Obituaries Archive

Beverly J. McCollough

Beverly J. McCollough, 81, of Garnavillo, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Guttenberg Hospital surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December, 10, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo.

Visitation will continue at 9:30 am prior to services at the church.  Funeral Service will commence at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo with burial to follow at Garnavillo City Cemetery.

Bev was born the daughter of Gwendolyn Zahn on June 9, 1943 in Iowa City, Iowa. She attended Postville and  MFL High School. On August 27, 1960, she was united in marriage with Richard McCollough at the Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa.

Bev was a woman of faith, and was confirmed on May 25, 1958, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.

Bev was a homemaker, and enjoyed baking, cross-stitching, word searches and quilting with the church ladies.  She enjoyed spending time with family and going on summer vacations.

Survivors include her children: Carol (David) Lamker of Garnavillo, Diane (Scott) Carson of Ely, James McCollough of Tipton, Kristie Grady of McGregor, and Mark (Kelly) McCollough of Davenport.  Grandchildren: Chad (Rachel) Lamker, Aimee Lamker, Allison Carson, Dillon (Kayla) McCollough, Hunter (Dru) McCollough, Halle McCollough, Kaitlyn (Dillon) Grady, Elizabeth (Marcus) Grady, Eric Grady, Margaret McCollough, and Julia McCollough; great-grandchildren: Colt, Rylee, and Ramsey Lamker, and  Ruby McCollough; siblings: Donna Brown and Mary Peterson; brother-in-law, Verlin Johnson; sisters-in-laws:   Jean Walter and Susan Fritz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 2005; mother, Gwendolyn,; brother, John Fritz; and sister, Karen Fritz.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice and the Guttenberg Hospital for their compassionate care.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com.  Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Sarah Newton

Sarah Newton, 66, died of cholangiocarcinoma on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

I was born July 16, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Jim and Mary Jane (Hinderman) Vincent. I married P. Carter Newton on December 30, 1982. We bought out the local publishers of the Galena Gazette in 1985. I worked with so many wonderful people over the years–it made working a joy, usually. We retired in April 2023.

Becoming an AFS exchange student was the best thing I did. In 1976-77, I lived in Glasgow, Scotland for a year. This experience provided lifelong friends and inspired a lifetime of travel. Over the past 45 years, we have traveled all over the world to visit friends as well as host those friends in our home. Hosting exchange students was especially meaningful. These experiences added purpose and understanding to my life.

My greatest love, of course, was my family. Just as did my mom, I loved when our family would get together from across the country for holidays and special events. I was also close to my sisters and brother, and we had much fun reminiscing about our growing-up years.

I was involved in a lot of great organizations and activities, giving my life purpose and meaning, including the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, bell choir, teaching Sunday School, Kiwanis, Galena Foundation, Fortnightly, and Highland Community College Servant Leadership.  All-in-all, I had a fun, great, fulfilling life. From hiking in the Azores and ziplining and white water rafting in Chile to catching up with high school friends monthly on Zoom and FaceTiming with my grandkids every day, I have enjoyed life’s great adventures and everyday moments.

I would like for you to remember me as a kind person. No matter what happened in my life, I wanted people to feel good after talking with me and I wanted to be a peacemaker by being kind.

I was preceded in death by my parents; my in-laws L. Paul and Hester Pitts Newton; brother-in-law, Jim Newton; my brother, Bill Vincent; and my sister, Mary Vincent.

Surviving are my husband, Carter; three children, Paul (Kendall) and my darling grandsons Paul Carter Newton III and Colby Walz Newton of Jefferson City, Mo., Jane (Michael) of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vincent (Emily) of Seattle, Wash.; my son-of-another-mother, Henry Hartfield of Atlanta, Ga; two such devoted sisters, Ruth Jackson of Galena and Martha (Marissa) Vincent of Lindenhurst; one sister-in-law, Ramona Vincent of Apple River; and one brother-in-law, Tom (Toni) Newton of Englewood, Fla.; nieces, Meghan Vincent, Katie Dinschel, and Katie (Norm) Newton; nephews, Tim (Lindsy) Vincent, Mike (Heather) Vincent, Brandon Dinschel, Matt Jackson, Nate (Chelsea) Jackson, Luke (Kelli) Jackson, and Jim (Leah) Newton; and great-nieces and -nephews, Leah, Elyse, Liza, Jack, Cooper, Addy, Iyla, and Eleanor.

