Obituaries Archive

Otto W. Berg

Otto William “Bill” Berg, 86,  formerly of Galena, IL, succumb to his battle for life as his family and nursing  staff at Stonehill Care Center were close by, on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Private family burial will be at the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home is serving the family.

He was married to Georgia E. Berg for 59 years, both of whom enjoyed that time together building many memories in their careers, trips, and homes.

Bill spent 30 plus years in Finance and Brokerage positions in Chicago and suburban locations. He will be missed for contributions in organizations.  Bill found peace in the Holy Trinity. For reflections, Jeremiah 29:11, Deuteronomy 33:15, Psalm 16:11.

DuWayne L. Arp

DuWayne L. Arp, 77, of Durango, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Luther Manor Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for DuWayne will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the Reiff funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa.  Visitation will also be held after 10 a.m. at the funeral home on Friday.  Anyone unable to attend may send cards to the Reiff Funeral Home, Attn: DuWayne Arp family, P.O. Box 1, Peosta, Iowa, 52068.

Services for DuWayne will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa with Pastor Paul Amlin presiding. Burial will be held at a later date in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Pleasant Valley, Iowa.

DuWayne was born September 8, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, son of Laverne J. and Verna A. (Claussen) Arp.  He graduated from the Bettendorf High School in Bettendorf, Iowa.  On August 3, 1968, he was united in marriage to Sandra Moffit in LeClaire, Iowa.

He was a lifetime farmer in Dubuque County.  He also worked at the former Dyersville Sales Barn, the Cascade and Maquoketa Sale barns and drove a milk truck for Bergfeld Trucking for 20 years.

He was a member of the Army National Guard, the Farm Bureau, and the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury, Iowa.  He was very active in the local 4-H groups, sharing his knowledge and talents.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Arp of Durango, IA; one daughter, Amy (Paul) Wachter of Hainesville, IL; one granddaughter, Mallory Wachter.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Evalea McBride; one brother, Melvin Arp.

Memorials for DuWayne may be given to the Centralia-Peosta Fire Department or to the Hope Lodge in Iowa City for Cancer Patients and their families.

A video tribute may be viewed and online condolence sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Gary G. Hancock

Gary “Poncho” Gene Hancock, 71, of Epworth, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, February 4, 2022, at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Gary will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial for Gary is at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.   With Deacon Nick Elliott assisting.  Lectors are Owen Boige and Margie Bradley.  Placing of the pall will be done by Bonnie Hancock, Toby Hancock, Kelly Wink and Meg Boge.  Giftbearers are Madalyn Bergfeld-Hancock and Emma Wink.  Burial to be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.

Casketbearers for Gary will be Dale Mueller, Bob Mueller, Greg Featherston, Tony Maahs, Kenny Hosch, Calvin Hancock and Jim Gulyash.

Gary was born on February 2, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Calvin “Blackie” and Margaret V. (Cooley) Hancock.  He was a 1969 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa, where he excelled in getting in trouble with Buck. He eagerly enlisted in the United States Army, and was proud to be a Vietnam Vet.  It was love at first sight when he met Bonnie Jean Decker.  The couple was united in marriage on August 14, 1971, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa.

Gary bled green for 40 years, employed first as a truck driver, and then in the office at Flynn Ready Mix.  He was a favorite of many contractors because he could back that truck into any spot.

Gary was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Epworth, Iowa. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Epworth American Legion John White Post #650 and the Leaky Lodge.

Gary was a lifelong New York Yankees, Indianapolis Colts and John Wayne fan.  He played a terrific first base for the Pussycats softball team and the Epworth Orioles baseball team.  He was a past coach of the Dubuque County Legion team and past volunteer for Hospice of Dubuque.

Gary was grateful to be married to his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Hancock of Epworth; and father of three great kids, Toby (Anne) Hancock of Riverside, Kelly (Robin) Wink of Bernard, and Meg (Terry “Bubba”) Boge of Dyersville; and he loved, loved his four grandchildren, Calvin (Megan Hogan) Hancock, Madalyn Bergfeld-Hancock, Emma Wink, and Owen Boge; and his great grand-daughter, Raelynn Grace.  He also had 3 “wanna be” daughters, Donna Gulyash, Kim Simon, and Erin Shanahan.

