Obituaries Archive

Laura M. Willenbring

Laura M. Willenbring, 88, of Farley, Iowa, died Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows Nursing facility in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Laura will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where the Farley American Legion Auxiliary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Laura at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Mike Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

She was born November 13, 1930 in Worthington, Iowa, daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Melchert) Jaeger. She graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Worthington, Iowa. On November 16, 1949 she was united in marriage to Cletus Murphy at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 16, 1973. She later married Donald Willenbring on July 29, 1974 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, IA. He also preceded her in death on September 5, 2012.

Laura was a member of the St. Joseph Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society in Farley, IA. She also belonged to the Farley American Legion Auxiliary. Laura worked at Ertl’s and later at the Shady Rest Care Center for 25 years until her retirement.

She loved spending time with her family and was devoted to her faith and prayed the rosary sacredly.

Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters, Judi(Murphy) (James “Skip”) Carr of Dubuque, and Janet (Murphy) (Bob) Sands of The Villages, FL; four step-children, Ann (Dr. Jay) Ginther of Waterloo, Dan (Bede) Willenbring and Steve (Jacque) Willenbring both of Farley, Sandy (Phil) Swift of Platteville, WI; 5 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 24 step-great grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Jerome (Arlene) Jaeger; two sisters Helen (Gilbert) Honkomp and Grace (John) Wolfe.

In lieu of flowers donations maybe be given to, Hospice of Dubuque, Divine Word Seminary, or Beckman Catholic High School in memory of Laura Willenbring.

The family would like to give a special thanks for all who came to visit mom and also to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor Grand Meadows for the special care they gave to mom.

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

Randall E. Hantelmann

Randall “Randy” Emil Hantelmann 59, of Dubuque, IA passed away early Saturday morning at Finley Hospital following a sudden illness.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery following the service.

Randy was born December 21, 1959 in New Haven, CT to Richard and Helen (Walters) Hantelmann. In 1978, Randy graduated from Hempstead and moved to Denver where he worked in the hotel industry before going to study at UW Stout in 1984. After graduation, he moved to St. Louis, MO and married Lisa Bossert on May 7, 1988. He returned to Dubuque in 1995 where he spent most of his career working in sales, most recently at the Holiday Inn Express. Randy served as Commander of the Sons of the American Legion, was active in the Rotary Club, and was almost always volunteering his time with other charitable organizations over the years. Randy was well-known for lighting up any room he was in with stories, jokes and endless trivia on just about every subject and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Randy is survived by his wife Lisa, son Ian, brother Shawn, sister Roxanne, and brother and sisters-in-law Steve and Diane Bossert, Vicki and Dave Ploessl, Laura and Mark Joyce and many nieces and nephews.

“The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.”

Georgia Bankson

Georgia Bankson, 85, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at home.

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Loren Shellabarger will officiate. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Georgia was born September 7, 1934 in Stanford, IL, the daughter of Orville and Opal (Lumley) Hendren.

She married Glenn “Tom” Bankson on July 30, 1954 at 3^rd Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2015 after 61 years of marriage.

Georgia was employed for many years as a maintenance secretary at University of Dubuque until her retirement. She enjoyed taking trips to Minnesota with her family, and was blessed to recently vacation there with her twin sister, where they celebrated their 85^th birthday together. She also enjoyed winters in Florida with Tom, and camping trips with the family. Georgia was an outgoing social butterfly who never turned down an invitation out. She loved to play cards, dice, and cribbage, and get together with her various ladies groups.

Georgia will be remembered by her children, Rick (Tracy) Bankson of Dubuque, Lori (Bruce) Erickson of Madison, WI, and Ginny (Peter) Bellings of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Matthew, Lindsey (Dusty), and Ryan; her great grandchildren, Lily and Henry; her brother, Bill (Linda) Hendren of Dumont, IA; her twin sister, Gladyce Malony of Jacksonville, OR; her sister in law, Judy Hendren of Waterloo; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lyle Hendren; and her brother in law, Earl Bankson.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Philip J. Sullivan

Philip Joseph Sullivan, 61, of Bernard, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, and 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of service. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Phil was born on January 7, 1958 in Sioux City, IA. He was the 10th child of Robert and Theresa (Dieter) Sullivan. Phil graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1976 and later graduated from Kirkwood Community College. He married the love of his life, Betty Kringle of Bernard on May 1, 2001.

