Obituaries Archive

Gladys E. O’Brien

Gladys E. (Scheckel) O’Brien, age 90, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 8:04 p.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Luther Manor.  To celebrate Gladys’ life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday at the Church of the Resurrection, with Rev. Philip Agyei officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Gladys was born on November 15, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Eugene and Viola (Arensdorf) Scheckel.

Gladys attended school in Dubuque and was employed as a telephone operator for the Bell Telephone Company for 33 years until she retired.  She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary’s Church, where she sang in the funeral choir and was a member of the Rosary Society.  After St. Mary’s closed she joined the Church of the Resurrection where she also sang with the funeral choir.  Gladys found love later in life and was united in marriage to Robert O’Brien on November 14, 2005.  Sadly he would pass away on October 8, 2017, after only 11 wonderful years together.  Gladys was always active and was a member of the Telephone Workers Pioneer Club, the 62+ Club and the Resurrection Senior Citizens Club.  Gladys was never one to sit still.  She enjoyed going out to eat, listening to music and dancing and playing cards with family and friends.  Gladys also loved to travel whenever she was able to.  Gladys was always the life of the party and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish Gladys’ memory include

her brother,
Allen (Karen) Scheckel, Dubuque, IA;

her brother-in-law,
Galen Smith, Dubuque, IA;

many nieces and nephews;

her step-children,
Sheila (Terry) Wacker, Patricia (Adam) Bertran, Terry (Mary) O’Brien, James (Shirley) O’Brien, Robert (Susan) O’Brien and Dan O’Brien;

and several step-grandchildren.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert O’Brien; her siblings, Lillian (Walter “Mike”) Hird, Margaret (Walter) Spoerre, Mary (Ray McGuigan) Wiegel, Alice (Bob) Hanson and Anna Mae Smith; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Scheckel; and 3 brothers-in-law, John Gruber, Paul Loeffelholz and Barney Wiegel.

Gladys family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Luther Manor for their outstanding care these past weeks.  We also want to thank her special niece, Darlene Ryan, for checking in on Gladys daily and accompanying Gladys on her adventures.

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

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

Robert A. Ritt

Robert A. “Bob” Ritt, age 78, of Asbury, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 17, 2021, while holding the hand of his loving wife. To celebrate Bob’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road.  Family members will share memories at the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A funeral mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Resurrection, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Because we love and desire to protect our immunocompromised family and friends, the family requests that all who attend wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.  A private burial will be held in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Bob was born on February 15, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Clarence and Evelyn (Klein) Ritt. He was proud of the fact that he resided in Balltown and the Dubuque area his entire life.

At the age of 16, he attended a dance in Balltown, where he met a young woman, Mary Ann Tarkett, who took his breath away. That night he told his buddies that he would marry her one day. And he did. They were married on April 4, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Bob and Mary Ann were blessed with 57 ½ years of marriage and 4 children.  Bob was a hard worker, who felt honored to provide for his family.  He took great pride in his 36 years and 8 days of employment on the crawler line at John Deere Dubuque Works from March 23, 1964 until March 31, 2000, when he began enjoying his well-earned retirement.  He also was a proud member of the UAW Local #94.

Bob was very involved with his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, even coaching their sports teams with great joy for many years. In fact, his family cannot remember him missing a single athletic event, music event, drama event, grandparents’ day event, etc.  He also used his time and talents to mentor the children in the neighborhood, joining in their games and helping anyone who needed anything.  He truly valued the simple things in life.  Especially during their retirement years, Bob and Mary Ann were inseparable and could often be found heading out for breakfast, coffee or ice cream, or taking a car ride down by the river or out to Balltown.  He greatly enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels and took great pride in having the fattest squirrels in the neighborhood.  Bob also took meticulous care of his lawn, with his John Deere riding mower.  His kids and grandkids treasure all of the rides they had on “the tractor.” Bob saved every penny he saw and amassed a huge collection throughout the years.   He also never missed an episode of Gunsmoke and was an avid Yankees and Cubs fan.  He was elated when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016; he called it his “once in a lifetime experience.”  Bob’s faith was also an important aspect of his life, as evidenced by his membership with the Church of the Resurrection and the Knights of Columbus.  Bob was a loving husband, dad, pepaw, grampy and grandpa and a true role model for his family.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and by all whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include

