Obituaries Archive

William J. Hansen

William J. “Bill” Hansen, age 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 11:20 p.m., on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at MercyOne Dubuque with his loving family by his side.  To celebrate Bill’s life, private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Bill was born on March 6, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John P. and Lena (Loeber) Hansen.

Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Rannals, on November 20, 1954, in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 4 children and 66 years of marriage before Shirley sadly passed away earlier this year on May 5.  Bill was employed with the Dubuque Packing Company for 39 years until his well earned retirement.  In his free time, Bill enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Lux Club and the Eagles Club, where he was a member for 30 years.  He also liked riding his motorcycles, going camping, and boating out on the river with the family.  Without a doubt, spending time with his children and grandchildren was his favorite thing to do.  We are deeply saddened at losing Bill so soon after losing Shirley, but find some comfort in knowing that they are now happily reunited for Eternity.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include

his children,
David Hansen, Iowa City, IA,
Sharon Hansen, Dubuque, IA,
Terry Hansen, Dubuque, IA
and Dawn Hansen, Dubuque, IA;

his 3 grandchildren,
Jimmy, Carrie and Jeremy;

his sister,
Irene (Bernie) Behnke, Asbury, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Alice Hansen, Dubuque, IA.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Hansen; a daughter-in-law, Mary Hansen; and his siblings, Leonard (Rosie), John “Sonny” Jr., Betty and Louise.

Bill’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Mercy Hospital for all of their kind and professional care of Bill.

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

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

John P. Mihalakis

John P. “Junnie” Mihalakis, age 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at home peacefully on September 26, 2021, surrounded by his family.

An extended family visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with services at 3:00 p.m., with Deacon Mike Ellis.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in John P. Mihalakis name to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

Junnie was born on March 18, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, the youngest son of Viola (Neubauer) and Phillip Mihalakis.  Junnie married the love of his life, Letha “Midge” (Billmeyer) Mihalakis, on February 23, 1949, at Saint Mary’s Church in Dubuque, IA.  They were together 69 years before Midge passed in 2018.  Junnie characterized his beloved Midge as his “Angel,” a metaphor that Junnie claimed his father Phillip used to describe Midge upon meeting her for the first time.

Junnie grew up in “The Flats” of Dubuque.  At an early age, Junnie developed a fascination for fishing and the Mississippi River.  It was this passion that spawned the first of many successful business ventures over the years.  Junnie was a self-made man who was ambitious and aggressive in his work.  He had a gift to see opportunities where others did not.  He worked in partnership with brother-in-law Richard Billmeyer for over forty years.  Besides his enterprising spirit, his true love was spending time at the Bass Camp Resort, Minnesota City, MN, his home away from home for over fifty years, where he entertained countless friends, professionals, and business-people by instructing them in the art of fishing.

It is easy to see Junnie’s love of fishing but knowing him was to know that his generosity and love for people spread past the riverbanks.  There was this saying, “When God measures a man, he puts the tape around the heart, not the head.”  Throughout life, Junnie approached things with a curious blend of optimism, practical wisdom, and an openness to accepting and facing whatever showed up, both good and bad.  For Junnie, his life was measured by honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and giving back.

Junnie was immensely proud of his Greek lineage and one who always put family first – an exceptional father and husband who lived life to its fullest.  In his later years, when asked about his life, he was always quick to respond, “It’s Been a Damn Good Life!”  His life was well-lived; he worked hard, played hard, and never lost sight of his humble beginnings; he made a lifetime commitment to helping those in need.

Junnie is survived by

nine children,
Viola McLaughlin,
Janice Lenz,
Deb Oster,
Vickie (Pat) Ellis,
Clyde (Tina) Mihalakis,
Kim (Rich) Rink,
Joleen (Jim) Hedley,
Mark (Dawn Wolf) Mihalakis,
and Ann (Mike) Cicciarelli;

27 grandchildren;

52 great-grandchildren;

and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Junnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Letha “Midge” (Billmeyer) Mihalakis; a son, in infancy; a daughter, Regina; his parents; brothers, George P., and Louis “Louie” Mihalakis; and his sisters, Sophia, in infancy, Kathleen (LaVerne) Jorgensen, Irene (Hank) Waltz, Harriet Bush and Delores Wiedenbacher; and sons-in-law, John McLaughlin Jr., and James “Jim” Oster.

