Obituaries Archive

Gloria Marie (Stadel) Winter

Gloria Marie (Stadel) Winter, 93, of Stockton, IL, formerly of Schapville, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Waverly Place of Stockton.

Services will be 12:00 (Noon) Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Zion Presbyterian Church in Schapville, with Pastor Dottie Morizzo officiating. Burial will be in the church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is serving the family.

Gloria was the first born daughter of Howard and Meta (Wasmund) Stadel on June 14, 1926. She met Glenn Winter in September of 1944 at a dance at Moonlight Gardens, Menominee, IL. They were united in marriage on April 17, 1949. They spent the next 60 years raising their children and farming in beautiful Thompson Township.
Gloria graduated from Scales Mound High School in 1944, attended Platteville State Teachers College, Platteville and taught at Pea Ridge School, rural Scales Mound until she became a wife and mother.

She loved living on the farm and helping Glenn farm, but she also dedicated a lot of time to her church. She worked as a treasurer at Zion Presbyterian in Schapville, she also helped with the bazaar every year and volunteered for years at the Sonshine Center. She loved baking, especially apple pies with her sisters. Gloria always had cookies or cookie dough at her house and she always let her grandkids lick the beater. She loved playing games and cards, darning socks for Glenn, journaling, gardening and decorating cakes with Laurie.

Surviving are her children: Donald (Karen) Winter of Nora, IL, Laurie (Daryl) Pahnke of Stockton, IL; her daughter-in-law Simone Winter of Schapville IL; her grandchildren: Chad (Chris) Winter of Lena, Becky (Neill) Cahill of Stockton IL, Luke Winter of Lena IL, Amy (Lee) Jansen of Franklin, WI, and Erin (Toby) Spillane of Shullsburg, WI; her great grandchildren: Hudson, Korbin, and Max Winter, Aidan and Masyn Cahill, Grady and Bennett Winter, and Reva and Stella Spillane; her siblings, Jean (Ralph) Muchow of Galena, Dave (Ginny) Stadel of Dixon, and Howard (Jean) Stadel of Freeport, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, her son James, her sister Betty, and her great grandson Owen.

Gloria lived a wonderful life – her tires were well worn and she was ready to see her maker. She lived a long, simple, and quiet life in Schapville, and spent her days loving her family and being loved.

Rose Ann Von Lehmden

Rose Ann Von Lehmden, 89, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Saturday from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Rose Ann was born July 26, 1930 in Holy Cross, IA, the daughter of Anton and Rose (Klostermann) Konzen. She married Donald Von Lehmden on November 14, 1950 in Dyersville, Iowa.

Rose Ann was strong in her faith throughout her life. Her passions included music, animals, and spending time with her grandchildren. Those who knew Rose Ann knew she had a zest for life, was selfless, and adored by her family and friends.

Rose Ann was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary

Rose Ann is survived by her husband, Donald, children: Rob Von Lehmden of Dyersville, Terry (Chris) Von Lehmden of Peoria, AZ, Lisa (Doug) Pettinger of Boise, ID, Lori Yardley of Clive, IA, Lynn (Ken) Lueck of Fairfax, IA, 9 grandchildren: Dade (Tara), Arly, and Bree (Brayden Israel) Pettinger, Brandon, and Cassie Yardley, Halle (Ethan) Howard, Chloe (Nolan Even), Avery, and Maggie Lueck, 1 great grandson, Charlie Howard  and sister-in-law, Ruth Kinmonth of Bellevue.

Rose Ann is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Tom Von Lehmden, parents-in-law: Cornelius and Eleanor Von Lehmden, siblings: Ramona (George) Esch, Lestor Konzen, Grace (John) Ernster, and, Howard (RoseMary) Konzen, in-laws: Marlene (Lawrence) Oberbroeckling, Pearl (Edwin) Oberbroeckling, Viola (Gilbert) Knipper, Velma (Burnell) Lynch, and, George Kinmonth, nephews: Mark Oberbroeckling and Daniel Knipper.

Rose Ann’s family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha for their excellent care.

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

Julia L. Brandenburg

Julia Lloyd Brandenburg, 87, of Dubuque, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19th, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Schmitt officiating. Private family burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

She was born on November 10, 1932 in Gravel Switch, Kentucky, the daughter of Allen John and Audrey Iris (Rogers) Calhoun. She met the love of her life, Junior Brandenburg in 1948 while he was serving in the US Army in Kentucky. They married on March 28,1950 and he preceded her in death on November 25, 1987.

