Obituaries Archive

Lorraine Regan

Lorraine “Lorri” Regan, 64, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 5, 2021, at her home.

Visitation for Lorri will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be at Mount Calvary at a later date.

Lorraine was born October 27, 1957, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Frank and Naomi Kelley Regan.

She was a 1976 graduate of Hempstead High School. She graduated from Clark University in 1980 and received her Master’s Degree from Iowa State University in 1982.

Lorraine was a social worker.

She enjoyed reading, was an animal lover, and cherished time with her family.

Survivors include her mother, Naomi Regan of Dubuque; one brother, Daniel (Carol) Regan of Peosta, IA; one sister, Kelli (Lonie) Brown of Dubuque; one nephew, Kevin (Abigail) Regan; and three nieces, Codi (Mike) Jasper, and Kristan and Hannah Brown.

She was preceded in death by her father.

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

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

Steven L. Weiland

Steven Lloyd Weiland, 61, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on December 4, 2021.

Per Steve’s wishes, no visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is assisting the family.

Steve was born on January 28, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa to Lloyd Lee and Mary Kay (Whitfield) Weiland. He attended Resurrection, graduated from Stephen Hempstead High School in 1978, and then studied at a trade school for automotive repair. On June 17, 2000, he married Debra Lynn Hittenmiller. Steve was the owner and operator of Cedar Cross Svc Inc of Dubuque, Iowa for over 30 years.

Steve was an outdoor enthusiast who was passionate about hunting, fishing, camping, and boating. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, and spending time at “the lake” in Lake of the Ozark, Missouri.

He is survived by his wife Debra L. Weiland; son Jesse L. Weiland; daughter April M. Weiland; step-sons Jason R. (Amy) Humke, and Jeremy M. Humke; mother Mary K. Weiland; sisters Angella (Harry) Anen, Cindy (Ron) Frommelt, Tammy (Rod) Link, and Melanie (Ken) Offerman; brother Sam (Jessie) Weiland; granddaughters Ava Lee, and Emily Humke; grandsons Karsen Eimer, Brody Trowbridge, and Robbie Humke; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd L. Weiland, and brother, Mike Weiland.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jeremiah and Amy, along with Dr. Engelman and the staff at MercyOne cancer center.  Also, thank you to family and friends for all your support and encouragement.

Irene E. Beam

Irene E. Beam, 91, of Dubuque, passed away at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center on Saturday, December 4, 2021.

Per Irene’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

She is survived by four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister; two brothers; one daughter-in-law; one son-in-law and sister-in-law.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Patti Dix for always being there for Irene.

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

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

Michael Lun Wong

Michael “Mickey” Lun Wong, 83, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kim (Tim) Folsom and Melynn (Dave) Davis and one son, Derek (Carrie) Wong.

Mickey is preceded in death by his wife, MaryAnn Wong and two daughters, Lorrie Wong and Carol Latto.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the family which may be mailed to Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002, Attn. Michael Wong Family.

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

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

Averle Bevan

Averle Bevan, 97, of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Mercy One in Dubuque.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Thursday, December 9, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 9:00 am until service time also on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at church prior to services.  Burial will be in Potter Cemetery, rural Bellevue.

Local arrangements entrusted with pending at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Averle was born April 7, 1924, the daughter of George and Rose (Stein).  She graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1942.  Averle then did her nurses training at Finley School of Nursing in Dubuque, upon completion of nurses training she traveled to many areas before coming back to Bellevue.  She married Charles P. Bevan on June 4, 1953, he passed on January 27, 1973.  Averle worked at the Bellevue Hospital until it closed and then worked at Mill Valley Care Center until the age of 85.  She loved her career as a nurse and helping many people over the years.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and Elizabeth Circle, American Legion Auxiliary, and Chapter Fl, Bellevue Chapter of P.E.O.  Averle enjoyed baking, playing rummy with her grandchildren with “Grandma’s Rules”, traveling, and spending time with her best friend, her daughter Sue.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, William “Bill” (Kim) Bevan, and Sue Bevan; grandchildren, Lacey (Phil) Ruden, Justin (Stacy) Bevan; great-grandchildren, Leigha, Rylee, and Garret; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Averle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a brother Vernon (Dessell) Brown.

