Obituaries Archive

Mary A. Norpel

Mary Alice Norpel, 97, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Galena surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday September 7, 2020 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 PM. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. Due to the current Dubuque city ordinance, masks are required at the funeral home and church. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Mary’s family.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Jim Goerend as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The mass 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 April 17, 1923 in Dubuque, the daughter of Frank and Catherine Collins McCoy. On June 14, 1943, she married Kenneth L. Norpel in Nativity Church in Menominee, IL. He passed away January 16, 2005.

She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School.

She worked at Savanna IL Proving Grounds, K-Mart, and Catholic Day Nursery.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. She was devoted to her rosary and said it many times each day. For 17 years, she spent her winters in Arizona and loved it. She treasured her Tuesday shopping trips and lunches with her daughter and friends.

Survivors include four sons, Kenneth (Rhonda) Norpel of Dubuque, James Norpel of Kingman, AZ, Craig (Jane) Norpel of Mesa, AZ, and Jeff Norpel of Dubuque; one daughter, Judy (Dennis) Radford of Galena, IL; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, William (Helen) McCoy, and Leroy (Lucille) McCoy, one sister, Catherine (Joseph) Ellerbach, one stepdaughter, Jean (Ed) Michels, and one great-grandson, David Estal.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Hawkeye Care Center.

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

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

Betty A. Goedert

Betty Ann Goedert, 85 of Dubuque passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday September 2, 2020.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am, Friday, September 4th, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating.

The funeral service will be live -streamed on St. Anthony’s youtube page, www.youtube.com/c/SaintAnthonyDubuque.  Burial to follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30am – 10:30 am, Friday, at the church. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Betty was born March 29, 1935 in Bellevue, daughter of John and Josephine Abeln.

She was united in marriage to Vince Goedert in Bellevue on June 30, 1956. The couple made their home in Dubuque.

In her early days, she worked at Dubuque Packing Co., she cleaned homes, and lastly worked for DDS Kuttler before retiring in 1995.

Together Betty and Vince traveled to many places including Vegas, Alaska and Hawaii.

She was a member of St. Anthony’s church, Catholic Daughters #1287, and a member of The St. Jude Quilters.

She was a very proud Mom, Grandma, and Great- Grandma. Getting together with her family meant everything to her.

Betty will be forever loved by her three sons, Steve (Joyce) of North Liberty, Mark (Karen) of Holy Cross, and Dave (Darla) of Sherrill; her grandchildren, Melissa Johnson, Luke Goedert (Holly Hayes), Matt (Kelsey) Goedert, Scott Goedert (Laurin Bott) and Jesse Goedert; and her great-grandchildren, Carson and Danielle Goedert.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2013; her sisters, Rita (Hank) Schulte, Evelyn (Clarence) Yoerger, Catherine (Arnold) Yoerger; in-laws, Herold (Alice) Goedert, Robert (Lolly) Goedert, and Rita (Walter) Davis.

Betty’s family would like to thank Sunset Park Place for making Betty feel at “home” for the last year and a half. Also, thanks to Hospice of Dubuque.

Paula K. Draper

Paula K. Draper, 69, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at her home.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 P.M., Friday, September 4, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. There is no visitation. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, at a later date. It is recommended that you practice social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Paula Kay Alexander was born on January 4, 1951 in Davenport, Iowa, to Lloyd and Olivia (Dent) Alexander. She was a graduate of Davenport West High School. She married James L. “Worm” Regan in 1968. They later divorced. She married Alan D. Draper on November 11, 1977 in Davenport, Iowa.

Paula first worked as a telecommunications operator for MCI in Davenport for 15 years. She then worked for Genesis Medical Center Psychology Associates as an office manager for over 10 years.

