Obituaries Archive

Lorena Price

Lorena “Ann” Price, 91, of Asbury, died Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ann will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Jeff Frieden as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Lorena “Ann” was born March 7, 1934, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Casey) Hall. She was united in marriage to Frederick Price on June 28, 1952 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2007.

Ann worked as the Supervisor of Housekeeping for Loras College for 15 years.

Ann was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She took great pride in being a housewife and taking care of her family. She was also active in CEW and the Archery Club. Ann enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and was never happier than when she was with her grandchildren, who will always treasure the memories of baking cookies with her.

Survivors include her six children, Pamela Thornton of Dubuque, Steven Price of Dallas, TX, Carol (Jeff) Kieffer of Dubuque, Calene (Randy) Woodhouse of Durant, IA, Janet Walsh of Dubuque, and Anita (Daniel) Valentine of Dubuque; ten grandchildren, Frank D. (Sarah) Fincel, Craig Fincel, Alicia Price, Jay (David) Price, Alexandria (Drew) George, Ethan Woodhouse, Taylor (Cody) Koeller, Hanna Walsh, Adam Valentine, and Danielle Valentine; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Becki Ann Price; one son-in-law, Michael Thornton; and her six siblings, Joseph Hall, Mary Schiel, Wilma Burns, Verna Metz, James Hall, and Patrick Hall.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the Finley Hospital nursing and care team 5th floor, and ER for all of the care they gave to their mom.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Ann’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Christopher M. Johnston

Christopher M. Johnston, 60, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa.

Chris was born June 7, 1965 in Waverly, Iowa, son of Rodger and Isabelle (Anhalt) Johnston.  He was employed as a machinist at Decker Machining in Peosta, Iowa.

On June 7, 1997 he was united in marriage to Kari Holub in Dubuque, Iowa.

Chris was an avid gun collector; he would always practice to perfect his shot.  He loved to go hunting and fishing.

He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time, and has built his own kitchen cabinets, curio style cabinets, Christmas ornaments, cedar chest, and many different treasure boxes.  Most of all he was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Kari Johnston of Cascade; four children, Cierra Christine (Zach) Blong and their children, Jase, Bodey and Saylor; Zachary Joseph Johnston (& friend, Bernie), Kaitlyn Isabelle Johnston (& friend, Joey), and Natalie Victoria Johnston (& fiancé, Parker) and their son, Phillip, with another on the way, all of Dubuque, IA; two sisters, Jeanne Johnston and Marcia (Matt) Campbell; father and mother-in-law, Les (Rebecca) Holub and Vickie (Stuart) Hetherington both of Arizona; brother, Don (Marsha) Holub of Arizona, and JoLee (Jeremy) Rickels of Scotch Grove, Sarah (Danny) Hartz of Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Randy Johnston and a sister, Laura in infancy.

An online Video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Sr. Mary Ellen Zimmerman

Sister Mary Ellen Zimmermann, BVM, (Ellenmae), 93, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.

Visitation will be from 9-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by the Rite of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Mary Ellen served as associate administrator of Marian Hall in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was an elementary teacher in Illinois at Annunciation, Chicago; St. Peter, Antioch; and Lake Shore Catholic Academy, Mundelein; in Missouri at St. Catherine, Kansas City.; and in California at St. Bernard, Los Angeles; Holy Family, Glendale; and St. Anne, Santa Ana. She served as principal and teacher in California at Incarnation, Glendale, and St. Patrick, Carlsbad; and as principal and learning center coordinator at St. Therese, Palm Springs. She was a parish secretary and pastoral minister at St. James, Chicago, and assistant religious education director and office staff member at St. Mary of Vernon in Mundelein, Ill.

She was born on Nov. 8, 1932, in Milwaukee to James and Helen (Jongebloed) Zimmermann. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1951, from St. Sebastian Parish, Milwaukee. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Elaine (Bernard) Westfahl, and brother-in-law Richard Malone.  She is survived by sisters Janet Malone and Margaret Zimmermann, BVM; nieces; nephews and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 74 years.

