Obituaries Archive

Mary C. Krambeck

Mary Catherine Krambeck, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital, Dubuque, IA.

 Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Church of the Nativity. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. Please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.

Mary was born on August 1, 1944 in Buena Vista, IA, the daughter of Everett Herman & Ida Mae (Tinkey) Cornwell. She graduated from Wahlert High School and was a lifelong Catholic and prayed the Rosary every day.

She married the love of her life – Jay Krambeck, on February 14th, 1992 at Jay’s Grandmothers House in Dubuque, IA.

She is survived by her husband Jay Krambeck of Dubuque, IA; her son & Daughter-in-law: Darin & Kelly Wernke of Davenport, IA; brother & sister in Law: Jack & Benny Cornwell of Fort Worth, TX; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death her mother and father, Everett and Ida Mae Cornwell as well as seven brothers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Above & Beyond Home Healthcare and Grand River Dialysis Center for your kindness and care.

Dona M. Klug

Dona Marie Klug, age 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on July 18, 2020, at home in the loving arms of her husband.

To honor Dona’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dona’s family.

Dona was born on June 19, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. In time, she would make her way to the San Antonio area where she finally met her soul-mate, Edward Klug, and the two of them have been inseparable ever since. They were united in marriage on December 24, 1997, and eventually made their way to the Dubuque area to work and settle down for their remaining years.

Dona was an amazing wife and homemaker and never let her hands grow idle over her lifetime. She indulged her natural artistic abilities in both painting and sculpting, but was also content to sit down at her sewing machine and create a little magic there as well. Dona was also quite talented in the kitchen and even her left-overs were as delicious as the original serving. She was gifted with a very green thumb too, and there’s not a free space in the home, or yard, where you can’t observe her tender attention to all things living. Which brings us to her love of horses, dogs, and cats. Dona had raised quarter-horses in her earlier years, but has recently brought that same affection inside her home with her beloved Chow Chow, and his 3 feline compadres. Dona’s heart was always open to all that was good, but stir up her Irish vigor and you would often find more than you were looking for. Life was not easy for Dona, many heart-breaks and aches have found their way into her days, but Dona was relentless on focusing on the good and didn’t allow the negative to control her way of life. We will miss our beautiful Dona more than she could ever imagine and we pray that she is resting safely in God’s arms until we meet her again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dona includes,

her adoring husband of 23 years,
Edward Klug, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with her four, favorite fur-babies.

Dona was preceded in death by her 2 children.

Dona’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

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

Darrel L. Mohr

Darrel L. Mohr, age 55, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on July 18, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

To honor Darrel’s life, a private family service is being held. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Darrel’s family.

Darrel was born on November 20, 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa, 1 of 10 children to Wesley and Colleen (McCoy) Mohr.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Darrel include,

his mother,
Colleen Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois;

his one and only grandson,
Vincent “Vinny” Walsh;

his daughter,
Emily (Kendall) Hill, Dubuque, Iowa;

his siblings,
DeEtta (Tom) Jackoniski, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Dianne (Tom) Berning, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Denny (Cathy) Mohr, Kieler, Wisconsin,
Dawn (Slim) Stelpflug, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Donita (Ronnie) Shireman, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Deb (Mike McGovern) Redmon, East Dubuque, Illinois,
David Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Douglas Mohr, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Darrel’s twin sister, Darlene “Dolly” (Jamie) Kuhle, Venice, Florida;

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

Darrel was preceded in death by his father; his niece, Courtney Burcham; and many aunts and uncles.

Darrel’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Iowa for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Herman C. Gorton

Our dear dad, Herman C. Gorton, 88, of Dubuque, IA, died peacefully, Monday, July 13, 2020, at University of Iowa Medical Center, Iowa City, IA. He was surrounded by his five children.

Dad was born July 23, 1931, the seventh of eight sons, in Moffat County, CO, where his father had homesteaded before moving to Wilson County, KS. Dad grew up living a farming life, an integral part of his identity, and we often heard tales from his youth about raising cattle and harvesting crops. In those days nearly everything they needed was produced on the farm so Dad said they never felt the shortages often associated with the Great Depression and WWII years.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Dad served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and later graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He was recruited immediately by John Deere, initially working at the East Moline, IL, plant, before moving to the Dubuque Works. While still living in the Quad Cities he met Florence Hintermeister on a blind date and the two were married on July 15, 1961. They were long-time members of Grandview Avenue United Methodist Church, later named Grand View United Methodist Church, both in Dubuque.

