Obituaries Archive

Debra Sue Newcomer

Debra Sue (Landt) Newcomer, age 65, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 11:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Deb’s life, family and friends may visit from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Deb’s life, funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Pastor Dennis Schmitt officiating.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Cemetery, Marshalltown, Iowa, at a later date following cremation.

Deb was born on September 22, 1954, to Arlo and Mary (Thompson) Landt in Marshalltown, Iowa.  She grew up attending school in the Marshalltown School System, and in the early years of her working career she was employed with the Elmwood Country Club and Cooper Manufacturing.  She was united in marriage to Don Gruver in 1971, in Marshalltown, Iowa, and they were blessed with 2 children together.  Deb loved spending time with family and friends, and when the kids were young some of her favorite activities included taking them to baseball games, amusement parks and camping.  In 1999, Deb met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Newcomer, and the two moved to Dubuque, Iowa to start their new life together.   They formed Newcomer Trucking, and to this day greatly enjoyed spending time working together.  Their hard work and saving throughout the years would pay off greatly, allowing them to purchase their dream home on Chaney Road, where they developed close neighborhood friendships that would last a lifetime.  Deb and Bob were inseparable and could often be found  enjoying a camping trip to Waupeton with friends, or hitting the open road for a Harley ride along the Mississippi River.  Deb was a fierce friend, loyal and caring, but was not afraid to mince words when necessary.  She found great joy in making sure everyone was well cared for and took great pride in providing an excellent home for Bob, her family members and her many visitors.

Rest in peace mom, the Lord has called you home.

Deb’s memory will be cherished by

her loving husband,
Bob Newcomer, Dubuque;

her daughter,
Mollie (Rob) Propp, Marshalltown, IA;

her son,
Nathan (Meghan) Gruver, Des Moines, IA;

her granddaughter and little “Pumpkin”,
Lauren Propp, Marshalltown, IA;

her two month old grandson,
Anson Gruver, Des Moines, IA;

her brother,
Jim (Linda) Landt, Marshalltown, IA;

her favorite niece,
Shelly (Jason) Jons, Altoona, IA;

her great-nephews, who affectionately called her “Crazy Aunt Debbie”,
Jackson and Jayden Jons, Altoona, IA;

her favorite nephew,
Todd Landt, Marshalltown, IA;

her neighbor and friend,
Tess Wintermote;

her former husband,
Don (Dianna Clute) Gruver, Marshalltown, IA;

and so many more wonderful friends that this newspaper would not have room to list them all.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Arlo and Mary Landt; her Godparents, Floyd and Hazel Barker;  her best friend, Teri Conner;  and close friend and neighbor, Ron Wintermote.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001, Attn. Debra Newcomer Family, and will be distributed among her favorite charities.

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

Joan M. Herrig

Joan Margaret Herrig, 89, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at her home. Joan M. (Paar) Herrig was born in Dubuque, Iowa on November 2, 1930, the seventh of eleven children born to Victor G. and Marie M. (Berg) Paar. She received Holy Baptism on November 23, 1930 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa where she also received her Rite of Confirmation on March 25, 1945.
Joan was united in marriage with William J. Herrig on April 26, 1951 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa.  There were five children born of this union: Gary Lee, Richard William, Nancy Joan, John Paul, and Timothy John.
Joan graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1949. She worked at Neisner Department Store, Mercy Hospital, Interstate Power Co., and Hartig Drug store.

Loras Collins

Loras Collins, 95 of Dubuque, formerly of Zwingle passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Bethany Home, surrounded by the love of family and Bethany Staff.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6th at St. Joseph’s Key West Church. We remind you to practice the social distancing guidelines that have been set and please wear a mask requested by the family.

Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00a.m. Saturday June 6 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Rod Allers officiating. The funeral Mass will be live streamed on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook Page. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with graveside services.

William Joseph “Loras” Collins was born on October 8, 1924 the eldest son of Roy and Katie (Laughlin) Collins. He grew up on the family farm west of Zwingle with his brother’s Ray and Jim. He attended Zwingle school and graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1942. Dad married Mom (Catherine Ryan) on August 5, 1946 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Otter Creek, Iowa, and she preceded him in death on May 22, 2013.

After 27 years Dad retired from the Dubuque Packing Company in 1982. He and Mom also farmed together on the farm they purchased from his uncle Patrick Laughlin until they moved to Dubuque in 1998. The farm was recognized as a Century Farm and remains in the family today.

