Obituaries Archive

Joseph J. Michels

Joseph J. Michels, Jr., 85, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020 surrounded by his family.  Family Funeral Mass will be live streamed on the St. Joseph Bellevue – Sts. Peter & Paul Springbrook Facebook page, on their You Tube Channel and on Bellevue Cable TV at 10:30 am, Thursday, August 6, 2020.

Joseph was born February 20, 1935, the son of Joseph J. and Alice E. (Kilburg) Michels, Sr. in rural Springbrook.  He married Betty Gerardy on July 16, 1957 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook.  Joseph was a barber for many years in Springbrook, he also worked for Clinton Engines/Catepillar, Finley Hospital & Bellevue State Park Association before retiring.  He enjoyed dancing and passed that passion onto his children, fishing, hunting, hunting mushrooms, playing cards, and was an excellent griller.  Joseph will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Betty of 63 years; children; Joey (Linda) Michels, Tina Theisen, Sheila (significant other Jim Weinschenk) Anton, Brian (Kathy) Michels, Chuck (Kris) Michels, Becky (Mike) Carter, Linda (Denny) Walgamuth, and a daughter in-law, Debbie Michels; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald (Dorothy) Michels, Darlene  Rubel, and Mildred Kruel; brothers and sisters in-law, Gene (Joan) Gerardy, John (Rosina) Gerardy, Janice Jackson, Lorraine Ruff, and Gerald Fuegen.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Marty Michels; 2 grandchild, Taylor Anton and Rachel Michels; a great-grandchild, Scarlett Peterson; brothers and sisters in-law, Herald Kruel, Leo Rubel, Roger (Lois) Gerardy. Bub Ruff, and Shirley Fuegen;

Local arrangements with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

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

George L. Wagner

George L. Wagner, 93, of Bellevue, passed away on July 31, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.  Public graveside services will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273.

George was born July 29, 1927, in rural Bellevue, Iowa, the older child of Louis and Clara (Felderman) Wagner. He was very affable and had a warm endearing smile with a twinkle in his eye.

In his younger days, George enjoyed playing cards, roller skating, and dancing.

He served his country in the US Army during World War II.  George was a tool and die maker by trade. He held many positions at the Savanna Army Depot attaining the position of Chief, Ammunition Peculiar Equipment Fabrication Branch. He retired in July 1982.  After retiring, mixed in with spending time on his farm, he enjoyed many years as a tour bus driver and commercial vehicle delivery driver. He especially enjoyed delivering Winnebago Motorhomes all over the country.

Survivors include first cousins Marjorie Jury, Rogers, MN, Eugene Wagner, Maquoketa, IA, Jeanette Ilg, Dewitt, IA and Orville Wagner, Delmar, IA.

Also left to honor his memory are longtime special friend and companion, Janet Clark, Rockford, IL, longtime friend and caregiver, Edna Tucker, and special friend Cindy Fuller, both of Dubuque, IA.

George was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ruth E. Wagner.

Masks and social distancing are required.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Online condolences may be left in George’s memory at hachmannfuneralhome.com

Charles Spielman

Charles “Chuck” Spielman, 85 of Dubuque passed away Friday July 31, 2020 at home with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Goerand officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard and the American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a parish wake service at 3:40 p.m. Social distancing and mask are required for the wake and funeral.

Chuck was born on August 7, 1934 in Dubuque the son of Frank “Hank” and Geraldine (Koppes) Spielman, and married Helen A. Miller on October 15, 1960 in Darlington, WI.

He attended Dubuque Senior High School and served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. After serving his country he returned to Dubuque and worked for the former Dubuque Packing Co. until 1975. Chuck also owned and operated Spielman’s Lounge from 1970 until 1977. In 1977 he opened Spielman’s Supper Club/Ballyclough Inn and operated there until May of 1990. Chuck also served on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission from 1991 to 2003.

Chuck was very involved in the Dubuque Community and served on many Board’s. He was involved with Albrecht Acres since 1975 and started the Albrecht Acres Hall of Fame, and was instrumental in starting the Annual Golf Outing which is in its 23 year.

He also had a great love of softball. He played for many years and sponsored many teams through his tavern. He also helped start many local Fast Pitch Tournaments.  He worked to establish the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1975 and was inducted into it in 1982.