Phil lived his passion for all things farming.  His love of the land, cattle and horses filled his daily life. He was a lifetime member of the National Farmers Union and the Iowa Farmers Union. Phil befriended all he met and touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his wife Betty Sullivan; siblings Bob (Marianne) Sullivan, Ed Sullivan, Margie Sullivan, Cathy Claiborne, Tim (Joan) Sullivan, Colleen (Kirk) Caufield, Tom (Mary Ann) Sullivan, Rose (Harry Ingram) Villasana, Marie (Dennis) Mabie, Monica (Bill) Baldwin, Sam (Terri) Sullivan and Christine Sullivan; in-laws Nancy Kringle and John (Jeanne) Kringle; several aunts and uncles, including Father Xavier Dieter, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law John and Elsie Kringle; his sister Mary Sadaj; sister-in-law Barb Sullivan; godson Josh Klein and nephews Paul Sullivan, Nick Cappanno and Jason Weinert.

Phil was loved by many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Philip J. Sullivan memorial fund has been established.

Randal L. Bublitz

Randal L. “Zuba” Bublitz, age 63 of Dubuque, Iowa completed his earthly journey on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To celebrate Randy’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Steeple Square, 101 East 15^th Street, Dubuque, IA, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Family and friends of Randy’s may gather to visit prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Steeple Square.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Randy’s family.

Randy was born on May 4, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, the youngest son of William F. and Lois M. (McPoland) Bublitz.  Randy was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’74 and would go on to faithfully offer his time and talents with several businesses around town, including Inland Protein, the Wisconsin Barge Line, John Deere and the Chicago-Dubuque Foundry,  with Eagle Window and Door being his most recent for the last 15 years.  Randy’s work was always very important to him, as were the people he worked with.  The Eagle Window company, and his friends there, had become his extended family over the years and his commitment to both was abundantly apparent to all whom he had befriended over time.  Randy always enjoyed spending free time with his family and friends outside of work also; with an afternoon out on the boat, or a weekend of relaxation while sitting around the campfire being among the top hits on his favorites list.  Randy also enjoyed visiting and socializing on holidays and always while his Dallas Cowboys were playing to win.  Randy has been called home much too early for those who knew and loved him, to understand or accept.  His independent and fun-loving spirit was the spark which has ignited the countless memories we will all embrace over the years to come, as we seek peace from our broken hearts.  The tears we shed today are a beautiful reminder of all the love which Randy has so effortlessly bestowed upon everyone who crossed his path.  Thank you, Randy, for all you’ve done, and may you find eternal peace until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Randy include,

his 5 siblings,
Dan (Sue) Bublitz, Dubuque, Iowa,
Gerald (Jill) Bublitz, High Point, North Carolina,
Debra (Joe) Bush, Dubuque, Iowa,
Dina (Tom) Kremer, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Lora (Chuck) David, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 7 nieces and nephews,
Scott, Lisa, Chris, Kori, Kaylee, Zach and Benjamin;

his goddaughter,
Rebecca Schumacher;

his significant other,
Denise Burnett, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous aunts, uncles, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Randal L. Bublitz memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Randy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Hermann, Dr. Tony, and Randy’s nurse, Laura, for all of their professional and compassionate care.  Also, to all of Randy’s caretakers; including everyone on the benefit committee, Sliver and Randy’s sister, Deb, for always going above and beyond while clearly being continually motivated by love and not duty.  And lastly, a very heartfelt thank you to everyone at Hospice of Dubuque, especially his nurses, Alisa and Edna, for always bringing comfort into our days when it seemed like none would be possible.  May God bless all of you for your kind and generous acts toward our Zuba!

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

Sr. Mary Stephen Eswine, PBVM

Sister Mary Stephen Eswine, PBVM, 87, died on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Monday, October 14, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 4:00 p.m.

Sister Mary Stephen, daughter of William and Frances (Zachman) Eswine, was born Helen Hope Eswine on February 16, 1932 in Humboldt IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Humboldt IA on June 5, 1950 and professed her perpetual vows on June 8, 1956.

