Obituaries Archive

Ralph C. Schmerbach

Ralph C. “Skip” Schmerbach, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at home following a sudden illness on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, three days short of his 80th birthday.

Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church followed by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is caring for the family.

Skip was born on April 10, 1940 in Dubuque, the son of Ray and Gertrude (Winders) Schmerbach. He married Sally Ann Miller on July 14, 1962, at Saint Joseph the Worker. He did basic training with the United States Army and then served with the Army National Guard in the 389th division from 1961 to 1967.

Skip worked for the former Dubuque Packing Co, FDL, and Farmland Foods for a total of 42 years and was a member of the U.F.C.W. Local 150A. He later worked part time at Nordstroms. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and cheering on his favorite sports teams, the Packers, the Cubs and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Sally; his three sisters Anne McClain, of Dubuque, Rose (John) Mitchell, of Dubuque, and Mary Walter, of Edgerton, WI; two brothers Ray (Mary Jane) Schmerbach and Dave (Penny) Schmerbach both of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law Jim McInerney and sister-in-law Roberta Schmerbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Shirley Revenig, Marilyn McInerney, Kenneth Schmerbach and Bob Schmerbach.

A Ralph “Skip” Schmerbach memorial fund has been established.

Jean H. Smith

Jean Harriette Smith, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on October 18, 1932, in her parents’ home near Coggon, the daughter of Russell and Emma (Zumbach) Richardson. Jean was raised in the Coggon area and was a graduate of Coggon High School

On June 3, 1951, Jean was united in marriage to Freeman Smith at the Golden Congregational Church in Ryan. Four children were born to this union. Jean and Freeman farmed together north of Manchester until their retirement in 1989. They then moved to their current home south of Manchester.

Jean was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manchester. She was also a member of the Silver Lake Garden Club. Jean loved music, dancing with Freeman, and also enjoyed teaching square and round dancing to others. The couple were longtime members of the Country Cousins Square Dancing Club. Their Do-Si-Do license plates signaled to others their love of dancing. Jean enjoyed cooking and was well known for her peanut clusters and enjoyed sharing them with her family and friends. She loved to do things for her children and grandchildren and cherished spending time with them.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Freeman Smith of Manchester; her three daughters, Delma (David) Hardin, Delana (Doug) Schulte, and Sherrie (Glen) Bockenstedt all of Manchester; one son, David (Julie) Smith of Manchester; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Marjorie, Doris, Blanche, and Margaret; and her three brothers, Paul, Ivan, and Louis.

Memorials may be sent to Freeman Smith, 19259 231^st Street, Manchester, Iowa. 

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Regional Medical Center, Cedar Valley Hospice, and most especially to Mariah Kleitsch for their special care.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Because of the current COVID-19 concerns, there will be a Private Family Service and Interment held at this time.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester is assisting the family.

Mark E. Beard

Mark Eugene Beard, 64, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at his home.

Our dear husband, dad and grandpa 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.  A private family funeral service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Mark was born March 14, 1956, in Huntington Park, CA, the son of William Eugene and Joan Elizabeth Nelson Beard. On May 31, 1997, he married Shannon Kay Moore in Northridge, CA.

He was a 1974 graduate of La Serna High School in La Habra, CA and 1976 graduate of Rio Hondo College in Walnut, CA. He received his certificate in Christian Counseling from Light University in 2010.

Mark was a mechanical engineer with BMH for 30 years and a youth and family minister at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dubuque for eight years. Besides his role as a minister in the church, he also did the church’s media and played as a drummer for services.

He loved his family, music, brewing beer, and everything Disney.

Survivors include his wife, Shannon; three daughters, Ryan (Bradford Cordell) Mullner and Devon (Ryan) Kohnen, both of Dubuque, and Jennifer Rudd of California; two sons, Mark Beard and William Beard, both of California; one granddaughter, Ella Whitney Kohnen; and two nieces, Jami Beard and Joani Beard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Jim Beard.

