Obituaries Archive

Marian A. Dayton

Marian A. (McClain) Dayton, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family at Swedish-American Hospital, Rockford, IL.

Marian was born in Bernard, IA on January 17, 1935 to Michael and Julia (Donovan) McClain.  Marian married Robert Dayton on July 17, 1967 in Galena, IL.  Marian was a homemaker and worked for Atwood Industries.  She loved spending time with all of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids as well as her family and friends.

Marian is survived by her children, Timothy (Brenda) Dayton of Stockton, IL, Michael (Christine) Dayton of Rockford, IL, Scott (Lisa) Dayton of Shullsburg, WI and Dana (Steve) Stadel of Scales Mound, IL; grandchildren Justin (Rachel) Raab, Timothy Dayton, Jr, Tyler Dayton, Julia Dayton, Max Dayton, Jessica  Roesch, Brandon Roesch, Emily (Lucas) Doland and Brooke Stadel; great-grandchildren Joslyn Raab, Jaxon Heins, Ezra Doland and Jude Doland; sister Margaret Larson; sister’s-in-law Jean McClain, Rosie McClain and Joyce McClain.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and his parents William and Edna Dayton; brothers Louis McClain, Earl (Phyllis) McClain, Ralph McClain, Philip McClain; sisters Delores (John) Pake, Grace McClain, Jean (Edward) Allen, and Marie (Louie) Timp; brothers-in-law Bill (Lois) Dayton and Earl Larson; sisters-in-law Muriel (Babe) (Dale) Bahr, Ruth (Tony) Bein and Robert McClain.

There will be a private family service on Thursday, December 31, 2020 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Scales Mound, with Fr. Howard C. Barch, Jr. officiating.  Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Due to the Covid-19 virus, masks and social distancing are required. The funeral mass will be live streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group facebook page.

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

The Miller-Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

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

Clarence Hird

Clarence “Jack” Hird, 100,  formerly of Farley and Riverbend Retirement Community in Cascade, Iowa was called home to God on Friday, December 25, 2020 at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, Iowa from complications of COVID 19.

Private services for Jack weree held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating.  Lectors w4ere Shelly Conrad and Laura Dunn.  Placing of the pall was done by Ronald Hird, Carolyn Shaheen Robert Hird, Norman Hird, Elaine Hagge, Patricia Conrad, Jeanne Hopper, Kathleen Hines, Nancy Waight, John Hird and James Hird.  Services for Jack were live streamed on the St. Elizabeth Pastorate Facebook page. Burial was held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.  Anyone interested in sending memorials may send them to the Reiff Funeral Home, Attn. Clarence Hird Family, P.O. 99, Farley, Iowa   52046.

Casketbearers for Jack were Dylan Hird, Craig Hird, Vinay Tikka, Chad Conrad, Jeff Hird and Dorey Shaheen.

He was born August 21, 1920 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Walter J. and Marie G. (Koerner) Hird.  He attended Holy Ghost School.   At age 17 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, building Backbone State Park.  While there, he met and fell in love with Lucille A. Whittle.  They married November 30, 1939, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

He joined the Army during WWII as a paratrooper and was member of the 101^st Airborne Screaming Eagle Paratroopers.  He served during the Battle of the Bulge.  He served in England, France, Germany, Austria, Holland, and most memorably at Bastogne, Belgium.  He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and a Unit Citation for Valor.

Jack worked at Flexsteel for 42 years advancing to position of General Supervisor, and retired in 1982.  In addition, he gardened to feed his 11 children and was involved in many volunteer activities from PTA when his children were in school to being elected Delegate to the Older Iowan’s Legislature in Des Moines, Manor Care Senior Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Month, President of Dubuque Area Council on Aging and Friendly Neighbors of Farley, Bankston and Epworth, board member of Scenic Valley Advisory Council, Project Concern and the Older American Planning Committees.  He established the Senior Citizen Meal Sites of Farley and Epworth, setting up the weekly meal service with Lucille, and delivering meals to shut-ins.  He enjoyed volunteer work and found it extremely rewarding.

He also enjoyed time with family and friends and spent time traveling, fishing, and playing cards, especially euchre and poker.

He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa and the Farley American Legion Post #656.