Junnie’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all who were instrumental in the compassionate and loving caring of Junnie, especially Sean Bradley, his personal care taker; Sue and Jeremiah, Hospice of Dubuque; and his beloved grandson, Jim.  We are eternally grateful for your help.

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

Debra K. Hart

Debra Kathryn Hart, 66, of Clinton Iowa, passed away on September 23, 2021, at Sarah Harding Retirement Home.  Debra had a house fire September 16 in Clinton where her beloved dog Brownie had passed away.

Debra Kathryn Appelhans was born on September 21, 1955 in Monticello Iowa.  She was the daughter of Jake and Shirley (Brown) Appelhans.  Debra grew up in Monmouth, Iowa and was a 1973 graduate of Midland High School.  Debra had been married 3 times.  First to Jerry Wells, then Randy Schooner and lastly Russ Hart.  Debra had lived in Clinton for the last 7 years of her life and had struggled with COPD and Heart issues as well as declining mental health.

Debra is survived by a sister Pam Spain of Maquoketa; brothers Dennis and wife Kathy Appelhans of Monmouth IA, and a brother David “Joe” and wife Gay Anne of Ankeny IA; and 4 nephews.  She was proceeded in death by her mother Shirley Cummins and stepfather Stan of Maquoketa, her father Jake Appelhans, and brother-in-law Dean Spain.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There will be no public service and she will be buried privately at Saint Peter’s at Temple Hill Cemetery in Jones County

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made in her name and can be mailed to David Appelhans, 727 SE Ponds Edge Circle, Ankeny, Iowa 50021.

It is the families sincere hope that Debra has finally found the peace she longed for on earth and couldn’t find.

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

Morris B. Klocker

On September 24, 2021, Morris Bernard Klocker passed away peacefully at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa, his three kids the last visitors to kiss his forehead, hold his hands, and wave good-bye to this beloved man that they were honored to call “Dad’.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Morris will be 10:30 am Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore.

In Monticello, Iowa on October 10, 1938, one of the world’s sunniest and kindest souls, Morris B., was born into the loving arms of his parents, Martina and Vincent Klocker. He enjoyed a long life of being loved and supported deeply by his closest friends and family–both Klocker and Stecklein. And he enjoyed a long life of being the most magnetic, fun, flirty and social man in the room. He was a stranger to no one, and like a campfire, people were drawn to him, his warmth, his listening ear and his effortless way of connecting with others.

Like many people, Morrie experienced more than his fair share of adversity in life; unlike most however, time and time again, he chose hope and optimism and joy and positivity. He was an only child and at the young age of 6, his father died unexpectedly and tragically. He often spoke of his deep attachment to and love for his mother who never remarried. They were a devoted duo, with little money and big Christmases, each one the other one’s world. Martina and Morrie moved to Cascade when he was in second grade. It was during this time in this special little town that Morrie began to develop his life-long friendships–those that would serve as his brothers and sisters until the end of his days. Morrie and his ‘brothers’ played baseball all day, every day. There is no doubt that these friendships and their families were what kept him feeling loved and less alone after the death of his mother at 13. Morrie found that his athletic talents, love for sports, his childhood friends and their families would carry him through his entire life as an only child who had lost both of his parents before he had the chance to begin high school.

Involved in sports his whole life, Morrie’s heart and talents belonged to basketball and baseball. His freshman year, he made the varsity basketball team at St. Martin’s in Cascade, Iowa. Every year, the Dubuque Diocese held a basketball tournament, inviting every Catholic school to play at Loras College. Morrie made ‘1st Team All Tournament’ his freshmen year; the next 3 years he was again ‘1st Team All Tournament’ as well as the additional accolade of’ ‘Most Valuable Player’. Even with all of his success in basketball, some observers thought his best sport was baseball. He batted over .500 in 3 of his high school years  and played for the Cascade Semi-Pro baseball team in his later high school years. He continued his baseball career playing for the Army overseas. After his military service, he continued his love for the game by playing fast-pitch for teams in Dubuque.

In his late 20s, Morrie met Kathleen Stecklein, and his courtship with “Cha Cha” quickly led to a loving and loyal marriage of 50 years. He was overjoyed and honored to be welcomed into her big, beautiful family. He loved Kathy’s siblings and their spouses like his own and very much enjoyed his conversations with his nieces and nephews, catching up on their relationships, jobs, kids and lives. He felt supported and loved by the entire Stecklein clan always, and especially felt their loyalty after Kathy died in 2019.