Our family would like to thank Janet Ray and Geoff Wells for generously opening their home to us so Sarah could comfortably live out her final days with the support of Haga Hospice. We would also like to thank her medical teams at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, for their care over the past four-plus years.

A gathering will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The funeral service will begin at 11 AM, on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, Galena where friends may gather after 10:30 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Galena United Methodist Church, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and The Galena Foundation.

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

Donald N. Schrobilgen

Donald N. “Don” Schrobilgen, 94, of Asbury, died Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his home.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:30 am Friday, December 13, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Don will be 11:00 am Friday, December 13, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Donald was born February 2, 1930, in Dubuque, the son of John Charles and Clara Momberg Schrobilgen.

Don was a lifelong farmer.

He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection and the Catholic Order of Foresters, where he received a 75-year pin. He enjoyed bowling, euchre, and bingo. He was an avid Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan and loved his cat, Buster.

Survivors include one sister, Marlene (George) Luchsinger of Dubuque, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John Schrobilgen, Jr., who died in Korea, and William “Bill” Schrobilgen, three sisters, Kathleen Ackerman, Anna Mae Hall, and Jeanette Lincoln.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque, Cathy Haigh, Dave Luchsinger, and Tim and Rose Schrobilgen for their compassionate care of Don.

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

Jayson R. Henkel

Jayson R. Henkel, age 53, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on December 4, 2024, at home.  To honor Jayson’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jayson’s family.

Jayson was born on December 27, 1970, in Waterloo, IA, the oldest son of Gary and Connie (Callahan) Henkel.  He grew up in the Council Hills area before the family eventually made their way to Dubuque where Jayson attended Dubuque Wahlert High School.  He made many friends along the way and always kept the things in life which he enjoyed close to his heart.  Jayson was an avid photographer and a talented painter as well.  His ability to capture what his minds eye saw was uncanny and truly a natural talent he was blessed with.  Jayson also went camping whenever possible and never missed an opportunity to spend a little quality time with his family and friends.  He lovingly referred to himself as the “Fun Uncle” and his generous love and adoration still live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him.  It’s heartbreaking to think that Jayson has left us so early in life, but we know that his earthly health battles now cease and only perfection adorns his eternal state moving forward.  We will miss him deeply and dearly and can only hope that Jayson knows just how much we will treasure the good moments he leaves behind for us.  Thank you, Jayson, for all of the love you shared throughout your 53 years among us and may the Lord now keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jayson include,

his parents,
Gary (Connie) Henkel, Dubuque, IA;

his son,
Stephen Henkel, Cuba City, WI;

his brothers,
Nick Henkel, Dubuque, IA,
and Berry and (Brenda) Henkel, Dubuque, IA;

his niece and nephews,
Darien Henkel, Connor Henkel, Skylar Henkel, and Ty Bartels;

his great-nieces,
Allona Henkel and Lily Henkel;

along with numerous aunts, uncles, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jayson was preceded in death by his great-nephew, Devon Henkel.

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

Steve Bemis

Steve Bemis, 73, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at his home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Steve will be at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Father Bob Gross as the Celebrant. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6. Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Steve was born on October 13, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Harry and Rita (Wagner) Bemis. On November 27, 1976, he married Mary Backes at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Steve graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1969. He served as Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. Upon returning home, Steve worked a number of jobs, but spent many years as Head Chef at the Hoffman House prior to working for Reinhart Foods, retiring as Regional Sales Manager after 26 years.

Most of all, Steve loved spending time with his family and loved being “Pa” to his grandchildren. He loved hearing about the many adventures and pursuits of his children and grandchildren. He bragged on them endlessly and was always ready with a joke or a game when they came to visit. Whether it was introducing the boys to his favorite Westerns or challenging them to beat him at Jeopardy he put a smile on everyone’s face.

Being the oldest of ten siblings, just being around family made Steve the happiest.  Playing on numerous basketball and softball teams with his brothers was a weekly highlight for years. Watching the Bears, Cubs, and the Fighting Irish win or lose was a favorite pastime with family.  Cooking and planning the Marine Corps breakfast at Eagle Point was an annual family event.

Some of Steve’s best friends over the years were the neighbors who shared a backyard beverage or two over the last 40 years.

