Obituaries Archive

Judith A. Kolker

Judith A. (Till Gonner) Kolker, 89, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Mill Valley Care Center surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Additional visitation will be 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at the funeral home prior to Mass.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube: St. Joseph Bellevue-Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook pages.

Judy was born October 8, 1932, in Bellevue, the daughter of Louis E. and Mary Wilhelmina “Minnie” (George) Till.  She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1950. She had fond memories of playing basketball in high school and singing for Mass while growing up. She married Lloyd A. Gonner on Nov. 27, 1954; he passed on Jan. 3, 1969. Judy later married James “Skillet” Kolker on Oct. 4, 1971; he passed on Nov. 28, 2011. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.  Judy began her career at the Bellevue Herald-Leader, where she earned a reputation as the paper’s fastest linotype operator. She also worked at the Bellevue Post Office for more than 20 years, and later co-owned and operated the Stitching Post in Bellevue from 1982 until 1997.  She enjoyed playing golf, cooking, baking, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and the occasional trip to the casino.

Survivors include her children, Jeff (Jane) Gonner, Jane (Mark) Eganhouse, Julie (Rick) Hardorff, Jon (Kate Pineda) Kolker, and Jeanne (Jason Klein) Kolker; grandchildren, Michael (Erica) Eganhouse, Kara Eganhouse, Charlotte Pineda, Justin (Amber) Gonner, and Lauren (Andrew) Siitari; great-grandchildren, Corbin, Tyler, Ellison and Weston.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Lloyd Gonner; her second husband, James; siblings, Adrian (Gordine) Till, Kathleen (Edward) Dunn, Donald (Norma) Till, infant sister Dorothy Till, and Sr. Susan Till, FSPA.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Mill Valley Care Center and Hospice of Jackson County for the loving care they provided to Judy and her whole family.

A memorial fund has been established in Judy’s memory.

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

Kayne P. Clancy-Lincicum

Kayne P. Clancy-Lincicum, age 25, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on August 7, 2022.  To honor Kayne’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at the Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery, 2736 Windsor Avenue in Dubuque, with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating. Family and friends of Kayne’s are invited to visit and fellowship from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the chapel prior to the service.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kayne’s family.

Kayne was born on March 3, 1997, in Dubuque, IA.  John and Colleen Clancy-Lincicum are his parents.  He grew up with a good-hearted and protective spirit which he carried proudly throughout all of his too short walk among us.  Kayne has spent the last 3 years working as a plumber’s apprentice with Brecke Mechanical Contractors and the Local #125.  He was an excellent plumber and you can see some of Kayne’s handywork at locations such as Rusty Taco and the Amazon building in Dubuque.  He helped to develop his strong work ethic at Linwood Cemetery prior to beginning his new career as a plumber.  He was very active in his life outside of work and always enjoyed any opportunity to be in the outdoors, especially if a fishing pole in hand could fit into his schedule somehow.  He spent many hours with his dad on the water’s edge as he taught him how to fish.  Kayne also spent over 14 years of his youth playing hockey.  He spent his early years with the Dubuque Stars, played for a few leagues in New Mexico, and his final stent was with the Ice Wolves in Dodgeville.  Kayne was a competitive and highly physical athlete who always enjoyed the opportunity to play and the challenges that came along with it.  He also invested his time and talents with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he could diligently exercise his stubborn side into a competitive edge.  Kayne was a kind young man, with a determined mindset, and a humorous side when the time was appropriate.  It is beyond our comprehension to understand why he’s had to leave us so soon and we can only hope to find some peace in our tragically broken hearts in time.  Thank you, Kayne, for teaching us how important it is to give your best in all that we do and may the abundance of memories which you leave behind now help to ease our pain through the most difficult days ahead.  May the Lord bless you and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kayne include,

his loving parents,
Colleen “Kelly” Clancy-Lincicum, Dubuque, IA,
and John Lincicum, Elizabeth, IL;

his sisters,
Kathryn Clancy-Lincicum, Fargo, N.D.,
and Abby Howerton, Kansas City, MO;

his grandparents,
John G. Lincicum, Elizabeth, IL,
and Joan Steffen, Asbury, IA;

his aunt and uncle,
Deb (Mark) Rothweiler, Dubuque, IA,
and Larry (Barb) Steffen, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous other extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Kayne was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorrance (Rosemary) Clancy, Mary E. “Betsy” Lincicum, and Lawrence Steffen.

