Obituaries Archive

Herbert V. Sperfslage

George J. Lippe

George Joseph Lippe passed away Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 15th from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Son of Cletus and Dolora Lippe, George was born in Dubuque March 27, 1945, ten months after his sister, Faye.  George and Faye enjoyed a special, lifelong friendship.  His beloved siblings, older sister, Margo, and younger brother, Greg, completed the family.

George graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964, and worked at the A&P Grocery Store before joining the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. During his time as a religious brother, he served at several retreat houses in southern Illinois.

In 1973, George returned to secular life and began his career working with special needs people at Area Residential Care (ARC) in Dubuque. He worked there until his retirement in 2010.

George joined his father and brother Greg on several road trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. He enjoyed visiting the families of his sisters, Margo Schmitt and Faye Motonaga. He loved fishing, gardening, mowing lawns, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Irish football games. George loved telling jokes to anyone, but especially his nieces and nephews.

George was an integral part of many of the Lippe family vacations and holiday celebrations, making those times very special with his fun-loving personality.  Greg’s seven children all formed strong relationships with their uncle George.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Dolora Lippe, and his sister, Margo Schmitt.

George will be missed by many people.  Survivors include sister, Faye Motonaga, Wildomar, California, brother, Greg (Peggy), Hillsboro, Wisconsin, brother-in-law, Ray Schmitt, Normal, Illinois, and fourteen nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind dear friends Al Pecina, Bill Cullen, Bill Phillips, Carole Nelson, Mike Hickey, Nicholas Kass, Phil White, Steve McMann, and many others from his time working at ARC.

Special thanks to the staff at Stonehill, including Norma, Sheila, and Rachel for their care and support of George while he made Stonehill his home.  Thanks also to the caring staff from Hospice of Dubuque for their services.

Thomas J. Schmitt

Thomas J. “Tommy” Schmitt, 43, of Mud Lake Road, Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 2, 2022, the result of a tractor accident.

A Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 8th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will follow in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Sherrill, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 7th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd and also after 9:00 a.m. Saturday until time of service.

Tommy was born on September 6, 1979, in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Cliff and Becky (Clayton) Schmitt. He attended Hempstead High School and was currently employed at John Deere Dubuque Works. He was a member of the Hawkeye Vintage Farm Machinery Association.

He married Beth Hammerand on May 15th, 2004, in Dubuque. Tommy was an amazing and loving husband and father. His infectious smile brightened everyone around him.

Every year Tommy looked forward to deer hunting in the Schmitt group for the last 25+ years. Each year he had lots of laughs and new stories to tell for years to come. To fulfill his wife’s love of traveling, they took multiple vacations together and with the whole family; from going to different countries to across country road tripping. Together they loved to explore new places while looking for the best food locations to fulfill his never-ending appetite.

Tommy was the cook of his family, a wonderful skill he picked up from his parents. Growing up he observed that food brought people together and would find any reason to have a gathering. He loved to smoke different meats on his pellet grill to share with everyone. Tommy was a very social person that thrived being around others. He loved using sarcasm, sharing all sorts of stories and being a part of all the fun.

On most Sundays he kept busy with his newfound hobby of tractor pulling.  He felt very welcomed when he joined the Hawkeye Vintage Farm Machinery Association.  Many hours were spent searching for a bigger, more powerful tractor or working on fine tuning his tractor to keep up with the veteran members. He truly loved every moment of it.

But cannot forget to mention all the years he enjoyed riding bikes & motorcycles, playing baseball, softball, darts, foosball and pool leagues. And all the people he met that made him Smile each and every day.

Tommy is survived by his wife Beth Schmitt; two children Ethan and Madeline; his parents Cliff and Becky Schmitt; his brother Terry (Nikki) Schmitt; nephews Cliff and Clay; his grandfather Richard Keller; mother-in-law Lynne Hammerand; sister-in-law Jenn Hammerand; his niece Akaela and his brother-in-law Derek (Jennifer) Hammerand.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Timothy and Adam Schmitt; grandmother Mary Keller; grandfather Charles Clayton and his father-in-law Tim Hammerand.

In lieu of flowers a Tommy Schmitt memorial fund will be established.

Ronald L. Love

Ronald L. Love, 76, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 10:15 am Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd. Dubuque.

The Funeral Service for Ronald will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Laura Jaficzek officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque with military honors rendered by the American Legion Post 6.

