Obituaries Archive

John W. Welu

John W. Welu, age 68, of Dubuque, Iowa, went home to the Lord on September 16, 2020, at the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family.

To honor John’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the Eagle View Pavilion in Eagle Point Park, 2601 Shiras Avenue in Dubuque. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 1:30 p.m. to allow his family and friends share their treasured memories together. Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on April 14, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, a son to Peter D. and Grace (Mehl) Welu. The family moved to Asbury, Iowa when John was one year old and this is where he spent his childhood playing baseball, participating in 4-H activities and helping a neighborhood farmer. He met his beautiful bride, Betty Koethe, while they both worked at Montgomery Wards and they were married in 1973.

All who knew and loved John say he was best known as a Jack of all Trades, a family man, a farmer, and a fisherman; but, truth be known, he was so much more. His trades included a front-end alignment specialist, guitarist, newspaper delivery man, farm equipment mechanic, maintenance electrician, softball coach, construction maintenance electrician, school bus driver and ready-mix truck driver. He proudly invested his time and talents with Ray’s Bee-Line, K-Mart automotive, the Eldon Koethe Band, Telegraph Herald, Koethe Implement, FDL, Sherrill Softball League, Premier Tooling and Manufacturing, Dubuque Community School District, and Apex Concrete.

John made a lifelong dream come true by acquiring a cabin on Lake Inguadona in Longville, Minnesota, as a relaxing retreat for him and his family to escape the hectic life and create lifelong memories together. In his free-time, John’s favorite activities were visiting or playing cards and games with his family and friends, fishing for bass, or sitting on his cabin porch to just relax. He even found time to quietly sit in his hunting blind waiting for the unsuspecting duck to cross his line of vision.

John was a hard-working, kind, loyal and honest man who truly made the world a better place by simply being present within it. His dedication to those he cared for was unwavering. And if you were blessed to have been invited into John’s inner circle of friends, you were quite often exposed to his quick wit and perfectly timed sense of humor as well.

We have watched John fight the good fight against cancer for many years and our hearts now possess an unmendable tear as we watched him suddenly surrender his soul to his loving Lord and Savior. Thankfully, John has left behind a wonderful collection of memories, stories, and lessons for us to carry forward as we patiently wait for our eventual reunion with this uniquely rare breed of man among men. Thank you, John, for always being the best you could be through each and every day and may the peace you were so determined to know and possess, finally be yours. God Bless and God Speed John!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of John include,

his loving wife, Betty Welu, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 3 adored children,
Stephanie (Gary) Otkin, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin;
Jess (Ana) Welu, Longville, Minnesota,
and Angel Welu, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 7 grandchildren,
Hayden Otkin, Ian Otkin, Ruby Otkin, John E. Welu, Jacob Paulsen, Salem Brown-Welu, and Wyatt Brown-Welu;

his siblings,
Peter R. “Dick” (Sharon) Welu, Dubuque, Iowa,
Paul (Charlene) Welu, Anoka, Minnesota,
Nancy Welu, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Sue (Neil) Spoden, Dyersville, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John Paul Welu; an unborn grandchild, Kai Welu; and his mother and father-in-law, Eldon F. and Irma (Gremmels) Koethe.

John’s family have a very special appreciation for Dr. Patrick B. Johnston, M.D., Ph.D., his Mayo oncologist and Elizabeth Lohmann P.A.-C., M.S., Hematology/Oncology, who are valued as professionals and friends. They want to send their gratitude to the many numerous doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at Mayo Clinic and Mayo Hospitals for all of their professional and personal care they provided to John and his family. A warm and sincere thank you goes to all of John’s family and friends who have been so supportive throughout John’s battle with cancer. May God shine his eternal light and love on all of your lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to the Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Research through the Mayo Clinic Department of Development at 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, or at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc

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

Harold F. Hartman

Harold F. “Harry” Hartman, 79, of Rockford and formerly Galena, IL passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at East Bank Center, Loves Park, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, May 6, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena. Military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #192. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born May 5, 1941, in Galena the son of Harold C. “Monk” and Jeanette F. (Werner) Hartman. Harry graduated from Galena High School. He served in the United States Army from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1965.

