Obituaries Archive

Gerald E. White

Gerald “Jerry” E. White, 73 of Galena, IL passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a celebration life will be held at later date. Cremation rites will be accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

He was born April 18, 1947, in Galena the son of Russell and Mildred (Wickler) White. Jerry married Dawn “Cookie” Arand on May 25, 1968, in Galena. He was employed by the City of Galena in the Public Works Department for thirty-four years until his retirement in 2003. Jerry spent many hours woodworking. Family and friends were often the lucky recipients of many of his wood creations. He particularly enjoyed making wooden miniatures. If he was not in his wood shop, you might find him in his other shop restoring old tractors. Jerry found much happiness spending time outside working in the yard. He built his wife many beautiful flower beds. In his retirement he was often found in his yard with his wife or grandkids spending time in his pool. Jerry was immensely proud of the family home that he shared with his wife. They spent many hours together remodeling it. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and he especially loved playing with his grandkids.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Dawn “Cookie” White, his son, Scott (Jessica) White, of Scales Mound, his two daughters, Melisa (Joel) Sannes, of Mesa AZ and Carrie (Jason) Brogley, of Hazel Green, WI, his grandchildren, Celine of Salem, OR, Ely and Fallon, both of Mesa, AZ, Tristan of Scales Mound, Callista of Hazel Green, Sloane, of Lakeway, TX, his two honorary daughters, Amber (Rich) Silva of Lakeway, TX and Adrienne Keane of New York, a brother Clinton (Elaine) White of Galena, two sisters Linda Van Gordon and Kathy White and his many nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Brian White, two brothers, Robert “Tom” and Terry White and his in-laws, Don (Ruth) Arand. His family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Vandigo and Midwest Medical Center for your care and compassion during this difficult time.  Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

David S. Ream

David Sumner Ream, 85, died November 24, 2020, from COVID-19 complications at Prairie Ridge in Galena, IL. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a private family graveside service will be held in Prospect Hill Cemetery, rural, Galena. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

David was born in Evanston, IL and was raised in the neighboring town of Winnetka by his parents, Arline Gallup Ream and Robert S. Ream. David’s ties to Galena go deep. He spent many of his summers and weekends at an ancestral property on Irish Hollow Road that had been in his mother’s family since the 1800s. It is the place where he returned, with his adored second wife, Cari, to spend the final two decades of his life.

A graduate of Winnetka’s New Trier High School – where he played baseball, basketball, and football – David received his Bachelor of Arts (History) from Carleton College, and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University. After taking a post-college job teaching at Washington Junior High in Naperville, IL – where he met his first wife and lifelong friend, Melva Taylor – David joined the History Department at West Chicago High School, where he taught history and political science until his retirement. As passionate about sport as he was about teaching, David coached baseball, basketball, and football at the school. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who also rooted for the Northwestern University Wildcats. David was most fully himself in the natural world: gardening, hiking, canoeing, playing outdoor sports of all kinds. Fishing was his true passion. He picked up his first fishing pole at the age of three and spent a lifetime seeking out North America’s best fishing spots. David was that rare fly fisherman and deep-sea fishing enthusiast who was equally excited when heading to smaller watering holes, including the back spring on his Galena property, which served as home-base for his many outdoor passions, including a firewood business that many family and friends counted on in wintertime. And yes, he did all the wood chopping.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Cari Ream, daughter, Anne K. Ream, son, Robert K. Ream, daughter-in law, Patricia Fernandez Ream, daughter, Kary Ream, son-in-law, Tony Wittrock, and three grandchildren, Jules, Arline and Cami. An extended family that includes nieces, nephews and current and former in-laws, and a lifetime’s worth of friends, also mourn him.

Donations in David’s honor can be sent to: The Voices and Faces Project                                                                                                       47 West Polk Street #170, Chicago, IL, 60605 or voicesandfaces.org

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Betty Ann Fields

Betty Ann Fields (nee Dahlberg), 73, of Galena, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 26, 2020, surrounded by her family. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a private family funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Scales Mound, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded following the mass. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family.

She was born December 21, 1946, in Chicago, Il the daughter of Lawrence “Murph” and Dorothy (Pilachowski) Dahlberg.  Betty was united in marriage to Charlie Fields Jr. on June 11, 1965, in Chicago and he preceded her in death on March 28, 2014.

She owned and operated the real estate company, Preferred Properties of Galena, in the Galena Territories. Originally from Chicago, Betty and her late husband, Charlie, relocated to the Galena area in 1982 with their four children.

