Obituaries Archive

Bernetta F. Cogan

Bernetta F. Cogan, 89, of Ahva Living, 430 Sidney St, East Dubuque, IL formerly of Hazel Green WI passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6^th at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:40 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler, WI, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Bernetta was a homemaker. She loved a good game of euchre (whether in person or on her smart phone), playing bingo at Ahva, and doing puzzles with her best friend and cousin Bonnie before her death earlier this year.

She survived breast cancer and enjoyed traveling late in life to California, Alaska, cruising with her son and daughter-in-law and a church trip to Rome where she was within 10 feet of seeing the Pope. She also spent many weekends camping with Joe and Mary.

She was born April 26, 1935 on the family farm in rural Dickeyville, daughter of Margaret (Wallenhorst) and George Schroeder. She married Joseph E Cogan on August 23, 1955 at Holy Ghost Church, Dickeyville, WI. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish.

Surviving are her son Joseph J (Mary) Cogan of Hazel Green; granddaughter Britt (Tim Crall) Cogan of Mammoth Lakes, CA, bonus great-grandchildren, Ellie, Bram and Leah Crall; grandson Troy (Amy Strasburg) Cogan of Overland Park, KS great-grandsons, Russell and Brandon Cogan; a brother Jerry Schroeder of Dickeyville and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph E Cogan on July 6, 2001, daughter and grandson Shirley Cogan and Michael Cogan on July 24, 1979, her sisters and their spouses Rosie (Joe) Peiffer, Joan (Jim) Timmerman and Joyce (Delbert) Kliebenstein, and a sister-in-law Judy Schroeder.

A special thanks to the staff at Mercy Hospital ICU.

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

Sr. Mary Kenneth Hemann

Sister Mary Kenneth (Mildred) Hemann, OSF, 101, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Clare House in Dubuque.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Clare House Chapel, Mount St. Francis Center at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024. Guests unable to attend may participate via livestream at: www.youtube.com/dubuquefranciscans. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Sister Mary was born July 8, 1923 in Meyer, IA, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Smith) Hemann.

Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1940 and made final profession of vows August 10, 1946. Sister received her certification as a Dietary Manager from State University of Iowa, Ames. She ministered at Corpus Christi, IL and Okolona, MS. Other missions in Iowa included Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, St. Mary, Waterloo, and Saint Francis Home, Stonehill Franciscan Services, Shalom Retreat Center, and Mount St. Francis Center in Dubuque.

Sister is survived by her sister, Theresa Theis; her brother Kenneth (Ann) Hemann; nieces, nephews, and her Franciscan sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Angela (Herbert) Werner; brothers, Cletus (Kathleen) Hemann, Ray (Beatrice) Hemann, John (Joan) Hemann, Robert (Norraine) Hemann, and Arthur (Darlene) Hemann, and brother-in-law George Theis.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Mary R. Dickey

Mary Ruth Dickey, 96, of Charlotte, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2024. Born on October 19, 1928, in Petersville, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Luella Cleary.

Grandma Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She lived a life defined by her unwavering love for her family. Her greatest joy came from the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, devotion, and kindness will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

She is survived by four children, Patti (Bill) VanSlingerlandt, Janice Fuller, Mary Jo Dickey (Gary Brunscheen), and Steven (Tracy) Dickey; son-in-law Dennis Stolk; two sisters, Darleen Soenksen and Carol Kash; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Randall Dickey Jr., daughter Donna Stolk, and son-in-law David Fuller.

At Mary’s request, a private family viewing will be held.

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

Mary Lou Althoff

Mary Lou (Nemmers) Althoff, 74, of Maquoketa was welcomed into Jesus’ loving arms on Friday evening, November 29. She died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep with her husband and daughter nearby.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

We will celebrate her life at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 S Vermont St in Maquoketa. There will be an additional visitation held on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. before the mass. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery following the mass.

