Obituaries Archive

Lee B. Yuan

Lee B. Yuan, 53, of Dubuque, died Saturday, January 30, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and two sons.

Private services will be held.

Lee was born August 26, 1967, in Singapore, Singapore, the daughter of Ng Choon OO and Chua Swee Lan. On June 29, 1992, she married Kevin Yuan in Dubuque.

She attended and graduated with her BA in Economics and Marketing from Loras College in 1990.

Lee enjoyed cooking, gardening and swimming.

Survivors include her husband, Kevin of Dubuque; two sons, Justin and Brandon Lee Yuan, both of Dubuque; her parents; seven sisters, Ng Sok Boey (Puar Huan Kiap), Ng Lee Choo (Chua Lye Heng), Ng Lee Lee, Ng Lee Hong, Ng Lee Ching (Koh Swee Jin), Ng Lee Min (Tan Ming Loong “Mark”) and Ng Lee Yee, all of Singapore, Singapore; nieces & nephews, Puar Yue Hong, Puar Yu Rou, Chua Kai Yang “Ken”, Chua Yu Xuan “Jordan”, Chua Qin Yi “Nicole”, Koh Jun Hou “Marcus”, Koh Zhi Wei “Cheryl”, Tan Jun Yao “Ethan”, Tan Xiang Ling “Earlina” and Tan Jun Kai “Evan”, all of Singapore, Singapore.

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

Patty L. Piper

Patty L. Piper, 75, of Dubuque, passed Friday, January 29, 2021, at her home surrounded by family after a fierce and admirable battle with cancer.

Private family services for Patty will be held. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Patty was born January 4, 1946, in Fulton, IA, the daughter of Louie and Beulah (Dague) Ostert. On November 27, 1968 she married the love of her life, John D. Piper in Galena, IL.

She enjoyed puzzles, her ever-growing rose garden, drawing, live music and Christmas time. More than anything, she loved spending time with family and friends.

Patty had always taken the road less traveled. She rooted for the underdog and had her own way of doing things. She proved over and over again that sometimes, all you really need is faith and love; reason and logic cannot begin to explain the obstacles she overcame.

She had a heart of gold, could find a friend wherever she went, and could turn any conversation into a song. If you knew her, your life is better because of it.

Survivors include husband, John Piper of Dubuque; three daughters, Trina McInerney (Cliff), Gina (Albert) Dolan, and Corinna (Dan) Lawler all of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Tanner (Kodi) McInerney, Albert Dolan, IV, and Ashley Dolan, Noah Lawler, Ryley Lawler; three great-grandchildren, Melia, Owen, and Ahri; one brother, Dick (Sue) Ostert of Maquoketa, IA; and two sisters, Dina (Larry) Pickel of Potosi, WI, and Judy (Larry) Marcue of Hazel Green, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters.

“Bring It On Home”

Bonnie J. Steffen

Matthew M. Boland

Matthew M Boland 35, of Epworth, Iowa passed away unexpectedly at home on January 27, 2021.

A public visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A celebration of life service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the funeral home with Jeff Durham presiding. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery. Please remember to wear your mask, and if you are unable to attend a live stream of the funeral service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Matthew was born October 6, 1985 in Dubuque, Iowa. He is the son of Michael/Deb Boland and Diana/Pete Conrad. He was a graduate of Western Dubuque High School. Matthew worked construction beginning at a young age in the family business, Pete Conrad Construction. He continued this work at Jared Bay Construction.

Matthew adored his beautiful daughters, Alanna and Gianna. They meant the world to him. Outside of his love for family and friends he had a passion for football. He played four years in high school as a running back. He was quite a speed demon. He enjoyed pool, darts, boating, jet skiing, and golf. When asked, most people say, “Matthew had an infectious smile, and always saw the humor in everything”.

He is survived by his daughters Alanna and Gianna Boland; his father Michael (Deb) Boland; his mother Diana (Pete) Conrad; Brothers and sisters: Nicole (Joe) Kennedy, Philip (Courtney) Draude, Jessica (Jim) Frye, Kayla (Pete) Staner, Bradley Conrad and Elizabeth (Ben) Loeffelholz. 12 nieces and nephews. Grandparents: Barney and Charlotte Boland, Geraldine Vandenberg, Dan and Jackie Conrad. Former wife Jennifer Boland.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Harry Vandenberg, Donald Shaffer, and Grandmother Judith Barnes.