She is survived by her son, Charles Fields III, and wife Jill (Collins), daughter, Cynthia Olson (Fields), daughter, Christine Fields and husband Neal Jakel, and son Christopher Fields and wife Amy (Creighton).  Betty was the grandmother to 11 grandchildren, who were the joy of her life: Madeline Fields (Quentin Murphy), Charles Fields IV, Samantha Jakel, Nathan Jakel, Jonathon Olson, Nicholas Jakel, Katelyn Jakel, Ethan Jakel, Jessica Fields (Tony Gordon), Emily Fields (Colton Allen), and Kimberly Fields, and great grandmother to, Amelia Gordon-Fields and step-great-grandmother, to Alex and AJ Gordon.  She is also survived by her three loving sisters, Joan Sobolewski (Dahlberg), Carol Darrow (Dahlberg), and Linda Madia (Dahlberg) and her husband Robert, sister-in-law, Jacqueline Wojciechowski (Charnas), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, Lawrence Dahlberg Jr., brothers-in-law, John Sobolewski, James Charnas, George Charnas, Nicholas Charnas, Thomas Charnas, and sisters-in-law, Catherine Lehman (Charnas), Betty Jean Pate (Charnas).

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks at Betty’s request, that you plant a tree in her memory or donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital on her behalf. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to all the family, friends, and care team members that have provided support to Betty and her family during these difficult times. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com  

Arlene H. Nolting

Arlene H. Nolting, 90, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at the Preston, Iowa Cemetery. There is no public visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Arlene Helen Scott was born on June 5, 1930 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Nels and Rose (Ehlers) Scott. She was a graduate of Delmar High School and attended Iowa State University in Ames for one year. She married Wayne Nolting on February 20, 1955 in Delmar, Iowa. Together they farmed in the Preston area for many years and had been actively involved in many community organizations and clubs.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Wayne Nolting of Preston, IA; a brother Virtus (Mary Jean) Scott of Maquoketa, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Lola McClimon.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o Arlene H. Nolting Family.

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.

Carolyn M. Gibbs

Carolyn Margaret Gibbs, 72, of Portola Valley, CA, passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, November 29, 2020. She was an incredible fighter who did not let her cancer diagnosis define her or stop her daily life. To the end she continued to counsel and support others also battling addiction in their lives.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 9:30 am until Mass time also on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue. It is required to utilize masks and to observe social distancing during the visitation and during the funeral mass due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook page, on their You Tube Channel and on Bellevue Cable TV Channel 37.

Carolyn was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, to parents Mary and Edward McMahon on Nov 12, 1948. She attended St. Charles Borromeo high school in Woburn, MA and went on to earn a BA from Emmanuel College in Boston and the MHSA degree from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health. After graduate school, she worked in the health care management arena, starting and directing a community HMO in East Hartford CT in 1981. In 1985 she was the first non-MD hired by AETNA Insurance Co. to develop their emerging alternative health care management insurance programs, leading development of AETNA PPOs throughout southeastern US. In 1992, she moved with her husband to California, where she worked for Stanford University and later for Blue Shield of California in the alternative health care management program areas, until her retirement in 1998. She then became a certified counselor for those suffering from addiction and spent many years supporting and helping others in this area.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Lawrence Gibbs, of Portola Valley; her son Christian Gibbs, his wife Jessica Gibbs and grandchildren Ellyson, Greyson and Memphis Gibbs, of Wilmington, NC; her daughter Felice Ajlouny, her husband Eric Ajlouny and grandchild Nathaniel Ajlouny of Dublin, CA; and, three brothers, Thomas McMahon of Morris, CT, Timothy McMahon of Woburn, MA, and Mark McMahon of Manchester, NH.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary (Rooney) McMahon and her father, Edward McMahon.

Carolyn was a most generous, supportive, spiritual and caring person. She will be missed by her family and all who knew her, especially the many individuals with whom she shared her many challenges and victories in life. Although she has passed from this world, she lives on in the hearts of the many people she has touched in this life.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Rita Ramirez for her loving home care support, and to Mission Hospice staff for the care in her final hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Mission Hospice, 1670 South Amphlett Blvd. Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402 (https://www.missionhospice.org/donate/) or Bay Area Cancer Connections in Palo Alto, 2335 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, California 94306 (https://www.bayareacancer.org/give.html).