His Cha Cha loved to travel, and she eagerly planned each of their trips with friends and family, exploring such places as Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, England, Ireland, France and more. They took cruises, visited their kids wherever they lived, and spent precious time with precious friends at The Cottage. Morrie was a romantic who often proclaimed that he ‘enjoyed a good love story’; so it comes as no surprise that Paris was his favorite city abroad. Equally loving the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and the colors of a setting sun, Morrie and Kathy also visited many beaches together. The most special of these seaside trips were when their children, their spouses and grandkids spent a week playing in the surf, watching turtles hatch, eating and cocktailing the hours away, taking early morning walks, and laughing often because of the palpable joy and humor that Morrie sprinkled everywhere he went.

A talented athlete, a loyal friend, a devoted husband, a loving brother-in-law and uncle–there is no question that Morris B. was a million wonderful things. His closest friends and family remark that despite his losses in life, he was quick to joke, to laugh, to make inappropriate comments, to light up a room, and to be “the most fantastic person I’ve ever met”. People describe him as a gentlemen, as joyful–quick to tease or give a nickname. His jolliness was infectious, his voice low and husky, and his eyes as twinkly as can be. But of all of his descriptors and roles in life, he was proudest of being a father. And he was the best father. He was there always; he called and left incredible messages filled with humor and love all in 18 seconds. He supported each of his children always, and often embellished their gifts or victories when sharing the details with others. He said he would be there for anything, and open to hearing everything–and he truly was. He hugged them and cheered them on, showed up at their jobs, cried harder than anyone else on their wedding days. He took the time and patience to truly  know his kids–at every period of their lives. There is no doubt that he loved all 3 of his children equally, but when it came to Christopher, this beloved father took devotion to a whole new level. He was Chris’s protector, advocate, and buddy–their hearts and souls connected in a way that cannot be described in words. Two phone calls a day, endless weekends and drives and Sunday afternoon naps, the two were much like Morrie and his mother were–a dedicated duo, each one the other one’s world. Fast food, Friday evening pick-ups, golfing, bowling, praying, attending local sporting events, they were together seemingly always. To know one was to know the other. To love one was to love the other.

As difficult as it is to lose this beautiful soul who filled our days with happiness and wisdom, Morrie would want us to remember him in a variety of ways. He would want us to find him in a Michigan Wolverines game, in the sight of a John Deere tractor, in the laughter of his grandchildren, in a good day of the stock market, in the eyes of his children, in the smell of small town Iowa (Cascade), in memories and stories, in his best zingers and inappropriate but hilarious comments, and most of all, in the sound of laughter. He would hope that we could eventually get to a place where his memory is one solely of happiness.

Therefore, in lieu of flowers, we invite everyone to channel their inner Morrie–to choose joy and hope. To face sadness and hard times and loss, but to know that love is worth the pain. To let someone in your lane, to strike up a conversation with someone at a coffee or donut shop, to tease people a little more and criticize a little less. To realize that the true meaning of life is to connect with those around us–whether they are near or far, whether are strangers or our closest loved ones. Yes, Morrie would say in his raspy, booming voice, “Choose love.”

He truly left all those he touched with a big piece of his beautiful heart; may we gently carry it with us–always.

Morris B. Klocker is survived by his children Christopher Klocker (of Dubuque, Iowa), Michael and wife Lily Klocker (of Highlands Ranch, CO), Jessie and husband Kevin McCormick (of Sioux City, Iowa); his three grandchildren Addison Klocker, Jillian Klocker and Wrenn McCormick.

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

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

Robert L. White

Robert L. “Bob” White, of Asbury, Iowa, died Friday, September 24, 2021.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  Monday, September 27, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, where funeral services and sharing of memories will begin at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bob was born on December 4, 1927. He grew up in Rockford, Illinois and graduated from East High School. Bob served two years in the United States Navy.

Bob married Lorraine Coleman of Rockford, Illinois in 1948. He later married Lorraine “Babe” Oster on November 17, 1979.

Bob was in the food and beverage (restaurant) business for thirty years. He then worked for the Iowa Department of revenue for fifteen years until his retirement.

Bob enjoyed bowling, golfing, dancing at Elmo Club and playing cards.

