Obituaries Archive

Darlene “Sam” Werner

Darlene “Sam” Werner, 73, of Dubuque, died Friday, May 8, 2020, at the Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque.

Our dear aunt and friend deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please be with us in prayer. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL.

Sam was born June 22, 1946, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Gerald and Jeanne Weiters Werner.

Sam went to school to become an LPN. She was proud to be a nurse, but left nursing to work at Honeywell for more than 30 years before retiring.

She preferred a simple life, she never had children of her own, but cared for her niece and nephew as if they were her own. Sam loved them and her family very much. She gave the best hugs. While outspoken, she had a heart as big as she was. Sam enjoyed playing bingo, card games, and going to the casino. She was a lifelong avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include niece, Jeanne (John) Vondal; nephew, Jim Brimeyer; great nieces and nephews, Greg (Abby Genthe) Klauer, Austin Camp, Crystal (Brooke) Vondal, Jeremy (Sabrina) Vondal, Josh (Stephanie) Vondal, and Brandi Vondal.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Geraldine (Allan) Hayes, one brother, Gary Werner, and great-nieces, Kayla and Alyssa Vondal.

The family thanks everyone at Eagle Point Place, Ennoble Skilled Nursing, and Hospice of Dubuque for all they did for Sam.

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

Condolences sent to the family by visiting Sam’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Walter G. Briggs

Walter G. Briggs, 72, of Dubuque, died Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Our dear dad, grandpa and brother deserves a beautiful tribute. However, in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, having a public visitation is not possible. Please be with us in prayer. The Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 11, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Rev. Father Mark Kwenin 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 following Mass on www.hskfhcares.com.

Walter was born November 25, 1947, in Dubuque, the son of Robert F. and Lorraine M. (Sear) Briggs. On November 19, 1966, he married Joyce D. Gartner at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He was a 1965 graduate of Wahlert High School.

Walt was a well known meat cutter in town, most recently working at Fareway. He wasn’t just a meat cutter, he also sold insurance for many companies throughout his career.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards, especially Euchre, and was a Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan. He cherished time with grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Wendy (Pat Nadermann) Briggs of Dubuque, Wayne (Tracey) Briggs of Galena, IL, and Jason (Dave Quarez) Briggs of Salt Lake City, UT; grandchildren, Justin, Jay Jay, Laura, Tiffany, Tyler, Jacob, Kyle, Lindsay, Ava, and Braxton; five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Robert “Sonny” (Theresa) Briggs of Melrose, IA, Virginia “Ginger” Healy of Hazel Green, WI, and Irene (Russ) Dieterich of St. Charles, MO; and in-laws, Gene (Jane) Gartner of Dubuque, Grace Daughetee of Dubuque, Vicki Gartner of Rickardsville, Larry Daughetee of Dubuque, and Richard Wagener of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Jean Ann Briggs, and Mary Ann Canganelli, and in-laws, Jack Healy, David Canganelli, and Eileen (Herb) Lukas, Donnie Gartner, Lyle Daughetee, Mary Lou Wagener, and Jane Daughetee.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Walt’s many friends and coworkers over the years, he cherished your time and friendship.

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 Walter’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

James J. Leytem

James Joseph “Jimmy”, “Jim” Leytem, age 66, born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his home on May 7, 2020, of natural causes.  To celebrate Jim’s life, private family services will be held because of the current gathering restrictions due to COVID-19.  A celebration of Jim’s life for all of his family and friends will be held at a later date.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born on July 12, 1953, at Xavier Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. Second son, and the third of six children to his mother Lois Collette (Sauer) Leytem and father Nicholas Joseph Leytem.

He went to kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School, followed by an elementary school education at Nativity.  He finished off his education at Wahlert Catholic High School.

He was married to his former wife, Leanne Hoffmann, on January 4, 1975.