Dad loved to tinker and fix things. He enjoyed going to auctions and would often return home with ‘repairable’ treasures that he obtained for a really good price. Some things would get fixed and put into service or provide repair components for other projects or for one of his custom-engineered labor-saving inventions. Among his continuously evolving projects was his quest to defend his bird feeders from squirrels. Sometimes this took on an American Ninja Warrior-like quality where the feeders were protected by obstacle courses of various spinners, sliders and baffles so that any squirrel determined to get to the seeds would really have to earn it.

Dad is preceded in death by his wife, Flo, who passed away in 2003. Of his five siblings who survived to adulthood, Archie, the oldest, was killed in action during WWII, while, sadly, his brothers John, Ray and Lloyd also recently passed away in August, 2019, May, 2020, and June, 2020, respectively.

Dad is survived by his five children and their spouses: Bill and Beth Gorton, Dean and Tami Gorton, Ken and Ligia Gorton, Mark Gorton, Ann (Gorton) and Miguel Eversley, former daughter-in-law Mandy (Currie) Gorton, 14 grandchildren, one great-grandson, his older brother Carl Gorton, 93, of Fredonia, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, July 24, from 4-7 pm at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 and from 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Saturday at Grand View United Methodist Church, 3342 John Wesley Dr., Dubuque, IA 52002.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 Saturday at the church with Rev. Tom Shinkle officiating.  Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery, Asbury, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials a Herman C. Gorton memorial fund has been established.

Patricia T. Folger

Patricia Therese (Brown) Folger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Trish was born on September 29, 1950, in Chicago, IL, to her parents, Thomas and Anne (O’Rourke) Brown and she grew up in Chicago. After graduating from Mother McAuley High School in 1968, she attended Clarke College in Dubuque. She graduated in 1972 and earned her Masters Degree in 1983. She married William (Bill) Folger May 27, 1972.  Trish loved to garden, travel, research ancestry and be with all of her family.  She was always there for anyone that needed her help and loved time catching up with longtime friends and colleagues.

Trish taught art for a short time and then while working on her Masters, was the assistant to the Dean of Students at Clarke College. She later worked as a public servant for the City of Dubuque, first as a dispatcher (1985-1987) and then she followed in her father’s footsteps and became a police officer from 1987 to 2006.  She was known as a compassionate, honest and dedicated officer. Trish would often spontaneously venture off to spent time with her grandchildren after her retirement, taking them on adventures only a crazy grandma would. Her love of genealogy gave her hours of enjoyment and made her the keeper of family memories and history.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, of 48 years; her children, Benjamin (Julie) Folger of Naperville, IL and Laura (Chad) Homewood of Cedar Falls, IA; and her grandchildren, Sydney and Carter Homewood, and Alanna Folger.  Her loved extended to her surviving sisters, Bernadette (Mike) Fallaw of  Wilmette, IL, Virginia (Richard) Linting of Laguna Beach, CA and many nieces and nephews.  She loved all of her family deeply.  Trish is now smiling down on us with her parents, her in-laws, her sister, Anne, her brother, Thomas and niece, Tara.

The family would like to thank the incredible team of doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, the U.W. Hospital in Madison, WI, Stonehill and the Hospice of Dubuque for their dedicated care and support during the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to Opening Doors or to Hospice of Dubuque. Save many lives and become an organ donor today!

Due to COVID-19, the family will offer a public drive through visitation where visitors can extend condolences to the family from their car at Flora Park in Dubuque from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Alsip, IL.  The graveside service will be live streamed at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 25, 2020 on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

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

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

John C. Finzel

John C. Finzel, 51, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Dubuque.

The Funeral Service for John will be 1:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to John’s family. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

John was born October 11, 1968, in Dubuque, the son of Leo Frank Finzel Sr. and Leora Jane (Becker) Finzel.

He worked as a Tire Technician on semi-tractor trailers at Thompson Tire and Retread for 27 years.

John was a U.S. Army Veteran. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, playing computer games, most recently taught himself to play the piano, and speak Spanish.

Survivors include two brothers, Harold Finzel of Columbia, TN and Leo Finzel Jr. of Corpus Christi, TX; one sister, Lorri (John) Jackson of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Gerald Baguss of Maquoketa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Colleen Vogt and Rose Baguss; and one brother, Fred Finzel.

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

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

Tamara R. Puccio

Tamara R. Puccio, 75, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 20, 2020, at her home.