He is survived by eleven children, Ronald Hird of Marion, Carolyn Shaheen of Cedar Rapids, Robert (Cheryl) Hird and Norman Hird of Dubuque, Elaine (Bob) Hagge of Potosi, WI, Patricia Conrad of Earlville, Jeanne (Michael) Hopper of Terre Haute, IN, Kathleen Hines of Benton, WI, Nancy (Daniel) Waight of Galesburg, IL, John Hird (Friend Denice Jackson) of Volga, IA, James (Yvette) Hird of San Antonio, TX; 23 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren with another due shortly; a sister, Helen Fortney of Robbinsdale, MN.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lucille Hird on October 11, 2008; 4 brothers, Arthur, Walter C., Raymond and Harold; 5 sisters, Lucille, Luella A., Juanita, Luella B., and Marie; two daughters-in-law, Sharian Hird and Annette Hird, three sons-in-law, Richard “Dick” Conrad, Edward Hines, and Terry Wolfe; twin granddaughters, Sheila and Annette Hird; granddaughter-in-law, Amy Hird.

We would like to thank Riverbend of Cascade and Ennoble Manor and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Paul for their care of our Dad and support of our family.

View Video Tribute and give online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Terrence Cornelius

Terrance “Terry” Cornelius, 72, of Andrew, Iowa passed away after a brief time at Finely Hospital on December 26. His wife, Kim, and their oldest daughter were by his side during his passing.

Terrance Arthur Cornelius was born on August 25, 1948 in Clinton, Iowa, to Arthur and Ortha (Koehlert) Cornelius. He graduated from Andrew School in 1964, starting a lifelong career in farming outside of Andrew. In 1973, he married Kim Streeter and together they raised 3 daughters. Over the years, in addition to farming, Terry drove semi for several trucking companies, hauling milk for Campbell’s Trucking out of Preston, IA; and grain for Bullock’s Inc. in Maquoketa, IA. In his spare time, he loved spending time with family, gator rides on the farm, surfing the internet for tractor and vehicle deals, and going for coffee in “the big city”.

He was a hardworking and loving husband, father and grandfather. Terry was often considered a quiet person by people that didn’t know him, but those that were close to him were often serenaded with a random song lyric or “Terry-ism”.

Terry is survived by his wife Kim, and daughters: Tracey (Patrick) Till of Andrew, IA, Trisha (Shawn) Pickett of Andrew, IA, and Tara (James McDonald) Cornelius of Cedar Rapids, IA. He also leaves behind his six grandchildren Kate (Dan) Keen, Jacob Till, Kylie, Rylie, Quintin and Lincoln Pickett; and granddogs Bella and Chester.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Due to the Covid Pandemic, a private family service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o the Terry A. Cornelius Family.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Karl E. Justmann

Karl Edward Justmann, a wonderful man who was born in his home at 1135 Iowa St. on December 16th 1936, Dubuque IA. He lived 84 years enjoying family, friends, and life. He died peacefully at The Finley Hospital on Christmas Day 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic services will be private for the family and held Tuesday, December 29th at 11am at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Facebook page.

Karl proudly served in the Marine Corps. Karl retired from John Deere after 32 years.. He was known to have said that the first five minutes of retirement were the hardest but it got easier after that. He was married over 60 years to his wife Marianne (Fallon). They enjoyed each other’s company and laughed every day. Their most happy times were spent with their three sons and their wives, Timothy (Sara), Marc (Mary), and Christopher (Sarah), including the beautiful families they had. Karl was most proud of his five grandchildren, Celeste, Andrew, Angela, Meghan, and Charlie. Karl was often heard telling jokes, wiggling his glasses, and pretending his thumb had disappeared clean off his hand to giggling grandkids. He also loved and cherished his nieces and nephews and othe family members: Brad Bigelow, Mark Jeffers (Debbie), Karen Smith (Dave), Erika Rowell (Doug), Alexia Yaklin (Frank), Kurt Justmann, Carol McErlean Levin (Mike), Bill McErlean (Sue), Joan McErlean & Gabby Justmann. Without forgetting all of the great nieces and nephews that always brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & May (Latham) Justmann. His siblings, whom he loved dearly, C. Robert Justmann (Candy), Ginger Anderson, and Betty Bigelow (Bob). His brother and sister-in-law, Tom & Betty McErlean. His saddest day was the loss of his son Marc Justmann, whom he will now be happily reunited with.

We are grateful to all the staff at Hawkeye Care Center who graciously became Karl’s family outside of ours. Thanks to Dr. Cao and The Finley Hospital Staff for their care and compassion.

Mabel T. Schmitt

Mabel T. Schmitt, 92, of Galena, IL passed away Friday, December 25, 2020, at home surrounded by her loving family. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a private funeral mass will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Galena. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is in charge of arrangements.