his loving wife,
Mary Ann Ritt, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Dr. Ann (Robert) Pelelo, Dubuque, IA,
Michele Ritt (John Rademacher), Madison, WI,
Bob “Bobby” (Brenda) Ritt, Dubuque, IA
and Jim “Jimmer” (Crissy) Ritt, Austin, TX;

and his grandchildren,
Thomas and Joshua Pelelo, Priya Ritt Rademacher and Josef Ritt Rademacher, Lucy and Lila Ritt, Addison, Annabelle and Alex Ritt;

and his sister-in-law,
Bev Ritt.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Helen (Eldon) Streif, Duane (Carol) Ritt and Dennis (Kitty) Ritt.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful family members, friends and neighbors.  Your kindness and support throughout the years are appreciated more than you will ever know.  Bob’s family would also like to thank Dr. Pashtoon Kasi, and all of the medical specialists, who helped Bob throughout his recent cancer journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family will gratefully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Bob’s memory, which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Robert A. Ritt Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com. People can join in the service virtually at tinyurl.com/RobertARitt.

Orlando G. Valente

Orlando Giovanni Valente, passed away on October 18, 2021, peacefully under the loving care of the staff of the Stonehill community and his loving family.  To celebrate Orlando’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Marilyn Hendricks officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Columbarium.

Orlando was born in the Mountains of Northern Italy, on February 18, 1939, to Giovanni and Pierina (Ambrosini) Valente, the eldest of seven siblings.  Nerina, Danilo, Anita, Enzo, Gigliola and Simonetta.  He spent his youth in Cesuna, one of the seven communities of the Alto Piano region.  He attended trade school in Asiago to become an electrician.  After graduating, he worked for the power company of the region.  To provide a better opportunity and life for his siblings, he began the process of immigration to America.  The family arrived in Chicago in 1960, and everyone old enough and able began to work to help the family get established.  In 1962, Orlando was drafted into the American Army and was sent to Germany.  He met his wife, Ursula Vaeth, in 1963, and they were married in 1964, in Germany.  Both returned to America and began their life together in Chicago.  Orlando worked as an electrician for several companies gaining the experience of the American electrical trade.

In 1965, their daughter, Sonja, was born and in 1967, their son, Bryan, was born.  In 1968, Orlando purchased an electrical company (Lisle Electric, Inc.) and was successful as an electrical contractor.

Orlando’s passion was history, historic architecture and classical music.  He spent many years restoring old buildings.  He was an avid reader and he could never pass up a book.

Orlando was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Orlando’s memory include

his wife, Ursula Valente, Sinsinawa, WI;

his children,
Sonja (Michael) Harris, Galena, IL
and Bryan (Elizabeth) Valente, Aurora, IL;

five grandchildren,
Spencer (Brittany) Harris, Christina Harris, Madelynn Harris, Alexander Valente, and Haley Valente;

his siblings,
Nerina Valente, Italy,
Danilo (Patricia) Valente, Orland Park, IL,
Enzo (Anna) Valente, Orland Park, IL,
Gigliola Longo, Lockport, IL,
Simonetta (Paolo) Valente in Gorda, Italy;

and a brother-in-law,
Arnaldo Lorenzini, Orland Park, IL.

Orlando was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Anita Lorenzini; and a brother-in-law, Ezio Valente.

Orlando’s family would like to thank the outstanding nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their loving care and support this past year.

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

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

Mary L. Weber

Mary Louise Weber, 98 of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Monday, October 18, 2021 at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the Funeral Home from 9-10 a.m. Monday morning prior to funeral mass.  The family requests masks to be worn.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 25, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Mark Weber SVD will officiate.

Mary was born June 4, 1923 in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Edward and Marie (Strunk) Koopmann.  She received a teachers certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught in a one room school house.  She married Frank Weber on June 13, 1946 in Dyersville at St. Francis Catholic Church. Mary was a member of the St. Isidore Study Club and the Catholic Daughters of America.  She was a life-long member of St. Francis Church and a member of the social concerns committee.

