Obituaries Archive

Gary E. Mohl

Gary E. Mohl, 83, of Clinton, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa and Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Alverno Healthcare Facility in Clinton, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 A.M., Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery.

Gary Edward Mohl was born on October 8, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Edward Chris and Marie Isabel (Smith) Mohl.  He was a 1956 graduate of Lost Nation High School.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1960 from the Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI) in Cedar Falls, and later his Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Iowa.

Gary married Alice Mae Crosthwaite on November 30, 1957 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lost Nation.  Four children were born to this union, Gregg, Brenda, Mark, and Jody.

Gary was a teacher, coach, principal and mentor to students in Avoca, Lewis Central in Council Bluffs, Davenport West, Lost Nation, Danville, Calamus-Wheatland, and Midland of Wyoming.  Throughout his educational career he had taught science and drivers education, and coached basketball, and football.  He had served as the Principal in Lost Nation, Danville, Calamus-Wheatland and lastly Midland of Wyoming, retiring in 2000.

Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  He enjoyed camping, traveling, reading the newspaper, and attending his children and grandchildren’s activities.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Alice Mohl of Clinton, IA; children, Gregg (Rhonda) Mohl of Clinton, IA, Brenda (Kent) Snyder of Belleville, IL, Mark (Shelly) Mohl of Osage, IA, and Jody (Brian) James of Anamosa, IA; 9 grandchildren, Megan Mohl, Courtney Mohl, Amanda (Alex) Bigley, Joshua (Kylie) Snyder, Cameron James, Dylan James, Cassidy (Trevor) Molitor, Mariah James, and McKenzie Mohl; and 5 great-grandchildren, Lydia, Finnegan, Wyatt, Nora, and Adalynn.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Cheryl Wurster and Joan Clapp.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gary E. Mohl memorial fund has been established.

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

Zelda J. Meyers

Zelda Joan Meyers, of Dubuque, died Friday, August 12, 2022, at her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory and also from 9:30 am until 10:15 am Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Zelda will be 10:30 am Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Zelda was born October 15, 1943, in Oelwein, IA, the daughter of Harold and Marcella (Hoffman) Smith.  Zelda was raised on the family farm near Sumner, IA.  After graduating from Sumner Community High School she enrolled in Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated with her RN diploma.  She married William “Willie” Meyers in 1969 and they were blessed with four children, Laura (friend, Paul Stine) Staben of Freeport, IL; Jannifer (Mike) Ayers of Cambridge, WI; Brian Meyers of Ankeny, IA; Paul (Traci) Meyers of North Liberty, IA.  Zelda and Willie have five grandchildren, Daniel Staben, Emily Ayers, and Luke, Carter, and Ava Meyers.  After working in healthcare for 30 years, Zelda worked various part-time jobs and did volunteer community work.  Before she became ill, she enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and hiking.  She and Willie were avid campers and especially enjoyed visiting state and national parks.

In addition to her children and their families she is further survived by her siblings, Pauline (Jerry) Kramer of Round Mountain, TX; Beverly Horney of Littleton, CO; Frances Fox of Littleton, CO; Mary Stoneman of Waterloo, IA; Jean (Mike) Banfield of Klamath Falls, OR; Bernard (Carol) Smith of Sumner, IA; Phyllis Smith of Longmont, CO; Ramona (Bill) Grassl of Appleton, WI; mother-in-law, Margaret Meyers of Dubuque, IA; brother-in-law, Doug (Chris) Meyers of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gerald Smith; sister, Donna Phillips; brothers-in-law, Curt Horney and Bill Morrow; sister-in-law, Marlys Smith; and father-in-law, William Meyers.

Memorials will be distributed by the family to Zelda’s favorite charities.

The family would like to express a special Thank You to Dr. Engelman and his staff at Medical Associates for their excellent and compassionate care.

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

Marian A. Koetz

Marian A. (Schueller) Koetz, age 91, of Centralia, passed away peacefully and was reunited with her loving husband Francis at 8:00 a.m., on Friday, August 12, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Marian’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, August 15, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 241 Peosta Street, Peosta, Iowa.  There will be a parish scripture service held prior to the visitation at 2:00 p.m.  The Centralia-Peosta Fire Department will be paying their respects at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church with Rev. Michael G. Schueller officiating.  Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Centralia.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Marian was born on February 27, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Robert J. and Helen M. (Kunlow) Schueller.

