Obituaries Archive

Mary Tomas

Mary Tomas, 81 of Solon, IA, died on 2/5/2026.

She was born in Dubuque in 1944 to James and Rose Mulvehill. Mary graduated from Wahlert High School. After high school,  she worked at Interstate Power, where she met Gerald Lawrence. She married Gerald in 1969. She was able to stay home with her kids until Gerald’s passing and went to work at Solon Junior High School. In ‘86 Mary started working at Cryovac and retired in ‘01.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother (Mark), brother (Dennis), husband (Gerald), husband (Rich), step daughter Michele Kasparek. She is survived by daughter Lori (Jeremiah) Sinnwell, daughter Lisa (John) Brokaw, son Andy (Joleen) Lawrence, step son Matt Tomas and grandchildren Lawsin, Joli, Lorin, Andy, Quin, Alana, Madison, Macy, Jacob, Alyssa and Wesley.

After Gerald passed, Mary enjoyed taking her children boating, camping and snowmobiling. Mary was lucky enough to find love again when she met Rich. They married in ‘92. Together, they had fun playing golf and socializing with friends at the Get-A-Life. After retirement she enjoyed her lunches with girlfriends from the Viz and Wahlert and her coworkers from Cryovac. Mary lived in the same house for over 50 years because of the wonderful neighbors and friends in the Solon area.

We are glad Mom is at peace now and feel privileged that she was our Mom.

Celebration of life is 2/15/2026 at Solon Community Center 313 S Iowa St, Solon Iowa from 12pm to 2pm.

Robert M. Heil

It is with profound sadness that we announce Robert M. Heil passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 11, from 12:00-2:00, beginning with a funeral service at 11:30 at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque.

Bob, a lifelong Dubuquer, is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Jean Ann (Doerr) Heil; his four children, Becky Heil, Bruce (Daria) Heil, Brian (Mary Jo) Heil, and Brad (Anna) Heil; six grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Flynn, Katie Flynn Potter, Alec Heil, Matthew Heil, Adam Heil, Megan Heil; great grandchildren, Poppy and Oaken Potter; and his sister, Virginia Danielson.

He was preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Betsy Ann Heil; twin brother, William (and Ronaele) Heil; a sister, Jean (and Walter) Ballew; brother-in-law Alvin Danielson; his parents Milton and Luise (Madden) Heil; and Jean’s parents William and Gladys (Richard) Doerr.

Bob and his twin Bill were born in Iowa City on Friday, September 13th 1935 , which may have been the start of him becoming a dedicated Hawkeye fan. He was educated in the Dubuque school system, and after a stint in the Army, he settled back in Dubuque, where he married his wife Jean, in 1958. He graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Dubuque and later got advanced degrees from both Loras and Clarke. Bob started his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Washington Junior High but soon moved to teaching 5th grade at Kennedy Elementary, where he impacted hundreds of Dubuque students. At various points of his life, he was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Dubuque), St. Peter Lutheran Church (Dubuque) and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Cocoa Beach).

Bob loved his family and built memories with everyone, creating a special bond with each that will last forever. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, although after 30 years of attending parades where the kids performed with local bands, he finally said “no more parades.”

Bob and Jean spent many winters in Cape Canaveral, Florida, after a lifetime of travel. They instilled that sense of adventure in all of their children.

Bob liked to putter around, whether it was pulling weeds in his rock garden, cleaning the beach at the condo in Cape Canaveral, working on his computer or fixing things around the house. He also enjoyed creating things, big and small, in his workshop.

He was a quiet man and a dedicated educator, who loved history and wrote bad poetry and really bad country songs. His interest in music and theatre inspired several generations. Dad’s generous spirit, his intellect, and his curiosity about the world around him will be missed.

The family would like to give special thanks to Paul from Hospice of Dubuque for his care over the last few months.

Valeta A. Brown

Valeta A. Brown, age 92, of Dubuque, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, February 6, 2026, at her home in Assisi Village.  To celebrate Valeta’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home is assisting Valeta’s family.

Valeta was born on March 6, 1933, in Parkston, South Dakota, the daughter of Roy and Hazel (Van Natta) Wuertzer.  Valeta moved to Platteville, WI, with her family just two years later, and then to Dubuque, IA, at age 13. She attended St. Patrick’s School and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1951.

