Obituaries Archive

Everett Thines

Everett “Ev” Thines, 67, of Preston, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2020 at U of I Hospital & Clinics.  Graveside Services will be 2:00 pm, Friday, August 14, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Preston with Military Honors conducted by Preston American Legion Post #602.  Family will greet family and friends 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

It is recommended to utilize masks during the visitation at the funeral home and at the graveside services and that you practice social distancing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Ev’s family asks everyone to sign the online guestbook and leave a condolence at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com.

If you are unable to attend services condolences and memorials may be mailed to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home at 100 N. 6th St., Bellevue, IA  52031, c/o Everett Thines Family.

Ev was born March 31, 1953 in Clinton Hospital, the son of Cornelius “Jr.” M. and Patricia L. (Ales) Thines, Jr.  He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War.  Ev was an owner/operator for many years with his father and brother for Thines Trucking in Preston, later he worked for over 25 years at Hawkeye Paving as a heavy equipment operator.  He and Marlene enjoyed riding motorcycles together, fishing, hunting, and he enjoyed good food, especially his mother’s cooking.  Ev will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Marlene Oster of Preston; his mother, Patricia Thines of Preston; siblings, Thomas Thines of Miles, Debra Millwright of Maquoketa, Kathryn Thines of Miles, and Paula Thines of Preston; his extended family, Eugene (Jenny) Oster of Irondale, MO, Sharon Zeimet of Bellevue, Jake (Pam) Oster of Bellevue, Jimmy Oster of Bellevue, and Jeff (Tammy) Oster of Bellevue; nieces and nephew, Emily, Kayla, Tom, and Kate; and many more extended nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Ev was preceded in death by his father; Cornelius “Jr.”; a brother, Danny Thines; and a brother in-law, Terry Millwright.

Irene R. Goetzinger

Irene Rachel Goetzinger 97, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 10^th at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. with  Deacon John Stierman officiating.  For those unable to attend, a live stream of services can be viewed on our funeral home page on Facebook.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services Monday.  Please utilize masks as well as social distancing for the duration of your visit.    Irene’s family understands if you are unable to attend, please remember them in your prayers.

Irene was born on October 14, 1922 in Dubuque, the daughter of Arnold and Maud (Rupp) Muntz.  She lived in Dubuque her entire life.  Irene was an extremely hard worker.  She worked on the family farm helping her parents grow produce for the farmer’s market during the Depression.  She continued her support by working at Clarke College, Lorenz Laundry and the Dubuque Packing Company.  Irene then became a full-time housewife and mother until going back to work as a bus driver for the Dubuque Community School District, retiring after 20 years of service.

Irene loved bowling (winning many trophies), flowers, gardening and her cat, Prince.  She was an avid Green Bay Packer and Chicago Cub fan.  She enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, playing dice and especially being with her family. She loved going to Cozy Corner for many years. Irene was a wonderful cook.  In her younger years, she enjoyed being a Cub Scout leader and participated in community volleyball and softball leagues.

Surviving are her six children, Diane Smith-Bowers, Gloria (Sonny) McDonald, Robert (Janice) Smith, Richard (Maureen) Smith all of Dubuque, Linda McDermott of Big Lake, MN and David (Maura) Smith of Missouri Valley, IA; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; her special godchild Elaine “Toots” Kieffer of Dubuque; her brother, Richard (Delores) Muntz of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Charles; her first husband and father of her children, Robert W. Smith; her sisters Grace Sanders and Jannan Miller; and her brother-in-law Ray; her brother Lowell “Bud” Muntz and sister-in-law Betty; her grandson Raymond P. McDonald III; infant grandson Gregory McDonald and infant great grandson Brett McDonald.

An Irene Goetzinger memorial fund has been established c/o Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque, IA  52002

The family of Irene wishes to extend a special thank you to Karen Leisen of Nativity Church for bringing weekly communion to our mother and Cindy Schemmel for her devotion to our mom. Appreciation to Bobby and Mariko Wilbricht for their loving care of our mom. Special thank you to the staff of Luther Manor for their care of our mother.

Mary D. Keller

Mary Dorothy Keller, 83, of Epworth, IA, passed suddenly but peacefully on August 5, 2020 with her loved ones by her side, at UnityPoint Finley Health, Finley Hospital.

