Obituaries Archive

Phyllis A. Anderson

Phyllis Ann Anderson, 95, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Luther Manor.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 25, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, 1795 Jackson St., Dubuque. Rev. Dianne Grace (Phyllis was her mentor and special friend) will officiate. Immediately following the funeral there will be a coffee and cookie fellowship held until 1 p.m. at the church. Interment will be private at Linwood Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. is entrusted with arrangements.

Phyllis was born July 30, 1926 in Muscatine, the daughter of Lysle and Dolores (Bateman) Parkinson. She married Jess W. Anderson on October 18, 1946.

Phyllis was employed as the Executive Secretary for the Selective Service for many years. She was a member of NARFE. Phyllis was a longtime active member of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, where she served as President of the Women’s Fellowship, served on the Board, and sang in the choir. Phyllis enjoyed cross stitch, reading, and dearly loved all her canine companions. She always made sure to keep up with current affairs.

Phyllis is survived by a son, J. Warren (Jane) Anderson, of Fort Worth, TX; three grandchildren, James F. Oeth Jr, of Dubuque, Jennifer (Torben) Groth, of Liberty Lake, WA, and Jay Warren Anderson, of Denton, TX; and three great-grandchildren, Martin, Kristoffer (Mariko), and Camilla Groth, of Boston, MA; and two great-great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by Marilyn Anderson, of Bedford, TX.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband on January 26, 1998, and her daughter Mavis (James Sr.) Oeth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Congregation United Church of Christ.

The family would like to thank the 5th floor staff at Finley Hospital, the staff at Luther Manor, and the staff from Hospice of Dubuque, for making her last days as comfortable as possible.

Timothy A. Clark

Timothy A. “Tac” Clark, age 53, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 18, 2022, at his home.  To celebrate Tim’s life, private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a later date.

Tim was born on June 3, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Lewis and Mary (Bresee) Clark.

Tim attended school in Dubuque and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  After school, he went to work at the Toll Bridge Inn, Unique Balance and was a long time employee of Gronen Restoration.  He most recently worked for Dittmer Recycling and Hormel Foods.  Tim married Regina (Lester) Pfeiler on July 2, 1994, in Dubuque.  In his free time, Tim enjoyed going fishing, camping, playing horseshoes and listening to rock and roll.  He always had a hacky sack in his pocket to kick around or throw if he needed to get your attention.  Tim was a life long Chicago Bears fan.  He could fix just about anything and rode his bike everywhere, often stopping to find treasures along the way with a 60” TV being one of his greatest finds.  He truly loved spending time with all of his family and especially the grandbabies.  Tim was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Tim’s memory include

his wife,
Regina Clark, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Scarlett (Justin Bond) Vondran, Davenport, IA,
Timothy (Brianna Williams) Clark, Wyoming, IA,
Ambrea Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA
and Gary (Jessica) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Dominic, Serenity, Dylan, Nevaeh, Kayden, Daphnie, Richard and Mason LeRoy, Lily, Parker, Khloe, Malakai and Ruby;

his siblings,
Sherry (Randy) Woolf, Pensacola, FL,
Lewis Clark,
Rosalie (Dennis) Kohl,
Rita (David) Freiburger
and Mary (Paul) Bosveld, all of Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; 3 grandchildren, Lucy Joy, Aaron LeRoy and Dean Aaron; 2 brothers, Francis and Ernest; and a nephew, Dean Wooldridge.

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

Howard McCarty, Jr.

Howard “Howie” McCarty Jr. passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2022, after a 5-year battle with cancer.

He was born June 27, 1946, in Chicago, IL the son of Howard Sr. and Mary (Fleming) McCarty. He graduated from Loyola Academy, Wilmette, IL, and went on to earn his degree in Political Science from Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. He was united in marriage to Patricia Walensa on May 22, 1976, and she preceded him in death on June 17, 2003. Howard later married Eileen Kedzie on October 10, 2009. He served in the U.S. Army as a Spec 5 in finance, stationed in Thailand. After his honorable discharge in 1971, he began his career in finance and banking. Starting with Continental Bank and after several bank mergers, finishing as the trust dept VP at Bank of America. In 1997, he went to work at Computershare as Chief Compliance Officer until his retirement in 2009.