To say that Steve was well known in Dubuque would be an understatement. Be it through his work with many local restaurants, participation in sports, or love of family and neighbors, Steve was a friend to all. His infectious charm and humor naturally drew people to him. His family will all remember countless friends and acquaintances seemingly popping up everywhere they went.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Bemis of Dubuque; four children, Erin (Bill) Plencner of Woodridge, IL; Carrie (Andy) Heinen of Plainfield, IL; Seth (Whitney DeVilbiss) Bemis of Cedar Falls, IA; and Lauren (Adam) Klein of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Harrison, Ella, Carter, Quinn, Nora, Hal, Jace, Leo, and Lucy; nine siblings, Mary Eigenberger of Dubuque; Pam Baal of Dubuque; Terry (Justine) Bemis of Dubuque; Christine (Tom) Rogers of Dubuque; Tim (Amy) Bemis of Des Moines, IA; Theresa Erschen of Apache Junction, AZ; Linda (Tyler) Dugan of Madison, WI; Harry (Jenny) Bemis, III of Davenport, IA; and Dan Bemis of Davenport, IA; siblings-in-law, Sharon Pierson of Dubuque; Joanie Backes of Dubuque; Ron Backes of Guttenberg, IA; Carol Brylski of Dubuque; Gary Backes of Dubuque; and Laura Backes of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by  his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Lester and Helen Backes; brother-in-law, Bob Eigenberger; and sister-in-law, Marian Backes.

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.

Lyudmila Kirsch

Lyudmila “Lusy” Kirsch, 78, of Dubuque, died Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her home.

Visitation for Lusy will be from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Lyudmila was born June 15, 1946, in Russia, the daughter of Vasiliy and Alla Vaganova Kosmiliov. She married Michael Norbert Kirsch in Dubuque.

Lusy was the owner and operator of a homecare business. Before moving to the US, Lusy worked as a school teacher and insurance adjuster in Russia.

She had a deep love for gardening, finding joy in the peaceful atmosphere it provided and the satisfaction of nurturing her plants.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; two brothers in Russia; one step-son, Steven (Cris) Kirsch of MO; one step-daughter, Kathy (Stephen) Skemp of Dubuque; and three step-grandchildren, T.J. Kirsch, Natalie and Roark Skemp.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque and Handy Helpers for their compassionate care and support.

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

John J. Schilling

John J. Schilling, 81, of Colesburg, Iowa passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa.

Private graveside services will be held Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Patrick Cemetery in Colesburg.

John was born on April 5, 1943, son of Donald and Bernice (Hoefer) Schilling. He married Kay Pratt on November 21, 1963 in Elkader.  Together they farmed near Colesburg.

John loved all things farming. He enjoyed his collection of tractors, especially Farmall. In his later years, he often visited with others and spent many mornings with his friends for coffee. He always had a story to share.

Survivors include his children: Lisa (Steve) Kroeger of Petersburg, Linda (Dean) Dempster of Delhi, Julie (Duane) Staner and Mark (Melissa) Schilling, all of Colesburg; 10 grandchildren: Chris (Kate) Kroeger, Jessica (Brian) Stover, Nikki (friend Brock Gilbert) Kroeger, Cassidy (Riley) Walter, Hayley (fiance, Zach Snyder) Schaul, Rick (fiance, Melissa Preston) Schilling, Kelly (friend Justin Curtis) Staner, Austin Staner, Mason and Makayla and Makenna Schilling; three great grandchildren: Carter and Owen Stover, Hudson Curtis; siblings: Harold (Alice) Schilling of Colesburg, Mary (Joe) Goebel of Luxemburg, in-laws: Sharon Pratt of Waukon, Diane Schilling of Guttenberg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay in 2018, parents; brother, James Schilling; in-laws: Ray Pratt and Anna Marie (Dan) Butikofer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Convalescent Home and Above and Beyond Hospice for their compassionate care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Sherri J. Reid

Sherri Jo Reid, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, on December 3, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa. Sherri Jo Wells was born on June 22, 1941, in Maquoketa, Iowa. She was the daughter of William E. and Luella A. (Teters) Wells Sr.

Sherri was a proud graduate of Maquoketa High School. On July 2, 1958, she married Gary Hicks, in Maquoketa, where they started their family and ran their family business Hicks TV and Appliance. The couple was blessed with two sons, Bryon and Scott. After Gary’s untimely passing on April 1, 1973, Sherri faced the world with resilience and grace. She found love once more and married Ronald Reid on July 21, 1977, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Ronald’s children, Mark, Dwight, and Curtis, became an integral part of her life.