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 Mark’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Robert J. Meyer

Robert Joseph Meyer, 82, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Our dear husband, dad and grandpa 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. A private family funeral service will be held at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Burial will be in Odd Fellow Cemetery in Norman, OK at a later date.

Bob was born February 24, 1938, in Dubuque, the son of Kenneth and Margie Nolan Meyer. On August 16, 1958, he married Eulalia Lopez. She passed away December 17, 2001. He married his second wife, Sandy. She passed away in 2006. He married Mary Thompson in 2007.

He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving from 1955 until 1959.

Bob retired from John Deere Dubuque Works in 1992.

He was a member of Hope Church. He enjoyed furniture making and woodworking, leather crafting, taxidermy, camping, and hunting and fishing. He could talk to anybody and had many friends.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Meyer of Dubuque; his six children, Craig (Jan) Meyer of Moore, OK, Andrea Meyer of Norman, OK, Susana (Tim) Tegeler of Norman, OK, Rebecca (Victor) Brabo of Thornton, CO, Robert (Gwen) Meyer of Dubuque, and Marisa (Jason) Payne of Cedar Falls, IA; one daughter-in-law, Sherrie Meyer of Omaha, NE; 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Donald (Joan) Meyer of Dubuque, Tom (Judy) Meyer of Dubuque, and Joe Meyer of Heatherwood, MI.

Besides his first wife, Eulalia, and his second wife, Sandy, he was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Michael Meyer, and one grandson, Alex Tegeler.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bethany Home, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Hermann and his nurse Sandy for their special care of Bob.

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

Bob lived his life according to this quote, “Life is not about having and taking, but about doing and giving.”

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

James F. Barry

James Francis Barry, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced by Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Jim was born on January 22, 1931, in Dubuque, IA, the son of James E. Barry and Ida M. Meader (Brummer).

He served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. Jim was a member of UAW Local 94.

Jim retired from John Deere Dubuque Works in 1986 after 26 years. Jim enjoyed his retirement years playing in golf leagues, pheasant hunting, and volunteering. He loved having coffee with friends, and spending time with family. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren, and very proud of their accomplishments.

He could often be found near the Mississippi river where he enjoyed boating, fishing, and watching wildlife. He loved to drive and would frequently set off on road trips

Jim was kind-hearted, genuine, charming, and beloved by all. His children and grandchildren will treasure the fond memories of our many adventures with him, and the stories shared will continue to make us smile as we remember how special he was.

Jim is survived by his three children: Shawn (Rudy) Vera, of Dubuque; Michael (Angela) Barry, of Lakeville, MN, and Erin Herting, Iowa City, IA. Five grandchildren: Meghan, Matt, and Ben Barry; Cameron and Claire Herting. His brother, Bernard (Joan) Barry, of Dubuque; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother David L. Barry; and his sister Patricia Strong.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque, St Judes Children’s Hospital or the Dubuque Arboretum.

William R. Parker, Sr.

William R. Parker, Sr. 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 6th, 2020 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

William was born on October 5, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Max and Ang (Richter) Parker. He married Joyce Parker on May 22, 1948 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

He worked for John Deere in Dubuque for 30 years and was a member of UAW Local 94.

William is survived by his children, Tammy Parker, Larry Parker, Billy Parker, Kristine Beckman, Ronald Parker Sr. and Ronald Parker Jr.; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and his brother Jack (Sally) Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Joyce.

Trudy K. Stapleton

Trudy Kay Stapleton, 71, of East Dubuque, IL, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 5, 2020 at home surrounded by her family.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at time to be announced at Holy Spirit Pastorate-Sacred Heart Church. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Asbury.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.

Trudy was born on August 10, 1948 in Dubuque, the daughter of Robert W. and Kathleen A. (Pregler) McCoy.  She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, class of 1966. She was united in marriage to Michael A. Stapleton on October 23, 1981 at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque.  He preceded her in death on November 30, 2010.

She was formerly employed as a receptionist at Medical Associates Clinic, Stapleton Law Office in East Dubuque, and Sedona Staffing until her retirement in 2001.

