Obituaries Archive

James W. Davis

Ruth Gansemer

Marianna “Ruth” Gansemer, age 77 of Dubuque died Saturday, September 17, 2022 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

A wake service will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque.  At 2:45 p.m. the rosary will be led by Our Ladies of Prague Mothers’ Club, with visitation to follow from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m. led by the Franciscan Sisters of Dubuque.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, September 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Nativity, Dubuque, followed by burial at Mount Calvary. Rev. Dwayne Thoman and Fr. Matthew McMorrow will concelebrate.

Ruth was born on July 28, 1945 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, daughter of Anthony and Estella (Wall) Entringer.  She grew up in LaMotte, Iowa and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1963.  She attended Clinton Community College and graduated in 1965 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She started her career at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque in 1965.  Eight months after a successful blind date, she was united in marriage to Edward Gansemer of Holy Cross, Iowa on September 7, 1968.  They shared 54 “wonderful” years together and were blessed with three daughters.  She worked at Xavier Hospital until 1974 when she decided to stay at home to raise their daughters.  She returned to nursing in 1981 as an Operating Room Technician at Finley Hospital until her retirement in 2005.

Ruth was an avid baker and cook, which was thoroughly enjoyed by family and friends.  She was very precise and took pride in making things from scratch and incorporating unique ingredients. Ruth also enjoyed her travels with Ed.  One highlight was traveling to Vermont for a bread baking school, where she was quick to note when the instructor forgot a key ingredient.

The utmost caretaker, Ruth was a selfless, humble and caring person who always put other people first.  Her warm and gentle ways were appreciated by all who knew her.  Those closest to her benefitted from her quick wit and famous one-liners.

Ruth is survived by her husband Ed; her daughters Sarah (Mark) Weber, Karen (Bob) McMorrow and Teresa (Dave) Reuter;  grandchildren Nick, Jared, Mitch and Seth Weber; Catie (Joseph) Kemper; Ciara (fiancé Oliver Severance), Moira, Brigid, Deirdre, Bobby and Liam McMorrow; and Cole and Baby Reuter (due October 2022). Her great-grandchildren, Rose and Baby Kemper (due December 2022); sisters Venita McLaughlin and her twin Rita Entringer; sister-in-law Joan Lukan; brothers-in-law Matthew (Dotty) Gansemer and Phillip “Bucky” Breitbach.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Estella Entringer; brothers Leonard and Lester (Jean) Entringer; mother and father-in-law Marie and Adolph Gansemer; sisters-in-law Helen (Dan) Wolf and Rose Ann Breitbach; brothers-in-law TJ McLaughlin and Marv Lukan; nephew Tony Entringer and niece Diane Aurit.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Grand River Medical Center in Dubuque, and Hospice of Dubuque.

A Marianna Ruth Gansemer memorial has been established.

John T. Frick

John T. “Jack” Frick, 85, of Dubuque died Saturday, September 17, 2022. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Friday, September 23, at the Church of the Resurrection, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Committal will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Celebration of Life ice-cream social will be held at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Sunday, September 25 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Bring your families and friends to celebrate the life of this amazing husband, father, grandfather, and community leader.

Jack was born October 24, 1936 in Dubuque He was the son of Alois and Elizabeth (Behrens) Frick. He attended Dubuque schools and graduated from Loras Academy. On May 26, 1962, Jack married Diana Wagner in Dubuque. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Jack was a hard worker all his life, deeply devoted to providing for his family. He worked at Trenkle’s delivering meat to local grocers before the sun shone on the horizon. Later he worked at Kunkel’s Auto Shop in East Dubuque followed by his several years at Mike Finnin Ford, retiring as service manager. He was always an early riser. Preparing for the day’s tasks and customers was a priority of Jack’s.

Jack had a passion for cars and plants. The former was his day job; the latter was his life’s passion. A member of the Tri-State Garden Club for several years, Jack was a natural choice when it came to initial development of the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. He was President from 1982-2021, facilitating everything such as: expansion of programs, land development, volunteerism, donations, and personnel. In particular, Jack enjoyed working with volunteers. “The expertise they all bring to the Arboretum is refreshing and stimulating for me,” he recalled in a personal chat with a daughter of his. Jack enjoyed talking with the students and visitors that frequent the Arboretum for concerts, ceremonies, family gatherings, exercise, and daily visits. He was proud to be such an integral part of one of the best places Dubuque has to offer.

