Obituaries Archive

Norbert F. Wieland

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

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

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

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

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

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

William H. Calvert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alice E. Amling

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael H. Larson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary F. Kirkham-Baal

Mary Francis Kirkham-Baal, 74, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday September 26, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for Mary will be 7:00 pm Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating.

Mary was born March 18, 1947, in Rushville, IL, the daughter of Lyle and Delores Steffens Kirkham.

Mary was an English teacher at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, WI.  She truly enjoyed being a teacher.

Mary enjoyed teaching, reading, books, opera, and arts. She liked to travel and had a special love for cats.

Survivors include her daughter, Liz Baal of Dubuque, IA; her son, Rick (Kelly) Baal of Alabama; and her granddaughter, Lydia Baal.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Diana Kirkham.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Dubuque Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care of Mary.

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

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

C.E. Smith

C.E. “Smitty” Smith, 94, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am Monday September 27, 2021, at Westminster Presbyterian Church 2155 University Avenue.

The Funeral Service for Smitty will be 11:00 am Monday, September 27, 2021, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. MargaretAnne Overstreet officiating.  Burial will be 11:00 am Tuesday, September 28, 2021 in Jefferson City Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa.  Full military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard and the Jefferson City Iowa VFW Post 9599.

Smitty was born May 25, 1927, in Jefferson, IA, the son of Irvin and Laura M. Fels Smith. On October 5, 1948, he married Marian Margaret Morlan at Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. She passed away in February of 1974. On June 12, 1976, he married Velma A. Shoars Schlickman in Dubuque. She passed away February 13, 2001.
 
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served 3 1/2 months of basic training at Campo Texas.  They were on their way to Japan when the A-Bomb was dropped and so instead they went to Europe.  He came out as a Corporal 505 Squad 15.  He was in the last infantry cycle at Fort Hood, Texas during the War.  He was proud to be selected to attend an Honor Flight of Dubuque.

Smitty retired from Sieg Automotive in 1989 after 45.5 years where he was a sales manager and President.

He was a past longtime member of Dubuque Noon Optimist Club, past board member of StoryBook Hill Children’s Zoo, and volunteered at Finley Hospital for over 20 years. He loved golfing, boating, and traveling.

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey I. (Angie) Smith of Princeton, IA; one daughter, Pattee Jewel (Larry) Josephson of Webster City; two step-sons, Don (Cathy) Schlickman and Bill (Barb) Schlickman, both of Dubuque, IA; eight grandchildren, Tami Stinson, Wendy (Chad) Volkert, Jessica (Kyle) Kirby, Tim Schlickman, Stephanie (Michael) Kirby, Molly (James) Jones, Pete Schlickman, Katie (James) Schlickman-Hackbarth; great-grandchildren, Cody (Carrie) Stinson, Connor (Steph) Stinson, Colin Stinson and Kaela Rahaman, Korbin, Jaxen, Ethan, Hannah, and Ava Kirby, Vincent and Leo Hackbarth, Dominic Volkert, Natalie and Landon Jones; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Maddie Kanoff and Aubrey Jo Stinson and his special friend, Maxine Robinson.

Besides his wives, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald (Betty) Smith, and two stepsisters, Donna and Valeda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Dubuque Noon Optimist Club and StoryBook Hill Children’s Zoo.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Smitty’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Leo M. Barton

Leo M. Barton, 97, of Rickardsville, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday September 24, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Leo will be 10:30 am Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rickardsville with Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Leo was born February 14, 1924, in Rickardsville, IA, the son of John and Blanche Schirmer Barton. On April 21, 1948, he married Rita Mae Klein in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville. She died February 22, 2000.

In addition to owning and operating the Barton Family Farm, Leo worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville and U.A.W. Local 94. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and NASCAR and enjoyed playing Euchre.  He enjoyed traveling the country with his wife and brother and sister in law.