Trudy enjoyed gardening, growing herbs to make her own tea, but most of all, her flower garden, especially roses. She was a true animal lover.

Surviving are her siblings, Tom McCoy of Dubuque, Tim McCoy of Fresno, CA, Tina McCoy of Ft. Myers, FL, and Tracey (Robert) Block of Dubuque; three nephews: Adam, Robert Jr., and Mitchell, two nieces: Sarah and Kathleen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Kathleen; her first husband, Robert Fessenden; and her brother, Terry McCoy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dubuque Humane Society, 4242 Chavenelle Rd., Dubuque, IA 52002.

The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care provided to Trudy.

An extra special thank you Nikki Willman.

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

Ramona Stubbs

Ramona Stubbs died peacefully at Stonehill Health Center on Monday, April 6, 2020.

A memorial mass and celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

She was born June 16, 1939 in Blue Earth, MN, the oldest child of Russel and Mary Kissel. Mona grew up in Osage, Iowa and attended Osage High School. She was united in marriage to Harry Stubbs on February 8, 1958. From this union came two sons, Anthony Stubbs (Renee Jedlicka) of Dubuque, Iowa and Paul Stubbs, (Jessica) of Bettendorf, IA.

After graduating from cosmetology training, she opened Mona’s Beauty Salon in 1961. She was in business for 39 years, at first from her home on North Grandview and then for near 30 years in the Dubuque Building. She then worked part-time as a hair stylist at Stonehill Adult Day Care and until 2017 at Stonehill Health Center’s Salon, capping off 56 years as a sylist.

Mona was a hard worker, but she always celebrated in the time with her grandchildren, (Jake and Maddie Stubbs, Cale and Ellie Stubbs). She would order a carry out pizza and watch movies with them. Mona enjoyed her escapes to visit her sisters and cut everyone’s hair. She had so many good friends and loyal customers that brought her happiness, along with her Boston Terriers.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish for nearly 60 years and Catholic Daughters. Mona found comfort in going to mass daily when she was living at Stonehill. Her family is forever grateful for the care given to her by the staff at Stonehill Health Center.

Mona is survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and five sisters: Rosalie Campbell, (Mason City), Mary Burke, (Cedar Falls), Susan Grant, (Charles City), Veronica Newton, (Staceyville, IA) and Ann Hart, (Memphis TN).

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband Harry in 2000.

Memorials may be given on her behalf to the Dubuque Humane Society.

Alice Joy (Felderman) Hueneke

Alice Joy (Felderman) Hueneke, 88, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, April 05, 2020.

Funeral Services will be Private at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at St. John Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joy’s family asks friends to be with them in thought and prayer during the funeral service on St. Paul’s and St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus Facebook Page (facebook.com/StPaulsStJohns). Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in St. Donatus. Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Joy was born October 1, 1931 in Bellevue, the daughter of Alonzo and Ella (Mohr) Felderman. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1949. Joy married Paul Hueneke on November 22, 1949, he passed on September 12, 2001. She and Paul retired from farming in 1991, then moved to Bellevue. After moving, Joy helped out at the Bellevue Public School lunch program. Joy was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, and an active member of St. John’s and St. Paul’s Women’s group. Joy enjoyed fishing, sewing, doing needlework, reading, and baking cookies for grandkids.

Survivors include her children, Patricia (Jim) Clark of Medford, Wisconsin, Mark (Tracey) Hueneke of Bellevue, and Pamela (Bill) Kruse of Cresco, Iowa; 8 grandchildren, Chris ( Marica) Hueneke, Jason ( Vanessa) Hueneke, Nick (Kelly) Hueneke, Amanda (Andy) Ruden, Bradley (Misty) Herrig, Jeffrey Herrig, Rebecca (Gordon) Szymanski, and Michael (Andrea) Kruse; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 9 step great-grandchildren; siblings, JoElla (Chuck) Roling, and Jean (Grant) Hachmann.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a granddaughter, Kimberly Herrig.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Hachmann Funeral Home c/o of Joy Hueneke Family at 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031.

