Obituaries Archive

Helen L. Weinberg

Helen Louise Weinberg, 78, of Dubuque, was welcomed into heaven on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road, in Dubuque. The funeral service for Mrs. Weinberg will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Reverend Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Helen was born June 1, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence Robert Sr. and Margaret Mary (Fruin) Paul. On April 29, 1961, she married George Donald Weinberg at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Chicago.

She graduated from Palatine Township High, Palatine, IL in 1959. She worked at Pure Oil in Chicago where she met her future husband George.

She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister and friend. She loved water walking with her friends at Eagle Point Place, she absolutely adored her family especially her great grandson, Matthew Jeffrey Weinberg.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, George; two sons, George R. Weinberg of Dubuque, Jeffrey S. (Patty) Weinberg of Ankeny, IA; two daughters, Lynn (Tom) Lentner, and Kimberly (Jim) Feltes both of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Luke Weinberg, Roman (Maureen) Weinberg, Trevor Weinberg, Eric Weinberg, Elizabeth (Curt) Hord, Hunter Feltes, and Cody Feltes; one great grandson, Matthew Jeffrey Weinberg; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Roche of Stamford, CT; one sister in law, Arlene Orisek; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Clarence Robert (Sandy) Paul, II, and one brother in law, M. William Roche.

A special thank you to Stonehill Care Center for their loving care of Helen.

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

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

Gordon Omarzu

Gordon “Bucko” Omarzu, 87, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Gordon was born May 3, 1932, in Virginia, Minnesota, the son of Louis and Fae (Wallgren) Omarzu. He married Jacqueline Main in 1960. She died in 2005.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Korean War on the USS Philippine Sea. Following his military service, he was an elementary school teacher in Minnesota and California. After his wife’s death, he moved from California to Dubuque in 2006 to be closer to his son, Michael.

He was a running back in college, a former high school football coach, and an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

Survivors include one son, Michael (Julia) Omarzu of Dubuque, one brother, Allan (Barbara) Omarzu, and one sister, Dolly Tomonovich of Virginia, Minnesota.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack, and one sister, Sally.

The family would like to thank the cardiology department at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center for their exceptional care.

Memorials may be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Gordon’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Joan B. Ehlers

Joan Berniece Ehlers, of Dubuque passed away on December 24th, 2019 at the age of 79, after a short illness.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28th, 2019 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Attah-Nsiah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 8:30 a.m. until time of mass Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Joan B. (Hartman) Ehlers married John E Ehlers on October 28th, 1958, they had six children: Jackie Cook – Dubuque, Julie (Dave) Wolf – Asbury, Janiece (Mark) Bolender – Cottage Grove (WI), Jeff (Terri) Ehlers – Dyersville, Jane (Dave) Hoeger – Montezuma, Joe (Jen) Ehlers – Epworth

Joan was a farmer’s wife in Bernard, Sherrill and Rickardsville, Co-Owner of the Park Hill Grocery Store – Dubuque, the Midway Tavern – Holy Cross, The Ritz Restaurant – Dyersville, and was a Customer Service Representative at The Diamond Jo Casino.

Resident of Stonehill Care Center since 2015; the family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill for all their wonderful care. She always had a smile on her face and will surely be missed by all those she touched.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mildred and brother Michael Hartman, and grandson John L Cook.

She is survived in death by John Ehlers, her brother Tom (Darlene) Hartman, and sister Barbra Delaney both of Dubuque, (12) grandchildren, and (9) great grandchildren.

Eileen C. Weber

Eileen C. Weber, 89, of Kieler, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at Bethany Home in Dubuque, Iowa.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where the parish wake service will be at 1:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Monday at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Eileen was born on August 11, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph E. and Florence C. (Schulting) Averkamp. She married Lawrence “Larry” G. Weber on November 23, 1950, at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee, Illinois.

Eileen enjoyed crocheting, needlework, gardening and loved her flowers. Her family and grandchildren were very special to her.

Survivors include her husband, Larry; her children, Keith (Diane) Weber, Hazel Green, Jim “Potsy” (fiancée, Julie Huseman) Weber, Kieler, and Sarah (Joe) Foley, Dubuque; a son-in-law, Bob Splinter, Dubuque; a sister, Evelyn Averkamp, Dubuque; a brother, Wilmer (Lillian) Averkamp, Menominee; two grandchildren, Morgan and Ben Foley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Mary Christine “Chris” Splinter; a brother Elden Averkamp; and an infant sister, Mary Ann.

