Obituaries Archive

Lawrence E. Thoma

Lawrence E. “Larry” Thoma, 80, of St. Donatus, Iowa passed away at home on October 8, 2019 in the company of his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Family and friends may gather starting at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is serving the family.

Larry was born on February 22, 1939 in Bellevue, Iowa. He was the 8th son and 11th child born to Joseph and Frances (Miesenburg) Thoma. He attended and graduated from the Saint Donatus Parochial School in 1954. After graduation, he worked on the family farm. In 1967, Larry and his brother Donald began their farming careers together by renting and later purchasing the family farm. They then farmed in partnership for 52 years.

Larry resided on the Thoma Family Farm with Donald and Bertha, his niece MaDonna, and nephew Eldon. He was proud to have lived his entire life on the family farm where he enjoyed the simpler things in life. He lived life at his pace and he liked driving his John Deere 50 2-cylinder tractor and taking slow four-wheeler rides around the farm.

He spent many breakfasts sharing his orange with MaDonna and Eldon. He enjoyed going on yearly day trips the family took to places like zoos, House on the Rock and Spook Cave. He also fished and hunted throughout his life. Larry relished visiting with his 11 siblings and his numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Larry is survived by his siblings (Donald (Bertha) Thoma, Patricia Klaas, Richard Thoma, Ernest Thoma, Francis (Mary) Thoma, Bernice Pottebaum), his sister-in-law (Betsy Thoma) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Joseph and Frances Thoma), siblings, (William Thoma, Arnold Thoma, Joseph Thoma, Victor Thoma, Marie Barth) and in-laws, (Ethel Thoma Alfred Barth, Edwin Klaas, Louis Pottebaum, Viola Thoma, Phyllis Thoma, Enda Thoma and Alice Thoma).

The family would like to thank Larry’s doctors and Hospice of Dubuque for the care they provided.

Karen R. Walter

Karen Ruth Walter, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday October 8, 2019.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday, October 11th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Dyersville, IA.

She was born Karen Ruth Mellon on January 15, 1948 to Floyd and Ilene (Marsden) Mellon. She was united in marriage to Robert Walter and together they had two sons, William and Timothy.

For the past several years she was employed by Aramark, working in food service for Loras College. She loved working with the students at Loras College, spending time with her sons and their families, and her grandpuppies.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Walter and her parents Floyd and Ilene Mellon.

Her memory will be cherished by her sons William (Deborah) Walter of Aurora, IL and Timothy (Kim) Walter of Shawnee, KS; her brother Thomas (Sharon) Mellon of Johnston, IA, and nephew Thomas Mellon Jr. of Johnston, IA.

In lieu of flowers, a Karen Walter Memorial Fund will be established.

Tim Stroehle

Tim “Jammer” Stroehle, 74, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa at 4pm on Friday, October 11, 2019 with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Officiant and Bishop Thomas Zinkula as the Celebrant. Friends may greet the family from 2:30 p.m. until time of services Friday at the church.

Michael Timothy was born on July 11, 1945 in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Patrick and Mildred “Tillie” (Grimes) Stroehle.

He graduated in 1964 from Western Dubuque high school. On May 19, 2001, Tim married Dianne Jeppesen. Tim served in the Navy and was employed with UPS for 32 years, retiring in 1999.

Tim was a kind-hearted man who would do anything for anyone. His smile could light up any room. Some of his favorite past times were following NASCAR, fishing and spending time in his beloved boat on the Mississippi River. Tim loved dogs and took good care of his favorite furry friends over the years. Tim’s most enjoyable times however were the times spent with family and friends.

Tim will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Those left beyond to cherish his memory are his wife Dianne; daughters Teva (Dennis) Sager, Raegan (Khary) Reid and Shelby (Mike) Kabela; step-children Michael (Kelly) Nakashima and Becky (Will) Brooke; grandchildren Maycee, Wyatt, Colin, Terrell, Payton, Brick, Beckitt, Brooks and Briar; step grandchildren Adi, Emma, Teddy, Lola, Jimmy and Meti; and his brother Tom (Kay) Stroehle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson Jeffrey; sister Sharon, former spouse Colette and special friend John Roling.

