Obituaries Archive

John T. Riedl

John “Jack” T. Riedl, 90, of Dubuque passed away May 17, 2024, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a parish wake service at 2:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, with Rev. Andy Upah officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Family Church Cemetery New Melleray. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jack was born February 3, 1934, in Dubuque the son of John and Philomena “Minnie” (Krug) Riedl.

He attended Holy Ghost School and Loras Academy and served in the US Army from 1955-1957. Jack married Ruth Agnes Tucker April 30, 1957, at Holy Family Church New Melleray, and together they shared 67 years of marriage.

He worked at John Deere for 30 years until retirement and was a member of UAW #94.

Jack was most of all a loving family man, who also enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, especially Euchre, watching gameshows, a good coke high or margaritas.

He is survived by his wife Ruth A. Riedl; daughters Karen O’Brien (Eldridge IA), Diane Riedl (Dubuque), Linda (Scott) Ellis (Peosta); grandchildren Karla (Patrick) Brennan (Cedar Rapids IA), Greg (Erika) O’Brien (Donahue IA), Michael O’Brien (Mundelein IL), Felicia Ellis (Peosta); great-grandchildren, William and Gemma Brennan, Noah O’Brien and one on the way; sister Barb (Lloyd) Auderer (Dubuque); brother Thomas (Suzanne) Riedl (Dubuque); in-laws Edna Mae Tucker, Carolyn (Clyde) Thielen, Coletta Tucker, and Francine Tucker; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack is preceded in death by a daughter Kathy; his parents; son-in-law Robert O’Brien; 2 sisters Marcella (Glen) Coyle, and Rita (Albert “Bud” Mohr, Aloysius Koos) his-in-law’s Robert Tucker, Mary Jane and Sylvester Hoffmann, Alan Tucker, and Carl Tucker.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Jack’s name may be made to Area Residential Care of Dubuque.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Tri-State Dialysis, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Kristopher J. Schlitz

Kristopher James Schiltz, 41, 1019 Rhomberg Ave, Dubuque, IA passed away on May 14th, 2024 at home.

Celebration of Life for Kris will be on Friday, June 7th 2024 at Swiss Valley Park – Green Ash Pavilion, 13069 Swiss Valley Road, Peosta, IA 52068 – From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

He was born on April 27th 1983, in Dubuque, IA the son of Don J. Engler and Sandra L. Schiltz. Kris graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and worked many jobs throughout his life ranging from manual labor to factory work.

Kris was an avid outdoorsman. He loved everything from camping and fishing to simply riding one of his prized bicycles around town. One of his favorite summer past times was fishing. He also enjoyed sketching and journaling. He was a collector of many things and loved sharing his treasures with friends and family. Kris enjoyed local history, and always had an interesting story to share. If Kris wasn’t practicing his parkour, Jui Jitsu, then you would have found him playing blues on his harmonica.

He is survived by his son Taylor J Schiltz and partner Brayden Bock, mother Sandra L Schiltz and brother Andrew J Schiltz. As well as Nicole Kammiller-Ernzen (Taylor’s mother) and Ryan Driscoll (Andrew’s partner) and his uncle Jerry Pins who hold a very special place in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents James and Genevieve Schiltz, his father Donald J. Engler, his aunt Terri L. Schiltz and his sister Jennifer A. Schiltz.

Eldon J. Weber

Eldon J. “Eldie” Weber, 82, of Cascade, Iowa passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Accura Healthcare in Cascade, Iowa from complications of a recent stroke.

Friends and relatives of Eldie may call from 4  to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Services for Eldie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

He was born February 1, 1942 Dyersville, Iowa, son of Edward and Helen (Hess) Weber.   On May 2, 1963 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Rogers at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade.  She preceded him in death on August 16, 2013.

He was employed at John Deere Dubuque works until his retirement in 1993.

He was a member of St. Matthias Parish, the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council # 930, the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly Council #1573 and a Retired UAW member of Local #94.

He enjoyed going to the Casino.  He loved to mow his grass and took great pride in having the best yard around.   He would go all out decorating for the holidays with all his indoor and outdoor lights.  He enjoyed wood crafting and putting in a large garden.  He always enjoyed his pepsi, potato chips, cheetos and popcorn.

