Obituaries Archive

Patricia M. Burkhart-Todd

Patricia Marie Burkhart-Todd passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021. She departed us peacefully in her home in Galena, IL at the age of 84. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10 AM at the church until the time of mass. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where a scripture rosary will be recited at 3:45 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pat grew up in Toledo, OH and graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 1954. She then received a Bachelor of Education from Toledo University. She and Robert were married in Toledo on November 26, 1959. After teaching for a short time, she was called into Motherhood. She gracefully raised eight children by example and instruction to be caring, kind, and hardworking. Pat believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and remained a strong Catholic throughout her life. This was evident in her everyday interactions with those around her and in the moral gifts she bestowed upon her children. She was a talented artist, sewer, and florist. She and Robert happily made Galena their home in 1993. Their presence and loving home have left an indelible mark on Galena. Pat was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a friend and mentor to many.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-two years Robert, and children, Susan Todd, Ann (Fred) Roberts, Jean (Billy) Rinn, Katie (Karl) Costabel, Michael (Carrie) Todd, Stephen (Lynne) Todd, Mathew (Gayle) Todd and John (Jolita)Todd. Pat is a grandmother to twenty grandchildren, and she is a great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren.

Pat was preceded in death by parents Roy William Burkhart and Ethel Marie Burkhart.

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

Jefferson S. Thomas Sr.

Jefferson S. “Jeff” Thomas Sr., age 66, of Dubuque, passed unexpectedly at 12:55 a.m., on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at his home, with his loving wife at his side.  To celebrate Jeff’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Edward Mast officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Jeff was born on July 23, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Joan Johnson, who was raised by his grandparents, William and Mary Thomas.

Jeff attended school in Dubuque at Washington Middle School and Dubuque Senior High School.  One day while riding the bus with his friend, he saw a beautiful young lady walking up the street and declared that he was going to marry her one day.  Jeff made that statement a reality when he married his soul mate, Cynthia Johnson, on June 2, 1973.  He was a hard worker who made his living as a logger from the time he was 13 years old.  Jeff proudly shared his knowledge and the love of his trade with Thomas and Travis Coffman.  Jeff truly liked being outside and was an avid fisherman and member of the Mississippi Walleye Club.  He also enjoyed hunting and looking for morels and ginseng every year.  Jeff regularly watched tv programs on the Discovery Channel, especially enjoying shows that had anything to do with Alaska or Bigfoot.  He also had an passion for riding his Harley Davidson and spending time with his dogs, especially Kaos.  His family, no doubt, was always his top priority.  He especially loved spending time with his grandkids and regularly attended events they were involved in.  His faith was also an integral part of his life, and Jeff was a faithful member of Old Paths Baptist Church.  He had an outgoing personality and was a jokester who enjoyed giving his family members and friends a hard time.  Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Jeff’s memory include

his loving wife,
Cynthia Thomas, Dubuque, IA;

his 3 children,
Carissa (Gregory) Salazar, Dubuque, IA,
Jefferson (Michelle) Thomas II, Maquoketa, IA
and Jim Thomas, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Austine Jefferson Thomas, Madalynn Thomas, Jefferson “Andrew” Thomas III, AlexSandra Thomas and Addalissa Thomas;

and his siblings,
Mary Ellen Williams,
Patricia Coffman,
Ricky Johnson
and Melvin Johnson.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother; his grandparents; a son, Chad Thomas in infancy; a granddaughter, Hanna Thomas; and his siblings, John Thomas, William “Doc” Thomas, Pauline Donath and Rosie Renard.

Jeff’s family would like to extend a heartfelt to Brittany Coffman for the thoughtful memorial video she created in Jeff’s memory.

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

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

John A. Wiese

John Arnold Wiese, 75, of Urbandale, passed away Friday, October 29, 2021, from heart and kidney failure and complications of pneumonia at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

John was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 22, 1946, to August and Nellie Wiese. He grew up in Andrew, Iowa. He attended Wartburg College and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa. John was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1975, John began his career with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Des Moines, Iowa. At the IRS, he held positions in the Collection Division including Revenue Officer; Chief, Office Branch; Field Group Manager; Chief, Special Procedures Staff, and at the time of his retirement in 2007, as an Appeals Settlement Officer.

