Obituaries Archive

Elizabeth J. Elsner

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Elsner, 72, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Charlotte, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at home.

A memorial gathering of family and friends celebrating Betty’s life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will be held.

Elizabeth Jean Epping was born on September 14, 1950 in Lake County, Illinois to Kenneth Joseph and Dorothy Nell (Loney) Epping.  She grew up in Clinton County and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Rose and Marvin Mickelson.  She was a graduate of Clinton High School.  She married Kevin Bernard Elsner on June 18, 1993 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

“Betty” had first worked at Nielsen’s in Clinton, and then at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa, and lastly at Walmart in Maquoketa as a cashier for nine years until retirement.

“Betty” enjoyed crocheting and was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears.  She even had an extensive collection of teddy bears known as “Betty’s Bears”!  In her younger years she liked playing softball and was a pitcher.  She dearly loved her niece and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Those left to honor her memory include sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Denise “Dee” and Dennis McGettigan of Mineral Point, WI, and Randy Elsner of Clinton, IA; niece and nephews, Angie (Ulrich) Lehner, Dan (Kerrie) Chambers, and Jason (Teresa) Chambers; and 7 great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt and uncle who raised her Rose and Marvin Mickelson, a brother Nick, and her husband Kevin “Calhoun” Elsner on April 21, 2022.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Elizabeth J. “Betty” Elsner memorial fund has been established.

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

W. Chris Hanken

W. Chris Hanken, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 10, 2022, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Chris’ life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, October 14, 2022, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

Wesley Christopher Hanken was born on January 19, 1945 the oldest of five children to Wesley G. and Nedra (Kromminga) Hanken.  He grew up in and around Monticello and graduated from Springville High School in 1963.  He then attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, graduating in 1968.  He married Judy Meineke in 1967 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  To this union two children were born, Craig and Josh.

Chris aka “Coach”, “Hammerin Hank”, “Hank” began teaching Industrial Arts at Maquoketa High School and was the Assistant Wrestling Coach and eventually became the Head Wrestling Coach.  In 1986, he transitioned to school administration and became the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director where he remained until 1991 when he took a job as Principal at Lisbon High School until retirement.

“Hank” was known as an outstanding wrestling referee and had refereed during some Olympic Trials.  He enjoyed playing cards, golfing and had also managed the Maquoketa Country Club.  He loved Waylon, Willie, Old Mil, Black Velvet, a good joke, a tall tale, and cars.  Some of his greatest achievements were:  being the first child in his family to attend college; intramural wrestling champion; one hole-in-one on Hole #9; and beating Jeff Tampir in the Maquoketa Relays open mile race.

Those left to honor his memory include his life partner of 28 years, Lin Shultz of Maquoketa, IA; children, Craig Hanken Des Moines, IA, Josh (Donna) Hanken of Maquoketa, IA; Lin’s children whom considered Chris like a father, Amy (John) Silvia of Portland, OR, A.J. (Kerri) Shultz of Maquoketa, IA, and Anna (Luke) Scarpino of Milwaukie, OR; his mother, Nedra Hanken of Monticello, IA; siblings, Cynthia (John) Coy of Winter Green, Va, Jeffrey (Sharon) Hanken of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Beth Hanken of Monticello, IA; 2 grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Taylor; and Lin’s grandchildren, Ruby, Scout, Marsella, Lucy, Josey, and Marny.  He was preceded in death by his father Wes and a brother Jay.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a W. Chris Hanken memorial fund has been established.

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

Merlin J. Nauman

Merlin Jacob Nauman, 92, of Dubuque, formerly of Sherrill, was called home Sunday, October 9, 2022 surrounded by his family, at Eagle Point Place in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Merlin will be 10:30 am Thursday, October 13, 2022, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery – Sherrill.  Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6, Dubuque, and the Iowa Army National Guard. The mass will be live streamed at www.hskfhcares.com.

Merlin was born May 10, 1930, in Sherrill, IA, the son of Henry and Laura Koltes Nauman. On November 3, 1953, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann “Pat” Klein in Balltown, they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, on the front lines as a gunner in the Korean War.