He was a charter member of the LaMotte Knights of Columbus and is a life member of the LaMotte/Key West Council #4236. He was a former active member of Assumption Parish in Sylvia Switch, where he served as a lector, usher, choir member and on the parish council. Dad also served as secretary of the Otter Creek Township School Board for 15 years, and he and Mom were members of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, Zwingle Senior Citizens and Garryowen Senior Citizens. Dad was on the committee to create the Zwingle Recreation Association and served as President, Secretary and an active board member for many years. Dad and Mom worked side by side many others to ensure the success of the Rec Area.

Dad had a great love for baseball. He played, coached, and managed teams for many years. His accomplishments included coaching the Zwingle Babe Ruth & Prairie League Teams for over 15 years, being named Manager of the Year in the Tri-State Classics League in 1983, also was named coach of the South Team for the annual Telegraph Herald Games in 1987. In 1979 the Zwingle Recreation Baseball Field was named “The Loras Collins Field” in his honor, and in 2001 he was inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dad was a loving husband and caregiver for Mom. He was a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great-grandfather, and friend to many. He loved to sing especially for the residents of Bethany Home on Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day.  He also enjoyed watching old westerns, reading, playing Euchre, and watching his beloved Chicago Cubs. Dad had attended the 1945 World Series in Chicago. He remained a die-hard fan through their struggling years.  He predicted that the Cubs would rebuild resulting in the 2016 World Series win.

He is survived by his daughters Colleen (Jim) Ehr, Sharon (Jim/Gene) Foust, and Marilyn (Jack) Lawler; his favorite daughter-in-law Anita Collins (son Rick, deceased); eleven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, fourteen step-great grandchildren and one step great great granddaughter; his brother Ray Collins; sisters-in-law Darlene Collins and Millie Ryan, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents; two grandsons Keith Foust and Jeff Evers; a brother Jim Collins, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A Loras Collins memorial fund has been established.

Our family extends our deep appreciation to each and every Bethany Home employee, for their love, friendship, and exceptional care given to our Dad over the years, and to the residents of Bethany who became Dad’s friends; to Hospice of Dubuque and to our extended family for supporting us with love, encouragement and prayers.

Craig W. Koehler

Craig W. Koehler, 54, of Dubuque died Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Grandview United Methodist Church where visitation will be held from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Craig was born January 14, 1966 in Lamar, Colorado, son of James and Mary (Haroff) Koehler.

After graduating from Hempstead High School, Craig served in the US Navy for four years on active duty and four years in the reserves.

He enjoyed sports and was an avid Cubs fan.

He is survived by his sister Judy (Jeff) Jochum, a nephew Bill Peters of Richland, Washington and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials my be given to Grandview Church or the Veterans Freedom Center.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Sister Marie Therese Coleman, PBVM

Sister Marie Therese Coleman, PBVM, 95, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held in Sacred Heart Chapel on June 5, 2020. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West.

Sister Marie Therese, daughter of John and Gertrude Coleman, was born Rose Mary Coleman on December 7, 1924 in Old Mines, MO. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation from Algona, IA on August 25, 1943 and professed her perpetual vows on May 11, 1949.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Loras College, Dubuque IA, and taught in Catholic schools in Clare, Dubuque, (St. Columbkille and Resurrection), Mason City, Waukon, Storm Lake and Sheldon, all in Iowa. She celebrated her 75th Jubilee in 2018 and stated, “Through all the ups and downs of life, God has been and continues to be there for me.”

After retiring to Mount Loretto in 1984, Sister Marie Therese continued to carry out the mission of Nano Nagle through tutoring and assisting in teaching English as a second language. She loved to walk and made many friends as she traversed the neighborhood. She valued prayer and community service and had a special love for all of creation, especially birds, dogs and cats.

Surviving are her sister-in-law Rosalie (Alfred) Coleman, many nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 76 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Frank Stebritz, sisters, Betty (Jack) Snyder, Cecelia (Fran) Heim, Joan Regina (Charles) Rolling, step-sisters, Anne Clark and Marie Dimond, her brothers, Bernard (Leiah), Francis, Aloysius (Gwen, Pauline), Joseph (Vicki), Stephen, Alfred and step-brothers, Francis, John, Thomas and Paul Stebritz, and Bill Foth.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, is in care of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dbqpbvms.org

Richard A. DeLarm

Richard A. DeLarm, 91, of Onslow, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, June 2, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Richard’s life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Friday, June 5, 2020 at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. A public visitation will take place from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Friday, June 5, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Social distancing guidelines will be followed at both locations.

