Obituaries Archive

Jolene M. Bastian

Jolene Marie Bastian, age 60 of Hanover, IL.passed away on Wednesday August 18, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by her family. A celebration of Jolene’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 28, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Hanover. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 27, 2021 at Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Jolene’s memory.

Jolene was born on June 22, 1961 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Joseph F. and Shirley A. (Hines) Spahn. She was a graduate of Hempstead High School, Class of 1979.  Jolene married the love of her life The Late Robert “Bob” Bastian on May 11, 1985 in Dubuque, IA. Before Bob’s passing they celebrated 33 years of marriage. Jolene had multiple careers from owner/operator of Jolene’s Place, an in-home child care center, hospitality at Eagle Ridge in the Galena Territory, and most recently, Medline Industries. At 50, Jolene graduated from Loras College with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

Jolene was known for her contagious laugh and her giving heart. She never met a stranger, and was always willing to help. Jolene and her husband were Scout Leaders for their children as they grew up and she even went as far as becoming an EMT.

Jolene will be dearly missed by her five children, Casey Bastian; Christopher (Brittany) Bastian of Davenport, IA; Brittany (Nicholas) Drake of Dubuque, IA; Ryan ( Peggy) Bastian of Hanover, IL; Nicholas Bastian of Hazel Green, WI; seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Peyton, Adrian (Lucas) Bastian; Nathan and Elijah Drake; Brayden and Cooper Bastian; brother Mike (Liz) Spahn, of Longmont, CO; sisters Sheila Spahn, of Dubuque, IA; Suzanne Burke, of Freeport, IL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and especially her Medline Family.

Jolene was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Bastian.Her parents Joseph and Shirley Spahn, Siblings Warren Spahn and Sharon Stratton, both of Dubuque, IA; and beloved dog Brandy.

Jolene’s family would like to give a special thanks to her friends at Medline for their care and concern, the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, Grand River Medical Group, and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Patricia J. Dolter Rohn

Patti (Patricia) Jean Dolter Rohn passed away on August 17, 2021 at home after a 14-month battle with cancer with her husband Tom and daughter Julia by her side.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday August 27, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home 3860 Asbury Road. We ask that if you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, that you visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Patti’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Patti will be 10:30 am Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Patti was born June 15, 1961 in Oak Park, Illinois to Elizabeth “Betty” (McCurdy) and Paul A. Dolter. She was the middle of seven, close siblings. She attended elementary school in Dubuque and high school at Savannah High in Illinois where she forged friendships that not only lasted, but grew stronger over the course of her life. Patti was beloved in high school, having friends in every grade level (though she was particularly close with her sister Beth and her friends in the year ahead) and being recognized by her peers on multiple homecoming courts.

After high school, Patti studied at Eastern Illinois and the University of Iowa and later went on to work in both Chicago and New York City for Condé Nast Publications where she would continue her career as a trusted consultant even after moving with her family to Virginia.

On December 30, 1988, Patti married the love of her life, whom she daily referred to as her “soulmate,” Tom (Thomas) Rohn.They embarked on a life of love and dedication to both each other as well as Tom’s two children from his first marriage, Maureen and Kevin, whom she loved as her own from the beginning.

In the early years of their marriage Patti and Tom enjoyed commuting into Manhattan together from New Jersey while talking for hours in the car, drinking coffee and listening to The Beatles.

A true fashion maven, Patti thrived in her fast-paced publishing office enjoying corporate functions and nights out with Tom. They loved living close to Tom’s family and spent as much time as possible at the family home in Spring Lake on the Jersey Shore.

Every other weekend, Patti and Tom drove to Virginia to visit their kids, always prioritizing their presence in Maureen and Kevin’s lives. Equally suited to this role, Patti cheered at sports games, shopped for back-to-school clothes, and laughed poolside as Tom and the kids played in the water.

In July of 1996, Patti and Tom welcomed their daughter Julia into the world, and a wonderful new chapter began for their family. They relocated to northern Virginia to ensure that all three of their young children would grow up close together and created beautiful memories at their home in Round Hill, Virginia where Patti continued to work in an consultant role for Condé Nast from home, all the while caring for Julia and nurturing in her a love of classic movies and daring fashion. Patti curated a beautiful and welcoming home for her family, imbued with her impeccable sense of style.