In lieu of flowers, a Kayne P. Lincicum memorial fund has been established which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Robert J. Johnson

Robert J. “Bob” Johnson of Galena, IL died peacefully at Bethany Home in Dubuque on Monday, July 18 after 91 wonderful years. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM, August 20, 2022, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of service. Bob’s ashes will be buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Galena, with half going to Grand Forks, ND to rest on the Butler family plot next to Betty. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born in 1931 in Edmore, North Dakota where he graduated from high school. He attended University of North Dakota for two years and later received his Associates degree from Cleveland Institute. He married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Butler) in Grand Forks where they lived a few years. He and Betty also lived in Devils Lake, Fargo, Bismarck, and Omaha before settling in Cedar Rapids in 1964. Betty died in 1990 after a car accident in 1977 left her severely disabled.

Bob and Betty had four kids: Ann (Paul) Martin of Brown Deer, WI, Robert “Buzz” Johnson of Rancho Murieta, CA, Meleah (Dennis) Mathahs of Marengo and Dan (Kellie) Johnson of West Des Moines. Bob was deeply proud of his grandchildren: Shanan Lesselyoung (Nick), Betsy Gardner (Nate), Jesse Martin (Annie), Justin Johnson, Aubray Johnson, Dylan Mendoza, Jake Mathahs (Iris), Mazie Stilwell (Matt), and Maddie Johnson. Great grandchildren Brady, Brynn, Baylen, Alex, Max, Avery, and George brought him endless joy. His stepsons Mike, Matt and Jim Matias and their families were a cherished addition to his family.

While in Cedar Rapids, Bob was involved on several boards of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, Kirkwood CC Advisory Board (School of Electrical Engineering), Chairman of Iowa Special Olympics, the Iowa Head Injury Assoc., Knights of Columbus Council 5677 where he was Past Grand Knight, State Secretary in Iowa, and a member of the 4th Degree Honor Guard. He worked his entire career for The Bell System (AT&T, Northwestern Bell, US West, Qwest) where he was an electrical engineer in management and took early retirement in 1988 in Cedar Rapids and remained active in the Telephone Pioneers and fought hard to retain their retirement benefits.

Bob married Barbara “Lani” Fisher Matias in 1990 and the two retired happily in Galena to restore their historic 1841 home on Bench Street. There he was involved in many organizations including Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Galena Art & Recreation Center, Jo Daviess County Democratic Party (Chairman for 8 years), Galena Historical Society, President of the Galena Foundation, and was appointed to several civic improvement boards. An avid outdoorsman, Bob was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He loved researching his family genealogy and traveled several times to Ireland and Scotland in that effort. He researched Civil War history and worked on historic preservation efforts. Woodworking, craftsmanship, wine making, photography and tinkering with his fine cars were among his hobbies. Bob could fix almost anything – the right way.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, Mack and Edna, younger brother, Fred (US Army, KIA in Vietnam 1967), grandson, Jesse Martin, and two infant children, Patricia and Martin.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, four kids, and so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren – yes, he bragged about you all. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Bethany Home, Dubuque.

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

Betty J. DeShaw

Virgean H. Meyer

Patricia Hogan

Patricia Hogan, 74, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Patricia was born July 24, 1948, in Dubuque, the daughter of Lloyd and Bernadette M. Purnhage.

Survivors include her daughter, Maureen Ficarra of Queen Creek, AZ; husband, James; grandchildren, Annie and Ross Ficarra.   Also, brothers, David and wife Ann of West Des Moines and Mark Purnhage of Dubuque; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patricia enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and video chatting with her grandchildren. They loved telling Grandma funny stories and making her laugh.   She was a social butterfly who relished the company of friends and family.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Patricia’s cousins, Mary Cota and Annette Purnhage, for the comfort and care they have given over the years.

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

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

Jeffrey J. Merz

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Merz, age 59, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 5, 2022, at MercyOne in Dubuque surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jeff’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jeff’s family.

