Obituaries Archive

Sister Patricia Robinson

Sister Patricia Robinson, BVM, (Danella), 87, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at Marian Hall.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Pat was an elementary teacher in Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; and Butte, Mont.; a secondary teacher in Mundelein, Ill; and Lincoln, Nebr.; and a substitute teacher in South Bend, Ind.

She was a teaching and research assistant at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.; and a sociology professor at St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind.

She was born on April 5, 1932, in Chicago, to Daniel and Mary A. Burg Robinson. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1950, from Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary Ellen Quinn and Jean (Richard) Payne; sisters-in-law Barbara Robinson and Glenda Robinson; and brother-in-law Roland Schuck. She is survived by sisters Elizabeth Schuck and Grace (Joseph) Barney, all of Illinois; a brother Daniel Robinson of Indiana, a brother-in-law Robert Quinn; nieces; nephew(s) and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 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.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas E. Devaney

Thomas E. Devaney, 64, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo.

Private family services will be held on Sunday, August 11th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Tom was born January 31, 1955 in Dubuque. He was the son of Richard and Patricia (Manahl) Devaney.

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

Delores H. Fleege

Delores H. “Lorie” (Gatena) Fleege, age 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 4:48 p.m., on August 5, 2019, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Lorie’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, August 12, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue. To celebrate Lorie’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Lorie was born on June 30, 1932, in Dubuque, daughter of Alfred and Eleanor (Hense) Gatena.

Lorie was always a dedicated worker and was employed with several places before settling in at the Dubuque Packing Company, where she would meet a handsome young man named Donald Fleege. They fell in love immediately, and eventually married, on August 23, 1952, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. The two would be blessed with 56 years and 8 children together, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on July 11, 2009. After they married, Lorie happily settled into her role as a devoted full time wife, mother and homemaker. She was a kind hearted person whose faith was extremely important to her, as evidenced by her long time memberships with St. Mary’s Church and then with Holy Trinity Church, as well as her mission volunteer work. She enjoyed making rosaries that would be sent out on the mission trips to churches all over the country and world. Beyond a doubt, Lorie’s family was always her main priority and pride and joy. She enjoyed playing games with the kids and grandkids, or spending the day outside fishing. She had a great love of wild birds and was affectionately, known as a “bird whisperer” to her family. Throughout the years Lorie helped rescue countless baby birds, caring for them and feeding them until they were strong enough to go off on their own. She also had a great appreciation of all kinds of music, from Hawaiian music to Patsy Cline, and had the stacks of LPs to prove it. We are deeply saddened at losing Lorie from our daily lives, we will miss her more than words can say and cherish all of the memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Lorie’s memory include

her 6 children,
Donald (Sue) Fleege, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Darlene (Mike) Rogers, Waxahachie, TX,
Dennis (Diane) Fleege, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Dan (Vicki) Fleege, Dubuque, IA,
Debbie (Gene) Gillies, Dubuque, IA
and Dawn (Todd) Herring, Dubuque, IA;

her 16 grandchildren;

her 40 great-grandchildren;

and her 3 siblings,
Bud (Judy) Gatena,
Bob Gatena
and Jim (Jeanie) Gatena, all of Dubuque, IA.

Lorie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Donald; 2 children in infancy, Diane and Donna Fleege; and a granddaughter in infancy, Trisha Rogers.

Lorie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, especially the 5th floor, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Lorie and her family.

Memorials will be accepted in Lorie’s honor to be distributed at the family’s discretion.

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

Barbara K. (Davison) Bruse

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Kay (Davison) Bruse announces her passing on Monday morning, July 29, 2019, at the age of 78 years. Barbara passed peacefully with her family by her side and with the loving care of her Bickford family in Iowa City, Iowa. She bravely and courageously battled, laughed and danced in the face of her diagnosis – Corticobasal Syndrome. Her humor and class never wavered.