Merlin spent his years raising his family as a farmer at the Nauman Family Farm.  He prided himself as a volunteer firefighter for the Sherrill Fire Department. He was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill. Merlin truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures: traveling, playing euchre,and having cocktails with family and friends. He enjoyed his time outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. There were no strangers to Merlin, only friends he had not met; he enjoyed telling jokes and his stories were one of a kind.

Those left to cherish his life include his wife, Pat, children, Terry (Cathy) Nauman of Dubuque, Sandy (Steve) Klein of Peosta, Cindy McDermott (special friend, Steve Hahlen) of Peosta, Tim (Chris) Nauman of Robins, IA, grandchildren, Stacey (Luke) Abbitt, Eric (Lisa) Nauman, Stephanie (Bob) Kelzer, Jeremy Klein, Amber (Jon) Gotto, Austin (McKenna) Nauman, Emily (Spencer Dempewolf) Nauman, and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Shannon McDermott, one son-in-law, Joe McDermott, one brother, Jerry Nauman, and two sisters, Meralda McGovern, and Charlene Riniker.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Sherrill and Dubuque Fire Department, Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Eagle Point.

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

Patricia Taylor

On Friday, October 7, 2022, Patricia (Jungblut) Taylor died in Rockford, Illinois following a long illness. Born on March 1, 1952, Pattie was the second of William and Kathleen (Milks) Jungblut’s six children. Pattie attended Nativity Grade School, Wahlert High School, NICC and Clarke College, where she earned degrees in nursing and social work.

Pattie married Sampson Taylor (d. 1989), and together they had two beautiful daughters, Alicia Catherine and Megan Mary. She spent much of her life in Illinois, where she raised Alicia and Megan. Later, she married Richard Strepka, whom she loved until his death in 2009.

Pattie was quick to laugh and enjoyed spending time with family. She loved to be outside in the sun, often laying by the pool. She also enjoyed shopping, keeping up with the latest fashions and collecting angel statues. Like most of her family, Pattie had a sweet tooth. She enjoyed Starbursts and was famous for her holiday fruitcakes.

Pattie is survived by her daughters, Alicia Taylor and Megan (Clay) Schewe; two grandchildren, Eliana and Xander Schewe; and four siblings: Susan M. (Robert) Isenhart, Thomas F. (Lyn) Jungblut, James R. Jungblut, and Lawrence C. (Marsha) Jungblut.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William John and Mary Kathleen Jungblut; her brother, John; and her husband Richard Strepka.

Private memorial mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pattie’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Joan M. Nurre

Joan M. Nurre, 91, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at MercyOne Senior Care, Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 2 – 8 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where the American Legion Auxiliary will hold a rosary at 4 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m., at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.

Joan was born June 2, 1931 in Colesburg, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Marie (Lansing) Weber. She married Raymond Nurre on November 22, 1949 in Colesburg, Iowa. Together they enjoyed 71 fruitful years of marriage. They farmed just north of Dyersville while raising their 5 children.

Joan enjoyed the many dances with her husband Ray. She loved baking, gardening, playing cards and music; playing the piano, guitar and accordion. Joan was one of the first nursing assistants hired when the Dyersville Community Hospital (Mercy One) opened in 1969. She worked there until her retirement in 1996. Joan was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, local Federated Women’s Club as well as a volunteer at Mercy One.

Survivors include her children: Steven (Teresa) Nurre of Ocala, FL, Michael (Trudy) Nurre of Dyersville, Patricia (Lynn) Lilienthal of Tipton, Julie (Gary) Deutmeyer of New Vienna, Connie Purser of Bradenton, FL, grandchildren: Christy (Ed) Neumann, Andrea (Nick) Peacock, Kelly (Arron) Wulfekuhle, Aaron Nurre, Emily Ross, Adam (Emily) Nurre, Natalie (Jeremy) Riniker, Jake (Yessica) Deutmeyer, 10 great grandchildren, siblings: Connie Weber of Dyersville, Jim (Mary) Weber of Cedar Rapids, John (Deb) Weber of Longmont, CO, Betty Weber of Holy Cross, in-laws: Dick Haupert of Asbury, Ralph (Lillian) Nurre of Dyersville, Norma Vaughn (Dale Budde) of Dubuque, and Marian (Neil) White of Monticello.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray in 2021, her parents and parents-in-law, Clem and Rose Nurre, siblings: Catherine (Roland) Westhoff, Alice (Charlie) Nurre, Donna (John) Kruse, Joe Weber, Angeline Haupert, in-laws: Cleo (Wilma) Nurre, Rita (Leo) Bockenstedt, Caroline Nurre, and Jay Vaughn.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care, Ellen Kennedy Living Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

