Obituaries Archive

Daniel L. Westemeier

Daniel Leo Westemeier, 76, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Our dear husband, father, and grandfather deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please with us in prayer. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Daniel was born April 8, 1944, in Guttenberg, IA, the son of Leo and Loretta (Foxen) Westemeier. On February 14, 1976, he married Betty  Benskin in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dan graduated from Guttenberg High School.

He was a machinist at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years. Following his retirement he began working on the Diamond Jo Boat as a dealer.

Daniel enjoyed fishing, loved playing euchre, and cherished fish fries with his buddies.

Survivors include Wife, Betty Westemeier; daughters, Tammy (Tom) Wagner, Sheri Westemeier, and Amber (Richard) Kelley; his grandchildren, Danielle, Olivia, Gabrial, Nathan, Evan, and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 sisters, Judy and Joan

A special thank-you to the ICU nurses and the staff at Finley Hospital.

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

Marguerite M. Sweeney

Marguerite M. Sweeney, 99, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 11th, 2020 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions the funeral mass will be live streamed on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 14th, 2020. Please LIKE the funeral home Facebook page to view the funeral. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

She was born on March 25, 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alberic and Mary (McDonald) McDermott. She married Tom Sweeney on March 2, 1946 at New Melleray Church. Tom and Marge owned and operated Sweeney’s Ace Hardware for many years in Dubuque.

Marge enjoyed working at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Robert’s River Rides and Happy’s Place. She loved to sit on her patio and enjoyed taking care of her flowers and her beautiful lawn on Asbury Road.

She is survived by her children, Peter (Maryann Beecher) Sweeney, Diane (Tom) Thill, both of Dubuque, Sara (Ed) Ullrich, of Coralville, IA, and Jane (Rodney) Mannino, of Fulshear, TX. Grandchildren Neal (Tara) Sweeney, Nick (Tamara Hanson) Sweeney, Kim (Bill) Grant, Lindsay (Ryan Maxwell) Firzlaff, Samantha Mannino and Andrew Mannino. Great grandchildren, Brittany Dix, Cody Sweeney, Sam Grant, Mike Grant and Olivia Grant along with her sister Pat (Joe) Larkin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tom on December 22, 1990; five brothers Louis, Bernard, Emmett, Chuck, and Clem; three sisters Mabel, Bernice, and Dorothy.

The family request no flowers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and to her nurse Mia for taking such loving care of mom.

Curt J. Curoe

Curt J. Curoe, 61 of Bernard, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 following a sudden illness at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. A live stream of the funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14th on the funeral home Facebook page. You must LIKE Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory on Facebook in order to view the service.

Curt was born on January 16, 1959 in Dubuque the son of Louis E. and Shirley A. (Federspiel) Curoe. He married Ann Donovan of Dubuque on May 11, 1979 at St. Joseph’s Church, Key West, IA., and together they lived, farmed, and raised their family in rural Bernard. Curt’s joys in life were his show cattle, his grandchildren, and his family, not necessarily all in that order. He was a dedicated employee of Horsfield Construction for 30 years. He felt as though they were his second family and they treated him the same. He also served as a 4-H leader and was a tissue donor.

He is survived by his wife Ann; his four children Chad (Keeley) Curoe, Casey (Nicole) Curoe, Caden Curoe all of Bernard, Lexi (Matt) Weigel, six grandchildren Corbin 6, Colton 4, Keira 6, Louis 2 Curoe, and Kohen 3 and Zade 2 Weigel, and a special son Jordan. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Curoe; his siblings Cindy (Larry) Trumm, Cathy (Mark) Knuth, Cheri (Tom “Mooder”) Ryan, Christy (David) Crees, and Chuck (Lizz) Curoe. His mother and father-in law Ron and Pat Donovan; and his sister and brother in laws; Rose (Mark) Hoerner, Mike (Sue) Donovan, Joan (Gene) Kies, Beth (Steve) Timmerman, Patrick (Jenny) Donovan, and Brian (Shelly) Donovan, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Louis and his uncle Col. Patrick Curoe, USAF.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque County Sheriff Dept., Bernard Fire and EMS, and the staff at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital Emergency Room especially Mary Rausch and Beth Timmerman, for all their efforts and compassion to Curt and his family.

