Obituaries Archive

Jay Allan Bartell

Jay Allan Bartell, 54, of Fulton, IL and formerly Galena, IL died November 24, 2020, unexpectedly at his home. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a burial of his cremated remains next to his parents in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena will take place when it is safer to gather. A celebration of his life will follow. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born April 1, 1966, in Hazel Green, WI the son of Richard and Charlotte (Schultz) Bartell. Jay grew up in Galena. He was full of love and kindness for all his family and friends. He had an open-door policy and welcomed people with open arms. Jay loved spending time with his grandchildren, singing and dancing to karaoke. He was very generous and crafty and could build anything. Jay loved spending time by his fire in his man cave.

He is survived by two sons, Allan Jay “AJ” (Brittany Kramer) Gagne, of Dubuque, IA, and Jason Pettera, of Hanover, IL, one daughter, Tiffany (Anthony) Dosio, of Kieler, WI, three grandchildren, Riley, Kaiden and Carter, his brothers Roger (Jenny) Bartell and Barney Bartell both of Galena, Russell Bartell of Livingston, WI, and Scott (Cindy) Bartell of Benton, WI, a sister in-law, Lisa Bartell, nineteen nieces and nephews, his very close and special friend, Debra Gagne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Kyle Bartell.

He will be deeply missed. Fly high “Jay Bird”.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Thomas J. Kirby

Thomas J. Kirby, 80, of Monticello, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Sunnycrest Nursing Center, Dysart, Iowa.

Due to current COVID protocol, masks are required and social distancing is encouraged at all venues. Visitation will be held from 9 – 10:30 am Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Tom was born March 7, 1940, in Delaware County, Iowa, the son of Paul and Helen (Haas) Kirby. He served in the Army from 1961-1963. He married Dorothy Dirks on April 30, 1963, in Manchester. They moved to Monticello and Tom worked at Farmstead Foods, maintained Central Park and retired from MC Industries (Polo Plastics).

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He always had a cold beer ready if someone stopped by to visit. He would often camp at Central Park, Bellevue and Gearhart Mountain, and he enjoyed playing cards at the Showroom, deer hunting, riding ATV’s, watching his grandchildren’s activities and taking winter trips to Mission, TX.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dorothy, daughters: Valerie (Curt) Bacon of Hopkinton, Theresa (Bob) Carlson of Monticello and Laura (Rob) Gearhart of Coggon; grandchildren: Alecia and Jeremy (Rachel) Bacon and Samantha (Devin) Putz, Justin (Rhea) Carlson, and Ryan and Jenna Gearhart; great grandchildren: Adalyn Bacon, Caiden and Mila Putz and Emmalee Carlson; siblings: Alan (Lorna) Kirby, Kenneth (Sandy) Kirby, Ronald (Kathy) Kirby and Karen (Jim) Baumgartner, all of Strawberry Point; a sister-in-law, Helen Dirks of Monticello, his dog, Buddy and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Stacey Carlson, siblings: Janette (Joseph) Strang and Robert Kirby, in-laws: Myrtle and William Dirks, Eugene Dirks, Anna (Lawrence) Kray, Lavonne (Harold) Peters, Wanita (Gib) Nehl and Helen (Bob) Drumbarger.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com. Cards and memorials may be mailed to the Kirby family in care of Kramer Funeral Home at PO Box 791, Monticello, IA 52310-0791.

Paul M. Von Sprecken

Paul M. Von Sprecken, 68, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Miles, Iowa Cemetery. There is no public visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. The service will be recorded and later uploaded to the Carson Celebration of Life Center website.

Paul Melvin Von Sprecken was born on April 18, 1952 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Glen Melvin and Ramona (Werner) Von Sprecken. He grew up in Jackson County and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1970. He then attended Kirkwood Community College where he received an Associates degree in Mechanics. He then worked as farm mechanic and farmed with his dad until 1980 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving until receiving an honorable discharge in 1984. He then moved to Florida until purchasing an acreage and returning to Iowa in 1999.

He married Mary Frances Moll on February 14, 2014 at Faith Community Church in Maquoketa.

