Obituaries Archive

Susan A. Metcalf

Susan Ann Metcalf, 74, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully, holding the hand of her beloved husband of 52 years, on November 13, 2024.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to begin at 11:45 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 18th, 2024, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Susan was born on June 24, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alcuin and Mary “Susie” (Vandendriessche) Blatz. She graduated from Marquette High School in 1968 and then Capri Cosmetology College in 1970. On October 28, 1972, she married Lawrence “Larry” Metcalf at St. Catherine’s Church in Dubuque, IA.

She worked at Vogue Beauty Salon until transitioning to a stay-at-home mom for many years.  After her kids were grown, she worked at St. Joseph’s Key West School and later at Jefferson Middle School for 14 years as a paraprofessional.  She spent a lifetime caring for others and selflessly giving of herself.

Susan was a devoted wife, loving mother, wonderful grandmother, and loyal friend, always quick with a smile or a kind word. She cherished camping with family and friends, treasured playing cards and spending time with her grandchildren.  She loved bowling, traveling, going on walks, and cutting the hair of family and friends.

Susan fought Alzheimer’s for many years. Although the disease took away precious time with her loved ones, it never diminished her beautiful spirit which made her so special.  Her struggle serves as a reminder that time, though limited, should be cherished. It is essential to live fully in the moment and love those around us unconditionally.

She is survived by her loving husband Larry Metcalf and their five awesome children: Christopher (Kamyra) Metcalf of Suwanee, GA, Michelle (Jamison) Winders of Iowa City, IA, Travis Metcalf of Dubuque, IA, Brenda (Nick) Wilson of Dubuque, IA, Nicole (Zach) Thill of Peosta, IA; eleven adorable grandchildren Olivia, Christopher (CJ) and Grant Metcalf, Spencer and Etta Winders, Lyla, Everly and Hadley Wilson, Vincent, Lorelai, and Silas Thill. Her eight siblings Barb (Joe) Lyons, Joanne (Jim) Oberbroeckling, Larry (Sheila) Blatz, Mike (Karen) Blatz, Kathy (Tony) Reiss, Mark (Jean) Blatz, Tom (Sarah) Blatz, Mary (John) Giesemann; In-laws Angie Blatz-Malott, Jerry (Donna) Metcalf, Judi (Jim) Dolan, Patti (Kevin) Metcalf-Murray, Kenny (Deb) Metcalf; her Godchildren Matt, Scott, Sara, and Kelly and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alcuin and Susie Blatz; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Walter and Eleanor Metcalf; brother Joseph Blatz; two nephews and two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the Susan Metcalf Memorial Fund will be established.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially Peggy, Nichole, Sasha, and Kortney as well as the wonderful staff at Luther Manor for their loving care for the last year and a half.  Also, a very big thank you to our longtime neighbors Paul and Cindy Breen and countless other family and friends.

Sr. Ruth Elsbernd

SISTER RUTH (BERNETTE) ELSBERND of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 2:42 PM,  Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Clare House.

The Remembering Service and Rite of Final Committal will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 followed by burial at the Sisters of St. Francis natural burial site. A Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center. The livestream of both services can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans.

Sister Ruth was born March 19, 1927 in Festina, IA, the daughter of John and Martha (Kuennen) Elsbernd.

Sister Ruth entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1945 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1951. Sister received her MS in Physical Science from Kansas State Teachers College, Kansas City, KS in 1971. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Remsen, Mapleton, Larchwood, Granville, Ossian, Eldridge, Clarinda, Calmar, Cresco, Sherrill, NITI, Peosta, and in Dubuque at Sacred Heart and Wahlert High School. She also served in Midlothian, IL, Cumberland, RI, Cuba City, WI, St. Cloud, MN and Xavier Hospital and Mount St. Francis Center, both in Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sister Colette Kuhn, nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Jerome (Luella) Elsbernd, Arnold (Helen) Elsbernd, Roger (Gladys) Elsbernd, and Joseph Elsbernd; and brother-in-law Anthony Kuhn.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Scott Clifford

Scott Clifford passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Scott will be 12:00 pm Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.

Scott was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on May 9, 1970, grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and lived in St. Louis, Missouri from 1988 until his passing.