Interment services where Barbara will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Mt Hope cemetery will be private. A gathering of family and friends celebrating Barbara’s life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the Palmer House Stable, 200 East Main Street, Solon, Iowa 52333. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Barbara Kay Davison was born on November 17, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dale Matthews and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Davison. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, starting early because she refused to leave her older sisters’ sides. She then attended Maquoketa schools where she sang in the Glee Club, participated in the Drama Club, tooted her french horn in Concert Band and was a member of the Future Homemakers of America. She graduated MHS class of ‘57 at the age of 16. She later attended and graduated from the University of Iowa.

Barbara worked at the University of Iowa for 25 years. She retired in 2012 as an Account Specialist with the Tippie College of Business.

Barbara lived a full life. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories. She grew up on a farm and fondly recalled following her dad around when he walked the fences and shared his love of horses. She liked to travel. The highlights of her travels were a cruise on the transatlantic ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth 2, vacations to Europe, the Bahamas and Belize. She also traveled to Santa Clara, CA and Seattle, WA to help care for her new grandbabies. She enjoyed reading, quilting, calligraphy, tap dancing, piano lessons, gardening, antiquing, and spending time walking with her beloved dog Maxx.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Christine Kay Bruse of Iowa City, IA and her daughters Erin and Megan, Telly Renea Bruse Presho and her husband Scott of Seattle, WA and their children Russell and Zoe, and Larry Corey Bruse and his wife Yoko Noguchi of Solon, IA; and a sister, Janean Cook of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Bonnie McDonald.

The family extends special thanks to Bickford Cottage and Care Initiatives Hospice for their loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local animal shelter or charity of choice in Barbara’s memory is requested.

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

Jeannette B. Plowman

Jeanette B. Plowman, 91, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Jeanette on Friday, August 9, 2019, from 5 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation, and burial will be at the Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, at a later date.

Jeanette Bertha Smothers was born on December 2, 1927 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Oscar and Elsie (Miller) Smothers. She grew up in Dubuque. She married Clyde M. Plowman on December 1, 1973 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jeanette had worked for Aladdin Dry Cleaners, Loras and Clarke College in the housekeeping department, and for the Mount Caramel Convent in Dubuque, Iowa.

She enjoyed playing Bingo and cards, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Debbie (Steve) Bodkin of Maquoketa, IA; a sister Esther (Joe) Hunt of TX; 2 grandchildren, Albert (Charlotte) Martin Jr. of Dubuque, IA, and Daniel (Crystal) Martin of Maquoketa, IA; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister Marie Ludovissy and a grandchild Amy Martin.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Jeanette B. Plowman memorial fund has been established.

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

Mary P. (Lemmer) Lux

Mary P. “Pat” (Lemmer) Lux, age 89, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:52 a.m., on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Pat’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 9, 2019, at St. Joseph Church, 10270 Key West Drive, Key West, Iowa, with Rev. Rodney M. Allers officiating. To celebrate Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., on Friday, August 9, 2019, at St. Joseph Church, Key West. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Pat was born on July 19, 1930, in Cascade, Iowa, daughter of Jacob and Rosella (Conter) Lemmer.

Pat was united in marriage to the love of her life, William “Bill” Lux, on December 31, 1951, in Maquoketa, and they were blessed with 40 years and 4 children together before he was sadly called home ahead of her on August 14, 1992. Pat fully embraced her full time role as a wife, mother and homemaker, she took great pride in caring for her home and family. She was a phenomenal cook and her fried chicken was always a favorite with everyone. When she found a little down time in her days, Pat enjoyed working on her next crafting or quilting project or playing cards with family and friends. She also liked spending time in the great outdoors, whether it be trying her luck at her favorite fishing hole, strolling around the neighborhood and bird watching. Pat loved everything about birds and had an extensive collection of clocks, statues and trinkets in her home. She was also a savant when it came to the names of all the presidents and state capitals. Pat’s faith was extremely important to her, she was a long time member of St. Joseph Church in Key West, always arriving early to “claim her seat” in the back, and was also active with their Rosary Society. We are saddened at losing our sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but are able to find some comfort in the knowledge that she is now resting peacefully, free of the health issues that she has faced with such grace these past weeks.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