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

William R. David

William R. “Bill” David, 71 of Dubuque passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon John Stierman officiating. A visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Please be patient and aware of the limitations on occupancy for the visitation and remember to practice social distancing. The service will be livestreamed on the Leonard Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Bill was born on March 10, 1949 in Dubuque, the son of Floyd and Mathilda (Weber) David. He married Jayne Reisen on June 9, 1990. Bill worked for Boyes Auto Salvage for many years and at Klauer Manufacturing until retirement. He later worked at Richardson Motors as a courtesy driver. He was a member of the Machinist union.

Bill was a NASCAR and vintage car enthusiast. He was especially proud of his Crosley car that he worked to restore. He also enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with his friends and family. He was also an adoptive dad to many of Amy’s friends and loved every minute of it.

He is survived by his wife Jayne; his daughter Amy who was his pride and joy; siblings, Julie (Charlie) Kunau, Jan (Kenny) Clemen, Judi (Bill) Morgan, Jackie (John) Nelson, Chuck (Lora) David, Rick (Judi) David, Jerry (Kim) David,  his Reisen family in-laws, many nieces and nephews and his beloved “Jasper and Sadie”.

Bill was preceded in death by his son Phillip, his parents, and brothers Jim “Nutzy” and Scott.

Ellen L. Link

Ellen Lucille “Nellie” Link, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was called home on November 27, 2020, to be reunited with the love of her life, Lyle. Together they will be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Mass of Christian Burial for family will be held at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at 10:30a.m. A recording of the funeral Mass will be posted to the Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory’s Facebook page, immediately following the mass.  Please “Like” Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory on Facebook to view the funeral. A memorial dinner for friends and family will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Nellie was born on December 12, 1930, the daughter of Richard and Lucille (Latimer) Chapman. Nellie grew up in Dubuque. She went to St. Columbkille’s Grade School and graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1948. While Nellie was in high school, she worked at the Trausch Baking Company, wrapping cupcakes, and the National Butter Company, wrapping butter. After high school, she worked at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator. This job enabled Nellie to embark on the trip of a lifetime! She traveled on a Greyhound bus trip across the country to California with her best friend, Lois (Link) Drexler. The all-inclusive journey cost a whopping $159.00, and included stops in Denver, Salt Lake City and Flagstaff.

It was because of her friendship with Lois that she met the love of her life, Lyle Link (Lois’s cousin), on a blind date. They were married on September 12, 1953 in St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. Together they would create a faith-filled home for their five wonderful children and celebrate 66 years of marriage.

She loved her family more than anything and poured her heart into every family gathering, outing and picnic. She made sure that everyone had enough to eat and would always cater to the likes and dislikes of every family member. You always knew there was going to be a favorite food for everyone. She was always ready with a one-liner and a quick wit that would make everyone laugh. She never wanted to miss a minute of a family gathering. Some of her favorite family getaways were summers at Freddie’s Beach at Lake Delhi and The Wisconsin Dells. She especially looked forward to her annual Women Only Weekends (W.O.W.) with her daughters which was a tradition of 27 years.

After the family was raised, Nellie worked for The Dubuque Community School District School Lunch program. She loved being outdoors and this sparked her new passion for golf. She was always up for a round of golf, was a long-time member of Lacoma Golf Course and even had “a Hole in One.”

She is survived by her five children, daughters: Jeannie Omel, Sue (Jim) Burdt, Mary Beth (Ken) Montgomery, Lori (Ed) Welu and son Steve (Kris) Link. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jeff (Rick Ramos) Beecher, Sara Burdt, Christopher (fiancé Katie Lyons) Welu, Katie Link, Alex Link, Staci (Michael) Shaw, Meg (Tim) Tyree; and great-grandchildren Keyonta, Jakobe, James and Jasiah Burdt, Jamison Shaw and Alex Tyree. She is also survived by brother-in-law Ken (Sandy) Link, sisters-in-law Helen Kelleher and Diane (Al) Bahl and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle, parents Richard and Lucille; siblings Doreen (Bert) Thibadeau, Jack (Anna Mae) Chapman and Bobby Chapman; brother-in-law Jim Kelleher; son-in-law John Omel and granddaughter Renee Burdt.

The family of Nellie would like to say a SPECIAL thank you to The Hawkeye Care Center and their AMAZING staff. Also, a sincere thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Angela Kelley and her nurse Jen, whose compassion and care for our mother will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Lee Harlow Andre

Sgt. Lee Harlow Andre (Ret.), 77, of Dubuque, died Friday, November 27, 2020. Graveside military rites will be accorded noon Friday at Andre Cemetery, Lisbon, Iowa.

