Obituaries Archive

Frank W. Holland

Frank W. Holland, 61, of Galena passed away Monday, January 24, 2022, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. A Celebration of Life will begin at Noon, Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena with military honors presented by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Friends may gather after 11 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born March 17, 1960, in Dubuque, the son of Lawrence and Frances (Henkel) Holland. Frank graduated from Galena High School and completed continuing education coursework while in the military. The United States Marine Corps, with the promises of career training, world travel, and an even larger family of strong moral brothers and sisters, found an eager recruit in Frank. He joined in delayed entry and went to boot camp between junior and senior years of high school. Sergeant Frank Holland was a member of The Tip of the Spear and served in Taipei, Hawaii, and elsewhere. He served faithfully from June 16, 1978, until his honorable discharge on July 13, 1989. Frank was employed at Lemfco Foundry after leaving the service and worked there until retiring last year. He took pride in his ability to do a job that was hot, dirty, and physically difficult. Frank’s hobbies included graphic novels, fantasy fiction, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Outcalt, Linda (Tom) Russell, Elizabeth (Pat) Hess, Mary Rose Schmidt, Carol Holland, Paul (Marcia) Holland, Larry (Tammie) Holland, and Cathy (Mark) Helling, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Lorraine, Rose Mary, and Susan, two brothers, William and Harold, several nieces, nephews, and Angel Baby nieces and nephews including a namesake great-nephew – Wesley Kennedy.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Ruth M. Esser Recker

Ruth M. Esser Recker, 80, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 25, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be 10:30 am Monday, January 31, 2022, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Ruth was born February 1, 1941, in Dubuque, the daughter of Leroy and Emma (Weiser) Stoffel. She attended school at Holy Ghost and St. Joseph’s Academy. She married Kenneth Esser on February 15, 1958, in Dubuque. The house they built together was a labor a love, and they raised their five children there. Ken died March 22, 1992.

On November 14, 1997, she married Donald Recker in Dyersville, IA.

Ruth retired from Dubuque County Courthouse.  She was a life-long member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and volunteered extensively for the parish. She loved time spent with family and being surrounded by the beauty of nature.  Ruth enjoyed camping, bass fishing, and dancing with Don.

Survivors include her husband, Don; five children, Vicki (Paul) Breitbach of Dubuque, Jim (Aggie) Esser of Dubuque, Julie (Kevin) Hoffmann of Dubuque, Steve (Lori) Esser of Dubuque, and Lori Posey of Coralville, IA; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marge Dyga, and Pat Parr; and Don’s 5 children and 11 grandchildren.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Ken, her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and one great-grandson, Evan.

The family extends a sincere thank you to all of Ruth’s caregivers.

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

Kenneth R. Horch

Kenneth R. “Kenny” Horch, age 85, of Dubuque and formerly of Zwingle, passed away peacefully at 9:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving friends.  To celebrate Kenny’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Kenny was born on Leap Day, February 29, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Fred and Marcella (Brede) Horch.

Kenny was united in marriage to Margaret “Peggy” Reardon in May of 1973.  They would be blessed with almost 23 wonderful years of marriage before Peggy passed away on April 9, 1996.  Kenny was raised with a strong work ethic.  He put those values to good use with Farley & Loetscher for 10 years, Celotex for 12 years and lastly with Flexsteel for 13 years until his retirement.  Even after his retirement, he worked hard around his property in Zwingle for several years cutting all of his own firewood.  He truly loved fishing on the Mississippi, being outdoors and his lawn was always meticulously cared for.  Kenny was a kind and gentle soul who was always there to help anyone who needed him.  His faith was a very important part of his life and he was a member of St. Mary’s Church until it’s closing when he joined St. Patrick’s Church.  Kenny will be greatly missed, but we know that he is now resting peacefully, free of the health challenges he has battled so gracefully these past years.

Those left to cherish Kenny’s memory include

his companion of 22 years and her family,
Janet Entringer, Dubuque, IA;

his “special girl”,
Londyn;

a step-son and several nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Horch; a sister, Carol (James) Sutter; 2 brothers, Richard Horch and Fred (Betty) Horch; and 3 step-sons.

Kenny’s friends would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melissa, Jenni and Stacy, for all of the care and support they have provided these past weeks.

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

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

Thomas Jaeger

Thomas Jaeger, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away unexpectedly at his winter home in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida on January 20, 2022.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday, January 30, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 5:30 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday at the Church of the Resurrection.

Tom was born on February 21, 1937, to Clarence “Chop” and Alice (Schlick) Jaeger in Worthington, Iowa. He served in US Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in the late 50’s. After his discharge he met Karen A’Hearn. They were married on June 25, 1960 in Epworth, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on November 20, 2015.

