Obituaries Archive

Sr. Mary Karen Jasper, PBVM

Sister Mary Karen Jasper, PBVM, 87, died on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Sisters of the Presentation (Mount Loretto), 2360 Carter Road.

On Thursday, November 30, friends may call from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, where there will be a wake service at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Mary Karen, daughter of Tony and Clara (Anstoetter), was born Vera Cecelia Jasper on March 15, 1936, in Farley, Iowa.  She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 8, 1953, and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1961.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Science from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Sister Karen’s ministries took her to Osage, Dougherty, Charles City, Ryan, Epworth, Sheldon, Algona, Bode and Waukon, all in Iowa, where she taught and served as a principal. She also served as co-director and pastoral minister of Nagle Center, caring for sick and elderly sisters at Mount Loretto. She retired to Mount Loretto in 2009 and celebrated her 60^th Jubilee in 2013. Reflecting on her jubilee, Sister Karen stated, “Our foundress Nano Nagle’s prayerfulness and readiness to serve wherever she was inspired me. I am grateful for the example of my sister, Sister Mary Philip Jasper, and the Presentation Sisters who taught me for 12 years. I have enjoyed wherever I have been in mission. I felt successful and ready to serve wherever I was called.” Sister Karen enjoyed nature walks, crafts, word games, puzzles, reading and writing. She valued prayer and community service.

Surviving are her sister Mary Smith, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 70 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Sister Mary Philip Jasper, PBVM, Rita Schwendinger, and Lois Hoeger; her brothers, Leroy, John and James; and her brothers-in-law Gerald Schwendinger, Joseph Hoeger and Orlin Smith.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org.

Gregory W. Schmidt

Gregory W. “Greg” Schmidt, 60, of Potosi WI, died at UW Madison Hospital November 24, 2023.

Visitation will be held Wednesday November 29, 2023, from 3:00 to 6:00pm with a funeral service at 6:00pm with Nichole Robson officiating, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque IA.

Greg was born December 19, 1962, in Iowa City, IA to William and Patricia (Hank) Schmidt.

Greg married JoAnn Grutz on August 16, 2014, at Lord of Life Church.

He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1986 with a B.S. in Operations Management and Management Information Systems.

He started working at Quaker Oats right after college, later at Rousselot in Dubuque, and lastly at Nu World in Dyersville.

Greg enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, he was a member of the local H.O.G’s, he also loved rooting on the Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, and NY Yankees. He loved spending time outside, bird watching and working on cars.

Greg is survived by his wife JoAnn of Potosi; children Steven (Sarah) Schmidt of Dubuque, Adam (Hannah) Jobgen of Hazel Green, Matthew Jobgen of Dubuque; grandchildren Zoey, Reid, Chloe, Avery and Beau will join the family in 2024; sister Lisa (Scott) Davidson of Hillard OH, Kathleen (Jim) Burke Delaware OH, Jolie (Rich) Winning of Westerville OH.; step-mother Kathy Schmidt; mother-in-law Eileen Grutz; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and daughter Lauren Schmidt.

Memorials may be sent to the Lauren Schmidt Scholarship Memorial in care of Dubuque Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the UW Madison Neurology, and ICU departments, as well as the WI Donor Network.

Mary E. Noonan

Mary E. Noonan, 95, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023 at her home in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Mary will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Mark Osterhaus officiating.   Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.  The Reiff Funeral Home of Cascade is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary was born February 2, 1928 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Nick and Elizabeth (Lahr) Neiers.  She received her education in the former St. Mary’s school in Cascade.  On June 15, 1950 she was united in marriage to Daniel Noonan at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.   He preceded her in death on September 6, 2018.

Mary loved golfing, chocolate and ironing.  She loved her shoe’s.    Most of all she loved to visit with family and friends.  Mary couldn’t be prouder of her family.  She was very knowledgeable on the history of Cascade, and loved to share that knowledge.