Julie M. Gentz

Julie Marie Gentz, 61, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Private family funeral service will be held with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. The Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Julie Marie McCarthy was born July 10, 1958, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy (Feldman) McCarthy. She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School.

She married Robert Gentz on Oct. 20, 1979, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. Julie was a loving wife, mother and homemaker.

Survivors include her husband Robert; her children, Erin and Kevin; her mother Dorothy; her siblings; along with her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; a sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff of the Intensive Care Unit at UnityPoint in Bettendorf and the Medical Intensive Care Unit at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their excellent care of Julie.

Memorials may be made to the family or to The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at donate.givetoiowa.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Mary F. Lakeman

Mary Frances Lakeman, 78, of Dyersville passed away Monday, May 11, 2020, at home surrounded by her family after a five year struggle with ovarian cancer.

A graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville at 2:00 p.m.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Virtual attendance is encouraged at Kramer Funeral Home Facebook Live. If you wish to attend in person, please remain in your vehicles.

Mary Fran was born December 3, 1941, in Dyersville, Iowa the daughter of William and Hilda (Westemeier) Schueth. She married Richard Lakeman on September 2, 1961, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Mary was active in the community, volunteering at Mercy Hospital, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Beckman Catholic High School, Girl Scouts of America and the Dyersville Area Historical Society. She and Dick enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting all 48 contiguous states.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick”, 2 children: Carrie (Tim) Northrop of Arden Hills, MN and William “Bill” (Leslie) Lakeman of Pendleton, IN, a daughter-in-law, Melissa Lakeman of Noblesville, IN; 10 grandchildren: Greg, Ben, Ellie, Mariah and Abbie Northrop, Madison Lakeman and Will, Grace, Emma and Olivia Lakeman, and a sister-in-law, MaryEllen Lakeman of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Larry, parents-in-law, Charlie and Sabina Lakeman, and her surrogate parents, Herb and Germaine Westemeier, and a brother-in-law, Donald Lakeman.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com. Memorials, cards and letters may be sent Dick Lakeman in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040.

Brian M. Bopes

Brian M. Bopes, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 9, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Brian’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. A private family visitation and funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Brian Matthew Bopes was born on November 10, 1957 in Clinton, Iowa, to Charles Laverne and Mary Janet (Leigh) Bopes. He was a 1976 graduate of Clinton High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he received a degree in Criminal Justice in 1980. He married Lynn Marie Theusch on August 21, 1982 at St. John of God Catholic Church in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Three children were born to this union, Greg, Matt and Jon.

Brian and Lynn moved to Maquoketa in 1982 and he had worked for 37 years for the State of Iowa Juvenile Court Services as a Juvenile Court Officer, serving as a Supervisor in Cedar, Clinton, Jackson and Muscatine Counties for the past eight years.

Brian was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa, and the Iowa Juvenile Court Services Association. He also had served on the Maquoketa Community Services Board for 18 years, Maquoketa Fire Department for 12 years, Sacred Heart School’s SHAFF Committee for six years, and had coached Maquoketa Junior League Baseball for several years.

Although Brian was generous with his time serving on many committees his family was always most important to him. He was a proud “Papa” to his 3 grandchildren. They were a source of positive encouragement and support, especially during his treatment. He was a lifetime fan and follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, Hawkeyes and Packers, but he always enjoyed watching a ballgame of any kind. His sports enthusiasm was evident by his unique collection of memorabilia. Additionally, he enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lynn Bopes of Maquoketa, IA; children, Greg (Katie) Bopes of Maquoketa, IA, Matt (Heather) Bopes of Ankeny, IA, and Jon (Kourtni Reed) Bopes of West Des Moines, IA; 3 grandchildren, Madeline, Abigail, and Prescott; a sister, Ruth Bopes of Vail, CO; brothers, Bob (Karla) Bopes of Bourbonnais, IL, Brent Bopes of Maquoketa, IA, Dave Bopes of Silvis, IL, and Dan (Nancy) Bopes of Omaha, NE; step-mother, Violet Manning Bopes; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Ken Guerra, Ron and Bonnie Theusch, Chuck and Khoi Theusch, and Marcia Theusch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a niece Jennifer Bopes, sister-in-law Judy Guerra and brother-in-law Jack Theusch.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Brian M. Bopes memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of Jackson County for their assistance and kindness in caring for Brian, and to all those who visited him during the past two months.

