Obituaries Archive

Bonnie L. Dietrich

Bonnie Lee Dietrich, 81, of Garnavillo, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Guttenberg Care Center following a brief illness.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2025, at  Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo. Visitation will continue from at 9 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo.

Funeral Service will commence at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo with burial in Guttenberg City Cemetery. Pastor Gary Hatcher will officiate.

Bonnie was born on January 11, 1944, to Fred and Mildred (Saeugling) LaDage in Pasco, Washington.  She attended St. Mary’s School, Guttenberg, Iowa and graduated from Chaska High School, Chaska, Minnesota in 1962.

Bonnie was united in marriage to Verdean Dietrich on February 8, 1964, in Marion, Iowa where they resided.  They moved to Guttenberg until finally making their home in Garnavillo where they raised their three children.

Bonnie was the school secretary and nurse for the Garnavillo Elementary School for 27 years.  She was an active member of the community volunteering her services on the Republican Committee, she was an EMT and first responder, served on the City Council and Church Council for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  She was also a den mother and helped with girl scouts.

Bonnie loved hummingbirds, cardinals, spending time with family, traveling, attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events, shopping, going to movies, the casino, gardening, fishing, doing her word search daily, playing bingo, and making crafts.

Bonnie is survived by her two daughters; Jan (David) Heck, Shelley Dietrich of Garnavillo; four grandchildren: Hayley Dietrich (Tyler) Peck of Marion, Tyler Werges of Elkader, Brianna Werges, Ella and Kasten Oberbreckling of Garnavillo; and four great-grandchildren: Ashley, Shayley, and Kinsley Peck, and Abigail Werges.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian; husband, Verdean; brother-in-law, LeRoy Dietrich; sister-in-law, Arlene Dietrich, and brother-in-law, Owen Dietrich.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Garnavillo EMS, Garnavillo Fire Dept., Garnavillo Library, or the National MS Society.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com.  Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Mary Bries

Mary “Darlene” Bries, 83, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Tuesday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. January 28, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica,  in Dyersville with burial in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Luxemburg.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate with Rev. Chris Podhajsky concelebrating.

Darlene was born  on June 4, 1941, in Petersburg, daughter of Raymond and Veronica (Nurre) Kruse. She was the middle child of four children. She graduated from the eigth grade Petersburg School. Darlene was a hired girl starting at 14 years old for many families in the area, and then worked at Ertl Toy Company.

She married James C. Bries on September 13, 1960, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholich Church, in Petersburg, Iowa. They began farming near Luxemburg in 1963 and farmed until 2011 when they moved to Dyersville.

She enjoyed interacting with others, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy, especially the time spent together on the farm. Darlene enjoyed quilting, playing euchre, and marbles with family and friends. She was a great cook and always took pride in a clean home. Her warm spirit and unwavering love touched countless lives, making her “Grandma Bries” to many.

Survivors include her children: Cathy (Karl) Kramer of Dyersville, Connie (Neal) Kluesner of Bankston, Chuck (Christina) Bries of Marion, Cindy (Mark “Chuck”) Kramer of Epworth; grandchildren: Jayme (Stephanie) Kramer, Nicole (Mike) Seipp, Kyle (Marissa) Kramer, Jesse Kluesner, Joshua (Kellie) Kluesner, Jordan (Sarah) Kluesner, Zachary Hart, Samuel (Kayla) Bries, Charlie Bries, Cody Gardner, Isabella (Matthew) Mattick;great-grandchildren: Ella and Emma Kramer, Gabrielle and Christian Seipp, Delaney and Parker Kramer, Chelsea Bussan, Aubrey and Jocelyn Kluesner, Hayden, Oaklynn, and Quinn Kluesner; brother, Larry (Julie) Kruse; in-laws: Betty Kruse, Leroy (Verna) Bries, Virgil (Janice) Bries, Michael (Marita) Bries, Ronald (Lee) Bries, Harold (Lois) Bries, Gerald (Karen) Bries, Arnold Jr. (Joyce) Bries, Thelma (David) Oberbroeckling, Carol (John) Hartmann, Lois Bries, Theresa Bries; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James in 2014, brothers, Alfred Kruse and Raymond Kruse Jr. in infancy; parents-in-law, Arnold Sr. and Regina (Ulbrich) Bries; in-laws: Imogene (Carl) Feldmann, JoAnn (Donald) Wille, Roger Bries, Kenneth Bries, Elmer Bries, Charlie (Mary) Bries, Anna Marie Bries in infancy; godson, Jayme Bries.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Ann M. Kemen

Ann Marie Kemen, 78, of Dubuque, passed away January 21, 2025 surrounded by family (She couldn’t bear the thought of another 4 years with this yahoo).