Scott leaves behind his three beloved sons, Thomas, Patrick and Daniel and his wife of 24 years Carol (Sparks). Additionally, he will be missed by family, including his mom Deborah (Alger) Clifford (Dave Schap), his dad Stephen Clifford (Judy Buss), his sisters Cynthia Haugen (Eric), Angela Heiden (Todd), and Rebecca Carson (Louis), his sister-in-law Ann Newton (Kevin), and ten nieces and nephews.

Scott and Carol were married in 2000 and their boys were born in 2004 (Thomas), 2006 (Patrick) and 2007 (Daniel). Family, sports and competition were always important to Scott and included a passion for hockey (his boys’ teams and his beloved Stars), legendary Easter egg hunts inspired by his family’s hunts growing up, family football Sundays watching all the games, and lots of family time on the golf course. Any sport the boys picked up, Scott would be at the game or match, supporting them. He also loved participating in a variety of fantasy sports leagues and even created a family fantasy football league so they could have a friendly competition within the household.

From a young age, Scott had a deep love of reading, history, and learning. When asked to do farm work with his dad, he replied “I am a scholar, not a worker.” He was an expert sibling teaser and button pusher in his youth, and became a great mentor teaching these skills to his nieces and nephews. Growing up, he enjoyed playing fun games or pulling off brilliant pranks with his friends in the neighborhood. He was always up for providing strategic and thoughtful advice, or for engaging in a healthy and fun debate. Scott will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up a room when he walked in, and was a warm welcome to all those present.

Mary C. Lee

Mary Catherine Lee, 89, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19^th, 2024, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. The burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Luxemburg, Iowa.

Mary Lee was born August 25th, 1935, in Luxemburg, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Schaul) Meyers. She married Harry Bockenstedt, together they had three children, and worked on their family farm. Harry unexpectedly passed and she later married Jerry Lee. They moved to Dubuque in 1964, and she worked at Coach House and Olan Mills. She frequently spent time baking, hunting and fishing with Jerry, and enjoying time with her grandchildren. After retiring, she stayed busy selling Avon and vanilla for the AMVETS, spending time at St. Joseph the Worker, and vacations with her partner, Red.

She is survived by three children David, Dennis, and Margaret (Jim Kinsella) Bockenstedt. Five grandchildren, Jim (Danielle) Bockenstedt, Tim (Kate) Hoffman, Dawn Bockenstedt, Amy (Jacob) Kenniker, and Alicia (Dan) White. Nine great-grandchildren, Alexis, Joey, Ellie, Leila, Carter, Gavin, Jax, Quinn, and Ashton, that she loved endlessly. She is also survived by two siblings, JoAnn (Joe) Manternach and Albert John “Mike” (Moe) Meyers.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Harry and Jerry, partner, Red, her daughter Janet and a brother, Kenneth.

The family would like to extend the most special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Steph Guy for loving and caring for grandma as one of their own family members. She will forever be grateful and demand a hug before walking out the door.

Steve Forbes

Steve Forbes, 61, of Dubuque, died of natural causes on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Steve will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Mike Timmerman officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque, at a later date.

Steve was born on September 13, 1963, in Carroll, IA, the son of William and Helen (DeVries) Forbes. He attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA, to become a diesel mechanic, where he met his wife, Theresa, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years. Steve worked as a talented trailer mechanic for 37 years and proudly owned Arrowhead Trailer Repair for a decade. After retiring from his role as a trailer mechanic, he transitioned to delivering bread for Bimbo Bakeries.

