Obituaries Archive

Carol A. McCarthy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Carol A. (Massey) McCarthy on December 31, 2019 at her home in Asbury, IA surrounded by her loving family.

A prayer service will be held 2:30 PM Wednesday, January 1, 2020 with visitation to follow from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. McCarthy will be 10:30 AM Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Father Tom Heathershaw as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque at a later date.

Carol was born on September 17, 1942 in Madison, WI to the late F. Dillon and Ann Marie Massey. She moved to Dubuque as a child. On May 30, 1960, she married the love of her life, D. Joseph McCarthy. They enjoyed 50 years of love and laughter together before Joe’s death in 2010.

Carol was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church while she and Joe raised their family. She later joined the parish family at Resurrection Catholic Church. She was a woman of strong and unwavering faith. Carol leaves behind a loving family, including daughters Kimberly (Tom) Bower of Carmel, IN, Kelly (Kyle) Neumann and Kris (Jim) Neyen of Dubuque, IA, and son James (Marty Degroot) McCarthy of Racine, WI.

Carol’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the most amazing Mimi to Tyler (Lauren) Neumann and their sons Raylan and Crosby, Kassie Jo (Matt) Walz and their daughter Lynnlee Jo, Morgan (Jordan) Siebel and Baby Boy Siebel (due in April) and Jackson and Sam Bower. She will be dearly missed in their lives.

She will also be missed by brothers Paul Massey and Gary (Kerry) Massey, sisters Sally (John) Mescher, Karen (Paul) Olmstead and Sharon (Randy) Owens, sisters-in-law Darlene McElwee and Vickie McCarthy, brothers-in-law Carl (Carol) McCarthy, Roger (Joyce) McCarthy and Dennis (Judy) McCarthy, and an abundance of devoted nieces and nephews.

Carol loved her family, she loved to shop and she loved living near her many special friends at The Village Cooperative in Asbury.

In addition to her beloved husband, Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Dillon and Ann Marie Massey, her father- and mother-in-law, William and Alice McCarthy, aunt and uncle Imelda and Harry Martin, brothers-in-law David McCarthy, Dwight McCarthy, Raymond McCarthy, Don McElwee and Bill Leighty, sister-in-law Katie Massey, best friend Sandy Ranson and several nieces and nephews.

Her children would like to recognize the special relationship their mother had with her sister, Karen Olmstead. Karen has been by Carol’s side throughout her life and most recently as a constant comfort during her last days. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Sandy Cumpian, for her long-distance guidance and loving support, the parish of Resurrection Catholic Church for their spiritual support, the nursing staff at Mercy One for their many years of compassionate care, as well as the home care providers at Hospice of Dubuque for allowing her to spend her remaining days at home surrounded by love.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Duane R. Hansen

Duane R. Hansen, 83, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Duane’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 4, 2020, at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.

Duane Ralph Hansen was born on April 26, 1936 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ralph and Helen (Ehlers) Hansen. He was a 1954 graduate of Elwood High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic earning an honorable discharge. He married Judith Kay “Judy” Haylock on June 28, 1959 in Elwood, Iowa. She preceded him in death on October 3, 2010.

Duane had first worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for several years. He then became a residential mail carrier in Maquoketa for a few years but had to stop due to a foot problem which led him to becoming an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance Company for over ten years. He then worked as a salesman for Moorman’s Feed. Lastly, he worked for Rasmussen Motor Company in Maquoketa as a car salesman and then Brad Deery Motors, retiring after 37 years in 2011.

Duane was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Jackson County Historical Society, Maquoketa Masonic Helion Lodge #36 AF & AM, and the Jackson County Fair Board for over 47 years.

He enjoyed model trains, “Cowboy Shoots”, and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Iowa Hawkeyes and Boston Red Sox.