Jeff was born on September 17, 1962, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Donald E. and Joan M. (Close) Merz and spent his entire life in the Dubuque area surrounded by family and friends.  Jeff worked at the Oral Arts Laboratory for over 22 years and spent some time with Eagle Window and Door as well.  In his free time, Jeff enjoyed the outdoors and could easily be found on the golf course, or doing a little fishing/hunting also.  He was naturally gifted with the artistic gene and leaves behind many pieces for his loved one’s to treasure for years to come.  Our hearts are broken with the sudden absence of Jeff from our daily lives, but we will seek to find what comfort we can in the memories which he leaves behind.  Thank you, Jeff, for doing your best when and where you could and may the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jeff include,

his 3 children,
Sara (Justin Nank) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Samantha (Timothy Jurisic) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
and Benjamin Merz, Cassville, WI;

his grandchildren,
Gage Merz and Nolan Nank;

his father,
Donald Merz, Durango, IA;

his siblings,
Jackie Rogers, Miles, IA
Lawrence Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Richard Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Christopher (Sheila) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
and Kathy Blackwood, Graf, IA;

his former wife,
Cindy Merz, Cassville, WI;

his step-children,
Cutiellia (Tony Grabow, Joe Larson) Jones, Cassville, WI,
and Cameron Jones, Dubuque, IA;

his step-grandchildren,
Christian and Lucius;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Marie (Close) Merz; and his grandmother, Evelyn Close.

Jeff’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Eileen M. Fortmann

Eileen M. Fortmann, 93, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at home with her favorite family members at her bedside after battling heart failure. Visitation for Eileen will be held 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2022, with Scripture Service at 3:00 p.m. at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, with Additional Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan with the Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Ryan. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Born October 5, 1928, in Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of John and Veronica (Sassen) Rolfes.  She attended school in Petersburg and Greeley Iowa.  She was married Emil Fortmann on April 19, 1949, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greeley, Iowa. Emil passed away on September 1, 1997.  Eileen was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and Altar and Rosary Societies, Catholic Order of Foresters and the Ryan American Legion Auxiliary.

Eileen and Emil resided on a farm near Ryan since their marriage. She loved the farm and gardening. They had four daughters in this union.  Mary Leonard, Anna (Joe) Weigel, Edna (Norb Ahlers) Scherbring, Edith (Doug) Comley; eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Sara, Jon, and Drew Scherbring, Jason Lieberman, Mark and JoAnn Weigel, Glenn and Katherine Comley; step grandchildren, Terry, Jenny, and Brian Leonard, Brandon, Kayla, Matt, Jake, and Gage Alhers; thirteen great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Deceased family members include her parents, John and Veronica Rolfes; husband, Emil Fortmann; grandchildren, Brian Scherbring and Jessie Lieberman; brother, Dennis (Jeanne) Rolfes; sister, Jeanette Rolfes; father and mother in-law, Ralph and Anna Fortmann; brothers and sisters-in-law: Gilbert, Merlin and Norma, Sylvester, Marce Fortmann, and son-in-law, Frank Leonard.

The family of Eileen would like to thank Sarah Hartman and Cedar Valley Hospice staff for the care that was given to our mother over these past months.

Please share a memory of Eileen at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

James Wesley King

James Wesley “Jim” King, 83, of Dubuque, IA, passed away at home surrounded by loving family on August 8, 2022.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

He was born to Carl and Maxine King in Mt. Morris, PA on Dec 28, 1938.  Jim graduated from Ellet High School in Akron, OH and later served in the Army from 1961-1963.  He was employed at John Deere for 30 years.

Jim’s greatest love was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He actively enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, gardening, trap shooting, softball, pool, bowling, golf, horse-shoes, ATV riding, taxidermy, woodworking, dog trials, and raising Brittanies and Quail.  Jim taught his children and grandchildren to hunt.  He was active in the Dubuque Bird Dog Club for over 50 years. Well-known for his sense of humor, he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn King; his children Ben (Dawn) King of Blairstown, IA, Amy (Bob) Quinette of Lone Tree, CO, Jody King of Springfield, MO, and Jeffrey King of Dubuque, IA; Grandchildren Jesse, Taylor, and Garrett King; Justin (Rebecka), Logan, Brenden (Hannah), and Ryan Quinette; Cameron, Alexis, Brett, and Brady Maes; Olivia and Sophia King; and Great-grandchildren Grayson and Liam Quinette.  His surviving siblings are Virginia Pugh, Lois (Paul) Koslowski, Lloyd King, and John (Cindy) King, and many nieces and nephews.  His surviving in-laws are Kathy (Gerald) Kaufmann, Carol (Dan) Simon, Paul (Nancy) Kaufman, Mark (Ann) Kaufman, and Ann Heinricy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald King, as well as a brother-in-law Gerald Kaufmann.

The family would like to thank Hospice, especially Kris, for their loving care and support.

In lieu of flowers and plants a James King memorial fund will be established.