Julia and Junior loved fishing together and spending time with their grandchildren. Julia loved to draw, do anything crafty, hang tinsel on the Christmas trees and hide Easter eggs! The past couple of years she enjoyed getting to know her great and great great grandchildren.

Surviving are her two daughters, Judith Ann (Richard) Riedesel, and Nancy Jean (Daniel) Schmitt. Three grandchildren, Daniel “D.J.” (Tara) Schmitt, Janet “Gidge” Wernke (Jay Brokaw) and David “Dave” (Caitlin) Schmitt. Great grandma GiGi to Jessica (Cory) Schaeckenbach, Rachael Wernke, Dawson, Deacon, London and Giliana Schmitt. Great great grandma to Nehemiah and Isaiah, and baby due in June.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband Junior, her parents and her brother Kenneth C (Nellie) Calhoun.

We wish to thank the wonderful staff and friends at Ennoble Manor, especially Michelle, Abbey and her right-hand gal Mary, along with the great staff and volunteers of Hospice of Dubuque.

Nancy L. Winningham

Nancy Lee Winningham, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020, at her home in rural Maquoketa.

A private burial will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee. Cremation has taken place.

Nancy Lee Winningham was born on November 14, 1948 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mingus A. and Virginia L. (Forehand) Winningham. She grew up in Nashville and was a graduate of Central High School in Nashville.

Upon graduating from high school, Nancy began a 43-year career with the State of Tennessee’s Department of Education where she helped adults receive their GED’s. She retired in 2007.

She enjoyed crocheting, binge watching television shows and movies.

Those left to honor her memory include her friends and caregivers, Brian and Lawrence Davis of Maquoketa, IA; her friend, Laurinda Boyns of Maquoketa, IA; her Dachshund dog Baby Love; and friends in the Nashville, TN area. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Mary Ferrell.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family, and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Bernice V. Fitzpatrick

Bernice V. Fitzpatrick, 103, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 12, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at St. Joseph Church Key West with Most Rev. Michael Jackels officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Bernice was born on October 6, 1916 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Maurice and Alvina (Reiff) Hill. She graduated from Senior High School in 1934 and worked at Roshek Brothers for 5 years.

She married Leo H. “Oakie” Fitzpatrick on May 23, 1939 at Nativity Church in Dubuque. Bernice and Leo farmed together on their Guernsey Dairy farm, retiring in 1978. He preceded her in death on July 8, 1995.

Bernice was named Dubuque County Farm Bureau “Mother of the Year”; was a member of “Sweet Adeline”, Roberts Kuhn’s Art Center, and St. Joseph’s Key West Rosary Society. She was on the Dubuque County Library Board; had poetry published in Lynical, Iowa; was in Sister Jean Hayen’s Tai Chi Class; and, Exhibited art in “Banking on the Arts.”

She is survived by her son Thomas (Jeanine) Fitzpatrick; grandson Andrew Richard Fitzpatrick; and many very dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband; her parents; one sister Anna Marie Sheetz; two brothers Thomas and Richard Hill.

Madeline Kotz

Madeline Kotz, 88, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at her home in Dubuque with her family at her bedside.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Madeline will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 17, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Father Paul Attah-Nsiah as the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Madeline was born July 9, 1931, in Toledo, OH, the daughter of Louis and Millie Shible. On June 17, 1952, she married Albert G. Kotz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He died May 25, 2012.

Madeline worked at Sears for 20 plus years in the catalog department, during tax season she would work at H&R Block as a tax consult where she continued to for many years following. Later in life, she was passionate about volunteering for AARP doing taxes. She loved spring, she could often be found tending to her yard plants and flowers. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s various activities. Her family loved when she made her chocolate cakes, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip and raisin cookies.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Larry) Ryan of Dubuque; two sons, Kevin (Janell) Kotz and Karl (Shelly) Kotz both of Dubuque, IA; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Matt Rathe) DeSotel, Jennifer Ryan, Jill (Peter) Hancock, Jeffrey (Abbey) Ryan, Katie (Zach Howe) Kotz, Jacob (Melissa) Kotz, and Alex, Lauren, and Luke Kotz; and 10 great-grandchildren; in laws, Joyce Shible, Vince (Maggie) Kotz, Gene Kernall and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Kurt; three brothers, Leo Shible, Sam Shible, Joseph Shible, and one sister Marion.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

A special thank you to Dr. Chris Stille and his staff, Dr. Christine Holm and her staff and the amazing team at Medical Associates, and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support.

