Obituaries Archive

Wilma Merritt

Wilma Merritt, 84, originally of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away Monday, November 9, 2020 at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa from complications of COVID-19.  Friends and Family graveside services and burial will be held at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.  Masks and social distancing required.

Wilma Fay Merritt was born May 29, 1936 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Howard Silas and Viola May Cooley Merritt only 10 months younger than her brother Carlyle and 22 months younger than her sister Frances Merritt Hansen, who passed away in 2005. She was baptized in the Andrew Presbyterian Church and attended Maple Grove Country School through seventh grade.  She finished her education in the Maquoketa Schools, where her mother was a music teacher, graduating with the Class of 1953.  She was active in vocal music, band and small groups.

Wilma enjoyed life on the family farm 5 miles north of town caring for her family, many animal pets and flower gardening.  She sang in the Maquoketa Congregational Church Choir where her mother was director, served as a Sunday School teacher and was an avid reader.

Her working years consisted of time at Clinton Engines and as Jackson County Assistant Recorder.  The remainder of her employment (27 years)  was spent as a dispatcher at the Maquoketa Police Department. Wilma transferred from her home in Maquoketa in August, 2017 to Good Shepherd in Mason City where some of her family is located and could assist in her care.

She is survived by her brother Carlyle (Averil) Merritt, Mason City.  She was a loving aunt to two nephews:  Kevin (Rachel) Hansen of Clinton, Iowa and Eric (Brenda) Merritt of Mason City; three nieces:  Kathy (Tom Weeks) Hansen of Burien, Washington, Krista (Randy) Barnes of Shenandoah, Iowa and Erin (Tim) Jantsch of Lake Bluff, Illinois.  She is also survived by four great nephews and five great nieces and four great, great nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Carson Celebration of Life Center, Maquoketa, Iowa.  Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Wilma’s name to a charity of their choice. Thank you to the Good Shepherd Staff and MercyOne Hospice of North Iowa for their conscientious care.

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

Dominique L. Westphal

Dominique Lynn Westphal, 50, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and enveloped in love on November 12, 2020 at Sunnycrest Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

The Memorial Service for Dominique will be 4:30 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Kristian Kincaid officiating. Burial will be in Minnesota at a later date. The service 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.

Dominique was born September 3, 1970 in Rosemount, Minnesota, the daughter of Charles and Linda (Blom) Westphal. Dominique lived her life full of grace and faith, an inspiration to all who had the privilege of meeting her. She loved reading and horses, both representing freedom and a beautiful escape from the worries of life. She loved the music of Josh Groban and her Iowa State Cyclones, her years spent in Ames developing friendships that spanned her lifetime. More than anything, Dominique loved God and her family – living vicariously through stories about nieces and nephews that she adored and a faith that only grew stronger as she fought an unforgiving disease, Multiple Sclerosis.

She is survived by her parents, Chuck and Linda Westphal of Dubuque; brother, Corey (Stephanie) of Madison, Wisconsin; and sister, Tiffany (Alan) of Kansas City. She has seven nieces and nephews who brightened her life in ways they do not yet realize – Paige, Max, Marah, Finn, Tate, Theodore and Mason – all of whom will now know there is a special angel looking over them throughout their lives.

A special thanks to the staff at Sunnycrest Manor who Dominique loved and considered an extended family. Their compassion and support during her final journey will be forever remembered. Dominique touched so many lives through her strength, courage and unfaltering faith and will live on by those who exemplify the same grace in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Sunnycrest Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.
Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

Patricia L. Yelden

Patricia L. Yelden, 83, of Dubuque died Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Grand Meadows.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, a private funeral service will be held 12:00 pm Saturday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and will be live streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Patricia was born March 22, 1937 in Lebanon, IL, daughter of George and Patricia (Murphy) Kuse. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School where she was all-state choir and played basketball.

She married Robert Yelden in at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on April 7, 1956.

She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and worked in the office.

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross stitch, traveling and later in life, puzzles. She also enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Bob Yelden of Dubuque; children, Debbie (Rick) Martin of Flagstaff, AZ, Georgia (Jack) Pittman of Davenport, FL, Bea (Larry) Border of Hoffman Estates, IL, John (Tina) Yelden of Peosta, Patrick (Billie Jo) Yelden of Poinciana, FL, Kathy (Dean) Mausser of Holy Cross, and Tony (Andrea) Yelden of Cedar Rapids; a son in law, Tim Gansen of Geneva, IL; 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Roberta Gansen; her parents; and siblings, George Kuse Jr and James Kuse.

Sister Anne Marie Mullen, BVM

Sister Anne Marie Mullen, BVM, (St. Bridget), 87, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at Caritas Center.

