Obituaries Archive

Ila E. Budde

Ila Elizabeth Budde, 101, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Bethany Home.

A private family service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, with Pastor John Sorenson officiating. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the funeral home will provide a live stream video of the funeral service on Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory’s Facebook page at 11:00 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Ila was born on October 27, 1918 in Andrew, IA the daughter of Leo and Winifred (Fuller) Sommers. She attended a country school and was a graduate of Andrew High School.

She married Orville Budde in May of 1936 and together they had 16 children. Ila lived on a farm near Bellevue and moved to Dubuque in 1967.

She worked at Bellevue Hotel, Hattie’s Café, Woodpecker Shop and was Secretary Treasurer of Bellevue Township Schools. She was also on the board of Project Concern and Volunteered at the Grand Theatre for over 40 years as well as RSVP since 1994. Ila received a volunteer award from Gov. Branstad.

She was a member of 62 Plus Dupaco Senior Club and belonged to the 1918 Club. Ila completed a course from NICC at age 57 in Geriatric Nurse Aide. She loved the theatre, dancing, euchre, sewing, embroidering and crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Ila won many awards for her beautiful poetry and short stories.

She is survived by her children, Dale Budde of East Dubuque, IL, Marilyn (Dale) Junk of Bellevue, IA, Doris (Dave) Felderman of Dubuque, Jim (Barb) Budde of Bellevue, IA, Tom and Troy Budde of Dubuque, Kevin (Jean) Budde of the Quad Cities, Yvette McLimans of Dubuque, Marcia Budde of Colorado, Brent and Blayne (Robbin) Budde of Florida and Todd Budde of California; 38 grandchildren, 85 great grandchildren, and 20 great-great grandchildren; 26 step-grandchildren, 43 great step-grandchildren and 22 great-great step-grandchildren.

Ila was preceded in death by her three sons, Glenn, John and Raymond “Buster” Budde; a daughter, Marla; granddaughters, Chandra and Angela; twin grandchildren, Madeline and Spencer; grandsons, Steve and Brandon; great-great granddaughter Nyx Jones; sons-in-law, Leroy Felderman and Fred McLimans; step-grandson, Joe Hudspeth Jr.; ex-husband, Orville; brother and sister-in-law, Oscar and Sylvia (Kremer) Sommers and sisters, Vera Sommers and Marjorie Till.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent directly to the family or to the Leonard Funeral Home in care of the Ila Budde family. Online condolences may be left www.leonardfuneralhome.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Staff at Bethany Home and to Hospice of Dubuque for the wonderful care they gave to Ila.

Theodore J. Soppe

Theodore J. “Ted” Soppe, age 72, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 1:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at ManorCare Health Services.  To celebrate Ted’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to the current gathering restrictions the number of people inside the building will be limited to 10 people at a time. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ted was born on August 12, 1947, in Cascade, Iowa, son of Donald and Virginia (Wingert) Soppe.

Ted graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1967. Right after school, Ted went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Army, completing 2 tours of duty in Vietnam.  He was extremely patriotic and was a strong supporter of local veterans organizations.  Ted was raised with a strong work ethic, which he put to good use right out of the Army with the Dubuque Packing Company.  He would go on to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector for 17 years.  Ted was united in marriage to Carole Frey on February 15, 1989, and they have enjoyed 31 wonderful years together.  Ted had a great appreciation of automobiles and his pride and joy was a red Camero SS Convertible, “Thunder”, 1 of only 600 produced, and his 1948 Willys CJ2A, “Nellybelle”.  He and Carole were also known to enjoy trying their luck at the casinos every now and then.  We are saddened at the loss of Ted in our daily lives, but take some comfort in knowing he is now free of the health issues he has battled these past years.

Those left to cherish Ted’s memory include

his wife,
Carole Soppe, Dubuque, IA;

a son,
Brian (Ann) Meyer, Des Moines, IA;

his 8 step-children;

his 13 grandchildren;

and his siblings,
Dianne (Gerald) Lutgen
and Dan Soppe, both of Dubuque, IA.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Troy Soppe; and a brother, Donald Soppe.