John enjoyed traveling with his wife Kay throughout the United States, Mexico, and Europe. He especially enjoyed visiting Germany and spoke German as a second language. He enjoyed reading, driving his Corvette, the family cats, and special times spent with Kay and their children during the holidays and family gatherings.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Linda Wiese (Foster). He is survived by his wife of 24 years Mary “Kay” Agnew Wiese of Urbandale, two sons: Aaron and Joseph of Des Moines, his daughter Lindsay (Ean) Bush of Davenport and his sister, Elgene West of Sacramento, California.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at the Carson and Son Funeral Home, in Maquoketa, Iowa. The visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Following will be burial at Mount Hope Cemetery and a luncheon at the Eagles Club.

At a later date, a Celebration of Life Service will be held in Urbandale, Iowa. Details regarding that service will be shared when arrangements are finalized.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association, West Des Moines, Iowa Chapter or the National Kidney Foundation, Nebraska & Iowa Chapter, Johnston, Iowa.

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

Travis L. Bickford

Travis L. Bickford, 48, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Unity Point Trinity Hospital in Bettendorf, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M., Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation has taken place.

Travis Lee Bickford was born on December 4, 1972 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Randy Paul and Cathy Jo (Carr) Bickford.  He was a 1990 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School.  He married Jennifer Wiederholt and they had a daughter Britney.  They later divorced, and he married Jessica Rowan and they had a daughter Bailey.  They later divorced, and he married Tracy Johnson Manning on April 4, 2020 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Travis had worked at A.Y. McDonald in Dubuque for over 24 years as a machinist.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking the timber, and spending time with his family and dogs.  Additionally, he enjoyed bonfires, drinking with friends, riding his motorcycle with his dad, tinkering in his garage, and fixing things.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Tracy Bickford of Maquoketa, IA; children, Britney (Jordan) Carr of Pittsburgh, PA, and Bailey Bickford of Andrew, IA; a stepdaughter, Jordan Manning of Maquoketa, IA; and his father, Randy Bickford of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his stepfather Jesse Miller and mother Cathy Jo Miller.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Travis L. Bickford memorial fund has been established.

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

Ihlene G. Stockel

Ihlene G. Stockel, 97, of Dubuque, IA died Sunday, October 31, 2021 in Lake Wales, FL from a massive stroke.  Funeral services were held in Windom, MN on November 9, 2021 with burial at Hauges Family Cemetery,  Bergen, MN.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 JFK Rd. in Dubuque, IA on Friday, November 12, 2021 from  4:00 to 6:30 pm.

Ihlene was born in Belmont Township in Jackson County, MN on June 9, 1924, daughter of Emmett and Anne (Hill) Elness.  Her father died in 1931 and her mother married Ralph Noe in 1937.  The family settled in Waterloo, IA where she graduated from high school.  Following graduation in 1942 she moved to Detroit, MI where she became “Rosie the Riveter” in a B-17 bomber factory.  After the war she joined her family in Dubuque, IA where she met the love of her life Luvern (Louie) Stockel .  They were married September 21, 1948.  Their only child, Charlene Anne, was born October 19, 1949.  Ihlene and Louie had a loving and devoted marriage for 65 years until his death in 2014.

Ihlene worked in retail until she suffered a severe back injury from a tobogganing accident in 1964.  At age 60 she became a Real Estate Agent until she retired in 1983. After retirement, she and Louie enjoyed summers at their cottage in Bellevue, IA and winters at their home in Lake Wales, FL.

Survivors include her daughter Charlene (Charles) Osier of Clive, IA; grandsons John (Erin) Osier of Urbandale, IA and Thomas (Laura) Osier of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren Kate and Quinn Osier of Urbandale, IA and Colette, Wallace and Pearl Osier of Dallas, TX.

Ihlene was preceded in death by her husband Louie, her parents, her brother Loren Elness, and her sister Ruth Anne (Noe) Lord.