 In accordance with Mary’s wishes, her remains will be cremated and a private family Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 9, 2020.

Mary was born April 15, 1937 in Dyersville, IA to Marcella (Freiburg) and Edward Schick. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1955. She married Richard E. Keller on December 31, 1983. Mary and Richard went everywhere, and did everything together, including volunteering at the St. Stephen’s Food Bank on a regular basis. She enjoyed farming, hunting, cooking, gardening, canning and bird watching. She loved her dogs, especially her beloved Tipper, who died recently, her cats, and she was always a sucker for a stray, which she welcomed with love. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her, and she spent a lot of time with them, listening to their stories and telling them a few of her own. Most of all she enjoyed visiting family and friends, sharing a hug and great conversation over a cold beer. 

Mary lived a full life and was a wonderful wife, mother, step-mother, aunt, sister and friend to many. She always claimed to be a “hugger” and everyone knew she gave the best hugs, which we will truly miss. She was brave and strong, caring and compassionate. She was so talented, she could make a delicious meal out of barely nothing, she could sew matching outfits for all her kids out of a piece of fabric. She had enough love in her heart for everyone she met and EVERYONE got a hug from her. Besides being homemaker, many people will remember Mary as a great bartender, making friends while she worked at The Golden Pheasant, Dick’s Tap, which she owned and operated with Richard, Judy’s Country Corner, and Porky’s Tap. She then became a State Certified Quarry Technician for Tschiggfrie Excavating and worked in several rock quarries until her retirement.

She was a member of Holy Family Church, and previously attended mass at the rock church up the road from their home, Lattnerville Church.

 Mary’s eyesight had diminished because of macular degeneration and she was receiving treatment at the University of Iowa, Eye Care Clinic, for the past 5 years, with hopes that her case study would help in research and treatment for future patients. She was also proud to be a registered donor with the Iowa Donor Network, and we find comfort with her generous organ and tissue donation knowing it will help many others.

 Mary is survived by her husband of 37 years, Richard; 8 children, Lisa (Jim) Petsche of Monona, IA, Denise (Clarence) Jesse of Paola, KS, Becky (Cliff) Schmitt, Tim (Peggy) Clayton, Tom Clayton all of Dubuque, Julie (Paul “Pork”) Schueller of Durango, IA, Kevin (Cathy) Clayton of Mt. Hope, WI and Connie (Rich) Freiburger of Sheboygan Falls, WI. 4 step children, Lu Keller of Dubuque, IA, Rick (Sharon) Keller of Durango, IA, Jeff Keller of Williston, ND, Lisa Kelley of Dubuque. 28 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 3 great great grand children.

She is also survived by her brother, David Schick of Dubuque, IA and her sister Charlotte Muehl of Dubuque, IA., brother in laws Kenneth Keller of Dubuque, IA and Ernest “Butch” Keller of Aztec, NM., and many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Marcella Schick, in-laws Ernest and Ethyl Keller, a sister Ronnie Clayton and a brother Eugene Schick, and numerous sister and brother in laws. 

The family would like to thank Epworth Fire & Rescue, and the entire emergency room staff at Unity Point Finley for their efforts and kindness. Memorials can be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd., Dubuque, IA 52003. You may leave online condolences at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Janice L. Lampers

Janice Lee Lampers, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 28, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of service. Please remember to social distance and mask are required if attending.

Janice was born on March 22, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Gerald and Arloene (Smith) Miller. She married John M. Lampers on October 11, 1958 and he preceded her in death.

Mom’s favorite pass time was going to the Diamond Jo to gamble and actually won quite a few jack pots.  In her later years she traveled all over with her husband and visited family and friends along the way.  She enjoyed planting flowers and had a beautiful flower garden.  Mom’s favorite time of year was Christmas and she had a beautifully decorated home.

Janice is survived by her children: Debra Miller, Pam Silvertooth, Dawn Lampers, and Troy (Wendy) Lampers. Six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Two sisters Sharen (Louis) Valentin and Karen Houy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Phylis Erschen, her brother Gerald “Buck” Miller Jr. and her daughter Laura Ann.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center for all their wonderful care they gave to Janice.