She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa, and the Cascade Tri-County Historical Society,

She is survived by one daughter, Susan (Kevin) Hosch of Monticello, IA; two grandchildren, Kristie Kremer (& friend, Mike Aiello) and Stephanie (Allen) Ries; five great grandchildren, Ricky (Sheena) Kremer, Alex (Nikki) Ries, Tyler Ries (& friend, Megan McDermott), Zach Ries (& friend, Alyssa Koppes), Olivia Ries (& friend, Caden Thies); two great great grandchildren, Collins and Bode Ries; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael (Jean) Noonan of Peosta, IA; and  Carol Neiers of Decator, IL

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Daniel Noonan on September 11, 1981; one great grandson, Justin Kremer; two  brothers, Nick Neiers and Paul (Marilyn) Neiers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Margaret Noonan, Robert Noonan, John (Nancy) Noonan, Walter (Cecelia) Melloy and Pat (Mary) Noonan.

A Mary E. Noonan memorial fund has been established.

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

Michael E. Zahren

Michael E. Zahren, 69, of Dubuque, passed away November 23, 2023.

In keeping with his wishes, private family funeral services will be held. Please join us in the Celebration of Mike’s life from 2:00-6:00, Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the Asbury Eagles Club. The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Michael was born on December 13, 1953, to Robert and Barbara (Bott) Zahren in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was united in marriage to Pam (Weiland) Zahren on November 24, 1989.

Mike graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1972. He earned a full-ride scholarship to play football at the University of Iowa.

Mike was a tremendous athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He earned all-state honors in football, and all-conference honors in basketball and baseball. He was inducted into the Dubuque Senior High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also inducted into the Slow-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 2022.

Mike spent 25+ years refereeing and umpiring high-school athletic games.

During his free time, he also enjoyed golfing, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago White Sox.

Mike cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who learned that he was the master of the chicky-chinas and eating toes. He also was devoted to keeping his stylish ponytail so his granddaughters could practice their hair styling skills. He also loved his dog Lilly who was never far from his side.

Mike is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pam; children, Kaycee (Brad) Northouse, Corey (Jenny) LuGrain, and Amy (Jeff) Pfeiler, all of Dubuque; grandchildren, Ivy, Zahren, and baby Northouse on the way, Olivia and Ella Pfeiler, Grace, Addy, Nick, and Jack LuGrain. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy Zahren-Kalb, and Carol (Clifford) Wyatt all of Dubuque; in-laws, Diane Stemper and Darrell (Cheryl) Weiland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Mike Kalb, and Paul Stemper.

A Michael Zahren Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to family and friends whom have reached out and sent love and prayers in this difficult time.

Tom Donovan

Tom Donovan, age 84, passed away peacefully at Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am until 10:30 am on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be at 11:00 am Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tom was born on August 12, 1939, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, to Clem and Valois (Fleege) Donovan. He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 1959 and served two years active duty on the USS Newport News in Norfolk, VA. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

On May 30, 1962, he married Karen Helbing at St. Rose Catholic Church in Cuba City, Wisconsin.

Tom was employed by Concrete Products/Top Block and Brick for 55 years.

Tom is survived by his wife, Karen; honorary son, Richard (Kim) Donovan, and two honorary grandchildren, Brandy and Michael Donovan of Asbury, Iowa; three siblings, Janet (Tom) Vosberg of Northfield, MN; Joyce (Gabriel) Loeffelholz of Platteville, WI; Dick (Katy Schellenberger) Donovan of Hazel Green, WI; brothers-in-law, Dave (Carol) Helbing of Dickeyville, WI and Rick (Kris) Helbing of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Joan Helbing of Dickeyville; Mary Jo Helbing of Janesville, WI; and Linda (Carl) Osterhaus of Dickeyville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Donovan; his in-laws, Henry and Hilda (Klaas) Helbing; brothers-in-law, Dale Helbing, Henry “Butch” Helbing, and Stanley Helbing; and sister-in-law, Angie Donovan.

The family thanks Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care of Tom.