Those left to honor Duane’s memory include his children, Lisa (Martin) Cunningham of Montgomery City, MO, Mark (Sandy) Hansen of Maquoketa, IA, Dawn Moreno of Killeen, TX and Brad Hansen of Maquoketa, IA; 8 grandchildren, Christopher, Caitlynn and Chelsea Cunningham, Tara (David) Frett, Rae Coates, Cody (Amanda) Moreno, Chrystal Leasure and Justin Moreno; 12 great-grandchildren, Gracie, Garet and Gray Frett, Allyson and Caleb Coates, Austin, Easton, Karyson, and Kai Moreno, Leah Leasure and Kagan and Kennley; sister, Lavonne Turner of Kansas City, MO; and brothers, Harold Hansen of Lost Nation, IA, and Gary (Kate) Hansen of Grand Mound, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judith Kay Hansen, sister-in-law Judith Ann Hansen and a son-in-law John Moreno.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Duane R. Hansen memorial fund has been established.

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

Loras J. Ambrosy

Loras J. Ambrosy, 68 of Dubuque formerly of Bernard passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. David Ambrosy officiating. Burial will be Friday, January 3rd at Sacred Heart Church, Fillmore.

Loras was born on April 27, 1951, in Cascade, the son of Wendel and Callista (Pfab) Ambrosy. He was a graduate of Western Dubuque High School. Loras was united in marriage to Diane Theisen on July 2, 1977, together they had three children and later divorced.

Loras worked at Flexsteel Industries for 41 years, until his retirement in 2017. He was a member of St.Anthony’s Parish, the Knights of Columbus, and the Steelworkers Union. He enjoyed time with family and friends. A few of his passions were farming and playing cards.

Survivors include his children Renee (Jordan Weir) Ambrosy of Carmel, IN, Sarah Ambrosy, and Jeremy (Jennifer) Ambrosy all of Cascade; grandchildren Veronica Weir, Addison and Henry Ambrosy. The mother of his children Diane Ronek. Siblings Leonard (Deb) Ambrosy of Bernard, Martin (Carol) Ambrosy of Dubuque, Darlene (Pat) Koob of Palestine, TX and Karen (Gale) Kleppe of Anamosa. Along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wendel and Callista Ambrosy and Godparents Lester and Bernadine Ambrosy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Luther Manor for their wonderful care and companionship over the past year.

Bernice M. Behnke

Bernice Mary Behnke, 91, of Asbury, died Sunday, December 29, 2019, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue. The Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice will be 10:30 AM Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Bernice was born November 22, 1928, in Dubuque, the daughter of Andrew M. and Rose C. Birkel Behnke.

She was employed for 15 years as a dietary Aide at Stonehill Care Center retiring November 1993. She previously spent 25 years at Religious Life as a Sister with the Sisters of St. Francis.

Survivors include three sisters, Eleanor (Tom) Stocke, and Marian (Duane) Besler both of Milwaukee, Ileen Feipel of Dubuque, and Anna Mae (Don) Rokusek of Peosta, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Lucille (Bob) Stecher, one brother in law, Tom Feipel.

Special thank you to Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque especially, Alissa and Julie.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

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

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

Arla V. House

Arla V. House, 92, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday evening, December 29, 2019, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa.

A private family celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa. Cremation rites have been accorded. There is no public visitation or service planned. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Arla Viola Gruenwald was born on April 26, 1927 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Emil and Viola (Wirth) Gruenwald. She was a 1945 graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married Zellus Leon House on October 6, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 17, 2013.

Arla was a homemaker who raised seven children and had lived in Maquoketa, Bellevue, Clinton and Quincy, Illinois among other places.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Jane (Lorin) Steines of Moline, IL, John (Lavonne) House of Sabula, IA, Carol (Robert) Lamphier of Shelby, NC, Connie (Mike) Tengwall of Buffalo, MN, and Curt House of Rice, MN; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and sisters Verna Rankin of Cookeville, TN, and Shirley Ritzman of Salina, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons Monte and Mark, brother Wayne Gruenwald, and sister Louise O’Meara.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Arla V. House memorial fund has been established.