Jack prioritized family. Yearly he visited his daughter June in Oregon and wintered with his daughter Joan in Arizona, where he volunteered at the middle school where she was the principal. He attended sporting events, spoke to 8^th grade classes about personal finance, participated in job fairs, judged the spelling bee, distributed treats to Honor Roll recipients, attended concerts and plays, participated in parades, and attended school board meetings. Additionally, visits to Mexico were commonplace as were trips to the casinos in Tucson.

Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diana Frick; two daughters, June Lucas of Forest Grove, Oregon and Joan Molera of Rio Rico, Arizona; one son in law, Rudolfo “Rudy” Molera of Rio Rico, Arizona; three grandchildren, Claire Lucas of Ashland, Montana, Jess Lucas of Corvallis, Oregon and Jacob Molera of Rio Rico, Arizona; two sisters, Sue Simon of Dubuque and Barb Smith of Westminster, Colorado; two sister-in laws, Joan Zimmerman of Dubuque and Mary Wagner of Australia; one brother in law, Harold “Skip” Zimmerman of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Marna Kunkel; son-in-law Jim Lucas; and three brother in laws, Dave Simon, Jay Smith, and John Kunkel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for their wonderful care.

W. LaVerne Greene

W. LaVerne Greene, 82 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, September 16, 2022, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. Funeral mass will be held at 2 PM, Friday, September 23, 2022, at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after Noon at the church until the time of the mass. The burial will be in the church cemetery. Following the committal service, a celebration of his life will begin at 4 PM until 7 PM at the Galena Eagles Club. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born August 8, 1940, in Galena the son of Wilfred and Elma (Schuller) Greene. LaVerne graduated from Galena High School.  He was united in marriage to Donna J Beckwith on April 29, 1961, in Galena, and she preceded him in death on April 3, 2018. LaVerne retired from John Deere Dubuque Works, and then purchased The Bee Hive and owned Galena View Antique Mall for many years. He enjoyed fishing, camping, antiquing, and sharing a “cold one” with friends and family! He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a fourth-degree Knight, The Eagles Club, and past City Council member of Galena, and St Michael’s Church. LaVerne was an avid Cubs and Packer fan.

He is survived by his children, Kevin (Michele) Greene, Kim (Grant Melvin) Cook, and four grandchildren, Nate (Heather Reed) Greene, Amber (Kyle) Larson, Ashley (Bob) Doyle, Justin (Sam) Cook, and five great-grandchildren, his siblings, Jeanette Koehler, Ray Greene and Loran (Kathy) Greene, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a brother, two sisters, and three sisters-in-law.

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

Mary Belle Whaley

Mary Belle Whaley, 92, of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2022. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Benton, Wisconsin, with Rev. David Flanagan officiating. Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Benton is assisting the family.

Mary Belle was born on April 12, 1930, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Edwin and Hazel (Bell) Whaley. She attended the Providence Country School and then graduated from Benton High School in 1948.

Mary Belle worked at Bird’s Store and also for Gen Smythe at the café. Later, she bought the café and spent 30 years there. Mary Belle was manager of the Galena Antique Mall for 14 years, retiring at age 79. She also sold Avon. Mary Belle was a lifetime member of both the St. Patrick’s Church Women’s Altar Society and the Benton VFW Auxiliary Post 7896, where she served as president for several years. A highlight of her life was a trip to Europe which she absolutely loved.

Survivors include a brother, Edward (Darlene) Whaley, Janesville, WI; a nephew, Robert (Shawn) Whaley, Tomah, WI; four great-nephews, Tyler (Cassia) Teuscher, Ryan (Abby) Teuscher, Kyle (Ally) Whaley and Jarod Whaley; and two great-great-nieces, Raelynne Teuscher and Leighton Whaley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Frank Whaley; and a niece, Tina Whaley-Teuscher.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Gary and Marlene McCrea and the staff of Epione Pavilion, especially Jackie and Theresa.

Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

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

Jeanette Hess

Jeanette “Jan” Ruth Hess, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on September 15, 2022. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 9:45am-10:45am at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd. Dubuque IA. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00am at the church. Following the luncheon at the church, any who wish to join are invited to the burial at Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Jan was born on July 5, 1938, in Columbus Wisconsin to Lester and Laura Schmidt. She graduated from Columbus High School and earned a scholarship to Milwaukee Downer College. She was a member of the college rowing team. Jan graduated with a Teaching Degree in English. She began her teaching career at East Aurora High School in Aurora, Illinois.

She met her husband John after moving to Aurora and the two began their life together. After John earned his Doctorate, they moved to Dubuque. Their life was filled with travel all over the world, where they experienced new cultures, history and theater. Jan had a warm smile and a caring heart and made new friends everywhere she went. Jan retired as Administrative Assistant for the Board of Supervisors for Dubuque County. She was named a First Citizen of Dubuque in 1996. Jan served on many local boards of directors such as Luther Manor and Medical Associates. Jan was most proud of her 44 years as a supporter and mentor of the AA community.

Jan is survived by her brother; Roger (Jane) Schmidt and sister Edith Moore.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; John Hess, and sisters; Alice Schmidt and Mary Beth Baumgartner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd. Dubuque, IA 52001.

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

Ken Muchow

Ken “Butch” Muchow, 70 of Galena, IL died peacefully at home with family by his side on September 15, 2022. Funeral services will be held at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at 11 AM. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, rural Galena.

He was born on December 10, 1951, in Hazel Green WI, the son of Kenneth Sr. and Chrystal (Smith) Muchow. Butch attended Galena High School and graduated in 1970. Butch and his friends kept Principal Hamilton busy keeping them in line. They swept many piles of gravel back in place after spinning out of the parking lot. Butch married his high school sweetheart Connie Welp on April 15^, 1972, at St Mary’s Church in Galena. This past April they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Butch and Connie spent their first year’s farming in Schapville. He was proud to be included in NEIGHBORS’ book by Archie Leiberman. Butch and Connie farmed for Bill and Dorothy Hammer for several years. In 1987 they bought their farm in Council Hill where they owned and operated with their two children, Jenny and Jason. In the winter he was known for his soup making and delivering to neighbors, family, and friends. Everyone loved his fresh ground horseradish. Farming with the Redington Families was enjoyable for him. Butch enjoyed watching Chicago Bears games with his brothers. You could always find him on a tractor or in his garden.

Butch is survived by his wife, Connie, daughter, Jennifer (Don Groop), and son, Jason (Sarah) Muchow, step-grandson, Joshua, sisters, Chrystal (Dave) Hueneke, Penny (John) Basten, brothers, Bill (Diane) Muchow, Howard (Cyndy) Muchow, Bernie (Marilynn) Muchow, sisters-in-law, Patty Lyden Shillington, Kim Einck (Toby Petitgout) and Anita Welp and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother, and father-in-law, and brothers-in-law, Rick Welp, John Lyden, and John Shillington, and many aunts and uncles, and great-nephew, Jake Stilson.

A special thank you to Mercy Cancer Center, Mercy Ambulatory, and Hospice of Dubuque for their great care.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Jerome D. McCurdy

Jerome D. (Jerry) McCurdy passed away surrounded by his family on September 8, 2022.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Jerome will be 11:00 am Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Jerome was born at home in Dubuque on September 18, 1935, the son of Lawrence and Julia (Elliott) McCurdy.

He attended Sacred Heart grade school and Loras Academy. He worked at Sunbeam Bakery, Caradco, and at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, retiring from Mercy Hospital.

Jerome was a son, brother, uncle, and –even though he never married–a beloved “Dad,” “Grandpa,”and “Great Grandpa.” Jerome loved his family and loved participating in family events and spending time making memories with his “grandchildren.” Jerome especially loved playing euchre. He also loved country music, singing, and taking care of his many new cars. Jerome will be remembered as a kind and caring person who never complained no matter what curve ball life threw him, always making the best of it.

