Obituaries Archive

Lucille L. Conner

Lucille Loretta Conner, 78, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at her home.

There will be no services.

Lucille was born July 18, 1942, in Carmel, CA, the daughter of John and Ida Belle Aschle Rodrigues.

She was a graduate of Livingston High School in Livingston, CA.

She loved to travel with her airstream club and taking her grandkids with her whenever she had the chance. She enjoyed painting, gardening, and loving on any animal in her path. She was an Annie Oakley with every shot and always helped anyone in need. Vava was loved by many and will be remembered by all.

Survivors include two daughters, Lorraine (Vincent) Di Meglio of San Pedro, CA, Brenda Holmes of Dubuque; two sons, Gene Conner of Los Altos, CA, and Michael (Laura) Conner of San Jose, CA; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, plus one arriving in January; and one sister-in-law, Mryna Rodrigues of Livermore, CA and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

“Everyday is a good day” – Vava

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

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

Robert A. Lucas

Robert Allen “Bob” Lucas, age 78, went to Heaven on June 19, 2021, to be with his mom and dad, Emil and Marie Lucas.  Bob was born June 16, 1943, as a beautiful healthy baby boy.  At 8 months old he got the measles with a high fever for 10 days, and the result was brain damage.

He loved living on the farm, helping us with our chores and playing ball together when we finished our work.  Bob was a very good baseball player.  Eventually he went to live at the Dubuque County Farm with Paul and Lois Gross, whom he loved.  He also lived in several group homes in Dubuque where Lisa Wiegand was his main caregiver, and she was so good to him.  Then in December of 2012, Bob moved to Sunnycrest Manor where he resided until his death.  His social worker, Anne Kauder, and his nursing caregivers took very good care of Bob.

Bob loved the Cubs and was fortunate to get to go on a bus trip to watch his Cubs while living at the group home.  Bob could not tell time but always knew what time it was.  He was always interested in what was going on at the farm until his later years.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am.  Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Jim (Joyce) Lucas of Central City, IA, Kay Schmitt of Rickardsville, IA, Diane (Dave) Schroeder of Dyersville, IA, Mary (Rex) Atwood of Charlotte, NC; and Jeff (Nancy) Lucas of Luxemburg, IA; 16 nieces and nephews: Peggy Goerdt, Steve, Tom and Tim Schmitt, Doug and Mike Lucas, Lisa Hurst, Lynnette Kramer, Sara Lanfear, Steve, Tony and Jonathan Schroeder, Rex III and Lukas Atwood, Dustin Lucas and Jenna Wagner.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Paul Schmitt, with whom he loved to share a soda pop.

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

Norma J. Smith

Norma J. Smith, 81, of Dubuque passed away Thursday, June 18, 2021.  Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church where visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. Thursday until time of service at the church. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m.   Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.  The funeral service will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.

Norma was born July 16, 1939 in Springfield, Illinois, daughter of Samuel and Lida (Winterbauer) Morris.

She graduated from Bensenville, Illinois High School and Grant School of Nursing in Chicago.  She married Wesley Smith on November 5, 1960, whom she met while working as a nurse.  He preceded her in death on November 27, 2006.

Norma was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, was a Red Cross volunteer, enjoyed traveling and doing genealogy, and was a former board member of Hills and Dales.  She loved her “grandpuppies”, Angel, Nieko and Kobuk.

She is survived by a son, William, daughter, Cathy (Brian) Jacoby of Kohler, Wisc., and their son, Noah, and a son Patrick (Terri) Smith of Cedar Falls.

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

The family would like to thank all of Norma’s dear friends who made her life so special.

Diane M. Brown

Diane Marie Brown, 68, of Dubuque, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, at her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday June 22, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, Dubuque. 

The Mass of Christian Burial for Diane will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant. 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

Diane was born April 26, 1953, in Dubuque, the daughter of Werner Joseph and Dolores Catherine (Klein) Sigwarth. She married Michael Steven Psaros and later divorced.   On September 8, 1992, she married Phillip Martin Brown Sr. at Eagle Point Park.

She attended Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Peosta.

For the past 31 years, she has worked at Crescent Electric as an Accounts Payable Supervisor.

Diane was known for her love of playing cards!   From spoons to Euchre she was sure to always win.   Whenever she left the house, Diane made sure she had a deck of cards in her purse.   Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandkids.