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

Lou Ann M. Jansen

Lou Ann M. (Hill) Jansen, age 89, of Dubuque, and formerly of Sherrill, was called home peacefully at 12:15 a.m., on Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Grand Meadows, Asbury, Iowa.  To celebrate Lou Ann’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 2:30 p.m. To honor Lou Ann’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sherrill, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating.  Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Lou Ann was born on May 9, 1930, in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Louis J. and Hilda C. (Kramer) Hill.

Lou Ann was born and raised in Farley where she would graduate high school and then go on to marry the love of her life.  She was united in marriage to Merlin “Butch” Jansen on November 5, 1951, at St. Joseph Church in Elkader, and they were blessed with 54 years and 6 children together before Merlin was called home before Lou Ann on November 28, 2005.  She and Merlin would make their home together in Sherrill for several years where Lou Ann would embrace her full time role of wife, mother and homemaker.  She would later go to work outside of her home doing the gift wrapping at Armstrong’s Department Store, and then with the housekeeping department at Finley Hospital for several years.  Lou Ann’s faith was very important to her and she was a long time, active member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church and their rosary society.  When she found some quiet time in her days she enjoyed sitting down to work on her latest crochet project or heading into town for a shopping trip with the girls.  Lou Ann also enjoyed trying her luck with the slots at the casino every once in a while.  Her family was always the most important part of Lou Ann’s days, she loved spending time with them and always kept up with everyone’s birthdays and their latest activities, especially when the grandchildren started arriving.  Lou Ann was a wonderful and dynamic mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister, we will dearly miss her.

Those left to cherish Lou Ann’s memory include

her children,
Dennis “Red” (JoAnn “Jody”) Jansen, Mud Lake, IA,
Cathy (Dan) Lahey, Sherrill, IA,
Patti (Ed) Green, Bellevue, IA,
Tom (Judy) Jansen, Dubuque, IA,
Jim (Joleen) Jansen, Elkader, IA
and Julie (Marty Rundle) Wernimont, Dubuque, IA;

her 15 grandchildren;

her 7 great-grandchildren;

her sisters-in-law,
Mary Hill, Catlett, VA,
Dee (Dr. David) Bierie, East Dubuque, IL
and Ellen Meehan, Sacramento, CA;

and many nieces and nephews.

Lou Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Merlin “Butch” Jansen; her sisters, Imogene “Tim” (Angelo) Kline and Elaine Hill; 2 brothers, John (Agnes) Hill and James Hill; and her step-father, Bernard Chapman.

Lou Ann’s family would like to thank all of her friends at Applewood Apartments and her care givers at Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Betsy, these past months for all of their kind, attentive and compassionate care of Lou Ann and her entire family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among her favorite charities.

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

Mary Jane Glennon

Mary Jane Glennon, 87, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 29, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be following a 2:00 PM Prayer Service until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 2, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 3, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born February 24, 1932, in Luxemburg, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Ries) Merkes. On May 1, 1956, she married Joel R. Glennon at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Mary was a member Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Rosary Society and an honorary member of St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Mary was a homemaker.  She loved spending time with her family, enjoyed sewing, cards, bingo, and going to the casino.

Survivors include her husband, Joel; children, Jim (Kathy) Glennon of East Dubuque, IL, Jane (Steve) O’Hea of Dubuque, IA, Sandy (Paul) Meyer of Dubuque, IA, Rita (Joseph) Stauffer of Odessa, TX, Dan (Jill) Glennon of East Dubuque, IL, Richard (Jane) Glennon of Dubuque, IA, Barbara (Bill) Beutin of Dubuque, Deborah (Randy) Vaske of Peosta, IA, Tom (Amy) Glennon of Peosta, IA; 32 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren; one brother, Arnold (Jacqueline) Merkes of Manchester, IA, and sister in laws Theresa Merkes, Colleen Glennon, and Diane (John) Pasieka.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, Lauren Meyer, siblings, Art (Dorothy) Merkes, Ambrose (Sylveria) Merkes, Catherine (Joseph) Foxen, Peter (Yvonne) Merkes, Theresa (Leonard) Foxen, Clara (Melvin) Weis, Aloysius Merkes, John (Lucille) Merkes, brother in laws, Cletus Glennon and Carl Glennon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hospice of Dubuque, and Right to Life.

