Obituaries Archive

Ronald R. Kracke

Ronald R. Kracke, 71, of Dubuque, formerly of Belmont, Platteville, and Dickeyville, WI, passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 at home with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Holy Ghost Church-Holy Spirit Pastorate with Fr. Steven Garner officiating.  Burial will be in the Belmont, WI Cemetery. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook Page. The family asks that you follow social distancing guidelines, wear a facemask, and observe capacity limits due to the Covid-19 virus.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 –p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Ron was born on September 1, 1949 at Belmont, WI, the son of Raymond H. and Delores L. (Grassel) Kracke.  He was united in marriage to Sandra K. Knautz on September 13, 1969 at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, IL.

Ron was a graduate of Cuba City High School, the class of 1968. He was employed by the State of Iowa – Department of Corrections at Anamosa and Dubuque until his retirement. Ron enjoyed going to the casino, fishing, and trapshooting. He was a former member of the Dickeyville Jaycees, the Eagles Club, and the American Federation of Public Employees Union.

Surviving is his wife, Sandra; two daughters, Carrie Ann Kracke (Jeremy Lenz) of Dubuque, and Marie (Clifford A.) McGinnis of Cassville, WI; a grandson, Zachary (Hope) Kracke of Dubuque; a sister, Elaine (Robert) Carns of Potosi, WI.; his in-laws, Madonna Beyer and Julius C. Knautz both of Galena, Shirley (Arlen) Morris of Thief River Falls, MN, Duane Knautz of Dodgeville, WI; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Delores, and two sisters, Karen and Beverly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Holy Ghost Church.

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

Sandy and family wish to give special thanks to Dr. Mark Hermann and staff, and the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque for the kind and compassionate care given to Ron.

Warren M. Spahn

Warren M. Spahn, 58, of Dubuque, IA, passed away at 9:58 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Unity Point Health-The Finley Hospital.

Due to the Covid-19 virus, there will be no public visitation at this time. A celebration of Warren’s life will be at a later date this summer. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is assisting the family.

Warren was born on June 29, 1962 in Dubuque, the son of Joseph F. and Shirley A. (Hines) Spahn.  He was a graduate of Hempstead High School, the class of 1980.

Warren worked at Flexsteel Industries for approximately 30 plus years. He was a member of the Upholsters Union.  Warren loved to go hunting, fishing, and playing golf on Play-Station and Nintendo.

Surviving are five siblings, Suzanne Burke of Freeport, IL, Sharon Stratton of Dubuque, Mike (Liz) Spahn of Longmont, CO, Sheila Spahn of Dubuque, and Jolene Bastian of Hanover, IL; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Shirley.

Warren’s family would like to give special thanks to his friends for all of their care and concern, and to the nurses and staff at Finley ICU for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, a Warren Spahn memorial fund has been established. Memorials may be mailed to Miller Funeral Home, Attn: The Warren Spahn Family, 1185 Highway 35 N., East Dubuque, IL 61025.

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

Phyllis E. Moser

Phyllis Eloise Moser, 90, of Dubuque, passed away Friday, April 23, 2021. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home 2659 Kennedy Road.  Private services for the family will be held at a later date with burial in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Phyllis was born May 31, 1930 in New Diggings, WI, the daughter of Alfred and Alice (Haser) Thompson. She married Fred Moser on November 25, 1948 in Galena, IL. He preceded her in death on July 10, 2010.

Phyllis graduated from Scales Mound, Illinois High School and enjoyed living in Texas while her husband was serving in the Air Force.  She worked and served for much of her life in the healthcare industry.  She took particular pride in volunteering in her church and community, being recognized with various awards, including the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1992.

Surviving are sons, Galyn (Sherri) Moser, Brett (Alicia) Moser, Kendall (Sandra) Moser; daughter, Malena (Mark) Davis and daughter in law, Terri Moser.  She has ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two more due this year.

She was also preceded in death two sons, Kyle and Dayna Moser and her sister and brother in law Shirley and Donald Ring.

The family wishes to recognize her granddaughter, Courtney, for the loving care she provided.  Also, a thank you is extended to Hospice of Dubuque for the many services they offered over the last two months.

