Obituaries Archive

Dorothy M. Gabrenja

Dorothy M. Gabrenja, 98, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on November 28, 2021, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 2^nd, 2021, at St. Joseph The Worker with Fr. Jim Goerend Officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Rickardsville. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family. The family request that you dress casual for the visitation and funeral.

Dorothy was born on June 7, 1923, to Joseph and Margaret (Lex) Schrobilgen. She was united in marriage to Roy Gabrenja April 12, 1948, and he preceded her in death on June 7, 2019.

She loved her family and enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, music, and bus trips to the casino. Her faith in God mattered most of all.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Diane (Bob) Meyer, their children Kris (J.D.) Neal, their children Tristan, Griffin, and Grace Coleman, her children Lilleth and Bodhi Frisa, Keri (Jon) Griswold and their children Owen and Olyvia; daughter Sandy (Steve) Zalaznik and their children Eric (Paige Ortiz) and their children Ava, Julia, Clara Zalaznik and Jake and Jimmy Ortiz, Jason (Stephanie) Zalaznik and their children Jaylynne, Josie, Judson, Elsie, Millie, and Ryan Zalaznik, and his daughter Zayda; son John Gabrenja; sisters Patricia Hough and Thelma Roberts; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Margaret; her husband Roy; her father and mother-in-law John & Anna Gabrenja; siblings Melvin (Irma) Schrobilgen, Robert (Dorothy) Schrobilgen, Germaine (Aloysius) Schmitt, Mary Kay (Paul) Barth; great-granddaughter Lauryn Griswold; brother-in-law Harlan Roberts; sister-in-law & brothers-in-law Anna & Art Heiderscheit and her nephew Richard Heiderscheit.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

A huge thank you to her many caregivers, especially the Penn Suites staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Dr. Kirkendall, Nurse Kate, and Hospice of Dubuque (especially Melissa).

Sarah B. Frazer

On Saturday, November 27, 2021, Sarah Bernice Frazer, a loving mother, and grandmother, passed away at age 76. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is in charge of arrangements.

Sally was born November 26, 1945, in Galena, IL to Henry and Florence (DuBord) Smith. She was raised by Florence and her stepfather, Joseph A. Looney.  She attended Galena High School. Sally was known for her hard work and dedication. She worked at Microswitch in Freeport, IL for over 35 years. She was always on the go, working second jobs as a waitress or doing paper routes. After retirement from Microswitch, she couldn’t sit still so she and her sister Betty, started a very successful cleaning business, which Sally ran for many years.

Sally is survived by her son, Mark Frazer, one grandchild, Adrian Frazer, 3 great-grandchildren and two brothers, David (Cookie) Molitor and Larry (Joyce) Molitor, her dedicated niece, Julie (Jerry) High, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Angella Frazer, her siblings, Frank Molitor, Florence “Dolly” (Molitor) Heinle, Richard “Dick” Molitor, Jean (Molitor) Hess, Betty Schetgen and Tom Smith, two nephews, Lawrence Molitor and Jason Smith, and two nieces, Kathy Hess-Tolopka, and Karen Hess.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Richard D. Snyder

Richard D. “Moke” Snyder, 78, of Dubuque, passed away on September 12, 2021.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4th, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may visit after 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of mass. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Born and raised in Dubuque, IA, he was the son of his beloved late parents, David and Mary Jane Snyder. Also preceded in death were his amazing brothers, David Snyder, Thomas Snyder, Michael Snyder, and sister, Judith Delgado (Snyder). Richard, or Uncle

Dick is survived by his cherished nieces and nephews Vickie King, Bobbie Brough, KayAnn DeBuhr, David Delgado, Toni Hatten, and Vivian Fluhr, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Moke, as he was known by his lifelong friends, was an avid bowler, card player, and lover of life. Our uncle will be greatly missed but we find peace knowing that he reunited with his parents and siblings in God’s home.

Verna Mae C. Burkle

Verna Mae C. Burkle, 93, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at her home.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2021, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Saturday from 9 – 10 am at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Verna Mae was born September 25, 1928, in Petersburg, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Margaret (Mensen) Honkomp.  She married Walter Burkle on November 25, 1948, in Petersburg.  Together they farmed and raised 13 children just east of Dyersville.  In her younger years, Verna Mae enjoyed golfing and bowling.  She also liked playing cards.