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

Raymond T. Hickson

Raymond T. Hickson, 86, of Otter Creek, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 30, 2023 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek.  Family will greet friends starting at 9:30 am until Mass time at the church on Thursday.  Burial will be in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Raymond was born December 29, 1936, the son of Frank and Edna (Martin) Hickson.  He worked on the family farm all his adult years, enjoyed driving his golf cart all around Otter Creek, playing with the farm dogs and playing baseball.  He loved the land and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his brother, Robert “Bob” (Rosie) Hickson; a sister in-law, Ruth Hickson; nieces and nephews. Rick (Regina) Hickson, Pat (Kathy) Hickson, Karen (Steve) Conrad, Ellen (Bob) Sarazin, Jolene Arensdorf, Terry (Tina) Hickson, and Julie (Jason) Duesing; and many great nieces and nephews and extended family.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Joseph Hickson.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Raymond’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Kathyrn A. Oleson

Kathryn A. (Robinson) Oleson, 73, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Family and friends may call from 9 -10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Private family burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Kathy was born on March 17, 1950 in Dubuque, the daughter of Milton and Patricia (Potter) Robinson. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1968 and Scott Community College at Bettendorf, IA, where she received her LPN degree.

Kathy was formerly employed at St. Dominic Villa and Sunnycrest Manor as a CNA. She lived and worked in California and returned to Dubuque in March of 2017. She loved Panda Bears.

Surviving are her three children, Jennifer (Jose) Escarsega of Vista, CA, Josh (Mary Kay) Oleson of Dubuque and Jillette Oleson of Oceanside, CA; four grandchildren, Gavin (Nicole), Emilee (Seth), Mikala (RJay) and Amelia, and five great-grandchildren, Gracie, Olivia, Caroline, Cheyanne, and Della; her siblings, Martin (Atsuko) Robinson of Garden Grove, CA, and Sandi Robinson of Vermillion, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents Milton and Patricia; her son Jeffrey; and a grandson Harrison; her siblings, Tom, Mick and Bill Robinson, and Elizabeth Schlichting.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Cindy M. Peiffer

Cindy M. Peiffer, 62, of Cascade, IA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 24, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Cascade with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque where a wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m.

Cindy was born in Dubuque, IA on May 14, 1961 the daughter of Earl and Mary (Hartung) Fischer. She graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1979. On April 5, 1986 she married Steve Peiffer at Holy family Church in Peosta, IA. Together they shared over 37 years of marriage.

Cindy worked for Ertl Toys for 19 years before opening her own in-home daycare that she ran for 20 years. After retiring from daycare, she spent 4 years working for Polo Plastics.

Cindy was a great wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She loved to cook, play cards, and especially loved supporting her daughters and grandchildren’s many activities. She will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Steve of Cascade; three daughters, Kayla (Mark) Freed of Marion, IA, Amy (John) Schroeder of West Des Moines, IA, and Stephanie (Scott) Nilles of Belle Plaine, IA; Grandchildren, Tanner and Eli Freed and Madison and Payton Schroeder; brothers, Gary and Roger Fischer; sisters, Sheila Fischer, Brenda (Craig) Barth and Lisa (Mark) Droeszler; siblings-in-law, Peggy Decker, Patsy (Tim) Ament, Ron (Joyce) Peiffer, Ken (Shari) Peiffer, Gary Peiffer, Donna (Rod) Leonard, Doris (Gene) Porter, Linda Kremer and Lisa (Dean) Oswald; 29 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mary Fischer; mother and father-in-law, Joe and Rose Peiffer; Brother, Jim Fischer; and brother-in-law, James Kremer.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they provided to Cindy.

John A. Fischer

John Andrew Fischer, 70, of Key West passed away Friday November 24, 2023 at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital, proudly with his beard on his face.

Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:30 Saturday December 2, 2023, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with a service to follow at 10:30.

John was born on April 16, 1953, in Dubuque, the son of Louis A. and Elizabeth (Leicht) Fischer Jr. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and worked for Superior Welding Supply for 42 years. He married Celeste Stoffel on July 23, 1983, at Eagle Point Park and they shared 40 mostly happy years together, making their home in Key West, where they raised their daughter Emily.

