Obituaries Archive

Donald H. Von Lehmden

Donald H. “Bud” Von Lehmden, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and formerly of Dyersville, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at Kramer Funeral Home from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Thursday prior to funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate and American Post 137 will accord Military Honors.

Donald was born on February 8, 1930, in New Vienna, Iowa, the son of Cornelius and Eleanor (Funke) Von Lehmden.  He married Rose Ann Konzen on November 14, 1950, in Dyersville and they enjoyed 69 years together. He enlisted in the Army and served from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean War.  His profession was hauling milk for over 40 years and for nearly half of those years he owned and operated WVL Transport, with good friend Jim Wegmann. He was a 70-year member and past commander of American Legion Post 137.  Bud helped many people with his long-time involvement in the AA program. He loved telling stories about his childhood to his children and grandchildren and had the best memory when it came to remembering important dates. He was an avid bowler and lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. These last few years he enjoyed weekly visits from grandkids and great grandkids, and loved phone calls from other family members and good friends.

Survivors include his children: Rob Von Lehmden of Dyersville, Terry (Chris) Von Lehmden of Peoria, AZ, Lisa (Doug) Pettinger of Boise, ID, Lori Yardley of Clive, IA, and Lynn (Ken) Lueck of Fairfax, IA; 9 grandchildren: Dade (Tara) Pettinger, Arly (Tyler) Coe, Bree (Brayden) Israel, Brandon and Cassie Yardley, Chloe (Nolan) Even, Halle (Ethan) Howard, Avery and Maggie Lueck; 5 great grandchildren, Charlie and Mack Howard, James Pettinger, Leo Even and Wesley Coe, and another great grandchild due soon; his sister, Ruth Kinmonth of Bellevue.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosie in 2020, one son, Tom Von Lehmden; siblings: Marlene (Lawrence) Oberbroeckling, Pearl (Edwin) Oberbroeckling, Viola (Gilbert) Knipper, Velma (Burnell) Lynch, and George Kinmonth; in-laws: Ramona (George) Esch, Lestor Konzen, Grace (John) Ernster, Howard (RoseMary) Konzen.

Special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Mercy for the wonderful care shown to both of our parents and our family.

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.

Elizabeth Gartner

Betty Gartner, 100, of Dubuque, passed away June 1, 2023 at Hawkeye Care Center.

A farewell toast visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque followed by a funeral service at 2 pm.  The Eulogy will be presented by Michael Bagby.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

She was born on April 27, 1923, to William and Loretta (Traeger) Bronn in Randalia, Iowa.  Betty was united in marriage to George C. Gartner on June 24, 1942 in Washington D.C.  Together they raised four children Merideth, Jeanne, Bruce and Bob.  They were original members of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Betty loved to collect cookbooks, listen to Betty Thomas on the radio and writing a plethora of recipes on anything available. She showed her love by cooking for her family, others and the neighborhood children.  Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. Betty’s favorite ritual was watching Lawrence Welk.  She REALLY enjoyed “shopping” (aka) going to casinos where ever her driver could find one.

Betty was the “lunch lady” at St. Joseph’s Grade school for many years.  She was an active member of the Women’s Altar and Rosary Society and the Betty’s Club.

She was a homemaker, however, the families of the Gartner Printing Co. supported the business by spending numerous hours collating, assembling, and various other tasks at home.

To know her was to love her. If you had the privilege of knowing Betty in any capacity then you had the opportunity to witness true beauty, grace, wit and wisdom.  She was able to celebrate her 100th birthday weeks ago with a party of the century surrounded by all her beloved friends and family that wore shirts praising her for 100 years of wisdom, laughter and sass.

She’s the absolute reason for a family that’s just bursting with love and it was never lost on her.  Betty loved cooking and being a home-maker and was incredibly proud to be a mom to her 4 children, grandma to 12 and great grandma to 16.   She marveled how there was “never a dull moment,” and enjoyed hearing about everyone’s busy lives as much as she enjoyed re-telling everyone she could about them.

She met, fell in love, and married George Gartner in a whirlwind romance that was made for the big screen.  She saw him and told her girlfriends without reservation that he was going to take her home that night.  She loosened her skating lace so she’d fall directly in front of him and the rest made for a timeless love story.

