Obituaries Archive

Karen M. Cue

Karen M. (Dobson) Cue, age 81, of Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Nov. 10, 2022, at St. Dominic Villa while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Karen’s life, her memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Sat., Dec. 3, 2022, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3650 Asbury Rd, in Dubuque.  Family and friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:30-4:00 pm with the services to follow.  A zoom meeting will also be available for those who are unable to attend.  Please feel free to call (563) 590-0899 for zoom details.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Karen’s family.

She was born on June 27, 1941, in Mineral Point, WI, a daughter to Dennis and Bernita (Martin) Dobson.  Sadly, her parents both passed away while she was young and Vic and Irene Severson found the necessary love in their hearts and lives to raise Karen as their own.  Karen grew into a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending countless hours baking and cooking up wonderful meals as she raised and cared for the family of her own.  Her heart was as loving and tender as anyone could ever hope for and we are grateful for all of the beautiful memories that Karen leaves behind for us now.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Karen include,

her children,
Timothy “Tim” Michael Cue, Hazel Green, WI,
Kevin Lee (Dana) Cue, Hazel Green, WI,
William Edward “Bill” (Sarah) Cue, Hazel Green, WI,
Jeffrey James (Ginger) Cue, Peosta, IA,
and David Cue, Virginia Beach, VA;

her step-daughter,
Karen Ann (Karl) Fleege, of Dubuque, IA, and their children;

her step-sons,
Steven Cue, Dubuque, IA,
and Donald John (Renee) Cue, of AZ, and their children;

her grandchildren,
Allyson, Eion, Emmaline, Taetyn, Joshua, Jonathan, Sierra, Ryan, Tyler, Keith, Dawn, Dean, Jodie, Mike, Melisa, Vicki, Shelley, and Brian.

her numerous great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Barbara Brooks, Lyndon Station, WI,
Delores Sanbei, Juneau, AK,
and Charles Dobson, Platteville, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald E. Cue in 2008; her brother, John Dobson; her sister, Geraldine Rako; her step-daughters, Sharon Atkins and Kathy Wild; her granddaughter, Sara Wild; and her daughter-in-law, Jackie Cue.

Karen’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Dominic Villa and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Adrienne and Kristin, for all of their professional and compassionate care of Karen, and her family.

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

Arnold C. Lang

Arnold C. “Skip” Lang, 90 of Dubuque passed away Thursday November 17, 2022, at Hawkeye Care.

Private family service and burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

He is survived by his children Steve Lang, Jesse Lang, Tracy (Ruth) Lang, Dan (Cheryl) Lang, Anne Lang, Christopher Lang, Linda (Ron) Casel and Amy Wernimont, his 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque Iowa is assisting the family.

John F. Gallagher

John Fergus Gallagher, 77, of Bellevue, Iowa passed away peacefully on November 15, 2022, due to natural causes. There will be a small graveside service with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League at Mount Calvary Cemetery on Monday November 28th at 10:00 a.m.

John was born on September 7, 1945, at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Farragut, Idaho to Fergus John and Mildred Vivian Gallagher. He was the middle child growing up in between big brother Bill and little sister Susan.

Growing up in Dubuque Iowa, John graduated from Wahlert Highschool in 1963. He went on to study his favorite topic; History at Loras College where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1973.

John also enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam war. During his years of service, he was proud to be a Plank owner on the USS Biddle and to be considered a Magellan by circumventing the globe. He had seen many beautiful countries and had many stories to tell of his travels during the Navy.

John was employed many places over the years, but his favorites were probably working for the City of Dubuque in the Housing and Redevelopment department, fighting fires in Idaho, Professional Dog Training and Breeding, and substitute teaching.

John was an early member of the Dubuque Bird Dog Club, the Dubuque Archery Club, and a founding member of The Key City Hunting Retriever Club.

He had many interests in life including hunting, fishing, birding, dog training, wood working, playing euchre, trivia, duck calling, fast-pitch softball, cooking, gardening, reading history books, stamp collecting, volleyball, coaching, whistling in the grocery store, watching the New York Yankees, celebrating Christmas Eve with his kids, buying presents, and being a Papa, just to name a few. He was also very proud to be the father of his two children.