After high school Jim took up a career in auto bodywork at a local shop before going to work with Mike Finnin Ford.  He was a member of the Teamsters Local #421, where he served as a steward. He truly enjoyed his work with cars.  Jim had several hobbies including watching NASCAR, anything to do with cars, ESPECIALLY MODEL CARS, and also enjoyed Phantom of the Opera.  Jim was a proud AA sponsor.  Jim was very meticulous and organized, always kept things in the original package.  Jim always said he was most proud of being a dad and grandpa.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include,

his former wife,
Leanne (Robert) Kleiner, Glendale, AZ;

his children,
Carrie Leytem, Glendale, AZ,
Kristi Myers, Union, IA
and Kelly (Patrick) McDonald, Glendale, AZ;

his grandchildren,
Owen and Weston Myers and John McDonald;

his siblings,
Becky Leytem,
Terry Leytem,
Tony Leytem
Tanya Leytem, all of Dubuque, IA;

his nephew and Godson,
Nick (Claire) Leytem, St. Louis Park, MN;

and his nieces,
Madelyn Leytem, Dubuque, IA
and Dawn (Chad) Christensen, Grimes, IA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Colette “Letty” Leytem.

Jim’s family would like to thank the local AA group for all of their support and friendship and Jim’s friend Bob Schauer.

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

Judy Menadue

Where do we start to tell you the story of Judy Menadue in so few words, but we are going to try?  She was born to Chuck and Rosie Tuthill on June 17, 1954 in Galesburg, Il. She shared her life with three sisters, Cathy (and Bob Brackett), Sandy Clague, Nancy Smith, and her baby brother, David (Tammy Tuthill)

Judy was a classy lady and she loved to shop! Judy never left her house without her makeup on, hair done, and her Downtown Brown lipstick neatly applied, of course with matching jewelry, purse, and shoes. This was important to Judy how she presented to others. Judy devoted over two decades to Walmart and her colleagues there. She had recently retired in 2019.

Judy married Charlie Menadue on August 29, 1996. They shared 23 years of marriage in their yellow bungalow in Dubuque, Iowa. Her pride and joy were her two children Joel and Jessica Hinerichsen. Judy loved being a mom, and into adulthood, their best friend.  The   icing on the cake were her three grandchildren, Maddie Funk, Chloe, and Michael Hinerichsen. Grammy Judy loved them beyond belief, and was so proud of who they were becoming in their lives. She was their biggest “cheerleader.” Judy loved her dogs, Lambeau, Stella, and Sullivan. Her corgis made her very happy. She had a corgi blanket, shoes, purse, cars seat covers, t-shirts etc. etc.! They are so going to miss her chit chatting with them in her doggie baby talk, lol!

In the spring Judy’s deck was alive with BIG containers of beautiful flowers, arranged so perfectly so you could see them from the kitchen table.  She was a good cook with a pantry you could eat from for six months without going to the store for staple items. She could whip up the best buffalo dip, cinnamon roll, or a wonderful roast in her crockpot. Judy loved coffee The Beatles, making wreaths, quick wit and sense of humor, playing games, and her secret love of Snoop Dog!

We sure are going to miss just being together. Our lives are forever changed. Even in her passing Judy was a giver as a tissue and organ donor. I could write on and on about our Judy, she was one of a kind and she was ours. With heavy hearts we have to say goodbye, but you will live on and on and on in our Hearts. This is just a little glimpse into the life of the wonderful lady we had the privilege to call, Mom, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Grammy, friend!

Judy Ann Menadue passed away on May 5, 2020 in Dubuque. Private family service was held at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Carol A. Sitzmann

Mrs. Carol Ann Sitzmann passed away peacefully at her home in Dubuque, IA at the age of 65 on May 1, 2020. Carol was surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Carol was born on December 7, 1954 to Don and Agnes Nemmers in Bellevue, IA and her family moved to Dubuque, IA during her childhood years. Carol graduated from Hempstead High School in 1973. She met her husband, Greg, while attending high school and they were married September 21, 1974.

She began her career working for Merri-Mac, John Deere, Hy-Vee and ended her career at GCR Tire while remaining part-time at Hy-Vee. Carol retired from GCR after 25 years of service. Carol and Greg welcomed 3 children into their home; Matt, Melissa and John. Her husband and children will remember her as a selfless, loving, kind, driven and hardworking mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Her siblings will remember her as courageous, devoted and as the needle’s thread to hold the family together.

Carol lived to spend time with her family; mostly her grandchildren, looking forward to their yearly tradition of a birthday movie celebration. Carol also looked forward to the annual YaYa’s shopping trip. Carol was accomplished at gardening and yard-working, often spending hours outside in her yard. If she wasn’t in her yard, she could be found playing BINGO. Everyone could look forward to Carol’s Christmas cookies and treats as she was always looking for ways to perfect this. She was a member of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church.