He is survived by 6 children, Kevin (Alisha) Weber of Springville, IA, Kris (Fred) Fischer,  Ken (Melissa) Weber, Kathy (Craig) Gehl, Karen (Tom) Holmes all of Cascade, IA and Kim (Brian) Bradley of Dubuque, IA; 20 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren with one due in September; a sister, Janet Heery of  Dubuque, IA; a sister-in-law, LouAnn Weber of Cedar Rapids, IA; his in-laws, Merlin and Rosie Rogers of Monticello, IA, Rick and Linda Rogers of Dubuque, IA and Susan and Tony Stille, Lois and Dennis Merkes and John and Annette Rogers all of Cascade, IA.

He is also  preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Denny Weber, Tommy Weber, Ronnie Weber and Terry Weber; a brother-in-law, Michael Rogers, and two nephews, Jeremy Merkes and Scott Heery.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family of Eldon would like to thank the staff of Accura Healthcare in Cascade, Hospice of Dubuque, and Unity Point-5 North staff for all the wonderful care given to dad.

Stanley Robey Jr.

Stanley “Butch” Robey Jr., 75, of Dubuque, died on May 14, 2024 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20, at the Egelhof, Siegert, & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, where visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Stanley was born May 13, 1949 in Dubuque, Iowa to Stan and Bernice (Peterson) Robey. He was passionate about stock car racing, and he owned a stock car with his brother, Gene, for many years. He loved racing at area tracks.

If you were ever searching for him, he could always be found walking down the street to Steve’s Point garage to talk to his friends. He was an avid Hawkeye fan, and loved watching the Hawks play basketball and football.

He is survived by his sister, Beverly (Morry) Schwendinger; nieces Jennifer (Warren) Kizer and Stacy (Rob) Johannsen, Mackenzie Robey (Heath Egdorf) and Kristina Robey (Dylan Flanagan); a nephew, Jason Robey; great nieces Madison, Emma, and Isabella; and great nephews Nevyn and Ethan.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Eugene “Gene” and Dean, and his parents Stan and Bernice Robey.

Richard V. Schneider

Richard V. “Dick” Schneider, age 89, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:27 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Ennoble Nursing and Rehab.  To honor Dick’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon David Roth officiating.  Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Dick was born on February 7, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of William and Mabel (Sexsmith) Schneider.

Dick graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School, Class of 1950, and later in life he proudly earned his GED.  He married Jacqueline Oswald on October 19, 1958, and they had 4 children together.  Sadly, she passed away on January 19, 1999.  Dick worked as a lens grinder at American Optical for 27 years and in guest services at the Julien Hotel for 14 years.  He later married Nancy Olds Latham on February 14, 1987.  Sadly, Nancy passed away on May 8, 2017.  He was extremely devoted to his faith and reading his bible, and Dick happily shared his faith with everyone around him.  In his free time Dick enjoyed going out country dancing, staying home watching WWE Wrestling and going swimming at the beaches.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, especially his best friend, Bob Reding.  Dick was a kind and gentle soul who always did all he could to help others.  He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include

his children,
Debra (George) Croft, Dubuque, IA,
Scott (Karen) Schneider, Johnston, IA
and Daniel (Ginger) Levi, Pineville, LA;

9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren;

and a sister-in-law,
Ethel Schneider, Dubuque, IA.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy Schneider; a daughter, Lynda Lee; and 4 brothers, Jim Schneider, William Schneider, Frank (Eva) Schneider and Tom (Karen) Schneider.

Dick’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Care Initiatives, Ennoble Nursing and Rehab and Hospice of Dubuque.  Your kindness is appreciated more than words can stay.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Dick’s memory to be donated to his favorite charities.  Cards may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dick Schneider Family.

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

Eldon Duffy

Eldon “Dick” Duffy, 78, of Cascade departed his earthly home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Cascade, Iowa after a recent cancer diagnosis.

The family of Dick will greet friends and relatives from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa.  Services for Dick will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.  Burial will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Temple Hill, Iowa.

Dick was born September 21, 1945, in Cascade, Iowa, son of William and Mary (Felton) Duffy.

He grew up on the family farm in Temple Hill, Iowa with nine brothers and sisters,  He attended grade school at St. Peter’s elementary in Temple Hill and graduated in 1969 from Aquin High School in Cascade.

After graduation Dick worked at the Ensign Coil Company in Cascade and then continued his work as a farm laborer for many years for various farmers in the area, namely, Cletus Hughes, Mike Finn and Pat Hughes.  After deciding to take life a little easier he worked part time as a Sanitation Engineer for the City of Cascade, making many lifelong friends.