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

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

John B. Trenkamp

John B. Trenkamp, 80 of Dubuque, and formerly of Dyersville passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Private family services will be at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Burial will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.

John was born January 18, 1941, in Worthington, the son of Anton and Mary (Kremer) Trenkamp.  He grew up on a farm near Dyersville where he did much hunting and trapping.  John worked at for the Dubuque Pack for 45 years until it closed in 2001.  He enjoyed bike riding accomplishing 14 annual RAGBRAI events.  John also liked spending time outdoors hunting & fishing.

Survivors include his siblings: Margaret (RJ) Bertling of Worthington and Donna Snitker of Waukon along with several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, siblings: Frank, Joe, Wilfred, Ray and Tony.

Condolences may be sent Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040 in lieu of flowers.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Larry L. Kramer

Larry L. Kramer, 56, of Naples, Florida and formerly of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Saturday from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in St. Francis Cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Larry was born on October 5, 1965, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Vernon and Beulah (Scheckel) Kramer. Larry lived in Naples with his parents and was VP of Sales at Wild Hare Shooting Gear for 30 years.

Larry developed a true passion for aviation at a very young age. He began building and flying small remote-controlled airplanes with his Father Vernon. The two of them participated in pattern plane flying competitions around the country often nudging each other out for top trophies. At seventeen Larry earned his private pilot’s license and he enjoyed giving rides to friends and family. Larry’s talents and passion lead him into building, painting, and flying highly complex jet powered aircraft and became known as a top builder and flyer earning over 50 major awards along with his father. This notoriety made him an expert in the model jet industry and was often sought out for advice and custom-building work for owners around the world. Due to the exquisite detail and craftsmanship, these airplanes were often regarded as works of art and were proudly displayed in museums, private collections, and atriums of corporate facilities. Larry enjoyed entertaining people with his jets and performed at dozens of airshows. At these shows, Larry’s flying often attracted the attention of the other airshow pilots and was frequently visited by some of the top performers including the US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds for a “chat’ and some photos. His trademark maneuver was what he called the “barber-pole” where he took the jet into a straight vertical climb, then descended into a constant turn around the vertical line all while trailing a smoke stream. Larry’s flying was always a crowd favorite.

Surviving are his mother, Beulah (Scheckel) Kramer of Naples Florida and his six siblings: Dennis (Jan) Kramer of Dyerville, Terry Kramer of Haines City, Florida, Tommy Kramer of Brevard, North Carolina, Randy (Brenda) Kramer of Guttenberg, Sheila Kramer of New York, New York, and Diane (Dan) Sokolowski of Clear Lake, Iowa. One niece and four nephews: Shelley (Carl Blake) Kramer, Brian (Echo) Kramer, Ryan Kramer, Joe Kramer, Mitchell Kramer, one great niece, Gabrielle Blake, three great nephews: William Blake, Havoc Kramer, Aiden Kramer, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Larry spent the last nine summers in Iowa with family and dear friends who were a second family to Larry.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vernon Kramer, grandparents, Louis and Coletta (Evers) Kramer, Matt and Leona (Weis) Scheckel, Aunts, Anita (Scheckel) Schmidt, Helen (Kramer) Otting, Uncles, Myrl Scheckel, Dan Otting. Cousins Beth Otting and Kim (Kramer) Krafl and Mike Oberbroeckling.

The family wishes to thank all their friends and family and the RC Modeling community for all their care and support after Larry’s accident.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis Xavier Grade School.

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

Glenda K. Steger

Glenda Kay Steger, 62, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center after battling COVID-19.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Prayer Service for Glenda will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the funeral home with Stephanie Schlimm presiding. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade at a later date.

Glenda was born December 5, 1958, in Monticello, IA, the daughter of Larry and Shirley (Annis) Rettenmeier. In 1977, she married Martin Ambrosy, in which two daughters were born, Michelle and Carla.  They later divorced.

She graduated from West Dubuque High School in 1977.

Glenda worked for many years as a CNA for Mercy in Dyersville.