Ronald was born May 15, 1946, in Dubuque, the son of Kenneth “Dibbs” J. and Dorothy E. Knippelmeyer Love.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and NICC School of Nursing.  Ronald was a nurse for 15 years at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and then at Hillcrest Family Services.  He also taught Clinical Psychology at NICC for a short time.

He proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1967 until 1969.  Ronald enjoyed gardening, especially growing roses.  He spent many hours with his cat, Benjamin and he enjoyed traveling.

Ronald is survived by a special cousin, Bill Howes, East Dubuque and other cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lynne Anne Love.

Memorials can be made to Stonehill Care Center.

A special thank you to the Stonehill 3rd floor staff and to Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care of Ronald.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Ronald’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

John T. Quinn

John T. Quinn, 82, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Bethany Home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Church of the Nativity, with Msgr. James Miller officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. (There will be no visitation on Friday morning).  Family and friends are asked to meet at the church.

John was born on July 10, 1940, in East Dubuque, the son of Cletus F. and Augusta C. (Eilers) Quinn.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Berkley on June 25, 1997. John and Nancy were inseparable in marriage for 25-years. Together they served as Eucharistic Ministers, and John also was an altar server.

They loved to travel to Florida, California, and Colorado.  He was an avid golfer with 15 holes in one. He always looked forward to his next tee time, especially at Lacoma Golf Club, where he was a member.

He enjoyed watching television, Perry Mason, Cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed sports, baseball, and football.  He loved the outdoors. John was service manager at Ford and dealerships for 40 years.

His family will always remember his fondness for RC Cola, Ghiradelli candy, and hamburgers.

John was an awesome guy and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, children, John, Jr. (Moni), Hazel Green, WI, Laura (Skip) Gudendorf of Dubuque, and Steve Quinn of Benton, WI; his sister, Sue (Dale) Schulz of Dubuque, two step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mary Quinn of The Villages, Florida and Genny Quinn-Steffen (Carl) of East Dubuque, IL.

John was preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Mark, Mike & Jeff, a granddaughter, Jill Quinn, and brothers, Patrick & Joseph Quinn.

On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©

Constance M. Ruden

Constance “Connie” M. Ruden, 76, of Dubuque, passed away on September 22nd, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center.

No public services will be held. Burial will take place a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and crematory is assisting the family.

Connie was born on February 13th, 1946, in Holy Cross, IA. the daughter of Silvius and Vivian (Jaeger) Ruden.

She attended school K-12 at Holy Cross Schools. Connie then went to business college in Sioux City, IA.

Connie loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. She always liked playing cards, euchre, pinochle, rummie, etc. She enjoyed relaxing with a cold beverage. Connie never said no to going fishing. Every year she looked forward to the two-week fishing trip in Hayward, WI.

She is survived by her brother, Gary Ruden, Steve (Barb Hefel) Ruden, Nephews Doug Ruden, Doug Ayers, and Great Nieces, Mallory and Caroline Ruden.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law Dianne Ruden, and a Niece, Michelle Ayers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Health Center for the care they gave to Connie.

Denise A. Bast

Denise A. Bast, 61, of rural Potosi, Wisconsin, died on Thursday, September 29, 2022. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Burial will be at Whig Cemetery, rural Platteville. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, and will continue on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Denise was born on November 26, 1960 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, daughter of Lyle and Marilyn (Bellmeyer) Baker. She graduated from Platteville High School class of 1979. After high school she attended SWTC, Fennimore. Denise was manager of the Lawn and Garden Department at Wal Mart, Platteville, where she worked for 27 years. Denise truly loved the outdoors and was an avid deer and turkey hunter. She enjoyed crafting, where she did needlework, working with beads making ornaments and crafting with them and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Denise is survived by her parents, Lyle and Marilyn Baker; brother, Dennis Baker; sisters, Debra Davies and Deanne Gorman; three nieces and one nephew, Jessica Davies, Nikki (Randon) Huber, Lucas Gorman and Alicia (Brett Coulthard) Baker; and aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, Stacey Bast in 2001, special friend, Mike Pickel, grandparents, Lester and Edna Bellmeyer and Roy and Gladys Baker and her aunt, Jean Bellmeyer.

Helen T. Denlinger

Helen T. (Breitbach) Denlinger, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away at 11:55 a.m., on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Helen’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Helen was born on July 21, 1935, in Rickardsville, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Clara (Poll) Breitbach.