Imogene L. Eganhouse Styer

Imogene L. Eganhouse Styer of Dubuque, known as Jean to family and friends, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at the age of 89. Jean was born September 2, 1930 in LaMotte, Iowa, to Albert and Helena (Hager) Eganhouse.  She attended LaMotte Holy Rosary grade School before moving to the Bellevue area where she graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1948.

Jean became one of Mercy Medical Center’s first Nurses Aides in the fall of 1948.  Later in life she continued to volunteer in several departments for many years, as well as at Xavier Hospital.

Imogene was united in marriage to Harold F. Styer on July 4, 1951 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sabula, Iowa.

With the birth of her children she became active with the St. Patrick School Association and Church.  Jean was also a member of Catholic Daughters, a past member of Catholic Mothers club, a member of YW Women’s Club and an active member of the Snomad Ski Club for many years.  She golfed with the Bunker Hill Women’s Golf Association for many years.  After Harold’s retirement they enjoyed traveling around North America and Europe.

Jean was devoted to her loving family and was a stay at home mom.  Those left to honor her memory are: her beloved husband, Harold; four children, Harold A. Styer of Phoenix, AZ, Nancy Dunbar of Des Moines, IA, Douglas (Sherry) Styer of Rockford, IL, and Jeffrey (Tracy) Styer of Olathe, KS; three granddaughters, Kelly (Adam) Carlson of Rockton, IL, Samantha (Nick) Goss of Olathe, KS, and Morgan Styer of Olathe, KS; and two great granddaughters, Kennedi and Reagan Carlson of Rockton, IL.  She is also survived by a brother, Roderick Eganhouse of Davenport, IA and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Allan, Omer and Eldon Eganhouse; sister, Mary Jane and brother-in-law, Vincent Lord; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Marcy Eganhouse; and son-in-law, Arthur Dunbar.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Sunday, August 9th at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where due to the COVID-19 pandemic the family requests that masks be worn. Visitation will also be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. and masks will be required.  The mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.stanthony-dubuque.org or Facebook/stanthonydbq.  Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum will follow with attendance by immediate family only.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Patrick or St. Anthony Catholic Churches.

Scott Kieffer

Scott Kieffer, 61, of Dubuque passed away Friday June 12 at Mercy Medical Center, after a fierce battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced us to wait to come together and celebrate Scott’s life with his family and share all of the happy times that we have spent with him. His special event will be held on August 15, 2020 at Eagle Point Park’s Riverfront Pavilion from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone who knew and loved him is welcome to attend. Food and drinks will be available. To leave online condolences please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Scott was born August 12, 1958, to Gerald and Virginia Kieffer, the second youngest of 8 children. He attended Hempstead High School before going to masonry school and then worked for the family business as a laborer and bricklayer in the beginning of his career. He married the girl next door, Diane Melssen, on Dec 30, 1977. They had two daughters, Sarah and Katie. Scott was a devoted father who enjoyed taking Katie to work on Saturdays and teasing Sarah’s high school dates by cleaning his shotgun in cowboy boots and boxer shorts in the kitchen when they came to pick her up.

He was a journeyman mason who took tremendous pride in his craft. He enjoyed telling his family about the houses and commercial buildings he worked on when they would pass one while driving around town. Because of his dedication to the craft his co-workers gave him the tongue-in-cheek nickname “The King of Bricklaying”. As a bricklayer, Scott loved to joke around with the guys on the job; he was fun to work with. He was always willing to offer advice and work alongside the newer masons.

Scott enjoyed hunting morels, especially the time he found “Smurf Village”. He followed NASCAR and was an avid Rusty Wallace fan. He loved fishing and hanging out at the house with the grandkids, attending their sports and spending holidays together. He was especially fond of the summer fishing trips to Minnesota that he and Diane would take with friends, each year. He was always willing to lend a hand with any home project and also kept an immaculate lawn.

