Obituaries Archive

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.

Ralph P. “Junior” Cremer Jr.

Ralph P. “Junior” Cremer Jr., age 88, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:40 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Luther Manor, with his loving family by his side. Due to the current gathering restrictions, private services will be held for family and friends to celebrate Junior’s life at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. A celebration of Junior’s life for all to attend will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Junior was born on January 15, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ralph and Marie (Vogt) Cremer Sr.

Junior was a proud life-long Dubuquer who owned and operated Cremer’s Grocery store for his entire working career, officially “retiring” in 2011. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vivian Koppes, on June 21, 1952, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They were blessed to have 3 daughters together, and would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary next month. Junior was a hard worker who enjoyed his work. He found much of that enjoyment in the relationships he made with his employees and customers, whom he considered friends and family. He treated all with kindness and generosity, that is not to say they were not subject to some “ribbing”. One of the main attractions at the meat counter, besides the excellent products, was the chatter, and back and forth banter that went on. He loved that. Everyone that falls into this category please know you meant the world to Junior, and he and we appreciate you, your friendship and your patronage. When he did manage to find some free time Junior enjoyed getting out on the Mississippi when the weather was nice, as well as hitting the bowling lanes. He was an excellent bowler and was a member of the Dubuque Bowling Association and the 700 Club. His faith was also an important part of his daily life, he was a long time member of Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church and the Sacred Heart Men’s Club. We are deeply saddened at losing such a wonderful, hard working and loving man in our daily lives. We will miss you more than words can say and look forward to the day when we are all reunited for Eternity.

Those left to cherish Junior’s memory include

his loving wife,
Vivian Cremer, Dubuque, IA;

2 daughters,
Mary (Al) Slattery, Mustang, OK
and Cathy (Mark) Stone, Dubuque, IA;

5 grandchildren,
Eric (Alicia) Steffen, Danielle (Tom) Klostermann, Luke (Alexandra) Slattery, Adam (Chelsey) Slattery and Levi Stone;

10 great-grandchildren,
Aiden Steffen, Theo Steffen, Dillion Glew, Lucas Klostermann, Gwendolyn Klostermann, Vaughn Slattery, Gillianna Slattery, Grant Slattery, Nora Slattery and Ivy Slattery;

2 sisters,
Sandi (Jim) Klinge
and Carol (Gary) Schubert, both of Dubuque, IA;

a son-in-law,
Iver Bryan, Columbus, WI;

his in-laws,
Madonna Lucas,
Judy (James) Lang,
Karen (Leon) Burke,
Tom (Mary Ann) Yates
and Lucille Koppes;

and several nieces and nephews.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Pamela Cremer; a brother, Gary (Donna) Cremer; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lucille Frost; and his in-laws, Mary Agness (Jack) Miller, James Koppes and Robert Koppes..

Junior’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Luther Manor, especially Diane Kaiser Pearce, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their care and support.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, attn. Ralph Cremer family, and will be distributed among Junior’s favorite charities.

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

John J. Watson

John J. “Jack” Watson, 78, of East Dubuque, Illinois passed away Monday May 11th at home.

A private graveside committal service with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard will be held on Saturday, May 16th at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Austin Wilker will officiate.

Jack was born on July 19, 1941 in Evanston, Illinois the son of Thomas and Viola (Gross) Watson. He never married.

Jack served in the U.S. Army, and later graduated from a 4 year college. He was employed by Mobile in Evanston.

He enjoyed playing cards and games at family gatherings. He was an avid history buff and Chicago Cubs fan. He was always willing to share his knowledge of stocks.

Survivors include several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert.

Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Rev. John N. Porter

Rev. John “Jack” Nesler Porter, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Luther Manor.

Jack was born March 1, 1934 in Manning, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Myrtle (Nesler) Porter. In the fourth grade, Jack and his family moved to Dubuque, and he completed his schooling at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Senior High School, graduating in 1952. Jack enrolled at the University of Dubuque that fall, graduating with a BS in Business Administration in 1956. After graduation, he joined the 82nd Airborne (paratrooper) Division of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.

