Obituaries Archive

Shirley A. Busch

Shirley A. Busch, 79, of La Motte, Iowa passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021.

A visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa with Pastor Will Layton officiating.  Family and friends may also gather after 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Shirley was born on December 10, 1941, to Harold and Ann (Kueter) Miller. She married Carlton Busch Sr. on January 31, 1959, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Iowa where they’re members.

Shirley farmed alongside her husband and raised their four children Carlton Jr., Allen, Richard, and Rebecca before going to work at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she retired from.

Shirley enjoyed cooking, canning, gambling, and a good game of cards in which she reminded even the youngest that there is “no family in cards.” She also enjoyed escaping the Iowa winters every year in Arizona and caring for her family there.

Surviving is her husband Carlton Busch Sr., three children Carlton Jr. (Janice) Busch of Surprise, Arizona, Richard (Kimberly Reeg) Busch of Dubuque, Iowa, Rebecca (Robert) Harjehausen of La Motte, Iowa, and daughter-in-law Lisa (Tom) Harmon of Zwingle, Iowa. Seven grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Nathan, Alyssa, Mitchell, Lucas, and Adam, three step-granddaughters Angela, Amy, and Jennifer, nine great grandchildren, and eight step-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters, Betty McPhail and Carol (Bob) Blume, brother Harold (Rita) Miller Jr., and brothers-in-laws Norman (Mary Kay) Busch and Eldon (Donna) Busch.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ann, her son Allen Busch, her brother LeRoy Miller, and four brothers-in-law Harvey and Roger Busch, Gary McPhail and Robert Becker.

A Shirley Busch memorial fund will be established.

Thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital and Grand Meadows for all their loving care they gave to Shirley.

Beverly R. Miller

Beverly Rose Miller, 72, of Dubuque, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.

A celebration of life will be held at Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St., in Dubuque on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 3-7 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Beverly was born to Betty Leibfried Miller and Sydney Miller on January 15, 1949 in Dubuque. She grew up on the North End, attended Holy Ghost grade school and graduated from Wahlert High School, class of 1966.

Bev lived life with a great sense of adventure and her kind and vibrant spirit was well-known and cherished by all those who knew and loved her.

Family was paramount to Bev, and Bev considered so many loved ones her family. She adored and fiercely loved her sons — Max and Ross, and daughter-in-law Kristi. Bev spent 24 wonderful years with her beloved husband Mark Siegworth, who preceded her in death, but left her with the gift of Gary, Mary, Shanna, David, Tyler, Sam and grandchildren Tessa, Ethan, Ava, Hope, Joy. She shared a close friendship with her brother Bob Miller and sister-in-law Lynn, who lived less than a block away.

Bev was a savvy and dynamic businessperson and was proud to have owned and operated Sid’s Beverage since 1977, which continues to thrive today under the ownership of her son, Ross.

Travel was an integral part of Bev’s life. When she regaled anyone with her stories of voyages abroad and in the U.S., it was as if she had lived lifetimes in one life. She treasured her experiences traveling with Mark, her family and her friends. She also loved a good game of euchre or pinochle and could play for hours if she had a deck in her hand.

From her perfectly coordinated outfits to her unique furnishings, Bev had a style that was extraordinary, distinctly her own, and one that included a lot of purple — her favorite color.

Beverly opened her heart and home to so many. Her kindness, strength, courage and love were unmatched and will serve as an example to the many loved ones that will keep her spirit alive.