The family especially thanks Tom Mottet, Bellevue, IA and Jim Heilbrun, Lake Wales, FL for their unending love and support for Ihlene and Louie so they were able to stay living independently in their homes for the last years of their lives.

The family requests no flowers.  Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 787, 5740 Menominee Road, East Dubuque, IL 61025 where her husband Louie was a member for 69 years.

Maxine A. Biedermann

Maxine A. (Young) Biedermann, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 12:11 a.m.  She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Maxine’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Derek Rosenstiel officiating.  Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Maxine was born in Dubuque on December 14, 1933, the daughter of Gladys (Fallon) and Herbert Young.  Here, in Dubuque, she met and married the love of her life, Leon Biedermann.  They went on to have seven children and thus started our family tree.

She was the sweetest and most caring mother, wife and grandmother.  She loved spending time with her abundant amount of grandchildren.  She also enjoyed doing her puzzle books, watching shows with her kids and reading.  Her favorite time of year was holidays with her family.

Those left to cherish Maxine’s memory include

her 6 children,
Lyle (Debbie) Biedermann, East Dubuque, IL,
Bruce Biedermann,
Rick (Kim) Biedermann,
Wendy Anderson, all of Dubuque,
Melissa (Kenneth) Scardorough, Houston, TX
and Jennifer Biedermann, Dubuque;

her 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and her 4 great-great grandchildren;

and a son-in-law,
Phillip Smith.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon; her brother, James; and her dear daughter, Sandra Smith.

The family would like to thank Finley Hospital, Dubuque Specialty Care and Care Initiatives Hospice.

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

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

Rita M. Federspiel

Rita M. Federspiel, 77, of Bernard, IA passed away peacefully on Friday, October 22, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 13, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Church Garryowen  with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will follow in St Patrick Garryowen Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 12th, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a family rosary will be said at 2:30 p.m.

Rita was born March 23, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa daughter of Louis & Sylvia (Ambrosy) Kress.  She graduated from the Academy of the Visitation, Dubuque, IA. She was united in marriage to Loras Federspiel on April 4, 1964, at St. Joseph Church in Key West, IA.

Rita was a homemaker, cook, a caretaker of others’ homes, and beloved lunch lady.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma who touched countless lives with her kind heart and giving ways.  She was a people person with a strong faith who had the best laugh and a compliment for everyone.

She cherished time with her grandchildren, socializing at the Salvation Army, playing euchre, and eating sweets. She loved to cook, drop off goodies to others, send countless cards, and leave the most special voicemails.

Rita is survived by her husband Loras; three children, John (Gloria) Federspiel and Laura (Matthew) Foust of Bernard, IA, Jodi Federspiel of Dubuque, IA, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Federspiel of Peosta, IA. Grandchildren, Megan Leuer, Matthew Federspiel, Michael Federspiel, Alex Foust, Danielle Federspiel, Madison Foust, Calvin Federspiel and Evan Foust.  Great grandchildren, Ayden and Brysen Leuer. Siblings Gerald (Vonda) Kress of Peosta, IA, Doris (Dan) Ryan of East Dubuque, IL, Mary (George) Kuhlmann of Columbia, MO, Donna Gau, Dubuque, IA, Bonnie Kass, Peosta, IA, and Ken (Ann) Kress, Peosta, IA, sister-in-law, Patti (Rich) Meehan of Solon, IA, brother-in-law, Tom (Diane) Federspiel of Bernard, IA and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and numerous special friends.

She is preceded in death by her son, Dan Federspiel, her parents Louis & Sylvia Kress, mother and father-in-law, George and Vera Federspiel, and brother-in-law Chuck Kass.

Marjorie M. Kutsch

Marjorie M. Kutsch, 100, of Dubuque, died Friday, November 5, 2021, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marjorie will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Marjorie was born November 3, 1921, in Dubuque, the daughter of Walter and Agnes (Bublitz) Strub. On October 3, 1945, she married George Kutsch in Sacred Heart Church. He passed away on April 3, 2011.