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

Shirley C. Gassmann

Shirley Catherine Gassmann, 84, of Dubuque, IA passed away on January 12, 2020 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. David Schatz officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Shirley was born on May 25, 1935 in Sherrill, Iowa the daughter of Roy and Marie (Tigges) Rubel. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy and Dubuque Beauty Academy.

Shirley owned and operated her own beauty salon until retirement.

Shirley loved many things: walking, music, dancing, traveling and shopping, especially when she found a good bargain. She especially enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren out of town whenever she had the opportunity and spending Christmas eve with her family.

She is survived by her former husband Lyle A Gassmann; their children, Rebecca (Mike) McMahon, Beth Ann Tabor, Lynn (Tony) Hancock, all of Dubuque, Jeff (Liz) Gassmann, of Tempe, Arizona, Susan (Dennis Daughtery) Giles, of Orland park, IL, Michael (Julie) Gassmann, of Marion, Iowa and Theresa (Brandon) Durrett, of Rusk, Texas. Nineteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest son Lyle and several aunts, uncles and many friends.

A Shirley C. Gassmann memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dubuque Fire and Police for their quick response, compassion and care.

Gordon V. Wells

Gordon V. Wells, 104 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on January 12, 2020 a Luther Manor.

Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Matthew Agee officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will be in Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa with military honors by Clayton County AMVETS Post #27. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.
Gordon Victor Wells was born on December 12, 1915 in North McGregor Iowa which is now known as Marquette. He attended Marquette schools and graduated in 1934, often joking that the F’s shown on his report card stood for fantastic. He worked for about eighteen months in a local grocery store and then was off to Wyoming, working on a ranch for one summer. When he got off the train from Wyoming, his mother Mary made him shed his clothes outside and take a bath to keep the bedbugs out of the house. She burned his clothes.

Gordon joined the Navy on January 5, 1936 and served his country for four years on the battleship USS Mississippi. His stories about his Navy exploits included how the Japanese did not dare to attack Pearl Harbor until his discharge because he was there piloting his motorboat wielding his Navy pistol. After honorable discharge from the Navy he married Coletta Bentien on May 10, 1941 in Monona, Iowa. They then struck off for California and while living in San Diego, Gordon worked at Convair building B-24 bombers for the war effort and after the war worked at Kelco until 1950.

Missing the changing of the seasons, they moved back to Iowa where they settled in Dubuque. Gordon worked for the Milwaukee Railroad as a conductor and a brakeman from 1950 until July 1980 when he retired. This gave he and Coletta time to travel, and they saw many parts of the world and visited all of the continents except Antarctica. Both Gordon and Coletta have been members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for more than fifty years.

Gordon and Coletta had four children, their firstborn son died shortly after birth. Daughter Diane Locklear now lives in Santa Monica, California, son Gordon L. Wells (Debbie) lives in Rockford, Illinois and daughter Charlene Kenkel (Steve) is in Toledo, Iowa.

Gordon loved fishing and hunting. From his days back in Marquette, he had learned to hunt most everything, pheasant, rabbits, mushrooms and squirrels. When he was no longer able to walk the woods hunting, he discovered a surprising number of squirrels in the backyard attracted to the cracked corn that he would set out. He kept a pellet gun near to the kitchen window and when a squirrel would turn its back he would slowly open the window and take a shot. He kept track of the number of squirrels he bagged and over the years and he shared 99 of them with family and friends whether they wanted them or not. Telling stories was a favorite activity of Gordon’s, be it stories about being raised a Mississippi River rat or tales of small-town life in Marquette and all the characters he grew up with in the 1920s. He shared the stories with friends, family and anyone who sat next to him in the mall.

Gordon’s love of life motivated those around him to live to the fullest as well.
He is survived by his beloved wife of seventy-eight years Coletta, three children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Albert, stepfather Nobel, his mother Mary, sister Evelyn, firstborn son Gordon Lee and grandson Robert Kenkel.

The Wells family extends its gratitude to the staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Sister Helen Huewe

Sister Helen (Gerland) Huewe, OSF died at 5:55 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Mercy Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 16, 2020 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 PM in Francis Chapel.