Paula enjoyed crocheting, fishing, watching sports, and being with her family. She loved her animals.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, John Regan of Maquoketa, IA; step-children, Steve (Dottie) Draper of Omaha, NE, Pamela (Roger) Spicher of Elkhart, IN, Paul (Cindy) Draper of SC, and James Draper of Davenport, IA; a sister, Missy (Randy) Scott of Des Moines, IA; 1 grandchild, Zack Ratcliff; 3 step-grandchildren, Caitlin, Christian and Cody McLaughlin; nieces and nephews, Chris Spiess, Joseph Sawyer, Brandon Sawyer, Joshua Silva, Sarah Scott, and Kaydee Scott; and a very special friend to her and the family, Kenny Armstrong of Anamosa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alan on December 14, 2018, a daughter Wendy Draper, step-son Jeff Draper, and sisters Donna Moore and Kitty McLaughlin.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Paula Kay Draper memorial fund has been established.

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

Rosanne Tone

Rosanne Tone, 84, of Maquoketa, formerly of Dubuque, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at her home in Maquoketa after a long illness.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday September 4, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Road. Please respect our current social distancing requirements and Mask requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to Rosanne’s family. The Funeral Service for Rosanne will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 5, 2020, at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque. 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.

Rosanne was born October 31, 1935, in Dubuque, the daughter of Vilas Agustaf and Phyliss Hansel Seipp. On April 17, 1954, she married Melvin Norland Tone in Dubuque.

She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1953. She attended Iowa State University in Ames for one year.

She retired from the family business she and Mel created over their 66 years of marriage.

She was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque. She was a Sunday School Teacher, and a member of women’s groups and Coyople. Her hobbies included reading, golfing, and ceramics. She had a hole in one on the fifth hole at Thunder Hills Golf and Country Club. She was an accomplished seamstress.

Survivors include her husband, Melvin; two sons, Thomas Norland (Cathy) Tone of Dallas, David Vilas (Maxine) Tone of Maquoketa; three grandchildren, Alexander (Gina) Tone, Kirsten (Darren) Kelley, and Laura Tone; and three nieces, Shelley, Amy, and Melissa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jan Vilas (Gail) Seipp.

A memorial has been established for First Congregational United Church of Christ or Hospice of Jackson County.

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

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

William L. Huseman

William L. “Bill” Huseman, 43, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 28, 2020 at home.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating.

Bill was born on November 26, 1976 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Joseph F. and Sandra (Zinn) Huseman Jr. He graduated from Hempstead High School and owned and operated Bill’s Automotive.

Bill enjoyed being on the river with family and friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan, he liked it so much that he would ignore phone calls when the race was on. Bill especially loved being around his brother, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He will never understand how much he will truly be missed. WE LOVE YOU! In the words of Bill, NW…

He is survived by his parents Joseph and Sandra Huseman Jr., one brother Joseph F. Huseman, III; two sisters Tracie (Don) Klein and Cassie (John) Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Joseph F. Huseman Sr., Agnes A. “Ig” Huseman and maternal grandparents Louis W. Zinn Jr., and Lorraine Wachter.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to Bill’s parents, Joe and Sandy Huseman and may be mailed to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to their family and friends for all their love and support during this difficult time.

David A. Clemen

David A. Clemen, 80, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at his home of natural causes.

Rev. Tyler Raymond will conduct private family services with burial in St. Francis cemetery in Dyersville.

David was born December 11, 1939, in Dyersville the son of Nicholas and Frances (Leigh) Clemen. He married Janet Ressler on July 24, 1965, at St. Mary’s church in Cascade, officiated by Fr. Wayne Ressler. Through the years they enjoyed dancing with friends during the Big Band era at Melody Mill to the music of Wayne King, Guy Lombardo and Sammy Kaye, and to the local bands at the Cascade, Worthington and Dyersville dance halls.

Dave’s employment years started after graduation at the Farley State Bank. After returning from the service, he was employed at the Dyersville National Bank, self-employed farming, employed at New Vienna Mutual Insurance Agency, and retired from American Trust in 2018. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison Graduate School of Banking in 1974.