Mary Lou was born on September 27, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa to Vince and Louise (Federspiel) Nemmers. Mary Lou attended St. Lawrence school in Otter Creek where she met her future husband in the 1st grade. She tolerated him for the next eight years before going to school at the Visitation in Dubuque. Mary Lou went on to attend Marycrest College in Davenport where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. It was during this time that she fell in love with Kenny.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to her soulmate, Ken, on June 23, 1972, at St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa. Shortly thereafter, she began her teaching career in
Dubuque, Iowa, before stepping away to devote herself to raising her daughters. After returning to teaching, she continued as a cherished member of the Dubuque Community School District. Throughout her years of teaching, she worked at Kennedy School, Marshall School, Table Mound School, and Eisenhower School. She spent the majority of her career as a Kindergarten teacher, caring for and inspiring countless children with her patience, kindness, and love. She retired in 2014 having successfully taught hundreds of 5-year-olds that, “all of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in Kindergarten.”

In retirement, Mary Lou’s dedication to children and education remained unwavering. She continued to make a difference through substitute teaching and through devoting countless hours to volunteering. Mary Lou especially enjoyed helping at her grandsons’ school, where her love for teaching and nurturing young minds shone brightly.

Beyond teaching, Mary Lou spent her time joyfully loving her friends, family, and church. She was a founding member of the Otter Creek Bunco club. She hosted annual Christmas parties for Shelley’s & Tara’s classmates. She spent endless time sewing quilts and donating them to charity. In her lifetime she devoted countless hours to faith sharing groups, TEC, CEW, the Lion’s Den youth group, the Sacred Heart Deliverance music group, sponsoring and mentoring engaged couples, saying the rosary, and being a prayer partner. She loved to clean, write cards, and shop. She also loved to go out to eat with her friends and family and thrived on regular “Girls Day Out” adventures with her special friends, whom she cherished. She loved Jesus and His people with every fiber of her being. Every person who knew her felt deeply loved by her.

Mary Lou’s life was filled with many passions. The most important of her passions was her family, especially her husband, daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons. Throughout their 52 years of marriage Kenny and Mary Lou were inseparable, always supporting one another through life’s ups and downs with a faithful love that reflects God’s love for us. Her grandsons were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, which were many! Her time was well spent because she made an enduring impact on them.

They will always remember her unforgettable phrases like: call the cats in, many hands make light work, jeekers moses, snazzy, and go suck eggs. From her grandsons’ mouths she is and will always be, “Grandma Lou: the most admirable, miraculously joyful and determined lady, with a radiant and beaming smile, who was kind, patient, and empathetic. She had an unwavering, faithful and devoted love for Jesus. Her sacrificial servant-heartedness was unmatched and she was a persistent prayer warrior who gave the best hugs. She was always present for everything and everyone. Her love for music, our artwork, and our jokes always made us feel so loved.”

Survivors include: her beloved husband, Ken, her daughter Angie (her “baby doll”), her
son-in-law Ben, her four grandsons: Caleb (18), Elliott (16), Gabe (14), and Toby (11), and her brother Ron Nemmers.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vince & Louise, her infant brother Roger, her
treasured sister Audrey, several wonderful in-laws (Al and Aileen Althoff, Phil Lambe, Ron and Carol Althoff and Loras Delaney), numerous nieces and nephews and her precious and beautiful daughters, Shelley and Tara. We can only imagine what that glorious heavenly reunion was like.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Mary Lou’s name be given to Sacred Heart Church or the Mayo Clinic.

Velma J. Moor

Velma Jean “Red” Moor, 89 of Kieler, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 and from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday at the at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler, where the Parish Scripture Service will be recited at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler

on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception church cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.

Velma was born May 19, 1935 in Kieler, the daughter of Chris and Mary (Dalsing) Pickel. She attended Immaculate Conception grade school and graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She married Paul J Moor on April 16, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler. He preceded her in death on July 24, 2010.

Velma and Paul were the former owners of Moor’s Salvage in Kieler, and in 1980 they purchased the 3-Mile house Supper Club, which they operated until 1997.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Kieler, its Council of Catholic Women, and an active member of various church organizations. She volunteered as school librarian.