Surviving are his son, Sean (Laura) Gallagher; daughter Molly (Nate) Dillon; Grandkids, Colin Gallagher-Eagle, Manus Gallagher, Maisy Eagle, Declan Gallagher, and Christopher Eagle; a sister, Susan (Terry) Traver of Minneapolis MN. And his best buddies for life Dick, Junior, and Arlie Droessler.

John was preceded in death by both his parents Fergus and Millie, brother William, sister Tina Marie in infancy, and his many beloved dogs.

The family would like to thank Deputy Schmidt of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Lyn Medinger Jackson County medical examiner and Pat Leonard and family for their kindness and compassion during our time of sadness.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in John’s memory which may be mailed to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003, Attn. John F. Gallagher Family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

As Johnnie liked to say at the end of his phone calls “If I don’t see ya in the future, I’ll see ya in the pasture.”

Mary L. Pusateri

Mary Louise Pusateri, 87 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on November 16, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas McDermott officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Private family burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary was born on June 30th, 1935, in Hazel Green, WI the daughter of George and Imelda (Wiegman) Runde. She attended St. Clara Female Academy and then St Joseph Mercy School of Nursing.

She married Michael Francis Pusateri, on October 10, 1956 at St Joseph’s Church, Sinsinawa Wisconsin and shared 38 years together until his passing.

She worked for Hills & Dales Child Development Center and Medical Associates Clinic.

Mary was a bright light in any storm. She was a strong, independent and caring nurse who thought about everyone else before she thought about herself. Mary was the first person to offer a helping hand to anyone in need and gave comfort to us all, with her warm and embracing hugs. Because of that, a visit to the Farmers Market could be became an all-day event. She was a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan. She could be found crocheting anything from a doily to a sweater for her loved ones. Mary enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, especially to Door County. She treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Weezie” will be truly missed.

She is survived by her children: Michelle (James) Walter of Prior Lake Minnesota, Timothy Pusateri of Los Angeles, Thomas Pusateri of Chicago, Marirose (Brian) Rauch of Dubuque and Mellanie (Ryan) Clausman of Minneapolis. Her eight grandchildren: Michael (Anna), Jennifer (Dylan), Elizabeth (John), Peter, Joseph, William, Sophie, and Isabella; two great grandchildren: Madeline and Thomas; many nieces and nephews along with her extended family the beloved Wernimont’s.

She is preceded in death by her parents George and Imelda Runde, her brother Howard Runde, her husband Michael Francis Pusateri and her nephew Craig A. Runde.

Thank you to Dr. Eric Engleman, Tammi Noonan and the medical team at MercyOne Cancer Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hills and Dales Child Development Center and Saint Columbkille Parish.

Joan E. Jasper

Joan E. Jasper, 87, of Dyersville and formerly of Masonville passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 a.m. Monday morning prior to the funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Joan was born on October 16, 1935, in New Vienna, the daughter of Elmer and Florence (Pitz) Lansing.  She grew up on a farm near New Vienna with her sisters, Carol (Bagge) and Myrna (Bagge).  Prior to her marriage to Tom, Joan was a bookkeeper in New Vienna.  After marriage Joan and Tom moved to a farm in Masonville, where they lived for 52 years before retiring to Dyersville.  Joan and Tom enjoyed traveling the world and had many wonderful adventures abroad.  Joan was an active member and volunteer of her parish communities throughout the years.  She had a beautiful garden every summer and enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River in Guttenberg. Joan had many devoted life-long friends with whom she enjoyed spending time.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Thomas Jasper; four beloved children Deb (Tom) Simpson, Steve (Kerstin Deppe), Dave (Sherri Keeney), and Phil (Kathy); 9 grandchildren: Laura & Daniel Simpson, Lea, Christian and Olivia Jasper, Ellen (Kyle) Goerdt, Allison, Ryan and Emily Jasper; 3 great granddaughters: Jo Jasper, Mia Farrell and Lucy Goerdt; siblings, Carol Bagge and Myrna Bagge; in-laws: Mert (Lillian) Jasper and Norma (Jim) Wilhelm.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Daniel Jasper, three brothers in infancy, and in-laws: Leon Bagge, Danny Bagge, Herb (Helen) Jasper, Bill (Joyce) Jasper and Gene (RoseAnne) Jasper.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to HOPEwalk of Cedar Rapids (https://hopewalk-cr.com/), a suicide awareness and prevention charity in memory of Daniel Jasper.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Laveta L. Brady

