Obituaries Archive

Kathleen Hahn

Kathleen “Kaye” Hahn, 83, of Crystal Lake, IL (formerly of Dubuque, IA), took her final bow on Monday, December 26, 2022 in McHenry, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque. The Mass of Christian Burial for Kaye will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Dustin Vu as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Born June 20, 1939 in Hopkinton, IA, Kaye was the daughter of Louis and Florence Murray Smith. On June 28, 1958 she married Gerald Hahn in Worthington, Iowa and moved to Dubuque. He preceded her in death on July 21, 1993.

Kaye dedicated herself to service with the Head Start Early Childhood Education Program for 38 years, helping countless disadvantaged Dubuque-area children and families. She was the most coveted Euchre partner around and an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan. Kaye was always helping others without judgement and lived the true definition of a Christian through her lifelong service to her community and family. She had a generous heart, was always pulling for the underdog and supported those around her with a kind and listening ear.

In her free time she enjoyed fishing, gardening and volunteering with the Senior Network. She was very loved by all and will forever be remembered for her compassion, sense of humor and commitment to always doing the right thing.

Survivors include her children Kevin (Cheri) Hahn of Pleasant Hill, IA, Terry Hahn of Des Moines, IA, Dawn Jumbeck of Crystal Lake, IL, Scott (Tereza) Hahn of Kansas City, KS, Patric (Julie) Hahn of Indianapolis, IN; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother, Lloyd Smith of New Vienna, IA; sisters, Marilyn Rubner of Arlington, IA, Lois “Babe” Loecke of Manchester, IA; and sister-in-law, Karen Stant of Dubuque, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Michelle Hahn; son-in-law, Rich Jumbeck; brothers-in-law, Bob Rubner and Billy Stant; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Smith; nephews, Phil and Randy Rubner; and niece, Sally Loecke.

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

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

Kathleen Ackerman

Kathleen “Kay” Ackerman, 96, of Dubuque, died Saturday, December 24, 2022, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Kathleen will be 10:30 am Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 10:15 am at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Kathleen was born December 25, 1925, in rural Dubuque, IA, the daughter of John and Clara Momberg Schrobilgen. On July 3, 1948, she married Francis “Fritz” Ackerman in rural Dubuque, IA. He preceded her in death on November 23, 2012.

Kay was a devoted Catholic and a member of Church of the Nativity. She enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing euchre and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye’s fan. Kay loved hosting family gatherings. She had a special lifelong relationship with her daughter, Julie.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Bill) Bastian of Eden Prairie, MN, Laura (Marty) Averill of Waterloo, IA, Sandy Ackerman of Hoosick Falls, NY, Sally Leib of Dubuque, Julie Ackerman of Mead, CO, John (Ann) Ackerman of Mounds View, MN, and Jim (Julie) Ackerman of Mead, CO; one brother, Donald Schrobilgen of Asbury, IA; and two sisters, Marlene Luchsinger of Dubuque, and Jeanette Lincoln of Independence, IA.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William “Bill” Schrobilgen and John “Bub” Schrobilgen Jr., her twin sister, Ann Hall, and son-in-law, Lenny Leib.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Sara Loetscher. A heartfelt thank you to our sister, Sally, who so lovingly cared for Mom.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Mary’s Inn Maternity Home.

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

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

Karen E. Petitgout

It is with great sadness that the family of Karen E. Petitgout (Kruser) announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Karen E. Petitgout, 72, of East Dubuque, IL passed away on December 24, 2022 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center with family by her side.

Karen was born on October 14, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Gilbert B. “Gib” and Eileen (Nies) Kruser. She was a graduate of Southwestern High School, Hazel Green, WI and went on to Vocational School for a degree in Bookkeeping. She was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Daniel E. Petitgout on November 5, 1971, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kieler, WI. They went on to live a happy and devoted marriage for the next 51 years.

