Obituaries Archive

Michael J. Fincel

Michael “Mike” J. Fincel, of Dubuque, born August 15, 1954 to Mike and Helen (Splinter) Fincel passed away Monday, December 9, 2019.

A visitation will be held from 10am- 3pm, Saturday, December 14 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road. Funeral services will begin at 3pm.

Mike owned and operated F&S Radiator “Best Place in Town to Take a Leak”, which was started by his father in 1947.

Mike graduated from Wahlert in 1972. He also attended Loras College.

Mike married Gail Nicol on June 24, 1978 and they had 42 great years together, full of many memories with family and friends.

He was the proud father of Zachary, Dubuque, Emily (Mark) Coyle, Surprise, AZ, Andrew, Sterling, IL and Elizabeth, Fort Worth, TX; and he said the two best days were when he became Papa to Liam and Kaley.

Mike is survived by his wife; kids; grandkids; sisters, Patty Frick, Oregon, Dianne (Mike) Schuver, MS, and Carole McGinnis, FL; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gary Nicol, TX, Chip (Mary) Nicol, FL, Mark (Vi) Nicol, WI, June (Jason) Lester, IA, Mary (Matt) Belt, Alaska; mother-in-law, Helen (Nicol) Thielen, Dubuque; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he cherished along with many cousins who he had special bonds and enjoyed spending time with.

Mike was also blessed to have some very special friends who helped him through life’s daily challenges.

Besides his parents Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Vicky Osthoff, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and fathers-in-law, Glen Nicol and Harry Thielen.

A Michael J. Fincel Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to truly thank the Dubuque Police and Fire Department along with the Chaplain and ER Staff at MercyOne for their help, care and concern.

Margaret M. (Ernst) Douglas-Beck

Margaret Mary (Ernst) Douglas-Beck, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 10th, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 13th, 2019 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Margaret Mary Ernst was born April 25, 1934 in Dubuque, daughter of Ben A and Marie A (Hentges) Ernst. Margaret graduated in 1952 from the former St. Joseph’s Girls Academy in Dubuque. She returned to school in 1969 and graduated from the Dubuque School of Practical Nursing. She worked as an LPN at the former Xavier Hospital and St. Francis Home, Dubuque. She continued her ministry of caring for the elderly as Activity Director at Stonehill Care Center until her retirement in 1995.

Margaret married Eugene L Douglas on June 6th of 1953 in Dubuque. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children. Eugene preceded her in death on May 13, 2001. Margaret remarried Milton C. Beck of Davenport on May 6, 2005 and moved to Davenport, Ia.

Margaret was a faith filled and faithful person. Her time and talents evolved around those she loved and cared for – her husbands, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She praised the beauty of God’s creations and enjoyed gardening, flowers, birds, butterflies, sunsets, rainbows and special friends.

Margaret was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Davenport and member of Holy Ghost Parish, Dubuque and St. Joseph’s Parish Key West prior to moving to Davenport. Margaret was affiliated with the Dubuque Franciscans in her work as a Franciscan Associate and as a volunteer. Margaret found great inner strength and comfort during her lifetime through her strong faith.

Margaret is survived by three daughters, Jean Jackson (Larry Richter) of Dubuque, IA, Maryjo Douglas Zunk of Scottsdale, AZ and Kristie Douglas (Nicholas Ehlinger) of Hazel Green, WI. Grandchildren, Vickie Mills of Rockford, IL, Benjamin and Daniel Zunk of Scottsdale, AZ, Michael Douglas (Roxanne), Aaron Douglas (Alisha Freisinger), Kirby Carpenter (Ashley Hightower), Loegin Fens, Ethan Fens and Karrigan Fens (Dalton Dietz), five great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene in 2001, her sons, Daniel in 1976 and Drew in 2002; her mother and father, Marie and Ben Ernst; her sister Betty Leppert in 2016 and second husband Milton C. Beck in 2018.

Jane M. Miller

Jane M. Miller 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2019, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Columbkille Catholic Church before the mass.

Jane worked at the Dubuque County Court House in the Auto License and Treasurer’s Office for 47 years, retiring in 2004.

She was born on August 4, 1939 in Dubuque, daughter of Raymond and Elizabeth (Kemp) Miller.