Marjorie was a professional piano player for over 75 years in Dubuque and the surrounding tri-state area.  She entertained many ballroom dancers over two decades, spanning from 1950-1970, with the Joey Paradiso Orchestra.  When the orchestra disbanded, Marjorie joined the Joe Colaluca Trio.  The trio performed throughout the tri-state area and they later took up entertaining residents at nursing homes.  After the trio disbanded, Marjorie continued to play the piano at the local nursing homes.  Even after she became a resident of Stonehill, she enjoyed playing for her fellow residents.

Marjorie was a member of the Musicians’ Union, St. Anthony Parish, St. Bernadette Circle, Catholic Daughters, Teresians and a volunteer at Mercy Hospital for over 20 years.

Survivors include her children, Kathy Miller of Wildomar, CA, Michael (Bronwyn) Kutsch of Austin, TX and Janet (Michael) Hilby of Orlando, FL; son-in-law, Michael Chalder; grandchildren, Christine (Kim) Albizati, Jeff Stone, Brandon (Lisa) Kutsch, Amanda (Kyle Page) Kutsch, Katrina Kutsch, Tim (Danielle) Hilby, Liz (Brian) Underwood, Laura (Ben) Currie and Ryan Hilby; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Elizabeth and Andrew Albizati, Alex, Sean and Noah Stone, Joshua and David Kutsch, Lydia, Elise and Bruce Underwood and Claire Currie; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; one daughter, Patricia Chalder; one great-grandchild, Andrue Stone; one brother, Richard Strub and one sister, Kathleen Mueller.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Stonehill Care Center for their amazing care of our mother.

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

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

Raymond R. Lawson

Raymond R. Lawson, 101, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue.  Graveside Services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Local arrangements with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Ray was born May 15, 1920, the son of Roy “Clell” and Cecile (Hatfield) Lawson.  He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1938 and later enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during WW II.  He served as a radar operator in the 571^st Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion and was stationed from Myrtle Beach, S.C. to Attu in the Aleutian Islands.  While on leave, he married Kathleen “Lucille” Breon on June 16, 1944 in Kirksville, Missouri.  She passed on November 17, 2012.

Ray was a federal meat inspector employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was stationed at Oscar Mayer in Davenport.  He retired in 1979.  He and Lucille then moved to Phoenix where both continued to work, and later, to enjoy retirement.

For several years, they returned to Ottumwa in the summer and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.  They eventually moved to Bellevue to be closer to family.  After Lucille’s passing, Ray took up painting through program funded by the local arts council, and he completed a number of paintings for friends and family.

Survivors include his son, Mark (Darla) Lawson of Bellevue; grandchildren, Megan (Sam) Ferrise, Jeff (Sarah) Lawson, Emily (Chase) Medinger, and Halie Russell; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Harpe,. Eivin, Lillian, Lucille, and Callan.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lucille; and two brothers, Arnold and Ralph Lawson.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Sylvia L. Meyers

Sylvia L. Meyers, 80, of Dubuque, died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family.

Per her wishes, there will be no public services.  Private family services were held on Monday, November 8, 2021.

Sylvia was born February 12, 1941, in Sudbury Town, Middlesex, England, the daughter of Leonard and Olive (Kirby) Pither. On April 18, 1959, she married Robert Meyers in St. George Church in England and stayed married for 62 years.

She attended grade school and primary school in England.

Sylvia was a childcare provider for over 20 years.

She enjoyed traveling, especially to England and Europe, visiting her children out of town, knitting, crocheting, but most importantly, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren and all the children she babysat over the years.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Meyers of Dubuque; two sons, Robert (Terri) Meyers of Rio Rancho, NM and Jeffrey (Joanna) Meyers of Millbrook, AL; one daughter, Susan (Bill) Jordan of Dubuque; grandchildren: Allison (Thomas Jarrad), Adam, William and Christopher Jordan, all of Dubuque and Robert & Jacob Meyers of New Mexico; her in-laws: Peg Meyers of Dubuque, Dorothy Link of Carson City, NV, Delly (Dick) Morris of Des Moines, Mary K. “Butch” Meyers of Dubuque, Dick (Ginny) Meyers of Dubuque and Peg Meyers of Dubuque and many nieces, nephews and friends here and in England.

