Obituaries Archive

Janice L. Stierman

Janice L. (Richard) Stierman, age 88, of Dubuque, passed away at 9:18 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Janice’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  There will be a parish scripture wake service held at 12:45 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Very Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Janice was born on June 17, 1934, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Alfred and Celeste (Herber) Richard.

Janice attended school at St. Anthony’s School and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1951.  She was united in marriage to James F. Stierman on February 14, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  The two were blessed with 51 years of marriage and 13 children together before he sadly passed away on September 23, 2004.  Janice was a devoted wife, mom and homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family.  She was a long time member of the Church of the Resurrection, where she served as a past president of the Rosary Society.  In her free time, Janice liked to sit quietly and create beautiful crochet pieces.  Her family was always her top priority and she loved spending time with everyone and keeping up on their latest achievements and activities, especially the grandchildren.  Janice was a strong, faith-filled woman who was an excellent role model for her family and friends.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Janice’s memory include

her 13 children,
Joann Shoener, Chicago, IL,
Sandra (Michael) Cassidy, Madison, WI,
Kathleen Hoeper, Dubuque, IA,
Cynthia (Brian) Ries, Dundee, IA,
Patrick Stierman, Adopka, FL,
Thomas (Laura) Stierman, Mahtomedi, MN,
Terry (Kathryn) Stierman, Kingwood, TX,
William Stierman, Dubuque, IA,
Donald (Ponirah) Stierman, Singapore,
Timothy (Amy) Stierman, Zwingle, IA,
Steven (Liya) Stierman, Plymouth, MN,
Douglas (Titien) Stierman, Sunnyvale, CA
and David (Andreana) Stierman, Polk City, IA;

41 grandchildren;

and was blessed with many great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Mary Lou (Charles) Putchio,
Rita (Ron) Soppe,
Doris (Jay) Kilroy,
Carol (John) Fay,
Regina (Jerry) Cook,
Christy (Ken) Arensdorf
and Ann Marie Mead;

and several nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James F. Stierman; and 2 brothers, Paul and Wayne Richard.

Janice’s family would like to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped us these past weeks, especially  Dr. Ringold, Dr. Khan, Dr. Cao and their staffs and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque.

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

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

Dorothy L. Busch

Dorothy L. Busch, 93, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on Sunday morning, October 23, 2022, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Monday, October 31, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at 2 P.M., Monday, at Busch Cemetery, rural Lost Nation, Iowa.

Dorothy Louise Barger was born on February 12, 1929 in Polk City, Illinois to Newt and Elva Ruth (May) Barger.  She grew up in Metropolis, Illinois and learned the value of hard work at an early age.  She had worked as a waitress at various places including for over 40 years at Harlan’s Restaurant in Davenport.

She married Orben Busch on July 5, 1967 in Rock Island, Illinois.

Dorothy enjoyed family reunions, reading, any kind of puzzle including word search and magazine puzzles.  Additionally, she enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her chocolate chip cookies.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Orben Busch of Davenport, IA; children, Laurie (Fred) Williams of Amboy, IL, Joe (Paula) Wesenberg of Reynolds, IL, Liz (John) Severns of Hereford, AZ, Dean (Donna) Dick of Davenport, IA, James (Sheila) Kent of Moline, IL, Marlus (Bud) Pokorny of Davenport, IA, Kevin (Debbie) Busch of Lake Elsinore, CA, and Kit (Rebecca) Busch of Houston, TX; a daughter-in-law, Robbin Busch of Indianapolis, IN; many grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Kim Busch, brothers Marvin, Cletus and Norman Barger, a sister Betty Wilcox, and a great-grandson Colin Breining.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Dorothy L. Busch memorial fund has been established.

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

Linda L. Funk

Linda Lee Funk, 75, passed away Friday, October 21, 2022. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm Saturday, October 29, at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.

Linda was born August 21, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Margaret (Wick) Funk, Sr. She was the youngest of six children. After high school, she spent time in both Florida and Las Vegas, but eventually returned to Dubuque to work as a hairdresser until her retirement.