The Stroehle family request no flowers.

Angela K. Cook

Angela K. Cook, 55, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at the Dubuque Specialty Care Initiatives in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. The memorial service for Mrs. Cook will be 1:30 PM Saturday, October 12, 2019, Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Pastor Loren Hirschy as the officiant.

Born November 26, 1963, in Des Moines, she was the daughter of Soren and Marilyn Efferding Schoenthaler. On September 27, 1986, she married Floyd Cook at Bible Baptist Church in Dubuque. He passed away May 17, 2014.

Angela worked as a CNA in her younger years. After her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children.

She was a 1981 graduate of Oxford Junction High School.

She attended Word of Life Church in Dubuque. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She listened to country music and especially loved John Denver. She loved nature, animals, photography, walking and also enjoyed playing Bingo.

Survivors include one son, Noah (Courtney) Cook of Dubuque; one daughter Bethany (Nathan) Melancon of Dubuque; one granddaughter, Emily; two brothers, Charles (Jovie) Wood of Carson, CA, and Ken (Becky) Schoenthaler of Donahue, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one stillborn son, Henry Albert Cook.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

The family extends a special thank you to Care Initiatives, Hospice of Dubuque, and the University of Iowa Hospital for the special care of their mom.

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

Sarah S. Parris

Sarah Sue “Sally” Parris, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Monday October 7, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Graveside committal service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Rockdale United Methodist Cemetery. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Sally was born on Feb. 17, 1943 in Dubuque the daughter of James and Sarah (Frost) Campbell. She was married to Claud Pettis and later married William Parris. Both of her husbands preceded her in death.

She owned and operated Sal’s S & M Bar & Motel in East Dubuque and put on many Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate. She enjoyed playing euchre and had a bright smile, she was an inspiration to others.

She is survived by a son Randy Pettis; four sisters Jimmie Miller, Patricia Mills, Neva Maus and Sharon Riddell Tripp; two brothers Eugene and Michael Campbell along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Claud and William; and a nephew Eugene “Mickey” Maus.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sunnycrest Manor for great care they gave to Sally.

Dalton K. Knight

Dalton K. Knight, 20, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on October 6, 2019 in Livingston, Wisconsin.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, October 11, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, at a later date.

Dalton Kenneth Knight was born on September 20, 1999 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Josh and Sarah (Staskal) Knight. He grew up in Maquoketa and was a 2018 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School where he excelled in cross country and was active in basketball and track. He had worked at FlapJack’s Restaurant in Maquoketa during high school and for a short time afterwards as a dishwasher and cook. He currently was working in the shipping department at Land’s End in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

Dalton was very artistic and liked drawing and taking photos. He enjoyed cruising in his car and playing games with his cousins.

Those left to honor his memory include his parents, Sarah Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Josh and Chaya Knight of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Braden (Kenzie) Knight of VA, Tyson Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Keerson Dirks of Maquoketa, IA; his maternal grandparents, Steve and Betty Staskal of Livingston, WI; paternal grandparents, Denny and Mary Ann Knight of Maquoketa, IA, and Krista McCutcheon of Maquoketa, IA; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Randy McCutcheon, maternal great-grandparents Jefferson and Ruth Staskal and Joseph and Florence Howell, and his paternal great-grandparents Kenneth and Helen Knight and Mary and Loren Ehlinger.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Dalton Kenneth Knight memorial fund has been established.

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

Donald J. Balk

Donald John Balk, 84, of Dubuque, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at his residence.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Church of the Resurrecteion. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday. Oct. 11th, at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, where there will be a wake service at 3 p.m..

Born February 28, 1935, in Pitsville, WI, son of Ulrich and Rose Weinfurter Balk. On April 21, 1956, he married Patricia Meehan in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2006

Don was a carpenter with the former Dubuque Packing Company through all of their changes where he retired from after 43 years. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection for 56 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed gardening, westerns, wrestling, deer hunting, playing pool, and cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children Kathy (Patrick) Hickson of Dubuque, Randy (Sharon) Balk of Davenport, Ricky (Heidi) Balk of La Motte, Kim (Kenney) Schmitt of Dubuque, and Rodney (Stephanie) Balk of Dubuque; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Floyd Balk, Francis Balk, and Ronald Balk, all of Cresco, IA; a sister, Patricia (Butch) Melver of Cresco, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; six brothers and three sisters.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy and Peggy; Dr. Liaboe; his nurse, Trish and Dr. Ringold.