Richard Arlen DeLarm was born on August 27, 1928 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Willis Lyman and Ruby Mae (Taylor) DeLarm. He married Delores I. Tracy at the Tracy Family Farm in Baldwin, Iowa on March 20, 1957. To this union three children were born, Bret, Diane and Patty.

Richard was a lifelong farmer. He first farmed north of Monmouth for 20 years, and for the past 42 years west of Canton.

Richard enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening and raising watermelons and muskmelons. He was a conservationist who had great care and concern for the trees and flowers and believed you should leave things better than the way you found them.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Delores DeLarm of Onslow, IA; children, Bret (April) DeLarm of Wyoming, IA, Diane (Matt) Schaeffer of Wellman, IA, and Patty (Brian) Podhaski of Wyoming, IA; 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Lovely of Maquoketa, IA, and Judy Ray of Bettendorf, IA; sisters-in-law, Phyllis DeLarm and Janet DeLarm; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers Raymond (Ruth), David, Carl, Charles (Brenda) and Donald (Gertrud), and a brother-in-law Dick Ray.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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.

Beverly A. Kluesner

Beverly A. Kluesner, 92, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, formally of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away June 2, 2020.

Due to COVID-19, memorial services and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Beverly was born March 26, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Albert and Marie (Basten) Dolan. She married B. Joseph (Joe) Kluesner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, October 23, 1948. They celebrated 60 years together.

After raising five children and retiring as Activity Director of Dubuque Healthcare, Beverly and Joe enjoyed visiting family in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dallas, Texas and Orange Park, Florida. They traveled around the world where they enjoyed meeting and making many new friends. They also visited nearly all 391 National Parks and Monuments. She and Joe spent many winters in Desert Hot Springs, CA where they met up with family and friends and enjoyed another great passion – golf.

After Joe’s passing Beverly moved to Concordia, a beautiful retirement community in Bella Vista where she was involved in many activities and made many new friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, daughter Jean (Bill) Kochendorfer and siblings; Roger Dolan, Dory (Tom) Meyer, Albert (Nancy) Dolan, John (Shelia) Dolan and Dennis (Betty) Dolan.

Surviving are her children; Leanne Weber of Orange Park, Florida, Robert (Beverly) Kluesner of Bella Vista, Diane Richman of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Thomas Kluesner of Euless, Texas; nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; sister, Jenny (James) Givens of Dubuque, Iowa; brother, Robert Dolan of Dubuque, Iowa; brother-in-law, Al (Mary) Kluesner of Edna, Minnesota; and a sister-in-law, Grace Allen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A special thanks to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.

Diane D. (Heim) Weis

Diane D. (Heim) Weis, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa received her angel wings on June 1, 2020. She passed peacefully at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 5th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6th, 2020 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Paul Attah-Nsiah officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. For those attending the visitation, we remind you to practice the social distancing guidelines that have been set for us.

Diane was born in Dubuque December 22, 1938, the daughter of Frank and Regina (Schueller) Heim. Diane received her education at Holy Ghost Catholic School, and Immaculate Conception Academy of Dubuque.

She married Sylvester Weiland on October 6, 1956 and together they had 4 children. She later married Leonard Weis on June 23, 1973 and together they had one child.

Diane was a homemaker and worked for the Dubuque Community Schools. She mostly worked at Fulton as a food service worker, until her retirement. She loved the kids at school; they brought her joy.

Diane was a longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, she often volunteered at the parish and the school.

Her hobbies include embroidery, crocheting, gardening and canning. Diane was an amazing cook; she loved cooking and baking for her family, she would always make sure everyone was fed well.

Diane’s greatest joy was her family and she had a heart of gold. She was a loving, caring and giving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother. She showed love not only to her own children, but all children.

She was very social and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Music gave Diane much joy and she enjoyed singing all the old tunes. She had an infectious smile and laugh, that lit up a room.

She is survived by her five children: Barb (Paul) Spirkowyc, Rockhill, SC; Michael Weiland, Dubuque; Mark (Jennifer) Weiland, Bernard, IA; Martin (Becky) Weiland, Cuba, IL; Lynn (Jason) Watters, Dubuque. Two Siblings: Robert (Mary) Heim, East Dubuque, IL and Danny Heim of Eldon, MO. Eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Seven step-children; twenty one step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husbands; six brothers Clarence, Kenny, Eddie, Dick, John, and Timmy Heim; two sisters Betty Jewett, and Vivian Waechter; a granddaughter, Sydney Watters, and 1 stepdaughter.