Bev is survived by her son Maxwell Miller of Madison, Wis., son Ross Miller (Kristi Schnee) of Dubuque; Gary Siegworth (Mary Gibbs) of Dubuque; Shanna Prine (David Oster) and their children Tessa, Ethan & Ava, of Dubuque; Tyler Siegworth (Sam) and their children Hope, and Joy, of Kansas City; her brother Bob Miller (Lynn) of Dubuque; nephew David (Elena) Miller and their children Luke, Cole, and Sophia; nephew Tom (Ellen Goodmann) Miller and their children Violet and Freya; nephew Daniel (Brittany) Miller and their children Gracie and Gage; aunts and uncles Joan and Bob Valentine and Daniel and Micki Leibfried, and Olie Avery, and many cousins and extended family. Bev is also survived by close friends Lee Highlund, Eileen O’Neil, her beloved cat Twin, and so many other friends she was grateful to have made over her incredible lifetime.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Seigworth; her parents, Betty and Sid Miller; and her grandparents Nud and Doc Miller and Stella and George Leibfried.

Tom Ashenbrenner

Tom Ashenbrenner (aka Tom Brenner), passed away on October 11 at the age of 69 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, WI.

Tom was a Dubuque radio personality from 1988 through 2017, using the on-air name Tom Brenner and known for his show Good Morning Rodeo. He had a love of both radio and music. Tom started both his radio career and playing music at the age of 15. Tom had a magnetic personality and made friends easily. He had a strong interest in local history and loved sharing his home with a variety of dogs, all Humane Society rescues.

Tom is survived by his wife Susan Anderson and sister Sharon Ashenbrenner Charles (Gary). He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Tom is further survived by his brothers-in-law Peter Anderson (Sara Minkoff) and Gary Charles, along with three nieces and a nephew and great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to say a special thanks to the nurses and doctors in the ICU at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

In remembrance of Tom’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the  Dubuque Regional Humane Society or your local historical society.

Online condolences for Tom’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Francis J. Fager

Francis J. “Jim” Fager, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 9th, 2021, at Stonehill Skilled Nursing Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 14th, 2021, at the Church of the Nativity with Fr. Andy Upah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Jim was born on October 23, 1932, in Benton, WI the son of Gerald and Anice (Dugan) Fager. He attended Loras Academy and Loras College.  He is a US Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.

On September 3, 1955, he married Doreen F. Ehrlich at the Church of the Nativity.

For several years he worked for Adams Company; he then was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years in the tool grinding department.

He volunteered his time to help with the Nativity Parish Bingo on Monday nights for many, many years. Jim enjoyed spending family time at the family cottage in Guttenberg; he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed woodworking and was always happy to present a finished project to a family member or to build a new display for his collection of miniature tractors

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doreen; his children, Michael (Anita) Fager of Marion, IA, Ellen (Tom) Burdt of Cuba City, WI, Beth Fager of Dubuque, IA and Ronald Fager of Monroe, WI; grandchildren, Wendi (Bill) Kletecka, Nicole Burdt, Matthew (Trischia) Burdt, Jennifer (Kevin) McGrane, Kimberly (Eric) Shea, Kenneth (Cayla) Fager, Melissa (Keith) Bell, and Alisa Fager; great grandchildren, Hannah, Henry, Hailey, Cameron, Cody, Claire, Colton, Wyatt, Cora, and Ava; and a cousin Mary (Bill) Foltz.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and Staff at Stonehill Care Center especially the Skilled Nursing Unit.

Alfred Gatena

Alfred “Bud” Gatena, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Manor Care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 15, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 1870 St. Ambrose St., Dubuque.

Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque.

Ann M. Salow

Ann Marie Salow, 71, formerly of North Ridgeville, Ohio and currently since March of 2021 Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Dubuque Specialty Care.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2021, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa. Burial will be scheduled at a later date in Toledo, Ohio per her wishes.

She was born on August 21, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio to Clement and Dorothy (Demski) Orlowski. She married husband Chester W. Salow Jr. (Ted) on April 3, 1977 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

She graduated with a Bachelors at University of Toledo. She was a Data Processing Supervisor at Medical Mutual of Ohio and retired in 2018 after 48 years of devoted service.

Ann loved horseback riding and traveling. She also loved all things Disney, especially Tinkerbell … you can fly now … Her heart was always full with her grandkids and her four legged “kids” Jamie, Yogi, and Gracie.

