Obituaries Archive

Mary Ann Fabricius

Mary Ann Fabricius, 90, of Fond du Lac, WI, formerly of Dubuque, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at St. Francis Terrace in Fond du Lac, WI.

Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 10:15 am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:30 am Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Dwayne Thoman as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Mary was born January 17, 1936, in Elma, IA, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Elgas) Sullivan. On August 8, 1970, she married James P. Fabricius at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 12, 2014.

After graduating from Immaculate Conception Academy, Mary Ann joined the convent and served for 16 years as a Catholic nun with the Sisters of St. Francis – Dubuque. Mary Ann spent over 30 years as a seamstress, altering wedding dresses, hemming fur coats, and creating quilts. She spent the last decade of employment serving as a Parish Visitor for the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

A woman of deep faith, Mary Ann loved her children and grandchildren, entrusting them to God through constant prayer. She relished time with her friends and hosted Friday night Scrabble games for many years.

Survivors include three children, Thomas Fabricius, Rebecca Fabricius (Jeremiah Kleiber), and Amy (Patrick) Jahn, along with six grandchildren, Katie and Tori Fabricius, Amali and Raina Fabricius, and Karissa (Keenan Young) and Will Jahn.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and all of her 11 siblings.

The family requests no flowers.

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

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

Nel E. Murray

Janet Tipton

Janet Radabaugh-Tipton, 62 of Galena, IL, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Midwest Care Center, Galena, after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. There will be no public services. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Janet grew up in rural Stockton, IL, and graduated from Stockton High School in 1981. Later, Janet moved to Galena, a place very near to heart. Having been a loyal Stockton Blackhawks fan, she adopted the Galena Pirates into her heart. On February 2, 2012, she married Joey Tipton of Stockton. Janet enjoyed reading, listening to music, her garden, and the sun. But, most of all, she fiercely loved her family.

Janet is survived by her sister, Ann Wilkinson of Orangeville, children, Erica Lamm (Chad Kelchner) of Dixon, and Christopher Wasmund (Morgan Wainwright) of Dubuque, IA, stepchildren, Annessa Tipton and Amanda Vargas, both of Dallas, TX, her grandchildren, Jasmine Gillentine and CJ Gillentine, both of Dixon, and many, many cousins.

She was preceded in death by two infant brothers, David John Radabaugh and William John Radabaugh; her parents, DeLos Radabaugh and Carol Sanderson Cole; her paternal grandparents, Melinda Andregg Radabaugh and Raymond Radabaugh; her maternal grandparents, Jessie Callahan Sanderson and Stanley Sanderson; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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

Peggy Sue Carroll

Peggy Sue Carroll, 67, of Miles, Iowa, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque. A wake service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at Linwood Cemetery.

Peggy was born on November 24, 1958, the daughter of Thomas and Lavone (Hines) Carner in Dubuque. She received her CAN license through NICC and worked at various nursing homes in Dubuque.

She loved her family with all her heart. That included Willow, her Basset Hound. Plus, the love of her life Randy Vosberg.

Peggy is survived by her lifelong friend Randy Vosberg, Miles, IA; her children Stacy Carroll of Dubuque, Michael Carroll of CO., Tim Carroll of CO., Cassidy Carroll of Tipton, IA, Andrew Carroll of Dubuque, Nick Carroll of Dubuque and Randolph Carroll of Miles, IA; along with her many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren; her siblings Deb (Glenn) Arensdorf of Lamotte, Tina (Bill) Latham of Dubuque, Bill Carner of Lamotte and Mark Carner of Dubuque.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas & Lavone Carner; grandparents Ernie and Deliah Hines and Annie and Harry Carner; and her grandson Devon Carroll who was so close to Grandma Peggy. A special aunt Ethel Cripe who assisted in raiding her and nephews Jermiah Vosberg and Miles Conley.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics who assisted with her care. Also, to Tyler Jones with Hospice of Dubuque who comforted Peggy and her family during their final goodbye.

In lieu of flowers a Peggy Carroll memorial fund will be established.

Catherine L. Tubbs

Catherine “Cathy” L. Tubbs, 74, of Kalona, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus, on Friday morning, January 23, 2026, at Pleasantview Home where she was a resident. She was born June 8, 1951, in Maquoketa, Iowa, the only child of Evalyn and Robert K. Tubbs.

She graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1969 and went on to college majoring in Social Work. In 1974, she graduated Magna cum laude and began working for the Iowa Dept. of Human Service in Maquoketa, where she served 12 years. She had a passion for helping people and enjoyed her work in Foster Care system, Protective Services or wherever she could help someone.

In 1999, she moved to Iowa City. She worked as a substitute teacher for the Iowa City School District, generally with early elementary students. Working with Prison Ministry in Iowa at Oakdale and Mitchellville was another area where she enjoyed helping people by developing relationships with those who were hurting and lonely.

She also cherished spending time with several “little people” and would provide some childcare in her home. Cathy loved meeting people and making new friends no matter if was at the grocery store, bakery or restaurant. Her church family, Lower Deer Creek Mennonite, was also very important to her.  She is survived by her cousin, John Miller and wife Joann of Delaware, and many friends that loved her. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be at Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa, Iowa, at 1 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. Burial to follow at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

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

Robert Martens

Robert “The Muzz” Martens, 74, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly January 22, 2026, of natural causes.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., where there will be a Memorial Service held at 11 a.m. Deacon Dave Roth will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Bob was born December 7, 1951 in Dubuque, the son of William and Velma (Osterhaus) Martens. He graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1970, and went on to have a career as a plumber with the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 125, of which he was a proud member.

Bob was an avid golfer, and was thrilled when he achieved his hole in one. He enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball, and was a fan of the Chicago White Sox. In his youth, he enjoyed playing softball and hunting. Bob was a generous and loyal friend to many, and will be sadly missed.

Bob is survived by his sister, Sue (Joe) Mettille, of Dubuque; his nephews, Jeff Mettille, Washington, D.C., Matt (Philip Coyle) Mettille, of Chicago, IL, and Nate (Rachel) Mettille, of Eagan, MN; and his great-nieces and nephews, Lucy, Emmy, and Max Mettille, of Eagan, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Bill Martens.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Bob.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque Fire Department for their kindness and professionalism.

George A. Knepper

George A. Knepper, 100, of Cascade, IA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on January 24, 2026, at Accura Health Care of Cascade.

Friends and relatives of George may call 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade,  where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m., and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 3:00 p.m.   Visitation will also continue after 9 a.m. on Monday, February 2^nd at the funeral home.

Services for George will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, February 2, 2026, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, with Rev. Daniel J Knepper and Rev Mark Osterhaus presiding.  Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Cascade with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

George was born on March 16, 1925, in Cascade, the son of William and Ida (Kremer) Knepper.  He graduated from St Paul’s High School in Worthington in 1941.   On June 25, 1952,  he was united in marriage to Alma Trumm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Temple Hill.  Together they raised nine children.

George lived a full century rooted in faith, family, friends and farming.  A lifelong farmer,  he was known for his strong work ethic and deep love of the land, values he proudly passed onto his children.  Even in his later years, when he was no longer working the fields himself, he continued to enjoy what he jokingly called “roadside farming” from the passenger seat of a vehicle.

A man of strong and steady faith, George was a lifelong member of St. Matthias Parish, where he regularly attended Mass and prayed the rosary.  He was involved in his parish as an usher, lector and Eucharistic Minister, living his faith not only in prayer but in service to others.

George proudly served his country as a World War II veteran and later had the privilege of participating in an Honor Flight, an experience he deeply cherished.

Committed to his community, George held positions on the Aquin and Western Dubuque School Boards, as well as the Dubuque County Conservation Board, always working to support education, agriculture, and future generations.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 528 and the Knights of Columbus.

In his free time, he enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes.  He loved a good card game, particularly euchre, and later in life enjoyed traveling with family to places he hadn’t been able to visit during his busy farming years.

George will be remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to family and community, love of farming, and the humble example of a life well lived.

Those left to cherish his memory are his nine children; Charles (Sue) Knepper of Cascade, Ruth (Doug) Nolte of Owatonna, MN, Cheri (Jay) Konzen of Dyersville, Phil (Lynn) Knepper of Worthington, Patti (Terrence) O’Meara of Bloomington, IL, Russ (Ann) Knepper of Peosta,  Scot (Karen) Knepper, Kristi Knepper and Matt (Vicki) Knepper all of Cascade, 32 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, brother Mike Knepper, sisters Joan Anstoetter, Ida Trumm and sister-in-law Lois Manternach.

