Obituaries Archive

Clare J. Snodgrass

Clare James Snodgrass, 88, of Dubuque, passed away July 17, 2025.

In keeping with his wishes, a visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Military Honors will immediately follow at 5:00p.m.

Clare was born on December 13, 1936, to Roland and Lula (Odel) Snodgrass in Dubuque, Iowa.

He attended Dubuque Senior High School, graduating in 1955.

Clare was united in marriage to Joan (Vyverberg) Snodgrass on February 20, 1960. The two shared 65 wonderful years together.

Clare served in the United States Navy from 1955-1959. He was a pattern maker on a repair ship with the Navy.

He worked as a carpenter for over 40 years.

In his free time, Clare was a great outdoorsman. He loved fishing and camping and spent many years on the Mississippi River. In his later years, he cherished wintering in Mission, Texas with Joan.

Clare is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Debra (Ray) Ellwood of Marion, IA, Daryl Snodgrass of Washington State, David (Ann) Snodgrass of Dubuque, and Donald (Lynn) Snodgrass of Omaha, NE. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jeffrey, Angela, Raychel, Adam, Amanda, and Tristen. He is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Dale Snodgrass, and Ken Snodgrass.

Clare’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, and the nursing staff at Luther Manor. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

A Clare Snodgrass Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Marlene A. Hagemann

Marlene A. Hagemann of New Vienna, IA died on July 16, 2025, at Luther Manor after battling Parkinson’s disease.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Georges Midiangu will officiate with Rev. Carl Ries concelebrating.

Marlene was born on August 20, 1953, daughter of Emil and Marian (Drees) Stelken of Farley, Iowa.  She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1971.  Marlene worked for Mercy Hospital in Dyersville and then Dubuque with her longest tenure in the Physical Therapy Department.

On June 19, 1976, Marlene married David Hagemann at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa.  Marlene and Dave made their home in New Vienna, Iowa where they raised their son Steve.  Marlene spent her free time spoiling her nieces and nephews with tea parties and funny socks.

She is survived by her husband, Dave of New Vienna; and son, Steve of Garnavillo; and grandchildren; siblings: Sr. Janet Stelken PBVM of Dubuque, Linda (Wayne) Vorwald of Farley, Mary Recker of Dyersville, Joyce (Pat) Portzen of Adel, Rick Stelken of Farley, Mark (Janet) Stelken of Dyersville, Steve (Lynn) Stelken of Bankston; in-laws: Jack Dardis of Farley, Mary Hagemann and Kevin (Diane) Hagemann of Dyersville, Jim (Deb) Hagemann of New Vienna and Donna (Rick) Kratz of Prescott, AZ.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Bill Stelken, Joanne Dardis and Todd Stelken; in-laws: Herb Recker and Jolene Stelken; parents-in-law, John and Veronica Hagemann.

Marlene’s family would like to express their deep appreciation for the staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Buffy. Also, a thank you to her special friends, Donna and Mary.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneral.com.

Algean V. Nemmers

Algean V.  (Berthel) Nemmers,  sister, mother, a beloved grandmother and great grandmother and friend passed away on July 17 2025, at the age of 91 in Bellevue, Iowa.  

Funeral Mass for her and her son Duane “Minnow” Nemmers will be 11:00 am, Saturday, July 19, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:30 am, prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Algean was born on December 3, 1933, the daughter of Alex and Bernice (Pollock) Berthel. She graduated from LaMotte Holy Rosary High School in 1951.  Algean married Virgil Nemmers, July 18, 1953 at St John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, he passed on January 19, 2008. Together they raised 5 children. 

Algean worked at Younkers, The Big D and Eska Company later retiring to enjoy traveling with Virgil, volunteering at St. Joseph’s Daycare and Marquette’s hot lunch program, spending many hours at the family cabin; enjoying their pontoon on the Mississippi River, she loved playing euchre with family and friends and baking cookies in her kitchen for her grandkids.  

Survivors include her children, Larry (Deb) Nemmers, Mary Beth (Rick) Michels all of Bellevue Iowa and Joe (Judy) Nemmers of Des Moines, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great expecting; sister in-laws, Pat Berthel, Beverly, Leota and Lois Nemmers and a brother in-law Dale Wilming.