After the army, Jack worked for four years at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Having felt a calling, in 1962 Jack shifted from a career in business to the ministry. He attended the Dubuque Theological Seminary over four years and served internships at two churches in Oklahoma, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1967. On June 8, 1968, he married Gladys Ellen Howard at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. He served pastorates in Monroe, Iowa (1967-72), Delavan, Illinois (1972-91), and Hoopeston, Illinois (1991-98) while being a loving and supportive husband to Glady and father to their son, David.

Jack and Glady retired back in Dubuque and enjoyed a variety of activities: square and ballroom dancing; tutoring children from Irving School through a Westminster program; patient advocacy at Bethany Home; playing in a summer tennis league; attending musical events and plays at the local colleges; and meeting with cronies for lunch. Jack and Glady also enjoyed traveling around the US — especially to San Francisco to visit their son and grandchildren — and the UK. Jack was an active member of Westminster, where he sang in the choir, and sat on the board of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Jack loved music (especially jazz) — which he learned to play on his Amazon Echo in recent years — and proudly promoted his son’s streaming music startup (8tracks) to captive audiences at restaurants and retailers alike.

While Jack endured challenges from prostate cancer and, in recent years, Parkinson’s Disease, he maintained his kind nature and sense of humor. When he and Glady moved to Oak Park Place in 2017 and Luther Manor last year, Jack made new friends with the residents, nurses, and staff and enjoyed meals out (especially pizza) and Quiddler and Rummikub with Glady, family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gladys; their son David (Dorothy Kaslow) Porter; his grandchildren Asher Porter Hassan and Alia Kiran Hassan; their mother, Naureen; his brother Bill (Janet) Porter and their children Steve, Suzanne Taylor, Doug, and their families, including special great niece Melissa Taylor; his brother Paul (Carole) Porter and their children, Gretchen, Bryan, Kara, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Daniel L. Westemeier

Daniel Leo Westemeier, 76, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Our dear husband, father, and grandfather deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please with us in prayer. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Daniel was born April 8, 1944, in Guttenberg, IA, the son of Leo and Loretta (Foxen) Westemeier. On February 14, 1976, he married Betty  Benskin in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dan graduated from Guttenberg High School.

He was a machinist at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years. Following his retirement he began working on the Diamond Jo Boat as a dealer.

Daniel enjoyed fishing, loved playing euchre, and cherished fish fries with his buddies.

Survivors include Wife, Betty Westemeier; daughters, Tammy (Tom) Wagner, Sheri Westemeier, and Amber (Richard) Kelley; his grandchildren, Danielle, Olivia, Gabrial, Nathan, Evan, and Jake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his 2 sisters, Judy and Joan

A special thank-you to the ICU nurses and the staff at Finley Hospital.

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

Marguerite M. Sweeney

Marguerite M. Sweeney, 99, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 11th, 2020 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Because of the COVID-19 restrictions the funeral mass will be live streamed on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 14th, 2020. Please LIKE the funeral home Facebook page to view the funeral. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

She was born on March 25, 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Alberic and Mary (McDonald) McDermott. She married Tom Sweeney on March 2, 1946 at New Melleray Church. Tom and Marge owned and operated Sweeney’s Ace Hardware for many years in Dubuque.

Marge enjoyed working at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Robert’s River Rides and Happy’s Place. She loved to sit on her patio and enjoyed taking care of her flowers and her beautiful lawn on Asbury Road.

She is survived by her children, Peter (Maryann Beecher) Sweeney, Diane (Tom) Thill, both of Dubuque, Sara (Ed) Ullrich, of Coralville, IA, and Jane (Rodney) Mannino, of Fulshear, TX. Grandchildren Neal (Tara) Sweeney, Nick (Tamara Hanson) Sweeney, Kim (Bill) Grant, Lindsay (Ryan Maxwell) Firzlaff, Samantha Mannino and Andrew Mannino. Great grandchildren, Brittany Dix, Cody Sweeney, Sam Grant, Mike Grant and Olivia Grant along with her sister Pat (Joe) Larkin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tom on December 22, 1990; five brothers Louis, Bernard, Emmett, Chuck, and Clem; three sisters Mabel, Bernice, and Dorothy.

The family request no flowers.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and to her nurse Mia for taking such loving care of mom.