Other accomplishments and memberships include his lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus Council John F. Kennedy Council #5513, and through his bowling talents received multiple 1st place trophies at Knights of Columbus Bowling tournaments.  Induction into the Kiwanis Hall of Fame in 1982, helping establish AAA Bass Fishing in 2005 and volunteered with Hospice of Dubuque since 2006.

Chuck loved to spend time with his grandchildren and enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and watching sports.

He is survived by his wife Helen; five children Stacy (Ted) Hoerner, of Dubuque, Craig Spielman, of Hazel Green, Sheila (Pat) Siegert, of Dubuque, Suanne (Dale) Schueller, of Flemington, NJ, and Sara (Jim) Davison, of Albuquerque, NM; his nine grandchildren Jason Hoerner, Jordan Hoerner, Abigayle (Mikael) Nielsen, Shayna Siegert, Merrick Siegert, Cormac Siegert, Claire Siegert, Landon Schueller and Jacob Schueller; his sister-in-law Mary Pat Kilkelly of Dodgeville, WI, nieces and nephews along with his many special friends “you know who you are”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, a sister Shirley (Bill) McGovern and two brothers-in-law William Kilkelly and William (JoAnne) Miller.

A Chuck Spielman memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they gave to Chuck.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Robert Jordan

Robert (Bob) Jordan, 91, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully with family on Thursday, July 30^th at 5:30pm at Stonehill Care Center.  Bob was born on December 24, 1928 in Dubuque, IA to William (Doc) and Gertrude Jordan.

To honor Bob’s life, a service will be held at St. Columbkille’s Church at 11:30am on August 11th.  Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Bob attended Nativity grade school, Loras Academy, and Loras College. He was an avid golfer known as “Bobby Jordan” and won multiple City of Dubuque and Dubuque Golf and Country Club Championships, as well as tournaments throughout Iowa and Wisconsin.  He often bragged about playing golf with George Goebel and Lawrence Welk.

After school, Bob worked for the family plumbing business.   While working in Wisconsin, he met his first wife, Rosemary Hanifan. They were married in 1949. Rosemary passed away in 1960 and left him caring for 4 children under 9 years old.

In 1966, Bob met the second love of his life, Beverly Waldron. Bev was an intelligent, educated musician and grade schoolteacher. On February 4, 1967, they were married and became lifelong friends and had two children together.  They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in February. Bob and Bev looked for common interests. Together, they began a flower and garden business that flourished over the years. They still were planting flowers and vegetables together this spring.

During the 1980’s, Dubuque suffered through the “Agricultural Depression”. There was no plumbing work in Dubuque.  So, Bob worked for 8 years as a foreman at a nuclear power plant in Byron, IL, traveling back every weekend to be with his family. He eventually retired as a lifelong union plumber. Retirement was filled with the joys of being a father, grandfather, and avid gardener. Bob and Bev sold their vegetables and flowers at many sites throughout Dubuque, including the Dubuque Farmers Market.  This activity kept them active and provided their 6 children with more life-long skills.

The Jordan family would like the community of Dubuque to know that they appreciate
the support they have received over many years to their plumbing and gardening businesses.

Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly; five children, Patrick (Lucy) Jordan of Ankeny, IA, James (Susan) Jordan of Omaha, NE, Rosemary Jordan of Bettendorf, IA, William (Susan) of Dubuque, IA, and Jackie (Sharat) Ramaraju of Bettendorf, IA, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, WJ and Gertrude;  his son, Jon Jordan; his sisters, Marguerite Brodersen and Nike Dreier;  and his late wife, Rosemary.

May his soul rest in peace.

Online condolences for Bob’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Mary Ellen O’Brien

Mary Ellen O’Brien, 89 of Dubuque passed away Thursday July 30, 2020 at Luther Manor.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2020 at Saint Joseph The Worker with Fr. Jim Goerend officiating. Social distancing and mask’s will be required.  Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a parish wake service will be held at 1:00p.m.

Mary Ellen was born on March 6, 1931 in Sand Spring, Iowa the daughter of Hubert and Genevieve (McElmeel) Kroeger. She graduated high school in 1949 from St. John’s in Independence, Iowa; she then attended Mount Mercy Junior College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1951 and graduated from Mount Mercy in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education.

She married Stephen O’Brien on August 1, 1953 at St. John’s in Independence, Iowa and he preceded her in death.