A true believer in “family first,” Patti never let physical distance keep her from her family. She spearheaded family vacations each 4th of July and Christmas in Galena at Eagle Ridge Resort gathering all of her siblings, nieces, and nephews from across the country. On the East Coast, even after the Rohn family home was sold, Patti continued to organize Memorial Day reunions on the Jersey Shore finding houses for immediate and extended family alike to gather together and make memories at the beach. These traditions became such a part of the family structure that they lasted from the time she was caring for her own children to when she was helping to take care of her grandchildren.

Patti and Tom moved to Peosta, Iowa in 2012 taking an early retirement and allowing Julia to finish her last two years of high school in Patti’s home town. Living in Iowa brought Patti much joy as she was now physically close to her siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and friends. A true social butterfly, Patti was at her best when surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, playing games, signing together, and always acting as the “hostess with the mostest” and the life of the party.

Patti was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy is one of love and laughter. She will be remembered for her effervescent personality, passion for her family, beautiful singing voice, impeccable sense of style, and above all, her deep, steadfast love for her husband Tom.

Patti is survived by her husband Tom Rohn, Peosta, Iowa; three children: Maureen (Josh) Goldman, Burke, Virginia; Kevin (Kathy) Rohn, Boston, Massachusetts, Julia Rohn, St. Andrews, Scotland (and fiancé Edward Griffiths, Kent, England); and two grandchildren Caleb and Felicity Goldman, Burke, Virginia. Patti is also survived by her six siblings: Jane Geary, Glendale, Arizona; Dr. Kathy Dolter, Asbury, Iowa; Beth Dolter, Iowa City, Iowa; Peter (Suzette) Dolter, Crystal Lake, Illinois; Paul S. Dolter, Dubuque, Iowa; and Ellen (Terry) Sievert, Barrington, Illinois.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Betty Dolter, parents in-law Frank and Dorothy Rohn.

The family would like to thank Dr. Holm, Nurse Jenny, and the staff at Medical Associates, and all of the caretakers at Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care. Please send any donations or flowers to the aforementioned website.

Thomas J. Welu

Thomas J. “T.J.” Welu, age 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 18th, 2021.

A funeral Mass will be on Monday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa with Msgr Russell Bleich officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time if Mass. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with a flag presentation by the Iowa Army National Guard. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

T.J. graduated from Loras Academy and attended Loras College.  He worked at John Deere in the Experimental Department until his retirement in 1997.  He worked at Fillmore Golf Course after retiring from John Deere.  He was a proud member of The Red Shirts golf group and enjoyed many outings and many Spring Flings with the group.  He was also an avid Detroit Lions fan, displaying the Lion’s colors with every win.

T.J. was born on December 31, 1937, son of Ray and Marie (Fluhr) Welu.  He married Carole Jungels, the love of his life, in 1961 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.  September 30, 2021 will mark their 60th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife Carole; their four children:  Michael Welu, Kevin (Nancy) Welu, Jay (Jeana) Welu and Gina Pechous; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one sister Adele (Ding) Palmer.   He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Marym (Bill) Danzer, brothers Jack (Dottie) Brietbach Welu, Jim (Jackie) Welu, Bob Welu and Bill (June) Welu.

There will be a celebration of life gathering at a later date with details to be announced.

Condolences and memories may be posted at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.  Memorials may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church or Hospice of Dubuque.

Glenna Kueter

Glenna Kueter, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Springbrook, Iowa passed away on August 12th, 2021 in Dubuque.

A memorial mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Joseph Church in Bellevue, Iowa. The mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Saint Peter and Paul Springbrook Facebook page along with their YouTube Channel and Bellevue Cable TV.  Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa assisted the family.

Glenna was born on May 31, 1933, in Springbrook, Iowa the daughter of George and Alverda (Scheckel) Gonner. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Bellevue in 1951. On April 16, 1955, she married Mark Kueter in Springbrook. He preceded her in death on January 27, 2017; they were married for 61 years.

She worked for Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, Iowa and Ensign Coil in Bellevue, Iowa.

Glenna valued her heritage in Springbrook, Iowa, mainly her family identity and involvement with the Gonner Store.  Family made Glenna happy along with music and dancing; “put a nickel in the jukebox for her.”

