Obituaries Archive

Mary D. George

Mary D. George, 93, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 23, 2023, at home surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott and Deacon Mark Otting officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish prayer service will be at 2:45 p.m.  Friends may also call from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home before the service.

Mary was born on August 15, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Oliver and Florence (McCarthy) Rea.  She received her education at Sacred Heart School in Fillmore, Iowa and Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque, Iowa.  On October 28, 1950, she was united in marriage to Wilfred George at Sacred Heart Church in Fillmore.  Wilfred preceded her in death on July 31, 2001.

Mary was a longtime member of Holy Ghost Parish in Dickeyville.  Mary held various jobs, latest of which was at Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.  Mary enjoyed bowling, a sport she was active in for over 50 years.  She bowled in 40 National Tournaments.  She also very much enjoyed reading, euchre, and trips to the casino.  Mary faithfully followed her grandchildren in sports.

Mary is survived by five children, Tom (Louann) George, Dickeyville, WI, Sandy (Don) Snyder, Long Grove, IA; Susie (Don) Tranel, Dickeyville, WI, Pat (Sharon) George, Platteville, WI, and Bill (Lori) George, De Soto, WI; eleven grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Rethwisch, Trisha (Jarrett) Payton, Jenny (Jamie Postell) Snyder, Joe (Brittney) Snyder, Cody (Lorjean) Tranel, Derek (Gina) Tranel, Heidi (Tyler) Schultz, Adam George, Brandon George, Darin George, and Ellie George; four step-grandchildren, Amy Grindle, Shelby (Luke Karl) Dolphin, Carly Dolphin and Jesse (Amanda) Dolphin; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; and thirteen step-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Anne O’Shea, Overland Park, KS, Nancy Oglesby, Cuba City, WI, Joyce (Al) Koster, Dubuque, IA, and Lois Wubben, Oregon, WI; one brother, Pat (Ruth) Rea, Bernard, IA; a sister-in-law, Gerry Rea, Bernard, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Sister Lois Ann Rea OSF and Kathleen McDonnell; three brothers, James Rea, Michael Rea and David Rea; a sister-in-law, Valeria Rea; four brothers-in-law, Paul McDonnell, Ray Wubben, James O’Shea and Jim Oglesby; and her father and mother-in-law, Ervin and Katherine George.

In lieu of flowers and plants, a  Mary D. George 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 extend thanks to Dr. Schope and staff, Dr. Thomas Schreiber and staff, Dr. Mark Hermann and staff and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Larry C. Young

Larry C. Young, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, following a tragic accident at his rural Maquoketa home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A visitation will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 9 A.M.  Burial will be at the East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Larry Carl Young was born on April 6, 1967 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Edwin Donald and Virginia Lorraine (Hoerschelman) Young.  He was a 1985 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School and a graduate of Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Peosta with a degree in Construction.  He married Betty Jean Cutlip on July 31, 1999, at East Iron Hill Community Church, rural Maquoketa.  Their children are Dakota Young and Samantha Byrd.  They have one granddaughter, Ember.

Larry was the owner of Larry Young Construction.  With his parents, he farmed and was co-owner of Young Septic Service.

Larry was well-known in the community and was greeted with a smile, a wave and a friendly “Hey Larry!” everywhere he went.  He did everything for his family and would do anything for anybody who asked.  His last act of giving was being an organ and tissue donor.  His absence will be profoundly felt.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Betty Young of Maquoketa, IA; children, Dakota Young of Maquoketa, IA, and Samantha Byrd of Clinton, IA; grandchild, Ember; parents, Edwin and Virginia Young of Maquoketa, IA; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Norbert Gonnsen of Maquoketa, IA; aunt Cheryl Heinrich; mother-in-law, Madeline Cutlip; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Christina and Rick Ernst, Doris and Larry DeLay, Tammy and Charlie Clay, Ray Cutlip, and Curtis and Darlene Cutlip; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Lois C. Francois

Lois C. Francois, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on November 22, 1935, in Holy Cross, Iowa, to Edward and Leonetta (Theisen) Wilgenbusch. Lois graduated from Winthrop High School in 1953.