In lieu of flowers a Matthew Boland memorial fund will be established for his daughters Alanna and Gianna.

Leonard F. Norman, Jr.

Leonard F. “Lenny” Norman Jr., 74 of Galena, IL passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Unity Point Finley Hospital, Dubuque. Due to Current COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena and burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born October 12, 1946, in Davenport, IA the son of Dr. Leonard F. and Maleta C. (Schonhoff) Norman.  Lenny attended St. Mary’s Catholic School & Galena High School. He was employed for many years with The City of Galena, retiring and referring to it as his favorite job. Lenny enjoyed being outdoors, cutting wood, hunting for morels, and working in his garage repairing small engines. He loved taking his once-a-year vacation out West and visiting with his nephews and nieces.

Lenny is survived by his siblings, Marcia (John) Reifsteck of Naperville, IL, Ronald (Jeanie) Norman of Galena, and Steve (Angela) Norman of Verona, WI, nephews, Tim (Sara) Reifsteck of Naperville, IL, Kevin (Tabitha) Reifsteck of Yorkville, IL, Bryan (Jamie Burfield) Reifsteck of Plainfield, IL, Nathan (Nachelle) Norman of Princeton, IL, Jason Norman of Laguna Niguel, CA, and Braden (Lauren) Norman of Galena, IL, and nieces, Erica and Caroline Norman of Verona, WI, great-nephews: Breven, Blake, Cole and Austin Reifsteck, Miles, Kenten and Maverick Norman, great-nieces, Aurora and Makenzie Reifsteck, Myla, Gracie, Alivia and Norah Norman, great-great nephew, Makoa Dunn, two aunts, Rosalyn Schonhoff and Hylene Anderson.

He was preceded in death, by his parents, two aunts, Joan Norman and Annella Dayton, four uncles, Orville Norman, John Dayton, Lee Anderson and Urban Schonhoff, and a great nephew, Brenten Norman.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.comLeonard

Raymond F. Waller

Raymond F. “Blackie” Waller, 85 of Key West passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday January 25, 2021. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Monday February 1, 2021 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road, with pastors Robert Rodzaj and Irv Woelfle officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A public visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday January 30, 2021 at the funeral home.  Please remember to wear your mask and if you are unable to attend the funeral service a live stream of the service will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Blackie was born on September 7, 1935 in Dubuque the son of Roy and Bertha (Hartman) Waller. He married Joan M. Hammerand on August 4, 1962 at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Sherrill and they shared 58 years together.

Blackie grew up and lived his entire life on the family farm in Key West, which is the oldest family farm in Iowa. His ancestors built their first home on the property in the summer of 1834.

With six older brothers and two sisters, life was full of hard work, all sorts of escapades, and good farm fun. He walked to the Rockdale one room schoolhouse which he attended through eighth grade. On the way he and his siblings would stop at their Grandpa Waller’s barn and visit. (His grandfather’s house is now Leonard’s Funeral Home and the barn is gone.)

As a young man he worked for several months in Florida landscaping and packaging vegetables.  A jack of all trades, he farmed his entire life, never really retiring.

He was an excellent welder and very inventive, making much of what he needed from whatever was available, never throwing anything away because he might use it someday. He was a man of true farmer ingenuity; he could fix almost anything.

Blackie was always trying out new and unusual things including garden seeds, animals, tools, and equipment. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Blackie was a loving husband, father and grandpa who worked hard and enjoyed spending time with all of his family.  He and Joan met rollerskating at his brother Cliff’s skating rink.   Together they traveled to all 48 lower states and 10 provinces in Canada, making many friends. He enjoyed seeing different ways of farming and learning things of interest.

Blackie loved storytelling and jokes. He was generous and kind and would help anyone in need.  He lived his faith by loving God and loving his neighbors.