Steve cherished his children and grandchildren immensely. Whenever he greeted or bid farewell to them, he would always sign off with a double “I love you.” He loved to wrestle with them whenever possible and generously shared treats from his personal candy dish. An enthusiastic griller, Steve bought his first pellet grill in Texas and developed a passion for grilling that lasted for the next 10 years. On weekends, he could be found grilling up a storm as if he were cooking for an army, always eager to share his food with others. He often dispensed grilling advice, whether it was solicited or not. Steve was a helpful man who enjoyed assisting others with their projects. He preferred having things done his way and could be quite a perfectionist. As a proud father, he frequently shared stories about what his two children were up to. He valued his vacation time, which included leisurely trips through Wisconsin with family to enjoy his bacon fix from Nueske’s and various other adventures around the world. His strange sense of humor and quick wit will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Theresa of Dubuque; two children, Paul (Andrea) Forbes of Bellevue, NE; and Rachel Forbes of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Olivia, Luca, Noah, Jonah, Ezra, and Oda Forbes; brother, Greg Forbes of Clearwater, FL; sister-in-law, Jane Forbes of Johnston, IA, father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Barb Ries of Dubuque; four siblings-in-law, Beki (Bill) Montgomery, John (Lynn) Ries, Lou Ries, and Sarah (Steve) Dunne; and four nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, William Forbes; his parents, Helen and Victor Warnke; brother, Scott Forbes; and two nephews, Mike Dunne and Parker Forbes.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Rita A. Baker

Rita A. Baker, age 89, of Asbury, IA, completed her earthly journey on Nov. 10, 2024, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows, while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Rita’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd, with Rev. Matthew Agee Officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Burial will be in the Linwood Mausoleum.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rita’s family.

Rita was born on March 18, 1935, in Nordholz, Germany, a daughter to Paul and Erna (Struhs) Neugebauer.  As a young woman who spoke no English, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the MS Italia in August of 1955 to pursue the American dream.  She eventually met her soulmate, John F. Baker, and the two were united in marriage and blessed with many wonderful years together and a blended family of their very own to love and nurture together.

Rita possessed an amazing work ethic and faithfully utilized it until she was 84 years old.  She found great joy in the knowledge that she was able to pass this trait along to her 5 children as well.  Rita was our fiercest champion and always provided unconditional love to her family and friends.

Her Euchre skills were unmatched, although her son-in-law’s often accused her of cheating.  Rita never lost a game of Yahtzee to her grandchildren, although her math tabulations often drew close scrutiny. No family gathering was complete without Rita’s homemade German Potato Salad, which affectionally became known as “Heaven in a Pot.”

She enjoyed her work at Ring’s Restaurant and eventually made her way to Fashion Touch Dry Cleaners where she spent over 42 years and made many lifelong friends along the way.

Even though she never had a driver’s license, Rita taught all her children to drive and was lovingly referred to as a human Garmin as she could navigate her way across the U.S. without any issues.  Her son-in-law even took the approach to nickname his Garmin, Rita, in her honor.

Rita’s grandchildren absolutely loved and adored her without hesitation.  They cherished being part of “The Clan” and all the love she bestowed upon them each and every day of her life.  We will miss Rita more than words could depict, but we can be sure that Heaven has gained a very bright light today while our world appears just a little dimmer without her among us.

Those left to cherish the memory of Rita include,

her five children,
Deborah (Michael) Clemens,
Barbara (Jeffry) Potts,
Steve (Jerry) Koeller-Hamel,
Donna (Rodney) Clemen,
and Kevin (Tracy) Koeller, all of Dubuque, IA.

her grandchildren,
Tracy (Dan) Gurdak, Tammy (Eric) Dupont, Austin (Tracy) Clemens, Kathryn (Jason) Clarke, Abigail (Blaine) Bertsch, Alexander Potts, Kelly (Brian) White, Kyle (Lindsey) Clemen and Alexis Koeller;

her great-grandchildren,
Rylan Mours, Riley Dupont, Landon Dupont, Monroe Clarke, Ledger Clarke, Clara White, Charlie White, Annie White, Penelope Bertsch, Gwendolyn Bertsch, Wren Clemen, Grady Clemen, Crosby Clemen, Maeve Clemens, and one more arriving soon in Jan. of 2025.

her sister,
Paula Rettinghaus, Nordholz, Germany;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John F Baker in 2018; and her brother-in-law, Horst Rettinghaus.

Rita’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care.

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

Wayne D. Noel

Wayne D. Noel, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on the morning of Sunday November 10, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Church of the Nativity.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church with Rev. Steven Audu officiating. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Wayne was born on April 19, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ralph and Bernice (Vandermillen) Noel. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Audrey Falk, on August 23, 1954, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral. Wayne worked at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Wayne was a man of many passions, with a deep love for hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends—especially as the best euchre partner around. A dedicated member of the Dubuque Bird Dog Club, he cherished the outdoors and spent countless hours making memories with his beloved wife, Audrey, in their beautiful garden. Their yard was truly a showcase of their hard work and shared love for gardening. Wayne adored his family, especially enjoying stories about his grandchildren, and had a soft spot for his pets. His warmth, loyalty, and love for those around him will always be remembered.

