Obituaries Archive
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Mary Hasken
Mary “Fay” Hasken, 97 of Galena, Illinois, passed away peacefully with loving family by her side on Sunday, March 5, 2023. A private family service will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.
Fay was born on September 22, 1925, to Charles and Margaret Zeal. She was married to her husband of 66 years, Edgar F. Hasken until his death in 2008. Together they raised five children. She retired from the Jo Daviess County Courthouse after working many years in the Supervisor of Assessment Office. Not one to sit idle for long, Fay enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, and taking her daily walks. Most of all, she loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed making their favorite desserts: chocolate-green chocolates and the famous Easter lamb and bunny cakes. Grandma Fay, as her grandchildren called her, was the glue that held our family together, preparing holiday dinners for gatherings in her home where we enjoyed the time we shared. We were truly blessed by her presence in our lives.
Fay is survived by her daughters, Sandy Hasken, Janice Harris, and Jackie (Chuck) Werner; daughters-in-law Butchie Hasken and Roxann Hasken; ten grandchildren Patrice (Brian) Kuhn, Paul (Kelli) Hasken, Scott (Carrie) Hasken, Cassie (Kevin) VanWaardenburg, Joshua (Jennifer) Harris, Kelly (Lon) Scheuerell, Jeff Hasken (Shaina Effinger), Lindsey Hasken, Brendan (Autumn) Werner, and Macalister Werner; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; one sister Sally Merschat, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Fay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons Ronald and Rick, her brother Dale (Florence) Zeal, and her sisters Jane (Leslie) Tippet, Rose (Ralph) Simmons, and Joanne (Tom) Fangman and a brother-in-law, Ray Merschat.
Fay’s family would like to send a special thank you to her goddaughter Margo Simmons for her unwavering support and to the exceptionally caring and compassionate people of Hospice of Dubuque.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of Dubuque and to the Glioblastoma Research Organization.
Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Thomas J. Johnson
Thomas James Johnson, age 64, of Dubuque, Iowa, died peacefully on March 5, 2023. To honor Tom’s life, family and friends may gather together for his Celebration of Life from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Dubuque Driving Range, located at 10740 IA-3 in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.
Tom was born on July 1, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, 1 of 8 children to Robert Louis and Marion Elizabeth (Johnson) Johnson.
Tom worked at the Dubuque Blood Bank for some time prior to joining forces with his brothers to start up a construction business in Florida. Tom also worked at Davis Construction locally as a supervisor for the roofing crew. His last stent through his working years was with Key City Window Cleaning. Tom was naturally gifted with a strong work ethic and took great pride in his many accomplishments over the years.
Tom thoroughly enjoyed cooking and also loved fishing on the Mississippi River. Tom always celebrated his birthday on the 4th of July weekend with friends and family at his house. Everyone was always welcome in Tom’s life as he was a kind and genuinely nice man who could make friends with anyone who crossed his path.
Tom’s favorite song was “Patience” by Guns ‘n’ Roses, and patience he possessed beyond measure and shared generously with all who knew and loved him. He truly put love in all of our hearts, and was just an amazing soul who blessed us all without the slightest bit of strain or effort. Absolutely a good and decent man among men who made the world a better place simply by being himself through each and every day.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,
his siblings,
Laura Weidenbacher, Dubuque, Iowa,
Steven (Tami) Johnson, Indiana,
and James “Jimmy” (Candi) Johnson, Dubuque, Iowa;
along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and 4 siblings, Rinda Wolff, Robert “Jay” Johnson, Roberta “Bobbie” Somers, and Roger Johnson.
Tom’s family would like to thank the Davis Place Apartment family, especially Dawn and good friend Jason, for all of their love, patience, and care of Tom.
Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
Michael L. Potter
Michael L. Potter, 78, of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Iowa Veterans Home.
A military graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 2:30 P.M., Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 P.M., Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.
Michael Louis Potter was born on July 14, 1944 in Canton, Iowa, to Louis Eugene and Anna Mae (Risinger) Potter. He was a 1962 graduate of Andrew High School. He then entered the U.S. Army serving his country during the Vietnam era stationed in Germany. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to Iowa and worked for Clinton Corn Company for several years, and then for Connell Supply in Maquoketa and bought a farm. Lastly, he owned and operated his own roofing company until retirement. He enjoyed working and visiting with people.
Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, James “Jim” Potter of Dubuque, IA, Bill (Ardyth) Potter of Nome, AK, Barbara (Clif) Merrick of Maquoketa, IA, Nancy Redmon of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Carol Norville of Venice, FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, brothers Gary and Richard, and a sister Delores Potter.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Helen Till Sheehy
Helen Till Sheehy, age 88, of Dubuque, IA, died March 7, 2023, at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque.
She was born March 10, 1934, in Cascade, IA. She was one of ten siblings of the Till Family. Helen was preceded in death by her mother Mae Till, her father John Till; her brothers Paul Till, Carl Till; sisters Irene Funke, Dola Stoll, Mary Lou Turner, Ruth Graham, Kay Peterchuck; and her husband Keith Sheehy.
Helen is survived by her siblings Gene Till and Elaine Schnoor. She is also survived by her six children – Shawn Weber of Cedar Rapids, IA; Moya Sheehy of Ottumwa, IA; Steve (Julie) Sheehy of Concord, OH; Lisa McFadden of Aurora, CO; Ben (Olga) Sheehy of Highlands Ranch, CO; and Colleen (Maik) Lowe of Franklin, TN. Helen is blessed with 15 grandchildren – Libbie Bettis, Peter Weber, Nick Sheehy, Erin Sheehy, Jason Sheehy, Kelly Sheehy, Courtney Schoger, Eric McFadden, Patrick McFadden, Molly Cooper, Alexandra Sheehy, Sophia Kassianova, Katia Kassionova, Sandi Lewis, Doug Lowe, and Jennifer Lowe.
Helen was a native Iowan with a large family. She and her husband, Keith, raised six children over a span of 15 years. She loved to garden, travel, and treasure hunt. Later in life, she earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa. Her ambition took her to Texas, where she worked for several oil and telecom companies throughout the 1980s. In Texas, she made lifelong friends with the Greenwald Family and treasured that relationship throughout her life. She returned to Iowa for retirement and has enjoyed her life at the Diamond Senior Apartments in Dubuque.
At Helen’s request, her body will be donated to the University of Iowa for the advancement of science.
At her request, no service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com
Doyle D. Smith
Doyle David Smith 86 of Galena, IL passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at his home. A funeral service will be held at Noon, Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may call after 10:30 AM, until the time of service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.
He was born May 30, 1936, in Indianola, MS the son of Burle and Lilly (Maddox) Smith. Doyle was raised in Tupelo, MS. He was united in marriage to Carol Rousseau on January 6, 1962, in Waukegan, IL. Doyle and his wife Carol moved to Galena in 2000. He enjoyed the McDonald’s “Lunch Bunch”, talking about politics and helping candidates’ campaigns. Doyle enjoyed traveling to Alaska, through Europe, and the Louisiana back roads tour.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Kenneth Smith of Harwood Heights, IL, Lori Vines of Photos, WI, and Sandra (Jim) Morris of South Amana, IA, six grandchildren, Savannah (Danny) Espinoza, Ashlynn (Bryan) Bishop, Alec Morris, Robby and Rick Campbell, and Tyler Vines, eight great-grandchildren, Briana, Demetrius, Aniya, Leana, Karra, Grayson, Alessandra, and Daniel.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Hubert and William, a granddaughter, April Campbell, and a daughter-in-law, Diane Smith.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Dubuque in memory of Doyle.
Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Jeannette Messerli
Jeannette Messerli, 87, of Clinton, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Clinton, Iowa.
Jeannette Messerli was born on November 6, 1935 at home on the family farm in Onslow, Iowa, to Al and Edna (Orr) Hamilton. She attended country school in Jones County until her family moved to Maquoketa, where she graduated from Maquoketa High School as Valedictorian in 1954. She was a farm girl who loved riding around in the truck with her dad, and feeding the dogs, cats, ponies, and chickens. She then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids for two years, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She married Frederick Messerli on September 9, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Tom, and Peggy.
Early in her marriage, Jeannette worked in the Cardiac Tissue Lab at the University of Iowa before moving to Clinton. Upon the death of her husband in 1966, Jeannette worked as an EKG Technician at Jane Lamb Hospital for five years. In 1971 she began a 30-year career with Clinton High School as the head bookkeeper/cashier for the school lunch program. She retired in 2001. In addition to working and raising her two children as a single mom, Jeannette also actively managed the family farms up until her death.
Jeannette’s faith was extremely important to her. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clinton where she had been active in the United Methodist Women and had served on the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee. She loved vegetable and flower gardening, baking pies, and enjoyed making crafts and Christmas ornaments to give away. She was a “lifelong learner”, who never stopped searching out information and asking questions.