He is survived by his wife Diane Kieffer, daughter Sarah (Jeff) Hefel, grandchildren Andrew, Chase, Lydia and Annelise Hefel; his daughter Katie Helbing, and grandchildren; Sophia, Mason and Holden Helbing; as well as his siblings; Janelle (Ken) Temperly, Sandi Baker, Jolene (Steven) Humke, Paul Kieffer, Jill Law, Jacqueline (Steven) Kettmann; and former brother in law Elmer Krohn; his mother in law, Marlene Melssen, brothers in law Mike Melssen and Mark Melssen, sister in law Mary Jo (Rick) Jaeger, and many nieces and nephews.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sharon Kieffer, and brother in law Ron Weber.

Since Scott has passed, as an organ donor, he was able to gift his corneas to two separate individuals.

Scott’s family would like to thank Dubuque EMS and Mercy One for their kind and dedicated service.

Bernell C. Pickel

Bernell C. “Pete” Pickel, 79, of Kieler, Wisconsin, died peacefully Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by his two daughters.  Private services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Close family and friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center before the service. The family requests you utilize masks during the duration of your visit in the church and that you practice social distancing.  Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is serving the family.

Pete was born on May 5, 1941, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of George and Marcella (Dalsing) Pickel. He married Arlene Tobin on September 25, 1971, at St. Andrew’s Church in Tennyson, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2019. Pete worked at John Deere Tractor Works for 38 years.

Pete was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish and the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association. He was a founding member and competed in the Dickeyville Hill Climb and he was an avid Harley rider. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward to his Friday afternoon adventures with his brother, Kenny and his nephew, Jim. Pete was an avid Badger and Packer fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Stacey (Casey) Kaiser, Hazel Green, and Nicole (Kevin) Runde, Kieler; five grandchildren, Tanner, Mya, Briggs, Brady and Ava; a sister, Lavon Heinricy, Kieler; a brother, Kenneth (Berneice) Pickel, Kieler; his sisters-in-law, Carol (Bill) Terfruchte, Kieler, and Jackie (Rusty) Schaefer and Colleen (Brad) Leibfried, both of Potosi; and a brother-in-law, Dan (Jean) Tobin, Fennimore.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Pauline (Fishnick) Tobin; a son-in-law, Mark Curwen; a sister, Darlene Schroeder; a brother and sister-in-law, Orville and Dolores Pickel; two brothers-in-law, Paul Schroeder and Ron Heinricy and a niece, Julie Pickel.

LA very special thank you to Pete’s angel, Shari Dalsing, for his home care and all of the support she has given to the family, and the Finley Hospital ICU for their special care.

Online condolences for the yfamily may be left at www.caseymcnett.com.

Michael J. Donovan

Michael Joseph Donovan, age 68, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on August 2, 2020 at his home in Council Bluffs.

He was born on October 9, 1951 to the late Robert J. and Irma (Welp) Donovan in Dubuque, Iowa.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Robert G. Donovan and nephew, JT Kaiser. He is survived by his spouse, Lynn Donovan; son, Michael E. Donovan; daughter, Adrienne Mether (Lynn); grandchildren, Kayla, Emily, Michael R., Matthew, Madelyn, Lucia, Maleena, Sawyer and one expected in February 2021; brother, Richard T. Donovan (Mary); sister, Mary Carol (Jeff); a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation is 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 09, 2020 at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home with a rosary starting at 3:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 AM on Monday, August 10, 2020 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Council Bluffs. Inurnment in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Council Bluffs. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Peter Catholic Church or Knights of Columbus.

Joyce L. Juber

Joyce L. Juber, 89, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2020.