Helen was born and raised in Rickardsville before moving to Dubuque during her high school years.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Charles Denlinger, on January 23, 1954, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 8 children and 52 loving years of marriage before Charles passed away on March 21, 2006.  Helen was a devoted full time wife and mom who also helped Charles run Artesian Bottling Company for several years before going to work as a sales assistant at Sears.  She was a valuable employee and worked at Sears for over 20 years, retiring at age 78.  Her faith was also an integral part of her life, and Helen was a long time member of Holy Ghost Church.  In her free time, Helen found joy in the simple things in life such as tending to her garden, sitting quietly sewing and reading a good book.  She was a sports enthusiast and faithfully followed the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs and the Dubuque Fighting Saints.  Family time was especially important to her, and Helen always kept up with all of the children and grandchildren’s activities.  She was an excellent role model for her family and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include

her 8 children,
Cindy Smith, Manchester, IA,
Charles “Chuck” (Karen) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,
Mike (Rosie) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,
Cheryl (Greg) Valentine, Dubuque, IA,
Jenny Proseus, Phoenix, AZ,
Jeff Denlinger, Tucson, AZ,
Nancy (Steve) Davis, St. Charles, IL
and Laura Frommelt, Farley, IA;

19 grandchildren;

25 great-grandchildren;

a sister,
Sharon Jellison, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Ted Kueper, Sequim, WA;

3 sisters-in-law,
Marlene Besler, Murrieta, CA,
Irene (Homer) Dahlman, Zwingle, IA
and Geraldine (Dick) Flogel, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

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

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

Robert J. Cook

Robert J. Cook, 78 of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Monday, October 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

A Private Graveside Service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022 , at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in North Buena Vista, Iowa.  Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.

Robert was born February 3, 1944 in North Buena Vista, Iowa, the son of John and Leona (Meyer) Cook.  He married Rosemary Mihm on July 10, 1965 at Volga Catholic Church.  Together they raised their family & farmed north of Holy Cross.

Survivors include his wife, Rosie, children: Mary (Joe) Klein of Cody, WY, Randy (Dixie) Cook of Delhi, Kaye (Matt) Liebel of Kissimee, FL, Mike Cook of Farley, loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, siblings: Mary Clemen of Suffolk, VA, Donna (Bob) Cummer of Richardsville, in-laws: Clementine Walz of Strawberry Point, and Virgil Mihm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Ben and Marie Mihm, special cousin, Donald Manderfield, in-laws: Bernie Mihm, George Mihm, and Ambrose Clemen.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. A special thanks to the Cook family neighbors and community during this difficult time.

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.

Sr. Marie Therese Kalb

Sister Marie Therese (Mary Margaret) Kalb, OSF of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa died Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Marie Therese was born on November 8, 1933 to Bert and Mary (Kolfenbach) Kalb in Dubuque, Iowa.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on August 25, 1951 and made final profession of vows on August 10, 1957. Sister received her master’s degree in Violin from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and in Theology from the University of San Francisco in California. She ministered in Iowa at Monticello, Worthington, and in Dubuque at Immaculate Conception Academy, Wahlert High School, Mount St. Francis, Shalom Retreat Center, and Holy Ghost. She was also missioned in Kenosha, Wisconsin and served on the Congregational Leadership Team for eight years.

Sister is survived by her brother Thomas Kalb, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Rev. Bertram Kalb, Rev. Robert Kalb, Dr. Anthony (Mildred) Kalb, Rev. Howard Kalb, S.J., Richard “Dick” (Bernadine) Kalb, John “Jack” (Betty) Kalb; and sister-in-law Dolores Kalb.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francois, Dubuque, IA.

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

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Francis House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022. Masks will be required. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Marie Therese was born on November 8, 1933 to Bert and Mary (Kolfenbach) Kalb in Dubuque, Iowa.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis on August 25, 1951 and made final profession of vows on August 10, 1957. Sister received her master’s degree in Violin from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, and in Theology from the University of San Francisco in California. She ministered in Iowa at Monticello, Worthington, and in Dubuque at Immaculate Conception Academy, Wahlert High School, Mount St. Francis, Shalom Retreat Center, and Holy Ghost. She was also missioned in Kenosha, Wisconsin and served on the Congregational Leadership Team for eight years.

Sister is survived by her brother Thomas Kalb, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Rev. Bertram Kalb, Rev. Robert Kalb, Dr. Anthony (Mildred) Kalb, Rev. Howard Kalb, S.J., Richard “Dick” (Bernadine) Kalb, John “Jack” Kalb; and sister-in-law Dolores Kalb.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francois, Dubuque, IA.