She received her education at St. Columbkille School, Dubuque, graduating in 1957. She was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

Family meant a lot to her and she enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Until we see each other again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. We cannot see you with our eyes, or hear you with our ears, but thoughts of you are with us, and often dry our tears. You whisper in the rustling leaves, that linger in the fall, and in the gentle evening breeze, we’re sure we can hear you call. A part of you remains with us, that none can take away. It gives us strength to carry on at dawning of each day. We think of happy times we shared, and then we softly sigh, but this we know – we’ll meet again – and never say goodbye.

Those left to honor Jane’s memory include her brother Dean (Carol) Miller of Omaha, NE; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Donald Miller and sister-in-law Jeanette Miller.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff and Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is caring for Jane and her family.

Jayne A. Zehentner

Jayne Ann Zehentner, 70, of Dubuque, passed away on October 16, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque following a short illness.

Mass for Jayne will be held at St. Raphael’s Cathedral on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 AM. Family and friends may gather at the Cathedral starting at 9 AM. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Jayne was born December 10, 1948.  She grew up active in the family business, Zehentner’s Sporting Goods. Beautiful and very social during her early years, Jayne went on to graduate from the University of Iowa in 1972 with a BA in Psychology.

Jayne had a rich and deeply felt interior life that she expressed in her diaries, poetry, and in her beautiful letters.  She had a wonderful sense of humor.

Jayne was strong willed and loved her independence.  She held many jobs to support herself and enjoyed employment at Resurrection Church, The Telegraph Herald, Nordstrom’s and the University of Dubuque. She lived for many years with her parents.  Full of love and always looking for a way to express it, Jayne was there as her parents aged to help them with the little things that they could no longer do. Her parents were her everything and after her father Bob passed in 2004, her mother Mary Rita became her rock.

Mental health challenges plagued Jayne throughout her life. Jayne found strength in prayer and community in attending mass. In spite of her struggles, she remained firm in her belief that the better life she deserved was within reach.  She never gave up her fight.

There were many individuals and local organizations that supported Jayne including our cousins and relatives, family friends, caseworkers, social workers and hospital staff. These Dubuquers were kind and compassionate to Jayne over the years and the family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to our community.

Special thanks to the late Dr. Thomas Piekenbrock, a man whose office was always open for our sister and through his great patience and kindness, they built a relationship that was not only a stabilizing force for Jayne, but for our entire family.

In Jayne’s last years, the staff at Sunnycrest Manor provided much more than medical care, they provided Jayne a loving home.

Jayne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Rita (Herber) Zehentner, and brother-in-law Michael Becker.  She is survived by her siblings, Mary Lou (Dick) Lorenz, Judy (Bob) Griffin, Teri Zehentner, Bob (Andrea Walsh) Zehentner, Barb (Mike) McKinlay, and Steve (Marina Ruiz Molina) Zehentner, as well as her many loving nieces and nephews.

Jayne’s family would like to thank MercyOne Medical Center staff for their compassionate care during her final hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnycrest Manor Auxiliary.

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

Donna M. Rogan

Donna Mae Rogan 88, of Stonehill Care Center, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JK Rd. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the funeral home.

Donna was born on July 19, 1931 in Clermont, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Lovila (Olson) Opperman. She graduated from Dubuque Senior high school in 1941 and from the Finley Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. On November 8, 1958, Donna married Franklin “Jim” Rogan at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He preceded her in death 1989.

Donna was a registered nurse who worked at the Finley Hospital and retired from Sunnycrest Manor in 1993. She also taught nursing at the Finley Hospital School of Nursing and NICC. She loved shopping and fishing and was very active in both the Senior High School and Finley Hospital alumni.

Donna is survived by her children, Michael (Lori) Rogan, Paula Rogan and Wally Rogan all of Dubuque, Jody Gorman of Charlotte, NC and Jill (Russell) Huseman of Bellevue, IA; 9 grandchildren, Alex (Alyx) Rogan, Kacie (Jared) Schmit, Chris (Mandy) Rogan, Samantha (Tyler) Schumacher, Ali Rogan, T.J. and Tayler Gorman, Lucas (Amanda) Huseman and Valorie Huseman; 7 great grandchildren, Gage, Nash, Cohen, Daniel, Kierce, Audrina and Weston; “Donna loved her children and grandchildren very much”. Also surviving are 2 sisters-in-law, Dot Opperman of Rockford, IL and Grace Simpson of Dubuque, IA

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim and her brother, Charles Opperman.