Thanks to Hospice of Dubuque and Diane Fasselius, University of Iowa Hospital, UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, and Bethany Home for their special care and service.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Richard R. Berning

Richard Raymond “Dick” Berning, 83, of Sinsinawa, WI, entered peacefully into eternal life, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sinsinawa, WI, with Fr. Kenneth Frisch officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Church, 780 County Rd. Z, where the parish rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m.  Friends may also call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Richard was born July 17, 1936, in Cuba City, WI, the son of Aloysius and Emma (Wiederholt) Berning.  He married the love of his life Mary (Heiderscheit) on May 21, 1960 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross, Iowa. Together they raised a family near Sinsinawa on the farm where Richard grew up. He was a dairy farmer and president of Berning Livestock, Ltd.  He served 19 years as a bank director for American Bank. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard with the 32nd Infantry Division, called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. He attended Loras Academy and was a champion for Catholic education throughout his life.   

Richard was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish. His Catholic faith inspired him to lead a life of prayer and service as a Holy Name Society member, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 7370, a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a leader and participant on CEW retreats, and many other ministries.  

Dick was known for his hospitality, sharing stories and jokes, enjoying the incredible gift of life, and encouraging others at every opportunity. He truly demonstrated the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances, and taught us the value of faith, service, hard work, and living each day to the fullest.  

He is survived by his wife Mary, children Roger (Mary) of Sinsinawa, Janet (Dan) Teets of Iowa City, Keith (Lugene) of Dubuque, and Kelly (Kevin) Clemens of Peosta; 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Bernadette (Douglas) Hilby, Mary Ann (Eugene) Wessling, and Joyce (Ronald) Lansing; four brothers, Gerald (Marilyn), Lloyd (Janet), John (Ellen), and Mark (Jane); brothers-in-law Clarence, Leon (Sandy), Charles (Sara), Paul Heiderscheit; sisters-in-law Sr. Dorothy Heiderscheit, OSF, Jeanne (Gary) Schmidt, Joan (Kevin) Althaus, Rose and Marlene Heiderscheit; and numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by two infant children, Patrick Joseph and Anne Marie; his parents; father-in-law Matthew; mother-in-law Frances; a brother Clarence and sister-in-law Judy; a sister Jenelle; brothers-in-law George and Allan Heiderscheit; and sister-in-law Edel Heiderscheit.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s School or the St. Joseph’s School Endowment Fund.

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

Lawrence J. Hentrich

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Hentrich, 72, of Galena, Illinois passed away on December 21, 2019 at his family home in Galena, Illinois due to heart failure.

Larry was born on July 14,1947 in Cuba City, Wisconsin. Larry was married to Linda for over 53 years.

Larry was loved by all. He was an amazing man with a great sense of humor, incredible strength and integrity. He truly loved life and all those that touched his.

Larry retired from Chrysler after 31 years and built his family home in Galena, IL.
He recently volunteered his time with Vinegar Hill Township, Galena High School Bass Club and truly enjoyed driving the kids on his school bus. Larry was an avid bass fisherman and one of the first members of the Dubuque Bass Club.

Larry served in the Army and the Vietnam War.

Survived by:
Wife, Linda Hentrich

Children
Gemma Hentrich (San Diego, CA)
Chel Coxon (East Dubuque, IL)

Grandchildren
Mercedes Hentrich
Jessica Dill

Great-grandchildren
Vincent Bierman

Larry had a long list of family members & friends. Larry would want you each to know that he appreciated you and had the greatest life. Thank you for being a part of it.

Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in care of the arrangements.  www.hskfhcares.com

Roger E. Shady

Roger E. Shady, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Clinton and Monticello, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Ozark Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Roger Edward Shady was born on May 19, 1958 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Harry Warren and Judith Ann (Fritz) Shady. He attended grade school in Monmouth and graduated from Clinton High School. He drove big trucks most of his life and spent a few years working construction in the Maquoketa area.

He married RoiLynn Carole Ewalt on November 23, 1976 in Clinton, Iowa. A son, Richard Allen Shady was born to this union.

