Obituaries Archive

Lorin R. Schmidt

Lorin R. Schmidt, 82, of Dyersville, Iowa died Monday, November 10, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation will be held from 8 – 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa. Burial will be held at a later date. Rev. Mark Osterhaus will officiate with Rev. Hung Le concelebrating.

Lorin was born on August 24, 1943, in Bellevue, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Catherine (Poll) Schmidt. Lorin graduated from high school and went on to work several farm related jobs. He enjoyed spending time with all the animals. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting farm toys, wood working, and mowing lawn.

He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish. He was a member of Cascade Fire Department for 24 years; later being inducted in the Dubuque County Fire Fighters Hall of Fame. He was a friend of Bill W.

Lorin is survived by his children: Jeff (Jeantte) Schmidt of Peosta, Joel (Pam) Schmidt of Dyersville, Jacob(Danielle) Schmidt of Dubuque; a special nephew, Dr. Bud Feldmann of Dyersville; grandchildren: Stephanie (Chris) Decker, Nicholas, Trista and Jacob Matthew Schmidt, Lillian and Hailey Schmidt, one great grandchild Ollie Decker; siblings: Mary (Feldmann) (Lou) Ronnebaum, Raphael (Patsy) Schmidt, Rosalia (Donald) Putz, Mindy (Louis) Bassler, Paul Schmidt, Rita (John) Cortum, Melvin Schmidt, Darlene (Kevin) Curoe, and Dennis (Theresa) Schmidt; special friend, Donna Riesberg; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Catherine Schmidt; sister: Madonna (Robert) Snyder: in-law Lawrence Feldmann; and a niece and nephew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. There will be a donation made by the family to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Lorin’s honor.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Jeanette A. Durkop

Jeanette Ann Durkop, 89, of Elwood, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Jeanette was born on June 19, 1936, to Ambrose and Hilda (Peters) Meyer.  She attended Miles High School and graduated in 1954.  She married Donald Durkop on June 24, 1956.  Don passed away on January 13, 2016.

Jeanette’s early career started with working at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa.  Later she married Don and was then active in their farming operations.  She often helped with the harvest and livestock.  She was an avid gardener and homemaker.   Her family loved her home cooked meals especially when they included her freshly baked rolls.  Jeanette was an active member in the Elwood Methodist Church and Ladies Auxiliary group. You could always count on her during their popular Fall Festival each year.  She was known for her excellent penmanship and wrote thousands of cards and thankyou’s.

She is survived by her children and their families, Diane (Keith) Hurd of Lewisville, TX, Doris (Will) Davis of Hewitt, TX, and Paul (Pat) Durkop of Elwood, IA.  Her grandchildren Clay (Chelsy) Davis, Brock Davis, Dallas (Kayla) Durkop, Dane Durkop and great grandchild David Durkop.  Sister in laws Delores (Durkop) Aude and Phyillis (Durkop) Botkin. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters (Joann Clausen her twin, and Mary Ellen Greve) and brothers (Charles Meyer and Wayne Meyer).

A celebration of her life will be held at 5 P.M., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 3 to 5 P.M. at Carson’s.  A private family graveside service and burial will be held at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Elwood Cemetery Association or Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Henry Gansemer