A Donna Mae Rogan memorial has been established.

The Rogan family would like to thank the staffs at Stonehill Care center and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care and support.

Brian R. Busker

Brian Robert “Squirrel” Busker, 40, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away Saturday December 7th, 2019, as the result of a hunting accident in Jo Daviess County, IL.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2019 at the Galena Bible Church, 11108 U. S. 20 West, in Galena, IL, with Pastors Adam Mostert and Bill Longmore officiating. Burial will be in the Scales Mound Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday at the Church. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is in charge of arrangements.

Brian was born on February 2, 1979 at Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Dwight J. and Judy (Beach) Busker. He was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, the class of 1997.
Brian worked for Glasson Painting, then was self-employed as B & B Painting. He was currently working for Klippert Painting.

He loved his children and loved spending time with them. Brian enjoyed hunting, ice fishing and the great outdoors. He was an avid Bears fan, Cubs fan and Bulls fan. He enjoyed grilling out and spending time with his family and friends. He loved music and the band “Sublime”.

Brian is survived by his mother Judy and step-dad Dave Carscallen of Scales Mound; a daughter Briana Busker of Dubuque, IA, a son Brody Busker and Brody’s mother Jami Lopp of Scales Mound; his brothers, Jason (Shannon) Busker of Apple River, Jeremy (Mariea) Busker of Virginia, and Robert Busker of Scales Mound, his sister, Melissa (Jose) Brito of Scales Mound, step–Brother Chad (Jolene) Carscallen of Florida, step-sisters Sherry (George) Byerly of Georgia, Lisa Silvey of Georgia and Caitlin Carscallen of North Carolina, several aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Dwight, his paternal and maternal grandparents, his Aunt Susie Doherty and Uncle Gary Dagel.

A Brian R. “Squirrel” Busker memorial fund has been established.

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

Paul E. Finzel

Paul Eugene Finzel, 51, of Corpus Christi, TX, formerly of Bellevue, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, November 29, 2019 at St. Luke’s Health and Medical Center in Houston, TX after suffering a massive stroke.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Visitation will be on Friday, December 20, 2019 from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. at Hachmann Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Bellevue. Additional visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to Mass at the funeral home on Saturday.

Paul Finzel was born in Dubuque, Iowa, March 7, 1968, the son of Eugene and Dianne (Nauman) Finzel. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1986 and went on to complete his associate’s degree at the Wisconsin School of Electronics in Madison, WI. He worked for 25 years at AmTote International where he met the love of his life, Patricia Barr. He and Patti were married on October 23, 1993 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque. He was working at Clem’s Marina, a job that filled his joy for fishing and people.

Paul grew up on the family farm and when not doing chores enjoyed fishing, hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and playing basketball and softball with his sisters, friends and neighbors. He moved to Corpus Christi in 1992, enjoying the warmer weather, sandy beaches and expanded golf season. Despite the distance he remained close to all his hometown friends, getting together with them on his many visits back to Bellevue.

Paul’s true passion was spending time with his three daughters teaching them how to fish, play golf, swim, bike, play volleyball and basketball, fix anything and generally how to enjoy life. He never missed their extracurricular activities and learned how to curl hair and put in ponytails. Paul’s smile and laughter were contagious and his energy never-ending. He could cook almost as good as his mom and rivals only his dad in raising amazing daughters.

Paul is survived by his wife, Patti, three beautiful daughters, Gabrielle of Corpus Christi, TX, Danielle, who is attending Iowa State in Ames, IA and Samantha, still at home; his parents, Eugene and Dianne Finzel of Bellevue; father and mother-in-law Ron and Pat (Schmall) Barr of Dubuque; five sisters, Jolene (Mike) Trebbien of Charles, City, IA, Rochelle (Alan) Fisser of Denver, CO, Teresa (Jason) Keane of Earlville, IA, Andrea (Nick) Brueggemann of Union, MO, and Heather (Tim) Marsh of Monticello, IA, and honorary brother Mike (Michelle) Marshall of Charlotte, IA; brothers and sister-in-law Mike (Becky) Barr of Woodenville, WA, Dan (Lisa) Barr of Dubuque, IA; Deborah (Dennis) Jackson of Shullsburg, WI, Jeff Barr of Dubuque, IA; thirteen nieces and nephews, three great-nephews and one great-niece, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Merlin and Lillian Finzel, maternal grandparents Albert and LaVera Nauman, his uncle and godfather, Kenneth Nauman, uncle Laverne Finzel and cousin Carla Nauman.