She is survived by three children: Cindy (Dan) Loney, of Dubuque, IA; Angie (Jeff) Carton, of Centennial, CO, and Ted Kueter, of Bettendorf, Iowa. Three granddaughters Samantha (Austin) Diedrich, Emily Kueter and Lexus Carton; one great granddaughter Lucy Diedrich; sisters-in-law Joan (Russ) Schilling, Judy Koelker, Betty Gonner, and Karen Gonner; brothers-in-law Jim Cloos and Tom Crouch; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Glenna was preceded in death by her husband Mark Kueter; her parents; siblings: Kate Cloos, Norma Crouch, Lloyd Gonner, Milton Gonner, Merlin Gonner and David Gonner.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque especially Becky, Amber and Stacy, to Dr. Mark Hermann, Tony and his staff along with the staff of Bethany Home for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Glenna. Please pray to find a cure for cancer.

In lieu of flowers a Glenna Kueter memorial fund will be established.

Joel M. Lightcap

Joel M. Lightcap, 63, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Unity-Point Finley Hospital.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory , 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Joel was born April 14, 1958 in Dubuque, the son of Albert and Eunice (Strelesky) Lightcap. He attended Nativity Grade School and Wahlert High School, and went on to earn his B.A. in Education, and his Master’s in Applied Psychology from Loras College.

Joel was a Mental Health Counselor for the VA, Hillcrest Family Services, Turning Point at Mercy Hospital, SASC, and for his own business, Town Clock Mental Health.  He was a member of the Dubuque Auxiliary Police Unit, and also worked in security for the Milwaukee Railroad.

Joel was an avid Cubs fan, and a very active gardener. He loved to travel, especially visiting his son Allen in Connecticut, where he would eat seafood every day. He served on the Board of SILC for many years.

Joel is survived by his longtime companion, Linda Robinson, of Dubuque; his son, Allen (Emily) Lightcap, and their children, Caleb, Noah, and Ethan, of Vernon, CT, his daughter, Christa (Mike) Palm, and their children, Haley and Hunter, of Dubuque, his daughter, Erin (Samvel) Korniyenko, of Panama City, FL; two brothers, Ted (Pat) Lightcap, of Dubuque, and Greg (Linda) Lightcap, of Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Jack, William, Tom Lightcap, and Gary in infancy.

The family would like to thank the Med-Surg staff at Finley Hospital; the staff at Manor Care; Dubuque EMS and Police; Cindy Cook and Seth Peters for all their help at home; the nurses and doctors at Grand River Medical Center and Tri-State Dialysis;  and to all the neighbors for their help and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or to SILC .

Louis A. Fischer, III

Louis Albert Fischer, III, 70, of Dubuque, IA passed away at home, in his vegetable garden, on August 16th, 2021.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, at St. Raphael Cathedral, where a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Military honors to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery Chapel by American Legion Post # 6 and presentation of the Four Fives by the Dubuque Fire Department. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Louie was born on January 8th, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa.  Louie was the son of Louis A. Fischer, Jr. and Elizabeth (Leicht) Fischer.  He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1970.  Louie served honorably in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1974, stationed aboard the USS Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War.

Louie married Teresa Zimmerman on May 5th, 1979 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Delhi, IA.  For 29 years, Louie served the Dubuque community as a firefighter for the Dubuque Fire Department.  Louie and Teresa made their home and started a family on the corner of Mt. Loretta Ave. and Esther St., where Louie settled into his role as the unofficial ‘Mayor of Mt. Loretta.’

Louie was a kind and humble man with the heart of a craftsman.  The furniture he built, the garden he tended, the home he curated, and the family he loved all reflect the meticulous care and devotion of his finest days.  He will be missed by all most who knew him.

Louie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Teresa; 3 children:  Louie (Carolyn) Fischer IV of Dubuque, IA, Benjamin Fischer of Myrtle Beach, SC and Juarez, MX, and Gretchen Fischer (Tom Corcoran) of Dubuque, IA; 2 grandchildren: Louis A. Fischer V and Raphael J. Fischer.  Siblings: Lynn (Bob) Miller, John (Cess) Fischer, and Caroline (Tim) Kieler all of Dubuque, IA, and Mark (Leslie) Fischer of Colorado Springs, CO; sisters-in-law Kathy Zimmerman of Ryan, IA and Sharon Zimmerman of Hopkinton, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Donald and Helen Zimmerman, and brother-in-law Larry Zimmerman.