Surviving are his two sons, Craig of Buffalo Grove, IL., and Mark (Bonnie) of Wesley Chapel, FL; three step daughters, Judy (Jack) Heiderscheit, of Naples, FL., JoAnn (Jack Krieman) Hart, of Dubuque and Janeen (Larry) Kaufmann, of Ocala, FL; four step grandchildren, twelve step great grandchildren and 4 step great-great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine “Babe”, his mother and father; two sisters; and two brothers.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank all his friends at the Village Coop.

Joanne L. Stierman

Joanne L. Stierman, 84, of Dubuque died Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Ennoble Manor.  Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 29, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Joanne was born September 26, 1936 in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph and Alice (Hamsmith) Maas.

She graduated from St. Joseph Academy.  Throughout her life, she did office work for several places, retiring from Hartig Drug after working there for 15 years.

She enjoyed bowling, playing Euchre and doing circle a word and number book puzzles.  She was a member of Holy Ghost where she worked and called Bingo for over 30 years. She belonged to RSVP of Dubuque and volunteered many hours at the Dubuque Arboretum in the summer.

She is survived by a brother, Jim (Marilyn) Maas, a sister, Karen Maas and a sister in law, Carol Maas.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kathy (Al) Oakes, Pat (Jody) Maas, Paula (John) Fitzgerald, Carla (John) Courtney, Carol (Bryon) Wadsley, Jennifer (Andrew) Sheppard, Jason (Danielle Barry) Maas  and Angela Maas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Tom Maas.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor, as well as Hospice of Dubuque, especially Joanne’s nurse Hillary, for their care. 

Kenneth J. Krogman

Kenneth J. Krogman, 65, of Worthington passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Visitation will be held 3-7 pm Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue from 9 – 10:30 am Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home where a Funeral Service will commence at 10:30 am.  Rev. Martin Obeng will officiate.

Ken was born June 10, 1956, in Monticello, IA the son of Joseph and Alvina (Tobin) Krogman.  He graduated from Western Dubuque High School with the Class of 1974.  He married Lynne Recker on November 17, 1979, in Dyersville.  Ken worked at Modernfold his entire working life of 46 years.  He was a member of both the Worthington and Dyersville Sportsman Club, and he was always willing to help those in need.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife, Lynne, siblings: John (Susan) Krogman of Cascade, IA and Sandy (Duane) Gravel of Dyersville; in-laws: Nancy Recker of Humboldt, IA, Don (Ruth) Recker of Dubuque, IA, Ruth (Jim) DeShaw of Huntsville, TX, Glenn (Lin) Recker of Asbury, IA, Roger (Rosemary) Recker of Earlville, IA, LuAnn (Charlie) Bruggemann of Montezuma, IA, Randy (Lynn) Recker of Dyersville, IA; Godchildren: Anne Dolphin and Greg Gravel, and many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Tony and Luella Recker, brother-in-law, Ronald Recker.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com. Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home,  750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Mildred Welp

Mildred “Millie” Welp, 88 of Galena, Il passed away Friday, September 24, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community surrounded by her loving family. The funeral mass will be at 11 AM, Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, and where friends may call at the church after 10 AM until the time of the mass. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Millie was born on August 1, 1933, the second child of five, born to Ed and Irene Westemeier. She lived her entire life in Galena.  She attended Cottage Grove her first eight years then went on to Galena High School where she graduated with the class of 1952. She married the love of her life, Delos Welp in January of 1953, and together they had five children.  Delos preceded her in death on December 9, 2017. Millie began working at Millhouse when she was 17.  This was just the first of many jobs she had throughout her life including Burgess Battery Factory, Eaton, John Deere, Chestnut Mountain, The Old Stockade, and the Galena History Museum, all while raising her five children.  She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Daughters and the Altar and Rosary Society.  Millie loved life and found great joy in her family and friends.  She loved having fun indoors and out.  She could often be found at a ballgame watching De play ball, sitting on a bank with a fishing pole in her hands, gathered around a campfire at the family camp, and sometimes even dancing on the tables at the Firehouse!   She was an avid Cubs and Bears Fan.  She rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play.