A special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque especially, Alisa, Kelli, Julie, Nichole, and Jessica, and the staff of Holy Spirit Parish.

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

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

Keith W. Miles

Keith W. Miles, 89, of Cascade, Iowa and formerly of Platteville, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 at his home in Cascade, Iowa.

Private family services will be held at a later date with burial in Greenwood Cemetery in Platteville, WI.

He was born November 26, 1930 in Platteville, Wisconsin, son of Harold D. and Mary Ann (Steinbach) Miles. On July 23, 1951 he was united in marriage to Audrey Jean Medley at the United Methodist Church in Platteville, WI. He owned and operated Miles Motor Service in Platteville, WI for over 50 years until his retirement. He was a great fan of all motor sports, tractor and truck pulls, especially stock car races. He loved to watch sports on TV.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Miles of Cascade, IA; a son Kerry Miles and a daughter Barbara “Barb” (Joe) Gulick of Cascade, IA; 4 Grandchildren, Shauna (Jason) Maro, Jesse (Traci) Clark, Amber Cain, Jeremy (Ashley) Gulick; 5 Great grandchildren, Henry Cain, Wyatt Cain, Jack Cain, Madelyn Gulick and Caden Clark; two sisters, Janice Digman and Donna Pleumer both of Platteville, WI; a sister-in-law, Vicki Miles of Platteville, WI; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry (Judy) Medley of Platteville, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John Miles and Roger (Beverly) Miles; and two brothers-in-law, Richard Goke and Eugene Digman.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Marilyn A. Mangler

Marilyn A. Mangler, 72, died peacefully on December 27, 2019, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dubuque. Marilyn selected cremation and graveside services, 11:00 am, Saturday, January 4, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Bellevue, Iowa.  Please join the family immediately following the service for a time of fellowship and lunch at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue.

Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Marilyn was born to Frank M and Thelma (Freyermuth) Mangler on August 6, 1947. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1965 and attended both AIB in Des Moines and AIC in Davenport, Iowa. She worked briefly at the Savanna Army Depot. Marilyn struggled with mental and physical health issues for most of her adult life, but always maintained a positive attitude and tried her best to improve her situation. She loved to read, do word search puzzles, enjoyed bingo and all the activities available at Ennoble, which she called home for the past seven years. Marilyn especially enjoyed visits from family and friends. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, the Bellevue Order of Eastern Star and American Legion Auxiliary.

Preceding Marilyn in death were her grandparents, parents, and a nephew, John Anderson.

She is survived by her sister, Jeannette (Jean) and brother-in-law Richard Anderson of Marion, Iowa; nephews Paul (Becky) Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Mark (Kim) Anderson of Daytona Beach, FL, and niece Tammie Anderson of Alexandria, VA, in addition to great-nephews, Isaac and Ian Anderson, and great-niece, Alexa (Douglas) De Long, and children McKenzie, Carson and Annabelle, all of Cedar Rapids, as well as numerous cousins.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Ennoble Rehab and Nursing Center, especially Mary and Anita, and the entire staff who provided care and assistance to Marilyn over the years. You were truly family to her, and each of you left an indelible mark on her heart, and we are grateful to you.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Activity Fund at Ennoble.

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

Nancy G. Drapeau

Nancy G. Drapeau, age 67 of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 21, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center, lovingly surrounded by her family.  To honor Nancy’s life, a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Van Buren Elementary School, 2525 29th Street, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held immediately following her memorial service at the Lion Bridge Brewing Co., 59 16^th Avenue SW, Czech Village, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  The Tri-State Cremation Center in humbly serving Nancy’s family.