Mary Ellen worked for Dubuque Community Schools from 1973 to 1995 at Fulton and Eisenhower, she retired in 1995. She was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church

She is survived by her four daughters Barbara Cutkomp, of Ainsworth, Iowa, Teresa (William) Brahm, of Dubuque, Maureen (Robert) Leuenberger, of Cedar Rapids and Leslie (William) Rhomberg, of Cedar Falls; a son-in-law Gary Williams of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren Luke (Kate) Cutkomp, Neal (Carley) Cutkomp, Jacqueline (Stephen) Biver, Erica (Zachary) Huk, Reece (Amanda) Leuenberger, Shane Williams, Alexander, Joseph, and Abigail Rhomberg; ten great grandchildren and a sister-in-law Ruth Kroeger.

She was preceded in death by her husband Stephen; a daughter Mary Ann Williams; a son-in-law Keith Cutkomp; brothers Bernard (Mae) Kroeger, Andrew (Emily) Kroeger, John Kroeger, Robert (Doris) Kroeger and Gerald Kroeger.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor along with Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy, for all the loving care they gave to our mother and grandmother.

Georgette M. Plumley

Georgette M. “Gigi” (Wise) Plumley, age 63, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 2:10 p.m., on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at Grand Meadows, after a brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease, with her children by her side.  To celebrate Gigi’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 4:30 p.m.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family asks that anyone attending please wear a mask.  To honor Gigi’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 3, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Mark Kwenin officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Gigi was born on September 30, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of George and Lorraine (Nagelmaker) Wise.

Gigi attended Holy Ghost Grade School, and went on to graduate from Hempstead High School, Class of 1974.  She was united in marriage to her soulmate, Chris Plumley, on July 16, 1983, at Holy Ghost Church.  They were blessed to have almost 34 amazing years together, and 2 adored children, before Chris was sadly called home before Gigi on July 13, 2017.  She was employed with several businesses throughout the years including, CyCare, McKesson, Thermo Fischer and Medline, but being a mom was the role she cherished most.  Gigi was a very loving and supportive mom, always volunteering and helping with her children’s hobbies and theater programs.  Her children were truly her greatest joy! Gigi enjoyed staying active and played volleyball and bowled for several years.  Gigi’s faith was a very important part of her daily life, she was a long time member of Holy Ghost Church, where she enjoyed singing and helping out with whatever was needed.  We are truly heartbroken at losing our beautiful mom at such a young age, just 3 short years after losing our dad, but know that they are now both watching over us, happily reunited in Heaven for Eternity.

Those left to cherish Gigi’s memory include

her loving children,
Jon (Fiancé Justin Vaughn) Plumley, Denver, CO
and Molly (Evan) Heil, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
Marilyn (Harold) Brehm, Kieler, WI
and Bob (Brenda) Wise, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Bob Johns, Cuba City, WI;

her godchildren,
Cory Wise, Cedar Rapids, IA
and Lynn (Dan) Randall, Peosta, IA;

her mother-in-law,
Lulubelle Plumley, Dubuque, IA;

her in-laws,
Donnie Plumley Jr., Dubuque, IA,
Carl (Tanya) Plumley, Dubuque, IA,
Joyce (Rick) Cottrell, Dubuque, IA,
Brenda (Bruce) Oertell, Livonia, MO,
Mike (Nancy) Plumley, Elkader, IA,
Barry (Michelle) Plumley, Hillburn, NY
and Elly (Mike) Day, Dubuque, IA;

and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gigi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chris Plumley; her sisters, Kathleen Johns and Linda (Terrance) Stoffel; and her father-in-law, Donald Plumley.

Gigi’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of your kind, compassionate and professional care of Gigi.  We appreciate all of you more than you can possibly know.

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

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

John E. Beranek

John E. Beranek, 75, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died suddenly of a heart attack on Tuesday morning, July 28, 2020, at Mercy One Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private gathering celebrating John’s life will be held at a later date.  At Peace Natural Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

John Edward Beranek was born on June 20, 1945 in Maine to Hubert Joseph and Athlyn Shirley (Tarr) Beranek.  He grew up in Washington County, Iowa and graduated from Washington High School with honors.  He then attended Iowa State University in Ames where he received his DVM degree with honors in 1969.