Diane is survived by her husband, Phillip, of Dubuque; two sons, Aric (Teresa) Psaros of Dubuque and Phillip (Noel) Brown Jr. of Longmont, Colorado; one daughter, Stacy Goerdt of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Cody, Herbie, Devan, Brooklyn, Lillian, Phillip III and one on the way; three great-grandchildren, Treyton, Walker & Wilder; three brothers; five sisters and 30 nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Werner & Dolores Sigwarth and her in laws, Don & Joan Brown.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the North End Neighborhood Association in care of Audry Morey.

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

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

Paul G. Wolfe

Paul G. Wolfe, 96, of Lancaster, formerly of Potosi, passed away on June 17, 2021, at Orchard Manor in Lancaster.  To honor Paul’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 101 Church Street in Tennyson, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 2:30 p.m.  A private family graveside service will be held at the St. Andrew’s Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paul’s family.

Paul was born May 9, 1925, in Rockville to Vilas Dawson and Jessie Mae (Schramm) Wolfe.  He spent his childhood in the Rockville area attending school there.  On November 16, 1947 he married a pretty young lady from Mt. Ida; Donna Speaker.  They made their home in Lancaster for a short time then moved to Dickeyville, where Paul worked at John Deere Tractor Works and the Dubuque Packing Company.  His heart though, always remained in Rockville.  In 1957 he moved his growing family back to the Rockville area and bought the Midway Tavern where he had worked before his marriage.

Paul owned the tavern for 42 years and during that time served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Southwest Tavern League.  He was famous for his Ham and Cheese Sandwiches and his 1/3 lb. hamburgers.  He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Parish, an avid fisherman, loved to play the slot machines and a good game of cards.  Paul retired in 1995 and sold the tavern in 2002.  After retirement Paul and Donna moved to an apartment in Lancaster.

As his knees became worse, he decided he should move to Orchard Manor.  He enjoyed his time there, where he could talk to other people he knew and reminisce about the past.  He loved the nurses and all the people who made his stay special.  When Covid hit, he tested positive a couple of times, but was never sick.  However, he was no longer able to visit with the other residents.    He became lonely and decided he would rather be with Donna then remain here with us.

Paul is survived by seven children: Kristine (Ron) Zenz of Bagley, Aleise (Cyril) Oyen; Paul (Jeanne) Wolfe of Potosi; Ann (Thomas) Peters of LaFarge; Jill (Craig) Moldenhauer of Green Lake; Mark (Wendy) Wolfe of Olathe, KS and Lori Wolfe of Eau Claire.; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Dressler of Potosi; 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson, and one on the way; brother and sister in-laws Kathy Wolfe, Lancaster; Marshall (Nancy) Speaker, Fort Worth, Texas; Mark (Sue) Speaker, Sparks, Nevada; Jean Speaker, Sarona, WI.

Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife Donna in 2010, a son Michael in 2013, his parents Vilas and Jessie, a sister Dorothy  (Martin) Flesch, brothers, Charles (Lorraine) Wolfe, Merlin Wolfe and William Wolfe; in-laws Hugo (Beverly) Speaker, James (Lavon) Patzner, and Warren Speaker.

The family would like to thank all the employees of Orchard Manor, including the maintenance man, who spent time and shared their love with Paul.  You are very special people and our personal heroes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated among Paul’s favorite charities.

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

Elmer J. Arensdorf

Elmer J. Arensdorf, 79, died Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Luther Manor following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at St. Joseph the Worker

Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Elmer’s family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 on Monday, June 21, 2021, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road.

Elmer was born on Dec.1, 1941, the son of Henry and Grace (Lynch) Arensdorf. He resided in LaMotte, IA and farmed with his father. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1959. Elmer met the love of his life, Rose Mary Duster at Melody Mill Ballroom. They were married on May 11, 1963. In 1975 they sold the farm and moved to Dubuque where Elmer went into real estate for Tri-State Auction & Realty, Century 21 and Brissey Realty. He also worked with Orkin Pest Control for two years, earning several awards. Elmer drove a school bus in the mornings for several years where he enjoyed both the students and the beautiful morning sunrises. He retired in 2012. Elmer was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church for many years. In his free time Elmer enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s ball games and taking them fishing. He looked forward all year long to deer hunting with his brothers, son and grandsons, which he enjoyed very much. Stories of the hunts were told over and over, some may have stretched just “a little” over the years. He enjoyed traveling to Arizona, Utah, and Florida to spend time with relatives. He also enjoyed two trips to Hawaii. Elmer looked forward to playing euchre with his friends at their monthly card clubs and meeting up with relatives at frequent luncheons. He always had corn out for his duck families in his backyard and never went to bed without either a bowl of ice cream or piece of Rosie’s delicious dessert (or maybe both!) One of the greatest gifts Elmer ever received was from his younger brother Glenn, who gave him one of his kidneys back in 2008. For never doing a single day of dialysis and giving us 13 more years with him, from the bottom of our hearts Glenn thank you!