Carol is survived by her Husband Greg; children Matt (Amy) Sitzmann of Luxemburg, Melissa Sitzmann of Lamotte, and John Sitzmann of Dubuque; grandkids, Nora and Max Sitzmann of Luxemburg and Brandon Kafer of Dyersville; siblings Ron (Sarah) Nemmers of Anamosa, Bonnie (Lenny) Rhomberg of Anamosa, Joyce Simon of Wichita, KS, Randy (Laurie) Nemmers of Dubuque and Roger Nemmers of Dubuque; brother in-laws David Sitzmann and Thomas (Sandra) Sitzmann and sister in-laws Mary (Carl) Summers and Sharon Simon all of Dubuque; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Agnes (Clasen) Nemmers, father and mother in-law Greg and Helen Sitzmann, a sister (Connie) in infancy, and brother-in-law Rick Simon.

To follow social distancing guidelines, a private ceremony is scheduled for immediate family on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hermann and his staff in Dubuque, IA for their care during her courageous battle, as well as Hospice of Dubuque for making her last days more comfortable for Carol, as well as her family.

Jeffery G. Kotz

Jeffery G. “Jeff” Kotz, age 55, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital. To celebrate Jeff’s life, private family services will be held because of the current gathering restrictions due to COVID-19. A celebration of Jeff’s life for all of his family and friends will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jeff was born on October 1, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Gerald and Muriel (Gilligan) Kotz.

Jeff graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1983. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Theresa Jaeger, on July 30, 1988, at the Dubuque Arboretum and they renewed their vows on April 30, 2016, at The Hotel Julien. Jeff was a hard worker and was employed with several places throughout the years including the Dubuque Inn as a bellman, FDL Foods, the Lucky Jo Bar at the Diamond Jo, the Freezer Plant in East Dubuque, Key City Transport as a truck driver, and lastly part-time for Enterprise Rental Car as a driver. In his free time, Jeff loved to bar tend at Randy’s Hilltop, where he could put his gift of gab to good use interacting with the regulars. He was a die hard Redskins fan, and Kevin Harvick was his favorite NASCAR driver. Jeff also enjoyed drawing and photography and has created several beautiful pictures throughout the years. Everyone who knew him knew that Jeff had a great love of the big cats, with tigers being his favorite. Jeff especially looked forward to spending time in the great outdoors playing frisbee with his beloved dog, Peanut. He was a long time member of the Metropolitan Lodge #49AF&M and the Oxus Grotto. We are truly heartbroken at losing our beloved husband, brother, uncle and brother-in-law in our daily lives at such a young age. We love you Jeff, and will miss you more than words can ever truly express, and look forward to the next time we are together laughing in the Purple Rain.

Those left to cherish Jeff’s memory include

his loving wife of 31 years,
Theresa Kotz, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Wally (Susie) Kotz,
Rick Kotz,
Sheri (Mike) Lively,
Dave (Rose) Kotz,
Pat Kotz,
Larry Kotz, all of Dubuque, IA,
Chuck (Vicky) Kotz
and Pam (Dave) Roth, both of East Dubuque, IL;

his in-laws,
Dottie (Lowell) Willie, St. Olaf, IA,
Monica Jaeger, Dubuque, IA,
Marty Jaeger, Waterloo, IA,
Andy Jaeger, Dubuque, IA,
Gene (Gail) Jaeger, Albia, IA,
Cathy (Steve) Wiskus, Colesburg, IA,
Jerry (Deb) Jaeger, Dubuque, IA
and Angie Jaeger, Elkader, IA;

countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews;

and his canine best friend,
Peanut.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, George and Frances Jaeger; and a brother-in-law, Charles Jaeger.

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

Leland K. Bachtell

Leland Keith Bachtell, 78, of Elwood, Iowa, died on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2020 at his home.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating Leland’s life will be held on at 11 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 2020, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa. Cremation has taken place. Social Distancing guidelines will be followed and as of May 1, spiritual and religious gatherings are not prohibited as a mass gathering, but a church, synagogue, or other host of a spiritual or religious gathering shall implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each gathering to ensure social distancing of employees, volunteers, and other participants, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The only son of Florence (Peg) and S.L. Bachtell, Leland was born on February 17, 1942 in Arlington, Iowa, Fayette County. His family moved from Arlington to West Union and they also resided in Washington, Wyoming, Maquoketa and Elwood, all in the state of Iowa.