BEHR’S FUNERAL HOME, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements. 

Marilynn K. Simpson

Marilynn Kay Simpson (Marilynn Blake), age 81, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a period of declining health.

She was born on January 22, 1944, in Calamus, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard Sr. and Hazel (Macomber) Chase. Marilynn was raised and schooled in the Calamus area. She married at age 18 and four years later became a devoted mother to the first of her five children. Marilynn’s greatest joy and vocation was being a wife, mother, and homemaker, and she took immense pride in her family.

Marilynn loved being social. She was an avid dancer and loved listening to country and gospel music. A true nature lover, Marilynn had a passion for cultivating her flower gardens, which were a source of great pride and documented in countless pictures she loved to share. Over the years, she was blessed with many loving dogs, and Marilynn’s favorite breed was the miniature poodle. Other cherished pastimes included playing cards, sewing, and baking—she even baked wedding cakes for others during different periods of her life. Marilynn’s family and friends will forever treasure the memory of her warmth and contagious laugh.

Marilynn is survived by four of her loving children:  Timothy (Julia) Blake of Iowa City, IA, Theresa Blake of Dubuque, IA, Brendalyn Blake of Shawnee, KS, Susan (Ken) Royster of Lee’s Summit, MO.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Giovanni (Tohco) Caniglia of Overland Park, KS, Logan Faley of Lee’s Summit MO, and William Royster of Independence, MO; and great-grandchildren: Braelyn and Olivia Faley.

Marilynn is also survived by her siblings: Sharon (Richard) Schwein of Calamus, IA, Leonard, Jr. (Patty) Chase of Basco, IL, and Andy Chase of Manchester, IA.

Marilynn was preceded in death by her son, William Blake, her parents, Leonard Sr. and Hazel (Macomber) Chase; and her three brothers, Jan (Judy) Chase, James (Beverly) Chase, and Rev. Jerry (Julie) Chase, her niece Kristina Chase, her cousin Kevin Bleile.

To celebrate Marilynn’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque IA. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m., followed by the burial in Cascade Community Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Agape Care Group Hospice for all their compassionate and loving care of Marilynn during her last years.

Cards and memorials in Marilynn’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Marilynn Simpson Family.

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

Carrie Kracke

Carrie Kracke, 55, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Carrie will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle as the Celebrant. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6.

Carrie was born October 4, 1970, in Cuba City, WI, the daughter of Ronald and Sandra (Knautz) Kracke. Carrie graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1988. After high school, Carrie joined the United States Air Force, where she served from 1988 until 1991. After coming home from the service, Carrie continued her education at NICC where she earned two Associates Degrees in computing.

Carrie enjoyed listening to music and reading, but her greatest joy came from the time she spent with her son and her cherished grandchildren.

Survivors include her son, Zach (Hope) Kracke of Dubuque; two grandsons, Calvin and Maxwell; her mother, Sandra Kracke of Dubuque; one sister, Marie (Clifford) McGinnis of Cassville, WI; and her long-time partner, Jeremy Lenz.

She was preceded in death by her father, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family requests no plants or flowers please, instead memorials may be made to the Carrie Kracke Memorial Fund.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Carrie’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Marilyn Tuthill

Marilyn (Stuart) Tuthill, 78, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Dubuque.

Marilyn was born February 20, 1947, in Cuba City, WI, the daughter of Mathew “Butch” and Edna G. (Langkamp) Stuart.

Marilyn graduated from Wahlert High School in 1965. She provided in-home daycare, later working as a waitress at Poor Man’s Cafe, and lastly at Metrix until her retirement.

Marilyn has fond memories of the vacations she took, especially to Disney and Branson. She enjoyed going to concerts and seeing the country shows when they’d come to local county fairs. Her pride and joy was her white convertible with red interior that she had when she was young. Family reunions were also important to Marilyn, being able to see and catch up with family. Marilyn was an avid dog lover, having at least one her entire life.