Karen worked passionately side by side with her husband as co owners of their family businesses, Frentress Lake Marina and Top Block and Brick, both in East Dubuque, IL until her retirement. They enjoyed time spent cruising the Mississippi River on their boat and enjoying each other’s company any chance they could get.

Karen was a proud member of St. Mary’s Parish. She showed such a tender love for any and all animals who crossed her path, especially her beloved fur babies Daizie and Delilah. They sure will miss her taking them on rides through the drive through to get them their very own sandwich. She was such a selfless and loving woman. She would do anything for anyone. Many will miss her calm and comforting personality, she was always there to lend a listening, non-judgmental ear to anyone who may need it. Karen loved her time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed visits with her siblings and their families.

She was a true lover of classic television. She spent valued time with her husband; her in her recliner; him right beside her on the sofa as they shared stories and opinions over the latest news on the television. Christmas was her absolute favorite holiday. She loved to decorate and truly cherished the time spent with family gathered around her table. She will always be remembered for hosting the most wonderful Christmas Eve parties for her children and their families.

Karen will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, Daniel Petitgout; children, Timothy Petitgout, Laura (Scott) Leibfried, Ted (Elaina) Petitgout; grandchildren, Kaila, Isabella, Mason, Brice, Gracie, Aleya, Ellyana, Ivy Rose; great- grandchildren, Camdyn, Camiya, Aria; siblings, Linda (John) Hocking, Patricia (Frank) Ellenz, Rick Kruser, Barbara (Randy) McKeon, Sheila (Dick) Lange, Randy (Debra) Kruser, Tom (Deidre) Kruser; and numerous other cherished family members and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Gib and Eileen Kruser; her great friend, Arlene Henry; brothers in law, Pat Petitgout and Michael Petitgout; nephews, Steven Hurst, Tony Hurst, and Luke Petitgout.

There will be no public visitation per Karen’s request. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, IL with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating. She will be laid to rest in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, a Karen E. Petitgout memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the entire medical team at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center for their compassion and care.

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

Wesley A. Galliart

Wesley A. Galliart, 66, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022 at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital due to a diabetic complication, with his wife Carla at his side. In keeping with Wesley’s wishes, private family funeral services were held. Burial is in Harmony Cemetery in Zwingle, Iowa.

Wesley was born on January 18, 1956 to Harold and Helen (Higgins) Galliart. He attended Dubuque Senior High School and graduated in the class of 1974. Wesley worked many years at Dubuque Bank and Trust until his horrific motorcycle accident in 1997. He enjoyed metal detecting, time with his girls, riding his motorcycle, working with computers, family trips, his menagerie of animals, and woodworking. He built many items in their home including a waterbed bunkbed for his girls. A few years before his diabetes damaged his vision he enjoyed flying his UltraLite plane, taking off going right down the street.

Wesley leaves behind his wife; Carla, daughters; Wendy (Jeremy) Jones of Hallsville, MO, Heather (Mike) Challis of Davis Junction, IL; four grandchildren; Freedom, Izaveion, Acacia, and Darren. He is also survived by his sister; Marilyn Dale of Winchester, VA; sisters-in-law, Connie Galliart, Eva (Jerry) Vize, Tracy Stieber, brother-in-law; Jory Stieber. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, having a special bond with his nephew Ben Galliart. Wesley also leaves behind his cherished dog, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and his brother Will.

Wesley’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Unity Point Health Finley Hospital, his doctors at Grand River Medical Group for their compassionate care of Wesley, especially to Dr. Michelle Sullivan for all her kindness and support.

The family requests no flowers.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

James E. Kieffer

James E. “Jim” Kieffer, 81 of Dubuque passed away peacefully at home Saturday December 24, 2022. Friends and family may gather from 3 to 6 pm Thursday December 29, 2022, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 6pm.

