Obituaries Archive

Richard P. Schuster

Richard P. “Dick” Schuster, 82, of Darlington, Wisconsin, died Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Lafayette Manor in Darlington.

Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2019, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Cuba City.

Dick was born on April 23, 1937, in Bernard, Iowa, the son of William and Clara (Schneider) Schuster. He married Geraldine Butlett on October 5, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, Dubuque, IA. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2011.

Dick farmed in the Cuba City area for years. He enjoyed gambling, playing cards and going for rides.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandy (Denny) Ritter, Darlington, and Barbara (Tom Ferrin) Schuster, Hazel Green; four sons, Richard Schuster, Timothy (Lisa) Schuster, and Kenneth Schuster, all of Cuba City, and James (Ronda) Schuster, Bloomington; three brothers, Joseph Schuster, Kansas City, MO, and Loras Schuster and Bill (Lorraine) Schuster, both of Dubuque, IA; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren with one on the way.

He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Tommy Ferrin; three sisters, Veronica Wickman, Carol Lynch and Mary Scheckel; and three brothers, Henry, Gerald and Ray Schuster.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Daisy A. Stabenow

Daisy Ann Stabenow, age 101, of Luther Manor, formerly of Largo, Florida, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, September 2, 2019.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 9th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Frank Dunn officiating.

She was born September 8, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Russell Wright and Mary (Svejcar) Wright. Daisy married Lee Delmar Stabenow of McConnell, Illinois on May 31, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri.

She was employed in various positions prior to attending college. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1968 and taught sixth grade math in the Kansas public schools for many years thereafter.

She was a world traveler having visited many countries and every continent first with her husband and, after his death, with her daughter. Her favorite destination was the game parks of East Africa. She had one special trip to Ireland with her daughter and son and daughter-in-law which was a wonderful family vacation.

Daisy is survived by a son, Dr. David (Eva) Stabenow, of Dubuque, Iowa and a daughter, Patricia Cone, of Dacula, Georgia. She is also survived by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Lee, her husband; a brother Russell Wright, Jr.; and two sisters Mary Jane Blank and Annabell Goldstone.

In lieu of flowers memorials should be given to Luther Manor or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wants to thank Luther Manor for the wonderful care they gave to our mother over the years she was with them and to thank Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate care they gave at the end of her life.

Donald K. Brooks

Donald K. Brooks, 60, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A natural journey farewell with cremation has taken place. A Donnie Brooks Benefit is planned for Saturday, September 14th, 2019 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at Bill’s Place in Maquoketa. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Donald Keith Brooks was born on March 1, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Donald A. Brooks and Rosemary (Clark) Feltes. He was educated in Maquoketa schools and was part of the first MAC program class taught by Deb Carson. Following high school, he worked various construction and carpenter jobs. He then worked for Clinton Engines as a machinist, Generac as a machinist, Precision Metal Works as a painter and lastly for Hollander in Maquoketa.

He met Mary Wallroff on March 1, 1980 and they were married on April 15, 1995 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Don was an avid football fan of the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed playing pool and talking about the weather. He was a family-oriented man who loved spending time with his grandson Kairyn. He enjoyed telling stories of his family and friends growing up.

Those left to honor Don’s memory include his wife, Mary L. Brooks of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter Chanel Brooks of Maquoketa, IA; a grandson Kairyn; sisters Sherri (Shawn) Hulke of Oxford Junction, IA, and Dawn Bodenhofer of MN; a brother John (Mary) Brooks of Oxford Junction, IA; and his step-dad John Feltes of Oxford Junction, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Lisa Snodgrass, and sons Damien Wallroff and Donald N. Brooks.

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

Dana F. Widel

Dana F. Widel, 81, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 6, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Dana Frank Widel was born on April 19, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Lyle Ford and Rebecca Emma (Bruns) Widel. He attended elementary and junior high school in Maquoketa, and was a 1958 graduate of Elwood High School. He later attended NIC in Peosta earning a Tax Accounting Degree.

Dana was well known for owning and operating Widel Tax and Accounting Services from 1987 to 2013. Prior to that, he had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa from graduation until 1980, and General Thermo from 1980 to 1982. He was a handyman, and a landlord who owned several rental properties, as well as being actively involved in the Maquoketa softball program during the 1980’s.

Dana had been a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed watching sports, NASCAR, and spending time outside, especially walking.

Those left to honor his memory include a brother-in-law, Art Wheatley of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Menzo, Robert and Lyle, and sisters Nola Hinz, Glatha Wheatley, Waive Bailey, Neda Wagoner and 2 infants.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Dana F. Widel memorial fund has been established.