Those left to honor her memory include her children, Tom (Sheri Melvold) Messerli of Maquoketa, IA, and Peggy (Jon) Thoms of Bellevue, IA; 3 grandchildren, Abigail Messerli, Laura (and husband Joey Meinert) Thoms, and Tim (Hillary) Melvold; and 2 great-grandchildren, Landon and Jaxon. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Peggy Ann, and her husband Frederick in 1966.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Monday, March 13, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M at the church. Burial will be at the Clay Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Jeannette Messerli memorial fund has been established.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Richard E. Kramer
Richard “Dick” E. Kramer, 75, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at his sister’s home, with his family by his side.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Dick will be 11:00 am Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 10:45 am prior to the mass at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Harpers Ferry, Iowa, at a later date.
Richard “Dick” was born April 14, 1947, in Prairie Du Chien, WI, the son of Eugene G. and Beatrice J. Jones Kramer. He was united in marriage to Gwen Wessels on July 13, 1968 and later divorced.
Dick was a 1966 graduate of Wahlert High School. Dick’s parents opened the Knight Light Supper Club in Dyersville in 1966 and he was proud to carry on the legacy owning and operating it for forty years. Dick was always involved with scouting. He was a lifetime member of the Order of the Arrow. Dick most recently gave tours at the Belvedere Mansion in Galena. Dick absolutely loved people and had a contagious laugh. He loved fishing, golfing, and collector cars. Dick also enjoyed traveling and archery. Most of all, he enjoyed life to its fullest and loved his family.
Survivors include his three children, Karmen (Steve) Wilhelm, Kourtney (Dan) Keough, and Kurt Kramer of Fargo, ND; their mother, Gwen; sister, Dolores “Dee” J. Schulte; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Dutra; and special friend, Kate.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Ann Dutra.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Crist, Dr. Ringold, and Dr. Julie and their staff, as well as, Hospice of Dubuque.
Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Richard “Dick”‘s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
Sr. Shirley Kamentz
Sister Shirley (Luetta) Kamentz, OSF, passed away at 4:20 a.m., on Sunday, March 5, 2023. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Masks are optional. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Sister was born on December 31, 1936 in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Ferdinand and Luetta (Mueller) Kamentz.
She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1954 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1960. Sister received her degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL. She ministered in Iowa as a teacher at Dyersville and St. Edward, Waterloo and as a physical therapist at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque. She was also missioned at Mount St. Francis Center and the Archdiocesan Center both in Dubuque.
Sister is survived by her brother Richard (Som) Kamentz; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.
Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Fred (Virginia) Kamentz, Arthur Kamentz, Harold (Dorothy) Kamentz, and Eugene (Shirley) Kamentz.
The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.
Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.
Behr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bruce G. Floyd
Bruce Gray Floyd, 72, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023 at home.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 11, 2023, at DeWitt Evangelical Free Church in DeWitt. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church. Cremation will follow the service. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.
Bruce was born April 15, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, son of William (Bill) and Charleen (Gray) Floyd. He spent most of his life in Savanna, IL, attending Chestnut Park School and graduation from Savanna High School. His Post-secondary work included attending Highland Community College in Freeport, IL, and graduating from the University of Dubuque with a bachelor’s in education. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
Bruce worked in the education field his whole life, beginning in Thomson, IL school district as a member of the staff at the Upper Mississippi River ECO-Center. From there he moved to the Regional Superintendent of School Office serving Carroll and Jo Davies counties. After working in Illinois for 18 years, he moved on to Keystone Area Education Agency in Elkader, IA, serving as a School Improvement Specialist. He retired in May 2011 after 39 years in education.
He enjoyed the outdoors spending time on the river and sitting on the sandbar. Although not a good golfer he did spend some time with good friends on the golf course “slicing” his way around. After retirement, he and Karilyn spent much of the warmer months camping in the area and taking long trips in their motor coach. Bruce really enjoyed cooking while camping or at home.
The church was an important part of Bruce’s life. He served on church boards and filled the pulpit many times in his younger years. While in Savanna, the funeral home would call on him to do funerals in the absence of a local pastor. Faith in God and following Jesus Christ was his daily goal.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karilyn; children, B.J. (Lynn) Floyd of Mackinaw, IL, Jennifer (Ricke) North of Plain City, OH, Julia (Chad) Williams of Chicago, IL, Chris (Bridget) Bowman of DeWitt, IA and Ellen Dice of Davenport, IA; and 6 grandchildren, Ainsley and Gabe Floyd, Anson Williams, Ella, Nora, and Leo Bowman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Bill and Doris Cornish and brother-in-law Mark.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the DeWitt Evangelical Free Church.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Bruce worked in the educating” his way around. After retirement, he and Karilyn spent much of the warmer months camping in the area and taking long trips in their motor coach. Bruce really enjoyed cooking while camping or at home.