Linda enjoyed reading mystery novels and watching old movies and television shows. She was an avid music fan and loved going to concerts. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and keeping in touch with out of town relatives. Linda was very thoughtful; always remembering birthdays and anniversaries with cards in the mail.

Linda is survived by her sister, Mary Ann McGeough; her brother, Clarence Funk; her sister in law, JoAnn Funk; and many nieces and nephews, including Kelly, whom Linda helped take care of when she was younger.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Donald (Sandy) Funk and Bob Funk; her sister, Lorraine (Dick) Brauer; her sister in law, Shirley Funk; and her brother in law, Don McGeough.

Ronald L. Koppes

Ronald L. Koppes, age 76, of Dubuque, passed away at 12:40 a.m., on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To honor Ron’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Private family burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ron was born on July 18, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Richard L. and Dorothy Lee (Kelly) Koppes.

Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathy Shepherd, on January 11, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  He was a hard worker and was employed with ESKA for 20 years and worked as the labor liaison with the United Way for 30 years.  Ron was very active with his community.  He was a founding member and volunteered countless hours with the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest.  Ron was very active with the local unions serving as president in 3 different unions, but was most proud of his work with the International Association of Machinists Local #1238.  He served on both the Dubuque County Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Airport Commission, as well as several other community organizations.  Ron was quite the “card shark” and enjoyed a spirited game of Euchre with family and friends.  He also enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors hunting and fishing.  Ron loved his family and would do anything he could for them.  He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include

his wife,
Kathy Koppes, Dubuque, IA;

4 children,
Ron (Lori Sallee)  Koppes Jr., Dubuque, IA,
Kelly (Randy) Wolfe, Dunlap, IL,
Kristi Koppes, Dubuque, IA
and Randy (Kelly) Koppes, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Cameron, McKenna, Dan, Emma, Karsyn, Jada, Madeline, Meghan, Robin and Catherine;

his siblings,
Linda Zimmerman, Dubuque, IA,
Kim (Mark) Blume, Burlington, IA
and Lloyd Hansen, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Bill Zimmerman.

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

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

Sr. Joyce M. Cox, BVM

Sister Joyce M. Cox, BVM, (Petrine), 91, Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022. Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Joyce was an elementary teacher in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Chicago; Sacramento, Calif., and San Francisco, where she also served as elementary principal. She ministered as a high school principal and dean of students in Tacoma, Wash., and the dean of students at Mundelein College in Chicago. She served the Archdiocese of Seattle for 28 years in numerous roles including Vice-Chancellor, Vicar for Religious, Interfaith Director, Archbishop Delegate for Catholic Schools, Director of Spirituality, Director of Ecumenism, Director for Religious, and Assistant to the Archbishop.

She was born on July 6, 1931, in Butte, Mont., to Frederick P. and Clara (Logan) Cox. She entered the
BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1949, from St. Patrick, Butte, Mont. She professed first vows on March 19,
1952, and final vows on July 16, 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Fredrick B. (Clare) and Gordon (Jeanie) Cox.

She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at
https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hoffmann, Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 is in charge of
arrangements.

Katherine Sawvel

Katherine “Katie” Sawvel, 103, of Dubuque, passed away on October 23, 2022.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:15am, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:30a.m. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Katie was born on January 12, 1919 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Earl and Ruby (Burd) Hillier.

She was a proud member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dubuque. She also enjoyed being a foster grandparent at ARC and Hills and Dales in Dubuque.

Katie is survived by her children, Lois Selle, Jack (Diane) Sawvel, Kathy (Dan) Nesteby, and Sue Sawvel, all of Dubuque. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren, and many special nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald Sawvel; 3 sons, Don, Jim, and Larry Sawvel; sisters, Margaret, Ruth, and Eleanor; 2 grandsons; and 2 great-grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, give some to your Mom. Donations can be directed to your favorite charity of choice.