Upon graduation from college John practiced locally and then relocated to Glenview, Illinois where he owned his own veterinary practice until 1985.  He married Nancy DeRose on November 1, 1985 in Waukegan, Illinois, and they moved to Maquoketa, Iowa where he worked alongside Dr. Sturtz small animal practice for three years.  In 1989, he and his wife Nancy founded Bear River Nursery in Maquoketa which they operated until retirement in 2006.  For the past 14 years, John did what he loved doing.  Gardening, reading, visiting with friends and neighbors, and spending time with his beloved dogs Zeke and Amos.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Nancy Beranek of Maquoketa, IA; children from a previous marriage, Elizabeth, Cathryn and Joseph; 1 grandchild, Marann; a sister, Janet (Lyle) Parriott of Mt. Pleasant, IA; brothers, Edward Beranek of Maquoketa, IA, and Michael Beranek of Des Moines, IA; and 2 nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Barbara Baker.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Eileen Keuter

Eileen (Wills) Keuter, formerly of Manchester and Dyersville, ended her eleven-year journey thru the foggy valley of Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, July 29th, 2020 when she passed away at Luther Manor in Dubuque. There is great comfort in knowing she comprehends again who she is and is with her much beloved family and friends who proceeded her to our Father’s heavenly kingdom. Her physical isolation of over four months has ended.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2020 at Kramer’s Funeral home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9-10 a.m. prior to funeral services.

The family would encourage masks to be worn.  Please follow the CDC social distancing guidelines.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2020 at St. Francis Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Eileen was born on July 21, 1930, in Council Hill Township just north of Galena daughter of Charles O. and Catherine (Freese) Wills. She grew up on the family farm and went to the Millbrig country school. Eileen then attended St. Joseph Academy in Dubuque as a boarding student graduating in 1948.  At graduation she received the 120-word expert shorthand and typing speed awards. After graduating she worked at Rhomberg’s and The Hotel Julien.

On September 13, 1952, she married Dale H. Keuter at St. Michael’s Church in Galena. For several years they worked the Keuter family farm near what is now the Dyersville Field of Dreams.

In the mid-seventies Dale and Eileen started the family business in Earlville which over time became EIP Manufacturing. Through the years she played an integral part in the company’s development and growth thru Dale’s death on May 12, 2004. He was the visionary and she the detail person.

They loved to travel. Business took them to Germany, Nova Scotia as well as Hungary when it was still a communist country. In their early years of marriage they made a few trips to Las Vegas. Later on it was ocean cruises with their good friends, Bernie and Dorrie Murray. Eileen loved to play bridge and euchre, tending to her vegetable garden and spoiling her puppy, Gracie.

Survivors include: two sons, Kim (Kathy) of Dubuque and Karl (Judy) of Manchester; one daughter, Kathy (Pat) Krapfl of Delhi; nine grandchildren, Kurt Keuter of Milwaukee, Kwin Keuter (Kelli Blake) of Littleton, Colorado, Dr. Kaci Angelone, DVM (Peter) of Littleton, Colorado, Kipp Keuter of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kody Keuter of Fort Worth, Texas, Kory Keuter of Ames, Matthew (Courtney) Krapfl of Delhi, Callie (Cody) Beitz of Hopkinton and Derek (Hannah) Krapfl of Orland Park, Illinois; five great-grandchildren, Dominic and Aela Angelone, Chase and Marcus Krapfl and Brody Beitz. Other survivors include daughter-in-law Monica Schilling; sister, Betty Cogan; four sisters-in-law, Mary, Judy, Joanne and Lorraine Wills; brother-in-law Lloyd (Judy) Keuter.

Eileen was also preceded in death by her son Kevin in 2006; two stillborn daughters; her six brothers, Eldon, LaVerne, Donald, Merlin, Lee and Chuck; her sister-in-law, Doris Deutmeyer, and, brother-in-law Dick Cogan.

Her Catholic faith was extremely important to Eileen. She was a proud 50-year member of Catholic Daughters; wore out a few books of night prayers; said the rosary and attended daily mass frequently. Her wish was that the Catholic faith would also be important to her family.

The family thanks the kind staff members that extended their kind care and compassion first at Ellen Kennedy Center in Dyersville, then Oak Park Place and Luther Manor in Dubuque. Also a big thankyou to the folks at Hospice of Dubuque who saw to it that Mom was as comfortable as possible in her final days.

Memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Hospice of Dubuque, Holy Family Catholic Schools of Dubuque, Beckman Catholic of Dyersville, and, Divine Word College.