She enjoyed Bingo, crafts, buying jewelry, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, but most importantly, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughters, Michelle (Mike) Hodul and Carla (Greg) Freiburger, both of Dubuque; her parents, Larry and Shirley Rettenmeier of Cascade; five grandchildren, Michael, Allison, Mitchell, Lily & Jax, her siblings, twin sister, Brenda (Tom) Breitbach, Steve (Teresa) Rettenmeier, Audrey (Doug) Green, Laurie (Joe) Koppes and Julie (Dave) Forde, many nieces, nephews & cousins.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center for their excellent care of Glenda.

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

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

Raymond J. Taylor

Raymond “Ray” Joseph Taylor went peacefully to the Lord on the evening of December 2.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross, IA at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 11, 2021, with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the celebrant.  After the burial and military honors, family and friends will host a celebration of Ray’s life.  Visitation will be on Friday, December 10 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Egelhof, Siegert, and Casper Funeral Home at 2659 John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm.  A second viewing will be held at Holy Cross Church from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturday before Mass.

Born February 13, 1936, to Francis “Zack” and Dorothy (Rea) Taylor in Holy Cross, Iowa, Ray came to this earth during the 1936 North American Cold Wave, among the coldest periods in U.S. history.   The weather was so treacherous, his dear mother had to be taken from the family’s farm on a sleigh pulled by horses to Grandma Taylor’s house in town, where Ray was born.

Ray graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1954, where his teachers often caught him reading Popular ScienceMagazine or an auto manual instead of his textbooks.  Upon graduation, Ray worked as a mechanic in Dubuque and Dyersville.  He served several years as a reservist in the 389^th U.S. Army Engineering Battalion.  Ray went on to work 31 years at John Deere Dubuque Works retiring in 1992.

Ray loved politics and he championed several conservative causes including private property rights and lower taxes.  He was a rare union member who ran for office as a Republican.  Ray was elected in 1970 to the Iowa State House, representing the 51^st district in the 64^th General Assembly.   In 1980 Ray served as a Reagan delegate to the Iowa Republican State Convention, and he remained active in politics until his later years.   Ray also enjoyed going to auctions, getting a good deal on just about anything, collecting Oliver tractors, Western movies, traveling, and a good piece of pie.

Ray married Joan Marie Brandel on September 30th, 1961, and they resided in Dubuque.  Ray and Joan celebrated 58 years of marriage before she passed in 2019.

Ray is survived by his five children, Mark (Kelley) Taylor of Dubuque, Rea Ann (Dan) Paustian of Granger, IA, Sara (Joel) Fagen of Arlington, VA, Dan (Sarah) Taylor of Manchester, and Chris (Karen) Taylor of Dubuque, and 11 grandchildren:  Michael, Matthew, Rebecca, Katelyn, Hannah, Tanner, Millie, Isaac, Audrey, Eric, and Charlie Jean.  Ray is also survived by seven siblings, Mary Kahle of Dubuque, Helen (John) Thomas of San Francisco, CA, Jane (Kenneth) Rausch of Knoxville, TN, John (Barbara) Taylor of Holy Cross, Bridget (Robert) Kluesner of Owatonna, MN, Patricia (Mike) Thies of Peosta, Paul (Sue) Taylor of Zwingle, James Taylor of Tucemcari, NM, and sisters-in-law Mary Taylor of Ovideo, FL, Lois Taylor and Karolyn Taylor both of Dyersville, IA, and his brother-in-law Ronald (Dori) Brandel of Dubuque.  Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, his parents Francis and Dorothy Taylor, his parents-in-law, Charles and Edna Brandel, and brothers Frank, Charles, and Joseph Taylor, brothers-in-law Duane “Red” Even and Wayne Kahle, a sister-in-law, Marie Taylor, and nephew, Zachary Taylor.

Ray’s children would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers from Bethany Home, who so diligently cared for their beloved dad “Papa” over the past two years.

A photo tribute can be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting Ray’s obituary at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ray, you may do so to Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Church.

Thomas W. Spensley

Thomas W. Spensley, Jr. 84, of Dubuque died Friday, December 03, 2021.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a wake service at 7 pm.  The private Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery where military rites will be accorded.

Thomas was born December 5,1936 in Dubuque, son of Thomas and Mary (Kinney) Spensley, Sr.

He served his country in the United State Air Force from 1957 to 1961 where he trained guard dogs.  After getting out of the Air Force, he married Janice Hansen at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, Missouri on July 7, 1962.