The church was an important part of Bruce’s life. He served on church boards and filled the pulpit many times in his younger years.
John J. Brown
John J. Brown, age 82, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 5:48 p.m., on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center. To honor John’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, with Rev. Dennis J. Quint officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.
John was born on November 14, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Joseph and Rose (Powers) Brown. He was the oldest of 4 children and at age 14 when his father died, John took over helping care for the family. In 1959, at age 19, he began working at Star Brewery and spent his entire career there. He was part of the production crews for Take This Job and Shove It and the Fist movies filmed in Dubuque. John also honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. Racing was in John’s blood. He and his brother, Ed, raced stock cars and drank beer in the Tri-State area for many years. In his later years, John enjoyed watching NASCAR and riding his John Deere lawn tractor. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1995, and eventually moved to Stonehill, where he made many friends with the residents and staff. He was truly loved by everyone there. He also had an extremely special bond with his son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Kitty. John had a way of always making the world around him a more interesting place and will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish John’s memory include
his son,
Terry (Kitty) Brown, Hazel Green, WI;
a sister-in-law,
Bette Brown, Dubuque, IA;
2 brothers-in-law,
Gary (Roxanne) Pfab, Dubuque, IA
and Dwight Henson, Dubuque, IA;
and 3 nieces,
Tracy, Heather and Shana.
John was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Marion Pfab and Joyce Henson; and a brother, Ed Brown.
John’s family would like to thank everyone at Stonehill, Visiting Nurses, Meals on Wheels and Hospice of Dubuque for their friendship and kindness.
The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in John’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. John Brown Family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com
David F. Kleiner
David F. Kleiner, 78, of Cuba City, WI passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023, surrounded by family. Per Dave’s wishes no formal services will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.
Dave was born on November 2, 1944, the son of Charlie and Lorraine (Heri) Kleiner. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. On June 22, 1968 he married Sherry Colson. Dave was self-employed restoring automobiles, specializing in Buick Grand Sports.
He is survived by his wife Sherry; sons Joe (Jill Meloy) and Ty (Kristi); five grandchildren Tyler (Nicole Waller), Cole, Charlie, Grace and Evelyn; one great grandchildren Bristol; siblings, Mary (Bill) Yeager, Ruth (Jim) Hoppmann, Bob (LeAnne), Roger (Connie), Mark (Mary), Rose (Jack) McGregor, and Chuck (Linda), a sister-in-law Mary Kay along with many nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Jim, his mother and father-in-law, a niece Lisa (Tony) LoBianco and his uncle Fr. Joseph Kleiner.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Park Place, St. Dominic Villa and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Dave.
Joshua M. Durkop
Joshua M. Durkop, 41, of Creston, Iowa, and formerly of Delmar, Iowa, died unexpectedly on March 2, 2023, at Greater Regional Health in Creston, Iowa.
Joshua Mason Durkop was born on October 6, 1981 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to James Milton and Cathy Jean (Feisel) Durkop. He grew up in Delmar and graduated from Maquoketa Community High School with the Class of 2000. He then attended and received an Electronics Degree from Hamilton Technical Institute in Davenport, Iowa.
Joshua had worked for Waste Management Corporation as a lead driver, first in Denver, Colorado from 2005 to 2019, and from 2019 to present in Creston, Iowa.
Joshua had been a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed camping and fishing, especially ice fishing. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He loved his 7 cats that he and his girlfriend Margaret owned. He especially loved spending time with and spoiling his two nieces and two nephews.
Those left to honor his memory include his mother, Cathy Durkop of Delmar, IA; sisters, Jamie Durkop of Davenport, IA, Jessica (and boyfriend Austin DeMoss) of Delmar, IA, and Jillian (Erik) Rockwell of Andrew, IA; a brother, Jason (and girlfriend Adriane McClintock) of Cedar Rapids, IA; nieces and nephews, Clara, Ella, Arthur and Campbell; and his girlfriend, Margaret Siegwarth of Creston, IA. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his father James Milton Durkop.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, March 9, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, and again from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Joshua M. Durkop memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Joseph H. Pacut
Joseph Henry Pacut, 42, died unexpectedly at his home on March 1, 2023 of natural causes.