Born October 1, 1935 in Remsen, Iowa, she was the daughter of Gerland and Celeste (Freymann) Huewe.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1955 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1961. Sister received her master’s degree in Hospital Administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. She ministered in Aurora, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; and Ft. Worth, Texas. In Iowa, she was missioned at Davenport, Iowa City, and in Dubuque as Administrator of Xavier Hospital, President of Mercy Health Center, and as a member of the Congregational Leadership Team. Helen was currently serving on boards or committees of Steeple Square, Opening Doors, Crescent Community Health Center, Stonehill Benevolent Foundation, Loras College Columbia Housing, the Marshallese Church Renovation Project, Shalom Spirituality Center, and the Sisters of St. Francis Long Range Planning.

Sister is survived by her brother, Phil Huewe; sister-in-law, Margy Huewe; nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathleen Huewe; her brother, Robert Huewe; and sister-in-law, Shirley Huewe.

Helen asked that memorial donations be directed to the Marshallese Church Renovation Fund at the Greater Dubuque Community Foundation.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of arrangements.

Raymond L. Latham

Raymond L. “Ray” Latham, age 69, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:59 p.m., on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  To celebrate Ray’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ray was born on August 25, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William and Ruth (Jacobs) Latham.

Ray was a life long Dubuquer who graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1968, who went on to get his degree from NICC.  He was a hard worker and was employed with Mercy Health Center as a respiratory therapist for 22 years until his retirement.  In his free time, Ray enjoyed trying his luck at the casino, walking all over town, and helping his brother and sister-in-law sell their craft items at Farmer’s Market.  Ray also generously volunteered his time helping out at the Dubuque Rescue Mission.  Ray was a quiet, private man who will be deeply missed by his family.

Those left to cherish Ray’s memory include

his 2 brothers,
William (Lee) Latham, Dubuque, IA
and Randy Latham, Dubuque, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Judy Latham, Cuba City, WI;

and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers, Rev. Larry Latham and James Latham.

Ray’s family would like to thank the outstanding doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their kind, compassionate and professional care of Ray and his family.

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

William E. Reed

William E. “Bill” Reed, 73, of rural Scales Mound, IL, passed away Sunday afternoon at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee, IL, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in Council Hill Cemetery, rural Scales Mound, IL. Visitation is from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Bill was born on September 28, 1946 in East Galena Township of Jo Daviess County, the son of William J. and Marie (Bader) Reed. He was united in marriage to Marilyn C. Wubben on June 10, 1972 at Nativity BVM Church, Menominee.

He was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, the class of 1964. Bill enjoyed farming and was a past member of Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He bowled for many years in Galena, Dubuque and Platteville. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.

He started Bill’s Repair in 1992. He had a talent for fixing things. Bill never pulled change out of his pockets without some nuts and bolts mixed in. He learned computer skills on his own after starting Bill’s Repair.

Bill was one of the founders of the High Point Cruisers Car Club. One of his sayings was “If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed” shown by the love for his two Candy Apple Red ‘66’ Mustangs. Bill was a member of the Open Air Tours of Wisconsin. He loved the summer Car Cruises, their trips to Arizona, Door County and the memorable trips to Las Vegas with friends.

Surviving are his wife Marilyn; three children, Kris (Todd) Colin of East Dubuque, IL, Erica (Brad) Virtue of Peoria, IL and Matt (Amber) Reed of Scales Mound; four grandchildren, Hannah, Aidan, Brooklyn and Blake; two sisters, Shirley Jannsen of Freeport, IL, and Joyce Long (friend Ed Hoey) of Rockton, IL and several brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie, and in-laws, Leo and Rosalina (Middendorf) Wubben.

In lieu of flowers, a Bill Reed memorial fund will be established for scholarship purposes at Scales Mound High School.

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

Frederick T. Splinter

Frederick T. “Fred” Splinter, 82, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 10, 2020 surrounded by his family at ManorCare Health Care in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Miller Funeral Home from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday (rosary/scriptures service will begin at 2:30pm) and from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

Fred was born on June 9, 1937 in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the son of Thomas and Agnes (Puls) Splinter.  He was united in marriage to Marilyn Ann Runde on October 25, 1958 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.

He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1955. Fred bought the family farm in 1972 and enjoyed farming for many years. He was happiest when he was outside and enjoyed sunrises and sunsets on “the ranch”. Fred was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works and retired after 32 years. He was a man with a great work ethic and was passionate about instilling the value of work in his family.