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

Mary Jo Licht

Mary Jo Licht, 69, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Dubuque, and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page. Private visitation will be at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared with family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com . Floral arrangements and gifts may be delivered to the funeral home on Tuesday by noon.

Mary Jo was born June 24, 1950 in Dubuque, the daughter of Ralph and Inelda (Armbruster) Hessel. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Mary Jo spent her junior high and high school years being irritated by “the chubby kid in the green coat always late for the bus”, also known as Terry Licht. The tides eventually turned in his favor, and on April 19, 1971, they were married.

Mary Jo was employed as a bookkeeper at Myers-Cox, Hartig, and Walgreens. She was a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Mary Jo loved to play cards and spend time with her ladies card club. Holy Ghost Bingo was a favorite of hers, because they had the best hot dogs and popcorn. Her friends were important to her, and she loved going out to eat with them. Her grandkids were the light of her life, and she loved being a full time grandma.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry; three children, Eli (Sara) Licht, Courtney (Troy) Smith, and Jud (Paula) Licht, all of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, Wyatt, Reed, and Tanner Licht, Owen, Drew, Tate, and Emme Smith, and Teddy and Oliver Licht; her great grandchildren, Raymond, Dawn, Mary and Lily; two sisters-in-law, Karen Hessel and Karen Samuelson; her nieces and nephews, Kim (Brian) Pantier, Chad (Amy) Hessel, Scott Sawvel, Tammy (Mike) Nolan, Laura (Kevin) Spoerl, and Mariah (Andrew) Wallace; and many friends, including her best friend, Sharon Bakewell and her Bingo Buddy, Linda Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Randy and Dale Hessel; her parents-in-law, Don, Arlene, and Marjie Licht; her nephews, Jay and Kenny; and her brother-in-law, Gary Licht.

Sue E. Kraus

Sue E. Kraus, 74, of Cuba City, WI passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 8, 2020. Due to the unfortunate time with COVID-19, a public memorial service will be held at a later date. A private family graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cuba City, WI; with Pastor Hee-Kwon Jung officiating. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Sue was born on November 25, 1945 in Centralia, WA. She was the second born daughter of Stanley D. and Mary Jane (Robinson) Logsdon. In April of 1948, her parents moved their family to Key West, IA, where her father worked for farmers. After a move to Bernard, IA and finally to Cascade, IA, her parents had found their home. Sue attended a one room schoolhouse, Oak School #2, for grades K-8th. She was in the second graduating class of Western Dubuque High School. They kept busy on the farm, plus Sue walked to the neighbors’ homes and sold Christmas cards when she was in the fifth grade and babysat for neighbors during the summer. Between her Junior and Senior year of high school, Sue went to Newport News, VA to babysit children of Army couples, for the summer.

After graduation from high school, her father took her to Dubuque to stay with a friend until she got a room at the YMCA. Sue’s first job was a waitress at Karigan’s Restaurant. That job only lasted 4 days. Then she got the job she really wanted, working in the hospital as a nurse’s aide.

Sue met the love of her life at Melody Mill and thought she would never get to see him again since the Mill was closing at the end of July 1964. Lo and behold, Jim asked to take her home from the last dance…the rest is history. On June 26, 1965 she married James Leo Kraus. Together they farmed just north of Dubuque, IA for three years. On March 1, 1969 they moved their family to Cuba City, WI, to a farm they named Elk Acres and have lived there for over 50 years. Sue helped on the farm right alongside Jim.

She was a member of the Georgetown Homemakers, 4-H, the Cuba City United Methodist Church and The Sarah Circle at the United Methodist Church. She loved to make quilts and table runners; she would hand quilt a lot of them and give them away as gifts. She had made quilts for all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed cross stitching projects, traveling, country western music, feeding & watching birds from her kitchen window, but most of all she enjoyed time spent with her family and friends.