The Funeral Service for Tamara will be 10:00 AM Friday, July 24, 2020, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tamara was born March 10, 1945, in Dubuque, the daughter of Timothy B. and Lulu Comstock Sargent. On October 21, 1972, she married Joseph W. Puccio in Dubuque. He passed away on May 9, 2006.

Tamara loved playing cards, bowling, fishing, and camping.

Survivors include her brother, Timothy Sargent of Olin, IA; her step son, Joseph Puccio; and 14 nieces and nephews, including her caregiver Robert A. Sargent.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Carl Sargent and Charles Sargent.

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

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

Francis P. Goedken

Francis P. Goedken, 87, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Zwingle, IA, passed away at Oak Park Place on July 16, 2020 surrounded by the love of family.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St Joseph Church, Key West with Father Paul Attah-Nsiah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of mass. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page. Private family burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, La Motte with military honors accorded by the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Francis was born on November 30, 1932 in Peosta, IA the son of Ludwig and Reinilda (Lehmann) Goedken. He attended Loras Academy and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955. Francis was the only American survivor on the Toya Maru Japanese Train Ferry, which sunk during a typhoon off the coast of Japan in 1954. The ferry disaster claimed over 1,100 lives.

He married Esther Frommelt on May 2, 1959 at St Mary’s Church in Guttenberg. He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 54 ½ years. At the time of his retirement he had the most service time and was the oldest employee in the history of the Dubuque Plant. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, Holy Rosary Church and many other volunteer efforts where he generously gave his time and talents.

Francis lived simply, gave generously and loved deeply. He enjoyed nature and being outdoors and loved spending time with family and friends playing cards, bowling or gathering for meals. One of his biggest joys was the time he spent with his grandsons, Ayden and Emerson, walking trails, telling stories and sharing everyday experiences. He was a dedicated husband of 60 years and a wonderful father, grandfather and friend.

Francis is survived by his daughter Staci (Joe) Hahn and two grandsons, Ayden and Emerson of Gilbertville, IA; his sister Janaan Vogt of Dubuque and four sisters-in-law, Marlene Goedken, Carolyn Goedken, Bonnie Goedken Ready, Edith Goedken and a brother-in-law, Robert Schreiber of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Esther, son, Reed Goedken; his sister, Delores (Melvin) Miller; his brothers, Duane (Marion) Goedken, Vernon Goedken, Herbert (Regina) Goedken, Melvin (Ann) Goedken, John Goedken and Richard Goedken; his brother-in-law, Jim Vogt; his parents-in-law, Amelia and Raymond Frommelt and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Amy (Louis) Matt, Jeanette Schreiber, Rosemary (Fritz) Matt and Ruth (Cyril) Vonfumetti; nephew, Jay Matt and niece, Michaele Matt.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kourtney; and the very caring assisted living staff at Oak Park Place for their wonderful care, kindness and compassion to Francis and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Francis Goedken Memorial Fund.

Robert L. Skahill

Robert L. “Bob” Skahill, 98, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Private family visitation and mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. A live stream of the funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 22, 2020 on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, with full military honors accorded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

Bob was born on February 24, 1922 in Cascade, Iowa, son of Leo and Florence (McQuillen) Skahill. He was a graduate of the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade in 1940 and attended Loras College. He married his beloved wife of 61 years, Anita L. (Hingtgen) Skahill, on May 30, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on February 16th, 2017.

Bob worked at Allstate Insurance Company for 31 years. He was a World War II US Navy veteran serving as a Navy Pharmacist’s Mate and participated in Honor Flight #8604 in 2011 to Washington D.C. Bob was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528 for 75 years, a member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus – Council #930 for 64 years, and a member of the Dubuque Noon Lions Clubs for 46 years. He received the Chevron Award in October 2018 from Lions Clubs International. Bob was a long-time member of Holy Ghost Parish and most recently St. Anthony’s Parish.

He was an avid golfer and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Bob enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially when the family gathered for special occasions.