Ted’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital and ManorCare, for all of their kindness, support and professional care of Ted.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be sent to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, Attn. Ted Soppe Family, to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

J.C. Engel

J.C. Engel, 85, of Maquoketa IA passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the Maquoketa Care Center.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating J.C.’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, May 22, 2020 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. Social distancing guidelines will be followed at the cemetery. A public visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Due to COVID 19, social distancing guidelines will be followed with only 10 people allowed in the funeral home at any time.

John Carl Engel was born on October 8, 1934 to Carl Frederick and Pearl Eva (Wurster) Engel. He attended Pea Ridge Country School and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Arlene Edna Grosskruger on September 23, 1962, in Preston, Iowa.

After high school graduation, J.C. began farming. His operation included custom baling, milking Brown Swiss cows until 1966, then raising hogs, beef cattle, and grain.

J.C. was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and proud of the service that he provided over the years to several boards, including the Dairy Herd Improvement Assn., Jackson County Farm Bureau, Maquoketa Community Schools Board of Education, and the Federal Land Bank. He served as a member of the Jackson Co. Republican Central Committee, Jackson Co. Fair Board Association, Jackson Co. Pork Producers, and held the office of Jackson County Supervisor for 16 years. In 2000, J.C. was the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award. He was also the Grand Marshall of the Jackson County Fair Parade in 2014.

He was also a veteran of the US Army, serving in France during the Cold War from 1957-1959.

Those left to honor J.C.’s memory are his three sons, Dean (Jenny) Engel of Delmar, IA, Lynn (Christine) Engel of Marion, IA, and Neal Engel of Maquoketa; and 5 grandchildren, Megan, Beth, Lex, Lexi, and Lily.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene on August 19, 2013.

Memorials may be made to the Jackson County Fair/Extension “Together We Build” project, the Jackson County Historical Society, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Allen J. Fitzgibbons

Allen Joseph Fitzgibbons, 88, of Dubuque passed away at Dubuque Specialty Care on May 16, 2020.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorials and cards of sympathy may be mailed to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Allen was the son of George and Leona (Kieffer) Fitzgibbons and was born in Dubuque on February 19, 1932. He attended St. Columbkille School graduating in 1950. He married Neldia Eudaley on May 9th, 1965 in Dubuque.

Allen was employed at John Deere Dubuque works until his retirement in 1985.

He was member of the National Guard, local U.A.W., and numerous billiards leagues. He competed on the national level and was said to be the best billiards player around.
Allen was one the nicest people you could ever meet. He was always kind and had a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Neldia Jane (Eudaley) Fitzgibbons, of Bell Towers, East Dubuque Il. A son Kelly Joseph (Jackie) Fitzgibbons of Dubuque; a granddaughter Heather Marie Fitzgibbons of Dubuque; step grandson Justin Doran; four great-grandchildren Joseph, John, Jahkiya and Justice Lewis; two nieces Kathy and Kim and a nephew Danny.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Leona Fitzgibbons; Brothers Georgey, Richard, and Vernon.

A special thank you to Dubuque Specialty Care, especially Sandra Koch, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Victor M. Leibfried

Victor M. Leibfried, age 98, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 17, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. Due to the current gathering restrictions a private family mass will be held to celebrate Victor’s life at St. Joseph Church in Rickardsville, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville, Iowa. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Victor was born on January 10, 1922, the oldest of 10 children to George J. and Stella (Hufnagel) Leibfried.

In 1938, Victor’s family moved to Rickardsville, where the legacy of the Avalon began. On February 3, 1942, Victor married Myrtle Cummer of Balltown, and together they raised nine children and passed on their strong legacy of faith in the Rickardsville community. Victor owned/operated the Avalon Garage and Wrecker Service, which subsequently was passed on to his three sons, a business that is currently known as the Avalon Service Center. Victor was a former member of the Holy Name Society and Catholic Order of Foresters at St. Joseph’s Rickardsville, and was a current member of Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque. Until COVID-19 isolation mid-March, Victor attended daily mass at Stonehill Care Center, and every Sunday was accompanied to mass by one or more of his nine children. Victor enjoyed dancing, fishing, camping, and traveling to Tucson, AZ, where he and Myrtle wintered for 10 years. Vic and Myrtle moved from their Rickardsville home on their 65th wedding anniversary to settle into a new home together. After 72 years of married life, Myrtle passed away on January 22, 2014.

