Obituaries Archive

Charles L. Winterwood

Charles L. Winterwood, MD, died November 15, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, after a many years-long battle with complications from a lung disease.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial was held in Casper Creek Natural Cemetery in Galena, IL.

He is survived by his spouse, Gretel, their two children, Zach (Emily) and Nicole, and their two grandchildren, Talia and Elena.

Charles was born to Franklin M. Muench, Sr. and Flo Maree Muench. A brother, F. Michael Muench is deceased.

Charles was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Winterwood practiced as a pediatrician at Medical Associates in Dubuque, Iowa.

A passionate environmentalist, he served on several city commissions that dealt with climate action, clean water, and air quality.

He was active in the Mississippi Trails Hiking Club and Friends of Dubuque County Conservation. He was noted as one of the most capable people in the area at identifying bird sounds. He made contributions to the bird lists maintained by the Iowa Ornithological Union Collection at Iowa State University. He led birding tours at the Mines of Spain. Dick Worm, a friend of Charlie’s, remembers a canoe trip through the brush at Catfish Creek, where Charlie amazed him by recognizing one bird sound after another. Charlie participated in the annual bird count in Dubuque in the winter, no matter what the weather.

He was a life member and held offices in the Audubon Society and Sierra Club. He was a commissioner for the City of Dubuque, serving on committees such as the Renewable Energy Committee. He was a long-time member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where he led projects such as the Unitarian Universalist Green Sustainability Project, which met the requirements for the national certificate. He volunteered to review low-income homes for weatherization needs.

In addition to birding, his hobbies included photography, coin collecting, hiking and spelunking. He was also an avid movie goer. He loved trivia contests where he was often considered a one-person team with his knowledge. One lament that he did not make it all the way through the trials to be a contestant on the Jeopardy TV quiz program.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Sierra Club or Audubon Society.

William F. Martin

William Francis “Frank” Martin, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, was reunited with his wife on November 20, 2025, at River Bend Assisted Living in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday November 23, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 12:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday November 24, 2025, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Key West with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Frank was born on March 21, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Brown) Martin. On December 1, 1956, he married Mary Jane “Boots” Welsh at Saint Joseph Catholic Church and together they shared 68 years together before her passing on June 28, 2025. He honorably served his country in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Oakland Farm Dairy and later at Mississippi Valley Milk Producers. He eventually joined the Dubuque Community School District, where he remained until his retirement. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and was a former active member of the Key West Fire Department

Frank enjoyed hobby farming, gardening, and raising and caring for sheep and horses. He also loved woodworking, square dancing with his wife, Boots, and bowling. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his wife and family.

Frank is survived by his three sons: Terrance (Brenda), Brian (Linda), and Keith (Ruth) Martin; son-in-law Gerald (Bobbie) Scherrman; grandchildren:  Jennifer (fiancé Austin Monaghan) Martin, Daniel (Katherine) Martin, David (Ali) Martin, William (Marti) Martin, Samuel (Shelby) Martin, Zachary Martin, Justin (Kassi) Scherrman, Jacob (Ashley) Scherrman, Adam Hoffman and Ashley Carey; great grandchildren: Chloe and Ella Scherrman, Tel Martin, Case Martin, Clancy Jo Martin, Sayven, Crue Spidle. He is also survived by his siblings Loras (Josephine) Martin, Charlie (Donna) Martin, and Rosemary Kramer, along with sisters-in-law Margie Welsh and Carolyn Moyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Boots; a daughter Cynthia Jean Scherrman on July 28, 1996; a granddaughter Jessica Martin; brothers John (Joan) and Louie Martin; his sister, Betty (Jack) Payne; siblings-in-law Geraldine (Paul) Ryan, Donald Welsh, Earl “Pete” Kremer and Carl Moyer; and niece and nephew Kenna Payne and Kevin Kremer.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Bend along with Hospice of Dubuque for all the care they have given to Frank.

Patricia A. Williams

Patricia Anne Williams, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at Grand Meadows Senior Living in Asbury, Iowa. Her family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Pat was born on April 1, 1939, in Creston, Iowa, the daughter of George and Leila Whitmarsh. She graduated from Drake University in Des Moines in 1961 and received her master’s degree in music with emphasis in pipe organ performance in 1963. She taught music at Christian College (now Columbia College) in Columbia, Mo., and played the pipe organ for the Missouri Methodist Church in Columbia, where her future husband, Vince, sang in her choir. She married Vincent Williams on Aug. 15, 1965, at First Congregational Church in Creston, and they lived in Columbia, Mo., and then Gainesville, Ga., before moving with their two sons to Dubuque in 1971, where Vince taught theater at Hempstead High School and Pat taught piano lessons.