After retiring from the Dubuque Packing Company, Thomas worked at B.R. Sports and drove a school bus for East Dubuque Public Schools.

In his younger days, Thomas played fastpitch softball.  He was an avid motorcyclist and toured much of the Western United States with his wife by motorcycle.  He also enjoyed golf, watching NASCAR, and was a skate guard at Skate Country.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Spensley of Dubuque; four children, Mark (Darcey) Spensley of Monticello, Kristin Peschke of Riverside, IL, Brian (Melissa) Spensley of Ankeny, IA, and Sheila (Chuck Fuson) Spensley of Round Rock, TX; eight grandchildren, Allie (Kevin), Kenzie, Devin (Kally), Dillon, Connor, Macey, Lauren and Reagan; and four great grandchildren, Sullivan, Claire, Logan and Sonder.

He is also survived by three siblings, Barbara Kieler, Roger Spensley and Sue (Dave) Lau, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Sandra and Scott Spensley.

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

A Thomas Spensley Memorial Fund has been established.

Samuel J. Becker

Samuel J. Becker, 62, of Dubuque, died Thursday, December 2, 2021, at his home.

A memorial service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 8, 2021, in the Chapel at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sam was born April 12, 1959, in Dubuque, the son of Walter and Joyce Loraine Schurman Becker.

He was a mechanic at Tschiggfrie Excavating.

Survivors include his siblings: Jeffrey W. (Janice) Becker of Edmond, OK, Brian P. Becker of Dubuque, Bradley C. Becker of Dubuque, Kristin Lineen of Cheyenne, WY, Kimberly (Gregory) Yoko of Dubuque, Jennifer F. (Mark) Wagstaff of NC, and Geralyn Becker of Dubuque; nephews and nieces: Brandon (Kresha) Becker, Erienne M. Becker, Zebadiah (Samantha) Yoko, and Benjamin Yoko; aunts: Joan VandeVorde of Pipe Stone, MN, Gertrude Duffert of Flandreau, SD, and Katheryn (Roland) Kortlever of Alexandria, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Mark, Mike, and Todd.

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

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

Patricia E. Bakey

Patricia E. “Patti” Bakey, age 74, of Platteville, WI, formerly of Dubuque, IA, was called home to the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Patti’s life, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at Westview Methodist Church, 770 West Madison Street in Platteville, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastors Bob Korntved and Richard T. Carns officiating.  Family and friends of Patti’s are invited to visit from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Patti’s family.

Patti was born on October 23, 1947, in Tomah, WI, a daughter to Francis and Evelyn (Boyce) Bergeron.  She married Frederick R. Bakey of Dubuque, IA on November 13, 1965, at Dubuque Bible Church.  She graduated with a master’s degree in education from Loras College and taught special education in the Dubuque School District.

Patti accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and served Him with joy all her life.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Patti include her husband, Fred Bakey, Platteville, WI; her children, Chris (Amy) Bakey, Dubuque, IA, and Suzie Bakey, Cannon Falls, MN; her grandson, Dylan Kirton, her sister, Lee Stanko, Baraboo, WI; her sister-in-law, Julie Bergeron, Chino Valley, AZ; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Chuck Bergeron and her sister, Marilyn (Lloyd) Campbell.

Patti’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for all of their compassionate and professional care of Patti and her family.

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

Laura A. Vaughn

Inver Grove Heights, MN… Laura Ann Vaughn, 55, of the Minneapolis area, formerly of Dubuque, passed away at home November 29, 2021, as the result of pulmonary disease. Laura was born on June 28, 1966, in Dubuque to C. Jay and Norma (Nurre) Vaughn.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 11 am.

Laura graduated from Hempstead High School with the class of 1985, then graduated from NICC and moved to Minneapolis where she worked for 3M Corporation for 30 years in IT. Prior to her passing she worked for Target Corporation, also in IT. She had a love for animals, especially her dog Iggy. Laura enjoyed cooking and playing cards and board games. She enjoyed traveling, taking a cruise, visiting Las Vegas, and most recently travelled to Pigeon Forge and the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee with her mother.