Those left to reminisce on Victor’s 98 years worth of stories are

his 9 children;
LaVonne (Merl) Wilgenbusch,
Kenny (Patsy) Leibfried,
Mark (Bev) Leibfried, all of Rickardsville,
Janet (Steve Boulting) Stecklein,
Barbara (Dennis) Goebel,
George (Connie) Leibfried,
Kathy (Lonnie) Steger,
Diane (Mark) Link
and Peggy (Tim) Lehmann, all of Dubuque;

30 grandchildren;

53 great-grandchildren;

5 great-great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Daniel (Mickie) Leibfried
and Joan (Bob) Valentine, Dubuque, IA;

and his in-laws,
Viola Avery
and Bill (Marge) Cummer, both of Dubuque
and Evelyn Specht, Sherrill.

In addition to Myrtle, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Gerald Stecklein; a grandson, Tony Steger; five brothers, Paul, George, Roger, Howard and Thomas Leibfried; two sisters, Betty Miller and Carol Ritt; and numerous brother and sisters-in-law.

The Leibfried family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Stonehill Community for providing loving care for dad these past 4 ½ years, as well as Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, Attn. Victor Leibfried Family, to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Kay V. (Schwolow Fransen) Fabrycy

Kay V. (Schwolow Fransen) Fabrycy, age 72, of Bellevue, Iowa, was called home unexpectedly at 9:42 p.m., on Friday, May 15, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque. To celebrate Kay’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Kay was born on August 2, 1947, in Palatine, Illinois, daughter of Harold Schwolow and June (Condill) Schwolow Fransen. Sadly, Harold passed prior to Kay’s birth, but her mother would marry Arve Fransen, who would raise her as his own daughter.

Kay graduated from Barrington High School in Illinois, where she would meet the love of her life, Kurt Fabrycy. She was united in marriage to Kurt on August 27, 1966, in Barrington, and blessed with 53 adventurous years together. Kay was a devoted wife and mother to 3 beautiful daughters and maternal figure to many others. She was employed with Jewell Tea Company in quality control and went on to become their head chef. Kay also managed her parent’s tavern, Bittersweet Tap, in Barrington Hills, for 33 years. After the business sold, she went to work bartending with the Dundee Township Golf Courses in Carpentersville & Dundee, IL. In 2010, Kay and Kurt made their way to the Dubuque area to enjoy their well-earned retirement. In her free time, Kay could be found spending time outside with Kurt harvesting fruit from their fruit trees and cultivating their property creating a haven for the birds and wildlife. When she found some quiet time she enjoyed curling up with a good book. Her time with Kurt, her girls, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will always be her greatest legacy. Kay will be sorely missed more than words can express, and the memories she created with those she loved will be cherished beyond compare.

Those left to cherish Kay’s memory include:

her husband,
Kurt Fabrycy, Bellevue, IA;

3 daughters,
Stacy (Dennis Pender) Fabrycy, McHenry, IL,
Stephanie (Jimmie) Keegan, Lakemoor, IL
and Melanie (Derek Thomas) Fabrycy, East Dundee, IL;

her grandchildren,
Donna (Joe) Sartors, Michael (Cassie) Pender, Jennifer (Pat) Varda, Christopher (Jessica) Pender, Denny Pender, Ashley (T.J.) Burton, Samantha Pender, McKenna Keegan and Kale Keegan;

her 11 great-grandchildren,

her siblings,
Kristine (Rick) Benson, Algonquin, IL,
Karen (Rich) Geeve, Door County, WI
and Kelly (Dan) Huston, Fox River Grove, IL;

and her in-laws,
Bogdan (Rica) Fabrycy,
Helena Fabrycy,
Irene (William) Johnson,
Richard (Terry) Fabrycy,
Victor (Carolyn) Fabrycy
and Marryanne (Jimmy) Parker.