Valeta married the love of her life, Kenneth Brown, on June 25th, 1955, at Nativity Church in Dubuque. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary shortly before Ken passed away on July 26, 2020. She was a devoted wife, mom, and grandmother. She was active in her faith at St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Churches as a member of the rosary society and regularly volunteered to help with funeral dinners and ushering. She was a great believer in the power of prayer and had several rosaries on hand at all times.

Her true enjoyment came from spending time with her family, friends and those she loved, and carrying on many traditions year after year. She always made those around her feel special, often sharing her love through her baking and crafts, including plastic canvas, sewing, and knitting. Her grandchildren often felt her love through the knitted sweaters, hats, gloves, and other items they received each year. Birthdays were made special with her fabulous pizza bread, delivered to each of her children at work on their birthdays, something they and their coworkers all grew to look forward to. Christmas was her favorite holiday, a time to spend with family and to spoil her children and grandchildren with presents piled high under the tree, and never-ending Christmas cookies and baked goods. She could often be found mixing up Tom & Jerrys, Pink Squirrels, Grasshoppers, and other drinks for all to enjoy.

She enjoyed being outside, often going on walks, enjoying the flowers, and helping Ken in the garden. She also enjoyed traveling all over the United States, often visiting her grandchildren, including trips across the border to Mexico, where she enjoyed bartering for souvenirs. The family joked that on her last trip to New York City, they had a hard time keeping up with her. She also looked forward to her annual trips to the Gays Mills, WI, Apple Festival.

She was a kind-hearted, salt-of-the-earth woman who made the world around her a better place.  Valeta was greatly loved and will be missed by all whose lives she has touched.

Those left to cherish Valeta’s memory include

her children,
Judy (John) Schroeder, Asbury, IA,
Cindy (Dave) Meyer, Bernard, IA
and Dennis Brown, Dubuque, IA;

7 grandchildren,
Terrence Schroeder, Tammy (Ed) Snook, Kimberly (John) Schroeder-Freund, Karina (Michael) Schroeder-Koh, Kristin (Josh) Thomas, Stacy (Randy) Dupont and Eric (Mandy) Meyer;

13 great-grandchildren,
Gavin, Isaac, Hazel, Jake, Austin, Madilyn, Colton, Jaxon, Corbin, Gunner, Emmett, Odin and Meara;

her brother,
Derl (Doris) Wuertzer, Dubuque, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Janice Wuertzer, Dubuque, IA.

Valeta was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Kenneth Brown; and her siblings, Jim (Helen) Wuertzer, Collette (Frank) Suchanek and Fred Wuertzer.

Valeta’s family would like to thank the staff of Assisi Village and the Memory Care Unit, for the wonderful care they have provided for Valeta.  Also a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jamie and Michelle, for keeping Valeta comfortable in her final days.

Cards and memorials in Valeta’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Valeta Brown Family.

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

Albert W. Giddings

Albert W. Giddings, 97, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. .

Albert was born November 5, 1928, in Sabula, Iowa, son of Earl and Isabelle (Hatheway) Giddings.  The family moved to the Epworth area in July of 1946.  He is a 1947 graduate, of  Epworth High School in Epworth, Iowa.

He was employed in Dubuque for a few years, he then enlisted in the US Air Force, just prior to the Korean War.  He served for three years in the Philippines as a Staff Sargeant. When he returned home, he attended the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, under the GI bill.  He graduated in 1958 and started his teaching career in Fayette, North Carolina, he then moved to Savanna, Illinois in 1961, where he continued to teach until his retirement in 1984.  He moved back to North Carolina for many years before coming back to Epworth about 2014.

He is survived by one sister, Margaret Stocks of Epworth and her children, Keith (Nancy) Stocks, Kevin (Susie) Stocks, Dennis (Nancy) Stocks and Anita Stocks; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Robert (Erma) Giddings, Cycil (Blanche) Giddings, and Gene Giddings; and two sisters, Gladys (Winston) Corlis and Lois (William) Marshall.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Ronald C. Koppes

Ronald “Buddy” C. Koppes, age 90, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at UnityPoint Health–Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Sr. Eileen Healy, BVM

Sister Eileen Healy, BVM, (Patrick Ellen), 90, of 1040 Mount Carmel Bluffs, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, 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 Eileen served the congregation as assistant administrator and pastoral care minister at the Motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa. In San Francisco, she ministered as elementary principal and teacher at St. Paul, and teacher at St. Philip and St. Finn Barr. She was elementary principal at St. John and Christ the King in Seattle. She served as an elementary teacher at St. Agatha in Chicago; St. Cecilia in Portland, Ore.; and St. Augustine in Memphis, Tenn.