Paul was a member of Faith Community Church in Maquoketa, Andrew AMVETS Post #62, Preston American Legion Post #602, and the Maquoketa American Legion Post #75. He enjoyed fishing and loved his dogs Susie and Charlie.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Mary Frances Von Sprecken of Maquoketa, IA; his mother, Ramona Von Sprecken of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Shirley (Mike) Massey of Crawfordsville, IA, and Kris (Paul) Franzen of West Linn, OR; 5 step-children, 21 -step-grandchildren, 1 step-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Glen and a brother Dale.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Jackson County Humane Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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.

Laura S. Berns Sudmeier

Laura Sylveria Berns Sudmeier, 95, formerly of New Vienna, Iowa died December 8, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be a private family Mass and burial at St. Boniface in New Vienna. Kramer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Mass will be Livestreamed on https.www.facebook.com/KramerFuneral.

Laura was born May 14, 1925 to Louis and Clara Harter Berns. She grew up on the family farm near Garnavillo, Iowa along with her eight siblings and attended St. Joseph’s School in Garnavillo. Laura married George Sudmeier June 5, 1945 at St. Joseph’s Church in Garnavillo. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage until George’s death in 2005. Laura and George lived and established an electrical service business in New Vienna. Prior to the advent of the big box stores in the cities they also had an appliance store, Sudmeier Electric where Laura enjoyed conversing with customers and product suppliers.

Laura was an active member of St. Boniface Church and School. She served in the Altar and Rosary Society and was instrumental in overseeing the interior repainting of the school and was a faithful contributor of homemade pies to the Labor Day Picnic. Laura loved playing euchre with her siblings, winning at Scrabble, and sharing picnics, fishing, and Christmas with her family.

As Laura and George neared retirement and decided to build a home outside the center of the town, they closed the appliance store and restricted their business to home and farm wiring and related services. Laura and George also began spending part of each winter in Florida, first in their motorhome and later with their fifth wheel trailer. This was a continuation of their lifelong travel and camping adventures. They particularly enjoyed taking the grandchildren camping, especially at Jellystone in Bagley, Wisconsin. Laura and George were excellent partners in business and family life. In later years, after George’s death, Laura enjoyed traveling with her children. She also loved the house that she always said, “Dad built for me” along with her yard and flower garden. A great housekeeper and cook, one neighbor described her as being able to weed her flower bed in white slacks and never get dirty! She loved her neighbors, and they were so good to her, enabling her to stay in her home longer than she would have been able without their help.

Laura is survived by her children: Georgia Goebel of New Vienna, Iowa; Robert Sudmeier (Karen) of Dubuque, Iowa; Carol Sudmeier of Hiawatha, Iowa; and William Sudmeier of Denver, Colorado. Laura also had nine grandchildren: Lori Henning (Dave), Lisa Scott, Michael Sack (Michelle), Jeff Sudmeier (Molly), Michael Sudmeier (Anne), Abbie Nilles (Joel), Lizzie Sudmeier, Lauren Sudmeier, and Gabriel Sudmeier. Laura’s life was blessed with fourteen great grandchildren: Kayvon, Megan, Halie, Matt, Sam, Rob, Tully, Clara, Evan, Regan, Eleanor, James, Odin, Zuri and one great, great grandson, Arthur. Laura is also survived by her brother, Louis Berns of Monona, Iowa, her sister Mary Lou Krapfl of New Vienna, and her sister-in-law, Rosie Berns of Garnavillo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Clara Berns; her beloved husband, George; siblings, Peter Berns, Roland Berns, Claudine Goedken, Clara Ann Neuhaus, Helene Sudmeier, and Aloys Berns; and sisters and brothers in law, Marie Berns, Virginia Berns, Lorraine Berns, Betty Berns, Herb Goedken, Loraine McLane, Wilma Berns, Alvin Neuhaus, Jim Sudmeier, and Arlene Wilhelm; son in law, Ernie Goebel.

Special thanks to Ron Boeckenstedt who faithfully watched over her yard and home; Kenny Roling who provided her with freshly caught fish; neighbors: Kathy Boeckenstedt, Kathy Meyer, Darlene Frommelt, Barb Davidshofer, Darlene Osterhaus and previously deceased neighbors Grace Roling and Darlene Wedewer who provided companionship or made her birthday special each year with celebratory trips; Mary Eulberg and the staff at River Living Center, Guttenberg, Iowa who cared for her since May 2018; the staff and Dr. Dikkers, Dr. Hoffmann, and Dr. Smith at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital; and the staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque who provided loving care in her final days.