Pat was the longtime organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, where Vince sang in the choir. She taught piano for many years, and she taught music theory at the University of Dubuque. She held many piano recitals for her students at churches and nursing homes in Dubuque, as well as at the University of Dubuque, bringing the joy of music to all, especially during the holidays. She was primary accompanist for the Dubuque Chorale, which was founded and directed by Dennis Williams.

She and Vince traveled with the group to a number of church locations in the U.K., Europe and Russia, with Pat playing organ for accompaniment. When the group sang in a mass at the Vatican, Pat played the organ there as well. They enjoyed those foreign concerts performing with special friends, Dennis and Suzie Williams and Doug and Jean Cheever.

Pat was a very loving wife and mother and a devoted Nana, ensuring that her grandchildren had rich educational and musical experiences. She took them to the library when they were very young, volunteered at their schools, taught them piano as soon as they were old enough and provided them with voice and dance lessons. She shared her love of music throughout her life, and her grandchildren were the songs that played in her heart.

She is survived by her husband, Vince; her sons, Jonathan (Cindy) Williams, of Montgomery Village, Md., and Michael (Maryjo) Williams, of Asbury, Iowa, and their children, Michaela (Noah) Villarreal, of Chicago, Ally (Wil Barden) Williams, of Los Angeles, Cassie Williams, of Asbury, and Nate Williams, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; her stepdaughter, Melanie (Kent) Williams-Smotherman, of Omaha, Neb.; her stepgrandchildren, Nick (Ellen) Weddleton, of Omaha, and Sydney (Andrew Malik) Weddleton, of Lincoln, Neb.; her brother-in-law, David Hudson, of Coralville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, George and Leila Whitmarsh; parents-in-law, Wilbur and Florence Williams; her brother, Duane Whitmarsh; sisters-in-law, Kay Hudson and Glenna Whitmarsh; and brothers-in-law, Charles, Jim and Bob Williams.

The family would like to thank Grand Meadows, Oak Park Place, MercyOne Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque and Paramount Ambulance for the care given to Pat.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Norma J. Jackson

Sr. Edna Ginder, OSF

Sr. Edna (Timothy) Ginder, OSF, 98, of Dubuque, died at 7:37 AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Clare House, Mount St. Francis, Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Edna was born August 25, 1927 in Meyer, IA, the daughter of Peter and Rose (Hemann) Ginder.  Edna entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1946 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1952. Sister received her masters degree in education from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as a teacher in Iowa schools at St. Edward, Waterloo; St. Mary, Dubuque; Cascade, Jesup, Petersburg, and Stacyville. She also served as an educator at All Saints, Portland, OR, St. Christopher, Midlothian, IL, and Corpus Christi, Chicago, IL. Sr. Edna was later missioned at Mount St. Francis Center and Scenic Valley Agency on Aging, both in Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sister, Marie Donner; brother, Vernon Ginder; sister-in-law, Ruth Ginder; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard (Marian and Angela) Ginder, Clarence Ginder, Paul (Jeanne) Ginder, and Roger (Marcella) Ginder; sister-in-law, Sylvia Ginder; and brother-in-law Robert Donner.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and the MSFC staff for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Christine A. Stephens-Lovell

Christine A. Stephens-Lovell, 53, of Dubuque, IA., passed away November 15, 2025, at MercyOne in Dubuque.

A celebration of life for Christine will take place at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Christine was born December 20, 1971, in Darlington, WI., the daughter of Ronald and Rebecca (Schwartz) Stephens. She graduated from Darlington High School and took classes at NICC in Peosta, IA.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, camping, bowling, attending local dirt track racing, and watching NASCAR, cheering on her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Christine is survived by her three children: Kimberleigh (Matthew) Rasmussen of Lake Elmo, MN., Zachary (Brittany) Lovell, and Dakota (Jenna) Lovell both of Cuba City, WI.; her mother, Rebecca Stephens; seven grandchildren: Annie and Elise Taylor, Leah Rasmussen, Bo, Axton, Mavrick and Myles Lovell, with another one expected in May of 2026; siblings, Cynthia Stephens and Jason (special friend Angie Reddington) Stephens; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ronald Stephens, and other close family members.