Dick married Sandra Fields in 1985, they made their home in Cascade, and later divorced.

Dick is survived by one brother, Tom Duffy of Cascade, IA; four sisters, Rose (Kenny) Zeiser of Coggon, IA, Marilyn (Harlan) Zuber of Williamsburg, IA, Mary (Wayne) Koutny of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Carol (Eldon) Rohlena of Pueblo West, CO; one brother-in-law, Dan (Diane) Nolte of Watkins, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jean Nolte in 2010; three brothers, Joe in 2008, Donnie in 2021, Buddy in 2022 and a sister-in-law, Sandy Duffy in 2022.

The family wishes to extended a special thank you to the Accura Health Care center in Cascade for their care of Dick during his final days and to Above and Beyond Hospice, especially Megan as they helped Dick and his siblings for his passing with the utmost respect and care.

Michael J. McCarthy

Michael “Mike” J. McCarthy, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 16th, 2024 at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque surrounded by his family after a short illness.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 21, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mike was born in Dubuque, Iowa on February 12, 1952 to Mary Jane Rowe and Justin Patrick McCarthy. After graduation from Dubuque Senior High School, Mike worked at the Dubuque Packing Co., Thermo-Fischer Scientific, Loras College, IBM, and Menards.

Mike enjoyed many years of membership with the YMCA beginning at the Ninth and Iowa location and continuing when the building moved to Dodge Street, especially playing racquetball with friends.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, including with the food pantry at GracePoint Church.  He found joy in cooking many meals with his friend, chef Dick Hantelmann, making popcorn for family in his large popcorn machine, and restoring furniture with his friend, Mike Laugesen.  When T.J. O’Toole needed assistance with projects at O’Toole’s Office Supply, Mike would be the first to volunteer.

Those left to remember and treasure the memories include his wife of 25 years Dixie L. Shaffer, daughters Cindy (Kevin) Weidemann and Shelby (Mark Reyes) Shaffer, his grandchildren, Josh (Kirsten) Weidemann, Lindsey Weidemann, Hannah Weidemann, his great-grandchildren, Eli Weidemann and Drew Weidemann, and his niece, Heather.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David, his brother, Thomas, and his nephew, Matthew.

Colleen M. Payne

Colleen M. Payne, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home by her Lord on May 15, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a wake service to be held at 12:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Colleen was born December 28, 1946, to Wilma and Melvin Hingtgen. She was the oldest of four children growing up at their home on Southern Avenue. Colleen attended St. Columbkille’s Elementary and graduated from Wahlert Catholic in 1965.

Immediately following graduation, she married “her sweetheart,” Raymond J. Payne, on August 7, 1965, at St. Columbkille’s Church in Dubuque, IA. They raised their three daughters, Mollie, Jeni and Jodi in their Key West home.

Her girls and Ray remember her most as their loving mom and wife. Colleen was a person of service, doing the will of the Father, always ensuring that everyone and everything was taken care of.  Colleen spent many volunteer hours at St. Joseph’s Church, Key West, Iowa.  She was a member of the Rosary Society, Parish Council, script program and decorated the Church for the different seasons.

Many others could easily recognize Colleen from her 32 years at Hy-Vee as a cashier, bringing her warm smile to all.  People would wait just to go through her check-out line.

Colleen found joy in sewing and altering garments for friends and family.  She and her daughter, Jeni, designed Jeni’s wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses.  As a grandma to 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, these skills came in handy.  She spent countless hours cutting squares from her grandchildren’s high school t-shirts, and countless more arranging them exactly right, for their “graduation quilt.”  These quilts are treasures to the grandchildren that were blessed to receive them.  Colleen was a true treasure to all that met her.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 58 years, Ray; her absolute prides’ of joy, their daughters, Mollie (Tim) Bergfeld of Cascade, Jeni (Scott) McAtee of St. Catherine and Jodi (Paul) Sigwarth of Dubuque; her 10 grandchildren, Tyler (Dana) McAtee, Brittany (Jesse) Burnes, Jesse (Alyssa) Bergfeld, Morgan (Lucas) LeGrand, Nathan (Cassie) Bergfeld, Will McAtee, Elizabeth, John, Adam and Kathryn Sigwarth; her 8 (almost 10!) great-grandchildren; her siblings, John (Judy) Hingtgen, Connie (Donnie) McCoy and Lonnie (special friend Sara Swopes) Hingtgen; her in-law family, Karen Payne, Betty Payne, Tim and Myra Payne, Mary Johnson, Ellen and Dave Willis, Ann and Jack Ginter and Sheila and Larry Blatz, as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and her new friends at Mount Carmel Bluffs.  She loved you all.