He loved hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting and sports. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and White Sox fan, never missing any games. He also enjoyed playing Solo and Euchre—most recently he enjoyed playing cards with his friends in the Euchre Club.  His faith was very important to him and he was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church. He enjoyed annual retreats at New Melleray Abbey for over 50 years. Faith, family and friends were the words he lived by. His pride and joy were his grandchildren.

Fred was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7527 of East Dubuque where he served as its former Financial Secretary and was a former member of U.A.W. Local #94.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn “Bitsy” Splinter; four children, Joe (Kitty) Splinter of Hanover Park, IL, Steve (Vicki) Splinter of Virginia Beach, VA, John (Barb) Splinter of Hazel Green, WI, and Sue (Rich) Conlon of Durango, IA; eleven grandchildren, Rachael Splinter, Marissa (Patrick) Stuber, Dr. Katie Moyer (Dr. Lauren Morea), Chuck (Ashley) Moyer, Zach Splinter, Sarah Splinter (Frank Lloyd), Conor (Brianne) Harris, Luke Harris (Samantha), Kaley Harris (Richard Seals) and Sam & Lucy Conlon; six great grandchildren, Oliver & Ben Moyer, Brooklyn Moyer, Mary Jane Lloyd, Catalena Harris & Loralei Seals; his siblings, Virgil (Barb) Splinter of Platteville, WI, John “Jack” Splinter of Sinsinawa, WI, Jane (Roger) Nank of Asbury, IA and numerous nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Nellie Splinter of Dubuque, Wilfred Runde of East Dubuque, Shirley Runde of East Dubuque, Arlene (Ron) Vincent of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Agnes, a son, Pat Splinter, a grandson, John Thomas Splinter, a brother, Eugene Splinter, a sister, Rose Apel, a sister-in-law, Marie Splinter, and a brother-in-law, Paul Runde.

The family wishes to thank Jack Tegler, Dr. Herman and Tony, the staff of ManorCare and Hospice of Dubuque.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Church and New Melleray Abbey.

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

Paula M. Hefel

Paula Marie Hefel, 53, of Dubuque, died Sunday, January 12, 2020, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. A funeral service for Paula will follow the conclusion of the visitation at 7:00 PM with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Paula was born August 24, 1966, in Dubuque, the daughter of Dennis and Lynda (Baum) Post. She married John Selchert and they later divorced.  On June 20,1998, she married Michael J. Hefel, together they shared many memories and special years.

She worked at Iowa State Correctional Facility on Elm Street.

Paula loved her trips to the dog track and watching her favorite sports teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. She also cherished time with her family, specifically her grandchildren, who called her “Nana”.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; father, Dennis Post; sons, Andy (Christina) Selchert and Nick (fiancé, Ashley Quick) Selchert; step son, Aaron (Jenna) Hefel; brothers, Bill Post and Branden (Danielle) Post; grandchildren, Carson, Averie, Nash, and Bexlee; her caregiver and best friend, Mandy; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother and grandparents.

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

Katherine E. Hipschen

Katherine “Kay” E. (Marshall) Hipschen, 65, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectantly at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque on Friday, January 10, 2020.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  A visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020  at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue and again Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Kay was born July 10, 1954, the  daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Mesch) Marshall.  She graduated from Bellevue Marquette High School in 1972 and furthered her education at Capri Cosmetology in Dubuque.  She married Darlis Miller on June 3, 1972 and they share 3 children, Jennie, Josh, and Jiah all of Bellevue.  On December 23, 2016, Kay married Joe Hipschen.  Together they made one crazy, loud and loving family with the kids, in-laws, and grandkids.  Kay spent almost 20 years working at the Preston Creamery  and then went to Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque and retired from Beemis in Clinton.  She also held many part-time jobs over the years where she met many wonderful people who became lifelong friends.  She was known to “bite” her boss Chad at the Riverview Hotel to keep him in-line.  If you knew Kay you were blessed and couldn’t help but be drawn in by her loud and infectious laugh and the way she always had to give you a kiss and hug, before you parted ways, even if it was the first time you met.  Kay loved life and lived it to the fullest, every day for her was about, Joe, her kids, and grandchildren.  Anytime spent with them was her favorite.