Henry Gansemer, 93, of Rickardsville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Henry will be at 10:00 am on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville, with Father Tyler Raymond as the Celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Henry was born in Sherrill, IA to Henry J. and Theresa (Butlett) Gansemer. He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1953 until 1955. He married Mary Jane Backes on June 4, 1957, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rickardsville. He and Mary Jane purchased the Backes family farm where they raised their three children on the farm. He milked dairy cows, raised pigs, and cropped the land for many years until his son, Rick, resumed farming. He managed baseball and coached softball for many years. He was a die-hard Cub fan and a Rickardsville Semi-Pro baseball fan. Henry was one of the founding fathers who made the Rickardsville Ball Diamond in 1970. He and Mary Jane enjoyed polka dancing, bowling, and traveled to all 48 states, as well as, Europe. He was a member of St. Joseph Church and a 75 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Mary Jane; his son, Rick (Marge) Gansemer, daughter, Debbie (Carl) Brehm both of Rickardsville, and Lisa (Craig Gaul) Ruppel of Martelle, IA; 15 grandchildren, Nick (Steph) Brehm, Christy (Todd) Wolf, Scott (Ali) Brehm, Jill (Chad) Herman, Jenny (Karsten) Jasper, Kim (Brandon) Bonert, Kelly (Sheldon) Phillips, Amanda (Josh) Ruppel, Tracy (Dakota) Aldrich, Ryan Ruppel, Amy (Adam) Linden, Sarah (Ben) Bell, Katie (Tyler) Hess, and Ben Gansemer; 35 great-grandchildren; sisters, Darlene (Emil) Weber of Epworth ad Sally (Cletus) Bleile of Dubuque; brother, Clarence (Darlene) Gansemer of Sherrill; and sisters-in-law, Kay Habel of Dubuque and Rose (Barry) Brinkmeyer of Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Theresa Gansemer; his in-laws, Clarence and Genevieve Backes; two children, Thomas and Anne Gansemer; granddaughter, Molly Gansemer; his brothers, Herman, Lawrence, and LaVerne Gansemer; sister, Viola Hefel; brothers-in-law, Mick Hefel and Ron Habel; and sister-in-law, Marie Gansemer.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Veteran Administration and the ladies who took care of Dad; Michelle and Courtney and the neighbors who came and cared for Dad.

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

Audra L. Martin

Audra Lynn (Seymour) Martin, 58, of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Zwingle/Otter Creek, and Welton, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Audra Lynn Seymour was born on November 18, 1966, in Rock Island, Illinois to James Elliot and Mary Diane (Dugan) Seymour.  She grew up in Welton and was a 1985 graduate of Central DeWitt Community School District.  She married Tom Martin.  They later divorced.  She later met Harry Shady of Otter Creek/Zwingle and they spent over 15 years together.

Audra had worked various jobs throughout the years including working at Flexsteel, fitting and showing world champion Top Quarter Horses for breeders, and working for Denny Seargent Saddlery and Western wear.

Those left to honor her memory include her mother, Mary Seymour of Delmar, IA; and special friends, Michelle Rausenberger, and Lisa McGarry.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father James Seymour, and infant twin siblings.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, November 21, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in DeWitt, Iowa.  There is no visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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

Larry D. Stanton

Larry Duane Stanton, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on November 8, 2025, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 79.

Born on January 7, 1946, in Clinton, Iowa, Larry was the son of James M. and LeAnna M. (Becker) Stanton. He completed his education at Midland of Wyoming High School after Monmouth High School closed during his senior year.

Larry’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his country, and his work. He married the love of his life, Linda Noonan, on October 2, 1966, in Maquoketa, Iowa. Larry’s early career included working at Mel’s Super Valu in Maquoketa before he answered the call of duty to serve in the U.S. Army. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home and began working for Mike Hill at Mike’s Feeds, followed by a position at Caterpillar in Mount Joy, Iowa.

For over 45 years, Larry worked in the construction industry through Stanton Bros. Construction/Larry’s General Repair. His work ethic and integrity were evident in every project he undertook, and his contributions will stand as a testament to his skill and dedication.

Larry was member of the Maquoketa VFW Post #3633 O’Connor-Regenwether, the Coronado Car Club, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa. His hobbies included walking, people watching, and cherishing moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Larry’s companionship with his dogs, the late Willie Nelson and the “little black dog” Johnny Cash, brought him immense joy.

However, it was his love for vintage classic cars and trucks that truly captured his heart. Larry spent countless hours restoring and caring for these pieces of history.

Larry’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Linda Stanton of Maquoketa, IA; his children, Laura Lynn (Dean) Kloft of Maquoketa, IA, Linette Gail (Jason) Kremer of Bernard, IA, and Lesley Ann (and L’il Johnny Cash) Stanton of Maquoketa, IA; his six grandchildren, Alexia (Bryan) Cooke, Carlie (Jake Nicholson) Stanton, Kylee (Dan) Smith, Makenzie (Kevin) Schumann, Morgan Kremer, and Emily (Chris Gonzalez) Kloft; three great-grandchildren, Evan and Kayce Cooke, and Tayte Schumann, with two more on the way; his sister, Janice (Jerry) McMurray of Andrew, IA; his brother, Denny (Kris) Stanton of Maquoketa, IA; and his beloved niece and nephews, Jay (Chris) McMurray, Jeff (Rita) McMurray, Corey (Alissa) Stanton and Kirby (Dustin) Phillips. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Jerry (Linette) Kurt.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial with military honors will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Larry D. Stanton memorial fund has been established.