Laveta L. “Veta” Brady, 93, of Tampa, Florida, and formerly of Clinton and Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, November 15, 2022, at Beach House Assisted Living Memory Care in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

A celebration of her life will be held at 12:30 P.M., Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at the church.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Laveta Leola Weirup was born on July 2, 1929 in Nashville, Iowa, to Arthur Knute and Nina Elizabeth (Busch) Weirup.  She grew up attending the Buckhorn Country School and then graduated from Maquoketa High School at the age of 16.  She married George Harold Brady on October 5, 1947 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on June 21, 2008.

“Veta” farmed with her husband in the Jackson and Clinton County areas for many years.  She had also worked as a secretary for G.L. Stockham and Son Construction in Maquoketa, and later as an administration secretary for Mercy Hospital in Clinton until retirement.  She had lived in Maquoketa until 1958 when she and George moved to the farm in rural Clinton.  She remained there after George’s passing until 2019 when she moved to Florida to be closer to her daughter and family.

“Veta” had been a member of the Miles American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Faith Lutheran Church in Andover and First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  She enjoyed puzzles and spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Daniel Jimenez of Tampa, FL; 2 grandchildren, Timothy (Shannon) Jimenez, and Emily (Steve) Baird; 4 great-grandchildren, Madilynn, Cody, Landon and Zia; sister, Arla Lubben of Baldwin, IA; sister-in-law, Patricia Weirup of Maquoketa, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, grandson Anthony “Tony” Jimenez on August 23, 2022, sisters Vernetta Weirup, Naomi (Lester) Anvick, and Wilma (Dude) Reichling, brothers Everett (Joyce) Weirup and Vernon Weirup, and a brother-in-law John Lubben.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Andover, First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Miles American Legion Post #677, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Kathleen Samec

Kathleen “Kay” Samec, 77, passed away at home with her husband Russ, son Michael and sister Jane at her side on November 11, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL is assisting the family.

Kay was born August 9, 1945, in Stockbridge WI, the daughter of Perry and Mary Comerford. She attended grade school in Stockbridge and high school at St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay, WI. She furthered her education at Viterbo College, LaCrosse WI, graduating with a medical records degree. She continued to be in contact with her college friends and would see them yearly. On June 9, 1977, she married Russell Samec at St. Mary’s Church in Menasha WI. Following their marriage, they resided in Morton Grove, IL for most of their married life. Kay worked as a director of medical records at Skokie Valley Hospital. A few years after Kay’s retirement, she and Russ moved to their dream home in Galena. Kay and Russ loved to travel. Kay also enjoyed having family and friends come to visit their home. She loved the holidays and putting up decorations in her home with Russ. Having moved to Galena, she and Russ loved their yard with its many flowers and watching all the beautiful birds come to feeders. Many evenings you could see Kay and Russ sitting outside on their porch enjoying their yard with neighbors often joining them. She remained a loyal Packer fan. She was kind and caring and cherished her husband, son, grandchildren, and extended family with all her heart.

Kay is survived by her husband, Russ, son Michael, grandchildren, Megan, Jack and Erin, her brother Gordon (Alice) Comerford of Florida, sister Jane (Michael) Belongie of Beaver Dam, WI, sister in law Diane Samec of IL, sisters-in-law, Donna Comerford of WI and Vera Comerford of WI, godchildren, Katie Doyle of IL, Julie O’Reilly of WI, Shaun Belongie of CO, and a special nephew Ryan Belongie of IL, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins all whom she dearly loved.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Gene, John and Thomas; and her in-laws Albert and Helen Samec.