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

Nancy L. Uhlrich

Nancy L. Uhlrich, 81, of Dubuque, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 11, at St. Joseph Key West Catholic Church. Rev. Rodney Allers will officiate. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 10, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Nancy was born August 22, 1938 in Dubuque, the daughter of Harold and Grace (Riley) Schmidt. She graduated from Visitation Academy in 1956, and went on to attend Clarke College. Nancy worked in the business office at Medical Associates for 35 years, until her retirement.

She was a member of St. Joseph Key West Catholic Church. Nancy enjoyed a good game of Euchre, and liked nothing better than beating her son at cribbage and her daughter at Yahtzee. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she loved to make them happy. She also dearly loved spending time with her grand-dogs.

Nancy is survived by her children, Steven (Paula) Uhlrich, of North Liberty, and Julie (Michael) Koontz of Dubuque; her grandchildren, Cody Uhlrich, Ashley (David Mitchell) Schaefer, Brittney (Brett) Jacobson, Melaney (Pat Leaf) Uhlrich, and Brandon Koontz; her great-grandchildren, Carter and Callie Mitchell and Baby Jacobson (on the way); her sister, Darlene Vanek of Dubuque; her niece Michelle (Craig) Miller; and her nephew, Mark (San) Vanek, both of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Nancy was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorials may be made to the Nancy L. Uhlrich Memorial Fund.

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

Leta M. Wagner

Leta M. Wagner, 89, of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away on October 2, 2019 in Arizona.

Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019 at St. Joseph Key West Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Leta was born on July 23, 1930 in Lattnerville, IA the daughter of Theodore and Catherine (Stoffel) Schmitt. She married Herbert G. Wagner on November 4, 1947 at the Lattnerville Church. He preceded her in death in 1994.

She was a member of the Moose Lodge; working for Aflac Insurance for 32 years and for the Dubuque Community School System for 14 years as a food manager.

She is survived by four daughters, Joan (Wayne) Menzak, of Conshohocken, PA, Marjorie (John) Rotner, of Gilbert AZ, Connie Finzel, of San Tan Valley, AZ and Kim Wagner of Maui, HI. Grandsons Mark (Michelle) Rotner of Murrieta, CA and Eric (Xista Garcilazo) Rotner of Mesa, AZ; two great granddaughters Ixchel and Eva Garcilazo Rotner. Her brother Clem Schmitt, of Durango, IA and special friend David Larson.

Leta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Herb; siblings, Raymond, Sylvester, Donald, Bernadine, Theodore, Catherine and Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.

Sister Geneve Moran, BVM

Sister Geneve Moran, BVM, 93, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Marian Hall.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Geneve was an elementary school teacher in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Chicago; Casper, Wyo.; and West Hempstead, N.Y. She ministered as a secondary teacher, ESL teacher, GED preparation tutor and school secretary in Chicago and a secondary teacher and assistant librarian in Wilmette, Ill.

She was born on Nov. 30, 1925, in Chicago to Robert James and Genevieve McMahon Moran. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1943, from St. Andrew parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1946, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1951.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Robert.

She is survived by a sister-in-law Annabelle Moran, Arlington Heights, Ill.; nieces; nephews; many cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 76 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Joan M. Thompson

Joan M. Thompson, age 72 of East Dubuque, Illinois completed her earthly journey on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

To honor Joan’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road in Dubuque, Iowa. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery in East Dubuque, Illinois. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joan’s family.

