Obituaries Archive

Kathleen M. Grant

Kathleen M. “Kathy” Grant, age 60, of Dubuque, passed away at 10:10 a.m., on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Sunnycrest Manor.  To honor Kathy’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., on Thursday at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Terry Bemis officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery.

Kathy was born on April 16, 1963, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Robert and Joan (Rendall) Grant.

A Down Syndrome baby in a time when there was so much to learn about Downs Syndrome.  She taught us all we needed to know. She taught us that love was the answer.  Each childhood milestone was a struggle for her but she was so proud of her accomplishments.  She was stubborn and determined, but always had a smile.  Kathy was a kind and gentle soul who was a past member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed music of all genres, but her favorites were “boot scooting” music and music from Grease.  Kathy also liked being outside, watching movies and cartoons and had an extensive Star Trek collection.  She loved the simple things in life like her Pepsi and chocolate pie.  Kathy was the most non-judgemental person you would ever meet.  She was a joy to her family and we will miss her tremendously.  Kathy’s light will shine on us from Heaven.  The lessons she taught us will continue to guide our lives.  She will live in our hearts forever.

Those left to cherish Kathy’s memory include

her siblings,
Nancy & Weep Ellerman,
Rhea Ann & Doug Thompson,
Richard & Kim Grant,
and her guardians, Debra Grant-Beck & Ken Beck;

and her nieces and nephews,
Robert, Jonathan, Elizabeth and Alexander Beck and Kayla Thompson.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Larry Grant; a niece, Diane Ellerman; and a nephew, Kenny Ellerman.

Kathy’s family would like to thank her caregivers at ARC, especially Jim, Nicole, Caitlin, Patty, Kim, Shelby, Britney, Angela, Madonna, Alisha and Kiana, we appreciate everything you have done for Kathy.

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

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

Arleen E. Ouderkirk

Arleen E. Ouderkirk, age 80, of Sherrill, passed away at 2:05 p.m., on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center.  To honor Arleen’s life there will be a parish scripture service held at 1:00 p.m.  Following the prayer service visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Sherrill.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, with Rev. Ronald G. Friedell officiating.  Burial will be at a later date following cremation in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Please note that due to construction on the handicap ramp at church the front steps must be used at this time.

Arleen was born on September 25, 1942, in Grant County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Donald and Marie (Langkamp) Droessler.

Arleen was united in marriage to the love of her life, H. “Fran” Ouderkirk, on August 8, 1964, in Tennyson, Wisconsin.  Together they have been blessed with 58 wonderful years of marriage.  Arleen was very involved with her community and was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church and the Dubuque Community School Retiree Association.  She devoted her career to the school district as a secretary at Eisenhower School for 17 years and lastly at Sageville School for 11 years.  She truly loved her calling working with the children.  When she wasn’t curled up with a good book or crossword puzzle, Arleen and Fran liked spending time together in the great outdoors biking and enjoying the beauty of nature.  She looked forward to the annual “Friday after Thanksgiving” hike.  This year would have been the 50th anniversary of the hike.  They always looked forward to spending time with family and friends and have enjoyed a 33 year association with the “BS” (bible studies) group.  Arleen was a kind hearted woman who always gave of herself and had a smile and a big hug for everyone around her.  She and Fran were an excellent example of how a married couple should care for each other.  Arleen will be greatly missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Arleen’s memory include

her husband,
Fran Ouderkirk, Sherrill, IA;

her brother,
Gary (Deb) Droessler, Potosi, WI;

her in-laws,
Karen Droessler, Bettendorf, IA,
Beanie Droessler, Potosi, WI,
Den (Lisa) Ouderkirk, Moorhead, MN
and Pat (John) Obermann, Dubuque, IA;

a special niece,
Kathy Vaughn, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Arleen was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers, Merlin Droessler in infancy, Wayne Droessler, Terry Droessler and David Droessler; and her in-laws, Fr. Paul Ouderkirk, Phyllis (Gerry) Naumann, Jeanette (Jim) Schmitt.