A memorial fund for Christine has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the MercyOne ICU nurses and staff for their compassion towards Christine and her family.

Richard P. Noesen

Richard Paul Noesen, a lifelong resident of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 16, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:30a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 10:30a.m. at the funeral home with Sr. Margaret Ann Kramer officiating.

Born on April 23, 1942, in Dubuque to Frank and Bertha Noesen, Richard grew up deeply connected to the community that he would call home throughout his life.

Richard was a proud graduate of Wahlert High School, where he formed many of the friendships that he maintained over the years. He particularly enjoyed his class reunions, held every year, gathering with the close-knit group of friends affectionately known as “Buck’s Boys.”

Richard spent most of his working years at John Deere as an electrician, though his life was much more defined by how he spent his free time.

An avid tennis player, Richard played collegiately as a non-traditional student at Clarke College as well as competing in local and regional leagues and tournaments. The sport brought him joy, discipline, and lasting friendships. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys.

Richard’s talents and interests were wide-ranging. A natural musician, he taught himself to play the piano by ear, mastered the 12-string guitar, even played and sang with an accordion. He also loved classic cars, working under the hood, and leading his family on many memorable long-distance road trips. In his later years, he embraced woodworking, creating unique, hand-crafted pieces that reflected his patience and craftsmanship.

Richard enjoyed the simple pleasures of daily life, especially sharing morning coffee with a close fraternity of friends at Panera—a tradition filled with camaraderie and laughter.

A man of faith, Richard was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. At home, some of his most treasured moments were spent with his wife, Carolyn, watching sunsets over their backyard garden.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn Noesen; his brother Fr. Tom Noesen; his sister Bert Noesen; his children Bob Noesen (Dawn), Mike Noesen (Lora), Chris Rivard, Rick Noesen (Jill) and grandchildren Emily, Natalie, James, Emma, Ryan, Libby (Zach B.), Zach, and Sawyer. He is also survived by his step-sons Sean (Ladonna) Thomas and Michael Thomas. In-laws Cathy & Roger Puls, Jeanne Keck, Tim & Carol Dolson, Jan & Monty Casebolt, Peter & Bonnie Dolson, Mary & Dale Baker, Randy & Peggy Dolson.

He is preceded in death by his brother Frank, and his parents, Frank and Bertha.

Memorials may be given to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

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

Kevin W. Young

Kevin W. Young, 61, of Dubuque, died Sunday, November 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Rev. Robert Gross will officiate. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Kevin was born May 6, 1964 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, son of John and Janet (Hendricks) Young.

He grew up in Dubuque, after graduating from Dubuque Senior High in 1983 he moved to Denver, Colorado. He worked for Tri State Painting for several years. He moved back to Dubuque and began working as a self-employed painting contractor, KY Painting. His motto was “I do it slick & quick with quality”. Kevin’s passion was trout fishing. He proudly taught his nephew Seth how to fish at 3 years old. His favorite hole was Swiss Valley Nature Preserve. He had an amazing green thumb; his flower gardens were the envy of many. His lifetime love of the Chicago Bears didn’t waver even during a bad season. He held a healthy competition playing pool and partnered with his brother Chris, they would proudly hold the table for hours. Kevin loved to cook, he could talk about food for hours. His favorite was his Dad’s “must go”, which is every leftover in the refrigerator made into an amazing concoction, always delicious!

He is survived by his parents, John & Janet Young; a sister, Kerry (Scott) Douglas; his fiancé, Laura Gassman; a nephew, Seth Godwin; three nieces, Maranda (Emily) Peterson, Chelsea Young, and Olivia (Cameron) Moss; his great niece and nephews; Aunts and Uncles on the Hendricks, Young, and Gassman families.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Young; his grandparents; and aunts and uncles.

Memorials can be made to the Kevin Young Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses in the ICU of MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, who so thoughtfully cared for him; and Dr. Powers for his compassionate care of our Kevin.

Sally A. Frick

Sally Ann Frick, 77, of Dubuque, died Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 3:45 pm Friday, November 21, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sally will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle as the Celebrant.

Sally was born July 18, 1948, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Arthur Joseph and Sara Ann (McKernan) Frick. On October 26, 1968, she married Thad Gavin at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque. They later divorced.