She was born July 18, 1928, in East Dubuque, IL the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Reimenapp) Ames. Mabel married Vincent S. Schmitt on April 29, 1948, in East Dubuque and he preceded her in death. She worked at Flexsteel and retired from Frommelt Industries, Dubuque. Mabel was blessed with 92 years of a fulfilling life, she enjoyed fun with family and friends playing cards and dancing. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Mabel had a great love for her family, the Lord, and her country. She was a member of the Galena VFW Auxiliary and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her devoted children, Darlene (Terry) Leifker of Galena, David (Roxie) Schmitt of DeWitt, IA, Donnie (Doris) Schmitt of Galena, Jerry (Rita) Schmitt, of Coon Rapids, MN, Mary (Mike) Drapeau, of Bellevue, IA, Dawn (Dean) DeValk, of Princeton, MN, daughter in-law, Annette Schmitt of East Dubuque, her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Mabel was born the third of six children her surviving siblings, Marion (Harold) Fleege, Barbara (Virgil) Splinter, Rosie (Jim) Schulting and Fritz (Pat) Ames.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Steven, two grandsons, Jason, and Ryan Vincent Schmitt, her in laws, Marge (Allen) Beadle, Rita (Dick) Pillard, Melvin (Marion) Schmitt and Albert (Betty) Schmitt.

The family would like to share their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque especially Mariah for the wonderful care shown to our mother Mabel.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Anita E. Schepers

Anita E. Schepers, 100, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday morning, December 26, 2020 at Maquoketa Care Center.

A private family service will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no public visitation.

Anita Ernestine Busch was born March 2, 1920 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William and Marie Louise (Sieben) Busch.  The family moved to the Sieben family farm northwest of Lost Nation in the early 1930’s.  She graduated from Lost Nation High School in 1937 and Maquoketa Junior College in 1939.  She was a rural school teacher.  On August 22, 1954 she married Harold H. Schepers and they farmed in the Elwood area until they retired and moved to Maquoketa in 1987.

Anita was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and the Maquoketa Garden Club.  She taught Sunday school and held various offices in the church.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and feeding the birds and squirrels.

Anita is survived by her children, Alice (Dennis) Mans of Maquoketa, IA, and Lyle (Nancy) Schepers of Lost Nation, IA; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, her parents, a sister Pauline, and her twin brother Arnold.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o the Anita E. Schepers Family.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Marigold L. Patters

Marigold L. “Goldie” Patters, 91, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 25, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday December 27, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Marigold ‘s family.

The Funeral Service for Goldie will be 10:30 AM Monday, December 28, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Penelope Knutsen officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque next to her beloved husband. 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.

Goldie was born October 6, 1929, in Dubuque, the daughter of Kirtland and Pearl (Witter)  Robey. On July 26, 1947, she married Kelsey W. “Cal” Patters in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on December 30, 2006. They had five children, Karen (Joe) Rodasta, Ken (Judy) Patters, Kathy (Ron) Gorman and Kirt Patters, all of Dubuque, and Keith (Peggy) Patters, of Marion. She had 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and many great great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her two brothers, Harlan (Dorothy) Robey and Leroy Robey; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Goldie was an amazing woman who was the heart and glue of her family. She inspired them all by going back to high school and then nursing school at the age of 44. She took an early retirement in 1986 so she and Cal could travel every winter for many years to Yuma, Arizona.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all. Her family meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. She loved a good game of dominos with the kids or grandkids, shopping, puzzles, and of course, her many trips to the Casino.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cal; brother Stanley (Bernice) Robey; two sisters, Lila (Ed) Marshall, Adele (Bob) Knockel; and step grandson, Zach Samek.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center, especially Cookie and Ellen for all their love and care they gave mom.

“True was her heart, her actions kind, her life was a pattern to those left behind.”

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

Bobbi Alpers

Bobbi Alpers, a jurist who became the first female Chief Judge of a Judicial District in Iowa state history died Thursday, December 24, 2020 of complications of Alzheimer’s at her home in rural Jackson County.

Due to Covid-19 concerns there will be neither a visitation nor memorial service. A private burial will take place and in 2021 a celebration of Bobbi’s time on earth will be announced.

Bobbi’s family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary assistance and loving care offered by Hospice of Jackson County in her final days.