Survivors include her three children, Lynn Pearcy, Danny (Kathy) Tuthill, and Kim Tuthill all of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Katilin and Adin; two grand dogs, Bella and Jasper; four siblings, Carolyn Cue of Dubuque, Matt Stuart of Dubuque, Mary Kay (David) Schmitt of Durango, IA, and Greg (Dawn) Stuart of Marion, IA; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Besides her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her sister, Geralyn Stuart; and two grand dogs, Bailey and Bo.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Wahlen and the staff at Tri State Dialysis, as well as, the staff at Hawkeye Care Center. Especially Tammy Jasper, LPN for all of her care and support of our mom.

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

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Marilyn’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mark Weis

Joyce E. Gronner

Joyce Ellen Gronner, 77, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 23, 2025.  In keeping with her wishes, there will be no public services. Cremation rites will be accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family.

Joyce was born on June 5, 1948, in Manchester, IA, the daughter of Philip and Ruth (Anthony) Becker.  She worked in many roles throughout her life — welder, dairy farmer, and bartender — each reflecting her strength and determination. At the time of her passing, she was the co-owner of Blacktop Driveway Services of Galena.

She is survived by her loving husband of thirty-one years, William Gronner; her two sons, Gerald Bennett and his wife Maryanne Wachter Bennett, and Patrick Dunn and his partner Richard Abel; her adored grandchildren, Tyler Wayne Bennett and Chase Anthony Bennett, whom she loved deeply and endlessly; and her siblings Philip, Wayne, and Jackie Clark.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.

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

Patricia R. Meyer

Patricia R. Meyer, 90, of Dubuque died Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45am Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday at the Funeral Home. Committal services will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Pat was born September 24, 1935 in Davenport, Iowa, daughter of Herbert and Margaret (Menadue) Meyer.

After graduating from Carmel, Indiana High School, she attended Bayless Business College where she met the man who would later become her husband, Marcus J. Meyer. On July 14, 1956 she and Marc were married. Pat later graduated from Clarke College in 1986 with majors in accounting and computer science. Marc preceded her in death on November 23, 1987.

Pat had a zest for life, a big smile, and love of people. She had an immense passion for all of God’s creation, especially children and animals.

She held many jobs in her career, but her favorite was being a demonstrator at Hy-Vee on Locust where she could meet and talk with many people.

Residents of the South Grandview Ave area might remember seeing her on her daily walks with one of her Huskies. Pat also had a love of music that she passed down to her children.

She is survived by four children, Michael J. (Judy) Meyer of Dubuque, Greg A. (Kelly) Meyer of Solon, Susan M. (Donovon) Nelson of Dubuque and Steven P. (Mary) Meyer of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; 14 grandchildren, Deborah (Jason) Ohrt, Nicholas (Meghan) Meyer, Daniel (Kate) Meyer, Jessie (Alex) Meyer, Jackie Meyer, Matthew (Rachel) Duehr, Tyler Duehr, Stephanie (fiancé Nate Casel) Duehr, Michael (fiancé Ally Holdgrafer) Duehr, Leigha Nelson, Serena Nelson, Jack Meyer and Anna (fiancé Evan Stephens) Meyer and 15 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and a brother.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful and caring staff on 2NW at Stonehill Care Center and her dedicated care providers of Hospice of Dubuque.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or Stonehill Care Center.

Kenneth B. Dowe

Kenneth B. Dowe, 72, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his home in Dubuque.

Per Kenneth’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Kenneth was born August 28, 1953, in Elkland, MD, the son of William H. and Mary E. (Gore) Dowe. He was united in marriage to Kevin C. Harty on February 14, 2018 in Dubuque, IA.

He graduated from Littleton High School in Littleton, CO in 1972. He worked as an industrial housekeeper.

Kenneth was a devoted member of The Clan Buchanan, embracing the traditions and history of his Scottish lineage. He took great pride in celebrating his heritage and staying connected to the values and community it represents.

