Obituaries Archive

Constance M. Basso née Byrne

Constance Marie Basso née Byrne passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Her endearing Irish spirit, faith, and positive attitude helped her fight a courageous battle with cancer for over 23 years.

She was the loving daughter of Cornelius and Lena Byrne of Chicago, IL. She attended Loretta High School where she met lifelong friends. After High School and a short stint in college, she soon married Tony Basso. They moved several times during their 44 years of marriage forging many great friendships and finally planted their roots in Galena, Illinois. They once again met wonderful friends and submerged themselves in the Community. Tony was always the life of the party. However, when he passed, Connie’s true personality began to shine. She soon took over his role with her sense of humor and fun-loving attitude always with a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes. Her family has wonderful memories and funny stories to last a lifetime.

She loved to travel, golf with the tea bags, visit and spend time with friends and family, and volunteer for her church. Her most cherished contribution was the work she did through St. Michaels in developing an ESL (English as a second language) program for various individuals in the community. She called herself a superintendent where she secured volunteers to teach, enjoyed meeting and helping many families from raising money, finding jobs, and furnishing their homes. If anyone needed a couch, TV, rug, or anything -you could probably find it in her garage. She always said yes when people would call her asking her if she needed their donated items. Before Christmas, she was able to gather enough energy to attend the Spanish Mass at St. Michaels even though she was feeling fairly weak. She entered the room waving and smiling and friends were elated to see her.

She is survived by her three loving daughters, Kathy Klingen (Tom), Carol Ogorchock, Susan Miles (Randy), cherished grandchildren Nick Klingen (Frances), Tony Klingen, Mekenna (Nate) Peterson, Mia Ogorchock, Kayshe Miles, Julia Ogorchock, and great-granddaughter Farrah Klingen, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Connie is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Tony, parents, and grandson Patrick.

She will be dearly missed by everyone that was fortunate to know her.

The funeral mass will be 11 AM, Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of mass. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sinsinawa Mound Center www.sinsinwa.org/donate

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

Stanley J. Wood

Stanley James “Stan” Wood of Cassville, WI died on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI after a hard fought, but brief, illness. Stan was born on November 9, 1961, to Loyle and Elaine (Sanders) Wood. Stan was one of 8 children. He grew up in rural Cassville on his family’s farm and attended school in Cassville. Stan graduated from Cassville High School in 1980 after which he attended technical college in La Crosse, WI before returning to Cassville to work on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathy” (Vogt) at St. Charles Church in Cassville, WI on October 2, 1982. He and Kathy lived on the family farm where they worked and raised their family. Stan farmed for 20+ years – first with his father and brothers and later with his wife and children; while farming full time Stan was also a bartender and worked at Milprint in Lancaster, WI. After Stan stopped farming in the early 2000’s, he worked for Okey Construction up until he began employment at John Deere Dubuque Works in 2006. While also working at John Deere, Stan proudly founded “Stan Wood Insurance” as an independent agent for Bloomington Farmers Mutual, 1st Auto & Casualty and various other companies. Stan worked at both John Deere and as an independent insurance agent up to the time of his death. Beyond his work, Stan was a member of the Cassville Lion’s Club and served in several leadership positions within the organization while he was involved. After much encouragement, Stan ran for office and was elected to the Glen Haven Township board. He was sworn into office in April 2021 and served as chairman for the township.

Stan was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, cousin, community member and friend to everyone he met. Stan loved to tease, to tell a story or a joke, and to have a good “discussion”. Stan would not back down from an argument; he was going to test a person’s tenacity and would not shy away from telling them they were wrong – even if he agreed with them – just to keep things going. He appreciated animals and plants; he especially loved trees. Stan loved to feed the birds – to the humor and dismay of his wife. He was well known to sneak treats and table scraps to dogs even though he was told not to. He spent time hunting, or mostly just napping in the woods, and recently this fall was able to try his luck at black bear hunting for the first time. He loved his fishing trips to South Dakota with his wife, sister and brother-in-law. He most enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, his wife and children, their partners, and his grandchildren – of whom he was most proud. Stan took great joy in his grandchildren; he attended every dance recital, ball game, school event and birthday party and participated in dressing in every theme to please them. He warmly welcomed anyone who stopped by the house to visit for coffee on the porch or for a drink in the garage.