Colleen will be welcomed at the gates of Heaven by her parents, Wilma and Melvin Hingtgen; her in-laws, Helen and John Payne, Jerry and Phyllis Payne, Jack Payne, Bill Payne, Rita Ambrosy (fiancée Bob Link); and her grandson, Joseph Sigwarth.

“Two hugs the next time.”

The family would like to thank the first responders, the Mercy emergency room team, and the University of Iowa SNICU team for their care of Colleen.

Mary A. Sprank

Mary Anna (Kilburg) Sprank, 92, of Springbrook, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Monday, May 20, 2024 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook.  Visitation for Mary Anna will be held at 9:00 am – 10:45 am prior to Mass at the church on Monday.  Graveside Services will be at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Mary Anna was born June 5, 1931 in Jackson County, the daughter of Anthony and Rosella (Feller) Kilburg.  She married Peter Sprank on November 21, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, he passed on March 13, 2019.  Mary Anna attended Country School Jackson District #9.  Mary Anna (Marian) was a humble, organized, busy woman who wanted no attention brought to herself. She supported and encouraged her family’s endeavors and successes rather than hers. Her first life’s choice was raising her family and farming with her husband. That choice included cooking thousands of meals, gardening, canning and milking cows morning and night for lots of years. Next she chose to care for many more people – both young and adult – by working in the baby room at St. Nicholas and in the kitchen at Mill Valley.

Marian’s home kitchen always had ‘a little something’ ready to eat. Many loaves of bread, buns, and cinnamon rolls came out of her oven and disappeared. For anyone who had time to sit down, there always seemed to be a hamburger on the stove and a piece of pie ready at any hour of the day. For those who were ‘on the run’ there was a ‘handful’ (or a container ) of cookies -most likely monster- or perhaps an Oh Henry bar, ready to grab and go. If anyone left her house hungry it was their own fault.

When not in the kitchen, Marian took the time to sew a quilt or crochet an afghan for each of her children and grandchildren. She perfected her sewing skills by sewing clothes for her children and patching many pants and coveralls! She was always ready to help wherever needed – canning, babysitting, painting, husking sweetcorn, pitting cherries, digging potatoes – whatever anyone was doing at the time.

Many things brought her enjoyment. A chauffeured ride on the country roads of Jackson County or a side by side joy ride on a farm or a road trip for no other reason than a Peanut Buster Parfait or a ride in a combine or watching a grandchild’s ball game/concert or dancing to polka music were enjoyed just as much as a change of scenery by a trip to Mexico, California, Las Vegas or Hawaii.

Mary enjoyed a good game of euchre anytime/anywhere whether with her family or her ‘card ladies’ of the most recent years. They never let her miss a game they could possibly get her to. She truly appreciated their thoughtfulness the last few years.

Marian/Mom/Grandma had a few sayings that applied to many situations: ‘Get a good night’s sleep, things will look different in the morning.’ and ‘Things never stay the same for very long.’

And Mom – As you would have told us – Call when you get there!!!

Survivors include her children; Joyce (Robert) Clarin, Dale (Janet) Sprank, Glen (Gerianne) Sprank, Kate (Charlie) Wojciechowski, Joan (Tery Ehrenberger) Hoffman, Clyde (Carol) Sprank, Sandra (Paul) Gerlach, Duane (Alice) Sprank, and Lori (Ron) Kilburg; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren; siblings and in-laws, Frieda Ernst, Larry (Julie) Kilburg, Patsy Ernst, Betty (Duane) Ernst, and Jeanette Sprank; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended relatives.

Mary Anna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete; siblings and in-laws, Orville (Ivis) Kilburg, Leanna (Eldon) Sieverding, Lillian (Cletus Stillmunkes and Albert Knake) Knake, Rosemary (Orville) Roling, Sylvester (Mary Lee) Kilburg, Cletus (Linda) Kilburg, Donald Ernst, Gregory Ernst, Leo Sprank, Clara (Charles) Lucke, Martha (Sylvester) Schwager, Mavis (Leo) Meier, Edna (John) Leonard, and Ardo Sprank.