Sue had undergone a stem cell transplant for Multiple Myeloma at the Mayo Clinic in November 2016. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Sue said she had tried to live her life like her parents taught her, to treat others like how she wanted to be treated and to work hard. If you see something that needs to be done, you do it without being told. Sue would like to ask everyone to be kind to each other as everyone has been to her throughout her journey with cancer.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James Leo; 3 children: Sharon (Andy) Klein of Durango, IA, Michael (Kimberly) Kraus of Cuba City, WI and Brian (Amber) Kraus of Kenosha, WI; 5 grandchildren: Nicholas (Kate) Klein, Megan Klein (special friend, Jef Schilling), Breeann & Rachel Kraus, Dawsyn Kraus and another grandson expected in July 2020; 1 great-granddaughter expected in September 2020. 4 sisters: Nancy (Bill) Macomber Cascade, IA, Dianne Smarr Greenville, SC, Kathy (Paul) Manterach Cascade, IA, and Linda Kushpinsky Marion, IA; 5 in-laws: Jean Nauman Cascade, IA, William (Norma) Kraus Dubuque, IA, Mary (Duane) Kruse Dubuque, IA, Elaine Hildebrand Dubuque, IA, and John (Cheryl) Kraus Galesburg, IL; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers-in-law: Bill “Coach” Smarr, Harry Kushpinsky, Tom Hildebrand and Larry Nauman.

In lieu of plants & flowers, memorials may be given to Multiple Myeloma Research in Rochester, MN, Cuba City Area Rescue Squad, Cuba City Fire Department, Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque, IA,  Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA or may be mailed to Haudenshield Funeral Home c/o Sue Kraus Family, BOX 825, Cuba City, WI 53807. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to: Dr. Mark Hermann, Dr. Regan Wolbers, Tony Heiar ARNP and staff, the Wendt Center and staff, and Hospice of Dubuque. Especially to Sue’s Hospice nurses, Jeremiah, Kristin, Amy and Julie. Thank you to all who made encouraging phone calls and to all who sent the beautiful cards that Sue and her family have received since she started her journey with Multiple Myeloma.

Grace C. Nemmers

Grace C. Nemmers, 99, of LaMotte, Iowa passed away on May 7, 2020 at Mill Valley Care Facility in Bellevue, Iowa at 1:15 pm. To celebrate Grace’s life, there will be a private family service and burial in Holy Rosary Cemetery, LaMotte, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Grace was born on April 11, 1921 to William and Mary (Hayes) Manderscheid. She graduated from Holy Rosary Catholic High School in LaMotte, Iowa. She attended University of Dubuque and then graduated from Western Union College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She then went on to be night manager at the Western Union office. She began teaching at Jackson County Rural Schools until they closed. She went on to teach at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Key West and St. Columbkille’s in Dubuque. She ended her teaching career at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Bellevue.

Grace married Francis P. Nemmers on June 3, 1947 in LaMotte, and together they farmed and raised nine children. Francis preceded her in death on September 13, 1996.

Grace enjoyed baking bread and especially loved making cookies for her grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Her hobbies included gardening, embroidering, playing cards with neighbors and friends, and attending Hawkeye games. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball fan along with her beloved Francis. She enjoyed watching them for the past sixty plus years, “Go Hawks”. She was also a member of the I-club. Grace attended all her grandchildren’s events and was their biggest fan.

Those left to cherish Grace’s memory are seven children; Elaine (Ken) Helbing of Dubuque, Iowa, Steve (Cindy) Nemmers of LaMotte, Iowa, Mark (Judy) Nemmers of Asbury, Iowa, Jim (Bev) Nemmers of WeekiWashee, Florida, Cindy (Joe Wah) Nemmers of LaMotte, Iowa, Carl (Patte) Nemmers of LaMotte, Iowa, Paul (Suzy) Nemmers of LaMotte, Iowa, and Lela (Ganzer) Nemmers of Monument, Colorado; 13 grandchildren; Scott (Jody) Portz, Brenda (Mark Miller) Portz, Steve (Mandy) Nemmers, Jeff (Jen Yager) Nemmers, Corey (Monica) Nemmers, Adam (Cheryl) Nemmers, Michelle (Tigges) Nemmers, Angie (Kevin) Kluesner, Audrey Wagenman, Tonya (Todd) DeTuncq, Josh (Carrie) Pitts, Jacob (Euni Park) Nemmers, Jacynda (Antonio Miller) Nemmers; 21 great grandchildren; and 5 step-grandchildren.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis; two sons, Alan and Keith Nemmers; one grandson, Tim Nemmers; and seven brothers and sisters.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all the staff at Mill Valley Care Facility for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided our beloved mother and grandmother.