Born September 10, 1951 in Vinton, Iowa to Harold & Dorothy Alpers. Even as a child she exhibited a nurturing nature and extraordinary leadership skills, playing the role of schoolteacher to a classroom of two, her younger sister and brother.

Bobbi became expert at adapting to a continually shifting landscape, as her father transferred often for his job. Consequently she attended schools in Vinton, Manchester, Fort Dodge, Cresco and, finally, Maquoketa where she graduated with the Class of 1970.

Four years later she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dubuque with a double major in English & French with a minor in history. In 2013 she was named an Alumna of Distinction at the university.

Bobbi taught middle school English in Forest City for a year before returning to school at the University of Iowa where she earned a Master’s Degree in English. She was offered a position as a high school English teacher in the Pleasant Valley School District, where she stayed until 1980, when a new career beckoned.

In 1983 she graduated from the University of Iowa Law School, and was immediately offered a position as a judicial law clerk in the 7^th Judicial District in Davenport, Iowa.

Eventually she worked as an Assistant County Attorney, before opening her own practice. She was chosen to be a Judicial Magistrate in Scott County and in 1990 was chosen by the governor to be a District Court Judge. At the time she was the only female judge in the five-county 7^th Judicial District.

In 2007 the Iowa Supreme Court chose her to be the Chief Judge of the District, the first female to become a Chief Judge of a district in the century-and-a-half of Iowa’s legal system. She was a terrific, empathetic, compassionate judge and was unsurpassed as a kind, thoughtful human being. Clark Kauffman of the Iowa Capital Dispatch wrote: “No matter where I saw her – at the courthouse or elsewhere – Bobbi was always the most engaged, energetic and smartest person in the room.”She married Kurt Ullrich in 1983.

She is survived by her sister Peggy of Oak Lawn, IL, and brother Mikel of Wood Dale, IL.  Additional survivors include a niece and two nephews.

Harold M. Nimmick

Harold Malcolm Nimmick, 95, of Asbury, died Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at his home in Asbury.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Harold’s family.

The Funeral Service for Harold will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. 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.

Harold was born May 21, 1925, in Valley City, ND, the son of August and Irene (Kapaun) Nimmick. On May 28, 1949, he married Anna Mae Ricke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on June 28, 1995.

He graduated from Wadena High School in Minnesota. In his early years farming was his livliehood; although, Harold retired from John Deere Works Dubuque after 41 years.

In his younger years, Harold enjoyed summers at his cottage on the Mississippi River with his wife and family. He was also fond of boating, fishing, and hunting.

Survivors include one son, Michael L. Nimmick of Elkhorn, WI; one daughter, Michele L. (Timothy) Bleymeyer of Hazel Green, WI; grandson Tanner Bleymeyer; and sister, Lola Fletcher of Clinton, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale; two sisters Donna and Elaine (Donald); sister-in-law, Dee; and brother-in-law, Farrell.

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

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

Elaine Fitzpatrick Witt

Elaine Fitzpatrick Witt, 92 of Dubuque, IA passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Visitation will be from 9:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church Key West, where Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30a.m. with Fr. Rodney Ahlers officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Facemask will be required and social distancing must be observed. The service will be livestreamed on the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory Facebook page.

Elaine was born on November 28, 1928 in Saint Catherine Iowa, the daughter of Oscar and Angeline Noel. She was the last member of the family and was preceded in death by her siblings Omer and Louis Noel, Bernice Ferris, Helen Brockman, and Margarite Green Sanford.

On May 25, 1949 she married Joseph J. Fitzpatrick and they had five children together, Janice Aiels of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, James (Gail) Fitzpatrick of Le Seuer, MN, Douglas (Cindy) Fitzpatrick of Dubuque, Luann (Rodney) Langel of Urbandale, IA, and Kathy (Jeffery) West of Dubuque. Joseph preceded her in death on April 11, 1979.

Elaine later married Leonard Witt on March 20, 1981 and brought together his family to join hers. Her step-children include Carey (Dori) Witt, in Texas, Jamie (Trish) Witt in TN, Holly (Chris) Allen of NJ, and Dana Witt who is deceased. Elaine also has 25 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and one Great-great Grandchild.

Elaine enjoyed many pursuits in her long life. She loved cooking, gardening, and sewing. Elaine taught tailoring classes at NICC. She loved to square dance, travel and watch wildlife on her farm. We will miss her beautiful smile and loving spirit.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they gave to Elaine.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

Jodi L. Dodds

Jodi L. Dodds, 53, of Spragueville, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020, at her home.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Jodi’s life will be held 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Bridgeport Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Jodi Lynn Baresel was born on August 7, 1967 in Jackson County, Iowa, to William and Janice (Ostert) Baresel.  She attended Andrew Community Schools.  She married Rodney H. Dodds on August 17, 1985 in Andrew, Iowa.