Wayne is survived by his seven children Jeff Noel, Karen (Kevin) Hawks, Scott Noel, Kelly Noel, Angella Vail, Polly Dzugan, and Chris (Cassandra) Noel, 25 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, parents Bernice and Ralph, brother Carl Noel, and sister-in-law Katie Noel.

The family wishes to thank the Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque nurses and staff for all their care, love, and compassion for dad. Thank you!

Charlann L. Townsley

Charlann L. Townsley, 88, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, with family at her side, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, IA.

Charlann was born on August 28, 1936, in Clinton, IA, the daughter of Walter and Evelyn (Jacobsen) Townsley.

She graduated from Clinton High School and worked for the Job Corp and as a feature writer for several publications before moving to Dubuque. While in Dubuque, she worked for the City of Dubuque in the Planning and Zoning Department. She moved to Tucson, AZ, in 1984 to be close to her mother. In Tucson, she worked as a legal secretary.

She had many passions, foremost was her family, but she also enjoyed teaching children about the arts through Lucy Ladybug Learning Inc. She also loved writing songs about the Mississippi and the towns along the river as the Mississippi River Lady.

Surviving are her children Brian (Lisa) Blodgett of Concordia, KS, Joe (Kathy) Blodgett of Dubuque, Susan (Randy) Kessel of Ames, IA, and James Blodgett (Susan Staley) of Dubuque, as well as her son-in-law James McDougall of Townsend, TN. She had eight grandchildren: Matthew, Noah, Clare, Andrew, Kerry, Katie, Carissa, and Kylie, and a great granddaughter, Eleanor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Townsley, and her daughter Michelle McDougall.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date, per her wishes.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank Luther Manor, Hospice of Dubuque, and Crista Weber for their loving care.

Tony J. Carr

Tony J. Carr, 67, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, November 10, 2024, after a ten-year battle with cancer.

Tony J. Carr was born on July 10, 1957, Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Jerry “The Ole Cherokee” and Billie Jane (Bocklett) Carr.  He grew up in Cedar Rapids and after receiving his high school diploma attended Kirkwood Community College where earned an Associates of Applied Science degree in Water and Wastewater Management.  He married Judy M. Widel on August 20, 1994 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Tony was deeply committed to his work. He served the City of Maquoketa as the Water and Wastewater Superintendent from 1988 until 2007. His dedication to public service continued as he took on the role of Public Works Director for the City of Asbury, Iowa, where he worked until his retirement in 2019.

He was an avid lover of the outdoors, often found soaking up the sun and boating on the Mississippi River. His love for music was profound, with a particular fondness for Rock-N-Roll hits from the 70s.

Those left to honor Tony’s memory, include his wife, Judy Carr of Maquoketa, IA; children, Travis Carr of Palo, IA, Emily Carr of Newhall, IA, and Alicia (Matt) Dee of Shellsburg, IA; 8 grandchildren; siblings, Jack Carr of FL, Stacy (Reba) Carr of FL, and Kitty (Tom) Carr of FL; and in-laws, John and LeAnn Widel, Dick and Beth Widel, and Joyce and Rich Majerus.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Mike Carr.

A gathering of family and friends celebrating his life will be held from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., Saturday, November 23, 2024, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Mary K. Randecker

Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Randecker, 87, of Galena, IL, died at 8:42 AM, Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Midwest Senior Care Center, Galena. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. A parish rosary will be recited at 12:30 PM before the visitation. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may call after 10:30 AM until the time of mass. The burial will be in the church cemetery.

Rosemarie Reno

Rosemarie Reno, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on November 5, 2024, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Rosemarie’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rosemarie’s family.

Rosemarie was born on September 3, 1948, in Wiesbaden, Germany, a daughter to Rudolf and Louise Eichhorn.  She was a genuinely kind and sweet soul through and through who made her way to the United States at the age of 18. Rosemarie eventually found the love of her life, David Reno, and they enjoyed all that life was together hand in hand until he was sadly called home ahead of her.  Rosemarie loved and adored her family with all of her being and did spend some time outside of the home as a hostess at the Diamond Jo, but those who knew her best were always aware that her heart resided contently right back at home with her family and friends by her side.