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

Eldon J. Budden

Eldon Joseph Budden, 94, of Menominee, IL, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary/prayer service will be at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. There will also be a visitation from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the Church, where the Nativity BVM Holy Name Society will recite the rosary at 9:45 a.m.

Eldon was born on January 2, 1925 in Menominee Township of Jo Daviess County, the son of Joseph and Irene (Hilby) Budden. Eldon farmed for many years in Menominee Twp.

He was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus of Galena, Council # 696, a member of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau and a former member of the Menominee Village Board.

Eldon was an avid euchre player and played in many euchre tournaments. He was an avid Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Eldon was also the first road commissioner for the Village of Menominee.

Eldon enjoyed his hunting trips to South Dakota, and his fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends.

Surviving is his sister, Wilma Budden of Menominee; a brother-in-law, Ed Handfelt of Waunakee, WI, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, and great, great, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene, his siblings, Alverna (Leo) Ramaker, Evelyn Handfelt, Eloyse (Dick) Runde, Donald (Irene) Budden, and nephews, David Ramaker, Dave Girton, Mike Uthe, Andy Runde, and Joey Westhoff.

“Live like you’re going to die tomorrow, and farm like you’re going to live forever.”

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

Eldon’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the special kindness shown to Eldon.

Alfred A. Schmitt

Alfred August Schmitt, 93, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, September 6, 2019, at the Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, where there will be a Wake Service at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial for Al will be 10:30 AM Saturday, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum, Key West.

Al was born September 28, 1925 in Dubuque, the son of Alfred J. and Hilda (Koester) Schmitt. He grew up as a child of the Great Depression. He never complained about how difficult life was growing up but did what was needed to help his family survive day to day. He was strong willed, hard-working, loving and smart, both street and intellectually. As a young man he grew up quickly with a sense of responsibility to his mother and siblings.

He then met Virginia Hirsch, the love of his life, and they married November 8, 1947 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. and started a family. He approached family life as he did with his early life, with love, a fierce sense of responsibility and a need for a bit of adventure.

He was employed as a pattern maker at John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 years. He retired in 1983.

His family fondly remembers the many Western trips with his wife, children, and in-laws in tow, always ending in San Francisco to visit his mother and brothers. He also loved salmon fishing, playing cards with his friends, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered and terribly missed.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, the Pattern Makers League of NA, and the Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Janet (Patrick) Melloy, Thomas Schmitt, Susan (Mike Gruber) Lang, all of Dubuque, Christine (Richard) Schneider, of Lancaster, WI, and Amy (Mark) Hemmer, of Andrew, IA; grandchildren, Ryan (Irene) Melloy and Erin (Jeremiah) DeHeck, Karin Betsinger, Kevin (Sophia) Schmitt, Meggan (Josh Stowers) Gaines, Jessica, Melissa and Justen Lang, Jared, and Amanda Hemmer and Morgan Schneider; two step-grandchildren, Holly Schneider and Megan Almberg; 11 great-grandchildren, a brother, Carl (Kathleen) Schmitt, of Texas, and a sister, May Lou Kennedy of Epworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Georgia Betsinger, one brother, George Schmitt and a brother-in-law Jack Kennedy.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque and the American Heart Association

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, St. Croix Hospice and the Hospice of Dubuque especially Paul his nurse, for their loving care and support of Al.

Evelyn Blosch-Poulsen

Evelyn Blosch-Poulsen, 90, died on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Longhouse Adult Living Center in Spencer, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Dianne Grace will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. Lunch will be served at noon for family and friends at the Moracco. Interment will be at 3 p.m.at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, St. Donatus, IA.

Evelyn was born on August 12th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa. She was the daughter of Conrad W. and Mary M. (Timmerman) Blosch.

She married Harvey Schroeder in 1948 and was divorced in 1957. After her divorce she worked at the Clinton Engines plant in Maquoketa, Iowa, and later worked for the John Deere plant as a pastry chef for many years.

She and her second husband, Curt Poulsen, moved to Fostoria, Iowa, where they owned and operated a locker plant and grocery store.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are her children, Roger (Lois) Schroeder, of Mechanicsville, VA, Kenneth (Dee) Schroeder of Spencer, IA, Jim Meyer, her longtime companion of Spencer, IA; her brothers Carmen (Anna Mae) Blosch of Cuba City, WI, and  Carvel Blosch of Dubuque, IA; and 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sons, LaVerne and Verle Schroeder; and sisters Dorothy Bradley and Della Hoerner.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

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

Viola A. Roeder

Viola A. “Vi” (Hingtgen) Roeder, 100, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 9:00 am until service time also on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Vi was born December 24, 1918 in Jackson County, the daughter of Nicholas and Katherine (Heiar) Hingtgen. She married Floyd P. Roeder on June 27, 1939 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, he passed on January 4, 2014. Vi was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society. She was a hard worker, working sunup to sundown, she made her daughter’s clothing, always putting her family first and was well respected by all. Vi and Floyd enjoyed going to dances every weekend. Vi was devoted to the Rosary and said it many times each day.