Jim was born on June 17, 1941, in Dubuque the son of Henry and Genevieve (Wagner) Kieffer. He married Karen M. Ernst on November 28, 1964, at the Church of the Nativity. Jim ran the family business started by his father, the Artisan Bottling Co for many years and later worked for Pepsi, and Molo Ready Mix.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish especially with his son. He looked forward to their annual fishing trip to the lakes in Southern Iowa.  In his younger days he was involved with the AAA Bass Club and Izaak Walton League, competing in Trap Shooting. He also was an accomplished Archer and competed in many tournaments.

Jim adored his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they were always able to put a big smile on his face. He always made sure to have M&M’s and peanuts to share with them.

He is survived by his wife Karen, his two children Lee Ann (Ron “Tink”) Ludwig and Thomas (Melissa) Kieffer both of LaMotte, his 8 grandchildren Brittney, Emily, Kalie, Aiden, Hunter, Rachael, Jill, and Mitchel, his 9 great grandchildren with one on the way, a brother-in-law Art Allen and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Roxanne Besler, a sister Judy Allen and a brother Jack Kieffer.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque especially Kristin and Lindsay for all their kindness and care.

Douglas M. Tegeler

Douglas M. Tegeler, 68, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Doug was born September 22, 1954, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Paul and Norma (Loeffelholz) Tegeler. He married Renee Sumpter on July 2,1976 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.

Doug worked in the tire industry for 47 years, managing locations and selling tires.  He enjoyed fishing and would often take his children, Nikki and Jason, whenever he had the chance. He loved all things baseball related, coaching his son, Kyle for 6 years.

He loved his grandchildren more than anything.  Every weekend, he would call and ask if they could come over and stay.  He made sure they were taken care of and never had a want in their life.  Doug truly was a caring person.  There’s not one person that he ever ran across that didn’t like him, he was always there to help anyone and everyone.  His love for animals was astronomical. His dogs were spoiled rotten, Duke, Willy, Dusty and Benny were loved by him so much.

Doug and Renee had a love story all their own.  The love they shared was priceless.  She meant the world to him and there was nobody else before her. They loved fishing together in Canada.  She loved him more than life itself.

Survivors include his wife, Renee, children: Nicole (John) Edwards and Kyle (Sarah) Tegeler; mother-in-law, Helen Sumpter, grandchildren: Jaden Tegeler, Logan Tegeler, Nolan Edwards, Brynlie Tegeler, Levi Tegeler, and one due in March; siblings: Darrell (Susan) Tegeler, Diane (Ron) Lindauer, Debra (Doug) Biermann; and in-laws: Cheryl (Randy) Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Jerry B. Sumpter, and his son, Jason Tegeler.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com or send cards to Kramer Funeral Home 750 – 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 in care of the deceased name.

Dana D. Bond-Jenson

Dana D. Bond-Jenson, 63, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away at her home on Friday, December 21, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held 9 – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023 at United Methodist Church in Colesburg, Iowa.

Funeral Services will commence at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023 at United Methodist Church in Colesburg, Iowa.

Dana was born on October 27, 1959, to Virgil and Anita (Hansel) Bond. She was raised in the Colesburg area and graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School. She married Christopher R. Jenson at the historic Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elkport, Iowa.

Dana had several jobs in her lifetime. Her most recent job was at the Guttenberg Care Center. Dana enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, family, and friends. She also enjoyed camping and riding on the Harley. She loved to hang out with the two Tammy’s. It was very common for her to enjoy a cutthroat game of Uno with the Colesburg bunch on winter Sunday afternoons. She loved to do the Cedar Rapids Gazette daily crosswords and read books every night. She also loved a good Sunday Drive. She was an avid garage sale attendee.

Survivors include her husband, Chris Jenson; children: Jennifer Herman of Topeka, KS, Tyler Herman of Colesburg, Ivy Herman of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren: Mariah, Jaela, Daveon, Kyler, Delilah, Cooper, Miles, and Tucker; great grandson, Cameron; siblings: Lititia Bond, Allen Bond, and Rozann Bond, all of Colesburg, Keevin (Vicki) Bond of Strawberry Point; in-laws: Eric Jenson, Angie Meyer, Brenda Jenson, Stanley Jr. (Brenda) Jenson, and Mickie (Brian) Ruff.