Survivors include his husband, Kevin Harty of Dubuque and one sister, Janice Read of Middletown, CT.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Kenneth’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

James E. Lorence

James E. “Jim” Lorence, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on November 20, 2025, at the Midwest Medical Center in Galena, IL. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on January 24, 1948, in Ottumwa, IA, the only son to Orval and Irene (VanWye) Lorence. He graduated from Ottumwa High School and attended Northeast Missouri State where he completed his bachelors of education degree. He was a good man who did his best to face each day as it presented itself.  Jim was naturally gifted in the mechanical skills department and found satisfaction in his working years primarily as a mechanic and eventually moving into the service manager position with Buckwalter Chevrolet in Washington, IA. After investing 29 years there he eventually decided it was time for a change and completed his final years working with Schnoebelen Implement in Riverside, IA, before moving into retirement permanently.  In 2013, Jim made the move to the Dubuque area to be closer to family and enjoy the rest of his years in peace.

Jim enjoyed spending time with the family of his second wife, Racheal Bartle, and helping with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved Sunshine Restaurant, reading a good action thriller, watching sports on tv, and going on car trips.  His superpowers were his kindness, atomic dad sneezes, and enjoying the driest of humor jokes. We are forever grateful for the memories he leaves behind and will seek comfort in them until we all meet again.  Thank you, Jim, for making the most of each day as you saw fit and may eternal peace be yours now.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his two sons,
Troy (Anna) Lorence, Durango, IA,
and Trent Lorence, Coralville, IA;

his three grandchildren,
Luna (Nichole) Lorence, Redding, CA,
Maggie Lorence, Dubuque, IA,
and Jason Nichols, IA;

his first wife,
Karen Lorence, Platteville, WI;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Travis Lorence; and his second wife of over 10 years, Racheal Bartle.

Jim’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Finley E.R., and Midwest Medical Center for all of their professional and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Society at Transforming Diabetes Care | American Diabetes Society would be appreciated.

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

Harlow L. Meyer

Harlow L. Meyer, age 93, Dubuque IA, completed his earthly journey on November 21, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center.   To honor Harlow’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Harlow’s family.

Harlow was born on December 6, 1931, in Dubuque, IA,  son to Leonard and Verda (Miehe) Meyer.   Harlow met the love of his life, Pauline Bechen and were united in marriage on February 18, 1952, at Sacred Heart Church.  They were able to celebrate their 70^th Anniversary before Paulines death on May 28, 2022.    Harlow served in the U.S. Army  as a cook at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri from November 1952 to November 1954. When returning to Dubuque Harlow returned to working at the Dubuque Packing company and later FDL.

Harlow loved being out in the woods hunting or fishing.

Those left to cherish the memory of Harlow include,
his two daughters,
Victoria (James) Oldham, Peosta, IA,
and Rhonda (Steve) Curler, Walford, IA;

his  grandchildren,
Heather Oldham, Greenville, WI,
Chad (Amy) Oldham, Peosta, IA,
Matthew (Courtney) Curler, Cedar Rapids, IA,
and Abby (Brett) Foreman, Lawrence, KS;

his great-grandchildren,
Camber (Jon) Kastantin, Leo  Lefevre, Olive Lefevre, Crew Curler and Baby Girl Foreman (due In December);

his great-great-grandchild,
Baby boy Kastantin (due in April 2026);

his siblings,
Darlene (Loras) Flynn, Davenport, IA,
David Meyer, Asbury, IA,
and Gerry (Walt) Hutchinson, Davenport, IA;

his sister-in-law,
Zita Elgin, Dubuque, IA;

Harlow was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Pauline Meyer; his grandson, Nicholas Curler; parents; his siblings, Janann(Joe) McPoland, Donna (Wayne)Moore, Merlin Meyer and Shirley(Bob) Kennedy; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard Bechen, Bob Bechen, Olin Bechen, Frannie Bechen and Ruth Becker.

Harlow’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque and Eagle Pointe Place for all of their compassionate care.