Algean was preceded in death by her husband Virgil, her parents, her sisters, Lyda (Pete) Herrig and Mary Lou (George) Mottet, a brother Donald Berthel, two son’s Darrell and Duane Nemmers, brother in-laws Alvin, Loras, Robert and Joseph Nemmers and a sister-in-law Shirley Wilming.

Algean’s family would like to thank Hospice of Jackson County and the staff at Mill Valley Care Center for your support and care during this time.

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

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

Jean M. Frederick

Jean M. Frederick was placed in God’s arms on July 16th, 2025 in Dubuque, Iowa. She was 92 years old.

The daughter of Elmer and Sarah Mae (Reese) Goke, Jean was born May 18, 1933 in Platteville, Wisconsin. On March 1, 1952, Jean married Elmer (Bud) Frederick in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they raised seven children in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jean was always quick to offer help to someone in need. She shined in her role as caregiver, especially for children. A perfect example of this was her time working at Bishop’s Buffet. In her position of Baby Hostess, she helped families with small children navigate the buffet and get settled at their table. She also worked for a number of years at Dubuque Stamp and provided child care in her home.

In her free time, Jean enjoyed taking care of her family, square dancing with the Tri-State Twirlers square dance club, and traveling. She and Elmer took many trips with the John Deere Retirees group, and after his passing she continued to spend the winter months down south with family. In recent years, Jean channeled her love of arts and crafts into making beautiful Diamond Art pictures, many of which she gifted to family and friends. Her playful sense of humor stayed with her til the very end.

Jean is survived by three daughters, Pam Brashear, Deb (Ed) Norman, and Susie (Kevin) Stocks, and four sons, Larry Frederick, Rick (Donna) Frederick, Dave (Misti) Frederick, and Mark Frederick, her brothers Donald Goke and Douglas Goke, sister-in-laws Peggy Goke and Evelyn Goke, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her legacy of love: 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), 1 great-great-grandchild (plus one on the way).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Elmer, her parents Elmer and Sarah Goke, her in‑laws Roy and Minnie Frederick, her brothers Gary Goke and Gordon Goke, her sister Dolores Olson, and in-laws: Ole Olson, Bea Goke, Millie Hoerner, Bob Hoerner, Ruth Frederick, Eldon Frederick.

Jean’s family would like to thank the incredible care givers at Hospice of Dubuque for their attention and kindness over the past three months.

Services for Jean will be held at Egelhof, Siegert, and Casper Funeral Home in Dubuque with visitation on Sunday, July 20th from 3:00-7:00pm and Monday, July 21st from 9:00-10:15 with funeral service at 10:30. Procession to the chapel at Linwood Cemetery will immediately follow.

A Jean Frederick Memorial Fund has been established.

Mary Ann Theisen

Mary Ann Theisen, 96, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Bradley V. Herring

It is with great sadness that the family of Bradley V. Herring announces his passing on July 10, 2025, at the age of sixty, in Dubuque, Iowa. Our little brother is gone, but he still fills our hearts.

Brad was born in Galesburg, Illinois, on September 18, 1964, to Thomas B. Herring (former city manager of Galesburg) and Joan Koelliker Herring Seibert.

He was a midwestern boy who never left the heartland. Brad lived his life in Illinois and Iowa and never desired to be anywhere else. Befitting his midwestern roots, he loved and valued his family and friends.

Brad graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in 1982 and received a Bachelor of Business, graduating cum laude, from Western Illinois University in 1988. In 2011, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the same university. He put his education to good use, working in quality control throughout his career.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Brad was in awe of his intellect and memory. In any family discussion or conversation, Brad was the one who could state with certainty when and where an event occurred, what birthdate or anniversary someone had, or when the Silver Streaks won a championship game and what the score was. His incredible mind never faltered.

He was also an avid coin collector, a hobby instilled in him by his father at a young age. There was a true coin camaraderie shared by the three brothers and nephew Tom, which included buying and selling silver and gold coins and traveling to coin shows. Their fraternal bond was strengthened by this common interest.

Brad had the strength of a warrior and a compassionate heart. He reached out to and helped countless individuals over many years, though his humility did not allow him to boast about (or even mention) the extent of his generosity. He changed so many lives for the better and was a steadfast friend and brother. Brad faced serious challenges in life, including the sudden death of his father at an early age, profound hearing loss, and addiction, but his challenges only increased his compassion and empathy for others in need. Brad had a grateful heart full of love.  We were all proud of his decades of sobriety.

