Obituaries Archive

Bonnie L. Brimeyer

Bonnie L. Brimeyer, age 59, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:40 a.m., on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a lengthy battle with neuroendocrine cancer. To honor Bonnie’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Bonnie’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Family and friends may also visit on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bonnie was born on March 12, 1959, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Clifford and Doris (Ritt) Brimeyer.

Bonnie surely enjoyed growing up in Sherrill and was a proud graduate of Hempstead High School, Class of 1977, and later in life even went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clarke College in 1999. She was a diligent and devoted worker at Flexsteel who just recently celebrated her 40th anniversary with all of her friends she’s made over the years. In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed traveling extensively whenever the opportunity would present itself and was thankful to be fortunate enough to see both Alaska and Hawaii firsthand. She also thoroughly enjoy quilting and has created many beautiful keepsakes, and made countless treasured friends throughout her journey in the sewing community. Bonnie’s faith was also very important to her as Bonnie was a long-time member of Holy Ghost Church. The most important aspect of Bonnie’s life though was definitely her family. She was always there for anyone who needed a little moral support, and also graciously played the most wonderful role of “Aunt” the world has ever seen. Bonnie’s impact on the world around her is undeniable. Whether within her circle of family, friends, or even with her furry felines; Bonnie had enough love and devotion to fill a lifetime of memories to be cherished by all whom she leaves behind today. We will miss our dear Bonnie, her radiant smile, along with her endearing typical red-headed character traits; but we know and accept that the Lord has decided to allow Bonnie to finally quit fighting cancer to join Him, and her father, in a glorious state of perfection where she can wait peacefully for her loved ones to eventually join her again one day.

Those left to cherish Bonnie’s memory include

her mother,
Doris Brimeyer, Sherrill, IA;

her siblings,
Diane (Harold) Breitsprecker, Jr., Dubuque, IA
and Paul Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA;

2 nephews,
Chad (Angie) Breitsprecker
and Nathan (Lisa) Breitsprecker;

and 5 great-nephews,
Lane, Tate, Ian, Danny and Tommy.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Brimeyer.

A Bonnie L. Brimeyer memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Bonnie’s family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Medical Associates, Mercy Hospital and UIHC in Iowa City, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Cindy and Amy, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care. We would also like to thank Bonnie’s Flexsteel family for all of the love and support they’ve provided throughout her 4 year battle. May God bless you all for your kindnesses!

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

Susan K. Gregory

Susan K. Gregory, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at her home in Maquoketa.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Susan Kay Gregory was born on January 9, 1957 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Arthur “Red” and Dorothy (Duhme) Gregory. She was a 1976 graduate of DeWitt High School and while in high school had worked at Martha’s Café in DeWitt. Following graduation, Susan worked at ADAC and later DAC, Inc., both in Maquoketa.

Susan was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church. She enjoyed board games, cards, puzzles, and was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan.

Those left to honor her memory include her brother James “Jim” Gregory (and his girlfriend Carol Schwien) of Delmar, IA; and her very, very special friend and significant other, Duane Westphal of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved dogs Hawkeye and Dusty.

Online Condolences may be left at www.carsonandson.com

Melvin E. Zmudka

Melvin E. Zmudka, 89, of Bernard, Iowa passed away peacefully on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Melvin may call from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 13, 2018 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa. The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Mass of Christian burial for Melvin will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 13, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke Presiding. Burial will be held in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born May 7, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Anthony and Rose (Brzozonaski) Zmudka. He received his education from Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Dubuque, Iowa and St. Patrick’s Schools in Garryowen, Iowa. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving most of his time in Germany. He was proud to serve his country alongside his fellow comrades. His love for his country continued on after the army by serving in his local Legion, VFW and AM Vets Post. Melvin farmed all his life in Bernard, Iowa.

Melvin was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Garryowen, Iowa. He was also a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528, Maquoketa VFW Post #3633 and the AM Vets Post #62 in Andrew, Iowa.

He is survived by many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Tony, Alex and Pat Zmudka.

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

Stephen J. Knipper

Stephen Joseph Knipper, 68, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018, at the Hospice House in Hiawatha. He was born on March 7, 1950, in Edgewood, the son of Raymond and Betty (Martens) Knipper.

Stephen graduated from Ed-Co High School in 1968. He was united in marriage to Susan Shea. Three children were born to this union. They resided in Manchester, where Stephen worked at United Building Center. The couple later divorced.

Stephen was an avid ice fisherman. He loved spending time with family, especially his children and granddaughter.

Survivors include Stephen’s mother, Betty Knipper of Edgewood; his two sons, Stephen (Amy French) Knipper Jr. of Wadena and Shane (Kat Richman) Knipper of Marion; one granddaughter, Isabella Knipper; and three siblings, David (Ann) Knipper of Melcher, Marilyn Sundermeyer of Edgewood, and Dennis (Annette) Knipper of Edgewood.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Knipper, and his daughter, Sharon Knipper.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Edgewood, with Reverend John Haugen officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood. Friends may also call one hour before Mass at the church on Monday.

Inurnment at a Later Date: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Angeline (Arvanitis) Rittenburg

Angeline (Arvanitis) Rittenburg, 88, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

Funeral Services will be 12:00 pm (noon), Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home 1640 Main St. Family will greet friends 10:30 am until service times on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Angeline was born June 8, 1929 the daughter of George P. and Edna (Borek) Arvanitis. She married Everett C. Rittenburg on October 30, 1949; he passed in 1989.

Survivors include her sons, Kurt (Carol), Karl, and Kenton Rittenburg; grandchildren, Christina (Rob Candiano) and Kathryn (Chris Tobin); great-grandchildren, Lani, Matthew, Lena, Daisy, and Morgan; siblings, Dorothy Kobs, and Deana Gulyash; 2 nieces, 2 nephews; and several great nieces and nephews; and one great-great niece.