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.

Richard Bagster-Collins

Richard Bagster-Collins passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022. A gathering will be held from 1 to 3 PM, Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The burial will be held at later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born January 6, 1934, in Penn-Yan the son of Denzil and Emilie (Mittendorf) Bagster-Collins. Richard served in the United States Army from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1955. He achieved his undergraduate from Springfield College. Richard received his Doctor of Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. He was united in marriage to Nancy Bongiorno, North Attleboro, MA, on September 13, 1958, and she preceded him in death on November 20, 2003. He was a clinical psychologist at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC for forty years. Richard enjoyed photography and traveling. He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and liked connecting with people. Richard’s favorite phrase was “I just have one more question.”  

He is survived by his three children, Melissa (Kim Arrigo) Bagster-Collins, Heather (Kevin) Ward, Jonathan (April) Bagster-Collins, six grandchildren, Matt, Brian, and Ally Ward, Alex, Max, and Leah Bagster-Collins, three sisters, Mimi Lezenby, Jennifer Seaver and Cynthia Powers. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a sister, Phyllis Anne Shisler.

The family requests memorials are given to Heifer International / heifer.org in memory of Richard. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Midwest Medical Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Prairie Ridge of Galena, Dr. Vandigo, and his nurse, Paula Redfearn for the excellent care shown to Richard.

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

Marly Schilling

Marly Schilling, 65, of Durango, Iowa passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2022, at home.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 12th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Marly was born on January 11th, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of John and Arlene (Scherrer) Altman. She graduated from West Dubuque High School in 1975 and attended college at NICC where she earned her degree. She worked in banking and later worked at the Friedman Group for 17 years until her retirement in 2021.

On June 14th, 1975, she married Rick Schilling at St. Paul’s Church in Worthington, Iowa. Marly was an unbelievable strong, hardworking, determined and caring person; she was outgoing and funny. Her family was everything to her; she welcomed many friends into her life and her home. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband Rick; her son Wes (Jenni) Schilling; and her grandchildren Ava and Brayden Schilling; along with her sister Anne Ruden; her brother Mike Altman; brother-in-law Roger Heiderscheit; a nephews Adam Ruden, Chad Heiderscheit and Chris Heiderscheit; and a niece Michelle Baack.

Marly was preceded in death by her father John; her sister Mary and her daughter Stephanie.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all wonderful care they gave to Marly.

Judith A. Bingham

Judith Ann (Westemeier) Bingham, 72, of Athens, WI, formerly of East Dubuque, Margate, FL, and Eagle River, Wi passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Aspirus Hospital, Wausau, WI.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 3:45 p.m. on Monday.

Judith was born on December 3, 1949, in Hazel Green, WI, the daughter of Gerald H. and Bertilla M. (Soat) Westemeier. She was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1968.  On June 28, 1969, she was united in marriage to John C. “Jack” Bingham at St. Mary’s Church in Galena.

She was formerly employed at Flexsteel Industries and had her own cleaning business.

Surviving is her husband, John; two sons, Terrance of Eagle River, WI, and Timothy (Jessica) Bingham of Athens; three grandsons, Isaac, Egan, and Alex; a sister, Joyce (Edward) Sethness of West Palm Beach, FL; aunts and uncles, Helen Soat of Dubuque, IA, Bernard (Dorothy) Soat of East Dubuque, and Victor (Esther) Soat of Menominee, IL, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by aunts and uncles, Elmer and Merlin Soat, George, Earl, Donald and Jackie Westemeier, Dorothy Sanvitis, Delia Pluym, and Helen Schoenfeld, her in-laws, John & Geri Bingham.

