Obituaries Archive

Josephine Bollwitt

Josephine Bollwitt, 77, of Monticello passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. Due to COVID protocol, masks are required and social distancing should be observed for all attending the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with private burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. Masks are required and social distancing should be observed.

Josephine was born January 14, 1943, in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Louis and Mercedes (Lara) Valadez. She married Duaine Bollwitt on October 12, 1962, in Kansas City, after meeting at a Catholic Youth dance. Together they moved to Cedar Rapids for employment at Collins Radio. In 1972, they moved to Monticello where they eventually opened their own business, JEMM Controls, from which she never retired.

Her hobbies included ceramics, sewing, cooking, watching the KC Royals and Chiefs, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Duaine, children: Michael (Jeri) of North Liberty, Elizabeth (Jim) Bollwitt and Matthew (Wendy), both of Monticello and John (Rebecca) of Vancouver, Canada; grandchildren: Alexander, Benjamin, Anthony, Julia, Josephine and Zachary; one great grandchild expected in December, a sister, Linda (Mark) Zimmerschied, and many extended family members in Kansas City, Oklahoma and Nebraska

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers: Refugio Flores and Richard Valadez.

Memorials are preferred to Camp Courageous in honor of her grandson, Zachary.

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

Dawn M. Battaglia Wismeier

Dawn Marie Battaglia Wismeier, 58, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Rolling Meadows, IL, having received the sacraments of the Catholic Church, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on Friday, August 28, 2020, at her home.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 1st, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA, 52003 with a Memorial Service to follow visitation at 11:00 am.

Dawn was born on June 13, 1962, in Chicago, IL, to Marlene and Michael Battaglia.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Carl Wismeier, whom she married on August 15, 1992, at Third Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. She was blessed with two children, Vanessa (Kyle) Rouse, and Matthew Wismeier. She was also blessed with one grandchild, Madeline.

She is also survived by her father; her sisters, Nancy (Tom) and Angel; nieces Mara and Ashley; cousin, Edward Burchert Jr; and her nephew, Anthony.

Dawn spent her life serving others. She was a caretaker to her grandmother Myrtle Burchert, a full time mother to her children, and a second mother to many in need of a guiding voice or listening ear. Helping others was her true passion in life. Her door was always open, and a cup of coffee waited for anyone in need. Dawn especially cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

“Sunrise or Sunset live each day with no regret, live a life you will never forget.” – Dawn Wismeier

Jerry K. Fjelseth

Jerry K. Fjelseth, 76, of Dubuque, died Monday, August 31, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Jerry was born February 9, 1944, in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Oscar and Ethel May Garrett Fjelseth.

Jerry was self employed with Budget Pest Control Company.

Survivors include one sister, Sherrill Kidd of Sioux Falls, SD, and several friends and neighbors.

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

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

Eugene A. Prier

Eugene A. Prier, 88, of Dyersville, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020.

Public visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, with limited family presence due to COVID protocol.  Masks are recommended and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate and Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137.  Masks are recommended and social distancing is strongly encouraged.

Eugene was born December 6, 1931, in Farley, Iowa the son of Edward B. and Lucille (Lansing) Prier.  He married Lucille Steffensmeier on January 3, 1953, in Dyersville.  Together they raised their family & farmed near New Vienna.

Surviving are his children: Elaine (Cletus) Urbain of Dyersville, Janice (Wayne L.) Steffen of New Vienna, David Prier of Marina CA, Carl (Julie) Prier of Dyersville, Wayne (Beverly) Prier of Dyersville, Dale (Sandy) Prier of Hopkinton, Allen (Joyce) Prier of Elkader, Mark (Annette) Prier of Dubuque, Daniel (Kim) Prier of Dyersville and Donald (Christine) Prier of Dyersville; 34 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren; siblings: Germaine Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Kay (Ambrose) Eilers of Monticello, Gerald (Marilyn) Prier of Dyersville, Ed (Eileen) Prier of Dubuque, Charles (Janet) Prier of Dyersville, Will (Bonnie) Prier of Dubuque, Loras (Mary Ellen) Prier of Scottsdale, Arizona; in-laws: Eunice Prier of Manchester, Alice Na dermann of Dyersville and Mary (Charles) Hellman of Holy Cross, Elaine Steffensmeier of Dyersville, Wilfred (Andrea) Steffensmeier of Farley, James (Rita) Steffensmeier and Agnes Steffensmeier, both of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2005, daughters: Lois in 2002 (Mark) Hermsen in 2019, Patricia in 2012 (Dale) Demmer in 2014, 1 grandson and 3 great grandchildren, a brother, Marvin Prier; in-laws: Roger Deutmeyer, Wilma Prier, Florence (Joe) Meis Arthur Steffensmeier, Richard Nadermann, Eugene (Helen) Steffensmeier, Eldon (Clara) Steffensmeier and Donald Steffensmeier.