Although John’s life was full of countless happy scenes, he courageously bore the burden of always being right. He shouldered this task honorably and with commendable patience. Among John’s happiest times were duck hunting in his younger years with his trusted black Labradors Waylon, Willie, and Cash. He also enjoyed the turtle races in Haward, WI, his yearly canoe trips, and camping at Swiss Valley, along with making homemade sauerkraut and head cheese. He could often be found doing yard work, gardening, and other miscellaneous activities in his assorted collection of Speedos. He also enjoyed crowning himself a daily at home Jeopardy Champion as well as sharing his many “Fischerisms” with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Cess, his daughter Emily (Dan) Kearney, three grandchildren Joseph, Vivian, and Samuel Kearney, his mother-in-law Rose Stoffel, siblings Lynn (Bob) Miller, Caroline (Tim) Kieler, and Mark (Leslie) Fischer, a sister-in-law Teresa Fischer, and brothers and sisters-in-law Andy (Karen) Stoffel, Denny (Laurie) Stoffel, Mark (Robin) Stoffel, Tim Stoffel, and Tina Sweetland along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by John Lennon and George Harrison along with his parents Bud and Bette, his father-in-law Irvin Stoffel, brother Louie Fischer III, and a brother-in-law Lenny Stoffel.

In lieu of flowers a John A. Fischer memorial fund has been established.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Key West Fire and EMS, to Dr. Mark Hermann, Tony Heiar and all Oncology staff along with the staff at the Wendt Regional Cancer Center.

Merwin J. Monner

Merwin J. Monner, 94, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones.  Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 8:30 am – 10:30 am prior to Mass on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Merwin was born May 28, 1929, the son of Wilfred and Laura (Wall) Monner.  He graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in 1947.  He served his country in the US Army in Japan during the Korean War.  Merwin married Mary “Shirley” Till on July 28, 1956 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, she passed on July 6, 2017.  He worked for Roeder Brothers in Bellevue, retiring in 2006 at the age of 77.  Merwin was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church serving as an usher and was a member of Bellevue American Legion Post #273.  He enjoyed old cars, repairing bikes, working in the yard, and feeding his birds.

Survivors include his daughters, Carol (Dale “Pooch”) Ries and Sue (Steve) Flogel; grandchildren, Nickolas (Sarah) Flogel, Nathan (Cheryl) Flogel,  Ryan (Jamie) Ries, and Alesha (Ty) Malone; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn,  Stella,  Anna, Sophia, Amara, and Maggie; siblings, Joe Monner, John “Pete” (Joyce) Monner, Yvonne Kruser, and Patricia Berthel, brothers and sisters in-law, Naomi Till, Arlene Till, Eldon (Virgina) Till, and Rich (Eunice) Till; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Merwin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother Donald Monner; brothers and sisters in-law, Richard Budde, Clarence Kruser, Donald Berthel, Lavern Till, Lowell Till, Merlin (Gwendola) Till, Darlene (Norman) Kilburg, and Janice (Al) Thola.

In leui of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merwin’s memory.

A special thank you to Deanna, Wendy, Kathy, Sam, Phylis, Alisha, Joe and Jeanette for your loving care during this time.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

James H. Gamerdinger

James H. Gamerdinger, 91, of Guttenberg, formerly of Dunkerton, Iowa passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, where a vigil service will commence at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be commence at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in  Guttenberg, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery in Dunkerton, Iowa where military honors will be accorded. Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

James was born on September 4, 1932, in Tomah, Wisconsin, the son of Albert Gamerdinger and Emma Martha Gusta (Kuehl) Tramel. He married Mary Margaret Wellner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 19, 1955.