Marian attended Holy Ghost Grade School in Dubuque and as a teenager worked caring for families in their homes after they had a new baby.  She was united in marriage to Francis C. Koetz on August 9, 1949, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  They would have celebrated their 73rd anniversary a few days ago, but sadly Francis passed away on July 8, 2022.  Marian was a devoted wife, mom and homemaker who also helped Francis on the farm for almost 20 years.  Her faith was an integral part of her daily life.  She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Rosary Society, a Child of Mary and a member of Dubuque County Right to Life.  She was a talented seamstress whose sewing skills were well known to everyone around her.  If you needed something patched, Marian was the woman for the job!  She took great pride in keeping a tidy home, planting a big garden and canning her harvest and caring for her beautiful flowers.  Marian was an excellent cook and baker, a trait all of her family truly appreciated.  She loved her family and always made sure that time spent together was a priority.  Marian exemplified what it means to be a strong Catholic woman and a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister.  We are deeply saddened at her passing, but find some comfort in knowing that she is resting peacefully after doing God’s will for 91 years, and that she and dad are now reunited in their Heavenly home for all Eternity.

Those left to cherish Marian’s memory include

her children,
Judy (Bob) Lester, Epworth, IA,
Sue Schuckert, Durango, IA,
Kathy (Terry) Corbett, Centralia, IA,
James “Jim” (Kim) Koetz, Centralia, IA
and John “Jack” (Mary) Koetz, Centralia, IA;

17 grandchildren;

27 great-grandchildren with one more on the way;

a sister,
Ruth Leibold, Peosta, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Shirley Schueller, Epworth, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Francis McDonald, Dubuque, IA;

and many nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis Koetz; her siblings, Virginia (Harold) Banwarth, James Schueller, Jack (Betty) Schueller, Darlene McDonald and Wayne “Bud” Schueller; a brother-in-law, Don Leibold; and a son-in-law, Bill Schuckert.

Marian’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of St. Dominic Villa and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Megan, Meghan, Stephanie and Nichole, for all of their outstanding care and support.  We also want to thank the Centralia-Peosta Fire Department for giving Marian her last ride home.

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

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

Colleen M. O’Hare

Colleen Marie O’Hare, 68, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 11, 2022 at her home.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Kaity Kemp at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Colleen was born November 29, 1953, in Dubuque, IA, to Marvin George and Catherine Rae Robinson O’Hare.

She was a 1972 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School. She continued her undergraduate education at the University of Northern Iowa and earned a Masters degree from Mankato State.

Colleen’s teaching days began in Minneapolis, MN and Forest City, IA before spending 25 of her 37 teaching years in Dubuque, finding a home teaching kindergarten at Kennedy Elementary.  Her love of music inspired her to teach with dancing and singing.  She loved infusing her lessons with history, current events, and the Olympics.

Colleen loved spending time with family, including her feline companion Tiger Lilly, and looked forward to holidays in particular. She was an enthusiastic card player in a competitive family, an avid reader, and she enjoyed traveling to baseball stadiums and presidential libraries. A devoted Mustang booster, her encouraging cheers (or cowbells) rang loudest when cheering on her son’s football games or daughter’s soccer matches.

Survivors include her two children, Lucas (Heather) Farnum of Waukee, IA, and Calee O’Hare of Dubuque; her parents, Marvin and Catherine O’Hare of Dubuque; one brother, Kevin (Stacy) O’Hare of Marshalltown, IA; one sister, Phyllis (Ed) Lord of Bradenton, FL; and nieces and nephews: Brandon (Stephanie) O’Hare of San Francisco, CA; Colleen (Cape) Zern of Davis, CA; Caroline (Todd) Dunivant of Sacramento, CA; Mitchell and Bennett O’Hare of Marshalltown, IA and 4 great-nephews and 3 great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

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

Mary L. Green

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Green, 94, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Mercy One, Dubuque. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 16, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, where a visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of services.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Mary Lou was born on December 21, 1927, in Savanna, Illinois. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1946. On November 4, 1947, she married Milton E. Green at the Church of the Nativity. He preceded her in death in 1990.