Lee was born July 19, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Laval and Dorothy (Harlow) Andre.

After graduating from, Lincoln High, Des Moines in 1961, Lee served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, Naval Seabees, and Army National Guard. He was also a salesman in the looseleaf binder industry. He was active in the Dubuque Republican Party and Dubuque County Right to Life.

More recently, Lee owned Olde Massey Station Campground, where he was a permanent fixture.

He is survived by a son, Lance (Traci) Andre of Dubuque; two daughters, Elizabeth and Crystal; a granddaughter, Josie, two step-granddaughters Nicole and Amanda, and a sister, Shirley Andre of Waukee.

He was preceded in death by two children, Eric and April; and a sister, Marie “Suzie.”

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans Freedom Center, Dubuque.

Leo R. Westphal

Leo R. Westphal, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, November 26, 2020, at Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Monticello, Iowa.

A private family memorial service celebrating Leo’s life will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. There is no visitation. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

Leo Ronald Westphal was born on August 25, 1929 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Gustav Leo and Nora (Holtz) Westphal. Prior to his birth, his father passed away, and he was raised by his mother Nora and step-father Raymond Westphal. He grew up outside of Delmar, attended Delmar schools, and served his country in the U.S. Army earning an honorable discharge. On October 10, 1953 he married Lois Beach in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Randy, Phil and Todd.

Leo farmed in the Delmar area for over 50 years and also did carpentry work.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed family gatherings and attending his children and grandchildren’s events. Additionally, he liked visiting with friends, Euchre couples card club, coon hunting, and dancing with Lois.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lois Westphal of Maquoketa, IA; children, Randy (Deb) Westphal of Clinton, IA, Phil (Robin) Westphal of Maquoketa, IA, and Todd (Jennifer) Westphal of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Marcella Burmahl of Maquoketa, IA, and Janet Schmidt of Maquoketa, IA; a brother, Charles (Shirley) Westphal of Maquoketa, IA; and several very special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Mardella Anderson.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 c/o Leo R. Westphal Family.

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.

Rev. Lloyd Paul Ouderkirk

Rev. Lloyd Paul Ouderkirk, age 87, of Dubuque, passed away at 12:48 a.m., on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center. To celebrate Fr. Paul’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at St. John the Baptist Church, 241 Peosta Street, Peosta, Iowa. Due to COVID-19 concerns the number of people inside the building will be limited, all who attend will be required to wear a face covering, and are asked to please maintain social distancing practices. To honor Fr. Paul’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church. Service will also be livestreamed on St. Elizabeth Pastorate’s Facebook page. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Centralia, Iowa. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Fr. Paul was born on April 19, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Francis Lloyd and Dolores (Hilkin) Ouderkirk.

Fr. Paul attended the one room schoolhouse in Graf, Iowa and graduated from St. John’s High School in Peosta. He then went on to Loras College, working as a Gandy dancer with Chicago Great Western Railroad to pay his tuition, and graduated from St. Bernard Seminary in 1958. He celebrated his 60th year of priesthood in 2019. Fr. Paul served with several churches in Eastern Iowa throughout the years including, Independence, Farley and Guttenberg. He was also very involved in the Hispanic ministry, serving in Bolivia for 3 years, then in Texas, Marshalltown, Dubuque and Postville. Fr. Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Jesus Caritas Prayer Group, Hispanic Ministries, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and Worldwide Marriage Encounter. He was interested in his family history and was very active with the Ouderkirk Family Genealogy Association. He made a detailed calendar every year for the family containing birthdays and anniversaries. When Fr. Paul took some time for himself, he enjoyed watercolor painting, playing golf, playing board and card games and collecting coins and stamps. He had a knack for communicating with children and they never failed to bring a smile to his face and provide him with a funny story to share with family and friends. No doubt, the world has lost a good and faithful servant today. May he rest in peace and enjoy the rewards of his labor.

Those left to cherish Fr. Paul’s memory include

his siblings,
Phyllis Naumann, Dubuque, IA,
Francis “Fran” (Arleen) Ouderkirk, Sherrill, IA,
Pat (John) Oberman, Dubuque, IA
and Dennis (Lisa) Ouderkirk, Fargo, ND;

his uncle,
Ken Hinkel, Dubuque, IA;

and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fr. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeanette (James) Schmitt; a brother-in-law, Gerry Naumann; 3 aunts, Jean (Ervin) Hufnagel, Helen (Frank) Hinkel and Mary Hinkel; and 2 uncles, Melvin Ouderkirk and Earl (Ruth) Hilkin.