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

Sister Anne Marie was an elementary teacher in Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; Boulder, Colo.; Butte, Mont.; and Stockton, Calif. She was a teacher, principal and day care center administrator in Omaha, Nebr. She ministered as the executive director of a behavioral health center in Virginia Beach, Va., and as a secondary counselor in San Francisco and Chicago, where she also worked as a computer technician and bookkeeper.

She was born on Feb. 3, 1933, in Omaha, Nebr., to John and Florence (Mullaly) Mullen. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1951, from St. Bridget Parish, Omaha, Nebr. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 1, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Betty Jeanne (Eugene) Hubert and a brother John (Jack) Mullen.

She is survived by a sister-in-law Roberta Mullen, Papillion, Nebr.; nieces; nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 69 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.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Homes, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements.

Rosemary M. (Kilburg) Roling

Rosemary M. (Kilburg) Roling, 86, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Mercy One in Dubuque. Private Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, November 14, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue. 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. A Public Memorial Mass and Gathering will be held also at a later date.

Rosemary was born November 27, 1933 in rural Jackson County, the daughter of Anthony and Rosella (Feller) Kilburg. She married Orville C. Roling on May 20, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue; he passed on October 22, 2009.

Rosemary was a person of strong faith, loved her grandchildren dearly, and always attended family events. She was a great cook, baker, and loved to can. She helped work side by side with her husband and children on the farm. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Faye Ann Roling of Bellevue, Nancy (Terry) Kieffer of Preston, and Mary Jo Roling-Dannar of Greer, South Carolina; a daughter in-law, Linda Roling of Anamosa; grandchildren, Travis (Linsey) Kieffer, Dakota (Aubrey) Kieffer, and Amanda (Shawn) Strothman; a great-grandchild, Kipton Kieffer; step-grandchildren, Kim (Johnny) Johnston and Chad (Katie) Richardson; step great-grandchildren, Cole Johnston, Sean Richardson, Michael (Manon) Richardson, and Austin (fiance’ Natalie Giovanni) Richardson; siblings, Leanna Sieverding, Lillian (Albert “Bud”) Knake, Mary Anna Sprank, Frieda Ernst, Pat Ernst, and Betty (Duane) Ernst.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Lavonne Roling; a son, Lynn Roling; siblings and in-laws, Orville (Ivis) Kilburg, Eldon Sieverding, Peter Sprank, Sylvester “Jim” Kilburg, Cletus Kilburg, Donald Ernst, and Greg Ernst.

In lieu of flowers and gifts a memorial fund has been established in Rosemary’s memory; memorials and condolences may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031 c/o Rosemary Roling Family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy One in Dubuque for the care they gave mom.

Rosemary’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence.

Sister Lois M. (Raphaela) Friedman, OSF

Sister Lois M. (Raphaela) Friedman, OSF, 84, of
Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa, died at
8:07 p.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Clare House.

A private Rite of Final Commendation will be held at the Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Sister Lois was born on November 6, 1936 in Halbur, IA, the daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Spangler) Friedman.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1954 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1960. Sister received her master’s and PhD degrees in English at Purdue University. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Dubuque, Waterloo, Templeton, and in Greenwood, S.C. She also ministered as English Professor at Fayetteville, N.C. Sister served as assistant to the Executive Director of LCWR. Sister Lois ministered in several pastoral ministries while working as an IRS tax representative in Indianapolis, IN.

Sister is survived by her sisters, Charlotte Comer and Mary Smith; brother, Joe Friedman; brother-in-law, Ralph Loeffelholz; and her nieces, nephews, and Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Matilda (Spangler); her sisters, Patricia Grablin and Carol Loeffelholz; her brothers, Merle Friedman and Ralph Friedman; and her in laws, Austin Comer, Dorothy Friedman, John Grablin, Jim Smith, and Donna Friedman.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.
Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Michael J. Buelow

Michael John Buelow, 79, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque of COVID-19 surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday, November 15, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Michael’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Michael will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 16, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West in Dubuque. 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.

Michael was born July 16, 1941, in Dubuque, the son of Donald and Mabel (Jochum) Buelow. On August 18, 1962, he married Cheryl Ann O’Brien at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque.

Mike worked as an Environmental Engineer for John Deere Works Dubuque for 32 years. He completed his career with MB Environmental and Consulting.