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

Marge M. Gassmann

Marge M. Gassmann, age 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully November 9th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge will be 10:30 am Monday, November 17, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Joseph Wolfe as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Marge was born on March 25th, 1939 in Worthington, IA, to Silverius and Irene (Dehner) Leyendecker. She graduated from St. Paul’s Catholic school in 1957 and worked at American Trust Bank in Dubuque from 1957-1960.  She married LeRoy Gassmann on May 9th, 1959, at St. Paul’s Church in Worthington, IA.  LeRoy and Marge loved dancing the night away together. From the first time LeRoy took her hand on the dance floor, Marge knew he was the one-they moved together with a magic that was unmistakably theirs.

She joined LeRoy in Hanau, Germany, where he served in the US Army for twenty months, creating cherished memories with their close friends Rich and Bonnie Gibson during that time. Back in the States, Marge worked at Target, where she served as a beloved cashier for 21 years until her retirement. Customers would often wait in her line even when others stood empty, drawn by her warm presence and the genuine care she brought to every interaction.

Marge treasured long conversations with family and friends, building deep connections with her neighborhood friends, especially Diana and Dale Wels and Jan and Dave Germain, along with countless cherished friends from her years at Target. She maintained a close friendship throughout her life with her dear friend Theresa Kotnour who she met at her job at the bank. Her aunt and beloved friend Rita held a special place in her heart-their card games played for quarters became legendary, but it was their deep bond and shared laughter that made those moments truly precious.

Two priests in the family had a lasting impact on Marge. Father Dan Knepper, a first cousin, was a devoted priest who guided the family through the good and the hard times. Father Joseph Wolfe, her godchild, was an integral part of her faith journey. Even from his home in Alabama, he made time to visit when Marge could no longer travel, and those visits remained among her most treasured memories.

Beyond cards, Marge was an avid reader who passed her love of books to her three daughters and grandchildren, creating a legacy of stories shared across generations. She also loved putting puzzles together with her kids and grandkids, finding comfort and joy in the quiet moments spent side by side, piece by piece, creating something beautiful together.

Surviving are her 6 children: Brenda (Russ) Pfab, of Peosta, Mark (Toni) Gassmann, of DeWitt, Stacey (Eric) Ruff, of Bettendorf, Gary (Lynette) Gassmann of Dubuque, Tony (Tiffany) Gassmann, of Dubuque, and Sara (Matt) Higgins, of Spirit Lake, 15 grandchildren, Aaron, Drew, Ashley, Bryce, Jaide, Kayla, Kelsey, Kora, Gavin, Logan, Ethan, Gabi, Maci, Bode, and Ty;  6 step grandchildren, Benjamin, Samantha, Courtney, McKenzie, Broderick, and Faith; 9 great grandchildren, Harper, Hayden, Gwen, Gus, Graham, Carson, Turner, Elsie, and Porter; 2 brothers: Steve (Christa) Leyendecker of Northbrook, IL and Rick (Carla) Leyendecker of Iowa City, 5 sisters: Judy Lammers of Dyersville, Jean Polfer of Peosta, Linda (David) Burger of Worthington, Mary Kay Leyendecker of Hazel Park, Michigan, and Kathy (Pat) Hayes of Milwaukie, OR, brother in law Gerald Gassmann of Davenport, and sisters in law Mary Agnes (Jim) Schnier of Bellevue, and Bev Gassmann in Opelousas, LA.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Silverius and Irene, her stepfather Francis Till, her sister Rose (Nick) Wolfe, brothers in law Lyle (Shirley) Gassmann, Robert Gassmann, Kenneth Gassmann, Marvin (Pat) Gassmann, John (Grace) Gassmann, Jerry Lammers and Dick Polfer and sisters in law Eileen (Bill) Besler, Betty (Butch) Gotto, Gladys (Paul) Knapper and Connie (Merle) Lueck of Bloomington, Wisconsin.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli, Jennie, Morgan, Hilary and Julie.  A special thank you to Rose for finding the perfect nurse to care for our mom in Kelli- two peas in a pod.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Dubuque American Legion Post #6.