Online condolences may be shared at www.kramerfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, memorials are preferred to St. Boniface Church or the New Vienna Luxemburg Fire Department and may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home 750 12th Ave. S.W. Dyersville, IA 52040 c/o Laura Sudmeier Family.

Sister Paulina Sullivan, BVM

Sister Paulina Sullivan, BVM, 95, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Marian Hall.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. A virtual visitation will be held from 10:30 – 10:40 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Paulina was an elementary teacher in Clinton and Fort Dodge, Iowa; Rock Island, Ill.; Chicago; and Wilmot, Wis., where she also served as principal.

She was born on May 3, 1925, in Kansas City, Mo., to John and Mary (Donnelly) Sullivan. She entered the BVM congregation Sept 8, 1942, from Holy Name Parish, Kansas City, Mo. She professed first vows on March 19, 1945, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1950.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Margaret Sullivan. She is survived by a cousin Paula Karczewski, Wood Dale, Ill., and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 78 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.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

Irwin M. McDermott

Irwin M. McDermott, 94, of Epworth, Iowa passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 at his home in Epworth.

A visitation for Irwin will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local restriction only fifteen people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time, social distancing will be observed, and masks are required.  Anyone wishing to send a memorial may send it to Reiff Funeral Home, ATTN: Irwin McDermott family, P.O. 250, Epworth, Iowa, 52045.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. John Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa with Rev. Tom McDermott presiding.  The mass will be live streamed at 10:30 a.m. to the St. Elizabeth Pastorate Facebook page. Burial will be held in St. John Cemetery in Placid, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.

Irwin was born December 6, 1925, in Placid, Iowa, son of Tommy and Katie (Anthoine) McDermott.  He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque.  On July 25, 1953, he was united in marriage to Joannel M. O’Brien at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa.  The couple farmed in the rural Placid area until they retired and moved to Epworth in 1997.  She preceded him in death on February 18, 2019.

Irwin was a man of faith and valued being a good neighbor and friend.  He contributed his time and talents on parish and community boards and countless hours in the maintenance and upkeep of St. John’s.  He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict.  He was a member of the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650 and the Farley Knights of Columbus Council #2001.  Irwin was a devoted husband and the best dad ever.  He will be sorely missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by seven children, Mary (Merlin) Dietzel of Dubuque, Molly (Tom) Brehm of Placid, Meg (Mike) Muir of Dubuque, Rev. Tom McDermott of Dubuque, Steve McDermott of Placid, Karen (Doug) Koopmann of Peosta, and Sheila (Frank) Ward of Dubuque; 33 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; one sister, Rita McDermott of Placid; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kay (Rex) Gogerty of Hubbard, Lois Schlegel of Fairfield, CT, Mike (Joyce) O’Brien, Joe O’Brien, Terry (Delores) O’Brien Deb (Bob) Green, Maurna O’Brien, and Nikki Manternach all of Cascade, and Mary Ann O’Brien of Waunakee, WI.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; one son, Phil McDermott, father and mother-in-law, Earl and Grace O’Brien; two sisters, Sr. Madeleve O.S.F. and Honora Genevieve McDermott; six brothers, John, Pat, Rev. Philip, Thomas, Leo, and Francis (Marie) McDermott; brothers-in-law, Earl (Elaine), Ralph, George, Pat (Ann), Steve O’Brien, and Rich Schlegel; one sister-in-law, Monica O’Brien.

In lieu of flowers, etc. please direct memorials to Seton Catholic School or St. John Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa.

Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Michael L. Trowbridge

Michael L. Trowbridge, 70 of Muscoda, WI, formerly of Kieler, WI, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Richland Hospital, Richland Center, WI.

Due to the Coronavirus, a Celebration of Life will be held later in 2021 when it safe for everyone to gather.  Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Kieler, WI.

He was born on March 6, 1950 at Primghar, Iowa, the son of Gordon L. and Rosemary J. (Hoppenjans) Trowbridge.

Michael was a graduate of Southwestern High School at Hazel Green, the class of 1968. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and graduated in 1974 with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

He was formerly employed at Swiss Colony in Dickeyville and Walmart in Dubuque.          Mike loved listening to Classical Music.