George was preceded in death by his wife; Alma, his parents, his father and mother-in-law; John and Elizabeth Trumm, his siblings; Carl (Marie) Knepper, Irene (Ernie) Recker, Walter (Mary) Knepper, Helen (Frank) Carroll, Rosalyn (Ed) Ludwig, Loras (Mary) Knepper, Paul (Gladys) Knepper, brothers and sisters-in-law; Jean Knepper, John Anstoetter, John Trumm, Mary (Fred) Reiter, Dorothy (Larry) Yanda, Leroy (Mary) Trumm, Rosene Trumm, Robert (Betty) Trumm, Millie (Ed) Hosch and a granddaughter Katie Einck.

Special thanks to Accura Health Care, Sherry Kelchen and the Medical Associates-Cascade clinic, MercyOne and Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care, kindness and support given to George and his family.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

A George A. Knepper memorial fund has been established.

Robert J. Bargman

Robert J. “Honky” Bargman, age 53, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clincs.  To celebrate Bob’s life private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Honky was born on September 16, 1972, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Robert Davis and Linda Bargman.

Honky attended Central High School.  He worked as a brick mason with Renaissance Restoration and Jackson Tuckpointing for several years.  In his free time Honky enjoyed gambling, having a drink with friends and tinkering around with different projects.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  Honky often took the kids fishing and loved building and sitting around a big bonfire.  He loved all sports and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.  Everyone who knew Honky, knew he was a “grumpy old man”, but he was loved by all.

Those left to cherish Honky’s memory include

his children,
Dylan (Marissa Kast) Bargman,
Andrew Bargman,
Ashtan Carner,
Tia (Jake Paulson) Kelly,
Amanda Ott,
Blake Ott
and Abbigail Carner, all of Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Brayton Bargman, Elijah Bargman, Greyson Taylor, and many other bonus grandchildren;

his girlfriend,
Beth Petit;

and his father,
Robert Davis, Dubuque, IA.

Honky was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Bargman.

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

Lois M. McFadden

Lois M. McFadden, 79, of Dubuque passed away January 22, 2026. Private family services will be held.

Lois was born June 5, 1946 in Dubuque, daughter of Earl and Lorraine (Brehm) Siegert.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

On April 9, 1976 she married Hugh McFadden in Dubuque.

She worked as an in home day care provider for 18 years before working as a secretary for Martin Equipment for 17 years.

She enjoyed spending time with her six grandchildren, baking, canning, playing Euchre and solitaire and going for walks.

She is survived by her husband, Hugh McFadden of Dubuque; three children, Curtis Lee (Kati) McFadden of Dubuque, Lisa Marie McFadden of Vermillion, SD and Walter Philip (Amanda) McFadden of Iowa City; six grandchildren, Hannah, Lily, Madeline and Claire, Lyndon and Cortland; and seven siblings, Darlene Mullikin of Minneapolis, MN, Jean Ramaker of Hazel Green, WI, Marge (Jim) Schuster of Filmore, IA, Colleen (Phil) McCarthy of Zwingle, IA, Karen (Gary) Siegert of Minneapolis, MN, JoAnn Siegert of Dubuque and Jerry (Judy) Siegert of Holy Cross, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Craig; and a brothers in law, Jack Mullikin and Dave Ramaker.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care.

Herbert D. Meloy

Herbert D. (Bert) Meloy, 75, of Bernard, IA, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Luther Manor with his family by his side.

Mass with Christian Burial is on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church Garryowen, with Fr. Michael Schueller and Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Visitation will be at the church prior to the mass from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, is assisting the family.

Bert was born on May 14, 1950, in Dubuque, the son of Edmund and Agnes (Lambe) Meloy. He attended St. Patrick’s Garryowen grade school, Aquin High School and graduated from Loras College. He was united in marriage to Lisa Goon on August 14, 1982, in Dyersville. Along with farming, he was a teacher at Aquin Grade School for 30 plus years.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, cheering on his favorite teams – The Atlanta Braves, Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed playing euchre, softball, skiing and golfing. Bert’s travels consisted of Ireland, trips to Colorado, California, Maine and most recently Niagara Falls and Cooperstown, New York. After retirement, he especially enjoyed his yearly trips to Florida.