On October 6, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to Leo Francois at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monti, Iowa. Eight children were born to this union. The couple farmed together near Winthrop for fifty years before moving to Manchester in September 2009. Lois enjoyed family life on the farm, decorating cakes for family events, gardening, canning, and playing cards. She was a fantastic cook and will especially be remembered for her homemade biscuits and black raspberry jelly. Most importantly, Lois cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to visit with friends and family, both near and far.

Faith, prayer, and family were at the center of her life. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville, Altar and Rosary Society, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Lois will be deeply missed by her children, John (Liz) Francois of Winthrop, Janice (Bob) McCusker of Marion, Al (Julie) Francois of Winthrop, Mary Beth (Dave) Flexsenhar of Winthrop, Dave (Cindy) Francois of Central City, Don (Denise) Francois of Des Moines, Paul Francois of Dublin, Ohio, and Amy (Tammy) Francois of Kansas City, Missouri; 27 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Goedken of Monticello, Ken (Kathy) Wilgenbusch of Manchester, and Chuck (Merri) Wilgenbusch of Rochester, Minnesota; her in-laws, Linda Wilgenbusch, Esther (Ned) Digh, Bob (Ann) Francois, Dorothy Roling, Ruth Francois, Ray (Dorothy) Francois, Merwin Tibbott, Irene Fischer, Helen (Lawrence) Schaul, Tom Francois, Frank (Patty) Francois, Lori Prantner, and Mike (Patsy) Francois.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Leo in 2022; daughter-in-law, Teresa in 2023; her parents;  two brothers, Dave Wilgenbusch and Dale Wilgenbusch; her in-laws, J.J. Goedken, Ed (Ruth) Francois, Bill Francois, Mary Jean Tibbott, LaVerne Roling, Don Fischer, and Pat Francois.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Good Neighbor Home and Care Initiatives Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation:  2:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa.

Interment:  St. Mary Cemetery – Masonville, Iowa

Dane E. Smith

Dane E. Smith passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, Iowa.

Dane was born 96 years ago on a kitchen table in a one-bedroom home in Sheperd, Illinois to his delighted parents, Florence (Stieghorst) and Loran F. Smith.  True to his humble beginnings, the cost for the doctor’s services was two dollars.

Dane grew up surrounded by cousins working together on a family farm before moving across the Mississippi River to Hannibal, Missouri, where he developed lifelong friendships.  Dane was a proud graduate of Hannibal High School, attributing much of his success later in life to the school in general and to his math teacher, Madilyn Bertram, in particular.  So grateful to have received Ms. Bertram’s lessons in both mathematics and in life, Dane was integral to the creation and operation of an ongoing scholarship in her name.

Outside of the classroom, Dane gained a practical education in hunting and fishing from his father, Loran, as they literally had to seek food for their table.  They spent a great deal of time at their “camp,” a crude structure on stilts on the banks of the Mississippi built from discarded materials and driftwood found floating down the river.  Many of Dane’s fondest memories were of times spent on the river with family and close friends.

During World War II, Dane enlisted in the Navy as soon as he was eligible to do so (or maybe a little bit before!).  Originally placed in Officer’s School at a base in Kansas, he was soon assigned to be trained and educated at the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He furthered his education there, completing graduate work in what he termed “Engine School.”  While at Michigan, Dane met his first love, Jane (Procter), who became his wife and with whom he raised five children:  Jeff (Janet), Craig, Dane (Kelly), Darryl (Shari), and Lauren, with son Bobby lost within days after birth.

Dane lived in the Detroit, Houston and St. Louis areas before first settling in Arlington Heights (IL), to raise his family.  He worked primarily in sales for firms such as Vickers Corporation, the Bud Company and Hydromation Filter Company before moving to Dubuque circa 1980 with his second wife (Nikki) and son Brad to start up his own industrial filtration design and manufacturing business, D.E. Smith, Inc.  Dane was grateful to spend time working with four of his sons there as they built the business together, providing  employment to countless Dubuque families over the years.  His emphasis on personal honesty and integrity was key to his company’s success. Dane and Nikki later settled in Durango where they enjoyed raising cattle, horses and miniature donkeys.  Dane also found peace in being a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dubuque.