Sally graduated from Clarke College in 1971 with a degree in History.

She started working at 14 years old at Sunnycrest Manor, and she later was elected to serve on their Board of Trustees. She was also a proud business owner of Thad J. Gavin APPC and later worked for the State of Iowa as a social worker, among many other jobs.

Sally was a dedicated volunteer, giving her time to the Veterans Freedom Center, Sunnycrest Manor, the Friendship Force, and Operation Friendship. She enjoyed being part of several card clubs in the Dubuque area where she loved playing Euchre, 500, and Cribbage. She also enjoyed playing volleyball. Above all, she cherished traveling with her family, especially, on their memorable trips to Guatemala and Austria.

Survivors include her three children, Lisa Gavin of Cedar Rapids, IA, Chris (Linella) Gavin of Glen Ridge, NJ, and Meghan Gavin of Des Moines, IA; five grandchildren, Dale Gavin, Isabelle Gavin, Kinzie Gavin, Brennan Gavin, and Ainsley Gavin; one great-grandchild, Scarlett Gavin; three sisters, Kay (Denny) Pfeiffer, Donna Mitchell, and Pat (Steve) Wehrle; one brother, Larry (Dianne Theisen) Frick; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother-in-law, Mike Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Veterans Freedom Center, Sunnycrest Manor, or Hospice of Dubuque.

Sally’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bethany Home and to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and support. They would also like to thank Roger Hantelmann for his companionship in her last years.

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

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Lucille L. Thiltgen

Lucille Loretta Thiltgen (Pollock), age 96 of Galena, IL, died in hospice care on Sunday, November 16, 2025. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM at the church until the time of mass. Burial will be in Nativity BVM Cemetery, Menominee, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena.

Lucille was born to Elmer J. and Florence K. (Hoffmann) Pollock on May 21, 1929. She attended a one-room schoolhouse with eight students in Zwingle, IA, and then St. Columbkille High School in Dubuque.

After attending high school, she helped take care of her brother and sister, Jim and Mary Ann, on her parents’ farm until meeting and marrying her husband, Oswald “Ossie” Thiltgen. They were married on September 14, 1949, at St. Theresa’s Church, LaMotte, IA. She and her husband, Ossie, farmed together for thirty-one years until the farm was sold in 1980. She butchered and processed hogs and chickens for the family, milked cows, did fieldwork and housework, canned produce from the garden, sewed clothes for the children, and raised the children. If that wasn’t enough, she also worked other jobs during her life, including working at a battery factory, selling Tupperware for nineteen years, owning and operating an antique/collectibles store for twenty-five years until the age of 95, and operating a Bed & Breakfast out of their home.

She had many hobbies, including playing cards (euchre), putting puzzles together, baking pies, quilting, and ceramics. She was a great collector of antiques, Beanie Babies, glassware, dolls, all types of figurines, and many other items too numerous to mention.

Lucille had some unique expressions that gave one a sense of how she viewed life. When asked about how or why things happened in the past, she said: “That was just living, that’s the way it was”. Her attitude about solving problems was: “If you are given lemons in life, learn how to make lemonade,” and “When things get tough, you have to do things you don’t want to do.” She had a get-up-and-go attitude. While Lucille could have a straightforward, no-nonsense approach at times, she had a soft spot in her heart for those who were down, having a hard time, or just needing help, whether it was a family member or a complete stranger. One could count on her to help in any way she could, no questions asked. She was a rock of dependability.

Her two greatest loves in life were: taking care of her children and grandchildren, and taking care of flowers! Her yard was filled with flowers of many types, and she continued to plant new bulbs in the fall, even when she knew she might not be there in the spring to see them bloom. She had a “green thumb” and couldn’t help herself in wanting to see things grow. She was always a farmer at heart. She had as many as sixty potted plants in her apartment before her passing. She was known as the “flower lady” at the assisted living facility and was asked for her advice on caring for flowers. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who will be sadly missed.

Lucille is survived by her children; Laurene (Dave) Case, Shirley Hulscher, Ruth Gallagher, Jerry (Cathy) Thiltgen, Diane Haque, Donna Masters, Pat (Donnie) Nellis, Sue (Rick) Nemec, Mary Leifker, John (Maggie) Thiltgen and Joe (Cathy) Thiltgen, twenty one grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a sister Mary Ann (Butch) Breitbach, a sister-in-law Elaine Pollock as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Raymond and James; a sister, Darlene; and four sons-in-law, Butch Hulscher, Tim Gallagher, Sattar Haque, and Dale Leifker; a grandson, Jordan Duerr; and a great-granddaughter, Kyla.