Memorials may be made in Phyllis’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

Shirley M. Mihalakis

Shirley M. Mihalakis, age 83, of Dubuque, passed away at 10:52 a.m., on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.  To honor Shirley’s life, graveside committal services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., with Deacon John Stierman officiating.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Shirley was born on December 12, 1937, in Dubuque, daughter of William and Edna (Maas) Shaffer. She attended school in Dubuque and tended bar for a number of years at the Airport Inn.

Shirley married Phillip J. Mihalakis on July 3, 1965, in Galena, IL. He preceded her in death in May of 1992. Shirley and Phillip operated the Log Cabin Bar just across the toll bridge in Wisconsin. They also owned and operated the River City Tap in Dubuque until 1991. After Phillip’s death in 1992, Shirley began working in janitorial services at Sears in Dubuque, retiring in 2000.

In 1999, she began spending time with Pete Schwartz and his family, and they have been enjoying each others’ company for the last 22 years. Many of those years were spent on the water with a fishing pole in her hand pursuing her passion for fishing. When she and Pete were not on the water together, they enjoyed a good meal and a friendly game of cards with friends. Spending quality time with family and friends was one of Shirley’s great joys, and she will be missed by all who enjoyed her company.

Those left to cherish Shirley’s memory include

her long time friend and companion, Pete Schwartz and his family;

her brothers,
Clarence Shaffer,
James (Rose) Shaffer
and Harold (Sue) Shaffer, all of Dubuque, Iowa;

and all of her greatly loved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; and her siblings, Alice, Irvin, Donald, John “Jack”, Rita, Mary, Lorraine, Leonard, Richard “Dick” and William.

Thank you to Stephany Schwartz and Jenny Schwartz who lovingly cared for Shirley.

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

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

Cyril N. Friedman

Cyril N. “Bud/Cy” Friedman, 90, of Luther Oaks Senior Living Facility, Bloomington, IL passed away at 5:15 am, April 22, 2021, at Luther Oaks, surrounded by his family and friends.

Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Peosta, IA.   Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.   Friends may call on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 11:00am for visitation prior to the 11:00am funeral mass at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta.  Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect current social distancing requirements.  If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit St. Elizabeth Pastorate Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stelizabethpastorate/) where access to the mass will be live-streamed, or visit www.behrfuneralhome.com to leave a note.

He was born on August 7, 1930 in Luxemburg, IA, son of Clem and Theresa (Hoffman) Friedman.  Cy farmed with his Dad prior to serving in the army at the rank of corporal during the Korean war.  Cy married Katharine Bergfeld on Dec. 26, 1959 at St. Mary’s Church, Lamont.  In 1960 they moved to Dubuque, where he worked at John Deere for 31 years.  He was very proud that he never missed a day of work in 31 years.  He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years, and an active member of the church. He served on the parish council and board of education, assisted with capital campaigns, was a Eucharistic Minister and choir member, visited the sick, and was a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Legion of Mary.

Cy had a love of music, especially polka, was an avid Cub and Hawkeye fan, enjoyed playing euchre, taking daily walks, reading and spending time with family.

He will forever be loved and cherished by his four daughters, Ann (Jerry) Smith, of Brookfield, WI; Margaret “Peg” (Doug) Fields, of Houston, Patricia (Steve) Dickes, of Cedar Rapids, and Marie (Dave) Blaser, of Bloomington, Il; nine grandchildren, Amanda Nemec, Emily Smith, Jack and Alex Fields. Sarah and Jenny Dickes and Tim, Katie and Tina Blaser; and three siblings, Lucille Goedken, Eileen Thompson, and Sr. Madonna Friedman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, (Katharine Friedman), and five siblings, Cletus Friedman, Lavonne Breckenfelder, Mary Rasmussen, Jim Friedman, and Robert Friedman.

A special thank-you to caring staff and friends at Luther Oaks, the caretakers at Transitions Hospice, Fr. Schultz, Fr. Martin and the Best Small Group Ever at St. Patrick Church of Merna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Life Communities Foundation https://www.lutheroaks.org/donate or Transitions Hospice Peoria, 1551 Bond St., Suite 143, Naperville, IL 60563.