Gary is also survived by in-laws, Coleen Hancock of Epworth, Debi O’Brien of Dubuque, Pearl (David) Shanahan, Margie (Ron “Zip”) Gassman, Jay (Marlene) Decker, and Lynn Decker all of Bernard; and his daily telephone call buddy, Uncle Jack (Aunt Gayle) Hancock.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas Hancock on January 31, 2016; Father and Mother-in-law, Earl J. and Rose Decker; Step mother-in-law, Carmelene Decker; three brothers-in-law, David Decker, Lawrence M. “Larry” Decker, and Steve Bradley; one niece, Rachel Decker; and one nephew, Gabe Glasman.

The family would like to give a special Thank you to the Epworth Fire & EMS Department, MercyOne Emergency and Cardiac Unit (Especially Nurses Heather and Treslyn) for all the care and support that they gave to Gary.

In lieu of flowers a Gary Hancock memorial fund has been established.

Anyone unable to attend may send memorials to Reiff Funeral Home Attn: Gary “Poncho” Hancock Family, PO Box 99, Farley, Iowa, 52046.

Video tribute may be viewed and Online condolences may be given to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Ardys L. Bowers

Ardys L. (Clifton) Bowers, 94 of Bethany Home died Saturday, February 5, 2022.

Lisa H. Benson

Lisa H. Benson, age 46, of Dubuque, passed away at 3:04 a.m., on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Lisa’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Lisa was born on August 2, 1975, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Allen and Julia (Wilson) Benson.

Lisa grew up in Dubuque where she attended school at Hempstead High School and graduated from Central High School.  After school, she worked at various businesses in Dubuque before moving to Colorado.  Eventually, Lisa would return home to Dubuque.  In her free time, Lisa loved spending time at the bowling alley perfecting her game as well as trying her luck at Bingo and playing cards.  She also liked to spend quality time with her family and her friends.  She will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish Lisa’s memory include

her sons,
Tristian Benson and Ashton aka “Jayden” Benson;

her parents,
Allen and Julia Benson;

her brothers,
David (Vickie) Benson and Doug (Stephanie) Benson;

and several aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles.

“Grandma and Grandpa, it’s your sweetie baby, I’m coming home.”

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

Joseph J. Polkinghorn

Joseph J. “Joe” Polkinghorn, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

A military graveside service and burial celebrating Joe’s life will be held at a later date at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Joseph James Polkinghorn Jr. was born on October 31, 1945 in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, to Joseph James and Marie Josephine (Mitchell) Polkinghorn Sr.  He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.  Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, and had done various other jobs throughout his life.  He enjoyed anything to do with motors, being outdoors, hanging out with family and friends and his pups Peanut and Molly.

Those left to honor his life include his children, Adam (Nicole) Clark of Maquoketa, IA, Jamie Clark of Maquoketa, IA, and Ricky Clark of Oxford Junction, IA; 9 grandchildren; sisters, Shirley (Terrill) Saunders of Spragueville, IA, Joyce Donath of Dubuque, IA, Millie (Paul) Widel of Maquoketa, IA, Brenda (Everett) Bowling of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Krabbenhoft of Fairbank, IA, and Susan Bystol of Maquoketa, IA; and brothers, Clarence Polkinghorn of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Delbert Polkinghorn of Preston, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joseph and Lester, and a sister Barbara.

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

Verna L. Bird

Verna L. Bird, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at ManorCare with family by her side.

Per her wishes, there will be a private family service. A web-cast of the service will be available to view on Verna’s obituary at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Verna was born on May 19, 1934 in Holy Cross, Iowa, daughter of Christian and Coletta (Henkels) Meyers. She married Eugene J. Bird Sr. on September 24, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA.

They were blessed with three children. Verna was devoted to her family and faith. She worked at Unique Balance, then St. Regis Paper Co., and lastly at Georgia Pacific where she retired in 1995. Verna enjoyed working outside with her flowers and tending to her red raspberry patch but hated the thorns. She put the needs of others above her own. She was a fantastic cook and hostess who took pride in making sure her guests had plenty of great food and a nice hot cup of coffee. Verna was an avid reader and enjoyed the adventures of finding those First Editions. Verna was a class act who always had a kind ear to listen and tremendous strength and made the best of every situation. Verna was extremely selfless and the ideal example of strength and grace.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Carol (Marty) Petitgout of East, Dubuque, IL, Eugene (Joy) Bird Jr. of Waukee, Iowa, and Marilyn (Edwin Barber) Bird of Scottsdale, AZ, her grandchildren; Zach Bird of Chicago, Abby (Zach) Berger of Iowa City, Sophia Bird of Waukee, IA, and Stephany and Natalie Stueck, and her sister-in-law; Ruth Bird of Guttenberg, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Bird Sr, her parents, and her sister Germaine.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kourtney, Haley, Nichole, Diane, and Kelli. They provided such compassionate care that will always be treasured. A thank you to all staff members at Manor Care. We appreciate the comfort, care, and kindness during her final days.