The family expresses their gratitude to the Dubuque Fire and Police Departments for their care and assistance to Louie and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Louis A. Fischer III will be distributed among several of his favorite charities and causes.

Nellie N. Busse

Nellie N. Busse, 73, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, August 23, 2021, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation will follow the services and burial will be at a later date.

Nellie Nadine Koop was born on February 24, 1948 in Hampton, Iowa, to Reinhart and Alma (Whitson) Koop.  She grew up in Kesley, Iowa and was a 1966 graduate of Aplington High School.  She married Gary Busse on May 3, 1975 in Clarksville, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Jennifer and Kurt.

Prior to her marriage, Nellie had worked for Lursen Insurance and Kesley Locker.  After her marriage to Gary, they lived in Allison where she worked as a babysitter.  They moved to Maquoketa in 1987, and she did house cleaning, worked at Pacific Coast Feather Company, and for RonAnn’s Floral Shoppe.

Nellie had been very active as Girl Scout Leader in Maquoketa for many, many years.  She enjoyed gardening and cross stitch.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Gary Busse of Maquoketa, IA; children, Jennifer Busse of Maquoketa, IA, and Kurt (Christine) Busse of Maquoketa, IA; 3 grandchildren, Hunter Busse, Sebastian Pritt & Juliana Pell; her mother, Alma Koop of Aplington, IA; a sister, Carol Koop of Aplington, IA; a brother, Jakie Leon (Terri) Koop of Aplington, IA; and a sister-in-law, Donna Koop.  She was preceded in death by her father Reinhart Koop, and a brother Kenneth Koop.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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

Edna F. Goerdt-Stark

Edna “Peach” F.  Goerdt-Stark, 72, loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and cherished sister passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Friends may gather from 3 to 5 PM, Sunday, August 22, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at a later date.

She was born March 1, 1949, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Herbert and Reva (Davis) Goerdt. Edna graduated from Senior High School with the class of 1968. After high school, she moved to Freeport, IL and, was employed by Micro-Switch for 37 years. Edna then worked at Liberty Village until her retirement in 2012. After retirement, she moved to Galena to be closer to all her sisters. In Galena, she lived at Prestwick apartments and became close to many people there and considered them family. Peach loved her simple life with her family. She was an avid NASCAR, Green Bay Packer, and Chicago White Sox fan.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Micheal) Dash, and their children, Geoffry, Dale, Alexa, and Mariahna all of Lena, IL, a son Bradley Joe Stark of Freeport, IL, her sisters, Ruth (Mike) Huseman of Dubuque, Kathy (Jim) Richardson of Galena, Cindy (Mike) Guentherman of Menominee and Deanna (Darryl) Greene of Galena, a sister-in-law, Paula Goerdt of Bettendorf, IA and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved brother, Herb “Sam” Goerdt, and a nephew, Adam Paul Goerdt.

The family would like to thank doctors Farrell and Hermann, physician’s assistant, Tony Haier, Midwest Medical Center, and the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care not only to Peach but to her family.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Collin J. Long

Collin J. Long, 26, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Friday, August 20, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 19, 2021 also at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.

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

Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook page, on their You Tube Channel and on Bellevue Cable TV.

Collin was born March 1, 1995, the son of John and Angie (Cheney) Long.  He graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 2013 and then from Loras College in 2017.  Collin married his high school sweetheart Lindsey Till on July 22, 2017.  He was a Certified Financial Planner for Personal Capital, which was a job he truly enjoyed.  He loved being with his family – his wife Lindsey and his daughter Prestyn were his passions in life.  Collin enjoyed cooking with and for his family, and even shared his creations with others in the community.  He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Boston Celtics fan.  Collin and Lindsey enjoyed traveling together, both in and out of the country.  Collin will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him, but will always be with us in our hearts and cherished memories.

Survivors include his wife, Lindsey; his daughter, Prestyn; his parents, John and Angie Long; father and mother in-law, Tim and Lisa Till; siblings, Cayden and Sophie Long; a sister in-law, Lauren (Keaton Tebbe) Till; paternal grandmothers, Donna Medinger and Charlotte Long; grandparents in-law, Ardell “Buddy” and Joyce Till and Gilbert and Dolores Diercks; and many extended relatives.