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

Marilyn E. Lueck

Marilyn E. Lueck, 83, of Dyersville and formerly of Petersburg passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 pm Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Friday, Oct. 28 from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, October 28, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Petersburg.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Marilyn was born March 1, 1939, in New Vienna, Iowa the daughter of Alois and Agnes Lansing.  She married David G. Lueck on August 18, 1962, in New Vienna.  Together they raised their family and farmed near Petersburg.

Nothing would light up Marilyn’s face more than the smiles of her grandbabies.  She had a great appreciation of music, and her beautiful soprano voice will be greatly missed.  Marilyn tried kayaking for the first time in her seventies and at the age of 80 she out-danced everyone else at her granddaughter’s wedding.  Those closest to Marilyn will remember her delicious homemade pies and Thanksgiving dressing.  Marilyn was a fervent believer in the power of prayer and could be counted on to pray for any family member or friend in need.

Survivors include her children: Sharon (Chris) Lester of Kansas City, MO, Carla (Christopher) Ferrari of Grayslake, IL, Cathy Recker of Dubuque, Steven (Kari) Lueck of Dyersville and Susan (Ryan) Mohr of Polk City, IA; grandchildren: Derek and Caitlin Lester, Ava Ferrari, Jeff and Ethan Recker, Alycia (Isaac) Recker Willenbring, Jacob, Henry and Zeke Lueck, and Lily, Olivia and David Mohr; great grandchildren: John and Rosaleigh Willenbring; siblings: Fred Lansing and Ron (Joyce) Lansing, both of Luxemburg; in-laws: Lillian (Mert) Jasper of Manchester, IA, Marion (David) Brunkan of Dyersville, Mary Jane (Charles) Boerner of Milwaukee, WI and Louis Ronnebaum of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David in 2008, siblings: Rose Ann Ronnebaum and Alois Lansing, III; in-laws: Helen Witte Bartels, John Witte, Dale Bartels, Dennis (Sandy) Lueck and nephews: Mark Jasper and Jeff Loney.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.

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

Donald J. Hermsen

Donald J. Hermsen, 89, Dyersville and formerly of Luxemburg passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, surrounded by his family at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held 3-8pm Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where the NV/Luxemburg Fire Department will gather at 6:30.  Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9-10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Donald was born June 9, 1933, the son of Edward and Florence (Vaske) Hermsen.  He married Grace Olberding on Sept. 20. 1955, in Dyersville.  Together they farmed near Luxemburg and raised their family, after which he was a Farm Bureau Agent.  He also served the community on the NV/Luxemburg Fire Board.  Later he helped all of his children on their farms and with their many projects.  Throughout his life he really enjoyed fishing.  He and Grace also enjoyed being members of their monthly card club for over 65 years.  In 2019 they moved from their home in Luxemburg to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Grace, children: Joseph (Lynn) Hermsen of Farley, Gary Hermsen of Luxemburg, Alan (Debra) Hermsen of Manchester, Mary (Howard) Zuckerman of Livonia, MI, Ann (Pat) Dunkel of Dyersville, Lisa (David) Sweeney of Tipton, Jane (Brian) Bockenstedt of Center Point; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Hermsen of Dubuque, 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; in-laws: Sharon Hermsen, Jim (Katie) Olberding, Darlene Olberding and Shirley Olberding, all of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Lois Hermsen, grandson, Scott Hermsen, parents-in-law, Andrew and Agnes Olberding, siblings: Charles Hermsen, Ed Hermsen Jr. and a sister in infancy, Wilma; in-laws: George Olberding, Richard and Alice Olberding, Gene Olberding and Shirley Hermsen.

Memorials are preferred to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center or the NV/Luxemburg Fire Department.