Surviving is her husband Chester W. Salow, daughter Kim (Jason) Sheehy and her 3 grandchildren: Madison, Connor, and Xander.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clement and Dorothy, step-father Robert Buehler, and brother Ronald Orlowski.

All memorials are to be sent to the Humane Society or any other animal rescue organization.

He will raise you up on eagles wings.

Karen L. Potter

Karen L. Potter, 82, of Maquoketa, passed away on Friday, October 08, 2021 at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue.  Per her wishes no public services will be conducted.  Local arrangements at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Karen was born August 3, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa.  She was the head bartender and cashier at Bluff Lake for 34 years before retiring.  Karen enjoyed in her earlier years, gardening, crocheting, playing cards, and attending her children and grandchildren sporting events.

Survivors include her children, Cindy (Terry) Koontz, Michael Griffin, Angel Schiffer, Matthew Potter, and Joseph P. Potter III; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; 2 nieces; 1 great-niece; 2 great-nephews; 1 great-great nephew; many good friends; especially Cheryl.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary (Hladky) Johnson; a sister, Arlene (Clarence “Cuz”) Irwin, Jr.; a son in-law, Jim Schiffer; and a nephew, Gary Shearer.

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

Cynthia M. Benhart

Cynthia M. “Cindy” Benhart, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 10, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 15, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Cynthia May Stutt was born on October 29, 1959 in Monticello, Iowa, to Leonard Wilbur and Joyce Ellen (Barnes) Stutt.  She was a 1978 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She married Larry A. Benhart on February 3, 1979 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  A daughter, Heather, was born to this union.  “Cindy” and Larry were often always together and inseparable.

“Cindy” had various jobs through the years most notably for WADY Industries in Maquoketa as a saw operator for over 12 years, and for the past 20 years until present at Gasser’s True Value in Maquoketa in customer service where she was known as an expert at making paint.

“Cindy” was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  She loved cooking and baking for all, sewing, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.  Most of all, she loved getting to watch her grandchildren participate in school activities.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband of 42 years, Larry Benhart of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter, Heather (Doug) Said of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren, MacKenzie, Dylan, Beau and Dalton; her father, Leonard Stutt of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Deb (Bob) Nichols of Bellevue, NE; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Skeeter) Grage of Maquoketa, IA, and Deb Benhart-Putz of Cedar Rapids, IA; brothers-in-law, Brian Benhart of Bettendorf, IA, and Dwain Trenkamp of Peosta, IA; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her mother Joyce Stutt in May of 2020, a great-nephew Anthony Nichols, father-in-law and mother-in-law Melvin “Red” and Betty Benhart, sister-in-law Linda Trenkamp, and a brother-in-law Allen Benhart.

In lieu of ther expressions of sympathy, a Cynthia M. “Cindy” Benhart memorial fund has been established.

“The family would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to Hospice of Jackson County.”

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Eugene H. Kramer

Eugene Howard Kramer, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 9, 2021 at home with family at his side.

A funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, Dubuque, IA. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of service. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Gene was born on May 14, 1936, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Henry and Ethel (Smith) Kramer. He graduated from East Dubuque High School in 1954.

Gene married Beverly Jean (Muntz) Kramer, on June 18, 1955, at Immanuel Church, Dubuque, IA

After high school, Gene began an apprenticeship with the Carpenter’s Union and became a Journeyman Carpenter in 1959.  He later went on to start his own construction business.  Gene loved his family and friends, and he took great joy in providing his gift of construction to dozens of family and friends over his lifetime.  He was always quick with a smile and a hug to let you know he considered you “family”.  His love of the outdoors was reflected in his nurturing of wildlife around his property.  However, his greatest love was Bev, his wife of 66 years.  She was the one who always put a gleam in his eye, and he treasured her the most as they took their decades long journey through life side by side.