Fr. Paul’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the nurses and staff at Stonehill, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kindness and attentive care of Paul these past months.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Rev. Lloyd Paul Ouderkirk Family.

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

John E. Andreesen

John Edson Andreesen, 88, passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020, at the Clarissa Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa, after a period of declining health.

A private and immediate-family only funeral and graveside committal service will be held Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids at 10:00 a.m., Central time. Rev. Wade Reddy of Wayne Zion Lutheran Church of rural Monticello will officiate. Virtual attendance is encouraged at Kramer Funeral Home Facebook Live.

John was born March 24, 1932, in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of John and Bessie Fern Andreesen. As a child, John lived in rural Anamosa, Iowa, where his family farmed. John graduated as valedictorian of Anamosa High School in 1949.

After high school, John began farming with his dad and brother Bob until he was drafted into the Army. He served his country for two years driving trucks in the Korean War.  John was proud of his military service and actively supported the American Legion and served as legion commander in Anamosa in 1963.

After returning from the war, John met a wonderful young woman who was just finishing nursing school, Janet Greenawald.  They dated for about a year before they married on September 4, 1955, in Anamosa. They were married for almost 65 years and together they had five children.

John continued to farm just east of Anamosa and also worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred and Golden Harvest Seeds as a salesman and district manager. John was a successful farmer and seed corn salesman, earning multiple awards over the years. John retired from farming in 1994, and rented out the farm. After farming, he continued to work part-time in the construction industry and for Kramer Funeral Home. John was an active member of Wayne Zion Lutheran Church.

John and Janet lived on their farm until 2018 when they moved to the Fountains Senior Living Community in Bettendorf. John was an avid supporter of his children and always attended their school events at Anamosa High School whether it was sports, band, or academics. John would try to make every event even if it was out of town and meant driving long miles at the end of an already work-filled day. John loved his Iowa Hawkeyes and had season tickets for football and basketball games for over 50 years.

John is survived by his sons: John Andreesen of London, England, Jeff (Nancy) Andreesen of Bettendorf, Iowa, Joel (Connie) Andreesen of Bakersfield, California, Tom (Azza) Andreesen of Lake Forest, Illinois, and “fifth son” Dan (Mary Jane) Rushford of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;  grandchildren: Connor, Sophie, Jacob, Jilian, Ben, Luke, and Valentina; sister-in-law Carol (Jim) Hosch of Maquoketa, Iowa;  brother-in-law Tom (Mary Jane) Greenawald of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law Sheri Greenawald of San Francisco, California; and brother-in-law David Greenawald of Apple Valley, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, daughter Jayne, granddaughter Jayne, daughter-in-law Angela, brother Robert, and sister Betty.

The Andreesen family is forever grateful to the caretakers and staff at the Fountains Senior Living Community who took extra special care of John the last several months. Thank you also to the Clarissa Cook Hospice House for their care of John his last few days.

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

Lois Mae Sear Corken

Lois Mae Sear Corken, 96, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, November 26 at Stonehill Care Center with her daughter Kathy at her side.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, services will be held at a later date.

Lois was born July 2, 1924 in Dubuque IA, the daughter of Joseph and Alberta (Tempus) Mussehl.  She graduated from the Visitation Academy in 1942.  Lois worked as a secretary at the Dubuque Packing Company until her marriage to Stanley Sear on October 12, 1950.  Stan passed away on August 25, 1972.  She married John Corken on April 12, 1975.  John passed away December 3, 2005.

For most of her life, Lois was a homemaker.  Literally.  When Stan and Lois built their home on John Deere Road, she singlehandedly painted walls, varnished woodwork, sewed curtains and upholstered furniture all while caring for 3 young children.  When Beth was born and later resided at the newly opened Area Residential Care, Lois and Stan organized a parents group to support each other and provide for their special children’s needs.  Lois doted on Beth and was actively involved in her care.  She was an expert seamstress and in her later years sewed hundreds of children’s quilts, donating to the Salvation Army and other charities.  Most any scrap of fabric given to her made its way into a quilt.  Lois and John loved to travel, visiting their children and grandchildren all around the country.  They camped at Lake Joy during the summer and spent winters in Texas.  Lois was a member of the YMCA, swimming several times a week until the age of 93.  She was a lover of dogs, music and euchre.  Lois had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and attended daily Mass until she was no longer able to drive.  She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish.