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

Nancy C. Sommers

Nancy C. Sommers, 81 of Galena, IL passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at her home. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born June 27, 1941, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Robert and Edna (Anderson) Bower. Nancy was united in marriage to Lary L. Sommers on December 30, 1960, in Arlington Heights, IL and he preceded her in death on November 1, 2015. She was a beloved pet nanny for over thirty years. Nancy had a love for all animals since childhood, growing up on a farm in Wheeling, IL she had a special bond with all animals (from greenies “snakes”) to livestock, wild birds, cats, dogs, and horses. She was a big supporter of the St. Judes Children’s Hospital, and the Hooved Animal Humane Society, from where she adopted a horse. Nancy’s hobbies included riding horses, gardening, crafting/art, storytelling, and making everything magical at The Enchanted Cabin for her grandchildren. She was loved and adored by her family and friends and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by Wendy Sommers-Wlodyga, Tim Wlodyga, Presley Wlodgya, Jack Wlodyga, Jennifer Sommers-Nyholm, Matthew Nyholm, Lauren Nyholm, Jessica Nyholm- Lyons, Joshua Lyons, Isabella Lyons, Max Nyholm, Angela Nyholm, two brothers, Robert (Lolly), David (Denise) Bower, and a sister-in-law, Patricia Bower. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers James and Richard Bower. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Safe Haven, Elizabeth, IL in her memory.

The Sommers family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who cared for our mother Nancy. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com  

Daniel A. Oberbroeckling

Daniel A. “Oby” Oberbroeckling, 88, of Dubuque, died Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until a 6:30 pm prayer service, Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Oby will be 11:00 am Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.  The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Daniel was born March 25, 1934, in Dubuque, IA, the son of John F. and Emaline Gerken Oberbroeckling. On September 3, 1960, he married Judith Fenelon at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving from 1952 until 1956. After his military service, he received his bachelors degree from Loras College.

Oby was a Supervisor in the Powerhouse at John Deere Dubuque Works for almost 25 years. He retired in 1986. Following retirement, he worked at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home by working visitations and funerals.

He was a member of Church of the Resurrection, where he attended daily mass and said the Rosary at mass for years. He was also a member of John Deere Retirees, American Legion Post #6, and Thunder Hills Country Club. He was a golfer and diehard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He loved cards, especially Euchre. He played his Sudoku and crossword puzzles every day. As a social person, he enjoyed being with people, whether it was by attending parties, calling bingo, or playing cards with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; three daughters, Lori (Paul) Foley of St. Paul, MN, Lisa (Scott) Kupferschmidt of Dubuque, and Linda Oberbroeckling of Cedar Rapids, IA; one son, Larry (Tami) Oberbroeckling of Safety Harbor, FL; six grandchildren, Megan Foley, Ally Foley, Ben Donovan, Jake Donovan, Tanner Oberbroeckling, and Jadie (Gavin) Schmeckel; two great-granddaughters, Veronica and Melody; one brother, James J. (Alice) Oberbroeckling of Coggon, IA; and one sister, Eileen Donovan of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John H. Oberbroeckling, and his aunt and Godmother, Alma Gerken.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Church of the Resurrection and Hawkeye Care Center.

The family would like to thank the physicians at Medical Associates, nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center, and nurses and staff at Hospice Above and Beyond for taking exceptional care of Oby.

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

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

Clara M. Wanger

Clara M. “Maxine” Wanger, 93, of Dubuque passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 am Tuesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 am Tuesday at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Maxine was born March 21, 1929 in Maquoketa, Iowa, daughter of William and Clara (Schmidt) Dodds.

On July 18, 1978, she married Joseph Wanger in Las Vegas.  They renewed their vows at Mt. Mary’s Church on July 18, 1991. He preceded her in death on June 25, 2015.

Maxine was primarily a homemaker, but also worked at Flowerama.  She enjoyed cooking, dancing, entertaining at their cabin in Waupeton and attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting and school events.

She was a member of Sacred Heart, the Amvets Auxiliary and Moose Lodge #355 of Dubuque.