Dane is survived in death by his 6 children, 15 grandchildren who would sit in awe of Grandpa’s truly remarkable memory as he shared his knowledge and wisdom, and related previously unheard family stories, and 10 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Nicolette), sister Marge (Summers), and son (Robert).

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque with Stephanie Ells from First Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home Saturday, April 29th.

The family requests no flowers.  Instead, contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org or by mail to 2362 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Steven L. Kabele

Steven L. “Cricket” Kabele, 66, of Belmont, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Garryowen, Iowa.

Cricket was born September 28, 1956, in Madison, WI, the son of Leonard L and Alberta J Nodolf Kabele. He retired from Land’s End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. When he wasn’t working with his model trains he enjoyed cutting the grass on his riding lawn mower.

Survivors include his significant other, Mary Jane House of Belmont, WI.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Steven’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Monica S. Meissner

Monica S. Meissner, 87, of Dubuque died Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Bethany Home. Visitation will be from noon to 2 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. A memorial service will be held following the visitation.

Monica was born June 12, 1935, in Iowa City, daughter of Elwin and Mary (Koenig) Galliart, the fifth of eight children. She came into the world with bright red hair and the personality to match. She attended St Mary’s Catholic School and Immaculate Conception Academy. She graduated from The Dubuque Beauty Academy in 1951.

On January 4, 1953, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” D. Meissner in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2018.

Monica always kept busy caring for her children, parents, in-laws, and other family members, Monica received her LPN license in 1982 while living in Peoria IL and her RN license in 1988 at the age of 52 when living in Naperville. She retired from Finley Hospital while continuing to care for elderly family members and the next generation of babies.

Monica was active through the years at Immanuel Church in Dubuque as a Sunday School Teacher, Mother’s Club and Women’s Fellowship member. She chaired the sock drive for several years.

Monica is survived by three children, Laurie (Jim) Birch, Lynn (Greg) LeBlanc and Paul (Nancy) Meissner, all of Dubuque; a daughter-in-law in Milton, WA, five grandchildren, Chris (Crystal) Birch, Lee (Jodi) Birch, Sarah (Jason) Coble, Jessica Freiburger and Clarice (Michael) Rubel; and seven great grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Ann (Jerry) Black and brother-in-law, Herman (Shirley) Klinkner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark, three brothers, Elwin, John, and Carl, and two sisters, Virginia Herek and Grace Klinkner, and her in-laws, Wendell and Dorothy Meissner.

Memorials may be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Bethany Home for their loving care of our Mom, especially those in memory care who dealt with her mischievous activities on a daily basis.

Curtis L. Wilson

Curtis L. Wilson, 73, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Curtis Lynn Wilson was born on December 26, 1949 in Pekin, Illinois to Clyde and Virginia (Schnoor) Wilson.  He grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1968 where he played drums for the band “The Omegas”.  Following high school, he attended Palmer Jr. College, the College of Clinton Engines, and Kirkwood Community College.  In 1977, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Computer Science.  30 years later he retired from Rockwell International.  In retirement, he developed a love of quilting from his mother and had served as the president of the Town and Country Quilters Guild in Maquoketa.

Since then, it’s been a good retirement. You should try it.

