Obituaries Archive

Joan B. Pasker

Joan B. Pasker, 86, of Dyersville, Iowa and formerly of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2019 at Oak Crest Manor in Dyersville, Iowa.
Visitation for Joan will be held from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Monday, October 28th at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Joan at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa, with Rev. Tyler Raymond presiding. Burial will be held in St. Boniface Cemetery in New Vienna, Iowa.
She was born August 4, 1933 in Petersburg, Iowa, daughter of Alfred and Loretta (Koch) Goedken. She received her education in the Petersburg area schools. On November 9, 1954 she was united in marriage to Urban S. Pasker at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 13, 2017.
Joan loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spending time with her family and attending family gatherings. She enjoyed playing Bingo, cards and watching game shows especially Jeopardy. Joan was very talented in making quilts, baking and gardening.
She was a member of St. Boniface Parish in New Vienna, Iowa.
She is survived by eleven children, Rose (Oly) Olson of Colesburg, Dan (Kay) Pasker of New Vienna, Dave (Mary) Pasker of Earlville, Ron (Linda) Pasker and Rick Pasker both of New Vienna, Diane (Mark) Elgin, Randy Pasker and Joyce (Larry) Naber all of Dyersville, Janet (Jeff) Olson of Guttenberg, Jeanne (J.J.) Hefel of Holy Cross and Pam (Randy) Demmer of Dyersville; 33 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; three sisters, Delaine (Paul) Knipper both of Dyersville, Delores (Terry) O’Brien of Cascade and Sr. Rita Goedken of Dubuque, IA; three brothers, Dale Goedken of Dyersville, Dennis (Ann) Goedken of Cottage Grove, WI, and Charles (Patrice) Goedken of Harrisburg, PA; sister-in-law, Lisa Goedken of Conception Junction, MO, and Grace Pasker of New Vienna; and two brothers-in-law, Donald Burkle of Dyersville, IA and James (Marie) Pasker of Edgewood.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Jean Ann Pasker in infancy; one son-in-law, Randy Hess; grandson, Bailey “Austin” Pasker; Rick’s fiance, Jill Wilson; two sisters, Sr. Angela Goedken and Lois Burkle; three brothers, David Goedken, Floyd Goedken and Marty Goedken; her father and mother-in-law, Albert and Alvina Pasker; two sisters-in-law, Verna Mae Westmark-Thieman and Doris Goedken; and brother-in-law, Leon Pasker.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Rev. John W. Carpender

 Rev. John William Carpender, 91, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center in Dubuque.

Sharon Karrmann

Sharon Karrmann, 78, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Grand Meadows.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 28, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, where friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Rev. Matthew Agee will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, WI. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, October 27, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd.

Sharon was born July 17, 1941 in Platteville, WI, the daughter of Floyd and Viola (Voigts) Grunewald. She married Marc E. Karrmann on April 9, 1960 at St. John Lutheran Church, Prairie du Sac, WI. They lived in Port Huron, MI for several years, before moving to Dubuque in 1976. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2017.

Sharon was employed as a teacher’s aide/para-educator for special needs children at Franklin and Eisenhower Schools in Dubuque. She donated her time volunteering for Special Olympics for ten years, and at Finley Hospital for over twenty years. Sharon was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she also served as librarian.

In addition to knitting and crafting, Sharon was an avid hockey fan, and along with her husband was a Dubuque Fighting Saints season ticket holder. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and loved taking her grandchildren to Disney World. Sharon and Marc visited all 50 states, 46 of them in their RV.

Sharon was a very sociable person and loved spending time with her many neighbors and friends, especially her coffee dates with friends and former coworkers. She was a member of Resurrection Alzheimer’s Support Group, which became very important to her. Sharon was an avid follower of her grandchildren’s sporting events and often traveled to see them play.