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

Patrick J. Devine

Patrick J. Devine, 78, of Dubuque, passed away on November 8, 2025, at Jackson Ridge Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home starting at 2:00 p.m. with Msgr. Jim Miller officiating. Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Fillmore, IA.

Patrick was born on February 27, 1947, in Fillmore, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Marie (Breitbach) Devine. He graduated from Aquin High School in Cascade. He lived his entire life in Dubuque and worked for 30 years at the Dubuque Packing Co. Patrick enjoyed stock car races, county fairs and tractor pulls.

He is survived by his brother, Jim (Alyce) Devine of Cascade, IA, along with nieces and nephews.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, George, Robert, Edward, Tom and Jospeh Devine.

Patsy Swailes

Patsy Yoshino Oshiro Morris Swailes, 94, of Dubuque, formerly of Belle Plaine and Tama, died peacefully on November 9, at Bethany Home.

Patsy was born on January 5, 1931, in Wahiawa, Territory of Hawaii, the daughter of Chozun and Matsuru Oshiro. She attended local schools and graduated in 1949 from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa.

She attended Queens School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. After working one year at Queens, she joined the U.S. Army Nursing Corps as a registered nurse. She attained the rank of First Lieutenant before being discharged with honor.

Patsy met Benjamin P. Morris III, originally of Long Branch, New Jersey, at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO. In 1955, they married in Iowa City, Iowa. There, she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Patsy and Ben later moved to Tama, where they continued to be avid Hawkeye fans. They raised six children in Tama and later moved to Belle Plaine. Sadly, Ben died in 1991 at the age of 60.

In 1996, Patsy married Harold J. Swailes of Belle Plaine. They had many happy years until his death in 2011.

Patsy leaves her six children Lisa (Neil) MacNaughton of Rosemount, MN; Benjamin Morris IV of Da Nang, Vietnam; Laurel Morris of Dubuque; Eric Morris of De Soto, WI; Goro (Mayra) Morris of Techac Puerto, Mexico; and Maria Morris of Dubuque. Also surviving Patsy are her stepsons John (Cheri) Swailes, Don (Cheryl) Swailes, and Tom (Nancy) Swailes. Her beloved grandchildren are Andrew (Dani) MacNaughton, Hannah MacNaughton, Benjamin (Olivia) Morris V, Madison Morris, Livia Schutz, Amelia Benham, and Race Benham; and step-grandchildren on the Swailes side – Mike, Bonnie, Amy, Jean, Mary, Patrick, Molly, and Amanda.

Patsy was the longest living of her siblings, Choko Oshiro, Robert Oshiro, Richard Oshiro, Dot Arita, and Phyllis Tanaka.

A memorial service and burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to Bethany Home in Dubuque for the loving care they gave Patsy in her final years.

Online condolences for Patsy’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Jessica Bertucci

Jessica Bertucci, 45, of Stockton, died Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Jessica will be 11:00 am Tuesday, November 18, 2025 with Father Joachim Tyrtania officiating.

Jessica was born July 11, 1980, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Thomas George and Lorilyn Howard Koziol.

She worked at Dollar General before earning her CNA and CMA certifications and had been employed at Ennoble Nursing and Rehab for the past two years.

Jessica had a big heart for animals, especially for dogs and cats. She loved spending time outdoors fishing and gardening, and she enjoyed traveling, loud music, and video games. She was a published author who proudly wrote one book and had been working on another. She had the most infectious personality-she was walking sunshine. She was also quick-witted, full of humor, and always knew how to make people laugh.