Among survivors is a brother, Berry Wilson of Ossining, NY; sister-in-law, Willa Wilson of Crawfordsville, IA; nephews, Monte, Tom and Garrett; aunts and uncles, Richard (Lois) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA, and Roy (Janice) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Terry in 2006.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Elmer L. Fink

Elmer L. “Finky” Fink, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 9:10 p.m., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Elmer’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday at Holy Trinity Church, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Elmer was born on November 12, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Elmer and Agnes (Schadle) Fink.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Loras Academy, Class of 1954.  In school Finky was active with the ROTC and went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Navy.  He was united in marriage to the girl next door, Sharon Fondell, on January 4, 1958, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, Iowa.  They have been blessed with 65 years of marriage and 4 wonderful children together.  Finky was always employed as a meat cutter, even when he was in the Navy.  He worked for Randall’s, Fenelon’s, Hessel’s, Cremer’s, Save A Lot, owned his own shop for a short time, the Dubuque Packing Company and FDL.  Finky has been a long time member of Holy Trinity Church, was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 16 and a former member of the Knights of Columbus.  He loved being outdoors.  Finky volunteered cutting grass at the Dubuque Arboretum, liked to regularly try his luck at his favorite fishing hole and enjoyed taking the scouts camping.  He and Sharon also liked to hit the dance floor for some boot scooting.  Finky was a wonderful family man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Finky’s memory include

his loving wife,
Sharon Fink, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Gary (Juliet) Fink, Kalamazoo, MI,
Kathy (Michael) Regan, Dubuque, IA,
Doug (Julie) Fink, Union Grove, WI
and Jeff (Lori) Fink, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Lyndsey (Brian) Hubert, Stephanie (Brent) Walunas, Adam (Jayme) Fink, Andrea Fink, Nichole Smith, Michelle (Jason) Tuthill, Kyle (Lisa) Regan, Brian (Shannon) Regan, Jessica (Dave) Nelson, Lexi (Jarod) Keeku, Mike (Kelly) Fink, Chelsea (Allen) Malkasian, Emily Fink and Taylor Fink;

30 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way;

and his sister,
Mary (Jack) Parkin, Dubuque, IA.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Shirley (Duane) Deutmeyer, Jackie (Derry) Jacobs and Karl (Janaan) Fink.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Finky’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Elmer Fink Family.

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

Carl D. Hardison Jr.

Carl D. Hardison, Jr., 71, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa.

Carl D. Hardison, Jr. was born on May 21, 1951, in Clinton, Iowa, to Carl Dwight and Erma (Nixon) Hardison, Sr.  He grew up attending grade school in Charlotte and Delmar and graduated from Elwood High School in 1969.  He married Barbara Streets on September 5, 1969, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Five children were born to this union, Angela, Carl III, Amy, Dale, and Kim.

Carl had first worked factory jobs, and as a truck driver.  He then worked at Century Concrete in Maquoketa for over 20 years.  In retirement until present he has worked part-time at River Valley COOP in Lost Nation.

Carl’s favorite hobby and passion was motorcycle riding.  He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, camping, and tinkering in the garage.  He especially loved spending time with his family and his favorite dog Lola.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Barbara Hardison of Delmar, IA; children, Angela (Nick) Mortenson of Maquoketa, IA, Carl (fiancé Tina Bennett) Hardison III of Maquoketa, IA, Amy Hardison of Maquoketa, IA, Dale (Kristin) Hardison of Norwalk, IA, and Kim (fiancé Nick Crouch) Hardison of Maquoketa, IA; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale (Linda) Hardison of Delmar, IA, and John (Cathy) Hardison of Moline, IL; sisters, Nancy (Lorene) Corlis of Miles, IA, Anna (Cletus) Till of Spragueville, IA, Bonnie Cruz of Maquoketa, IA, and Suzie (Terry) Spain of Delmar, IA; many nieces and nephews; and his dog Lola.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law Francisco Cruz, Sr.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Carl’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.  A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life in Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Carl D. Hardison, Jr. memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Annette M. Schmitt

Annette M. “Nett” Schmitt, 83, of East Dubuque, IL passed away at home on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church.  The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Annette was born on September 14, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Regina (Nauman) Schueller.  She married John “Jack” H. Winchell on August 8, 1959, in Sherrill, Iowa and together they had four children, Julie, Steven, Robert and James.  Annette later united in marriage to Steven E. “Steve” Schmitt on April 19, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa.