While in Elwood, Mr. Bachtell graduated from Elwood Community High School in 1960 and then the University of Northern Iowa in 1964. After a brief rest, he signed with the academic branch of Humboldt Junior High School in Humboldt, Iowa as a Library Media Specialist, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.

While in Humboldt he was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa where he served as vestry member, choir member, on the scholarship committee, and altar guild. Leland also served as a chalice bearer, lector and intercessor. Upon retirement he returned to the Maquoketa area where he took up similar activities at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Maquoketa.

Mr. Bachtell was a lifetime member of the Masonic Association, the Consistory Organization, and Zazig in Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Bachtell was a volunteer for the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa for 20 years.

Mr. Bachtell is survived by cousins, Bill Hensen of Grundy Center, IA; Linda Robbins of Grandville, MI; Jane Ward of Lawrence, KS; Paul Hensen of Waterloo, IA; Holly Andersen of Guttenberg, IA; and dear friends, Peter Weirup and his wife Arleen Perez of Maquoketa, IA; Rhonda and her husband Rich Miller of Delmar, IA; Jeff and his wife Cynthia Weirup of Grand Mound, IA; Merle and his wife Lorie Weirup of Bettendorf, IA; and Arnie and his wife Denise Weirup of Fairfield, IA.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Bachtell would like to thank the medical staff, doctors, nurses, and therapy staff of UnityPoint Heath Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA, Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, and Hospice of Jackson County for their wonderful care.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made at the discretion of the donor.

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.

Robert L. Fowler Jr.

Robert L. “Bob” Fowler Jr., 81, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, May 1, 2020, at ManorCare Health Services at Utica Ridge in Davenport, Iowa.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating “Bob’s” life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, May 11, 2020 at Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa. There is no public visitation. Cremation has taken place. Social Distancing guidelines will be followed and as of May 1, spiritual and religious gatherings are not prohibited as a mass gathering, but a church, synagogue, or other host of a spiritual or religious gathering shall implement reasonable measures under the circumstances of each gathering to ensure social distancing of employees, volunteers, and other participants, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Robert Lewis Fowler Jr. was born on September 20, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Robert Lewis and Betty Marie (Lubben) Fowler Sr. He was a 1956 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then served in the Army Reserves. He married Flora C. Berner on November 30, 1958 in Charlotte, Iowa. Three children were born to this union, Robert III, Scott and Jane.

Bob was a lifelong Clinton County farmer. He had also managed the T-Bar Ranch for Don Thomas for several years and worked as a Crop Insurance Adjuster for over 15 years.

Bob was active in his community and had been a 4-H leader, served on the Delwood Community School District School Board for two terms, and was a former Clinton County Extension Board member. Additionally, he was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He was an avid NASCAR and football fan. He loved his children and grandchildren immensely.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Flora Fowler of Delmar, IA; children, Robert (Jennifer) Fowler III of Saline, MI, Scott (Wendy) Fowler of Stockbridge, GA, and Jane (Steve) Halligan of Charles City, IA; and 6 grandchildren, Robert, Will, Sophia, Chloe, Brian and Josh.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.

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.

Leo J. Tillman

Leo J. Tillman, age 56, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:45 a.m., on Monday, May 4, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque. To celebrate Leo’s life, private family services will be held because of the current gathering restrictions due to COVID-19. A Celebration of Leo’s Life, and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at a later time. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Leo was born on April 11, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of John and Elizabeth “Betty” (McPoland) Tillman.

Leo was a lifelong resident of Dubuque, where he graduated from Audubon School and was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. He was very interested in watching sports, his favorite teams were the Chicago Cubs, the Green Bay Packers, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Dubuque Thunderbirds, the Dubuque Fighting Saints, and the Dubuque Devils, where he would proudly watch his great-nephew, Isaac, play. Leo was also an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. Leo enjoyed the simple things in life such as a nice long walk outside and getting together with family and friends for outings, especially if Happy Joe’s Pizza was involved. We are deeply saddened to no longer have Leo here with us on this Earth, but take some comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully and is reunited with his loved ones called home ahead of him.