her 4 children,
Dean (Peg) Lux, Aurora, CO,
Ann (Bill) Mayne, Key West, IA,
Carl Lux, Key West, IA
and Betty Lux, Key West, IA;

her 8 grandchildren;

her 17 great-grandchildren;

her 7 siblings,
Dorothy Aschtgen, Cascade, IA,
Betty (Dick) Johnson, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Rose (Dean) Mason, Carson, IA,
Monica Chapman, Manchester, IA,
Robert (Madonna) Lemmer, Monticello, IA,
Jim Lemmer, Monticello, IA
and Mike (Laurie) Lemmer, Cascade, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Janet Lemmer, Cedar Falls, IA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William “Bill” Lux; her siblings, Mary Ann Lemmer, Theresa (LaVerl) Chapman, Donald Lemmer, Richard Lemmer and Herman Lemmer; and 2 brothers-in-law, Elmer Aschtgen and Glen Chapman.

Pat’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Pat and her entire family.

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

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

Helen M. Singsank

Helen M. “Mazie” Singsank, 88 of Dubuque, and formerly of Luxemburg passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 pm Friday, August 9, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday from 8 – 9 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Helen was born December 12, 1930, in Rickardsville, Iowa the daughter of John and Clara (Merkes) Klein. She married Gerald A. Singsank on October 15, 1952, in Rickardsville. Together they farmed on the Singsank home farm near Luxemburg until moving to town and opening Singsank Upholstery.

Helen was a “Jane of all trades” decorating cakes, driving a school bus, serving on the Ertl Credit Union Board and the Dubuque County Fair Board for 22 years. In her free time she enjoyed knitting & crocheting items which she sold at the Farmers Market for many years. Helen also worked as an inspector at the Ertl Toy Co. from 1975 – 1996.

Survivors include 3 children: Janet Singsank of New Vienna, Lori Connolly of Marion and Pat Singsank of Burlington; grandchildren: Rachel Besch, Melissa Kauder, Matt (Kristi), Logan (Courtney) and Quinton Hoefler, and Carrie (Doug) Jackson; 7 great grandchildren: Lauren, Ava and Erica Jackson, Declan and Kaliope Kauder, Liam and Emma Hoefler, Aden Besch-Finn, Blake Pergande and Waylon Lumley; a brother, Theodore (Norma) Klein of Clinton, NJ, and in-laws: Marina Klein of Dubuque, Eileen Dingbaum of Dyersville and Jane Singsank of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gerald in 2018, a son, Joe Singsank, a grandson, Eric Connolly; siblings: John Klein, Marcellus Klein, Dolores (Werner) Sigwarth, Eldon (Clara & Betty) Klein and Aloysius (Joanie) Klein; in-laws: Delores (Ray) Hirtz, Dr. Clarence Singsank, Gilbert (Mercedes) Singsank, Marce (Harry) Steffen, Irvin (Virgie) Singsank, and Mae (Alphonse) Pasker and Alver Dingbaum.

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

Vivian C. Waechter

Vivian C. Waechter, 84, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Epworth, Iowa, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019, at The Waterford At Wilderness Hills in Lincoln, NE, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

Friends and relatives of Vivian may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m. Friends may also call after 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9th at the funeral home in Epworth, Iowa. Services for Vivian will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 9, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Philip Kruse presiding. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

She was born October 17, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Frank and Regina (Schueller) Heim. She received her education at Holy Ghost Catholic School in Dubuque, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Carl Waechter on May 7, 1955 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa. From this union seven children were born. He preceded her in death on March 29, 2013.

Vivian was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent most of her life raising her family which were the happiest days of her life. After raising her children she worked as a cook at Head Start, a teacher’s assistant at St. Patrick’s Catholic School and a cook at Divine Word College in Epworth.

Vivian enjoyed having family gatherings, making sure everyone was well fed and welcome. In her spare time she liked to cook for her family, embroider, visit with friends and neighbors and attend church services.