Elmer was a great husband, awesome dad and cherished grandpa.

He is survived by his wife Rosie; two sons Mark (Jan Raymond) of Salt Lake City, UT and Mike (Angie) of Dubuque, a daughter Michelle (Barb) of Dubuque, nine grandchildren, Jordon, Kayla, Hunter of Salt Lake City, MaKenna (Bryce) Ewan, Drake, Zach, Max, Cooper and Storm of Dubuque and 1 great granddaughter, Penelope Ewan; six brothers: Eldon (Cathy), Tom (Kathy), Ron (Kathy), Gary (Laura Schuster), Glenn (Debbie), and Kevin (Jolee); two sisters, Anna Mae Hansen and Pat (Bill) Merfeld; three brothers-in-law Roger (Carol) Duster, Bob (Mary) Duster and Gary (Patti) Duster and two sisters-in-law Darlene (Jim) Mullen, and Sue Duster.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law Ron Duster and Ray Hansen; his niece and godchild Jenice (Hansen) Jach and nephew Scott Arensdorf.

A special thanks to Dr. Whalen for taking such great care of Elmer over the years. Thank you to all his realtor friends, bus barn buddies and wonderful neighbors both past and present who knew Elmer along the way. Grateful to Luther Manor on Hillcrest and Hospice of Dubuque for helping us and dad on this part of his final journey here on earth.

In Lieu of flowers an Elmer Arensdorf memorial has been established.

Terry L. Bargman

Terry L. “Tiny” Bargman, 76, of Dubuque, IA and Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021, at the UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.

Terry’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Friday, June 25th, 2021 at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque. The celebration will be held at the Eagles View Pavillion. Please note, there is an admission fee of $1 per car to enter the park.

Terry was born on March 3, 1945, in Dubuque, IA, son of Leo C. and Janet (Rosenthal) Bargman. He attended Dubuque Senior High School, and lettered in several sports, which fueled his love of sports/coaching. Terry worked a physically demanding job at the John Deere Dubuque Works for 43 years.

He met his first wife, Diana Weidenbacher, in high school. They were married on June 24th, 1967, and had 3 children together, raising them in Asbury. They were divorced after 39 years of marriage.

Terry had a passion for coaching children, taking on responsibilities for various baseball, softball, and basketball teams that his children were a part of. He spent many spring and summer nights at the Asbury Park fields coaching, umpiring, or just making sure the field was being maintained. Terry took great pride in those teams winning multiple league titles as well as numerous tournaments around Iowa and the midwest.

During the Christmas season, Terry loved playing Santa at Kennedy Mall, or for private parties. He was able to play Santa one last time a few years ago for all of his grand/great grandchildren, something he cherished. He also loved the yearly family trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. While Terry gave off a tough guy image, he was really a kid at heart.

After retiring from John Deere, he found and fell in love with his second wife, Jacqueline (Sunny) Poellot. They were married in Dubuque on October 9, 2010. Sunny moved to Dubuque so they could start their life together, and they later split time between Dubuque and Tucson where she had resided before meeting him. Terry and Sunny loved to take spontaneous day trips, or they’d map out a week-long road trip so they could see the country together. You could often find them at the casino together, trying to hit the big one. No matter what they were doing, they were having fun and probably getting into some trouble together.

Terry was a passionate Minnesota Vikings fan, having followed them since the day the organization was created. He never missed a game, even though they always let him down. He also loved watching Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball, as well as the Chicago Cubs.

Terry was fiercely loyal to his family and selected friends. If he liked you, he’d do anything he could to help you. He spent his retirement years helping out friends and family members who were stricken with medical issues that made it difficult for them to leave their house. He’d visit with them, run errands for them, and help them with various tasks around the house.