Her greatest loves were Milton “Moose”, her 12 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, her pets, especially her bird, “Blue”. Her main goal in life was to have 12 children. Mary Lou was employed as a Nurses Aide and a substance abuse counselor. She was a member of St. Raphael’s Cathedral.

She is survived by her children, Daniel Green, Cindy Loveless, David Green, Mary Ann Green, Tim Green, Tony Green, Ted Green, Sarah Linell, Susan Schneiter, Luke Green and Pete Green; 29 grandchildren; 35 great- grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Peg Merfeld; grandson, Evan Green; great- granddaughter, Alexiauna Green; half- brother, Orlo Austin: and a half- sister, Colleen Samsel .

Sincere Thanks Mercy and Accura Health Care of Cascade.

Anthony J. Burbach

Anthony J. (Tony) Burbach, of Dubuque, IA entered into eternal life on Friday, August 12th 2022 at home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, August 17th at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Steven Rosonke presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, August 16th from 2:00-6:00 at the church where a prayer service will be held at 6:00, followed by a time for sharing memories of Tony. The rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited prior to the visitation at 1:00. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Tony was born in Cuba City, WI on June 20th, 1960, to Joseph and Shirley Burbach. He graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1978 and from Wartburg College in 1982. On August 5th, 1983, Tony married Mary Frommelt at Nativity Church in Dubuque. For 40 years Mary and Tony were devoted partners and best friends.They were a match made in heaven! Tony and Mary were blessed with two sons and two daughters. Tony took great pleasure in coaching his children and loved to attend their sporting events and performances. Being a husband, father, and grandfather was his greatest joy. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, wonderful sense of humor, selflessness, and generous heart. His advice to his children was to outserve others and expect nothing in return.

Tony taught at Holy Ghost School in Dubuque before entering the sales force at Frommelt Industries. In 1990, Tony joined the Rytec Corporation in Jackson, WI as VP of Sales. He was a long-time, trusted, respected and beloved member of the Rytec family. As was his nature, Tony worked throughout his health challenges and always brought his characteristic work ethic, humor, and collaborative spirit to the team.

Above all else, Tony was a man of faith and believed in the power of prayer. He had a devotion to the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Tony was a member of Dubuque County Right to Life and the Power of Prayer. He served as past president of the St. Anthony St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Survivors include his wife Mary, parents Joe and Shirley of Dubuque; children Tony (Laura) Burbach of Waukesha, WI, Elizabeth (Beau) Moody of Edwardsville. IL, Michael Burbach of New York City, and Annie (Kenny) Evischi of St. Peters, MO; grandchildren, Gianna Mary Moody, Bryant Anthony Burbach, and Oliver Anthony Evischi; siblings Dan (Teresa Dodds) Burbach, Greg (Connie) Burbach, Tim (Kim) Burbach, Ted (Linda) Burbach and Mary Burbach; mother-in-law Betty Frommelt; brothers and sister-in-law, Paul (Geri) Frommelt, Peter (Michele) Frommelt, Steve (Pearl Diaz) Frommelt, Chris (Nancy) Frommelt, Mark (Susan) Frommelt, Jamie (Julie) Frommelt, Katie (Matt) McClish and many nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Paul Frommelt, niece, Anne Frommelt, sister-in-law, Cheri Burbach, and great- nephew, Ray Daniel Burbach.

Special thanks to all of our wonderful prayer warriors and to Tony’s exceptional health care providers at MercyOne Dubuque, Medical Associates, UW Madison Hospitals and Clinics and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Power of Prayer Inc., or Holy Family Catholic Schools.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Steven J. Post

Steven “Bullet” J. Post, 72, of Bellevue, Iowa passed away on August 9th, 2022, at home after an unexpected accident.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday August 17, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Will Layton officiating. Friends and family may gather from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Steven was born on May 13th, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Frank and Rose (Deppe) Post. He attended and graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 1968. He married Peggy Smothers on November 2nd, 1987. He worked as a warehouse manager for Ardan’s Dept. Store for 12 years until their closing in 1987. He then worked as a floral deliverer for Ellen’s Floral Gallery for several years while becoming a successful landowner and manager for 30 years.