Upon her request, there will be no funeral service. Please celebrate Kay’s life and all the good memories you shared with her in your own way. Her wish will be honored. Kay would like any memorials to go to the American Cancer Society in her name.

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

Linda D. Robinson

Linda D. Robinson, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Guttenberg passed away on November 10^th, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19^th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Private family burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Guttenberg.

Linda was born on May 24, 1951, in Chicago, IL the daughter of Anton and Cecilia (Duszlak) Pavlovsky. She married Gene Robinson and he preceded her in death. After Gene’s passing she met Joel Lightcap and they spent many years together until his passing in August of 2021

Linda was a very creative person who loved to paint and do crafts.

She is survived by her sister Corinne (Bob) Roth of Spring Grove, IL. Nephews Ryan (Jen) Roth, Eric (Michele) Roth and Tony Pavlovsky Jr. and a niece Cheryl Pavlovsky.  Great nieces and nephews Nick, Kiera, Christopher and Cameron.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Tony (Debbie) Pavlovsky, a niece Cindee and her partner Joel Lightcap.

Thank you to Linda’s friends especially Cindy and Phill Cook.

Llloyd L. Mueller

Lloyd L. Mueller, 81, of Dubuque, formerly of Center Point died Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 10:30 am Monday, December 19, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Lloyd will be 10:30 am Monday, December 19, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6 and Iowa Army National Guard.

Lloyd was born April 3, 1941, in Sumner, IA, the son of Paul Alfred and Sophie Pauline Volker Mueller. Lloyd was a Veteran proudly  serving our country  in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. He enlisted in the  U.S. Air Force May 1960 days after graduating from Sumner High School. As an airman, he was  stationed in Orlando, Florida;  Hahn Air Force Base,  Germany and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam during  the Vietnam War from 1960 until 1968. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force he  served  2 years in the U.S. Navy  until joining the Army Reserves until 1992. He loved reminiscing about his time in the military, his travel adventures on leave, the lifelong friends he made and most importantly the opportunity to serve his country. His training in communications allowed him to start a career for Northwestern Bell Telephone company in 1969.

On August 30, 1969, he married Eleanor E. Oltmann in Monticello, Iowa. They worked and raised their family in Cedar Rapids and then in rural Center Point, Iowa. His career at the telephone company was a lengthy one as an inside technician for 33 years. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Center Point. When he was not working or mowing lawn he enjoyed  fishing,  hunting, traveling and visiting with his family and friends.  He will be remembered by his children for always working hard and though his retirement was interrupted by Parkinson’s, he faced it with bravery and remained hopeful  a cure would be found.  Lloyd loved to tell stories over a cold drink.  His smile, laugh and sense of humor will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor; one daughter, Christine (Ben) Kreider of Palmyra, PA; one son, Steven Mueller of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Kurtis, Emily, Cody (Kimber), Kara Maxwell (Austin), Jason, Luke, and Paul; one great-grandson, Liam; one brother, Duane Mueller of Dike, IA; one sister, LaVonne (Jerry) Nail of Blue Springs, MO; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marlys, and his sister-in-law, Dorothy.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank their friends from No Place Like Home, Hospice of Dubuque, and Eagle Point Place for their care and support.

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

Thomas H. Berndt

Thomas H. Berndt, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 13th, 2022.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19th, 2022, at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Tom was born on December 26th, 1931, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, son of Henry and Eliza (Finnegan) Berndt. Tom attended St. Mary’s school in Guttenberg, Iowa. He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque. He was employed at the Dubuque Packing Co. and later worked various part-time security positions

He honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean Conflict. He was very proud of his military service, and was an American Legion Post #6 member, and a member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral parish.

Tom is survived by his nephews Michael Upton and Timothy Upton, nieces Kathleen (Ben) Burris, Mary Upton, and Peggy Upton, as well as several great nephews and a great niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Eliza Upton and Marguerite Berndt, and nephew William Upton.

Kristal A. Hays

Kristal A. “Kris” Hays, 61, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 14, 2022, surrounded by her loving family after a two-year valiant fight with cancer.