Survivors include three daughters, Madonna “Donna” Hayes of Rockford, IL, Vicky (Vince) Smith of Peosta, IA, and Dawn Barton of Cedar Rapids, IA; three sons, Ron “Tuni” (Mary Ann) Barton of Dubuque, Randy “Haney” (Marian) Barton of Holy Cross, IA, and Rick (Julie) Barton of Dubuque; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren with two more on the way; one sister, Betty Stierman of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Eileen Barton and Phyllis Stierman, four brothers, Ray, Paul, Jim, and Luke, and his son-in-law, Keith Hayes.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville.

A special thank you to the staff at Stonehill for their loving care of Leo.

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

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

Ruby V. Arensdorf

Ruby V. Arensdorf, 83, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, September 21, 2021, at Crestridge Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, September 27, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

Ruby Virginia Chase was born on November 17, 1937 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Leonard and Freda (Welborn) Chase.  She married Sylvester Nick Arensdorf on August 29, 1952 in Clinton, Iowa.  She then became a homemaker and helped her husband while he was the maintenance director at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Maquoketa.

Ruby enjoyed puzzle books, watching game shows and westerns, and spending time with her grandchildren and her dogs Bear and Elvis.  Additionally, she liked going for walks, visiting with friends, collecting Elvis Presley items, and collecting dolls and making doll clothes.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Larry (Cindy) Arensdorf of Maquoketa, IA, and Tina (Chuck) Wilhelm of Maquoketa, IA; 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Kilpatrick of AR, and Janis (Bob) Conklin of Clinton, IA; and a brother, Junior Chase of TX.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sylvester on May 9, 2000, a daughter Julie Bertling, a grandson Kristopher Charles Wilhelm, brothers Leonard, Gary, Wayne and Chuck Chase, and a sister Nita Russell.

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

Helen M. Schoenfeld

Helen M. Schoenfeld, 92 of Galena, IL passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. A private family burial will be held later. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Helen was born April 18, 1929, in Galena the daughter of Henry and Agnes (Knobbe) Westmeyer.  She was united in marriage to Francis Schoenfeld on July 11, 1953, and he preceded her in death on May 20, 2012. Helen enjoyed painting, fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time outdoors.

She is survived by two sons, Gary (Sandy) Schoenfeld of Hanover, IL and Francis (Brittany) Schoenfeld Jr. of Fennimore, WI, three daughters, Gail Benson of Galena, Debbie (Brad) Wolfram of Leander, TX, Donna (Darren) Schoenfeld of Shullsburg, WI, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Dorothy, and Delia, five brothers, Donald, George, Jackie, Earl, and Jerry.

She loved and cared for her animals, if you wish to give a memorial, please donate to your local humane society in memory of Helen.

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

Sandra J. LuGrain

Sandra J. “Sandy” LuGrain, age 57, of Dubuque, passed away at 4:23 a.m., on Monday, September 20, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Sandy’s life, private family services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Sandy was born on December 31, 1963, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William “Pat” and Carol (Weidenbacher) LuGrain.

Sandy lived in Dubuque for her whole life where she began her working career with The Dodge House in the housekeeping department.  She later went to work as a secretary with the City of Dubuque Housing Department until health issues forced her into early retirement.  Sandy was a faith filled woman and loved being an active member of Faith Temple United Pentecostal Church.  In her free time, Sandy enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors, whether it was camping or sitting down by the river fishing.  She also liked to sit and listen to all of the activity around town on the police scanner and got to know several of the officers.  Sandy was known to enjoy a good game of cards, especially poker, and was a regular at Colts Bingo.  No doubt, spending time with her family was the aspect of her life that brought her the greatest joy.  She always looked forward to any time she was able to spend with the grandchildren.  We are truly heartbroken at losing Sandy in our daily lives.  We do, however, find some comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully, free all of the health issues she has faced so bravely these past years.