Collin was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Larry and Mary Cheney; paternal grandfathers, James Preston Long and Bernard “Junior” Medinger; and his aunt, Mary Kay Long-Finch.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Collin’s memory.

Memorials and condolences may be mail to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 C/O Collin Long Family.

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

Mike Ironside

Mike Ironside, 57, of Dubuque, died Monday, August 16, 2021, at his home.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The family requests that all attendees please wear facial coverings to protect immunocompromised family members.

Mike was born November 25, 1963, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the son of Joseph C. and Donna J. (Kremer) Ironside. On March 20, 1993, he married Julie Elizabeth Steffen in Osaka, Japan.

He graduated in 1982 from North Linn High School and later graduated from Loras College in 1986.

After teaching English Conversation and joining a band in Japan, Mike settled into Dubuque as a musician, writer, and photographer. At Dubuque Mainstreet Ltd. Mike was known as “Mainstreet Mike” for his work with the Farmer’s Market and Dubuque…All That Jazz concert series.  His interest in people and their stories led to his work as a feature writer for 365ink magazine. He played bass in The Lonely Goats, ochOsol, and many other local bands.

Mike’s genuine interest in others helped him bring people together, whether as volunteers, or band members. His ability to connect to audiences is part of what made his musical performances so much fun. And he was a natural mentor, supporter and friend, taking a keen interest in everyone’s projects.

Survivors include his wife, Julie Steffen; his parents, Joseph and Donna Ironside of Cascade; four brothers, Stephen Ironside, Christopher (Ann) Ironside of Chicago, IL, Matthew (Megumi) Ironside of Seattle, WA, and Jonathan (Anna) Ironside of Madison, WI; two sisters, Dr. Mary Jo Ironside-Ross (Dr. Joe Ross) of Rockford, IL, and Theresa (Chris Street) Ironside of Chicago, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn Ironside.

The family wishes to thank the Doctors and Staff at MercyOne Medical Center, Dr. Whalen and Staff at Grand River Medical Center, Dr. Holm and Staff at Medical Associates, and Dr. Gertz and Staff at Mayo Clinic, Hospice of Dubuque, and the outpouring of support from friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation at www.iwmf.com, Dubuque County Fine Arts Society/Dubuque Fest at www.dbqfest.com.

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

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

Delbert E. Link

Delbert E. Link, 85 of Dubuque, IA passed away Monday, August 16, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military Honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday at the church. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Delbert was born on May 9, 1936, in Farley Iowa the son of Al and Leonetta (Freking) Link, where he grew up and attended Saint Joseph School.  After High school he served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957 at Imperial Beach California. On November 10, 1956, he married Lois VanBlarcom at Saint Peter & Paul Church in Sherrill, Iowa, and this upcoming November they would have shared 65 years together.

He worked as a diesel mechanic at Inland Molasses for 27 years and later at Key City Transport until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of Saint Columbkille parish and the Knights of Columbus, David J. Ochs Council, he participated in Christian Experience weekends, and was a member of the Saint Vicent DePaul Society and the American Legion Post #6.

He was a member of the Power of Prayer and was quite active with Dubuque County Right to Life.

Del enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing; especially fishing trips to Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also enjoyed bike riding with Lois and family and a good game of Euchre.

He is survived by his wife Lois, sons Terry (Sue) Link, Tim (Kris) Link, Todd (Jill) Link; grandchildren Kami Gonzalez, Kayla (Ken) Bortscheller, Evan Link, Denver Link, Collin Link, and Connor Link; great grandchildren Izan Gonzalez, and Lian Gonzalez; siblings Don (Kay) Link, Laverne “Red” (Karen) Link, Elaine (Adrian) Korbel, Doris (Paul) Schreiber; and a brother-in-law Earl VanBlarcom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Jim & Helen VanBlarcom, a brother Robert (Dolores) Link, in-law’s Gerry VanBlarcom, James (Barb) VanBlarcom and Phyllis Bly and a grandson Travis Link.

A Del Link memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Whalen, Dr. Kumor, Dr. Viner, the staff at UPH Finley Hospital and the staff at Stonehill Care Center for all the great care they gave to Del.