Harry married his wife of fifty-two years Joyce R. Trevarthen on April 12, 1969, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Galena, and she survives.

He worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for thirty years.

Harry spent his retirement gardening, cooking, and shopping at Menards. He loved to hunt squirrels and rabbits, fish, and find morels over the years. Harry was proud of his John Deere mowers and was still driving his John Deere gator three days before his death. People often called him to fix things and he would help anyone he could. The sunshine of his life was his granddaughter, Ellie. Harry will be fondly remembered for telling jokes and making people smile. He was a member of St Michael’s Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Rockford, a daughter, Heather (Jill) Hartman of Rockford, son, David (Amy) Hartman of Davenport, IA, two grandchildren, Justin Hartman, and Eleanor “Ellie” Hartman, two sisters, Mary Hartman and Jeanette Meneguin, a sister-in-law, Kathy Hartman, and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Charles “Joe” Hartman, and brother-in-law, Tom Meneguin.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Transitions Hospice and East Bank Center for all they did for Harry. Memorials may be sent to, Joyce Hartman, 5979 Nebeshone Acres, Rockford IL 61103 in memory of Harry.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Kathleen A. Deutsch

Kathleen A. Deutsch, 86, of Galena IL, passed away at Midwest Medical Center on April 30, 2021. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral mass will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena with internment at St. Mathew’s Cemetery, Shullsburg, WI. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

Kathleen was born on March 31, 1935, in Elizabeth, IL the daughter of Charles and Emma (Nolan) Keleher. She was united in marriage to Joseph A. Deutsch on October 10, 1953, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Elizabeth, and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2004. Kathleen was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. After many years of farming, Kathleen and Joe retired and became “Texas snowbirds” enabling their year-round pursuit of golf and making many life-long friends. In her later years, Kathleen remained a fan of baseball and golf. Her faith and family were her sources of strength and joy.

Surviving are seven of her ten children, Catherine (George) Knuckey, Robert Deutsch, Kenneth (Debora) Deutsch, Lorraine (Bruce) Babbini, Theodore Deutsch, Joan (Mark) Theuer, and Thomas (Krista) Deutsch; twenty-three grandchildren, James Deutsch, Curt Deutsch, Phillip Knuckey, Bruce Deutsch, Mathew Knuckey, Lee Deutsch, Jason Knuckey, Jared Deutsch, Jenne Lewis, Ashley Deutsch, Nathan Theuer, Ryan Knuckey, Andrew Knuckey, Anthony Deutsch, Anna Beswick, Nicole Karwatka, Joseph Babbini, Jacob  Deutsch, Hayden Deutsch, Nicholas Theuer, Emma Deutsch, Alexandra Theuer, Layla Deutsch; twenty-eight great-grandchildren, two sisters, Regina Alber and Charlene Schiltz, and three brothers, Vernon, Marlin, and Kenneth Keleher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sons, James, Gregory, and Stephen Deutsch, a sister, Mary Holland, and three brothers, John, Clarence, and Emmett Keleher.

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

James A. Trannel

James A. “Jim” Trannel, 73, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 3, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. There will be no public visitation on Monday morning.  Please respect face masks, social distancing and occupancy requirements.

I was born October 8, 1947 in Dubuque, Iowa, the oldest of six sons born to Art and Bette Trannel. I completed grade school at St. Mary’s in East Dubuque, attended Wahlert High School, Loras College, and Drake University Law School. As a avid Boy Scout I earned my Eagle Scout Award in 1962. I married Marie C. Niensteadt on August 16, 1969, who has been the perfect fit for me.

Immediately upon graduation from Drake Law School in 1974, I started practicing law with the firm of Hughes & Leifker. That gave me the good fortune of associating with Alfred E. Hughes. No one could ever ask for a better mentor. Eventually, the firm became Hughes & Trannel, where I continued to practice fulltime until 2015, and part time until I could no longer lift the files.