She is survived by her children, Paula Waechter of Lincoln, NE, Carolyn Waechter of Dubuque, IA, Henry (Tami) Waechter of Grand Island, NE, Kevin (Geri) Waechter of Lincoln, NE, Steven Waechter of Hartley, IA, Douglas (Jody) Waechter of Cuba City, WI, and Karla (Troy) Walker of Sun Prairie, WI; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; three siblings, Robert Heim of East Dubuque, IL, Diane Weis and Danny Heim both of Dubuque, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; six brothers, Clarence, Kenny, Eddie, Dick, John and Timmy Heim; one sister, Betty Jewett.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Vivian C. Waechter may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society and St. Croix Hospice in Nebraska.

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

Cody R. Watson

Cody R. Watson, 29, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Sunday evening, August 4, 2019 at Unity Point-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, following a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.

Private family visitation and services will be held on Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery at Hazel Green, WI. on Friday.

Cody was born on February 18, 1990 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Missy Vanderah and Richard Watson.

He was a 2008 graduate of East Dubuque High School. He owned and operated Final Touch Auto Detailing at Custom Auto Repair and Sales in East Dubuque.

Cody loved snowmobiling, ice fishing, being on the river and anything dealing with cars.

Surviving are his parents, Missy (John) Yineman of Dubuque, Richard Watson of Louisburg, WI, and Dave Smith of East Dubuque; his siblings, Jacob (Josie) Smith, Alyson Watson, MaKenna Smith and Brennan Smith; his grandparents, Bob (Patti) Vanderah of East Dubuque, David Smith and Mary of Dubuque, IA; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cody is now at rest with his best friend and cousin, Nick McCaughey-Freiburger.

Cody’s family wishes to thank the East Dubuque Area Ambulance crew, Menominee-Dunleith Fire Dept. personnel, and the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for the wonderful care given to Cody. Also to Bill Hoefler for being a great friend to Cody.

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

Sister Dolores Grasse

Sister Dolores (Theodosius) Grasse, OP, died Friday, August 2, 2019, at St. Dominic Villa. Her funeral Mass will be at the Sinsinawa Motherhouse, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019. The remembering service will be there at 6:30 p.m., Friday, August 9.

Sister Dolores taught in several high schools in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Alabama, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Iowa. She served as registrar and in other administrative positions at Edgewood College, Madison, Wis. (1970-1998). She was appointed secretary of the congregation (1998-2001) and served in other offices at the Motherhouse before joining the community at St. Dominic Villa in 2013.

In 1933, Dolores was born in Sheboygan, Wis., to Theodore and Lucile (Pangier) Grasse.

Kathryn Wördehoff

Kathryn “Kay” Wordehoff, 98, of Dubuque, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Sunset Park Place.

Friends may greet the family from 12 p.m. until the 3 p.m. funeral service on Wednesday, August 7, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Dianne Grace will officiate. Interment will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Kathryn was born April 29, 1921 on the family farm in Dubuque, the daughter of Raymond and Ursula (Gottschalk) Jecklin. She was educated at Riverside School, a one-room schoolhouse, and went on to graduate from Dubuque Senior High School with the class of 1939. During her senior year, she met Merle Wordehoff in Business English Class, and they later married on June 8, 1943 at Immanuel Church of Christ. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2004.

Kathryn was employed over the years at Farley & Loetscher, Caradco, Stampfer’s, and Roshek’s.  She was a fantastic bowler and golfer, who always stayed active, mowing the lawn into her late 70’s. Fishing, camping, and vacationing at lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota were special times for her. She loved the White Sox, and hated the Cubs. Kathryn also enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and playing euchre. She loved to bake and cook-including wild game! She loved babysitting the grandkids, and was known to spoil them just a little.