Roger enjoyed hunting and shooting, 4-wheeling, riding motorcycles and was an avid Denver Broncos fan. He loved trucks, cars and hot rods of all kinds.

Those left to honor his memory include a son, Richard “Rick” (Chrissie) Shady of Clinton, IA; 2 grandchildren, Marcus Shady and Kaz Shady; his father, Harry (Audra) Shady of Otter Creek, IA; his step-father, Harold Hansen of Lost Nation, IA; sisters, Julie (Jeff) Klein of Monticello, IA, Nancy (Gary) Neuses of Hazel Green, WI, Cheri (Chuck) Yarolem of Monmouth, IA and Natalie (Brian) Schurbon of Lost Nation, IA; and brothers, Randy (Dixie) Shady of Monticello, IA, Steve (Sheila) Shady of Worthington, IA, and Darin (Stacia) Hansen of Oxford Junction, IA.

He was preceded in death by his mother Judith Ann Hansen, his step-mother Norma Shady, and a brother Rolly Shady.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Roger E. Shady memorial fund has been established.

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

Daryl D. Heinold

Daryl Dean Heinold, 71, of Dubuque, lowa, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 22nd. Daryl will enjoy a blessed reunion there with his father and mother, Lewis and Mildred Heinold, and his sister and brother, Connie Poe and Ed Heinold.

Visitation for Daryl will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, with Rev. Tony Johnson officiating. Military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and Tri-State Vietnam Veterans will be accorded following the service.

Daryl was born in Stanton, NE, on December 18th, 1948 and grew up in Topeka, KS. The middle child of nine, he was known in his youth for his kindness, good nature, and impish sense of humor. After graduating from Weaubleau High School, Daryl sought adventure by joining the US Navy and served on the USS Sellers. During his service he toured the world.

After completing his service in the Navy, Daryl moved to Dubuque to be close to his
parents. It was here, in 1980, that he met the love of his life, Gail Nichols while attending Grace Baptist Church and in 1982 they married. Their love increased in the following years with the addition of five children, four surviving.

Daryl worked faithfully for many years at Napa Auto Parts, as well as Keystone Automotive, and was an outstanding employee.

Daryl will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a faithful friend who would never turn down a request and could often be seen fixing a car on a cold night to help a neighbor. Daryl was a loving husband whose humor, steadfastness, and selflessness can never be replaced; he will forever have the heart of his wife Gail. As a father, his love and devotion will never be matched and his children can pattern their life from his example.

Daryl accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a young man and lived his life in humble service. His servant’s heart was truly a testimony to all.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Gail Heinold, son and daughter-in-law David (Angela) Heinold, son Matthew Heinold, son and daughter-in-law Stephen (Misty) Heinold, and daughter Genevieve Heinold. Grandchildren; Justice, David Jr., Brandon, Isaac,Tommy, Adrianna, Jacob, Landon, Cooper, Elena, and Talon. Brothers; Ronald (Reta) Heinold, James (Shirley) Poe, Merlin (Pam) Heinold, John (Andrea) Heinold. Sisters; Julia Colby, Jana Stewart, Jolynn (Gordon) Rhodes.

Special thanks to the NICU staff at the University of Iowa for their dedicated care.

II Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Terrance R. McCoy

Terrance “Terry” Robert McCoy, 69, of Dubuque, died Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Dubuque Specialty Care Initiatives in Dubuque.

The Memorial Service for Terry will be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Terry was born September 5, 1950 in Dubuque, the beloved son of Robert William and Kathleen Ann Pregler McCoy.  He was a model student and excellent athlete who participated in varsity baseball at Dubuque Senior High School. He also enjoyed and excelled at playing softball, basketball and hockey.  Terry went on to graduate from the University of Dubuque with a  bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Terry was a manager at a retail store in Des Moines, Iowa but the job he enjoyed most was being a caregiver at  Hills and Dales, a not-for-profit organization that provides services to children with special needs. He enjoyed being a big brother not only to his siblings, but to the many children there who also appreciated his kind heart, gentle nature and warm hugs.