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

Darlene “Sam” Werner

Darlene “Sam” Werner, 73, of Dubuque, died Friday, May 8, 2020, at the Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Our dear aunt and friend deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please be with us in prayer. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.

Sam was born June 22, 1946, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Gerald and Jeanne Weiters Werner.

Sam went to school to become an LPN. She was proud to be a nurse, but left nursing to work at Honeywell for more than 30 years before retiring.

She preferred a simple life, she never had children of her own, but cared for her niece and nephew as if they were her own. Sam loved them and her family very much. She gave the best hugs. While outspoken, she had a heart as big as she was. Sam enjoyed playing bingo, card games, and going to the casino. She was a lifelong avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include niece, Jeanne (John) Vondal; nephew, Jim Brimeyer; great nieces and nephews, Greg (Abby Genthe) Klauer, Austin Camp, Crystal (Brooke) Vondal, Jeremy (Sabrina) Vondal, Josh (Stephanie) Vondal, and Brandi Vondal.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Geraldine (Allan) Hayes, one brother, Gary Werner, and great-nieces, Kayla and Alyssa Vondal.

The family thanks everyone at Eagle Point Place, Ennoble Skilled Nursing, and Hospice of Dubuque for all they did for Sam.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Sam’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Walter G. Briggs

Walter G. Briggs, 72, of Dubuque, died Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Our dear dad, grandpa and brother deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please be with us in prayer. The Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 11, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Father Mark Kwenin 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 following Mass on www.hskfhcares.com.

Walter was born November 25, 1947, in Dubuque, the son of Robert F. and Lorraine M. (Sear) Briggs. On November 19, 1966, he married Joyce D. Gartner at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a 1965 graduate of Wahlert High School.

Walt was a well known meat cutter in town, most recently working at Fareway. He wasn’t just a meat cutter, he also sold insurance for many companies throughout his career.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards, especially Euchre, and was a Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. He cherished time with grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Wendy (Pat Nadermann) Briggs of Dubuque, Wayne (Tracey) Briggs of Galena, IL, and Jason (Dave Quarez) Briggs of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren, Justin, Jay Jay, Laura, Tiffany, Tyler, Jacob, Kyle, Lindsay, Ava, and Braxton; five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Robert “Sonny” (Theresa) Briggs of Melrose, IA, Virginia “Ginger” Healy of Hazel Green, WI, and Irene (Russ) Dieterich of St. Charles, MO; and in-laws, Gene (Jane) Gartner of Dubuque, Grace Daughetee of Dubuque, Vicki Gartner of Rickardsville, Larry Daughetee of Dubuque, and Richard Wagener of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Jean Ann Briggs, and Mary Ann Canganelli, and in-laws, Jack Healy, David Canganelli, and Eileen (Herb) Lukas, Donnie Gartner, Lyle Daughetee, Mary Lou Wagener, and Jane Daughetee.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Walt’s many friends and coworkers over the years, he cherished your time and friendship.

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 Walter’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

James J. Leytem

James Joseph “Jimmy”, “Jim” Leytem, age 66, born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his home on May 7, 2020, of natural causes.  To celebrate Jim’s life, private family services will be held because of the current gathering restrictions due to COVID-19.  A celebration of Jim’s life for all of his family and friends will be held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born on July 12, 1953, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Second son, and the third of six children to his mother Lois Collette (Sauer) Leytem and father Nicholas Joseph Leytem.

He went to kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School, followed by an elementary school education at Nativity.  He finished off his education at Wahlert Catholic High School.

He was married to his former wife, Leanne Hoffmann, on January 4, 1975.