Curt J. Curoe

Curt J. Curoe, 61 of Bernard, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 10, 2020 following a sudden illness at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. A live stream of the funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14th on the funeral home Facebook page. You must LIKE Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory on Facebook in order to view the service.

Curt was born on January 16, 1959 in Dubuque the son of Louis E. and Shirley A. (Federspiel) Curoe. He married Ann Donovan of Dubuque on May 11, 1979 at St. Joseph’s Church, Key West, IA., and together they lived, farmed, and raised their family in rural Bernard. Curt’s joys in life were his show cattle, his grandchildren, and his family, not necessarily all in that order. He was a dedicated employee of Horsfield Construction for 30 years. He felt as though they were his second family and they treated him the same. He also served as a 4-H leader and was a tissue donor.

He is survived by his wife Ann; his four children Chad (Keeley) Curoe, Casey (Nicole) Curoe, Caden Curoe all of Bernard, Lexi (Matt) Weigel, six grandchildren Corbin 6, Colton 4, Keira 6, Louis 2 Curoe, and Kohen 3 and Zade 2 Weigel, and a special son Jordan. He is also survived by his mother Shirley Curoe; his siblings Cindy (Larry) Trumm, Cathy (Mark) Knuth, Cheri (Tom “Mooder”) Ryan, Christy (David) Crees, and Chuck (Lizz) Curoe. His mother and father-in law Ron and Pat Donovan; and his sister and brother in laws; Rose (Mark) Hoerner, Mike (Sue) Donovan, Joan (Gene) Kies, Beth (Steve) Timmerman, Patrick (Jenny) Donovan, and Brian (Shelly) Donovan, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Louis and his uncle Col. Patrick Curoe, USAF.

The family would like to thank the Dubuque County Sheriff Dept., Bernard Fire and EMS, and the staff at UnityPoint Health, Finley Hospital Emergency Room especially Mary Rausch and Beth Timmerman, for all their efforts and compassion to Curt and his family.

Julie M. Gentz

Julie Marie Gentz, 61, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 7th, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Private family funeral service will be held with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. The Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Julie Marie McCarthy was born July 10, 1958, in Dubuque, the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy (Feldman) McCarthy. She graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School.

She married Robert Gentz on Oct. 20, 1979, at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque. Julie was a loving wife, mother and homemaker.

Survivors include her husband Robert; her children, Erin and Kevin; her mother Dorothy; her siblings; along with her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; a sister-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff of the Intensive Care Unit at UnityPoint in Bettendorf and the Medical Intensive Care Unit at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their excellent care of Julie.

Memorials may be made to the family or to The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at donate.givetoiowa.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Mary F. Lakeman

Mary Frances Lakeman, 78, of Dyersville passed away Monday, May 11, 2020, at home surrounded by her family after a five year struggle with ovarian cancer.

A graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville at 2:00 p.m.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate. Virtual attendance is encouraged at Kramer Funeral Home Facebook Live. If you wish to attend in person, please remain in your vehicles.

Mary Fran was born December 3, 1941, in Dyersville, Iowa the daughter of William and Hilda (Westemeier) Schueth. She married Richard Lakeman on September 2, 1961, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Mary was active in the community, volunteering at Mercy Hospital, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Beckman Catholic High School, Girl Scouts of America and the Dyersville Area Historical Society. She and Dick enjoyed traveling in their motor home, visiting all 48 contiguous states.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick”, 2 children: Carrie (Tim) Northrop of Arden Hills, MN and William “Bill” (Leslie) Lakeman of Pendleton, IN, a daughter-in-law, Melissa Lakeman of Noblesville, IN; 10 grandchildren: Greg, Ben, Ellie, Mariah and Abbie Northrop, Madison Lakeman and Will, Grace, Emma and Olivia Lakeman, and a sister-in-law, MaryEllen Lakeman of Dyersville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Larry, parents-in-law, Charlie and Sabina Lakeman, and her surrogate parents, Herb and Germaine Westemeier, and a brother-in-law, Donald Lakeman.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com. Memorials, cards and letters may be sent Dick Lakeman in care of Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW, Dyersville, Iowa 52040.