Arleen’s family would like to thank the staff at Stonehill for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers the family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Arleen’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Arleen Ouderkirk Family.

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

Jeaninne A. Cain

Jeaninne A. Cain, 90, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Lutheran Living, Muscatine, IA., surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday, April 29, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm.  Eulogy will be given by Jim Cain. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Jeaninne was born March 14, 1933, in Dubuque, the daughter of Carl & Margaret (Peg) Hocking.  On July 31, 1954 she married LeRoy Cain.   Jeaninne worked at Mount Carmel Senior Living, Dubuque, for 35 years as a C.N.A.  She enjoyed shopping, and looking through the Sears and Wards catalogs, and watching for the deer to appear in her backyard.  She really looked forward to her weekly visits with her hairstylist and good friend Lynn Decker.  Jeaninne’s biggest pleasure was spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially during the holidays.

During Christmas she would have her home decorated so beautifully with lights and Christmas villages and would prepare a wonderful Christmas dinner for her family.  Halloween was a fun holiday for her as she loved to dress up and pass out the treats.

Surviving is her son, Steven Cain, of Muscatine, two daughters, Kim (Dale) Healey, Kelly (Kevin) Miller, both from Muscatine, IA; 6 grandchildren, Connie (Bill) Stigge, of Wapello, IA., Jerry (Kyla) Healey, Fruitland, IA., Chad (Sara) Healey, Muscatine, IA., Tony “T.J. “ (Mindy) Miller, Stockton, IA, Lacy (Justin) Kerr, Walcott, IA.; 11 great-grandchildren, Amanda, Dalton, Kelsey, Kyndall, Derek, Tyler, Kayden, Madisyn, Bailee, Lex, and Lincoln; and two great-great-grandchildren, Dravin and Kamden; two sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Cain and Gloria Hocking; and  special friends, Jill Turner, Cherie Regan, Dianne Kettman, and Dale & Mary Phelps.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leroy Cain, a brother Curt Hocking, several brother and sister-in-laws; and a grandson, Skyler Healey who passed away March 2021.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lutheran Home staff, Compassas Care Team, and Pastor Dan.

John C. Welter

John C. Welter, of Shreveport, LA, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023 at the age of 89.  Funeral services honoring the life of John Welter will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27th at Mt. Calvary Chapel.  Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors.  Deacon John Stierman will officiate.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

John was born June 29, 1933 in Dubuque, IA to parents Albert and Evelyn (Strohmeyer) Welter. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1953 receiving an Honorable Discharge.  Then when he enlisted in 1953 in the U.S. Army, he found his true passion where he served until 1956 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division specializing in parachute assault operations into denied areas.  He did many parachute jumps in Greenland, The Gulf of Siam in Thailand and in China.  After receiving his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he married Mary Kleih, the love of his life, on December 30, 1958 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.  The newlyweds moved down South with his new job as a salesman for Midland Laboratories where he started a new district for the company. He enjoyed playing tennis, coaching his daughter Susan’s softball team and winning the Championships both years, working out at his fitness center, playing bridge and euchre, attending their Supper Club and spending time with family and dear friends.  He was a faithful fan of Notre Dame football traveling near and far to cheer on the Irish.  He saw the world with his beautiful bride. The love and inseparable bond that John and Mary shared over 65 years of marriage is rarely found and richly treasured.  He was a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather and a fun-loving, great friend to many people.

A most memorable experience was when John, a retired senior parachutist with the Friendship Airborne, made his final jump at age 67 with the People’s Liberation Army Parachute Team in Beijing, China in 2000.  He lived a life full of love, excitement and adventure.  He will be truly missed.