Thank you to Dr. Andrea Ries, the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers a Diane Weis memorial fund will be established. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Mary A. Grant

Mary Ann Grant, 87, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, June 2, 2020, surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in Peosta.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, June 5, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a virtual hug to Mary’s family. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Mary was born November 30, 1932, in Dubuque, the daughter of Charles “C.J.” and Anna (Tobin) McDonough. On June 24, 1953, she married Loras Grant in Dubuque. He died September 14, 1996.

She was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy.

Mary was a homemaker.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church and Power of Prayer. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan and loved playing bingo, going to the casinos, and watching her children play sports.

Survivors include six children, Steve (Tracy) Grant of Dubuque, Bob (Mare) Grant of Dubuque, Donnie (Shelly) Grant of Dubuque, Barb (Mike) Kane of Peosta, Larry (Janet) Grant of Kieler, WI, and Dave Grant of Dubuque; 17 grandchildren, Jeff (Heather), Stephanie, Stacey (Rob), Jennifer, Danny, Lindsey, Tracy, Lisa, Connor, Tyler, Jase, Tommy, Megan, Breann, Amy, Jaelyn and Karlee; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lou McDonough of Dubuque, Bill McDonough of Asbury; one sister Virgine (Dick) Johnson of Dubuque; in-laws, Jan McDonough of Key West, Connie McDonough of Dubuque, Irene Herrig of Dubuque, Colleen Grant of Dubuque, and Vinnie Grant of Alburnett; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Fran “Mac”, Jack and Tom, sister-in-laws, Mary Alesha, McDonough, Gerraldine McDonough, Rita McDonough, Frannie McDonough and a nephew, Kevin McDonough.

The family thanks Hospice of Dubuque and Dr. Angela Kelley for their care of Mary.

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

Harlan J. Nauman

Harlan John Nauman, Sr., 81, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 (Noon) Friday, June 5, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. The funeral mass will be live-streamed on the Miller Funeral Home Group facebook page. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.
Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. A Celebration of Life for extended family and friends will be held at a later date. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Harlan was born on December 21, 1938 on the family farm in Centralia, IA, the son of Alfred and Anna (Behnke) Nauman. He attended Humke School, a one room schoolhouse, and graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School in 1956. He served four years in the U. S. Air Force in North Dakota and was united in marriage to Roseann Hasken on June 17, 1961 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, where they have remained members.

Harlan managed several grocery stores, worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works, and retired from Trausch Baking Co. He grew up on the family farm with eight siblings. He worked hard all of his life to provide for his wife and children. Harlan lived a simple life, never complained and always said “I’m fine.”

He was a fighter through the last several years as he battled through health issues. Harlan was able to stay at home with the loving support of his family.

Harlan enjoyed his Pepsi in his “Skoozie”. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and watching professional baseball and golf, working in his yard and gardening and remembering the good times camping on family trips in their covered wagon camper.

Surviving is his wife, Rose; children, Harlan Jr (Carla) Nauman and Wayne Nauman both of East Dubuque, Lisa (Brent) Kitchen of Dubuque, and Andrew Nauman, Skokie, IL.; grandchildren, Luke, Allan, Nicholas, Mitch, Max and Patrick Nauman, Jacob (Josie) Smith and Katelyn Kitchen, one great-grandchild Liam Smith; his siblings Irvin (Mary) Nauman of Des Moines, Donald (Helen) Nauman of Peosta, Al “Whitey” Nauman of Dubuque, Darlene Hoerner (Don Schmitt) of Fenton, MO.; sisters-in-law, Madonna, Joan, Peggy Nauman and Phyllis Naumann, LouMae and Doris Hasken, and brother-in-law, Roger Gartner and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Anna; brothers, Melvern “Curly”, Ronald, Kenneth “Dutch” Nauman and Gerald Naumann; sisters-in-law, Darlene and Mary Nauman, Darlene Gartner and Betty Hasken; brothers-in-law, Joe Hoerner, Vincent, Earl and Donald Hasken.

Harlan’s family wishes to thank the MercyOne nurses, staff and Doctors for providing exceptional care and being there for Dad when we couldn’t during these trying times. A special thanks to Dr. Mark Liaboe.

In lieu of flowers a Harlan Nauman memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.©

Stefani R. Ganzer

Stefani R. Ganzer, 30, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 30, 2020, near Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

A private family service and visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the services.