He was a member of the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Environmental Commission, Junior Achievement, and the Wahlert Booster Club. Mike enjoyed bowling and golfing. He even had a hole in one, not once, but three times at Thunder Hill’s Country Club.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl; one son, Brien (Sherri) Buelow of Elgin, IL; two daughters, Jennifer (Jeremy) Jensen of Dubuque, and Amy (Joel) Osten of Elkhorn, NE; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Randy) Karas, Cara Buelow, Alyssa (Michael) Ehlers, Jenna Jensen, JaNiese Jensen, Ariana Osten and Jacob Osten; and four great grandchildren, Landon, Claire, and Asher Karas, and Elijah Ehlers; and his beloved cats, Monti and Millie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A special thank you to Paramount Ambulance and the nursing staff at MercyOne for their loving care and support.

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

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

Patricia Bradley

Patricia Bradley, 82, of Green Valley, AZ, and formerly of Dubuque, IA, Downers Grove, IL, and Naperville, IL, died Saturday, October 31, 2020, in Tucson, AZ.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, November 13, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St., Dubuque, and will be live-streamed on the funeral home Facebook page. Masks are required at the visitation and Mass. Rev. Thomas McDermott will officiate. Private interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Patricia was born April 30, 1938 in Dubuque, the daughter of Charles and Aloise (Kenneally) Saefkow. She graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School, and went on to earn her B.A. from North Central College in Naperville, IL. Patricia was an airline stewardess until her marriage in 1962 to Thomas James Bradley. They were married at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Patricia was employed as a Regional Sales Manager for Marsh & McClennan Insurance Company in Chicago for 20 years.

She enjoyed swimming, golf, and traveling. Patricia loved going out shopping with anyone and everyone. Patricia loved her three dogs, and took them for car rides every day.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Thomas, of Green Valley, AZ; three sisters, Barb Stecklein, Karol Schmidt, and Judie Bettcher, all of Dubuque; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers-in-law, Rich Stecklein and Tom Schmidt; and a nephew, Rhett Stecklein.

Howard Finton

Howard Finton, son of the late Gertrude L. and Marvin D. “Bud” Finton, died on November 5 in the Jackson County Hospital of Covid-19 Pneumonia.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1954, attended the University of Dubuque for two years, and graduated with a B. A. degree from the University of Iowa. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in English from the University of Iowa, specializing in English Restoration Comedy.

Howard’s first college teaching job was at the University of West Virginia, then for many years at Central Connecticut State College. During this period in his life he was an enthusiastic traveler to Europe, especially England. In the early 1970’s he left university teaching, moved for a while to California, and ultimately moved back to the Finton farm near Delmar, where he became a dedicated gardener. He especially enjoyed the years he worked as a supervisor for the US Census.

Toward the end of his life he was aided greatly by the care of Sandy King and especially Kathryn Gough-Banowetz. In his final year Howard resided in the Maquoketa Care Center, where he received exceptional care and was always treated with love and respect.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Finton Morris of Berkeley, California, and her partner Kay Ellyard, by two devoted nieces, Elizabeth Miller of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Kate Morris and her partner Jean Johnston of San Francisco, and by two grand nephews, Nathan and Joshua Miller.

He will be interred in the Union Cemetery.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Eugene F. Hanten

Eugene F. “Gene” Hanten, 80, of Lodi, California, formerly of Dubuque, died Monday, November 2, 2020, in Lodi.

Graveside services will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020.

Gene was born at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque on June 28, 1940 to Raymond and Salome (Walsh) Hanten. He graduated high school from Loras Academy and earned his degree in music from Loras College. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.

He taught music at Don Bosco High School, Gilbertville, IA, Norway High School, Norway, IA, and Western Dubuque High School, Epworth, IA. He moved to Stockton, CA in 1972, and later to nearby Lodi, CA. He continued teaching but concentrated on his professional career as a performer, primarily in the Lodi, Stockton, and Sacramento area.
He was an accomplished piano player and also played several other musical instruments. On one occasion he performed for a group that included Dave Brubeck, the famous jazz pianist.

Those left to cherish Gene’s memory include his siblings, Geri Goodman, Loras (Pat) Hanten, Dan Hanten, all of Dubuque; and fifteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother in law, Mellita and Bob Pommerich; his sister in law, Barbara (Dan) Hanten; and his brother in law, Tom Goodman.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. is in charge of arrangements.

Robert L. Schroeder

Robert “Bob” L. Schroeder, 79 of Dubuque formerly of Balltown died Monday, November 9, 2020 at Mercy One, Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, November 13, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Robert’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be 10:30 AM Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque. Military honors will be rendered by the Iowa Army National Guard. 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.