After retirement, he and Eileen built their home in the beautiful Galena Territory where he became very active in the community. Howard volunteered and served on the Board of Directors for the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry, was a member of the Elks Lodge, and served on the Board of Directors for the Galena Territory from 2016 to 2019. His ‘retirement jobs ‘included tour guide for the Galena Trolley Company and working on the Eagle Ridge North Golf Course. Howard loved golf and his Chicago Cubs. He faithfully followed the Xavier Musketeers and Loyola Ramblers. He will be remembered for his special talent of using his humor and wit to write/tell stories and musings.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Eileen McCarty, his blended family, Alison (Alex) Baer of Cincinnati OH, Elisa (Ken) Brauer of Batavia Il, Erin (Tim) Brenneman, of Kalona, IA, his grandchildren, Wesley Baer, Evan, and Ethan Brauer, TJ and Peyton Brenneman, siblings, Kathy (McCarty) Carper, of Grays Lake IL, Michael (Cathy) McCarty, of Bettendorf IA, Tim (Diane) McCarty, of Castle Rock, CO, Kevin (Patty) McCarty, of Bartlett, IL, Jim (Adele) McCarty, of Highland Park, IL, and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Patricia, and a nephew, Scott McCarty.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, April 23, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, LaGrange, IL. Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Grand River Medical Oncology Group, Dr. Mark Hermann, and Tony Heiar (ARNP), as well as Hospice of Dubuque nurses and staff for their loving skilled care on his final journey.

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

Michael J. Brimeyer

Michael J. “Mike” Brimeyer, age 62, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at 6:37 p.m., on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics with his loving wife by his side.  To celebrate Mike’s life, private family services were held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Mike was born on July 21, 1959, in Rickardsville, Iowa, son of Lester and Patricia (Lahey) Brimeyer.

Mike grew up in Rickardsville and attended school in Western Dubuque.  Mike was out one night and, as fate would have it, he met Amelia Heins on her birthday.  They were inseparable from the beginning and would marry on July 19, 2003, at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.  They were truly blessed with 18 wonderful years of marriage.  Mike was employed with the Holiday Inn, Catfish Charlie’s and lastly at the Barrel House as a chef, until health issues led to his early retirement.  Mike loved spending time with his family, and he always took control of the kitchen for all the family holidays.  He also made sure that Amelia was well fed every day.  His cats were his “babies”, and he loved spending time caring for them and playing with them.  Mike also enjoyed taking a car ride and going sight seeing.  Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Mike’s memory include

his wife,
Amelia Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA;

his step-children,
Tammy Peters, Prairie du Chien, WI,
Missy (Bill Jr.) Sautter, Prairie du Chien, WI,
Tony Hertrampf, West Union, IA
and Doug (Tammy) Hertrampf, Prairie du Chien, WI;

10 step-grandchildren;

10 step great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Susan (Merlin) Clemen, Dyersville, IA,
Mary (Duane) Heacock, Peosta, IA,
Judy (Ken) Samek, Waterloo, IA,
Richard Brimeyer, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Joanne (Tom) Harper, Chicago, IA,
Carol Peters, Visalia, CA,
Dennis (Regina) Brimeyer, Alpharetta, GA
and Denise (Dave) Heiderscheit, Cedar Rapids, IA;

16 nieces and nephews and 7 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Brimeyer and Patricia McCann; and a brother, David Brimeyer.

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

Shirley A. Winkler

Shirley A. Winkler, age 89, of Lancaster, WI, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2022, at Grant Regional Hospital.  She was born on August 1, 1932, in Liberty Township to Lester and Flossie (Latham) Martin.  She married Harlan A. Winkler on August 20, 1957, and together they raised 7 children on their family farm east of Lancaster.

Shirley expressed her love through her cooking and her baking.  She was a hard worker who took pride in all she did.  Her hobbies included gardening, refinishing furniture, and embroidering.  She loved caring for her flowers, our family pets, and had a great sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; son, Gregory Winkler; and her brother, Glen Martin, of Stitzer, WI.

Surviving are her 6 children, Joan (Anthony) Doheny, Eugene, OR, Kristin Winkler, Lancaster, WI, Jamie  Shahidehpour, Naperville, IL, Brian Winkler and Kevin Winkler, both of Lancaster, WI, and Gina Winkler, East Dubuque, IL; her 5 grandchildren, Brittany MacGill, Adam Doheny, and Dustin, Ryan and Andrew Shahidehpour; her 2 great-grandchildren, Ian and Kate MacGill; and her sister, Rethel Schuppener, Stitzer, WI.

As per Shirley’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date.  Any condolences, or other expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to Kristin Winkler, 702 South Washington Street, Apt. E12, Lancaster, WI, 53813.

Shirley’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Lancaster Health Services, Lancaster EMS, and to the Grant Regional Hospital for their exceptional care and concern which they provided.  We’d like to extend a very sincere thank you to all for their kindness and support.

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

Ann M. LeConte

Ann M. (Heitz) LeConte, 92, of Dubuque, IA, died Saturday, April 16, 2022, at MercyOne Hospital, Dubuque, of natural causes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 22nd, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

She was born on Nov. 13, 1929, in Dubuque, IA, daughter of Loras & Blanche (Nagel) Heitz. Upon graduation from high school Ann was employed at Interstate Power Company.

She married Richard J. LeConte on Aug. 26, 1950, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Dubuque. Together they farmed until Richard’s death in 1985. Ann continued farming with her son, Rick, until the day of her death.

She enjoyed family gatherings with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Parish, Key West. Her faith and family were very important to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Ron) Clemen; her sons, Rick (Paula Dixon) LeConte, Ron (Lu) LeConte, and Robert (Janet) LeConte.

Ann is also survived by grandchildren & great grandchildren: Jennifer (Russ) Demmer, Carter & Garret; Jason (Kellie) Clemen, Ava & Landon; Jolene (Kollin) Ehlinger, Adeline & Abigail; Stephanie (Steve) Valentine, Sierra (Evan Straw), Sidney & Ashley; Matthew (Rita Hunt) Kremer, Charlie; Tony (Emily) LeConte, Drew, Allison, Alex & Brandon; Eric (Emilly Althaus) LeConte, Eleanor & Edith; Curtis (Abbie Fleckenstein) LeConte, Clara; Lindsay LeConte; Megan (Spencer) Adams, Morgan, Dylan & Hayden; Bailey (Alex) Pence; Hannah (Cameron) Scott. Siblings: brother, Bruce (Mary Lou) Heitz; brothers & sisters-in-law: Darlene O’Rourke; Paul O’Rourke; Leonard (Doris) LeConte.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sharon, 2015; son-in-law (Melvin Kremer); brother & sister-in-law, Carl & Joan Heitz; brothers & sisters-in-laws, Patrick O’Rourke, Mary Jane O’Rourke, Loras (Mary Jane) LeConte.

Calvin W. Boland

Calvin W. Boland, 91, of Asbury, died Friday, April 15, 2022.  Visitation will be from 9:15 to 10:15 am Saturday, April 23 at St. Peter Lutheran Church followed by the funeral service at 10:30 am.  Inurnment will be in St. John Cemetery, Bellevue, Iowa, where Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Bellevue Post 273.

Cal was born February 8, 1931, in Laurens County, South Carolina, son of Llewellyn and Nellie Boland.

Cal was a banker through and through from the time the banker in his hometown came to the high school looking for a student who would be a good employee.  Cal accepted the job and worked in the bank until he joined the Navy on November 30, 1950.

His most significant assignment in the Navy (for three years and three months) was aboard the USS Virgo-AKA 20 which carried ammunition from Sasebo, Japan to Korea.  The discharge papers state he was a storekeeper.

He began working for Bank of America in 1955.  He worked in various branches in the San Francisco Area, the Caribbean Region, the Philippines and Jakarta, Indonesia.

After retiring from Bank of America, he was employed by the FDIC in Des Moines and Chicago from 1985 to 1996.  He served as treasurer of the condo association for over 10 years during his retirement in Florida.

Cal spent a lot of time exercising, reading, watching football and baseball, but his favorite sport was golf; both watching and playing.  Cal enjoyed life and appreciated his friends and family.

Cal is survived by his wife, Alice, his brothers, Euel and Karon (wife Belinda); in laws, Bob and Jane Heinsen of Urbandale and Neill Yeager of Asbury and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister in law, Ellen Boland; sister in law, Judy Yeager, in laws Alvin “Slim” and Mary Ann Clasen, Les and Marilyn Yeager; and father and mother in law, Albert K.S.  and Mae Yeager.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or a charity of your choice.

Marvin F. Jorgensen

Marvin F. Jorgensen, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 16, 2022, at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 P.M., Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.  There is no visitation.  Burial will be in the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery, at a later date.

Marvin Frederick Jorgensen was born on August 4, 1930 in Perry Township, Jackson County, Iowa, to Peter J. and Margaret L. (Hoffmann) Jorgensen.  He was a 1948 graduate of Andrew High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.  He married Gloria Lea Taylor on July 12, 1957 at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Four children were born to this union, Randy, Roger, Shari and James.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Marvin went to work for the county home as a farm hand.  He then worked for 27 years for Lamborn Construction in Maquoketa, and lastly for Jackson County as a mechanic for nine years.  He retired on January 1, 1993.

Marvin was a member of the Timber City American Legion Post #75, and a lifetime member of the Maquoketa VFW Post #3633 O’Connor-Regenwether.  He fully enjoyed retirement and doing things he loved to do such as woodworking, gardening, bowling, fishing, deer hunting, spending time with his family, canning and baking, and the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gloria Jorgensen of Maquoketa, IA; children, Randy Jorgensen of Oklahoma City, OK, Shari Jorgensen of Maquoketa, IA, and Jim (Lin) Jorgensen of Elwood, IA; 6 granchildren, Melissa (Chris), Adam (Alicia), Megan, Lisa, Taylor and Gracie; and 5 great-grandchildren, Arianna, Addison, Chase, Garrison, and Baylee.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Roger, and nine siblings Thelma, Carl, Glenn, Henry, Lorraine, Raymond, Helen, Gladys and Bob.

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

Charlene M. Riniker

Kenneth A. Clemen

Kenneth A. Clemen, 78, of Dubuque passed away at home surrounded by his family Friday, April 15, 2022

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will continue from 9:30 am to 10:30 am prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Nativity Church 1225 Alta Vista Street, Msgr. Jim Miller will officiate assisted by Fr. Carl Ries. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Ken was born December 20, 1943 at home to Albin and Melinda (Zewen) Clemen in Luxemburg, Iowa where he grew up, then married Jan David on October 4, 1969 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and celebrated 52 years of wedded bliss in Dubuque.

For 36 years Ken worked for John Deere Dubuque Works and many more years a carpenter. He enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting with friends, and playing euchre. Friends will always remember his laugh and saying, “Ja, ja, ja.” He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Dubuque Men’s Association.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Jan, his children, Chad (Connie) Clemen and their children Skyler and Gwyn; Cher (Chris) Ruden and their children Cord and Catharine. His siblings Herb (Mary Ann) Clemen; Doris (Lenny) Le Conte; Dennis (Valerie) Clemen; Ron (Diane) Clemen. His siblings-in-law Judi (Bill) Morgan; Julie (Charlie) Kunau; Chuck (Lora) David; Jerry (Kim) David; Jacki (John) Nelson; Rick (Judi) David; Jayne David; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Floyd and Tillie David; sister JoAnn Recker; brothers-in-law Wayne Recker; Bill David; Jim David; Scott David.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeremiah, Amy, Peggy and all that came from Hospice of Dubuque.

Michael R. Plein

Michael R. Plein, 64, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 22, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at the funeral home, where visitation will be from 9:30 until the time of service.  Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.

Michael was born May 19, 1957 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Richard and Madeline (Kronfeldt) Plein. He was raised in Dubuque, and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1975. He retired from active Naval duty in 1990 with Honorable Discharge and joined the Navy Reserve.  On October 24, 1987, Michael married Mary Klinkhammer at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.  He was employed as a maintenance technician at Barnstead Thermolyne for 20 years and currently at Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing.

Michael enjoyed woodworking, fishing, music, watching movies, and fixing cars. He was an avid Nascar, baseball, and football fan, especially the St Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mary; two children, Megan (fiancé Mike Peiffer) Plein and Chris Plein; his step-sisters, Gail (Sid) Bader and Cindy (Carl) Lorenz; his uncle Clem Plein; his aunt Sandra (Richard) Stergulz; his brothers-in-law, Donnie (Judy), Steve (Karen), Dale (Kim), Ken (Kris), David (Karen), and John (Jeremy Miñano) Klinkhammer; his sister-in-law Vickie Klinkhammer; his step-mother-in-law Carol Klinkhammer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard Plein; his mother Madeline (Glen) Oxley; his aunts Irene Plein and Donna Hyatt; his parents-in-law, Donald J. and Alice Klinkhammer; his sister-in-law Christine Klinkhammer; and his brother-in-law Mark Klinkhammer.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Finley Hospital and Dr. Benda.

Ardella M. Helle

Ardella M. Helle, 92, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will begin at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Ardella was born May 31, 1929, in Petersburg, Iowa the daughter of Clem and Frances (Weber) Deppe.  She married Donald F. Helle on February 15, 1949, in Petersburg and he preceded her in death on April 4, 2016.   Together they farmed near Dyersville until 1987 when they moved to town.

Ardella was a woman of strong faith, a giving wife and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She made the best homemade bread and cookies, no one left her home hungry.  She had a smile that brought sunshine to every room, making her a joy to be around.  She will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her two sons: Ken (Rita) Helle of Dyersville, Loras (Glenda) Helle of Sergeant Bluff, IA, son-in-law, Jerome Heims of Ryan, daughter-in-law, Cindy Helle of Cedar Rapids, grandchildren: Russ (Dawn) Helle of Dyersville, Craig (Carrie) Helle of Des Moines, Jennifer Helle of Delhi, Rory (Molly) Heims of Centerville, Kurt (Suzanne) Heims of Manchester and Grant Helle (friend Roberta Amaral) of Hamburg, Germany  great-grandchildren: Becca Ploessl and (friend Chase Breitbach), Bryce and Danielle Ploessl, Taylor and Josalyn Burlage, Grace, Kenny and Katie Helle, Heidi and Benson Heims, Nolan and Madelyn Heims and Luke Helle, siblings: Gladys Schemmel of Monticello, Hilda (Melvin) Reittinger of Dubuque, Sr. Julitta Deppe, OSF of Dubuque, in-laws, Doris Helle of Edgewood and Toots Bockenstedt of Luxemburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, two children: Dianne Heims and Robert Helle, siblings: William (Rosemary) Deppe, Lawrence (Helen and Norma) Deppe, Bertha (George) Klas and Leo Schemmel, in-laws: Vernon (Mildred) Helle and Eileen (Frank) Egloff; Anthony Helle and Cal Bockenstedt.

We would like to thank Hawkeye Care Center and Ellen Kennedy Living Center for the excellent care they gave Ardella the years she was there.  We would also like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Fr. Dennis Quint for their help and support the last few days of Ardella’s life.

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

Mark M. Dalsing

Mark M. Dalsing, 55, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 15th 2022.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at The Church of the Nativity, with a parish wake service beginning at 7:45 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022, at The Church of the Nativity with Fr. Andy Upah officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, with honors accorded by the Dubuque Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory in Dubuque, IA is in charge of arrangements.

Mark was born August 20th, 1966 to Myron and Judith Dalsing. He was the rambunctious sibling to Lynn and Todd. Residing in Wisconsin and Iowa throughout his life he got to meet many people, many of which he was glad to call friends. He graduated from Southwestern High School in 1984 and then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to major in Criminal Justice. After graduating from college in 1988, Mark went to the police academy to officially become a police officer.

Mark joined the Dubuque Police Department on September 25th, 1989 as a patrolman, then became one of the first bicycle cops and quickly made his way through the rankings. Mark served as a Patrol Lieutenant, Community Policing Captain, and Criminal Investigations Division Captain before becoming Chief of Police in 2010, one of his most proud accomplishments. Throughout his time as Chief, Mark made many changes to the City of Dubuque. He was a proud board member to the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Project Concern and United Way of Dubuque Tri-States. One of the things Mark was most known for was his sense of humor when it came to Facebook posts for the Police Department. After retiring from the police department on September 25th, 2021, Mark became the Affordable Housing Director at Catholic Charities where he served until his passing. No matter his position, he always made sure to leave work at the door and put his family first.

While he enjoyed being an officer, he enjoyed being a husband and father more. Mark married Jennifer M. Eisbach on October 22nd, 1994 at the Church of Nativity in Dubuque. Their wedding was far from perfect. With the mother of the bride having a heart attack, to being locked out of the church and then losing their wedding photos. It didn’t matter to Mark and Jennie though because at the end of the day they were now husband and wife. A year later they welcomed their son, Benjamin and two years later their daughter, Emilie. Benjamin later went on to follow in his hero’s footsteps and also joined the criminal justice career.

Some of Mark’s other proudest accomplishments were being admitted to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA in 2011. From there he went on to join the Presidential Leadership in 2016 where he had the honor of meeting past Presidents of the USA. He also received his Masters of Business from University of Dubuque where he was an adjunct Criminal Justice professor. Mark also had the honor of being sworn in as a US Marshall, as well as other accomplishments not listed. Mark was an avid participant in the Polar Plunge, dressing up in costumes to plunge into the Mississippi River to raise funds for the Iowa Special Olympics.

Mark enjoyed his retirement for a short while and could often be seen riding in his “new toy”, a blue Jeep Wrangler. When he wasn’t doing that you could find him walking on Grandview with Jennie and their dog Bucky or participating in 5K races throughout Dubuque. Mark was a huge Packer fan, going as far as painting their basement green and yellow. His favorite pastimes include buying collectable GI Joe figurines and mini football helmets.

Life threw a curve ball at the Dalsing’s when Jennie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2020. It was the scariest time of their lives but Mark made sure to be the light of the room and keep a smile on everyone’s face. Mark could be heard cheering Jennie on as she rang the bell December 31st, 2020 that she was cancer free. Jennie truly was the love of his life.

Although he passed suddenly, Mark wouldn’t want those who knew him to sit and mourn. Instead he would want everyone to honor his legacy by speaking memories of his past, laughing and joking and being an extra hand to those that needed it.

Left to honor Mark are his wife of 27 years, Jennie, his son Ben (McKenna Middendorf) Dalsing and daughter Emilie (Colten Wessels) Dalsing. His parents, Mike and Judy Dalsing of Lake Wales, FL/Asbury, IA; sister Lynn (Ken) Rigdon of Asbury and their children Kaley (Matthew) Burgmeier, Zachary Rigdon and Jackson (Becca Lahey) Rigdon; and brother Todd (Kim) Dalsing of Minneapolis, MN and their children Isabelle and Xavier Dalsing. Mother-in-law Nancy Eisbach; sisters-in-law Tina (Dale) Berning of Hazel Green, WI and their children Nathan (Natalee) Vavra and Natalie Berning; and Julie (Bill) Black of Farley, IA and their children Nicholas (Patti Koster) Brecht,  Aidan, and Liam black; and his law enforcement family.

Mark joined his father in law Peter Eisbach, grandparents Maxine and LaVern Kowalski and Luella and Bernard Dalsing, and best friend Tony Richard in Heaven.

The Dalsing family would like to thank the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque Fire Department Personnel, and emergency dispatchers that offered their assistance in an emergency moment. For 32 years, the department became another family. We cannot truly thank you all enough for everything. Thank you to Leonard Funeral home for honoring Mark as well.

A Mark Dalsing memorial fund had also been established for his favorite charities.

Jane M. Bastian

Jane M. Bastian, 84, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. To celebrate Jane’s Life, family and friends may visit from 4 – 7 PM, Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, April 22, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Galena.

She was born at Bowden Furnace near Council Hill on September 10, 1937, to Wallace and Albertha (Heim) Fellenzer. She was raised on the family farm with her two siblings, Richard, and Wayne. Jane graduated from Galena High School in 1955. She married Dale Bastian on June 25, 1955, at St. Michaels Church enjoying 41 years of marriage until his passing in 1997.