Survivors include his wife, Sunny; Two daughters, Wendy Moore of Dubuque, and Teresa (Brian) Bothell of Mt. Vernon, IA; One son, Thad Bargman of Waukee, IA; Two grandsons, Aaron Bargman and Nick Moore of Dubuque; Two granddaughters, Natasha Moore (Dubuque) and Josie Bothell (Mt. Vernon); Three nephews, Terry Lynch, Danny Jo Connolly, and Bobby Bargman all of Dubuque; Two great grandsons, Mason Birch and Aaron Bargman, Jr. both from Dubuque; Three great granddaughters, Lola and Kyla Bargman, and Aubrey Tigges, all of Dubuque; One stepson, Jeremy (Kim) Larsen and his three children, Jeremy (J.J), Jane, and Jordan of Chandler, AZ; One stepdaughter, Megan Larsen, and her three children Marcel, Angel, and Calypso of Tucson, AZ; and one sister-in-law, Claudette Poellot, of Vaughn, NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife, three sisters, Cecelia “Cece” Lynch, Mable Connolly, and Linda Bargman; one grandson, Dakota Moore; one brother-in-law, Dan Connolly; and one sister-in-law, Suzette Poellot.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the EMT, ER, and ICU staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for their amazing care during his final days.

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

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

Wanda L. Cornelius

Wanda L. Cornelius, 86, of rural Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021, from 3 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

The celebration of life service will be livestreamed on the Salem Lutheran Church You Tube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX8lB97_XOTWtvt5acoFxfg.

Wanda Lea Burmahl was born on January 20, 1935 near Spragueville, Iowa, to William J. and Alice M. (Nicolaisen) Burmahl.  She was a 1952 graduate of Maquoketa High School and 1954 graduate of the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls.  She married Gerald “Jerry” Cornelius on June 1, 1958 in Andrew, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Nancy, Charles, and Julie.

Upon graduating from college, Wanda taught Kindergarten at DeWitt for two years and in Maquoketa for two years.  She was co-owner of both Cornelius Seed Corn Co. and Cornelius Land and Cattle farming operation.  She and Jerry lived on the Cornelius Family Heritage Farm.  She was inducted as a Master Farm Homemaker in 1982 and was a past president.

Wanda was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew where she served in many capacities.  Wanda was dedicated to helping youth as a Kindergarten Teacher, Church Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, a 25 year 4-H leader and inductee of the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame as well as a “mom” to many detasselers.  She rarely missed the events of her children and grandchildren.

Wanda was generous with her time, talents, and resources.  A few of the organizations that benefited from her generosity and smile were Maquoketa State Bank Board of Directors, Jackson County Fair Board, Jackson County Historical Society Board, Iowa 4-H Foundation Board, Church Council, ISU Extension Advisory Council, Jackson County Senior Citizen Center Board, 4-H Youth Committee, Andrew Petal Pals Garden Club, Superintendent of Jackson County Fair Open Show, JCRHC Ladies Auxiliary, Jackson County Republican Central Committee. She received numerous awards for her volunteer efforts.

Those left to carry on her legacy are her children, Nancy (Lester) Johnson of Springbrook, IA, Charles “Chuck” (Chris) Cornelius of Bellevue, IA, and Julie (Jay) Jacobi of West Des Moines, IA; 7 grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Kilburg and their children Julian and Madalyn: Tim (Erin) Johnson; Will (Kelly) Cornelius and their children Calahan and Mara; James (Janie) Cornelius and their children Logan, Anna and Zoey; Dan Jacobi, Ally (Sam) Gerrard, and Luke Jacobi.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jerry on December 14, 1995.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church, Jackson County Historical Society, or to the Jackson County Extension “Together We Build” Project.

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

Ronald D. Stender

Ronald D. “Ron” Stender, 75, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 A.M., Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

Ronald Dale Stender was born on February 9, 1946 in Clinton, Iowa, to Carlyle and Nellie (Hardin) Stender.  He was a 1964 graduate of Midland High School.  He married Kathleen Marie Widel on April 9, 1966 in Monmouth, Iowa.  People said they were too young and it wouldn’t work, but it did for 54 wonderful years.  Three children were born to this union, Steven, John and Dianna.