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ann was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, October 16, 1946, to Ervin and Dorothy (Roeske) Bahrke. Ann was a born Packer fan; it must have been printed on her Wisconsin birth certificate. While out on the town with a friend during college, she laid eyes on a tall, dark, handsome man that would sweep her off her feet. Envision the Jolly Green Giant with Sprout on his shoulder, years later they won many costume contests as the duo. They were smitten with one another and married November 2, 1968 and welcomed their son, Kevin, the following year. The two shared an amazing love story for more than 50 years.

As a young child, Ann knew that she was born to be a teacher. She earned her teaching degree in Oshkosh and not too long after, Ken and Ann were stationed in California where she continued to pursue teaching opportunities. While stationed in Missouri, Ann rallied with other military wives to create the first preschool program on base. The couple then moved to Dubuque, where Ann spent 24 years operating Humpty Dumpty Preschool out of their basement before retiring from education.

Ann, Ken, and Kevin, lived a life of adventure. Most of their adventures had to do with fast cars and motorcycles. Ann and Ken were founding members of a Corvette Club in Fort Leonard Wood as well as the Tristate Corvette Club. They were also original members of Abate of Iowa District 22, Custom Riders, and lifetime members of H.O.G. Through the years, Ken and Ann were able to visit 48 states via motorcycle.

While living life fast and taking chances was the norm for the family, neither were the cause of the unexpected death of her beloved son Kevin in 2017 or her Honey in 2019. Ann has, very bluntly, longed to be reunited with them as she fought through the effects of Cadasil over the last few years.

Left behind to cherish Ann’s memory are her grandchildren: Calsey (Sarah) Streif and Mason (Teresa) Kemen; great grandchildren: Julia Bradley, Rhett Bradley, and Dean Kemen; siblings: Barb Struzynski, Jim Bahrke, Deb Bahrke; and numerous extended family and friends.

Ann is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steve Bahrke, and her “adopted” grandson Justin Shaffer and a welcome party of close friends and other relatives.

A special thank you to her dear friends, Ann and Tim Skemp, her caregiver, Chris Wand, as well as Hospice of Dubuque staff.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ann’s memory.

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

Roger H. Steffen

Roger H. Steffen, 88, of Luxemburg, Iowa passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at Guttenberg Care Center, in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Luxemburg, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Roger was born on February 28, 1936, on the family farm in Luxemburg, Iowa, son of Charles and Gunilda (Lake) Steffen. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School. Roger married Mary Catherine (Katie) Maiers on April 22, 1958, in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Together they raised six children. He lived on the family farm for 82 years, during that time he farmed, helped other neighbors with field work, worked at Schmitt Implement and sold concessions at farm sales. In his past time, he loved spending time with family, fishing, snowmobiling, playing cards, telling jokes (good, bad, and in-between), attending card club, neighborhood gatherings, and was a choir member for many years. Roger also had a love of tractors and participated in tractorcades.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66+ years, Katie; children: Sherri Steffen, Pat (Patty) Steffen, Mike (Joan) Steffen, Sandy (Daryl) Klein, Susie (Tom) Schmitt, son-in-law, Greg Clay; grandchildren: Angie Colony, Amanda (Matt) Jones, Christie (Friend, Randy) Steffen, Kyle (Justine) Steffen, Amber (Josh) Feldmann, Ashley (Jacob) Lansing, Jerry (Meggan) Sigwarth, Stacey (Mitch) Bryson, Nick (Nicki) Klein, Katlin (Greg) Klimesh, Scott (Kaitlyn) Klein, Tracy (Josh) Rubner, and Alexis Clay; great grandchildren: Greyden, Shyah, and Avianna Colony, Madison, Avarie, Brieya, Emerlie, and Fynnlie Jones, Blake and Nolan Steffen, Caleb, Jonah, and Micah Sigwarth, Ellie Bryson, Decklan and Sawyer Klein, Croix and Rowan Klimesh, Savannah, Alyvia, and Devon Rubner; a brother, Herb (Norma) Steffen; sisters-in-law: Maggie Bockenstedt, Carol Lattner, and Diane Maiers.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Clay, his parents, parents-in-law, Peter and Bertha Maiers; siblings: Vincent (Betty) Steffen, Harry (Marcella) Steffen, and MaryAnn (Don) Feltes; in-laws: Joseph (Shirley) Maiers, Bernie (Connie) Maiers, Dave Maiers, Annie (Dave) Krapfl, Rosie (Greg) Helle, and Vernie Bockenstedt.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Living Center in Guttenberg, Guttenberg Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care of Roger.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Ann M. Nesteby