Funeral services will be held on 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2020, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Rev. Matt Agee officiating. Visitation will from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on September 5, 2020 in Baker Township Cemetery, Melvin, Iowa. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Joyce was born on September 4, 1930, on the family farm near Melvin, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Sylvia (Miller) Frey. She attended and graduated from Melvin Consolidated School in 1948 and was a clerk in the Melvin Post office for years. On October 22, 1953, Joyce married Harold Juber at American Lutheran Church in Melvin. The couple lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for two years while Harold was in the Air Force. They returned to Melvin in 1955 to raise their family and rejoin the family business. Harold passed away on June 29, 1991, and in 2005, Joyce moved to Dubuque. Joyce was baptized, confirmed, married and was a longtime member of American Lutheran Church in Melvin. She was a member of ALCW, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and belonged to several church women’s committees. For the past 15 years, Joyce was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dubuque and several of its church groups. Family was most important to Joyce, especially family gatherings and grandchildren’s activities.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Dr. Tork) Harman, of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Pam (Wayne) Buchholtz, of Dubuque, IA; her son, Bruce (Karen) Juber, of Worthington, MN; nine grandchildren, Daniel Dennis, Rachel (John) Quinlan, Sarah (Luke) Schwager, Rebecca (David) Kamin, Beth (Scott) Kilgore, Tim Buchholtz, Kristin (fiance’ Robert Bean) Buchholtz, Dr. Brian (Michelle) Juber and Megan (Seth) Lubbers; her great grandchildren, Audrey Joy and Josie Kilgore, Abigail and Elizabeth Dennis, Alina Buchholtz, Holden, Bennett and Viviana Quinlan, Philippa Joyce Juber, Henry Kamin and Anna Schwager.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son-in-law, Dr. Darrell Dennis; her brother, Marvin Frey; and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Luther Manor, Dubuque, Iowa.

“Please remember me with love and a smile!”

Allan P. Connolly

Allan P. (Al) Connolly, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, July 30th, 2020, at home with his hand held by his daughter Maggie and son Patrick’s love in his heart.

Allan was born on June 17th, 1947, in Farley, Iowa, the son of Albert P. (Al) Connolly and Margaret (Daly) Connolly. Growing up in Farley, Iowa, his childhood summers were spent playing baseball from dawn to dusk. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Farley in 1965, a relief to himself, his parents and most probably the nuns.

He served four years in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969, including one year stationed in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam during 1968-69 in the K-9 Security Force where he and his dog Toby guarded B-52’s . After serving his country, he returned to Dubuque and graduated with a Bachelor in Education in 1973 from Loras College, and a Master of Administration in 1975. He began his 15-year teaching career in 1973 at Holy Trinity School on Dubuque’s north end, enjoying his work with students and their families. Later, he became principal at Sacred Heart in Maquoketa from 1987-1989. He then went on to serve as Deputy County Treasurer (1992-2009), but his heart was always in the classroom.

He married Constance (Connie) Arlen on June 15, 1973, at St. Joseph’s Church in Farley, Iowa. Together, they have two children, Patrick O’Clock and Maggie Connolly. Trips to a Northern Wisconsin cabin with extended family and frequent family reunions were among the highlights of many summer vacations.

From 1975-1992 he umpired for high school and prairie league baseball and for city softball games. After retirement, he volunteered at the local NAMI chapter, played a mean game of pool, danced the night away at many ballroom dances, and enjoyed three trips to Asia, one of which included visiting his former military post in Tuy Hoa. His favorite pastimes included reading and playing Texas hold’em poker at which he was very skillful. Immediately after his cancer diagnosis he announced that he would henceforth drink only fine scotch and never miss a good poker game.

Friends and family enjoyed Al’s company and conversation because of his integrity, sense of humor, generosity of time and respect he gave to all people. The Holiday invasion of the in-laws was met with good sportsmanship as well as endurance. His hearty belly laugh to the point of being unable to speak will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Connie, son Patrick and daughter Maggie; brothers Patrick (Carol), Thomas (Barbara) and Mike (Martha) Connolly, devoted sister Cathy (Charles) Wickler; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Rosene Moreland, Marlene (Glenn) Stoner, John (Dana) Arlen, Rick (Caroline) Arlen, Cindy Bartels, Darwin (Becky) Arlen, Charlie(Julie) Arlen, Denise McNatt, Chris (Bruce) Dokkebakken, Russell (Karen) Arlen, Audrey Zankle, Mary Monroe; brothers-in- law Bill Ament and Gerald Houtakker, and nieces and nephews whom he thoroughly enjoyed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Geneva and Charles Arlen; sisters-in-law Jayne Houtakker and Julie Ament; brothers-in-law Bob Bartels and Frank Moreland, niece Abbie Ament, and nephew Jesse Bartels.

Because of the COVID pandemic, a true Irish wake in celebration of Al’s life which will include Allan’s list of ‘100 favorite songs I want played at my wake’ will be held at a later date. For those wishing to get in contact or offer condolences, please leave messages at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory website: www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com .