The family would like to thank the neurointensive care team at St. Luke’s Health and Medical Center in Houston for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Paul’s memory.

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

Ronald R. Kroeger

Ronald R. “Goldie” Kroeger, 71, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A memorial service celebrating Ronald’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. There is no public visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Ronald Reldo Kroeger was born on February 15, 1948 in Davenport, Iowa, to Reldo Henry and Lois Wilhelmina (Hintze) Kroeger. He attended North Scott High School. He had worked at J.I. Case and for the M.S.I. Road Construction Crew. He had lived in Maquoketa for the past 25 years.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Clint (and wife Anna) Ross and Joshua Kroeger; sisters, Pat (and husband Bill) Oster and Debra (and husband Ray Kraklio) Dirksen; and a brother, Dennis (and wife Deb) Kroeger.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Shirley Kroeger.

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

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

Steven J. Burgess

Steven “Steve” J. Burgess, 67, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019, at home.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2019, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque.

Steve was born July 22, 1952 in Dubuque, the son of Harold W. and Dorothy M. (Weber) Burgess. He graduated from Wahlert High School. Steve married his childhood sweetheart, Linda Brimeyer, on June 25, 1971 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. He was employed as Produce Manager at Eagle’s Grocery, retiring after 30 years. Following retirement, he worked at HyVee.

Steve was a generous loving father, husband, and grandfather and a loyal friend to many. He possessed an unmatched competitive spirit and highly valued the camaraderie of team sports. He was a top bowler in the Dubuque area over the last 50 years, played softball into his 40’s, and was an avid fisherman, amassing countless accolades and awards over the years. He was a masterful euchre and hearts player and rooted passionately for the Chicago White Sox and Green Bay Packers.

Steve is survived by his wife, Linda Burgess, of Dubuque; two children, Mike (Christa) Burgess of Asbury, Cynthia (Jason) Kapela of Urbandale; four grandchildren, Brandon, Justin, and Allison Burgess, and Madeline Kapela; his brother, Robert “Bob” (Donna) Burgess of Austin, TX; his in-laws, Karen Burgess of Las Vegas, NV, Stella (Pat) Regan, Marvin (Linda) Brimeyer, Peter (Joyce) Brimeyer, Earl (Kathy) Brimeyer, Diane (Dudley) Huber, Laura (Loras) Miller, Lewis (Sharon) Brimeyer, and Patrick (Patrice) Brimeyer; and his dear friends, Mike “Pup” and Mary Spahn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, William “Billy B” Burgess.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff of Hospice of Dubuque; Dr. Mark Hermann and Tony Heiar ARNP. Memorials may be made to the Steven J. Burgess Memorial Fund.

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

Margaret E. McDonald

Margaret E. McDonald, 97, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 7, 2019 at 10:43 a.m. at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Margaret will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa. Visitation will also be held after 9:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial for Margaret will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at St. John’s the Baptist with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Burial will be held in St. John’s Cemetery in Centralia, Iowa.

Margaret was born August 2, 1922 in Bernard, Iowa, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Molony) McCarthy. She received her education from the Bernard Country Schools, Peosta High School and the University of Dubuque. On February 13, 1945 she was united in marriage to Philip McDonald at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Melleray (Peosta), Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 3, 2012. She was a teacher at St. Patrick’s in Epworth and St. John’s in Peosta.

Margaret was a peaceful woman with a strong devotion to her faith and family. She was a tender hearted, understanding, and loving lady. She was an avid quilt maker and gardener.
She was a member of the St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa.

She is survived by her four children, Judith (Ronald) Zwolinski of Plainfield, IL, James (Myrt) McDonald of Dubuque, IA, Maureen (Al) Faber of Cascade, IA, and Bonnie (Rod) Wagner of Dubuque, IA; 14 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; her twin sister, Mary Miller of Dubuque, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ethel McCarthy of Atlanta, GA, Donna Kutsch of Dubuque, IA, Velma Usher of Minneapolis, MN, Ellen (Charles) Schmadeke of Solon, IA, Tom Horsfield of Dodgeville, WI, Francis “Buzz” (Darlene) McDonald, Marlene Chamberlain of Platteville, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Eleanor Burds and Geraldine McCarthy; brothers, Ralph McCarthy, Justin McCarthy, James McCarthy, and John McCarthy; three sisters-in-law, Callista Spielman, Kay Horsfield, Mary Lehnhoff, Jackie McDonald, and Eileen in infancy; and six brothers-in-law, Raymond, Vincent, William, Patrick, Francis and Philip in infancy.