Gene is survived by his wife Beverly Jean (Muntz) Kramer, of Dubuque, IA; his children: Kim (Tom) Brandt of Dubuque, IA, Gene (Melissa) Kramer of Ocala FL, and Kurt (Jamie) Kramer of Omaha, NE.  Grandchildren Jamie Kramer (son Brenden), Katie (Chris) Kelley (daughter Amelia), Nick Kramer, Jewell Brandt (daughter June), Jason Kramer, Teeya Brandt (children Jozie, Arien), Dominique (William) Powell (children Jayden, Kalayah,  Wil’Zaria, Wil’Asia, Wil’Nique, Dakari, William Jr.), Heather Duffy (children Skyler, Taneha, Lavonta), Nicole Duffy (children Brianna, Ahlivia, Raniyah, Jazzlynn) Gene is also survived by his brother Roger (Barb) Kramer and his sister Sue (Jerry) Wiederholt, and sister-in-law Delores Muntz.  Finally, he leaves behind beloved dogs Dakota and Luna, and his cat Zafro.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hank and Ethel, brothers Ken, Jim, Dick, Jerry, and sisters Evelyn, Eleanor, and Florence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque (especially Buffy, Melanie and Brittany) for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Gene.

Delores M. Wiederholt

Delores M. Wiederholt, 85, of Dubuque, died Saturday, October 9, 2021, at her home in Dubuque surrounded by her five daughters after a seven year battle with cancer.

Visitation will be 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Delores will be 10:00 am Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Steve Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Delores was born December 26, 1935, in Dubuque, the daughter of Carl J. and Mary Ann (Skahill) Hayes. On June 25, 1955, she married Donald F. Wiederholt in St. Mary Catholic Church. He passed away on January 18, 2018.

She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1953.

Delores was employed at Celotex Corp. prior to the birth of her first child. She returned to the workforce when her youngest child entered school and worked as a paraprofessional for ten years at Marshall School.  In 1982, they moved to Louisiana to accept a job transfer for Donald.  Upon returning to Dubuque, she worked for Perfection Oil for 20 years.

As young parents, Donald and Delores enjoyed tent camping with their children and spent a lot of time picnicking at Eagle Point Park. She became the first president of the Queen of Angels Catholic Mothers’ Club in 1957. Its remaining members are close friends to this day. They attended ballroom dance classes where they met people who became life-long friends.  In addition, they enjoyed many wonderful trips out of the country.

Delores loved sewing, cross-stitching and baking.  She also had a passion for weeding and working in the garden, but her favorite pastime was reading. What she loved more than anything were the times she shared with her family, which she loved so dearly.  She had an infectious laugh which will be missed by all.

Survivors include her five daughters: Diane Wiederholt of Bettendorf, Desiree Miklusicak of Sun Prairie, WI, Doreen (Dave Bakey) Wiederholt of Dubuque, Delphine (David) Bergfeld of Epworth and Donita (Tim) Remy of Park View, IA; her grandchildren: Holly (Cory) Anderson, Morgan Covarrubias, Jennifer (Wesley) Schilling, Aaron Grable, Debra (Joseph) Maxwell, Emily (Scott) Belloma, Michael (Brooke) Bergfeld, Matthew Remy and Elizabeth Remy; her great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Cyril Anderson, Isaiah Covarrubias, Ava and Brayden Schilling, Madeline and Easton Maxwell, Emma and Bennett Belloma and Hudson Bergfeld; one brother, Thomas (Suzanne) Hayes of Muskegon, MI; two brothers-in-law: Robert (Donna) Wiederholt and Gerald (Sue) Wiederholt and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; three brothers: Earl “Bud” (Jean) Hayes, Ronald (Shirley) Hayes and Daniel Hayes; one sister, Ruth Hayes; great-granddaughter, Myianna Miklusicak; brother-in-law, Floyd (Mary) Wiederholt and her father and mother-in-law, Francis (Margaret) Wiederholt.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the MercyOne Oncology Department, especially Dr. Engelman and his staff, as well as MercyOne Dubuque Hospital and University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital.