Annette was formerly employed with the Dubuque Community School District.  Thereafter, Annette was a partner with her husband, Steve, in an owner/operator trucking operation for North American Van Lines and later with Steve Schmitt Trucking Company, specializing in the transport and installation of fitness equipment in high-end health and fitness facilities located throughout the United States and parts of Canada.  Annette and Steve traveled and seen the entire country together.  She could easily provide travel routes before Google Maps even existed and she prided herself on being a five-foot female with a CDL who could drive 18-wheelers.

Annette loved the outdoors, especially the spring and summer seasons when she could cut her grass, watch her birds, cuss at chipmunks and raccoons, water and talk to her flowers to encourage them to grow.  Where most people may find themselves confounded, Annette had a natural talent and ability to make things grow.  Even though Annette couldn’t swim a single stroke if her life depended on it, she loved boating, fishing, and floating on the water or in a pool.  She took many fishing and camping trips to Cygnet Lake in Ontario, Canada. Annette was an avid NFL football fan.  She never really had a favorite team, but she preferred quarterbacks, where we suspect a player named “Aaron” was her boyfriend until a new guy named “Patrick” came along.  Annette liked to attend “mass” at the local casinos.  Finally, and most importantly, Annette loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are four (4) children, Julie Winchell, of Sterling, IL, Steven (Lou Ann) Winchell, of Prior Lake, MN, Robert (Kristine) Winchell of Dubuque, IA, James (Jody) Winchell, of East Dubuque, IL; six (6) grandchildren, Nicole (Sean) Winchell-Colby, Paulina (Kenny) Smith, Kayla (Tanner) Oglesby, Andrea (Sam) Burds, Ryan (Kate) Winchell, Andrew (Mariah) Winchell; four great-grandchildren, Tucker, Lucy, Sutton and Piper; her sibling Marilyn (James) Lansing; brothers-in-law, Louis McDonough and David Wernke; sister-in-law, Eileen Schueller.

Having members whom served this wonderful country of These United States of America, the family wishes to properly and appropriately say “thank you” to the East Dubuque Police Department and Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response, care and assistance.

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

Mary Lou Udelhofen

Mary Lou Udelhofen, 84, of Potosi, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. Andrew Church, Tennyson, Wisconsin, with Rev. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the service. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Mary Lou was born on November 21, 1938, in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Margaret (Averkamp) Kieler. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. Mary Lou was united in marriage to Jerry Udelhofen on May 14, 1957, at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2019.

Mary Lou and Jerry worked hard on their dairy farm, while raising their children. Later on, Mary Lou and her sister, Nancy, took over Kieler’s Store and worked there for several years, until Mary Lou’s retirement. Mary Lou loved playing the piano for family at social gatherings. Mary Lou made friends wherever she went, and enjoyed traveling to St. Germain with family and friends. She loved going to all of her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. Everyone knew Mary Lou to be humble, selfless and kind to all.

Mary Lou is survived by a daughter, Gina (fiancé, Mike Wieland) Udelhofen, Potosi; two sons, John (Angie) Udelhofen and Pat (Wendy) Udelhofen, both of Potosi; a sister, Nancy Ames, Potosi; nine grandchildren, Markus (Nakila), Mitch, Nick, and Rachel (fiancé, Chase Wiggins) Reuter, Kristen and Andrew Udelhofen, and Alex, Ben, and Sam Udelhofen; four great-grandchildren, Lila, Deacon, Kaleb and Hazie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents. 

In lieu of flowers, a Mary Lou Udelhofen 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 Grant County Hospice for their care of Mary Lou.

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

Kenneth A. Welter

Kenneth A. Welter, 59, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023, at his home in Dubuque, Iowa,

Visitation for Kenny will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta.  Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Services for Kenny will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was born December 1, 1963, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Donald and Shirley (Miller) Welter.  He received his education at St. John the Baptist Catholic School and is a 1982 graduate of Western Dubuque High School.  He was employed as a Mold Technician at Berry Global in Peosta for 35 years.

He was always on the go.  He loved duck and turkey hunting and his Elk hunting trips to Colorado with his buddies.  He enjoyed camping trips at Bloody Run, and his annual swap meets in Jefferson, WI.  He was a national champion in Taekwondo.  Kenny was a lifelong Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.  He was a classic car fan, especially of his ‘56 chevy and his ‘73 camaro.