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

Barbara J. Miller

Barbara J. “Barbie” Miller, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Barbie’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  A public memorial visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation and practice social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Barbara Jeanne Spaete was born on June 25, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Robert Warren and Dolores Marie (Rittmanic) Spaete.  She was a 1977 graduate of Maquoketa High School.  She then received her Registered Nursing degree from Clinton Community College and later her BSN from the University of Phoenix.  She married Stephen Lee Miller on March 19, 1977 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  To this union three children were born, Ben, Nick and Michele.

Barbie had a passion of caring for others and worked as a registered nurse for many years at area hospitals and assisted living centers.  She was currently working at The Rose of Dubuque.

Barbie loved to spend time with family, play cards and tiles, quilt, play Words with Friends, and most notably baking decorative cakes.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Ben (Dawn) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, Nick Miller of Maquoketa, IA, and Michele (Eric) Larson of Maquoketa, IA; 7 grandchildren, Braiden, Briley, Levi, Kyra, Evelyn, Hazel and Jacob; siblings, Ann (Dave) Coffman of Muscatine, IA, Sue (Joe) Vorbeck of Maquoketa, IA, Norma Mangler of Dubuque, IA, Mike (Danielle) Spaete of Cape Coral, FL, Dan (Darlis) Spaete of Bettendorf, IA, Steve (Karen) Spaete of Oro Valley, AZ, and Bob (Madeline) Spaete of Colorado Springs; and her mother-in-law, Maxine Miller of Maquoketa, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Roger Spaete, and her husband Stephen Lee Miller on June 13, 2020.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Barbara J. “Barbie” Miller memorial fund has been established.

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

Mildred C. Zugenbuehler

Mildred C. Zugenbuehler, 93, of Stonehill Care Center passed away on August 24, 2020 at Stonehill.

According to her wishes, no public visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.

Mildred was born on January 30, 1927 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Nicholas Hemmer and Francis Rettemeier. She married Charles Zugenbuehler and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Toni (Dick) Heller, of Dubuque, Karen (Bob) Elliott, of Florida, Patty (Bud) Mowitt, of New Hampton, IA, Dave (Julie) Zugenbuehler, of Madison, WI, Marc Zugenbuehler, of Dubuque and Sue (Ed) Walz who she thought of as her own.  Five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; her sister Carol (John) Pins

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, siblings Delores Manning, Ruth Schumacher, Anna Mae Fries and Doc Hemmer.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Library in memory of Mildred.

Mildred’s family would like to thank Stonehill Care Center, Dr. Salas, Dr. Viner, the staff at Grandriver Medical and Hospice of Dubuque for all their care and kindness.

Mildred M. Tressel

Mildred “Millie” M. Tressel, formerly of 770 Harvard Street, died August 28, 2020 at Bethany Home, Dubuque.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Church of the Nativity with Father Dwayne Thoman presiding.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Masks and social distancing are required.  No public visitation will be held. Mass will be live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. Monday on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Mildred was born November 11, 1934 in North Buena Vista, IA, daughter of Fred and Hilda (Tschirgi) Brimeyer. On June 22, 1957, she married Norbert Tressel in North Buena Vista. They were married for 63 years.

Mildred is survived by her spouse, Norbert Tressel, her children Michelle of Cedar Rapids, IA, Dennis (Ann) of Dubuque, IA, Sharon (Steve) Roling of Eldridge, IA, Rodney (Kirsten) of Ankeny, IA, Kurt (Pam) of Bettendorf, IA and Karen (John) McCartney of Verona, WI, her grandchildren Ben (Adrienne), Elizabeth, Luke (Katie), Mark, Katie (Jeremy), Andrew, Matt, Haley, Holly, Josie, Max, Amelia, her great-grandchildren Camryn, Ellie, Casey, her siblings Greg, Earl, Stella, Carol, Laura, many nieces and nephews, including her godchildren Dana, Diane, Bob, Dan, Kathy and Susanne.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Hilda Brimeyer, her siblings Selma, Alvin, Bob, Nick, Harvey and granddaughter Emily.

She was a member of Nativity parish, Rosary Society and the Catholic Order of Foresters, Marquette Court #811.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Church of the Nativity, Spina Bifida Association of Iowa, the Iowa Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hospice of Dubuque or Bethany Home.