Survivors include her children: Mary Ann (Richard) Recker, Linda Chambers, Elaine (Dave) Schieltz, Donna (Dave) Riniker, Mark (Karla), Glen (Kathy), Earl (Barb), Marv (Diane), Merle (Pam), Karla (Wayne) Dille, Bill, and Lee (Michelle); a daughter-in-law, Judy Burkle; 38 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; in-laws: Doris (Alvin) Hermsen, Harold (Gladys) Burkle, Rose Ann Burkle, and Lorraine Burkle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter in 2017, a son, Neal in 2015, son-in-law, Norm Chambers in 2018; a grandson-in-law, Rich Mitchell in 2019, a brother, Gilbert (Helen) (Bernice Steffen) Honkomp; in-laws:  Lorraine (Joe) Stephan, Charles (Luetta) Burkle, George (Thelma) Burkle, Bernard and Leon (Theresa) Burkle, Betty (John Gassmann and Jerome Hermsen) Gassmann and Gerald Burkle.

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

Karen S. Potter

Karen Sue (Pasiley) Potter, 72 of Dubuque, Iowa, was granted eternal peace on November 28, 2021.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa St, Dubuque, IA, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Karen was born January 13, 1949, to William and Frances (Schmitt) Paisley in Dubuque, Iowa. She married Lee Potter Sr. on September 11, 1965, at St. Joseph the Worker church.

She had strong work ethics. She worked at Flexsteel for 21 years after which she then joined forces with husband and son to form Potter Rentals, and the West Locust Mart. Karen was a master gardener, and loved to make people laugh.

She is survived by her son Lee (Mari) Potter Jr.; grandchildren Melissa (Steve) Boyle, Tina (Chris) Keck, Mike (Kari) Potter, Susan (Matt) Kleven, Michelle Potter (special friend Josh Pfohl); sixteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brothers Thomas Paisley and Greg Paisley, both of Dubuque; sister Pam McDaniel of Madison, WI; many nieces and nephews; and her Pomeranian Lia.

She was proceeded in death by her parents William and Frances; husband Lee Potter Sr.; son Robert Potter on April 30, 1987; brother Dan Paisley; and brothers-in-law Louis Berry and Steve Potter.

A memorial fund has been established to benefit the free meal program at St. Patrick’s church.

A special thank you to Father Martin Coolidge and Sister Sharon for being there for Karen. She thought the world of the both of you.

Donald D. Miller

Donald D. Miller, 92, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday evening, November 28, 2021, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.  Cremation has taken place.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Donald Dean Miller was born on February 20, 1929 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Albert and Florence (Krumviede) Miller.  He grew up and was educated in Preston and then served his country in the U.S. Army earning an honorable discharge.  He married Bonnie Poole and they divorced.  He later married Joan Elkins and she survives.

Donald was a lifelong truck driver working for various companies in the area, retiring from AMHOF Trucking in Eldridge, Iowa.  His passion was trucks and trucking and he also enjoyed tinkering.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Joan Miller of Maquoketa, IA; children, Kathy (Dan) Hoeper of TX, Patricia Colson of Bettendorf, IA, Dennis (Jackie Duggan) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Vicki (Owen) Bickford of Monmouth, IA, Kevin Miller of Davenport, IA, Vanessa (Joaquin) Fuentes of Germantown, MD, and Rebecca “Becky” (Rod Furrow) Miller of Bellevue, IA; a sister, Lucille Flagel of Baldwin, IA; 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Myrle Miller.

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

Donna J. Koontz

Donna J. Koontz, 84, of Wyoming, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday evening, November 27, 2021, at her daughter’s home in DeWitt, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating her life will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, December 6, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the gathering.  A private burial will be held at Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

Donna Jean Bodkin was born on November 26, 1937 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ralph Kenneth Bodkin and Audrey LaVonne (Clark) Vozenilek.  She attended school in Maquoketa and Morrison, Illinois.  She married Jerald Walker Koontz Sr. on November 26, 1955, in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on August 16, 1989.

Donna had first worked as a waitress at the Green Mill Café in Maquoketa and at Hinckley’s Drug Store.  Upon her marriage, she had worked various jobs throughout the years including at Clinton Engines, Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa, Maquoketa Care Center, Mel’s Super Valu, Wabash in Tipton, Iowa, and lastly Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa, Iowa.  She had lived in Maquoketa from 1957 to 1973, Oxford Junction, Iowa from 1974 to 1977, moved to Dyersville, Arkansas from 1978 to 1979 and returned to Maquoketa until 2015.  From 2016 to present she had lived in Wyoming, Iowa.