He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter’s Wanda (Joseph) Ross and Sarah (Dale) Jecklin; a daughter-in-law Shelly (Mike) Waller Ellis; eleven grandchildren Sarah (Ryan) Nicholson, Deborah (Travis) Pate, Rebekah Ross, Elizabeth Ross, Joseph Ross, Justin (Katelyn) Waller, Andrew (Gabby) Waller, Molly (David) Maro, Jakob Waller, Madelyn Jecklin, and Luke Jecklin; four great grandchildren Abigail, Sofia, and Caleb Nicholson and Georgiana Pate; a brother Wayne (Annette) Waller of LaMotte; and three sisters-in-law Alberta Waller, Connie Waller and Audrey Waller, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons George and Dale Waller; a grandson Jonathan Ross; four sisters Ethel Mae and Wanda (Wayne’s twin), both in infancy, and Sylvia (Matthew) Osterkamp and Mildred (Fred) Neumeister; and five brothers Clarence, Eldon (Irene), Robert, Clifford (Jennie) and David.

The family would like to thank the caring professionals at No Place Like Home, for helping Blackie to remain in his family home right up to the end of his earthly journey.

Darlene J. Yarrington

Darlene J. Yarrington, 79, of Oxford Junction, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Darlene’s life will be held 1:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2021, at South Mineral Cemetery, rural Onslow, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Friday, January 29, 2021 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It will be required to utilize face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines during the visitation and services.

Darlene June Stevens was born on June 25, 1941 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Frank A. and Rosa Lea (Haefner) Stevens.  She grew up attending the Chattanooga Country School in Baldwin.  She married Elmer Ernest Hoist in Iowa.  He preceded her in death.  She later married Francis Marlin Yarrington.  He preceded her in death.

Darlene worked as a Certified Nurses Aide for many years and for several of those years she worked alongside her daughter Tammy Jo at the Anamosa Care Center.

Darlene loved music and had played the Accordion most of her life.  She also loved her doggies, horses, sitting along the river, drives around the countryside, and visiting and spending time with her children and family.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jolene Williams of Monmouth, IA, Randy (Betty) Hoist of Brighton, IA, Cindy Rickels of Wyoming, IA, Mike Yarrington of Maquoketa, IA, Roger Yarrington of Maquoketa, IA, and Tammy Jo Steffen of Dubuque, IA; a brother Darrell (Marianna) Stevens of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, and Bonnie Mielk of Clinton, IA; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elmer and her husband Francis, a daughter Sheryl Hartwig, a grandson Justin Forde, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Darlene June Yarrington memorial fund has been established.

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

Yvonne L. Jorgensen

Yvonne L. Jorgensen, age 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on January 25, 2021, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.  To honor Yvonne’s life, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.  Burial will be in the Asbury Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Yvonne’s family.

Yvonne was born on January 9, 1937, in Delavan, Minnesota, a daughter to Theodore and Mildred (Ziemer) Schnittger.  Yvonne was first and foremost an amazing wife and mother.  She had faithfully and diligently devoted her years to loving and nurturing her family through each and every day and her skills in the kitchen will continue to bring a smile to the faces of all who were blessed to be able to enjoy her talents over the years.  She did spend a few years working outside of the home in the medical field as well, both in Minnesota and Dubuque.  Over 6 years with Dr. Bird’s office in Kiester, Minnesota, before Marlin was transferred to Dubuque with Interstate Power in 1982.  The family now settled into their new home on Valentine Drive and it didn’t take long for Yvonne to make many new friends at Dubuque Internal Medicine, where she worked in the coding department for over 16 years before she eventually retired.  Yvonne had always enjoyed traveling whenever possible, and especially appreciated the opportunity for her and Marlin to winter in Ormond Beach, Florida, for over 15 years.  Yvonne was a gentle, kind, and tender soul who always embraced all that was good in the world around her.  We will surely miss her loving spirit moving forward, but trust that the Lord will keep her safe in His loving arms until we meet again.  Thank you, Yvonne, for being the salt and light in so many lives and know that we will treasure every memory you leave behind as we patiently seek healing from your loss.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Yvonne include,

her loving husband of 63 years,
Marlin Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa;

her 3 children,
Don M. (Jody) Jorgensen, Davenport, Iowa,
Dean L. (Debra) Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Doyle T. (Jean Paisley) Jorgensen, Dubuque, Iowa;

her 4 adored grandchildren,
Lisa Galle, Missy Galle, Alina Davis and Cassandra Foley;

her 7 great-grandchildren,
Jacob Galle, Scott Davis,, Justin Breitbach, Tredyn Davis, Teegan Davis, Elisabeth Steil, and Elyse Steil,

her great-great grandson,
Apollo Breitbach;

her brother,
Glen (Joni) Schnittger, Owatonna Minnesota;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Darin F. Jorgensen; and her brother, Darwin (Homerene) Schnittger.