Surviving is his wife, Mary Welter of Shreveport, LA; his daughters, Susan (Phil) Conlon of Frisco, TX and Elizabeth (Doug) Cardwell of Ruston, LA; his son, John (Helen) Welter of Houston, TX; six grandchildren, Catie (Justin) Gabrielli of Dallas, TX; Luke (Capri) Conlon of Austin, TX; Megan Cardwell of Manor, TX; Sarah (Ross) Crawford of Dallas, TX; Emily Welter and Mary Welter of Houston, TX; one great grandchild, Silas Gabrielli of Dallas, TX;  one brother, Harold B. Welter and one sister-in-law, Julia Welter of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Albert (Jean) Welter and William (Julia) Welter; three sisters, Agnes (Harley) Beck, Marie Paulsen and Carole (Ron) Boots.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church for Mass cards.  The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Behr Funeral Home for their guidance, compassion and support with the funeral arrangements.

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

Mary D. Meyer

Mary Denice (Doser) Meyer, age 86, of Dubuque, passed away at 6:40 a.m., on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center.  To honor Mary’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street, on Friday, April 28, 2023.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday at St. Patrick’s Church, with Rev. Dennis J. Quint officiating.  Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery in Potosi, Wisconsin.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mary was born in Potosi, Wisconsin on October 11, 1936, the first child of Edward and Norma (Ball) Doser.  She grew up in Galena, Illinois, attending St. Michael Catholic Grade School and graduating from Galena Public High School.

She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and toured Europe as part of her studies.  She also earned a master’s degree from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.  She taught in parochial schools for five years, and in the Dubuque public schools for eighteen years.

Mary learned to play the organ at a young age, and played in several parish churches during her lifetime.  She earned her pilot’s license in 1974.

She married Herbert G. Meyer on June 20, 1981 at Nativity church in Dubuque.  He died on February 1, 1995.

Surviving are three brothers: Paul, Ronald (Sharon) and Timothy; and six sisters: Deanna Birkett, Bernadette Myers, Lanette Pribbenow, Modesta (Leroy) Alt, Teresa (Pat) Wagner and Judy (Bob) Krohmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Norbert, one sister, Colette and 2 brothers-in-law, Calvin Birkett and Rod Pribbenow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Parish in Dubuque.

Thanks to the staff at Stonehill Care Center for their courteous, accommodating and professional attentiveness.  Thanks also to Hospice of Dubuque, especially nurses Jennifer, Jessica and Paul for their compassionate care and frequent family briefings.

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

Barry J. Murphy

Barry J. Murphy, 60, of Dubuque, IA passed away at 11:11 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics with his loving family at his side.

A visitation for Barry will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon David Roth officiating. A private burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Barry was born in Dubuque on November 24, 1962, the son of Robert and Rose (Marcue) Murphy. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

Barry married Mary Beth Small on May 13, 1989, in Dubuque at the Church of the Resurrection. They recently renewed their vows on September 5, 2022, at Flora Park where they met.

Barry worked at Eagle Window and Door for 34 years. He was an avid Packer, Cubs and Hawkeye fan. Most importantly, Barry loved spending time with his family; his loving wife, children and especially his grandchildren were his world. To honor Barry, the family will be wearing his favorite sports apparel to celebrate his life. Barry’s life will also carry on through someone else’s eyes with the donation of his cornea.

Those left to cherish Barry’s memory include his wife, Mary; his children, Matt (fiancé, Emily Potter), Josh (girlfriend, Ashley Sieverding) and Hanna Nash; grandchildren, Max, Lili, Tyler, Rylie, Avery, Braxton, Abby, Lincoln, Scarlett and Lavina; his father, Robert Murphy; siblings, Michelle Murphy, Tim and Lynda Murphy and Bruce Murphy; in-laws, Steve and LuAnn Small, Joe and Jane Small, Deb and Dave Schroeder and Sue & Mike Ludwig along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose and his father and mother-in-law Leslie and Betty Small.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. John Whalen and staff at Tri-State Dialysis and to doctors, nurses, and staff at the UIHC SNICU.