Kristal Allene Kruse was born on June 13, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Charles, Jr. and Judith A. (Ripple) Kruse.  She attended Maquoketa schools and graduated from MCHS, where she was an outstanding basketball player.  While growing up, she and her siblings rode horses and often showed them at the Jackson County Fair.  She also was active in 4-H and represented Jackson County at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Fashion Review.

In 1981, Kris married Rodney Till.  Two children were born to this union, Ryanne Ruth, and Austin Mycheal.  The couple later divorced, and on September 27, 1991 she married John Hays in Maquoketa, Iowa.  They celebrated their 31^st wedding anniversary this year.  They were best friends and watched sports together, took side-by-side excursions, and attended grandkids school activities.  Kris was especially proud of their grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Additionally, she enjoyed flowers and gardening, and time spent with loved ones sitting around the campfire at the family pond.

Kris first worked at Skeffington’s Jack and Jill in Maquoketa as a checker, and then was employed by Napa Supply Store in DeWitt.  In 1996, she received her teaching certificate from Marycrest College in Davenport, and she immediately began working for Frances Willard School in Rock Island as a 3^rd and 4^th Grade Teacher, and later for the Rock Island School District #41 as a 4^th Grade Teacher.  A position she held until present as she was recently recognized as the Rock Island-Milan School District Educator of the Year for 2022.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, John Hays of DeWitt, IA; children, Ryanne (Mike) Trusty of DeWitt, IA, Austin (Megan) Till of DeWitt, IA, and Ryan (Danielle) Hays of Monticello, IA; her seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Niya, Kolt, Knox, Gretchen, Memphis, Jacoby, and Samuel; her mother, Judy Tonderum of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Kelly (Peter) Nelles of Mt. Horeb, WI, Korey Harmon of Maquoketa, IA, and Kraig (Judy) Kruse of Maquoketa, IA; aunt, Margene Beach; uncle, Gerald Owen; plus cousins and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father Chuck Kruse, aunt Connie Owen, stepfather Harlan Tonderum, and father-in-law Roger Hays.

A private family memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There is no public service or visitation.  Cremation has taken place.  In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the family with proceeds going to a place near to Kris’ heart, the Rock Island Center for Math and Science.

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

Brian T. Gockel

Brian T. Gockel, age 43, of Dubuque, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at St. Columbkille Church in Dubuque, with Fr. Tom McDermott and Fr. Dave Schatz concelebrating.  Burial in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where the parish rosary will be at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Friends may also call from 9 – 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Brian was born on February 13, 1979, in Dubuque, the son of Thomas M. and Patricia Ann (Bennett) Gockel. He was a 1998 graduate of East Dubuque High School and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Clarke College in Dubuque. Brian was united in marriage to Keri L. Heitkamp on October 6, 2001, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

Brian’s family was his greatest pride and joy, and it was evident in all that he did as a devoted husband and father. His humor and fun-loving personality won the hearts of many friends, family, and co-workers. He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works as a Quality Engineer. Brian was a member of St. Columbkille Parish.

Surviving is his wife, Keri; two daughters, Faith and Meredith at home, his father, Thomas M. Gockel of East Dubuque; his siblings, Lori (Randy) Hancock of Peosta, IA, Steve (Kim) Gockel of East Dubuque, and Chris (Joanne) Gockel of Maquoketa, IA; his mother-in-law, Debbie (Sheehan) Heitkamp and father-in-law, Dennis Heitkamp; sister-in-law and husband, Chelsea (Spencer) Kirschbaum of East Dubuque; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Patricia and two children in utero.

In lieu of flowers, a Brian Gockel memorial fund has been established.

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

Joseph A. Johnson

Joseph A. Johnson, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 14, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 18^th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Sr. Margaret Anne Kramer officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home until time of service. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Joseph was born on November 9^th, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Sylvester and Angela (Thielen) Callahan. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, and was united in marriage to his wife Patricia Ann (Roche) Johnson. Joe is a US Army Veteran and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Joe Johnson was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love for the Chicago Cubs and Bears came second only to the unyielding love he felt for his family. Thankfully he also had a love for animals, as many found their way into his home. Joe had endless hobbies that he shared with his grandchildren. Whether it was baseball cards, genealogy, comic books, or the monthly creation of family calendars. He was proud of his years working for the Telegraph Herald and made many friends during that time. He was a dedicated husband and father and will be missed dearly.