She attended classes at Loras and Clarke Colleges, Dubuque IA and Briar Cliff University, Sioux City IA. Her ministries took her to Charles City, Elkader, Ryan, Waukon, St. Columbkille (1965-1968), all in Iowa, Timberlake SD, and St. Dorothy, Chicago IL, where she taught primary grades.

Sister Stephen retired to Mount Loretto in 1987 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2010. She loved caring for the plants and flowers on the grounds of Mt. Loretto, making and repairing rosaries, prayer and community service. “Gardening is a great means of learning to live in the presence of God, for I know that when I am alone gardening, I am never really alone. It is God who creates and who gives the growth. I am only the assistant and any talent I have is God’s gift to me, but not just for me.”

Surviving is her brother, Robert, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 69 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Bernadine Schwenck and Joan Eswine and her brother Charles.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dubuquepresentations.org.

Carol F. (Anthony) Downey

Carol Frances (Anthony) Downey, 82, passed away on October 5, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center. Her granddaughter, Kaitlin, was at her side. Carol had been a facility resident for more than nine years, battling advanced dementia.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m., with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. The ashes of both Carol and her husband, Len, will be spread on the ocean in Maui.

Carol was born at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Dubuque on October 24, 1936, to Drew Madero Anthony and Mary Lorraine (Krieger) Anthony. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy and a short time later joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1954 to 1958. It was while she was stationed at Jacksonville, FL, that she met her future husband, Leonard Downey, who also was serving in the Navy.

After their service, they lived briefly in California, where their son, Drew, was born. They then returned to Dubuque, where Carol went to work for John Deere, from which she retired.

Carol enjoyed being with her friends and family, and travel to Hawaii and to Las Vegas with Leroy and Dorothy Althaus. Leroy and Dorothy were wonderful friends, visiting her weekly for the nine+ years she was in the nursing home.

Carol is survived by her two sisters, Susan K. Riedel (Ken) and Donita M. Cilch, both of Ankeny, Iowa. She also is survived by her granddaughter, Kaitlin Downey, and great grandson, Pete, of Wisconsin. Other surviving family members include niece Chris Riedel King (John), niece Stephanie FitzSimons (sons Carter and Griffin), and nephew Scott Riedel (wife Penny, sons Grant and Spencer.) On her husband, Len’s side, she is survived by his sister, Betty Crenshaw, and her children: Angaleta Crenshaw, Jack Crenshaw (Pam), Thelma Brazell (Tom), Kevin Crenshaw, Larresia Whitten (Lewis), Judith Brazell, Tonya Canales (Johnny), and Merida Robertson (Bryan).

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son and her daughter Deanne, who died at birth.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa are suggested.

The family thanks Carol and Len’s loyal friends, the kind staff at Hawkeye Care, and all those who provided support the past several years.

Lawrence E. Thoma

Lawrence E. “Larry” Thoma, 80, of St. Donatus, Iowa passed away at home on October 8, 2019 in the company of his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Family and friends may gather starting at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is serving the family.

Larry was born on February 22, 1939 in Bellevue, Iowa. He was the 8th son and 11th child born to Joseph and Frances (Miesenburg) Thoma. He attended and graduated from the Saint Donatus Parochial School in 1954. After graduation, he worked on the family farm. In 1967, Larry and his brother Donald began their farming careers together by renting and later purchasing the family farm. They then farmed in partnership for 52 years.

Larry resided on the Thoma Family Farm with Donald and Bertha, his niece MaDonna, and nephew Eldon. He was proud to have lived his entire life on the family farm where he enjoyed the simpler things in life. He lived life at his pace and he liked driving his John Deere 50 2-cylinder tractor and taking slow four-wheeler rides around the farm.