Bob was born November 16, 1940 in Balltown, the son of Leonard and Mildred (Brimeyer) Schroeder. He married the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Ehlers on October 12, 1963 at St Josephs Church in Rickardsville. Bob served in the National Guard. Bob farmed on the family farm in Balltown for 34 years. After a much-deserved retirement Bob and Betty moved to Asbury. With Bob’s hard-work ethic he found himself working at Meadows Golf Course for his son in law and then at Brimeyer Auto Body Shop for the last 14 years.

Bob was one great guy and was a joy to be around. He was so proud and loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an avid farmer and took lots of pride with his family farm in Balltown. He enjoyed his red international tractors, he loved taking long drives and his favorite stop was Breitbach’s in Balltown visiting with all his relatives and friends. Bob loved life, he was always happy, very friendly, easy going, good hearted, fun loving and the best Dad anyone could ask for! His most prized possession was his wife Betty.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Rhonda (Dale) Barton, Roxanne (Greg) Wille both of Sherrill, and Rodney (Sherry) Schroeder of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Mitchell (Anna) Wille of Dubuque, Miles (Jamie) Wille, Max Wille of Sherrill, Chelsey Schroeder of Dubuque, Katelyn (Joe) Meehan of Dubuque, Nathan Schroeder of Dubuque, Samantha (Hunter Estess) Barton of Texas, and Alex Barton of Sherrill; one great grandchild due in January; his twin sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (Norbert) Smith of Dubuque; brother, David (Diane) Schroeder of Dyersville; in laws, Dave (Margaret) Ehlers of Dubuque, Terry Ehlers of California, Chuck Ehlers of Dubuque, and Dorie (Ronnie) Cutter of Michigan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in law, Jack and Lorraine Ehlers; granddaughter, Emily Schroeder; sister, Yvonne Nauman; in laws, Gerald (Jerry) Nauman, Helen Ehlers, Donald Ehlers, Lloyd Ehlers and John Ehlers, Mary Ann (Daisy) and Ernie Fiedler; and a nephew, Dan Nauman.

Special thanks to all the nurses and doctors at Mercy One Hospital for all the great care and kindness they have given Bob these last 3 weeks, especially the nurses in the ICU and Dr. Janes.

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

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

John G. Hickson

John Gerard Hickson was born in May of 1961 and died in his home on November 9, 2020.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends at a later date.

John enjoyed his retirement by playing golf with friends and family. He spent time caring for the animals on the farm, and he was a proud grandparent to his first grandchild and namesake, Barrett John Douglas. His nieces and nephews loved to visit him at his home, and kids were always drawn to him. Despite his unwillingness to pronounce his soft spot for kids and kittens, his propensity for fun voices and tendency to bring the sick animals in from the cold gave him away.

John was connected to his little piece of the world, and his peace was there on the farm in Otter Creek where he lived his entire life. John’s presence was constant and magnetic, and he was a part of what we all found comforting and familiar. Family gatherings were scored with his laughter, a sound we’ve all come to know and expect and will surely miss. John had an affinity for mischief and a contagious sense of humor. Be it a wooden (St. Louis) cardinal nailed to a tree, a suggestion to his kid brother to test the spark plugs by grabbing them, or purchasing a photo of a missed patch of soy beans to taunt his brother-in-law, John didn’t miss opportunities to share a laugh and inspire friendly banter.

John was generous and would offer anything he had to help someone important to him. He had a remarkable pride in his family and punctuated sentences by spelling H-I-C-K-S-O-N. He brought a light-heartedness to a world that sometimes feels too heavy, and his life and laughter will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joan and James Hickson, as well as his son, Dylan Hickson.

He is survived by 1 grandson, and two daughters Caitie (Sam) Douglas and Payton Hickson. He is also survived by 5 siblings and a cousin who was like a brother to him, Mary Lou (Greg) Rorah, Linda (Steve) Mask, Carol (Doug) Boyler, Lisa (Steve) Clark, Chris (Heather) Hickson, and David Hickson. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and their children.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Joseph R. Kluesner

Joseph R. Kluesner, 64, of New Vienna, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 10 am – 2 pm Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 2 pm. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged. Services will be live streamed via Kramer Funeral Home on Facebook.

Joe was born July 21, 1964, son of Francis and Mary Jane (Pins) Kluesner and was raised on the family farm east of New Vienna. He graduated from Beckman High School in 1974, and returned to farming with his brother, John, in Oneida. He married his lovely wife Susan Hermsen on June 25, 1988, in New Vienna and soon after moved to the Kluesner family farm. There they raised their four wonderful children, Kevin, Molly, Mary and Daniel.

Joe truly loved farming, not only on his own farm, but he often helped friends and family with their farm work and projects. Joe took pride serving his community and participating in the local morning coffee club.