Stefani Reneé Ganzer was born on March 22, 1990 in Dubuque, Iowa, to Brian John and Lori Michel (Millwright) Ganzer. She was a 2008 graduate of Andrew High School and then went to the University of Iowa where she received a degree in Economics in 2012.

Stefani had first worked for Cottinham and Butler in Dubuque as an administrative assistant. She then moved to Milwaukee where she recently obtained her real estate license and was currently working as a server and bartender. She was engaged to be married on October 17, 2020 to her fiancé, Jerod Haldin.

Stefani loved the outdoors and hiking, and spending time with her family especially watching Lifetime Channel movie marathons with her mom. She also loved Lord of the Rings, cooking, and her dog Bilbo.

Those left to honor Stefani’s memory include her fiancé, Jerod Haldin of Milwaukee, WI; her parents, Lori (Pete “Zip” Gebhart) Ganzer of LaMotte, IA, and Brian (Sheryl) Ganzer of Preston, IA; a brother Mitchell (Lauren) Ganzer of Platteville, WI; a niece Josefine Ann Ganzer; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Donna Millwright of LaMotte, IA; and paternal grandmother, Karen Ganzer of Spragueville, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal great-grandparents, and her paternal grandfather Richard Ganzer.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Stefani R. Ganzer memorial fund has been established.

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.

Charlie Leirmoe-Kaiser

Charlie Leirmoe-Kaiser, 59 of Dubuque Iowa, a woman of great strength, love and compassion, passed away peacefully on May 29th at Methodist Hospital, Rochester MN.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Matt Agee officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page at 7:00 p.m. Thursday. For those attending the visitation, we remind you to practice the social distancing guidelines that have been set for us.

She was born on August 21st, 1960 daughter of Bonnie (LePert) and Curt Leirmoe in Dubuque Iowa. She married Ken Kaiser on May 2nd, 1997 at Eagle Point Park in Dubuque.

Charlie graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1978. Right out of high school, she began working for the Iowa Conservation (YACC), which led her to her true passion of working in Yellowstone Park where she made a lifelong ‘sistahood’ of friends.
Charlie worked at FDL for many years before she began her job working for the city of Dubuque. Charlie could be seen driving her gator around the Plaza, but it wasn’t a job to her, it was what she enjoyed, she had the greenest thumb you’d ever see. She cared deeply for those she grew to know in the plaza, she took care of each and every one of them, especially the dogs, as they knew in her gator was a box of treats just waiting for them.
She never knew a stranger, every person she met was a friend, they were family. She always greeted you with a smile and an extended hand, no matter who you were.

Charlie loved spending time with family and friends and especially her dogs and cat. She was a jokester, a caregiver, the boss. From the firework gatherings at her house, a call on your birthday to sing to you or dropping off flowers from her garden to those she felt needed to be uplifted. Outdoors/gardening was her passion and she loved sharing them with everyone. She always looked out for that stray cat or dog and made sure she got them all to safety and home.

All those who knew or met Charlie learned from her, as she said ‘give that smile or eye contact to that stranger, it could be lifesaving or life changing, what that person or you need’.

Charlie fought breast cancer since May 2001, but she never allowed it to define who she was. She lived each day as she wanted, on her terms, to the fullest and watched every sunrise and sunset.

She was greeted in Heaven by her son Gaylin Leirmoe , her two grandsons Jack and Gage Leirmoe, her parents, her sister Sandy Leirmoe, Uncle Frankie LePert, her grandparents, her mother and father in law Mert and Jane Kaiser, nephew JT Kaiser and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

Those left to carry on her Legacy are her husband Ken Kaiser, brother Gary (Patricia) Leirmoe of Elk River MN, Lisa (Rick) Maiers of Dubuque, her step daughter Amanda Kaiser of Dubuque and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family. She was an amazing wife, mother, ‘Ma, sister, Graunt, Aunt, friend and will be missed by so many.

The family would like to thank Dr. Herman, Toni, Sandy, Linda and all the girls at Great River Center Oncology. You all were her friends and she deeply cared for each of you. Thank you for taking such good care of her over the years.

Charlie – thanks for being that bright light, that guide in this life, we will continue your legacy on earth by a kind gesture to all we meet. You often said you were such a lucky person to have so many who cared for you, but truth is, we are the lucky ones to have had you in our life. Peace be with you sista, our love will go on forever and forever more – shine bright!