Kay was preceded in death by her father, Harold Schwolow and her mother, June (Arve) Fransen.

Kay’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at MercyOne, for their extraordinary efforts, kind, compassionate, treatment of Kay.

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

John G. White

John G. White, 66, of Monticello passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time as there will be no public services at this time.

A private burial of John’s cremated remains will be held at a later date at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington.  Kramer Funeral Home is assisting the family.

John was born May 22, 1953, in Monticello the son of Cyril and Marion (Gadient) White.  He married Dee Fry and had 3 children together, but later divorced.  John graduated from Western Dubuque High School with the Class of 1971.  John enjoyed farming and going to “meetings” at the Sale Barn, and eventually went to work with his nephews at White Hawk Plumbing and Heating of Monticello.  John always found time to chat with friends and family.  He enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the farm.

Survivors include his children: Christina (Adam Rennison) White of Dyersville, Katie White of Manchester and Sara White of Earlville, 2grandchildren, Thomas and Zachary Rennison, siblings: Jerry White of Monticello and Joe White of St. Paul, MN, ex father-in-law: Leo Fry and ex in-laws: Deb (Marlen) Hakert, Sue (Clyde) Palmer, Lonnie (Judy) Fry and Brad (Sharon) Fry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, Britney Rennison, a sister, Judy White, a sister-in-law, Maria White, and ex mother-in-law, Alice Fry.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Cards, letters and memorials may be directed to the John White Family in care of Kramer Funeral Home, PO Box 791, Monticello, IA, 52310-0791.

Colleen Lindstrom

Colleen Bradley Lindstrom, 56, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Colleen’s life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  Social distancing guidelines will be followed at the cemetery.  A public visitation will take place from 3 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Due to COVID 19, social distancing guidelines will being followed with only 10 people allowed in the building at any time.

Colleen Bradley was born on April 12, 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Gordon Harrison and Dorothy Marie (Blosch) Bradley.  She grew up in Zwingle and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  She married Owen Lee Lindstrom on March 30, 2002 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Colleen had worked for Metrix Company in Dubuque in 1987.  She then started Rustic Hills Carriage Tours in Dubuque, Iowa.  She owned and operated the horse drawn carriage tours business from 1988 until present.

Colleen had been active in 4-H growing up.  She loved horses and loved her job in the carriage business.  She enjoyed living and working on the farm and all the baby animals that were born each spring.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Owen Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; a son, Wyatt Lee Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; a sister, Linda Pearson of Maquoketa, IA; brothers, Gordon (Connie) Bradley of Peosta, IA, and Daryl Bradley of Zwingle, IA; mother-in-law, Liz Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Rhonda and Alan Pape of Maquoketa, IA, Mark and Teresa Lindstrom of Bryant, IA, and Reece and Sheila Lindstrom of Maquoketa, IA; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Dorothy Bradley Sr., her father-in-law Arnold Lindstrom, and a brother Virgil Bradley on February 19, 2020.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Colleen Bradley Lindstrom memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Carmelita M. Witter

Carmelita M. Witter, 88 years old, of Dubuque IA, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on May 14, 2020 at 8:23 a.m. at Bethany Home with family by her side.

Arrangements are being handled by Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA, with burial in Dubuque Linwood Cemetery.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Carmelita, daughter of Louis and Loretta Till, was born on September 10, 1931 in Bellevue, IA, She married Carl Witter of Dubuque, IA on October 16, 1950 in Bellevue, IA.

Carmelita was a passionate and loving person who enjoyed dancing, finishing and decorating homes, and spending time with her family and friends.  Carmelita’s favorite prayer was the “Our Father”, stressing the importance of forgiving each other so that we may be forgiven.  She was the glue of her family by keeping peace and harmony between everyone.  Carmelita was a member of the The Church of the Resurrection.