Online condolences may be left for the family at millerfhed.com©

Dale Reuter

On October 6, 2022, Dale L Reuter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at home in Peosta, Iowa, at the age of 85.

Dale was born July 27, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa to Margaret and Clarence Reuter.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend, Nancy (Fulks) Reuter, as well as his parents and sister, Josephine, and stepson Andrew.

He is survived by his children, Dana, Troy, and Liberty; grandchildren Fallon, Jamie (Adeline), Alyssa, Samuel, Aislinn, Danielle, Abby (Adam), Gillian (Garrett), Morgan, Drew, Gabrielle; and great-grandchildren Landon, Lana, and Axel; as well as his brother, Albert (Joan), and sister, Lois, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his loyal companion “Yoo Hoo” the cat.

Dale graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and then served in the Naval Reserves for over 30 years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, and playing euchre.

Before retiring, Dale explored the country while driving semi-trucks; he previously worked at the Dubuque Packing Company, as well as the Silver Eagle and Diamond Joe casinos. He steadfastly supported his Cleveland Browns and Indians and remained vigilant in his disdain of the Chicago Cubs. Dale loved going to casinos for the entertainment, freebies, and food; he also enjoyed karaoke and socializing with friends over a glass of Old Style with salt at the American Legion.

Dale’s family is celebrating his life privately. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dubuque Humane Society. Online condolences may be left for Dale’s family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Betty Jane Darrell

Betty Jane Darrell of Scales Mound, IL passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at her home among family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held later. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Betty was born and raised in Riverdale, IL. The daughter of Joseph and Marie Pracht, who were immigrants from Germany and Austria respectively. She was employed at Marshall Fields in Chicago for several years before meeting her husband, George Darrell. They were married in 1953. Betty and George lived mostly in the Chicago area while raising their three sons, David, Steven, and Douglas. The family had a summer home at Apple Canyon Lake, which introduced them to the area. Upon George’s retirement, they relocated to Scales Mound. Betty and George were well-traveled, having visited China, Africa, Australia, and Ireland. Betty had a lifelong interest in birds. She maintained bluebird houses and feeders and delighted in her list of birds identified. She gave generously to the Audubon Society, as well as many other conservation organizations. She enjoyed reading countless books, with romance novels among her favorites.

Betty is survived by her husband George, sons David and Steven, and grandchildren Caitlin, Fallon, Andrew, Lucas, and Jordan.

She was preceded in death by her son Douglas.

The family would like to thank caregivers Jan, Marcia, Janet, and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Hospice of Dubuque in Betty’s memory.

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

Kimberly A. Lembke

Kimberly A. (Osterkamp) Lembke, age 58, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 6:46 p.m., on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Kim’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Burial will be in Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery.

Kim was born on January 14, 1964, in Waterloo, Iowa, daughter of Melvern and Linda (Clark) Osterkamp.

Kim went to school in Bellevue before moving to Dubuque and attending Dubuque Senior High School.  After school, she was united in marriage to Mike Tharp and they had 2 children together.  Later, she married Robert “Bob” Lembke and they had 2 children together before deciding to part ways.  Kim loved to clean and was employed at Bowling and Beyond, Service Master and Taylor Maid, before she was forced into early retirement due to her health issues.  In her free time, she liked to watch Westerns, and game shows on TV.  Kim enjoyed being outside, often taking long walks and having picnics in the park with family and friends.  Colorado held a special place in her heart and she loved each and every one of the trips she took out west.  Kim definitely loved spending time with the kids and grandkids and snuggling with her beloved kitty, Penny.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Kim’s memory include

her children,
Cheyenne Lembke, Dubuque, IA
Jenna (fiancé Murrell Leatherwood) Smith, Dubuque, IA,
Benjamin Tharp, Colorado
and Samantha Tharp, Dubuque, IA;

2 grandchildren,
Cordero Jr. and Corion;

her siblings,
Pam Evilsizer, Dubuque, IA,
Kari (Chris) Pfab, Galena, IL,
David Osterkamp, Asbury, IA
and John Osterkamp, Dubuque, IA;

her significant other,
Dan Foran, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

Kim was preceded in death by her parents; her former husbands, Mike Tharp and Robert Lembke; a sister, Trisha Osterkamp.