Survivors include her mother, Lorilyn Koziol of Norridge, IL; her daughter, Maya Bouler of Chicago, IL; 11 siblings, Kenny Koziol of Chicago, IL, Jeff Koziol of Chicago, IL, Edmen Wasoski of Phoenix, AZ, Mark Bertucci of Stockton, IL, Michael Bertucci of Hanover, IL, James Bertucci of Hanover, IL, Anthony Bertucci of Woodbine, IL, Christina Bertucci of Elizabeth, IL, Sabrina Alonzo of Elkhorn, WI; several nieces and nephews, including her niece, Norilyn, who was her world; and two best friends, Stacie Mrzlak of Galena, IL, and Shannon Brown of Shullsburg, WI.

She was preceded in death by her father, one brother, Joey Bertucci, and her significant other, Joe Ip.

Jessica’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Wayne Madsen, her friends and co-workers at Ennoble Nursing and Rehab, and to her late significant other, Joe Ip, whose love and companionship brought her so much happiness.

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

Kris Loomis

Kris Loomis, 60, of Dubuque, died Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Harmony Dubuque.

There will be no formal services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Kris was born on July 7, 1965, the daughter of Theodore M. and Jeanette M. (Herting) Schmitt.

Kris graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1981. She took great pride in being a mom and homemaker, she loved being in the kitchen making goodies, especially, her Texas sheet cake and chili.

Survivors include her three children, Tanya (Roger Carman) Loomis, Travis Humphrey, and Tyler Humphrey all of Dubuque, IA; two grandchildren, Kyrie and Zeke Carman; three siblings, Nancy Schultz of Holy Cross, Debbie (David Dolan) Linden of Dubuque, and Randy (Linda) Schmitt of Dubuque; one brother-in-law, Leroy Kedley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ricky; one sister, Barb; and one brother-in-law, Dave.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Harmony, Hospice of Dubuque, palliative care nurse, Diane, and her niece, Tammy Maas for all of the loving care she gave to Kris.

LaVonne J. Herzog

LaVonne Jean Herzog, 85 of Osterdock, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Visitation will continue on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg with funeral services beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, near Colesburg. Reverend Mike Ashman and Reverend Roland Waterman will officiate.

Lavonne was born on February 20, 1940, the daughter of Arnold and Avo (Burington) Waterman of Garber, IA. She attended Elkport school until it closed and transferred to Central Community School in Elkader, Ia. After her family moved closer to Guttenberg, LaVonne transferred to Guttenberg High School where she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Aryln Herzog. They were married on June 17, 1958, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elkport, IA. Together they started a life of farming in Osterdock, moved to Millville and then back to Osterdock on the Herzog family farm where they spent the last 61 years working side by side.

She and Arlyn worked hard on the farm, raising 5 children, milking cows, taking care of chickens, pigs and crop farming. Arlyn said “She was always beside me and we were always together.” LaVonne began working outside the home at Christianson Café in Guttenberg, worked at the Ertl Toy Company in Dyersville, IA for 28 years and later substituted at the Guttenberg Community School cafeteria. She took a lot of pride in her work and was always busy. No job was ever too big for her, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand. LaVonne loved to cook and bake, never letting guests or neighbors helping with field work, go hungry. She always took more food than necessary to family reunions or picnics, saying “She had to take as much as her family would eat.” LaVonne loved flower gardening, playing cards, going to dances and being with family and friends. She especially loved Christmas when she could watch her children and grandchildren open their gifts.

Lavonne had a big heart with much love to give to those around her. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with special friends they met from going to dances for many years.

LaVonne is survived by her husband of 67 years Aryln Herzog; children: Kathy (Brad) Scherf of Farmersburg, IA, Connie Horstman of Davenport, IA; Cindy (Steve) Moser of Garber, IA, and Carol (Brian) Handke Dyersville, IA. Her surviving Grandchildren: Greg (Donna) Herzog, Valerie (Steve)Reimer, Karen Scherf, Hilary (Josh) Anderegg, Dylan Scherf, Matthew Scherf, Kent Horstman, Jessica (Adam) James, Austin (Kelsey) Simms, Nicole Moser, Jesse Moser, Jenna (Jacob) Aulwes, Abby (Travis) Steffens, Ellie Handke, multiple great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her son Kerry Herzog and daughter in law, Mary Herzog; grandson, Adam Herzog; her parents; her sister LuyVerl Seago and brother- in- law, Hubert Seago, one sister in infancy Virgene Waterman, parents-in-law, Earl and Fern Herzog; and niece Michelle (Shelly Herzog) Parker.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care and support.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Donald P. Dietz