She is survived by her children, Michele Beyer of Epworth, Melanie Primising of Cedar Rapids, Melodie (Tom) Schueller of Maquoketa and Brad (Mary) Licht of Preston, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; Goddaughter, Dawn Dodds Drake; many nieces and nephews, including a beloved niece, Susan McMullen; and special friends, Shirley McNamer, June Bradfield and Joyce McAndrews.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; step father, John Zak; infant son, Brent Licht; sons in law, David Beyer and Dennis Primising; brothers, Francis and Leonard Dodds; sisters, Betty Myatt, Cheryl Fletcher, Anna Marcella and Karen Kay Dodds; sisters in law, Betty Takes and her husband Joe, Mary Wanger and her husband Jack; Shirley Dodds, Evelyn Dodds, Shirley Noggle and Virginia Mauer.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melissa and Hailey, for their wonderful care.

Sr. Dolores Becker, BVM

Sister Dolores Becker, BVM, 83, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Dolores was an elementary teacher in Chicago; Seattle; Tigard, Ore.; and Portland, Ore. She served as director of religious education in Butte, Mont.; San José, Calif.; and Lodi, Calif. She ministered as a pastoral associate in Norridge, Ill.; Hampton, Va.; and Fresno, Calif. She codirected a Christian life center in Manchester, N.H., supervised a home for people with AIDS in West Hempstead, N.Y., and served as a licensed practical nurse in West Babylon, N.Y., and Amityville, N.Y.

She was born Aug. 30, 1939, in San Francisco to George and Dolores (Banker) Becker. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1957, from Most Holy Redeemer Parish, San Francisco. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July 16, 1965. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Bill Becker, and a brother-in-law Gordon Porter.

She is survived by a sister Nancy Porter, San Francisco; two nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 65 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

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

Mark W. Coder

Mark Warren Coder passed away in his home following a courageous battle with cancer  on Thursday, October 20, just three days after his 60th birthday.

Mark was born on October 17, 1962, in Muscatine, IA. He attended Kirkwood Community College before joining the Army. He then studied drafting at Hamilton Technical College and was employed at HWH Corporation. He later worked as an engineering and project supervisor for Merkle International in Galena, Illinois, which gave him opportunities to travel around the globe. He always had good stories to tell about his experiences in China, India, and Russia, among others.

Mark enjoyed gardening and spending time with family, especially hunting and fishing at the family farm. He had a knack for fixing things and was always on the lookout for ways to make devices work better. He enjoyed leaving surprise presents for others; it made him smile to think of their reaction when they’d find a ham in the freezer or note under a pillow after he’d gone. HE was our greatest gift, and we hope he’s smiling as we think about him now.

Mark was a much-loved husband, parent, son, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Julie (Ortgies) Coder of Asbury, IA; stepson, Claudio Ordonez, of Asbury, IA; parents, James and Caroline (Gerdts) Coder of Letts, IA; sister, Pam Coder, of Davenport, IA; and brother, Lee Coder of Letts, IA, as well as several nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

The family will gather for a private graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, located in Letts, Iowa.

We wish to send a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sara L. and Morgan; the UW Cancer center, including Dr. Floberg, Dr. Liu, and Nurse Katie; and staff at the Wendt Cancer Center.

Memorials may be sent to the Hospice of Dubuque, the Dubuque Food Pantry, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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

LaVern J. Pape

LaVern J. Pape, 97, of Dubuque, died Friday, October 21, 2022, at home, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Resurrection Catholic Church, with Rev. Mark Ressler officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Post 6 at the church immediately following. A visitation will be held from 4-6:30 p.m., Monday October 24, 2022, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, where a prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be no public visitation before services on Tuesday. Burial will be held at a later date.

LaVern was born May 4, 1925, in Balltown IA, to George and Mary (Nauman) Pape.

A steadfast individual, he was loyal to his beloved wife Luella and the St. Louis Cardinals since their historic Gashouse Gang World Series win in 1934.

As a young man, Vern served our country in Korea.  Upon return, he married Luella, had 4 children, and diligently worked for Flexsteel Industries and John Deere Dubuque Works.

In his later years, he taught himself woodworking, and became a proficient craftsman contributing many handmade items to the homes of those he loved, church fairs, and charities.

