Obituaries Archive

Arthur L. Goodwin

Arthur L. “Art” Goodwin, 88, of Scales Mound, IL, formerly of Port Byron, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community in Galena.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2022, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Schapville, IL, with Rev. James Mehltretter officiating.  Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday at the Church.

Art was born on April 8, 1934, in Quincy, IL, the son of James H. and Mabel M. (Miller) Goodwin.  He was a graduate of Port Byron High School, the class of 1952. Art was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Donna Griffin on March 14, 1953, at Peace Lutheran Church in Port Byron. To this union four wonderful children were born.

Art formerly farmed, enjoyed collecting farm toys, fishing, cooking and designing quilts dealing with farming.

Surviving is his wife, Donna; three children, Rick (Pam) Goodwin of Port Byron, IL, Randy (Teri) Goodwin and Karen (John) Hesselbacher both of Scales Mound; nine grandchildren, Traci (Chad), Phillip, Cassie (Neil), Trish, Nathan (Laura), Mark (Kim), Sarah (Brent), Kyle (Brittany) and Jacob (Chelsea); 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mabel, a daughter and son-in-law, Pam (Brad) Smith, and siblings, Junior Goodwin, James (Barbara) Goodwin and Doris (Bill) West.

Art’s family request that visitors dress casual, and a luncheon will be held at Goodwin’s Pond following the burial.

Donna and family wish to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, especially Kayla for the wonderful care provided to their husband and father.

The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

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

Arlene M. Osthoff

Arlene Mae Osthoff, 84, of Dubuque, died Saturday, June 25, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 PM Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Arlene will be 10:00 am Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Guttenberg Cemetery.

Arlene was born July 13, 1937, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of George and Irene Waldorf Eigenberger. She married Bob Quinlan on June 20, 1959. They later divorced. On May 27, 1992, she married Keith Osthoff in Dubuque. He died May 8, 1996.

She was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque.

She worked at J.C. Penney’s for 27 years in the catalog department where she became manager before retiring in 1994.

She was a member of Church of Nativity and Catholic Daughters of America. She belonged to St. Ann’s Society at St. Mary’s in Guttenberg and the Literary Club of Guttenberg. She loved her three daughters very much and was glad to see them happy and secure. She was also a very loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She believed in doing for others with the motto “Do unto others what you would have them do unto yourself.”

Survivors include her two daughters, Carol Ann Cronin and Christine Quinlan, both of Dubuque; one son-in-law, Frank Thomas of Dubuque; three grandchildren, Molly (Jason) Herrick, Angela (John) McSpadden, and Jared Thomas; five great-grandchildren, Collin, Dash, Sage, Koa, and Luna; one stepson, Gary Osthoff of Dubuque; three stepdaughters, Gail (Merle) Hofftender of East Dubuque, IL, Ginny Vett of Des Moines, and Geri (Brad) Nederhoff of Boston, MA; one brother-in-law, Cy Thiltgen of Dubuque; one sister-in-law, Mary Alys Varvel of Pensacola, FL; and many loving nieces and nephews and friends.

Besides her husband, Keith, she was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Vicki Thomas, three sisters, Rita Mae Eigenberger, Jeanette Wagner and Jeanne Thiltgen, one brother, Robert Eigenberger, one niece, Debra Spoerl, and her first husband, Bob Quinlan.

A memorial has been established.

The family thanks Dr. Andrea Ries, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy, Courtney, Chris and Kelly, doctors, nurses, and staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, nurses and staff at Manor Care, and all of her family and friends for being there with their caring support.

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

Alan J. Hartig

Alan J. Hartig, age 51, of Dubuque, passed away doing what he loved most, spending time on the river at Finley’s Landing.  To celebrate Alan’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Alan J. Hartig, age 51, of Dubuque, passed away doing what he loved most, spending time on the river with people he loved.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating.  There will be a celebration in Alan’s honor at Dockside Bar and Grill at Mud Lake Marina, 22500 Golf Lake Road starting at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday evening.

Alan was born February 9, 1971, in Dubuque, Iowa to Kenneth and Nancy Hartig.