Donald P. Dietz, 101, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 to 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Donald Paul Dietz was born on July 31, 1924 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Viola (Yaddof) and Percy Dietz Sr.  He graduated from Elwood High School at the age 16 and then immediately began farming with his father in the Elwood area.  He married Marilyn Marie Miller on December 27, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa.  Four children were born to this union, Dennis, Kimberly, Barbara, and Richard.

Upon his marriage to Marilyn, they farmed from 1949 to 1962 in the Lost Nation area, and from 1962 to 2009 in the Maquoketa area.  In addition to farming, he sold Golden Harvest Seed Corn for several years.

Donald had been a member of the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa, Buckhorn Community Club, Jackson County Pork Producers, and the Jackson County Farm Bureau.  He had also served on the Preston Mutual Insurance Board, and as a 4-H leader of the South Fork Stockmen Club.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and in earlier years playing softball, and bowling.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Kimberly (Larry) Deppe of LaMotte, IA, Barbara (William “Bill”) Bowman of Maquoketa, IA, and Richard “Dick” (Paula) Dietz of Ankeny, IA; 8 grandsons, Robert Dietz, Bryan Dietz, Matthew Deppe, Lucas Deppe, Ara “A.J.” Bowman, Adam Bowman, Samuel Dietz, and Willem Dietz; 17 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and in-laws.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn on June 18, 2022, a son Dennis, brothers Percy Jr. and Wayne, and a sister Dolores Rutenbeck.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Donald P. Dietz memorial fund has been established.

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

Rickie L. Budde

Sue A. Bussan

Sue A. Bussan, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025 at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Galena, IL.

Sue was born on September 23, 1948 at Aurora, IL, the daughter of James E. and Helen M. (Clawson) McCulloch of Plano, IL. On May 24, 1975 she was united in marriage to Herb Bussan at St. Mary’s Church, Galena, IL. He preceded her in death on May 31, 2022.

She was formerly employed in the clerical field for Jo Daviess County, Cigna, Prudential and retired from Dubuque Bank & Trust Co.

In her younger years she enjoyed flea markets, antique shops, and she loved to travel. Sue also enjoyed dining out with friends and going shopping. She was very particular about her yard and loved flowers.

Sue was a people person like her husband Herb and had a great love of dogs.

Surviving is her sister Mary (Ken) Radivoy of Aiken, SC; a sister-in-law, Barbara  Swingle, of Elk Grove, CA and brother-in-law, Merle Gaber of Dubuque, IA; plus, nieces, nephews and cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Helen, two sisters-in-law, Helen Gaber and Joan Smith, and a great nephew, Adam Wright.

Memorials in Sue’s name may be given to the Dubuque Humane Society.

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

Sharon A. Wolter

Sharon Albertha (Ward) Wolter died November 6, 2025 at home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sharon will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Martin Obeng as the Celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Sharon was born on February 2, 1947 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, the daughter of Clarence and Alida (Atkins) Ward. She married Harold Wolter on March 11, 1966 and together they raised five children, Steve, Pam, Pat, Brad, and Kayla.

Sharon attended Boscobel High School. Along with taking care of her children, Sharon also worked as a bookkeeper at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Sharon enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, holiday baking with the family, and time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Pamela (Michael) Singleton of San Antonio, TX, Patrick Wolter, Bradley Wolter, and Kayla Wolter all of Dubuque; thirteen grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren with a new addition on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Alida Ward; her in-laws, Harold and Barbara Wolter; her son, Steven Wolter; two brothers, Vernon and Chester Ward; two sisters, Rose (Bob) Bohringer, Lois Junk; and five brothers-in-law, Laverne Wolter, Loren Wolter, Duane Wolter, Dennis Wolter, Al (Buzz) Wolter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for the special care you gave Shari, especially Julie, Nichole, and Jill.

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