She is preceded in death by her parents and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to extend their great appreciation to Terri who took care of Sylvia the past three months.

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

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

Elmer J. Phillips

Elmer John Phillips, 78 of Scales Mound, IL and formerly Galena, IL passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021, at his home. The funeral service will be 4 PM, Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena and where friends may gather after 2 PM until the time of service. Military honors will be accorded following the service by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Burial will be at later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

He was born July 22, 1943, in Chicago, IL the son of Hazel Phillips. John served in the United States Air Force from September 16, 1960, until his honorable discharge on September 15, 1964. He was united in marriage to Nancy Heim Schubert on July 25, 1998, in Galena. After his honorable discharge, he spent most of his life as a concrete finisher (and will be remembered as one of the best). John was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved gardening and was most comfortable in the outdoors. He loved his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In his last days, he looked forward to his rides with his wife and sister.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Scales Mound, four daughters, Tracy Phillips, Terri (Ryan) Petitgout and Sara (Jim) White all of Galena, Kristina (Chris) Christenson of Loves Park, IL, three sons, John (Sami) Phillips of Wausau, WI,  Kyle Beham of Marion, NC and Lance Beham of Wichita, KS, a step-daughter, Christine (Mark) Leifker of Benton, WI, eighteen grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Donna (Ken) Muchow, Karen Hughes and Ida Mae Norton, and his numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, a daughter, Alesha Matchett, stepson, Chad Schubert, two brothers-in-law, Wayne Hughes, and Robert Norton, and former wife, Doris Phillips.

Online condolences may be left for the family atwww.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Timothy J. McNamara

Daniel I. McCarthy

Daniel I. “Danny” McCarthy, 79, of Peoria, IL died Saturday, October 23, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.  A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, November 13, 2021, on what would have been his eightieth birthday, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Friends may gather after Noon until the time of service. Burial will be in St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Galena where military honors will be accorded graveside by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193.

He was born on November 13, 1941, in Chicago, IL to Daniel J. and Rita M. McCarthy. Danny attended Lane Technical High School, Chicago. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 21, 1959 and served as a radio operator with a mechanized company in Germany.  He was honorably discharged March 13, 1963. Danny was self-employed and worked as a window designer for many companies in Chicago and Peoria.  He had a fine eye for antiques and artwork.  Danny loved to play chess and complete jig saw puzzles.  Many Saturday afternoons were spent playing chess with his late grandfather, Walter “Sport” Lindahl.  Mid-week evenings would find Danny and his late mother Rita, pouring over pieces of a jig saw puzzle until completed.  After being on display for two or three days the puzzles were often taken apart, placed back in the box, and put back together again.  Danny was a good artist and created several unique works as a youngster prior to his enlistment into the Army.  That skill would be honed over the ensuing years resulting in his skillful window design and antique and artwork collection.

He is survived by his three brothers, Terrence of Chicago, Patrick of Galena, and Michael of Crystal Lake, IL, eight nieces and nephews, many grand nieces, and nephews.  Danny was especially close to his nephew Daniel S. McCarthy and his niece Kelly L. McCarthy.

He was preceded in death by his parents whom he now joins in final peace.

Online condolences maybe left for the family atwww.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Franklin J. Murray

Franklin James “Frank” Murray, 55, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on November 5, 2021, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. He was born on July 26, 1966, in Dubuque, the son of Francis and Minnie Maybell (Cornwall) Murray. Frank was raised and educated in Manchester.

Over the years, Frank worked as a welder. He enjoyed crafting, fishing, and watching action movies.

Survivors include his three children, Justin Whitney of California, Dylan (Chelsea) Murray of Oelwein, and Haylee (Jimmy) Berry of Boone; five grandchildren, Noah, Myla, Quillan, Tesla, and Nash; 10 siblings, Sandra Murray of Manchester, Shirley (Richard) Kenny of Ryan, Marilyn (Chuck) Jones and Betty (Larry) Hicks all of Manchester, Brenda (Allan) Carper of Dyersville, Joyce (Greg) Trey of Strawberry Point, Bill (Joann) Murray of Ryan, Bob (Kim) Murray of Masonville, Mike (Kelley) Murray of Marion, and Pat (Tanya) Murray of Manchester; one sister-in-law, Vicky Murray of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Murray.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Celebration of Life:  11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Monday, November 8, 2021, at The Sonshine Center, 116 Guetzko Court, Manchester, Iowa.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Francis J. Schumacher, Jr.