Kathryn is survived by two sons, David (Carol) Wordehoff of Guttenberg and Steve (JoAnn) Wordehoff of Asbury; three grandchildren, Laurie (Jeremy) Hansel of Waverly, IA, Joe Wordehoff of Dubuque, and Pamela (Dr. Nick) Hartl of Kearney, NE.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Charlotte DeArco and Vi (Robert) Cooper; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Memorials may be made to the Kathryn Wordehoff Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, and the staff at Sunset Park Place for their care of Kathryn.

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

Mildred A. Conzett

Mildred “Milly” Ann Conzett, 91, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Church of the Nativity, 1225 Alta Vista on Saturday, August 10, at 10:30 a.m. Msgr. James Miller will officiate along with Milly’s Godson, Deacon Mike Conzett from Omaha, NE. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 9, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Milly, born October 29, 1927 in Dyersville, IA, was the daughter of Gerhard and Alma (Heming) Tegeler. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School in 1945. She married Dale C. Conzett on November 26, 1949 in Dyersville. He preceded her in death on February 9, 1993. Milly attended Bayless Business College and was employed by Dr. Anthony Pfohl during her early career. She later worked as a teller and trained new tellers for American Trust & Savings Bank for twenty years before retiring in 1990. She was a long-time member of the Church of the Nativity. In addition to raising six children and caring for her mother in her later years, Milly enjoyed traveling, the arts, volunteering at church, singing in the church and bank choirs, involvement in Mothers’ Club, and volunteering at Four Mounds. Milly and Dale were recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1992 for their service with the Iowa Department of Human Services in Dubuque.

Milly is survived by her children Julie (Jerry Chase) Woodyard of Dubuque, Lynn (Jim) Wacker of Bellevue, Nancy (Ron) Muecke of Ankeny, Jonathan (Julie) Conzett of West Des Moines, and Amy (John) Carpenter of Cody, WY; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Ethel Mc Creedy of Cedar Rapids, two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Tegeler of Dubuque, and Bernadette Tegeler of Onalaska, WI; and her brother- and sister-in-law Harold and Darlene Conzett of Dubuque.

In addition to her husband, Milly was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Kathleen Ross; three sisters, Marie Tegeler, Clara Wall, and Catherine Tegeler; and three brothers, Joe, Ralph and Leo Tegeler.

Her family will especially miss Milly’s quick wit and playful teasing, hospitality, generosity, deep abiding faith, and her great sense of style!

Milly’s family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to the Mercy 3W staff, Grand Meadow’s Dubuque and Butler House staff, and Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional and compassionate care. Memorials can be directed to DuRide, Hospice of Dubuque or the Dubuque Arts Council.

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

Paul E. O’Meara

Paul E. O’Meara, age 93, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 9:25 a.m., on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. To honor Paul’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street, with Msgr. Thomas E. Toale officiating. To celebrate Paul’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Church. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Placid, Iowa. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Paul was born on May 20, 1926, in Farley, Iowa, the third child of Martin E. and Mary M. (Tench) O’Meara.

Paul moved to Dubuque when he was 8 years old and has been a resident ever since, spending the last 29 years at Eccumenical Towers. He honorably served his country with the U.S. Army for 5 years during the Korean War. Paul had an excellent work ethic and was employed with Western Auto before going into the service and after he returned home he went to work in the shipping department at Stampfer’s Department Store for 23 years. After the store closed he then went to work for Rural Insurance Company until his retirement. He was a faith filled man, a loyal member of St. Patrick’s Church for over 60 years, and was also a member of the Dubuque County Right to Life. In his free time, Paul enjoyed listening to the local news and Hawkeye football on the radio and watching golf on tv.

Paul is survived by several cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister and a brother in infancy.

Paul’s family would like to thank the wonderful drivers from Meals on Wheels for their kindness and the help they provided for Paul. Also thanks to the nurses and staff members of Mercy Hospital and Ennoble Manor, we truly appreciate all you have done for Paul.

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

Gerald F. Burds

Gerald F. “Jerry” Burds, 73, of 3032 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dubuque, died Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade. following a courageous battle with leukemia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  Fr. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Centralia.  Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 p.m.