Brian M. Bopes

Brian M. Bopes, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, May 9, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Brian’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. A private family visitation and funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Brian Matthew Bopes was born on November 10, 1957 in Clinton, Iowa, to Charles Laverne and Mary Janet (Leigh) Bopes. He was a 1976 graduate of Clinton High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he received a degree in Criminal Justice in 1980. He married Lynn Marie Theusch on August 21, 1982 at St. John of God Catholic Church in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Three children were born to this union, Greg, Matt and Jon.

Brian and Lynn moved to Maquoketa in 1982 and he had worked for 37 years for the State of Iowa Juvenile Court Services as a Juvenile Court Officer, serving as a Supervisor in Cedar, Clinton, Jackson and Muscatine Counties for the past eight years.

Brian was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club in Maquoketa, and the Iowa Juvenile Court Services Association. He also had served on the Maquoketa Community Services Board for 18 years, Maquoketa Fire Department for 12 years, Sacred Heart School’s SHAFF Committee for six years, and had coached Maquoketa Junior League Baseball for several years.

Although Brian was generous with his time serving on many committees his family was always most important to him. He was a proud “Papa” to his 3 grandchildren. They were a source of positive encouragement and support, especially during his treatment. He was a lifetime fan and follower of the St. Louis Cardinals, Hawkeyes and Packers, but he always enjoyed watching a ballgame of any kind. His sports enthusiasm was evident by his unique collection of memorabilia. Additionally, he enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lynn Bopes of Maquoketa, IA; children, Greg (Katie) Bopes of Maquoketa, IA, Matt (Heather) Bopes of Ankeny, IA, and Jon (Kourtni Reed) Bopes of West Des Moines, IA; 3 grandchildren, Madeline, Abigail, and Prescott; a sister, Ruth Bopes of Vail, CO; brothers, Bob (Karla) Bopes of Bourbonnais, IL, Brent Bopes of Maquoketa, IA, Dave Bopes of Silvis, IL, and Dan (Nancy) Bopes of Omaha, NE; step-mother, Violet Manning Bopes; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Ken Guerra, Ron and Bonnie Theusch, Chuck and Khoi Theusch, and Marcia Theusch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a niece Jennifer Bopes, sister-in-law Judy Guerra and brother-in-law Jack Theusch.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Brian M. Bopes memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice of Jackson County for their assistance and kindness in caring for Brian, and to all those who visited him during the past two months.

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.

Mary Jo Licht

Mary Jo Licht, 69, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Unity Point-Finley Hospital.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Dubuque, and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page. Private visitation will be at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared with family at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com . Floral arrangements and gifts may be delivered to the funeral home on Tuesday by noon.

Mary Jo was born June 24, 1950 in Dubuque, the daughter of Ralph and Inelda (Armbruster) Hessel. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. Mary Jo spent her junior high and high school years being irritated by “the chubby kid in the green coat always late for the bus”, also known as Terry Licht. The tides eventually turned in his favor, and on April 19, 1971, they were married.

Mary Jo was employed as a bookkeeper at Myers-Cox, Hartig, and Walgreens. She was a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Mary Jo loved to play cards and spend time with her ladies card club. Holy Ghost Bingo was a favorite of hers, because they had the best hot dogs and popcorn. Her friends were important to her, and she loved going out to eat with them. Her grandkids were the light of her life, and she loved being a full time grandma.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry; three children, Eli (Sara) Licht, Courtney (Troy) Smith, and Jud (Paula) Licht, all of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, Wyatt, Reed, and Tanner Licht, Owen, Drew, Tate, and Emme Smith, and Teddy and Oliver Licht; her great grandchildren, Raymond, Dawn, Mary and Lily; two sisters-in-law, Karen Hessel and Karen Samuelson; her nieces and nephews, Kim (Brian) Pantier, Chad (Amy) Hessel, Scott Sawvel, Tammy (Mike) Nolan, Laura (Kevin) Spoerl, and Mariah (Andrew) Wallace; and many friends, including her best friend, Sharon Bakewell and her Bingo Buddy, Linda Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Randy and Dale Hessel; her parents-in-law, Don, Arlene, and Marjie Licht; her nephews, Jay and Kenny; and her brother-in-law, Gary Licht.