Kim’s family would like to thank their family, friends and neighbors, as well as the nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health Finley ICU and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kindness and support during Kim’s journey.

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

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

Elva C. Hillard

E lva Caroline Hillard, 92 of Galena, IL passed on to the next life on Monday, October 3, 2022, at Prairie Ridge of Galena. A celebration of life will be held for Lewis and Elva Hillard at 6 PM, Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may gather after 4 PM until the time of the service. They will be buried together in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Galena.

Elva was born January 12, 1930, in Northfield, WI the daughter of Christian and Edna (Erickson) Iverson. She was united in marriage to Lewis Hillard on October 18, 1951, in Chicago and he preceded her in death on February 12, 2017.  Elva was an avid golfer, she participated in several leagues at the Galena Golf Club. She enjoyed wintering in Florida with her husband, Lew for over 25 years. They traveled extensively to various destinations in North America and around the world. Elva loved spending time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Oftentimes she and Lew would surprise them with an impromptu visit. She was the daughter of a Norwegian immigrant and was very proud of her heritage.

Elva is survived by her son, Rick (Pam) Hillard, three grandchildren, Angela (Doug) Decker, Ryan (Ainsley) Hillard, and Addam (Jeni Hunnicut) Hillard, two step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Melanie) Diercks, and Matthew (Mandy) Diercks, great-grandchildren, Drew, Luke, Franklin, Ellie, Caleb, and Kate, a brother, Algie (Sherry) Iverson and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Irene, and two brothers, Obert and Loren.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Prairie Ridge of Galena, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Wells of Midwest Medical Center for their excellent care.

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

James T. Somerville

James T. “Jim” Somerville, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 29, 2022, at UnityPoint-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, a Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on June 11, 1946, in Madison, WI, a son to Glen and Elizabeth A. (Heronemus) Somerville.  The family eventually moved to the Dubuque area, where Jim gained his education and began his life with a family of his very own to protect and provide for.  Jim was united in marriage to his soul-mate, Linda Noonan, on Valentine’s Day in 1970.  They were blessed with 52 wonderful years together before she was sadly called home ahead of him earlier this year.  Jim attended college for a couple of years in his youth, and was proud to be able to share his natural abilities on the football field with both the University of Dubuque, and the University of Iowa.  As life sometimes does, he eventually found himself walking down a different path and went on to honorably serve his country in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.  After completing his tour, Jim returned home and spent his working years with Leath Furniture and faithfully devoted over 30 years there until they closed.  His determination to care for his family at home was faced with a never surrender attitude and his devotion was always just as strong.  Family was everything to Jim and the traveling and camping that they were able to experience over the years always brought him great joy.  He was an unapologetically devoted husband, father, and grandfather and to those who knew him well, the Packer’s came in at a very close 2^nd place.  Jim always enjoyed socializing at a local watering hole.  You could regularly find him at Geno’s, the West Dubuque Tap, and most recently at the Dubuque Driving Range.  Jim invested many years playing pool in local leagues, making countless friends along the way.  Sunday evening were religiously spent relaxing to the Golden Age of Radio where he could easily go back in time and savor some of the finer parts of this life in real time.  It’s beyond imagination to consider life here moving forward smoothly without Jim playing his most important roles all so effortlessly, but we regrettably face the reality that Jim’s journey here on earth has now been completed.  We will treasure every memory that he leaves behind and pray that his reunion with Linda has been blessed with the angels singing over them as they dance arm in arm once again.  Thank you, Jim, for keeping life uncomplicated where possible and continually leading by example.  May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his son,
Brian T. (Laura L.) Somerville, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Austin T., St. Petersburg, FL,
Zachary J., Leadville, CO,
and Peyton E., resides at home;

his sister,
Jan (Roger) Edwards, FL;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Linda (Noonan) Somerville; his grandson, Ethan J. Somerville; his brother, Robert (Connie) Somerville; and his father and mother-in-law, Paul and Rosemary Noonan.