Surviving are his siblings, Gary (Peggy) Trowbridge of Kieler and Kathy (Scott) Schultz Harrison of Amboy, IL; a sister-in-law Hatsumi Trowbridge of Hazel Green, WI; his step-mother, Mary Lou Trowbridge of Kieler, and six nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Rosemary, his brother Steven J. Trowbridge and a brother-in-law, Robert Schultz, and a nephew Benjamin Schultz

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

Eldon L. Tranel

On Sunday, December 6, 2020, Eldon Louis Tranel, loving husband and father of three, passed away at the age of 70 after a hard fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease and a long term infection.

Eldon was born on April 12, 1950 in Cuba City, WI to Mary (Koos) and Louis Tranel. He married his sweetheart, Susan Hingtgen, on February 24, 1973. He took over the family farm in Menominee, IL and farmed for over 50 years where they raised their three daughters, Karissa, Molly and Nicole. He was also a dedicated employee for 35 years at the John Deere facility in Dubuque where he worked as a machinist and for 6 years at Swiss Colony.

Eldon had a passion for farming and conservation and was named Outstanding Conservation Farmer by Jo Daviess County in 1985.  He loved snowmobiling, deer hunting and there wasn’t an ice cream or pecan pie that he would ever turn down. He was known for his mischievous sense of humor, fabulous mustache, and kind and compassion spirit.  He never hesitated to help family and friends and was a beloved member of the Menominee community as a village board member, church usher, member of the Nativity BVM Holy Name Society and UAW Local 94.

Eldon was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Louis, his sister Carol, his sisters-in-law Debbie and Janet, and his in-laws John and Vivian. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Susan, three children: Karissa (Gabriel) Sanabria, Molly (Derek) Nelson and Nicole Tranel, three grandchildren: Kiara, Landon and Oliver, and his two brothers: Vernon and Eugene Tranel.

A PRIVATE Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 10^th at 1:00pm at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee, IL, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. There will not be a separate wake service, however, visitors may stop by the church starting at 10:30am prior to the funeral for a Walk Thru Viewing.  COVID guidelines with limited occupancy will be enforced and masks are required. The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at The Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook Page.  We, look forward to hosting a Celebration of Life event for Eldon in 2021.

A special thanks to Dr. Richard Farrell at Midwest Medical, Dr. Andrew Pugely and Dr. Eiyu Matsumoto at the University of Iowa, and Chris and Stephanie of Hospice of Dubuque. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

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

Daniel J. McCarron

Daniel Joseph McCarron, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 3, 2020 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital. Dan passed due to complications from Covid-19. He was a resident of Manor Care in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday December 10^th, 2020 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St. Dubuque, IA with Rev. David Schatz officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Thursday, at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Please wear your mask and remember to social distance. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

Dan was born on August 3, 1929 the son of Robert Anthony McCarron and Julia Wolfe. He was very proud of his dad as an artist and his mom who taught him to read. He fondly remembered his sister, Connie, as the sibling who worked hard to get him in trouble as a child. His mother Julia impressed him with saying “Be the Man your Mother Thinks you are”.

Born Irish, he never let that influence his life, he got along with everyone. He always had a story from his childhood neighborhood between Curtis and York Streets. The West Hill District was the heart of the family. Themes throughout his life included, “I Did it My Way”, “King of the Road”, and “These Boots were made for Walking”.

St. Columbkille Nun’s provided his entire education and he shared how the ruler was the heavy disciplinarian. He graduated in 1945, entering the Loras Academy with a History Major while working the night shift at the Dubuque Packing Co. Several years later, he interrupted schooling for the Military. Joining the Marine Corps League from 1949 to 1952, he served in the 34th Infantry Division and was deployed to Korea and Japan. He thrived on, “Once a Marine, always a Marine”. He shared many stories, including meeting General “Chesty”, Chester Puller, the most decorated Marine in history. He had the utmost respect for that “tough SOB”.

College was completed after the military and via fishing and jobs, many lifelong friends were made. Bill Schleuter (Specht’s Grocery), Ted Ellsworth (Diamond’s Hollywood Grille), and Mr. Skantleberry at John Deere receiving. While working at JP Cullen he helped with the construction of Hempstead High School.

Eventually, Dan took his king of the road attitude to Michigan. In Kalamazoo, he painted houses and lovingly cared for his aunt’s cucumber beds. Dan had two major passions in life, bass fishing and painting. Fishing was his friendship magnet and his secret was “avoid the duck wart”. Dan had wonderful artistic skills; still lifes, rivers and landscapes got him the nickname of “Picture Painter”. His paintings remain in the Garnavilla Library and various places around Garnavilla and Dubuque. Dan’s highlight in life came when he and his sister Kate traveled abroad and he was able to kiss the Blarney Stone. That’s as good as it gets.