Surviving are her children, Peggy (Al) Fleege of East Dubuque, Chris (Cindy) Moor of Kieler, Jeff (Julie) Moor of Hazel Green, Paula (Steve) Kane and Audrey (Rod) Murphy-Potter of Kieler, daughter-in-law Carolyn Moor of Kieler; 17 grandchildren, Nicholas (Lassen) Fleege, Benjamin Fleege, Molly (Kyle) Spurley, Megan (Branden) Baumiester, Chris (Madison) Moor, Cori (Jim) Kunnert, Jennifer (Kyle) Sydow, Julius (Jamie) Moor, Paul (Pearl), Moor, Dustin (Callie) Moor, Allie (Shane) Sparrgrove, Hillary (Jake) Lange, Adam (Maura Zaccaria) Kane, Peter, Paige, Alex, Chloe (Garrett Hottenstein) Murphy. 29 great-grandchildren, sisters Doris Ihm, Leila Stierman and Lorraine (Bruce) Pluemer, sister-in-law Judy Pickel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son Julius (Jube) Moor, a granddaughter Carolyn Moor, a great grandson Julius Joseph Moor, brothers Lyle Pickel and Eldon Pickel, in-laws Agnes Pickel, Bill Ihm, Roman Bonifas, Bert Steirman, Julius and Kay Moor, John and Louise Orin, Roy and Tena Schultz, Herb and Julia Schultz, Lena and Herman Gartman and Ella and Elmer Stevenson.

In lieu of flowers, a Velma Moor memorial fund has been established!

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

Larry Bullock

Following his second battle with cancer, Larry “Joe” Bullock, 78, of Maquoketa, IA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. His abiding faith and courage was a lesson for all of us. 

Joe was born on March 11, 1946, in Maquoketa. He was the eighth of ten children born to Dwight and Pauline (Hardin) Bullock. He grew up in a small house on Matteson Street, in a neighborhood full of children, many of them becoming his lifelong friends. 

Joe attended First Ward and Briggs elementary schools. He was a proud member of the Maquoketa High School class of 1964, where he held leadership roles, excelled in sports, and was named Homecoming King. He often reminisced that growing up in the 50’s and 60’s shaped his life. 

Following the example set by his parents, Joe’s unwavering work ethic was established at a very young age. He began driving truck in High School, and following graduation, he joined his dad and brothers in the family trucking business, which began humbly in 1938 with one truck. The business became known as Bullocks Inc. after incorporating in 1970. It eventually expanded into grain marketing and storage. He worked tirelessly to help grow the business over his lifetime. “Retirement” was never in his vocabulary. 

On December 17, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Riley, at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. The Reverend Harold C. Kumpf officiated the ceremony. Together, they created a life full of cherished memories. They were blessed with two children, Joseph Michael and Kristine Kathryn. They built a house on a small acreage north of Maquoketa, where they have resided for over fifty years.

 Their shared love of antiques allowed for many years of collecting as a common goal. But Joe’s passion was classic and antique cars, and he possessed several over his lifetime. However, one of his proudest purchases was his first new automobile at the age of nineteen – a ’65 Pontiac Bonneville, replacing his trusty old ’51 Plymouth. 

For many years, Joe was an avid golfer, once scoring the elusive hole-in-one. Many competitive rounds were played with his golfing companions. However, his time on the course faded following a major wrist injury and surgeries. And, very soon, grandchildren came along and took precedence over the game.

 He devoted the rest of his life to making those grandchildren the center of his attention. Life shined brighter when he gained the title of “Papa”, and more recently, “Great Papa”. He was a constant source of encouragement in their achievements. He took much pride and joy in attending their many activities and events, and cherished every opportunity to spend time with each of them.

 Visits to Papa and Grammy’s house were always made extra special. Joe transformed the machine shed into a temporary gymnasium that provided countless hours of fun and friendly “cousin competition”. He loved being the “chauffeur” during their visits, with a grandchild or two on his lap in the tractor; or perched behind him on a four-wheeler; or being pulled in a wagon or on a sled, all providing hours of fun and laughter. Katie, Mason, Sam, Adam and Lexi will miss him dearly; his presence, his generosity, his love and gentle guidance. Precious memories of their beloved Papa will remain in their hearts forever, and his legacy will live on through each of them.

 Joe was a man of faith and an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa where, over the years, he served on numerous committees, as well as two different terms as president of the congregation. He was recently named Honorary Co-Chair of the congregation’s current 100th Anniversary Committee. His time and commitment became limited due to his declining health.

 For years he voluntarily drove for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard, and occasionally helped with their snow removal. Before his cancer diagnosis, he was a long-time blood donor. He enjoyed many years of bellringing for the Salvation Army during the holidays.