A memorial fund has been established in Mary Anna’s memory.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Richard D. Michels

Richard D. “Dick” Michels, age 88, of East Dubuque, and formerly of Waupeton and Dubuque, passed away at 1:55 a.m., on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center.  Per Dick’s wishes there will be no public service.  Burial will be at a later date, on a warm sunny day, in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Those left to cherish Dick’s memory include;

5 children,
Deborah Zabel,
Judith Mitchell,
Christy Stockwell,
Steve (Kim) Michels
and David Michels;

a step-daughter,
Ann (Scott) Moore;

and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 53 years, Gail Michels.

Life – it is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty, well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, worn out and loudly proclaiming, “Wow, what a ride!”.

Greeting cards in Dick’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dick Michels Family.

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

Bruce H. Droessler

Bruce H. Droessler, 79, of Maquoketa passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at home from bile duct cancer, a rare cancer.

Bruce was born to Howard and Katherine “Kay” (Flogel) Droessler in Key West, Iowa, on April 16, 1945. He spent his childhood in LaMotte, Iowa, then moved to Bellevue, where he graduated from Marquette High School in 1964. There, he combined his talent for engineering with the mischievous energy he inherited from his father. In one notable incident, he combined his backpack, a cleverly assembled outfit, and various electronics and accessories to listen covertly, during class, to a World Series radio broadcast. In attempting to better hide his shenanigans from a nun walking by his desk, he inadvertently shook loose a cord from a radio jack, causing a loud outburst. Luckily for him, the nun could not pinpoint the source of the noise or the rascal who caused it — though she likely had her suspicions.

Building on his engineering prowess, Bruce graduated with an applied science and electronics engineering degree from DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago in 1966. He then moved to Florida, where he worked for IBM at Cape Kennedy as a launch technician for numerous Apollo missions, including the Apollo 11 flight that sent Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon. Bruce then worked briefly in New Jersey, where his daughters Tracy and DeeDee were born, before returning to Florida to write computer code for three decades for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin). After retiring in 2002, Bruce returned to Iowa, where he married Deborah “Deb” Roach in 2005.

A lifelong volunteer, Bruce taught his daughters’ elementary school classes about computers, coached numerous youth softball teams, clerked for a Maquoketa state legislator, and for 17 years repaired home medical equipment to prepare it for resale at the Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities ReStore. In addition to taking adventures with his family, Bruce enjoyed genealogy, playing pickleball and golf, sharing the rhubarb that grew abundantly behind his home, and making sure visiting wild birds (and the neighbor’s dog) were well fed.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Droessler; daughters, Tracy (Matt) Larson of Gainesville, Fla,, and DeAnne “DeeDee” (Jon) Hinson of Venice, Fla.; stepdaughter, Sarah (Derek) Paulson of Dubuque, Iowa; stepson, Seth Roach of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Elyse, Evelyn, and David Larson, all of Gainesville, Fla., and Claire, Audrey, Caleb, and Autumn Paulson, all of Dubuque; great-grandson, Luka Paulson-Siegert of Dubuque; sister, Shirley (Patrick) Cloos of Springbrook, Iowa; brother-in-law David Deppe of Bellevue, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Howard and Kay Droessler, and sister, June Deppe, preceded him in death.

Bruce’s final act of love and generosity was to donate his body for medical research.

A visitation will be held on June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Remembrances may be made through contributions to the Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities, Hospice of Jackson County, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Saint Joseph’s Church in Bellevue or the charity of your choice.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 W. Pleasant St., Maquoketa, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Donald L. Schultz

Donald Lynn Schultz of Dubuque, born on the 4th of October 1951 sadly passed away May 16th at 2:30am surrounded by loved ones.

Don started out his life as a son and a brother. He left us as a husband, brother, father, grandfather (papa), leader and mentor. He leaves behind but not alone a wife, sons, daughter, brother, in-laws, 9 grandchildren and countless friends… Loved by all. Don will be missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Celebration of Don’s full life will be at 12:00 pm (Noon) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Msgr. Jim Miller officiating.

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

Mitch Appleby

Mitch Appleby passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 15, 2024, following a long struggle with heart disease.   

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Egelhof Siegert & Casper Funeral Home at 2659 John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at Christ Church Dubuque in Fountain Park, 2728 Asbury Road, led by Pastor Chip Gatto.  Following the service there will be a luncheon at the church.