Stan is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Wood, their children Jordan (Josh Mosley) Wood, Aaron (Desiree) Wood, Trenton (Molly Roskams) Wood, and his grandchildren Elle and Everett Wood and Jordan Miller and Amy Van, his mother, Elaine Wood, siblings Stuart Wood, Steve (Ann) Wood, Sandra Wood, Shawn (Dena) Wood, Susan (Mitch) Degenhardt, and Spencer Wood along with brothers and sisters in-law, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and more close friends and acquaintances that can be counted. Stan was a special person and he will be deeply missed by many.

Stan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Leila Wood, maternal grandparents, Floren (Pat) and Eva Sanders, his father, Loyle Wood, a brother, Stacey Wood, his father-in-law, Robert Vogt Sr., his mother-in-law, Carol Vogt and a brother-in-law, Dale “Buzz” Ackerman.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  Burial will be in the Cassville Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Friday January 28, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church, and on Saturday morning, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Cassville is assisting the family. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Stan Wood memorial fund has been established.

Constance R. Flury

Constance R. Flury, 78, of Dubuque, died Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Bell Tower Retirement Community in East Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.  The family requests all in attendance to please wear a mask.

The Wake Service for Connie will be 7:00 pm Friday, January 28, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. 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.

Connie was born February 22, 1943, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ray and Lorraine (Spahn) Henkel. On March 17, 1962, she married John R. Flury at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque.  He passed away on January 29, 2016.

Connie worked for Heritage Manor in the laundry department.  She then went on to work as a custodian for the Dubuque Community School District for 28 years and worked as a bus attendant for the Dubuque Community School District for eight years, retiring in 2010.

She enjoyed gambling, camping, jig-saw puzzles, playing Bingo and listening to country music, especially Wayne Newton.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Jeanne (Gregory) Foht of Dubuque; her daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Flury of Epworth; her sister, Cindy Henkel of Dubuque; four grandchildren, Kelli (Parker Comentino) Foht, Kate (Tyler) Dedecker, Kory Foht and Molly (Corey) Feltes; three great-grandchildren, Ryliegh & Remi Feltes and Koleson Dedecker; one step-grandchild, Kim (Tom) Kelzer; four step-great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emma, Maggie and Henry Kelzer and a special grand dog, Penny.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, John Flury; her parents-in-law, James & Laura Flury; a brother, James Henkel and several in-laws and family members.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care of Connie.

The family would like to extend their great appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Bell Tower Retirement Community in East Dubuque.

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

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

Rita J. Luksetich

Rita Jean (Breitbach) Luksetich, 87, of Dubuque, passed away, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, at Bethany Home, where her loving family had surrounded her for days.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 29 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, 231 Bluff St. where the family will greet friends 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to Mass with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating and Deacon Jim Luksetich assisting. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Arrangements will be handled by Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road.

Rita was born Feb. 24, 1934, in Dubuque, the seventh child of Mary Alice (Ryan) and Herbert Breitbach in a family steeped in Dubuque’s South End. She attended St. Raphael’s School and St. Joseph Academy, graduating in 1951.

Early on, Rita worked at the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce where she met Tom Luksetich, who would become the love of her life. Tom and Rita were married on Feb. 12, 1955, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral. They enjoyed 61 years of a wonderful marriage before Tom’s death in 2016.

Motherhood was Rita’s life’s work, whether attending sporting events, concerts or theater productions, she was always cheering on her children and later, her grandchildren. Summers meant long afternoons enjoying the backyard pool, welcoming family members and all of their friends.