They were married for over 50 years and just the mention of his name 32 years after his passing could still light up her entire face.  It was an absolute testament to how deeply she was able to love.  She would always say that she and George never fought and at 100 years young she was still offering the best and most beautiful advice she could. “Never say harsh words because you can’t take them back and always kiss everyone goodnight.”  We ask that anyone that knows her or reads this to please continue her legacy of love by keeping this advice in mind.

She will be dearly missed by those left to treasure her memory. She was an absolute gem…the kind this world was so much better for having known.

Betty is survived by her children, Merideth (Steven) Hirsch of Asbury, IA, Jeanne Mast of Independence, IA , G. Bruce (Bev) Gartner of Iowa City, IA, and Robert “Bob” (Mary) Gartner of S. Elgin, IL; 12 grandchildren: Brian, Matt and Stephanie Hirsch, Jennifer Bowersox, John and Mark Mast, Gretchen Mast Collins, Amber McDonald, Adam and Trey Gartner, Lindsey and Josiah Gartner.  There are also 16 great-grandchildren:  M.J., Avery, Morgan, Lena, Lexi, Izzy, Emmett, Vinny, Trevor, Bode, Piper, Holdyn, Maverick, Maya, Becca, Reese.    She is also survived by a brother, William “Junior” Bronn of Fairbanks, IA; a sister, LaFonda Evers of Stephens City, VA.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law, Gary Mast, and grandson, Todd Mast.

A Sincere thank you to her close family of friends at Hawkeye and also Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice of Dubuque.

Jim Roeth

James “Jim” Roeth, 89, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday June 1, 2023 in Madison, WI.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Graveside services will immediately follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens, where military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jim was born January 21, 1934 in Dubuque, and decided to never stop. He was the son of Harold and Dolores (Nelson) Roeth. He served his country with the U.S. Army from 1956-1958. Jim married Gale Miller on January 29, 1955 at Grace Methodist Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1999.  In October of 2002, Jim married Shirley (Walker) Moriarty. She preceded him in death in 2013.

Jim was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for many years until his retirement.

Throughout his years Jim became Jammer and touched many lives and pursued many interests. The Jammer was a dancing fool on roller skates, accomplished on a pedal steel guitar, a tough as nails poker player, and a self described “piece of work”.

Jammer was a Dubuque native and was relatively sure the universe revolves around the tri-state area. After 87 years he moved to Madison to be closer to his kids and able to meet his great grand-daughter Eloise, living proof of the continuum of life.

Jim also enjoyed camping and riding his motorcycle. He was an avid bowler, and at age 77 became the oldest person in Iowa to bowl his one and only 300. He was a member of the American Pencil Collector Society.  Jim was well liked and sociable, and though he met many strangers, they were never strangers for long, as Jim had the gift of finding a connection with anyone. He was very generous with friends and family.

Jim is survived by two children, Rhett (Laura) Roeth, and Rhonda (Kevin) McAllister, both of Madison, WI; two grandchildren, Kelly Roeth, and Michelle (Adam) Wente and their daughter, Eloise Joy, all of Madison; three step-children and their families, Kim (Dan) Rohner, of Dubuque, Tim Moriarty, of Minneapolis, MN, and Tod (Dee) Moriarty, of Waukee, IA; his brother-in-law,  Ross (Anita) Miller, of Topeka KS; his sister-in-law, Mary Fumuso, of Fond du Lac WI; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to both wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Jeanne Quade, Ken, Don, Gary, and RaeAnn Roeth.

Memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice.

Grace M. Gotto

Grace M. Gotto, 97, of Bankston, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Visitation for Grace will be held from 3 to 8 p.m, Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held at 9 am on Friday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial for Grace will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held at St. Clements Cemetery in Bankston, Iowa.

She was born November 12, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and Marie (Ellerbach) Wilwert.  She received her education at St. Clements School in Bankston.  On October 28, 1948, she was united in marriage to Leon Gotto at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on April 14, 1976.