Thomas W. Bowling

Thomas W. “Tom” Bowling, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private family visitation was held.

Thomas William Bowling was born on January 18, 1958 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to George Junior and Elinor Mae (Beaman) Bowling. He was a graduate of Maquoketa High School. He married Martha Kay Eye on April 22, 1978 in Maquoketa, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Eric William and Amanda Jo. Martha preceded him in death on May 26, 2009.

Tom had worked as an electrician for Stickley Electric in Maquoketa for 12 years and then for 20 years as a journeyman electrician for IBEW.

Tom loved to play all kinds of musical instruments and enjoyed entertaining his family. He also enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing and camping.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Eric Bowling of Maquoketa, IA, and Amanda Jo Bowling of Fulton, IL; his fiancé, Tina Redshaw of Maquoketa, IA; his mother, Elinor Bowling of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren; a brother Everett (Brenda) Bowling of Maquoketa, IA; and a sister-in-law, Jeannie Bowling of Maquoketa, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father, wife Martha, and a brother Kenneth Bowling Sr.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Thomas W. “Tom” Bowling memorial fund has been established.

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

Ruth E. (Humke) Hodgson

Ruth Emily (Humke) Hodgson, 97 went to be with the Lord on Friday May 29th, 2020 at Luther Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions there will be a private family memorial service at Grand View United Methodist Church Dubuque, IA.

Ruth was born on March 3, 1923 to Alice and Charles Humke in Dubuque, Iowa. On September 1, 1943 she married George Oliver Hodgson at Center Grove United Methodist Church. To that union came five children Sharon, Joyce, Glenn, Bill, and Ginny. They spent their entire lives farming on the Humke Family Farm.

Ruth loved the Lord, her Family, her church Family, music and quilting! She raised big gardens and numerous fruit trees. Summers were spent canning and freezing all of the produce for winter eating! She also loved to bake, especially bread and cookies! The aromas from her kitchen were glorious! She instilled a strong work ethic in her children for which we are all grateful. We enjoyed many Family camping trips over the years to many different states! Her love of music has been carried on in many of her children and she always enjoyed attending our many concerts. She was a lifelong member of Grand View United Methodist church where she was active in choir, quilting circle, teaching Sunday School and helping with the Youth League. Ruth was an excellent seamstress making many of our clothes and in later years became a Master Quilter! Besides the many quilts she helped with at church she pieced and hand quilted 75 quilts on her own!

Ruth is survived by her five children Sharon Halverson Boscobel, WI.; Joyce (Bill) Waters Peosta, IA; Glenn (Barb) Hodgson Dubuque, IA; Bill (Judy) Hodgson Bloomington MN; and Ginny (Fred) Base EauClaire, WI. Six Grandchildren Jennifer (Pat) Hromadka, Brian (Gina) Hodgson, Laura (Gil) Moran, Rebecca Halverson, Jacob Hodgson, and Adam Hodgson and her six Great Grandchildren Tristan, Addie, Kaci, and Levi Hodgson and Ethan and Dylan Moran and Baby Girl Moran on the way. She is further survived by many dear nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years George Hodgson, her parents, Charles and Alice Humke, her three brothers Milton, Warren, and Alvin and their spouses, and her son-in-law Roger Halverson.

Memorials may be given to Grand View United Methodist church, Dubuque, IA. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com.

Ruth D. Huebbe

Ruth D. Huebbe, 87, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, May 29, 2020, at her son Darrell’s home in rural Maquoketa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:30 P.M., Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery, rural Monmouth, Iowa.

Ruth Delores Scott was born on November 6, 1932 in Jackson County, Iowa, to George Sr. and Augusta (Peters) Scott. She was a 1949 graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married Harry J. Huebbe on August 20, 1953 in Andrew, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Harold, Darrell and Brenda.

Ruth had farmed all of her life, raising hogs, cattle and dairy farming. She had also worked at Community Helping Hands in Maquoketa, and lastly cleaned houses for the elderly.

Ruth was a former member of the Emeline Ladies Aid. She enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables, and crocheting.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Harry J. Huebbe of Baldwin, IA; children, Harold (Cathy) Huebbe of Maquoketa, IA, Darrell Huebbe of Maquoketa, IA, and Brenda (Ed “Kleater”) Beidler of Maquoketa, IA; 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Rachel Huebbe of Maquoketa, IA and Phyllis Scott of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother George “Sonny” Scott Jr.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ruth D. Huebbe memorial fund has been established.

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.