Jodi had cleaned houses in the Maquoketa area for many years.  She had also worked at DAC, Inc. and APAC in Maquoketa for several years.

Jodi was an avid collector of angels and believed strongly in the afterlife and spending eternity with her babies. She enjoyed riding motorcycles with Rod and listening to live music.  She especially loved spending time with ALL of her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Rodney Dodds of Spragueville, IA; her parents, William and Janice Baresel of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Jerry (and fiance Lori) Baresel of Andrew, IA, Pam Burckart of Maquoketa, IA, and Brenda (and fiance Ken Tranel) Heuer of Cuba City, WI; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Paul Reuss; step-mother-in-law, Joyce Dodds; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dawn Fuehring, Denise Reuss, Robin Dodds, Scott Holdgrafer, Anthony Holdgrafer, John Holdgrafer, Michael Holdgrafer, and Dustin Reuss; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, father-in-law Roderick Dodds, and brother-in-law Bruce Heuer.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o Jodi L. Dodds Family.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Howard P. Schuster

Howard P. Schuster, 93, of Dyersville passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood.

A private graveside burial service of both Howard & Delpha will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Earlville.  Formal public services will be held at a later date.

Howard was born May 26, 1927, in Bernard, Iowa, the son of John H. and Anna (Takes) Schuster.  He married Delpha Smith on October 9, 1948, in Fort Dodge.  He served in the Merchant Marines as a radio operator, and had a 40 year career at Crescent Electric.

Howard was a great storyteller which translated into a position as the author and editor of the Our Family Matters Newsletter.  He enjoyed the outdoors, often going fishing and sharing a mean martini around the campfire.

Survivors include his children: Randall (Debbie) Schuster of North Buena Vista, Michele (John) McNulty of Ireland, Mary (Darrel) Willadsen of Oregon, WI, and Pam (Tony) Ostwinkle of Edgewood; 15 grandchildren: Erin Gilbertson, Abby Turner, Jill Harron, Samson Butler, Daniel Butler, Frances McNulty, Emma McNulty, Erin Duggan Hoeger, Rachel Mueller, Chelsea Willadsen, Callie Ostwinkle, Lillian Ostwinkle, Elsie Ostwinkle, Sarah Ostwinkle, Benjamin Ostwinkle; 13 great grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, Marie Schuster of Dyersville, son-in-law, Dean Butler of Dubuque; in-laws: Phyllis (Bob) Schumacher, Paul (friend Judy) Smith, Ramona Smith and Bill Hotek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife earlier this year, Delpha, children: Mark Schuster and Patricia Butler; siblings: Francis “Jake” Schuster (first wife, Marge, second wife, Lorraine), Joseph Schuster, Wilfred (Betty) Schuster, Melvin Schuster and Earl Schuster; in-laws: Leland Smith, Vincent (Rosanne) Smith, Pauline Hotek and Dennis (Voya) Smith.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards for the Schuster family may be mailed in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Arden L. Woodrum

Arden Lee Woodrum, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020. Arden passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with cancer.

Arden was born July 17, 1929 in Geneseo, IL to Elmer and Arlene Heller Woodrum. Arden married Dolores Nelson in 1950 and had two sons. Arden served his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He then studied at the Spartan School of Aeronautics and went to work for John Deere, retiring in 1988, as general supervisor. Arden married Elaine Greenfield in 1976.

Arden was an active member at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving on Session, serving as a moderator of John Knox Presbytery, and singing in the church choir. Arden and Elaine were very active bicyclists and spent many happy hours pedaling in the U.S. and other countries. Arden enjoyed a challenging bicycle ride with three friends, starting on the west coast and finishing in Iowa where he joined Elaine on Ragbrai. Arden was instrumental in the development of the Heritage Bicycle Trail. Arden and Elaine were also motor home enthusiasts and in Arden’s later years, he enjoyed motorcycling. Arden enjoyed all of his family and cherished the time he spent with them.