Ron was a lifelong farmer and had worked in feed industry first at Mitchell-Maskrey in Maquoketa for over 20 years and later as a salesman for Davison Feeds. He then became a school bus driver for the Midland Community School District from 1990 until retiring in 2018.

Ron was a member of the Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church, Jackson County Horse and Harness Association, and had served as a longtime 4-H leader for the Monmouth CO-ED.  He was a lover of horses and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Steve (Kathy) Stender of Washington, IA, John (Jennifer) Stender of Baldwin, IA, and Dianna (Jeremy) Dunlavey of Ankeny, IA; 8 grandchildren, Ty (and fiance Kayleigh Koch), Derek and Curtis Stender, Sydney (and fiance Bailey Hadacek) and Lane Stender, Makenna, Emma and Michael Dunlavey; a sister, Karen Watters of Baldwin, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy on July 11, 2020, parents, and brother-in-law Barry Watters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald D. “Ron” Stender memorial fund has been established.

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

Sr. Guadalupe Soria, OP

Sister Guadalupe Soria, OP, died June 14, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis.

She was born Mary Socorro Sept. 22, 1925, to Gilbert and Guadalupe (Alvarado) Soria in Hysham, Mont. She was the oldest of 10 daughters.

She is survived by sisters, Anita Florez, Gloria Soto, and Sister Rosalinda Soria, OP; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican community.

Sister Guadalupe began her missionary journeys in 1956. Her welcoming spirit and capable healing hands were shared in Iowa; Santa Cruz and Cochabamba, Bolivia; in Montana; Texas; and Wisconsin. This wise and holy woman brought faith, joy and life, whether she was opening a medical clinic, leading prayer circles or delivering babies.

Services will be held at Sinsinawa June 18-19. Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Sister Guadalupe blessed all. Go now, delight in God’s blessings.

Evelyn M. Kaiser

Evelyn M. (Brant) Kaiser, 93, of Dubuque, passed away on June 17th, 2021, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021, at the Church of the Resurrection with Father Phillip Gibbs officiating. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday June 21, at the church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Evelyn was born on July 17, 1927, in Potosi, WI the daughter of August and Elizabeth (Stohlmeyer) Brant. She married Vincent J. Kaiser on May 18th, 1948, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, WI. He preceded her in death on April 2nd, 1997.

Evelyn worked in the food department for the Dubuque Community School District, serving in school cafeterias.

She belonged to #1282 court Dubuque CDA. She was a proud member of the Catholic Order of Foresters #228 for 73 years, and a member of the Church of the Resurrection.

Evelyn is survived by her children Joanne Kaiser of Dubuque, Jeff (Beth) Kaiser of Dubuque, and Judy (Karey) Garringer of Iowa City; 2 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; Sisters Rita Sedbrook of Glen Haven, WI, and Jeanette (Bob) Brandt of Kieler, WI; Brothers Joseph (Jacklan) Brant of Potosi, WI, and James Brant of Cuba City, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter Latia; brothers Clifford (Evelyn), Harold, Donald (Dorothy), Vince (Abby), Charles (Anne), Virgil (Teresa) (Jeannie), and twin brothers in infancy; In-laws Jerry (Lucille) Kaiser, Sr. Helen Kaiser, Mert (Jane) Kaiser, Lillian (Joe) Salzmann, Esther (Fran) Busch, Don Sedbrook, and Kathy Brant.

Evelyn wished to send a special thanks for the loving care from her two daughters, sister, brothers, and in-laws. Also, for special nieces and friends who were always there for her. A very special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jennifer F, Niki, Julie, Jan, and Peggy, and Luther Manor staff for the wonderful care they gave to Evelyn.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Inez A. Pancratz

Inez A. Pancratz, 91, passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Bethany Home with her loving family by her side.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 18th, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 19th, 2021, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Inez was born on September 25, 1929, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of James and Margaret (Laughlin) Donahue.

She married LeRoy Pancratz on September 28, 1949, at Assumption Church, Sylvia Switch in Zwingle. They were married just shy of 70 years before LeRoy preceded her in death on August 24, 2019.

Inez was a hard worker her whole life. She taught at the Franklin one room school for 2 years. She then worked side by side with LeRoy milking cows as well as numerous jobs outside the home while raising their 7 kids.