Those left to cherish Sandy’s memory include

her life partner,
Leonard G. “Lenny” Foulk, Dubuque, IA;

her 3 children,
Michael (Katie) LuGrain,
William Robert “Willie” (Becky) LuGrain, both of Dubuque, IA
and Carol Jean (Anthony) Mendoza, Davenport, IA;

9 grandchildren,
Zedekiah, Nakoah, Kaylee, Xay, Jax, Kiana “Kelly”, Josiah, Xavier and Mason;

and her siblings,
Rose Leifker, Dubuque, IA,
Kathy (Randy) Fritz, Dubuque, IA,
Mary Jo (Gary) Schroeder, Dubuque, IA,
Sue (Darrell Unruh) Atkinson, Blair, NE,
Jean Matlock, Dubuque, IA,
Pat (Laurie) LuGrain, Dubuque, IA
and James “Jimmy” (Mary) LuGrain, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; a niece, Ashley LuGrain; 2 nephews, Jeff Gibson and Andy Gilbert; 2 great-nephews Gavin and Cody Gibson; and a brother-in-law, Larry Matlock.

Sandy’s family would like to thank everyone who has helped them these past years, especially the nurses and staff of The University of Iowa, The Visiting Nurses and The Finley Hospital Emergency Department.  Also a special thanks to her Faith Temple Family for all of their love and support.

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

Randy J. Nank

Randy J. Nank passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2021, surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. Rex Rains officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.   In lieu of flowers, a Randy J. Nank Memorial will be set up for the family.

Randy was born on December 2, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, he was the son of Edward and Nancy Jaeger.

Randy was never one to be idle and had many hobbies.  He loved fishing, hunting, rock collecting, jewelry making, scuba diving, and was an avid pool player.  He loved to take time to ride his Harley and was particularly proud of his Cajun cooking skills.  He loved a good crawfish boil.  He was also a very proud “Daddy” to his beloved German Shepherds, Nakia and King.

Randy started working at a young age as a ranch hand when he was just 17.  He also did foundry work for several years but found his passion as the Owner/Operator of Perfection Painting Company for over 25 years.

He married his beloved wife Valorie at the age of 16 and they spent the next 46 years together creating many wonderful memories.  Randy was very proud to be a father of 3, Grandfather of 5, and Great Grandfather of 2.  His favorite thing was spending time with his family and many friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Joseph and Violet Jaeger of Centralia Iowa, Clifford and Leona Schuster of Dubuque, Iowa, and also his Father, Edward Jaeger of Paulina, Louisiana.

Randy is survived by his mother, Nancy Jaeger of Paulina Louisiana; his loving wife of 46 years Valorie of East Dubuque, IL; daughter Misty (Matthew) Winders of Dubuque; sons: Chad Nank of Dubuque and Josh Nank of East Dubuque; brothers Stanley “Skip” Nank of Paulina, LA, Rick (Marcia) Nank of Spring Hill, FL, Edward (Christina) Jaeger of Sweetwater, TN, and sister Crystal (Bryan ‘Schexy”) Schexnayder of Paulina, LA. his grandsons Merrick and Maxon Winders of Dubuque;  granddaughters Brittany (Nick) Becker of Dubuque, Maryn Winders of Dubuque, Paige Nank of Boston, MA; great grandchildren Brayden and Cadence Becker of Dubuque, as well as many siblings-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

His family would like to give special thanks for his sister-in-law, Michelle Croft, and Jennifer from Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care provided to help him transition peacefully.

Jane Malone-George

Jane Malone-George, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away after a brief illness on September 20, 2021, at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 24th at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 23rd, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may also visit after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Private family burial will be at Linwood Cemetery.

Jane was born on March 6, 1929, in Blue Island, Il the daughter of Dee and Opal (Blunk) Sumpter. She married Keith Malone on January 29, 1950, in Crete, IL and he preceded her in death in 1988. A few years later she remarried James George of Dubuque.