She was a member of St. Clements Parish and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

She was always up for a good euchre game, she was an avid sport fan, especially of the CUBS and Hawkeyes.  She made and gave away 100’s of quilts over the years.  she loved living on the farm.  Most of all she treasured the time spent with family and friends

She is survived by her eight children, Karen (Jerry) McAllister, Donna (Jon) Loes both of Cascade, Mary Kay Georgen, Diane Simon, and Laurie (Peter) Simon all of Farley, Lois (Mike) Kruse of Petersburg, Dan (Judy) Gotto, and Joe (Sherry) Gotto both of Bankston; 30 grandchildren; 87 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; one brother, LaVerne (Joan) Wilwert of Bankston, a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Anthony of Holy Cross, and a brother-in-law, Ralph and Nancy Gotto of Burnsville, MN.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sons-in-law, Carl Simon, and Steve “Punk” Georgen; a grandson, Cory Simon on September 26, 1972; a great granddaughter, Natalie Kluesner; one brother, Norbert (Germaine) Wilwert; brother-in-law, Cletus and Rosella Gotto.

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

Lynn Beauchamp

Lynn Beauchamp passed away at the age of 81 on February 7, 2023.

He was born on July 11, 1941, to Irvin and Dorothy Beauchamp of Winfield, IA. As the only child, he passed his time by his interest in hunting in the woods and fields behind his childhood home.  In high school, he survived a scary car accident caused by a front tire blowout, causing the car he was riding in to spiral in the air, landing upside down.  Thankfully, he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, so he was ejected from the vehicle before taking the worst of the crash.  His recovery in the hospital is where he met his future wife who was with friends from his class visiting him.  He and Mary Jo (Jody) got married June 11, 1961.

He later graduated from Wesleyan University and then got his mortuary license from Milwaukee, WI.  They moved to Dubuque, IA shortly after, where he worked in the mortuary business for several years.  Upon the arrival of his first child (Brad), the unpredictable hours of the mortuary business became the motivator for Lynn to take a correspondence course in Drafting, to which he put to use at John Deere for many years.  A couple years later, his 2nd son (Randy) was born.

While Lynn and Jody raised a young family, he continued his interest in hunting and trap and target shooting, being a member of Izaak Walton and the Dubuque Rifle and Pistol Club.  After he retired from John Deere in 1995, he and Jody became “snowbirds” between Dubuque and Phoenix, AZ, where they enjoyed the nicer winter weather and spending time with grandkids and Jody’s family.  Over a year after Jody passed away in 2019, Lynn moved to Scottsdale, AZ full time so his sons could take better care and spend time with him there.  While there, Lynn enjoyed time with his sons and grandkids on many occasions.

A private family burial will be held at the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, IA.

Patricia J. Dougherty

Patricia Jean Dougherty, age 80, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2023, after a long illness, cared for by her loving family. She was a warm and wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was kind and intelligent, one of the world’s great storytellers, and a connoisseur of really good jokes.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9th, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Steve Rosonke officiating. The burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

She was born on April 7, 1943, in Dyersville Iowa, to Lonald and Leona (Jasper) McElmeel. The youngest of five children, she grew up in a fun-loving family and remained close to her siblings throughout her life. She graduated from St Francis Xavier School high school in Dyersville and enjoyed her career at Life of Mid-America Insurance in Dubuque where she worked as the agency secretary.

She married William Dougherty of Dubuque on June 22, 1973. During their fifty happy years together, they nurtured their own close-knit family, with daughter Christina (Fortmann) and son Shawn. She cared for her family as a stay-at-home mother, and later worked at Shaffer Photography. She was devoted to her granddaughters Ella and Maddy Fortmann, and her son-in-law, Tony Fortmann.

She loved lively conversation, good food, digging in the dirt in her backyard where she grew beautiful flowers, and being Irish. No one enjoyed the holidays more than she did, and to her, Christmas night was the perfect opportunity to begin planning for the next Christmas. She loved to shop and read and play the slots. She had a deeply sympathetic heart and could see the humor in any situation. More than anything, she loved to laugh.

Besides her immediate family, she is survived by her sister, Bernadine Thielen, of Dyersville, Iowa, her brother-in-law Patrick Dougherty, her sister- and brother-in-law Carol and Joe Stecher, and many adoring nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lynell McElmeel, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, sister Donna Shaffer and her husband, James Shaffer, of Dubuque, her sister Kathleen Luensmann and her husband David Luensmann, of Denver, Colorado, and brother-in-law Gene Thielen, of Dyersville, Iowa.