Sue E. Kraus

Sue E. Kraus, 74, of Cuba City, WI passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, May 8, 2020. Due to the unfortunate time with COVID-19, a public memorial service will be held at a later date. A private family graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cuba City, WI; with Pastor Hee-Kwon Jung officiating. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Sue was born on November 25, 1945 in Centralia, WA. She was the second born daughter of Stanley D. and Mary Jane (Robinson) Logsdon. In April of 1948, her parents moved their family to Key West, IA, where her father worked for farmers. After a move to Bernard, IA and finally to Cascade, IA, her parents had found their home. Sue attended a one room schoolhouse, Oak School #2, for grades K-8th. She was in the second graduating class of Western Dubuque High School. They kept busy on the farm, plus Sue walked to the neighbors’ homes and sold Christmas cards when she was in the fifth grade and babysat for neighbors during the summer. Between her Junior and Senior year of high school, Sue went to Newport News, VA to babysit children of Army couples, for the summer.

After graduation from high school, her father took her to Dubuque to stay with a friend until she got a room at the YMCA. Sue’s first job was a waitress at Karigan’s Restaurant. That job only lasted 4 days. Then she got the job she really wanted, working in the hospital as a nurse’s aide.

Sue met the love of her life at Melody Mill and thought she would never get to see him again since the Mill was closing at the end of July 1964. Lo and behold, Jim asked to take her home from the last dance…the rest is history. On June 26, 1965 she married James Leo Kraus. Together they farmed just north of Dubuque, IA for three years. On March 1, 1969 they moved their family to Cuba City, WI, to a farm they named Elk Acres and have lived there for over 50 years. Sue helped on the farm right alongside Jim.

She was a member of the Georgetown Homemakers, 4-H, the Cuba City United Methodist Church and The Sarah Circle at the United Methodist Church. She loved to make quilts and table runners; she would hand quilt a lot of them and give them away as gifts. She had made quilts for all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed cross stitching projects, traveling, country western music, feeding & watching birds from her kitchen window, but most of all she enjoyed time spent with her family and friends.

Sue had undergone a stem cell transplant for Multiple Myeloma at the Mayo Clinic in November 2016. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Sue said she had tried to live her life like her parents taught her, to treat others like how she wanted to be treated and to work hard. If you see something that needs to be done, you do it without being told. Sue would like to ask everyone to be kind to each other as everyone has been to her throughout her journey with cancer.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James Leo; 3 children: Sharon (Andy) Klein of Durango, IA, Michael (Kimberly) Kraus of Cuba City, WI and Brian (Amber) Kraus of Kenosha, WI; 5 grandchildren: Nicholas (Kate) Klein, Megan Klein (special friend, Jef Schilling), Breeann & Rachel Kraus, Dawsyn Kraus and another grandson expected in July 2020; 1 great-granddaughter expected in September 2020. 4 sisters: Nancy (Bill) Macomber Cascade, IA, Dianne Smarr Greenville, SC, Kathy (Paul) Manterach Cascade, IA, and Linda Kushpinsky Marion, IA; 5 in-laws: Jean Nauman Cascade, IA, William (Norma) Kraus Dubuque, IA, Mary (Duane) Kruse Dubuque, IA, Elaine Hildebrand Dubuque, IA, and John (Cheryl) Kraus Galesburg, IL; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 4 brothers-in-law: Bill “Coach” Smarr, Harry Kushpinsky, Tom Hildebrand and Larry Nauman.

In lieu of plants & flowers, memorials may be given to Multiple Myeloma Research in Rochester, MN, Cuba City Area Rescue Squad, Cuba City Fire Department, Stone Hill Care Center in Dubuque, IA,  Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA or may be mailed to Haudenshield Funeral Home c/o Sue Kraus Family, BOX 825, Cuba City, WI 53807. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com

The family would like to extend a special thank you to: Dr. Mark Hermann, Dr. Regan Wolbers, Tony Heiar ARNP and staff, the Wendt Center and staff, and Hospice of Dubuque. Especially to Sue’s Hospice nurses, Jeremiah, Kristin, Amy and Julie. Thank you to all who made encouraging phone calls and to all who sent the beautiful cards that Sue and her family have received since she started her journey with Multiple Myeloma.