Jane loved dogs, a hot cup of coffee, a good white wine, visiting with family, line dancing, genealogy, going to breakfast with friends, supporting her great-grandchildren in their education and athletics and just generally remaining active and busy. She was a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and the Colonial Dames. She enjoyed volunteering and was active in many organizations; she remained active and supportive of the University of Dubuque, a place that remained near to her heart ever since she met her husband Keith while they were in college.

Jane was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a gem – classy and kind. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son and daughter Kevin (Joyce) Malone, of Atlanta, GA and Kate (Dan Kruse) Malone, of Naples, FL; grandchildren: Ashley (Jon) Levy, Kyle (Tiffany) Malone, Erin Malone, Joel (Jenny) McKay, Andrew (Emily) McKay and Ross (Lauren) McKay. Great grandchildren David, Elle, Ben, Kolt, Kenzie, Lexi, Alana, Landon, Parker, Lane, Henry and Vince.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Keith; her second husband James George; her parents and a brother John (Shukuko) Sumpter.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital for all their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the University of Dubuque in her name.

Gary C. Thiltgen

Gary Cleveland Thiltgen, 49, of Clinton, Iowa, formerly of DeWitt, Iowa, and Wauconda, Illinois, died Saturday, September 18, 2021.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 until 11:45 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home, the Rev. Fr. Stephen Page officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, DeWitt.

Gary was born November, 17, 1971, to Don and Jan (Freiburger) Thiltgen in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Central Community Schools, DeWitt in 1990. Gary served in the U.S. Navy, being stationed in Australia and California. He married Dolores Perez and their union was blessed with two daughters. He began his career in retail at Sears and worked up to a corporate position in Sears Holdings Co. as senior analyst of nationwide inventory.

Gary was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Cubs, Bears, and Hawkeyes. He was always sure to get the Cubs game on the radio. He loved live music and attended many concerts, including the Rolling Stones at Soldier Field. He spent many years involved in the Catholic Church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. He participated in a CORE retreat as a teenager at St. Joseph, and loved the Easter reenactment at Transfiguration. Gary loved to cook, he was always sure to get his daughters to try new things before telling them what was in them. He also enjoyed keeping an immaculate yard and garden. He was an amazing Mr. Mom, helping to raise his daughters while their mother was deployed.

Those left to honor his memory are his daughters, Rebecca (fiancé Jordan Steuer) Thiltgen of Dubuque, and Andrea (Jon Dolan) Thiltgen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his father, Don (Peg) Thiltgen of DeWitt; siblings Steve (Misty) Thiltgen of Dawsonville, Georgia, Anna (Vince) Ramirez of Clinton, Christine Zimmer of DeWitt, and Tommy (Mary) Thiltgen of Spencer, Tennessee; step-siblings, Gina (Todd) Ryan of Papillion, Nebraska, Ann (Jeff Mentzer) Butzier of Dubuque, and Jim (Sofia Simmons) Sawvel of McCausland; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Pickens, and his beloved dog, Hawkeye.

Iris J. Merfeld

Iris Joan Wegmann Merfeld, age 36, of Zwingle, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Bellevue State Park in Bellevue, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 25th, 2021, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating.

A visitation celebration of Iris’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be from 3pm – 8pm with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. The family invites all who knew Iris to attend the celebration of her life.  We ask that you bring stories of how Iris impacted you and ways that she made you smile.  We ask that you plant iris bulbs this fall so that she can blossom every spring and always be a reminder of the color, sparkle, and joy she brought to our lives.

Iris was born on May 20, 1985, to Deborah J. Ritt and Robert G. Wegmann in rural Jackson County, IA. Iris attended Bellevue Public Schools and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 2004. Iris was trained as a culinary arts chef and went on to have a successful career cooking and baking with love for her family, friends, and those in need of a good meal. She worked for Aramark Food Services located in the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center in Dubuque, IA.