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

Cletus J. Clasen

Cletus J. Clasen, 70, of LaMotte, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 29, 2020, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Holy Rosary Cemetery, LaMotte, Iowa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Cletus Joseph Clasen was born on November 5, 1949 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Wilfred John and Daisy Catherine (Scheckel) Clasen. He attended Holy Rosary School in LaMotte and graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School.

Cletus had worked as a general laborer for Hingtgen Lumber Company, Keene Lumber Company and lastly Sitco Lumber Company, all in LaMotte.

Cletus was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue and the Bellevue Knights of Columbus 1354. He enjoyed playing pool and especially cards with Euchre, Poker and Cinch being his favorites.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Donald (Gayle) Clasen of Bernard, IA, Darrell Clasen of LaMotte, IA, and Anita Watters of Maquoketa, IA; a brother-in-law, Lorin Duesing of Bellevue, IA; 13 nieces and nephews; and 20 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Wilfred Jr., and a sister Joanne Duesing.

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.

Karen S. Repp

Karen Sue Repp, 72 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 27, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Jacob Bartlett officiating.

Karen was born on July 14, 1948 in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Shirley) Rankins. She married Craig C. Repp on June 29, 1991 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Karen was the owner and manager of the Avalon Supper Club and Breezy’s Café. Karen was an energetic person full of life and loved everyone she came in contact with. Her ability to cook was displayed often at the Avalon Supper Club and Breezy’s Café that her and Craig owned and operated for over 10 years. The love of her family was very important to Karen especially her children and grandchildren. Karen believed in God, prayer and angels as a testimony to her spiritual life.

She is survived by her husband Craig Repp of Dubuque; children Timothy (Patricia Haberichter) Puetsch, of Bernard, Philip (Jennifer) Puetsch, of Dubuque, and Malinda (Terry) Sahm, of Rickardsville. Stepchildren, Richard (Sara Lyons) Repp, of Waterloo, Michael (Carolyn) Repp, of Waterloo, and Jason (Toni Castor) Repp, of Traer. Her grandchildren Blair (Jacob) Bartlett, Isabella Sahm, Molly Sahm, Will Sahm, Anthony Puetsch and Bethany Puetsch. Step-grandchildren, Amanda (Greg) Olson, Catherine Repp, Joseph Repp, Justin Crosky, Christopher Castor, Kadence Engler and Isaiha Reed. Step great granddaughter Samantha Olson. Her twin sister Sharon Winner and her brother John (Amanda) Rankins. Nieces Kimberly (John) Nimsgern, and Melissa Peters; nephew Douglas (Katie Kupferschmitt) Winner; great nieces and nephews; her cousin Cindy (Jack) Wold; and her forever friend Kathleen Thomas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather Robert Kelsey; brothers-in-law Gary Lakeman and Delbert Winner.

A Karen S. Repp memorial fund has been established in care of her husband Craig Repp, 435 Gilmore Street Dubuque, IA 52001.

The family would like to thank Dr. Eric Engelman and staff at Medical Associates Oncology Department, Hospice of Dubuque, Especially Sara, Amy and Jessica.

Robert H. Soppe

Robert H. “Bobby” Soppe, 68, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 27, 2020 at ManorCare.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Steve Garner officiating and military honors by the United States Army, Iowa National Guard. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of service. Private family burial will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Robert was born on March 9, 1952 in Savanna, IL the son of Irene Felton and Robert Soppe. He is a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and worked as a self-employed roofer and sider.

Bobby was the best bartender in Dubuque and had everyone in stitches with his wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his mother Irene Dement; his son Christopher Soppe; siblings, Renee (Wade) Johnson, Ruth Jurisic, Cindy (Masa) Campton-Iwasaki, Wendy (Ray) Schickel, Terry (Laura) Dement, and Glenn Dement; his former wife Patti Williams; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Robert Soppe; his sisters Rose Marie Soppe and Connie Dement; brothers John Soppe and Dean Dement; and his step-father Harold Dement.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at ManorCare for all the wonderful care they gave to Bobby.

Barbara A. McDonald

Barbara A. McDonald, 81, of Dubuque, passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  on Thursday, July 30,  at Egelhof, Siegert, & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home Facebook page. The church requires masks for all attendees. Rev. Phillip Gibbs will officiate. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery immediately following the service.