She was preceded in death by her son, David Herman, parents, Virgil and Anita Bond, a brother, Richard Bond, parents-in-law, Stanley Sr. and Marie Jenson.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com or send cards to Kramer Funeral Home 750 – 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040 in care of the deceased name.

Ann Beckman

Ann Beckman, 81, of Dubuque, died Monday, December 19, 2022 at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Ann Skelley Beckman was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, on December 8, 1941, one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By age ten, she was the face of the family’s Snow White Pharmacy, mixing malted milkshakes at the soda fountain while working at the elbow of her devoted father.

She met Jerry Beckman when she was a freshman at Clarke University and he was a senior at Loras College. They were still exchanging love letters four years later when she was an English teacher at Wahlert High School and he was a Naval officer at the refortified Pearl Harbor. They married on August 29th, 1964 and spent the late sixties and early seventies with their two young sons in San Diego. When they returned to Dubuque, Ann was hired at Loras, serving as a beloved therapist in the Counseling Center and a legendary instructor in the Psychology Department; throughout her thirty-year career, her courses in Psychology of  Marriage, Adolescent Psychology, and Parent-Child Relations were among the most popular on campus – and for good reason.

Ann was the quintessential wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved Jerry (also a psychologist) dearly, and she devoted her life to her sons and their families.

An extraordinary cook, impeccable housekeeper, miraculous gardener, fearless reader, exquisite pianist, angelic singer, sprightly tennis player, fierce walker, indefatigable swimmer, lively conversationalist, salty humorist, devout Catholic, and rock-solid friend, Ann made everything around her bloom and grow.

Survivors include two sons, Tom (Julie) Beckman of Rochester, MN, and John (Marcela) Beckman of Annapolis, MA; five grandchildren, Kate Anderson, Eva Beckman, John Beckman, Ellen Beckman, Katherine Beckman; sister, Jane Skelley-Carroll of Chicago, IL; and brother, Robert Skelley of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of next year.

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

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

Georgia Shady

Georgia Shady, 87, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 23, 2022, at home.

A private family graveside service and burial celebrating Georgia’s life will be held on April 2, 2023 from the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.   Cremation rites have been accorded.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Georgia Lund was born on April 8, 1935 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to John Edward and Clara Pauline (McConkey) Lund.  She was a graduate of Andrew High School.  She married Jesse Neville Shady Jr. on April 2, 1954 in Kahoka, Missouri.

Georgia first and foremost was a housewife and mother.  She loved baking and hosting holidays and filling the house with smells of fresh buns, cinnamon rolls, and cookies.  She also did whatever was needed to support her family and worked outside the home at the Sabula Speaker Factory and later for Kirsch Window Coverings in Maquoketa.  Georgia was a selfless and giving person who unknowingly touched many lives by running an open house for anyone in need.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Dean (Cindy) Shady of Clinton, IA, Dennis (Maureen) Shady of Pittsville, VA, Danny Shady of Maquoketa, IA, and Darin (Keri) Shady of Maquoketa, IA; 16 grandchildren, including her special granddaughter April whom she raised from birth; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jesse on October 7, 2012, an infant son Donald, infant daughter Debbie, a daughter Darla on September 22, 2017, a grandson Christopher, 6 brothers John Jr., Lewis, Hubert, Leslie, Ronald and Richard, and sisters Clara, Thelma and Lillie.

The family would like to give special thanks to the “Angels” of Hospice of Jackson County, and to her special caregivers Sierrah and Keri.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or Imagine the Possibilities.

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

Daniel J. Engelken

Daniel J. Engelken, 85, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Unity Point Health – Finley in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where American Legion Post 137 will conduct a service at 7 pm.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m. Thursday prior to the funeral mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.  Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137.