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

Patricia H. Mulrooney

Patricia H. “Patti” Mulrooney, 73, of Dubuque, died Thursday, April 22, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, April 26, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Masks are required, and we ask that you 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 Patti’s family.

The Funeral Service for Patti will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Matt Collins officiating. Masks are required, and we ask that you please respect our current social distancing requirements. 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.

Patti was born February 23, 1948, in Wilmington, DE, the daughter of Verner “Dale” and Adaline Roselle Heller. On November 20, 1976, she married Edward A. Mulrooney III in New Castle, DE.

She was a homemaker.

She was of the Christian faith. She grew up with her family in the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes and Crematory in New Castle, DE. She enjoyed reading, painting, needle point, and crocheting. Most of all, she loved being a grandma.

Survivors include her husband, Ed; three children, Heather (Bradley) Mulrooney-Conway, Shannon (Michelle) Mulrooney, and Tara (Nick Matous) Mulrooney, all of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Aidan and Charles; one brother, Gary (Jane) Heller of New Castle, DE; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one nephew, Shawn Mulrooney.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to Finley Hospital and Dubuque Fire Department and EMT Ambulance Paramedics.

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

Theresa Simon

Theresa “TC”, “Red” (Wiederholt) Simon, 61, of East Dubuque, died Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT of a stroke.

Visitation will be 8:30 am until 10:30 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Masks are required, and we ask that you 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 Theresa’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Roberta will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant.

Theresa was born August 27, 1959, in Dubuque, the daughter of Robert and Donna (Hohnecker) Wiederholt. On November 18, 1981, she married Roger Simon in Washington.

She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 1977 and Clarke University in 2000.

Theresa was a financial assistant for the Dubuque Community YMCA.  She also worked at Albrecht Acres and AMACO.

Theresa loved gardening, especially her pumpkin patch, which she donated the pumpkins to the Y for the children to decorate.  She was a huge Fighting Saints Hockey fan and she loved to travel with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Simon of East Dubuque, IL; children, Andrew (Elizabeth) Simon of Dubuque, Amber (Nicholas) Heady of LeClaire, IA; grandchildren, Natalie Konzen, Logan Simon, Morgan Simon, Alexandria Simon, Nick Heady, Jr. and Zoey Simon; her parents, Robert and Donna Wiederholt of Dubuque; one sister, Rosalyn Langkamp of East Dubuque, IL; two brothers, Alan (Karen) Wiederholt of Honolulu, HI and Peter (Kelly) Wiederholt of O’Fallon, IL; numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Roberta Wiederholt on March 26, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to your local YMCA or the charity of your choice.

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

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

Roberta Wiederholt

Roberta “Doc Bert” Wiederholt, DVM, 57, of Chester, CA, died Friday, March 26, 2021, in Chico, CA as a result of a stroke.

Visitation will be 8:30 am until 10:30 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Masks are required, and we ask that you 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 Roberta’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Roberta will be 10:30 am, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Roberta was born October 28, 1963, in Dubuque, the daughter of Robert R. and Donna (Hohnecker) Wiederholt.

She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 1982, Wartburg College in 1986 and Iowa State University with her Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine in 1990.

Roberta loved horseback riding, singing the National Anthem at local rodeos, baking cheesecakes and giving back to her community.  She owned and operated Chester Veterinary Clinic for over 20 years.  Roberta loved caring for the animals and rescuing them.

Survivors include her parents, Robert R. and Donna Wiederholt of Dubuque; two sisters, Rosalyn Langkamp of East Dubuque, IL and Theresa (Roger) Simon of East Dubuque, IL; two brothers, Alan (Karen) Wiederholt of Honolulu, HI and Peter (Kelly) Wiederholt of O’Fallon, IL; eight nieces & nephews and 11 great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter or humane society.

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

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

Nolan S. Hollaway

Nolan Scott Hollaway, age 13, of Guttenberg, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on April 19, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, in the loving arms of his mother.  To honor Nolan’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Nolan’s family.