Iris was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many who love her. In 2014, Iris married Thomas Joe Merfeld. Together they raised two daughters: Zoey Mae Benn (age 13) and Aubrey Sue Merfeld (age 6). Iris is survived by her grandmother, May Wegmann of Sebastian, Florida, her mother “Mama Deb,” of Otter Creek Township, IA, and her 7 brothers and sisters: Jonquil Wegmann Johnston (Darian Johnston of Madison, WI), Duane Wegmann (Paula of Young, New South Wales, Australia), Robert D. Wegmann (Sarah of Ames, IA), Mayrose Wegmann (Conrad Musey of Montclair, NJ), Joseph Wegmann (of Zwingle, IA), Holly Wegmann Fernández  (Jonathan of Milwaukee, WI), and Pommella Wegmann (Nate O’Reilly of Zumbrota, MN). Iris is also survived by her father-in-law, Eldon Merfeld (Connie of Zwingle, IA), brothers-in-law Jay Merfeld (of Dubuque, IA), and Brett Merfeld (Julie of Zwingle, IA), and sisters-in-law, Tresa Heber (Dan of Dubuque, IA) and Jenifer Pickel (Edward of Saint Donatus, IA).

Iris adored her nieces and nephews and always created a place for them to learn, grow, and smile. They are: Aidan, Madeline, Charlotte, Alice, Riley, Allyson, Gael, Nick, Rachel, Mark, Megan, great-niece Mia and great-nephew Becker.

Iris was preceded in death by her father, Robert G. “Pa” Wegmann, mother-in-law Sue (Becker) Merfeld, maternal grandparents Duane “Grumpy” and Carol Ritt, and paternal grandfather Robert “Pop” Wegmann.

Iris was happiest when hosting a party for loved ones, sticking her “toes in the water and butt in the sand,” and enjoying a beautiful sunset over the ocean or from her front yard. She was the life of the party, the friend to call when you needed cheering up, and the sister you reached out to when you needed sound advice. She got up each morning with a positive attitude and worked to make everyone’s day a little bit more sun-filled. She turned a crappy situation into the best time of your life. She made everyone smile with her bubbly and outgoing personality. Her smile lit up the world and her kindness knew no limits. Her dance moves, especially on New Year’s Eve with Luke and the girls, got everyone moving. She loved playing Euchre and Cribbage with Papa Eldie and Tommy Tom. She was fiercely competitive, played to win, and took the rare losses hard until the next game started.

Iris loved being a mother and wife.  She was very proud of her two girls and the women they are becoming.  She took time to teach them the importance of looking on the bright side, the value of hard work, the rewards that come with it, and the significance of being an inspiration to those around us.  As a wife, Iris was thrilled being married to Tom and looked forward to being with him for a lifetime or two or ten.  Tom was her rock and a rock to her entire family.

Donations of support for Zoey and Aubrey can be made on Go Fund Me here: https://gofund.me/94b07030

A memorial fund in Iris’ name will be established at a later date.

Lenore C. Kubesheski

Lenore C. Kubesheski, 89 of Dubuque passed away Saturday September 18, 2021, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church. There will be a visitation from 9:30 until time of mass at the Church. Entombment will follow mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Lenore was born on November 17, 1931, in Dubuque the daughter of Ervin and Margaret (Miller) Berger. She married John Kubesheski on July 1, 1950, at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2003.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved children. She was also a foster parent to 9 children, along with babysitting for many families in the Dubuque area.   She also enjoyed playing cards especially Bridge.

Lenore is survived by her three sons, John (Rose) Kubesheski, Jr, James (Barb) Kubesheski, and Joseph (Laura) Kubesheski; four grandchildren, Andrea (David) Patchen, Wesley (Jennifer) Kubesheski, Michael Kubesheski, and Julie (Odain) White; five great grandchildren, Aspen Grace White, Katie Kubesheski, Zack Kubesheski, Tyler Patchen and Piper, Patchen; her two sisters Linda Greenwood and Dolores McCarthy along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her two brothers Robert and Irvin Berger, Jr. and two sisters Susan and Catherine.