Pat’s family would like to thank Chris from Hospice of Dubuque for providing such kind and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Terence H. Beresford

Terence “Terry” H. Beresford, 75, of Dubuque, IA and Sun City Center, FL passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by his family following a  stroke.

Visitation for Terry will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road Dubuque, Iowa.   There will also be visitation at the funeral home at  9:30 a.m. on June 5, 2023 prior to the funeral mass.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque, with Rev. Steve Rosonke presiding.  Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Farley, IA where Military Honors will be afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Terry was born July 30, 1947, in Key West, IA, the son of Walter and Viola (Sweeney) Beresford.  He graduated from the former St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, IA in 1965.  Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy.  He worked  at the Illinois Central Railroad after his military service. Terry began his career with John Deere Dubuque Works in 1969, where he remained until his retirement in 2001.  On September 6, 1969, he was united in marriage to Donna Willenbring at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, IA.

Terry was a member of the St. Anthony’s Parish in Dubuque, IA.  He volunteered for many years setting up lights for the annual Reflections in the Park display.  One of his favorite things to do was watch Iowa football games with his family.  Terry was a keeper of many things and he avidly enjoyed attending garage sales.  His sense of humor was unmatched and you could always count on him for a good laugh. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  Terry enjoyed spending time at Stone Cliff Winery with his wife and many friends who he met along the way.  He looked forward to spending winters in Sun City Center, FL with their Florida family.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Dubuque, IA; his children, Todd (Sherri) Beresford of Chagrin Falls, OH, Jamie (Tiffany) Beresford of Dubuque, IA, a son-in-law, Luke Schmitz of Dubuque, IA; 12 grandchildren, Katie (Jacob) Schoop, Lindsey (Michael) Kessler, Sarah (Joe Schueller), Hannah (Austin Kluck), Matthew Schmitz, Grace Schmitz, and Ally, Ashton, Aiden, and Ava Beresford, and Giovanni and Maia Ramos; 7 great grandchildren, Ava, Lyla, Jaxon, William, and Evelynn Schoop, and Charlie and Elizabeth Kessler; his siblings, Donna (William) Gerken of Farley, IA, Nelda (Patrick) Kennedy of Placid, IA; Other survivors include sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean Ann (John) Heiberger of Epworth, IA, Jim (Joan) Willenbring of Farley, IA, and Deb (Steve) Singley of Coal Valley, IL.

Terry was greeted at heaven’s gate by his beloved daughter, Stacy Schmitz, and his granddaughter, Baby Sophie.  He was also proceeded in death by his three sisters, Melrose (Marvin) Schute, Darlene (Ray) Fries, and Nona (Gus) Rossknecht; three brothers, Jimmy, Tommy and William (Bill) Beresford.

In lieu of flowers a Terrence Beresford Memorial Fund has been established.

An online video may be viewed, and online condolences left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Janice K. Barker

Janice “Jan” K. Barker, 81, passed away on Friday, June 2nd, 2023 at Stonehill Care Center.  Funeral Service will be 11:30 a.m., Thursday June 8th, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, Iowa.  Family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday June 7th, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Inurnment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.  Jan was born September 11, 1941, the daughter of Virgil and Delores (Fitzgerald) McCullough. She graduated from Havelock High School in Havelock, Iowa. Jan was a hair stylist for many years. Jan also sold newspaper advertisements for many years working at the Maquoketa Shopper. She made crafts, collected porcelain dolls and also enjoyed finding treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores.

Jan enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and was proud of all of them and their accomplishments. She developed a special love for watching her granddaughters dance and looked forward to upcoming recitals or shows of any kind.  Everyone who knew Jan enjoyed her ‘spicy, sometimes feisty, and always fun-loving’ personality!  She was a fantastic cook and the family especially enjoyed her Thanksgiving meals!  She was the matriarch of the family; loved, respected, and cherished by all.  We will miss her every second of every day.

Survivors include her children, Lori Guzinski, Brenda (Alex) Ricketson, Brian (Emily) Westphal, Kelly (Avis) Stroud, Randy (Melinda) Stroud, and Amy (Ritchie Whitmore) Stroud, 13 grandchildren; siblings, Virgie Nagel and Jaquie Vegors.  Jan was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, twin sister Janet Smrkovski, Virgil McCullough and Karen McCullough.