Arden is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Elaine, two sons: Brian Woodrum of Seattle, WA and Doug Woodrum (Linda) of Mill Valley, CA, four step children: Kathe Rusher (Neal) of Mesa, AZ, Sue Butt (Steve) of Dubuque, IA, Joan Riedsma (Tony) of Holland, MI and Tim Greenfield (Kirsten) of Dubuque, IA, fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held February 6, 2021 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation at 10:00 am and service at 10:30 am. The service will be live-streamed at wpcdbq.org

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque, Iowa, Hospice of Dubuque, or Camp Wyoming in Wyoming, Iowa.

Please leave a tribute to Arden, your sentiments, or a note to his family at: ardenwoodrum.com

Anne R. Leute Wilson

Anne Frances Leute Wilson lived an incredible life and departed it to join her beloved husband of 52 years, Thomas Charles Wilson on December 21, 2020. In true Anne fashion, she left on her own terms in her own time. Her last days were filled with grace and laughs and love and music, surrounded by her three children Amy, Charlie and Brendan—exactly how God intended.

Anne was born and raised in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Ag and Charlie Leute and the oldest of six siblings. She inherited her parents’ gifts of generosity,  frankness, laughter, music, and a good game of euchre. She devoted her life to fighting for those she loved, including the orphans, the mentally ill, the underdogs, the women of her generation, the members of her family, and the University of Notre Dame football team.

Anne lived a breathtaking life. She tried every new food, welcomed every stranger, stopped at every scenic overlook, sang every day, and embraced every opportunity to learn something new. She spent her life caring for others, earning multiple degrees, raising her children, sharing her gifts, singing her heart out, seeing the world, and laughing as often as possible. She wanted to try it all, and she swept her family and friends along with her joyous enthusiasm.  Her appetite for life was matched only by her appetite for ice cream.

Later in life, dementia began to overtake her. She did not succumb without a fight, but over the final years she truly forgot all the people and places that meant so much to her. The tragedy of losing her memory was balanced, however, by the grace-filled joy of allowing others to take care of her for the first time in her life. Her natural sweetness and gratitude blossomed as her memory faded and she was Anne even to the end: still rolling her eyes at Tom and lighting up at the mere sound of his voice.

Even with her dementia, she found great pleasure in her grandchildren Ellen, Marcellus, Thomas, Patrick, Peter, Damien, Anna, and baby Stephen. She loved her daughters-in-law Julia and Amy P. and her son-in-law Frank. She was devoted to her sisters Rosemary and Carolyn and her brothers Chuck, Bobby and Marc. She was immensely proud of her children and relieved they turned out okay. She was cherished by her amazing husband Tom, who predeceased her in 2019.

Anne believed in beautiful music, good grammar, family first, talking to strangers, occasional punctuality, speaking the truth, hearty laughs, voracious reading, polka dancing, competence, gratitude, sharing, and living her faith through action. She died as courageously as she lived and will surely be united with Tom at the correct exit in heaven.

The family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional care Anne received at Eagle Crest South Community and from the nursing staff on the 6th floor at Gunderson Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Heartfelt thanks also to Dr. Steve and Jeanne Pavela, who blessed Tom and Anne with their wonderful kindness and special magic.

A private Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 in Mary Mother of the Church Parish. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate with entombment to be held in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may live stream the mass at http://mmoclacrosse.org/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Candian Mental Health Association of Ontario or to Catholic Charities of LaCrosse, WI.

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com

Wanetta B. Nims

Wanetta B. Nims, 94, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Wanetta’s life will be held 1:30 P.M., Monday, December 28, 2020 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., Monday, December 28, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Wanetta Barbara Entringer was born on May 23, 1926 in Jackson County, Iowa, to William and Cecile (Clark) Entringer.  She attended Maquoketa Schools.  She married Vernon “Spud” Nims Sr. on July 28, 1943 in Riverside, California.  A son, Vernon Jr. was born to this union.

Wanetta had first worked for the South Bend Lure Company, Clinton Engines, and Kirchhoff Locker. She then farmed with her husband for many years and was the bookkeeper for Nims Garden and the rental houses they owned.

Wanetta was a member of the Codfish Hollow Saddle Club.  She was an avid horse lover and rider. She enjoyed cards, playing the electric guitar, and going on the Maquoketa State Bank bus trips.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include a son, Vernon “Bub” (Robin) Nims Jr. of Maquoketa, IA; 3 grandchildren, Holly (Scott) Collins, Megan (Kyle) Simmons, and Michael (Birdgette Goetzinger) Nims; and 2 great-grandchildren, Dylan Monroe and Bryant Simmons.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Vernon “Spud” Nims Sr. on October 1, 2012.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Jackson County Humane Society.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.