Alan graduated from Central High School, Class of 1989. He studied carpentry, and gained experience working with engines and learning to repair just about anything.  Alan was employed with Medical Associates for 25 years. He was married to Tina Behr from 1995 to 2005.  They were blessed with three children.   Alan loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed taking care of his lawn, garden and feeding the birds in his yard. He was happiest when the sun was shining and he was out on the river.  Alan loved boating, fishing, the Packers, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends. The last few months he spent with his girlfriend, Nancy Weis, and they were planning their future together. We are heartbroken at losing Alan so suddenly and unexpectedly.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Alan’s memory include

his children,
Ashley (Matt Bollhorst) Hartig, Fennimore, WI,
Cody (Jordyn) Hartig, Dickeyville, WI
and Connor Hartig, Iowa City, IA;

his siblings,
Dawn (Paul) Harbor, Iowa City, IA,
Dana (Scott) Lynch, San Diego, CA
and Kevin (Kirsten) Hartig, Troy, MI;

and his nieces and nephews,
Cybin, Arlyn, Austin, Jack and Faith.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy (Stoeckl) and Kenneth F. Hartig; a brother, Baby Kenny; and grandparents, Elvira (Haverland) and George Stoeckl, and Helen (Henkel) and Kenneth A. Hartig.

Alan’s family would like to thank all of the 1st responders and search and rescue teams who assisted in bringing Alan home to us including the following:  Bagley Fire Department, Glen Haven Fire Department, Potosi Fire Department, Cassville Fire Department, Sherrill Fire Department, Grant County Emergency Management, Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue, Dubuque County Conservation, US Fish and Wild Life Agent, Dubuque DNR, Wisconsin DNR, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Dubuque Underwater Search and Rescue Team and the University of Dubuque Flight Operations and Management.  Words cannot express how grateful we are!  We also want to thank our family at Behr’s for all of their support throughout the years.

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

Helen M. Buelow

Helen M. (Link) Buelow, age 96, of Dubuque, passed away at 6:20 a.m., on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Bethany Home.  To celebrate Helen’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Avenue.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Helen was born on February 27, 1926, in Balltown, Iowa, daughter of Frank and Catherine (Sigwarth) Link.

Helen was united in marriage to the love of her life, William Charles Buelow, on December 2, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church.  They were blessed with 2 children and were married for 30 years before Bill passed away on June 16, 1981.  Helen was a hard worker and was employed as a trimmer at Dubuque Packing Company for several years until her well earned retirement.  She was a member of Holy Ghost Church,  UFCW Local 150-A, and the John Deere Retirees.  Helen could regularly be found enjoying the sunshine and fresh air while sitting on her porch in Sageville where she lived for over 50 years.  Helen loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also loved playing cards, especially Euchre, and enjoyed playing in tournaments at UAW Local #94, the Eagles Club, and Windsor Park.  Helen enjoyed traveling throughout the US, Europe, Bahamas and Mexico.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Helen’s memory include

her children,
Peggy Fuller, Dubuque, IA
and Kevin (Saadia) Buelow, Dubuque, IA;

four grandchildren,
Jason (Alison) Fuller,
Jennifer (Eric) Even,
Christopher Buelow
and Michael (Ashley) Buelow;

five great-grandchildren,
Aria Fuller, Brooks Even, Ryan Meyer, Zachary Buelow and Sophia Buelow;

and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Buelow; her siblings, Clifford (Nellie) Link, Mildred (Tony) Jaeger, Lucille (Arnold) Auderer, Marie (Charles) Bauer, Al (Christine) Link, Catherine (Joe) Tigges, Francis (Katherine) Link and Ivanelle (Roland) Weiland; and her special friend Alvin Brimeyer.

Helen’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff of Bethany Home, and Hospice of Dubuque, for their kind and compassionate care of Helen.

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

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

Glen L. Boehme

Glen L. Boehme, Jr., age 81, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Des Moines, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 24, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Glen’s life, a private family service will be held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Glen’s family.