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

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

Loella T. Carter

Loella T. “Babe” Carter, 81, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, October 08, 2021 at Mercy One in Dubuque.  Private Family Memorial Service with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery will be conducted.  Local arrangements with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Loella was born November 3, 1939 in Bellevue, the daughter of George and Matilda “Tillie” (Ries) Ernst.  She married Robert F. Carter on October 25, 1958 in Bellevue, he passed on December 3, 1995.  She worked for ESKA for many years, then at Ensign in Bellevue, before retiring.  Loella enjoyed playing BINGO, cards, fishing, and was always at her grandchildren’s sporting events.  She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Jody (Wayne) Ehlers , Mike (Becky) Carter,  Sandy (Randy) Steines, and Kathy (John) Hansen; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bonnie Blake, and a brother in-law, Fred Stoecken.

Loella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Ardell “Butch” and George, Jr. (JoAnn) Ernst, Mary Jane Ernst, Eugene “Tuffy” (Dee) Ernst, Rosalyn “Toots” ( Merle and Ingram) Hill, Betty Stoecken; and a brother in-law, Bob Blake.

Memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home c/o Loella Carter Family at 100 N. 6th Street Bellevue, IA  52031

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

Angela M. Schroeder

Angela M. (Thola) Schroeder, 41, of Magnolia, Texas and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, from injuries received in an automobile accident that occurred on September 21, 2021 in Texas.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Angela on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 3 to 5 P.M. in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation has taken place.  A service was held on October 5 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Planterville, Texas.

Angela Marie Thola was born on December 15, 1979 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Robert and Marla (Kilburg) Thola.  She was a graduate of Andrew High School and then Texas A&M University at Galveston.  She married Brian P. Schroeder on September 4, 2004 in LaMotte, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union, Kaleb, Makena and Carleigh.

Angela loved being a stay-at-home full-time mom.  She also enjoyed being involved in dog rescue and fostering children.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Planterville, Texas.

Those left to honor Angela’s memory include her husband, Brian Schroeder of Magnolia, TX; 3 children, Kaleb, Makena and Carleigh, all at home; her mother and step-father, Marla and Ronald Theisen of LaMotte, IA; her father and step-mother, Robert and Sheila Thola of Bellevue, IA; siblings, Brian (Melissa) Thola of Cedar Falls, IA and Nicole (Clint) Winwood of Texas City, TX; step-siblings, Jessica (Scott) Hingtgen of Bellevue, IA, Hillary (Jeff) Lynch of Bernard, IA, Giselle (Austin) Till of Bellevue, IA, and Libby (Ryan) Palmer of Bettendorf, IA; and her maternal grandmother, Mary Lee Kilburg of Maquoketa.  She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Jim Kilburg, paternal grandparents Lloyd Sr. and Marilyn Thola, and a special grandmother Iva Heiserman.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Angela M. Schroeder memorial fund has been established.

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

Patricia Steinle

Patricia “Pat” Steinle, 78 of Galena, IL passed away Friday, October 8, 2021, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena. The funeral mass will be 11 AM, Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena where friends may call after 10:30 AM until the time of the mass. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

She was born September 15, 1943, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Raymond and Mildred (Ries) Hirsch. Pat attended Holy Ghost, St. Joseph’s Academy, Dubuque Wahlert and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She was united in marriage to Ronald “Hoss” Steinle on May 11, 1963, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque and he preceded her in death on August 24, 2006.