Donna enjoyed oil painting on canvas, crafts, taking scenic pictures, planting flowers and gardening, fishing, wild berry picking, Geode rock hunting, mushroom hunting, and ginseng hunting.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Sylvia (Donald) DeMoss of Baldwin, IA, Jerald Koontz Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, Timmy Koontz of Maquoketa, IA, Marcie (Thomas) Skeffington of DeWitt, IA, Kimberly Lembo of Maquoketa, IA, Christine (Dale) Ehlinger of Brighton, IA, Thelma (Tim) Yarolem of Wyoming, IA, Betty (Randy) Hoist of Brighton, IA, Troy (Carla) Koontz of Lost Nation, IA, Jennifer Thomas of Maquoketa, IA, and Stacie Koontz of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Judy Koontz of Maquoketa, IA; 42 grandchildren, 102 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, children Deborah Koontz and Dennis Koontz, brothers Jerry, Dennis and Allen, a grandson Kyle Miller, and sons-in-law Salvatore Lembo and Chris Thomas.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Donna J. Koontz memorial fund has been established.

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

Sister Dolores Doohan, BVM

Sister Dolores Doohan, BVM (Sarah James), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, from 1:00-1:30 p.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel. Rite of Committal for Natural Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel cemetery. Virtual Sharing of Memories will be Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Services on both days are private due to COVID-19 restrictions. All services may be viewed through live videostream at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/bvmsisters/.

Sister Dolores was an elementary teacher in Chicago; Missoula, Mont.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Kauai, Hawaii.

She was born on June 15, 1928, in San Francisco to James and Sarah (Cannon) Doohan. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1946, from St. Paul Parish, San Francisco. She professed first vows on March 19, 1949, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1954.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother John (Marilyn) Doohan. She is survived by a nephew Kevin (Leslie) Doohan, San Carlos, Calif.; a niece Colleen (Bill) Bockholt, Foster City, Calif.; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 75 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.

Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home, 100 N 6th St, Bellevue, IA 52031 is in charge of arrangements.

Randall L. Pfeiler

Randall L. “Randy” Pfeiler, age 58, of Dubuque, passed away from COVID-19, at 4:45 p.m., on Friday, November 26, 2021, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Randy’s life, he wanted to keep all of his friends and family safe from COVID-19 by keeping the gathering small and private.  There will be a celebration of his life held at later date for all of his family and friends to attend.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Randy was born on April 28, 1963, in Junction City, Kansas, son of Robert and Janice (Hartman) Pfeiler.

Randy attended school at Sacred Heart Grade School and went on to graduate from Wahlert High School, Class of 1981.  As a teenager, he was employed at the Super 20 Drive-In before moving on to Team Electronics.  He later went to work at Mr. G’s Auto Parts and lastly with the Gierke-Robinson Company for 24 years, until his retirement in 2014 due to health issues.  In his free time, Randy liked hunting, fishing, collecting guns and his hobbies were definitely his passion.  He was a slot car aficionado, flew remote control airplanes, and collected classic cars, antique tractors and was famous for his mini bike collection.  He loved going to tractor pulls, tractor parades and was a regular at NASCAR races.  Randy was a mechanical jack of all trades.  Not only could he fix anything you brought to him, he would teach you how to fix it yourself the next time.  Randy especially enjoyed helping people, mentoring children and passing on his knowledge of how things work with anyone who was interested.  Randy truly loved spending time with Patty’s grandchildren, they were his pride and joy.  We are deeply saddened at losing our brother, uncle and friend, but know that he is no longer suffering and is resting peacefully.  Randy will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Those left to cherish Randy’s memory include

his siblings,
Cindie Zeromski, Dubuque, IA,
Tina (Dan Pfeiffer) Pfeiler, Durango, IA,
Dan (Jean) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA
and Kim (Jason) Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

his significant other,
Patty Trowbridge, Dubuque, IA;

Patty’s children,
Jason Trowbridge and Tiffany Trowbridge;

Patty’s grandchildren,
Molly, Ronin and Aubrey;

8 nieces and nephews,
Robert and Jesse Zeromski, Nathan and Nicole Pfeiffer, Meggan and Amanda Pfeiler, Hanna and Ellie Meyer;

and a great-niece,
Oaklynn Schueller-Zeromski.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 cousins, Shane Ross and Thad Howes.