The family would like to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for our loving care of our mother.  A special thank you to Vanessa who kept us informed, loved our mother, and is a forever friend.  

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at:  www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

William G. Bartels

William G. (“Woody”) Bartels, 90, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away on Sunday June 4, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, Friday June 9, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa.  Funeral services and a Mass will then be held immediately thereafter at 11:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery where American Legion Post #137 will accord military honors.

Woody was born to Edward and Marie (Kluesner) Bartels on August 27, 1932, in Dyersville, Iowa the 5th of 15 children.  He attended school in Dyersville at St. Francis Xavier High School.  Woody was drafted in the U.S. Army and served 2 years from 1953-1955 being stationed in Munich, Germany.  After his military service, Woody returned to Iowa and shortly thereafter began his career at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works, retiring in 1989, after 30 years of service.

Throughout his life, Woody was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman.  His passion for golf was well-known throughout the community, as evident by his lifetime membership and activity for over 7 decades with the Dyersville Golf & Country Club.  In 2021, the DGCC expressed their appreciation for Woody by dedicating a memorial bench in his honor and placing it on the 3rd tee of the golf course.

Woody was also a member of the Sportsman’s Club in Dyersville, the American Legion Post #137, the Knights of Columbus Council 1734, and the Dyersville Recreation Committee.

Of utmost significance was Woody’s lifetime relationship with St. Francis Xavier Basilica, being active in many roles with the church, especially as a proud member of the Basilica Choir for over 70 years.

Woody is preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother Dale Bartels of Dyersville, IA, and his sisters Myrna Carty of Sun Prairie, WI, Phyllis Bartels of Hazel Green, WI, Joyce Caruso of The Villages, FL, and Rosemary Frericks, Joan Bartels, and Kay Krapfl, all of Dyersville, IA.

He is survived by his sons David Bartels of Walnut Creek, CA, Bruce Bartels of Platteville, WI, Ken (Carol) Bartels of Tehachapi, CA, Tim Bartels of Portland, OR, and daughter Amy (Robert) Weckworth of Greensboro, NC.

His surviving siblings include brother John “Zoobie” Bartels of Moore, OK, and sisters Emily Bartels of Dyersville IA, Doris Crow of Dubuque, IA, Bevlin Bartels of Hazel Green, WI, Marlene (Steve) McAleer of Monticello, IA, Patricia Bartels of Elk Horn, WI, and Nancy (Bert) Fairchild of Woodbury, MN. 

Woody was also a proud and loving Grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Grandchildren: Tori Bartels and Ryan Bartels (David); Caitlin (Jordan) Frederick, MacKenzie (Jordan) Kress and Trey Bartels (Bruce); Alexis (Anthony) Bartels-Popelar and Andrew Bartels (Ken); Jenna Bartels and Natalie Bartels (Tim); Meg Weckworth and Kevin Weckworth (Amy).

Great-grandchildren: Mabel Frederick and Kiya Frederick (Caitlin).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Francis Xavier Basilica, or Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Susan L. Miller

Susan Lynn (Wirzbach) Miller, 74, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A/M, on Monday, June 5, 2023, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, Dubuque, with Fr. Tom McDermott, Fr. Dave Schatz, and Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 A/M – 10:45 A/M, on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Church.

The Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, is serving the family.

Sue was born on August 16, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Nauman) Wirzbach. She was a graduate of Wahlert High School, Class of 1966. She then attended Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, IA, and received her LPN degree. She later received her RN degree from NICC in Peosta, IA. She married Robert J. Miller on October 17, 1980, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.

Sue had a great love for nursing and had a 40+ year career at Xavier Hospital and Mercy Hospital, both in Dubuque, primarily in the Intensive Care, Cardiac Medical and Cardiac Rehab units. She was very proud to be a “Mercy Nurse”. She loved the patients, physicians, and fellow staff she worked with during her career.

Sue was a proud mother to her (2) children, Rachel and Scott, and proud Grandma to (5) grandchildren, Cameron, Cora, Claire, Caleb and Cooper. She loved to sew clothes for Rachel and Scott, was a great cook, adored her dogs, Charley, Shannon, and especially Cheena, and for many years enjoyed the card club with her fellow nurses.