Bob is survived by his four children: Michael (Sandra) Skahill of Asbury, IA and their children Shaun (Amber) Skahill of Omaha, NE and Erin (Brent) Gasway of Indianapolis, IN; Susanne (Tom) Henson of Marion, IA and their children Lauren (Jeff) Aleshire of Mission Woods, KS and Luke Henson of Marion, IA; Mark (Rebecca) Skahill of Dubuque, IA and their children Wesley Skahill of Bristol, WI, Madalyn (Ben) James of West Des Moines, IA, Owen and Cathryn Skahill of Dubuque, IA; Sara (Denis) Schaefer of Grimes, IA and their children Corey (Mallie) Schaefer of Chicago, IL and Joseph Schaefer of Grimes, IA; and, three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Raymond Skahill; Madelyn (Frank) Kasper; Irene (Wilfred) Neyens; Kathryn (John) Supple; and Sgt. Bernard Skahill, who was killed in action on April 8, 1945, near the end of World War II in Achen, Germany.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA 52003.

Bob’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Assisi Village at Stonehill for the wonderful care given to him.

Germaine C. Skoff Lawrence

Germaine C. “Geri” Skoff Lawrence, 90, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, July 17, 2020 at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private family graveside service celebrating her life will be held at St. Joseph’s at Sugar Creek Cemetery, rural Preston, Iowa. There is no public visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Germaine C. Goettsch was born on September 17, 1929 in Clinton, Iowa, to Anton and Mary (Maurin) Goettsch. She attended school in Clinton and later received her GED from Maquoketa High School. She married Francis Skoff on April 9, 1947 at Sugar Creek, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1963. She then married Melvin Wathier in 1983 and he preceded in death on October 20, 1993. On November 29, 2003, she married John Lawrence in Maquoketa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 20, 2015.

“Geri” was a homemaker and had worked various jobs throughout the years including Bennet Box and General Thermal as well as working as a cook and bartender for area restaurants.

She was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and had been a member of the Town and Country Quilters and the Cable Car Quilters in Dubuque.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Eunice O’Meara of Maquoketa, IA, Joseph (Sue) Skoff of Mt. Vernon, IA, John (Ann) Skoff of Bellevue, IA, and Nin (Doug) Flagel of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter-in-law, Linda Skoff of Preston, IA; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Francis, her husband Melvin, and her husband John, a brother LeRoy, children Anthony “Tony”, Martin “Marty” and Victoria, and a grandson Francis “Frankie” O’Meara.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Rev. John N. Porter

Rev. John “Jack” Nesler Porter, 86, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Luther Manor.

Graveside memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Linwood Cemetery, 2736 Windsor Ave., Dubuque. Attendees may gather in vehicles at the cemetery chapel at 10:20 a.m. for the procession to the grave. Rev. Loren Shellabarger will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post # 6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. For those unable to attend, services will be live-streamed on both the Westminster Presbyterian Church Facebook page and the church’s website at www.wpcdbq.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque. Condolences may be shared at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Jack was born March 1, 1934 in Manning, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Myrtle (Nesler) Porter. In the fourth grade, Jack and his family moved to Dubuque, and he completed his schooling at Lincoln Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Senior High School, graduating in 1952. Jack enrolled at the University of Dubuque that fall, graduating with a BS in Business Administration in 1956. After graduation, he joined the 82nd Airborne (paratrooper) Division of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.

After the army, Jack worked for four years at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Having felt a calling, in 1962 Jack shifted from a career in business to the ministry. He attended the Dubuque Theological Seminary over four years and served internships at two churches in Oklahoma, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1967. On June 8, 1968, he married Gladys Ellen Howard at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. He served pastorates in Monroe, Iowa (1967-72), Delavan, Illinois (1972-91), and Hoopeston, Illinois (1991-98) while being a loving and supportive husband to Glady and father to their son, David.

Jack and Glady retired back in Dubuque and enjoyed a variety of activities: square and ballroom dancing; tutoring children from Irving School through a Westminster program; patient advocacy at Bethany Home; playing in a summer tennis league; attending musical events and plays at the local colleges; and meeting with cronies for lunch. Jack and Glady also enjoyed traveling around the US – especially to San Francisco to visit their son and grandchildren – and the UK. Jack was an active member of Westminster, where he sang in the choir, and sat on the board of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. Jack loved music (especially jazz) – which he learned to play on his Amazon Echo in recent years – and proudly promoted his son’s streaming music startup (8tracks) to captive audiences at restaurants and retailers alike.