Jerry was born on June 29, 1946, in Cascade, son of Mary (Carroll) Burds and John “Jay” Burds, Sr.  He graduated from Aquin High School, Cascade, in 1965.

He married Patricia A. “Pat” McAleer on June 21, 1969, in Monticello.  Pat and Jerry enjoyed forty wonderful years of marriage prior to Pat’s death in 2009.

Jerry worked for Northwestern Bell and US West for 31 years, retiring in 1999.  During his retirement, he was a courtesy driver for Anderson-Weber Toyota Lincoln.

He was a member at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Jerry enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Green Bay Packers, and NASCAR.  During his retirement, he restored a 1952 John Deere Model A tractor similar to the one used on his childhood farm.  He enjoyed driving his tractor each summer in the WMT Tractorcade.  He also took annual fishing trips to Canada with friends from the Telephone Company. Jerry loved driving his Mustang to Ankeny to visit his grandchildren for their birthdays and holidays.  He and Pat will be remembered for their hospitality and making their home a welcoming place for friends and family to relax and have fun.

Surviving are his two sons, Stephen (Colin) Burds, of Ankeny, and Kevin Burds, of Sandpoint, Idaho; four grandchildren, Annika, Maya, Calleigh, and Nicholas Burds, all of Ankeny; three siblings, Joan (Phil) Weber, Colleen Bertinetti, and Will (Kathy) Burds; and in-laws Janice Curoe, Jan McAleer, Joe (Shelly) McAleer, Steve (Marlene) McAleer, Dan (Sally) McAleer, Mary Jo Roller, and Kathy (Dan) Reyner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his parents, Jay and Mary Burds; his oldest brother, Jack Burds; a sister-in-law, Joyce Curoe; and brother-in-laws, Bob Curoe, John Curoe, and Tom McAleer.

A Gerald Burds Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Helen K. Laban

Helen Kathryn (Otting) Laban, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away at 8 pm on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Helen may call from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 3 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Thursday at the Funeral Home.

Services for Helen will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa, with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Concelebrating will be Rev. Paul Otting. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Garryowen, Iowa.

Helen was born on December 20, 1919 to Joseph and Kathryn (Ressler) Otting and was the second youngest of 13 children. She attended St. Patrick’s school, Garryowen and at age 19 married Andy Laban on September 26, 1939 at St. Patrick’s Church. He preceded her in death on January 11, 1986.

Helen was raised on a farm just west of Bernard and after their marriage, she and Andy raised their family of seven children on a farm near St. Patrick’s Church, North Garryowen, where they were lifetime members. Over the years they milked Brown Swiss cows, raised Shorthorn cattle, hogs, chickens, geese and crops for their livestock. Throughout her long life, she loved gardening and growing flowers of all different varieties. Spring was her favorite season when she could hunt mushrooms, and fish for bullheads in their pond. She was also a voracious reader. She loved to bake breads and cookies, especially for her family whom she loved most of all. She was a 4-H leader for all of her children over the years and always looked forward to the Jackson County Fair. After Andy’s passing in 1986, she remained on the homeplace until she was 95.

She spent the last four years at Shady Rest Care Center where she was well cared for and was known and loved by all for her quick wit, sense of humor, and sweet demeanor. Helen lived a full and wonderful life, full of family and friends who will forever feel the impact of her love, wisdom, and devotion.

Helen is survived by her children, Shirley (Linus) McDermott of Cascade, IA, Joe (Linda) Laban and Bob (Mary Lee) Laban both of Bernard, IA, Kathy (Gary) Wosoba of Monmouth, IA, Micki (Steve) Roe of LeMars, IA, Bill (Janet) Laban of Dubuque, IA and Julie (Greg) Leytem of Swisher, IA. She has 34 grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy, infant daughter, Mary Katherine, great-grand daughter Amy Gavin, and great-grandson Ryder Mendelke, and five brothers and seven sisters.

Thank you to Sherry Kelchen and the staff at Shady Rest Care Center for their wonderful care over the past 4 years. Also, thank you to Fr. Doug Loecke for his many visits.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com