Yvonne’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Yvonne, and her family.

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

Irene L. Engelken

Irene L. Engelken, 86, of Earlville, passed away Monday, January 25, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tony Nketiah will officiate.

Irene was born April 6, 1934 in Farley, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Marcella (Kelchen) Greenwood.  She married Julius Engelken on November 8, 1956 in Farley.  Together they farmed in Oneida, Iowa until retiring in 1992 when they moved to Earlville.  Irene & Julius loved to polka dance and were members of Delaware County Pork Producers and grilling team.

Irene enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with her family and friends. She cherished her time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will also be greatly missed by her dog, Ginger.

Irene is survived by her 4 children: Steven “Oneida” (Denise) of Oneida, Jolene (Mark) Kaufman of Dubuque, Dale (Lisa) of Des Moines, Leann (Ed) McIntyre of Delhi;

10 grandchildren: Stephanie Cooksley, Joshua & Gabrielle Engelken, Kelsey, Cassandra & Madison McIntyre, Brigette (Nick) Price, Patrick (Rachel) Duffy and Megan (Bailey) Sherlin, Trey (Emily) Beck; 8 great grandchildren; a sister, Rita Heims of Coggon; in-laws: George (Sherry) Engelken of Atlanta, GA, Linda Greenwood of Farley, Verna Greenwood of Cascade.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Julius in 2015, siblings: Mary (Elmer) Weber, Raymond Greenwood, Eldon Greenwood; in-laws: Cletus (Arlene) Engelken, Edwin (Aletha) Engelken, Elmer (Mary Lou) Engelken, Charlie (Alma) Brehm, Elmer Heims.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Helping Hands for their wonderful care.

Information available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards may be sent to the family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 – 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa  52040.

Patrick W. O’Rourke

Patrick W. O’Rourke 90 of Dubuque, IA passed away Monday morning, January 25, 2021 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Saint Joseph Key West Catholic Church with Msgr. Wilgenbusch officiating and Fr. Rod Allers as Homilist. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. at the church until time of mass.  Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Chapel Mausoleum. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to wear your facemask and if you are unable to attend a live stream of the mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Patrick was born on March 21, 1930 in Dubuque the son of Vincent and Theresa (Slattery) O’Rourke. He married Darlene J.  LeConte on September 12, 1953 at Saint Joseph Key West Church.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Darlene and their thirteen children: Steve (Barb) O’Rourke; Patty O’Rourke; Jan Gibbs, Carol O’Rourke; Mary (Kevin) Zeimet; Michelle (Ed) Tehan; David O’Rourke; Mark (Robin) O’Rourke; Joe O’Rourke; Renee (Randy, deceased) Stillmunkes; Tonya (Brian) Bender; Sarah (Chris) Weaver; and Russ (Danielle) O’Rourke; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and his brother Paul O’Rourke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Vincent De Paul, a sister Kate (Cecil) Hightower; a sister-in-law Mary Jane O’Rourke, and a great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Camp Courageous, Monticello, IA or Camp Albrecht Acres, Sherrill, IA in Patrick’s honor.

Dad would often say…

“Do not cry because I died, smile because I Lived!

Remember folk’s as you pass by, as you are now so once was I.

As I am now you will be, remember folk’s, and pray for me.

I did it my way.”

Megan M. Sproule

Megan M. Sproule, 60 of Galena, IL passed away Monday, January 25, 2021, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Masks and social distancing will be required. Burial of the cremated remains will follow in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena.

She was born on October 22, 1960, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Dale “Chip” and Mona (Mooney) Chapman. Megan graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1978. She was united in marriage to Eugene R. “Geno” Sproule on August 11, 1979, and he survives.

Megan began working right out of high school at Stairs Bakery and Deli for two years. She then worked as a cook for the Market House Tavern. Megan had a daycare in her home for nine years and cleaned houses for seven of those nine years. She was a floral designer for ten years at the Galena Greenhouse. Megan then worked at Country Inn and Suites as a housekeeping manager for five years. In 2011, she began working at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community until 2019.

Megan enjoyed gardening, crafting, and spending time with her grandkids, and attending their many sporting events. She loved time with her friends and enjoyed all their talks, lunches, and walks.  It meant so much to her that they were always there when she needed them.