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

Sharon A. Cate

Sharon A. Cate, 74, of Asbury, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020 following a sudden illness while at her home in Mesa, Arizona. In keeping with recent restrictions on social gatherings, funeral services and a Celebration of Her Life will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Sharon was born on May 30th, 1945 in Dubuque to William and Dolores (Crimmins) Hendricks. She grew up in Dubuque and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1963. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Cate, on March 21, 1964; and died while holding his hand on their 56th wedding anniversary. Her heart was always in Dubuque where she loved to spend time with her sisters and friends. But a piece of it belonged to Arizona, as well, where she enjoyed her annual “five month vacation” with Bob at their home in Mesa. She was forever grateful for the life she shared with Bob and frequently said they were having the best time of their lives over the last several years.

Sharon’s greatest treasure in life was spending time with her family. She could not have been more proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Her faith was a pillar in her life and she was a longtime member of the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. Sharon was an avid card player who could often be found at a table with good friends playing Euchre or Hand and Foot. She spent much of her time reflecting and meditating in her gardens and loved to plant flowers that attracted butterflies. Her Wednesdays were reserved for Los Aztecas where she regularly met up with her lifelong friends for lunch; and usually stayed to reminisce about good memories over margaritas until dinner time.

People left to honor her memory include her devoted husband, Robert; three children, Jeff (Javier Pedraza) of Dubuque, Mike (Kari) of Blanco, TX, Tim (Shelly) of Argyle, TX; five grandchildren, Nikita, Michaela, Gabriella, Daniel, and Cooper; one great-granddaughter Khloe; three sisters, Janet (John) Young, Sheila (John) Walsh, and Mary Jo (Jerry) Klinkhammer, all of Dubuque; one brother, Bob (Kathy) Hendricks of Tama, IA; her brother-in-law, Jay (Dawn) Cate of Honey Creek, IA; four sisters-in-law, Carol (Fritz) Boland of Boscobel, WI, Brenda Naser of Fort Calhoun, NE, Valerie Roll of Marion, IA, and Karen Scheckel of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Mason and Florine (Roussel) Cate; her daughter, Danielle Cate; two brothers, Don Hendricks and Terry Hendricks; her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Mary Cate; her sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Rollin Duensing; three nephews, David Hendricks, Chris Young, and Terry Hunt; and a niece, Anna Weitz.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Resources Unite of Dubuque or Earth Angels of Dubuque. Sharon felt strongly about both of their missions to help others in our community in times of need.

Sister Mary Paulino Crabb, BVM

Sister Mary Paulino Crabb, BVM, 96, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, April 6, 2020, at Caritas Center.

Rite of Committal will be Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a future date.

Sister Mary Paulino was an elementary teacher in Santa Ana, Calif., Los Angeles, and Phoenix. She served as principal in Tujunga and Santa Ana, Calif. She also ministered as a school secretary and resource person in Los Angeles and as an art teacher to senior citizens in Pasadena, Calif.

She was born on June 9, 1923, in Los Angeles to Clarence and Pauline Kleebauer Crabb. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1945, from Our Lady of Sorrows parish, Los Angeles. She professed first vows on March 19, 1948, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1953.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Clarence, nieces and nephews. She is survived by great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

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

Janice K. Hayward

Janice K. Hayward, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa.

A private family graveside service and burial will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at Esgate Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. A celebration of her life will be announced at a future date.

Janice K. Hovey was born on September 30, 1940 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Charles Henry and Gladys Arlene (Rorah) Hovey. She attended one room schoolhouses at Hickory Grove, Canton and Onslow. She was a 1957 graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married James Edward Hayward on October 3, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 12, 2019.