Survivors include her children: Jeanne (Al) Kluesner of Dubuque, Ann (Dale) Thier of Cedar Rapids, Joan Weber, Marilyn Mootz of Waterloo, Rev. Mark Weber SVD  of Chicago, IL, Michael Weber of Worthington, grandchildren: Doug (Terri) Kluesner, Sarah (Tom) Nuss, Christine (Pat) Fogarty, Teresa (Jeff) Grammatke, Steve (Arianne) Kluesner, Melissa (Spencer) Thornton, Joe (Tiara) Mootz, David (Missy) Mootz, Fr. Ralph Davis, Josh McClure, Sam (Maria) Weber, Maria (Dakota) Mayers, Karli Weber and Katie McClure, 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank, daughter, Laura Weber McClure, sons-in-law Mike Mootz and David McClure, siblings, Robert Koopman, Edward Jr. and LaVonne Koopman.

Special Thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, the MercyOne Senior Care and Ellen Kennedy Assisted Living staffs for their kind and considerate care of mom.

Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of Dubuque, Divine Word College, Epworth or the St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

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

Kathleen J. LeRette

Kathleen Jane LeRette, 58, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.  Per her request, no public services will be conducted.

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

Kathy was born October 21, 1962 in LaSalle, Illinois, the daughter of Francis “Hank” and Joyce (Graper) Kenny.  She worked in manufacturing and production for many years, before her over 3-year battle with cancer.  She enjoyed being outside and being with her friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Melinda LeRette; companion, Jay Perkins; 3 grandchildren, Bryce Peterson, Jace Moore, and Ty Moore; siblings, John (Jackie) Kenny, Patricia (Allen) Mumm, Christy (Lowell) Bonnell , Beth (Dave) Rohman, Rusty (Becky) Kenny, Paul (Pat) Kenny,  Norma (Cyrus) Nooriala, and Steven (Brenda) Kenny.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Michael and Scotty Kenny.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o Kathy LeRette Family.

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

Joan T. Willenborg

Joan T. (Finzel) Willenborg, age 81, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 9:50 a.m., on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows, surrounded by her family.  To celebrate Joan’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 24, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  To honor Joan’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Road, with Rev. Phillip G. Gibbs officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Joan was born on December 7, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Andrew and Florence (Roseman) Finzel.

Joan attended Sacred Heart Grade School, where she met her future husband, and went on to graduate from Dubuque Senior High School.  After graduation, Joan went on to beauty school then started working in her aunt’s salon.  Joan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Harlan Willenborg, on June 18, 1960, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.  She truly embraced her role as a wife and mom. Sadly, Harlan passed away on August 18, 2012, after 52 wonderful years of marriage.   In 1971, she and Harlan started Willenborg Plumbing & Heating where she ran the day to day operations in the office.  In her free time, Joan enjoyed spending time at the farm with Harlan, gardening, drawing, painting and shopping for other people, especially at Younkers.  Joan was a long time member of the Church of the Resurrection and served on the board of her condo association.  She also helped Harlan with the paperwork for all of the clubs he volunteered with.  She truly loved helping and taking care of Harlan.  She also loved her Coca-Cola, Snickers bars and cheeseburgers, but her dogs Buddy and Abby were her babies.  Her family was the aspect of her life that brought her the greatest joy.  She was never too busy to stop and pick up the phone to chat and see how everyone was doing, and spoiling her grandchildren was one of her favorite things to do.  Joan was one of a kind and we will miss her tremendously.

Those left to cherish Joan’s memory include

her children,
Jeffrey S. (Sharon) Willenborg, Dubuque, IA
James R. (Beverly) Willenborg, Epworth, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Austin Willenborg, Autumn (Austin “Bud”) Bradley, April (Eric) Lehmann and Casey Willenborg;

and 2 great-grandsons,
Jeffrey Lehmann and Jaxson Lehmann.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Harlan Willenborg.

Joan’s family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff of Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kind, compassionate and attentive care of Joan and the entire family.

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

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

Mark W. Craig

Mark W. Craig, 56 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021 at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, with burial at a later date.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Mark was born on July 22, 1965 the son of Ross and Wilma (Miller) Craig. He married Karen Mescher on September 4, 2010 in Lost Nation, Iowa.  After high school Mark enlisted in the United States Army.  He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Mark liked playing all types of games, his main passion was poker.  He introduced the game Farkel to the Mescher family and has been a favorite since then.  Mark loved music, especially the Blues.  He was a master cook, BBQ ribs and baked beans were his specialty.  Mark loved his bull terrier “Zeb” very much.