He will be missed by his surviving siblings including two brothers, Thomas McCoy of Dubuque, and Timothy McCoy of Madera, CA; three sisters, Tina McCoy of Cape Coral, FL, Tracey (Robert) Block of Dubuque, Trudy Stapleton of East Dubuque, IL; and  nieces and nephews Katie, Rob, Mitchell, Adam and Sarah.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother-in-laws, Michael Stapleton and Robert Fessenden.

A special thank you Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Tammy, Crystal and Courtney for their loving care.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Terry’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Frank B. Connolly

Frank B. Connolly, 92, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at his home in Epworth.

Visitation for Frank will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian burial for Frank will be held on 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.

Frank was born on August 20, 1927 in Placid, Iowa son of William and Mary (Antoine) Connolly. He was the second youngest and last surviving of nine children. He received his education in Placid, Iowa. He married Leola Ann Hanfelt on October 28, 1953. Together they had 7 children. She preceded him on September 20, 1977. He then married Ardella S. Ernzen on January 13, 1979. She also preceded him on November 8, 2005.

Frank served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War. He is a member of the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650 and St. Patrick’s Church in Epworth. He was a carpenter for most of his life. He loved to go trout fishing, play euchre, garden and could make a good batch of horseradish.

He is survived by his seven children: Tim (Diane) Connolly, Larry “Rocky” (Connie) Connolly and Dan “Curly” (Stacie) Connolly, all of Epworth, Deb Demuth of Dubuque, Laura (Todd) Kluesner, Brenda (Marty) Oberfoell both of Epworth and Kimberly (Donnie) Avenarius of Dubuque; 9 grandchildren, Katie Johnson, Abby, April and Lauren Connolly, Dustin Demuth, Angie Connolly and Carter Kluesner, Trae and McKenna Avenarius; 5 great grandchildren, Kaidance and Preston Johnson, Isaac Connolly, Jamarius Connolly and Letty Ploessl. He is also survived by his seven step-children: Loras (Debbie) Ernzen, Theresa (Pat) Daly, Diane (Daryl) Kamp, Shirley (Terry) Burds, Gary (Kerry) Ernzen, Kenneth Ernzen and Karen (Ernie) Kluesner, along with many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; Sisters and Brothers-in-law, Betty Connolly, Darlene Conzett, Elaine Slack, Janice (Mick) Connolly, Eldon (Chris) Hanfelt, Nick (Doris) Wolf, Dick Dupont and Janette (Merlin) Brimeyer.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Mitchell J. Kluesner; five brothers, Alvin, Merlin (Jean), Joseph (Ruth), Wilbert (Marion) and Marvin; three sisters, Marie (Martin) Huber, Loyola (Clem) Wagner and Lorraine Connolly; Sisters and Brothers-in-law, Mary (John) Boulting, Roy Slack, Ron Conzett, Rich Hanfelt, Joe (Florence) Hanfelt and Marlene Dupont; one step-son, Melvin Ernzen; two step-grandchildren, Daniel Ernzen and Thadeus Ernzen; three nieces, Judy Tigges, Joanie Lawler and Carol Connolly; and a nephew, Steve Connolly.

The Connolly family wishes to express gratitude to the Hospice of Dubuque, especially Tammy, Heather and Amy and to Dr. Brian Sullivan for their wonderful care of Frank.

Theresa M. Moore

Theresa M. Moore, 93, of Dubuque died Saturday, December 21, 2019 at UnityPoint Health- Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am. Saturday, December 28 at Holy Spirit Parish- Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rev. Mark Kwenin will officiate. Burial will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-6 pm, Friday, December 27 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road.

Theresa was born on December 5, 1926 in St. Catherine, Iowa, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Cass) Olinger.

She married Milford Moore on February 16, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Theresa worked at the Dubuque Packing House. After she had children she stayed home to raise her family. She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish- Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Milford; children, Robert Moore of Dubuque and Mary Moore of Mason City, Iowa; grandchildren, Richard Wharton Jr., Joan (Jeremiah) Miller, Michael (Tasha) Moore, Tricia (Alec) Roschen and Tyler Gray; 6 great- grandchildren and one on the way; and siblings, Florence Wall and Marcelle Klein.

She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Betty Wharton and her 11 month old Joan Moore; parents; sisters, Mary Klass and Catherine Wilhelm; and brothers, Joe and Leo Olinger.

A Theresa Moore Memorial Fund has been established.