She was born on Feb. 19, 1935, in San Francisco to Patrick and Mary (Scannell) Healy. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1952, from St. Paul Parish, San Francisco. She professed first vows on March 19, 1955, and final vows on July 16, 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Nora (Dan) Twomey, Daniel (Josephine) Healy, Anne (Patrick) Young, and William Healy. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

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

Donald F. Gabriel

Donald F. “Don” Gabriel, 67, of Dubuque, IA, passed away at home on February 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. A private Celebration of Life will be held in his honor.

Don was born on November 22, 1958, in Dubuque to Wayne and Eunice (Duenser) Gabriel. He married the love of his life, Karla (Klaas), on August 19, 1988, and they were blessed with 27 years together and two sons before her sudden passing in 2015.

A skilled bricklayer, Don worked more than 30 years in the masonry trade, valuing hard work and the friendships he made along the way. He was a stubborn man who did things his own way, he enjoyed playing pool, a good drink, and good conversation with family and friends. Though he faced health challenges, Don met life with resilience, and he will be deeply missed.

Left to honor his memory are his sons, Christopher “Bubba” (Megan) Gabriel and Cody Gabriel; his grandson, Wayne; his siblings, Bonnie Erickson, Theodore “Ted” Gabriel, James “Whitey” Gabriel, Julie Gabriel, and Debbie Gabriel; his in-laws John (Roxanne) Klaas, Lynn (David) Smith, and Lori Schumacher; his special friend, Jill Anthony; his close friends, Joe and Doc Deckert; many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karla Gabriel; his mother and father-in-law, Charlie (Gloria) Klaas; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike Erickson, Lori Gabriel, Mary Gabriel, Kimmie Dean and Dan Schumacher. 

The Tri-State Cremation Center is assisting the family.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Joseph K. Cigrand

Joseph Keith Cigrand, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa and formerly of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Per his request there will be no public services.

He was born March 5, 1942, in Monticello, Iowa, son of Arnold “Bud and Florence (Rogers) Cigrand.  He is a graduate of the former St. Mary’s School in Cascade, Iowa.  He then attended Barber School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He was a barber in the Cascade area for several years, before moving to Arizona and running an antique shop.

He was a member of the Army National Guard for several years.

He is survived by one daughter, Shawn McKay; one grandchild, Ronan; two siblings, Grace (Dick) Noonan of Cascade, IA and Amy (Dan) Koppes of Cottage Grove, WI; a sister-in-law, Beverly Cigrand of Tucson, AZ and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill Cigrand and a nephew, Matthew Cigrand.

David A. Kenkel

David Alan Kenkel, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Luther Manor – Hillcrest.

Visitation for David will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Dubuque.

David was born April 29, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John “Jack” and Janet Louise (Chunat) Kenkel.  He grew up with his two brothers Dale John Kenkel (deceased) and Douglas Alan Kenkel, and sister Doreen Marie (Kenkel) on their family farm. David and Doug were twin brothers, and David was older by four minutes. He always made sure everyone knew this fact!

David was affectionately nicknamed Dave, and Day- “Hippie” due to his long curly strawberry reddish blonde hair, graphic tees, and bell-bottomed jeans pulled together with his large silver belt buckle.

He received his education and graduated from Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa. He was an avid basketball player, with his 6′ 6″ stature he played center for WD and enjoyed playing alongside his twin brother. He had a stubborn streak that made him passionate about winning in every sport he played. He continued playing volleyball in a rec league at Resurrection during his leisure time.

David was also a member of the award-winning Western Dubuque marching band led by the famous band director Phil Schmitz. His instrument of choice was the trumpet; he truly loved being part of the band. Together they marched in the Indianapolis 500, and the Cotton Bowl parades. The WD band was like family. He was a Bobcat through and through!

David went to work immediately after high school at Cascade Lumber Company, he excelled with a shiny work ethic and received promotions for work well done.