Glen was born on May 23, 1941, in Des Moines, IA, a son to Glen L. and Lillian M. (Manattini) Boehme.  He worked at the Des Moines Water Works and upon retirement moved to Dubuque to be closer to family.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Glen include,

his loving wife,
Dianna E. Boehme, Dubuque, IA;

his daughter,
Dena (Kevin) Nekuinda, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Aubrey Nekuinda, Salt Lake City, UT,
and Isabella Nekuinda, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents.

Glen’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica, for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Jeanne L. Studelska

Jeanne L. Studelska, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Minnesota and South Dakota, passed away on June 22nd, 2022, at Ennoble Manor.

Visitation will be held on Monday June 27, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will be held in St. Casimir Parish Cemetery in Wells, Minnesota on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

Jeanne was born on April 8th, 1933, in Minnesota, daughter of Frederick and Veronica (Forbes) Ruffing. She attended grade school, high school, and business college. She married Robert Studelska on October 1st, 1955, in Wells, Minnesota, and later divorced in 1978.

She worked at Finley Hospital as an office manager, Fuerste, Jurgens, Sudmeier Attorneys at Law, and Dubuque County Courthouse in the Auto License Department. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America- Parkston, South Dakota, and American Business Women (ABW) of Dubuque.

Jeanne enjoyed ceramic painting, decoupage, plastic canvas, bingo, and adding to her doll collection, but most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends- especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children Bernadette (Studelska) Tigges, Mark (Deborah) Studelska, and Stephen (Tammy) Studelska; grandchildren Anthony Tigges, Gregory, Daniel, Jade, and Jasper Studelska; greatgrandchildren Makaila, Adriana, Stassi, Krisley, Atreus, and two on the way; sister Sr. Thomas More (Therese); and sister-in-law Linda Ruffing.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents Frederick and Veronica, brothers Robert and John, and sister Meri Kay.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Ennoble Manor, Care Initiatives Hospice, and Leonard Funeral Home for their excellent care of our Mom through this difficult time.

Carm Dean

Carm “Carmelita” Dean, 73, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, June 23, 2022, at home.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Carm from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, June 27, at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque.

Carmelita Peggy Correll was born on May 10, 1949, to Edward and Deloras (Bettcher) Correll.

She is survived by her children, Ken (Stephany) Dean, Amy (Gary) Hantelmann, Shawntel (Steve) Schmitt, Dan (Megan) Dean, and Dennis (Corrinna) Dean; her grandchildren, Cody (Becca) Petersen, Breanna, Dylan, Brandyn, and Izzy Dean, Jared and Kaylee Hantelmann, Carter Daack, Carson Daack, Gavin Schmitt, Michael Dean, Tylor and Payton Dean; her great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Abigail, Kristoff, and Flynn. She is also survived by her mother, Delores Correll; and her siblings, Ann (Jeff) Haas, and Tom (Amy) Correll.

Carm was preceded in death by her father, and her husband, Jerry Dean, on August 29, 2016.

Carm’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy One staff, and Paramount for all their help and care.
In lieu of flowers, a Carmelita Dean memorial fund has been established.

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

Sr. Vivian C. Wilson, BVM

Sister Vivian C. Wilson, BVM (Lauren), 94, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

A Memorial Gathering will be Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. (Mask are required.) The Sharing of Memories is at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sister Vivian donated her body to science. Burial will be at a later date. The services may be viewed through live videostream beginning at 9:15 a.m. at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/

Sister Vivian was an elementary teacher in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Rapid City and Lead, S.D.; and Chicago, where she also served as an admissions counselor and assistant director of the Business Administration Institute at Mundelein College.  She ministered as director of religious education in Chicago Heights, Ill.

She was born on April 20, 1928, in Lusk, Wyo., to Marvin and Laura (Sheridan) Wilson. She entered the BVM congregation Feb. 2, 1948, from St. Anthony Parish, Casper, Wyo. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Marvin, Howard, and William Wilson; and sisters: Mryl Wilson, Lois Adams, Rosemary Anderson, and Nancy Miller.  She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 is in charge of arrangements.

Leyland S. Ruggeberg

Leyland S. Ruggeberg, 84, of Grand Mound, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022, at Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt Campus, in DeWitt, Iowa.

A celebration of Leyland’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Iowa followed by a lunch and fellowship at the church. A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be held at the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery.

Leyland Stuart Ruggeberg was born on January 11, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Frank A. and Clara E. (Burrichter) Ruggeberg. He grew up in Lost Nation and was a 1956 graduate of Lost Nation High School where he was the class valedictorian. He then served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He married Saundra Lee “Soni” Waugh on November 27, 1960 in Elwood, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Kimberly and Brian.

Leyland was a lifelong farmer in the Lost Nation and Grant Township (Grand Mound) area.

Leyland was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved researching family history. He also loved playing cards, dancing in earlier years, spending time with family, flowers, and animals, especially dogs and cats.

Those left to honor his memory include a son Brian (and wife Maureen) Ruggeberg of Huntington, NY; a son-in-law David (and 2nd wife Juliet) Gomez of Tempe, AZ; 4 grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Gomez, and Collin and Justin Ruggeberg; a sister, LaVonne Petersen of Warrensburg, MO; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Merle Paulsen of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Soni on June 15, 2016, and his daughter Kimberly Ruggeberg-Gomez on February 7, 2009.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa.

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

Donald L. Stower

Donald L. Stower, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 22nd, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where services will be at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6.

Donald was born on August 5th, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Frank and Delores Stoewer. He was a member of the graduating class of 1959 from Dubuque Senior High School. He also attended the University of Dubuque for two years. On May 18, 1991, Donald married the love of his life, Bonita McCartney, at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Donald honorably served in the United States Air Force for four years and was a member of the American Legion Post #6 and the Moose Lodge.

Donald appreciated music and loved to play keyboard, harmonica, and accordion. In 2003, he was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was a big-time Yankee’s fan who liked to solve sudoku puzzles and make the occasional visit to Bier Stube. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Waupeton, Iowa with those he loved: his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Bonita, step-daughters Michelle (John Peterson) Peterson, Angela Loeffelholz, Tina (Mitch Hanson) Pitz, and Stacey (George Saffran) Trentz, nieces Chris (Byron) Sakulous and Linda (Curt) Krie, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; two great nieces and two great nephews; his in-laws Debbi (Darryl) Moore, Charlene (Neil) Kieler, Gary (Mary) McCartney.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Delores, brother Boyd Stoewer, and parents-in-law Francis and Helen Rauch.

Thank you to MercyOne Emergency Room and 3rd floor staff, Hospice of Dubuque, and Leonard Funeral Home.

John J. Etienne

John J. Etienne, age 74 of Dubuque, IA completed his earthly journey on June 22, 2022 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury with his loving family by his side.  To honor John’s life, his Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 241 Peosta Street in Peosta, IA with Rev. Michael Schueller and Rev. John Haugen officiating.  Family and friends are invited to visit one hour prior to the service at the church and also at John’s Celebration of Life which will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Barrington Lakes Pavilion, 11197 Lakeview Drive in Dubuque, following his services at the church.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on December 3, 1947 in Columbus, OH, the son to Joseph A. and Nancy J (Novak) Etienne.  He was raised with a strong work ethic, an innate sense of integrity, and a natural drive and determination to make the most out of every opportunity which would present itself throughout his life.  John graduated in 1969 from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering.  John married his soul-mate, Jacquilyn Weiland on June 7, 1969 in Rapid City, SD.  He went to work for DuPont in Parkersburg, WV until November of 1969 when he was called to serve his country.  He served in Vietnam from September of 1970 to September of 1971 in the 2nd Armored Division. Upon returning from Vietnam, John earned his Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from SDSM&T and returned to work at DuPont.  John and Jacquie moved to Dubuque in August of 1979 to work for John Deere.  After 31 years, he retired in May, 2010. John and Jacquie were blessed with two wonderful children.  John was a devoted husband and father.  He served 7 years as Wahlert Booster Club President investing his spare time in organizing the Dubuque parishes to staff the concessions stands for athletic events at Wahlert High School.  He proudly traveled with the Wahlert and Loras golf teams where he became known as (Homie).  John was a volunteer teacher for  Junior Achievement, he loved golfing with his friends, and he even did his best to perfect his fishing skills from time to time, but he really liked to skip rocks.  John filled many roles at John Deere over the years and took his responsibilities seriously, but none compared to his love and adoration for his family at home.  His sense of humor and story telling abilities were legendary, and his ability to make friends wherever he found himself was absolutely amazing to watch.  John’s humble spirit was continually on display for all to witness, and the memories which he leaves behind now thankfully reside within their broken hearts.  John spent his life focused on all the right areas which truly matter in this world:  faith, family, and fun.  He understood that balance was not only a prerequisite to a truly joy filled life, but that it would also bless the lives of those around him whom he loved so much.  As sad as we are today with the realization that John’s bright light will not shine quite as brightly in our daily lives moving forward, we are forever grateful for the 74 years in which the Lord was willing to share him with us.  Thank you, John, for leading by example and teaching us so many important lessons along your journey.  May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of John include,

his beautiful bride of 53 years,
Jacquilyn “Jacquie” Etienne, Dubuque, IA;

his two loving children,
Joel (Amy) Etienne, Norwalk, IA,
and Jocelyn (Brent) Harseim, Fisher, IL;

his five adored grandchildren,
Peyton Etienne, Madelyn Etienne, Kinley Jo Etienne, Ella Harseim, and Gage Dean Harseim;

his siblings,
Michele (Mike) Keegan, Kingsport, TN,
Larry (Ann) Etienne, Omaha, NE,
and Susan (Steve) Arensen, Florence, SD;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Terry Etienne, his grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

John’s family would like to thank Dr. Liaboe and Trish, the staff at 3rd Floor Summit at UnityPoint, along with the nurses and staff at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Hospice of Dubuque, the Special Olympics of South Dakota, or Luther Manor Grand Meadows.

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

Nancy J. McDonald

Nancy J. McDonald, 60, of Lakewood, CO, formerly of Dubuque, died Tuesday, June 14, 2022 after a brief illness, surrounded by her family.  Private family services have been held.

Nancy was born March 22, 1962 in Dubuque, daughter of J. Bruce and Katharine (Dilworth) McDonald.  She graduated from Wahlert High School and St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN.

She enjoyed staying active; yoga, walking and hiking through the parks in Colorado were among her favorite activities.  She especially enjoyed baking for others, canning raspberry preserves for family & friends, she loved her flowers and gardening, reading & her book club.

Nancy was a loving mother to her two daughters who were the light of her life.    Spending time with family was most important to her and she affectionately had a special place in her heart for her grand-nieces and nephews; their beloved Grauntie Nancy.

Nancy was a blessing to all who knew and loved her.  She will be remembered for her grace and kindness, her sparkling big brown eyes and the unconditional, deep love she had for her family.  Both in living her life so generously and through her wish to be an organ donor, Nancy gave the gift of life to others.

She is survived by her two daughters, Emily (Jason) Due of Denver, CO and Nykita McDonald of New York City; five siblings, Katharine (Steve) Sundberg of Wayzata, MN, Michael (Sue Moran) McDonald of Dubuque, Suzanne McDonald of Dubuque, Sarah (Jack) Hasken of Dubuque and Kara McDonald of Des Moines; and several adoring nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, IA, the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and the Iowa Donor Network for their compassionate care of Nancy and support for her family.

Memorials may be sent to Iowa Donor Network in memory of Nancy at 550 Madison Ave., North Liberty, IA 52317.