He is survived by his two daughters, Tanya Welter (Blake Andresen) and Tabatha Schoenberger both of Dubuque, IA; three grandchildren, Alaina Stackis, Ace Schoenberger and Branson Andresen; his eight siblings, Kim (Mark) Willis of Farley, IA, Kathy (Jim) Mackedanz of Dubuque, IA, Karen (David) Robertson of Urbandale, IA, Kevin (Janice) Welter, Kent (Cindy) Welter both of Farley, IA, Kurt Welter of Dubuque, IA, Kelly (Tanya) Welter of Graf, IA and Kris (Dave) Koutsky of Milan, IL.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

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

The family would like to thank Dr. Burds, Dr. Hermann, and the Mayo Clinic for all the care and compassion they have given to Kenny.

Bonnie T. Ognibene

On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, the world lost an angel. Bonnie T. Ognibene passed away in her apartment in Dubuque, Iowa, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled. Her loved ones struggle to find the words to express just how much she meant to them, how central she was to their lives. She was a sister, a best friend, a mentor, a mother figure, and so much more, all in one. Yet, the legacy of her kindness and generosity lives on, and her loved ones and community are forever grateful for the time they were blessed to spend with her.

From a young age, Bonnie’s heart overflowed with compassion and love for those around her. As a child, she took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings, providing them with the love and attention they needed in a big family such as hers. As she grew older, her heart expanded to embrace her community. She provided childcare for the children in her New York neighborhood, taking care of them in every sense of the word. If a child skipped breakfast, Bonnie fed them a meal. If a little girl’s hair was tangled and uncombed, Bonnie braided it. And if a child’s family was struggling to make ends meet, Bonnie sent home a bag of groceries.

Whenever her family needed her, Bonnie was always there, no matter what. She took care of her grandson, raising him alongside her daughter so she could finish high school. Her siblings always knew they could count on her unwavering support, no matter what challenges they faced. Bonnie’s love was a constant source of comfort and strength for her family, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire them for generations to come.

Even in later years when she moved to her apartment in Dubuque, she still found ways to give. Surrounded by seniors just like her, she cooked for her neighbors and shared meals with them. Her joints and heart may have been tired, but her spirit remained undiminished. Bonnie was incapable of not giving, of not helping those in need.

Bonnie’s deep love for her family and friends was matched only by her unwavering faith. She lived a life devoted to God, and her kindness and compassion were an expression of that faith. She believed that we are all called to help one another, and she lived that truth every day.

And now, at last, Bonnie will be reunited with her beloved Charlie. They will spend eternity together, surrounded by the love that they shared for over 40 years. The world is a better place because Bonnie was in it, and her dynamic spirit and loving heart will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, dear Bonnie.

The Funeral Service for Bonnie will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Dave Roth officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Bonnie was born December 6, 1944, in New York, NY, the daughter of George C. and Josephine T. (O’Neill) Vahle. She was united in marriage to Charles J. Ognibene on September 27, 1970 in Queens, New York.

Survivors include her daughter, Bonnie Brozik of Lebanon, TN; grandson, Christopher (Brooke Schumann) Ognibene of Sun Prairie, WI; granddaughter, Emma Brozik of Lebanon, TN; siblings, Linda (Eugene) Hedberg of Greenlawn, NY; Patricia DeBiase of Ronkonkoma, NY; Joseph (Ana) Vahle of San Diego, CA; Judith (Barry) Lefkowitz of West Islip, NY; and Dennis (Karen) Vahle of Dubuque, IA; many nieces and nephews but especially her beloved nephews, Michael, Patrick, and Conner Vahle; and her granddog, Pepe.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Diane Trojcak, and one brother, George Vahle.

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 Bonnie’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com

Donations can be made to the Bonnie T. Ognibene Memorial Fund, which can be mailed to the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002.

Kay A. Link

Kay Ann (Wolfe) Link, 90 of Epworth, passed away on Monday April 17, 2023 surrounded by her family at Accura Health Center in Cascade after a long battle with chronic lymphoma leukemia. She was the 2nd youngest of 13 children of Charles E. and Laura (Baehlor) Wolfe of Worthington.

Visitation for Kay will be held from 9 to 10:30 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.  Services for Kay will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

Her family lived on a farm south of Worthington for many years. They moved to Worthington in 1950. Kay received her education at St. Paul’s school in Worthington and graduated from high school in 1950. On December 28th, 1955 she was united in marriage to Donald Link of Farley. On January 1, 1956 they moved to Epworth where they owned and operated Link Feed Company for 50 years.

Kay was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Epworth where she served on the parish council, finance committee, lay minister, and assistant bookkeeper for many years She was also a member member of the Farley American Legion Auxiliary.

Kay and Don have 6 children, Kenneth (Sherry) of Rocky River, OH, Jean of Colorado Springs, CO, John (Kim) of Bernard, Alan (Deb) of Dyersville, Dale (Pam) of Farley, Steve (Karen) of Poplar Grove, IL. They have 9 grandchildren Craig Link (Raechel Bucher), Lauren (Matt) Blair, Natalie Link, Angie Link, Amy Link, Bryce (Jamie) Link, Amanda (Chris) Powers, Andrea Link, and Brody Link. Kay was survived by 1 brother Ronald, in-laws Lavern (Karen) Link, Elaine (Adrian) Korbel, Lois Link, Doris (Paul) Schreiber, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles & Laura (Baehlor) Wolfe, brothers and sisters, Florence (Eugene) McElmeel, Charles (Dorothy) Wolfe, Angeline (George) Jaeger, Eileen Kramer, Eleanor (Les) Rubner, LoraBelle (Francis) Knepper, Leon Wolfe, Urban Wolfe, William (Marcella) Wolfe, Wilma Wolfe, John (Grace) Wolfe. Her in-laws Alphonse (Leonetta) Link, Robert (Delores) Link, Delbert Link.

We would like thank Dr Herman, Dr, Prior and the oncology department, Dr Konz and the staff at Grand River Medical Group, the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, and the staff of Accura Health center.

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

Raymond A. Young

Raymond Austin Young, 77 of East Dubuque, IL passed away on March 16, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, IA. A celebration of life will be held at 4 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Galena Bible Church, Galena, IL. Military honors will be accorded following the service at the church by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The burial will be at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born July 7, 1945, in Chapel Hill, TN, the son of William and Mary (Walls) Young. Ray received a GED in the army and spent a few years at Harper Community College. He was drafted in 1966 and served in the United States Army Signal Corps serving as a Sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1968. Ray married Joan Elizabeth Monroe on July 2, 1966, at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago she preceded him in death on April 8, 2019. R

ay worked in the printing industry until he retired in the early 2000s and moved to Galena. He worked at Gasser Hardware, Galena for a couple of years. Ray will fondly be remembered first and foremost as a family man; Dad instilled the motto “You do for family”. He was an avid professional wrestling fan. Ray was “Mr. Fixit” and could fix anything. He always had a hat on whether that was a cowboy hat in the 80s or a Harley Davidson beret.

Ray is survived by his three children, Wendi Young-Watkins, and James Peter “JP” Young, both of East Dubuque, IL, and Raymond A. (Chris) Young, of Wausau WI, three granddaughters, Brittany Young, of Okinawa, Japan, Lily (Trevor) Young-Konkel of Wausau, and Abigail (Maddy) Young of Wausau, one brother Larry (Johnia) Young, of Bensenville IL and his many nieces, nephews and extended family both in Chicago and Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, six brothers and sisters, Bud, Molly, Jolly, Polly, Nancy, and Peggy.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to East Dubuque Fire and Rescue, the staff at Mercy One Hospital Dubuque and the University of Iowa Hospital, Medical ICU, Dr.s Sanchez and Lynn, and all his nurses, Alissa, Cami, Maddie, and Josie. You took such amazing care of Dad and our family.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com