Dave was active in many civic organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Food Pantry, Garden Club, St. Francis Xavier Parish and was a founding member on the board of Dyersville Progress Home. He received the Lion’s Club Citizen of the Year award in 2008. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. He loved his two granddaughters and enjoyed watching their soccer games. He was a good cook and they enjoyed many creative meals over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Janet, a son, Michael of Dyersville, granddaughters, Sadie Hart (friend Chris) and Rikki (Eric) Demers; great grandchildren Calvin and Evelyn Demers, all of Dubuque; siblings: Barb (Fred) Hermsen, Judy (Jim) Kluesner, Tony (Karen) Clemen, all of Dubuque, Bill (Barb) Clemen of Shell Rock and Mary Palmer of Marion; in-laws: Margaret Delaney and Joan (Jim) McCarron, both of Dubuque, and John Ressler of Mt. Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Jacob and Marie (Klocker) Ressler, one son, Richard John Clemen on July 2, 1991, a sister, Charlotte Clemen, a brother, Herb Clemen, and a nephew, Derek Clemen; in-laws: Mike Ressler, Donald Delaney, and Virginia Ressler.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Tammi and Ryan, Jen, Jan, Jeanette, Suzanne and Diane for their compassionate care, for without them, Dave would not have been able to remain at home. Also, special thanks to the caregivers and helpers who so generously gave of their time to assist Janet with Dave’s daily routine of cares: Terry, Brenden, Sandy, Sydney, Shelby, Sawyer, Beth, Brooklyn, Brenna, Sue, Gabby, Lois, Kathy, Kyle, Tim and Kevin.

Memorials are preferred and cards may be sent to the family c/o Kramer Funeral Home

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

Gregory J. Doeden

Gregory James Doeden, 65, of Dubuque passed away on August 30, 2020 at Stonehill Care Center from Lewy Body Dementia due to Parkinson’s.

Greg was born on October 17, 1954 and graduated from Hempstead High School. He attended Hawkeye Tech in Cedar Falls and obtained his surveying certificate and then obtained his civil engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Greg worked as a Civil Engineer for 25 years in Milwaukee for the engineering and architectural firm of Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff (HNTB). Greg, and his wife Renee, moved back to Dubuque where he worked for the City of Dubuque as a Civil Engineer until he was forced to retire because of the progression of the Lewy Body Dementia due to Parkinson’s.

Greg is survived by his loving wife, Renee (Knippel) Doeden. Greg and Renee were married at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in 1979. He is survived by his brother Joseph Doeden of Arizona and his sister Pamela Parker. Greg is also survived by his niece Jennifer Guilliams, her husband Carl, their children Colton, Morgan, son-on-law Kody, niece Molly Slater and her son Jake; his brother-in-law Cliff (Kip) Knippel (Sharon), sister-in-law Nikki Rahe (John) and brother-in-law John Knippel (Tess).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marian and James Doeden.

Greg’s great passion was watching his beloved Packers play football on TV. His favorite experiences were his several trips with Jim Woods and Renee to Lambeau Stadium to watch the Pack play. Greg was well known for his signature loud baritone bellar “GO PACK.” Greg was an active member of the Church of the Resurrection parish where he was a lector for over 6 years.

He and Renee loved to walk their dogs, Bully and Tyson. No one loved his dogs more than Greg. He was a dedicated and accomplished weight lifter and a proficient golfer. His laugh, charm and good nature will be missed. He was every person’s “Good Guy.”

A Visitation will be held 9:00 AM Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Church of the Resurrection until The Mass of Christian Burial for Gregory beginning at 10:00 AM with Rev. Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. A Private Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Dyersville. The mass 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. Due to the current Dubuque city ordinance, masks are required in the church. 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 message to Gregory’s family.

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

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

Joseph T. Herrig

Joseph T. “Joe” Herrig, 58, of Dubuque, completed his final lap on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Luther Manor, Grand Meadows.