Sharon is survived by her children, Jim (Nancy) Karrmann of Madison, WI, Cheryl (Duane) Beckman of West Burlington, IA, John (JoDee) Karrmann of West Des Moines, IA, and Marc W. Karrmann of Rosemount, MN; 10 grandchildren, Sarah (Jeff), Ashley (Andrew), Derek (Lis), Blake, Andrew (Jordyn), Megan, Kayla (Chris), Allison, Jessica, and Natalie; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Dan (Patricia) Grunewald of Prairie du Sac, WI, and Bill (Kim Diehl) Grunewald of Sauk City, WI; her brother in law, Phil (Barbara) Karrmann of Platteville, WI; and her nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her parents in law, sister, Kay Bailey and two great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grand Meadows; and the ALS Association Iowa Chapter.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the ALS Association Iowa Chapter.

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

Sr. Dorothy Droessler

Sister Dorothy Droessler, SSSF, 98, of Milwaukee, WI, formerly of Kieler, WI, died Saturday, October 12, 2019 in Milwaukee.

A memorial mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, where a visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Sister Dorothy was born on September 5, 1921 at home in Kieler, the daughter of Joseph & Rose (Flogel) Droessler.

She professed in the School Sisters of St. Francis on June 13, 1943.

Sister Dorothy enjoyed a life of family, vocation, service to God and being a mentor to all of her family.

Surviving is a sister-in-law Carol (Ernie) Droessler and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings & spouses, Harold, Leon (Helena), Raymond (Louisa), Joe, Mary, Virgil (Virginia) Eugene (Rita), Gerald (Louetta), Albin (Bernadette), Lola Rose (Jamie) Dye and Ernest (Beverly).

In lieu of flowers a Sister Dorothy Droessler memorial fund has been established.

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

Dave Udelhofen

Dave Udelhofen, 64, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday, November 2, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road where a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM with Deacon Steven L. Udelhofen as officiant.

Born December 23, 1954, in Dubuque, Dave was the son of Gerald Leslie and Joan Louise Heming Udelhofen. On October 9, 1998, he married Ann Teresa Leemans in Davenport, Iowa.

Dave was a graduate of Wahlert High School, a graduate of Loras College, and a retired police officer.

Dave loved music and played the guitar in several bands while in high school. He enjoyed reading and science. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He especially loved being a grandfather and had a great sense of humor. In life he was a very caring man and continued that legacy as an organ donor.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; one son, Mark (Tasha) Udelhofen of California and one daughter, Audrey (Sam) Aronoff of California; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Abigail; his mother, Joan Udelhofen of Dubuque; two brothers, Steve (Myrna) Udelhofen of Ankeny, and Jim (Betsy) Udelhofen of Dubuque; one sister, Joanie (Chris) McDonough of Dubuque; one brother-in-law, Steve Oglesby of Cedar Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Udelhofen, and one sister, Ann Oglesby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Wounded Warriors Project.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Angela Kelly, Dr. Ron Schope, and their nurses.

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

Russell S. Reicher

Russell “Russ” Stephen Reicher, 62, of Worthington, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at home in Worthington, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa. The American Legion Post #137 will perform a service at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue from 9-10 a.m., October 28. 2019 prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2019 at Saint Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa. A private family burial at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington at a later date.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Russ was born August 16, 1957, in Dubuque , the son of Stephen and LuAnn (Wessels) Reicher.  He married Julie Ostwinkle on October 27, 1979, in Worthington, Iowa.

He especially loved his family, he was known as his granddaughter’s #1 fan. Russ loved riding his Harley, being outdoors, cutting firewood, and talking with people. He looked forward to his Saturdays with “The Guys.”

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Julie, children: Nick (Tracey) Reicher of  Hopkinton, Joe Reicher of Worthington, Janelle Reicher of Dyersville,  grandchildren: Leah and Ella Reicher, siblings: Rick Reicher of West Dundee, IL, Rod (Phyllis) Reicher of Dyersville, George Reicher of San Diego, CA, in-laws: Joan Ostwinkle of Maquoketa, Dick (Carol) Ostwinkle of Farley, John (Lynette) Ostwinkle of Dyersville, Lois (Bill) Burger of Worthington, Jim (Denise) Ostwinkle of Worthington, Tony (Pam) Ostwinkle of Edgewood, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parent-in-laws , siblings: Ruby and Rose Mary Reicher, in-laws: Dianne Reicher, Mark Ostwinkle, Clema Ostwinkle, a niece, Shakira Ostwinkle, and a great-nephew, Thomas Reicher.