He was a naturalist who loved deer hunting and knew how to live with nature. He gave God credit for all the Earth and its glory each and every day. What you saw was what you got. He wanted nothing but gave everything.

He is survived by his wife Peggy, stepsons Jeffery, Jamie, and Brian Kuhle, was Grandpa Steve to: Ashley, Tanner, Lanie, Samson, Ella and Maya, brother Dennis Post of Dubuque, sister Linda Wilson of Dubuque, goddaughter and niece Cindy Choudhary of Waukee, IA, along with 9 other nieces and nephews, along with many in-laws, all whom Steven loved deeply.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose, brothers Ron and Bob, niece Paula (Post) Hegel, and father-in-law Edward Smothers.

Thank you to all the family members who have held it together for me during this unexpected accident.

Judith A. Kolker

Judith A. (Till Gonner) Kolker, 89, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Mill Valley Care Center surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Additional visitation will be 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at the funeral home prior to Mass.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube: St. Joseph Bellevue-Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook pages.

Judy was born October 8, 1932, in Bellevue, the daughter of Louis E. and Mary Wilhelmina “Minnie” (George) Till.  She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1950. She had fond memories of playing basketball in high school and singing for Mass while growing up. She married Lloyd A. Gonner on Nov. 27, 1954; he passed on Jan. 3, 1969. Judy later married James “Skillet” Kolker on Oct. 4, 1971; he passed on Nov. 28, 2011. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.  Judy began her career at the Bellevue Herald-Leader, where she earned a reputation as the paper’s fastest linotype operator. She also worked at the Bellevue Post Office for more than 20 years, and later co-owned and operated the Stitching Post in Bellevue from 1982 until 1997.  She enjoyed playing golf, cooking, baking, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and the occasional trip to the casino.

Survivors include her children, Jeff (Jane) Gonner, Jane (Mark) Eganhouse, Julie (Rick) Hardorff, Jon (Kate Pineda) Kolker, and Jeanne (Jason Klein) Kolker; grandchildren, Michael (Erica) Eganhouse, Kara Eganhouse, Charlotte Pineda, Justin (Amber) Gonner, and Lauren (Andrew) Siitari; great-grandchildren, Corbin, Tyler, Ellison and Weston.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Lloyd Gonner; her second husband, James; siblings, Adrian (Gordine) Till, Kathleen (Edward) Dunn, Donald (Norma) Till, infant sister Dorothy Till, and Sr. Susan Till, FSPA.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Mill Valley Care Center and Hospice of Jackson County for the loving care they provided to Judy and her whole family.

A memorial fund has been established in Judy’s memory.

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

Kayne P. Clancy-Lincicum

Kayne P. Clancy-Lincicum, age 25, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on August 7, 2022.  To honor Kayne’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at the Mueller Memorial Chapel at Linwood Cemetery, 2736 Windsor Avenue in Dubuque, with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating. Family and friends of Kayne’s are invited to visit and fellowship from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the chapel prior to the service.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kayne’s family.

Kayne was born on March 3, 1997, in Dubuque, IA.  John and Colleen Clancy-Lincicum are his parents.  He grew up with a good-hearted and protective spirit which he carried proudly throughout all of his too short walk among us.  Kayne has spent the last 3 years working as a plumber’s apprentice with Brecke Mechanical Contractors and the Local #125.  He was an excellent plumber and you can see some of Kayne’s handywork at locations such as Rusty Taco and the Amazon building in Dubuque.  He helped to develop his strong work ethic at Linwood Cemetery prior to beginning his new career as a plumber.  He was very active in his life outside of work and always enjoyed any opportunity to be in the outdoors, especially if a fishing pole in hand could fit into his schedule somehow.  He spent many hours with his dad on the water’s edge as he taught him how to fish.  Kayne also spent over 14 years of his youth playing hockey.  He spent his early years with the Dubuque Stars, played for a few leagues in New Mexico, and his final stent was with the Ice Wolves in Dodgeville.  Kayne was a competitive and highly physical athlete who always enjoyed the opportunity to play and the challenges that came along with it.  He also invested his time and talents with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he could diligently exercise his stubborn side into a competitive edge.  Kayne was a kind young man, with a determined mindset, and a humorous side when the time was appropriate.  It is beyond our comprehension to understand why he’s had to leave us so soon and we can only hope to find some peace in our tragically broken hearts in time.  Thank you, Kayne, for teaching us how important it is to give your best in all that we do and may the abundance of memories which you leave behind now help to ease our pain through the most difficult days ahead.  May the Lord bless you and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kayne include,