John M. Nicks

John M. Nicks, age 91, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:20 p.m., on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate John’s life, private family services were held. Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

John was born on June 19, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, son of Gus and Lena (Lillie) Nicks.

John attended school at St. Mary’s Grade School and Dubuque Senior High School, before going on to honorably serve his country with the Army National Guard for 10 years. He was a dedicated employee of the John Deere Dubuque Works, where he served as a general assembly supervisor for engines for 37 years, until his well earned retirement on December 1, 1984. John met the love of his life, Betty Kohl, and the two were united in marriage on September 9, 1950, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. They raised 3 children, and were blessed with 63 wonderful years together, before Betty sadly passed away right after Christmas on December 26, 2013. John and Betty’s faith was very important to them. They were active members and volunteers of their beloved St. Mary’s Church, where he served on the parish council for 15 years. After its closing, they joined the St. Anthony’s Parish family. John also volunteered his time and talents with the Dubuque Auxiliary Police Department and St. Stephen Food Bank for several years. When he found some down time in his days John enjoyed sitting down to catch a Chicago Cubs or Bears game, always a diehard fan. He also enjoyed traveling the southwestern United States and seeing all of the beautiful sights that area of the country has to offer. Above all, John’s family was the most important aspect of his life. He truly loved each and every one of them, and had a rare and special relationship with all of his grandchildren. John was an excellent role model for what a husband, father and grandfather should be, and we are grateful for all of the life lessons he has passed on to us to share with our own families. We will miss John more than we can say, but take some comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Betty, and daughter, Dianne, whom he has missed so much these past years.

Those left to cherish John’s memory include

his sons,
Steven (Violet) Nicks, Bettendorf, IA
and Jeffery (Mary Ann) Nicks, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Jason (Angie) Jones, Marion, IA,
Jennie (Nick) Schwartz, Dubuque, IA,
Scott (Kelli) Nicks, East Dubuque, IL,
Nicole Nicks, Los Angeles, CA,
Amber (Matt) Wenzel, Dubuque, IA,
Ryan (Amber) Nicks, Dubuque, IA,
Brandie (B.J.) Knockel, LaMotte, IA
and Sara (Andy) Daggett, Rock Island, IL;

15 great-grandchildren,
Jasper and Madelyn Jones, Amaya and Olivia Schwartz, Torin and Mila Rowan, Gavin and Cora Wenzel, Lily, Harper, Brody and Jacob Nicks, Keegan, Millie and Jersey Knockel;

his siblings,
Irene (Wayne) Jewett, South Carolina
and Lucille Koppes, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Nicks; a daughter, Dianne (Steve) Behr; 2 sisters, Anna (Bud) Oulman and Rosemary (Don) Acuff; 2 brothers, Nick (Bernadine) Grevas and Andy (Odette) Grevas; 2 brothers-in-law, Jim Koppes and Frank (Janann) Kohl Jr.; and a grandson-in-law, Sam Rowan.

John’s family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, and the staff of Eagle Point Place, for all of their outstanding and attentive care of John and his entire family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. John Nicks Family.

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

John M. Connolly

John M. Connolly, 63, of Dubuque Iowa passed away on August 2, 2020, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 7th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home until time of service. Please remember to social distance and mask are required to attend.

John was born on December 12, 1956, the son of John and Dolores (Smalley) Connolly. He graduated from East Buchanan High School (Class of 1975) in Winthrop Iowa. He played multiple sports but loved wrestling! On June 28th, 1986, he married the love of his life Judy.

He worked for Hodge Company in Dubuque where he drove truck and worked in the warehouse.

John worked hard and played harder. He enjoyed going to tractor pulls and playing pool at the bar. Vikings were his favorite team and he was not going to let you forget that. With his cooler packed with Budweiser, he loved going to family gatherings. Being a proud Irishman, he was tough loving, but still knew how to get down and have a good time. On weekdays he watched Jeopardy and kicked butt in Yahtzee. He will be missed more than he’ll ever know.