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

Robert F. Gilroy

Robert F. “Robbie” Gilroy, 68, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at his home.

Friends and family may gather to celebrate Robert’s life on Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 1 to 5 P.M. at the Pub Club in Lost Nation, Iowa. A private family burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lost Nation, with military honors.

Robert Francis Gilroy was born on December 5, 1950 in Davenport, Iowa, to Robert Peter and Madonna Carmella (Bauer) Gilroy. He was a 1969 graduate of Lost Nation High School and then attended Iowa State University in Ames for a short time until being drafted. He then served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he resumed his studies at Iowa State University where he earned a degree in Ag Management.

After receiving his degree, he returned home and first worked for Wayne Busch and other area businesses for a few years. In 1977, he bought the mill in Lost Nation and owned and operated Gilroy Bros. Feed and Supply until present. He also was a farmer and had farmed the family farm since an early age.

Robert was a member of the Menzo-Widel American Legion Post #381 of Lost Nation where he had served as a past commander. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, working and playing cards, with favorites being Rummy and Sheepshead. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Wesley Gilroy of Oxford Junction, IA, and Ramon (Heather) Gilroy of Lost Nation, IA; 3 grandchildren, Madison, Sophia and Emmett; sisters, Kathleen Gilroy of Villa Park, IL, Mary Larson of Davenport, IA, and Margaret Gilroy of Maquoketa, IA; and brothers, Patrick (Teresa) Gilroy of Princeville, IL, and Frank Gilroy of Waubeek, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Joseph.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Lost Nation First Responders.

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

Gene E. Hagy

Gene E. Hagy, 87, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 22, 2019, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, October 25, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

Gene Elwood Hagy was born on January 10, 1932 at home in rural Muscatine County to Robert Barton and Lydia Iva (Spitznogle) Hagy. He was a graduate of Muscatine High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army receiving an honorable discharge. He married Elizabeth Duemong on September 30, 1951 in Muscatine, Iowa. She preceded him in death on August 10, 2013.

Gene first worked for Hetzler Dairy in Muscatine, and then moved to Maquoketa where he worked for Phillips 66 eventually entering into partnership with Don Small. He then worked for Sieg Auto Parts in Maquoketa for many years, retiring in 1994.

Gene enjoyed remodeling and working on his house, and in recent years playing cards with his coffee group.

Those left to honor Gene’s memory include his daughters, Nancy (Larry) Shell of Muscatine, IA, and Kathy (Perry) Keating of Alburnett, IA; a sister, Alice Passmore of Plymouth, MA; 4 grandchildren, Brian Shell of Ames, IA, Amy Shell of Omaha, NE, Scott (Melissa) Keating of North Liberty, IA, and Sara (Matt) Brace of Cedar Rapids, IA; and 2 great-grandchildren, Emma and Mason, and twins on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers Robert and Glen, and a great-grandson Jack Keating.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Gene E. Hagy memorial fund.

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

Lucille M. Schmalz

Lucille M. Schmalz, 97, of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 24,  at Church of the Resurrection, 4300 Asbury Rd., Dubuque, where friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Lucille’s brother, Fr. John Lange, will officiate. Private burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Dubuque.

Lucille was born July 4, 1922 in Dubuque, the daughter of John and Celia (Roediger) Lange. She married Arthur Schmalz in 1946, and he preceded her in death.

Lucille and Arthur owned and operated several small businesses, including rental businesses, a car wash, and houseboat rentals. She enjoyed boating, telling stories, painting, investing in the stock market, and gardening.  For 30 years, Lucille also enjoyed spending winters in Fort Myers, Florida.