Geraldine L. Hopkins

Geraldine L. “Jeri” (Taft) Hopkins, age 76, of Dubuque, passed away at 7:45 p.m., on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Jeri’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at The Church of the Nazarene, 1195 Prysi Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 5, 2022, with Pastor Leah Barker officiating.  Burial will be in Oakview Cemetery in Albia, Iowa.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Jeri was born on March 25, 1945, in Hocking Hill, Iowa, daughter of Orvel and Lelah (Kincaid) Taft.

Jeri attended school at Albia Community High School and completed her GED in Ottumwa in 1984.  She was united in marriage to Ronald G. Hopkins on March 11, 1963, at the Open Bible Church in Albia. They were blessed with only 16 years together before Ronald sadly passed away on December 23, 1979.  She began her working career at Smith Laundry in Albia, and went on to become a CNA with Oakwood Care Center and Albia Care Center.  After moving to Dubuque, Jeri went to work with Ennoble Manor and lastly with Bethany Home until her retirement.  When Jeri wasn’t working, she spent time in the kitchen creating beautiful wedding cakes and birthday cakes.  She liked crafting, watching Disney movies and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.  She also enjoyed going to garage sales and had an extensive elephant collection.  When the kids were young she was very involved as a Cub Scout Leader.  Jeri also loved to travel and spend time with her family.  Her faith was undeniable.  She helped to establish the Church of God’s Holiness in Albia, and was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene here in Dubuque.  Jeri was a kind woman who was very generous with her time and talents.  She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she has touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Jeri’s memory include

her 5 children,
Robert Taft, Knoxville, IA,
Ronald Hopkins Jr., Lebannon, MO,
Alan (Kathy Whitten) Hopkins, Des Moines, IA,
Lucinda (Jim) Tuthill, Dubuque, IA
and Jeff (Karen) Hopkins, Dubuque, IA;

her 8 grandchildren,
Angela (Willie), Joseph, Joshua (Amanda), Tabitha (Jen), Cindy (Matt), Denise (Dave), T.J., James, Donnie and all of her “adopted grandchildren”;

her 24 great-grandchildren;

a great great-grandson;

her siblings,
George (Robin) Taft, Portland, OR,
Mary (Doug) Turnbull, Charlotte, TN
and Judy (Paul) Billings, Newton, IA;

a former daughter-in-law,
Nancy See, Centerville, IA;

and a “special sister”,
Cindy Ryans, California.

Jeri was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald Hopkins; 3 great-grandchildren, Katie Tuthill, Ashley Monohon and Wesley Monohon; and 2 daughters-in-law, Carol Taft and Karen Ballalatak.

Jeri’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of UnityPoint Health for all of their kindness and all of the compassionate care they provided for Jeri.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Jeri’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jeri Hopkins Family.

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

Bernice M. Pottebaum

Bernice “Bea” M. Pottebaum, 95, passed into the Lord’s arms on January 30, 2022, at Luther Manor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday February 7, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, Iowa 52003 where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends may also gather 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Per the family request, please wear face coverings when attending the visitation and funeral.

Bea was born on August 28, 1926, to Joseph and Frances (Meisenburg) Thoma in St. Donatus, Iowa. She got her GED from NITI.

On June 1, 1949, she was wed to Louis Pottebaum at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque, Iowa and together they had three children. She was happily married for almost 40 years until Louie passed away on February 23, 1989.

She worked at Timmerman’s Supper Club, Roshek’s, Armstrong’s and Dubuque Greyhound Park. She also volunteered at Mercy Hospital and was also a member of the Rosary Society.

Bea enjoyed sewing for her family in her younger years. She participated in daily mass and walked at the Cathedral when she was able. Bea loved to go on vacation to Devil’s Lake, WI, and she did many trips with Tri State Travel; she also enjoyed their Saturday night get togethers.  She was proud to come from a family of 12, and she enjoyed having company. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Bernice is survived by her daughters Jean (Gerald) Roling and Judy (Mark) Nemmers; son Jerry Pottebaum; grandchildren Chris (Jen) Roling, Lynn (Adam) Davidshofer, and Angie (Kevin) Kluesner; granddaughter-in-law Michele Nemmers; nine great grandchildren; siblings Francis (Mary) Thoma, Richard Thoma, Pat Klaas, Don (Bertha) Thoma; sister-in-law Betsy Thoma; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Louis; her parents; two grandsons Brian Roling and Tim Nemmers; siblings William (Edna) Thoma, Marie (Alfred) Barth, Arnold (Phyllis) Thoma, Joseph Thoma, Victor (Viola) Thoma, Ernest (Alice) Thoma, and Lawrence Thoma; and in-laws Ethel Thoma and Ed Klaas.