Joe earned the respect and gratitude of many. His knowledge of the grain business was well known, and his marketing advice was often requested. He and Linda acquired full ownership of Bullocks Inc. in 2002. The fleet and transportation portion of the business was expanded. In 2015, they received the annual Friends of Agriculture Agri-Business Award, presented by the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce and the Maquoketa Rotary Club. Together, they continued to grow the company, which now includes their son, proudly paving the way for future generations to carry on its respected place in the Ag Community. 

Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of nearly 59 years, Linda; His children, Joseph (Jennifer) Bullock of Bettendorf, IA, Kristine (A.J.) Loss of Bettendorf, IA, His five grandchildren; Katie (Logan Boeh) Bullock, Adam (MacKenzie Clark) Bullock, Mason (Emma Pease) Loss, Sam (Maddie Baltazor) Loss, and Lexi Loss; one great granddaughter, June Loss; His siblings; Bonnie Maxey of Chesterfield, MO, Bill (Darlene Gleason) Bullock of Bellevue, IA, Connie (Bill) Caven of Highlands Ranch, CO, Jerry (Dot) Bullock of Maquoketa, IA , Linda Lahann of Long Grove, IA, Nancy Longwell of Arvada, CO, Barb (Steve) Wright of Davenport, IA, and Mary Lundeen of Highlands Ranch, CO; His in-laws John Stein of Hartland, MI, Janet Rollinger of Maquoketa, IA, Sheryle Riley of Dubuque, IA, Phyllis Riley of Bloomington, IN, Sharon Bullock of Des Moines, IA and Dianna and Eugene Block of Maquoketa, IA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Pauline Bullock, sister Judy Stein, brothers-in-law Don Maxey, Gary Lundeen, Barry Lahann, Warren Longwell, Lawrence Riley, Herbert Riley and Joseph Rollinger; two nieces, Lori Riley and Kelly Block-Davidson.

 A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday, December 6, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the medical team at the MercyOne Cancer Center and the MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque, as well as to Hospice of Jackson County for the amazing care and concern shown to Joe.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Maquoketa, Hospice of Jackson County, or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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

William J. Wentworth

William Jacob Wentworth was born on May 8, 1936, to Blair and Edna (Beck) Wentworth on the family farm, in a house that was built by his great-great-grandfather. He was named after his two grandfathers.

Starting when he was a very young boy, he would wander the countryside as much as possible, exploring it in all its facets. Even though he listed his religion as Lutheran, it was in nature where he found true and everlasting spiritualism. All of his life, he worshiped at the altar of Mother Nature.

Wm. had a quick, inquiring mind. At a very early age his paternal grandmother, who had been a teacher, instilled in him the love of books and learning, which continued the rest of his life. He would very often be seen haunting the public libraries and Goodwill store, enjoying the books and purchasing what he was interested in. During his life, he amassed an enormous collection of books and other reading materials. Literally enough to fill an entire grain bin and more.

He attended Fairfield #1 rural school, as did his parents, and was not allowed to go out for his 1st school recess due to getting in an argument with a much older girl, before school began that day. He always said that he was done with school right then and there. He mentioned how unfair he thought that was often, up to 5 days before his death. Even so, he always deeply cared about his country school friends, and was excited to see them the rest of his life. It is very fortunate that he got to re-connect with so many of them the last months of his life.

After graduating from the rural school, he attended Maquoketa High School, where he met two people who would become very significant in his life. Haven Schmidt became his best friend almost immediately, and, as he often said, if it wasn’t for Haven introducing him to football, he would have dropped out of school as soon as he could. Also, it was with Haven that he met his future wife, at school. He said it was, “Love at first sight.”

After graduating from Maquoketa High School in 1953 he worked on the farm and hired out to neighboring farmers when they needed help. On October 11, 1959, he married Joan Marsha Stoll, his high school sweetheart, at the old Methodist church in Maquoketa. They are said to be the last couple to get married there before it closed.  They had three children together, LuAnn, Don and Carolyn. Joan died on July 24, 2024. Bill had a fatal stroke on the 4-month anniversary of her death and died on November 26, 2024, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center.