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

Alan L. Sagers

Alan Lane Sagers, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, December 6, 2019, at his home.

A private family burial will be held at a later date at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.  There is no public visitation or service planned. Cremation has taken place.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Alan Lane Sagers was born on April 7, 1934 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Paul John and Nettie Jane (Edwards) Sagers.  He attended country school through the 8^th grade.  He married Berna Leah McCarty Sheeder on March 5, 1994 in Shell Knob, Missouri.

He had owned and operated Sagers and Son Construction in Maquoketa for many years and then moved to Hollister, Missouri where he became Mayor and was a partner and Captain of the Lake Queen in Branson, Missouri.

He was a member of the Monmouth Faith United Methodist Church and a Shriner.  He enjoyed boating and dozing with Cateripillar tractors.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Berna Sagers of Maquoketa, IA; children, Debbie (Mike) Prieto of CO, Carmen (Tom) Domak of AZ, Cindy Sagers of AZ, Charlie (Stephanie) Sagers of Maquoketa, IA, and Chris (Annie) Sagers of OH; step-children, Barbara (Dennis) Waugh of Dubuque, IA, and Susan (Randy) Weirup of Maquoketa, IA; 9 grandchildren; a sister, JoAnn (Bob) Caven of Maquoketa, IA; and sisters-in-law, Gloria Sagers of Bellevue, IA, and Paula Sagers of LeClaire, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Curtis, step-daughter Mary, sister Mary Lou, and brothers Gary and Wesley.

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

Lee A. Hansel

Lee A. Hansel, age 66 of Guttenberg, Iowa, sadly completed his earthly journey on December 5, 2019, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital after a sudden illness.  To honor Lee’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at the Hansel Cemetery in Garber, Iowa.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lee’s family.

Lee was born on July 7, 1953 in Iowa, a son to Earl and Lucille Hansel.  He was raised with a kind and gentle heart, a witty sense of humor and a love for family and friends which would never falter.  After high school, Lee began his career with John Deere.  He spent many years there as a Safety Coordinator until the early 1980’s.  He next went on to find satisfaction daily working the farms in the area and would continue to do so until he finally retired a few years ago.  Lee was never afraid of work, but he also appreciated the downtime outside of work whenever possible.  A sunny afternoon of fishing, even if he had to venture to Canada to scratch that itch, was always a welcome outlet.  Sitting at the card table with his uncontainable smile when the perfect euchre hand was dealt in his direction was also an acceptable use of time to Lee.  Or even grabbing his comfy recliner to watch the Cubs win another game would brighten his day; but in all honesty, any event, moment or hour that he was able to simply be surrounded by family was where his greatest joy was found.  Lee was as good as they come, and the world is definitely a much smaller place without him in it.  We trust that our broken hearts will heal in time, but for now we slowly seek peace through each passing hour and simply attempt to embrace the abundance of wonderful memories he has left behind.  Thank you for all of the love you generously shared during your 66 years among us Lee and may we ourselves learn to lean on your legacy until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Lee include,

his children,
Stacy (Scott Hendricks) Hansel-Osterhaus, Hiawatha, Iowa,
Cody (Jami) Farmer, Vinton, Iowa,
and Tyler Hansel, Wisconsin;

his 3 grandchildren,
Brody Hansel, Kaylee Louise Osterhaus and Kollin Lee Osterhaus;

his special friends,
Aunt Eunice Connelly, Guttenberg, Iowa,
and Sue Meyer, Guttenberg, Iowa;

his grand-puppies,
Foxy and Mallory;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gilbert (Dee) Hansel; and his sister, Louise Meyer.

Lee’s family would like to thank the Garnavillo Fire Department, the doctors and nurses at the Guttenberg Hospital, and everyone who has taken the time to offer their love and support during this difficult time.  Our hearts are quite heavy with Lee’s sudden departure from our lives and the weight you’ve helped us carry through each part is appreciated more than words can express.  Thank you!