Nancy was born on September 16, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She was one of 3 daughters born to William G. and Dorothy I. (Gearkee) McCrory.  Nancy graduated with her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa and spent the majority of her life in the Cedar Rapids area working on behalf of children as a special education teacher at Kenwood Elementary School, an administrator and, finally, as principal as Van Buren Elementary School.  Nancy devoted her professional life to making sure each child she worked with was seen, heard, and understood.  She helped countless students find joy and opportunity through education; she cared deeply and took great pride in her work.  After retiring, she moved to Dubuque with her husband, Jim, where she tended to her pets, flowers, birdfeeders, and an overflowing vegetable garden.

Nancy poured herself into creative pursuits in her spare time.  She was an avid photographer, always ready to chase down a swan if it meant a good photo.  Nancy loved to write.  She was the editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper and pursued journalism in college before settling into education.  From staff memos to personal essays, everything Nancy wrote was imbued with her thoughtfulness and oddball wit.

Family time was extremely important to Nancy.  She traveled the world with friends and family, from Japan to Sturgis to the beaches of Florida – one of her favorite places since childhood.  Nancy loved family gatherings, particularly around the holidays, where she decorated the house from top to bottom and made her famous “pizza balls.”

Nancy was a kind and generous soul who only saw the good in people.  Her gentle spirit was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Even through the devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Nancy sought peace, not only for herself, but also for those she would leave behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Nancy include,

her loving husband,
James “Jim” Drapeau, Bellevue, Iowa;

her 2 children,
Matthew “Matt” Raw and his wife Maggie Campbell, Brooklyn, New York,
Kathryn “Katy” Raw, Minneapolis, Minnesota;

her step-daughter,
Jennifer “Jenny” Wilking and her husband Mike, Stony Brook, New York;

her 4 grandchildren,
Charlotte Campbell-Raw, Wilder Campbell-Raw, Vivian Wilking, and Alexander Wilking;

her sisters,
Linda Drzycimski and her husband John, Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
and Sue Oldaker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin;

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

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Russ Oldaker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nancy’s name to the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, 4111 West Frontage Road, Highway 52 NW, 2-700, Rochester, Minnesota, 55901.

Nancy’s family would like to thank the Mayo Clinic, along with the nurses and staff at Prairie Care, Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional, compassionate and tender care of Nancy, and her family.

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

Norma M. Denlinger

Norma M. Denlinger, a long-time Dubuque civic leader, whose no-nonsense manner surrounded a tender heart, died December 19, 2019 with her loving family by her side. She was 91 years old.

Edward Bechen

Edward “Eddie” Bechen, 65, of Dubuque, died Friday, December 27, 2019, at Hillcrest Residential Care Facility.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, December 30, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Eddie will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Ave. with Rev. Father Mark Kwenin as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Edward was born December 8, 1954, in Dubuque, the son of Olin M. and Helen Marie Block Bechen.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Catholic Church.  He loved legos,drawing, family outings.  He looked forward to his outings with Sue from Hillcrest.

Those left to honor his memory include his siblings, Debbie (Mike) Leach, John (Sandy) Bechen, Terri (Chuck) Lynch, all of Dubuque, Mike (Laurie) Bechen and Jean (Jerry) Kirton, both of LaMotte, IA; 12 nieces and nephews, Stacey Gednalski, Steve Leach, Bobbi Stevens, Cindy Conrad, Jay Kirton, Carrie Eggers, Jason Bechen, Jim Bechen, Jared Bechen, Keith Bechen, Kellie Carr, and Melissa Bechen; and several great nieces and nephews.

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

A special thank you to Hillcrest Residential Care Facility especially, Sue for the years of loving care and Paramount Ambulance Service for all their care.

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

Frederick M. Sievers

Frederick Michael “Mike” Sievers, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 26, 2019 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 31th, 2019 at The Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Tom Heathershaw officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm. to 7:00 pm. Monday, December 30th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mike was born on August 8, 1936 in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the son of Berkeley and Ruth (Murray) Sievers. He attended St. Columbkille Catholic School for Elementary and High School and graduated from Loras College with a degree in Economics.  Mike married Mary Crippes on May 23rd, 1959 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque. They shared 60 wonderful years together.