Debra K. Meyers-Schmidt

Debra Kay Meyers-Schmidt, 67, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 surrounded by loved ones, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. She was born on December 27, 1954, in Edgewood, the daughter of Clyde and Mary Jane (Thomas) Meyers. Deb was raised and educated in Edgewood and was a 1973 graduate of Edgewood-Coleburg High School.

On June 12, 1999, Deb was united in marriage to Larry Schmidt. Deb worked as a Delaware County Clerk of Court for 39 years.  She enjoyed shopping with her sisters, grandchildren, and nieces.  Deb loved camping, sitting by campfires, and traveling. Deb especially enjoyed their trips to Alaska. She was a pet lover. Deb cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and spending time with them was precious.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Schmidt of Manchester; four stepchildren, Travis (Tiffany) Schmidt of Cedar Rapids, Zach (KeriAnne) Schmidt of Manchester, Nichole (Aaron) Supple of Hopkinton, and Dusty (Renee) Schmidt of Manchester; nine grandchildren, Soraya Schmidt, Gage and Chloe Schmidt, Adrienne, Cadence, Kalynn, and  Maleah Freiburger, Olivia Supple, and Charlie Schmidt; her mother, Mary Jane Meyers of Edgewood; three sisters, Darla (Verdeen) Waterman of Manchester, Diane (Tim) Odell of Greeley, and Sheryl (Tom) Hansel of Edgewood; a sister-in-law, Debbie Meyers of Edgewood; and many nieces and nephews.

Deb was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Meyers and her brother, Charles “Chuck” Meyers.

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

Funeral Service:  11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at The Gathering Place in Manchester, Iowa, with Pastor Kathy Rempe officiating. 

Visitation:  3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester. There will also be a visitation on Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment:  Edgewood Cemetery – Edgewood, Iowa

Ralph E. Cummings

Ralph E. Cummings, age 78, of Dubuque, passed away at 4:51 p.m., on Friday, August 5, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Ralph’s life private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Ralph was born on July 8, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William and Ella (Thompson) Cummings.

Ralph graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1962.  After school he joined the Plumbers and Fitters Union Local 125, where he learned his trade.  Ralph began his career with Berwanger Boiler and went on to work in nuclear power plants until his retirement in 2003.  He was a union man until the very end.  Ralph was united in marriage to Donna Meyer on September 5, 1964, at the Church of the Nativity.  They have been truly blessed with 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  In his free time, Ralph enjoyed taking care of his garden.  He loved caring for his animals and has had numerous dogs and cats throughout the years including his current feline friend, Roxie.  Ralph also loved anything Western, from books and movies to the trips he and Donna took out west on vacation.  In recent years, Ralph and Donna enjoyed going to workout at the Stonehill Health Club, and have become great friends with all of the people there.  Everyone who knew him could attest to the fact that Ralph was a very devoted family man.  Ralph will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory include

his loving wife of 58 years,
Donna Cummings, Dubuque, IA;

3 children,
Ken (Pam) Cummings, Dickeyville, WI,
Kris (Randy Chaney) Cummings, Omaha, NE
and Keith (Julie) Cummings, Rockford, IL;

his grandchildren,
Tyler (Alix) Cummings,
Keisha Cummings
and Darrian Cummings;

2 great-grandchildren,
Kylan and Ellory Cummings;

his siblings,
Lois Ronek, Dubuque, IA,
Jim (Patricia) Cummings, Peosta, IA,
Ken (Carol) Cummings, DeKalb, IL
and Marjorie Bowerman, Cole Valley, IL;

his sister-in-law,
Kay Waller;

and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lorraine (Justin) Ronek, Joyce (Jim) Cartmill, Frank (Helen) Hedrick, Don Waller, Geraldine (John) Steil; and 2 brothers-in-law, Charles Ronek and Marty Bowerman.

Ralph’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Ken and Pam Cummings, Sue Schlarman, Laura and Skip Goodendorf and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris and Nikki, for all of their help and outstanding care of Ralph.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you put an extra buck in the Red Kettles at Christmas time to help support Ralph’s favorite charity, The Salvation Army.

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

William M. Wissing

William M. “Bill” Wissing, age 64, of Dubuque, passed away at 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at Sunnycrest Manor from complications of Huntington’s Disease.  To celebrate Bill’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m., on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, at Behr Funeral Home with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bill was born on July 10, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William and Anna Mae (Timmerman) Wissing.