Barb was born May 31, 1939 in Dubuque, IA, daughter of George and Doris Beyhl Peil.  She and James B. McDonald Jr. were married on May 13, 1961 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.  He passed away on July 8, 2013.  Barb worked at St. Vincent de Paul for 22 years, retiring in 2006.  She enjoyed gardening, puzzles, genealogy, games, and spending time with her family and friends.  Everyone enjoyed her fried chicken, potato salad, and caramel bars.  She was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church.

Barb is survived by son, James B. McDonald III, Dubuque; three brothers, George F. (Sonny) Peil, and Jeffrey Lynn Peil, both of Dubuque, Michael (Susan) Peil of Bellevue, IA; two grandsons, Zachary James McDonald, Omaha, NE, and Nicolas James McDonald, Aurora, CO; one great-granddaughter, Poppy Grace McDonald, Omaha, NE, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, James B. McDonald Jr.; parents, George (Doris Beyhl) Peil; parents-in-law, James B. (Florence Connell) McDonald Sr.; two sisters, Carolyn Jo Peil, Beverly Orcutt Russell; three brothers, Richard, Kenneth, and Donald L. Peil; and sister-in-Law, Diane L. Peil.

In lieu of flowers, a Barbara A. McDonald Memorial Fund has been established.

Thanks to Dr. Liaboe, his nurse Trish, and her loving son Jim, for helping her through her entire journey.  Also, a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jan, Brittney, and Stephanie and all our family and friends who helped in so many ways.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Daniel T. Welp

Daniel Thomas “Dan” Welp, 52, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall at his residence on July 17, 2020.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2020 at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by members of American Legion Post # 787 of East Dubuque. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group Facebook Page.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Monday, August 3 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque.

Dan was born on September 16, 1967 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Thomas J. and Janice O. (Scott) Welp.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1986, where he participated in baseball and football.

He was united in marriage to Ann Marie Hilby on February 15, 1992 at Nativity BVM Church. Dan was the owner of American Ceiling Company. Prior to being self-employed, he worked at the Chicago Dubuque Foundry and Maryville Construction.  He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves for over 20 years where he made lifelong friends with whom he stayed in touch.  Dan’s most precious accomplishments, and the ones he was most proud of, occurred on September 30, 1996, and June 22, 1998, when Brian and Jenna were born.  He was extraordinarily proud of his children and could be found cheering them on in all they did.

Dan enjoyed dirt track racing and could be found in his red, white, and blue #43 at the Dubuque and Farley Speedways. Dan loved hunting, archery, and fishing, especially trips out west or up north with his family and friends.  He was always up for a good game of euchre and played on the Daniel’s Lounge euchre team. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.  Dan was a very competitive person who could throw a mean game of bean bags, and seemingly always made it into the final round of the family croquet tournament.  He enjoyed watching all sports, especially those that Brian and Jenna played.

Surviving are his wife, Ann; their two children, Brian Welp and Jenna (fiancé, Brandon Thein) Welp both of East Dubuque; his mother, Janice Welp of Dickeyville, WI; his siblings, Brett (Rhonda) Welp of East Dubuque, Kevin Welp of Midland, MI, and Susan (Shannon) Hoppman of Green Bay, WI; his father-in-law, Kenneth Hilby of Menominee; in-laws, Mike (Becky) Hilby of Galena, Julie (Patrick) Ketchum of Springfield, IL, and Sara (Steve Holloway) Hilby of Skokie, IL, as well as several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tom, and his mother-in-law, Jan Hilby.

Dan’s family would like to thank the East Dubuque Fire and Rescue Squad, Mercy Hospital, and University of Iowa Hospitals for their quick response and excellent care of Dan.  The family would also like to thank all of those who donated, brought food, sent words of encouragement, and offered prayers after Dan’s accident.  They are humbled and very grateful for all the support.

In lieu of flowers, a Daniel T. Welp memorial fund has been established.

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

Donald L. Cornish

Donald Louis Cornish, 89, of Dubuque, went to be with God on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Luther Manor. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, and will be live-streamed on the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home Facebook page. Masks are required by the church. Friends may greet the family from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque. Interment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6.