David was always a loyal and hard-working employee for whomever was lucky to have him. He went on to have construction jobs in Iowa and Oklahoma, but his longest tenure was with Anderson Windows, formerly Eagle Window and Door Company, where he spent 32 years constructing and finishing doors and windows until his retirement in 2022.

He resided in Bellevue, Iowa, and in David’s early years he was an avid fisherman. You could find him trolling on the Mississippi each weekend and enjoying the outdoors. If he caught a big catfish, he would say it was a “good day” and if a walleye was on his hook it was a GREAT day!

David loved his cars and trucks and took great pride in each one he owned. A few of his favorites were his 1968 Ford Fairlane, a black 1977 Trans Am, but his pride and joy was a 2020 metallic blue Chevrolet Colorado truck. That truck never had a speck of dust on it! It was a great pastime to keep him busy.

Most of all, David was a loyal friend and loved his family. They were his number one priority, and he spent every holiday and family reunion playing cards and games (especially phase 10 with his mom) as well as bringing his favorite Lays potato chips to every gathering. He was salty!!

David was also a dreamer and often told us of his desire to move to Alaska to fish and hunt. His short travels to Oklahoma and Texas made him love the south, however his forever home was in the Dubuque area.

David is survived by his two siblings, twin younger brother Douglas Alan (Sherri Mellon) Kenkel, and Doreen (Carey) Kenkel-Witt; 12 nieces and nephews, along with 18 great nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by parents, his eldest brother Dale John Kenkel, and his great nephew Zayn Michael Kenkel.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our dear friends and nursing staff at Luther Manor Hillcrest who loved, laughed with, and cherished David with compassionate care until his final breath. We love the way you loved David through the four years he was with you. And in David’s later years, Hospice of Dubuque was by his side caring for him daily. Thank you to all our precious caregivers, you were truly like family to him!

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

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Hospice of Dubuque.

We love you, David, Dave, Day- “Hippie”. Heavenly Peace be with you. And until we meet again, may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.

Nancy B. Schamper

Nancy B. Schamper, 83, of Galena, IL, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Midwest Medical Care Center in Galena. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of the Mass. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where a parish rosary will be recited at 3:45 PM. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Church cemetery.

She was born on the family farm, the daughter of Nicholas and Anne (Mihm) Bussan, on September 24, 1942. Nancy attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Galena High School in 1960. She attended and graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1963 as a Registered Nurse. She married Dr. Daniel Schamper on September 7, 1964, and he predeceased her on November 18, 2018. Nancy served as a catechist and a 4-H leader for 20 years each. Nancy served as secretary on the Galena Ambulance Service Board and on the Regional School Board of Jo Daviess and Stevenson Counties. She served as a director on the Jo Daviess County Mutual Insurance Board. Nancy was a member of the Holy Trinity altar and rosary, the pastoral council, and the cemetery committee.

She is survived by her three children: Ed (Zandra) Schamper, Kathleen (Rich) Mueggenborg, and William Schamper; four grandchildren: Tiffany (Reginald) Bright, Jessica and Kyle Schamper, and Anne Mueggenborg; a sister-in-law, Doris Bussan of Dubuque; a brother-in-law, Thomas (Pat) Schamper; and her great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers, James Bussan and Dr. David Bussan, and her sister-in-law Diane Bussan.

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

Bernadette F. Schumann

Bernadette F. Schumann, 82, of Independence, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church in Independence. Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. Mass will commence at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

Bernadette was born on December 28, 1943, in Dyersville, Iowa, daughter of Norbert and Anna (Jaeger) Werner.  She married Emmett J. Schumann on September 28, 1963, in Worthington. Emmett and Bernadette farmed in Hopkinton for some years before moving to Worthington. They later farmed in Earlville, in Boscobell, WI, and Nashua. They finally moved outside of Independence and farmed there for the last 38 years. She milked the dairy goats in Wisconsin and loved all of her animals on the farm.

Bernadette was a proud member of Catholic Daughters of America and St. John’s pro-life committee and to assist with the St. John’s parish. She loved sewing, gardening, baking, and poetry; two of her poems were published for print. She was an active, loving grandmother and cherished all her grandkids dearly.