Surviving are Lois’ blended family:  John S Corken of Lima OH,  Jane (Nick) Del Real of San Diego CA,  Mary Kay (Bob) Frick of Zwingle,  Patrick (Marsha) Corken of Dubuque,  Suanne (Wayne) Kamerik of Thousand Oaks CA,  Peggy Corken of Bettendorf,  Kathleen (Vince) Conner of Dubuque,  Timothy (Pam) Sear of Leawood KS,  Rosemary (Charlie) Weser of Lincolnton GA and Elizabeth Sear of Dubuque;  24 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Lois was preceeded in death by her husbands, daughter Susanne Lighthart,   sons-in-law Timothy Lassance and Scott Lighthart, daughter-in-law Jane Corken and brother (sister-in-law) Lawrence (Avis) Mussehl.

Egelhof Siegert & Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Sunrise Unit of Sunnycrest Manor, Albrecht Acres or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and care of Lois.

Georgia C. Knuth

Georgia Carol (Derby) Knuth, 85, of Dubuque passed away Friday, November 27, 2020 from COVID-19.  A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday at St. Paul’s Lutheran church where a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, masks must be worn and social distancing will be enforced.  The service will be livestreamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Georgia was born June 29, 1935, daughter of George and Harriet (Weidenbacher) Kaufman.  She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and Finley School of Nursing.

She married Earl Derby in October of 1955.  He preceded her in death in December of 1987.  She then married Harlan Knuth in January of 1997.  He preceded her in death in April of 2018.

Before her retirement, Georgia was a nurse at Xavier and Mercy Hospitals.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.  She was a volunteer at the Dubuque Arboretum, Sunnycrest Manor, Camp Albrecht Acres and served on the board of Luther Manor.  She loved to play Euchre and Cribbage.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Cindy) Derby, Laura Derby and Kim Moorhead; step children, Harlan (Sue) Knuth, Mark (Carla) Knuth and Bruce (Kasie) Knuth; grandchildren, Katie (Nick) Simon, Bryan (Lindsey) Klavitter, Dan (Sarah) Klavitter, Lindsey (Tyler) Kaczmarek, Luke (Jessica) Johnson, and David (Hannah) Moorhead; nine step grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Tom and Don.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family sends a special thanks to Dr Runde, Bri, Julie, Luther Manor, Hospice of Dubuque and Mercy One.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established

Bernice E. Beresford

Diane M. Kussmaul

Diane M. Kussmaul, 74, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away suddenly at 4:22 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Mercy One-Dubuque.

Diane was born on July 5, 1946 at St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Milan and Arlene (Eschmann) Warren.

She was devoted to children and community her entire life. Her first school was a one room schoolhouse where she began her love for education.  When her one room schoolhouse was destroyed by a tornado, she had to transfer to the big school where she exceled.  In 1964 she graduated from Dupo High School and went on to Southern Illinois University to study to be an English and High School reading teacher.  In 1965, she married her high school sweetheart and the lover of her life, Don Kussmaul, who was also studying to be a teacher.  In 1983 they moved to East Dubuque where they raised their children, Laura (born 1977) and Seth (born 1979).

In 1986 she became the newly appointed director of the Early Childhoot “Family Ties” program that included all the public-school districts in Jo Daviess County and the Lena Winslow School District of Stephenson County. She retired from the Early Childhood Program as Director in 2013 but continued to work through 2016 when she retired again.

She has four grandchildren Maggie (9) and James (5) from Laura and Scott Murschel, of Cincinnati, OH, and Olivia (8) and Cameron (4) from Seth and Kelly Kussmaul of Geneva, IL.  She has continued as an Executive Consultant for the National Center for Education Research and Technology.  She was involved in education 69 of 74 years on this earth before she was taken away by the coronavirus.  She will live on through her children and grandchildren. She will be missed but eternally loved by her educational partner of 55 years. She is also survived by her sister, Donna (Ron) Juris of Bloomington, IL, sister-in-law, Carol (Cletus) Hermann of Springfield, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19, services will be limited to family.  A celebration of life will be forthcoming.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milan and Arlene; and a brother, Dale Warren.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family. Memorials may be directed to the East Dubuque Library Building Fund.

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