While Jack endured challenges from prostate cancer and, in recent years, Parkinson’s Disease, he maintained his kind nature and sense of humor. When he and Glady moved to Oak Park Place in 2017 and Luther Manor last year, Jack made new friends with the residents, nurses, and staff and enjoyed meals out (especially pizza) and Quiddler and Rummikub with Glady, family and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife, Gladys; their son David (Dorothy Kaslow) Porter; his grandchildren Asher Porter Hassan and Alia Kiran Hassan; their mother, Naureen; his brother Bill (Janet) Porter and their children Steve, Suzanne Taylor, Doug, and their families, including special great niece Melissa Taylor; his brother Paul (Carole) Porter and their children, Gretchen, Bryan, Kara, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

George F. Chapman

George F. Chapman, 81, of Asbury, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.  The family requests that masks be worn to the visitation and social distancing be observed.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where masks are required.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

George was born November 2, 1938 in Dubuque, son of Virgil and Mary (Egelhof) Chapman.  He graduated from Loras Academy, received his bachelor’s degree from Loras College and his master’s degree from UNI.  He also attended Florida State University and the University of Wisconsin for post graduate work.

On June 18, 1960, he married the love of his life, Nancy Gleason, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He taught in the West Delaware Community Schools from 1960 to 1966 and then taught at Dubuque Senior High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1999.  He served as science department chair for over 15 years, was active in the Iowa Academy of Science, serving as Regional Director, and one year as president of the science teaching section.  He received the Iowa State Outstanding Teacher of Biology award in 1970.

He was active in and held a seat on the Board of the Barn Community Theater.  He was an active member of the Dubuque Fine Arts Society.  He also ushered at and was on the Board of the Grand Opera House.

George is survived by his wife, Nancy Chapman; five children, Mark (Kelly) Chapman of Dubuque and their children, Zach (Sara) and Samantha (Jake); Scott Chapman of Oak View, CA and his children, Randy (Jody), Chelsea (Donald) and Colby; David (Laurie) Chapman of Phoenix, AZ and their children, Ryan, Kristin and Alex; Amy (Thomas) Wagner, of Asbury and their children, Andrew and Abby; and Nick Chapman of Asbury and his children, Haley, Chloe and Noah; four great grandchildren with the fifth on the way.

He is also survived by a sister, Sharon (Dieter) Landre of Garland, Texas.

In addition to community theater, George enjoyed hunting for,  and refinishing antiques.  He loved cooking on his grill and spending time with his family.  He and Nancy spent the past nineteen winters in Phoenix, where they developed a large group of great Snow Bird friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Runde and his nurse, Julie; and Dr. Eric Engelman and the Oncology Department at Medical Associates for their wonderful care.

Marie E. Stelken

Marie “Betty” E. Stelken, 93, of Worthington passed away Friday, July 17, 2020, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade.

Visitation will be held 3-7 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:45 pm.  Visitation will continue from 8:30 – 9:30 am Tuesday at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Betty was born October 23, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Henry and Frances (Brunkan) Drees.  She married Elmer A. Stelken August 31, 1949, in Earlville, Iowa.  Together they farmed & raised their family on a century farm near Worthington.  Betty loved being a farmer’s wife and is remembered for her hard work, love of cooking and baking and always having dessert ready for visitors.  She enjoyed having a house filled with family and laughter, and the company of her grandchildren.  She loved to quilt, play cards and take drives into the Amish countryside.  Above all, her unwavering faith in God, unending love for Elmer, and incredible pride of her children and their families made her ninety-three plus years complete.  She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and was a proud supporter of Catholic Education.

Survivors include her 3 daughters: Linn Newton of Naperville, Illinois, Deb (Dean) Kramer of Swisher, Diane (Charlie) Mitchell of Ottawa, Illinois; 5 sons: Ken (Vona) of Worthington, Chuck (on the family farm in Worthington), Wayne (Sandy) and Tom (Vicki), both of Dyersville and Loras (Becky) of Hopkinton; 16 grandchildren: Cody, Casey, and Cale Stelken, Jenna O’Rourke, Sean, and Tim Stelken, Tony, Sam, and Matt Stelken, Robbie Kramer and Lora Lalla, Max and Jake Mitchell, and Josh, Garrett and Ellie Stelken; 6 great-grandchildren: Harley and Cory Stelken, Lowen, Finnley and Leo Kramer, Olivia Stelken and twins expected in November; brothers: Richard Drees of Mass. and Herb Drees of Maryland.

in-laws: Laura Mae “Toots” Carton of Earlville, Joe Stelken of Dubuque, Delores Stelken of Manchester and Vince Schrunk of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer in 2011, one son, Steve in 1961, grandson, Joel in infancy, son-in-law, Dick Newton; 3 brothers: Lester Drees, Cy Drees, Henry Drees, Jr., and Bob Drees; in-laws: Bernard, Art and Jerry Stelken, Aurelia Grawe and Irene Schrunk.

Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Parish or Beckman Catholic High School.

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

Micheala R. Lauer

Micheala R. “Shelly” Lauer, age 59, of Bernard, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on July 17, 2020, at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.  To honor Shelly’s life, a private family service is being held.  Burial will be in the Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Shelly’s family.

Shelly was born on July 2, 1961, in Dubuque, Iowa, one of two children to George and Irene (Crews) Heeren.  She proved to be a determined and strong-willed soul from the very beginning and these traits would surely carry her through the many health trials and tribulations which would eventually make their way into her life.  When Shelly was contributing daily within the years of her working careers she spent most of her time in the printing department at the Regency Company, followed by many years in customer service with Advanced Data Comm, and finally even spent a little time over the road as a team driver with her husband, Tim.  Shelly was also an ordained minister and was very proud of that.  Sadly, Tim was called home suddenly and Shelly’s health issues became more severe.  When she was feeling good enough, Shelly loved spending the day with a fishing pole in her hand on the water’s edge, creating a little magic at her craft table, baking up some tasty treats in the kitchen, and socializing with those around her.  She always believed that life should be lived to its fullest, and we can thank her now for the amazing example she has left us all.  Shelly faced more earthly battles than most could ever imagine, and yet, she never surrendered.  We hope that she is now enjoying the eternal peace that only her Lord and Savior can provide, and we can’t wait to see her again residing in her new and perfect body.  Thank you, Shelly, for all of the memories, love, and lessons you’ve left behind and may we slowly discover moments of strength and healing through them in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Shelly include,

her mother, best-friend, and neighbor,
Irene Heeren, Bernard, Iowa;

her brother,
Michael (Connie) Heeren, Dubuque, Iowa;

her niece and nephews,
Austin Heeren, Tanner Heeren and Natasha Heeren;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.Shelly was preceded in death by her father; her husband, Timothy Lauer; and a son in infancy.

Shelly’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for their care and concern with Shelly.

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

Thomas M. Fleming

Thomas M. “Tom” Fleming, age 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on July 17, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Tom’s life, a memorial mass will be held at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on October 8, 1936 in Freeport, Illinois. Tom developed a love for family, friends, hard work and the theater at an early age. He honorably served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Army before beginning his working career. Tom provided for his family as a devoted salesman with H & H Industries for many years, before eventually retiring in 2007. After his family, Tom’s greatest devotion was undeniably to the local theatre community of Dubuque. He was a member of the Dubuque Civic Theatre, a founding member and the first President of the Barn Community Theatre, and a proud long-time member of the Grand Opera House. Tom appeared in many plays and musicals throughout his 6 decades of commitment to the local arts, including Oklahoma, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Pajama Game, Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, along with many others. Tom was also known to be an avid sports fan who always found a little downtime to cheer on his Packers, Cubs and Hawkeyes. The world around Tom was continually impacted by his love, determination, and devotion. His legacy can be seen vividly through the countless places and faces he touched and may his spirit continue to shine through the generations to follow. Thank you, Tom, for being the best you could be at all you did, and may peace and rest finally be yours after all the earthly struggles you’ve courageously carried over the last decade. God Bless and God Speed.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Tom include,

his partner in love,
Dixie Husemann, Dubuque, Iowa;

his children,
Sara Jane (Daniel) Fleming Held, New York City, New York,
and Matthew Thomas (Kristin Graziano) Fleming, Chicago, Illinois;

his grandchildren,
Iris Graziano-Fleming, Maeve Fleming, Sophie Held, Beau Fleming, and Samuel Held;

Dixie’s family who lovingly welcomed Tom,
Julie (Steve) Bartman, Dubuque, Iowa,
Theresa (Clint) Moore, East Dubuque, Illinois, and Nick Fluhr
Larry (Brenda) Husemann, East Dubuque, Illinois, and their children, Abigail, Michael, Annika and Natalie “Bug”;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lucille (Steingraeber) Fleming, and his brother, Patrick (Colleen Nelson) Fleming.

Tom’s family would like to thank Dr. Ringold, and the nurses and staff at Tri-State Dialysis, Finley 4 med surgical, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their calls, professional care and compassionate hearts throughout Tom’s 10 year journey. Also, to our family and friends, thank you for your generous outpouring of love and support. Your time, visits, food and phone calls have surely helped us through a very difficult time; we couldn’t have done it without you!

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