Mark is survived by his wife, Karen, of Dubuque, son, Spencer (Hope) Craig of Dubuque, siblings: Michael (Linda) Craig of Cedar Rapids, Ragan (Joyce) Craig of Washington, IA, Deb Hammons of Winfield, IA mother, Wilma Craig of Washington, IA, parents-in-law, Alfred “Fritz” and Jeanette (Sellner) Mescher of Dyersville, in-laws: Shirley (Brad) Brown of Dubuque, Ann Mescher, of Dyersville and Barb Penney, of Epworth, his nieces and nephews and a great niece.

He was preceded in death by his father Ross Craig.

Karen would like to thank all the nurses and doctors at MercyOne for the kindness and great care they gave Mark during his illness.

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

Kathleen D. Bakey

Kathleen “Kay” Diane Bakey, 76, formerly of East Dubuque, IL and Delhi, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, in Surprise, Arizona.

A visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 30, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa, with a funeral service to follow starting at 12 p.m.  Burial will follow at Holy Family New Melleray Church Cemetery.

She was born on August 5, 1945, in Dubuque, Iowa to Arnold and Frances (Wickman) Schneider. Kay loved her family unconditionally, and really loved the times she got to spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching them grow through pictures and FaceTime.

She enjoyed playing cards, water aerobics, dominos, traveling around the countryside, tending to her beautiful plants and watching hummingbirds, she had a secret recipe to attract them. She also loved “sister’s day” with her sisters once a year. She enjoyed visiting her Sunflower Resort friends on her John Deere bicycle.

Kay started going to Arizona in 1995 as a snowbird where she loved it so much, she became an Arizona resident.

Kay is survived by her husband, Gene (Mudd) Bakey, of Surprise, Arizona, her three sons, Jim (Jane) Bakey of Sherrill, Iowa, Jeff (Nancy) Bakey of East Dubuque, and Bill Bakey of Dubuque, her grandchildren, Luke Bakey, Jesse (Courtney) Bakey, of Dubuque, Jenna (Jeremy) Frederick of Princeton, Minnesota, Levi Bakey, Rachael Bakey, and Gabby Bakey of Dubuque, as well has her great grandchildren Charlee, Myles, Aubree and Aaliyah Bakey, Joseph and Julian Frederick. Her brother Mike (Sally) Schneider, of Dubuque; her Godson Chad Schneider of Dubuque; her in-laws Len Sindt, Mary Schneider, Richard (Keiko) Bakey, Juanita Bakey, John (Ruth) Bakey, Mike Breen, Mark Beckman and Gary Smith along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents Arnold and Frances, her daughter Lisa (1964), her brothers Charlie, Ed, and Steven Schneider, and her sisters Jan Langevin, Elaine Sindt, Mary Schneider, and her in-laws Gerald Bakey, Mary Breen, and Darlene Beckman.

A special thanks to the staff at Banner-Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona for taking good care of Kay.

Kay’s not physically here anymore, but her love and light live on forever. She will be loved and forever in our hearts.

Sharon K. Clark

Sharon Kay Clark, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 18th, 2021 at the young age of 62 at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA from unexpected complications of her courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on December 30th, 1958 in Mason City, IA, daughter of Jean and Douglas Peck. She was raised in Clear Lake, IA, and graduated high school and started her family in Iowa City, IA. After several moves around the U.S., Sharon found herself in Dubuque, IA where she stayed and raised her family. She married Judd Clark on July 21st, 1989 at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque.

Sharon enjoyed time with family, skiing at Sundown Mountain, going out for dinner at some of Dubuque’s finest restaurants, listening and dancing to live music, playing the piano, sewing- especially sewing projects for her family,  gardening, and sending dinosaur books and pictures to her grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her husband Judd  Clark, children Paul (Kim) Goranson, Timothy (Melissa) Goranson, Heather Clark, Forrestt (Bridget) Clark; Grandchildren Dorothy Clark, Grant & Grace Goranson, and Evelyn Goranson; mother-in-law Ruth Clark, Brother Ed Peck, sisters Corinne Peck Reilly, and Cathy Peck, and innumerable friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her son Cameron Clark, her parents Douglas and Jean Peck, and her father-in-law Paul Clark.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Wednesday, October 20, at Egelhof, Siegert, & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where a service will be held at  11 a.m. , and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will be in Linwood Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Memorials may be made to The Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

The family would like to thank the nursing  staff on the medical surgical unit at Unity Point Hospital for all of their care and support during Sharon’s final days.