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

Mary F. Lewis

Mary Frances (Kircher) Lewis, 90, affectionately known as “Grandma Lewey”, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022, surrounded by the love and support of her family.

Kind, funny, mischievous, energetic, loving, sweet, loyal, generous, faithful, stoic…all of these being words used to describe the genuine person that was Mary Lewis. Married to the love of her life, Bob, Mary blossomed into a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and played each role beautifully. Throughout their 67 years of marriage, she was always energetic and found any excuse she could to celebrate her love of music by dancing and singing with Bob, and her family, no matter the place.

Mary was a wonderful mother and role model to her 3 daughters, demonstrating loyalty, hard work, and true unconditional love that was passed down through the generations. One example of many being the time Bob was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1957, Mary learned how to drive a car in just a few weeks to visit him at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison and took extra shifts to support her family without complaint.

Through good times and bad, mom never wavered on her faith but always placed her life challenges in the hands of God.  She faithfully attended mass and prayed the rosary novena daily.  She was kind and compassionate to anyone in need and lifted their spirits through prayers and hugs.

Family meant everything to Mary, and she meant everything to her family. The glue holding each heart together, she was the definition of a bright light.  She lit every room she walked into. Those in her life had the privilege of sharing in this light throughout all family traditions, all of which she held firmly and enthusiastically to.

A small but mighty woman, Mary was proud of her 40-year career at H&W Motor Express Company. She learned many lessons for a woman of her time and was sure to pass those lessons on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It wouldn’t be a visit to Grandma Lewey’s house without a “You study hard now!”, “Think happy thoughts!”, or “You stay out of trouble”.

Be it 5 minutes or 50 years, Mary is a soul that truly left a lasting impression. Her kindness, generosity, prayers and compassion touched the lives of many – an honor that will undoubtedly surpass the test of time.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Lewis, her parents, Leland and Bernadette (Grotkin) Kircher, her four sisters, Helen (Robert) Schroeder, Leota (Lode) Kircher, Kathleen (Albert “Huck”) Greenwald and Arlene Conrad, her grandson Christopher Anderson, Jr., her son-in-law Jerry Coble, and her beloved family-friend Eloise Kehrli. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia (Patti) Coble, Lynn (Tom) Biver, and Karen (Ken) Kimbro, as well as her 9 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law Wayne “Fritz” Conrad.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7th at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection on Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Committal will be held following the funeral service at the Mount Calvary Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Glenanne, Dar, and Tracy for their kind and gentle support, along with Dr. Michael Peroski, Dr. Chris Stille, Dr. Mark Hermann, Jeremiah, and Hospice of Dubuque nursing staff.

Lilijean N. Kohl

Lilijean N. “Lili” Kohl, age 75, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation.  To celebrate Lili’s life, private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Lili was born on December 27, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and June (Hopp) Miller.

Lili would have 4 kids with William Kohl Jr.  She worked numerous nurses aide jobs, bartender, cooking and waitress jobs before retiring.  Lil enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids.  She enjoyed her Bingo days and going to the casino even when she didn’t win.

Those left to remember her dearly are

2 daughters,
Tammy (Jere) Gardner
and Tina (Terry) Kohl;

a son,
Henry (Francine) Kohl;

her grandkids,
Micheal, Chris/Faith, Tasha, Shayna/Antwan, Miranda/Greg, Chaz/MiKayla, Stacie, Colton, Brooke/Shane B., Shelsea/Shane J. and Jarrod/Valeria;

her great-grandkids,
Alex, Jaden, Dom, Ragnar, Brielle, Marisole, Tahleia, Kyree, Kyonte, Kyalil, Greyson, Micah, Augustus and Jack;

4 sisters,
Dori Hook,
Jenny Rouse,
JoElla McAllister
and Sara Jurisic;

4 brothers,
Verne (Cathy) Miller,
Phillip Miller,
Joe (Lisa) Miller
and Rich (Gina) Miller;

and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lili was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Joseph Kohl; 2 brothers, Henry and Vince Miller; 2 brothers-in-law, Harold Hook and James Jurisic; and a sister-in-law, Terri Miller.

We the family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Manor, also special staff Wendy, Misty and Tara, for all you did for our mom on her final day and especially CJ Miller for all you did for our mom.

Love you always and forever mom, rest in peace till we all meet again.

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

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

Doris E. Currier

Doris Elane (Beyer) Currier was born July 24, 1933, in Kendall WI and passed away unexpectedly, October 1, 2022. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 9th at 3:00pm at The First United Methodist Church of Maquoketa with visitation from 1-3pm. It will be live streamed.