Those left to cherish Leo’s memory include

his father,
John Tillman, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Rose (Rick) Pfeiler Follman, Dubuque, IA,
Francis (Maureen) Tillman, Bellevue, IA
and Vincent Tillman, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Leo was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Tillman; a sister, Nancy Tillman; a brother, Thomas Tillman; his nephew, Timothy Tillman; his maternal grandparents; his paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Leo’s family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Stille, and all of the nurses and staff of MercyOne Dubuque, for their outstanding care of Leo. Also a heartfelt thanks to all of staff at ARC, who were really like extended family to Leo, for all of their love and care throughout the years.

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

Leon E. Gibson

Leon E. Gibson, 78, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, April 30, 2020, at ManorCare in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private family graveside service and burial will take place on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Bridgeport Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Leon Edward Gibson was born on December 31, 1941 in Maquoketa, Iowa, the youngest of twelve children to Howard and Opal (Elliott) Gibson. He was a graduate of Maquoketa High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University, then followed by earning a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management from Troy State University, Alabama. He was a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving in Vietnam as an air crew member. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he worked as a long-haul trucker for 30 years.

Those left to honor his memory include sons, Clay Gibson of Dubuque, IA, and Tom Yarolem of Monmouth, IA; 2 grandchildren, Shadrack and Lindsay; 2 great-grandchildren Lennon and Kohl; 2 great-great grandchildren Linnea and Eva; and a brother Arnold Gibson of Eagle Grove, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and 4 sisters.

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.

Kelly L. White

Kelly Lynn White, 42, of Redmond, Washington, and formerly of the Maquoketa area, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at EvergreenHealth in King, Washington.

A private family visitation celebrating Kelly’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Kelly Lynn White was born on November 24, 1977 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Kerry Dean and Ruth Ann (Kinkaid) White. She received her GED and later her Certified Nurses Training. She married Robert Arnold at Eden Valley and to this union one child was born, Summer.

Kelly was a free spirit who loved to travel with her favorite color being purple. She was full of life and would light up a room the minute she arrived. She impacted everyone she met and would do anything for anyone even when she had nothing.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Justin White of TX, Bridgit Roark of Silvis, IL, and Summer Arnold of Maquoketa, IA; her parents, Kerry Dean and Ruth Ann White of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Jason White, Laura White, Brenda Mills, Barry Duncan, Bryan Duncan, Allen Hicks, Eddie White, Violet Cardenas, and Kerry Dean White Jr.

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

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the family.

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.

William Paar, Sr.

Rita (Ries) Putman

Rita (Ries) Putman, 67, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Due to the Covid-19 and limitations on social gatherings, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Local arrangements are entrusted to Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Rita was born September 7, 1952, the daughter of Melvin “Doc” and Kathleen “Katie” (Rubel) Ries. She married Steven C. Putman on June 16, 1973, he passed on February 12, 2017.

Rita worked at Flexsteel for 34 years and then 10 years at Bellevue Community Schools. She also enjoyed working at Horizon Lanes for many years.

Rita was devoted to her children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending all their activities. She also enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards with friends and family, and watching Iowa Hawkeye sports. One of Rita’s true loves was going with her late husband Steve to the Dubuque Casinos for an afternoon of fun. Rita was a hard worker, a great athlete in her younger years, and always had to stay busy.

Rita was best known for her infectious smile that seemed to brighten the day of all. A person that never once complained about any hardships, but instead would go out of her way to help others. She was always one that encouraged all to do their best, work hard and to enjoy each day to the fullest. Rita was truly the cornerstone of the family and made sure that her children were raised with love along with supporting them in all their activities. Years later, that same devotion and support would be carried over to her grandchildren. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Craig (Tessa) Putman of Bellevue, Jodi (Mike) Meadows of DeWitt, and Rod (Jessica) Putman of DeWitt; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ron (Patricia) Ries, Becky (Kevin) Hurlburt, Roxey (Doug) Kueter, and Randy (Linda) Ries; sisters and brothers in-law, Barb Ries, David (Cindy) Putman, Larry (Ruth) Putman, Richard (Sharon DeWitt) Meyer, Willard (Norma) Meyer, Cheryl Budde and Connie (Pete) Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Bob Ries, Ruth (Larry) Weimerskirk, Rosalie (Art) Ploessl.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to Hachmann Funeral Home c/o of Rita Putman Family at 100 N. 6th St. Bellevue, IA 52031. The family encourages all memorials to be directed to Hospice of Jackson County in Rita’s memory.