Millie is survived by her four daughters, Connie (Butch) Muchow, their children, Jennifer (Don Groop) Muchow, and Jason (Sarah O’Steen) Muchow,  Patty Lyden-Shillington and her children, Ami (Terry Freese) Lyden and her son Chance, Amber (Shane) Stilson, and their children, Madyson and Abby, Dustin (Traci) Lyden and their children, Kiera, Keinan and Kasin, Kim (Toby Petitgout) Einck and her children, Ryan (Terri) Petitgout and their children, Carissa, Cameron, Marissa, Cayden, Samantha, Ciara and Camden, Cory (Jessica) Petitgout and their daughter, Rilyn, Stephanie (Rich) Cook and their children, Nigel, Sydney, Jayden, and Trey Cook, Anita Welp and her children, Jacob Heller, and his children Katie, Jordan and Roman, Lacey Dole, Shane Dole, and his children, Carter and Mason and Shawna Dole. Millie was also getting ready to greet two new great-grandchildren, one in November and another in January.  Her sisters, Lucille Foecking, and Jean Francis, and her sister-in-law, Eve Goley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son Richard “Rick”, two sisters, Marge Addabbo, and Marcie Fraissinet, her in-laws, Leo Addabbo, George Frassinet, Donald Foecking and Gene Francis, Mary Ellen and Elmo Welp, Jan and Doug Duggan, Wilma, and Ozzie Osmeyer, two sons in law, John Lyden and John Shillington and a great-grandson, Jacob Stilson, a very special nephew, Tim Welp.

Millie’s family would like to thank the Nursing Home staff for all they did for Mom and her nursing home family she enjoyed so much.  Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Judith A. Mueller

Judith Ann Mueller, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 24, 2021, at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at St. Joseph Church Key West with Fr. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Judy was born on July 19, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Cletus and Melinda (Meyers) Reittinger and was raised by Hilda and Bill Reittinger. She married Robert J. Mueller, Jr. on October 10, 1959, at Nativity Church in Dubuque.

Judy worked very hard her whole life in various restaurants including the Swiss Chalet, Morocco, and prior to retirement, Country Kitchen, where she was loved as the “mom” to the younger staff.

Judy lost the love of her life, Robert, in 2004. They were very proud of their home in Metropolitan Heights where they raised their family and had lifelong friendships. On warm afternoons, you would find them on their sun porch watching the birds and enjoying happy hour together.  Judy was talented at crocheting blankets and liked to spend her quiet time reading or doing a seek and find. She ate a Hershey bar every day, and her day was not complete without her 6 pm Kessler’s highball.

She is survived by her four children Randy (Connie) Mueller, Debbie Nichols, Sue (Jim) Miller and Bobby Mueller. Twelve grandchildren: Mike (Jessica) Mueller, Matt (Jackie) Mueller, Randy John (Olivia Haack) Mueller, Shawn (Cassidy) Stoffel, Holly (Adam) Gross, Halle (Mitch Simon) Nichols, Katie Hinkel, Maggie Clemen, Nikki Clemen, Jacob Mueller, Jessica Mueller and Gage Mueller along with eleven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Mueller; her parents; her mother and father-in-law Robert and Dorothy Mueller; her brother Bobby Reittinger; her sister Margaret Vonderhaar and brothers-in-law David Mueller and Leonard Vonderhaar.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital and Stonehill Care Center for all their care and kindness.

Beatrice O. Raab

Beatrice O. “Bea” Raab, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on September 22, 2021, at Hawkeye Care in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 27, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Bea was born on April 27, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Gilbert and Lenora (Eckert) Kruse. She married David J. Raab on March 1, 1975 at Faith United Methodist Church in Dubuque.

Bea was a loving homemaker, she was loved by everyone and returned that love to her family. She loved her dog, Lilly; she enjoyed working at the farmers market and visiting with all the people passing by. Bea loved to eat popcorn and watch westerns; enjoyed gardening, flowers, road trips, craft fairs with her niece, shopping on QVC, traveling and experiencing anything the country had to offer. She was also a member of the 4H Leadership.

She is survived by her husband David J. Raab; her children Sheila (Ryan) Smith, Troy (Carey) Raab; grandchildren Jacob, Leah and Scarlett and a brother Vernon (Carol Ann) Kruse.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Olive Steiner along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque especially Kelli, Dianne, Sue, Peggy and Nicole along with the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center for all their wonderful care and kindness.