She is survived by her nine adoring children, Bruce (Janet) Witter of Irving, TX, Gary (Sherrie) Witter of Marion, IA, David (Michelle) Witter of Dubuque, IA, Kathy (Mike) Knake of Bellevue, IA, Vickie (Robert) LaGrotta of Bellevue, IA, Cindy (Tony) Reed of Avada, CO, Jeff (Sarah) Witter of Springville, IA, Kristi (Jude) Sabers-Sullivan of Dodgeville, WI, and Curt Witter of Arlington, TX, as well as 29 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, sister Linda (Ron) Ruden of Dubuque, IA, sister-in law, Dorothy Herzog of Rice Lake, WI.

Carmelita was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Carl Witter; her parents, Louis and Loretta Till; her father in-law and mother in-law, Carl and Esther Witter; sisters and brother in-laws, Dale and Marilyn Grashorn, Rosemary and CO Lamp, and Bob Herzog and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful, caring staff at Bethany Home and the services of Hospice of Dubuque.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Scott E. Schroeder

Scott E. “Scooter” Schroeder, age 61, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:16 a.m., on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Scott’s life, visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Due to the current gathering restrictions the number of people inside the building will be limited to 10 people at a time.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date following cremation.

Scott was born on September 30, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John F. and Barbara (Bradley) Schroeder.

Scott graduated from Stephen Hempstead High School and right after graduation entered the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1976.  He was united in marriage to Lisa Driscoll on November 15, 1986, in East Dubuque, Illinois, and they were blessed with a son together.  Scott was a hard worker who was employed with A.Y. McDonald for 33 years, never missing a single day of work, until his retirement in 2013.  In his free time, Scott enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings or spending the afternoon trying his luck at his favorite fishing hole.  Scott was very kind and humble, with a low-key personality, but wasn’t afraid of being the life of the party.  His laugh was infectious, and if you were lucky enough to have heard it you will never forget it!  His family and friends were no doubt the most important part of his life. Scott would do anything for anyone, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was quite happy keeping his life drama free.  Everyone who knew him, knew that the kids and grandkids were his pride and joy, he loved spending time with them.  We are truly heartbroken at losing Scott in our daily lives, but take some comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully, free of the health issues he has faced so bravely these past months.

Those left to cherish Scott’s memory include

2 sons,
Jacob John “Jake” Schroeder, Dubuque, IA
and Corey Scott Nugent, formerly of Dubuque, IA;

his granddaughters,
Ava Mary Digman and Audrey Rose Schroeder, both of Dubuque, IA;

his mother,
Barbara Schroeder, Dubuque, IA;

2 sisters,
Cindy (Carl) Freiburger
and Sharon (Roger) Henkel, both of Dubuque, IA;

a nephew,
Jayson (Emily) Freiburger, Liberty, MO, and their 3 children, Jack, Karly and Ella;

an aunt,
Mary Link, Franklin, WI;

his former wife,
Lisa (John) Mueller, Farley, IA;

and his step-niece and step-nephew,
Kelcie Fonck and Russell Henkel.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, John “Jack” Schoeder; and 3 uncles, William “Bill” Bradley, Robert “Bob” Bradley and Herbert Link.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Scott Schroeder Family.

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

Bruce E. Accola

Bruce Edward Accola, 67, of Dubuque, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Family graveside services will be Monday at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque, with Deacon Doug Kremer officiating.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.

Bruce was born on December 12, 1952 in Dubuque, the 5th child of Arnold J. and Muriel M. (Erschen) Accola.

He grew up in East Dubuque and attended St. Mary’s Grade School and East Dubuque High School.  He briefly worked as a courier at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Bruce was known for his sense of humor and pranks, and his smile was contagious.

He is survived by his brother, Joe (Julie Billmeyer) Accola, and a sister Joyce Thompson, a niece Jennifer Schmid and a nephew Nicholas Schmid.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, and his sisters, Rosemary and Kim, and a nephew Jeffrey Schmid.

Memorials contributions are requested for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family sends out a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Dubuque Specialty Care.

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

Harlan E. Petsche

Harlan E. Petsche, 88, of rural Epworth, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2020, at Luther Manor.