She was an ambitious, energetic person and will be sadly missed.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Kathyanne (Bob) Norman; her sisters, Rita, Betty, and Phyllis; and her brothers, Fr. John Lange, Carl (Mary) Lange, and Marty Lange.

Lucille’s daughter would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Lucille.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque.

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

Robert E. Connolly

Robert E. “Fritz” Connolly, 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Mercy Hospital.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Windsor Park Retirement Apartments, 801 Davis Street. Private family Memorial Service will be at 4:30.

He was born on December 31, 1938 in Dubuque, son of Leo and Evelyn Connolly. He married Sandra Schmitt on January 10, 1959.

He was employed by Windsor Park/ Callahan Construction until his illness in 2016.

Fritz will be deeply missed by his wife, Sandy of 60 years; 3 daughters, Beth (Ken) Hammel, Robyn (Mike) Fagan and Kris Connolly; 3 sons, Tom Connolly, Bob (Tina) Connolly and Pat (Tracy) Connolly; 21 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Rita Griffin and Kathy (Jerry) Olsen.

He was preceded in death by his son Todd Connolly, his parents; father and Mother in law, Leland and Regina Schmitt; brothers Jim Connolly, Dan Connolly and Dave Connolly, and one sister Jeanne Connolly; great granddaughter, Miracle Blocker; Brother in Law and Sister in law, George and Lavonne Kennedy.

Thank you to Dr. Sara Loetcher and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melainie, Angela and Ryan. Also, Granddaughter, Heidi Klein for all of her help during his illness.

A Robert Connolly Memorial Fund has been established.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

“Happy Trails until we meet again.”

Kathryn E. Miller

Kathryn E. “Kay” (Cahill) Miller, 80, of Dubuque passed away on October 16th, 2019 at her family’s home in Iowa City.

Kay was born on August 10th, 1939 in Dubuque to Robert and Marietta Cahill. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1958, she began working at Midwest Lumber Company. She then went on to become a secretary at Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. She was promoted to the purchasing department and then became the Assistant Manager of the Retail Office. Hardworking and dedicated, she worked at Spahn & Rose for over 40 years until her retirement in 2013.

A lifelong resident of Dubuque, Kay was an active member of her church and a staple of her neighborhood and community. She could often be found taking walks around the neighborhood, chatting with neighbors and keeping up with her close friends that she’d had since childhood.

Above all else, Kay’s greatest joy was her beloved family. She loved being a sister, mother and grandmother and took great pride in supporting her three grandchildren in all of their extracurriculars. She spent the last phase of her life surrounded by those that she loved most.

Kay is survived by her loving children Lisa (Kevin) Perez and Daryl Miller; grandchildren, Alexandra, Izaak and Elias; siblings Robert “Bob” (Jonneal) Cahill, Sharon (Joseph) Meyer; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marietta Cahill.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, October 24th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A short service and celebration of life will begin at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Iowa City Hospice. The family wishes to thank Anne Marie Perez for the friendship and care that she gave to Kay and to Iowa City Hospice for their care and support.

Bruce W. Ferguson

Bruce W. Ferguson, 88, of Naperville, IL, Winter, WI, and St. Pete Beach, FL, died Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Luther Manor.  Private family services will be held.

Bruce was born June 20, 1931 in Chicago, IL, son of Joseph and Elspeth (Archer) Ferguson.  He attended LeMoyne Elementary and graduated from Lake View High School, in Chicago.  He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque, his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University with doctoral work at The Ohio State University.

On August 7, 1954 he married Carol Capp and together they raised five children.

Bruce was a lifelong educator and mentor, teaching in the field of physical education for over 40 years.