Over the years, I was involved in my community, serving on the East Dubuque Zoning Board of Adjustment, running the East Dubuque Girls Softball Program and serving as Dunleith Township Supervisor for 16 years.

I was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque until 2014 when Marie and I joined the Cathedral of St. Raphael.  At both parishes, I served as a lector, a distributor of communion, served on both parish Financial Councils, and tried a 6-month stint as a CCD teacher, but the kids wore me out.

I am a past President of the Dubuque County Bar Association, licensed in the States of Iowa and Illinois, and a member of their respective State Bar Associations. In 1976, I helped rejuvenate the Legal Eagles Softball and Basketball Teams and served as a player and a manager for both through 1995.

Over the years, I served on the Board of Directors of the Dubuque Rescue Mission, the Tri-State Independent Blind Society, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Avery Foundation. My biggest service involvement, however, was as a member of the Lions Clubs International Association for 43 years.

I was a life-long die-hard Chicago Cub fan. I attended a few Cubs games every year and followed the Cubs in 2003 to Atlanta, and in 2008 to Phoenix for playoff games. In 2019 I even ran the Cubs 5K. I attended a half a dozen Cub conventions. Through those various means, I assembled a collection of Cub memorabilia, including nearly 200 autographed baseballs. I can rest peacefully having seen my beloved Cubs win a world series.

I am survived by my wife, Marie, daughters, Julie Ann Borneman (Chris) of Hamilton, Virginia, Sara Lee Garcia (Rogelio) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; grandsons, Jackson and Cooper Borneman, and R.J. and Tyler Garcia; and the greatest and most thoughtful brothers anyone could ever ask for: John (Mary), Jerry (Diane), Jeff (Lauri), and Dr. Tom (Dena), a sister-in-law Mary(Joe); a sister-in-law, Jane Nobel; and a brother-in-law, Dave Niensteadt (Patti); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

I was preceded in death by my parents, Arthur and Bette(Vanderah) Trannel, my parents-in-law, Justin and Bernice Niensteadt(Kutch), a brother Joseph Trannel, a nephew, Jacob Trannel, and a sister-in-law, Debbie Obershaw.

I am looking forward to the next great chapter and hope to see you all on the other side.

Marie, Julie, and Sara wish to thank everyone involved in Jim’s care over the past year.

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

Darren D. Jones

Darren Dean Jones, 59, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2021 at home.

Family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday May 3rd, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a family service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Darren was born on June 17, 1961 in Dubuque, IA the son of John and Dorothy (Smith) Jones.

Darren was one of 15 children whose humor inspired lots of laughter at family gatherings. He had a ready smile for everyone, and never met a stranger. Darren was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he has touched.

He is survived by his son Auston Jones; his daughter Tiffany (Christian Stoltman) Jones; grandson Oliver Stoltman, all of Madison. His siblings, Judy Kurt of Utah, Carolyn Suby, of Florida, Craig (Becky) Jones, Cheryl (Charles Stewart) Cullum, Holly (Dean) Nauman, Tracy (Steve) Terry, Vickie (Timothy) Callahan all of Dubuque, Dorothy (Harold) Fuller, of Peosta, Todd Jones and Lisa (Mike) Miller, of Rockford, his twin sister Sharon (Jeff) Wischmeyer, of Michigan and sister-in-law Diane Jones, of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John and Keith; sister Pamela Sloan; brothers-in-law Tom Sloan, David Suby and Kurt Cullum.

The family request no flowers.

A special thank you to Heidi and Dawn whose friendship meant so much to Darren.

Sandra Rudiger

Sandra Rudiger, 80, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sandra will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection with Msgr. Jim Miller as the Celebrant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Sandra was born December 9, 1940, in Dubuque, the daughter of Louis and Geraldine Deacon Massey. On April 23, 1960, she married Wayne E. Rudiger at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died June 29, 2007.

Sandra was retired from the Diamond Joe Casino.

She was a member of Church of the Resurrection and National Association of Women in Construction. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed reading, playing cards, and a good glass of wine.  She also enjoyed going to Las Vegas and gambling. She cherished time with her grandchildren and attending their events.