In accordance with current restrictions on public gatherings, private services will be held. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Centralia, with military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com, and memorial cards mailed to the funeral home.

Harlan was born May 6, 1932 in Guttenberg, the son of Andrew and Gertrude (Miller) Petsche. He served his country as a radio operator with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Harlan was united in marriage to Jeannine R. Kratz on November 22, 1955 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dubuque. Jeannine preceded him in death on July 26, 2017.

Harlan was an auto mechanic at first, and then he changed to working in construction. Together, he and Jeannine built homes and raised their son, Scott, before moving to their farm in rural Epworth, where they lived for 46 years. Harlan loved being back in the country. He enjoyed spending his time working outside and farming with Scott. He taught his granddaughters how to play card games and often played Solitaire in the evenings. He always had an interest in whatever activities his granddaughters were involved in. He was a beloved father and the best grandfather; generous and kind.

Harlan is survived by his son, Scott (Shannon) Petsche; two granddaughters, Heather (Troy) Scott and Rachel (Lee) Plummer; his siblings, Angela Farnum, Donna (William) Steger, Judy (Joseph) Kramer, Verdus (Nancy) Petsche, Robert (Mary) Petsche, and David (Mary Jo) Petsche; his sisters-in-law, Bonita and Marilyn Kratz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Leon, Marvin, Wilbur, and Elroy Petsche, Althea Freiburger, and Patricia in infancy.

Harlan’s family would like to thank Patrick and Wanda Petsche for all the friendship and support they provided to Harlan and Jeannine over the years. Thank you also to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

Marilyn L. Notz

Marilyn Louise Notz, age 90, of Delmar, IA, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in DeWitt, IA.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at Upper York Cemetery, Argo Fay, Illinois. Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Marilyn Louise Vogel was born in Fulton, IL on September 5, 1929, the daughter of Sikka and Ethel (Miller) Vogel. She attended Fulton schools through the eighth grade. At that time, the family moved to Clinton where she attended Clinton High School, graduating in 1947. In the early Spring of that year she started working part-time at the Climax Engineering Company, later working full-time. She also worked for the Clinton Teacher’s Agency. On June 12, 1949, she married Robert E. Notz at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. They lived in Savanna, IL for 10 years where she worked for the Savanna Ordinance Depot. The family then moved to Maquoketa, IA for 3 years and then Delmar, IA for over 50 years. Marilyn moved to Maggie’s House Assisted Living in DeWitt, IA in the Spring of 2016 where she remained until the time of her death.

Her family was of utmost importance to her. She enjoyed walking, crocheting, crossword puzzles and reading. She tended to the fruits of the earth and became skilled at canning and freezing. She was a hard worker who was known for her tender heart and deep sense of caring for others. While living in Maquoketa she attended the Assembly of God Church where she taught Sunday school. In Delmar, she attended the United Methodist Church where she was active in UMW, Ruth Circle and often sang solos for regular services as well as special services, sometimes accompanied by her daughter, Cynthia.

She is survived by 2 sons, Randel (Kim) Notz of the Chicago area, David Notz of Wisconsin; and 2 daughters, Cynthia (Warren) Ness of Iowa City and Christine (Reginald) Rivers of New Orleans, LA; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Howard Vogel of Clinton, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Notz, son Eugene Notz, her parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marilyn L. Notz Memorial Fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of condolence or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Merlin A. Heitkamp

Merlin A. Heitkamp, 73, of Menominee, IL, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2020 at home following an accident.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 (Noon) on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Menominee, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

There will a public visitation at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the strict guidelines issued by the CDC will be followed and only (10) people will be allowed in the Church at any one time. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Merlin was born on September 5, 1946 at Hazel Green, WI, the son of Robert H. and Margaret M. (Runde) Heitkamp.  He was a graduate of Galena High School, the class of 1964. Merlin married Linda H. Stillmunkes on September 25, 1971 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bellevue, IA.