Jane was a wife, mother, and homemaker until the late 60’s when she began what would become a career on Galena’s Main Street for over 50 years. She started working at the Paradise, then owned by Irwin “Race” Kraemer, where she learned many skills that enabled her to purchase the Lamplighter in 1970 with her mother and brother.  For the next ten years, hundreds of daily specials, pizzas, and sandwiches would be served to loyal patrons, as well as many cocktails and beers. When her mom retired, they sold the business and Jane continued to maintain her career presence on Main Street through the years at Benjamins, The Galena Elks, The DeSoto House Hotel, and at her daughter Lisa’s Store, From Head-to-Toe Sportswear until she retired in 2016.  Jane enjoyed crocheting colorful afghans and warm cozy slippers. Socializing with friends and acquaintances was a favorite pastime. She took great pride in maintaining her yard with her John Deere mower.  She enjoyed her pickup truck and often cruised Main Street to see what was happening about town. Galena’s Main Street was her life’s love. There was the right way, the wrong way, and Jane’s way.

Those left to cherish Jane’s memory, two daughters, Dianne Phillips, and Lisa (Don “DJ” Johnston) Bastian; brother, Wayne (Bobbie) Fellenzer, brother-in-law, David Bastian, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale, brother, Richard Fellenzer; son-in-law, David Phillips, her mother and father-in-law, Leslie and Carrie Bastian; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (James) Laity and Shirley (Orville) Johnson; brother-in-law, Vernon (Pauline) Bastian; and Bobbi Bastian (David’s wife).

Special thanks to Dr. Liaboe and Nurse Trish at Grand River Medical, and the dedicated professionals at Hospice of Dubuque—especially Becky and Jessica—for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jane to Hospice of Dubuque, The Galena Foundation, or a Pet Shelter of choice.

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

Catherine A. Rauch

Catherine A. “Kay” (Mezera) Rauch, age 83, of Dubuque, passed away at 8:30 a.m., on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Dubuque Specialty Care of a broken heart.  To celebrate Kay’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa.  Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Ghost Church, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Kay was born on February 12, 1939, in Prairie du Chien, WI, daughter of Martin and Helen (Cejka) Mezera.

Kay was born, raised and attended school in Prairie du Chien.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Edward Rauch, on June 7, 1958, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  Sadly, he passed less than a month ago on March 22, 2022, after 63 years of marriage.  Kay was always a hard worker, and began her working career with Rapid Die in Cassville, Wisconsin.  After moving to Dubuque, she went to work for the Eska Company, as well as cleaning at PSSI in Kieler, and several private homes, for many years.  She loved to clean, but no doubt the job she was meant to do was becoming an attendant on the bus for children with disabilities for the Dubuque Community School District.  She truly loved helping the children and finally retired after 25 years.  When Kay wasn’t working she loved to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking, a talent that her family was very appreciative of.  In her younger days, Kay was quite the ice skater and dancer, with Polka music being her favorite.  More recently, she enjoyed reading, especially cook books, and doing word find puzzles.  She also liked playing Bingo and trying her luck at the casino with Ed.  She was a long time, faithful member of Holy Ghost Church and volunteered at the Dubuque Rescue Mission and the Food Bank.  The activity that brought Kay the greatest joy was definitely spending time with her family, and she loved attending the grandchildren’s events.  Kay was a wonderful, caring, hard working woman who always put her family first.  She will be greatly missed, but we know that she is now happily reunited with her beloved husband, and all of her other family members, in her Heavenly home.

Those left to cherish Kay’s memory include

her children,
Marsha Rauch, Dubuque, IA,
Terry (Patty) Rauch, Machester, IA
and Mark (Stacy) Rauch, East Dubuque, IL;

4 grandchildren,
Emily (Jon) Lang, Lauren (Ethan) Ronnebaum, Landen Rauch and Leah Rauch;

her great grandson,
Judah Lang;

her siblings,
Patty (Elmer) Valley,
Clara Powers,
Helen Ann (Doug) Jelinek,
Ronald (Gale) Mezara
and Raymond (Carol) Mezera;

and her sister-in-law,
Jetta Mezera.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward Rauch; a son, Larry Rauch; her siblings, Teresa (Frank) Langkamp, Florence (Ivan) Finney, Edward (Pat), Frank “Franny”, Andy and Clarence Mezera; and a brother-in-law, Terry Powers.

Kay’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care, and Care Initiatives Hospice, for all of their outstanding care.

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

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