My wife of 63 years had a deep faith and a profound love for her immediate and extended family. She created a home where family and friends would gather for a birthday celebration, Christmas Eve, a game of cards or a cup of coffee.  She cherished family events, especially the annual family reunion, typically attended by over 100 people. She took up her cross, when she was challenged by cancer, broken bones or heart problems. Each of our grandchildren is our favorite.

We, her children, recognize the sacrifices Mom made for us and for others.  She and Dad sent all six of us through Catholic schools from 1st grade through high school and modeled how to practice our Catholic faith. She was very generous and quick to help elderly neighbors and relatives in need.  She taught us and other relatives how to sew, quilt, can and find a good bargain while shopping.  Many friends and family members were gifted with items she handmade: crocheted blankets, baby quilts, doilies, tablecloths and painted ceramic Nativity sets. When we were growing up, Mom was always home when we arrived home from school. After we were grown, she worked at Armstrong’s doing bridal alterations. It wasn’t until we were adults that we grasped that Mom was quick-witted and extremely funny.  Even in her last days, she would tell a story and break out in laughter.

Our family extends our deepest appreciation to the community at Bethany Home: to the employees for the love, friendship and exceptional care given to our Mom and to the residents who befriended Mom. We are also grateful to Hospice of Dubuque and to our extended family and friends for supporting us with love, encouragement and prayers.

Sister Eileen E. Fuchs, BVM

Sister Eileen E. Fuchs, BVM, 61, of 3175 Pennsylvania Ave, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, followed by a virtual visitation from 10:25-10:40 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Hall Chapel at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Eileen served the BVM congregation as a Congregational Representative and ministered as a science teacher at Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, Mo. She worked as a medical technologist at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis prior to entering the BVM community.

She was born July 31, 1959, in St. Louis to William and Eileen (Hannifin) Fuchs. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 27, 1995, from St. Elizabeth Parish, St. Louis. She professed first vows on July 18, 1998, and final vows on July 16, 2005.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dan Fuchs, and sister Betsy Demny. She is survived by a brother Bill (Chris) Fuchs, Boca Raton, Fla.; and sisters Terry (Jack) McGauley, St. Louis; and Cece Seida, Ballwin, Mo.; many devoted nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 25 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.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

James R. Thompson

James R. “Boar” Thompson, age 77, of East Dubuque, Ilinois, completed his earthly journey on August 27, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020, from 1:00 -3:00 p.m., at R Place, 292 Sinsinawa Ave, in East Dubuque.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center in humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on February 23, 1943, in Dubuque, a son to Vivian (Russo) Thompson.  He grew up surrounded by family and friends in the exact same neighborhood where he would spend his entire life making his way in the world.  Jim worked as a truck driver for many years, as a mechanic for a few, he also enjoyed spending the spare time in his retirement with the maintenance department at Eagle Ridge, while most recently helping his friends at R Place get the days started with everything in proper working order.  But, all who really knew and loved Jim know that where he truly shined was at home.  Jim was the epitome of a man among men, and a Jack of all Trades.  All of his family, friends and neighbors knew that if they needed anything built, repaired, assembled, or simply improved through modification, Jim was the man for the task and the answer would always be “Yes”.  His skillful generosity is legendary and the abundance of memories he leaves behind are inspiring indeed for all of us who strive to serve others within our communities.  We will surely miss Boar for the rest of our days; his grand stories of fishing and more, his severely dry wit, his unending supply of colorful clichés, and the peaceful sight of this continually content man when a cold Keystone Light was in his hand while tinkering in the garage.  Jim embraced the uncomplicated joys of living life simply, while also to the fullest.  We will miss this man who taught us by example that life is but a journey to be lived once, and in case there’s ever any question about it, water is meant for fishing.  Thank you, Jim, for the love and lessons you leave behind, and may the peace of the Lord be with you and Joan until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his 3 daughters,
Tamara Lynn “Tammy” (Tim) Freisinger, East Dubuque, Ilinois,
Jean VanBlaracom, Monks Corner, South Carolina,
and Karla (Donny) Kass, Cumming, Georgia;

his 6 grandchildren;
Heather Freisinger, Tanner Freisinger, Valerie VanBlaracom, Michael (Michelle) VanBlaracom, Jordan Kass, and Ryan James “R.J.” Kass;

1 great-grandson,
Xavier VanBlaracom;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful bride, Joan Thompson; and 2 brothers, Steve “Biff” Thompson, and Mike “Dipe” Thompson.

Jim’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital, the University of Iowa, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their compassionate care and support over these last days.  Your kindness is appreciated more than you know.