Survivors include her children: Karen (Tim) Gravel of Earlville, Michael Schumann of Brandon, Mark Schumann of Independence, Eric (Julie) of Hillsdale, Illinois; grandchildren: Danielle Gravel, Mitchel Gravel, Nathanal Gravel, Jacob Gravel, Emmett Schumann, Eva Schumann; siblings: Rita Grief, Madonna Eisele, Charlie Werner, Tom (Linda) Werner, in-laws: Fred Pins, Francine Tucker, Florance Juhl, Flavia Talley and Elias (Roxann) Schumann, Darlene Schumann, Julie Schumann, and Herman Kadlec.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Emmett in 2024, daughter, Kristina Schumann; sister, Norma Pins; in-laws: Edward (Karyl), Everett, and Elmer, Fern Kadlec, Fay (Fred) Crimarco, Frieda; Loras Grief, John Eisele, Carl Tucker, Fred Juhl, and Dale Talley.

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

In lieu of flowers, family asks for masses, rosaries, or memorials may be made to Good Neighbor Society in Manchester or charity of your choice.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Lonnie B. Eberhart

Lonnie “Lon” Bruce Eberhart (88), longtime Dubuque resident and John Deere engineer, passed away on February 5, 2026 after a brief illness.

Lonnie was born in 1937 to Ted and Bernice (Allen) Eberhart on a farm outside Burlington, Colorado, near the Kansas-Colorado border. Two years later, Lon’s parents welcomed his sister, Connie (Spencer), whose loving pestering kept him laughing, honest, and humble throughout his life. While working on the family farm, Lonnie excelled both academically and athletically and chose an academic scholarship to the University of Colorado over competing football scholarship offers. Through more hard work, Lonnie completed a mechanical engineering degree in four years while washing dishes at a sorority house for extra money. Lonnie’s deep Colorado roots explain lifelong devotion to the Denver Broncos football team.

John Deere in Moline, Illinois, hired Lonnie just before college graduation and placed him on a team of engineers designing a new product, the Motor Grader. His work took him to factories around the world, where Lonnie had many adventures and a few misadventures trying to get back home. One day, a pretty girl working in the copy room (Kay Gebhards) invited him to dinner. Kay would often later recall knowing that evening that she would love Lon forever. And she did: Lon and Kay were married in Moline on August 18, 1962.

A few years later, John Deere relocated Lon’s engineering design team to Dubuque, Iowa. Lon and Kay settled in a three-bedroom bungalow on a private drive off Southern Avenue and began renovations that would last the rest of Lon’s life. They welcomed two sons, Kyle and Lance, who kept them busy with sports, school activities, reckless brother-fighting, and the resulting property destruction.  Sadly, in 1984, Lonnie and Kay lost their older son, Kyle, in a hunting accident, a tragic loss causing lifelong heartbreak.

During his time in Dubuque, Lonnie obtained his private pilot’s license and became a fixture in the local aviation community. He earned his MBA from University of Iowa. He collected antique firearms and authentic Remington statues of Western cowboys. He made enduring friendships with neighbors, former coworkers, and fellow engineers. And he became the resident expert on John Deere tractors.

In his “retirement,” Lonnie continued to work on projects for John Deere, while earning his financial planner/analyst credentials from American Express. Lonnie loved the stock market and later admitted that he liked financial management as much as engineering. He also became a doting “Pappy” to Carly (23) and Sophie (17) Eberhart, helping them catch frogs, bait hooks, learn to drive, and set up stock portfolios. Pappy’s example and coaching have guided both granddaughters toward Engineering degrees, with Carly finishing hers in 2024 and Sophie beginning this year.

Lonnie is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; his son Lance and daughter-in-law Merrily (Archer); his sister, Connie Spencer of Alamosa, Colorado; and his beloved granddaughters, Carly and Sophie. Lonnie is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Bernice (Allen) Eberhart; his brother-in-law, John (Spencie) Spencer, and his son, Kyle.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Greg Shuster, Friend and Neighbor; Carole Hughey, Northeast Iowa Agency on Aging, and Cindy Hanson, Elder Caregiver Extraordinaire; Hospice of Dubuque; MercyOne Dubuque; and the staff at Mt.Carmel Bluffs.

Gerald F. Capesius

Gerald “Jerry” F. Capesius, 77, of La Motte, Iowa, passed away on February 4, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the funeral home with Rev. Andy Upah officiating. Burial will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church Cemetery in La Motte. Military Honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jerry was born on September 24, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Robert and Mary Ellen (Tinker) Capesius. He was united in marriage to Patty A. Neyen on October 9, 1970, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque.