Left to cherish Bert’s memory are his wife, Lisa; son Jesse (Erin); daughter Alison (Anthony) Kurt; two grandchildren Cole and Nora Meloy; sisters Karen (Tony) Clemen, Grace (Bill) Pins, Ann Meloy; In-laws John (Lydia) Richards, Angie (Bud ) Johnson; Nieces and nephews Todd Clemen, Tara (Kevin) Wysocki, Troy (JoAnn) Clemen, Trent (Heather) Clemen, Brad (Cheryl) Pins, Brian (special friend Coleen O’Hara) Pins; along with several great nieces and nephews.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Agnes, his brothers, Paul, Howard and Mel; in-laws, Dan and Annette Goon.

In lieu of flowers a Herbert D. Meloy memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Whalen and Dr. Ringold, Tri-State Dialysis and Luther Manor.

Jerald Koob

Jerald  “Jerry” Koob, 68 , of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by his family at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Visitation for Jerry will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a service’s will be held at 1:00 p.m.

Jerry was born November 1, 1957 in Monticello, Iowa, son of Raymond and Leona (Lavery) Koob.  He received his education in the Cascade schools and is a 1977 graduate of Western Dubuque High School.  On May 20, 1978 he  was united in marriage to Janice Driscoll at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa.

Jerry loved the outdoors  and all it had to offer, fishing, hunting. He enjoyed spending time tinkering on things in “Jerry’s Doghouse”.   He was always the Jokester in the bunch.  Most of all he loved to spend time with family.

He is a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Koob of Cascade, IA; a son, Justin (Danielle) Koob, a daughter, Lynn (Thomas) Bose; five grandchildren, Elora and Julian Koob, Madison Barnhart, Andrew and Nicholas Bose; his siblings, Richard (Grace) Koob of the Quad Cities, Dave Koob of Maquoketa, IA, Pat (Darlene) Koob of TX ; and a sister-in-law, Connie Koob of, TX.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim Koob and Robert Koob; his sisters, Mary Ann Keegan and Joan Koppes; a brother-in-law, Duane Keegan; sisters-in-law, Alice Koob and Donna Koob; and nephew, Jeff Keegan.

A Video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at ww******************@***il.com

Joyce D. Bannister

Joyce Doris Bannister, 80, of Asbury, IA and formerly of Calgary, Alberta, CAN passed away on January 22, 2026 with her loving husband by her side.
Joyce “Becky” Bannister was born on June 26, 1945, the beloved daughter of Clarence and Lucille “Toots” Beckmann. Becky lived a life marked by intelligence; adventure, love, and an unmistakable sense of humor that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

After graduating from high school, Becky attended X-ray technician school in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a path that soon led her to California. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Bannister, who was visiting California at the time. Their connection was immediate and enduring. Becky later moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she and Rob were married on April 20, 1979.
While living in Canada, Becky earned her real estate license and went on to build a highly successful 25-year career in real estate. She spent 30 years with Rob in Canada building lasting friendships before returning to Iowa in 2008 so they could be closer to family.

Becky will be remembered for her quick wit, love of learning, and valued friendships. She was truly fun to be with and had a way of making every moment brighter. Her laughter, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Rob Bannister and her beloved companion, Maddy, who will miss her immensely; her very special niece Karie Bounds and husband Fred Bounds; and their children Delaney, Kameryn, and Emersyn, to whom Becky was like a grandmother. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, and by all those who were lucky enough to call her a friend.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lucille Beckmann, and her sisters Katie McCarthy, Deanne Rubner, and Pat Vaske.

A private family service will be held.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, buy a bottle of cabernet and toast Becky with friends or family.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at Mercy One cardiac unit for the loving care they provided to Joyce.

Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. in Dubuque, IA is entrusted with her arrangements.

Lucille M. Deppe

Lucille M. (Peters) Deppe, 101, of Andrew, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. She was born October 7, 1924, the daughter of Alfred and Elda (Wagener) Peters. Graduating from Andrew High School in 1942, she married Allan A. Deppe on October 23, 1946, and farmed alongside her husband as they raised their family.  In early years of marriage, she helped with livestock and fieldwork.  In later years her famous Goulash helped retain several hired men and nourish her grandchildren.She was the glue of the family.