Survivors include her children, Barb Roeder, Bob (Rose) Roeder, Diane Berlage, Cheri Griebel, Gary (Katy) Roeder, Rick (Donna) Roeder, and Mary (Aron) Thielen; 22 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; a sister, Delores Eggers; and a sister in-law, Janet Hingtgen.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Al (Elnora) Hingtgen, Vern Hingtgen, Loretta (Ray) Clasen, and Donna (Eldon) Oster; a brother in-law, Richard Eggers; and 3 sons in-law, Van Rolling, Glenn Griebel, and Dennis Berlage.

The family would like to thank Clover Ridge for their special care of our mother.

A memorial fund has been established in Vi’s memory.

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

George A. Sharkey

George A. Sharkey, Sr. 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 28, 2019 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

George was born on February 22, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Charles and Margaret (Allen) Sharkey. He served in the United States Army from October of 1961 to August of 1962 in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He married Mary Faulhaber on November 26, 1960 at Sacred Heart in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 9, 2018. He worked for John Deere for 38 years until retirement. He also worked at Sharkey building and Wrecking with his brothers. He was a member of the UAW Local 94.

George loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren along with being outdoors and playing cards. He loved to work and take care of his family.

George is survived by his son George (Julie) Sharkey, Jr. of Casper, Wyoming, and daughter Michelle Tigges, of Dubuque. Five grandchildren Jessica, Shawn, Jamie, Cory and Candi. Four great grandchildren, Jaylinn, Jasmine, Brooklyn and Wiley. His brothers Dennis Sharkey, Gary Sharkey, and Greg Sharkey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, brothers Mick, Tom, Tim and Chuck.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

Mary Ann Hermsen

Mary Ann Hermsen, 86 of New Vienna passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 pm Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:00 pm and the NV/Luxemburg Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, with burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Mary Ann was born October 15, 1932, in Luxemburg, Iowa the daughter of Felix and Rose (Meyers) Oberbroeckling.  She attended Holy Trinity School in Luxemburg, however left school early after the death of her mother (which was the day after Mary Ann’s 16th Birthday) to help raise her younger siblings.

Mary Ann married Virgil Hermsen on September 22, 1954, in Luxemburg.  After marriage she worked at Roshek’s Cafeteria in Dubuque and The National Tea Grocery Store in Dyersville.  But for most of her life Mary was a stay at home mother until the early 1960’s when Virgil purchased The New Vienna Feed Mill where she helped when needed.  They also owned and operated Virgil’s Woodshop after the sale of the Feed Mill.  For many years they attended auctions and set up Flea Markets in Illinois and Minnesota. You could also find her helping out at Breitbach’s Country Dining in the kitchen or bar area until her health started to fail.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil, (they would have been married 65 years this September 22); children: Robert (Teresa) Hermsen of Belle Plaine, Debra (Gary) Osterhaus of Petersburg, Patrick (Kim) Hermsen and Susan (Joe) Kluesner, both of New Vienna, Mike (Tiffany) Hermsen of Kansas City, MO, and Sara (Gary) Goedken of Worthington; 20 grandchildren: Anne (Graham Critch) Hermsen, Katie (Kyle) Grosz, Andrew Hermsen, Chris (Rochelle Hunter) Hermsen, Chad (Kris) Osterhaus, Kurt (Christy) Osterhaus, Lara (Shawn) Summer, Luke Hermsen, Lindsey Hermsen, Kevin Kluesner, Molly Kluesner, Mary (Kirby Kendrick) Kluesner, Daniel (Holly Offerman) Kluesner, Mariah (Jacob Ross) Hermsen, Hannah Hermsen, Sierra Hermsen, Tyler (Megan) Goedken, Elizabeth (Mario) Ibarra; 10 great grandchildren: Ellyn, Kinnick, Garrett, Kilee, Dalton, Josalyn, Valen, Elyse, Myles and Emilio; 2 step great grandchildren: Daniel and Adam; siblings: Dennis (Barb) Oberbroeckling of Cedar Rapids and Patricia (Joe) Wulfekuhle of Petersburg; in-laws: Doris Lake of Dyersville, Fred (Barb) Hermsen of Peosta, Daniel (Jean) Hermsen of Dyersville and Jean (Marvin) Kramer of Farley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, John and Sylvia (Thillen) Hermsen; grandchildren: Greg and Abby Osterhaus; siblings: Gregor (in infancy), Henry (Jeanne), Albert (Gladys), Leonard Oberbroeckling, Elizabeth (Louis) Loeffelholz, Lucille (LeRoy) Loeffelholz and Theresa (Herman) Mueller; a brother-in-law, Lavern “Doc” Lake.