What mattered most to Jerry were life’s simple pleasures: his family, his children and grandchildren, time spent with friends, old westerns, classic country music, and an admiration for vintage tractors. He embraced a simple life, and those quiet joys were the heart of who he was.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patty; son Jeremy Capesius; daughter Dina (Mike)Theisen; grandchildren, Nickolas, Courtney and Megan Capesius, and Jaylen and Keegan Theisen; siblings Elaine (Dan) Olson, David (Julie) Capesius, Daryl Capesius, Ronnie (Marylee) Capesius, and Linda (Bob Hartman) Capesius; brother-in-law Joe Neyen; Godchild Travis Capesius; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Donnie; and family friend Beth Herrig.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Fr. Andy Upah, Deacon Loras Weber, Hospice of Jackson County, all healthcare professionals, and the many visiting neighbors who showed their love to Jerry and the family.

Richard Soat

Richard “Dick” Soat, 82, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at MercyOne in Dubuque, IA, after a brief illness. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena. Friends may gather after 10 AM until the service begins. Burial will be held at a later date.

He was born July 24, 1943, in Galena, the son of Elmer and Viola (Temperly) Soat. Dick attended Galena Schools. He married Carol A. Hickie at St. Mary’s in Galena on November 20, 1965. Richard farmed around Galena for most of his life. He was also a member of Local 727, the laborers’ union. In his free time, he enjoyed country music, dancing, and trips to local casinos.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Tom; two grandchildren, Addison and William; brother, Robert (Mary) Soat; in-laws, Sandy Hickie, Marilyn (John) Berlage, Steve (Kelly) Hickie, Alice Knautz, Linda (Cecil) Pfeiffer, and Ty Hickie (Tracey); and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Tom and Anne Hickie; siblings, Helen (Wes) Richardson, Ruth (Chris) Anger, and Carol May Soat; in-laws, Mark Knautz, Jim Hickie, and Mary Hickie; and nieces and nephews, Jason and Jodi Knautz and David Berlage.

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

Joseph Cornelius

Joseph Cornelius “J.C.” Cox, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on February 3, 2026, in Maquoketa, at the age of 78.

Born on October 14, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa, to Joseph and Estelle (McDonnell) Cox, J.C. grew up in the Elwood and Maquoketa areas.  He graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1965 and soon after answered the call to serve his country. A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, J.C. served three tours during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was wounded in combat and later honorably discharged. His time in the service stayed with him and profoundly shaped his life.

J.C.’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, friends and his community. On July 28, 1973, he married the love of his life, Darlene Skoff, in Sugar Creek, Iowa. They were blessed with three children.

After his military service, he managed the Rose Garden in Maquoketa and worked as the warehouse manager for Waterbed Creations in Grand Mound. He later worked as a rural mail carrier until his retirement. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he found great joy in owning and operating the Lakehurst Riverside Campground in Maquoketa, where his love for the outdoors and people naturally came together.

J.C. was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to service was further exemplified through his membership in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Maquoketa and the Maquoketa VFW, where he proudly served on the Jackson County Veterans Honor Squad.

Known for his easygoing nature and gift for conversation, J.C. had many great friends and made new friends wherever he went. He loved life’s simple pleasures—working at the campground, playing cards, swapping stories with his morning coffee group, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day each year. He shared a close bond with his sisters and unconditionally loved his children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. By his side through it all was his beloved dog, Mollie, his constant companion and best friend.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Darlene Cox of Maquoketa, IA; children, Jessica (Jason) Tracy of DeWitt, IA, Angela (Shawn) Skladzien of Maquoketa, IA, and Jacob Cox of Chicago, IL; 7 grandchildren: Brett Tracy, Haley Croft, Paytone Tracy, Adrianna Skladzien, Logan Skladzien, Brandon Skladzien and Sophia Skladzien and 5 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; sisters, Joann (Ronnie) Eden of Swisher, IA, Monica Cox of Swisher, IA, Teresa (Jim) Holtz of Lost Nation, IA, and Maureen Shanahan of Swisher, IA; brother-in-law, John Pauwels of Moline, IL; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Catherine Pauwels, and brothers-in-law Gene Grant and Bill Shanahan.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A public graveside and burial with military rites will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Joseph “J.C.” Cox memorial fund has been established.

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