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

Sharon Bakewell

Sharon “Sue” Bakewell, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa, entered into eternal rest peacefully on November 23, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with angiosarcoma and dementia.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory .

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sharon will be 10:30 am Monday, December 1, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque. 

Sharon was born July 18th, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of John and Elvera (Pickle) Merritt. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1968. She met the love of her life Norbert Bakewell, and they were married on April 29th, 1972, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.  Together they were blessed with three children: Kevan (Kelly) Bakewell, Keith Bakewell, and Amy (Grant) Henn.

After high school, Sharon worked at Medical Associates in OG/BYN and Dermatology for five years. After a year of schooling, she became a medical transcriptionist at Dubuque Pediatrics, where she joyfully worked for 20 years before retiring in 2015. She and her husband were very active at Resurrection parish, where Sharon enjoyed serving in various ministries, including leading the Country Store during the festival.  Sharon especially loved camping, shopping, reading, and dancing with Norb whenever music filled the room. She also took her last name to heart by excelling at baking and especially enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.  She had a generous heart, a strong Christian faith, and cherished her family and friends deeply.

Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, sister and aunt.  She loved visiting family and giving hugs. Her smile and laugh could light up a room.  Sharon was a very faithful and loving wife whose relationship with her husband over their fifty-three-year marriage was a joy to all who knew them. She had lifelong friendships that she treasured, especially her dearest friends Mary Jo and Sherrie, who were like sisters to her. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren and watching them grow into wonderful people. Although she will be deeply missed by all who knew her, we find comfort knowing that her struggles are over and that she is finally at peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elvera Merritt; her son, Keith Bakewell; Fr. Don Bakewell; Sr. Genette Bakewell; Jerry Pins; and Al Loewen.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Norbert Bakewell; her children, Kevan (Kelly) Bakewell and Amy (Grant) Henn; and her ten grandchildren: Shelby Sweeney, Jaden (David) Cullen, Leah and Megan Bakewell, and Garrett, Colin, Austin, Lila, Ivy and Violet Henn. She is also survived by her siblings: Robert (Rory) Merritt, Steve Merritt, and Bill (Laura) Merritt.

The family would like to thank the staff of Resurrection Catholic Church, Fr. Gibbs and Deacon Mike Ellis, Marilyn Loewen, Eileen Pins, Cozy Corner Adult Day Services, Hospice of Dubuque, and the Hawkeye Care Center staff for the compassionate care and support they provided to Sharon and Norb throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

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

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Sharon’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Irvin H. Borderding

Irvin Henry Borgerding, 87, of Dyersville, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at his home.

Born in a farmhouse one quarter mile east of Bankston, he was the son of Ben and Mary (Klas) Borgerding, on the 23rd of October 1938. He attended St. Clement’s school in Bankston for eight grades and, after Ben bought a farm in Holy Cross, he attended and graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1956. He worked on the farm and helped the neighbors when they needed help. He was a hired man for Louis Recker, Vincent Maiers and John Klostermann until drafted into the Army in October of 1961. He had Basic and Second training at Fort Carson, Colorado.  He was then sent to 5142 Missile Battalion in Aschaffenburg Germany.  He was discharged in August 1963 from the Army.

On November 20, 1965, he was united in marriage to Joyce Krapfl in St. Boniface church in New Vienna. They were blessed with five children. They farmed in Balltown, Worthington and New Vienna until 1992 when they sold the farm and retired to Dyersville. He then worked at Lumber Specialties LTD for 16.5 years, before retiring in 2008. He volunteered to cut lawns around church, school and convent. He opened school doors on Wednesday nights for the Faith Formation children. Also served food for Xavier elementary school kids until Covid 19 shut that down.

He enjoyed playing cards (Euchre, Solo and 500) among friends and relatives. With kids and grandchildren, he played Canasta, Garbage, Back up 3, Village Idiot, Phase 10, UNO, Wizard, and Dominoes. He was a member of the Dyersville American Legion Post 137, Dubuque County Farm Bureau for over 60 years, and St. Francis Xavier Parish.