A Mary Ann Hermsen Memorial Fund has been established and memorials are preferred.

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

Ralph Kunkel

Ralph Kunkel, 86, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 104, Cuba City. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2019, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where the parish wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Ralph was born on April 17, 1933, in Kieler, Wisconsin, the son of Kilian and Angeline (Roth) Kunkel. Ralph graduated with distinction in 1951 from Loras Academy, Dubuque, Iowa. While at the Academy, Ralph participated in their Reserve Officer Training Corps and was promoted to the rank of Cadet Master/Sergeant. Following graduation, he entered the military. After completing six months of Signal School, Ralph served as section sergeant for the 3rd Signal Battalion.

He married Darlene Brant of Dickeyville, WI, on October 30, 1956. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2016. Ralph worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works and sold insurance.

Ralph loved to hunt deer and bear in Northern Wisconsin and took many extended fishing trips to Canada. He enjoyed bowling and traveling. Ralph was a member of American Legion Post 104 and Wings over Wisconsin.

Ralph and Darlene were blessed with two children, Terry Kunkel, Warner Robins, GA, and Vicki Kunkel, Aurora, IL. Ralph is also survived by two grandchildren, Kim and Monique; seven great-grandchildren, Kali, Emma, Nicoles, Kyley, Michael, James, and Amelia Rose; two brothers, John (Patricia) Kunkel and Floyd (Darlene) Kunkel; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kunkel and Rose Ann Kunkel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; twin infant children in gestation; three brothers, Kenneth (Marie), Donald and Gerald; and two sisters, Rita (Eugene) Hornbeck and Marian (Gilbert) Vaassen.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Murilla A. Gehl

Murilla A. Gehl, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, surrounded by her family, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa. Friends and relatives of Murilla may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, September 2, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. Friends may call after 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the funeral home in Cascade. Services for Murilla will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Murilla was born July 25, 1937 in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Dan and Mary (Stanton) Martin. She graduated from the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade, Iowa. On June 22, 1959 she was united in marriage to Richard F. Gehl at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in South Garryowen, Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 4, 1995. She was a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade, Iowa. Murilla was a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother; who truly enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by six children, Margie (Jeff) Frank of Bellevue, IA, Kevin (Vicki) Gehl of Cascade, IA, Colleen (Larry) McMahon of Cedar Rapids, IA, Craig (Kathy) Gehl of Cascade, IA, Renee Lyons of Dubuque, IA, Brad (Abby) Gehl of Maquoketa, IA; twelve grandchildren, Megan, Cody, Ashley, Nicole, Mitchell, Chad, Mikaela, Michael, Madeline, Carsyn, Tyler and Trent; one great grandchildren, Keeley; one sister, Marie Kivlahan.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandson, Martin Gehl; two brothers, John W. “Billy” (Rita) Martin and Joe (Katie) Martin; one sister, Madonna (Gene) Redmond; a brother-in-law Bill Kivlahan.

The family of Murilla would like to thank the staff at Shady Rest Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, River Bend Retirement Community and Rev. Douglas Loecke for all the care and support they gave to Murilla. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Joseph J. McPoland

Joseph James McPoland, 87, of Sherrill, passed away Monday, August 26, 2019 at Luther Manor surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 30th at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5131 Sherrill Rd. Sherrill with Rev. Father Noah Diehm as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 29th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

Joe was born March 19, 1932, in Fillmore, IA, he was the son of William and Mary (McCabe) McPoland. He married Janann Meyer September 28, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 20, 1997.

He was employed in his earlier years as an independent milk hauler and later as a truck driver for Alter Scrap Metal Company.

He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul parish in Sherrill, the Dubuque Boat Club and a member of the Epworth and Sherrill Fire Department for a total of 50 years.

Joe loved life. In his younger years he spent much time at the Melody Mill with the “Bankston Gang”. You could always find him with a fishing pole in one hand and a cold beer in the other. He loved feeding and watching his birds, and playing cards with those at family events and the Boat Club. Brewing up a barrel of his homemade wine to drink and share with everyone, was something he treasured. He was proud of the 50 years of service volunteering with the Epworth and Sherrill Fire Departments. But the most important thing he loved was his family.