“The girls didn’t like me”, was his mantra but Jeanette Kolfenbach was his loyal girlfriend for years, until her passing.

Dan led a good and fulfilling life. His relatives were important, being Irish never got in his way, bass fishing attracted friends and painting relaxed him. His later years were spent at Manor Care, always encouraging others and remaining as active as possible. His nephew, Bill Kelly was his right-hand man and he will miss him dearly. What can you say except, He did it his way.

He is survived by his brothers Mike McCarron and Kevin McCarron, and his sister Kate Lampe; he cherished the Kelly Family and they include, Dr. Kathleen “Kit” A. Kelly (Dr. Fred Hoffer), Bill J. Kelly, (Candace Breiner), Bridget C. Heim (Leo Heim), Michaela M. Kelly, Maureen S. Kelly, Sheila J. Kelly, Shawn P. Kelly (Paula Herting Kelly), and Daniel T. Kelly (Cory O’Hara Kelly). He had many nieces, nephews and relatives and they will forever remember Uncle Dan.

He will join his parents; brothers Bob, Hugh and Patrick McCarron and sister Bridget “Connie” Kelly in Heaven.

Rita M. Knabel

Rita M. Knabel, 99, a life-long Dubuque native, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2020 at St. Mary’s Apartments in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private family burial service will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with Sr. Margaret Ann Kramer officiating. Due to the COVID pandemic, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

She was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Dubuque where she was active in the Rosary Society. She graduated from Senior High School in Dubuque and later worked in the cafeteria there.

Rita always enjoyed meeting people, reading books about history, playing cards (especially cribbage) and watching politics and her favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, on TV. She always enjoyed talking and laughing with people, especially when sharing wine during her many 4 P.M. “happy hours”.

She was preceded in death by her mother Celia Roediger Lange, her father John C. Lange, her husband Joseph F. Knabel, and her sister Lucille Schmalz, all of Dubuque.

Survivors include her younger siblings, including her other two sisters Betty Knabel and Phyllis Blickman of Dubuque and her three brothers: Martin, Carl (wife Mary) Lange of Dubuque and Father John Lange, who is a Maryknoll missioner in Tanzania, Africa. Survivors also include her three children, Richard (wife Sharee) Knabel of Maquoketa, Iowa, Stephen (wife Pat) Knabel of State College, PA and Carol Knabel of Conifer, CO. Rita is also survived by 7 grandchildren (Jay, Julie, Jessica, Louis, Genevieve, Samantha and Beau) and 8 great grandchildren.

She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Rita’s children would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for her excellent care.

Condolences can be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com and memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Stephen V. Reisdorf

Stephen (Steve) V. Reisdorf passed away in his home on December 6, 2020 at the age of 77 surrounded by his family.
There will be no visitation. A private family service is being held on at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Jim Goerend presiding. 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. A private burial will take place at St. Francis Cemetery in Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

Born on September 26, 1943 in Madison, Wisconsin, he was the son of Raymond and Louise (Saeman) Reisdorf. Steve attended grade school at St Francis Catholic School in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, high school at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin, and he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, with concentrations of Economics, Mathematics, and Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Steve also attended the International Correspondence School (Electrical Technician); Institute of Gas Technology (Natural Gas Distribution).

Steve married Kathleen A. Downey on June 1, 1968 at St Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. Kathy was the center of Steve’s life, and, together, they raised, loved, and taught two children, Sara and Luke.

Steve served in the US Army Reserves, Headquarters Company, 389th Engineer Battalion, during the Vietnam Era.

Steve moved to Dubuque, Iowa in 1966 to take a job at Interstate Power Company. While at Interstate, Steve served in the capacities of Rate Analyst, Rate Engineer, Assistant Manager of the Rate Department, Executive Assistant, Director of Regulatory Proceedings, and Director of Rates until he retired in 1998. After his retirement from Interstate Power, Steve was an adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Steve also served as a member of the Board of Directors at Dubuque Savings and Loan and its successor companies, Harvest Savings Bank, Harvest Financial Corporation, and Firstar Corporation.