He is survived by his daughters Stephanie (Jake) Alba, Jonnie Rose Connolly and Jodi Connolly; three grandchildren; Siblings Elaine (Ken) Loughren, Rose (Al) Rassmussen , Pat Connolly, Tom (Lisa) Connolly, Tina (Ed) Jennings, Mike Connolly, Tim (Kodie) Connolly, Jim (Dawn) Connolly, and Nolan Michaelson, Gilda Thompson and Rhonda Michaelson; In-laws Mary (Rick) Billmeyer, Liz (Al) Koppes, Steve Jochum and Fred Marburger and an ever growing number of nieces and nephews that he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his sister Anna; his brother Joe; sister-in-law Freda; a niece Ashlei along with many other family and friends. John is now reunited with his beautiful wife Judy!

In lieu of flowers a John Connolly memorial fund will be established.

Paul J. Brimeyer

Paul J. Brimeyer, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away after a sudden illness on Monday, August 3rd, 2020 at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, August 7th at 10:30 am at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by The Iowa Army National Guard and The Dubuque Marine Corps League. No public visitation will be held. We remind you to practice social distancing guidelines and masks are required to be worn at church for the mass. If you are unable to attend, a live stream of the funeral mass will be on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page.

Paul was born on October 31, 1941 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Hubert and Isabel (Riniker) Brimeyer. He attended St. Columbkille School and was a member of the first graduating class at Wahlert Catholic High School. He is a US Army Veteran serving from 1964 to 1966 where he received a Good Conduct Medal and certificate of Achievement.

Paul married Kathleen “Kay” Haley on April 24th, 1965 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque and together they raised four wonderful children.

Paul was employed as an electrician at John Deere Dubuque Works for 35 years retiring in 1998.

He enjoyed canoe trips with friends and family on the Wisconsin river; was a Dubuque Fighting Saints season ticket holder and supported the Boy Scouts. He was also a member of the UAW Local 94 and enjoyed playing solitaire.

Paul is survived by his four children: Scott (Lisa) Brimeyer, of Millville, IA, Jeff (Susan) of Belvidere IL, Pam (Jay) Zimmer of Asbury, IA and Randy (Carrie) Brimeyer of Des Moines, IA.

Nine of the best grandchildren anyone could ever have, Justin (Jade) Brimeyer, Emily (DJ Martin) Brimeyer, Luke Brimeyer, Sarah Brimeyer, Steven Brimeyer, Molly (Mitch) Boge, Morgan (Dyllon) Phillips, Madisen Zimmer, and Michael Zimmer, along with three great grandchildren Aubrey, Aviery, and Oliver. His siblings and in-laws; Betty (Clemie) Pins, Hubert Jr. (Rosie) Brimeyer, Janet Reiss, Barb Kramer; brothers-in-law; Larry Powers, and Mike Haley; and sister-in-law, Mag (Donnie) Hayes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kay on February 3, 2018; his siblings and in-laws; Mary (Clete) Simon, Joseph Brimeyer, Margaret Brimeyer, Florence (LaVern) Simon, Anna Mae Powers, William (Bev) Brimeyer, Richard (Susie) Brimeyer, Paul Reiss, Helen Brimeyer, Lyle Kramer.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at MercyOne in Dubuque for all their care and kindness.

Nicholas J. Ryan

Nicholas J. “Nick” Ryan, age 66 of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2020, surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer.  The family will not be having a public memorial at this time as a result of the pandemic.   A private family service will be held.  Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Nick’s family.

Nick was born on December 17, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, one of four children to James R. and Ora Mae (Strain) Ryan.  At a young age their family spent countless days on his father’s homemade pontoon boat on the Mississippi River.  This created Nick’s love for the water and future adventures.  After graduating from Wahlert High School he joined the Air Force and worked as an electrical power plant technician.  He was stationed at Colorado Springs Cheyenne Mountain for two years and then in Alaska at Tin City AFB for a year.  He returned to Dubuque for a brief time and then began working as a government contract employee spending two years in Antarctica.  Nick was also employed at Cape Canaveral AFB and Ascension Island, South Atlantic, for four years working as a power plant technician.  He returned to Dubuque and spent seven years working as a marine engineer on tow boats on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.  He also worked several years as an engineer on the Diamond Jo Casino gambling boat.  Nick spent his last 18 years working in the Dubuque Technology Park performing facility maintenance for Advanced Data Comm, Inc. and finally at Straka Johnson Architects.  Eventually Nick settled down, at 52, and started a family of his own.  He was united in marriage to his best friend, Angela Bittner, on September 16, 2006, and they have been blessed with two beautiful children and many wonderful memories together.  Nick frequently said “my life is backwards” as he laughed over being called Grandpa when out with his children.  Most of their free time was spent enjoying the Mississippi River with family.  Nick truly loved anything outdoors, even in the dead of winter, he could be found enjoying a nice fire in the woods.