Joey was born April 25, 1980, in Livingston, New Jersey the son of Jack & Krystyna Pacut. He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1998. He then attended Hamilton Technical School where his love for computers and anything you could take apart and put back together began. This was also a love of our late father and what gave them such a strong bond.
Joey was a quiet, absolute loving soul that would do anything for anyone. He loved going for drives, being with family, watching car racing and soccer with our dad, playing video games and his beloved cat Mitchi but he loved nothing more than watching over our mom after dad’s passing and his nephew Liam and niece, Emmy. His eyes would just shine when he was able to see them, play games with them and attend all their school activities. He loved being “Uncle Joey” and he will forever be Uncle Joey.
His passing leaves such an emptiness in our lives but we know he has now been reunited with dad and the rest of our crew watching over us.
Joey’s family include his mother Krystyna, sister Anna (Rob) McComas, nephew Liam McComas and niece Emmy McComas.
Sadly Joey was preceded in death by his father just a short 15 months earlier.
A simple cremation has been arranged per Joey’s wishes with no formal services scheduled at this time. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time but even more importantly, hug the ones you love, kiss the ones you love and always remember to tell them you love them.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com
Carol A. Ernst
Carol Ann Ernst, 73, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 2, 2023 at Bethany Home following a battle with Parkinson’s disease and Dementia.
After her husband Garry passed and her illness worsened, she wished for Laughter. In honor of Mom’s wish, we are having a true Celebration of Life. All friends and family of Gary and Carol Ernst are invited to a Catholic ceremony at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8th. Following the service you are invited to a Celebration of Life for Carol from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Happy’s Place in Key West. Private entombment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Carol was born December 10, 1949, in Maquoketa, Iowa daughter of Orville and Marie
(Ryan) Manderscheid. She graduated from Walhert High School in 1968.
She married Gary Ernst the love of her life on July 25, 1970 at St. Theresa’s Church in
LaMotte. They started their married life in Dubuque. A few years later they left Dubuque and purchased a farm near Placid where they made life friends. There Carol was busy painting fences and planting flowers. She loved country dancing and most of all spending time with her grandchildren.
Carol worked at Dupaco Credit Union, retiring in 2008 after 37 years of service.
Her time at Dupaco is where she made another group of lifelong friends. The girls from Dupaco were a second family to her. She always looked forward to their nights out.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Richard) Ehrlich, of Dubuque, their children:
Ava Swenson, Charles Swenson, Henry Ehrlich and Liv Ehrlich. Her son Brian
(Jennifer) Ernst, of Epworth, and their children: Zach Willenborg, Kinze Ernst and Riley
Ernst. Her mother-in-law Olivia Ernst; siblings, Roger (Judy) Manderscheid, and Duane (Mary) Manderscheid, brother and sisters-in-law Judy Manderscheid, Ann
Manderscheid, Elaine (Bill) Vandermeulen, Diane (Len) Kotz, Dale (Carla) Ernst, Steve (Gale) Ernst, Carla Chumbley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gary, father Orville and mother Marie
Manderscheid, sister Ardis Cobar, brothers Eldon Manderscheid, Gerald Manderscheid,
and Glen Manderscheid, father-in-law Carl Ernst and a nephew Bill Vandermeulen.
No memorial will be set up. If you would like to make a donation please send to
an organization or benefit that you feel strongly about. Thank you for your love and prayers.
Steven D. McCarty
Steven Daniel McCarty formerly of… too many places to list. Steven didn’t like staying in one place for very long and he was always planning his next adventure. If he considered any place home it would be Dubuque, IA, were he was born and raised and La Farge, WI, where he raised his daughter. At the time of his passing, he was living in Montello, NV.
Steven was an adventurer through and through, he hitchhiked across the country in the 60s/70s and traveled to many places enjoying what life had to offer. While Steven had many jobs over the years to make ends meet he will be remembered as a stained glass artist. From stained glass lamps to church windows, stained glass was his passion. After he retired from stained glass, he started patchwork leather and painting to pass the time.
Steven passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Louise (Herbst) McCarty. Surviving are his daughter Sara Kruser of Salt Lake City, UT, and his siblings Tim (Sheila) McCarty of Dubuque, IA, Deb (Dennis) Giese of Peosta, IA, Mary Beth (Randy) Halvorson of Bernard, IA and Dennis McCarty of Santa Rosa, CA.