Brenda A. Briggs

Brenda A. “Susie” (Donath) Briggs, age 63, of Dubuque, went home to be with the Lord at 9:14 p.m., on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Brenda’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church, 12805 Seippel Road.  To honor Brenda’s life, funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday at Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church, 12805 Seippel Road, with Pastor Lynn Spicer officiating.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Brenda was born on November 27, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Virginia (Davis) Donath Sr.

Brenda attended Dubuque Senior High School before joining the work force.  She was employed as the Head of Housekeeping at The Hotel Julien for several years, and also worked in the Tri-State Blind Society Book Store.  In her free time, Brenda had many hobbies including reading, listening to music, watching old time movies, playing cards, especially Euchre, and most importantly playing Bingo as often as possible.  Her ability to play 24 Bingo cards all at once was legendary.  She loved spending time with her family and looked forward to any occasion that brought everyone all together.  We are deeply saddened at losing our wonderful mom, grandma, sister and friend, but know that Brenda is now in Heaven, blissfully reunited in the loving arms of her beloved fiancé Sidney.

Those left to cherish Brenda’s memory include

her 7 daughters,
Hollie Rae Thomas,
Nicole Hines,
Hollie Ann (Jeremy) Gabel,
Candace Briggs,
Donna (Edward) Griffin,
Kimber (Jeffrey) Bush
and Keri (Michael) Tillman, all of Dubuque, IA;

17 grandchildren;

a great-granddaughter;

her siblings,
Rick (Mary) Donath,
Greg (Nadine) Donath
and Walter “Beanie” Donath, all of Dubuque, IA;

2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Donath
and Joyce Donath, both of Dubuque, IA;

a sister-in-law and “partner in crime”,
Cindy Donath, Dubuque, IA;

her long time special friend,
Pam Gagne, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; her fiancé, Sidney Hines and his parents, Sylven and Alyce Hines; 2 brothers, Owen Donath and Jerry Donath; and a niece, Kristina Donath.

Brenda’s family would like to thank all of the outstanding nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, especially Linda in the ICU, for their care and concern for Brenda and her family.  Also a special thanks to the Dubuque Fire Department for their assistance, we deeply appreciate all of you. We are also extremely grateful to Pastor Spicer, and all of the Faith Temple Family, for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

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

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

Norbert F. Wieland

Norbert F. “Norb” Wieland, age 77, of Burton, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021, at his residence. He was born September 22, 1944 and raised in Potosi Township. Norb graduated eighth grade from Elmdale Country School and furthered his education at Vo-Tech in Fennimore. He was employed at the Hurricane Creamery. Norb was united in marriage to Arlene A. Russell on December 11, 1960, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He was employed at Farmer’s Union Co-op as the mill manager, which later became Premier Cooperative, working for more than 50 years until his illness made him retire. Norb was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burton. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially cutting wood. Norb enjoyed tractor pulls, NASCAR, and his fishing trips to Canada. He loved spending time with his family and will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his sons: Michael “Mike” (fiancée Gina Udelhofen), Curt (Sheila), and Chad (Stephanie) Wieland; 12 grandchildren: Eric (Holly), Dusty (Mary Jo), Jesse (Cassie), and Jake (Kari) Schmitz, Marissa Wieland, Sam (Don) Clauer, Alex (Jason) Taylor, McKenzie and Jaden Wieland, Erica Neith, Trevor (Mallory Bahl) and Austin (Kayla Shemak) Wieland;  12 great grandchildren; a son-in-law; James “Jim” Schmitz; a brother-in-law, Denny Stulka; and his aunt, Dolores Metcalf.

In addition to his grandparents, William and Opal Wieland, his mother, Evelyn and his wife Arlene, Norb was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Schmitz, and two sisters-in-law: Toddy Ames and Bonnie Stulka.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor David Froemming officiating.  Burial will be in the Burton Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Monday, September 27, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Norb Wieland Memorial Fund has been established.

We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care.