Jim’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital ICU for all of their professional and compassionate care over the last week.  Your gentle and guiding hands have helped to smooth some of the rougher edges of this very difficult reality we’ve had to navigate and we truly appreciate each and every one of you that helped along the way.

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

Ronald C. Maroney

Ronald C. “Mac” Maroney, age 74, of Dubuque, passed away at 3:45 a.m., on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.  To celebrate Mac’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services and a time of sharing will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday at Behr Funeral Home.  Following cremation, burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Mac was born on March 13, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Raymond and Catherine Kay (Oswald) Maroney.

Mac attended school in Dubuque where he graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1966.  In 1968, he began serving his country with the U.S. Marines as a radio operator.  Mac was a Marine through and through, loyal and fiercely dedicated to his family and friends.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dianna Chamberlin on January 28, 1974, in Asbury, Iowa.  He was a hard worker who began his working career with Wagner Nursery and driving bus for Tri-State Travel.  He went on to spend most of his career roofing for Giesler Brother and then Economy and Quality Roofing.  Mac retired in 2008 and was a member of Local #32 in the Quad Cities.  Mac had a great sense of humor and was an awesome storyteller.  He always made sure he painted a detailed picture and delivered the punch line at the perfect time.  He loved his hi-tech stereo and television equipment and enjoyed listening to classic rock music.  Mac was an avid hunter and walleye fisherman who liked to take trips with his friends to Clayton County and Lake Erie.  He and Dianna spent countless hours in the great outdoors hunting watercress, morels and picking strawberries.  Mac was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for family holidays and events.  He was a die hard Chicago Bears fan and loved to give Packer fans a hard time about rooting for the wrong team.  Mac appreciated art and had a creative side, making intricate etched glass projects, wood carving and wood burning projects and Pysanki Ukrainian egg decorating.  Most recently he was getting into silver smithing and he was extremely knowledgeable about diamonds.  Mac has lived an incredible life, not always easy, but he always made the best of any situation that was thrown at him.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Mac’s memory include

his loving wife,
Dianna Maroney, Dubuque, IA;

his girls,
Lisa, Denise and Kristin;

his sister-in-law,
Peggy Maroney, Dubuque, IA;

his in-laws,
Tom (Jane) Chamberlin, Poynette, WI,
Jennifer (Barry) Smith, Carson City, NV,
Lana Lopez, Hobbs, NM,
Harlan Bolgrin Jr., Poynette, WI
and Dan (Wendy) Bolgrin, Elva, WI;

and his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Phyllis Maroney; and a brother, Michael Maroney.

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

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

Alan M. Andreasen

Alan Magnus Andreasen, 61, of Dubuque passed away October 3, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center.  He was born April 11, 1961 in Oxford, England to Magnus and Elizabeth Joy Andreasen. Alan grew up in a small village near Oxford called Horspath, where he was very involved in the Horspath Scouts marching band. In 1986, he married Nancy Armentrout of Cedar Rapids and moved to Iowa, where he continued his involvement with marching band and drum corps as an instructor, drill writer, volunteer and spectator. The couple had three children and later divorced. Alan received a B.A. in biology and a Master’s of Science Education from the University of Iowa, and taught middle school science in the Linn-Mar School District for 10 years. In 2012, he married Roxanna Dawn Perron and moved to Dubuque. Alan had a keen intellect, kind heart and wicked sense of humor.

Alan is survived by his wife Roxanna Andreasen of Dubuque; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bert and Kathleen Perron of Dubuque; children Jack Andreasen of Waverly, and Thomas Andreasen and Katie Andreasen of Cedar Rapids; mother Joy Andreasen of Horspath; and sister, brother-in-law and nephew Alison, Christopher and Charlie Palmer of Essex, England. He was preceded in death by his father, Magnus Andreasen of Horspath, England, and his two sets of grandparents in Oxford, England.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.