Surviving are her mother, brother and sister-in-law Ron “RV” and Shirley Vaughn, sister-in-law Kathy Vaughn, nephew Kevin Michael Vaughn, all of Dubuque, and special friend Dennis Schaeffer of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Laura was preceded in death by her father, brother Kevin Vaughn, and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family will thankfully receive your support through memorials in Laura’s memory which may be mailed to Tri-State Cremation Center, Inc., P.O. Box 227, East Dubuque, IL, 61025, Attn. Laura Vaughn family.

Kenneth G. Temperley

Kenneth “Jake” G. Temperley, 71, of East Dubuque, passed away on December 2, 2021, at his home with his family and close friends at his side.

Private services will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, with burial in East Dubuque Cemetery.  A public celebration of Ken’s life will follow from 4:00 to 9:00 pm at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA.  Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.  The family requests no flowers.  Memorials can be made to the Kenneth G. Temperley Family Memorial Fund and mailed to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA 52003.

Ken was born on November 10, 1950, in Hazel Green, WI, the son of Douglas and Velda (Glick) Temperley.  He graduated from East Dubuque High School in 1968 and Northwest Iowa Vocational School in 1972.

Ken was 10 years in the Iowa National Guard following basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in 1969.  He worked as a power lineman for a combined 40 years with Interstate Power, Alliant, and International Transmission Company, retiring in 2012.

He married Janell (Kieffer) Weber on August 10, 1990, in Dubuque, IA.  Ken was a Master Mason – Galena Minor Lodge #273.  He was a past member of the Key City Corvette Club.  Ken enjoyed weekend drives with Janell in their corvette.  He took great pride in keeping his vehicles and garage in immaculate condition.  He and Janell would escape some of the winter weather spending time in Orange Beach, AL, Florida, and Mexico.

He is survived by his daughters, Melissa (Ryan) Gilbert, of East Dubuque, and Kelly (Steve) Boros, of Ft. Collins, CO, a son, Joel (Chris) Bardsley, of Madison, WI; his mother Velda Temperley, of East Dubuque; his siblings Darlene (Bill) Schiele, of Denton, TX, Robert (Bonnie) Temperley, of Clinton, IA, James (Janet) Temperley, of Bonita Springs, FL, Terry (Deb) Temperley, of East Dubuque, Randy (Jayne) Temperley, of East Dubuque, and Tim Temperley, of Dallas, TX; in-laws Sandi Baker, of Scottsdale, AZ, Jolene (Steve) Humke, of Dubuque, Paul Kieffer, of Dubuque, Jill Law, of Scottsdale, AZ, Jackie (Steve) Kettmann, of Bellevue, IA, Diane Kieffer, of Dubuque; along with five grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends Pat and Cindy Grace, of Dubuque.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Temperley; father and mother in-law, Gerald and Virginia (Lenstra) Kieffer, sister in-law, Sharon Kieffer, and brother in-law, Scott Kieffer.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica, Stacy, and Amy for the wonderful care provided to Ken.

Bret Teusink

I took my last breath on December 1, 2021.

My first breath was drawn on March, 20, 1967, in Grand Rapids, Michigan when I became the third son of Allan and Saundra Teusink. Apparently, since you are reading my obituary, I must have left the planet. I figure that I couldn’t bear watching the Lions lose another game in the fourth quarter and post another winless season.  But, apart from the Lions, my life was filled with much joy.  For example, just when I thought that I could never fall in love again – I found out that stalking someone on Facebook really does work. I met the love of my life Stacy. She was my rock when times were tough and loved me no matter how many times I messed up. She always knew exactly where I left my keys even when she was working 1,200 miles away. She must be psychic or just have a better memory than me.  I am confident she knew me better than I ever knew myself.

Sorry “Best Wife in the World” for leaving you behind to deal with all the shit I left unfinished at the house. I can’t remember if there are dirty dishes in the sink, but I know Rosie Roomba has been keeping up with the floors while you were away. I always told you that I wanted to go first because I would not be able to survive without you. You are my best friend and travel partner.  I love you and will miss you! I will be waiting for you in my Tuxedo Morphsuit because I know how much you hate it.  I can’t wait for us to be together again, but don’t hurry on my account.  They’ve got free streaming of Family Guy and The Simpsons here in the waiting room.