He is survived by his five children: Susan (Gary) Bries Jackson, WI, Rose (Todd) Shafer of Ankeny IA, Robert Borgerding of Havelock NC, Ann Orrison of Dyersville IA, and Paul (Laura) Borgerding of Dubuque IA; eight grandchildren: Brian Bries, Jennifer (Luc) Bries, Julie Bries, Sarah (fiancé, Riley Martin) Shafer, Ben Shafer, Heather (Josh) LaBarbera, Randal Orrison and Cordel (Ciera) Orrison; great-grandchild, Oliver Irvin Orrison; siblings: Helen Cigrand of Dubuque IA, Richard (Marilyn) Borgerding of Holy Cross IA, Mary Jane Johnson of Harrisburg PA, Carol (Tom) Beringer of Farley IA, Wilma Jesenovec of Hopkinton IA, and Loras (Jean) Borgerding of Holy Cross IA; in-laws: Alice Langel of Dyersville IA, Doris Langel of Dyersville IA, Donna (James) Kluesner of Luxemburg IA, Inez (Bernie) Kluesner of New Vienna IA, and David (LuAnn) Krapfl of New Vienna, IA.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; parents, Ben and Mary Borgerding; sister, Donna (Richard) Smith; in-laws: Lawrence and Laurine Krapfl, David Johnson, Ernest Jesenovec, Gene (Betty) Krapfl, Francis Langel, Melvin Langel, and Marian (Ed) Hermsen; nephews: Mark Langel and Gene Kluesner; nieces: Gail Dietrick and Rebecca Krapfl.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home where a military service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral services.

Funeral service will be held at 10: 30 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with the interment in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137. Rev. David Schatz will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Hospice of Dubuque.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

Lois C. Trausch-Wolfe

Lois C. Trausch-Wolfe, 85 of Dubuque, IA, went home to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit on November 23, 2025.

As per Lois’s wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. As a final act of generosity Lois has donated her body to science through the University of Iowa Deeded Body program. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Lois was born in Dubuque on November 7, 1940, the daughter of Fay R. and Dorothy F. (Pape) Orcutt. As a child she loved staying with her Aunt Mazie and Uncle Walt Taylor in Potosi, WI, helping on their farm. Lois graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1959. Lois worked for many years as a nurse’s aide. She worked as a housekeeper at Loras College for 24 years until she retired. She married Joseph Wolfe on November 3, 1992. Lois loved gardening, canning, and crocheting. Lois was a great cook and enjoyed preparing holiday meals for her family, and hosting picnics at her home for the Celotex Maintenance Dept., and Loras College Bens Hall Housekeepers for many years. She enjoyed giving gifts to others and seeing the joy it brought to them rather than receiving gifts herself. She donated annually to the Potosi-Tennyson Lions Club. She spent her free time reading the bible and praying for everyone.

Lois is survived by her children Forrest Trausch of Dubuque, Claudette (Bob) Betts of Farley, IA, Paul Trausch of Oceanside, CA; her “Potosi kids” Tim and Cory Leibfried Family; sister Shelby (Ron) Olsen of Mt. Pleasant, IA; brother Loren (Callie) of Salt Lake City, UT; sister-in-law Margret Tracy of Puhrump, NV; grandchildren Eric (Lynn) Trausch and Austin Trausch; great-grandchildren Owen, Elliot, Quinn and Piper Trausch; niece Shannon (Brian) Brunscheen and son Chase; nephews John and Fay (Nadia) Olsen family; cousins Linda Kirkel and Cary (Paulette) Kress; and her Grace Point Family whom she loved dearly.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her parents, brothers Brian (Karen) Orcutt and Bruce (Patti) Orcutt.

Special thanks to her “Hospice of Dubuque girls” Jamie, Stephanie, Hayle, and Molly, and the staff at Stonehill 3N for their care and compassion.