Joan was born on September 10, 1947 in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, a daughter to Carl and Kathleen “Katie” (Ryan) Montgomery. The family eventually moved to Galena, Illinois where she spent her early years developing her natural gifts of love for others and genuine kindness. Joan was united in marriage to her soulmate, Jim “Boar” Thompson in 1986 and the couple has faced the world hand in hand every day since. Her devotion to those she loved never became more apparent than when she went and earned her CNA primarily to be able to help care for her grandson at home. She used her skills with Finley and Mercy Home Care also, but everyone knew that at the end of the day her main motivation was always to provide loving care to her family. Joan possessed a relentlessly kind-hearted and giving character and the countless hours she generously gave to serving others before taking for herself will always be mingled tenderly within the abundance of beautiful memories she leaves behind. When a little free time did happen to work its way into her days, Joan was most content to be visiting with her grandkids, working on her meticulously tended to flower gardens, or socializing with her friends in the Red Hat Ladies Society. Sadly, Joan was called home quite suddenly, leaving the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her in a deeply sorrowful state today. But, we know and trust that the Lord has a plan in all things and that one day we will find peace again when we will get to see her sweet smile looking right back at us. Thank you, Joan, for all you gave during your 72 years and may the example you’ve set forth help create some of the brightest moments yet to come in your legacy.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joan include,

her loving husband of 33 years,
Jim “Boar” Thompson, East Dubuque, Illinois;

her 3 adored daughters,
Jean VanBlaracom, Monks Corner, South Carolina,
Karla (Donald “Donny”) Kass, Cumming, Georgia,
and Tamara (Tim) Freisinger, East Dubuque, Illinois;

her 6 grandchildren,
Michael (Michelle) VanBlaracom, Valerie VanBlaracom, Jordan Kass, Ryan James Kass, Heather Freisinger and Tanner Freisinger;

her great-grandson,
Xavier VanBlaracom;

her siblings,
Carl Montgomery Jr., Jacksonville, Florida,
Sandra (Donnie) Weinen, Elizabeth, Illinois,
Paula (Mike) Steiger, Waunakee, Wisconsin,
and Kirk (Renee) Montgomery, Mesa, Arizona;

her dear friends and neighbors,
Nancy and Deb;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Delores Montgomery.

Joan’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care of Joan, and her family

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

Joan M. (Brandel) Taylor

Joan Marie Taylor (Brandel) went peacefully to the Lord on the evening of October 6, one day after her 80th birthday. She died of complications from diabetes.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Friday, October 11, 2019 with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the celebrant. After Mass, families and friends will celebrate in Joan’s life with a luncheon in Holy Ghost Paraclete Hall. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 10th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 3860 Asbury Road, where a prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm.

Born October 5th, 1939 to Charles and Edna (Hirsch) Brandel in Dubuque, Joan graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. After X-ray training, she served as a technician in Mason City, Iowa and later at Xavier Hospital, in Dubuque.

She married Raymond J. Taylor on September 30th, 1961 and they resided in Dubuque. Ray and Joan celebrated 58 years of marriage the week of her passing.

Joan was a stubborn, spunky lady of German descent, who loved the Lord and her family and especially, her little dog, Maddie. She loved to read romance novels, do puzzles, feed her birds and the other assorted wildlife that visited her back porch. She loved Christmas and loved spoiling her grandkids even more. Those who knew her later in life knew that Tuesday was her favorite day of the week because every Tuesday her grandchildren Audrey (4) and Eric (2) visited her. Even when she couldn’t walk or care for a toddler, she insisted she couldn’t make any plans (including dialysis treatments) stressing the fact that she needed to babysit her grandkids.

Joan is survived by her five children: Mark (Kelley) Taylor and Chris (Karen) Taylor of Dubuque, Dan (Sarah) Taylor of Manchester, IA, Rea Ann (Dan) Paustian of Granger, IA, and Sara (Joel) Fagen of Arlington, VA. Her children cherished their mother, a love that was passed onto her grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Rebecca, Katelyn, Hannah, Tanner, Millie, Isaac, Audrey, and Eric. Joan is also survived by an older brother, Ronald (Dori) Brandel of Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law, Francis and Dorothy Taylor of Holy Cross, Iowa and brothers-in-law, Frank Taylor, Charles Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Duane “Red” Even, and Wayne Kahle. And, a sister-in-law, Marie Taylor.