Rita didn’t coddle, suffered no fools and held her family members to the highest of character. Yet she was quick to laugh, and spent most days softly singing a show tune as she rolled from one life event to the next. Just don’t dare to cross her Fighting Irish, for she was a sports fan through and through, backing her Packers and Notre Dame to the end of her days.

Throughout her life she enjoyed her connections through the BVM Alumni, Mother Cabrini Mothers Study Club, decades of parish life at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St. Joseph Academy Class Club where she forged deep friendships that carried her through all of life’s trials.

Surviving are children Jim (Patti) Luksetich, Christine (Jeff Van Zile) Sikula, Cathy (Jim) Hannon, John Luksetich, Bill (Denise) Luksetich, Mary Ellen Carter and Jenny (Christopher) Spahn; daughter-in-law, Sharon Luksetich; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Richard (Kitty) Breitbach. She loved her family above all else, and especially loved being “Grandma.”

In addition to her beloved husband Tom, she was preceded in death by loved ones including a son, Thomas Luksetich II; a son-in-law, Jeff Carter; siblings Mary Elayne Breitbach, Herbert “Buck” Breitbach, Ann Yvonne “Bonnie” Grant, Thomas Breitbach, Donald Breitbach and Jeanette Swartz.

The family extends deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Bethany Home for the loving care shown to Rita, especially these last few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque and St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Rita’s memory.

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

Carol J. Forrest

Carol J. (Donahue) Forrest, 90, of 1586 Mount Pleasant, died Friday January 21, 2022.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carol will be 10:00 am Monday, January 31, 2022, at Church of the Nativity with Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant.  Her ashes will be buried  in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. Carol died peacefully at home. Per her wishes there will not be a wake.

Carol was born July 23rd, 1931, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of John Donahue and Ethel (Rooney) Donahue. She married Brendan Forrest of Limavady Ireland on Aug. 29, 1953, at Nativity Catholic Church.

Carol was a bright light and life of the party known for her humor and wit among friends and family. She was a life-long member of Nativity parish, and a dedicated Catholic.

Surviving are five sons, John, Michael, James, Patrick (Kim) and Joseph; a daughter, Mary; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sister Rita.

A special thank-you and appreciation to the wonderful  in- home visiting staff at Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque: https://www.catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/

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

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

Jayne Grogan

Jayne Grogan, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 20, 2022, at Finley Hospital with her family by her side.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque where a funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.

Jayne was born on January 29, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa to Walter and Lucille (Clark) Hertner. She married Donald “Blinky” Grogan in 1958. Jayne worked at Brown Publishing for 35 years until retirement.

Jayne loved to play cards, travel, shop, and spend time with her children and grandchildren, who she called her “six pack.”

She is survived by her children Tom Grogan, Julie (Jay) Nyvold, and Laura (Bruce) Wuertzer; grandchildren Kelly, Nick, and Jayme; sister Betty (Dale) Nederhoff; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her former husband Donald “Blinky” Grogan; parents Walter and Lucille; in-laws John and Hazel (Lange) Grogan; and Grandmother Elsie “Nana” Clark.

We will miss her unwavering love and support. We love you mom.

Janice E. Saeugling

Janice E. (Petersen) Saeugling, age 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with Sepsis at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at home with her loving family by her side.  To celebrate Janice’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Private family burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Janice was born on November 18, 1935, in Hawkeye, Iowa, daughter of Walter and Helen (Wickham) Petersen.

Janice graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1954.  She married Robert R. “Bob” Saeugling on August 11, 1956, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque.  Sadly, Bob passed away on July 17, 2013, after having 5 children together and celebrating 56 years of marriage.  Jan worked for Kresges and then later KMart for 30 years, retiring in 1994.  Janice truly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also enjoyed being outdoors, camping with her family and working in her yard.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Janice’s memory include

her children,
Robin J. (Jeffrey) Kuhlmann, Waverly, NE,
Rodney J. Saeugling, Dubuque, IA,
Terry W. (Tina) Saeugling, Topeka, KS,
Kimberly R. (Chris) Duve, Dubuque, IA
and Tracy R. Saeugling, Independence, MO;

9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren;

and her sisters,
Marilyn, Linda and Dorla.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Saeugling; a great-granddaughter, Marissa; a sister, Wanda; a brother, Marvin; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Finley Hospital for making her comfortable and taking good care of her.  Also a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for all of your kindness.