Jerome is survived by his three siblings, Robert McCurdy (Dubuque), Linda (Phil) Hobart (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and Steve (Connie Carroll) McCurdy (Chicago); his nieces and nephews Jane Geary, Glendale, Arizona; Dr. Kathy Dolter, Dubuque; Beth Dolter (Gordon), Cedar Rapids; Peter (Suzette) Dolter, Crystal Lake, Illinois; Paul S. Dolter (friend Rebecca Raab), Dubuque; Ellen (Terry) Sievert, Barrington, Illinois; Michael Bartmann (Cedar Rapids), Robert (Kate) Bartmann, Weatherford, Oklahoma, and Nick Hobart, Dallas, Texas.

Jerome is also survived by his six “children” Michelle (Kevin) O’Conner; Julie (Rick) Carner; Debbie (Harold) Birch; Brenda (Roger) McChesney; Linda (Mike) Ristau; and Sherry Bailey. His “grandchildren” David (Izzy) (Dawn) Simpson; Danielle Simpson; Tanya Carner; Nora (Eddie) Mulgrew; Bert (Barbara) Carner; Christina (Charlie) Ties; Brian (Nikki) Hayes; Michael (Lindsey) McChesney; Jerome McChesney; Roger McChesney; Dion McChesney; Dakota McChesney; April (Noah) Francois; Becky Ristau; Danny Ristau; Amy (Jason) DeSousa; and Donny (Emily) Bailey also survive him. Jerome is also survived by 35 “great grandchildren’ and 13 “great-great grandchildren.” All are so thankful and proud to have had Jerome as their “father,” “grandfather,” and “great-grandfather.”

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Julia McCurdy; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou (Ray) Roussel; his sister and brother-in-law Betty (Paul) Dolter; his nephew-in-law, Dave Gordon; his niece Patti Rohn; and two great grandsons Kaiden Bass and Andrew Capesius.

The family thanks Sunnycrest Manor for their care of Jerome over many years and Kaitlyn and Janis from the MercyOne ICU who assisted Jerome and his family during his final hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jerome McCurdy Memorial Fund.

Please share your memories with us, also feel free to post your stories to www.hskfhcares.com. Thank you to everyone for your support, love, and prayers.

Wilmer L. Atkinson Jr.

Wilmer L. “Bill” Atkinson Jr., 75, of Dubuque, died Friday, September 16, 2022, at his home.  Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Bill was born October 29, 1946, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Wilmer Louis Sr. and Mildred Arthofer Atkinson.

He graduated from Wahlert High School and attended Loras College.

Bill was an avid reader, especially of Science Fiction.  He sported “Asimov’s sideburns” for many years in homage to one of his favorites.  Bill had an intellectual mind and a deep knowledge and interest of history, science, geography, politics, and theology.  He was Google before there was Google.

Survivors include his siblings, Ardith Peterson, Mary Severson, and Jon Atkinson all of Dubuque, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jane Davis.

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

Wayne J. Jansen

Wayne J. Jansen, age 54, of Sherrill, passed away at 5:05 p.m., on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at home with his loving family by his side.  To celebrate Wayne’s life private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Sherrill.

Wayne was born on June 13, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Norman and Darlene (Meyer) Jansen.

Wayne attended grade school at Sherrill/Balltown, Jefferson Middle School and graduated from Hempstead High School.  After school he was employed at W.C. Brown and stayed with them through all of the name changes over the years before leaving from Quad-Graphics when the company closed in 2012.  After that he went to work for Mercy Family Pharmacy as a delivery driver until health issues forced him into permanent retirement.  Wayne was also a groundskeeper for Heyo Tjarks for several years.  He was always looking out for the people around him.  He volunteered countless hours with the Sherrill Fire Department and working with people in the area who were down on their luck and needed a helping hand.  When he had some time for himself, Wayne looked forward to getting out on the open road riding his Harley Davidson with fellow members of the Custom Riders Motorcycle Club.  He liked to be outside in general, and looked forward to going hunting with family and friends at the “Honeycomb Hideout” in Bloomfield, Iowa.  Wayne was one of a kind, a family man and a great friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Wayne’s memory include

his sister,
Nancy (Ed) Merges, Sherrill, IA;

his nieces,
Emily (Kenny Arnold) Merges
and Amanda (Adam Cook) Merges;

a nephew,
Michael (Caitlyn Fields) Merges;