As a young boy, Jim shined shoes and sold sandwiches to soldiers at Camp McCoy. Jim joined the Air Force, serving from April 1951 – 1955; and the  Reserves 1955 – 1959. He became a farmer and was employed by Square D, Fuller Brush Company, Titus Manufacturing, and John Deere Tractor Works, and then in 1976, he opened Pries Enterprises, where he retired in 1987.Jim achieved the National Tree Farmer of the Year Award. After retirement, he purchased his dream farm, which became his legacy. Jim was a proud father and patriarch to the “Dinger Nation.”

Jim loved to fish, garden, travel, and play cards. He really loved to hunt at his farm. His first deer he shot was a 10 point buck and his last deer, killed recently, was also a 10 point buck. He was a proud American that loved his country, but, the very most important things in his life he cherished, was his family and his legacy farm.

James a proud 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member. He also was a member of the Guttenberg Car Cruisers, Wounded Warriors, Guttenberg American Legion, National Forestry Association, Arbor Day Association, and NRA.

Survivors include his beautiful wife of 68 years, Mary Margaret (Wellner) Gamerdinger; his children: Theodore (Angie) Gamerdinger, Gilbertville, IA; Cristina Johari, Denver, IA; Timothy (Lori) Gamerdinger, Chippewa Falls, WI; Tony (Kerri) Gamerdinger, Dunkerton, IA; Terrence (Judy) Gamerdinger,  Marion, IA; Thomas (Sharri) Gamerdinger, Nashua, IA; Teresa (Rick) Deardoff, Silver Springs, FL; Lisa (Larry) Spencer, Fort Worth, TX; Julie (Brian) Rottinghaus, Dunkerton, IA; Jon (Dawn) Gamerdinger, Garner, IA; Susan (Michael) Scott, Cedar Rapids, IA; Jamie (Jen) Gamerdinger, Edgewood, IA, and 53 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Frank Gamerdinger, Bill Gamerdinger and Eddie Gamerdinger; one sister, Joan( Gamerdinger) Crawford; a son-in-law, Dr. Ken McMains; and two grandsons: Joshua Gamerdinger and Calvin Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be  made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital Corporation Resource Center, Guttenberg American Legion, or your favorite charity.

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

Lenice Flesch

Lenice “Lee” Flesch, 92, of Dubuque, died Thursday, November 23, 2023, at her home with her family by her side.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lee will be 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Wednesday at the church prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Potosi, Wisconsin, at a later date.

Lee was born December 4, 1930, in Potosi, Wisconsin, the daughter of Clarence and Ruby (Retallick) Koeller. On April 3, 1951, she married John A. Flesch Jr. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2015.

Lee worked as a meat wrapper for Eagle Foods for many years until her retirement.

In the younger years, Lee and John enjoyed dancing, playing games, and cards. As life went on her family became her main focus. She enjoyed visiting with family and cooking for them. She also enjoyed canning and nurturing her plants. Those that knew Lee knew that she wasn’t afraid to tell you how she felt and what she wanted. She remained feisty until the end.

Survivors include her three daughters, Betty Flesch; Roxann Tsacudakis; and Paula (Rick LeConte) Dixon all of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Kim Tsacudakis, Jason (Carol) Tsacudakis, Jen (Dan) Griffin, and John Dixon; six great-grandchildren, Alyson, Lucas, Izzy, Keira, Jayda, and Zoey; two great-great-grandchildren, Eli and Aiden; her twin brother, Leonard Koeller of Fort Wayne, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Lee was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Steffen; siblings, Melvin Koeller, Gerald (Kathleen) Koeller, Geraldine (John) Skonetch, Monroe (Mary) Koeller; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Koeller.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Lenice “Lee”‘s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Janis A. Seay

Janis A. Seay, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at home, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Janis Ann Croce was born on June 7, 1944 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Leo Oscar and Gladys Maxine (Bickford) Croce.  She was a 1962 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married Cletus J. Arensdorf on June 6, 1964 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  To this union three children were born, Kimberly, Kevin, and Kelly.  On May 23, 1998, she married Phillip E. Seay in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Janis worked several jobs throughout the years including at the Jackson County Public Hospital, Clinton Engines, and most notably at Family Clinic in Maquoketa.  She had also been a Home Interiors and Gifts Rep. for many years.