Bernice E. Frommelt

Bernice E. Frommelt, 103 ½ , of Dubuque, was called home on December 22, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque with her family by her side.

To celebrate Bernice’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 PM.

To honor Bernice’s life, a funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, December 27, 2019 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Bernice was born on July 6, 1916, in Peru Township, the daughter of Peter and Anna Harvey Gottschalk. She attended Sageville Grade School and worked on the family farm. She married Karl J. Frommelt on June 7, 1943 at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on January 30, 1966.

She worked at the Battery Factory when first married until she started having her children. In 1952 she and Karl built and operated the Radio Motel until 1977 when she converted the Radio Motel into the Radio Apartments. She and Karl also owned and operated the Stop and Sock Golf Range in the 1960’s.

Bernice was a smart businesswoman, a hard worker, and was always there when someone needed help. She was very strong-willed, always spoke her mind. Bernice was fun-loving with a great sense of humor. She was an accomplished dancer and, when she was younger, danced at Melody Mill and all other ballrooms in the surrounding area. She was a great cook and gardener and loved flowers. She was an avid Euchre player and played in Euchre tournaments through her 99th year. Above all she loved her children and grandchild.

Those left to cherish Bernice’s memory are her children, Francis (Karen “Cookie”) Frommelt of Dubuque, and Jane (Keith) Bahl of Durango; her beloved grandson, Chad Frommelt; her sister, Shirley (Larry) McNamer; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she preceded in death by her parents, father- and mother-in-law, Andrew and Pauline Frommelt, her sister, Virginia (Walter) McLaughlin, her brother Raymond “Sonny” (Janann) Gottschalk, brother- and sister-in-laws, Clarence and (Ruth) Frommelt, Anthony (Virginia) Frommelt, John (Delores) Frommelt, Andrew (Bernice) Frommelt, and William (Dorothy) Frommelt, her longtime friend, Harold Beecher, and nephews, Daniel McLaughlin, George Frommelt, Tom Frommelt, and Carl Frommelt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial have been established for Holy Spirit Parish, Dubuque Humane Society, Dubuque Food Pantry, and Dubuque Salvation Army.

The family wishes to thank Hawkeye Care Center for their extraordinary loving care of Bernice and St. Croix Hospice for their exemplary care as well.

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

Donna K. Cremer

Donna K. (Isaacs) (Kennedy) Cremer, age 81, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 10:20 a.m., on Sunday, December 22, 2019, at Bethany Home.  To celebrate Donna’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 7:00 p.m. To honor Donna’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, December 27, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Mark Kwenin officiating.  Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Canton, Iowa.

Donna was born on February 24, 1938, in Maquoketa, Iowa, daughter of Kenneth and Margaretta (Ralston) Isaacs.

Donna lived most of her live in Dubuque, and was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School.  She was united in marriage to William Kennedy on December 27, 1957, but he would sadly pass away before her after only 8 short years in 1966.  Happily, Donna would go on to once again find love and would marry Gary Cremer in April of 1974.  The two would spend 29 wonderful years together until he was also called home ahead of her in June of 2003.  Donna was always a dedicated employee and spent most of her working career as a bookkeeper for the Dubuque Packing Company, and then with Midwest Adjustment until her well earned retirement.  When Donna found some free time in her days she enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower gardens or staying indoors to work on her latest jigsaw puzzle.  She truly was a “people person” and loved to spend time with her family and friends sitting and talking, taking a shopping trip, or even occasionally trying her luck at one of the local casinos.  Beyond a doubt her family, especially the grandchildren, meant the whole world to her.  Donna’s faith was also an integral part of her life, as was evidenced by her long time membership with Sacred Heart Church.  We are deeply saddened at losing Donna in our daily lives, and will miss her more than words can express.  We love you!

Those left to cherish Donna’s memory include

her children,
Mike (Peggy) Kennedy, Epworth, IA,
Dan (Beth) Kennedy, Dubuque, IA,
Jeff (Ann) Cremer, Dubuque, IA,
Sheri Scheffert, Dubuque, IA
and Shelley (Jay) Lanser, Dubuque, IA;

her 13 grandchildren;

and her 15 great-grandchildren.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her 1st husband, William Kennedy; her 2nd husband; Gary Cremer; a son, Tim Kennedy; and a granddaughter, Kellie.