Randy’s family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for all of the care they have provided Randy these past weeks.

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

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

Randall D. Levins

Randall D. “Randy” Levins, age 63, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on Nov. 24, 2021, at MercyOne in Dubuque.  To honor Randy’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Dunleith Cemetery in East Dubuque, IL, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Randy’s family.

Randy was born on March 24, 1958, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Delbert and Zona (Jamison) Levins.  After high school, Randy began his career with the Dubuque Packing Company.  He loyally put in over 20 years there until the Pack was closed for the final time.  Randy began working at the John Deere Dubuque Works moving forward and spent the remainder of his years there.  When Randy wasn’t punching in and out at work, he enjoyed perfecting his carpentry skills whenever possible.  Many projects remain where the countless hours he invested can still be witnessed by all to see today.  Randy was also a lover of animals, especially his favorite canine companion, Bruno, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan who never missed a game and always stood by his team.  It’s beyond difficult to imagine that we’re going to have to face the rest of our days without his caring heart and delightful sense of humor in our lives again. Thankfully, he leaves behind an abundance of memories which will help to ease our pain in time, but for now, we’ll simply seek peace in the knowledge that Randy is home in heaven with his family who’ve gone before him, while they all get to enjoy the eternal love and grace of our Lord and Savior until we join them eventually.  Thank you, Randy, for reminding us not to take this life to seriously all the time and for always knowing just what to say as the moments arrived.  We love and miss you very much!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Randy include,

his mother,
Zona Levins, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Diane Lancaster, Marseilles, IL,
and Brett (Tammy) Levins, Lawrenceville, GA;

his nieces and nephews,
Chad (Becky) Levins, Milford, OH,
Angie Orcutt, East Dubuque, IL,
Tammy (A.J.) Dutler, East Dubuque, IL,
Tim (Elissa) Murphy, East Dubuque, IL,
Melissa (Brian) Bastian, Long Grove, IA,
Jeff (Brenda) Averkamp, Marseilles, IL,
Mariah (Shawn) Sharkey, Casper, WY,
Ashley (Austin) Duehr, Princeton, TX;

along with numerous great-nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Jehiel Levins; his brother, Michael (Debbie) Levins; and his sister, Sandy (David) Murphy.

Randy’s family would like to thank all of the family and friends who have helped us through this difficult time.  Your prayers, faithful care, and compassion have truly helped us find a little peace when needed most.  May God bless all of you for your generous kindnesses.

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

Michael J. Arthofer

Michael J. “Mike” Arthofer, age 81, of Peosta, IA, completed his earthly journey on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2021, at home while surrounded by his loving family. To honor Mike’s life, a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Catherine’s Cemetery with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mike was born on October 20, 1940, in Dubuque, IA, 1 of 7 children to Peter and Charlotte (Finzel) Arthofer.  Mike always knew that his personal drive and determination would lead him to find success in every venture and dream that he chased.  He began by honorably serving his country with the U.S. Navy.  Mike was united in marriage to his beautiful bride, Mary “Mazie” Steffen, on October 27, 1962, and the two of them have spent their lives together united in one common front; nurturing a loving family.  Mike provided for his family by investing over 37 years with the Interstate Power Company before retiring.  His years there brought him great pride as he had started at an entry-level position and climbed to the top before completing his mission there.  He spent 17 years on the Interstate Power Credit Union Board of Directors and was a Quarter Century Club inductee.  Mike and Mazie enjoyed traveling after his retirement. When home, he enjoyed operating his own business, Arthofer Lawn Repair, and found the time to spend 20 years working with his friends at the H&J Auction Company.  Mike was a good and decent man who always put his family and friends first.  He took the things that truly mattered in this life seriously and always knew how to keep his heart at home.  We will miss Mike’s joyful spirit, bountiful laugh, and passion for all that was good.  Thank you, Mike, for leaving behind such a positive legacy for your generations left behind to follow and we pray that your reunion with your family, especially Michelle, brings you more joy than you could have imagined after your last 15 years battling Parkinson’s.  May God bless you and keep you safely in His loving arms.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mike include,

his loving wife of 59 years,
Mary “Mazie” Arthofer, Peosta, IA;

his son,
Mark (Marian) Arthofer, Dubuque, IA;

his 5 grandchildren,
Kayla (Derrick) Edmondson, Ben (Jenny Young) Arthofer, Sara (Zach) Klostermann, Andrea (James Davis) Arthofer, and Natalie (Jeremy) Schultz;

