sharon, Lance Mulgrew & Deb, Shauna (Mulgrew) Ramsdell & Jay, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Helen & Clarence, and his brother Dallas.
Kenny loved spending time with his family, especially boating, hunting and playing euchre. We will be forever grateful that we had him in our lives. He will be missed dearly.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.©.
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William E. Spiegel
William E. “Billy” Spiegel, age 81, of Epworth, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 3, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family. To honor Billy’s life, please join us for his Celebration of Life at Locals Bar and Coffee Shop, 107 West Main Street in Epworth, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 1-5 pm. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Billy’s family.
Billy was born on November 18, 1942, to Albert and Bernadine (Burds) Spiegel. One could say that Billy was a social introvert, a man of few words, and a man of a serious nature in all areas of life. Billy’s daily motto was ‘all work and no play,’ which in turn made his life relatively dull and boring. One could certainly say those things, but those comments would be as far from the truth as one could get. For those who knew and loved Billy, and even those who simply crossed his path by random chance, knew he loved life, and didn’t take it too seriously. He never found himself in a moment that couldn’t be improved with one of his many good jokes, pranks, or humorous one-liners, followed by his unforgettable laugh. His home and work life were blessed, not only because he was surrounded by family and friends that he adored, but undeniably because of his physical presence within both as well. He was united in marriage to the one he always loved and adored, LuAnn Pitz, in 1964, and from that point on, life would never be the same in every good way that you could imagine. Billy owned Spiegel Construction Excavating in Epworth for many years, with the last twenty-five years being with his son, Nathan as his partner. He took great pride while driving around the area and reflecting on the countless projects he was involved in. Billy’s goal each day was to make someone’s day better, work hard, do quality work, and laugh often with those he encountered.
Billy enjoyed sports of all kinds and played baseball for years in the area, even being inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. He enjoyed playing baseball so much that he played on Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York, Arizona, and Las Vegas when he was in his 60’s with his oldest son, Chris and his sons. When the Yankee’s were taking the field, Billy gave that game his undivided attention. If a good game of Euchre or 5 Crowns was about to break out, Billy was going to grab a seat at the table and gently remind everyone who truly possessed the skills to win and if he was feeling sympathetic, he may even allow you to win a hand or two just for good measure. Billy’s greatest joy was any time his grandchildren were by his side. It’s difficult to imagine that there’s another Grandpa out there who played this role so perfectly, but he would definitely allow you to think so if it made you feel better. We are all happier and better people for having known Billy, and our world is a better place for having him in it. May the Lord bless and keep you in His grace-filled arms until we all see your contagious smile once again.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Billy include,
his wife of 60 years, LuAnn Spiegel;
his proud children, Chris Spiegel, Rebecca (Peter) Smith, Abby Spiegel, and Nathan (Tammy) Spiegel;
his fourteen grandchildren that love him dearly, Billy Spiegel, Cayden Spiegel, Shelby Spiegel, Emmalyne Smith (Richie Leahy), Elijah (Amanda) Sifuentes-Smith, Josephine Smith, (Andy Vujnovich), Sophia Smith (Adam Wessels), Augustine Smith, Isaiah Smith, Abraham Smith, Samuel Smith, Nellie Welsh (Andrew Keay), Lilly Welsh (Walker Ochs), and Atticus Welsh;
his siblings, Gerrie (Marv) Roling, A.J. Spiegel, Mary (Buzz) McDermott, and Bob Spiegel;
his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Dorothy) Pitz, Steve (Judy) Pitz, Karen Wendt, Bonnie Pitz, Janet Pitz, Mary (Mark) Brown, and Deby Oberfoell;
along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Marie Pitz; his four grandsons, Skylar Hootmann, C.J. Spiegel, Lucas Spiegel, and Cyril Smith; his brother, Bobby Spiegel; and his brothers-in-law, David Pitz, Ronnie Pitz, and Jeff Oberfoell.
Billy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their professional and compassionate care. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our family, friends and neighbors who have been so generous. We cannot thank you enough for all of the love we have been showered with during these very difficult days and we pray that the Lord blessed each and every one of you for your kindnesses.
To quote Billy…“You never work a day in your life if you love what you do” and “I loved my life”
Online condolences may be shared with Billy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
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James H. Welbes
James H. Welbes, 87, formerly of Dubuque, died on June 1, 2024 at Woodlands Creek Senior Living, in Clive, IA.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Monday, June 10, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
The Mass of Christian Burial for James will be at 10:30 am on Monday, June 10, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.
Jim was born November 13, 1936, in Sherrill, son of Arthur and Mathilda (Nauman) Welbes. On June 20, 1959, he married Carolu Digman in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dubuque.
After graduating from high school, Jim attended vocational school. He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company as well as helping his wife, Carolu, owner and operator of the Dubuque Dance Studio and Gymnastics Club.
Survivors include his wife, Carolu Welbes of Clive; daughter, Candace (Ronald) Winters of Urbandale; brothers, Paul (DeeAnn) Welbes and Pete (Mary Ann) Welbes, both of Dubuque.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
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