Doris Currier is survived by her husband Gilbert Wayne Currier of Maquoketa IA; her son David Beyer (Julia) of Appleton WI, her four daughters: Jeanne Conley (J.C) of Sherrill IA, Susan Beyer of Deerfield IL, Jill Beyer of Maui HI, and Katherine Kinmonth (Kary) of Cedar Rapids IA, her grandchildren: Stacy Sparks, Laurie Grube (Ryan), Brian Beyer (Jenny), and Melissa Iverson (Michael); Sarah Nelson, John David Conley, Samantha Greene, and Elizabeth Donovan (Patrick); Josephine Beyer and Olivia Beyer; Kyle Kinmonth and Kameron Kinmonth (Aspen); and twelve great grandchildren; and siblings, Don (Renee) Urban of Wonewoc, WI , and Donna Jean Malson of Berlin, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Allen Beyer, and siblings Jim Urban and Roger Ott.

After her first husband Allen Beyer passed, she continued to live in Maquoketa, eventually marrying Gilbert “Wayne” Currier on September 5, 1998. They were married for 24 years. Wayne was the light of her life and they adored each other. They enjoyed life together by taking fishing trips, watching games on the TV, and playing cards at Clover Ridge and the YMCA.

Doris was a registered nurse for many years at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, and Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa. In retirement, she continued to volunteer her time at Crestridge and Maquoketa Care Center.  When she was not nursing, she would also help her first husband, Al “Beyer the Flyer” with their flying business in Dubuque, IA and later, Maquoketa, IA. She had many passions including gardening, reading, involvement in the community, helping with blood drives, visiting nursing homes, and being a parish nurse. The biggest joys in her life were her children and grandchildren. She loved the solitude of checking each of her plants daily. During the summer, her days were spent outside watering flowers and tending to her vegetable garden. Many days were spent canning tomatoes and freezing green beans. Each year she entered flower arrangements in the county fair and won awards. Doris was a member the Jackson County Master Gardeners, and the First United Methodist Church where she maintained the flowers and plants inside and outside the church.

In putting others before herself, she modeled what it was to be a follower of Christ and a valedictorian of life. She will be forever living in the hearts of everyone she loved and especially in the beauty of her many flowers.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Margaret J. McCusker

Margaret Jean (Swanson) McCusker, 93, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on January 31, 1929, in Manchester, the daughter of Harry and Elna (Anderson) Swanson. Jean was raised in Prairie Township, Delaware County and graduated from Manchester High School.

On October 25, 1949, Jean was united in marriage to Francis “Frank” Arthur McCusker at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan.  Five children were born to this union. Jean worked many years at the Ertl Toy Company in Dyersville. She was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Jean enjoyed playing cards and completing word-find, jig-saw, and crossword puzzles.  In her younger years, Jean loved bowling with friends and camping with family. Later years were filled with quilting and family celebrations.

Survivors include her husband of almost 73 years, Frank McCusker of Manchester; her five children, Steve (Jean) McCusker of Coggon, John (Tammy) McCusker of Manchester, Teresa (Greg) Greve of Masonville, Ken (Dee) McCusker of Washington, and Rose (Leo) Pins of Bankston; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren;  three great-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Clifford Swanson of Manchester and Lois Morris of Cedar Rapids; one sister-in-law, Pat Swanson of Manchester; and many, many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Betty Morgan; three brothers, Harry “Duke” Swanson, Robert “Bob” Swanson, and Kenneth “Ken” Swanson; four sisters-in-law, Ruth Swanson, Velma Swanson, Crystal Swanson and Ruth McCusker; two brothers-in-law, Richard Morris and Ambrose McCusker.

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

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m., on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation:   4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the Gathering Place in Manchester, Iowa, with a Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Interment:  Calvary Cemetery – Ryan, Iowa

Sally A. Parker

Sally Anne Parker, 85, of Dubuque, died Monday, October 3, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sally will be 10:30 am Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sally was born September 14, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Harry H. and Mildred Schaan Wilberding. On June 8, 1968, she married Jack Frank Parker at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy and worked in banking.

Sally was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. In her earlier years, she loved to bowl and play volleyball and had won several medals. She and Jack enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting almost every state.

Survivors include her husband, Jack; one sister, Carole (Dave) Welu of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Alan.

Our sincerest thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, and Mercy Hospital for their care and comfort.

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

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