his loving parents,
Colleen “Kelly” Clancy-Lincicum, Dubuque, IA,
and John Lincicum, Elizabeth, IL;

his sisters,
Kathryn Clancy-Lincicum, Fargo, N.D.,
and Abby Howerton, Kansas City, MO;

his grandparents,
John G. Lincicum, Elizabeth, IL,
and Joan Steffen, Asbury, IA;

his aunt and uncle,
Deb (Mark) Rothweiler, Dubuque, IA,
and Larry (Barb) Steffen, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous other extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Kayne was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorrance (Rosemary) Clancy, Mary E. “Betsy” Lincicum, and Lawrence Steffen.

In lieu of flowers, a Kayne P. Lincicum memorial fund has been established which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Robert J. Johnson

Robert J. “Bob” Johnson of Galena, IL died peacefully at Bethany Home in Dubuque on Monday, July 18 after 91 wonderful years. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM, August 20, 2022, at Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 9 AM until the time of service. Bob’s ashes will be buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Galena, with half going to Grand Forks, ND to rest on the Butler family plot next to Betty. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born in 1931 in Edmore, North Dakota where he graduated from high school. He attended University of North Dakota for two years and later received his Associates degree from Cleveland Institute. He married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” (Butler) in Grand Forks where they lived a few years. He and Betty also lived in Devils Lake, Fargo, Bismarck, and Omaha before settling in Cedar Rapids in 1964. Betty died in 1990 after a car accident in 1977 left her severely disabled.

Bob and Betty had four kids: Ann (Paul) Martin of Brown Deer, WI, Robert “Buzz” Johnson of Rancho Murieta, CA, Meleah (Dennis) Mathahs of Marengo and Dan (Kellie) Johnson of West Des Moines. Bob was deeply proud of his grandchildren: Shanan Lesselyoung (Nick), Betsy Gardner (Nate), Jesse Martin (Annie), Justin Johnson, Aubray Johnson, Dylan Mendoza, Jake Mathahs (Iris), Mazie Stilwell (Matt), and Maddie Johnson. Great grandchildren Brady, Brynn, Baylen, Alex, Max, Avery, and George brought him endless joy. His stepsons Mike, Matt and Jim Matias and their families were a cherished addition to his family.

While in Cedar Rapids, Bob was involved on several boards of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, Kirkwood CC Advisory Board (School of Electrical Engineering), Chairman of Iowa Special Olympics, the Iowa Head Injury Assoc., Knights of Columbus Council 5677 where he was Past Grand Knight, State Secretary in Iowa, and a member of the 4th Degree Honor Guard. He worked his entire career for The Bell System (AT&T, Northwestern Bell, US West, Qwest) where he was an electrical engineer in management and took early retirement in 1988 in Cedar Rapids and remained active in the Telephone Pioneers and fought hard to retain their retirement benefits.

Bob married Barbara “Lani” Fisher Matias in 1990 and the two retired happily in Galena to restore their historic 1841 home on Bench Street. There he was involved in many organizations including Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Galena Art & Recreation Center, Jo Daviess County Democratic Party (Chairman for 8 years), Galena Historical Society, President of the Galena Foundation, and was appointed to several civic improvement boards. An avid outdoorsman, Bob was a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He loved researching his family genealogy and traveled several times to Ireland and Scotland in that effort. He researched Civil War history and worked on historic preservation efforts. Woodworking, craftsmanship, wine making, photography and tinkering with his fine cars were among his hobbies. Bob could fix almost anything – the right way.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, Mack and Edna, younger brother, Fred (US Army, KIA in Vietnam 1967), grandson, Jesse Martin, and two infant children, Patricia and Martin.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, four kids, and so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren – yes, he bragged about you all. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Bethany Home, Dubuque.