Gary W. Purtilo

Gary W. Purtilo, 77, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021.  Funeral Services will be 3:30 pm, Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, prior to services also on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the church. Local arrangements entrusted at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Gary was born April 6, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Dorothy (Soule) Purtilo. Gary married Connie Milburn on February 14, 1965 in Honolulu, Hawaii during his time in service. He served his county in the US Marines for 4 years, upon his return from service, Gary began his career first as a DNR Water Patrol Office and then as a DNR Game Warden, serving in various counties in Iowa, before taking his final assignment in Jackson County, Iowa before retiring in 2003 after 34 years, he truly loved his career working for the DNR.

Gary was a great husband and father.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bow making, tying flies, camping, and canoeing.  Gary loved being in nature and on the water.  He enjoyed his retirement, traveling with Connie on many cruises, countries and going to every State and being involved in his community, by starting the local NASP Chapter (National Archery in School Program) and was active in the international chapter of YHEC (Youth Hunter Education Challenge) for 21 years.  Gary will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Connie; their sons, Rod (Sherry Speciale) and Terry Purtilo; siblings, Denny (Kay) Purtilo and Judy (Doug) McCart; also surviving are many in-laws, extended relatives, and nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents.

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

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

Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown, age 65, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 5:16 a.m., on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Ennoble Manor surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Sharon’s life, private family services were held.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Sharon was born on March 27, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William and Gerda (Huebner) Juno.

Sharon attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Dubuque Senior High School.   After high school, she married and had 3 children.  Sharon was employed in customer service with various businesses until she was forced into early retirement due to health issues.  She loved to cook, and to her family and friends delight, she was very good at it.  She also enjoyed sitting and watching Court TV and has crocheted several beautiful pieces which she gave to family.  Sharon was a very private woman who kept her circle of friends small and loved to spend time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Chloe.  She will be deeply missed by all.

Those left to cherish Sharon’s memory include

her 3 children,
Stephanie Pitzer,
Michael Zenner
and Nathan Zenner, all of Dubuque, IA;

her grandchildren,
Chloe and Mark;

and her siblings,
William Juno, Dubuque, IA
and Karin Campbell, Dubuque, IA.

Sharon was preceded in death by parents; a grandson, Ricky; and her siblings, Monica Barker and Gary Juno.

Sharon’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Comfort Care, especially Laurie, for all of the care they provided allowing Sharon to remain in her home.

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

Frank B. Potter

Frank B. Potter, age 94, of Dubuque and formerly of Zwingle, Iowa, passed away at 12:30 a.m., on Monday, August 16, 2021, at Hawkeye Care Center.  To celebrate Frank’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  To honor Frank’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at Behr Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Dieter officiating.  A private burial with military honors will be held at Assumption Cemetery at a later date.

Frank was born on February 2, 1927, in Chulsea, Oklahoma, son of Samuel and Harriet (Covel) Potter.  He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Korea during WWII.  In 2014, he was honored to participate in one of the last Honor Flights to leave from Dubuque.  He married Darlene J. Dieter on September 7, 1948, at St. Mary’s Church in Vinton, Iowa.  She preceded him in death on April 7, 2017.  Frank held many jobs over the years; he was a carpenter, auto mechanic, machinist, and a fire fighter with the Dubuque Fire Department, a job he cherished from 1957-1991, serving as an Assistant Chief/Training Officer for many years.

Frank was a devoted family man.  He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather.  He always made his grandchildren feel special and never missed a chance to hold them when they were babies.  Frank was always very generous with his time and talents and was always willing to help anyone with whatever they needed.  He and Darlene loved to host extended friends and family from all over the country.  Everyone knew they were always welcome at the Potters.  Upon retirement, they traveled the United States in their motor home.

Frank had many hobbies.  He was a beekeeper, an avid fisherman, and kept an apple orchard and flower gardens.  He loved to play games, especially chess, cribbage, pinochle, euchre, and Yahtzee.  He enjoyed collecting rocks and polished them for making jewelry and belt buckles.  Later in life, he took up bird watching, puzzles and playing bingo.