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

Pamela J. Davis

Pamela J. “Pam” Davis, 66, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, August 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2020, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at a later date at the Esgate Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation and service at the funeral home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Pamela Jean Burns was born on January 21, 1954 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Roy Kenneth and Shirley Jean (Beach) Burns.  She was a 1972 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then Scott Community College in Davenport.  She married Larry Dean Davis on September 1, 1973 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union:  Shane, Kelli, and Dan.

Pam had worked at U.S. Bank in the Customer Service and Loan Department for over 20 years.  She had also worked at Kohl’s for over 10 years as a Store Support Lead.

Pam had a profound passion for the outdoors.  She found great joy in traveling and even in the process of planning for these special family trips.  They went every year they were married.  She also enjoyed hiking, waterfalls, lighthouses, birdwatching, taking care of her flowers, and shopping.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and attending their events.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Larry Davis of Maquoketa, IA; children, Shane (Hope) Davis of Spragueville, IA, Kelli (Jason) Bendixen of Maquoketa, IA, and Dan (Melissa) Davis of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Kevin (Ann) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Keith Burns of Maquoketa, IA, Ken (Sheryl) Burns of Maquoketa, IA, and Mike Burns of Marion, IA; and 9 grandchildren, Alyssa Davis, Keily Davis, Cameron Bendixen, Sydnee Davis, Anna Bendixen, Carley Davis, Gavin Davis, Madison Davis and Kannon Davis.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Pamela J. “Pam” Davis memorial fund has been established.

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

James T. Ryan

James Timothy “Jim” Ryan, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Thursday August 27th, 2020 at home surrounded by family following an extended illness.
Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road.  A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM.   Please respect our current social distancing requirements and the Mask Mandate. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Jim’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Church of the Nativity with Rev. Father Andy Upah as the Celebrant.  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.

Jim was born March 1, 1938, in Dubuque, the son of Edmund and Callista (McCarthy) Ryan. He was the youngest of four siblings growing up on his family’s farm. Jim was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1955. On July 12, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Kaiser at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. They recently celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jim worked as a Sheet Metal worker in Dubuque for 45 years and was a member of SMART Local 91 for over 65 years.

After retirement in 2000, Jim discovered cycling which resulted in countless miles on the road, participating in RAGBRAI events and rides all around the Midwest. He was a ski instructor at Sundown Ski Resort. He enjoyed traveling the world, including cultural family stay exchanges and trips to many adventurous countries. He began his love of camping with the Dubuque National Hikers and Campers Club when his children were young. Jim was his happiest experiencing the mountains of Colorado, making regular trips to ski, backpack, hike, camp and explore the backroads. He was proud to help his son build several houses. Riding his 1947 Farmall tractor on his farm, that he had worked with his dad as a boy, was his peaceful place to go and remember his family. He often remarked on how much he enjoyed his life, especially the many friends he met along the way.

Jim was a member of Nativity Parish.

Surviving to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife, a son, Timothy Ryan, of Zwingle, IA; a daughter, Dayna (Robert) Ryan and their son Nicholas James Ryan, of Lakewood, CO; sister-in-law, Darlene Ryan, of Dubuque, and brother-in-law, Bobby Campbell, of Northglenn, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy Fangman and Lorraine Schuster; his brother, Albert Ryan; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Saloma Kaiser; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Campbell and his brothers-in-law, Charles Fangman and Lorain Schuster.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s compassionate caregivers from Home Instead, Hospice of Dubuque and Palliative Care.

Memorials may be given to the Dubuque Rescue Mission or Hospice of Dubuque.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

William Demkier

William “Bill” Demkier, 70, of Dubuque, left on his eternal fishing trip on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, as a result of heart complications.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 12 Noon on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow the visitation at the funeral home beginning at 12 Noon. Please come dressed as Bill would expect to see you on any given day. 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. Due to the current Dubuque city ordinance, masks are required in 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 Bill’s family.

Bill was born January 16, 1950, in Dubuque, the son of Harold and Dorothy (Schneider) Demkier. On August 9, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sandra “Sam” Seiler in Bellevue, IA. They literally have been in each other’s pocket since they were teenagers and their love for one another was like no other.

Bill’s passion for hunting and fishing, and Sam’s passion for fishing, lead to them owning and operating Cygnet Lake Camp in Minaki, Ontario, Canada for over 25 years. Upon retirement they built a cabin on the lake and continued spending summers there, as their heart was always in Canada. Bill’s most enjoyable times were spent with friends and family doing what he enjoyed most, this led to many lifelong and new friendships over the years. While Bill loved all of his family equally and treasured each and every one of them, one of his most talked about memories of Canada was when his two nieces, Chelsey and Courtney, who were 4 and 7 at the time, spent the summer with them learning how to fish. Bill’s famous saying for years after was “I wished there was a pill I could give those girls to keep them little.”