To Celebrate Joe’s Life Family and Friends may visit Saturday Sept. 5, 2020,  from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Due to the COVID-19 mandate issued by the City Of Dubuque, face masks are required for all who attend. A service of remembrance will be held immediately following visitation, led by Dan Zauche. Private burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, La Motte, IA at a later date following cremation.

Joe was born November 14, 1961 in Dubuque, the son of Robert and Mary Ellen (Murray) Herrig. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High in 1980.  He started his family in Dubuque, his daughter was born in 1991 and then they moved to Prairie Du Chien in 1998 to run a lock smith shop. Joe would later return home to Dubuque, Iowa

Joe lived a life full  cars, keys, and auto parts. He was a total “car guy” who loved to attend car auctions, and never turned down the opportunity to buy a Junker and fix it up to sell. Joe learned his car and maintenance skills growing up from his neighbor and life long friend Gary Childers.  Joe most recently was employed at Advance Auto Parts.  He enjoyed working at a place where he could talk cars all day long. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his daughter, who he lived for. Joe had a heart of gold, and would do anything for anyone. He always put his family and friends before himself.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Alisha (fiancé Jason Potras) Herrig of Dubuque; Kaitlyn and Hailey, who called him “Papa Joe”; his siblings, Jean (Mike) Ruefer of Davenport, IA, Joan (Tim) Huinker of Rochelle, IL, Jeri (Greg) Williams of Taylor Ridge, IL, Jackie (Dan) Zauche of Peosta, IA, and Jim Herrig of Durango, IA; and his nieces and nephews, Jenni (Nate), Michelle, T.J. (Missy), Amanda (Cole), Drew, Robert (Kaitlyn), Jacob, and Ally.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe’s family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, Luther Manor Grand Meadows,  Unity Point-Finley Hospital ER & 4^th floor nurses, and New White Florist for their generosity.

Memorials may be made to the family.

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

Andrew D. Trebian

Andrew Duane Trebian, 29, of Galena, IL, formerly of Scales Mound, IL, left the Earth unexpectedly on Sunday, August 30, 2020.

Andrew was born on July 24, 1991 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Bernard and Carolyn (Meyer) Trebian. Andrew was employed at Happy Joe’s in Galena for 10 years before making a move to Rite Hite where he was coming up on his two year anniversary.

Andrew had a passion for cars, trucks, and fixing them, even when they weren’t broke. He loved to collect knives and guns. He enjoyed helping his cousin with his hot air balloon. He could be found shooting at the range or throwing axes with his friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his little buddy Kolton. Andrew was always cracking jokes, doing impressions, and making people laugh.

Surviving are his parents, Bernard and Carolyn; grandmother, Alberta Trebian of Galena; siblings, James (Jen) and Patricia Trebian of Galena, and Tiffany Trebian of Hazel Green, a nephew and two nieces, Owen of Hazel Green and Emma and Eva of Galena; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Andrew was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Duane Trebian, maternal grandparents, Edward and Patricia (Morhardt) Meyer, two uncles, David Hesselbacher and Carl Trebian, and a cousin Skyler Trebian.

Visitation will be on Thursday. September 3, 2020 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound. A graveside service will be Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Libby Rutherford officiating. A small luncheon will be served after the burial at the Scales Mound Town Hall.
The family asks that you wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing during this event.

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

Constance C. Steinmetz

Constance C. “Connie” Steinmetz, age 76, of Platteville, WI, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI.

She was born in Potosi, WI, on September 16, 1943 the daughter of Lester and Dorothy (Russell) Kitto. Connie attended Potosi and Lancaster schools before going on to earn a teaching degree from UW-Platteville. She started her career working for the Potosi School District in a one-room county school. Connie then went on to teach for well over 30 years at Saints Andrew-Thomas Catholic School in Potosi until her retirement. She married Dale Steinmetz on November 5, 1983 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson.

In her free time, Connie enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and doing the household shopping. She also liked to garden, especially flowers, and filled her small yard with an array of flowering plants.