Megan is survived by her husband, Eugene “Geno”, her two sons, Nathan (Michelle) and Joshua (Danielle) Sproule, four grandchildren, five brothers, Rick (Mary) Chapman of Galena, Steve Chapman, of Dubuque, Rod (Debbie) Chapman, of Oak Creek, WI, Kevin (Julie) Chapman, of Dubuque and Paul Chapman of De Pere, WI, three sisters, Brigid “Bea” (Kenneth) Ellerbach, of Epworth, IA, Cara (Roger) Middendorf and Kristen Chapman, both of East Dubuque, seven nieces, ten nephews, twelve great-nieces, and 13 great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Hermann and his staff, Hospice of Dubuque especially, Jessica, Julie, Amy, Jennifer, and Dianne. Your care and compassion during this difficult time will never be forgotten. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com.

Donald E. Kruse

Donald E. Kruse, 80, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on January 24th, 2021 at Ennoble Manor. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Don was born in Dubuque on January 13th, 1941, the son of Edward and Lenore (Schwendinger) Kruse.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High school in 1959.

Don married Jeannie Breitbach on September 28th, 1963, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Dubuque.

Don was a carpenter for Richard’s Construction and Pusateri Construction. He also worked at John Deere Dubuque Works, Zephyr Aluminum Products, and retired from Portzen Construction. After retirement, he began working for Camp Little Cloud.

He was a member of Carpenters Union #678 and Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.

Before his stroke, Don enjoyed golfing and traveling all over the country with his wife by his side. Later in life, Don enjoyed watching nature, going out to eat, and visiting the local casinos.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; four children, Diane (Steve) Hefel of Peosta, IA., Kevin (Betsy) Kruse of Washington Crossing, PA., Brian (Melanie) Kruse of Wilton, IA., Todd (Robert O’Hara) Kruse of Oak Park, IL.; seven grandchildren, Kristal, Linsey (Daniel), Abbie, Caroline (Steve), Alison, Julianne, Aaron; two great grandchildren, Caleb and Alice; one brother, Gary (Ann) Kruse of Dubuque, IA.; and many relatives, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Edward Kruse; two children, William and Susan; and several In-laws.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. Memorials in Don’s name may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque, IA, 52003.

The Family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Manor for all their care and kindness for Don.

Edward H. Kiefer

Edward H. Kiefer, 89, formerly of Asbury, died Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Stonehill Care Center.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection from 9:30 am until the time of mass at 10:30 am.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Edward will be 10:30 am Thursday, January 28, 2021, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.  Due to the statewide mask mandate, masks are required at the church.  Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Edward’s family. 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.

Ed was born at his grandparents’ house in Evansville, Indiana, by coal lamp during a power outage, Oct. 2, 1931, to Edward A. and Mona E. (Leinenbach) Kiefer. He graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville in 1949.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 as a B-29 propeller mechanic. Before and after his military service, he worked with his father at Kiefer Amusement Co. in Henderson, Kentucky.

While stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, Ed met Kathleen Currie at a USO dance; they were married on Nov. 26, 1955, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville. They were married for 62 years, until her death in 2018.

In January 1961, Ed received an associate of science degree in tool and gauge design from Lain Technical Institute, and he began his career at John Deere Dubuque Works that same month. He officially retired in 1994 as an advanced designer in product engineering, but he came out of retirement for a few stints after that. While working at John Deere, Ed co-invented two patented devices (a safety warning device and a backhoe cab window storage mechanism). He said he could have gotten other patents, but the paperwork was too much of a bother.

Ed was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers; American Legion Post 0656; Resurrection Parish since 1967; and he was a past member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ed was a big Notre Dame fan, cheering them onward to victory many times for many years. He enjoyed woodworking and had a knack for fixing things, including cars, appliances, pinball machines, and jukeboxes. He was known for taking his time finishing projects, saying it gave him satisfaction.

He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Katie; his brother-in-law, Patrick Currie; his brother-in-law, Donald Tepool; his son-in-law, Tom Hilby; and a niece, Chrissy Mennes.