Sherri’s professional life was as remarkable as her personal one. Following Gary’s death, she worked as a tax preparer for Schoenthaler Law Office before opening Sherri’s Tax Service out of her home. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the expansion of her business, into the well-respected Colonial Square Tax and Accounting. Sherri retired in 2022 after a remarkable 57 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and diligence in the field of tax preparation.

Sherri’s commitment to her community was evident through her involvement with the Maquoketa Kiwanis Club and the Claytonian Club. Sherri’s generosity knew no bounds, and she was selfless in her giving to all charities.

Known for her sociable nature, Sherri enjoyed visiting with friends and family, never missing an opportunity to share a story or a laugh. Her love for nature was apparent in her joy of feeding birds, with hummingbirds holding a special place in her heart.

Those left to honor Sherri’s memory include her children, Bryon (Heidi) Hicks and Scott Hicks, all of Maquoketa, IA; stepchildren, Mark (Mary) Reid of Wyoming, IA, Dwight (Ann) Reid of Onslow, IA, and Curtis (Lynette) Reid of OK; her sister, Melody Witt of Coralville, IA; seven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses Gary and Ronald, and her brothers William Jr. and Richard.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 11 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the services. A private burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Sherri Jo Reid memorial fund has been established.

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

Denise Spielman

Denise Spielman, 71, of Galena, IL, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at home. A funeral mass will be held at Noon on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Galena. Friends are welcome to gather from 10 AM until the time of the mass. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Denise was born on September 6, 1953, in West Bend, WI, to Denis “Dick” and Patricia (Brennan) Mayo. She graduated from Galena High School in 1972. On March 13, 2008, Denise married Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman in Galena. Throughout her career, she worked at Younkers in Dubuque, Galena Cellars Winery, the Galena History Museum, and Vignettes.

Denise enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including reading, completing crossword puzzles, running and exercising, gardening, decorating, spending time with family, and watching Hallmark holiday movies. Denise was actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Galena Chamber of Commerce (including several years on the board), Galena ARC (where she also served on the board), the Galena Center for the Arts, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Charles R. “Chuck” Spielman, of Galena, IL; her daughter, Angela (Doug) Decker of Cedar Rapids, IA; her sons, Ryan (Ainsley Hudson) Hillard of Golden, CO, and Addam (Jeni Hunnicutt) Hillard of Columbus Junction, IA. Denise also leaves behind her grandchildren: Drew Distler of Chicago, IL; Luke Decker of Iowa City, IA; and Katelyn Maldonado of Columbus Junction, IA. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers: Terry Mayo of Monticello, IA; Curt (Pam) Mayo of Monticello, IA; Kelly (Darolyn) Mayo of La Plata, MD; and Jim (Kathleen) Werner of Hopkinton, MA; her sister, Pam Szponer of St. Charles, IL; and her sisters-in-law, Cindy (Clarence) Heacock of Dyersville, IA, and Cheryl (Jim) Huekels of Lowell, IN. Denise is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Richard “Dick” Werner; two sisters, Michelle Dominguez, and Kristine Hunt.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque in her memory.

The family extends a special thank you to Barb Hocker, a long-time friend, as well as the staff at Mercy One Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Denise.

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

Linda Blocklinger

Linda Blocklinger, 64, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on December 3, 2024, at home.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Linda was born on September 19, 1960, to Glen and Donna (Schueller) Koetz in Dubuque, Iowa.
She attended Holy Ghost Catholic School, having been a member of one of the largest classes.
She was united in marriage to Mark Blocklinger on July 6, 1985, at Holy Ghost Parish.

Linda worked at Medical Associates for over thirty years. She was employed with Dutrac Community Credit Union prior. Linda was a very hard worker, never calling in sick to work.

Linda was a proud wife and mother. She always made the little things extra special, for both family and friends. She especially loved following Brad on the golf course, sharing coffee and a lunch date with Kali, and enjoyed helping her kids’ friends who truly became family.

She was also crafty, loved puzzles, enjoyed shopping, and spent Sunday’s watching the Packers with her family.

Linda was very sentimental and family oriented. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews and had a smile for all she encountered.

She was an avid supporter of Holy Family Catholic Schools, especially the Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles. She recently enjoyed cheering on the Golden Eagles to a football state championship just a few weeks ago.