He spent many breakfasts sharing his orange with MaDonna and Eldon. He enjoyed going on yearly day trips the family took to places like zoos, House on the Rock and Spook Cave. He also fished and hunted throughout his life. Larry relished visiting with his 11 siblings and his numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Larry is survived by his siblings (Donald (Bertha) Thoma, Patricia Klaas, Richard Thoma, Ernest Thoma, Francis (Mary) Thoma, Bernice Pottebaum), his sister-in-law (Betsy Thoma) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Joseph and Frances Thoma), siblings, (William Thoma, Arnold Thoma, Joseph Thoma, Victor Thoma, Marie Barth) and in-laws, (Ethel Thoma Alfred Barth, Edwin Klaas, Louis Pottebaum, Viola Thoma, Phyllis Thoma, Enda Thoma and Alice Thoma).

The family would like to thank Larry’s doctors and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they provided.

Karen R. Walter

Karen Ruth Walter, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday October 8, 2019.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 11th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Dyersville, IA.

She was born Karen Ruth Mellon on January 15, 1948 to Floyd and Ilene (Marsden) Mellon. She was united in marriage to Robert Walter and together they had two sons, William and Timothy.

For the past several years she was employed by Aramark, working in food service for Loras College. She loved working with the students at Loras College, spending time with her sons and their families, and her grandpuppies.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Walter and her parents Floyd and Ilene Mellon.

Her memory will be cherished by her sons William (Deborah) Walter of Aurora, IL and Timothy (Kim) Walter of Shawnee, KS; her brother Thomas (Sharon) Mellon of Johnston, IA, and nephew Thomas Mellon Jr. of Johnston, IA.

In lieu of flowers, a Karen Walter Memorial Fund will be established.

Tim Stroehle

Tim “Jammer” Stroehle, 74, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa at 4pm on Friday, October 11, 2019 with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Officiant and Bishop Thomas Zinkula as the Celebrant. Friends may greet the family from 2:30 p.m. until time of services Friday at the church.

Michael Timothy was born on July 11, 1945 in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Patrick and Mildred “Tillie” (Grimes) Stroehle.

He graduated in 1964 from Western Dubuque high school. On May 19, 2001, Tim married Dianne Jeppesen. Tim served in the Navy and was employed with UPS for 32 years, retiring in 1999.

Tim was a kind-hearted man who would do anything for anyone. His smile could light up any room. Some of his favorite past times were following NASCAR, fishing and spending time in his beloved boat on the Mississippi River. Tim loved dogs and took good care of his favorite furry friends over the years. Tim’s most enjoyable times however were the times spent with family and friends.

Tim will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Those left beyond to cherish his memory are his wife Dianne; daughters Teva (Dennis) Sager, Raegan (Khary) Reid and Shelby (Mike) Kabela; step-children Michael (Kelly) Nakashima and Becky (Will) Brooke; grandchildren Maycee, Wyatt, Colin, Terrell, Payton, Brick, Beckitt, Brooks and Briar; step grandchildren Adi, Emma, Teddy, Lola, Jimmy and Meti; and his brother Tom (Kay) Stroehle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson Jeffrey; sister Sharon, former spouse Colette and special friend John Roling.

The Stroehle family request no flowers.

Angela K. Cook

Angela K. Cook, 55, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at the Dubuque Specialty Care Initiatives in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The memorial service for Mrs. Cook will be 1:30 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019, Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Loren Hirschy as the officiant.

Born November 26, 1963, in Des Moines, she was the daughter of Soren and Marilyn Efferding Schoenthaler. On September 27, 1986, she married Floyd Cook at Bible Baptist Church in Dubuque. He passed away May 17, 2014.

Angela worked as a CNA in her younger years. After her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children.

She was a 1981 graduate of Oxford Junction High School.

She attended Word of Life Church in Dubuque. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She listened to country music and especially loved John Denver. She loved nature, animals, photography, walking and also enjoyed playing Bingo.

Survivors include one son, Noah (Courtney) Cook of Dubuque; one daughter Bethany (Nathan) Melancon of Dubuque; one granddaughter, Emily; two brothers, Charles (Jovie) Wood of Carson, CA, and Ken (Becky) Schoenthaler of Donahue, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one stillborn son, Henry Albert Cook.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family extends a special thank you to Care Initiatives, Hospice of Dubuque, and the University of Iowa Hospital for the special care of their mom.