Pat worked at the former Kentucky Fried Chicken in Galena from the time it opened in 1976 and remained there until it closed in 1988. She then began working as a teller at First National Bank, US Bank, and First Community Bank until she retired in 2013. In her younger years, she played volleyball and tennis in various Galena leagues, winning a trophy in the latter. Pat enjoyed reading, shopping trips to Dubuque, going out to eat with friends and family, walking and gardening. She loved talking to people and never met a stranger. Pat also had a soft heart for animals and fed and adopted many stray cats. She had a beautiful singing voice and sang in the local Christmas concert until 2016. Pat was a member of the Galena Elks Lodge and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lori (Fiancé’ Mark Maas) and Lisa Steinle both of Galena, two brothers, Dale “Nick” (Linda) Hirsch and Gerald “Jerry” (Barb) Hirsch, both of Dubuque, and a sister, Judie (Mike) Clemen of Florida, a brother-in-law Ralph “Rusty” Steinle, and sister-in-law, Kay Steinle both of Galena, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a nephew, Gerald Hirsch Jr.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Oh, Dr. Richard Farrell, Dr. Beth Gullone, and the wonderful staff of nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, and speech therapists at Midwest Medical Center. The ones who provided care for our mom at home when we could not be there, Alisha Conrad, Becky Dowell, Stephany Schwartz, Mary Jane Conrad, Dianne Laity, Virginia Holland, and Jan Komistra. Michelle and Todd Wessels, Mark Maas, Bonnie Hausman, and Buzz Sprengelmeyer for supplying meals and extra help as needed. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Janice J. Freese

Janice J. Freese, 78, of East Dubuque, IL, formerly of Bellevue and Dubuque, IA, passed away on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the Bell Tower Retirement Community.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Fr. Steven Garner officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation is after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Facemasks are required per State and CDC guidelines.

Janice was born on March 15, 1943 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Clyde & Alice (Hultgron) Clough.  She graduated from Senior High School.

Janice met her husband Al (Sonny), the love of her life at Nu-Way Cleaners in the 1960’s where she worked and eventually married on August 7, 1963. They continued to work side by side up to when they took ownership of the dry cleaners in 1976 until they closed the business on November 1, 2015. Her talents as a seamstress and her attention to detail pressing clothes to perfectness stood out among their many loyal customers for over 55 years.

Her family will always remember her love of anything that had Betty Boop on it. From PJ’s, blankets, steering wheel cover, dolls, key chain, etc. If Betty Boop was on it she had it! Also make sure you do not lay a LTD catalog around because she would be sure to order at least a 3 minimum purchase. Add a “special” and it would become 5!

Another thing that she enjoyed was spending time with her sister Sharon on the weekends. You may catch them at the Casino at their favorite Red, White & Blue slot machine where they once hit the jackpot. Later years the slots were replaced by playing Bingo.

Her easy going and caring disposition will be sadly missed by her children and grandchildren whom she always did anything for.

Survivors include three children, Jim Freese and Julie (Craig) Weiner both of Dubuque and Bob (Patty) Freese of Marion, IA; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Duane (Donna) Clough of Dubuque and LaVonne (Bonnie) Thurston of Capitola, California; plus nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alice, her husband Allen V. (Sonny), a son Donald, and her sister and brother-in law Sharon and Dave Jaeger.

The family would like to thank the Bell Tower Retirement Community staff and Hospice of Dubuque for their love and care.

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

William R. Whitson

William R. “Bill” Whitson, 76, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Texas.  At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

William Ray Whitson was born on February 23, 1945, in Cincinnati, Ohio to William O. “Pete” and Dorothy (Hudgens) Whitson.  He moved to Texas at age 13 and then graduated from Duncanville, Texas High School in 1963.  He then served his country in the U.S. Navy earning an honorable discharge.  He married Sandra Hurley on January 18, 1973 in Durant, Oklahoma.  Two children were born to this union, William Christopher and Cecily Charlene.

After serving his country, “Bill” returned to Texas and began a 40-year career with Haliburton Energy Services, first as a machinist, then as a process planner, and lastly until retirement as a cost estimator.

“Bill” was a very active member of Victory Life Church in Texas.  He was a humble and Godly man who loved people and people loved him.  He also enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sandra Whitson of Maquoketa, IA; children, William Christopher (Vicky) Whitson of Sherman, TX, and Cecily Charlene Williams of Calera, OK; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; a brother, Gerry (Donna) Whitson of GA; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Charles.

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