Nolan arrived in this world on December 19, 2007, in Guttenberg, Iowa, the beautiful son of Scott and Susan (Anderson) Hollaway.  None of us were prepared for the challenges and blessings which would lie ahead, but we are forever grateful for each and every one of them.  Nolan virtually attended Clayton Ridge Middle School in Guttenberg. People seemed drawn to Nolan by his magnetic personality. He seemed to touch everyone he met. Nolan loved his family, friends, dogs, and camping in his big, big camper.  It’s impossible to put into words the true essence of love which Nolan possessed, but we know now that the world will definitely be a little darker without him.  Thank you, Nolan, for teaching us all what the truly valuable things in this life really are and may the Lord keep you at peace in His loving arms until we join you again one day.  God Bless You Nolan!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Nolan include,

his loving parents,
Scott (Susan) Hollaway, Guttenberg, Iowa;

his grandparents,
Darlene Hollaway, Guttenberg, Iowa,
and Richard “Pop” (Sharon “Mimi”) Anderson, Port Charlotte, Florida;

his aunts and uncles,
Karen (Jimmy) Montgomery, Cortland, Illinois,
Jeff (Michelle) Anderson, Deerfield Beach, Florida,
and Nickie (Ken) Linbeck, Leaf River, Illinois;

his cousins,
Derek Montgomery, Andrew Montgomery, R.J. Hampton, Ryan Anderson, and Kaden Linbeck;

his devoted friends and caregivers,
Aunt Erin and Uncle B (Brian) Hall, Monticello, Iowa;

along with numerous extended family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers.

Nolan was preceded in death by his grandpa, John Hollaway.

Nolan’s family would like to thank his entire Care Team at the U of I, Dr. Jeffrey Hoffmann and his faithful team at home, Clayton Ridge School system, nurses and caregivers Julie, Nikki, Gma, Aunt Erin, and Uncle B.  We cannot begin to articulate just how grateful we are that the Lord brought all of you into our lives to walk alongside Nolan throughout his 13 years among us.  Your love, devotion, commitment, compassion, and sacrifices have delivered more love and light into our world than you could ever realize.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may the Lord bless all of you for your kindnesses!

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

Jeanette L. (Summer) Gieseman

Jeanette L. “Janet” (Summer) Gieseman, 77, of Peosta, IA passed away on April 19, 2021 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Private family burial will be in Ebenezer Cemetery, Wingville Township, WI.

Janet was born on August 1, 1943 in Epworth, IA the daughter of Leonard and Florence (Bonert) Summer. She attended St. Clements School, Bankston, IA; and retired from Dubuque Stamping Company as a Machinist in 2008.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and dancing, winning many dancing contests with her significant other, Bob, over the years.

She is survived by her children, Lisa (Wayne) Bergfeld, Bernard, IA, and their children Megan and Dylan Bergfeld; Jody (Sean) Williams, Cedar Falls, IA their son Connor Williams; Dan (Oksana) Gieseman, Ames, IA, and their son Leo Gieseman; daughter-in-law Julie Gieseman, and her daughter Kira Gieseman. She is also survived by her sisters: Carol Errthum, Magdalen Lopata, and Norma (Jim) Perry, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by: Her son Dean Gieseman; significant other, Robert Witzig; her brother, Kenneth (Elaine) Summer; Brothers-in-law Gill Lopata, Gene Hannan, and Allen Errthum.

A special thank-you to Finely Home-Care, Medical Associates, and Mercy One Staff for their love and care.

Lorraine M. (Mangler) Knief

Lorraine M. (Mangler) Knief, 90, of Bellevue, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center.  Funeral Service will be 11:00 am, Monday, April 26, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. Donatus.  Visitation will be 10:00 am until service time on also on Monday at the church.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in St. Donatus.

Funeral Services will be livestreamed on St. Paul’s and St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus Facebook Page (facebook.com/StPaulsStJohns)

Please utilize facemasks during the services at church and respect social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Lorraine was born December 20, 1930 in Green Island, the daughter of Frank and Letha (Krumviede) Mangler.  She graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1949 and worked as a switchboard operator after high school.  Lorraine married Verle L. Knief on April 11, 1951, he passed on July 29, 1996.  She raised her children, helped on the farm, and worked at Mill Valley Care Center for 25 years.  Lorraine enjoyed sewing, embroidery, playing cards, shuffleboard, and Statler Brothers music.  Verle and Lorraine also travel to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota to see Lawrence Welk.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Jan) Knief , Gary Knief, Ron Knief, and Diane (Mike) Wallace; 5 grandchildren, Josh, Jeremy, Nicole (Willie) Hansen, Carrie, and Kenny (Lori); 5 great-grandchildren, Nathan, Abby, Alex, Kelsey, and Josie; 2 great-great grandchildren, Zoey and Dylan; sisters in-law, Donna (Willard) Felderman and Loreen Schoope; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; an infant daughter, Carolyn; 6 brothers; and 2 sisters.