Surviving are his children Cathy Robertson, Benton, WI, Deblyn (John) Russell, of Cedar Falls, IA, Steve (Debbie) McPoland, of Dubuque, Carol Beil, of Cherry Valley, IL, Dan McPoland and Dave McPoland, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Jim Robertson Jr., Shannon Hamm, Steffane Harjehausen, Melissa Briggs, Bekka Sobolewski, and C.J. Beil; ten great-grandchildren and another one due in October; one brother, Don McPoland, of Glendale, CA; and a sister, Nancy Then, of Dyersville, IA; and one sister-in-law, Betty McPoland of Dubuque.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two son-in-laws, Jim Robertson and Jeff Beil; a grandchild, Jolene Steinhilber; one great grandson, Braydon Robertson, and a brother-in-law, Joe Then, and one brother, John “Jack” McPoland.

The family appreciates all of the love, care, and support given to Joe by the Luther Manor staff and residents

A memorial has been established for the Sherrill Fire Department.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com

Gary L. Pfeiler

Gary L. Pfeiler, age 74, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 1:10 p.m., on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at Select Specialty Hospital, Davenport, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Gary’s life, funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Gary’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday.

Gary was born on March 8, 1945, in Peosta, Iowa, son of Roy J. and Viola “Shorty” (Klein) Pfeiler.

Gary was born on the family farm in Peosta, Iowa, and after the family moved to Dubuque he attended grade school at Holy Ghost School and then went on to Dubuque Senior High School. He was a hard worker and was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company from age 16 until they closed the plant in Dubuque. He then relocated to Wichita, Kansas, to finish out his working career before his well earned retirement 40+ years later. Gary was a member of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union, the 700 Bowling Club, and Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, in Dubuque. He was united in marriage to Dixie Carnicle in 1967, in Dubuque, and they were blessed with 2 children. Later in life he would once again find love with Karen Tomter, they would marry in 1975, and he would adopt her 3 children into his family. In his free time, Gary enjoyed sitting down to watch a Chicago Cubs or Bears game. He was excellent in the kitchen and was a wiz when it came to firing up the grill creating something delicious. Gary was an avid bowler, affectionately known as “Coach” to those he helped improve their game. He was also an accomplished fisherman who loved fast cars, big trucks, and a good game of Euchre. Beyond a doubt Gary’s greatest joy came from spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids, and his special little buddy, Lucky Dog. We are deeply saddened at losing the patriarch of our family, but are thankful for all of the wonderful photos and memories we have to cherish.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory include

his 2 children,
Rick (Jennifer) Pfeiler, Bernard, IA
Tammy (Ron) Kaesbauer, Dubuque, IA,

his 3 adopted children,
Lisa (Cable) Gray, Iowa City, IA,
Lori (Joe) Kimura, Iowa City, IA
and Michael (Erin) Pfeiler, Severance, CO;

his 12 grandchildren;

his 13 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Kenneth A. (Darlene) Pfeiler, Asbury, IA,
Darlene A. (Robert) Mauer, Dubuque, IA,
Roger F. (Donna) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA
and Randy J. (Diane) Pfeiler, Cedar Rapids, IA;

and his former wife,
Karen Pfeiler, Iowa City, IA.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; 2 great-grandsons, Aaron and Dean Schramm; and a sister-in-law, Janis Pfeiler;

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Donna M. Rutenbeck

Donna M. Rutenbeck, 87, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019, at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Donna Mae Buck was born on August 30, 1931 at the family farm near Monmouth, Iowa, to Albert Otto and Esther Ida (Bock) Buck. She was a 1948 graduate of Monmouth High School and then attended AIC Business School in Davenport, Iowa.

She married Alan Pangborn Rutenbeck on June 9, 1950 in Iowa City, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Jeanne, Joan, Lynne and Lee.

Donna worked various jobs in her lifetime, but her true calling was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a member of various card clubs and the Baldwin/Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church. She enjoyed baking; wheat bread, cinnamon rolls, and cookies were some of her specialties. She also enjoyed sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. She was proud of her family and loved attending their sporting and music events. Additionally, she loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and all Maquoketa Cardinal sports.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Alan Rutenbeck of Baldwin, IA; children, Jeanne (Rob) Christensen of Marshalltown, IA, Joan (Dave) Etringer of Beloit, WI, Lynne (Bill) Edleman of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Lee Rutenbeck of Maquoketa, IA; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three nieces, Sue Broderson, Joy Eichhorn and Jan Bahnsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bill Reed.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County or the Baldwin/Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church.

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