Survivors include one daughter, Renee (Bill) Wahlin of Stoughton, WI; two sons, Ron (Laurie) Rudiger and Brian Rudiger, both of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Ben, Corey, Ali, Natalie, Jennifer, Jessica, Kamber, Tanner, Bryce; three great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Laura, and Laney; and two brothers, Lee T. (Vivian) Massey of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and David (Kristi) Massey of Cambridge, WI.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister-in-law.

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

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

Gregory J. Hefel

Gregory J. “Greg” Hefel, age 74, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away suddenly at the Guttenberg Hospital at 12:37 a.m., on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.  To celebrate Greg’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Family and friends may also visit at the Immaculate Conception Church, North Buena Vista, Iowa, on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at the church hall from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices.  To honor Greg’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Church, North Buena Vista, Iowa, with Rev. Marvin J. Bries officiating.  Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery following cremation.

Greg was born on April 16, 1947, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Clarence and Virginia (Uriell) Hefel.  He worked as a locomotive engineer from 1965 to 2013.  He was married on October 16, 1971, to Jane Ann Weyant at Immaculate Conception Church, North Buena Vista.  In 1978, Greg and Jane were blessed with the birth of their daughter Malinda and in due course a son-in-law Keith and a grandson Gregor.

Greg will always be remembered as someone who would help anybody, fix anything and always have just what you needed in one of his pockets.  Although born and raised in Iowa, Greg was a keen traveler his whole life, he was in his 60s when he took his first white water rafting trip and was still riding horses in Colorado in his 70s.  Growing up on a farm gave him a great love of animals which he passed on to his daughter Malinda and resulted in the small “zoo” they now look after.

He enjoyed many years at his second home, the railroad, with all of the lifelong friends he made there.  Since retiring his main hobbies have been splitting wood, farming with Steve Anderegg and going for rides around the countryside with neighbor Ron Schneider.  But being a passionate Democrat he liked nothing more than discussing politics with his brother Nick long into the night.

Of all the things that Greg has done over his lifetime, the one thing that will be missed the most by Malinda, Keith and Gregor will be the times spent just sitting on the patio, eating dinner and being together as a family.  Greg was an extraordinary man who will be missed by far more people than he could have imagined.

Those left to cherish Greg’s memory include

his daughter,
Malinda (Keith) Kramer, Guttenberg, IA;

his grandson,
Gregor Kramer, Guttenberg, IA;

his brother,
Clarence “Nick” (Sandy) Hefel, Bettendorf, IA;

several nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved cat Theisen.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Jane Ann Hefel.

The family thanks the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital staff, paramedics and the police department for their support.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Heros Haven Animal Rescue, https://www.facebook.com/Heros-Haven-Animal-Rescue-535518013641265/.  The family will also thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Greg’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Gregory Hefel Family.

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

William M. Vaughn

William M. “Bill” Vaughn, Sr., 83, of Bellevue, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Private Family Graveside Services with Military Honors conducted Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Bill was born December 6, 1937 in Bellevue, the son of Ira and Rosena (Jung) Vaughn. Bill married Marian Deppe on September 10, 1960. He worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as a welder, then worked as a Lockman for  28 years at Lock 11 and Lock 12 and drove for RTA after retiring.  Bill was a 10-year member of the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department and a founding member of the Bellevue Ambulance.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Bellevue American Legion Post #273.  Bill was a passionate hunter and fisherman.  He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Marian; sons, Roger Vaughn and William “Bill” (Dawn) Vaughn, Jr.; grandchildren, Alex (Kara), Kolby (Hailey), Dillion, and Derek “DJ” (Tori); 9 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Jean (Jerry) Mootz, and LeRoy Mootz.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in-law, Marcella and Francis Deppe; and a sister in-law, Janet Mootz.

Condolences may be mail to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o William Vaughn, Sr. family.