A memorial fund has been established in Lorraine’s memory.

If you are unable to attend services; memorial and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o Lorraine Knief family.

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

Judy A. Geistkemper

Judy Ann Geistkemper, 73, of Dyersville passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at her home. Her heart, overfilled with love, decided it was time to take a rest.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where American Legion Auxiliary will conduct a rosary at 4 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. The livestream link for Judy’s funeral is: https://youtu.be/CiZDC4d2AbA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with a committal service in the church cemetery. Private burial will be at a later date. Masks and social distancing at all events is encouraged.

Judy was born October 28, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa the daughter of Donald “Butch” and Lucille (Urbain) Healy of Placid. She married David Geistkemper on September 27, 1969, at St. Patrick Church in Epworth.

Judy worked at American Trust & Savings Bank before retiring. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially following the grandchildren with their events. She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed volunteering at the Bingo sessions at Oak Crest Manor.

Survivors include her husband, Dave, children: Lisa (Scott) Spoden of Crystal Lake, IL, Jeff (Cheryl) Geistkemper of Solon, Doug (Kim) Geistkemper of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren: Tanner and Haley Spoden, Lauren and Ryan Geistkemper, Sofie, Lexi, Clover and Tallulah Geistkemper; siblings: Joyce McQuillen of Plattsmouth, NE and Jim (Shirley) Healy of Dubuque; in-laws: John Geistkemper of Earlville, Carol Grawe of Dubuque, Marilyn (Lyle) Andersen of Springville, Betty (Steve) Gassmann of Indianola, Jean (Jim) Woolf of Delhi, Joe (Barb) Geistkemper of Earlville, Tom (Nadina) Geistkemper of Blairstown and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, Herman and Annetta Geistkemper,
in-laws: Tom McQuillen, Carla Geistkemper and Donald Grawe.

Judy’s family would like to thank Dr. Schreiber, Unity Point at Home, and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

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

Sister Helen Marie Macatee, BVM

Sister Helen Marie Macatee, BVM, 93, of The Gables, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, April 19, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Visitation in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel will follow immediately until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Helen Marie was an elementary teacher in Fort Dodge and Muscatine, Iowa; Chicago; St. Louis; Hempstead and West Hempstead, N.Y.; Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., and North Hollywood and Santa Ana, Calif. She ministered as a secondary teacher at missions in Zimbabwe, Africa. She served the congregation as a nurse and a driver.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1927, in Hollywood, Calif., to Claude and Helen Schmitz Macatee. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1947, from Holy Trinity Parish, Los Angeles. She professed first vows on March 19, 1950, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Claude and Robert Macatee; sisters: Rose Marie Wilhelm, Margaret Macatee, Helen Schmitt, Lisbeth Anderson, Patricia Thompson and Gloria Macatee. She is survived by a brother Leonard Macatee, Anchorage, Alaska; a sister-in-law Barbara Macatee, Pahoa, Hawaii; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 73 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Susan A. Hutton

I have lived a simple, but beautiful life. I was born in Council Bluffs on February 14, 1939, and my parents, Cleo (Al) and Ruth Robey, and my brother Doug loved and supported me through every up and occasional down of my life. My dad was quiet, smart, and loving, and he provided us with a great home. My mom always said I was his sweetheart – and not just on Valentine’s Day! My mom was under 5 feet tall, but was always the biggest personality in the room. She filled our home with energy and love. Doug was a few years older than me, but when we started our own families, we grew to be very close. Doug, his wife Ann, and their five kids always made “Aunt Susie” and my kids feel at home when we visited them in Omaha.