Mitch was born on August 12, 1946, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Donald Appleby and Aleda Ruth (Taylor) Appleby.  In 1989 he was united in marriage to Leslie Einhorn.  They have three children:  Michael J. Appleby Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Abigail Appleland of Cedar Rapids, and Joshua Appleby of Dubuque.

His three surviving siblings are Bill (Linda) Appleby of Pella, Iowa, Rick (Elaine) Appleby of Loveland, Colorado, and Jim (Mary) Appleby of Newton, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his older brother David (Helen), and by his previous wife Cynthia, who succumbed to cancer.

Mitch retired in 2017 from Dubuque Stamping where he worked for 17 years as Network Administrator.  Prior to that he spent 9 years in Manchester running his own computer business.  He was also previously employed by Daylight Screen in Warsaw, Indiana and by Sea Nymph boat company in Syracuse, Indiana, working as a draftsman.  In his younger years he was a tour guide at the Grand Canyon, and later worked with the group Wandering Wheels, a Christian outreach group based at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana which sponsored bicycle trips across America for college age students.

Mitch was a committed Christian who centered his life around the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was a member of Christ Church Dubuque and participated in the worship team for the Sunday morning services, playing string bass.  The church body has been a second family to him.

Mitch enjoyed working with his hands and was skilled at woodworking, building everything from guitars to sailboats.  He was also an avid motorcyclist.  He played a number of musical instruments, including guitar and string bass.  His other hobbies included baking, sewing, and hunting.  Mitch was able to find enjoyment in many aspects of everyday life.   He took particular interest in learning how things are built and manufactured, and was able to repair almost anything, creating his own tools as needed.

Mitch was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Memorials can be given to Christ Church, 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

LaVonne J. Cook

LaVonne J. Cook, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on May 14, 2024 at Oak Park Place in Dubuque.

A Private Family Service will be held. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

LaVonne was born on July 7th, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Adolf and Charlotte Keehner. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jerry L. Cook on June 23rd, 1951 in Dubuque. He preceded her in death in 2009. Before marriage, she worked at the U.S. Credit Bureau before becoming a homemaker.

LaVonne found joy in the simple things, like bus trips with her daughter and granddaughter, solving puzzles, shopping, and reading – especially every word of the daily issue of the Telegraph Herald. She also loved getting her cup of coffee from Hardee’s in Key West or Village Inn. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she gave freely without expecting anything in return. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her boundless love and selflessness.

LaVonne is survived by her children Jeff L. Cook, Jim L. (June) Cook, and Jeanne L. (Brian) Loeffelholz, grandchildren Gary Cook, Nicole Cook, Garrett Cook, Travis Cook, Amanda (Branden) Blakemore, and Katie (Cruz) Carreno, and great grandchildren Paisley and Tatum Blakemore.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Cook, parents Adolf and Charlotte, and brother Melvin Keehner.

Thank you to the nurses and staff at Oak Park Place and St. Croix Hospice.

Stephen L. Podnar

Stephen L. Podnar, of Scales Mound, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Dubuque, Iowa.

Stephen was born on March 19, 1937, in Center Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, the son of Adam and Frieda Leuenberger Podnar. On September 20, 1958, Steve married Jeanette Bruun at Galena, Illinois. 

He is survived by his wife, sons, Kevin (Ann) Podnar of Scales Mound, IL, and Craig (Sharon) Podnar of Oregon, WI., grandchildren, Jennifer Podnar, Olivia Blythe and Jared Podnar, great grandchildren Beau Podnar and Finley Blythe, sister-in-law Roselyn Bruun and brothers-in law, Gary Fulton and Ronnie Hinzmann, numerous nieces and nephews and by his siblings, Adam Podnar and Rosemary Hodapp. 

He was preceded in death by daughter Susan, grandson Matthew Podnar, his parents, brothers Alex Podnar and Robert Podnar and sisters, Teresa McAvoy, Sandie Podnar and Clara Hinzmann, sister-in-law Nancy Fulton and brothers-in-law Norman Bruun and Tom Bruun and in-laws Willis and Alberta Bruun. 

Steve served in the National Guard and enjoyed sports, fishing, playing cards, western music, and most of all being with family. He was also very fond of Hershey’s Almond Nuggets, Baby Ruths and DumDums. 

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Medical Associate Doctors and staff, Mercy One staff and Hospice of Dubuque.

Family and friends may call   after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20th at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, where funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Libby Rutherford officiating. Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

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