Nick would say that he has lived a full and abundant life, but clearly when the Lord finally decided to bring Angie and their children into his life, all was complete.  We will miss Nick, his gentle spirit, kind heart and contagious sense of humor, but we trust that the Lord will keep him safely and securely in His loving arms until we meet again.  Thank you, Nick, for the amazing example you have left and may we carry your legacy forward with pride while we carry you with us in our hearts.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Nick include,

his loving wife,
Angela Ryan, East Dubuque, Illinois;

his 2 adored children,
Patrick and Molly Ryan, East Dubuque, Illinois;

his siblings,
John (Patty) Ryan, East Dubuque, Illinois,
and Julie Jackson, Dubuque, Iowa;

mother-in-law,
Dorothy Bittner, Guttenberg, Iowa;

brothers and sisters-in-law,
Dave Spahn, Dubuque, Iowa,
Jeff (Karen Moose) Bittner, Garnavillo, Iowa,
David Bittner, Garnavillo, Iowa,
Lisa (Robert) Kies,
Dan (Jessica) Bittner,
and Jason (Lynette Pritchard) Bittner, all of Guttenberg, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathy Spahn; and his father-in-law, John Bittner.

Nick’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Nick, and his family. This has been a very difficult time for all of us and your sincere gentleness and kind hearts have truly made a difference which we will never forget.  Nick’s family would also like to thank all of our family and friends who have provided such an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.  Your consideration and kindness have helped to bring some peace and healing into our days and we cannot thank you enough for the role you’ve so generously played in that.

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

This boat that has taken me across these beautiful seas

Is getting old and leaky

It’s time to sail into the foggy night

And see what’s there in the new dawn light – Nick Ryan

Terry E. Smith

Terry E. Smith, age 66, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on July 28th, 2020.  Born in Freeport, Illinois on September 25, 1953, Terry was one of three children to Delmar and Nancy (Shoemaker) Smith, along with sister Jenny and brother Mark.

Terry was married twice – first to Diana (Pluym) Smith and until his passing, to Liz (Sullivan) Smith – and produced four children, all of with whom he established a deep and lasting bond until his final days.

Terry spent his professional career in sales, including Richardson Motors, Specialized Office Systems, and IPA.

In his personal life, he was a proud and dedicated supporter of his two favorite sports teams – the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bears – and he spent many hours shooting pool, maintaining a collection of knives and swords, and reading.  Another major source of joy for Terry was playing guitar and listening to his near-endless supply of Bob Dylan records. Terry also enjoyed entertaining others with his ability to speak backwards.

As his close friends, family members, and even acquaintances could attest to, Terry remained a genuine and unique person until his end and was someone who found ways to embrace life each day.

Those left behind to cherish Terry’s memory include:

his wife,
Liz (Sullivan) Smith, of Dubuque, Iowa;

his children,
Molly Smith, Dubuque, Iowa,
Talli Smith, Des Moines, Iowa,
Jeromy Smith, Des Moines, Iowa,
and Adam (Sarah) Smith, Norwalk, Iowa;

his grandchildren,
Jack, Henry, Aiden, Greta, and Olivia;

his sister,
Jenny Hartlieb, Freeport, Illinois;

his brother,
Mark (Julene) Smith, North Prairie, Wisconsin;

his aunt and uncle,
Mary and Don (Buck) Croson, Racine, Wisconsin;

his brother-in-law,
Charlie V. Sullivan, Omaha, Nebraska;

along with his many close and long-time friends.

For the rest of our collective lives, when we look to the sky, may we be reminded of his spirit and the warmth and love Terry provided to all of us.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Wilson Hartlieb.

Terry’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy One Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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