his 4 great grandchildren,
Jayla Westhoff, Carter Arthofer, Layla Edmondson, and Brett Klostermann;

his in-law’s,
Judith “Judi” Arthofer, Dubuque, IA;
Dick Burns, Des Moines, IA;
Bob (Melinda) Steffen, Asbury, IA,
Gary (Patti) Steffen, Cascade, IA,
Phil (Vicki) Steffen, Bernard, IA,
Connie Steffen, Dubuque, IA,
and Robert Kirby, Key West, IA;

along with countless extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Michelle Arthofer; his siblings, James “Jim” Arthofer, Rosie (Ben) Greenwood, Betty (Joe) Donahue, Charles “Chuck” (Joyce) Arthofer, Elsie Burns, and Boniface “Bunny” Arthofer; his father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Betty Steffen; and his in-law’s, Tom Steffen, Jane Kirby, and Carol Steffen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque. Mike’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them at the graveside to help them say farewell for now, until we meet again.

Mike’s family would like to thank Dr. McKenna and his staff, along with the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care. A very special thank you to Cathy Waddick and Sue Herrig, personal care givers for Mike.

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

Lillie M. Hancock

Lillie M. Hancock, 92, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, November 25, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care in Dubuque, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Lillie’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.  There is no visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Lillie Mae Lund was born on January 28, 1929 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to John Edward and Clara Pauline (McConkey) Lund.  She grew up in Preston, Maquoketa and Andrew.  She married Charles Hancock on November 18, 1951 in Andrew, Iowa.  He preceded her in death in 1976.

Lillie was a homemaker.  She enjoyed listening to live music and was always busy and on the go.

Those left to honor her memory include 7 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Georgia Shady of Maquoketa, IA; sister-in-law, Margaret Lund of Andrew, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Sandra Kay Dotson, 6 brothers John Jr., Lewis, Hubert, Leslie, Robert and Richard, and 2 sisters Clara and Thelma.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Faith Temple Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

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

Janis L. Carroll

Janis Lee Carroll, 85, of Asbury, died Thursday, November 25, 2021, at her home.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am Friday, December 3, 2021, at Church of the Nativity. The Mass of Christian Burial for Janis will immediately follow at 11:00 am Friday, December 3, 2021, at Church of the Nativity with Father Bob Tonelli as the Celebrant.

Janis was born on August 3, 1936, the only child of Leon William and Olive Pearl Opperman (née Gordon). During her early years, Janis and her parents moved frequently – living in many small towns in eastern Iowa and Wisconsin. Eventually settling in Arlington, Iowa, Janis graduated from Arlington High School in 1954. Soon thereafter, she went off to Chicago where she worked for American Airlines and met her life’s companion, James E. Carroll. They married on March 4, 1961 and lovingly raised four children. Once their youngest started school, Jan returned to the travel industry, this time as the manager of Best Travel in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Jan loved to travel – for work, for fun, with family and with friends – all over the world.

Jan had a great love and appreciation for antiques. Knowledgeable about the history and lineage of glassware, jewelry, and collectibles of all kinds, she enjoyed bargaining at flea markets, garage and estate sales, and almost never left empty-handed. She found joy in bringing new life to an old treasure and was even more excited when she could share these refurbished gifts with family and friends.

Schooled thoroughly in the art of home crafts, Jan pursued them to perfection. She was an excellent cook and delighted in preparing special treats and meals for family. Jan taught her kids and grandkids that there were no projects that were too big or beyond their reach – whether putting in a brick patio, reupholstering a couch, or sewing a dress — just do your research and get started.

Above all, Jan’s enduring legacy will be the love she shared with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. Jan is survived by her husband, James; her children, Jim (Leonor de la Torre) Carroll of Coloma, MI, Joe (Martha) Carroll of Barrington, IL, Mary Ellen (Bennett Cook) Carroll of Dubuque, and Shannon (Greg) Krause of Lake Villa, IL; her grandchildren, Wendy, Jennifer, Robert, Bridget, Ryan, Kelsey, Elijah, Evelyn, Jack, Brian and Sarah; and her great grandchildren, Isabel, Ana, Gabriel, Chloe, Mia, Benjamin, and Susana.

The family extends our deep gratitude to Becky Krapfl, Parish Nurse at Church of the Nativity and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support the on-going ministry of Hospice of Dubuque.