Survivors include her husband, Joe; children, Jennie (John) Hager, Josh (Trina) Miller, and Jiah (Todd) Sieverding; 8 grandchildren, Aubrie, Austin and Aunika Hager, Kourtney Hoppenjan and Kailey Miller, Brexley, Atlee and Brecken Sieverding; siblings, Jerry (Ruth) Marshall, Ruth (Paul Denolf) Jess, and Sally (Nick Fondell) Meyer; a sister in-law, Barb Marshall; her mother in-law, Marjorie “Midge” Hipschen.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert “Joe” Marshall and her father in-law, Raymond Hipschen

A memorial fund has been established in Kay’s memory.

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

Vernon V. McGrath

Vernon V. “Vern” McGrath, of Dubuque, the loving husband, and the wonderful father of four children answered the Lord’s call to return home at the grand age of 95 on Friday, January 10, 2020.

Visitation will be from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2019 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.

Vern was born August 15, 1924, in Lattnerville, Iowa, son of Peter and Anna (Lucas) McGrath.  He married his best friend, Eleanor Freisinger, on September 18, 1948 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Dubuque, Iowa.  Their 75 years of marriage was filled with faith, hope, love, joy and peace.  Together they freely taught, loved, cared, and cherished their four children, Mike, Sherry, Roger and Kevin.

Vern was an accomplished horseshoe pitcher; pitching horseshoes in the many of the World Tournaments, State Tournaments, and Dubuque, Iowa league.  Vern had a vision for Horseshoe pitching in Dubuque.  He shared his vision with the city of Dubuque Parks and Recreation Department.  Vern was instrumental in the development of the Horseshoe Courts located in Flora Park and having Dubuque participate in the annual State Horseshoe Pitching Tournaments.  His vision became a reality in the 1980’s.

He was a true man of faith.  Vern was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Dubuque, where he served as a Deacon for over 40 years.  As time went on, Vern and Eleanor joined their family at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.  Vern’s passion was taking friends and family for rides along country roads, making stops along the way for a meal, a tasty dessert, or ice cream. He loved being outside, it was heaven on earth to him.  Breathing the fresh air, looking up at the sky, enjoying the many shapes he could make from the clouds not only did he stop to smell the roses; he grew a beautiful, colorful, and unique rose garden.  He shared bouquet of roses with many.  No one was a stranger to Vern, he always said hello to anyone he met and wished them a good day.

Vern enjoyed reading, writing poetry and a daily journal.  His days were filled with good and kind deeds.  He was a man that opened doors for strangers, only spoke kind words about a subject or a person.  He always wanted family and friends to succeed by doing their best.

He did make time to work, he never missed a day of work.  He sold newspapers on ninth and Main St.  He made mentors in life selling newspapers to many businessmen in Dubuque.  Many treated him as a son since his father had already passed when he was nine years old.  He worked at Farley and Loetschers Manufacturing Company, the Dubuque Packing House and was a guard at the Dubuque Building.  Vern has surely lived a full and fruitful 95 years here among us.  His kindness, patience, and compassion for those around him have impacted numerous lives along his journey.  We will definitely miss him, forever love and respect him, and never doubt that our Heavely Father now has a very welcome new addition to Eternal Life.  A life well lived by a good and faithful servant.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Michael “Mike” McGrath.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughter, Sherry (Duane) Ellerbach of The Villages, Florida and their daughter, Lisa (Rob) Higareda of Austin, Texas; two sons, Roger McGrath of Dubuque and Kevin (Guin) McGrath of Dubuque and their children, Shawn McGrath of Dubuque and Brad (Justine) McGrath and their daughter, Evelynn, of Garner, Iowa.

He is also survived by his son Michael’s children, Beth McGrath of Dubuque, Scott McGrath and his son, Jackson, of Cedar Rapids, and Mike McGrath of Cedar Rapids; a brother, Chester (Eunice) McGrath of Cedar Rapids and a sister, Coletta Schultz of Dubuque and a special cousin, Bob (Jan) Miller of Dubuque.

Also surviving are three brothers in law, Joe Freisinger of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Richard “Dick” Freisinger of Anchorage, Alaska and Rusty Oberhoffer of Menominee, Illinois.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and a younger sister, Anna Mae and her husband Albert Hoist and older brother, Ralph and his wife Bernadine McGrath and his brother in law, Merlin Schultz.

He was preceded in death by by wife’s siblings, Louis and Shirley Freisinger, Paul and Darlene Freisinger, Genevieve Oberhoffer and Earl Freisinger.

The family would like to extend our appreciation to everyone at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for all the care, kindness, and compassionate love you gave our father.