Tom & Karen moved to Dubuque where he worked at the Pack until he started his own business, Jaeger Plumbing & Pump. He ran the business for many years until he sold it to his son, Kevin. He never quite retired, preferring to show up to work every day when he wasn’t spending time at his home in Florida. When he wasn’t working he could be found enjoying life on the water, spending time with family, entertaining friends with boat rides and barrel-cooked ribs, playing euchre and talking about the Hawkeyes.

Surviving are his two children, Kimberly and Kevin; sisters Barbara (Clem) Stecklein of Cascade and Sandra (Rodney) Kuehn of Jacksonville, Florida and his four grandchildren; Mason, Rachel, Tyler & Alexa and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and brother David.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Thomas Jaeger Memorial Fund.

For further information, or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Daniel J. Geistkemper

Charlotte A. Cyze

On January 23, 2022, Charlotte Ann Cyze’s earthly body left this world; but to those who knew and loved her, the light she radiated cannot be dimmed.

Private family services will be held to celebrate her life through Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home.

Charlotte was born to Rupert and Jean Imhof on March 24, 1947. At the age of 18, she attended a dance, and as fate would have it, met the love of her life, Mike Cyze. He courted her for many years, even hitching rides on a garbage truck across Chicago in a blizzard to see her. They enjoyed many trips and fun times before uniting in marriage on May 18, 1974.

Charlotte worked as an executive assistant at International Harvester Corporation for many years in downtown Chicago and after having children, shifted her focus to family first.

She was truly a role model in the lives of her son, Michael Jr., and daughter, Melissa. She volunteered tremendous amounts of her time at the school, acted as a chauffeur, and never missed a single sporting event, concert, or play. Clothes were washed, hot meals were served, and love was palpable.

Charlotte was magnetic. She would literally strike up a conversation with anyone and formed several lifelong friendships through her outgoing personality. She loved family time spent at the KOA campground, where she made friends with everyone she met.

In her free time, she was an avid bowler and Bellevue city league champion. She also loved crossword puzzles and stayed up-to-date on the latest celebrity gossip. She continued to serve others by volunteering at the local nursing home, calling bingo for the residents. She found great joy in sharing her warmth and compassion with the lonely, sick, and less fortunate.

Charlotte comes from a big Italian family and was shaped by growing up within blocks of her cousins and extended family. She grew up in a time of large family dinners, making pasta on Sundays, and truly experiencing the value of family as a community.

She found great joy in her grandchildren and was loving known as Grammy Char-Char and Gaga. She was and always will be their biggest fan.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Mike Cyze Sr.; children Mike (Amanda) Cyze of Peosta, Iowa and Melissa (Dave) Perkins of Verona, Wis.; grandchildren Lauren, Caitlyn, Ben, Stella and Myles, brother Kenneth (Pat) Imhof, nephews Christopher (Kathy) and Tony (Abbey) Imhof, niece Nina Imhof, and many cousins and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins who are surely greeting her with a wonderful Italian sweet table welcoming her to heaven.

The family would like to give its heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sara, Hayle, Nikki and Chris who provided such compassionate care to Charlotte and her family during her time of need. Their work is truly remarkable and we have been blessed with their care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Dubuque in Charlotte’s name.

Leroy E. Kennicker

Leroy E. Kennicker, 80 of Holy Cross, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022 at his home.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Leroy was born on October 10, 1941 in Clayton County, the son of Alfred and Bernadette (Rinicker) Kennicker.  He married Dorothy Marie LeGrand on September 14, 1968 in Holy Cross.  Leroy served three years in the Army National Guard.  He worked on the Kennicker family farm and for John Deere Dubuque Works as a machine hand and retired in 1995. Fishing and visiting with friends at Leisure Lake was a favorite pastime.  Leroy and Dorothy enjoyed wintering in Texas and happy hours with friends, Leroy particularly enjoyed BINGO and playing cards with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, children: Bryon (Mary) Kennicker, Brenda (Scott) Brant both of Holy Cross, and Becky (Larry Billmeyer) Kennicker of Rickardsville, grandchildren: Carl and Holly Kennicker, Ally and Darcy Brant, siblings: Gerald (Karen) Kennicker of Guttenberg, Mary (Melvin) Barth of Durango, in-laws: Florence Kennicker of Holy Cross, Eileen Merfeld, Dorothy Crews, Darlene (John) Scudder, Ron (Carol) LeGrand, Marvin LeGrand all of Dubuque, Kenny LeGrand of Guttenberg, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Nicholas and Lorene LeGrand, siblings: Clarence Kennicker, Edward Kennicker, Raymond (Irma) Kennicker, Lawrence (Eunice) Kennicker, Leon Kennicker, Frank (Katherine) Kennicker, Stella (Joseph) Bertjens, Marita (Sam) Etter, Teresa (Robert) Hefel, in-laws: Leonard Merfeld, Robert (Janice) LeGrand and Victoria LeGrand.

A special thank you to all of the care givers for the past 12 years, our family really appreciates all you have done for Leroy.  Thank you to his fishing and yahtzee buddies!

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home,  750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA  52040.

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.