Joan’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers from No Place Like Home who compassionately cared for their mother as well as the doctors, nurses and staff from Tri-State Dialysis who supported their mother during her years of dialysis treatments.

A photo tribute can be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting Joan’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com

Luann J. Bowling

Luann J. Bowling, 58, of Iowa City, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Luann’s life will be held at 2 P.M., Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. A private family visitation will be held. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Luann Jean Bowling was born on June 1, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Richard Alan Sr. and Janet Jean (Dutton) Bowling. She was a graduate of Iowa City West High. She never married.

Following high school, she did some housekeeping. She then began a 28-year career with WALMART in Iowa City working as the Department Manager in the Ladies Department retiring in mid-July of this year due to health reasons.

Luann loved traveling. She especially enjoyed yearly trips to Branson and had taken several cruises with her favorites being to Alaska and Aruba.

Those left to honor her memory include her father, Richard Bowling Sr. of Iowa City, IA; a son Joseph (Cassie) Bowling of North Liberty, IA; and brothers, Richard Bowling Jr. of Iowa City, IA, Neal Bowling of Iowa City, IA, Darren Bowling of Iowa City, IA, Curtis Bowling of West Branch, IA, and Brent Bowling of Iowa City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her mother Janet Bowling on February 24, 1993.

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

Vernon R. Millhouse

Vernon R. Millhouse, 95, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Andrew, IA Cemetery.

Vernon Russell Millhouse was born on August 24, 1924 in Gary, South Dakota, to Luther and Elfreida (Beste) Millhouse. He was raised in Davenport and Oklahoma and then went into the U.S. Navy serving during World War II where he received an honorable discharge.

He married Irma Jeane Dalton on March 30, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa. She preceded him death on March 10, 2001 after 55 years of marriage. He married Kathryn Leckington on November 10, 2001 in Davenport, Iowa.

Vernon moved to Maquoketa in March of 1955 to farm on Sand Prairie. He was a well-known carpenter in the area and had built many houses throughout his lifetime.
He was an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Maquoketa where he served as an elder in the congregation. He loved to travel to see new places and enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing its message with others. He could fix anything and was known as a jack-of-all trades and a master of none. He was loved by everyone that knew him, always had good advice to give, and he always had a story to tell (and everyone had a story to tell about him!) about his many adventures.

Those left to honor his memory include a daughter, Koreen (Tony) Schork of Maquoketa, IA; his wife Kathryn Millhouse of Maquoketa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Heath (Melissa) Schork and Kayla (Peter) Carlson; 6 great-grandchildren, Evelyn Schork, Shelby Blaney, Axel Carlson, Olivia Schork, Zelma Carlson, and Ela Schork; and a sister Loretta Dumerauf of NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Irma Jeane, and a brother Raymond.

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

William A. Byrd

William Allan “Bill” Byrd, 67, of Asbury, Iowa, died on Saturday, October 5, 2019 surrounded by family following a short illness.

Bill was born on July 23, 1952, the oldest of five children, to Ivan and Katherine Schmuecker Byrd in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He was attending Regis High School when he met his future wife, then Sherry Ewen, of nearby John F. Kennedy High School. Bill and Sherry got married in 1974 after graduating from Iowa State University (Sherry’s father having stubbornly withheld his blessing until her graduation). Bill received a degree in psychology and pursued a PhD in developmental psychology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, but would eventually change fields, graduating from Michigan State University in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Together, Bill and Sherry (and, along the way, son Michael) lived in Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and again in Iowa where Bill worked for a number of engineering firms and was awarded five patents. Bill taught at Northern Iowa Community College in Peosta before retiring in 2015.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry, and son, Michael, as well as his brother, Joseph (Deborah) Byrd, and sisters, Barbara (Gary) Klawiter and Janice (Justin) See.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Katherine, his sister, Mary Kay, and his brother, John.

Sherry is grateful for 45 loving years of marriage to Bill and their many adventures and misadventures (including sailing the butterfly at Rock Cut Lake near their home in Rockford, Illinois). Michael treasures memories fishing with his father in Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet and misses his joyous, roaring laughter.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.