He was a lifelong resident of Menominee and lived on the family farm his entire life.  Merlin was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society. Family, faith and farming were his life.  He was a great teacher and jack of all trades.  The sparkle in his eyes were evident by the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his wife Linda; four children, JeffRay (Lyndsi) Heitkamp of Mindoro, WI, Terry (Jodi) Heitkamp of Steward, IL, Jason (friend, Sarah Schueller) Heitkamp of East Dubuque and Lisa (Matt) Neyens of Kenosha, WI; eight grandchildren, Dustin & Alexa, Mia & Owen, Brody & Jessa; and Margaret & Elizabeth; siblings, Lois (Bob) Wagner of Asbury, IA and Dennis (June) Heitkamp of Ottumwa, IA; in-laws, Charlotte Heitkamp and Debbie Heitkamp, Carol (Bill) Ihrig, Sharon (Gary) Hoffmann, Lois Stillmunkes, Mark (friend Karla Reuter) Stillmunkes, Leta (Phil) Wallace and Renee Stillmunkes.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret; his brother, Jerry; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray & Isy Stillmunkes and brother-in-law, Randy Stillmunkes.

Merlin’s family extends deep appreciation to Galena Area Ambulance, the Menominee-Dunleith EMS, Mercy-One Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for the excellent care provided to their husband, father and grandfather. They would also like to thank the Menominee community for the outpouring of support and love they have provided.

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

Mary A. Clasen

Mary Ann (Yeager) Clasen, 80, of Bellevue, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Stonehill Health Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Private family memorial service will be 10:30 AM, May 30, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Memorial Services will be live broadcast on Bellevue Cable Channel 38 and will be uploaded on SaintJohn Devotion Youtube Channel following the services.  During this time of the Cov-19 Pandemic and limitations on social gatherings and social distancing.  Mary Ann’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.  If you chose to give a memorial in Mary Ann’s memory please send to Hachmann Funeral Home at 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA  52031 c/o family.

Mary Ann was born May 10,1940 in Bellevue, daughter of Albert K.S. & Mae (Gamble) Yeager. She married Alvin “Slim” Clasen on September 19, 1959 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue, he passed on December 3, 2008.

Mary Ann started her career at the Bellevue Herald Leader as a Linotype operator in 1957. She met the love of her life there, Slim, who was the Shop Foreman. From there she went to the telephone office and worked as an operator until 1961. From 1963 until 1988 she spent working at the Bellevue Community Schools as the School Board Secretary.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Elizabeth Circle, Bellevue Golf Club, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Bellevue Fire Dept. Auxiliary/Fireflies, B.E.S. Club and Jackson County Republican Central Committee.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her distinguished laugh and always willing to help everyone. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, socializing, golfing, Florida Beaches and watching the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Braves on television. Mary Ann was very proud of the Bellevue Community and took pride in her affiliation with the Bellevue Community School System, she was a true Comet! She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Karolyn (Loxley) Eckles, Kent (Susie) Clasen, daughter-in-law; Stephanie Clasen, grandchildren; Lee (Amber) Eckles, Leslie (Josh Juel) Eckles, Laura (Josh Rockwell) Eckles, Jenny (Todd Randall)Tomita, Stephanie (Phil) Porter, Melissa (Eric) Pruess and Victoria (Libby Small) Clasen, Great-grandchildren; Marcus and Ariyah Clasen, Nicole and Brad Tomita, Juniper Porter, Ava and Marcus Pruess, Siblings; Alice (Cal) Boland, Jane (Bob) Heisen and Neill Yeager, In-laws; Virtus (Marilyn) Clasen, Merlin (Marilyn) Clasen, Mary Ellen Kirk, Pauline Wagener, Lela Roiger, and nieces & nephews and great nieces & great nephews.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alvin “Slim” Clasen, son Kurt Clasen, parents Albert & Mae Yeager, brother Leslie Yeager, mother & father in law, Alvin & Emma Clasen, sister-in-laws, Marilyn Yeager, Judy Yeager and Bernardine Nefgzer, brother-in-laws, Arthur Goldsmith, Ed Nefgzer, Jim Kirk, Leroy Wagener, Dennis Hines, Clifford Roiger and nephew Jeff Hines.