Survivors include his wife, Sue, four children: Kevin of Garnavillo, Molly of Columbus, OH, Mary (Kirby Kendrick) of Edgewood and Daniel Kluesner (Holly Offerman) at home; his mother, Mary Jane Kluesner of Dyersville, father-in-law, Virgil Hermsen of New Vienna, siblings: Richard (Ann) Kluesner of Edgewood, John (Cindy) Kluesner of Delhi, Julie (Tom) Vonderhaar of Luxemburg, Barbara (Tom) Campbell of Cedar Rapids and Steve Kluesner of Dyersville; in-laws: Teresa Hermsen of Belle Plaine, Debra (Gary) Osterhaus of Petersburg, Patrick (Kim) Hermsen of New Vienna, Mike (Tiffany) Hermsen of Oakland Park, MO, and Sara (Gary) Goedken of Worthington, a special cousin, Patty Reardon, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis, mother-in-law, Mary Ann Hermsen, a brother-in-law, Robert Hermsen and nephew & niece: Greg & Abby Osterhaus.

Memorials are preferred and cards may be mailed to the family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

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

Alvin L. Nemmers

Alvin L. Nemmers, 89, formerly of Sherrill, died Friday, November 6, 2020, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road. Due to the city mask mandate, masks are required at the funeral home. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Alvin’s family.

A graveside service will be held following the visitation at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West with Father Noah Diehm as the officiant. The graveside service 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.

Alvin was born September 10, 1931, in St. Donatus, IA, the son of Joseph and Irene Davis Nemmers. He graduated from St. Columbkille High School. On August 18, 1956, he married Beverly Wilke at Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill.

Alvin worked at Dubuque Packing Co. for 31 years, FDL for four years and Klauer Manufacturing for nine years, retiring in June of 1995.

He was a member of Sherrill Athletic Club and coached Babe Ruth baseball for six years, and Junior Legion baseball for 13 years. In 1971, Alvin joined the Sherrill Fire Department and served for more than 40 years as a volunteer firefighter.

Alvin enjoyed fishing with family and friends in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada. He also participated in trout tournaments in Branson with his brother, Virgil. Alvin enjoyed pheasant hunting in New Hampton, IA with many friends and family and deer hunted many years with the Sweet Hole group. He tended a garden with sweet corn, potatoes and his multi-color popcorn.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly; his children, Tim “Hawk” (Vicki), Tom “Whitey” (Missy), Terry “Little Hawk” (Hattie “Shorty”), Judy (Tom) Jansen, Jane (Bill) Ambrosy; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three grand puppies; in-laws, Algean, Leota and Lois Nemmers, Dale Wilming, Dick (Holly) and Ed (Barb) Wilke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; siblings, Virgil, Loras, Robert, Shirley and Joey and his brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family requests no flowers or plants. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

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

Alice M. Bockenstedt

Alice M. Bockenstedt, 89, of New Vienna passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Dyersville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.  Masks are requested and social distancing should be observed.

Alice was born August 5, 1931, in Holy Cross the daughter of Frank and Marie (Brecht) Jaeger.  She married Clarence T. Bockenstedt on January 10, 1953, in Holy Cross, Iowa.  Together they farmed near New Vienna until retiring in 1991.  She was a lifetime member and past president of The Edward W. Lake VFW Auxiliary Post 7736 and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 137, a member of St. Boniface Parish and various parish volunteer activities, and the New Vienna Heritage House.  There was always a plate at the table for anyone who helped on the farm or showed up to visit.  She had great pride in her family and she was a great gardener and took pride in her beautiful flower beds.

Survivors include her daughters: Joan (Dennis) Kloser of Dyersville, Ann (Dennis) Finn of Dubuque, Elaine (Brad) Perrinjaquet and Mary (David) Fisher both of Edgewood, Barb (Paul) Maiers of Holy Cross; sons: Dan (Peggy) Bockenstedt of Evansville, WI, Joe Bockenstedt and Bill (Shelly) Bockenstedt, both of New Vienna;

22 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Weber of Dubuque and Jeanette Bergan of Edgewood; a sister-in-law, Grace Kirsch of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, Thomas and Agatha (Bohenkamp) Bockenstedt, her husband, Clarence, in-laws: Eugene Bockenstedt, Martin (Virgene) Bockenstedt, Laverne “Toby” (Dula) Bockenstedt, Alice Bockenstedt, John Kirsch, Bernard Weber and Kenneth Bergan.

Memorials are preferred to Camp Courageous of Iowa, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Ellen Kennedy Living Center.  Cards and memorials may be sent to the family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040.

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