Inez enjoyed many interests: playing euchre, gardening, fishing, Sunday drives, neighborhood parties especially the Kutsch Christmas party, picnics after Sunday Mass and the county fair. She was a great cook, cinnamon rolls with Conway Twitty are a great memory to siblings. She also was a 2nd mom to many; always looking out for all kids who came through here door. Her faith was very important.

She was a member of Dubuque Theresians, Morning Hope and Sylvia Switch Rosary Society. She was a proud graduate of Holy Rosary High School.

Mom was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Children: Mary Jo (Wayne Beecher) Pancratz, Joyce (Richard) Veach, Tim (Mary Kay) Pancratz, Randy “Whitey” (Diane) Pancratz, Judy (Craig) Wurdinger, and Peggy (Dennis) Denlinger. Seventeen grandchildren: Amberai, Luke, Tyler, Melanie, Wes, Danny, Elizabeth, Molly, Arianne, Brett, Anna, Kelly, Ben, Jenna, Becca, Rachel, and Sam. Fifteen great grandchildren with two on the way; sister-in-law Lillian Kies; her best friend Eleanor Schueller; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband LeRoy; her son Leo Pancratz; Siblings Anna Marie Donahue, Monica Pancratz and Rev. Joseph Donahue.

An Inez Pancratz memorial fund has been established or memorials may be given to Bethany Employee Appreciation Fund.

We will be forever grateful to all the Bethany Home staff! Your love and care of our parents was exceptional! We are so thankful they chose Bethany Home because it truly is home. A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially Melanie for her love and guidance these past 16 months for Inez.

Mary Beth Willenbring

Mary Beth Willenbring, 66, of Dubuque died Monday, June 14, 2021.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Friday, June 18 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory where there will be a parish wake service at 3 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Nativity and will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook page.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Cascade.

Mary Beth was born July 20, 1954 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Donald and Marian (Knepper) Kearney.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1972.  Mary Beth worked in the banking industry for 35 years, retiring from Dubuque Bank and Trust in 2017.

Mary Beth enjoyed decorating her home and flower gardens.  She enjoyed her social connections that she developed throughout her life.  If she didn’t know you, she knew someone who did.

Family was very important to Mary Beth.  She was a loving wife and mother; and absolutely adored her grandchildren.  She loved spending her time attending her grandchildren’s events.  She also had a special place in her heart for her cat, Betsy.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Willenbring of Dubuque; three sons, Daniel (Shannon) Kane of Dubuque, Christopher (Kelly White) Klein of Peosta and Peter (Stephanie) Klein of Peosta; five grandchildren, Daniel and Mia Kane; Caleb and Carson Klein; and Benjamin Klein.

She is also survived by her siblings, Allan (Vickie) Kearney, Linda Gernes, Jan Kearney-Wheeler, Colleen Kirkwood, Donna Beaman, Sheila Pillard, Sherri (Rick) Treanor, Kevin (Lisa) Kearney, Joyce (Chuck) Pastene, Joe Kearney, Terry (Angie) Kearney and Jeff (Karla) Kearney; brothers and sisters in law, Rosanne (John Pape) Kelchen, Mary Kelchen, Jim (Jennifer) Willenbring, Joan (Ron) Ronnebaum, and Joe (Marilyn) Willenbring; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Father and Mother in law, Cyril and Anastasia Willenbring; and four brothers in law, Fred Gernes, Joe Pillard, Lloyd and Gene Kelchen.

A Mary Beth Willenbring Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staffs at Mayo Clinic and Mercyone Dubuque for all of their care.

Thomas J. Engler

Thomas Joseph Engler, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away on Sunday, June 6th 2021, in Woodville, WI, surrounded by family.

On the crisp day of March 16 in 1946, he was welcomed by Sylvester “Les” & Helen (Ernzen) Engler as their firstborn son, in Dubuque, Iowa. Full of mischief and energy, he grew up happily on their farm with his four siblings. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964.  While at Wahlert, Tom was part of the choir selected to perform at the World’s Fair in New York.

Always full of wanderlust, Tom joined the United States Air Force in June 1966 at the age of 20, and served for four years, including a tour in Pakistan, achieving the rank of Sergeant.  After honorably completing his duty to his country, Tom attended and then graduated from Loras College, 1973. While attending Loras, Tom met Nancy D. (Winders) Engler. Tom and Nancy wed on December 30th, 1972 in Dubuque, Iowa. He worked in banking his whole life, starting at the Bank of Hanover, IL, and working at several other banks throughout the country.  Most recently, he retired from Community Resource Bank in Roseville, MN.