Bruce was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Naperville and also belonged to the Illinois Association of Health Physical Education and Recreation where he served as President of the Midwest Region.  He enjoyed his association with the University of Dubuque where he served in various capacities.  He thoroughly enjoyed his summers at Pinecrest Resort on Barker Lake in Winter, WI which he and Carol operated for more than 40 years.  He greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and guests.  He was also an avid swimmer and a big Cubs fan.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Capp Ferguson; four children, Sheri Garner and her children, Sarah (Kevin) Malia and their children, Rory and Tess; and Abigail Urban and her children, Nora and Grant; Beth (Lusmila) Ferguson and their children, Luciel, Veronica and her child Isabela, Christina, and Julissa; Gary (April) Ferguson and their children, Magdalena, Mateo, Miarosa, Micaela, Casper, Chadwick and Careabella; and Andrew (John Hoefler) Ferguson and their children, Megan Ferguson and Devyn, Austin, Jenna and Ethan Hoefler.  He is also survived by a brother, Ronald (Dorothy) Ferguson of Port Charlotte, FL and a special former daughter-in-law, Clare Ferguson of Dubuque, IA.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by a son, Randy (in childhood).

Special thanks go to the wonderful staff at Luther Manor; Dr. Jacobitz-Kizzier, and Dr. Meurer; and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.  The family would also like to thank Bradley Rudi, good friend and helper in Winter, WI.

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

Ronald M. Johnson

Ronald M. “Ron” Johnson, age 75 of Durango, Iowa sadly completed his earthly journey on October 15, 2019 after an ATV accident while hunting wild boar in Oklahoma.  To honor Ron’s life; his family, friends and loved ones are invited to bring stories and memories to share at Ron’s Celebration of Life from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Dubuque Shooting Society, 10380 U.S. 52, Dubuque, Iowa.    Burial will be in the Morse Cemetery in Johnson County Iowa at another time with immediate family.

Ron was born on September 7, 1944 in Iowa City, Iowa, son of Robert M. Johnson and Helen R Tompkins.  Ron spent his formative years being surrounded by family and friends in the Iowa City/Coralville and Solon areas.  He graduated from Solon High School in 1962 and went on to complete his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa in 1966.  Ron spent the next 2 years proudly serving his country with the U.S. Army.   During this time, he was united in marriage to his teenage sweetheart, Mary Lou Smith, on a rainy night, June 6, 1967.  The couple was blessed with 52 years together where they never wavered in their commitment to family, work, play and one another.  They both worked at John Deere, beginning their careers in Moline before moving to the Dubuque Works in 1971.  Ron took an early retirement package in 1988, which allowed him to spend time at home with his growing daughter, Jill, all while escaping to the outdoors almost daily on the farm.

Every fiber of Ron’s being was driven to be one with the nature around him whenever possible.  In his younger years, Ron would joyfully spend his days horseback riding, racing off-road motorcycles and riding snowmobiles in the off season.  In time, hunting and fishing became his full-time passion.  Land and animal management fit perfectly into Ron’s vision of living life to the fullest.  Their trips to the cabin in Wyoming to embark daily into the wilderness on another adventure became a regular occurrence.  Whether braving the day’s adventure with a rifle in hand, riding a 4-wheeler or horse, sitting in a boat or fishing streams with a fly rod, or even scouting endlessly in preparation for the next best spots, Ron continually found absolute satisfaction in every hour he and Mary were able to spend outdoors together.  Ron was always thankful that his game room wasn’t only full of the many trophies he had accrued over the years, but it was also a daily reminder of the memories and time he and Mary had spent together.  Ron’s love for the outdoors only came in second to his devotion to his family at home.  His wife, daughter, granddaughter and faithful canine companions were what created the essence within his purpose in life.  Ron has left a legacy of love, leadership and genuine character which will thankfully assist in providing some comfort to the broken hearts he leaves behind.  It’s impossible for us to imagine today that Ron has hung his last mount, but we trust that his new hunting grounds are perfectly designed for he and his dogs to run free until we see them again.  Thank you, Ron, for all you’ve done so well during your time here and may we never forget the positive example you’ve left for us to follow.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Ron include,

his wife and perfect partner in life,
Mary Lou Johnson, Durango, Iowa;

his deeply adored daughter,
Jill (Anastasios Kritselis) Johnson, Grayslake, Illinois;

his beautiful granddaughter,
Helena;

his siblings,
Ted (Rosie) Tompkins, Prescott Valley, Arizona,
Penny Tompkins, Solon, Iowa,
Rich (Connie) Tompkins, Fairfax, Iowa,
Jeanne Hamilton, West Branch, Iowa,
and Roy Tompkins, Marion, Iowa;

along with countless extended family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and hunting buddies.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Tompkins.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Dubuque Humane Society, 4242 Chavenelle Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52002 in Ron’s name in recognition of his uncompromising compassion and love for dogs.