The family requests no flowers.

A special thank you goes to the staff at Midwest Medical Center Assisted Living in Galena and Hospice of Dubuque. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

William T. Bonney

William “Billy” T. Bonney, 69 of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025, at his home in rural Maquoketa.

Billy was born June 8, 1956, in Maquoketa, the son of Larvel Ray and Fonda Faye (Fuglsang) Bonney.  He graduated from Maquoketa High School with the class of 1974.  He then went on to graduate from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a degree in Small Engine Repair.  Billy married Sherry DeLarm on April 14, 1979, in Maquoketa.

Billy worked as a warehouse manager for Devenish Nutrition in Maquoketa.  Previously, he was blessed with working with his Golden Sun Feeds “Family” for 26 years.  Billy was an avid hunter, both with a bow and shotgun, and fisherman.  He was a past president of the local Ducks Unlimited. Billy also loved riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles, often making trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. He was also a disciplined practitioner of martial arts, becoming a black belt in Karate. Billy enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and was an avid reader of history.

Billy is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Sherry Bonney of Maquoketa; his sister-in-law, Margaret Bonney; two nieces and one nephew; and his fur babies, Kit, GoGo, and Nikki.  Billy was preceded in death by his parents; brother Merrill Bonney; father-in-law David DeLarm; Brother-in-law David Ruff; good friend David Dunne; and biker buddies Tony, Arky, Ben and Donnie.

In one final act of selflessness, Billy gave the greatest gift of life through organ/tissue donation.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa.  A private family graveside service and burial will be held at a later date at the Spragueville, Iowa Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Ducks Unlimited or to the Maquoketa Public Library.

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

Lana S. Heilig

Lana Sue Heilig, 83, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Wheatland Manor in Wheatland, Iowa.

Lana was born on June 16, 1942 to Clarence and Margaret (Casteel) Gombert. She attended Lost Nation High School and graduated in 1960. She married Marvin Ronald Heilig on November 5th, 1960 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. She and Ron raised three children – Todd, Tammi, and Tim.

Lana’s commitment to her faith and community was evident in her membership at the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation where she devoted her time and energy to the Presbyterian Women. Everyone who knew Lana knew how much she loved working alongside Ron on the farm, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking care of her pets, raising her sheep, tending to her flowers and garden, and wintering in Texas.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Ronald; her children Todd (Kelly) Heilig of Davenport, IA, Tammi (Mike) Sagers of Maquoketa, IA, Tim (Sue) Heilig of Lost Nation, IA; six grandchildren; Kyle Heilig, Renee (George) Heilig, Shane (Stephanye) Sagers, Sarah (Jon) Engle, Ryan (Lori) Heilig and Lauren (Austin) Rickertsen; and 5 great grandchildren; Olivia Campbell, William Engle, Abrom Engle, Mason Heilig, and Evee Heilig.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Margaret Gombert; her sister, Diane Rockwell; her in-laws Mike and Eva Heilig.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Her family would like to thank Hospice of Jackson County, and Wheatland Manor for their compassionate care. In addition, she appreciated all the cards, phone calls, prayers, flowers, and visits from friends near and far during this difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County in Maquoketa, IA or Camp Bear Creek in Wyoming, IA.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Ronald L. Backes

Ronald Lester Backes, 69, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home.

Visitation will be held 4-6 pm. Wednesday November 19, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa. Inurnment will be held at Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 11a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Ronald was born in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lester and Helen (Loewen) Backes. He married Betty Ann Allen on November 29, 1975, and they welcomed two children, Mandy and Levi.  Their union dissolved, but they remained life-long friends and continued to share family celebrations and demonstrated beautifully how to put family first, even after divorce.

Ron attended Clinton Community College for Electronics and then served his country for 6 years in the Marine Corps as an avionics technician.  Multiple deployments allowed him to experience different countries, which cultivated a lifelong curiosity in the world.  He was employed by National Cash Register (NCR) as a field technician and later in maintenance at Barnstead Thermolyne in Dubuque.