Michael J. Martin

Michael J. Martin “An Irishman Extraordinaire” passed away at the age of 84 on Sunday October 17, 2021, at Hawkeye Care, following a brief illness.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Saint Joseph the Worker with Fr. Jim Gorend officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Mike was born on April 24, 1937, in Dubuque the son of Leo and Ethel (Hogan) Martin. Due to his father Leo being the Dubuque County Sherriff, Mike often shared his stories of growing up in the old Dubuque County Jail next to the courthouse. He attended Saint Raphael Grade school in what Mike would often refer to as the Little Dublin section of Dubuque. He later attended Loras Academy and Loras College graduating with an accounting Degree. He owned and operated Martin Accounting and Investment Services.

Mike was a U.S. Navy veteran and served from 1958 to 1962 in Japan. He was very proud of his military service and was involved with the Navy League, the V.F.W.  and the American Legion Post #6. He held many offices in all of these organizations.

Mike was very generous with his time, volunteering with many groups in Dubuque including the Arboretum, the Salvation Army, and Hospice of Dubuque. Last year he was awarded the very special “2021 Friend of Hospice” award. He was also very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a long-time member of the Dubuque South End Club and later the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He helped organize many events for these clubs over the years.

He was a very kindhearted and generous man who would help anyone at any time. He enjoyed being outdoors, golfing, hunting and listening to music at the Arboretum.

He is survived by his family Leonard (Kathy) Graves, Sandy (Scott) Wirkler, Tammy (Ken) Burds, Jim graves, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Ethel Martin, a sister Marilyn, and his long-time sweetheart Irene Graves.

The family would like to thank all the caring staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the love and care you gave to Mike.

Betty L. Montgomery

Betty L. Montgomery 74, of Galena, IL passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community. The funeral service will be 11 AM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

She was born August 4, 1947, in Hazel Green, WI the daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Cole) Benson. Betty was united in marriage to James L. Montgomery on May 1, 1965, in Galena and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2018. She worked in the Stairs bakery, Galena for about six years. Betty then was employed by Southwest Health Center Epione Pavilion, Cuba city WI as a cook until retiring in 2015.

She loved to garden, read, and do crafts with her husband Jim. Betty loved her family and friends and would be sure to greet you with a big hug whenever she would see you. Betty was always there to lend a helping hand. She was a member of the Eagles Club Women’s Auxiliary.

Betty is survived by her two children, Joe (Tina) Montgomery of Galena, and Brenda (Brian) Pape of Dubuque, four grandchildren, Andrew (Miranda Schwoob) Montgomery, and Jenna (Fiancé’ Danny Wright) Montgomery, Leah (Fiancé’ Alex Little) Wiegman and Tyler Wiegman, one great-grandchild, Quinn Montgomery, and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, Bonnie Benson.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vandigo, Hospice of Dubuque, and the staff at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community for the loving care shown to our mother.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Sister Joanne M. Sullivan

Sister Joanne Marie Sullivan (formerly Sister Joseph Marie), SVM, 89, of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 20, in Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Joanne was born on February 15, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James Joseph and Ruth (Vogt) Sullivan. She entered the Sisters of the Visitation on August 15, 1954 and professed her perpetual vows on August 15, 1961.

Sister Joanne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Arts degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. After entering the convent, she taught at Nativity School in Dubuque and Beckman Catholic High School in Dyersville. She managed Open I, the gift shop at Mount Saint Francis, Dubuque, where she collaborated with a Franciscan sister to create items for the shop.  She also worked as a bookkeeper at the Church of the Resurrection, Dubuque. Sister Joanne was part of an art group that met at the Roberta Kuhn Center and at the Sisters of the Visitation Motherhouse. She was a member of the administrative council of the Sisters of the Visitation and served as treasurer.

Surviving are the Sisters of the Visitation with whom she shared her life for 67 years.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Sisters of the Visitation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Michael D. Peters Sr.

Michael David Peters Sr., 60, of Bellevue, Iowa passed away on October 17, 2021, at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m.

Mike was born on January 5, 1961, in Bellevue, Iowa the son of Joseph Peters Sr. and Janet (Knight) Sieverding. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1979. He married Cheryl Ties in 1978 in Springbrook.