Rosemarie embraced life to the fullest and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a new adventure whenever it presented itself.  Her interests were multifaceted to say the least.  Rosemarie and David both invested countless hours raising birds and perfecting their green thumbs daily.  Their Cocktail’s lived a happy and healthy life for over 30 years under their care and the plants and flowers they curated were truly the envy of the neighborhood.  Rosemarie also valued her time with her dear friends in their “Knit n Chat” group.  When she sat down with Maureen, Amy, Lana, Susie, and Judy to literally hand spin wool sheered directly from the sheep, there was no greater accomplishment to be gained.  Their conversations were as productive as their skills and so many others benefited from their commitment, not only locally, but across the globe.  Many of their creations made it overseas to those in need and to this day the hats and gloves made from beginning to end with true devotion are a tangible reminder of the legacy of selfless love which Rosemarie leaves behind.

Rosemarie was also quite gifted in the kitchen and when the scent of her homemade bread and handmade soaps permeated the air, everyone knew she was in her happy place.  Unfortunately, the only delicious treat she couldn’t make on her own was her favorite, a Dairy Queen Blizzard, but they were always worth a trip down the street to savor a little well-earned treat after all of her tasks were complete for the day.  To say that Rosemarie made the world a better place simply with her presence within it would be the understatement of the year.  Her heart rarely thought about herself and her own needs, but rather what she could be doing with her time and talents for others continually.  We accept that Rosemarie has now taken her favorite canine companion, Kindle, for his last walk in their mortal realm and we thankfully find peace in knowing that her earthly health battles now subside.  To know Rosemarie was to love her and that love never returned void.  We will miss her more than words could say and are forever grateful for the 76 years the Lord was generous enough to share her tender spirit with us all.  Thank you, Rosemarie, for never allowing the world around you to stifle your purpose and for teaching us all that putting others first never fails and is worth the effort every single time it’s tried.  May the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Rosemarie include,

her three adored daughters,
Jennifer (fiancé Troy Hansen) Bradley, Dubuque, IA,
Melissa Schute, Cedar Rapids, IA,
and Dorothy Bradley, Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Nickolas Brimmer, Sylvia Edwards, Christina Schick, Adam Edwards, Kyle Arling, Will Billmeyer, and Josh Mercado;

her six great-grandchildren;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Rosemarie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David Reno; and two sisters, Hannelore and Uta.

Rosemarie’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Rosemarie and her family.  We would also like to extend a very special heartfelt thank you to our family friend, Chris Schute, for going above and beyond during Mom’s last days.  All of the love and support we were so graciously given when it was needed most has truly been a gift we could never truly repay and for that we are eternally grateful.

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

Janice G. Lietz

Janice G. Lietz, 82, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, November 9, 2024, MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Janice Geraldine Garien was born on February 9, 1942 in Green Island, Iowa, to John and Helen (Brewster) Garien.  She grew up in the Reeseville area and graduated from Miles High School in 1960.  She married Lester H. Lietz on May 29, 1960 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Michael and Barb.

Janice was a homemaker and had lived in Maquoketa her entire adult life.  She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  She enjoyed reading and word finds.  Additionally, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Michael Lietz of Maquoketa, IA, and Barb (Chad) Meyer of Maquoketa, IA; 3 grandchildren, Christian Dundee, Destiny Dundee, and Michelle Meyer; 1 great-grandson, Braxton Roden; and siblings, Bob “Junky” Garien of Maquoketa, IA, Judy Garien, Lois Kilburg, and Patty Garien.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lester on July 18, 1986, and a brother Charlie Garien.

A celebration of her life will be held at 12 P.M., Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Janice G. Lietz memorial fund has been established.

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

Douglas A. Trentz

Douglas Alan Trentz, 61, of Oxford Junction, Iowa passed away Thursday evening, November 7th, 2024, at his brother’s home in Dubuque while surrounded by friends and family. He was a tough, resilient fighter and had battled cancer for 8.5 years.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. The visitation will be followed by a celebration of life at Happy’s in Dubuque from 6:00-10:00 PM. Come ready to eat, drink, dance and share stories.