Linda is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Kali (Karson Peterson) Blocklinger of Dubuque, Brad (Hannah) Blocklinger of Dubuque; mother, Donna Koetz; siblings, Ronald “Spider” (Deb) Koetz, Sharon (Dan) Link, Sandy (Neal) Ludovissy, and Mary Kay Koetz. She is also survived by in-laws, John (Carolyn) Blocklinger, Tom (Karen) Blocklinger, and Mike (Denise) Blocklinger.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; brother, Donald in infancy; brother-in-law, Fr. Jim Blocklinger; mother and father in-law, Marian  and Leonard Blocklinger.

Linda’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Dubuque Fire and Police Department, and their wonderful family and friends for their love and support.

Memorials may be given to Holy Family Catholic Schools.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Neil B. Henson

Neil B. Henson, 60 of Dubuque passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at home. Per his wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

Neil was born April 13, 1964, in Dubuque, son of George and Audrey (France) Henson.

Neil was an avid skier, a lover of boating on the Mississippi River, and a tinkerer of all things mechanical, especially with his collection of radio-controlled boats.  He also loved his dog, Celadon whom he referred to as “Killer, because she’ll kill you with her kisses.” Neil and Celadon went on many adventures together.

Neil graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and often referred to himself as a “Jack of all trades and Master of none.”  Neil delt Blackjack and Craps on the area river boats, he also spent many years helping White’s Florist deliver and decorate during the holiday seasons. Neil enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews to the area skill hills and once they were grown, he continued to love the sport and work on the hills when needed. One of Neil’s later passions was repairing toys and bicycles at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and Dubuque Bicycle Co-op. In Neil’s retirement years he continued to provided handyman services to many who knew him.  Neil had a kind heart and was always thinking of others with small gifts and gestures.  Even at 60 years old, Neil was a kid at heart and is deeply missed by his great nieces and nephews; Eli and Drew Weidemann, Ellie and JT Blok, and Wyatt and Sienna Aleshire.

Neil is survived by three siblings, Tyra (Lenny) Kutsch of Dubuque and their children, Kirsten (Joshua) Weidemann and Lindsey (Brendan) Blok; Tom (Susanne) Henson of Marion, Iowa and their children, Lauren (Jeff) Aleshire and Luke Henson; and Karin (Joe) Egan of Park Ridge, IL and their children, Matt Egan, Brad Egan, and Greg (Megan) Egan.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given in honor of Neil to the Dubuque Bicycle Co-op, the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and First Congregational UCC in Dubuque.

Margaret C. Sullivan

Margaret C. Sullivan, 94, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Private family burial will take place in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Margaret was born on April 25, 1930, in Primghar, Iowa, daughter of Vincent and Irene (McAleer) Cassidy. She received her nursing degree from Mercy School of Nursing, her B.A. from Clarke College, and her M.A. from Loras College. She taught in both the nursing and general education departments at Northeast Iowa Community College for 20 years. On October 2, 1954, she was united in marriage to Paul B. Sullivan at St. Columbkille’s. He preceded her in death in 2006. Together they had four sons: James, Brian, Mark, and Joe. She also studied art and became an accomplished artist, and many of her pieces could be seen hanging in her house.

Margaret is survived by her two sons Jim Sullivan and Mark (Brenda) Sullivan, four grandchildren Brandi (Adam) Johnston, Krista, Paige (Troy) Thoma and Shane Sullivan, four great-grandchildren Amara, Beckett, Emery and Arabella, and sister Jean Olson of Austin, Texas.

Those welcoming Margaret home are her parents, husband Paul, sons Joseph and Brian Sullivan, and brothers Robert and Fr. John V. Cassidy.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all of their amazing care of mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Margaret’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

“Love, laugh, and believe – life was a beautiful journey. Thank you, God, for your absolute presence.” – Love, Margaret. “Oh. Poof.”

Mary M. Weiss

Mary Margaret Weiss, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in Dubuque, Iowa on December 1, 2024.

Mary adored her husband, Eldon; her sons, Neil and Lee, and her daughter, Lisa, as well as her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Those who were fortunate to know her, knew what she loved, and she loved her family the most.

There will be no services.

Robert C. Hirsch

Robert C. “Bob” Hirsch, 83 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by all his immediate family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Additional visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2024, at Mueller Chapel Linwood Cemetery with a funeral service to begin at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Bob was born on December 20, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Carl M. Hirsch and Helen V. (Butler-Wittstock) Hirsch. He attended Dubuque Senior High School and on February 11, 1961, he was united in marriage to Jenny June Dodge in Dubuque, Iowa.

