Obituaries Archive

Suzanne M. Mueller

Suzanne Mary Mueller, 63, died unexpectedly at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA on August 11th, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. The burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Suzanne was born on August 2nd 1960, in Dubuque, Ia. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.

Suzanne is survived by her mother Dorothy (Donovan) Mueller, sisters: Janice (Loras) Lux, and Kathy (Don) Luallen. Several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and special friends: Barry and Annie.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her father Alvin (Pete) Mueller, grandparents: Vincent and Mary (Schuster) Donovan, Michael and Susan (Kremer) Mueller.

Suzanne lived her life to the fullest, enjoying sewing, camping and baking. She particularly enjoyed her time with family and friends at her backyard pool parties.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Suzanne Mueller has been established.

Dorothy Kunkel

Dorothy Kunkel, 85, of rural Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Bethany Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be held in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 20 at the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Center in Kieler, Wisconsin. The rosary will be recited at 1:40 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9-10:15 a.m. on Monday, August 21 at the church. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Dorothy was born on September 18, 1937, in Balltown, Iowa, the daughter of William and Lucille (Hannan) Jaeger. She married Donald Kunkel on May 29, 1957. They farmed together in Kieler and were blessed with 10 children. Dorothy’s greatest pride was her family. Dorothy was a faithful and devoted wife and mother. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed baking and gardening. Dorothy had a generous spirit and never hesitated to help anyone in need. She would often deliver meals and desserts to relatives during difficult times. She was well known for her delicious fried potatoes and cinnamon rolls!

She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Dorothy is survived by her 10 children, Debbie (Daryl) Hinderman, Jane (Mark) Dietzel, Mary Kay (Fred) Kieler, Karen (Dan) Keeney, Jim Kunkel, Laurie (Vic) Bowden, Joe (Tammy) Kunkel, Jeff (Kathy) Kunkel, Gary (Julie) Kunkel, and Joni (Kevin) Dement.  Also surviving are her 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Brimeyer, Shirley (Norbert) Kress, Phyllis (Jim) Lahey, and Carol (Jack) Specht; a brother, Leon (Connie) Jaeger; her brother-in-law, John (Pat) Kunkel; her sisters-in-law, Darlene and Rose Ann Kunkel; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 2015; her parents, William and Lucille Jaeger; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kilian and Angeline Kunkel; and numerous other family members. 

The family of Dorothy would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Bethany Home and her home care team for their extraordinary care and compassion.

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

Jacqueline M. Dyrke

Jacqueline Margot Dyrke, of Galena, passed on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the home of her daughter, with her family at her side. A service celebrating her Jewish heritage will begin at 1 PM, Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 11:30 AM until the time of service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.  

She was born in Chicago, IL on January 11, 1937, the only child of George and Jean Milcarek.  She was united in marriage to Wayne Dyrke on August 29, 1964.  They moved to Westchester, IL where their two children, Lisa and Peter, were born.  Coming from a family of artists on her mother’s side, Jacquie was always interested in creating artwork.  In grade school and high school, her abilities were recognized.  Jacquie was sent to scholarship classes at the Art Institute when she was attending Von Steuben High School in Chicago.  After graduation, she attended two years at the Art Institute and the University of Chicago.  When her father died suddenly near the end of her second year, she found a job in the commercial art field and met her future husband there.  She worked as a commercial artist for 11 years. Jacquie was known for her highly detailed rock animals, and they were featured in galleries in the Galena area, the Chicago area, and the East Coast.  She started painting them in 1970.  She also won awards for her paintings, mainly painted in acrylic. She was active in the Westchester Art League, Cub Scouts, the Galena Artists Guild, and the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance. 

Jacquie is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Terry) Prindle, and her son, Peter (Donata) Dyrke, sister-in-law, Vanessa, as well as numerous cousins. 

Her husband, Wayne, and her parents preceded her in death. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in memory of Jacquie. 

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Carol A. Ramey

Carol Ann Ramey, 79, of Galena, IL passed away Friday, August 11, 2023, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. A private family service will be held. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born April 13, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo the daughter of Edwin Jr. and Doris (Naylor) Spiegel. Carol graduated in 1961 from John Burrows Preparatory Academy, St. Louis. She received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Archeology at Washington University, St. Louis. Furthering her degree at Northern University in Education. She was united in marriage to Clyde Ramey on September 11, 1978, in Maquoketa, IA. Carol retired from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling in her motor home, and taking cruises through Alaska and the Panama Canal. Carol loved taking care of her animals, reading, attending musicals, and spending her winters in Arizona.