In addition to helping friends and those in need, Brad gave his time and talents to several organizations, including: the Tri-State Independent Blind Society, the local Dubuque AA chapter, and the Dubuque Humane Society.  He adopted rescue cats throughout his life.

rad is survived by his four siblings: Jane (Bob) Moore of Mongomery, AL; Tom Herring of Mesa, AZ; Tim (Ellie) Herring of Hercules, CA; and Dee Ann (Tim) Revere of McLean, VA. In addition, he leaves behind his beloved nieces, Katie (Scott) Scharli and Amy (Dustin) Paice, and nephew, Tom (Diem) Moore.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, mother and stepfather, Bob Seibert. Bob Seibert was a true second father to Brad and also gifted Brad with two wonderful stepsiblings: Mary (Bob) Seibert-Morin of Janesville, WI, and Steve (Ann) Seibert of Galesburg, IL.

Brad did not desire a funeral service. Instead, he requested that his ashes be scattered by the graves of his mother and father in the rolling hilltop cemetery in northeastern Kansas where his father’s family has been buried for generations. The family intends to hold a graveside memorial service in Kansas and fulfill his wishes.

Donations may be made in Brad‘s memory to Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter, Galesburg, Illinois, or to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society, Dubuque, Iowa.

Brian Rieck

Brian Rieck, 65, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at his home.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:15 am Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Brian will be 11:30 am Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens in Dubuque.

Brian was born September 27, 1959, in Manchester, the son of Marshall and Esther (Corson) Rieck. On August 11, 2012, he married Carol Luckey in Dubuque.

Brian was a truck driver for thirty three years, working as an over the road driver for twenty two and eleven years with Fedex Freight.

He had a deep love for riding his motorcycle, finding freedom and joy on the open road. He especially enjoyed taking his motorcycle on weekend trips with his wife and close friends.

Those who knew Brian will always remember his incredible determination – he gave everything he had in his fight against cancer, meeting each challenge with remarkable resilience and strength every step of the way.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Rieck of Dubuque; two step-children, Amy Daniels of Lombard, IL, and Travis Daniels of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Rielly and Grant Ruen; two sisters, Kathy (Norman) Hesse of Bristow, VA, and Becky Wagner of Dubuque; one brother, David Rieck of Dubuque; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet, Molly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Clarke Rieck, and one nephew, Dustin Hesse.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.

Brian’s family would like to extend a thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque Oncology and Radiation, and to his friends for all of their care and support.

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

Chuck Butcher

Chuck Butcher, 72, of Asbury, died Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.  A private family funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Charles was born October 11, 1952, in Leon, IA, the son of Clarence and Sarah Akes Butcher. On July 31, 1976, he married Pam Torrey at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

Chuck graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1971.

He retired from John Deere Dubuque Works.

Chuck found joy in life’s simple pleasures-taking his grandkids for rides on the lawnmower, listening to live bands, sipping on an ice-cold Pepsi, and tinkering with cars. Known fondly as the “Carburetor God of Dubuque,” he had a knack for engines and a love for puzzles, Facebook, and YouTube. He also had a unique curiosity for cemeteries and the stories they held. A true animal lover, Chuck adored his birds, his dog Muffin, and his cat Mimi. No trip was complete without a stop at Dairy Queen, and he treasured every moment spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Pam; one son, Aaron (Abigail) Butcher of Dubuque; one daughter, Alicia (Alex) Ellerbeck of Asbury; four grandchildren, Adeline, Alice, Zenner, and Zealand; two brothers, Jim (Norma) Butcher, and Jack (Joan) Butcher; three sisters, Mary Lou Palmer, Patty Feller, and Debra Osterkamp; three brothers-in-law, Allen Gloeckner, Bill Hallahan, and Mike (Krista) Torrey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Don and Shirley Torrey, one sister Bonnie Gloeckner, one brother-in-law, Paul Feller, and one sister-in-law, Peggy Hallahan.

The family would like to thank Stonehill Communities, Hospice of Dubuque, and a special thanks to his lifelong friend Mark and Java Gilligan.

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

Mark A. Maas

Mark A. Maas, 61, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away, Monday, July 14, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa city, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

Visitation for Mark will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa.

Services for Mark will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, with Deacon Nick Elliott presiding.  Burial will be held in the St. John’s Cemetery in Centralia, Iowa.