Bill is survived by his wife and lifelong fishing partner, Sam Demkier; his two brothers, Bob (Paula) Demkier and Paul (Judy) Demkier both of Dubuque who were his loyal hunting and fishing partners; one sister, Pat (Al) Roth of Dubuque who was known to bake his favorite molasses cookies; one brother-in-law, Gary Seiler of Bellevue; one sister-in-law, Shirley Cornwall of Bellevue; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his proud parents, Harold and Dorothy, and his beloved labs Coal and Simba. Also, preceding Bill in death are his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Bonnie Cleveland, and his brother-in-law Carl Cornwall.

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

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

Mrs. Frank W. (Elaine M.) Thumser

Mrs. Frank W. (Elaine M.) Thumser, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 27, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Dubuque Memorial Gardens, 8289 Jecklin Lane, Dubuque, IA 52003. According to Elaine’s wishes, no public visitation will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Elaine was born on June 23, 1934 in Bellevue, Iowa the daughter of Glenn and Elsie (Roe) Heckelsmiller. She married Frank Thumser on September 22, 1978.

Mrs. Thumser was employed for many years at United Telephone Co., the Telegraph Herald, and Flexsteel Industries.

Frank and Elaine enjoyed many years of traveling around the USA. They especially enjoyed golfing together and dancing every week. They enjoyed Tuesday evenings at the Moracco with Friends.

Elaine is survived by her husband Frank; three children, Debra (Mike) Angstadt, of Fort Meyers, FL, Douglas (Yolanda) Griebel and Keith (Jeanie) Griebel, both of Bellevue. Five step children, Sandi (Pat Welsh), of Dubuque, Douglas (friend, Theresa) Thumser, of New Castle, CA, Kevin Thumser, of Palm Bay, CA, Gary (Candi) Thumser, of Woodland, CA and Craig (Natalie) Thumser, of New Castle, CA. Eight grandchildren, six step grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, eight step great grandchildren and a sister Shirley Peterson, of Sabula.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Phyllis Sieverding and a sister infancy.

Denny J. Davis Sr.

Denny Joe Davis Sr., 61, of Dubuque passed away unexpectedly at home on August 24th, 2020.

According to his wishes there will be no public visitation or services. A celebration of is life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Denny was born on May 4th, 1959 the son of Vernice and Rose Marie (Molitor) Davis.

Denny had a big heart, he loved his kids, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren, he was so proud of all of them, and he loved them all so much. He was deeply passionate about his family, and he looked forward to every holiday spent surrounded by them. He adored his animals and was always there to lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Vicki Nethery; Sons Mike (Jenn) Nethery, Denny Joe Davis Jr., Travis Leick; his Daughter Nicole Davis; Grandchildren Gavin, Reese, and Noah; His mother Rose Marie Davis; 2 Brothers, Norman and Howard Davis.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Vernice Norman Davis, and a Sister, Tina Hall.

Loyd J. Jasper

Loyd J. Jasper, 79, of Dyersville passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am Saturday, August 29, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Anthony Nketiah will officiate and Deacon Dan Hoeger will assist. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery where American Legion Post 137 will accord military honors.

Loyd was born December 1, 1940, in Dyersville the son of Emil & Monica Jasper. He married Carol Mensen on September 7, 1964, in Dyersville. Together they raised their family & farmed near Dyersville and co-owned and managed All Star Feeds until retirement. Loyd worked many years on his custom toys and was very proud of his craft. He was featured in the Toy Farmer magazine four times.

He was a very social person and enjoyed being with his children and their families, including regular annual vacations together. He also spent many hours playing cards with friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his children: Duane (Anne), Glen (Kris), Kevin (Courtney) Jasper all of Cedar Rapids, and Janet (Jamie) Hogan of Lake Villa, IL;
12 grandchildren: Alexander, Nathaniel, Logan, Oren, Whitney, Erica, Hanna, Zachary, Lucille, Ryan, Tyler and Travis; a brother, Kenneth (Margie) Jasper of Manchester, his
step mother-in-law, Jean Mensen of Dyersville, and a sister-in-law, Wilma Mensen of Dyersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol in 2014, a sister, Gladys (Tony) Hoeger, and a brother-in-law, Dale Mensen.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque for the wonderful care and compassion during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica (https://spiresoffaith.com/parishes/st-francis-xavier-dyersville).

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