Joseph is survived by his wife Patricia; his daughters Kathy (Mark) Sand, Susan (Larry) Bonert, and Lisa (Steve) Ehrlich; grandchildren Jeffrey (Tisha) Sand, Jessica (Bill) Hanson, Aaron (Megan) Bonert, and Andy (Kelsey) Ehrlich, and his great grandchildren Jakob Sand Abigail Sand, Emma Hanson, and Benjamin Hanson.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Angela Callahan, and sister Joyce Specht.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a Joseph A. Johnson Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Manor and the staff of MercyOne’s Medical Floor.

William J. Hagerty

William John Hagerty, 70, longtime resident of Bankston, Iowa passed away in the early hours of Sunday November 13th, 2022.

Bill was born on September 28th, 1952 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque.  He was the son of Louis “Bud” and Colette (Donahue) Hagerty from Bankston, Iowa.

There was three things Bill loved the most in his life: his grandkids, cars, and wife Sharon (Gartner) from Dyersville, Iowa.  They were together 55 wonderful years and would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this coming February.

In their marriage they had 3 children; Josh (April) Hagerty of Dyersville, Heidi (Todd) Klein of Holy Cross, Margie (Tony) Sheridan of Peosta.  Bill’s greatest accomplishment was his 7 grandchildren: Ava, Kaitlyn, Gage, Gertie, Leah, Dottie, & Luke. They were the light in his soul and Papa was the instigator of all the mischief.

Bill was a jack of all trades but he spent his days as a mechanic at his shop University Auto and restoring classic cars. He loved to garden and spend time with his family.  He was always up for a tractor ride around the yard or a good burnout in the driveway.

Bill was preceded in death by: Louis and Colette Hagerty, Harold and Marjorie Gartner, a brother, Gerald in infancy, Brother-in-laws Jim and Joe Gartner, Donald Kirkpatrick, Matthew Cottrell, Pedro Martinez and Douglas Staggs.

He was survived by Dave of California, Ronnie (Debbie) of Epworth, Carrie (Don) Schmit from Waterloo, Steve (Diane) of California, Kathy of Kentucky, Jeanne of Dubuque, Mary of California, Sue (Jim) Staggs of Dubuque, John (Heide) of South Carolina, Mike (Angie) of Ankeny

A celebration of life will be held at Leonard Funeral home in Dubuque Iowa on Saturday, November 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a service to be held at 12:00 p.m. and military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

The Hagerty family would like to thank all the staff at Mercy Hospital for the amazing care he received in his final days.

Ruth M. O’Toole

Ruth M. O’Toole, 88, of Dubuque, died Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque following a short illness.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am Friday, November 18, 2022 at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be 10:30 am Friday, November 18, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Ruth was born July 20, 1934, in Balltown, IA, the daughter of Anthony and Mildred Link Jaeger. On July 21, 1962, she married Larry O’Toole at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He died June 9, 2015.

She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1952, and Xavier Hospital X-ray technology in 1954. She worked in LeMars, IA as an X-ray tech in 1956.  She was employed at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL until 1962 when she married Larry.  They lived in Norfolk, NE until 1965 when they moved to Minneapolis, MN and she worked for St. Paul Radiology until her retirement in 1995.  They moved back to Dubuque in 2009 and resided at Oak Park Place.

She enjoyed crafts, needlework, knitting, reading, and travel.  She was a member of the Red Hats for 14 years.  She was very dedicated and caring to her husband who went blind shortly after they were married.

Survivors include one brother, Jerome (Donna Mae) Jaeger of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Gary Summers of Findlay, OH; numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Iola (Anthony) Kerper, Mary Summers, and Jean Ann (Sylvester) Steger and one niece, two great nieces and two nephews.

A special thank you to the 4th floor staff Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

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

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