Mark was born February 8, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Matthew “Babe” and Mary (Schilling) Maas.  He is a 1982 graduate of Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa.  On July 30, 2021, he was united in marriage to Victoria Trowbridge in Dubuque, Iowa.

He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement in 2024.  He enjoyed watching his son race from go carts to stock cars.  He had a passion for restoration of classic cars.  He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.  He loved to smoke meat for the family while relaxing with a cold Busch light or a Bloody Mary.  Most of all he was a devoted family man, that loved to spend his time with his family, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Maas of Epworth, IA; two children, Brianna (Jamie) Maas of Peosta, IA and Mark (Hailie) Maas Jr. of Dubuque, IA; six grandchildren, Ariahna, Karsen, McCartney, Emme, Ella and Reiden; his four siblings, Matthew “Butch” (Linda) Maas and Mike (Sherry) Maas both of Peosta, IA, Marie (Bryan) Blum of Dubuque, IA and Marty (Kristin) Maas of Philadelphia, PA his brothers and sisters-in-laws, Gerald (Tina) Trowbridge of Des Moines, IA, Sarah (Lenny) Dress of Dubuque, IA, Josh (Andrea) Trowbridge of Madison, WI, Zach (Christine) Trowbridge of Chicago, IL, Jake (Emily) Trowbridge and Adam (Bridget) Oberfoell both of Madison, WI; many nieces and nephews; and his special four legged companions, Hank and Cash.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his dog, Hoosier.

An online video may be viewed, and online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffunerlahomeinc.com

Fay E. McCauley

Fay Eunice (Smith) McCauley, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at Grand Meadows Nursing Home on July 8, 2025. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m.on Tuesday, July 22nd at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road in Dubuque. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23rd at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Dubuque with an additional visitation between 9:15-10:15 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Key West, Iowa. A livestream of the funeral service can be seen at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Fay was born January 19, 1930 in Dubuque, daughter of William and Myrtle (Reuschel) Smith. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1948. She met the love of her life, Frank McCauley, while both were working at the Dubuque Packing Company, and they were later married on December 31, 1952 in Panama where her husband was stationed during the Korean War Conflict. They returned to Dubuque after the war where they made their home. Fay began her long-time working career in the grocery business as a much beloved grocery checker, first at Kroger’s, then A & P, and finally ending with 20 years at Eagles Supermarket where she retired in 1995, but not before she was thrown one of the best retirement parties with all the employees wearing purple on her last day honoring Fay (her favorite color), and even making the television news. She was loved by her fellow employees and her loyal customers. After retirement, she took a part-time job at Mercy Hospital gift shop in Dubuque from 1997-2003 where she worked as a customer service clerk, once again being loved by her co-workers and customers.

Fay was a life-long dedicated member of St Matthew Lutheran Church her entire life, participating in the church choir, serving as a lector, as well as a Communion distributor. She never missed a Sunday service until her health prevented her from attending. Her faith was very important to her. Along with her husband, they founded the Tri-State Twirlers Square Dance Club and enjoyed square dancing for 25 years. She and her husband also taught round dancing for 18 years. One of Fay’s favorite memories was when she and her husband were able to take a trip back to Panama to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, a gift from their children. Fay was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan and owned many of the Cubs memorabilia. She was ecstatic to have been able to witness the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016, as well as attending several games in person at Wrigley Field. Spending time with her family was her greatest joy though, which included watching her children participate in their many activities, and in later years, those of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending her son’s many music gigs over the years.

Fay is survived by her four children, Connie (Greg) Dykema of Geneseo, IL and Ft. Myers, FL, Kathy (Wade) Ireland of Fairfax, IA, Terry (Taunya Kepple) McCauley of Marion, IA, and Lisa (Dan) Arenholz of Blue Grass, Iowa, grandchildren, Nick (Angie) Ireland, Matt (Maggie) Ireland, Tony (Sara) Ireland, Jared (Danielle Macaro) Ireland, Alyx Dykema, Sydney (Daniel) Serrano, Lindsay Ireland and fiance Jerod Staton, Brittany McCauley, Dylan and Jada Arenholz, and great-grandchildren, Grace, Maddie, Addy, James, Frank, Oscar, Gloria Ireland, Ryleigh and Kamryn Serrano, and soon-to-be born tenth great-grandchild, Everett Ireland. Fay is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Fay was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her parents, her mother and father-in-law Sylvester and Bernice McCauley, her two sisters and brother-in-laws, Marge (Ade) Lane, and Ruth (Ralph) Klumb, and sister and brother-in-law, Sally (Bob) Voels, and brother and sister-in-law, Mike (JoAnn) McCauley, nephews Roger Klumb and Greg Lane, and nieces Wendy Lane and Barb Pettitt.

Memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hospice of Dubuque, or to the family.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Amanda Bradac, Hospice of Dubuque, and to the amazing nursing staff at Grand Meadows for their love and tender care given to Fay. She loved you all. Fay has been reunited with her husband who passed away eleven days short of their 72nd wedding anniversary. They can now continue their love story in Heaven.

Gustave C. Wilhelm

Gustave C. Wilhelm, 97, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at St. Luke’s Transitional Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.  Funeral services will commence at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137 and VFW Post #7734.

Gus was born on August 10, 1927, in Dyersville, IA, son of Gustave B. and Lydia J. (Fangman) Wilhelm. He married Mary Ann Bildstein on August 10, 1963, in Dyersville, Iowa.

Gus served in the US Army from 1945 to 1947 as Intelligence NCO with the 301^st Military Intelligence Company in Germany.

He was employed by City of Dyersville in various capacities over a period of 40 years, retiring in 1992 as City Coordinator. He was also owner and operator of Wilhelm Oil Company from 1964 to 1977. He was a member of the Dyersville Commercial Club serving on the board for three years and a board member of Dyersville Industries, Inc. In 1977, he received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Dyersville Lions Club and in 1986, the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Dyersville Jaycees.

Gus loved his family above all else. He was known for his elaborate stories and his mischievous smirk. He will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann; children: Jennifer Bockenstedt, of Iowa City, Pamela (Richard Glenn) Colyer, of Sarasota, FL., Stephanie (Gary) Carr, of Ankeny, and Steve (Karmen) Wilhelm, of Marion; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; in-laws: Sandra (Darrell) Ferreter, Larry (Melody) Bildstein, Jerry (Linda) Bildstein, and Dale (Kathryn Burd) Bildstein.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and parents-in-law, Lawrence and Adelaide Bildstein; siblings: Earl (Marilyn), Glen, James, and Daniel (Lois) Wilhelm; in-laws, Francis Bildstein, Sara Bildstein, and Shirley Howe.

A memorial fund has been established in Gus’ honor.

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

Craig C. Sharkey

Craig Charles Sharkey, 62, of Dubuque, IA passed away on July 10, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Visitation for Craig will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. A memorial service for Craig will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Craig was born on November 11, 1962 in Dubuque, the son of Charles C. Sharkey, Jr. and Carol L. Fessler. Craig attended Cascade High School. He was lastly employed with Eagle Window and Door in Dubuque.

Craig’s favorite activities included many walks with Jimmi and Jack. (His German Shepherds). He was also a beloved pet sitter when someone needed a vacation. He was always there to lend a hand no matter what the task. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A special thank you to his great niece, Willa Hook, who has been his caregiver and dog walker for the last few months. Also, to Ken Evans and Pat and Samantha Wallenberg for all their help and compassion over the years.

Craig is survived by his son Cheyne (Jennifer) Sharkey; daughter, Codi Sharkey; mother, Carol Sharkey; brothers, Chuck (Jeanette) Sharkey III, C.J. “Clint” (Tina) Sharkey; sisters, Cathy (Jerry) Grutz, Cara (Jerry) McAuliffe, Cherrie Sharkey, Carrie (Derek) Wong, Colleen (Matt) Schreiber; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. His beloved dogs, Jimmi and Jack; his kitty, Ms. Kitty; and his favorite babysitting dog, Lenny; whose mom is Kim.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mildred (Roth) Fessler; his paternal grandparents, Charles Sharkey, Sr. and Margaret Hoffman; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Cardiac Intensive Care team at MercyOne and also, Dr. Ram at medical associates cardiology for the compassionate care they provided.

Steven J. Manemann

Steven J. Manemann, 71, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where there will be memories and stories shared. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa with committal prayers.

Steve was born on May 3, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of James and Iva (Kemler) Manemann. He lived with his family in Dyersville, IA and attended Western Dubuque High School.

Steve worked in the machine and manufacturing industry, and he enjoyed weekends at historical mountain man rendezvous events, that were part cultural experience, part historical reenactment, and part get-togethers. He enjoyed collecting all different types of knives, and he shared his knowledge of guns with the community as a safety instructor.