Lucille’s boundless energy poured over into her support of community. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, where she taught religious education and first communion classes and was a Rosary Society member. She was a 4-H club leader for many years, helping with countywide 4-Hactivities and was called on to be a 4-H judge at many other counties. She was a member of the local Andrew Petal Pals Garden Club and Country Club. Lucille also served 12 years on the Jackson County Zoning Commission and volunteered for the Jackson County Historical Society. As a volunteer, she spent hours helping with restoration of the old County Jail in Andrew. She was affectionately referred to as “Grandma Lucy” not only by her grandchildren, but by others in the community.

 Survivors include her children, Jim (JoAnn) Deppe, Larry (Kim) Deppe, Mary Lou Hudrlik, and John (Joell) Deppe; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and sisters–in-law,LaVonne Peters and Marcia Peters.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Allan; her parents;siblings, Floyd Peters and Elmer Peters; and son–in–law Steve Hudrlik.   

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4:30 to7:00 P.M. at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home in Bellevue, additional visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. prior to Mass at the funeral home.  Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Andrew.  Following burial, a gathering of fellowship with friends and family will be held at the Andrew Community Center (the old firehouse) in Andrew.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Mill Valley Care Center and Sunrise Villa in Bellevue for their wonderful, professional care provided in the twilight of Lucille’s life.

In lieu of flowers, a Lucille Deppe memorial fund has beenestablished.

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

Stanley E. Matuszewski

Stanley E. Matuszewski, age 73, of Dickeyville, WI, formerly of Chicago, IL, completed his earthly journey on January 22, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Stanley’s life, a private family service is being held.

Stanley was born on November 16, 1952, in Chicago, IL, a son to Felix (Victoria) Matuszewski.  He eventually met the love of his life, Lucy Gordon, and they were blessed with many wonderful years together and a blended family that was full of love.  Stanley was a steel worker by trade and spent many years putting his skills to use in the Chicago area.

You could usually find Stash spending his free time enjoying the simpler things in life like having a drink with old friends, being home with his family laughing, and dancing to Elvis. We are going to miss Stanley moving forward, but will hopefully find some moments of peace within the memories he leaves behind now.

Thank you, Stanley, for all of the best efforts you put forth to being the best husband and father you could be and may the Lord grant you peace from your health battles as we wait patiently to see you again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Stanley include,

his loving wife of 35 years,
Lucy Matuszewski;

his children,
Stephanie Spaulding, Samantha Matuszewski, Anthony Gordon, and Victoria Matuszewski;

his grandchildren, Angelica Spaulding, Arianna Alvarez, Alex Gordon, AJ Gordon, and Amelia Gordon;

his half siblings;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Felix, Victoria, and Janina Matuszewski; and his twin brother, Edmund.

Stanley’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Grant County Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.

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

Darlene J. Wells

Darlene J. Wells, 93, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, January 21, 2026, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Darlene Janice Smith was born on November 22, 1932 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Orval and Mary Gladys (Winders) Smith.  She grew up in Dubuque and was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.  She married Earl Roy Wells on November 22, 1951 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Five children were born to this union, Jerrold, Krista, Amy, Jeffrey, and Shelley.

Darlene held various jobs throughout her life most notably working for Younker’s in Davenport, and as a secretary for Adam’s Company in Dubuque.  She also worked at J.C. Penney Store, NAPA Auto Parts, and Sears, all in Maquoketa.

Darlene enjoyed riding horses, cross stitch, and listening and dancing to music.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jerrold (Carmin) Wells of Erie, IL, Krista McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA, Amy Wells of Davenport, IA, Jeffrey (Karen) Wells of Maquoketa, IA, and Shelley (Stephen) McGarry of DeWitt, IA; 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and 6 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth (Donna) Smith of Dubuque, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl Roy Wells on June 1, 1986, sister Virginia (Joseph) Zahina, son-in-law Randy McCutcheon, 3 grandchildren Kaitlin Rose Wells, Garrett Kaczinski, and Dylan Kaczinski, and 1 great-grandchild Dalton Knight.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 1 to 3 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa.  A private burial will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of Jackson County, Maquoketa Care Center, and her close friend and caregiver Kristy Becker.

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