Online condolences may be left at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Scott J. Salwolke

Scott J. Salwolke, 57, of Asbury, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, May 7, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Scott’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Scott will be 10:00 am Saturday, May 8, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Scott was born January 18, 1964, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Burnett & Carliee (O’Neill) Salwolke. On September 2, 1989, he married Monica Manning in St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

He graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

Scott was the owner of a Search Engine Optimization company, Ad-Hoc Marketing. He enjoyed biking, reading, craft beers, watching movies, and sporting events, especially the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes, attending live music and theatre events. Scott was also an avid writer. He published two books, wrote segments in the Business Times and monthly articles for the Telegraph Herald.

Survivors include his wife, Monica of Asbury; three sons, Mitchell, Andrew, and Joel Salwolke, all of Asbury; one sister, Kim Salwolke of Onalaska, WI; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father and mother-in-law, Terry (June) Manning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church.

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

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

Sister Joanne Simonini, BVM

Sister Joanne Simonini, BVM (Lizbeth), 89, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021. Visitation in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel will follow immediately until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Joanne was an elementary principal and teacher, director of religious education, and customer service representative in Des Moines, Iowa. She also taught in Kansas City, Mo.; Pasadena, Calif.; and Burbank, Calif., where she also served as librarian.

She was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ray and Anita (Prosperi) Simonini. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1951, from Holy Trinity Parish, Des Moines, Iowa. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Elizabeth (Leo) Sarcone.

She is survived by a niece and niece’s husband, Susan Sarcone and Mitchell Schneider, Arlington, Va.; cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 years.

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

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Joanne’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Wilhelm D. Eck

Wilhelm Dominikus Eck, 86, of Oregon, Wisconsin and formerly of Epworth, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 26, 2021 in Oregon.

Visitation for Wilhelm will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M., Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Divine Word Seminary Chapel in Epworth, Iowa, where a Mass of Christian burial for Wilhelm will be held at 2:30 p.m., with Rev. Thomas Ascheman, S.V.D. presiding. Services will be live streamed on the Reiff Funeral Home facebook page at 2:30 p.m. Due to the pandemic, social distancing will be followed and masks must be worn. The Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth is in charge of arrangements. Anyone unable to attend may send memorials to Reiff Funeral Home, ATTN; Wilhelm Eck family, P.O. Box #250, Epworth, Iowa 52046.

Wilhelm was born October 22, 1934 in Brühl, Germany, son of Johanna and Katrina (Esch) Eck. He came over to the United States in 1957, spending his 24th birthday aboard the ship. He received his education at the University of Illinois, Champaign and later received his Master’s Degree.

On August 27, 1960 in Peoria, Illinois he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Blume.

The couple resided in Epworth, where he was employed at the Divine Word College for over 30 years, initially teaching German and Latin and then as the Financial Aid Director and Vice President of Finance. He helped many people in the community complete financial aid forms, and was always in support of higher education. Often, he counseled many with sound advice. He was the Treasurer of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and President of the Mid-West Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. He was a member of the Epworth Kiwanis club and St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth.

Wilhelm was an avid storyteller, he enjoyed playing a big part in the advancement of the City of Epworth, he served for many years on the Epworth City Council, and later as the Mayor of Epworth. He was proud of his role in the reconstruction of Main Street and the planning of the Highway 20 bypass.

He loved watching sports, especially the Cubs, Bears and Hawkeyes and was thrilled when the Cubs won the World Series. He enjoyed and played the game of soccer as a youth and coached a team at the Seminary. He was an avid fan and follower of the German soccer team “1 F.C. Köln” in Germany. He enjoyed nature and animals including their dog Cassie. He always owned Volkswagens and appreciated their economy. The couple had a place in Corpus Christi where they wintered and developed many lifelong friendships.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Eck of Oregon, WI; four children, John (Elizabeth) Eck of Dacula, GA, Linda (Richard) Stevens of Verona, WI, Michael Eck of Cottage Grove, WI, and Karl (Rachel) Eck of Oregon, WI; seven grandchildren, Lyndsey (Keaton), Geoffrey, Brianna (John), Christian, Cameron, Macy and Julia; one great grandchild, Oliver; and one brother, Hans (Fia) Eck of Brühl, Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Chrystal (Franz) Schmitt and Marianna (Franz Josef) Breuer and a brother Karl.