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

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

Richard J. Masterson, Jr.

Richard Joseph Masterson Jr. beloved husband, father and grandfather died December 29, 2021, at his home in Galena, Illinois. He was 69 years old.

Rich was born to Richard and Elizabeth Masterson on June 29, 1952, and grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Daniel Masterson, Donny Masterson and Bettyann O’Neil. Always thirsty for new opportunity, he spent his life’s work in the newspaper and media business in various states before finally settling in the Midwest.

Rich is survived by his wife of 25 years, Nancy Lynn Kopperud and his three children, Richard J. Masterson III, Lori (Evan) Winston, and Ryan Masterson.

He was a larger-than-life enthusiast, supporter, and cheerleader for his 3 grandchildren, Joey, Lexi and Leonard. Rich lived through many medical challenges. Due to his amazing ability to communicate and advocate for his health, he was able to extend his life through a beautiful gift as a renal transplant recipient. His passion led to championing others who faced similar types of health issues and soon he became an engaged advocate for the Nation Kidney Foundation. He reminded people that “your quest to help others does not have to stop at your demise. You can live on and give the greatest gift of all.” Those who were lucky enough to know him remember a wonderful storyteller who would make everyone he came into contact with feel better, brighter, and more hopeful. He was a great guy, funny and loving with a charming habit of sending frequent jokes and puns via text message and social media. A strong believer that future generations should do better than those that came before them, Rich had an ability to motivate others to achieve great things.

Richard Masterson retired with Nancy to Eagle Ridge, Galena Territory in Illinois and a celebration of life service will be held for close friends and family this spring in Galena.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com. He is dearly missed.

Yvonne I. Lorenz

Yvonne “Bonnie” Irene (Wernimont) Lorenz, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday January 19, 2022, at home.

Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 6:30 p.m. with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Patrick Cemetery, Epworth, Iowa.

Yvonne was born on February 9, 1937, to Joseph and Mildred (Messercnect) Huber in Dubuque, Iowa. She attended Immaculate Conception Academy. She married David R. Lorenz on October 13, 1936, and then later remarried to Vincent Wernimont. For most of her working career she was a cleaning lady in many homes in Dubuque. She also worked at Christopher & Banks as a stock associate for nine years.

Bonnie was loved by many. She loved family dinners, going to the casinos, and playing bingo. She always had a great sense of humor and got along with everyone. Her pleasant and positive attitude towards life was infectious and always left you with a smile on your face.

She is survived by her son David R. (Rhonda) Lorenz; daughter Victoria (David) Widmeier-Klauer; ten grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and many step-great grandchildren.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her sister Rosemary “Bootsie” Kline.

Darlene A. Mauer

Darlene Ann Mauer, 80, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury, after bravely living with dementia.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Darlene will be 10:30 am Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment 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.

Born on July 13, 1941, Darlene was the only daughter of Roy and Viola “Shorty” Pfeiler.  She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy, Dubuque, class of 1959.

Darlene was united in marriage to her husband of 61 years, Robert H. Mauer on August 13, 1960 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque, where they raised their six children.

While raising her family, Darlene worked at Xavier Hospital, where she completed her CNA training in 1969.  She spent many years on the maternity ward where she helped deliver and care for many mothers and babies.  She retired in 1981 when Xavier Hospital closed.

Darlene was a great cook and her children enjoyed many home cooked meals and homemade bread. One of her passions was to provide her family with homemade canned beef and pork sausage.  Her grandchildren often requested her delicious chocolate Texas sheet cake.