Like the oak he crafted, Vern’s personality was consistent and dependable.  Always the father willing to give his time and energy, and the grandfather present, who shows up early to every game and birthday party.

A logical and rational thinker, Vern enjoyed books on history, a well-kept home, and growing food in his garden.  Active until the very end, Vern found health and longevity in staying motivated and curious.

His family left to cherish his memories are, Luella, his wife of 68 years; daughter, Diane (Tim) Weitzel; sons, Mike (Theresa) Pape, and Kevin (Dawn) Pape; grandchildren, Bradley (Meaghan) Weitzel, Erica Weitzel, Skylar Pape, Ariana Pape, Mason Pape, Maxwell Pape; great- grandchildren, Mia, William, & Hannah Weitzel; brother, Eldon Pape; sisters-in law, Maureen Pape and Dorothy Link; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Curtis Pape; brother, Norbert Pape; sister, Bernice Albrecht; brothers and sisters- in-law, Burt Albrecht, Betty Pape, Armella & Emil Meyer, Norman & Joanne Link, Delbert & Lucille Link, LaVern Link; niece, Kathy Decker; and nephew, Robert Link.

Special thank you to: Dr. Khan-who gave him an extra 5 years of life, Dr. Salas who took care of him for many years, and the wonderful Hospice of Dubuque nurses and caregivers, especially Julie, Nicole, and Haley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc., in honor of his son, Curt who passed away in 1971 of Aplastic Anemia.

Robert J. Meier

Robert J. Meier, age 72, of East Dubuque, IL, completed his earthly journey on October 18, 2022, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Robert’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Robert’s family.

Robert was born on February 5, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Wilbert and Alice (Fay) Amling.  He devoted his 72 years among us to making the most out of each day and making sure that he was a positive force in the world around him as much as humanly possible.  Robert’s love for his family, friends and country were always on display and never did he stumble.  He spent many years providing for his family at Flexsteel, then the Dubuque Packing Company, but after they closed, Robert went back to school, and eventually retired from Renaissance Restoration after sharing his time and talents there until the last official day of work.  Robert had also earned his Art and Science degrees over the years and always took great pride in his accomplishment in further education.  When Robert wasn’t working, you could easily find him working on various projects at home.  He was a very talented tradesman and his family continues to live in the homes he built for them, along with leaving a lasting legacy for them to reflect upon during the more difficult days ahead.  Robert also enjoyed working  in his garage, whether it be on his latest car, or his Harley Davidson which he was blessed to make two trips to Sturgis with.  He was a fan of the New York Yankee’s and rarely missed an opportunity to share his wit and wisdom on countless topics, especially where the current state of politics was involved.  It breaks our hearts to even consider moving forward in a world without Robert at the helm.  His love, determination, and confidence are a rare combination these days and will surely be missed and felt by all who knew and loved him. Thank you, Robert, for always being true to who you were and for never allowing the trials of this life to bring you down without a fight.  We will miss you more than words could ever convey accurately and may the Lord keep you now in His grace-filled arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Robert include,

his loving wife,
Donna M. Meier, East Dubuque, IL;

his three adored children,
Jaime (Paul) McDermott, Colorado Springs, CO,
B.J. (Becky) Meier, Tea, South Dakota,
and Christopher Meier, East Dubuque, IL;

his nine beautiful grandchildren,
Brianna Lyons, Danielle Sharkey, Justin McDermott, Brandon Meier, Tommy Arensdorf, Isaac Meier, Adrianna Baumgartner, Adin Meier, and Madasyn Meier;

his two great-grandchildren,
Isabella Goering and Ben Goering;

his three brothers,
Steve (Maria) Meier, Davenport, IA,
Ralph (Janet) Meier, Philippines,
and Warren (Robin) Amling, LaMotte, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Alice Amling; and his brother, William “Billy” Amling.

Robert’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Robert over these last couple of years.  Your commitment and unwavering support helped and encouraged Robert to fight his long and courageous battle till the very end.  We cannot thank you enough for all of your love and devotion when needed most.

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