Tom was most known for his sense of humor, compassion and his knowledge of trivia. His many hobbies included: golfing, reading, watching sports, playing cards (especially Euchre), crossword puzzles, and being “punny”.

Tom valued family above all else.  He coached many of his children’s sports teams. He always supported and cheered on their many endeavors. Tom viewed his children and grandchildren as his greatest accomplishments.

After retiring, Tom and Nancy fulfilled their dream of traveling the country and spending time with their grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy D. Engler of Woodville, WI, their children, Brian (Tammy) Engler of Higganum, CT, Russell (Jodi) Engler of Woodville, WI, Traci Engler of Winona, MN, Jasmine Engler of Saint Paul, MN, & Joe (Tracy) Engler of Brook Park, MN, as well as their grandchildren, Alexander & Chloe Engler; Benjamin, Elsie, & Franki Engler; Jonathan Engler; Henry, Easton, and Letti Tudahl; Gwendolynn Engler. As well as his siblings: Carol Schiller of Keomah Village, IA, Judy (Roger) Heiderscheit of Holy Cross, IA, Nancy Clark of Dubuque, IA and Kevin Engler of Dubuque, IA. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dolores Winders of Arizona, and in-laws Dennis (Cynthia) Winders of Arizona, Jean Winders of Dubuque, IA, Mike (Mary) Winders of Baxter, IA, & Karen Winders of Arizona, and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his father and mother, Sylvester & Helen Engler, of Rickardsville, IA, as well as his brother-in-law, Dan Schiller.

The family would like to thank Adoray Hospice, and Western Wisconsin Health, for their exceptional comfort and care.  A Celebration of Life will be on July 7, 2021 at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin with visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm.

Jerry W. Smith

Jerry William Smith, 81, of Dubuque, died Monday, June 14, 2021, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, after several years battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, Monday, June 21, 2021 at Tri-State Community Church, 12937 Derby Grange Rd., Dubuque.

The funeral service for Jerry will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 am Monday at the church with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery. 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.

Jerry was born March 31, 1940, in Sumner, IA, the son of Carl and Shirley (McIntyre) Smith. In 1946, he attended school in Donnan, a country school (Windsor #3) near Hawkeye, the same school his mother attended. Jerry attended West Union North High School, where he graduated May 29, 1958. He went on to study two years at Iowa State University from 1958 – 1961, with a concentration in physics, later completing his degree at Clarke University in the spring of 1990 with his Bachelors in Computer Science.

Jerry began working at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids as a computer operator while his future wife, Betty Peterson, worked in the library. They later attended a YMCA/YWCA dance together, which developed into their getting married on October 10, 1964. Jerry also worked at CyCare as a computer operator and then later for APAC in insurance sales.

He was known for his genuine kindness. Jerry never said a bad word about anyone and appreciated peoples’ differences. He enjoyed family history/genealogy, learning about foreign languages and cultures, traveling the United States, and playing postcard chess with people from other countries. He also had a vast collection of books. Most of all, Jerry loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren so much.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Smith of Dubuque; daughter, Kathy (Pat) Connolly; granddaughter, Nicole (Jacob) Bahl; great-grandson, George Bahl; great-grandson, Arthur Bahl; daughter, Linda (Maureen McDermott) Smith; granddaughter, Kim (Linas) Saulys; great-granddaughter, Vaiva Saulys; great-grandson, Dovas Saulys; son, Ken (Chi) Smith; granddaughter, Anna Smith; granddaughter, Sophia Smith; son, Bryan (Martha) Smith; granddaughter, Emily (fiancé, Austin Bostic) Smith; granddaughter, Bethany Smith; granddaughter, Vivian Smith; daughter, Sandra (Jamie) Leick; granddaughter, Leah Leick; grandson, Andrew Leick; brother, Dennis (Jane) Smith of Ames, IA; sister-in-law, Arlene Smith of Onalaska, WI; and brother, Kevin (Kristin DeNike) Smith of Bettendorf, IA.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve and Donald; one sister, Judy; and his in-laws, Clifford and Goldie Peterson.

The family would like to extend a great appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque, Paramount Ambulance and the entire staff at Luther Manor.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

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

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