Janice had first worked for Hinkley Drug Store and for Dr. Pitcher and Dr. Merrick at Maquoketa Veterinary Clinic until moving to Beloit, Wisconsin in 1966. While in Beloit, she worked at Beloit Memorial Hospital, Brunner’s Cheese and Brau, and John’s Restaurant until 1991 when she and her husband returned to Maquoketa. She then worked at Fastec, owned and operated Tea’s and Things, and lastly was employed at Quality Engineering and Machine.

She was a member of the Bahá’í Faith. She enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles and spending time with family and friends. She had been actively involved in the restoration of the Canton Schoolhouse.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jamie (Jim) Austin of Janesville, WI, Jeffrey (Geri) Hayward of Maquoketa, IA, and Jason (Kris) Hayward of Cedar Rapids, IA; 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Judy Baker of Gilbert, AZ, Janie Dawson of Cedar Rapids, IA, Charles (Sylvia) Hovey of Maquoketa, IA, John (Jackie) Hovey of Topeka, KS, Jody (Art) Brandenburg of Maquoketa, IA, Jim (Carma) Hovey of Maquoketa, IA, and Joe (JoAnn) Hovey of Wayland, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, children Donald Brewer and Jennifer White, and a grandchild Ciara Hayward.

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

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.

Suzanne C. Hanselmann

Suzanne “Sue” Catherine Hanselmann, 76, of Dubuque, passed away at ManorCare Health Services on April 3, 2020.

In keeping with Governor Reynolds executive order on March 17, 2020, prohibiting events of more than 10 people, a private graveside service will be held for immediate family only at Linwood Cemetery. The family will plan a public memorial celebration of her life at some time in the future, which will be announced.

Suzanne was born June 19,1943, in Mandan, ND, to Gilbert and Esther (Rudolph) Schwartz. She grew up in Jamestown, ND, with her sister, JoAnne, and brother, Mark, and graduated from Jamestown High School. She married her only true love Roger Hanselmann on August 5, 1961, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, and celebrated over 58 years of marriage. Living in Dubuque, Suzanne and Roger lovingly raised their seven children, including two sets of twins. The family was sealed for time and all eternity in the Washington, D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 20, 1979. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her unconditional love and support made her the great matriarch of our family.

Suzanne was known for her powerful spiritual strength, her ability to empathize with others, and her patience. She was an excellent cook and is leaving many wonderful family recipes for her posterity. She suffered from many physical challenges, but never lost her capacity to love.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Roger; children Frederick (Sandy) Hanselmann of Bristol, VA; Karen (Hale) Hawbecker of Dumfries, VA; Richard (Amber) Hanselmann of Dubuque, IA; Rachel (John) Ashby of Virginia Beach, VA; Sarah Hanselmann of Dubuque, IA; David (Raetchel) Hanselmann of Provo, UT: and Daniel (Brittney) Hanselmann of Dubuque, IA; 10 grandchildren, Jerry (LeeAnn) Hanselmann, Brian (Lisa) Comer, Marcus (Allison) Hanselmann, Dustin (Mandi) Hanselmann, Anna Hanselmann, Michael Hanselmann, JT Ashby, Elise Ashby, Nathan Hanselmann, and Nora Hanselmann; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Mark (Shirley) Schwartz of Chandler, AZ, and sister JoAnne (Paul) Chamberlin of Mendota Heights, MN; sisters-in-law, Gerda (Eugene) Chappell and Anne (Herbert) Hanselmann, and brother-in-law, Robert (Irma) Cartigny.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gertrude and George Klinge, Elsbeth Williams, Herbert Hanselmann, Julie and Harold Morgan, Irma Cartigny, Ralph Hanselmann, Frieda and Leonard Rudolph, Eugene Chappell, and Harry Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

To leave an online condolence, or to share a memory of Sue with the family, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Francis H. Schumacher

Francis Henry “Fritz” Schumacher, 92, of Dubuque, died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the ManorCare Health Services in Dubuque.

Our dear husband, dad and grandpa 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.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church at a later date.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Francis was born March 1, 1928, in Dubuque, the son of Joseph and Irma Gerken Schumacher. On January 31, 1953, he married Ethel Ann Stecklein in Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

He served in Germany during the Korean War.