Connie is survived by her husband of 36 years, Dale; a brother, Darrell Kitto; two sisters-in-law, Linda and Coreen Kitto; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by three brothers: Gary, Leslie and Kip Kitto; and a sister-in-law, Judy Kitto.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Potosi with Fr. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in the Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may call on Friday, September 4, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Platteville is entrusted with her services.

Online Condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Mae M. Gantenbein Charley

Mae Margaret Gantenbein Charley, age 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on August 29, 2020, at Dubuque Specialty Care in Dubuque.  To honor Mae’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mae’s family.

Mae was born on November 13, 1928, in Earlville, Iowa, daughter of Matthew and Bertha Mae (Haar) Gantenbein.  She married Gus W. Charley in Scales Mound, Illinois on November 20, 1948.  Mae had one priority in her life; family.  She always made sure those she cared for knew that they were everything to her.  Mae’s baking skills were second to none, you could always be sure that everyone around her was going to benefit from her time and talents in the kitchen with a sweet treat.  She loved to crochet and made countless afghans for her family and friends. She worked outside of the home for a few years at the Dubuque Packing Company, but primarily, at home was where Mae desired to be.  In her later years, Mae would enjoy completing a good word search or crossword puzzle from time to time. Thank you, Mae, for always being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and friend anyone could hope for.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mae include,

her 3 children,
Steve (Linda) Charley, Rock Hill, South Carolina,
Gerald “Jerry” (Lisa) Charley, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Sandra (Tom) Cavanaugh, Dubuque, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Carrie (Richard) Brown and Jason (Mandy) Charley;

her great-grandchildren,
Collin Brown, Eric Brown, Chloe Brown, and Julie Charley;

her sister,
Marjorie (Merle) Wilson, Tucson, Arizona;

and her brother,
Ronald Dzaboff, Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and stepmother, Hazel Mae Gantenbein; her siblings, Jeanette (George) Charley, Robert (Annette) Gantenbein, Donald (Lois) Gantenbein, Matthew, Eugene, Jimmy, and Leonard Gantenbein.

Mae’s family would like to thank Dr. Runde, along with the nurses and staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and St. Croix Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Sarah M. Meyer-Pratti

Sarah M. Meyer-Pratti, age 52, of Dubuque, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020, in her home due to an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family. To celebrate Sarah’s life, private family services were held. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery following cremation. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Sarah was born on March 7, 1968, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Wilfrid “Willie” and Jean (Mueller) Meyer.

Sarah attended grade school at Nativity and graduated from Wahlert High School, Class of 1986. She then moved to Minneapolis where she studied fashion design before moving to Boston and Chicago. Sarah was a hard worker and was employed with several firms as a property manager. She was united in marriage to Bill Pratti, and the two would be blessed with a son together. She lived in Davenport and Clive for a time before returning to Dubuque where she went to work with Target. It was while she was working there that she met her loving fiancé Jeff Fink, and they made a wonderful life together. In her free time Sarah had a knack for design and loved to decorate her home, as well as helping out family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and loved to watch The Food Network for inspiration in the kitchen. Sarah had a great love of animals and anyone who knew her knew how spoiled her dogs were. We are heartbroken and will miss Sarah terribly, but know that she is now resting peacefully free of the health challenges she has battled so bravely these past years.

Those left to cherish Sarah’s memory include

her son,
Jordan Pratti, Chicago, IL;

her fiancé,
Jeff Fink, Dubuque, IA;

her mother,
Jean Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

her siblings,
John (Nina) Meyer, Dubuque, IA,
James Meyer, Dana Point, CA,
Dennis (Renee) Meyer, Ft. Myers, FL,
Paula (Ernie) Dykstra,Thomson, IL
and Phillip (Debbie) Meyer, Dubuque, IA;

and her former husband,
Bill Pratti, Des Moines, IA.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Wilfrid “Willie” Meyer.

Sarah’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her fiancé Jeff for his enduring love and all of the wonderful care he has provided throughout the years, allowing Sarah to stay in the home she so loved.