During the early to mid-1960s, he worked for the State of Iowa DNR. His job mainly was to haul fish (usually trout) and stock them around the state. One time he was assigned to transport beds to the Anamosa Penitentiary. After leaving the DNR, he worked on the family farm, making numerous improvements. In 1987 he sold his herd of cattle, and about 10 years later he stopped raising hogs. Shortly after he began renting out the land, although he made it clear that he was not retired. To his mind, he never retired.

William is survived by his children, LuAnn (Jim) Goeke of Maquoketa; Don (Carol) of rural Preston, and Carolyn Wehr, of Olathe, Kansas, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, as well a brother-in-law, Raymond “Rusty” Hayes of Maquoketa, and a 1st cousin he grew up with, Jack Marlowe, of Maquoketa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan, his parents, 2 sisters, 1 brother.

Memorials can be made to the family.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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

Victoria Jaster

Gerard P. Connolly

Gerard “Jerry” P. Connolly, 67, of Farley, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 29, 2024, at his home.

The gathering for Jerry will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m.  The gathering will also be held after 9 a.m. on Thursday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Jerry was born on February 1, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Paul and Mary “Toni” (Driscoll) Connolly.  He was a 1975 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa.  He went on to receive his degree in Nursing from Northeast Iowa Community College.  He began his nursing career as a Nurse for Mercy in Dubuque and later at the Iowa Department of Corrections.  In 2013 he retired from the Anamosa State Penitentiary, as the Nursing Service Director.

He was united in marriage to Judy Spoden on November 11, 1978, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa.  Jerry was very proud of his Irish Heritage and had the opportunity to travel to Ireland.  He enjoyed fishing with his family, playing guitar, a good cup of coffee, and cruising the streets of Farley.

He was an avid Hawkeyes, Steelers and Yankees fan.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife, Judy Connolly of Farley, IA; one daughter, Amber Connolly; a daughter-in-law, Lori McDermott; two grandchildren, Aidan and Addison all of Cedar Rapids, IA; six sibling, Janann (Gerald) Weber of Dyersville, IA, Diann (Rodney) Mozena of Dubuque, IA, Mary Eileen (Mark) Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA, Lyle (Bonnie) Connolly of Davenport, and Keith (Kris) Connolly of Colorado; In-laws, Joan (Wayne) Marxen of Epworth, IA, James Spoden of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joseph (Karen) Spoden of Robins, IA, and Jerry (Margie) Spoden of Marion, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard Connolly on June 12, 1996; his father and mother-in-law, John E. “Jack” and Jane E. (Losey) Spoden.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, the Farley Volunteer Ambulance personnel.

Janice M. Wagner

Janice M. Wagner, 85, of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Ellen Kennedy Living Center, Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross, Iowa. Visitation will continue Thursday morning from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with burial immediately following in the church cemetery.  Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Janice was born on April 24, 1939 in Holy Cross, IA, daughter of Alphonse and Armella (Schieltz) Clemen. She married Willis Wagner on November 19, 1960 in Holy Cross, Iowa. Together they lived in Holy Cross for 55 years, where they raised their children. While raising her own children, she also had a daycare in her home because taking care of children was her passion.

Some of her joys in life were taking care of her garden, canning, growing beautiful flowers, quilting, and crafts. Together with her husband Willie, they loved to go to dances, playing cards with family and friends, and they were active members of the Guttenberg car club “River Park Cruisers.” Janice and Willie loved taking their convertible out to visit family and going for ice cream.

Survivors include her children: Sharon (Dan) Faber of Cascade, Thomas (Tammy) Wagner of Cedar Rapids, Linda (Gary) Ellerbach of Ely, Lisa (Clyde) Hefel of North Buena Vista, Laurie (Dave) Baliff of Potosi, WI and Deb (Greg) McMahon of East Dubuque, IL; grandchildren: Josh, Zach and Matt Faber, Danielle and Olivia Wagner, Dalton (Nikki) and Skylar (Miranda) Ellerbach, Alyssa Hefel, Connor and Chase McMahon, Jenna and Luke Baliff; great grandchildren: Harper and Hayden Ellerbach; siblings: Loras Clemen of Dubuque, Cathy (Don) Keppler of Manchester, and Dale (Carol) Clemen of Dubuque; in-laws: Patricia Clemen of Holy Cross, Linda Clemen of Colesburg, Rosemary (Roland) Hoeger of St. Olaf, Kay (Earl) Kluesner of Luxemburg and John (Donna) Wagner of Luxemburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willis in 2023; siblings: Vernon Clemen, Germaine (Marvin) Gaul, Jerome Clemen and Francis Clemen, and a sister-in-law, Darlene Clemen.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ellen Kennedy Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Don and Dianne Kramer for taking incredible care of Janice.

Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross is assisting the family. Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.

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David R. Hantelman

David R. Hantelman, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque on November 26, 2024.

To honor David’s life, friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 4, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service at 3:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday December 5, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. The burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.

David was born on July 8, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Frederick William Hantelman and Mary Jane Eckstein. David was a graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School and New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Hiawatha, Iowa. He was a Certified I.T. professional working on desktop applications. David also worked for Thermo-Fisher Scientific. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his high school friends. He was especially fond of his backyard flock of wild turkeys that he would feed under his deck. David often spent holidays with his three nieces Carisa Nardelli, Sara White and Heather Hantelman.

David is survived by his brother Stephen John (Rosemary) Hantelman of Littleton, Colorada, and nieces Carisa Nardelli, Sara White, Heather Hantelman, Kathryn Einbu, Anne Hasten, and Grace Hasten.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Mary Jane, and siblings Jay Frederick Hantelman and Carol Ann Hantelman.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers, text messages, and visits.

Steve T. Luster

Steve Talbert Luster, 64, of Peosta, died Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Harmony Dubuque.

There will be no services. Military honors will be held at a later date.

Steve was born March 1, 1960, in Norfolk, VA, the son of James Gaddis and Lorene Morgan Davenport Luster.

He was a graduate of Luverne High School in Luverne, AL.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving as an airplane mechanic during his time in the military. After his discharge, Steve worked as a semi-truck driver. When we was not working he loved to hunt, and fish.

Survivors include one daughter, Kelly (Jason Kringle) Luster of Peosta, IA and two grandsons, Aidan Thompson of Peosta, and Brandon Kringle of Dubuque.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Craig.

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

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

Russell E. Kieffer

Herbert J. Bisping

Laura M. Schemmel

The loving, generous, and passionate life of Laura M. Schemmel, 77, of Dubuque, came to an end with her passing on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Laura will be 10:30 am Monday, December 2, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary in Dubuque.

Laura was born April 12, 1947, in Dyersville, IA, the daughter of Alfred and Madonna Juran Roling. On November 27, 1965, she married Anthony J. Schemmel at St. Joseph’s Parish in Rickardsville

Laura was retired from Jeld-Wen and Medical Associates Clinic.

She was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She was a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and an amazing wife and grandmother. Laura enjoyed playing dominoes and caring for her beautiful flower garden. She was always deeply interested in the lives and concerns of her children and grandchildren. Above all, Laura cherished spending time with her family in the warmth of her home. Her greatest legacy lives on in her three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Survivors include her husband, Tony; one son, Michael (Julie) Schemmel of Epworth, IA; two daughters, Jennifer (Brian) Schultz and Robin Schemmel, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Alec (Josie) Schemmel, Rachel (Nixon) Schemmel, Matthew (Haley) Schemmel, Megan Schultz, Carter (Faith) Schultz, and Austin (Mina) Schemmel; three great-grandchildren, Adelyn, Madden, and Tage; two brothers, Tom (Linda) Roling of Durango, IA, and Dennis (Debbie) Roling of Rickardsville, IA; one sister, Diane (Joe) Schemmel of Dubuque; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve Kress of Sherrill, IA, Elsie Payton of Tipton, IA, Donald (Diane) Schemmel of Sherrill, IA, Marge Schemmel of Durango, IA, Coralee (Fred) Schaumburg of Durango, IA, Chuck (Sharon) Schemmel of Dubuque, Joyce (Don) Tigges of Dubuque, and Bob (Cindy) Schemmel of Dubuque and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sharon Kress, her father- and mother-in-law, Anthony and Ida Schemmel, and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Millie Schemmel, Bob and Lois Gruel, Jim Payton, Jim Schemmel, Pete and Del Rose O’Meara, and Rick (Carol) Schemmel.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, Kristina, Amy, and Jamie, for the compassionate care and support you provided to Laura.

Until we meet again, thank you, Mom, for leading by example. May the loving arms of the Lord hold you safely and securely as we seek healing for our broken hearts.

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