Mary D. George

Mary D. George, 93, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 23, 2023, at home surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dickeyville, Wisconsin, with Rev. Bernard Rott and Deacon Mark Otting officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish prayer service will be at 2:45 p.m.  Friends may also call from 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home before the service.

Mary was born on August 15, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Oliver and Florence (McCarthy) Rea.  She received her education at Sacred Heart School in Fillmore, Iowa and Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque, Iowa.  On October 28, 1950, she was united in marriage to Wilfred George at Sacred Heart Church in Fillmore.  Wilfred preceded her in death on July 31, 2001.

Mary was a longtime member of Holy Ghost Parish in Dickeyville.  Mary held various jobs, latest of which was at Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.  Mary enjoyed bowling, a sport she was active in for over 50 years.  She bowled in 40 National Tournaments.  She also very much enjoyed reading, euchre, and trips to the casino.  Mary faithfully followed her grandchildren in sports.

Mary is survived by five children, Tom (Louann) George, Dickeyville, WI, Sandy (Don) Snyder, Long Grove, IA; Susie (Don) Tranel, Dickeyville, WI, Pat (Sharon) George, Platteville, WI, and Bill (Lori) George, De Soto, WI; eleven grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Rethwisch, Trisha (Jarrett) Payton, Jenny (Jamie Postell) Snyder, Joe (Brittney) Snyder, Cody (Lorjean) Tranel, Derek (Gina) Tranel, Heidi (Tyler) Schultz, Adam George, Brandon George, Darin George, and Ellie George; four step-grandchildren, Amy Grindle, Shelby (Luke Karl) Dolphin, Carly Dolphin and Jesse (Amanda) Dolphin; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; and thirteen step-great-grandchildren; her sisters, Anne O’Shea, Overland Park, KS, Nancy Oglesby, Cuba City, WI, Joyce (Al) Koster, Dubuque, IA, and Lois Wubben, Oregon, WI; one brother, Pat (Ruth) Rea, Bernard, IA; a sister-in-law, Gerry Rea, Bernard, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Sister Lois Ann Rea OSF and Kathleen McDonnell; three brothers, James Rea, Michael Rea and David Rea; a sister-in-law, Valeria Rea; four brothers-in-law, Paul McDonnell, Ray Wubben, James O’Shea and Jim Oglesby; and her father and mother-in-law, Ervin and Katherine George.

In lieu of flowers and plants, a  Mary D. George Memorial Fund has been established.  Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Schope and staff, Dr. Thomas Schreiber and staff, Dr. Mark Hermann and staff and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Larry C. Young

Larry C. Young, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, following a tragic accident at his rural Maquoketa home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A visitation will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 9 A.M.  Burial will be at the East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Larry Carl Young was born on April 6, 1967 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Edwin Donald and Virginia Lorraine (Hoerschelman) Young.  He was a 1985 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School and a graduate of Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Peosta with a degree in Construction.  He married Betty Jean Cutlip on July 31, 1999, at East Iron Hill Community Church, rural Maquoketa.  Their children are Dakota Young and Samantha Byrd.  They have one granddaughter, Ember.

Larry was the owner of Larry Young Construction.  With his parents, he farmed and was co-owner of Young Septic Service.

Larry was well-known in the community and was greeted with a smile, a wave and a friendly “Hey Larry!” everywhere he went.  He did everything for his family and would do anything for anybody who asked.  His last act of giving was being an organ and tissue donor.  His absence will be profoundly felt.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Betty Young of Maquoketa, IA; children, Dakota Young of Maquoketa, IA, and Samantha Byrd of Clinton, IA; grandchild, Ember; parents, Edwin and Virginia Young of Maquoketa, IA; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Norbert Gonnsen of Maquoketa, IA; aunt Cheryl Heinrich; mother-in-law, Madeline Cutlip; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Christina and Rick Ernst, Doris and Larry DeLay, Tammy and Charlie Clay, Ray Cutlip, and Curtis and Darlene Cutlip; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

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

Lois C. Francois

Lois C. Francois, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on November 22, 1935, in Holy Cross, Iowa, to Edward and Leonetta (Theisen) Wilgenbusch. Lois graduated from Winthrop High School in 1953.