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

George A. Hollister

George A. Hollister, 84, of Dubuque died Friday, December 6, 2019 at home.
A visitation will be held from 3-7 Wednesday, December 11 at Egelhof Siegert and Casper funeral home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

George was born in Cassville, WI on March 5, 1935 the son of George and Alfreda (Wieland) Hollister. He married Marjorie Fisnick on April 15, 1959 in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2009.

George proudly served at Sheppard Air Force Base, TX from 1952-1960. During his service he achieved the rank of Airmen 2nd class before being honorably discharged. He returned home to his family and spent 30 years working at the Dubuque Packing Company.

George was an avid bowler and could often be found sitting around the kitchen table with family and friends immersed in a game of euchre, 500 or Cribbage. He also loved talking about the Green Bay Packers or the Atlanta Braves with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his children, Tammi Hollister, Connie Pitz, James Hollister and two step sons Randy and Terry Shireman. In addition, he had 9 grandchildern and numerous great and great great grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his wife; his son, John; and grandson, Justin Kothenbeutel.

A George A. Hollister memorial fund has been established. Send in care of Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road, Dubuque, Iowa 52002.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for the care and compassion they gave to George and his family. And sincere gratitude to his daughter Tammi for taking him in and giving him the love and comfort he so desperately needed in his final months.

James E. Zeller

James E. “Jim” Zeller, 85, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 6, 2019, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM followed by visitation until 7:00 PM Thursday, December 12, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM Friday, December 13, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 425 Iowa Street.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Zeller will be 10:30 AM Friday, December 13, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Rev. Monsignor Thomas E. Toale as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West.

Jim was born September 19, 1934, in Little Falls, MN, the son of Joseph and Mary Quigley Zeller. On June 27, 1955, he married Mildred R. “Millie” Voss in Monona, Iowa.

He worked at Dubuque Packing Company.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He loved fishing and dancing and was a Minnesota Vikings fan.

Survivors include his wife, Millie; one son, Greg (Kris) Zeller of Davenport; two daughters, Suzette (Bill) Dencker of Oveido, FL, and Gina Zeller of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Travis, Erin, Maggie, Emily, and Sam; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Marcena Kline of Brooklyn, IA; one sister-in-law, Jo Ann Zeller of Sun City, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Joe, Hilary, Don, and Ralph.

The family thanks the fifth floor doctors, nurses, and staff at Finley Hospital for caring for Jim.

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

Thomas J. Scherf

Thomas J. Scherf, 67, of Dubuque died in his home Thursday, December 05, 2019.  Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm Tuesday at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd, and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Grace Point Church, 3100 Windsor Ave.,  followed by a funeral service at 10:30. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Thomas was born on April 5, 1952 in Dubuque to Eugene and Lorraine (Kulow) Scherf.  He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

In 1977 he met the love of his life, Mary Helling at a biker party, married her 10 years later on September 12, 1987, and then went on a honeymoon to Maui where he learned to scuba dive.

Reluctantly Tom boarded the plane back to Iowa where he and Mary purchased their first real home and started a family. From the beginning he was a pillar of strength and stability for his two daughters, Sara and Carolyn.

Tom was a proud employee of Fastenal Co. for 38 years, and from his position in sales saw the company evolve from paper ledgers and transistor radios to internet and cell phones. He celebrated his retirement in December 2018 surrounded by co-workers, family and friends, and with a big plate of barbeque ribs.

Tom enjoyed nothing more than to ride motorcycles. Whether it be his daily commute, a joy ride with his wife or daughters, a group ride with his friends, or a trip across the country – he was a biker who loved the wind in his hair. He was a beloved lifelong member of Custom Riders “Grey Beards” chapter, and helped organize rides to support Hospice of Dubuque.

Faith was important to Tom.  He was a member of Grace Point Church and the church’s men’s morning fellowship.

He is survived by his wife Mary Scherf of Dubuque; two daughters, Sara Scherf of Dubuque and Carolyn Scherf of Iowa City; a sister, J’Neane (Kent) Briden of Waverly; a brother in law, John (Nancy) Helling of Dubuque; and four nieces and nephews, Alyssa (John) Irby, Jonathan Briden, Andrea (Danny) Hernandez, and Jason Helling.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Bill Helling.

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