Dan was born on Jan. 4, 1937, in New Vienna, Iowa, the son of John and Margaret (Bergfeld) Engelken.  He married Therese Henkels on Aug. 26, 1958, in Farley, Iowa.

Dan served overseas in the United States Army from 1956-1958.  He worked at John Deere for 31 years, retiring in 1990.  He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.  His interests included golfing, fishing, hunting, and traveling.  He also enjoyed the Iowa Hawkeyes.  He belonged to the Dyersville Golf and Country Club, the Dyersville Sportsman Club and American Legion Post 137 in Dyersville.

Survivors include his wife, Therese, children: Rick (Willeen) Engelken of Dubuque, Kay (Al) Heiberger of Farley, Dr. Jack (Michele) Engelken of Asbury; 5 grandchildren: Tyler Engelken and Jordyn (Steven) Stierman, Abbie (Steve) Winter, and Matt and Katherine Engelken; 5 great grandchildren, Grace, Cecelia and William Winter, Elowyn and Salem Stierman; 2 sisters: Virginette Link of Farley and Darlene Steger of Dyersville; in-laws: Pete Henkels and Geny Duehr, both of Dubuque, and Tony Henkels of Cape Coral, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steve in 2015, brothers Elmer and Gerald (Rita and Hilda) Engelken, and in-laws: Don Steger, Andy Bildstein, Herb Link, Bud (Marilyn) Henkels, Tom Henkels, Carrie (Ray) Swingler, Marge Henkels, Donald Duehr and Judy Henkels, and Marita (Gene) Oberbroeckling.

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

Sandra J. Schmitz

Sandra Jean Schmitz, age 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away December 16th peacefully at home.

Sandra is survived by her two sons; Todd and Lynn Schmitz, her older brother Ronnie & Sue Rietjens, nieces & nephews, three grandchildren; Lauren Jaeger, Shelbi Schmitz, Mitchell Schmitz and many loving friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Donald Rietjens, her younger brother, Rick and partner Ronald Schmitz.

Sandra grew up in Dubuque, Iowa where she attended Senior High school (class of 1962). She spent her early years working at the Dubuque Packing House and retired at Eagle Window & Door.

Sandra lived her life free of judgement, welcoming all with unconditional love. She always saw the good over the bad, and when life brought on darkness, she paid it no mind, but continued to live in the light.

We will remember Sandra for her unwavering compassion for others, love for all furry friends, her endearing stubbornness, and that infectious laugh!

Sandra requested a private service with family in attendance, where she will be laid to rest by her mother, Ora at Mount Calvary. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family.

A special thanks to Dr. Janes and his staff at Dubuque Internal Medicine for the compassionate support, endless encouragement, and well care provided throughout the years – we are eternally grateful!

Goen R. Bodenhofer

Goen R. Bodenhofer, 84, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Goen Roy Bodenhofer was born on September 29, 1938 in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Roy and Merle (Hogg) Bodenhofer.  He grew up in the Jones County area.  He married Linda L. Metheny on January 27, 1962 in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.  Four sons were born to this union, Jeff, Mark, Craig, and Steve.

Goen had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, Rasmussen Motors in Maquoketa, and lastly retired from JRB in DeWitt in 1999.

He was an avid collector of clocks, antiques, and tools.  He enjoyed the hunt for these items whether it be through garage sales or auctions.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Linda Bodenhofer of Maquoketa, IA; sons, Jeff (Beth) Bodenhofer, Mark Bodenhofer, Craig Bodenhofer, and Steve Bodenhofer, all of Maquoketa, IA; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sharon Reese of Monona, WI.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Shirley Rohr and Connie Stutting, and brothers-in-law, Max Stutting and Phillip Reese.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Goen R. Bodenhofer memorial fund has been established.

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

William R. Merfeld

William “Bill” Raymond Merfeld 82, died peacefully in the sun on Friday December 16, 2022. He was living in Fruitland Park, FL, formerly of Peosta and Dubuque Iowa.