On October 6, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to Leo Francois at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monti, Iowa. Eight children were born to this union. The couple farmed together near Winthrop for fifty years before moving to Manchester in September 2009. Lois enjoyed family life on the farm, decorating cakes for family events, gardening, canning, and playing cards. She was a fantastic cook and will especially be remembered for her homemade biscuits and black raspberry jelly. Most importantly, Lois cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to visit with friends and family, both near and far.

Faith, prayer, and family were at the center of her life. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville, Altar and Rosary Society, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Lois will be deeply missed by her children, John (Liz) Francois of Winthrop, Janice (Bob) McCusker of Marion, Al (Julie) Francois of Winthrop, Mary Beth (Dave) Flexsenhar of Winthrop, Dave (Cindy) Francois of Central City, Don (Denise) Francois of Des Moines, Paul Francois of Dublin, Ohio, and Amy (Tammy) Francois of Kansas City, Missouri; 27 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Goedken of Monticello, Ken (Kathy) Wilgenbusch of Manchester, and Chuck (Merri) Wilgenbusch of Rochester, Minnesota; her in-laws, Linda Wilgenbusch, Esther (Ned) Digh, Bob (Ann) Francois, Dorothy Roling, Ruth Francois, Ray (Dorothy) Francois, Merwin Tibbott, Irene Fischer, Helen (Lawrence) Schaul, Tom Francois, Frank (Patty) Francois, Lori Prantner, and Mike (Patsy) Francois.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Leo in 2022; daughter-in-law, Teresa in 2023; her parents;  two brothers, Dave Wilgenbusch and Dale Wilgenbusch; her in-laws, J.J. Goedken, Ed (Ruth) Francois, Bill Francois, Mary Jean Tibbott, LaVerne Roling, Don Fischer, and Pat Francois.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Good Neighbor Home and Care Initiatives Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation:  2:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa.

Interment:  St. Mary Cemetery – Masonville, Iowa

Dane E. Smith

Dane E. Smith passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, Iowa.

Dane was born 96 years ago on a kitchen table in a one-bedroom home in Sheperd, Illinois to his delighted parents, Florence (Stieghorst) and Loran F. Smith.  True to his humble beginnings, the cost for the doctor’s services was two dollars.

Dane grew up surrounded by cousins working together on a family farm before moving across the Mississippi River to Hannibal, Missouri, where he developed lifelong friendships.  Dane was a proud graduate of Hannibal High School, attributing much of his success later in life to the school in general and to his math teacher, Madilyn Bertram, in particular.  So grateful to have received Ms. Bertram’s lessons in both mathematics and in life, Dane was integral to the creation and operation of an ongoing scholarship in her name.

Outside of the classroom, Dane gained a practical education in hunting and fishing from his father, Loran, as they literally had to seek food for their table.  They spent a great deal of time at their “camp,” a crude structure on stilts on the banks of the Mississippi built from discarded materials and driftwood found floating down the river.  Many of Dane’s fondest memories were of times spent on the river with family and close friends.

During World War II, Dane enlisted in the Navy as soon as he was eligible to do so (or maybe a little bit before!).  Originally placed in Officer’s School at a base in Kansas, he was soon assigned to be trained and educated at the University of Michigan where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He furthered his education there, completing graduate work in what he termed “Engine School.”  While at Michigan, Dane met his first love, Jane (Procter), who became his wife and with whom he raised five children:  Jeff (Janet), Craig, Dane (Kelly), Darryl (Shari), and Lauren, with son Bobby lost within days after birth.