2 great-nieces,
Josie and Maggie Cook;

his caregiver and companion,
Tabby Lyons;

her grandson,
Caden Lyons;

his aunts,
Dee (Dave) Bierie, East Dubuque, IL
and Ellen Meehan, Roseville, CA;

and his favorite emotional support cat,
Simba.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lester Jansen; and his aunts and uncles, Violet (Elroy) Klaas, Merlin “Butch” (Lou Ann) Jansen, Jim Meehan, Tony (Shirley) Meyer, Pearl (Don) Meyers and Evelyn (Harold) Wurst.

Wayne’s family would like to thank his neighbor, Duane Kutsch, for taking care of all the lawn work, Mary Kernall for coming to the house to cut Wayne’s hair and Deanna for all of her care and concern.  Also a very special thanks to the members of the Sherrill Fire Department and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their care and support.

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

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

Alberta Koltes Lahey

Alberta “Babe” Koltes Lahey, 100, of Sherrill, died Thursday, September 15, 2022, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Babe will be 10:30 am Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Father Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant. Burial will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Sherrill.

Babe was born February 11, 1922, in Sherrill, IA, the daughter of George  and Matilda Schueller Nauman. On February 24, 1943, she married John Koltes. He died December 17, 1971. On September 1, 1973, she married Cyril  Lahey. He died May 6, 2005.

She attended grade school at SS. Peter and Paul School in Sherrill.  She was the oldest member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, was a member of SS Peter & Paul Rosary Society, and the Catholic Order of Foresters Court 1709 of Sherrill. She was a hard working farm wife. She had a large garden that she tended to and would milk cows and cook big meals for the farm help. Family was everything to Babe. She so loved seeing the grandchildren and great-grandkids stop by. When the grandkids visited, together they would decorate cookies that she baked for them and would often play a game or two. She was an excellent cook, especially her pies and cinnamon rolls. There was always an extra spot at her dinner table and no one went home hungry. Several generations of trick-or-treaters were sure to stop by for her popcorn balls. She enjoyed playing euchre and especially enjoyed playing euchre with her Nauman cousins. She enjoyed quilting with friends. She loved cats. Because she kept a diary until the last few years, you could always ask her questions about something that happened and she would be able to look it up. Every Friday before the COVID pandemic hit, she could be found at Helen’s getting her hair styled. For her 100th birthday this past February, she received over 160 cards. She was known as “Grandma Babe” to many. She lived in her own home until May of 2022 before moving to Hawkeye Care Center.

Survivors include one daughter, Karen (Kevin) White of Dubuque; one son, Merle Koltes; three grandchildren, Sara (Justin) Wiese, Julie (Curt) Schultz, Brian (Kelly) White; 11 great-grandchildren, Landon, Anna, Katelyn & Marissa Wiese, Addison, Jackson, Caden, and Camryn Schultz and Clara, Charlie, and Annie White; five stepchildren, Jim (Phyllis) Lahey, Mary Ellen (Bill) White, Tom (Carol Nebel) Lahey, Margie Skahill, Dan (Cathy) Lahey; one step-daughter-in-law, Eileen Lahey; step-grandchildren, Jeff (Melissa) Leick, Jamie (Sandy) Leick, Craig (Susan) White, Jason Lahey, Brian Lahey, Amy Reynolds, Molly (Jason) Lawry, Joel Lahey, Kyle (Erin) Lahey, Travis Lahey, Mike (Karie) Lahey, Nancy (Jeff) Lucas, Kelley (Mark) Taylor, Sarah (Brad) Loes, Brenda (Nick) Paisley, Sue (Kevin) Brockway, Steve Lahey, Michelle (Mike) Gonzalez, and Jill Dittmer; and many, many, step-great-grandchildren.