Family was most important to Janis; she was a middle child, so she got to be the little sister and big sister all at the same time. Her high school years were filled with fun with some crazy girlfriends full of life and Elvis. She spread her wings and moved to California then home again to begin raising her family. Janis’ love for her children and joy for her grandchildren were both unconditional. She fought for what was just and advocated for her daughter, Kim, as her caregiver for almost 40 years. She found happiness in the many years her family spent camping, hosting card club and the many holidays and birthday celebrations as her house was filled with loving family and friends. Janis and Phil enjoyed their time together of nearly 25 years, traveling and fishing with his family. Upon moving into her recent apartment, she found new friendships and many nights of fun with her neighbors. She learned how to be brave and strong in all circumstances. Her hair, nails and jewelry were always perfect for every occasion. What is her secret, some might ask? Easy, fingernail files, ball point pens, and several pairs of cheaters get you through life.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Kevin (Mary) Arensdorf of Sunrise Beach, MO, and Kelly (Hiram) Heysinger of Dubuque, IA; 7 Grandchildren, Allison (Steven) Woizeschke of Shawnee, KS, Sarah (Brandon Otto) Arensdorf of Des Moines, IA, Amanda (Zach Loring) Arensdorf of Phoenix, AZ, Ike, Abe, Mac and Tye Heysinger, all of Dubuque, IA; 1 Great Grandchild, Archer Woizeschke of Shawnee, KS; siblings, Maxine Flock of Maquoketa, IA, Monna Cleary of Lost Nation, IA, Donna Camp of Guntersville, AL, Leo “Butch” Croce of Maquoketa, IA, and Wendy (Bill) Hainstock, Delmar, IA; and several special nieces and nephews.  Also surviving is Phil’s family including his children, Kathy (Bobby) Giers of Dubuque, IA, and Steven (Brandie) Seay of Dubuque, IA; 2 grandchildren, Justin and Kyle Seay, both of Dubuque, IA; and brothers Paul Seay of Dubuque, IA and Ray (Belinda) Seay of Moravia, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Phil on December 1, 2021, daughter Kimberly Arensdorf on April 19, 2020, infant sister Kathy, and brother Billy Earl Croce.

A celebration of Janis’ life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Janis Ann Seay memorial fund has been established.

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

David M. Duff

David Martin Duff, 77 of Galena, IL passed away November 18, 2023, at UW Madison Hospital. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

David was born June 22, 1946, in Kansas City, MO the son of Kenneth and Katherine (Kriley) Duff. He served in the United States Navy from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1970. David graduated from the University of Central Missouri with his undergraduate and master’s degrees. David was united in marriage to Marilyn Kay Ragan on February 4, 1972, in Warrensburg, MO. He was employed by JI Case Company as a product manager for 47 years until his retirement. David was an active member of the Kiwanis Club in Racine, WI, and Galena. He enjoyed restoring his 1926 Chevy, playing golf with his friends, and relaxing with his dogs Libby and Izzy.

David is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Marilyn Duff, a daughter, Constance (Michael) Bruzas, two grandchildren, Christopher Bruzas and Elizabeth Bruzas, and his sister, Mary Kay Lorenzo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Robert Stephen Duff.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Kiwanis Club of Galena and the American Cancer Society in memory of David.

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

Mark T. Weis

Mark “Mack” T. Weis, 75, of Durango, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023.  Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm, Monday, December 4, 2023 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 1:00 pm until service time.  Burial with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Mark was born July 11, 1948, the son of Elmer and Marian (Roling) Weis.  He attended Marquette Catholic High School and then served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  Mark enjoyed golfing, playing pool, working on cars, and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Alan (Jessica) Weis, Mark Weis, Aryanna (Andrew) Davis, and Claryssa (Ben) Durham; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sue Corlis and Sandra “Sandy” (Doug) Schroeder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith; siblings, Gary Weis, William “Bill” (Barb) Weis; and Julie Knake.

In leui of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mark’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com