She was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packer fan.  She never missed a game and her home reflected that passion and support.  Darlene’s favorite past-time was bowling, Euchre and crocheting.  Her love of country music knew no bounds, if it was playing she was dancing. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by her family.

Survivors include her husband, Robert H. Mauer of Dubuque; six children, Julie L. (Sidney) Horst of Bellevue, IA, Jeffery R. Mauer of Rochelle, IL, Michelle M. (Edward) Baker of Peosta, IA, Kathy A. (Brian) Dunne of Marion, IA, Vicki S. (Tim) McIntyre of Asbury and Michael A. (Renae) Mauer of Sherrill, IA; three brothers, Kenneth (Darlene) Pfeiler of Asbury, Roger (Donna) Pfeiler of Dubuque and Randy (Diane) Pfeiler of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Harold and Margaret Mauer; one brother, Gary Pfeiler, and one sister-in-law, Janice Pfeiler.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family wishes to extend their great appreciation to the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque and a special thank you to her granddaughter, Lisa Jansen, who spent countless hours caring for Darlene.

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

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

Esther L. Klostermann

Donald D. Roepsch

Donald D. “Don” Roepsch, age 78, of Peosta, passed away suddenly at 6:27 a.m., on Friday, January 21, 2022, at his home with his son by his side.  To celebrate Don’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church, 235 Peosta Street in Peosta.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church.  Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Don was born on June 29, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of George N. and Frances (Lewis) Roepsch.

Don graduated from Senior High School in 1962.  He started working for Flexsteel in 1963, and worked there for 43 years until his 1st retirement.  Don was a proud member of the Upholsterers International Union.  In 1964, he married Theresa Maiers and lived on Kelly Lane for 32 years.  He belonged to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church until moving to Burds Green Acres in Peosta, where he joined St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  In 2006, Don went to work for Target until he retired again after 11 years.  He thoroughly enjoyed working at Flexsteel and Target, where he worked with many good and hard working people.  Don would like to thank both companies for employing him.  He often said “they are great employers”.  Don was blessed with 3 unbelievable children and 9 wonderful grandchildren.  Over the years when he had time off he enjoyed summer fishing and ice fishing, playing pinochle and poker with family and friends, gardening, metal detecting, gambling, vacationing and spending time with his kids and grandkids.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include

his children,
David (Jodi Jordan) Roepsch, Urbandale, IA,
Lynn (Paul) King, Paducah, KY
and Jeffry (Tiffany) Roepsch, Middleton, WI;

9 grandchildren,
Grant Roepsch, Adam Roepsch, Will Roepsch, Joshua King, Nathan King, Matthew King, Grace Roepsch, Hailey Roepsch and Lydia Roepsch;

his siblings,
George “Butch” (Dorothy) Roepsch,
Carol Leick,
Louie (Ann) Roepsch
and Ed (Kris) Roepsch;

and his in-laws,
Bill Richard,
Rosie (Jim) Neuses,
Velma O’Connell
and Ted (Carol) Maiers.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Theresa Roepsch; a sister, Mary Richard; and a brother-in-law, John O’Connell.

Don and his family would like to thank all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at Grand River Medical Group, especially Dr. John Whalen, Dr. Braden Powers, Nurse Kate and Dr. Kirkendall, Dr. Ramabadran “Dr. Ram”, as well as Medical Associates, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mayo Clinic and No Place Like Home for helping him get through some tough times.  Also a special thanks to Sr. Benjamin of the Sisters of the Presentation, and his neighbor, Diane MacInerney, for all of their kindness, help and support.

In lieu of flowers the family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Don’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Don Roepsch Family.

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

Linda M. Van der Meulen

Linda M. Van der Meulen, 69, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 21, 2022.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Linda will be 10:30 am Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Stephanie Schlimm officiating. The family encourages masks to be worn by everyone attending the services.

Linda was born July 16, 1952, in Menominee, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Janette Vondra Dunn. On April 28, 1973, she married John C. Van der Meulen at Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

She was a 1970 graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and attended Kirkwood Community College.