Memorials may be given to Hospice, and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Thank you to Luther Manor for taking care of mom for the last 4 1/2 years, and Hospice for the last week of her life.

Charles A. Scardino

Charles “Chuck” A. Scardino, 69, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 2, 2022.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed immediately by a remembrance service Monday, February 7, 2022 at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. If you are not feeling well or unable to attend, a web-cast of the remembrance service can be viewed on Chuck’s obituary page at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Chuck was born June 6, 1952 in Dubuque, the son of Vincent and Shirley (Barrett) Scardino. He attended St. Columbkille and Nativity grade schools, and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Chuck went on to attend the University of Iowa. He married Jane Unsen on December 17, 1977 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

He was employed at Caradco, and later at John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring after 41 years of service.

Chuck loved to stay busy, and enjoyed working in the yard. His frequent grocery trips led to his family joking about him being a “doomsday prepper”- he had a stock of necessities they referred to as “Charlie’s store”, and he worked hard to make sure his family didn’t want for anything. He was quick-witted and stubborn, and had a nickname for everyone. Chuck had a love for animals, and was known to his family as “the dog whisperer”. He was an amazing husband, father, and Papa to his grandkids (and granddogs). Chuck loved his family deeply, and protected them fiercely with that love.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Jane, of Dubuque; two children, Brad (Wendy) Scardino and their children, Addison, Blake, and Aubrey, all of Asbury, and Jennifer (Dan) Miller and their children, Autumn and Camden, all of Bettendorf, IA; two sisters, Vic (Ron) Hansen of East Dubuque, and Jan (Craig) Hingten, of Dubuque; his in-laws, Jim (Barb) Unsen, and Joe (Diane) Unsen; and his “granddogs”, Piper and Maggie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Bailey Miller; three brothers, Ron, Randy, and Dean Scardino; and his “granddog” Brutus.

Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

James R. L. Durr

Thomas and Sheryl Helling

Thomas “Tom” and Sheryl “Sherry” Helling, of Dubuque, IA, completed their earthly journeys within hours of one another on January 31, 2022, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.  To honor their lives, a service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom and Sherry’s family.

Tom and Sherry were both born in Dubuque, IA, and were clearly predestined to become soulmates in time.  Tom was born on April 4, 1943, and Sherry on July 7, 1942, and they spent their early years surrounded by family and friends while waiting patiently for the day to arrive where their love would finally blossom and their lives together could begin.  They were eventually united in marriage at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque in the May of 1966, and began their journey through the rest of their lives devoted to one another until their very last day when they were only separated for a few hours and would next begin their eternity together.  Tom spent his working years in the Maintenance Department with the City of Dubuque, and Sherry was a secretary for Edwards Precast for a few years as well.  When the workday was completed, you could easily find Tom and Sherry together enjoying each other’s company as they waited for the sunrise to start another day.  Their love and devotion to one another never wavered and their commitment was always on display.  It’s beyond difficult for our hearts to conceive the realization that they have both left us so suddenly, but there is definitely some peace in knowing that they weren’t apart for longer than either would have endured without the great pain of loss.  We will treasure every memory which they leave behind and seek peace and healing from this tragic loss until we see them again.  Thank you, Tom and Sherry, for always making love such a visible priority in your lives and may we strive to carry your legacy within our own relationships moving forward as we also face each day ahead without you.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom and Sherry include,

their siblings and in-law’s,
Patricia Casey, Dubuque, IA,
Victor “Gus” Helling, Dubuque, IA,
Billie (Bill) Schuyler, Varna, IL,
Joyce Helling, Dubuque, IA,
Peg Helling, Dubuque, IA,
and Herb Klinkhammer, Dubuque, IA;

their Godchildren,
Tim Helling, Kristin Walker, and Jill Tennyson;

Sherry’s niece and nephew,
Jessica (Josh) Weir, and their daughter, Emma,
Scott (Michelle) Schuyler, and their daughter, Sarah;

Tom’s 19 nieces and nephews, 46 great-nieces and nephews, and 28 great-great nieces and nephews;

along with numerous other extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom and Sherry were preceded in death by their parents, Victor and Geraldine (Feller) Helling, and William Jones and Gayle (Ernster) Blum; their siblings and in-law’s, James Helling, Robert Helling, Carol Klinkhammer, Tom Casey, and Ann Helling; and Sherry’s stepfather, Leroy Blum.

The Helling family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Tom and Sherry’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Sr. Jean Marie Brady

Sister Jean Marie Brady, BVM, 88, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1170 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.

Private funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Virtual Sharing of Memories begins at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by virtual visitation of cremated remains. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Sister Jean Marie ministered in the Office of Educational Services for the Archdiocese of Dubuque as the metropolitan coordinator of Catholic schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was an elementary teacher, principal, receptionist and librarian in Iowa City, Iowa, and pastoral associate in Cosgrove and Holbrook, Iowa. She also taught in Tama, Iowa; Chicago; and Berwyn, Ill.

She was born on March 5, 1933, in Monticello, Iowa, to Joseph and Marie (Crimmins) Brady. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1951, from St. Martin Parish in Cascade, Iowa. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary Brady, Marcella (Donald) Morey, Catherine “Kate” (Louie) Stutt, Loretta (Claude) Tomlinson, Ann (Paul) Sauser, Doris (William) Talbert and Alice (Ed) Bertling; and brothers Michael and Joseph Brady. She is survived by nieces, nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 70 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.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Stirling H. Fuller

Stirling H. Fuller, 59, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, January 30, 2022. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin, with Pastor Ed Santiago officiating. Services will be live streamed through Facebook on the funeral home page. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Stirling was born on March 19, 1962, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the son of John and Aljean (Winthers) Fuller. He enlisted in the United States Navy at age 19, where he served for four years as an electrician and gunner’s mate.

Stirling worked in construction with his dad, followed by numerous jobs in manufacturing. He married Laura Harris of Benton and together, they had four beautiful daughters. Stirling loved spending time with his family, especially on holidays, and he was a wonderful grandfather. He was a hard worker and was able to rig anything together. He was proud of his Ford Escort, which he spray painted red and nicknamed “The Flame”. He loved making homemade gifts for everyone, wrote poetry and songs, and enjoyed fishing and golfing, even though his daughters beat him in golf. From belting out Werewolves of London to shooting fireworks that seemed to heat-seek out Laura, Stirling was fun loving and the life of the party. At one time, Stirling was livin’ large in Cresco.

Survivors include his daughters, Destani “Big Girl” (Josh) Kieler, Kieler, WI, Angie “Angel Girl” (Corey) Erickson, Mineral Point, WI, Ruthann “Honker Bonks” (Ethan) Dean, Spragueville, IA, and Hali “Gobber Goos” (fiancé, Brandon Anderson) Fuller, Mount Carroll, IL; his siblings, Susan (Joe) Sborz, Minersville, PA, Wanda (Joe) Mazzuca, Pottsville, PA, Brenda (Dave) Shepherd, Benton, WI, and John (Jo) Fuller, Monroe, WI; and eight grandchildren, Dominic, Lawson, Nathan, Sophia, Noah, Gracie, Adalyn and Evelyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Fuller; his step-mother, Marcie Fuller; and a nephew, Victor Mazzuca.

In lieu of flowers, a Stirling H. Fuller Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Sr. Rachel Berns

Sister Rachel (Petra) Berns, OSF, 98, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Clare House in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Rachel will be held 1:00 pm Monday, February 7, 2022, at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Sister Rachel was born September 21, 1923, in Garnavillo, IA, the daughter of Herman and Anna (Hoeger) Berns.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1941 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1947. Sister received her bachelor’s degree in education at Loras College, Dubuque, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Stacyville, Bancroft, Earlville, and at Sacred Heart and Holy Ghost both in Dubuque. Sister also served at St. Timothy in Minneapolis, MN and in Illinois at St. Mary of the Woods, Chicago, Melrose Park, and Niles.

Survivors include her nieces, nephews, and Francisan sisters..

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Isabelle (Francis) Bortscheller, Eunice Berns, Marcella Berns, OSF, Mary (Herbert) Koopman, Teresa (Magnus) Schnepf, and Ann (James) McTaggert; her brothers, Benedict Berns, Sylvester (Kathryn Berns Backhaus) Berns, and Cyril (Mary Berns Eulberg) Berns.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

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