Bill was a life long resident of Dubuque.  After he graduated, Bill went to work moving containers at Swiss Valley Farms for 24 years until his retirement due to health issues.  He was a sports fan and liked watching NASCAR, the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco 49ers.  He was the Council President at Sunnycrest and truly enjoyed his time there interacting with the staff and other residents.  Bill always made the best of whatever life brought his way and we will miss his presence in our daily lives.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include

his brother,
James (Carol) Wissing, Hazel Green, WI;

and 2 nieces,
Shelby Wissing and Ashley Wissing, both of Hazel Green, WI.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ronald Wissing; and a sister, Sandra Lee Wissing.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Sunnycrest Manor for their care and friendship given to Bill these past years and to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion.

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

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

Jeanette Welu

Jeanette “Jean” Welu, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022, at home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 pm Friday at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

To view the livestream of the funeral mass, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Jean was born April 15, 1935 in St. Catherine’s the daughter of Daniel J. and Armella (Thole) Herbst. She was educated at the one-room schoolhouse in Zwingle, where she grew up on a farm. In 1953, she graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque. Jeanette married Robert E. Welu on June 28, 1958 at Assumption Catholic Church, Zwingle. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2003.

Jean was employed at Trausch Baking Co. and the Dubuque Packing Co. until her retirement in 1968.

Jean was a loving mother whose faith was very important to her. She attended Mass daily and was member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was a very active volunteer.

Jeanette is survived by two children, Jon (Carrie) Welu and Paula (Kevin Birch) Welu, both of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Ryan, Rena, Payton, Katelyn, Lillian, Chandler, and Alexis; her great-grandchildren, Jaden, Jalen, Jaliona, Chloe and Rosalie; her sister, Charlotte (Bill) Tindell; two brothers, Leo (Sheila) Herbst, and Paul (Patricia) Herbst; two sisters in law, Adele Palmer and Carole Welu; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother in law Louise and Robert McCarty; her brother and sister in law Robert and Charlotte Herbst; her sister-in-law Deanna Herbst; and her parents-in-law Ray and Marie Welu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jeanette Welu Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank Brittany and Lindsey from Hospice of Dubuque East team and close family friend, Juliann Kruse for all of their loving care and support.

Margaret Smith

Margaret “Maggie” Smith, 81, of Dubuque, passed of natural causes on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Lantern Park Care Initiatives in Coralville, IA.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Maggie’s life will be at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Burial will occur at a later date at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Margaret, the daughter of Emil and Molita (Dawson) Reding, was born on February 3, 1941, in Dubuque, IA.

Maggie attended the Academy of the Visitation for Women High School, Class of 1959, and Nativity Catholic School. In 1957 she married Jerome F. Blocklinger and they were blessed with five children. For ten years they owned the Hof Brau Haus tavern in East Dubuque, IL. She married Richard “Dick” Smith of Dubuque in 1979 and they celebrated 30 years of marriage in April of 2009. Maggie spent 25 years as a realtor/broker and rental property manager before retiring from Duggan Realty in 2013.

Her hobbies and interests included playing club euchre at the American Legion Post #6 and golfing at Galena Golf Club. In high school, Maggie loved to roller skate and swim, where she was a lifeguard at Municipal Pool in Dubuque.

Surviving is her daughter, Peggy Thill and her husband, Jim, of Dubuque; her son, Paul Blocklinger and his wife, Amie, of Coralville; two daughers-in-law, Lynn Blocklinger of Liberty Hill, TX, and Lisa Blocklinger of Largo, FL; nine grandchildren, Aaron, Kelsey, Lindsey, Drew, Bryan, Tina, Michael, Jaimie, and Jessica; 13 great-grandchildren; and four step-daughters, Pam, Patsy, Peg, and Penny.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sons, Bart, David, and Ken Blocklinger, a brother, Jay Reding, and her husband, Richard “Dick” Smith.

A memorial has been established.

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

Carrie Larsen Bell

Carrie Larsen Bell, age 63, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born on October 7, 1958, in Lancaster, the daughter of Cletus and Vivian (Irish) Potter. On June 14, 1991, she was united in marriage to Robert “Rob” Bell. Carrie enjoyed her work in catering with her dear friends Darrin Miles and Dee Jensen at The Lancaster Country Club.

She is survived by her husband; her son, Craig (Jaclyn Williams) Larsen of Middleton; sister, Jean (Curt) Dobson, of Lancaster; niece, Sherri (Denny) Furuseth of Lancaster; and sister-in-law, Beth Potter, of Oshkosh.

Carrie is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry Potter.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Services will be livestreamed on Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page beginning at 3:00 p.m.. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Lancaster Health Services for the amazing, loving care they provided for Carrie.

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com