Bob worked in the family Construction business with his dad and brothers. He worked for Grove Tool and Die and Total Structures Construction; he was later self-employed alongside his son Kevin with Town and Country Builders. To keep himself busy he worked for the former Brown Publishing-Times Mirror-McGraw Hill as Construction Coordinator – retiring February 2003. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #678.

Bob enjoyed bowling in league and working with his new blue Ford tractor in his younger years, enjoyed working on cars especially his dune buggy from ground up and his newer 1929 MB Gazelle convertible. He loved watching western shows like Gunsmoke, Molly B Polka shows and Marty Stewart. He especially loved the time spent with his son Kevin working on and rebuilding “old blue”. His most important time of all was spent with his family, especially the tradition of dying Easter Eggs with Ash and Jennifer “MeMe”. He was a “jack of all trades” could fix anything.

He is survived by his son Kevin (Nancy) Hirsch; daughter Tammy Jo (Hirsch) Bardon; Grandkids: Jamie Hirsch, Tricia Hirsch, Ash Bardon, Jennifer “MeMe” Bardon, Devin Hirsch. Great-grandson: Matthew Jr. Louis. Step grand-daughter Erika (Chris) Nelson-Hayes. Siblings and in-laws: Richard “Dick (Rosalie) Hirsch; Mary Loes; Lois (Allen) Jones; Tom (Carol) Hirsch; Robert McNinch and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jenny; son-in-law Steve Bardon; siblings and in-laws: William “Bill” (Loretta) Wittstock; Ruth (Donald) Ballinger; John “Jack” (Lorraine) Hirsch; Gerald Loes; Dorothy McNinch; Sandra Kaesbauer; Ronald Hirsch; Donald Joe Hirsch in infancy; along with nieces and nephews.

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

The family wishes to Thank the Key West Fire & EMS, MercyOne Medical Center and Dr. Mark Runde along with his nurse Julie for all the wonderful care given to dad.

Opal Laugesen Turner

Opal Laugesen Turner, 102 passed away peacefully on Sunday morning December 1st in Dubuque, Iowa.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30-10:45am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dubuque followed by a funeral service at 11:00am. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is entrusted with arrangements.

Opal was born on October 3rd, 1922 in Burton, WI.  She was the eighth child of nine born to Dustin and Ocea Potter.  She married Lorraine Laugesen on April 19th, 1944 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Burton, Wisconsin.  Their early years of marriage were spent in Beetown, Wisconsin where they welcomed two daughters (Donna & Sandy) into their life.  They later moved to Dubuque, where they enjoyed a happy life in a picturesque river town.  After many years serving as his caregiver, Opal sat with Lorraine as he passed into eternity in 2003. She was united in marriage again in 2008 to Harlyn Turner who was also widowed after serving as caregiver for his wife Colleen. The two of them were great companions and were able to support one another through the grieving process of losing their spouses. They enjoyed traveling and experienced their first flight together as well as many new memories while living happily until Harlie’s passing in 2021.

Opal’s top priorities in life were faith and family.  She instilled those same values in her daughters from an early age. She was a most devoted wife, mother, and in later years grandmother and great-grandmother.  She had a very strong work ethic and relentlessly offered love and guidance to her family.  She was an expert seamstress and spent many hours creating beautiful clothing with her sewing machine.  Opal was gifted with an eye for detail and artistry, coloring black and white photographs with her oils, bringing memories of color into the world.  She spent her free time restoring their homes back to their original beauty.  Opal persevered without complaints and devoted her life entirely to the things and people she loved giving heart and soul to faith, home, and family.

Surviving are her two daughters, Sandra Koehler and Donna (Bob) Humke, grandsons Adam (Bridget) Koehler, Ben (Leah) Koehler, and five great grandchildren; Mackenzie & spouse Evan Lowther, Hudson, Griffin, Dexter, and Felix.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Ocea and Dustin Potter, siblings LaVern, Hazel, Lulu, Cecil, Clyde, Glenice, Dorothy, and Marilyn and Son-in-law Gary (Sandy) Koehler.

A Memorial fund has been established for Opal Laugesen Turner.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Moore and Dr. Whalen for their many years of care and concern. Eternal gratitude for the support from her special caregivers Angie Huntley, Ginger Deutmeyer, Jodie Legassick, Patty Humke Powers, Staff at Stone hill Care Center, and Hospice of Dubuque for making this portion of her journey more than an ending of a story.  Special thanks for visits, prayers, and support from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Nancy McGinnis.