He worked for ADM in Clinton and was a Sheriff Deputy for Jackson County retiring in 2015.

Mike enjoyed fishing, traveling, fixing things, going out to eat, hunting with his sons and grandsons; he mostly enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl; children Bryan Peters, Brandy (Jared) Feller, Corey (Brittini) Peters, and Michael (Lauren Leonard) Peters; his grandchildren, Connor, Carter, Carson, Ali Dierks; Parker Peters; Miley and Brinley Peters and a special friend Leon Torres. His stepfather Paul Sieverding Sr; his siblings Stacy Jaeger, Joe Peters, Tim Peters, Jenny (Chris) Whittington, Paul (Lenae) Sieverding Jr. and Chad Sieverding; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jan Sieverding and Joseph Peters Sr.; his sister Jill Peters; a niece Sara Jaeger; his grandparents and his in-laws Clarence and Alice Ties.

In lieu of flowers a Michael Peters Sr. memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank all their family and friends for their care, kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

Robert L. Gerlich

Robert L. Gerlich, (Bob) 89, of rural Hazel Green, WI, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on September 7, 1932, in Hopkinton, IA, the son of Julius and Eleanor (Griebel) Gerlich.

After Bob graduated from Hopkinton High School he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He met his future wife, Alvina, at a dance at Melody Mill, Dubuque, IA. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1956 in Kieler, WI. They celebrated 61 wonderful years together.  Until she passed on February 10, 2017.  Bob worked for John Deere 31 years as a Machinist as he provided for his wife and 6 children.

Bob enjoyed life to the fullest as his family and friends might say” He was a prankster and loved to tell a joke or two”.  He was an avid Packer and Brewer fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and long necking in cards with a stiff Canadian Hunter drink in his hand. Bob loved to play softball for Sandy Hook Tavern until 50 years of age. He looked forward to winters in Texas, but most of all Bob loved to spend time with his family and friends who will dearly miss his teasing, love, laughter, and friendship.

Surviving are his 6 children, Thomas (Linda) Gerlich of Cuba City, Karen (Steve) Giese of Onalaska, Judy (Tim) Miehe of Holmen, Peggy (Charlie) Ward of Delhi, Scott (Beth) Gerlich of Danbury, and Mark (Annie) Gerlich of Rockdale; 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Underhill, Alice (Jim) Sauser, and Carol Gassman;  sisters-in-law, Violet Haverland and Alverna Haverland.

Visitation will be Friday, October 22nd from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m.at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Kieler, WI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Immaculate Conception Church, with Fr. Bernard Rott officiating, and burial at the church cemetery next to his loving wife, where military honors will be accorded by VFW Post # 6455 of Dickeyville. Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, IL. Is serving the family. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook page.

Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory.  Monetary gifts will go to his two favorite charities: St. Jude’s Hospital and Disabled Veterans.

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

Ruth E. Hohnecker

Ruth E. Hohnecker, age 96, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at 10:23 a.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.  To celebrate Ruth’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Pastor Kristen Wipperman officiating.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ruth was born on June 12, 1925, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of George and Carrie (Neumeister) Hohnecker.

Ruth was a life long resident of Dubuque where she graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and attended class at the University of Dubuque.  She was employed at Mercy Hospital, Finley Hospital and lastly with Medical Associates as a Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist until her retirement in 1985.  She was a proud member of the Eastern Star Julien Chapter 125 and Immanuel Congregational UCC.  Ruth was a kind hearted, old fashioned woman who loved her family and never liked to make a fuss about anything.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Ruth’s memory include

her nieces and nephew,
Nancy (Jim) Mixson, Rockville MD,
Lyn (Mike) Davis, Jackson, TN
and Charles (Carol) Gavin IV, Manning, SC;

as well as her 6 great-nieces and great-nephews,
David, Kim, Claire, Gavin, Rebekah and Brad.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister Jean (Charles III) Gavin.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill for all of their kind and compassionate care of Ruth.  Also a special thank you to her cousins, Janet Neumeister and Diane Neumeister, and her godchild, Donelda Bowman, for all of their support and the extra help that they have provided Ruth allowing her to remain in her home for as long as she possibly could.

Memorials in Ruth’s memory may be donated to your favorite charity or to Immanuel Congregational UCC, 1795 Iowa Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001.

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