Steve’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He had a healthy curiosity for mystery and crime stories, a love of reading, and writing poetry about the people and things that mattered most to him. He had a passion for nature, and his favorite animal, the grizzly bear.

His love for the Lord and his faith in God was something he shared with his family and friends. He was quick witted and his infectious laugh will be sadly missed.

Survivors include his son, Kevin (Lisa) Manemann, and grandchildren, Sydney, Benjamin and Joseph Manemann of Carlsbad, CA, and his siblings, Gerald (Donna) Manemann, of Worthington, IA, Robert (Mila) Manemann, of Ramona, CA, and Mary Kay (Brian) Harvey, of Atascadero, CA.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where [I] am going you know the way.” John 14:1-4

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Iva (Kemler) Manemann, his sister, Sheila (John) Bjorn, and his sister-in-law, Susan (Bob) Manemann.

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

Elke A. Hooper

Elke Ann Hooper, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away with peace and grace on Saturday, July 12, 2025, with her family by her side.

Elke Ann Hooper was born February, 1, 1949, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Leo and Anne Teitelbaum.  She brought with her the rich traditions of her homeland to America in 1958.  She had worked at Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa for many years until she retired.  Elke made many friends during those years.  Elke was a dedicated mother first and foremost.  She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them.  She especially loved her role as Nana.  She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh.

Elke is the loving and devoted mother to Jayson (Dana) Wood, Maquoketa, and Josh (Niki) Wood, Lamotte, Iowa; and is also survived by grandchildren Jaysie, Josie, Adrian, Orion, Serena, and Athena; and many loyal and caring friends.

Elke was preceded in death by her husband Bob Hooper and her parents.

Per Elke’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and burial will be held in her honor at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Jackson County Hospice in Elke’s memory.

A special thanks to all of the wonderful people at Jackson Ridge who provided invaluable care to Elke for her time there.

A gentle soul, a heart of gold, a mother’s love, forever told.  Though silent now, her spirit lives, in memories, her love she gives.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Elke’s obituary at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Sue M. Walz

Susan Mae Walz of Dubuque passed away July 12th, 2025, at home surrounded by her family. She was 78 years old. Her passing ended a two-year battle with cancer, which she confronted with strength and grace, never losing her sense of humor and always continuing to find happiness in her relationships with friends and family.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd will host her visitation on Friday, July 18th, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th at Cathedral of Saint Raphael with Very Rev. Dennis Quint officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Susan Mueller was born in Dubuque, Iowa on April 24th, 1947, to Donald and Lucile (Shafer) Mueller. She spent her earliest years growing up along with her two brothers, Mark “String” and Donald Jr. “Shorty” on Stoltz Street not far from Hilldale Dairy, owned and operated by her father. The family moved to Plymouth Court in the early 1950s, and she attended Saint Columbkille Elementary.

Sue graduated from Wahlert in 1965 and studied at Iowa State University for two years, switching her major frequently and learning very little (her words). Between her first and second year at ISU, she and three classmates drove to Colorado to work on a dude ranch. Longing for broader horizons, she decided to continue west to California to spend the rest of the summer with her brother Donald on the coast near Los Angeles. She may have never left the sand and surf had Lucile not commanded her to get in her car and return home, which she begrudgingly did, making the trip alone with all her belongings in the back seat.

Sue met Ed during her second year at Iowa State University, and they were married in Ames in 1968. The newlyweds lived in Des Moines where their first two daughters were born – Charissa (Cara) in 1969 and Marianne (Mimi) in 1970 – before moving to Dubuque where her son Edward Jr. was born in 1973. Their house was a few miles west of Dubuque, in a lot next to her parents. During that time, she worked the morning shift as a waitress at Timmerman’s Motor Lodge, sometimes working a second shift as a waitress in Dyersville when needed to make ends meet.

She loved the river. The family spent most of one summer on a Mississippi beach living on a houseboat. During that summer a friend shuttled her to Midtown Marina in a small boat where her car was parked to get to work in time for the morning shift as a waitress. At the end of the summer, it took nearly everyone on the beach to dislodge the boat. After one harrowing experience in a storm on Mud Lake, the family sold the houseboat in favor of a more reliable runabout. All the children, and many neighborhood kids, learned to ski. Nearly every year, laden with food and gear, the boat made trips upriver to meet her brother Mark near Cassville and camp with the families.