She was a receptionist at The Friedman Group for 34 years.

Linda was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Julien Dubuque Yacht Club. She enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River and long walks with her daughter. She always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was the most kind and generous soul. As his biggest fan, she loved cheering on her grandson at his sporting events. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include her husband, John; one daughter, Rachel (Jimmy) Guentherman of Asbury, IA; one grandson, Evan Guentherman; two sisters, Deb Balik of Loveland, CO, and Jean (Gary) Erion of Loveland, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Keith Stanton, her father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Leah Van der Meulen, and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Curtis.

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

Galen W. Abitz

Galen W. Abitz “Pineapple” 53 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 20, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 24th, 2022 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family will be organizing a celebration of life at a later date.

Galen was born on September 3, 1968 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of John and Hannah (Iopa “eye-o-pa”) Abitz. He married Danielle Fries-Fuller April 28, 2006, they later separated but were together for over 25 years and remained best friends.

He worked for RT& T Repair in East Dubuque; he took pride in his job being a shop manager.  Galen enjoyed riding his Harley, going to car shows, fishing, trips to Mexico, trips to the DG, riding around in his red 89 Dodge truck, but he especially enjoyed time with his family and friends.

Galen to most was a one of a kind. He was someone who touched so many lives without even knowing it. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. He could make you feel like he’s known you for years after only talking to you for five minutes. The majority knew him as “Pineapple” but his proudest title was “Grandpa/Papooh”. The family finds comfort knowing he was one of a kind and will always be remembered for his big heart.

He is survived by his former wife and best friend Danielle Abitz; sons Galen (Ashley) Abitz, Jason (Emily) Fuller and Cody (Courtney) Fuller; grandchildren olive, Dawson, Daxon, Paxon and Cy; his parents John and Hannah Abitz. Siblings Jim (Therese) Abitz, Bo (Danita) Abitz, Arleigh (Brian) Schlarman and Lee Ann Nishizawa.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather John Julius Abitz.

The family would like to thank East Dubuque Ambulance and Fire Dept and MercyOne Medical Center ER and ICU. A special thank you to Dr. Ramanujam for his devoted care over the years and also a sincere thank you to Andy Miller for his devotion and friendship to Galen.

Mary A. Kremer

Mary Ann Cecelia (Ernzen) Kremer, got the double 7’s she longed for at the slot machine when she passed away at 7:07 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital. She fought a long hard battle for nearly 2 months after incurring a fall in November.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Father Steve Garner officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Mary Ann was born on November 4, 1945 the daughter of Harold and Florence (Link) Ernzen. She met the love of her life, Leonard Kremer, at a dance; they were united in marriage on May 4, 1968 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, Iowa. They would go on to spend 53 inseparable years together.

She was a graduate of Wahlert High School and began her working career at American Trust & Savings Bank, now Midwest One. She would later become a paraprofessional for the Dubuque Community Schools at Fulton, Jefferson and finish out her career at Dubuque Senior High School.

Mary Ann kept an immaculate home, was a great cook and baker. She deeply and thoroughly enjoyed her role as a wife, mother and “Mema” She was a member of the Dubuque Area 600 Bowling club. Besides enjoying her trips to the casino, she enjoyed playing Bingo, her card club and precious time with her grandsons. She had a love for all kinds of birds but especially cardinals. Mary Ann lived out her days with a deep faith and courage.

Those left to carry on her memory include: her husband Leonard; her daughter Candi (Lon) Heinkel; grandsons Alex and Max; her sisters Kay (Dave) Stoffel and Geri (Bill) Hall; her brother Mark (Bev) Ernzen; sister-in-law Mary Ernzen as well as numerous brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Waiting to welcome Mary Ann into Heaven were her parents; brothers David, Donnie (Rosie) and Jim Ernzen; father-in-law and mother-in-law Arnold and Veronica Kremer along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Finley Hospital for all their loving care they gave to Mary Ann.