Ann Marie Nesteby, 61, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Sunday January 19, 2025, at home, following a sudden illness.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Rd. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. A burial at Mount Calvary will follow at a later date.

Ann was born May 19, 1963, in Dubuque to Charles and Margaret (Baumgartner) Koch. She attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Dubuque Wahlert in 1981. Ann married Randy Nesteby on April 17, 1982, in Dubuque.

Ann worked at Hills & Dales, the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Carlisle Graphics, and lastly at Locators Ltd.

She is survived by her husband, Randy; sons, Kyle (Katie) Nesteby, Travis (Christine) Nesteby, and Charlie (Holly) Nesteby; grandchildren, Carson, Ila, Bailee, and Cash; her mother, Margaret Koch; sister, Jan (Mike) Hochberger; siblings-in-law, Marilyn (Mickey) Allendorf, Connie Plowman, Doris (Dave) Hedrick, Tim (Diane) Nesteby, and Rick Nesteby.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, a sister Carol (Larry) Ender, and nephew and Godson, Josh Hochberger.

William J. Thul

William J. “Willie” Thul, age 86, of Marshalltown, IA and formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 3:35 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Iowa Veterans Home.  To celebrate Willie’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting the family.

Willie was born on September 25, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Alphonse K. and Barbara C. (Vaessen) Thul.

Willie served in Vietnam from October 11, 1961 until August 21, 1963.  He was a trained sharp shooter and served during the Cuban Missile crisis and the Germany Berlin Crisis.  He earned honors for both Sharp Shooter rifle M14 and Motor Vehicle Badge.  He was united in marriage to Joyce Zahina on September 26, 1964, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  They were blessed with 5 children and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary before Joyce passed away on October 24, 2022.  Willie worked as a heavy equipment operator for Fondell and Son Construction for several years.  He was proud of his work and would often tell people how he could operate every piece of equipment they owned.  He also was the crane operator that put the Dubuque Town Clock in its current location.  In his free time Willie enjoyed farming and spending time in the great outdoors cutting and splitting wood.  He also looked forward to deer hunting season with his son Steve and grandson Nathan.  Willie liked to tinker around with cars and would help fix them whenever someone needed help.  He was known to enjoy a nice cold one, and liked Old Style Beer so much that his CB handle was the “Old Style Kid”.  Willie was one of a kind and he will be remembered as a hard working no nonsense man who lived life to the fullest.

Those left to cherish Willie’s memory include

his children,
Angie Thul,
Peggy (Tim) Sindt,
Michelle (Carlton) Sloan,
Steve (Tonya Jo) Thul
and Tonya Thul-Theis;

his grandchildren,
Ashley (Chris) Caccitore, Gina Thul, Nathan (Taylor) Thul, Devon (Chelsea Schack) Sindt, Mallory (Cole Wilson) Thul, Alyssa (Ian) Davis, Landon Theis and Olivia Thul;

his great-grandchildren,
Abi Tobey, Bri Tobey and Quinton Caccitore;

his siblings,
Darlene Wubben
and Ray (Pat) Thul;

and several nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce Thul; 2 siblings, Margaret (Daryl “Buddy”) Ernster and Leonard Thul; and a brother-in-law, Vern Wubben.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Iowa Veterans Home for the outstanding care they have provided for Willie these past years.