Dane lived in the Detroit, Houston and St. Louis areas before first settling in Arlington Heights (IL), to raise his family.  He worked primarily in sales for firms such as Vickers Corporation, the Bud Company and Hydromation Filter Company before moving to Dubuque circa 1980 with his second wife (Nikki) and son Brad to start up his own industrial filtration design and manufacturing business, D.E. Smith, Inc.  Dane was grateful to spend time working with four of his sons there as they built the business together, providing  employment to countless Dubuque families over the years.  His emphasis on personal honesty and integrity was key to his company’s success. Dane and Nikki later settled in Durango where they enjoyed raising cattle, horses and miniature donkeys.  Dane also found peace in being a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dubuque.

Dane is survived in death by his 6 children, 15 grandchildren who would sit in awe of Grandpa’s truly remarkable memory as he shared his knowledge and wisdom, and related previously unheard family stories, and 10 great grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Nicolette), sister Marge (Summers), and son (Robert).

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque with Stephanie Ells from First Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home Saturday, April 29th.

The family requests no flowers.  Instead, contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org or by mail to 2362 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Steven L. Kabele

Steven L. “Cricket” Kabele, 66, of Belmont, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Garryowen, Iowa.

Cricket was born September 28, 1956, in Madison, WI, the son of Leonard L and Alberta J Nodolf Kabele. He retired from Land’s End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. When he wasn’t working with his model trains he enjoyed cutting the grass on his riding lawn mower.

Survivors include his significant other, Mary Jane House of Belmont, WI.

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

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

Monica S. Meissner

Monica S. Meissner, 87, of Dubuque died Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Bethany Home. Visitation will be from noon to 2 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. A memorial service will be held following the visitation.

Monica was born June 12, 1935, in Iowa City, daughter of Elwin and Mary (Koenig) Galliart, the fifth of eight children. She came into the world with bright red hair and the personality to match. She attended St Mary’s Catholic School and Immaculate Conception Academy. She graduated from The Dubuque Beauty Academy in 1951.

On January 4, 1953, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” D. Meissner in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2018.

Monica always kept busy caring for her children, parents, in-laws, and other family members, Monica received her LPN license in 1982 while living in Peoria IL and her RN license in 1988 at the age of 52 when living in Naperville. She retired from Finley Hospital while continuing to care for elderly family members and the next generation of babies.

Monica was active through the years at Immanuel Church in Dubuque as a Sunday School Teacher, Mother’s Club and Women’s Fellowship member. She chaired the sock drive for several years.

Monica is survived by three children, Laurie (Jim) Birch, Lynn (Greg) LeBlanc and Paul (Nancy) Meissner, all of Dubuque; a daughter-in-law in Milton, WA, five grandchildren, Chris (Crystal) Birch, Lee (Jodi) Birch, Sarah (Jason) Coble, Jessica Freiburger and Clarice (Michael) Rubel; and seven great grandchildren.

She is also survived by a sister, Ann (Jerry) Black and brother-in-law, Herman (Shirley) Klinkner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark, three brothers, Elwin, John, and Carl, and two sisters, Virginia Herek and Grace Klinkner, and her in-laws, Wendell and Dorothy Meissner.

Memorials may be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Bethany Home for their loving care of our Mom, especially those in memory care who dealt with her mischievous activities on a daily basis.

Curtis L. Wilson

Curtis L. Wilson, 73, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Mercy Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Curtis Lynn Wilson was born on December 26, 1949 in Pekin, Illinois to Clyde and Virginia (Schnoor) Wilson.  He grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1968 where he played drums for the band “The Omegas”.  Following high school, he attended Palmer Jr. College, the College of Clinton Engines, and Kirkwood Community College.  In 1977, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Computer Science.  30 years later he retired from Rockwell International.  In retirement, he developed a love of quilting from his mother and had served as the president of the Town and Country Quilters Guild in Maquoketa.

Since then, it’s been a good retirement. You should try it.