Surviving are her husband, Robert (Bob, R J); (2) children, Rachel (Nema) Hosseini, of Fitchburg, WI, and Scott (Sara) Miller, of Dubuque, IA; (5) grandchildren, Cameron Hosseini, Cora Miller, Claire Hosseini, Caleb Hosseini, and Cooper Miller; her siblings, Bob (Jean) Wirzbach, Karen (Don) Curler, Jean Wirzbach (Kate Hoover), Tom (Angie) Wirzbach; her in-laws, Bill (Joni) Miller and Mary Ann (Mike) Koch; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Bob & Millie Wirzbach; Baby Miller (in infancy); her sister and brother-in-law, Janet (Tom) Noel; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Homer and Lillian (Kuhl) Miller.

THE FAMILY REQUESTS NO FLOWERS. A Susan L. Miller Memorial Fund has been established.  If not at the Visitation/Mass, memorials may be sent to – Robert Miller, 4682 Camelot Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002.  Memorials will be designated to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society and the Dubuque Food Pantry.

The family wishes to thank Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the care given to Sue during the long journey and illnesses she endured.

Online condolences may be left at www.millerfhed.com

Madonna M. Berg

Madonna M. (Matous) Berg, 80, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away unexpectedly at 4:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Finley Hospital, in Dubuque, IA.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7th, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Madonna was born on August 17, 1942 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Melvin and Mae (Green) Matous. On October 15, 1960 she was united in marriage to Donald W. Berg at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Madonna was formerly employed in housekeeping at Stonehill Care Center until her retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque. She loved spending time with her family, gardening, traveling to various destinations and of course her casino trips.

Surviving is her husband, Donald W. Berg; two children, June (John) Quinn of Crosby, TX, and Donald, Jr. of East Dubuque; two grandchildren, Johnathan and Stephen; two great-grandchildren, Genesis and Vianna; her siblings, Nancy (Kenneth) Clayton of Sherrill, IA, Helen (Kenneth) Heacock and Melvin (Judy) Matous Jr. both of Dubuque; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mae Matous.

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

Connie T. Helling

Connie T. Helling, 84, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023 at Luther Manor in Dubuque, IA.

Private family services will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery

Constance (Connie) Theresa Leibold was born in Jamestown Township, Grant County, WI on July 7, 1938 to William V. and Mary (Sherman) Leibold. She grew up in East Dubuque, IL and attended St. Mary’s grade school in East Dubuque and St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque, IA.

She married Richard Anthony Helling on July 18, 1959. They later divorced.

Connie worked for several years at Dubuque Telephone Answering Service and later at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA. Mom enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Christy (John) Kirk of Dubuque, IA, Cheri (Michael) Sullivan of Land O’Lakes, FL and Cathy Jo (Stephen) LeGrand of Elkhorn, NE, 8 grandchildren, Nicholas (Anna) Kirk, Sarah (Matt) Breitbach, Taylor (Mike) Noto, Michael (Maddie) Sullivan, Brendan (Michelle) Sullivan, Ashley (Geoff) Rozovics, Alex (Brittany) LeGrand and Anakin LeGrand, 11 Great Grandchildren, JJ and Cole Kirk, Michael and Quinn Noto, Violet, Jordan and Natalie Sullivan, Addison, Gavin and Ayla Rozovics and Everleigh LeGrand. Sister’s Mary Jo May of Fairplay, WI and Lisa (Russ) Potter of Overland Park, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Dr. Frederick May.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and attention to mom, especially in her final days. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Mary K. Loney