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

Red Sabers

Red (Edwin) Sabers age 99, left this world on May 1, surrounded by his loving family at Ennoble Manor, Dubuque, Iowa.  A Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded.  Due to state and local guidelines regarding COVID-19, there will be no public services.  The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Red was born October 10, 1920 in New Vienna, to Anton and Adelheid (Lies) Sabers. He graduated from Holy Ghost Elementary School and Loras Academy. Red married Rosie Stieber  on October 11, 1941 at Holy Ghost Church and they were married for 51 great years. Red and Rosie had their son Ron, and soon after Red joined the U.S. Navy to fight in World War II.

Red was assigned to the “USS LIPAN”, a small 70 ft. tugboat. He traveled to the far east on the Lipan to fight the Japanese, and encountered a “kamikaze pilot” which was seconds away from destroying Red’s vessel and killing everyone on board when a fellow sailor shot the plane out of the air just before impact. Red’s log said the top speed of the vessel was 7 miles per hour and there journey to Japan and back to the United States was over 19, 000 miles. What a price Red and his generation of fellow veterans paid for all the freedoms we enjoy today!

Red was an exceptional athlete, participating in boxing, speed skating, golf, football, and fast pitch softball, and is in the softball Hall of Fame. He was a renowned boxer and had numerous amateur victories, including being a Golden Gloves champion. Perhaps his biggest victory was when he was chosen to represent the United States as a welterweight (145 lbs) and fight the best fighters from Ireland. The fight was held at Soldier Field in Chicago in front of over 35, 000 fans, and again Red was victorious.

He loved his family and for many years worked full time during the day and part time at Dubuque Packing Company at night to provide a great life for his Rosie and their 7 children.

Red worked at A.Y. McDonald Mfg. and at Zephyr Aluminum Products for most of his adult life. He loved the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Notre Dame football! He also really enjoyed the American Legion and the many euchre games he played there over the years.

Surviving are his children, Renee (Bob Duehr) Edminster, Rochelle (Pat) Fury, Roma (Dennis) Elgin, Rick (Jan) Sabers; and daughters in law, Elaine, Vernae, and Kris; and son in law, Rick Goodin; grandchildren, Stephanie, Shanna, Jenny, Tawni, Paul, Mark, Angie, Marie, Jade, Alison, Andrew, Caitlin, Troy, Keisha, Kelsey, and Austin.

Red was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie; his parents; two sons, Ron and Ramon; daughter Roxanne Goodin; and brothers Don and Jim (both WWII veterans).

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Sunset Park and Ennoble Manor for their care and support.

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

Ryan W. Eichhorn

Ryan W. “Ike” Eichhorn, 42, of Cedar Rapids, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at home.

A private family graveside service and burial celebrating his life will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.  A private family visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A public celebration of life gathering will be announced at a future date.

Ryan William Eichhorn was born on July 26, 1977 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dennis and Joy (Reed) Eichhorn.  He was a 1995 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School and then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Mount St. Clare College and later a Master’s Degree from Ashford University.  Ryan had worked as a supervisor at TransAmerica in Cedar Rapids for the past several years.

“Ike” enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers.  He loved baseball and football and was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.  Additionally, he enjoyed golfing and loved watching his daughters play volleyball.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters, Olivia Eichhorn of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Lilianna Eichhorn of Cedar Rapids, IA; his parents, Dennis and Joy Eichhorn of Maquoketa, IA; his paternal grandmother, Luella Eichhorn of Anamosa, IA; brothers, Eric (Erica) Eichhorn of North Liberty, IA, and Adam (Andrea) Eichhorn of Marietta, OH; nephews, Henry, Gus and William; niece, Areana; his dog Wyatt; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Bill and Betty Reed, paternal grandfather Richard Eichhorn, and a niece Madeline.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ryan W. “Ike” Eichhorn 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.