Donald was born May 28, 1931 in Dubuque, the son of Louis and Helen (Specht) Cornish. Donald attended Sacred Hearth School. He married his sweetheart, Jean Ann Banck on June 14th, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Don was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company as a meat worker until his retirement in 1986. On weekends, he painted houses with his father. Don purchased and renovated two houses into apartments. Don and Jean Ann worked together to create the dream of the life they wanted. Together, they designed and built a house to raise a family in and moved into it in 1959. Don worked hard so Jean Ann could stay home and be a wife and mother. He treated her like a princess, and with great respect. Don always thought that Jean Ann had the harder job. They enjoyed traveling every summer with their children, and visited many states over the years.

Don served in the National Guard and received the National Defense Service Medal. He also served his country from Oct. 1953- Jan. 1956 with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning his Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and the rank of Cpl. E-4.  While stationed in Verdun, France, he traveled to nine countries. He took many slides of the scenery and people. Don enjoyed meeting people and spoke of how grateful they were that the Americans were there.

He loved to play baseball as a child, and for the Dubuque Packing Company he was the “clean up batter”. He instilled this love for baseball in his sons, and would attend all their games. He also enjoyed hunting with his father and friends all his life. Don looked forward to the two weeks every year he traveled to South Dakota to hunt pheasant with Rick and Steve. Fishing was another favorite pastime, and he had the opportunity to fish with Karen in the ocean. Don bowled for many years in a Men’s League and Mixed Doubles with his wife and children. Don and Jean Ann would go out country dancing every Saturday night. He loved listening to country and Irish music. Pat recalls her special conversations with Don on their Friday “shopping sprees”, and relaxing at Music In The Park on Sundays.

After retirement, Don didn’t stop working. He would buy cars, and with his friends would fix them and sell them. He also became a Day Trader, and loved to talk about the stock market. In 2014, he went on one of the last Honor Flights to Washington D.C. Don was a very energetic and sociable man, who was always on the go, and loved to meet people and talk, and had a love of life.  Don was a smart man and enjoyed challenging himself to accomplish any task, but he also had a teasing sense of humor and like to tell jokes.  His family was his pride and joy, and he showed his love not so much in words but by his actions.

He will be truly, deeply missed by his wife, family, and friends. The family he is so proud of includes his loving wife of 68 years, Jean Ann Cornish, of Dubuque; four children, Rick (Mitzi) Cornish of Dubuque, Karen Cornish of Melbourne, FL, Pat Richey of Dubuque, and Steve (Carolyn) Cornish of Dubuque; grandchildren Ami (Chad) Guler of Hazel Green, WI,  Christian (Kayla) Cornish of Green Bay, WI, Sorcha Cornish-Carpenter of Cannon Falls, MN, Danielle Richey of Dubuque, Brandon (Lindsey) Richey of Cedar Rapids, Nicole Richey of Dubuque, and Elijah Cornish of Dubuque; grandchild in law, Josh Lynch of Asbury;  13 great grandsons; 4 great granddaughters; his sisters in law Dorothy Gray of Dubuque, Rita (James) Moran of Dubuque; and Kay (Dennis) Strumberger of Omaha, NE; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister and brother in law,  Darlene (Cornish) and Merlin “Mac” Langkamp; granddaughter Sam (Cornish) Lynch; and his parents. Don’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Sister Dolores M. Kramer, BVM

Sister Dolores M. Kramer, BVM (Jeanne Michele), 91, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Caritas Center.

Sharing of Memories via Zoom will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020, followed by a virtual visitation from 10:25-10:40 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial in the Marian Hall Chapel at 10:45 a.m. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Dolores ministered as a pastoral associate at St. Edward in Waterloo, Iowa. She was secondary teacher in Clinton and Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; Kansas City, Mo.; Wichita, Kans.; and Glendale, Calif.; and an elementary teacher in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Chicago; Grayslake, Ill.; and West Hempstead, N.Y. She served as an administrative assistant in Chicago and as a spiritual director in Chicago and Los Altos, Calif.

She was born on Aug. 20, 1928, in Alta Vista, Iowa, to Charles and Marguerite (Keniry) Kramer. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. John Parish, Waterloo, Iowa. She professed first vows on March 19, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Patrick Kramer, a sister Joan Ford and a brother-in-law Jim Wegenknecht. She is survived by a sister Mary Lois Wegenknecht, Kimberly City, Mo.; a sister-in-law Rita Kramer, Waterloo, Iowa; a brother-in-law Richard Ford, Windsor Heights, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 71 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52002 is in charge of arrangements.