Those left to cherish Frank’s memory include

3 daughters,
Peggy (Dave) Schuster, Zwingle, IA,
Kathy (Ron) Arensdorf, Dubuque, IA
and Tracy (Dan) Laughlin, LaMotte, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Barb (Mark) Stone Potter Hogan, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Carrie (Randy) Gehl, Jennifer (Bill) Hellman, Dan (Stacy) Schuster, Brenda Burkart, Stacy Schares, Sean Laughlin, Cohl Laughlin, Brianna Laughlin, Josh Potter, Jay Potter and Matt Vogt;

his great grandchildren,
Anna, Lauren, Julia, Claire, Rachel, Ezra, Elovie, Bexli, Kayla, Chase, Gracy, Lilly, Brayden, Will and Gavin;

and a great-great grandson,
Sebastian.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary Ann Potter; a son, James Potter; 2 granddaughters, Melissa Schuster and Kristen Vogt; 2 grandsons, Scott Arensdorf and Jared Potter; his brothers, Orville, Wade, Howard and Harold Potter; and his sisters, Esther and Rachel.

The family would especially like to thank Hawkeye Care Center staff for their loving care of Frank, especially during the pandemic, as well as Mercy Hospital, Cardiac Care Unit, for their support during this difficult time.  The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Fire Department for escorting Frank on his final ride.

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

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

Rose Mary Heiderscheit

Rose Mary (Cummer) Heiderscheit, age 81, of Balltown, Iowa, passed away at 3:12 p.m., on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Rose’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Friday, August 20, 2021, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 468 Balltown Road, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating.  Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Balltown, Iowa.

Rose was born on January 30, 1940, in Rickardsville, Iowa, daughter of Reynold and Lorena (Wolf) Cummer.

Rose was united in marriage to Allan Heiderscheit on May 6, 1961, at St. Francis of Assisi Church.  They were blessed with 37 years together and 6 children before Allan passed away on December 18, 1999.  Rose and Allan farmed and raised their family just north of Balltown.  Rose moved to Balltown in 2012, to the home her parents built in 1973.  In her younger years, Rose helped her parents on the farm, babysat and assisted families when they had a new baby.  In her free time she enjoyed playing Euchre with family and friends, bowling and trying her luck at the casino.  Rose was a woman of deep faith and a long time member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, their Rosary Society and the Catholic Order of Foresters in Holy Cross.  We are saddened at the loss of Rose, but find some comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully, free of pain, and reunited with all of her loved ones called home before her.

Those left to cherish Rose’s memory include

her children,
Carol (Bob) Dietzel, East Dubuque, IL,
Karen (Marty) Hoffman, Balltown, IA,
Sharon (Marvin) Ambrosy, Sherrill, IA,
Mark (Beverly Bellows) Heiderscheit, Dubuque, IA,
Dave (Laura) Heiderscheit, Balltown, IA
and Cindy (Bob) Donovan, Bankston, IA;

her grandchildren,
Brian Hoffman, Lynn (Andy) Bockenstedt, Kevin (Allison) Hoffman, Jason (Rachel) Ambrosy, Becky (Brock) Waterman, Jeffrey (Erin) Ambrosy, Beverly Ambrosy, Austin and Ashley Heiderscheit, Matthew and Connor Heiderscheit, Kayla, Ella, Cassie and Lucy Donovan;

her great-grandchildren,
Ellie, Addison and Cole Ambrosy, Tanner, Olivia and Bryson Bockenstedt, Kyra and Verity Waterman, Beauregard, Clyde and Elwood Hoffman and Justin Ambrosy, with one more expected in December ;

her step-granddaughter,
Bella (Mike) Jorgensen;

her step-great-grandchildren,
Dillon and Ronan Jorgensen;

her brothers,
Melvin (Alyce) Cummer
and Lester Cummer, Balltown, IA;

brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law,
Mary Berning, Marlene Heiderscheit, Clarence Heiderscheit, Sr. Dorothy Heiderscheit OSF, Leon (Sandy) Heiderscheit, Charles (Sara) Heiderscheit, Paul Heiderscheit, Jeanne (Gary) Schmidt and Joan (Kevin) Althaus;

and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Allan Heiderscheit; son-in-law, Curtis Steffen; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Matthew and Frances Heiderscheit; her in-laws, George Heiderscheit, Edel Heiderscheit, Richard Berning, Barb Cummer; and a nephew, Alex Heiderscheit.

Rose’s family would especially like to thank Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, for the excellent care provided to Rose.  Also thanks to Mike Breitbach and his family as well as the entire Balltown Community for all of their kindness and the generosity they have shown to Rose and her family throughout the years.

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

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