After high school Jim took up a career in auto bodywork at a local shop before going to work with Mike Finnin Ford.  He was a member of the Teamsters Local #421, where he served as a steward. He truly enjoyed his work with cars.  Jim had several hobbies including watching NASCAR, anything to do with cars, ESPECIALLY MODEL CARS, and also enjoyed Phantom of the Opera.  Jim was a proud AA sponsor.  Jim was very meticulous and organized, always kept things in the original package.  Jim always said he was most proud of being a dad and grandpa.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include,

his former wife,
Leanne (Robert) Kleiner, Glendale, AZ;

his children,
Carrie Leytem, Glendale, AZ,
Kristi Myers, Union, IA
and Kelly (Patrick) McDonald, Glendale, AZ;

his grandchildren,
Owen and Weston Myers and John McDonald;

his siblings,
Becky Leytem,
Terry Leytem,
Tony Leytem
Tanya Leytem, all of Dubuque, IA;

his nephew and Godson,
Nick (Claire) Leytem, St. Louis Park, MN;

and his nieces,
Madelyn Leytem, Dubuque, IA
and Dawn (Chad) Christensen, Grimes, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Colette “Letty” Leytem.

Jim’s family would like to thank the local AA group for all of their support and friendship and Jim’s friend Bob Schauer.

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

Judy Menadue

Where do we start to tell you the story of Judy Menadue in so few words, but we are going to try?  She was born to Chuck and Rosie Tuthill on June 17, 1954 in Galesburg, Il. She shared her life with three sisters, Cathy (and Bob Brackett), Sandy Clague, Nancy Smith, and her baby brother, David (Tammy Tuthill)

Judy was a classy lady and she loved to shop! Judy never left her house without her makeup on, hair done, and her Downtown Brown lipstick neatly applied, of course with matching jewelry, purse, and shoes. This was important to Judy how she presented to others. Judy devoted over two decades to Walmart and her colleagues there. She had recently retired in 2019.

Judy married Charlie Menadue on August 29, 1996. They shared 23 years of marriage in their yellow bungalow in Dubuque, Iowa. Her pride and joy were her two children Joel and Jessica Hinerichsen. Judy loved being a mom, and into adulthood, their best friend.  The   icing on the cake were her three grandchildren, Maddie Funk, Chloe, and Michael Hinerichsen. Grammy Judy loved them beyond belief, and was so proud of who they were becoming in their lives. She was their biggest “cheerleader.” Judy loved her dogs, Lambeau, Stella, and Sullivan. Her corgis made her very happy. She had a corgi blanket, shoes, purse, cars seat covers, t-shirts etc. etc.! They are so going to miss her chit chatting with them in her doggie baby talk, lol!

In the spring Judy’s deck was alive with BIG containers of beautiful flowers, arranged so perfectly so you could see them from the kitchen table.  She was a good cook with a pantry you could eat from for six months without going to the store for staple items. She could whip up the best buffalo dip, cinnamon roll, or a wonderful roast in her crockpot. Judy loved coffee The Beatles, making wreaths, quick wit and sense of humor, playing games, and her secret love of Snoop Dog!

We sure are going to miss just being together. Our lives are forever changed. Even in her passing Judy was a giver as a tissue and organ donor. I could write on and on about our Judy, she was one of a kind and she was ours. With heavy hearts we have to say goodbye, but you will live on and on and on in our Hearts. This is just a little glimpse into the life of the wonderful lady we had the privilege to call, Mom, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Grammy, friend!

Judy Ann Menadue passed away on May 5, 2020 in Dubuque. Private family service was held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Carol A. Sitzmann

Mrs. Carol Ann Sitzmann passed away peacefully at her home in Dubuque, IA at the age of 65 on May 1, 2020. Carol was surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born on December 7, 1954 to Don and Agnes Nemmers in Bellevue, IA and her family moved to Dubuque, IA during her childhood years. Carol graduated from Hempstead High School in 1973. She met her husband, Greg, while attending high school and they were married September 21, 1974.

She began her career working for Merri-Mac, John Deere, Hy-Vee and ended her career at GCR Tire while remaining part-time at Hy-Vee. Carol retired from GCR after 25 years of service. Carol and Greg welcomed 3 children into their home; Matt, Melissa and John. Her husband and children will remember her as a selfless, loving, kind, driven and hardworking mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Her siblings will remember her as courageous, devoted and as the needle’s thread to hold the family together.