Besides her first and second husbands, she was preceded in death by one stepson, Merle Lahey, one sister, Rosina (Leo) Koltes, and brothers- and sister-in-laws, Edwina (Jacob) Nauman, Laura (Henry) Nauman, Florence (Arnold) Arensdorff, Frances (Frank) Nauman, Leona (Herman Schueller) (Val) Tigges, Leo (Rosina) Koltes, Charles (Edna) Koltes, Herbert (Marcella) Koltes, Marcella (Larry) Jaeger, Frances (Valeria) Lahey, Donald (Theresa) Lahey, Robert (Mary) Lahey, William (Dorothy) Lahey, Loras (Mary) Lahey, John Lahey, Marc (Theresa) Lahey, Eileen (Clarence Even) (Clarence) Pfohl.

Thank you to Dr. Kristin Nelson, and Joanie, Kris H., Peggy, and Nicole at Hospice of Dubuque, and Penn Place staff at Hawkeye Care Center for their care, and Father Tyler Raymond for his many visits with Babe.

Eldon A. Biver

Jim Post

Jim Post, 82, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Born in Houston on October 28, 1939, Jim’s musical talent was readily acknowledged when he won a broadcast radio competition at the age of six. A natural storyteller, he would often comment that he never worked a day in his life because he loved entertaining and relished his ability to use his voice to connect with people and the world around him. Jim first came to prominence as a seminal part of the great Chicago Folk Revival, performing frequently at the Earl of Old Town with his friends Steve Goodman, Bonnie Koloc, and John Prine. He became a folk music legend and acclaimed theatre artist. His numerous accomplishments included successful recordings, concert tours, and stage productions that entertained and enlightened his audiences Jim composed and performed original musicals including Galena Rose, Mark Twain, and the Laughing River, Heart of Christmas, and Mark Twain’s Adventures Out West. His international hit song with Friend and Lover, Reach Out of the Darkness, was featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With the timeless refrain “It’s so groovy to know/that people are finally getting together,” it’s been featured on AMC’s Mad Men and in the films 1969 and Cheaper by the Dozen. Jim performed Galena Rose and Mark Twain at the Civic Theatre in Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, the Organic Theater, Northlight Theatre, the Guthrie Theatre, the Smithsonian in DC, and at the English Theatre in Vienna, Austria. Jim recorded many albums including Jim Post and Friends, The Crooner From Outer Space, I Love My Life, Rattlesnake, and his last cd Reach Out Together. He collaborated with great musicians such as Randy Sabien, Howard Levy, David Bromberg, Rollo Radford, Jerry Miller, Anne Hills, and a host of others. He also wrote songs for noted artists like Corky Siegel’s–Hey Billie Jean. Jim loved singing for children and his weekly performances at the Cookie Crumb Club captivated the hearts of families. His books Barnyard Boogie and Frog In The Kitchen Sink became fan favorites. He also co-created Reading by Ear, a musical program to help children learn to read phonetically. Among the highlights of Jim’s career were appearances at major North American music festivals, most recently, the Summer of Love 40th Anniversary Reunion in San Francisco. He was featured on and hosted countless appearances on radio’s WBEZ’s Flea Market and The Midnight Special on WFMT. Other musical homes included the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, IL, The Fifth Peg in Chicago, IL, Amazing Grace in Evanston, IL, Charlotte’s Web in Rockford, IL, and the Trolley Depot Theater in Galena, IL. Jim was known as the bard of Galena, IL, where he lived for nearly 50 years. Anyone who ever spent time listening to his golden voice live or on record or attended one of his concerts or musicals in person is much richer for the experience— his infectious good humor, love of life, and masterful songwriting shine through every note and will live on as long as humans have ears to hear.

Jim will be missed by his extended family, friends, and devoted fans. Interment services will be private. A musical celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a future date.

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

Abbey S. Ehrler

Abbey Sue Ehrler, 20, returned home to God on Monday, September 12, 2022. The visitation will be held Monday, September 19, 2022, from 1 – 6 pm, at Ehrler Ranch Special Event Barn, 11866 Chetlain Lane, Galena, IL. Services will follow the visitation at 6 pm, with Reverend Howard Barch officiating. Dinner will follow the services. The committal service will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 9:30 am, at the Wienen Mausoleum in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with the services.