Cards and memorials in Willie’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. William Thul Family.

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

William R. Parker II

William “Bill” R. Parker II, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 18, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bill was born on March 6, 1952, in Iowa, son of William R. and Joyce J. (Allen) Parker I. He married Brenda Lindecker on July 12, 1986, at the Dubuque Arboretum. He worked for the Chicago Central Pacific Railroad.

He loved the river, tinkering on Harley-Davidsons, and riding them just as much. If you ever needed to find Dad, you knew exactly where to look—he’d be in the garage!

Bill is survived by children Tressa (Dennis) Pergande, William “Will” Parker III, Chad (Kim Sutter) Parker, and Calee (Jason) Robey, grandchildren Bryce (Sadie), Madalyn, Madalynn, Lizzy, Mya, Evelyn, Dallas, Olivia, and Skyler, great grandchildren Ryder, Colt, Wylder, and Azariah, siblings Tammy Parker, Larry (Debbie) Parker, Kristine Beckman, and Ronald Parker, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Brenda, granddaughter Hailey Tracy, his parents William and Joyce, and his mother-in-law Betty Lindecker.

In lieu of flowers, a William R. Parker II Memorial Fund has been established.

Ronald L. Liskey

Ronald L. “Ron” Liskey, age 71, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 19, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  To honor Ron’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the North Grove Cemetery in Caro, MI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ron’s family.

Ron was born on May 22, 1953, in Mayville, MI, a son to Herman L. and Shirley E. (Frenzel) Liskey.   

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his daughter,
Marlaina B. Liskey, Madison, WI;

his grandson,
Presley L. Liskey, Madison, WI;

his ex-wife,
Barbara Liskey, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Michael N. Liskey, Lincoln Park, MI,
and Kristi L. (Jeff) Rackel, Bishopville, S.C.;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Care Initiatives Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Aneta M. Mistek

Aneta M. Mistek, 81, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Tuesday January 14, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Aneta was born December 28, 1943, in Windom, MN, to Gordon A. and Grace L. (Sether) Hansen.

She graduated from Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, MN. She went on to earn her Associate in Commerce degree from Waldorf College in Forest City IA.

Aneta married Jerome J. “Jerry” Mistek, June 18, 1966, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN.

She worked as a secretary at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, from 1963-1966, and as a paraprofessional at Hoover and Kennedy Elementary schools in Dubuque, IA, from 1980-2006 until her retirement in June 2006.

Aneta enjoyed spending time with family members, her time spent at the Mistek cabin in Ely, MN, long walks, writing family history, and flower gardening.

She is survived by her husband Jerome J. “Jerry” Mistek of Dubuque, IA; children Jodi A. (Steve) Moore of St. Joseph, MO, Joseph G. Mistek of St. Joseph, MO; granddaughters, Jaime A. Moore and Kristen L. Moore; siblings Carmen L. Schacherer of Wallingford, IA, Gary W. Hansen of Jackson, MN, and Marilyn A. (Doug) Miller of St. Peter, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Aneta is preceded in death by her parents.

Patricia Kirk

Patricia “Pat” Kirk, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday January 23, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday with Deacon David Roth officiating. Burial will be held in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

Pat was born on February 13, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Ambrose and Kathrine (Carr) Blake. She graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School. She married Loren “Toby” Kirk on October 19, 1963, at Church of the Resurrection in Asbury. She lived in St. Donatus for 30 years before moving to Dubuque.  Pat worked various jobs throughout her life. Pat enjoyed family gatherings, game nights and being in different card clubs.

Pat is survived by her children Kathryn (Robert “Bob”) Wagner, Karen (Dennis) Wemett, John (Mandy) Kirk, Joe (Carrie) Kirk, Kris (Bryan) Ortiz, and Katie (Jeff) Pregler, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, brother David Blake and sister Barb Blake.

She was preceded in death by her husband Toby, her parents, and sister Mary Behnke.

In lieu of flowers, a Patricia Kirk Memorial Fund will be established.