Among survivors is a brother, Berry Wilson of Ossining, NY; sister-in-law, Willa Wilson of Crawfordsville, IA; nephews, Monte, Tom and Garrett; aunts and uncles, Richard (Lois) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA, and Roy (Janice) Schnoor of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Terry in 2006.

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

Elmer L. Fink

Elmer L. “Finky” Fink, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 9:10 p.m., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Elmer’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday at Holy Trinity Church, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Elmer was born on November 12, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Elmer and Agnes (Schadle) Fink.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Loras Academy, Class of 1954.  In school Finky was active with the ROTC and went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Navy.  He was united in marriage to the girl next door, Sharon Fondell, on January 4, 1958, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque, Iowa.  They have been blessed with 65 years of marriage and 4 wonderful children together.  Finky was always employed as a meat cutter, even when he was in the Navy.  He worked for Randall’s, Fenelon’s, Hessel’s, Cremer’s, Save A Lot, owned his own shop for a short time, the Dubuque Packing Company and FDL.  Finky has been a long time member of Holy Trinity Church, was a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 16 and a former member of the Knights of Columbus.  He loved being outdoors.  Finky volunteered cutting grass at the Dubuque Arboretum, liked to regularly try his luck at his favorite fishing hole and enjoyed taking the scouts camping.  He and Sharon also liked to hit the dance floor for some boot scooting.  Finky was a wonderful family man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Finky’s memory include

his loving wife,
Sharon Fink, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Gary (Juliet) Fink, Kalamazoo, MI,
Kathy (Michael) Regan, Dubuque, IA,
Doug (Julie) Fink, Union Grove, WI
and Jeff (Lori) Fink, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Lyndsey (Brian) Hubert, Stephanie (Brent) Walunas, Adam (Jayme) Fink, Andrea Fink, Nichole Smith, Michelle (Jason) Tuthill, Kyle (Lisa) Regan, Brian (Shannon) Regan, Jessica (Dave) Nelson, Lexi (Jarod) Keeku, Mike (Kelly) Fink, Chelsea (Allen) Malkasian, Emily Fink and Taylor Fink;

30 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way;

and his sister,
Mary (Jack) Parkin, Dubuque, IA.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Shirley (Duane) Deutmeyer, Jackie (Derry) Jacobs and Karl (Janaan) Fink.

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

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

Carl D. Hardison Jr.

Carl D. Hardison, Jr., 71, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa.

Carl D. Hardison, Jr. was born on May 21, 1951, in Clinton, Iowa, to Carl Dwight and Erma (Nixon) Hardison, Sr.  He grew up attending grade school in Charlotte and Delmar and graduated from Elwood High School in 1969.  He married Barbara Streets on September 5, 1969, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Five children were born to this union, Angela, Carl III, Amy, Dale, and Kim.

Carl had first worked factory jobs, and as a truck driver.  He then worked at Century Concrete in Maquoketa for over 20 years.  In retirement until present he has worked part-time at River Valley COOP in Lost Nation.

Carl’s favorite hobby and passion was motorcycle riding.  He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, camping, and tinkering in the garage.  He especially loved spending time with his family and his favorite dog Lola.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Barbara Hardison of Delmar, IA; children, Angela (Nick) Mortenson of Maquoketa, IA, Carl (fiancé Tina Bennett) Hardison III of Maquoketa, IA, Amy Hardison of Maquoketa, IA, Dale (Kristin) Hardison of Norwalk, IA, and Kim (fiancé Nick Crouch) Hardison of Maquoketa, IA; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale (Linda) Hardison of Delmar, IA, and John (Cathy) Hardison of Moline, IL; sisters, Nancy (Lorene) Corlis of Miles, IA, Anna (Cletus) Till of Spragueville, IA, Bonnie Cruz of Maquoketa, IA, and Suzie (Terry) Spain of Delmar, IA; many nieces and nephews; and his dog Lola.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law Francisco Cruz, Sr.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Carl’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa.  A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life in Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Carl D. Hardison, Jr. memorial fund has been established.

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