Sue enrolled in NICC nursing school in 1976 and graduated as an RN two years later. The same year she started working at Mercy Hospital where she worked for over thirty years in neurology, psychology, pool nursing and finally as house supervisor. In 1981, her daughter Kristen was born at the same hospital.

She loved going to work every day. She did not know it at the time of starting nursing school, but it became clear early in her career that nursing was her vocation. She cherished collaborating with the staff and spending time with patients. As a supervisor, she always worked to make sure that patients were given the best care and that nurses were treated fairly.

Sue wanted to serve the less fortunate and those most in need. She donated to several charities, including Doctors Without Borders. Sue travelled to Jamaica seven times as part of a medical mission. Her interactions with the local residents seeking care warmed her heart, especially serving the children and elderly.

With mixed feelings about leaving the hospital and the relationships she had fostered, she retired in 2010 in order to spend more time at home and with her family, which at that time included eight grandchildren. Even after retiring, she never stopped calling herself a nurse.

Much of her service was motivated by her spirituality and being a Christian. As a member of St. Joseph the Worker parish, she and Ed attended CEW weekends and volunteered at parish events. After moving to the south of Dubuque County, they joined St. Raphael’s parish, and she frequently attended morning mass at the Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey.

Sue and Ed purchased and renovated a cottage off Massey Station Road overlooking the river that her parents had owned when she was a child. They moved there in 2001, where they enjoyed their retirement together. She liked being close to the water and tending to her gardens. She canned vegetables. She used her mother’s recipe to make apple pie with apples from the tree in the yard. Mostly she loved her garden and decorating her home, especially with flowers that she cultivated. She jokingly called her style “Victorian wildlife” and was adept at turning a thrift shop purchase into a cool piece of furniture.

She enjoyed many games. Whether it was organizing family euchre tournaments, playing “golf” with her long-standing card club (The OCD’s), a game of scrabble, canasta, Blockus or Partners (the most recent family obsession), she was never one to turn down a game nor let you off the hook for not playing, even in the final stages of her illness.

Sue loved to entertain, and the house was a revolving door for friends and family. She made space for visitors anywhere and everywhere – in one of the guest bedrooms, on a couch, an air-mattress on the floor or an RV parked on the property. She remembered people’s preferred foods and made a point to make them. She embraced abundance -of food, of joy, of memories. And she loved her family and friends with abundance.

She enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. Her adventurous spirit took her to Argentina to see glaciers in Patagonia and to Australia to watch her niece compete in the Olympics. She travelled down the Mississippi and up the Ohio, then along the Tennessee River with her brother Mark. She journeyed down the Shannon River in a houseboat in Ireland, and toured in Uganda, where she took a boat ride to the source of the Nile on Lake Victoria. She travelled throughout Uganda with two large suitcases full of toys, colorful socks, and candy to give to children. She earned the nickname “Santa Sue” as she distributed treats during a three-week trip across the country.

Susan had boundless energy, which earned her the other nickname “the energizer bunny”. Power washing anything and pulling all nighters were a couple of her guilty pleasures. She was not adverse to spending the night at a nearby casino or at home crafting something or deep cleaning some corner of the house. Her night-owl activities are evidenced in the many pieces of wicker furniture she meticulously spray painted.

She was a lifelong learner and found her wisdom in nature, friends, books, cable news or whatever resonated with her soul. Guided by her values of tolerance and kindness, she never stopped striving to evolve as a human being.

She is survived by her husband Edward Walz and her four children Cara (Tony Jhocson) Walz, Mimi (Dave) Holesinger, Edward Walz and Kristen (Erik Rook) Walz, along with eight grandchildren Edward (Hilary Lien-Beye) Curtiss, Jackson Curtiss, Zane Jhocson, Una Jhocson, David Holesinger, Emma (James Paulson) Holesinger, George Holesinger and Mekdes Holesinger and one great grandchild Turner Curtiss Lien-Beye.

She is also survived by one brother Mark (Donna Lund) Mueller and sister-in-law Cathy Mueller.

She is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Lucile Mueller, her brother Donald “Shorty” Mueller and nephew Matthew Mueller.

Sue’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the University of Iowa Cancer Center, Dr. Brian Sullivan & Hospice of Dubuque, and Sister Sharon Rezmer for their care, support and kindness.