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

Sarah S. Parris

Sarah Sue “Sally” Parris, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Monday October 7, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Graveside committal service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Rockdale United Methodist Cemetery. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Sally was born on Feb. 17, 1943 in Dubuque the daughter of James and Sarah (Frost) Campbell. She was married to Claud Pettis and later married William Parris. Both of her husbands preceded her in death.

She owned and operated Sal’s S & M Bar & Motel in East Dubuque and put on many Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate. She enjoyed playing euchre and had a bright smile, she was an inspiration to others.

She is survived by a son Randy Pettis; four sisters Jimmie Miller, Patricia Mills, Neva Maus and Sharon Riddell Tripp; two brothers Eugene and Michael Campbell along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Claud and William; and a nephew Eugene “Mickey” Maus.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sunnycrest Manor for great care they gave to Sally.

Dalton K. Knight

Dalton K. Knight, 20, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on October 6, 2019 in Livingston, Wisconsin.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 11, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, at a later date.

Dalton Kenneth Knight was born on September 20, 1999 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Josh and Sarah (Staskal) Knight. He grew up in Maquoketa and was a 2018 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School where he excelled in cross country and was active in basketball and track. He had worked at FlapJack’s Restaurant in Maquoketa during high school and for a short time afterwards as a dishwasher and cook. He currently was working in the shipping department at Land’s End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Dalton was very artistic and liked drawing and taking photos. He enjoyed cruising in his car and playing games with his cousins.

Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Sarah Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Josh and Chaya Knight of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Braden (Kenzie) Knight of VA, Tyson Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Keerson Dirks of Maquoketa, IA; his maternal grandparents, Steve and Betty Staskal of Livingston, WI; paternal grandparents, Denny and Mary Ann Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Krista McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Randy McCutcheon, maternal great-grandparents Jefferson and Ruth Staskal and Joseph and Florence Howell, and his paternal great-grandparents Kenneth and Helen Knight and Mary and Loren Ehlinger.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Dalton Kenneth Knight memorial fund has been established.

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

Donald J. Balk

Donald John Balk, 84, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at his residence.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Church of the Resurrecteion. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday. Oct. 11th, at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, where there will be a wake service at 3 p.m..

Born February 28, 1935, in Pitsville, WI, son of Ulrich and Rose Weinfurter Balk. On April 21, 1956, he married Patricia Meehan in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2006

Don was a carpenter with the former Dubuque Packing Company through all of their changes where he retired from after 43 years. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection for 56 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed gardening, westerns, wrestling, deer hunting, playing pool, and cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children Kathy (Patrick) Hickson of Dubuque, Randy (Sharon) Balk of Davenport, Ricky (Heidi) Balk of La Motte, Kim (Kenney) Schmitt of Dubuque, and Rodney (Stephanie) Balk of Dubuque; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Floyd Balk, Francis Balk, and Ronald Balk, all of Cresco, IA; a sister, Patricia (Butch) Melver of Cresco, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and three sisters.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy and Peggy; Dr. Liaboe; his nurse, Trish and Dr. Ringold.

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

Nancy L. Uhlrich

Nancy L. Uhlrich, 81, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 11, at St. Joseph Key West Catholic Church. Rev. Rodney Allers will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 10, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Nancy was born August 22, 1938 in Dubuque, the daughter of Harold and Grace (Riley) Schmidt. She graduated from Visitation Academy in 1956, and went on to attend Clarke College. Nancy worked in the business office at Medical Associates for 35 years, until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Joseph Key West Catholic Church. Nancy enjoyed a good game of Euchre, and liked nothing better than beating her son at cribbage and her daughter at Yahtzee. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved to make them happy. She also dearly loved spending time with her grand-dogs.

Nancy is survived by her children, Steven (Paula) Uhlrich, of North Liberty, and Julie (Michael) Koontz of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Cody Uhlrich, Ashley (David Mitchell) Schaefer, Brittney (Brett) Jacobson, Melaney (Pat Leaf) Uhlrich, and Brandon Koontz; her great-grandchildren, Carter and Callie Mitchell and Baby Jacobson (on the way); her sister, Darlene Vanek of Dubuque; her niece Michelle (Craig) Miller; and her nephew, Mark (San) Vanek, both of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Nancy was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorials may be made to the Nancy L. Uhlrich Memorial Fund.

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