Betty J. Davis

Betty J. Davis, age 98, of Geneseo, Illinois passed away on January 18, 2025.  Betty was the second of four children born to David and Edith (McDonald) Gildersleeve.  She graduated from Annawan-Alba High School in 1943, and was the bookkeeper for P. R. Deane Plumbing in Geneseo for several years.  She married Donald J. Cherry on 2/16/52 and on 12/12/55 he passed away at age 31. She married Ross Davis of Maquoketa, Iowa on 1/24/59.  She enjoyed working as a clerk at the Sale Barn in Maquoketa, and was later a real estate broker, owning Ross Davis Real Estate with her husband.  She had two sons, Scott G. Davis and John R. Davis.  Her husband and son Scott preceded her in death in 2006 and 2010.

Betty returned to Geneseo, Illinois in 2010 and resided at Liberty Village, where she loved their many activities.  For many years she attended First Lutheran Church with her sister Doris, followed by a hot fudge sundae treat at the Dairy Queen. She also enjoyed many years of going out for dinner with her longtime friend June Swint and sister Doris. Betty looked forward to visits and car rides with brother and sister-in-law Joe and Betty Gildersleeve prior to their passing. Visits from son John, nieces Peggy Schram (Brian) and Deborah Swanson (who she often referred to as the daughters she never had) were highlights in addition to the comfort she felt from her sister Doris’s many years of care and companionship.

Betty loved to laugh and enjoy good times with family and friends.  She loved country music and numerous gatherings in Geneseo and at the Atkinson lake.  Betty and her siblings were often seen using sign language as their parents were deaf.  She will be remembered for her big smile, fun loving laugh, bright blue eyes, and her infamous streak of white hair that she insisted on keeping throughout her adult life.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Don and Ross, son Scott, sister and brother-in-law Pauline and Wendell Hill, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Betty Gildersleeve, brother-in-law Stanley Swanson, brother-in-law George Davis, and sister-in-law and husband Mary Ellen and Richard Bilsborrow.  She is survived by son John R. Davis, Clinton, Iowa, granddaughter Kathryn (Katie) Davis, Maquoketa, sister Doris Swanson, Geneseo, and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held through Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Skyline Center, Inc 2600 N 4th Street, Clinton, Iowa or to your favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful staff at Liberty Village for many years of heartfelt care.

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

Michael J. Heinrich

Michael J. Heinrich, a cherished family man, and respected chiropractor, passed away at the age of 54 on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at home.

Michael John Heinrich was born on May 23, 1970 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Robert “Jack” and Constance Jean “Connie” (Edwards) Heinrich.  He graduated from Maquoketa Community High School in 1989 and continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic, earning his degree in 1994. His commitment to helping others was evident in his choice of profession, and he went on to own and operate Heinrich Chiropractic in Maquoketa from 2001 until his passing. Michael’s work ethic was unparalleled; he balanced his chiropractic practice with a longstanding commitment to Richardson’s Trucking in Boscobel, Wisconsin, where he worked for over two decades.

On October 12, 2002, Michael married the love of his life, Danielle Daugherty, in Bellevue, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Jori and Jadyn, who were the light of his life. Michael’s love for his family was profound, and he cherished every moment spent with his girls and wife.

Michael’s interests extended beyond his professional life. He had a deep passion for tractors, particularly collecting them and engaging in farm and field work with his beloved IH tractors. His enthusiasm for these machines was more than a hobby; it was a way of connecting with the land he so loved.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Danielle Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Jori Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA, and Jadyn Heinrich of Maquoketa, IA; his mother Connie Heinrich of Zwingle, IA; brothers, Lyle (Jodi) Heinrich of Langworthy, IA, and Wade (Aimee) Heinrich of Zwingle, IA; in-laws, Gina and Ron Hingtgen of Bellevue, IA, David and Deb Koppes of Bellevue, IA, and John Koppes of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father John “Jack” Heinrich in 2015, and a brother Daniel Heinrich in 1981.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A private family prayer service will be held.  Cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Heinrich family.