He went on to graduate from the Naval Officer Training Academy in Northfolk, VA. After serving 20 years in the Navy and Naval Reserves, he retired as a Lt. Commander.

Mike retired as the Director of Economic Development at NICC Community College.

Mike was an active member of his church. He also volunteered at the Grand Theater, the River Museum, Dubuque Arboretum and Stone Cliff Winery.  For the past several years he volunteered for AARP as a tax preparer.  Mike also enjoyed working in his yard, taking bus tours with Mary and friends and spending time with family.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary, children; Patti (Mark) Miller, Mike (Liz) Sievers, Pam (Tim) McMullin, Mark Sievers, Grandchildren; Codi (Brian) Putnam, Tye (Kristen) Miller, Sam Miller, Louis and Eddie Sievers, Riley, Reid, Ramsey McMullin, Trey and Shay Sievers, and 7 great grandchildren, Presley, Pierce, Merrick, Nora, Lucy, Myles and Kylie. Siblings; Tom (Maureen) Sievers, Jim (Pat) Sievers, Mary Kay (Jan) Brimeyer, Susan (Leo) Shubert. In-laws; Jim (Loretta) Crippes, Pat (Cathy) Crippes, Doris Howes and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family request no flowers. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Dubuque.

John Klein

John “Ben” Klein, 84, of Bellevue, died Friday, December 27, 2019, at the Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue.

The Graveside Committal Service for Ben will be 2:00 PM Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Catherine Cemetery.

John was born May 23, 1935, in Dubuque, son of Anthony and Frances (Arensdorf) Klein.

He attended St. Catherine Schools and served in the U.S. Army.

He worked on the family farm where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Surviving are three sisters, Marie Boleyn, Margaret Mootz, and Donna Klein, all of Dubuque; one nephew, Cletus Moots, of Dubuque; and two nieces Carol Boleyn and Karen Mootz both of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Theodore, Robert, Richard, Donald, and James; two brothers-in-law Roger Boleyn and Cletus Mootz and one niece Debra Mootz.

The family requests no flowers.

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

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

Gilbert J. Lehman

Gilbert J. Lehman, 91, of Farley, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019 at Mercy One Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
Visitation for Gilbert will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian burial for Gilbert will be held on 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Phil Kruse presiding. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

He was born September 15, 1928 in Worthington, Iowa, son of Paul and Anna (Marbach) Lehman. He received his education at the former St. Paul’s School in Worthington, Iowa. On April 27, 1950 he was united in marriage to Henrietta M. Paulsen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 15, 1997. The couple farmed in the rural Farley/Worthington areas, until their retirement in 1992 when they moved to Farley. He also worked at the Dyersville Sale Barn for 67 years.

He is survived by five children, Linda (Russ) Jacobson of Urbana, IL, Jim (Linda) Lehman of Farley, IA, Connie (Rich) Gabrielson of Asbury, IA, Ron (Marcia) Lehman of Dyersville, IA, and David (Dedee) Lehman of Montezuma, IA; 24 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren; his siblings, Joe (Kay) Lehman of Cascade, IA,; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mille Schuman of Mt. Vernon, IA, Darlene Binley of Van Horne, IA, Gilbert Paulsen of Kimberly, MO and Glen Paulsen of Kimberly. MO.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers, Mildred (Clem) Greiner, Marie (Sylvester) Steffen, Rosella (Ray) Roling, Dorothy A. (Norbert) Kremer, Annabelle (Bill) Marsh, Gerald (Lorraine) Lehman, Paul (Dorothy) Lehman, Edward Lehman, Wilfred Lehman, Bernadette Lehman, Mary Ann Lehman; a sister-in-law, Doris Lehman and a very special friend, Rosemary Greenwood.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com