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

William H. Calvert

William H. “Bill” Calvert, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully on September 23, 2021, at Bell Tower Senior Living, East Dubuque, IL at the age of 85 after a long illness. A gathering will be held from 5 to 7 PM, Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where military honors will be accorded at 7 PM by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Private family burial will be at Benton United Methodist Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born on April 12, 1936, in Hazel Green, WI the son of William and Alice Calvert. After high school, in August 1954, Bill joined the Taliesin Fellowship to study architecture and the arts with Frank Lloyd Wright. He participated fully in the architectural program there for 6 years and became a staff member. While there he worked on the Guggenheim Museum drawings, a studio for Clare Booth Luce, a model of Marin County Civic Center, and a myriad of other assignments, including electrical work and theatre lighting. Bill was drafted in January 1961, during which time he became an artillery surveyor and instructor.  He left the Army and returned to Taliesin December 1962 as a staff architect. Circa 1964 Bill moved to San Francisco, CA obtained his architectural license and worked for Leroy Daley Company, a large A&E firm doing mechanical equipment surveys.

In 1966 he was sent to Brazil to be a field engineer in Fortaleza and there he met his wife-to-be, Regina. They married in December of 1989 in Fortaleza. Returning to San Francisco in 1968 Bill worked on small design and remodel jobs and then became construction supervisor of the San Francisco Airport. Later he worked at a NASA facility at Moffett Field for a full-scale wind tunnel project.

Bill returned to the Midwest with his wife and daughter Helena, where in Galena, he opened, owned, and operated the Isabella Imports coffee roasting business for over 20 years, up until the diagnosis of his illness. Bill’s own life journey was remarkable. He was deeply interested in philosophy and world religions as well as the study of UFOs.  He had a great sense of humor. Everyone was enriched in their own lives from having known him.Bill enjoyed singing on Sundays with Grace Episcopal Church choir group where he was a member, reminiscing daily with coffee friends at Isabella Imports and was extremely proud of his daughter and grandson. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Helena (Jared Oster) Calvert, grandson, Cole Buman, and his many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother Steven Calvert.

We wish to give a special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, Bell Tower Senior Living of East Dubuque, Iowa City Veterans Hospital and Finley Hospital for the exceptional care provided to help him transition peacefully. We would also like to thank Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Furlong Funeral Chapel and Grace Episcopal Church and our family and friends for the love and support. We are forever grateful!

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Alice E. Amling

Alice E. Amling, age 89, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on Sept. 22, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Alice’s life, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at St. Columbkille’s Church, 1240 Rush Street, in Dubuque.  Family and friends are also invited to join in food and fellowship on Saturday, at 4:00 pm, at the Moracco Supper Club, 1413 Rockdale Road, in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Alice’s family.

Alice was born on February 19, 1933, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Ralph and Lillian (Patton) Fay.  She grew up with a love for nature that she carried throughout her entire life.  She was a devoted wife and mother who raised her family with love, but she also found time to work outside of the house for many years.  She enjoyed her years with everyone at Business Telephone Supply and even maintained some of those relationships after retirement.  When Alice wasn’t spending time with her family, you could generally find her socializing with her friends, or quite often tending to her flower gardens and watching her birds enjoy the serene environment she had created for them.  We will miss Alice, but thankfully the memories which she leaves behind will help to heal our grieving hearts.  May the peace of the Lord be hers now as she waits for us all to be reunited again one day.  Thank you, Alice, for every ounce of love you shared over your 89 years among us.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Alice include her 4 sons, Robert (Donna), Steven, and Ralph Meier, and Warren (Robin) Amling; her 6 grandchildren, Marica, Jennifer, Candace, and Cory Meier, and Jack and Willie Ambling; her sister, Sandra Fay; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her son, William Amling; and her sister, Jeanette Lynn.

Alice’s family would like to thank Dr. Cao, and his staff, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their wonderful care and support.

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

Michael H. Larson

Michael H. “Mike” Larson, 70, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the Bell Tower Retirement Community in East Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 27, 2021 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The mass will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Visitation will be 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Monday at the church.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Mike was born on September 18, 1951 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Edward “Bud” and Irma (Riesselman) Larson.

He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1969. Mike formerly worked at Caradco Manufacturing and Frommelt Industries, later known as Rite-Hite Corporation from where he retired.

He was an avid Chicago Bears fan, enjoyed playing a good game of euchre and loved to tease people.  He will be remembered as a fun loving uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Surviving are his siblings, Bonnie (Dave) Fluhr and Ron (Karen) Larson both of East Dubuque, IL, and Sharon (Bob) Holz of Des Moines, IA; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Irma; his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Carol Larson; nephew, Kurt Larson and niece, Carol Fluhr.

Mike’s family would like to express their thanks to the nurses and staff at the Bell Tower Retirement Community and Hospice of Dubuque for the care provided to their brother.

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