Ron’s family would like to thank everyone for all of the love and support you’ve provided during these very difficult days.  Saying good-bye to Ron is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do, knowing that we don’t have to face it alone is the greatest gift we could receive.

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

John J. Payne

John J. “Jerry” Payne, 83, of Dubuque, IA passed away on October 19, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Rev. Steve Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

Jerry was born on September 9, 1936 in Dubuque, IA the son of John Francis and Helen Mary (McDonald) Payne. He married Phyllis Kass on July 21, 1956 at St. Mary’s in Dubuque and she preceded him in death on March 13, 1999. He later married Beatrice Albert on October 17, 2003 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and she preceded him in death on February 20, 2018.

He worked for Sweetheart Bakery; 7up Bottling Company and lastly for Kirchoff Distributing Co. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #421 and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Jerry is survived by his children, Steve (Kathy) Payne, of Peosta, IA, Alice Pregler, of Dubuque and Jim (Jenny) Payne of, Dubuque, IA. Grandchildren, Charles (Keira) Pregler, Jerry Pregler, Nathan (Sami) Pregler, Ryan Pregler, Tricia (Jacob) Munson, Stephanie (Kyle) Reinert, and Brian (Amanda) Payne; great grandchildren, Aaron, Danny, Tyler, and Olivia Munson, Parker and Henry Reinert. His siblings, Ray (Colleen) Payne, Tim (Myra) Payne, Sheila (Larry) Blatz, Ann (Jack) Ginter, Ellen (Dave) Willis and Mary Johnson. Sisters-in-law Karen Payne and Betty Payne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Phyllis in 1999; his 2nd wife in 2018; brothers Bill and Jack and his sister Rita Ambrosy.

The family would like to thank Oak Park Place, Hawkeye Care Center, Dr. Kirkendall and to Hospice of Dubuque for all their care, kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers a John Payne memorial fund has been established.

Joann A. Kasik

Joann A. Kasik (Kohlenberg), 79, longtime resident of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, October 18, 2019, at the Clarence Care Center, Clarence, IA.  Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. where friends may greet the family from 4:00 p.m. until time of services.

Joann was born on September 12, 1940 in Bellevue, IA to Lawrence and Arlene Kohlenberg.  She graduated from Bellevue Public High School, attended Wartburg College where she was a first soprano on the choir.  Joann worked at local 150 Dubuque Packing CO Union and in the printing business as a designer for over 30 years.  As a teenager, her accomplishments included showing the Reserve Grand Champion Herford at the Iowa State Fair and being on numerous championship Tug-O-War teams at the Dubuque County Fairs.

Joann was a proud and loving mother of her two sons: Scott Kasik of Mechanicsville, IA and Phil Kasik of Dubuque, IA.  She was a devoted mother who loved nothing more than attending her son’s sporting events, where she was awarded with “the fam of the year” in 1981.  She was also the proud and loving grandmother of her grandchildren; Scout, Cortlyn and Averee.  She loved good food, was a fantastic cook and in her spare time she enjoyed flower gardening, reading and football.  Joann will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, quick wit and kindness.

Joann is survived by her sons Scott Kasik and his 3 children Scout, Cortlyn and Averee and Phil Kasik; her brother Lynn (Eileen) Kohlenberg; her sister Jeanette (Jim) Jamieson; her nephew Chad (Meghan) Kohlenberg and their 3 children and her cousins Carol Schardt, Marge Felderman and Sarah Thorn.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Arlene.