Mary K. Loney, age 63, of Dubuque, IA, went to be home with the Lord on June 1, 2023, at Sunnycrest Manor, while surrounded by her family and closest friends, after a life-long battle with Myoclonic Epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERFF) disease.  To honor Mary’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 12:00 noon at the Tri-State Community Church, 12937 Derby Grange Road in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on December 23, 1959, in Aurora, IL, a daughter to Robert and Anna (Guetel) Besch.  She grew up with a distinct love for all that was good in this life and her family eventually moved to Dubuque when she was young.  She was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’79.  Mary went on to spend her working years in the housekeeping department at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque until her health issues deteriorated and Mary was forced to stay at home with her family.  In time, Mary met her soul-mate, Mark Loney, and the couple was united in marriage on April 25, 2003, and were blessed with 20 loving years together.  They became lifelong members of the Tri-State Community Church where her love for God and family grew with each passing day.  Mary was blessed with a kind and gentle heart that had no limits and was always ready to talk to anyone the Lord brought across her path and made countless new friends throughout the process.  Spending time with family and friends was Mary’s greatest joy, and any opportunity to get a little camping, or side-by-side rides in were always considered a great way to pass the time.  Mary’s love for her husband, daughter, three grandsons, and her unofficial granddaughter was continually on display and never in question.  But, Mary’s heart didn’t stop with the people around her, she also adored the pets that the Lord brought into her life and she had been blessed with countless hours of joy with her cats and dogs by her side as well.  It’s difficult to imagine moving forward in the physical world around us without Mary’s bright love and light residing within it.  Her legacy of love will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her and we thankfully find peace in the fact that Mary is now free from her earthly struggles and presently residing in absolute eternal perfection in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Mary, for reminding us that this life is a temporal one from the very moment we arrive and each day we are given here is simply another day to give God the glory and build up our treasures in Heaven where rust and thieves can never touch them.  Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her loving husband of 20 years,
Mark Loney, Dubuque, IA;

her adored daughter,
Rachel (Justin Lumley) Besch, Dubuque, IA;

her three grandsons,
Aden, Blake, and Waylon;

her unofficial granddaughter,
Kayla Pergande;

her siblings,
Bernie (Cindy) Besch, Peosta, IA,
Bernadette (Bob) Cobleigh, Hartford, WI,
and Karen Healy, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Florian “Skeeter” Besch; her father-in-law, Del “Babe” Loney; and many beloved pets.

Mary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sunnycrest Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of the professional and compassionate care they have provided to Mary and her family. Your sincere kindness brought Mary much peace when she needed it most and for that we are forever grateful.

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

Millie Schroeder

Millie (Kluck) Schroeder, 96, passed away peacefully in her home in Dubuque, surrounded by her 7 children on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kenned Road. There will be no public funeral service.

Millie demonstrated a strong love and devotion to her children and especially to the love of her life, Don, to whom she was married for 66 years.

Known for her resilience, organization and quirky humor, Millie was an avid golfer (proud of her ‘hole in won’), an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed crocheting, camping, square dancing and Lawrence Welk.

She is survived by Sandi(Tom) Butler-CA, Susie (Lorie) Kluesner-FL, Connie (Jim) Kuekan-NH, Tom (Trish Wagner)-VA Jerry (Pam Huseman)-Dubuque, Julie (Matt) Shallow-VA, Jeff (Amy Seipp)-Dubuque, 18 Grandchildren, 19 Great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Donald, parents, Sylvester and Ida (Fleege) Kluck, siblings Merlin, Roman, Elmer, Lorraine (Stone), Hazel (Strohmeyer), Janet (Millier) and great grandson, Connor Hume.

The family expresses great appreciation for the long term devoted and tender care by Jerry and Pam with whom she lived and the recent services and kindnesses provided by Care Initiatives Hospice.

Robert Clark

Robert “Bob” Clark , 89, of Dubuque, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, June 5, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Robert will be 10:00 am Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens in Dubuque.

Robert was born January 17, 1934, in New Lisbon, WI, the son of Walter Odell and Julia Marguerite Pearsall Clark. On June 30, 1963, he married Jeloyce Grace Brunning.  She died October 4, 2008.

He graduated from New Lisbon High School and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in agriculture & Science.

He worked in the shipping and parts department at John Deere Dubuque Works.

Bob was a member of the Masons.  He enjoyed wood carving, spending time with his grandchildren, and reading.

Survivors include one daughter, Ellen (Arthur) Craker of Hebron, IL; two sons, Eric M. Clark of Urbandale, and Paul Clark of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Brad, Kayla, Robert, Magenta; one brother, Keith (Edna) Clark of Dubuque.

Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William and Carroll Clark and one sister, Shirley Oakes.

A special thank you to his neighbor Tom Jacks.

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Bob’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.