Abbey lived her life expressing love and kindness to all she knew. She was born on August 17, 2002, in Dubuque, IA, and was raised in Galena. She attended Galena High School, where she was vice-president of her class her freshman year, and president her sophomore year. She transferred to Wahlert High School in Dubuque, IA, where she was on the honors society and where she won many awards for academic achievement and for her artwork. She graduated from Wahlert High School with the class of 2021. She attended Edgewood College in Madison, where she studied Business Administration and Accounting. Abbey was an old soul that was far ahead of her time. She was intelligent, strong, and driven, and even at her young age, she had established a career path that most adults would aspire to. She was a born entrepreneur and operated her own businesses, Abbey’s Sweetcorn and Market. She was the event planner at the Ehrler Ranch Special Event Barn, and she was a crucial part of Ehrler Ranch’s farming business. She was also the main coach person for the Galena Carriage Company. Her talents were too many to list. Above all, she holds the time record for riding Twister, their mechanical bull. Abbey loved her dogs, Mia and Tia, who went everywhere with her, and she loved all animals. She raised many farm animals, including horses, dogs, cats, sheep, and fainting goats. She was a member of the Thunder Riders 4H, the Mississippi Valley Riding Association, The Quad Cities All-Breed Horse Association, and the Midwest Horse Association. Abbey had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She always put others before herself. She cherished her family more than anything, and she being an aunt to her nieces and nephews. Her fun-loving spirit, beautiful smile, and bubbly personality are just a few of the qualities that warmed the hearts of everyone she met.

Surviving are her parents, Steve and Pam (Wienen) Ehrler, her sister, Cassie (Will) George, her brother, Austin (Samantha) Wills; her grandparents, Charles and Susan Ehrler; her aunts and uncles, Michael (Jane) Wienen; Carolyn (Brian) Ramsey; Michael (Sherry) Erhler; Barb (Ben) Lancette; her nieces and nephews, Blazi and Hoyt George; Kera, Lincoln and Hudson Wills, and also many great aunts, uncles, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jim and Lois Wienen; her great-grandparents, Joe and Rita Kaiser; Harold and Mary (Oldenburg) Wienen; Merlin and Eunice (Monahan) Ehrler; Ted and Dawn (Bealle) Stadel; her great-uncle Tom Wienen, and her cousin, Jenny Stoffregen.

LOVE IS FOREVER, and as Abbey would say…I LOVE YOU!

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

The Abbey Ehrler Memorial Fund has been set up at First Community Bank of Galena, for any gifts or donations. All donations will be used for families in need in the area.

Patrick A. Hyde

Patrick Allen Hyde, 57, of Galena, IL passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2022. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 24, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena at 1 PM with visitation beginning at 10 AM prior to the services.

He was born on December 14, 1964, in Metairie, LA, to Dr. Paul Martin Hyde and Mary Jane (Oldenburg) Hyde. After graduating from Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Patrick continued his studies at Louisiana State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Patrick spent his school breaks in Galena working at his aunt and uncle’s campground, where he met his wife, Mary Beth. They were united in marriage on May 21, 1988 and settled down in Galena where they raised their three children: Nicholas, Alexander, and Stephanie. Patrick served most of his over 30-year career as an auditor and CPA with the Illinois Department of Insurance. Most recently, he was the Chief Financial Examiner for the Office of the Special Deputy. He had served on the board of directors and career development committee for the National Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE). Additionally, he was elected SOFE president from 2002-2003. Patrick also represented the Illinois Department of Insurance on several committees at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, most notably the Financial Analysis and Statutory Accounting Principles working groups. Patrick was dedicated to supporting his family and his community. He volunteered with the Galena High School speech team, sold tootsie rolls as a member of the Knights of Columbus, and knocked on doors for all local Democratic candidates. Above all else, Patrick was a devoted supporter of scouting: ending his decades of service as the Committee Chairman of Galena Boy Scout Troop 95.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth, sons Nick (Kelsey) Hyde and Alex Hyde, daughter Stephanie Hyde, and sister Amy Hyde of Baton Rouge, LA. In addition to his parents, Patrick was preceded in death by his sister, Laurie Hyde-Tull. He was a selfless lover of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those that loved him.

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