His community involvement included: (i) being a member of the Citizens for Accountable Government; (ii) being a member of the Dubuque Chapter of the National Management Association; (iii) serving as an advisor for the High School Company Program offered by Junior Achievement of Dubuque, Iowa, of which his students won Company of the Year; (iv) serving on the Board of Directors and the Foundation Board of the Dubuque Chapter of American Red Cross; (v) being a founding Board Member of Dubuque Area Swimmin’ Hurricanes (DASH), Sara and Luke’s swim club; (vi) being a competition official for the Dubuque YMCA/YWCA and DASH swim clubs; (vii) serving in many capacities at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, including Parish Council President, a tabulator of the Sunday offerings, and designated potato pot washer during the annual Octoberfest celebration; and (viii) being elected as a member of the City of Dubuque Citizen’s Investment Oversight Commission.

Steve had a passion and love for fishing. In the spring, he loved to delicately cast flies to finnicky trout in local streams, and in the summer and fall, he loved to slam northern lake waters hunting for that elusive and toothy fish with an attitude, the muskellunge. His goal was to make sure his kids, Luke and Sara, had the opportunity and excitement to catch a muskie during his lifetime. Both of them were successful in reeling in the big fish, and both very much cherished the time on the water with their dad.

Besides fishing, Steve liked to golf with his wife, Kathy. He also enjoyed woodworking, boating, playing Euchre and Bridge, watching his alma mater, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers, taking care of his hostas, and finding ways to outsmart the raccoons and deer from wreaking havoc in his yard.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Luann Lawrence.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kathy; his two children, Sara M. Kilian (Amy Kilian) of Waconia, Minnesota, and Luke S. Reisdorf (Angi Reisdorf) of Des Moines, Iowa; his two grandchildren, Olivia L. Reisdorf (14) and Evelynn I. Reisdorf (9); his brothers, Paul Reisdorf (Diane), Daniel Reisdorf (Kris), Thomas Reisdorf; and his sister, Sr. Nancy Rae Reisdorf.

As much as Steve loved flowers, he would have preferred that you use that money to support Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 JFK Road, Dubuque, IA 52002, or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105, so that others may benefit from your generosity.

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

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

Edward J. Dotterweich

Edward James “Eddie” Dotterweich, 74, of Otter Creek, Iowa passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 7, 2020 at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, Otter Creek with Fr. Austin Wilker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors by the Cascade American Legion and the Iowa Army National Guard.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church. Please remember to wear your mask and practice the social distancing guidelines. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page.

Eddie was born on December 13, 1945 in Cascade, Iowa the son of Peter and Helen (Quint) Dotterweich. The family later moved to Otter Creek where he became part of the family farming operation. He graduated from LaMotte High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967.

He loved his family and friends and enjoyed talking with them in person or on the phone. He loved farming, animals, gardening, a good Dr. Pepper, and the Chicago White Sox.  His faith was very important to him and he often watched mass on EWTN when he could not attend in person.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #528 in Cascade.

He is survived by his brother Jerry (Colleen) Dotterweich, of Otter Creek; nieces and nephews Ann (Kevin) Budde of Davenport, Susie (Ryan) Gerischer of Maquoketa, Paul (Linda) Dotterweich of Clinton, Kim Dotterweich of Maquoketa, and Peter Dotterweich of Otter Creek; great nieces and nephews Austin and Amanda Budde, Jacob, Quinton and Alex Gerischer, Seth and Brooke Dotterweich, Logen, Dalton, and Mikyla Dotterweich; a great great nephew Hades Michael Carle; an uncle Herbie Dotterweich of Cascade, and an aunt Carlyn Dotterweich of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.

Mary F. Gibbs

Mary F. Gibbs, age 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on December 6, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Mary’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Mary was born on April 8, 1951, in Anamosa, Iowa, a daughter to Ivan and Ollie (Bemrose) Powers. Mary grew up surrounded by family and friends and quickly learned the value of putting others before herself. She devoted her working career to serving others as a CNA at Stonehill Care Center before eventually retiring in 2017.