A Video Tribute may be viewed, and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Ilah R. Portz

Ilah Ray Portz, 12, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021 with her brother Emmett, Mom, and Dad by her side.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Visitation will be 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, April 30, 2021 also at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, additional visitation will begin at 9:30 am Saturday at the church prior to services.  Burial will be in St. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Springbrook.

Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home in Bellevue.

Ilah was born January 19, 2009 in Clinton, the daughter of Tony and Val (Gruhn) Portz.  Ilah was also known as Lolli and Peanut Little by those closest to her.  She showed genuine kindness to all, was generous beyond her years, and so giving.  Ilah had a laid back personality, forgiving nature, and contagious smile.  She loved the farm girl life and never met an animal she didn’t love.  Ilah enjoyed drawing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.  She was active in softball, basketball, and volleyball, along with an occasional backyard football game with her brothers.  She could brighten the darkest days and touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Ilah was ‘Mommy’s best girl’ and Daddy’s everything.  She loved her three brothers fiercely.  Ilah was a doting big sister and best friend to Brigham.  She loved Emmett and enjoyed his coaching tips and when he spent time playing sports with her.  She was the light in her brother Colby’s eye.  She attended Andrew Community Schools and was in the 6th grade.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Her memory will live on forever and her light will shine for all eternity.

Survivors include her parents, Valerie and Tony Portz; brothers, Colby Melvin, Emmett Portz, and Brigham Portz; paternal grandparents, Tom and Roxanne Portz; maternal grandparents, Merlyn (John) Law, and Delbert (Linda) Gruhn; paternal great grandmother, Eleanor Thines; maternal great grandmother, Jeanette Gruhn; aunts and uncles, Joe (Cassy) Portz, Bob (Jessica) Portz, Angela (Bruce) Cronk, Heidi (Jeremy) Williams, and Lance Gruhn; Ilah’s ‘other’ parents and siblings, Brian and Jesse Ihrig and their children, Lucas, Hadley (BFF), and Joe; and her other BFF, Kennedy; and numerous cousins, extended relatives, teammates, and close friends.

Ilah was preceded in death by her loving dogs; Scratch, Ali, Chloe, Hazel, Hank, Maybel, and Penelope.

A memorial fund has been established in Ilah’s memory thru Citizens State Bank in her memory, memorials may be mailed or dropped off at any CSB location: Maquoketa, Wyoming, Oxford Junction or Olin and a Venmo account @ilahportz7 with last 4 of phone number 0781 has been established.

Online condolences may be left at hachmannfuneralhome.com

Harold Horn

Harold “Harry” Horn, 85, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at the Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday May 1, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Harold’s family. The Funeral Service for Harold will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Calvin Konop officiating. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post #6. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Harold was born January 30, 1936, in Dubuque, the son of Otto and Meta VanGlahn Horn. On July 19, 1958, he married Joanne J. Mauer at First English Lutheran Church in Platteville, WI. She died October 10, 2014.

He was a graduate of Platteville High School.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving as a Corpsman in Germany from 1955 until 1957 and in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1963.

He worked at Dubuque Pack for 26 and a half years and as a distribution courier for Medical Associates.

He was a past member of Elk’s Lodge in Platteville, and a member of the 700 Bowling Club and Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and horse and dog races. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Braves, and Wisconsin Badgers.

Survivors include three sons, William (Lisa Kuennen) Horn, Robert “Slob” Horn, and Jeffrey “J” (Mary) Horn, all of Dubuque; and one nephew, Brian (Candace) Mauer of Seattle, WA.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and his stepfather, Walt Ginter.

The family thanks Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and friends at The Rose.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Harry’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Dorene M. McCarthy

Dorene M. McCarthy, 93, of Peosta, IA passed away Monday, April 26, at 2:59 a.m. at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 1st at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in the Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory. Please remember to wear your mask and if you are unable to attend a live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

She was born on July 29, 1927 in Epworth Iowa, daughter of Nettie (Duhr) and Robert Allen. She grew up in Epworth before moving to Dubuque.