Francis “Frank” J. Schumacher, Jr., age 72, of Cape Coral, FL, formerly of Dubuque, Marshalltown, and Des Moines, IA, was called home, into the grace filled arms of his Lord and Savior, suddenly on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Frank’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th Street in Dubuque, where his family and friends are invited to join in food, fellowship, and sharing in his testimony of a life well lived.  Frank’s memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Steeple Square, with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Frank’s family.

Frank was born on February 24, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, the youngest son of Francis Joseph and Virginia Jean (Boland) Schumacher, Sr.  He grew up in a loving home where his older sisters almost immediately sprang into action and kept him right under their wings.  He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’67, and began to spread his wings to see what life had to offer.  Frank enjoyed art and music from an early age and soon earned the nickname “Zappa” as he ventured into adulthood.  He met his soul-mate, Pamela “Pam” Breiner, aka “Sunshine” or “Pamdabear”, and the two have been inseparable ever since.  They have been blessed with 52 wonderful years of marriage together and decided from the very beginning that they were going to do everything that they could to conquer any evil that dared to present itself before them.  They began by taking in unwed moms to provide them with a safe and loving environment where they could have their babies, provide them with an opportunity for a better life, and later return home with none the wiser.  Soon, they found themselves taking in infants directly who needed a loving home until a permanent one could be found, and finally moved into the Foster Parent role where they eagerly welcomed 88 kiddos, over 36 years, in need of a loving, secure, and nurturing home to be an immediate part of the family.  Two of these children would end up being legally adopted, but all of them were virtually adopted with many of them still calling Frank “Dad” to this very day.

Frank spent the first 20 years working to support his family at John Deere Dubuque Works.  He decided that he would like to move into a management position and began taking night classes at the University of Dubuque.  In true Frank fashion, he not only received his Bachelor’s degree, but also graduated Magna Cum Laude and won the Wall Street Journal Award just for good measure.  The job market was a little difficult in the late 80’s, so unwilling to settle, Frank found a new home with Fisher Controls in Marshalltown.  He made many new friends there, but felt the relentless desire to climb a little higher yet.  Frank began working on his MBA at Drake University and once completed, was offered to join the team at Bridgestone Firestone in Des Moines.  Over his years there, he managed to climb all the way to the Lab Manager position before finally deciding that it was time to retire and enjoy a little more free-time and warmer weather.  Once Pam retired from counseling, they began spending their winters in Florida.  This had always been a dream of Frank’s and he was all too thrilled when he “accidentally” purchased a home in Cape Coral, as a special gift for Pam on Valentine’s Day, making their winters there a permanent vacation.

When Frank wasn’t busy providing for his family, saving children, and climbing the executive ladder, you could continually find him challenging the evils in the world head on.  He and Pam were founding members of Hope E. Free Church in Dubuque, the Marshalltown E. Free Church, along with Point of Grace and South View Church in Des Moines.  They made mission trips to New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, where they would preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the favelas to all who would listen.  On one of their trips to Rio, they even had the distinct pleasure of working on the golf course greens during the Summer Olympics.  They also participated in Operation Friendship Force where they would invite inner-city kids from Chicago to come spend a few weeks during their summer breaks on the family farm, and they also took in exchange students from South Korea and Africa so that they had a comfortable home to reside in while working on their higher education at U.D., while simultaneously exposing his family to other cultures.  Frank was awarded the United Way Volunteer of the Year and was also awarded more than enough Idea Sam checks at John Deere to purchase at least one of his vehicles.  Frank always enjoyed traveling, and the educational experience that came along with it, and made sure that all of the children in their care were able to visit the landmarks and sights around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, at least three trips every year.  He was very proud that his home made it into the Tour of Gardens in Des Moines.  Besides gardening, he enjoyed snowmobile racing, snow and water skiing, an afternoon on the motorcycle, or a relaxing day out on the kayak.  Frank both savored and embraced life along with all of its majesty and intentionally finding himself meandering into a dull day was never going to be an acceptable outcome.