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

Herman Rickels

Herman Rickels, passed away on August 29, 2020 at his home in rural Monmouth surrounded by family.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 from the Monmouth, IA Cemetery. A public luncheon will be served at Noon at the Eagles Club in Maquoketa and all are welcome to attend. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Herman was born July 3, 1933 in Harrisonville, Missouri to Harm John Rickels and Phoebe Gladys (Westphal) Rickels.

Herman served in the Army for two years and was deployed to Korea during the War. After returning, he was a lifelong farmer, working on the Rickels Brothers family dairy farm. Later in life, he ran Rickels Standard in Monmouth and then in Baldwin.

Herman was an avid bowler, loved to play cards, “go to the boat” and he never met a stranger. He was loved by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, a sister, Gladys, three brothers, John Henry and Howard Glen and one who died at birth and one nephew, Randy Milota.

He is survived by brothers George Donald and Carl Edward, both residing on the family farm in rural Monmouth, and one sister, Agnes Milota, Maquoketa and his beloved nieces and nephews: Stephen, Carol, Debbie, Dale, Michael, Gregory, Brian, Joni, Tamara, Tiffany, Gerald Jr., Catherine, Regina, Teresa, James, Jodi and Lori and 37 great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all of the family who provided care to Uncle Hermie and helped him know he was as well-loved as he made us feel our entire lives. In honor of Herman and the tremendous care he received over the past several months, the family suggests contributions to Jackson County Hospice.

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

Josephine Bollwitt

Josephine Bollwitt, 77, of Monticello passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 pm Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. Due to COVID protocol, masks are required and social distancing should be observed for all attending the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello with private burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate. Masks are required and social distancing should be observed.

Josephine was born January 14, 1943, in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Louis and Mercedes (Lara) Valadez. She married Duaine Bollwitt on October 12, 1962, in Kansas City, after meeting at a Catholic Youth dance. Together they moved to Cedar Rapids for employment at Collins Radio. In 1972, they moved to Monticello where they eventually opened their own business, JEMM Controls, from which she never retired.

Her hobbies included ceramics, sewing, cooking, watching the KC Royals and Chiefs, and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Duaine, children: Michael (Jeri) of North Liberty, Elizabeth (Jim) Bollwitt and Matthew (Wendy), both of Monticello and John (Rebecca) of Vancouver, Canada; grandchildren: Alexander, Benjamin, Anthony, Julia, Josephine and Zachary; one great grandchild expected in December, a sister, Linda (Mark) Zimmerschied, and many extended family members in Kansas City, Oklahoma and Nebraska

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers: Refugio Flores and Richard Valadez.

Memorials are preferred to Camp Courageous in honor of her grandson, Zachary.

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

Dawn M. Battaglia Wismeier

Dawn Marie Battaglia Wismeier, 58, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Rolling Meadows, IL, having received the sacraments of the Catholic Church, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on Friday, August 28, 2020, at her home.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 1st, at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA, 52003 with a Memorial Service to follow visitation at 11:00 am.

Dawn was born on June 13, 1962, in Chicago, IL, to Marlene and Michael Battaglia.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Carl Wismeier, whom she married on August 15, 1992, at Third Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. She was blessed with two children, Vanessa (Kyle) Rouse, and Matthew Wismeier. She was also blessed with one grandchild, Madeline.

She is also survived by her father; her sisters, Nancy (Tom) and Angel; nieces Mara and Ashley; cousin, Edward Burchert Jr; and her nephew, Anthony.

Dawn spent her life serving others. She was a caretaker to her grandmother Myrtle Burchert, a full time mother to her children, and a second mother to many in need of a guiding voice or listening ear. Helping others was her true passion in life. Her door was always open, and a cup of coffee waited for anyone in need. Dawn especially cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

“Sunrise or Sunset live each day with no regret, live a life you will never forget.” – Dawn Wismeier