Bill has requested no formal services.

He was born to Nicholas and Marie (Simon) Merfeld on November 8, 1940. He attended St Anthony’s grade school. On September 25, 1962 he married Patricia Arensdorf. He was a man with a brilliant mind and many talents.

Many friendships were established through his creative and mechanical abilities. He had a big circle of family, extended family and friends who loved and respected him. He was actively involved in the Hawkeye Vintage Tractor Club, the Dubuque stock car racing community, and the Villages model Boat Club in Florida.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Pat of 60 years as well as his children Greg (Lori) Merfeld, Jeff (JoAnne) Merfeld, Cindy (Mike) Kobusch, Angel Meyer, Keith (Jan) Merfeld, and Christy (Mike) Gotto. 24 Grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Siblings Millie (Randy) Dolter, Shirley Smith, Diane (Don) Schemmel, Carol Miller, Eldon (Connie) Merfeld and David (Dobie) Merfeld. Sister-in-laws Adele Merfeld, Rosie Arensdorf and Anna Mae Hansen, brother-in-laws Eldon (Cathy) Arensdorf, Glenn (Deb) Arensdorf, Tom (Kathy) Arensdorf, Ron (Kathy) Arensdorf, Garry (Laura) Arensdorf, and Kevin (Jolee) Arensdorf. Lost count on the number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Henry Nicholas at birth, his parents, and siblings Dorothy Tigges, Larry, Merlin, and Bernard Merfeld. Parents-in-law Grace and Henry Arensdorf and siblings-in-law, Marty Tigges, Bill Smith, Glenn Miller, Sue Merfeld, Mary Merfeld, Elmer Arensdorf and Ray Hansen.

While no funeral service is scheduled, a memorial gathering will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial cards and gifts can be sent for Bill Merfeld in care of Pat Merfeld, 4655 Old Highway Rd, Dubuque, Iowa, 52002.

Sr. Joan M. Opatts

Sister Joan M. Opatts, BVM, (John Annette), 87, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, 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 Joan was an elementary teacher at St. Anthony in Dubuque, Iowa. She also taught in Davenport, Iowa; Chicago; Rock Island and Cicero, Ill., and Tempe, Ariz.; and ministered as a tutor at a literacy center in Montgomery, Ala.

She was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Chicago to John and Anne (Krzewinski) Opatts. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1953, from St. Richard Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1956, and final vows on July 16, 1961.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Anne (Fred) Kroll, and a brother John (Lorraine) Opatts. She is survived by a brother Bob (Marylynne) Cedar, Naples, Fla., nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 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.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6^th St., Bellevue, Iowa 52031 is in charge of arrangements.

Anna A. Beyer

Anna A. Beyer, 89, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 26, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. Fr. Phil Gibbs will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Anna was born August 15, 1933 in Dubuque, the daughter of Joseph and Maria (Giunta) Giunta. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. She married Edward Francis Beyer on August 21, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. He preceded her in death on November 21, 2009.

Anna was a member of Church of the Resurrection where she volunteered. She served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts when her children were young. Anna was an avid bowler, and also enjoyed crafts, fishing, camping, and bingo.  She loved getting manicures. Anna’s greatest joy was her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandson.

Anna is survived by her children, Paul (Shelly) Beyer, Jim (Patti) Beyer, Mary Bradley, Bob (Julie) Beyer, and Carla Beyer, all of Dubuque; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and one great great grandson; her daughter in law, Michele Beyer; her sister in law, Carmela Giunta; her extended family, Ron and Robin Greve; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David Beyer; her daughter, Rose Beyer; her son in law, John Bradley;  and her siblings, Marco, Benedetta, Maria, Rose, Vincent, Joseph, and Anthony.

Anna’s family would like to thank Stonehill Communities, Finley Hospital ER, Hospice of Dubuque, and all the family and friends who offered their love and support.