Mary’s heart was kind and gentle as the day is long and she continually embraced life to the fullest. We will surely miss her joyful light shining brightly in our daily lives moving forward, but we are forever grateful for the wonderful memories she leaves behind as she now finds the peace she has been seeking. Thank you, Mary, for showing us that life is simply a journey we must all face with patience, love and determination leading the way through each and every day. We will miss you, we love you, and we can’t wait until we see your beautiful smile again one day.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mary include,

her children,
Jason Gibbs, Manchester, Iowa,
and Corina (Brian) Ries, Ryan, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Caitlyn (Tyler) Sellner, Cody Gibbs, Nicholas Gibbs, Kobe Ries, Kylie Ries, and Khloe Ries;

her siblings,
RJ (Julie) Jacobson, Arroyo Grande, California,
Jeff (Christy) Jacobson, Manchester, Iowa,
and Joni (Don Merfeld) Jacobson, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan Dean Powers, Ollie Jean Bemrose and John Kahoun Jacobson; a brother, Ronnie (Tammy Stratton) Jacobson; and a sister, Rosie (Larry) Ridenour.

Mary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their compassionate care and support.

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

Jerod D. Hubanks

Jerod Douglas Hubanks, 19, of Sherrill, died Thursday, December 3, 2020.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Please be patient with the Governor mandated occupancy restrictions, masks and social distancing are required. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10, at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. Jerod made a final gift by becoming a donor through the Iowa Donor Network.

Jerod was born October 19, 2001 in Dubuque, the son of Tim and Tammy (Reiter) Hubanks, and brother and best friend to Sydnee. He attended Sageville Elementary, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Hempstead High School in 2020. Jerod formed many special connections to his teachers over the years, from the principals to the para-educators. People loved Jerod, he had many friends, both young and old. His friends from Sageville that he grew up with were very special to him, and he stayed connected to them over the years. Jerod also made a big impression at Jefferson and Hempstead. He had a vast shoe collection, and once started a trend of wearing “Hey Dudes” in high school. Jerod was a charismatic, empathetic person who loved to lift people up, and could light up a room with his smile.

Jerod did many odd jobs, such as lawn-mowing and tree-trimming. His first real job was at Burger King, where he learned about taxes (“What is FICA, Dad?”) and made many friends. He went on to work for Bakey Seamless Gutter where his ability to climb like a monkey and lack of fear of heights came in handy. He was accepted into the welding program at Southwest Technical School and planned on expanding on the welding skills he started learning at 15 when he bought his first welder. Jerod liked to keep busy fixing things, and loved working on his truck (a gift from his grandpa Jerry), which was his pride and joy. He also enjoyed riding his dirt bike, 4-wheelers, and Trail 70.

Jerod was always up for trying new hobbies, playing baseball, football, basketball, skateboarding, and playing X-Box-especially Black Ops 2 with his best friend, Chase. He loved the outdoors, and spent time fishing and trapping like his dad and his grandpa Jerry, and shooting trap like his dad and his grandpa Kim. Jerod converted his mom’s love of music from rock to rap, much to the dismay of his dad.

Nobody had a laugh like Jerod, he made people happy just being in his company with a few words and a smile. He was known to spontaneously break out in dance-if there was no music, he would just make his own.

Jerod is survived by his parents, Tim and Tammy Hubanks of Sherrill; his sister, Sydnee Hubanks of Sherrill; his grandma, Susan Reiter of Dubuque; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kim Reiter; his paternal grandparents, Jerry and Shirlee Hubanks; and his great grandparents, Janann and Merlin Reiter.

Memorials may be made to the family for later donation to suicide prevention charities and a memorial bench in his name.

Regina (Mueller) Van Drimmelen

Regina “Jean” (Mueller) Van Drimmelen, 101, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Private Family Services with Burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery will be conducted. Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Regina was born September 15, 1919 in Bellevue, the daughter of Xavier and Frances (Klein) Mueller. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Bellevue. Regina married Louis Van Drimmelen on August 28, 1943, he passed on June 17, 2001.

She worked at the Bellevue Creamery and Jackson County Historical Society for many years.

Regina enjoyed genealogy, antiquing, gardening, reading, crossword, and visiting with her neighbors.

Survivors include her children, Lois Thilmany, Robert (Rita) Van Drimmelen, and Lee Van Drimmelen; grandchildren, Jean, Laura, Bobby, and Rachel; 8 great-grandchildren; and a sister in-law, Mavis Mueller.

Regina was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; a son in-law, Donald Thilmany; a granddaughter, Sarah Thilmany; siblings, Albert and Frank Mueller; step-brother, Elmer (Nil) Mueller; and a step-sister, Edith (Ignatz) Ruff.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Regina’s memory.
Memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031 c/o Regina “Jean” Van Drimmelen Family.

Regina’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.