He worked at the former Dubuque Packing Company for 33 years, at Dubuque Greyhound for 11 years and the Fourth Street Elevator.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church, helping start the parish council, and served on the board of Metropolitan school board, lay distributor, lector and altar server all at Holy Trinity.

Survivors include his wife, Ethel; five sons, Edward (Sue Moen) Schumacher of Rockwell City, IA, David W. (Chris Becker) Schumacher of Dubuque, Robert (Mary Streif) Schumacher of Dubuque, Gary (Jennifer) Schumacher of Dubuque, and Thomas (Erin Buxton) Schumacher of Lynnwood, WA; two daughters, Jean (John) Holmes of Lynnwood, WA, and Mary Kay (Jason) Peddicord of Dubuque; 19 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, James and all of his siblings.

A special thank you to Dr. Loetcher and ManorCare Health Services for all of their loving care of Fritz.

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 Fritz’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Matthew P. Gasper Sr.

Matthew P. “Matt” Gasper Sr., age 79, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 2:09 p.m., on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  Because of the unprecedented conditions in our country right now due to the COVID-19 virus, private family services will be held at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and online condolences left at www.behrfuneralhome.com.  A visitation and Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church at a later date.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Matt was born on July 25, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Peter and Marcella “Sally” (Sahm) Gasper.

Matt attended school at Holy Ghost Grade School, and went on to graduate from Dubuque Senior High School.  After graduation, Matt went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Klein, on October 2, 1965, at St. Joseph Church in Rickardsville, Iowa.  Matt was a dedicated employee who began his career working at Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing for 10 years.  In 1969, he would get hired at the John Deere Dubuque Works, where he would devote 32 years until his well earned retirement in 2001.  He also served on the Board of Directors with Holy Ghost Credit Union for 16 years.  When he wasn’t working, Matt enjoyed spending time downstairs in his work shop.  He was an accomplished woodworker who has created countless projects throughout the years for family and friends.  At Shirley’s “gentle urging”, Matt agreed to take some time away from his projects, taking several trips and spending time at their cabin at Leisure Lake.  He enjoyed spending time outside and he and Shirley were avid walkers.  Matt was a very devout Catholic as was evidenced by his long time membership and commitment to volunteer work with Holy Ghost Church.  Matt was selfless, and the most giving man you will ever meet, he loved helping people with his time and talents and never wanted any reward for doing so.  Above all, Matt’s family was always the most important aspect of his life and he was always sure that Shirley and each and every one of the children and grandchildren knew how much he loved them.  Having the whole family together brought him great joy, especially on “junk party” nights.  We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of Matt in our daily lives, but are thankful for all of the memories we have created throughout the years and will cherish forever.

Those left to cherish Matt’s memory include

his loving wife of 54 years,
Shirley Gasper, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Jodi (Charles) Digmann, Dubuque, IA,
Dean (Michelle Clark) Gasper, Peosta, IA
and Matt (Lisa Young) Gasper Jr., Dubuque, IA;

his 9 grandchildren,
Tyler Millius, Jamie (Miles) Wille, Mitchell Millius, Jackson Digmann, Ryan Gasper, Julia Gasper, Austin (Michele) Gasper, Hannah Gasper and Abigail Gasper;

his siblings,
Theresa (Floyd) Kuntz,
Mary George,
Jane Smothers,
Jean (Eldon) George
and John “Jack” Gasper, all of Dubuque, IA;

his in-laws,
Del (Janet) Klein, Onalaska, WI,
Jim (Mary Ann) Klein, Dubuque, IA
and Lyle Klein, Rickardsville, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, James “Jim” Millius Jr.; his father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Angeline Klein; and his in-laws, Merle George, Marvin Smothers, Anna Mae (Melvin) Brimeyer, Marvin (Phyllis Ann) Klein, and Eugene (Shirley) Klein.

Matt’s family would like to thank the Sherrill Fire Department, and all of the volunteers and neighbors who have helped our family during this difficult time.

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