Ron was an adventurous free-spirit, and he loved to spend time with family and friends.  He enjoyed history, science, and politics and he was eager to share his knowledge, stories, and conversation with others.  He was unpretentious, self-reliant, and good at troubleshooting & repairs.  He was a generous father and grandfather, willing to engage in child’s play and eager to help with their ambitions and challenges.

Ron is survived by his family: children Mandy (Harve) Ludovissy and Levi (Brandie) Backes, along with Betty (Joe) Muntz, Becky (Nathaniel) White, and Casey Muntz; grandchildren Derek, Chelsea, Jamie, Caleb, & Tyler Ludovissy and Colin, Wyatt, & Ciara Backes, along with Stacia Knipper, Abigail Noack, Breyden & Deacen Muntz; siblings Sharon Pierson, Joan Backes, Mary Bemis, Carol Brylski, Gary Backes, Laura Backes.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Helen Backes, sister-in-law Marian Backes and brother-in-law Steve Bemis.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Michael F. Pirc

Michael F. Pirc, 66, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

Mike was born May 24, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Francis “Pete” and Marilyn (Rausch) Pirc. He married the love of his life, Denise Recker, on May 8, 1981, in Manchester, Iowa.

Mike was a quiet, humble man who always knew the perfect time to pull out his quick wit. He dedicated more than 40 years to the construction industry, building outdoor structures and teaching his kids to work hard for the things they wanted in life. He was a proud and avid Iowa Hawkeye fan who rarely missed a game and carried his Black and Gold pride to every Iowa sporting event he could attend. Above all, he was a devoted family man who never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren, attending every event he could – from sporting events to school programs, county fairs, and everything in between. After retirement, Mike enjoyed helping his family in any way he could – assisting with construction projects, milking cows and helping around the farm. His presence, his encouragement, and his unwavering love for his wife, Denise, will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Denise; children: Austin (Carrie) Pirc of Farley, Sean (fiance Niki) Pirc of Manchester, Megan (Jason) Lehman of Sherrill; mother, Marilyn Pirc of Dyersville; grandchildren: Jesse, Gage, Brianna, Aubrey, Anna, Claire and Ella; siblings: Karen (Dean) Knepper, Pat (Shirley) Pirc, Sandy (Chad) Pereboom, Tim (Peggy) Pirc, Dave (Bob) Pirc, Ron (Judy) Pirc, Russ (Tracy) Pirc, Jim (Jan) Pirc, Ann (Dean) Jorgensen, Amy (Kevin) Weber, and Kenny Pirc; and several in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Charlie Lehman; his father, Pete Pirc; his parents-in-law, Julius and Delores Recker; brothers-in-law: Richard, Merle, Kevin, and Dennis Recker; sisters-in-law: Michelle Pirc and Jean Recker.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be sent to Beckman Catholic High School.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Linda McQuillen

Linda McQuillen, 74, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on November 16, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Friday at Resurrection Catholic Church in Asbury, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Resurrection Catholic Church, with Very Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding.  Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Linda was born on April 14, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Lyle and Elaine (Williams) Dewey. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1969 and from the University of Dubuque in 1973. At just 16 years old, in 1967, Linda joined the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra as a violinist, where she shared her extraordinary talent for 43 years, inspiring and delighting tens of thousands.

After college, Linda worked in the office at the Dubuque Packing Company, where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” McQuillen. The two were married on June 18, 1976. They welcomed their son, Christopher, on February 24, 1978, and their daughter, Lindsay, on May 16, 1985.

Once her children reached school age, Linda pursued her elementary education endorsement at Clarke University and began a meaningful career as a substitute teacher for both the Dubuque Community and Western Dubuque school districts. She touched the lives of many students through her warmth, patience, and love of learning.

Linda was a longtime member of Thunder Hills Country Club. Since 1991, she was also a devoted member of the Resurrection Church choir, where she deeply cherished the friendships she made. Her passions included quilting, spending time with friends, and enthusiastically cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball team and the Indiana Fever.  She and Bob also enjoyed traveling together to places such as Ireland, New Orleans, Grand Cayman, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Chris (Janet) McQuillen and Lindsay McQuillen; her niece Jennifer (Jason) Kropp; her grandchildren, Danielle, Daisy, Charlie, and Benjamin; her twin sister Sandra (Rodney) Johnson; her sister Sharon (John) Grimes. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hawkeye Care Center, MercyOne Hospital, the Mercy Cancer Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and especially to Amanda for her exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Resurrection Church Choir.