She is survived by her loving husband, Clyde, and her beautiful children, Tom (Ashni) Getter, Donna (Dave) Homuth, Jeff (Kylen) Ramey, Dan (Rachel) Ramey, Jason (Dorothy) Ramey, Jill (Rick) Scott, and Serena (Rick) Jones, her grandchildren, Tyler Getter, Adria Ramey, Audrey Homuth, Hadley and Brea Scott, Carly and Sadie Jones, Ava Ramey, Nate, John, and Alex Pokorny, a brother, Edwin (Nancy) Spiegel III.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be given to your local animal shelter in memory of Carol.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Lisa M. Droeszler

Lisa M. Droeszler, 62, of Kieler, Wisconsin, entered through Heaven’s gates surrounded by her family at home on August 11, 2023, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church, Kieler, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, at Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Kieler, Wisconsin, where there will be a parish scripture wake service at 2:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

She was born on July 6, 1961 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Edmund and Dorothy (Hartung) Holland. Lisa attended Southwestern High School where she met the love of her life, Dan Droeszler. The two of them were high school sweethearts and Prom King and Queen and graduated in 1979. On August 20, 1983, the couple married at St. Francis de Sales Church in Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Lisa attended Capri Cosmetology College and following graduation she worked at JCPenney Styling Salon and Suzanne’s Hair Designers, both in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1990, she opened her own salon, Lisa’s Country Clipper, at their family home which she owned and operated until her diagnosis.

Lisa dedicated her life to raising her five children on the Droeszler family farm. She adored her 14 grandchildren and was most proud of achieving the title  “Grammy Lisa”. Lisa enjoyed biking, walking, helping on the farm, and was always up for a good round of cards. Lisa had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Lisa is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dan Droeszler, Kieler, WI; their five children and fourteen grandchildren, Jeremy (April) Droeszler of Cuba City, WI, parents of Kael, Kanyon, Ridley and Ayda; Holly (Matt) Enns of Post Falls, ID, parents of Addilynn, Brinley, Daniel and Benjamin; Mitchell (Katie) Droeszler of Kieler, WI, parents of Ryann, Brooks and Tucker; Joy (Dustin) Schwobe of Hazel Green, WI, parents of Aria, Leah, and Stella; and Katie Droeszler of Cuba City, WI; her siblings, Karen (Mike) Heinen, David (Cathy) Holland, Dale Holland, Theresa Holland and sister-in-law, Kathy Holland; her in-laws, Doris Berning, Mary Lou and Jerome Puls, Elaine and George Portzen, Franny and Deb Droeszler, Janet and Jim Dietzel, Eldie and Ann Droeszler, and Rita and Joe Placke; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Dorothy Holland; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Rosalia Droeszler; her brother, Larry Holland; and her brother-in-law, Dan Berning. 

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

The family would like to thank everyone at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

The family wishes to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life on August 19, 2023 at the Droeszler Family Farm with Mass starting at 4:30 p.m. and meal, music, and memories to follow. 

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

Betty Lou Klein

Betty Lou Klein, 86 of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023 at her home.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg.  Visitation will continue at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa with burial in St. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Sherrill, Iowa.  Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

Betty was born on November 5, 1936 in Rickardsville, Iowa, daughter of August and Elizabeth (Feldmann) Fortmann. She attended a country school in Rickardsville, Iowa. She married Alfred Klein on April 22, 1958. Betty and Alfred would farm together until he passed on March 30, 1979 at the age of 48, due to cancer.

Betty continued farming with the help of her seven children for a time. She cared for her children while balancing her many roles as a farmer and mother. Betty enjoyed gardening and cooking with her fruitful garden. No one left the house hungry. She cherished the many memories with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved hosting family gatherings providing an abundance of love and food for all.

Betty had a positive outlook on life and shared that with everyone she met. She offered a helping hand and listening ear. She did lots of different cleaning job for people and places, as well as cleaning at Guttenberg Industries.

Survivors include her children: James (Carol) Klein, Carol (Dave) Hampton, Doris (and the late Merl) Meyer, Paul Klein, Peter Klein, Ronald (Regan) Klein, Kenneth (Tonya) Klein; 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; in-laws: Judy Fortmann, Marie Klein, Lois Klein, and Rosemary (John) Faulhaber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Elizabeth Fortmann; husband, Alfred; brothers: Lavern Fortmann in infancy, Bernard Fortmann, Robert Fortmann; son-in-law, Merl Meyer; in-laws: Edmund and Susan Klein, Melvin Klein and Cletus Klein.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com.  Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

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.