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

Betty J. DeShaw

Virgean H. Meyer

Patricia Hogan

Patricia Hogan, 74, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Patricia was born July 24, 1948, in Dubuque, the daughter of Lloyd and Bernadette M. Purnhage.

Survivors include her daughter, Maureen Ficarra of Queen Creek, AZ; husband, James; grandchildren, Annie and Ross Ficarra.   Also, brothers, David and wife Ann of West Des Moines and Mark Purnhage of Dubuque; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patricia enjoyed playing bingo, cards, and video chatting with her grandchildren. They loved telling Grandma funny stories and making her laugh.   She was a social butterfly who relished the company of friends and family.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Patricia’s cousins, Mary Cota and Annette Purnhage, for the comfort and care they have given over the years.

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

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

Jeffrey J. Merz

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Merz, age 59, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 5, 2022, at MercyOne in Dubuque surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jeff’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jeff’s family.

Jeff was born on September 17, 1962, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Donald E. and Joan M. (Close) Merz and spent his entire life in the Dubuque area surrounded by family and friends.  Jeff worked at the Oral Arts Laboratory for over 22 years and spent some time with Eagle Window and Door as well.  In his free time, Jeff enjoyed the outdoors and could easily be found on the golf course, or doing a little fishing/hunting also.  He was naturally gifted with the artistic gene and leaves behind many pieces for his loved one’s to treasure for years to come.  Our hearts are broken with the sudden absence of Jeff from our daily lives, but we will seek to find what comfort we can in the memories which he leaves behind.  Thank you, Jeff, for doing your best when and where you could and may the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jeff include,

his 3 children,
Sara (Justin Nank) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Samantha (Timothy Jurisic) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
and Benjamin Merz, Cassville, WI;

his grandchildren,
Gage Merz and Nolan Nank;

his father,
Donald Merz, Durango, IA;

his siblings,
Jackie Rogers, Miles, IA
Lawrence Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Richard Merz, Dubuque, IA,
Christopher (Sheila) Merz, Dubuque, IA,
and Kathy Blackwood, Graf, IA;

his former wife,
Cindy Merz, Cassville, WI;

his step-children,
Cutiellia (Tony Grabow, Joe Larson) Jones, Cassville, WI,
and Cameron Jones, Dubuque, IA;

his step-grandchildren,
Christian and Lucius;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Marie (Close) Merz; and his grandmother, Evelyn Close.

Jeff’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Eileen M. Fortmann

Eileen M. Fortmann, 93, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at home with her favorite family members at her bedside after battling heart failure. Visitation for Eileen will be held 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 8, 2022, with Scripture Service at 3:00 p.m. at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2022, with Additional Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan with the Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Ryan. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Born October 5, 1928, in Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of John and Veronica (Sassen) Rolfes.  She attended school in Petersburg and Greeley Iowa.  She was married Emil Fortmann on April 19, 1949, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greeley, Iowa. Emil passed away on September 1, 1997.  Eileen was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and Altar and Rosary Societies, Catholic Order of Foresters and the Ryan American Legion Auxiliary.

Eileen and Emil resided on a farm near Ryan since their marriage. She loved the farm and gardening. They had four daughters in this union.  Mary Leonard, Anna (Joe) Weigel, Edna (Norb Ahlers) Scherbring, Edith (Doug) Comley; eight grandchildren, Jeremy, Sara, Jon, and Drew Scherbring, Jason Lieberman, Mark and JoAnn Weigel, Glenn and Katherine Comley; step grandchildren, Terry, Jenny, and Brian Leonard, Brandon, Kayla, Matt, Jake, and Gage Alhers; thirteen great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Deceased family members include her parents, John and Veronica Rolfes; husband, Emil Fortmann; grandchildren, Brian Scherbring and Jessie Lieberman; brother, Dennis (Jeanne) Rolfes; sister, Jeanette Rolfes; father and mother in-law, Ralph and Anna Fortmann; brothers and sisters-in-law: Gilbert, Merlin and Norma, Sylvester, Marce Fortmann, and son-in-law, Frank Leonard.

The family of Eileen would like to thank Sarah Hartman and Cedar Valley Hospice staff for the care that was given to our mother over these past months.

Please share a memory of Eileen at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.