He is survived by six children: Ann (Al) Kirschbaum of Bloomington, Wisconsin; Eddie P. Kiefer of Eagan, Minnesota; Karen (Frank) Kilcoyne of Lancaster, Wisconsin; Cheryl Hilby of Cuba City, Wisconsin; Janet Kiefer of Dubuque; and Mike (Wendy) Kiefer of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren: Andy (Charlotte) Kilcoyne, Amanda (Justin) Abing, Alyssa Kilcoyne; Adam (Elaine) Hilby, Katie Hilby, Emily (fiancé Austin Kilburg) Hilby, Jeremy (Brianna) Kirschbaum, Nathan Kirschbaum, Ella Kiefer, and Anthony Kiefer; and four great-grandchildren (Hunter, Haileigh, and Hannah Abing and Stella Kilcoyne); his sisters Andrea Tepool and Ramona (David) Paul of Evansville, and a brother, Roger “Podge” (Suzanne) Kiefer of Evansville; as well as other in-laws and nieces and nephews.

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

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

Thomas J. Gansen

Thomas Joseph Gansen, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 16, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona doing what he loved.

A public visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 29^th, 2021 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Please remember to wear your mask and social distance. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Tom was born on May 22, 1953 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Louis and Phyllis (Schlosser) Gansen. He was a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. He worked for John Deere for 30 years and then became the owner and operator of Tom Gansen Trucking. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveling to many different places.

He is survived by his brother Bob Gansen, of East Dubuque, IL; brother-in-law Dale Sheehy, of Maquoketa , IA; many nieces and nephews including Michelle Gansen, of Eagan, MN, Chris (Shanon) Gansen, of Los Angeles, CA, Marcia (Mike) Ayres, of Denver, CO Rachel (Craig) Winders, of Avondale, AZ, Lindsay (Kory) Sandon, of Sunburst, MT, Carrie (Bob) Herrig, of Maquoketa, Jill (Ryan Barry) Fritz, of Brooklyn, WI, Craig (Anne) Sheehy, of Dubuque, IA and Matt Sheely of Plain, WI.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Nancy Sheely and a brother John Gansen.

The family would like to thank Mesa, Arizona ambulance crew along with the doctors and nurses at Bannon Desert Hospital.

In lieu of flower a Thomas Gansen memorial fund will be established.

Michael S. Horn

Michael S. Horn, age 53, of Guttenberg, Iowa, formerly of Dubuque, completed his earthly journey suddenly on January 16, 2021, after injuries sustained in an automobile accident.  To honor Mike’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club, 1175 Century Drive in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mike was born on July 15, 1967, in Independence, Iowa, to his proud parents, Dennis and Marcia (Sherrets) Horn.  He spent his formative years in Independence, but the family eventually moved to the Guttenberg area where Mike made many lifelong friends which culminated into an abundance of lifelong memories.  He was a friend to all and was quite active in football, baseball, and basketball throughout his school years.  Mike was a graduate of the Guttenberg High School Class of ’85, and went on to UNI to work on a degree in business.  Mike spent the majority of his working years in auto sales and had many great accomplishments throughout his career. Through Mike’s eyes, his greatest legacies are his 2 sons, Brandon and Austin, whom he loved dearly. Moving next to being a “Papa”, Mike always enjoyed taking Leslee out for ice cream.  Mike continually maintained a devoted relationship with his mother, Marcia, and was always up to bringing a smile into his sister, Autumn’s day.  Mike even made it a priority to drop off his niece, Ryann, at school when time allowed.  Mike was a caring, fun-loving, charismatic man who was beloved by all. Mike enjoyed his rides with Cooper, his time on the river, and was a good storyteller. He was also an avid Cubs and Bears fan who thoroughly enjoyed going to the games with his crew. Family and friends are beyond heart-broken today with the sudden absence of Mike from our daily lives.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mike include,

his 2 sons,
Brandon (Kim) Horn, Peosta, Iowa,
and Austin Horn, Fennimore, Wisconsin;

his granddaughter,
Leslee Horn;

his loving mother,
Marcia Horn, Elkader, Iowa;

his sister,
Autumn (Al) Hall, Guttenberg, Iowa;

his 2 nieces,
Bailee (Cody) and Ryann;

his great-niece,
Charlee;

his special friend,
Jessica Harbaugh, Guttenberg, Iowa,

his canine companion,
Cooper;

his special bond,
Jerry and Chelsie Skinner, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Horn; his step-father, Skip Hall; and his grandparents, Leonard (Joyce) Sherrets and William (Viola) Horn.

Mike’s family would like to thank all of our family and friends who have offered their compassionate concerns and sympathies during this difficult time.  Your kindnesses mean more than you could ever know.  Thank you!

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