Please visit www.hskfhcares.com to view a photo tribute to Janis.

Rhonda K. Cunningham

Rhonda K. Cunningham, 68,  of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 at her home.  Funeral Services will be 7:30 pm, Monday, November 29, 2021 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, also Monday, November 29, 2021 prior to services at the funeral home.

Rhonda was born September 1, 1953, the daughter of Richard and Elaine (Kloft) Weis.  She married Gary Cunningham on October 2, 1981, he passed on October 20, 2017.  Rhonda worked at Bellevue Community Schools as a paraprofessional for 23 years, before retiring in 2019.  Rhonda enjoyed fishing with Gary and spending time with her grandchildren.  She was a big supporter of everything Bellevue Schools, booster club, Bellevue Big, and supporting the students.  Rhonda enjoyed reading and had a big heart and was always their to help her friends.  She also enjoyed her Girls Night on Fridays.

Survivors include her children, Jessica (Joe Glaeser) Cunningham, and Rick Cunningham; two grandchildren, Courtney and Amber; her mother, Elaine Weis; siblings, Vickie (Dave) Woods, Bruce (Deb) Weis, and Tammy (Kevin) Stoecken;  and a sister in-law, Mary Weis; and many extended relatives.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her father, Richard; her husband, Gary; siblings, Brian, Ronnie, and an infant brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be direct to Hospice of Jackson County in Rhonda’s memory.

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

Florence E. Ames Sanders

Florence E. “Tina” (Villalpando) Ames Sanders, 87, transitioned to Heaven to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 2:05 am, on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

A celebration of her life will be at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Word of Life Church, 4450 Dodge Street, Dubuque, IA. Burial services will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00-6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 30, at the Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL, and from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday at Word of Life Church.

Tina was born on June 21, 1934, in Davenport, ND, the daughter of Anastacio and Catalina (Villalovos) Villalpando. She grew up in Sturtevant, WI, with her parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Tina married Larry Ames on July 15, 1966, and raised their family in Potosi, WI. She proudly worked at A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company, Dubuque, IA, for 24 years retiring the summer of 1996.

Tina married Daniel J. Sanders on April 4, 1987. They resided in East Dubuque, IL, for many years until it was necessary for Tina to live at Stonehill, where Dan was faithful to visit every day to help her with meals. Dan and Tina enjoyed antiques, the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR, visiting kids and grandkids, and meeting friends at Burger King. Dan preceded her in death the day after Tina’s 87th birthday on June 22, 2021.

Tina loved getting her hair and nails done weekly at Amirage Salon and shopping at JC Penney. Many people would agree that Tina always took great pride in her appearance and never left the house without looking her best.

Tina has always possessed a sincere love and reverence for the Lord. She was very proud of all her children and their accomplishments and supported each one in their endeavors. Tina especially loved attending and volunteering at Word of Life Church.

Tina is survived by her four children: Cris Winkler, of Cuba City, WI, Dan (Mysol) Ames, of Middleton, WI, Todd (Jessica) Ames, of Charlotte, NC, and Lisa (J.T.) Moore, of Catoosa, OK; three step-children: Heidi (Rob) Lenaerts, of Osage Beach, MO, Christopher Sanders, of Dubuque, IA, and Theresa Sanders, of Dickeyville, WI; 13 grandchildren: Arica (Richard) Schmidt, Arein (Paige) Winkler, Danielle Ames Newman, Joshua (Whitney) Ames, Bill Ames, April (Lauro) Castillo, Dylan and Myleson Ames, Jess (Chad) Wall, Nicole (Andrew) Rongholt, Brieanna Long, Gabriel Ames, and MacKenzie Moore; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; sisters Virginia Villalpando of Milwaukee, WI., and Reyna (Tim) Taggart of Eagle, WI; brother Joseph Villalpando of Racine, WI., and her former husband, Larry (Judy) Ames of Platteville, WI.

In addition to her husband, Daniel, she was preceded in death by her parents Anastacio and Catalina; son-in-law Roger Winkler; brothers Ben and Peter; sisters Victoria, Benita, Trinidad, Anita, Maria; great-granddaughter, Amber Bender, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank: the staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate and tender care of Tina; Pastors Loren and Joy Hirschy, who taught Tina the Word of God, and showed her (and Dan too) what a loving church is meant to be.

In lieu of flowers, a Florence E. Sanders Memorial Fund has been established.

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