I met a handsome boy named Tom at Iowa State Teachers College where I earned my teaching certificate. We married in 1960 and moved to Marshalltown. I left my job teaching second grade in Eldora for the best job I ever had…being a mom. Craig was born in 1961, a year later Bruce was born, Brian a year after that, and Brent a year and a half after that. My boys and I spent a lot of time in the bleachers in the Elk Horn gym where Tom taught and coached girls’ basketball. My boys always wished for a sister when breaking wishbones, and in 1971 their wishes came true when Jill was born.

It was a lot of work feeding them, getting them ready for school and to all their activities, and breaking up the “occasional” fight, all while also working at Sunshine Preschool. I spent a lot more time in the bleachers watching them at football, basketball, and softball games, and listening to them at band and vocal concerts. But like I said, it was the best job I ever had.

My family grew quickly when my kids found the beautiful women who became my daughters-in-law and had kids of their own. Craig and Brenda (Bock) have five kids, Bruce and Dena (Heneke) have two boys, Brian and his first wife, Sue (Witt), have 3 kids, and Brian and Becky (Ince) have a girl. Brent and Shelly (Beauchamp) have two kids, and Jill has two girls. I adore my 5 great-grandkids and love that my kids stayed close to home so I can see everyone so often. Plus, I got to spend even more time in the bleachers, cheering on my grandkids. Susie (Witt) Hutton has kept in touch and I always enjoyed her visits and calls. I’m so happy that Jill found David Neuman, who I consider part of my family.

I’ve been so lucky to make close friends that filled my life with memories. Playing “crack the whip” with childhood friends on the ice-skating rink near my home in Council Bluffs. Singing in the girl’s pep club at Abraham Lincoln High School. Clowning around on the college campus. Laughing (loudly) around the table with the great friends I made when living in Elk Horn and stayed close with after we all moved away.
I taught at Sunshine Preschool for 35 years and remain friends with the amazing ladies who worked there. We shared a lot of laughs and a few crazy times behind the scenes. (Ask them about the goat story.) Know that I care for each of you deeply and cherish your friendship. Many of the Sunshine kids I taught are now friends who give me a hug and call me Grandma Sue. I made a lot of fantastic new friends working at Walmart for 29 years. They kept me young and entertained. Plus, I got to see everyone in town…because everyone shops at Walmart!

In the end, pancreatic cancer played the bad guy, and unlike in fairy tales, the heroine couldn’t be rescued. I appreciated all the cards, phone calls, visits and well wishes as I struggled with my illness. I’m sorry if I wasn’t great company towards the end, but you brightened even my darkest days and helped me remember better times.

In lieu of flowers, please do whatever you can to make a child’s day better. Volunteer at a local school or daycare. Hug your kids or call them and tell them you love them. Read a book to your grandkids. Donate to a charity that helps children get a better education, meals, or clothes. When you see my kids, please share a story they might not have heard. And plant some bubble gum petunias to brighten your home and think about me every time you water them.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021, from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Burial will be on Tuesday, April 27 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa.
Face masks will be required. Please follow social distancing guidelines during the visitation and burial services.

Paul H. Saeugling

Paul Henry Saeugling, 85, of Dubuque Iowa, passed away on April 19, 2021 due to a brief illness. On his final day, he was surrounded by his children and his wife Julie, whom he adored more than anything else in the world.

After graduating from Guttenberg High School, he entered the military and served in the United States Marine Corps for 3 years (1953-1956). Paul was a Sergeant in the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Engineer Battalion and served in the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Julie Schweikert in Guttenberg, Iowa on April 25, 1959, and went on to have five children.

Paul is survived by his wife of 62 years, Julie (Schweikert) Saeugling; his children Anne Saeugling-Coke (Mike), David (Lori), James, Diane LaPier (Chris), and Rose Bakey; 6 grandchildren, Sean (Sarah), Aaron (Kim), Christopher (Amy), Anthony, Nicole, and Jacob; 4 great-grandchildren, Cameron, Clay, Skylar and Nevaeh, 2 brothers, Keith (Susie) and Clark; 2 sisters-in-law Shirley Saeugling and Mary Sue Weyant and many other nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Alma Saeugling, his brother Roger Saeugling, sister Mary Ann Saeugling, in-laws Hubert and Lorraine Schweikert, and brother-in-law Thomas Schweikert.

Private family service with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will be at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dubuque Marine Corps League in memory of Paul.