Ray E. Lawler

Ray E. Lawler, 94 of Galena, IL passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public services. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Ray was born March 17, 1928, in Vera, IL the son of Reverend Lee and Clella (Shelton) Lawler. Ray attended a one-room schoolhouse through eight grades in Fayette County, IL, and upon graduation from Hammond High School, Hammond, IL in 1946, Ray enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed in Japan and was chosen to be a CID Agent (Criminal investigation). When honorably discharged in 1948, he was attending Millikin University, Decatur, IL when recalled to active duty during the Korean War again as a CID agent. He was stationed in Indiana where he met his future wife of 71 years, Joanne Weaver Lawler. After being honorably discharged in 1952, Ray was commissioned as a federal investigator, which required moves for Ray, Joanne, and their son, Jeffrey, to different parts of the United States. In 1972, Ray was appointed Chief of Investigations, Chicago, IL, and served in that position until his retirement. Ray and Joanne enjoyed their life in Florida and their many travels, golfing, and volunteering. In 2018, the couple moved to Prairie Ridge, Galena to be near their son and his family.

He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and NARFE.

Ray is survived by his wife, Joanne, son, Jeffrey and wife, LeAnne Yuenger Lawler, three grandchildren, Andrew, Tiffany (Chris) Cress and Matthew, and two great-grandchildren, Ashlynn, and Colton Cress. “We will all miss Ray’s charm, his Irish wit and ability to tell great stories”. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

William P. Sweeney

William P. “Bill” Sweeney, 88, of Key West, IA passed away on June 21, 2022.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 25 at St. Joseph Church, Key West with Father Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call after 9:00 am Saturday until time of services at the church. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd is in charge of arrangements.

Bill was born on May 15, 1934, in Waukon, Iowa to Peter and Edith Sweeney. He grew up working and taking care of the family farm. On May 11, 1963, he married Betty Jean in McGregor Iowa.

From farm work, construction, working for the county, and being a volunteer firefighter for Key West, Bill never seemed to stop moving. Even after his official retirement, you could still find him helping out local farmers and construction companies. Once he finally did slow down a little, Bill had “his routine.” Between visiting his buddies, stopping at the casino, and walking the cemetery, he was always somewhere, doing something.

Bill is survived by his two daughters: Debbie Fiacco, of Cedar Rapids and Pamela Sweeney, of Dubuque. Three granddaughters; Melissa (Matt Hamand) Fiacco, Kristen (Nick) DeCarlo, and Morgan (AJ) Kennedy, along with five wonderful great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings.

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

Mary Ann Knudson

Mary Ann (Ries) Knudson, age 82, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 1:49 a.m., on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Mary Ann’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Mary Ann was born on March 9, 1940, in Bellevue, Iowa, daughter of Paul and Agnes (Evan) Ries.

Mary Ann attended grade school in St. Donatus, Iowa.  She was a hard worker who was employed with Ertl, St. Regis Paper Company and at Montgomery Ward in the catalog department.  She also did housework for older people in the community who really needed, and appreciated, her help.  Mary Ann was united in marriage to William Knudson on August 19, 1961, at the St. Donatus Catholic Church.  They were blessed with 3 children and 47 years of marriage before Bill passed away on May 9, 2009.  In her free time, Mary Ann enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, caring for her beloved cats and watching her Chicago Cubbies play ball.  She was a social butterfly and regularly played in Euchre tournaments with family and friends.  Mary Ann was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma and sister who will be greatly missed by everyone who loved her.

Those left to cherish Mary Ann’s memory include

her children,
Terri (Kevin) May, Dubuque, IA
and Steven (Linda) Knudson, Asbury, IA;

2 grandsons,
David (Sara) May
and Matthew Knudson;

a great-granddaughter,
Bailey May;

her siblings,
Wilma (Ves) Ploessl, Dubuque, IA,
Milo (MaryJo) Ries, Dubuque, IA
Martha (Travis) Holden, Des Moines, IA;

and her sister-in-law,
Jean Noonan, Dubuque, IA.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Knudson; a son, Jeffery Knudson; and her siblings, a sister in infancy and 2 brothers, Paul and Rich Ries.

Mary Ann’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kristin, for their kindness and the wonderful care that they have provided for Mary Ann and her family.  Also a special thanks to the 2016 Cubs for making her life long dream of them winning the World Series come true!

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

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