Now, before you think that Frank was more than a mere mortal, let’s kindly remind you that he once paid good money to have his adoring wife pushed out of a plane with a parachute on her back.  He strategically led his boys into a dead-end triple black diamond run in Colorado with the most mischievous grin you could imagine.  He also forced his boys to write poetry at home, and then decided that they should have the distinct honor of reading their poetry out loud to the attendees down at the Old Jailhouse Poetry Readings.  And, if some fortunate youngster knocked on his front door selling a coupon book, you could be sure that everyone inside the house was not going to get to eat at any restaurant, enjoy any activity, or get a haircut at any place that wasn’t in that book for the next 90 days.  For Shame Frank…For Shame!

It’s beyond our comprehension to understand how we will be able to navigate this world moving forward without our fearless leader and hero.  He instilled the value of being an independent thinker into all of his children, with the constant reinforcement that we should always remain aware of the higher purpose and plan that is actually at play in this life.  Frank made the world a better place at every turn and did it so naturally that it almost appeared to be effortless.  His affinity to continually grow, develop, and nurture one’s education and information was based purely on the reality that knowledge was one of the few things in this life that could never be taken away from you. Frank had a personal relationship with Jesus and made sure that all of his loved ones would spend eternity right alongside him, and for that we could not be more blessed.  We love you more than you know, we miss you with all of our being, and we are forever grateful that the Lord saw fit to trust all of us into your guiding hands while He was willing to share you with this world.  Thank you, Frank, for every ounce of love you so generously shared, for every lesson you so diligently displayed, and for leaving so many lives behind that are undeniably better because you were an active and participating part of them.  God bless you Frank and definitely enjoy your eternal peace until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Frank include,

his beautiful bride of 52 years,
Pamela “Pam” (Briener) Schumacher, Cape Coral, FL;

his adored children,
Jason (Tricia) Schumacher, Dubuque, IA,
Eric (Polly) Schumacher, New Virginia, IA,
Sarah Schumacher, Indianola, IA,
Brian (Jessica) Schumacher, Pleasant Hill, IA,

along with countless foster children whom he loved no less, and fought for even more;

his grandchildren,
Dylan (Kelsey) Schumacher, Marshalltown, IA,
Abigail Schumacher, Dubuque, IA,
Jacob Schumacher, Dubuque, IA,
Kyla Schumacher, New Virginia, IA,
Ian Schumacher, New Virginia, IA,
Skyelynn Schumacher, Pleasant Hill, IA,
Addie Mae Schumacher, Pleasant Hill, IA,
Everly Jo Schumacher, Pleasant Hill, IA;

his great-grandchildren,
Ellie, Echo, and Enzo Schumacher, Marshalltown, IA;

his sister,
Patricia “Pat” Driscoll, Dubuque, IA;

his brother-in-law,
Jim Moeller, St. Cloud, MN;

his sister-in-law,
Candace “Candy” (William “Bill” IV) Kelly, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Francis J. and Virginia J. (Boland) Schumacher, Sr.; his sister, Janet “Jan” Moeller; his mother and father-in-law, Norman “Norm” and Donna (Kenniker) Breiner, Sr; and his brothers-in-law, Norman “Butch” Breiner, Jr. and Gary Breiner.

Frank’s family would like to sincerely thank all of the doctors, nurses, staff, family, and friends who have helped Frank fight the good fight over these recent years.  His battle with cancer was where the first line was drawn, only to find out that a stroke was awaiting him right over the horizon.  All of the amazing and excellent care, love, encouragement, patience, and support that he received made a remarkable difference in his attitude, courage, and strength.  We cannot thank every single one of you enough and please know that you played a very important role in each and every battle he fought and won.  May God bless all of you for your unceasing kindnesses!

Online condolences may be shared with Frank’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com