Carol lived to spend time with her family; mostly her grandchildren, looking forward to their yearly tradition of a birthday movie celebration. Carol also looked forward to the annual YaYa’s shopping trip. Carol was accomplished at gardening and yard-working, often spending hours outside in her yard. If she wasn’t in her yard, she could be found playing BINGO. Everyone could look forward to Carol’s Christmas cookies and treats as she was always looking for ways to perfect this. She was a member of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Carol is survived by her Husband Greg; children Matt (Amy) Sitzmann of Luxemburg, Melissa Sitzmann of Lamotte, and John Sitzmann of Dubuque; grandkids, Nora and Max Sitzmann of Luxemburg and Brandon Kafer of Dyersville; siblings Ron (Sarah) Nemmers of Anamosa, Bonnie (Lenny) Rhomberg of Anamosa, Joyce Simon of Wichita, KS, Randy (Laurie) Nemmers of Dubuque and Roger Nemmers of Dubuque; brother in-laws David Sitzmann and Thomas (Sandra) Sitzmann and sister in-laws Mary (Carl) Summers and Sharon Simon all of Dubuque; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Agnes (Clasen) Nemmers, father and mother in-law Greg and Helen Sitzmann, a sister (Connie) in infancy, and brother-in-law Rick Simon.

To follow social distancing guidelines, a private ceremony is scheduled for immediate family on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hermann and his staff in Dubuque, IA for their care during her courageous battle, as well as Hospice of Dubuque for making her last days more comfortable for Carol, as well as her family.

Jeffery G. Kotz

Jeffery G. “Jeff” Kotz, age 55, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital. To celebrate Jeff’s life, private family services will be held because of the current gathering restrictions due to COVID-19. A celebration of Jeff’s life for all of his family and friends will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jeff was born on October 1, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Gerald and Muriel (Gilligan) Kotz.

Jeff graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1983. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Theresa Jaeger, on July 30, 1988, at the Dubuque Arboretum and they renewed their vows on April 30, 2016, at The Hotel Julien. Jeff was a hard worker and was employed with several places throughout the years including the Dubuque Inn as a bellman, FDL Foods, the Lucky Jo Bar at the Diamond Jo, the Freezer Plant in East Dubuque, Key City Transport as a truck driver, and lastly part-time for Enterprise Rental Car as a driver. In his free time, Jeff loved to bar tend at Randy’s Hilltop, where he could put his gift of gab to good use interacting with the regulars. He was a die hard Redskins fan, and Kevin Harvick was his favorite NASCAR driver. Jeff also enjoyed drawing and photography and has created several beautiful pictures throughout the years. Everyone who knew him knew that Jeff had a great love of the big cats, with tigers being his favorite. Jeff especially looked forward to spending time in the great outdoors playing frisbee with his beloved dog, Peanut. He was a long time member of the Metropolitan Lodge #49AF&M and the Oxus Grotto. We are truly heartbroken at losing our beloved husband, brother, uncle and brother-in-law in our daily lives at such a young age. We love you Jeff, and will miss you more than words can ever truly express, and look forward to the next time we are together laughing in the Purple Rain.

Those left to cherish Jeff’s memory include

his loving wife of 31 years,
Theresa Kotz, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Wally (Susie) Kotz,
Rick Kotz,
Sheri (Mike) Lively,
Dave (Rose) Kotz,
Pat Kotz,
Larry Kotz, all of Dubuque, IA,
Chuck (Vicky) Kotz
and Pam (Dave) Roth, both of East Dubuque, IL;

his in-laws,
Dottie (Lowell) Willie, St. Olaf, IA,
Monica Jaeger, Dubuque, IA,
Marty Jaeger, Waterloo, IA,
Andy Jaeger, Dubuque, IA,
Gene (Gail) Jaeger, Albia, IA,
Cathy (Steve) Wiskus, Colesburg, IA,
Jerry (Deb) Jaeger, Dubuque, IA
and Angie Jaeger, Elkader, IA;

countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews;

and his canine best friend,
Peanut.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, George and Frances Jaeger; and a brother-in-law, Charles Jaeger.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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