Doug was born on November 25, 1962 in Dubuque, Iowa to parents Bruce and Joan (Lary) Trentz of Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1981, and then went on to college at Iowa State University. Doug was the Quality Assurance Manager at Loparex in Iowa City and worked with the company for 28 years.

Doug loved to bike (and had many bikes including road bikes and a fat tire bike), he completed RAGBRAI countless times and enjoyed riding the Pedaler’s Jamboree with his kids Ashley and Alex. This last Ped Jam he was also joined by Sophie and Jake. It didn’t matter if it was summer or winter, riding alone or with the many, many biking friends he had made throughout the years, Doug always enjoyed the ride. He was known to get the dance floor started, and almost always had his music turned up loud at home. Doug was a huge Iowa State Cyclone fan and had football season tickets with Alex.  He was a talented runner and hurdler in his younger years, and proved he still had it while running hurdles with Ashley once while she was in high school. He was introduced to camping and mushroom hunting by his dad, and then continued to enjoy these hobbies with his children in later years. He enjoyed growing a garden each year and was a phenomenal cook.

Doug is survived by his two children, Ashley (Jake) Trentz of Mineral Point, Alex (Sophie) Trentz of Milwaukee, his brothers Tom (Cindy) Trentz of Maquoketa, Mike Trentz of Maquoketa, Tim (Angie) Trentz of Dubuque, and Todd (Kara) Trentz of Dubuque, 9 nieces and nephews, 2 great nieces and nephews, 5 aunts, 1 uncle, as well as countless lifelong friends

He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Joan Trentz, uncles John Lary, Gene Lary, Bill Trentz, Bob Trentz, Mark Steingreaber, and aunt Beverly Trentz.

Sr. Thecla Cain, OSF

Sister Thecla (Dorothy) Cain, OSF of the Sisters of St. Francis, 3340 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, Iowa passed away at 10:53 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2024 at Clare House.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans

Burial of cremains will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

She was born November 8, 1928 in Remsen, IA to James and Maria (Murphy) Cain. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1946 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1952. Sister received her master’s degree in education from University of Portland, Portland, OR. She ministered in Iowa at Manchester and in Dubuque at St. Mary and Colette Center. Sister was also missioned in Portland, OR, St. Cloud, MN, Omaha, NE, and Austin, TX.

Sister is survived by her sisters Gladys Daniels and Veronica Hotovec, nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Stephen (Rita) Cain, Thomas (Mary Margaret) Cain, Sylvester (Patricia) Cain, Rev. James Cain, and Rev. John Cain; and brothers-in-law Anthony Daniels and Duane Hotovec.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA.

Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Neil J. Winger, Jr.

Neil J. “Jack” Winger, Jr., age 69, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at home.  In keeping with Jack’s wishes there will be a celebration of his life held at a later time.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Jack’s family.

Jack was born on July 28, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Neil and Mary (Kueter) Winger Sr.

Jack loved drawing, meeting new people and had a very kind heart.  He was a master woodworker and put that knowledge to work at Four Mounds.  He taught woodworking, made canoes out of trees and several desks.  Jack could make just about anything out of wood.  He was also an avid fisherman in his free time.  Jack loved his daughters, grandchildren, the love of his life, Corrine and his beloved cats, 19 year old Hyms and Flanagan.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Jack’s memory include

his girlfriend,
Corrine Ploessl, Dubuque, IA;

2 daughters,
Athena (Jeff) Lilly, Pauls Valley, OK
and Kassee (Eric) Sturdivant, Shady Shores, TX;

3 granddaughters,
Stella, Josslynne and Jovie Sturdivant;

a grandson,
Ethan Winger;

his siblings,
Julia (Rick) Von Ah, Florida,
Randy Winger, Texas
and Tim Winger, Dubuque, IA;

a niece and 3 nephews,
Jessica (Todd) Davis, Jamie, Jeremy and Josh Winger;

and many cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and many aunts and uncles.

Jack’s family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Bland and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care.  Also a special thanks to his cousins, John, Janie, Jerry and Patty Winger for their love and support.

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