Donna’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Home, and 2nd floor at Mercy Hospital, for all of their kind, considerate and compassionate care of Donna and the entire family.

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

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

John W. Theisen

John William “Bill” Theisen, 88, of Holy Cross passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019, at MercyOne Senior Care in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Friday prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross with burial in the church cemetery at a later date.  Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate and Rev. Al Vorwald will concelebrate.

Bill was born August 20, 1931, in Holy Cross, the son of Lawrence and Cecilla (Pfeiler) Theisen.  He married Elizabeth Herbst on November 17, 1953, in Asbury, Iowa. They were members of the Holy Cross Catholic Church.  Family and fun were his priorities.

Bill worked at the Battery Factory until it closed in 1956; he then went to work at the Creamery in Holy Cross until he started driving milk truck.  In 1959, he bought his own milk truck which he owned and operated under John “Bill” Theisen and Son until 1973.  After that, he began driving for Theisen’s Distributing in Dubuque and then Paisley Trucking until his retirement.

He was involved in establishing the HC/NBV Fire Department and became the first Assistant Chief, among many other volunteer activities with the HC Athletic Club and High School Athletic activities.  He enjoyed driving a group to Chicago for the annual Cubs/Cardinals game, and driving the bus for local semi-pro team.

Survivors include his children: Diane (Dave) Ronek of Cascade, Cheri (Joe) Oglesby of Cuba City, Wis., Jack (Jodee) Theisen of Holy Cross, Lori (Rich) Oglesby of Cuba City, Wis. and Lisa (Randy) Wolf of Dallas Center, Iowa; grandchildren: Renee (fiance′ Jordan) Ambrosy, Sarah Ambrosy, Jeremy (Jennifer) Ambrosy, Brandon (Becky) Oglesby, Amy (Dan) McGovern, Alli, Jeff and Hanna Theisen, Jason (Angie), Tanner (Kayla), Sadie, Sawyer, Tessa, Jayna and Carson Oglesby, Lucas and Miranda Wolf; great grandchildren, Maggie, Griffin and Lucee McGovern, Addison and Henry Ambrosy, Veronica Ambrosy-Weir, Ashlyn and Taylor Oglesby and two more Oglesby’s expected; siblings: Jim Theisen and Rita Theisen; in-laws: Bill Bohr, Anita (Jim) Gulyash and Sylvia Dietz.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeff in infancy; his parents and parents-in-law, Leo and Elizabeth Herbst, a sister, Mary Kay Bohr, in-laws: Shirley Theisen, Florence (Charles) Weiland, Arlene (Charlie) Chapman, Rosie (Tom) Ehrlich, Leo J. (Toots) Herbst, LaVon (Leo) Abitz and Ken Dietz.

Special thanks to the staff at Oak Crest/MercyOne Senior Care where he was known as “Big Bill” and “Billiam”, for the wonderful care and companionship.  Thanks, also, to the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful guidance over the last 9 months.

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

Raphael T. Riniker

Raphael Thomas “Ray” Riniker, 56, of Garnavillo, Iowa, formerly of Masonville, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital in Guttenberg. He was born on October 11, 1963, in Manchester, the son of Andrew Sr. and Coletta C. (Clemen) Riniker.

After Ray left home, he resided at the State Hospital in Woodward for a couple of years. He then lived for many years at Area Residential Care (ARC) in Dubuque. From 1998, Ray made his home at G & G Living in Garnavillo (now called Imagine the Possibilities), where he received exemplary care.

Ray enjoyed food of all kinds and traveling anywhere in the Imagine the Possibilities van. His face would light up when his favorite staff would come to the door, and he’d run to give them a hug. Ray also loved listening to rock and roll, going for rides with his brother Paul, and of course, giving and receiving hugs.

Ray is survived by his siblings, Andrew Riniker Jr. of Masonville, Paul (Janet) Riniker of Greeley, Margaret (Russell) Wilhelm of Bellevue, Gerald Riniker of Manchester, and Anthony (Leah) Riniker of Glyndon, Minnesota; and five nieces and two nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Teresa Riniker.

Ray’s family would like to thank all the caregivers who provided Ray with such wonderful care through the years.

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

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, with the Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation: 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Inurnment at a Later Date: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa