Obituaries Archive

Sr. Jeanne Mary Miller

Sister Jeanne Mary Miller, BVM, 86, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.

Visitation of cremated remains will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne Mary ministered as an elementary teacher and education center volunteer in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was an elementary teacher in Chicago; Berwyn, Ill.; Kauai, Hawaii; and Tujunga, Calif., where she also served as director of parish ministries.

She was born on Nov. 22, 1936, in Seattle to John and Helen (Grummett) Miller. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1955, from St. Charles Parish, North Hollywood, Calif. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1958, and final vows on July 16, 1963.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Nancy Borges, and a brother Michael (Shirley) Miller. She is survived by a brother Mark (Linda) Miller, Salem, Va.; a brother-in-law Jerry Borges, Aiea, Hawaii; nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

Rosalie M. Edwards

Rosalie May Edwards, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, November 5, 2023, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Rosalie May Rockwell was born on December 24, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa, to Ardith Lynn and Georgia Verle (Edwards) Rockwell.  She attended Maquoketa schools and had worked as a CNA at Crestridge Nursing Home and later as a supervisor at DAC, Inc., both in Maquoketa.

Rosalie married Willard Dale Edwards on May 15, 1970 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.  He preceded her in death on May 6, 2023.

Rosalie loved her family first and foremost, as well as sewing, drawing, painting, playing cards and dice.

Those left to honor her memory include her sisters, Mary Horan of Maquoketa, IA, and Carol Bowen of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willard, brothers Ralph (Edna) Rockwell and Robert Rockwell, and brothers-in-law, Dennis Bowen and Ron Horan.

Visitation will be held from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A public graveside service and burial celebrating Rosalie’s life will follow at 11 A.M., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Streets Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Rosalie May Edwards memorial fund has been established.

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

Laura O. Hoffman

After a very brief stay in Mercy Hospital, Laura O. Hoffman of Dubuque passed quickly and peacefully on September 30, 2023. Services will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque, 1699 Iowa Street, on November 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Born in Omaha to Ted and Mary Turner of Corning, Iowa on November 9, 1940, Laura Hoffman spent her childhood in the idyll of Iowa. After graduating from Monmouth College (Illinois) in 1963, she joined the Peace Corps, and lived and taught for two years in Thailand with her husband Ron Hoffman. Upon returning to the U.S., they started a family and both pursued advanced degrees over the next several years. After her divorce in 1991, she completed her PhD in Education, with a focus on children’s literacy. She taught several years at Northern Michigan University before becoming an Associate Professor at Clarke College in 1998. In Dubuque she was close to her siblings and found community in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque, as well as being active in various groups and projects, including the League of Women Voters, the Presentation Lantern Center and the St. Patrick’s Wednesday night meal.

She is survived by her children, Cassandra (Jörg Pieper) and Benjamin (Beth Watson), her sisters, Jane Cooper (Phil) and Cathy Remington (Steven), her sister-in-law Lynn Turner, and her three beloved grandchildren, Leander, Adah and Lucille.

She was preceded in death by her twin sister, Elizabeth Turner Platt and her brother, Theodore Baker Turner III.

Charitable donations in honor of Laura’s memory may be made to either the St. Patrick’s Wednesday night meal or to the Presentation Lantern Center.

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

Rosemary Kroeger

Rosemary “Rosie” Kroeger, 86, of Petersburg passed away Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at her home.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 am on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Gabriel Mensah will officiate.

Rosie was born on March 24, 1937, the daughter of Bernard and Rita (Gaul) Trenkamp.  She married Eugene Kroeger on April 14, 1956, in Dyersville at St. Francis Xavier Basilica.  Together they farmed near Petersburg and had a small engine repair business.  Rosie also worked at Dyersville Progress, Inc. and worked part time at the James Kennedy Library in Dyersville.  She was a religious person who was an active member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg.

Rosie was a farm wife who loved family gatherings, gardening, cooking, knitting, crocheting and sewing.  Her favorite pastime was visiting with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Steve (Lisa) and Dianne Kroeger, all of Petersburg, Randy (Judy) Kroeger of Dubuque and Deb (Wayne) Kray of Marion, 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and a brother, Jerome Trenkamp of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gene, a sister-in-law, Bernice Trenkamp, and several in-laws from the Kroeger side.

Special thanks to the Services provided by Care Initiatives and Regional Home Care, both from Manchester.

Memorials are preferred.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Deborah K. Shurts

Deborah K. Shurts, 74, of Asbury, died Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Debby will be 11:00 am Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Deborah was born May 27, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of John Elmer and Elizabeth Ann Shimp. On August 6, 1986, she married David Michael Shurts at the courthouse in Dubuque. He died February 16, 1998.

Debby worked at the Holy Family Central Office at Wahlert for 12 years while working at what she considered her ‘fun’ job at Borders/Books-A-Million for almost eight years. More recently, she had worked for Humach.

She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection and a former member of Dubuque Marina. She and her husband often went boating together on the river, with her husband as her captain. Debby loved all animals and would take in any animal that needed a home. She also enjoyed golfing and, until his passing, would take her father golfing every weekend.

Survivors include her son, Jordan (Kristina Erickson) Shurts of Dubuque; and one sister, Judith Gatena of Dubuque.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Holden Cancer Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation for the ER nurses and doctors at Finley.

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

Shou P. Yuan

Shou P. Yuan, 87, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, surrounded by his family.

Private family services will be held at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Shou was born January 4, 1936, in South Korea. He and his wife, Tsai, founded and operated House of China in 1984.  He was hands-on in the business with sons, Johnny and Kevin, up to his time of death.  He truly took great pride in his work and owning his own business.  In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include wife, Tsai C. Yuan; children, Ling (Mao) Tsui, Johnny (June) Yuan, and Kevin Yuan; grandchildren, Justin, Brandon, Tyler, Alice, Grace, and Hannah.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Lee Boey Yuan and one brother.

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

Patrick G. Hefel

Patrick G. “Pat” Hefel, age 45, of Marion, Iowa, passed away with his family by his side at 3:41 p.m., on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at home after a courageous battle with cancer.  To honor Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall in North Buena Vista, Iowa.  Graveside services will be held immediately following visitation in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, North Buena Vista, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Patrick was born on February 4, 1978, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Steven and Judith (Ploessl) Hefel.

Pat graduated from Guttenberg High School.  He married Amy Wagner on November 13, 1999, and they have 4 adorable children together.  Pat was employed with Seedorff Masonry for around 10 years before making the decision to be a stay at home dad.  He loved playing Barbie Dolls with the girls, pretending to make McDonald’s Happy Meals with the kids and building Lego sets.  Recently, Pat had gone back to work with Nordstrom and Wal Mart and was planning on getting his HVAC certification.  He was a proud member of Laborers’ Local #177 in Des Moines.  In his free time, Pat enjoyed being outside, going fishing, and working in his garden.  He made fresh spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce and salsa that was loved by anyone who was lucky enough to receive a jar.  Pat was extremely intelligent.  He was a history buff, especially anything related to WWII, and an avid sports fan, always rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Atlanta Braves.  He had a great love of baseball and card collecting, which he turned into a business selling cards on Ebay.  Pat’s greatest joy was spending time with all of his family.  He was a good man and we will all miss him tremendously.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

his wife,
Amy M. Wagner Hefel, Marion, IA;

their children,
Allison, Peter, Alexandra “Alex” and April Hefel, all at home;

his mother,
Judy Hefel, North Buena Vista, IA;

3 brothers,
Craig Hefel, North Buena Vista, IA,
Richard “Rick” (Christa) Hefel, Osterdock, IA
and Lucas Hefel, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his father, Steven Hefel; and a brother, Jeremy Hefel.

Pat’s family would like to thank everyone who has visited and helped these past weeks and months.  You truly made him realize how loved he was.  Also a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of PCI Oncology in Cedar Rapids and Unity Point Hospice for all of their outstanding support and care.

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

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

William M. Fritz

William M. “Bill” Fritz, 92, of Oak Park Place, Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 at Oak Park Place.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5th at the Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL and prior to mass, Monday, November 6th, from 9:00 – 10:15 at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 6th, at Holy Ghost Church, with Fr. Steve Garner and Fr. Apo Mpanda concelebrating. Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion, Dubuque Post # 6.

Bill was born on June 1, 1931, in Benton, WI, the son of LeRoy F. and Bernice J (Murray) Fritz. He was a graduate of Benton High School, class of 1949. Bill was united in marriage to Elizabeth T. “Betty” Kuhl on August 21, 1954, at Holy Ghost Church.

He was a route salesman for Wonder Bread (Continental Baking Company) for over 33 plus years. Bill was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean conflict. He was a faithful member of Holy Ghost Parish where he volunteered and worked the Bingo program for over 40 years.

Bill enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and going out to eat at the various tri-state supper clubs.

Surviving is his wife, Betty; two daughters, Jane (Greg) Luchsinger of Asbury and Tammy (Scott) Conrad of Davenport, IA; five grandchildren, Alicia, Brett, Bryan, Garrett, and Riley; seven great grandchildren; his brother, Tony (Carole) Fritz of Galena, IL; and his brother-in-law, Clair Hefel, Epworth, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews,

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Bernice; siblings, Cora, LeRoy (Bud), Florence (Min), Homer, Robert (Bob), Suzanne, and Jean; his father and mother-in-law, Arno and Armella (Roth) Kuhl, in-laws, Dorothy (John) Grotkin, Marilyn Hefel, Steve Mascow, Eileen Fritz, Ted Burns, Mary Fritz, Tom Barlage and Ben Altflisch.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and Hospice of Dubuque for their special care of our husband and father.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Dubuque or University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City.

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

Paul J. Behnke

Paul J. Behnke, 78, of Dubuque, IA passed away at Ennoble Manor on November 2, 2023.

A visitation will be held Monday November 6, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque IA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Deacon Mike Timmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Paul was born March 1, 1945, to Nicholas and Marcella (Frommelt) Behnke in Dubuque.

Paul J. Behnke married Lanae M. O’Hea on July 7, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque. Paul worked for the City of Dubuque Street Department for 45 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Teamsters Union #421, Sacred Heart Holy Name Society, and the Dubuque Gun Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and boating.

Paul is survived by his wife Lanae; daughter Melissa (Leslie Kelley III) Behnke of Dubuque; grandson Jameel (Kajsa Hallberg) Kelley of Woodberry MN; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol Behnke, Louise (Joe) Lange, Steve (Jane) O’Hea, Jim Young; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Stephen and Marcella O’Hea; daughter Jennifer Anne; brother Vernon Behnke; and sister-in-law Linda Young.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor and Care Initiatives of Dubuque.

Cindy M. Lester

Cindy M. Lester, age 67, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on October 31, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Cindy’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Dubuque Memorial Gardens where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Cindy’s family.

Cindy was born on February 18, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Albert E. and Adele C. (Maas) Davis.  She eventually met the love of her life, Paul Lester, and the couple was united in marriage and enjoyed many wonderful years together before he was sadly called home ahead of her in 2015.  Cindy spent most of her working career in apartment management working primarily with Key Apartments in Dubuque, but also invested a few years in the Iowa City area.

Cindy definitely treasured her free-time and was always content when she could put some of her creative talents to use.  She had a natural talent when it came to ceramics and proudly owned her own personal kiln which helped to bring her creations to life on her own schedule.  She also enjoyed sewing, jewelry making, and crafts of all sorts and leaves behind countless memorabilia  today for those who knew and loved her to treasure. Cindy was quite capable in the kitchen as well and thoroughly enjoyed baking delicious treats whenever possible. We are going to miss our dear Cindy, her relentless strong will, and her take it or leave it attitude moving forward.  It’s difficult to imagine a world without her physical presence mingled within it, but we trust that the Lord has her home safely now, reunited with all of her loved ones who’ve gone ahead, and surely free from her earthly health battles.   Thank you, Cindy, for leaving behind an abundance of memories for us to lean on through the more difficult days ahead as we seek peace and healing while waiting to see you again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Cindy include,

her mother,
Adele Davis, Dubuque, IA;

her brother,
Randy (Pam) Davis, Dubuque, IA;

her nieces,
Jessica (Josh) Skemp, Dubuque, IA,
Brandi (Nick) Herrald, Dubuque, IA,
Holly (Brett) Fisher, Norwalk, IA,
and Mari Johnson, Waukon, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Albert Davis; her husband, Paul Lester; and her brother, Albert Michael “Mike” Davis.

Cindy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care over these last weeks.

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

Shaun M. Timmerman

Shaun M. Timmerman, 25, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on October 24th, 2023.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Shaun Michael Timmerman was born on July 13th, 1998, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John and Carolyn (Hanten) Timmerman. Shaun graduated from Stephen Hempstead High School with the class of 2017 and found work in Dubuque as a CNC Machinist at TDM Machining.

Shaun liked to lay low, and always kept his nose to the grindstone, working hard to save enough to buy a house one day. He made it a point to live life with few possessions, and the only décor in his home was either left behind from a previous owner, or gifted by his sister Danielle.

Shaun enjoyed iRacing, a sprint car racing simulator on his gaming computer, for which he had an impressive setup. He made a name for himself in the community as an extremely skilled racer and made many great friends during his time in the sport.

Offline, he loved attending dirt track races, and he would travel across the country to attend them, making friends along the way. He also enjoyed (not) betting on horse racing, but would brag to us about how much money he would have made, if he had. Shaun could also be found riding his motorcycle around town or with his brother.

Shaun is survived by his parents John and Carolyn (Hanten) Timmerman, sister Danielle, brother Shane, aunts and uncles Lori (Thad) Everson of De Forest, WI, Lisa (Larry) Hoch of Eau Claire, WI, Denise (Daryl) Sauerbrei of Urbandale, IA, Debbie (Phil) Meyer, Janet (Dan) Krewson, Allan (Kim) Hanten, all of Dubuque, Iowa, cousins Jakob Eigenberger, Samantha Sauerbrei, Alec (Sammy) Sauerbrei, Trevor (Camila) Meyer, Morgan (Jake) Doty, Marissa (Brody) Hulme, Lauren Winter, Cole Winter, Alyssa (Alex) Reiter, and Kayla (fiancé Brian Gilles) Hanten. We are going to dearly miss his infectious laugh and witty comebacks.

He was preceded in death by his sister Emily Timmerman, and grandparents Burnell & Janet (Pitzen) Timmerman, and Daniel & Barbara (Hoffmann) Hanten.

“And between now and then, ‘til I see you again, I’ll be loving you. Love, me.”

Thank you to all the family and friends along with the iRacing Family for their love and support. #SlideJobsDaily.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

James Koeneke

James Koeneke, 89, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Luther Manor. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Private burial will be at Linwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, green plants are appreciated by the family.

Jim was born January 16, 1934 in Dubuque, the son of Clarence and Mabel (Unmacht) Koeneke. He married Helen Clough on April 26, 1958 in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2021. Jim served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 33 years, retiring in 1989. Jim and Helen enjoyed traveling to Florida every winter. His summertime activities included camping and fishing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Bruce (Leslie) O’Hearn, his daughters, Kitty George and Kerry Koeneke; his grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) O’Hearn, Kris (Jessie) Koeneke, Kara George, and Kevin (Khloe) George; 7 great grandchildren; and a brother in law, John Kruser.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Mike O’Hearn; his sisters; and many in-laws and extended family members.

Jim’s family would like to thank Dr. Liaboe for all his care.

Deb Ostwinkle

Deb Ostwinkle, 60, of Hopkinton passed away Tuesday, October 31st at home after an 8-month battle with brain cancer.  Deb was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend whose caring heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 5th from 3-7 pm at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 am Monday.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, November 6th at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa.  Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Deb was born on August 27th, 1963, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Francis and Kathleen Sauerbry.  She graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in 1981, and went on to obtain an Associate’s degree in marketing from NICC in 1983.  She married Dean Ostwinkle on September 15^th, 1984, and two daughters were born to this union.  Deb started her career with Home Interiors while operating an in-home bakery.  She went on to own her own Hallmark store on Monticello main street for 9 years, then continued her career with Hallmark for 20 years after selling her store until her retirement in 2023.  Deb was known for her servant heart.  She spent many hours volunteering at her children’s school, the Xavier parents association, Beckman high school band, and the St. Francis Xavier Parish. She also gathered many donations for local causes each year including Toys for the Needy in Dyersville at Christmastime, and the Clarity Clinic in Dubuque.  As her children grew older, she made it known that her children’s friends were always welcome in their home with some considering her their second mom.  In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, baking sugar cookies and cakes for loved ones, caring for all the animals that called their house home, and spending time with family.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life.  She never missed a single activity or a chance to spoil them with love.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 39 years, Dean Ostwinkle of Hopkinton, two daughters Stephanie (Levi) Farmer of Monticello, Iowa, Rachael (Justin) Feldmann of Petersburg, Iowa, grandchildren: Harper and Hudson Farmer of Monticello, Iowa and Ryker and Evelyn Feldmann with another baby on the way of Petersburg, Iowa, honorary son Tyler (Kathryn) Dunkel of Seattle, Washington, siblings: Dale (Annette) Sauerbry of Hopkinton, Iowa, Donna (Pat) Schlichte of Monticello, Iowa, Pauline (friend Brian) Schaffner of Manchester, Iowa, three brothers in law Michael (Jayne) Ostwinkle of Worthington, Dennis (friend Patti) Ostwinkle of Decorah, Iowa, Darryl (Darla) Ostwinkle of Worthington, Iowa, sister in law, Julie Ostwinkle of Worthington, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Kathleen Sauerbry, stepfather, Bob Heims, parents in law, Ernest and Del Rose Ostwinkle, siblings in law, Ron Ostwinkle, Nita Ostwinkle, and Sandy Ostwinkle.

Her smile, kindness, and her loving heart will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miriam Eick’s Toys for the Needy or Clarity Clinic in Dubuque in Deb’s honor.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

Mark S. Willis

Mark S. Willis, 68, of Farley, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Visitation for Mark will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2023 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a Prayer Service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home in Peosta.

Services for Mark will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Mark was born October 5, 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Robert and Shirley (Smith) Willis.  He attended Washington Jr. High in Dubuque and was a 1974 graduate of Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was a car enthusiast which lead him to owning and operating Willis Auto Body since 1985.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley.  He was also a member of several car clubs in the area, National Impala Car Club, Late Great Chevy Car Club, Tri-State Antique and Classic Car Club, Main Street Cruisers, and a member of the Tri-State Auto Body Association.

He enjoyed camping, going to classic car events with his 1958 Chevy convertible.  Most of all he loved family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Willis of Farley, IA; three children, Dawn (Chris) Reiff, Jeff (Brittney) Willis, and Brian (Janel) Willis, and all of Farley, Iowa; nine grandchildren,  Anthony, Colton, Ayden, Jaxen and Rebecca Reiff, Rylie and Liam Willis and Ellie and Chase Willis; his step-mother, Ruth Willis of Dubuque, IA; four brothers, Dave (Ellen) Willis of Dubuque, IA, Joe (Pat) Willis of Apple Canyon, IL, Jerry (Linda) Willis, and Dale Willis both of Dubuque, IA; and two sisters, Bev Willis of Delhi, IA and Bobbie (Dan) Schoen of Dubuque, IA; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Mackedanz of Dubuque, Karen (David) Robertson of Urbandale, Kevin (Janice) Welter and Kent (Cindy)Welter both of Farley, Kurt Welter of Dubuque, Kelly (Tanya) Welter of Graf, Kris (Dave) Koutsky of Milan, IL;

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob Willis and Shirley Friesinger; his step father, Louie Friesinger; one brother, Jim Willis; twin grandsons, Carson and Carter Willis; his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Shirley Welter; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Welter; one sister-in-law, Cindy Willis.

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

Will J. Burds

Will J. Burds, age 74 of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on October 25, 2023.

He was born November 12, 1948 in Cascade, Iowa.  A son to the late John and Mary (Carroll) Burds. In addition to his parents, Will is preceded in passing by his brothers Jerry (Pat) Burds and Jack Burds.

Will obtained his bachelor’s degree in business from Loras College, Dubuque Iowa and retired after 30 years with Progressive Insurance.

Will enjoyed his family and friends and is survived by his loving wife Kathy of 51 years, his son Chad (Emily), his grandchildren Carter and Payton and sisters Joan Weber (Phil) and Colleen Bertinetti.

Friends may gather at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home (1051 E. Johnstown Rd.) On Monday, October 30, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM.  Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.

Entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E. JOHNSTOWN RD. 43230.

We will then take Will home for his funeral mass burial with Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:15a.m., Thursday, November 2, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:30a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lettuce Work Foundation, Inc. at www.lettucework.org or by mail at Lettuce Work 14985 Francher Rd., New Albany, Ohio 43054.