She married Robert M. McCarthy on April 2, 1946 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral. He preceded her in death on September 3, 2007. This year would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

Dorene was employed several places but most of her working career was at St. Regis Paper Company/Georgia Pacific. She retired from there in 1990. In her retirement years, she never slowed down. She was either babysitting her great grandkids or finding jobs where she could socialize. She especially liked taking tickets and selling programs (which she was the best at) at the Dubuque, Farley and West Liberty Speedways and bringing joy by delivering flowers for Flowerama.

She enjoyed the company of her many friends. She had standing monthly get-togethers with the Full Moon Floozies, her St Regis co-workers and her Game Groups. It was with these friends that she was given the name “Queen Dorene”. She was always the life of the party, she had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. Her stories were the best and her jokes were the worst but somehow “Queen Dorene” always made us laugh.

If she was not playing poker or in front of a slot machine, she could be found at home with the phone attached to her ear, providing stories and laughter to many. She enjoyed quilting, cards, warm weather, family gatherings, reading her rag magazines, coffee, chocolate, rum and cokes and cooking. She made the best chicken noodle soup and macaroni salad in the 563.

She loved to spend time with her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everything to her. She was a loving woman who enjoyed teaching lessons. One of her favorite lessons was teaching her grandchildren to clean her house while convincing them it was spending quality time together. Having her family around, especially her great-grandchildren, made her very happy and she absolutely loved living at the Cabin in the Woods with Les and Dianne.

The memories and the legacy that she has left us with, we will hold onto tightly and cherish forever. She was a one of a kind lady, she was very loved and will be fondly remembered by all that knew her. She will be greatly missed every day, but we know she will always be watching us from above and with us in spirit.

Those left to honor her memory are her children; Dianne (Les) Wagner of Dubuque, Patrick McCarthy of Long Grove; five grandchildren; Dawn Blasen of Solan, IA, Michelle (Cole) Schmelzer and Elizabeth (Michael) Goodwin, both of Dubuque, Kris (Natalie) Nirk of Bixby Oklahoma and Matthew (Patty) McClimon of Columbus Ohio; 11 great-grandchildren; Sterling and Storm Blasen-Hoerner, Ryley and Benjamin Schmelzer, PeparLex Goodwin, Savanna, Ava and Alivia Nirk and Drew, Zach and Will McClimon; two sisters-in-law; Mary Smith of Graf and Joan (Eldon) Schmidt and several niece, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her daughter Roberta Holden, her sons-in-law, Thomas McClimon and Les Holden, her parents, her mother and father in-law, all her brother and sisters and their spouses, several brother and sister in-laws and their spouses as well as many other family and friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank Hospice of Dubuque, specifically Kourtney, Hailey, Jeanie, Dianne and her wonderful aid never fear, Julie is here. The Mercy Hospital 2nd floor nurses and staff, where she spent a lot of time over the last two years and Dr. Sara Letcher and Dr. Tara Brock. In addition, her family and friends would like to extend extreme gratitude and gratefulness to Les and Dianne for taking such wonderful care of her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Talissa M. Dean

Talissa M. Dean, 53, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Talissa Michelle Haney was born on April 12, 1968 in Santa Maria, California to Robert and Caroline Jo (Corbus) Madrigal. She spent most of her youth growing up in the rural town of Sisquoc CA. She was a 1985 graduate of Ernest Righetti High School in Orcutt, California and then earned an Associates Degree in business administration from Santa Barbara Business College.

Talissa had worked as a CNA and CMA at Prairie House and at Crestridge Nursing Home, both in Maquoketa.

Talissa enjoyed cooking, taking care of others, gardening and plants. Additionally, she loved animals, nature hikes and reading a good novel.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Timothy Haney of Baldwin IA, and Sisquoc CA, Joshua Grigg of Maquoketa, IA, and Dylan Dean of Baldwin, IA; her grandson Jacob Finn Gibson; her father, Robert Madrigal of Orcutt, CA; brothers, Bobby Madrigal of Orcutt, CA, and Kelly Madrigal of Orcutt, CA; and her Significant other, William “Bill” Steggall of Baldwin, IA.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

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