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

Sheila F. Burggraf

Sheila F. (Curran) Burggraf, 61, of rural Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Due to facility issues at St. Joseph’s Chuch at Sinsinawa the Mass of Christian Burial will be moved to St. Francis de Sales Church at Hazel Green, WI at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with Fr. Peter Auer officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the church (St. Francis de Sales in Hazel Green).

Sheila was born on February 14, 1963, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Gerald P. and Fern V. (Hyde) Curran. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, the class of 1981.  On July 9, 1983, she was united in marriage to Thomas A. Burggraf at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

She was formerly a waitress at Toni’s Cafe on Central Ave. in Dubuque, and later at the Toll Bridge Restaurant from its inception until it closed. Sheila then went to work for the Dubuque Community School System as a paraprofessional at Eisenhower School until her retirement due to health conditions.

She loved baking and was known for her Potato Rolls and enjoyed attending flea markets and thrift stores.

Surviving is her husband, Tom; three children, Amanda (Chad) Whitt of East Dubuque, IL, Alex (Amanda “Ozzie”) Burggraf of Asbury, MO, and Abbey (Jake) Weigel of Platteville, WI; (8) grandchildren, Mason Burggraf, Ethan, Wyatt, Greyden, Scarlett, Maci, Ava and Archer; her siblings, Patrick (Karen) Curran, Pamela (John) Manders, Michael (Marianne) Curran, Angela (Todd) Thomas and Linda (Bryan) Paulsen, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Fern, her stepmother, Velma “Toni” (Breitbach) Curran, and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold & Dolores) Burggraf.

Tom and family wish to thank Dr. Eric Engelman and staff; Mercy One Dubuque Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, a Sheila F. Burggraf memorial fund has been established.

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

Carol A. Geber

Carol A. (Michels-Lundin) Geber, 81, formerly of Clinton, passed on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Highlight Healthcare of Morrison in Morrison, Illinois.

Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue followed by a Funeral Service at 4:00 pm at the funeral home.  Burial will be at a later date in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Springbrook.

Carol was born May 26, 1943, in Bellevue, the daughter of Wilfred and Bernice (Felderman) Michels.  She graduated from Andrew High School in 1961.  Carol married Roger John Lundin on August 24, 1963, he passed away on March 23, 1970, later she married Dale A. Geber on May 2, 1975, he passed away on June 3, 2022.  She worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services until retiring in 2002. Carol enjoyed Sunday drives along the river, camping and most importantly traveling to visit her children and grandchildren.  Carol was lovingly nicknamed “Grandma” by the staff at Highlight Healthcare. 

Survivors include her children, Ron (Katie) Lundin of Des Moines, Phyllis Lundin of Iowa City, and John (Theresa) Lundin of Topeka; grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob, Mikhaila, Calvin (Abril), Rachel (Cole), and Riley; great-grandchildren, Owen, Theo, Belen ; and a sister, Joyce (Kenneth) Laughlin.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and an infant brother, Wayne Michels.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Carol’s memory.

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

Dorothy M. Ruden

Dorothy M. Ruden, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Bernard, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday January 17, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a parish wake service at 3:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday January 18, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity with Rev. Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on August 10, 1929, the daughter of Anthony and Mary (Johnson) Fischer. She grew up on the family farm on Fischer Road by the Twelve Mile House.

She was united in marriage to Eldon J. Ruden on August 28, 1951, at Holy Family Catholic Church, New Melleray, by Rev. Placid McGee. Together they farmed in the Bernard area before moving to Dubuque. Along with farming she worked at several Dubuque businesses including the Dubuque Packing Co. and Georgia Pacific.

Dorothy is survived by her children Dave (Rita) Ruden, Joyce Giannakouros, Dennis Ruden, her 14 Grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, a brother-in-law Dick Strohmeyer and two sisters-in-law Doris and Rita Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eldon, son Jeff “Jeep” Ruden, daughter Jane Ruden, son-in-law George Giannakouros, her parents Anthony and Mary, siblings Donald (Vi) Fischer, Bill Fischer, Marie (Alfred) Kass, Jack Fischer, Rosemary Strohmeyer, Paul Fischer and Albert (Vicky) Fischer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and Hospice of Dubuque especially Tami, Nicole, and Amber, along with Dr. Andrea Ries for all the loving care.