Hailey, I heard that you have a new job selling insurance. Way to go! I have always been so proud of all that you have accomplished despite the struggles that you have faced.  From dad to you – Continue to be brave and never ever give up on your dreams. Sorry that I won’t be around anymore to help you with your car problems.  If it doesn’t move forward, check first to make sure it is in gear.  I love you Bean.

Hannah, where do I start… You are the only child that I know who can force herself to get sick and puke in order to get out of a speech at school. You are one of the most talented artists that I know, and it pains me that I was not able to get my tattoo with the art you created for me.  Do me a favor and promise me that you will someday pursue your dream of being a graphic artist.  Don’t waste your talent – life is too short to live with regrets. I love you Pook.

This might be a good time to mend fences. I apologize for being an annoying little brother to Brad and Brian and a somewhat troublesome child to my dad Al and mother Soni (may she rest in peace).  Yes, sometimes I laughed too loud, or at the wrong parts, but damn it, we laughed a lot.  Brad, I know you gave me your Styx tickets so that I could see my favorite band – in hindsight, maybe Uncle Bob and I shouldn’t have scalped them.  To you all, even though we went our separate ways and were divided by miles, I know there isn’t a single thing one of us wouldn’t have done for the others.

A huge thank you to Jessica for manscaping my rugs and keeping me from looking like a wooly mammoth. My wife appreciated it!

Thank you to the OLD staff, yes you know who I am talking about – Patrick and Jill at Signature Fitness for helping me in the beginning of my fitness journey.  Thanks also to Amanda, Janel, and Cassie for your high-octane classes.  A huge apology goes out to those who took classes and were behind me when doing burpees or jumping jacks.  I hope things weren’t too loud or smelly back there.  And, a shout out to the staff and trainers at Volv Fitness, especially Cassie, thanks for having kickass spin and yoga classes.

Quick piece of advice, if you haven’t done it, I highly recommend drinking beer at the October Fest Stein run, and the Halloween run.  Beer and running always seemed like a great idea – what could possibly go wrong?

Many thanks to Village Inn staff for putting up with me every Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. when I would show up and order the exact same thing – scrambled egg whites, turkey links, fruit, and wheat toast with 2 strawberry jams.  Cheri, I forgive you for forgetting to butter my toast.  Debbie, I appreciate you always remembering my Cholula for those nasty egg whites.  Lesley, you were great for remembering French Vanilla creamer for my coffee.  Thanks too to the many waitresses who graciously served me and Stacy all of those years.

To all of the friends that Stacy and I hold dear, please help her because she is independent and a perfectionist and will not ask for help when she really is going to need it.

I am survived by my awesome wife Stacy, my beautiful girls Hailey and Hannah as well as my stepchildren Corey (K’Saundra) Crawford (Greyson, Oliver, Teddy, Eden) in North, VA; Travis (Meghan) Crawford in Linden, MI; Kayleigh (CJ) Ullstrom (Harper & Adelynn) in St. Petersburg, FL; Michael (Alli) Raatz in Asbury, IA.  My remaining birth relatives include my father Allan Teusink in West Columbia, SC; and my brothers Bradley (Susan) Teusink (Jennifer, Rachel, Bradley, Jr., Mariel, Kimberly) in Berrien Springs, MI, and Brian (Barbara) Teusink in Chapin, SC.

If you want, you can look for me in the evening at a local brewery or cutting wood on the property that Stacy and I made our own.  You know I’ll be there in one form or another. Of course, that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but you know me…it is what I do best.

I’ll leave you with this…please don’t cry because I am no longer around; But be happy that I was here. (Alright, it’s ok to cry a little bit.  After all, I have departed this planet). Today I am happy and dancing (possibly naked in the living room) drinking a beer.

My Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, December 10, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

A “Celebration of my Life” will be held 10:00 am Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with my father-in-law, Mr. Chuck Ehl officiating. If you are planning on coming to my funeral, please wear a Hawaiian shirt or morphsuit because I expect nothing less.  Also, please note that I will be wearing my favorite Quagmire shirt.  To those in attendance, I have one thing to say – “Giggity”

As a rescue “cat dad” – in lieu of flowers – please donate to the Dubuque Humane Society. Misfits need love too.

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