Angeline was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and brother in-laws, Clarence Kobs and Ronald Gulyash.

A memorial fund has been established in Angeline’s memory.

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

Jeanette M. Bettcher

Jeanette M. Bettcher, 85, of Dubuque died Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Unity Point-Finley Hospital. Private family services will be held.
Jeanette was born December 16, 1932 in Dubuque, daughter of Henry and Mabel (Hedrick) Gottschalk. She married her childhood sweetheart, LeRoy Bettcher on January 21, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

She worked at the Dubuque Packing Co. for 17 years, before opening Longhorn Saddlery with her husband in 1968.

Jeanette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved, and excelled at, cooking and baking. She also enjoyed bowling and horseback riding.

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy Bettcher of Dubuque; a son, James “Jim” Bettcher; two grandchildren, Travis Bettcher and Chelsea (Meg) Mitchell; a sister, Irene “Toots” Herbst and a sister in law, Dorothy Gottschalk, all of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter in law, Leesa Bettcher; a brother, Earl Gottschalk and a brother in law, Leo Herbst.
Memorials may be made to Jeanette Bettcher Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Unity Point Health ER and ICU as well as the first responders with the Asbury Volunteer Fire Department.

Betty Jean Bell

Betty Jean Bell, 89, of Hanover, Ill. died Friday, April 06, 2018 at Galena Strauss Care Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Betty was born August 18, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Frank and Grace (Redmond) Reisen. She married Robert Bell on September 11, 1947. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1994.

Surviving are two daughers, Diana (Ted) Spas of Missoula, Mont., and Kathy Mulholland of Hanover, Ill.; a son, Robert “B” (Amy) Bell of East Dubuque; six grandchildren, Scott (Beth Ann) Mulholland, Michelle Mulholland, Theodore “Teddy” (Hanna) Spas, Jesse (Jackie) Bell, Johnathon (Brittany) Wachter and Courtney Hicks; six great grandchildren, Chelsey Smith, Ashley (David) Albrecht, Abigail Mulholland, Noah Folks, Garrett Mulholland and Brooklyn Hicks.

She is also survived by a brother, Joe (Janaan) Reisen, of Zwingle; a sister, Shirley Kempter of Richarson, Texas and a sister in law, Jean Reisen of Zwingle.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Debra Sue Bell; a son in law, Robert Mulholland and a brother, Richard “Bud” Reisen.

For further information please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

David J. Mescher

David J. Mescher, 82, of Monticello passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a parish vigil service will be held at 3 pm and a family rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning at St. Luke Catholic Church prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Hopkinton with burial at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington. Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

David was born in Dyersville the son of Henry and Mathilda (Koopmann) Mescher. He married Janet A. Werner on January 28, 1961, in Sand Springs. She preceded him in death in 1997. He later married Jean A. Tschantz who also preceded him in death in 2010. He worked at Energy Manufacturing for nearly 35 years.

Survivors include his children: Andrew (Tara) Mescher and Lori (David) Nightingale, both of Monticello, and Michael (Lorraine) Mescher of Swampscott, MA; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson; a special friend, Lila Joslin of Manchester;
siblings: Alfred “Fritz” (Jeanette) Mescher and Richard (Jean) Mescher both of Dyersville, Gilbert (Bernice) Mescher of Farley, Robert (Lou Ann) Mescher of Strawberry Point, Armella Phillips of Fly Creek, NY; in-laws: Jacqueline (Arnold) Merkes of Manchester, Susie (Ron) McDermott of Mt. Vernon, IA, Richard (fiancé LaVern) Werner of Richland, MO, Pat (Marilyn) Werner of Hopkinton, Robert (Cheryl) Werner of Grimes, Ed (Sue) Werner of Epworth, and Steve (Linda) Werner of Dyersville and Beth Whisler of Dubuque.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, one son, Christopher Mescher, siblings: Louis, Harry, Clarence “CJ” and Bill Mescher, Viola Mescher, Alice Althoff, Marie Kramer and Rosemary Nelson; parents-in-law, Rose and Bill Werner, and a brother-in-law, Dan Werner.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Becky L. Welter

Becky L. (Schoenauer) Welter 58 of Sherrill passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Memorial Mass will be 10:00 am, Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 468 Balltown Rd. Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, April 13, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 468 Balltown Rd. Local arrangements with Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd.

Becky was born November 11, 1959 the daughter of Robert and June (Hicks) Schoenauer. She married Eugene Welter on November 18, 1980 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Becky helped her husband start Welter Painting and was a farm wife for 22 years before working at Dubuque Senior High School for 13 years and the last 7 years at Irving Elementary where she loved being with her school kids. She loved music, taking pictures, dancing, fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time in the kitchen. Becky mostly enjoyed helping others and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 37 years, Eugene; children, Rob (Renee) Welter of Waverly, Holly (Steve Kamp) Welter of Farley, and Jason (Ashley Green) Welter of Cascade; 11 grandchildren, Connor, Nolan, Taylor, Bennett, Marshall, Carter, Reegan, Carley, Piper, Quinn, and Harrison; her mother in-law, Anna Mae Welter; siblings, Jackie (Jim) Gronau of Dubuque, Vickie (Bruce) Wagner of Dubuque, and Bobbie Lynch of Idaho; brother and sister in-laws, Darlene (William) Mauss of Dubuque, Vern (Rose) Welter of Sherrill, Tom Welter of Farmington, Minnesota, Barb (Steve) Schmitt of Coralville, and Joan (Lee) Hoerner of Epworth.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents and her father in-law, Ralph Welter.

Online condolences may be left for the family at Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Timothy M. Horsfield

Timothy M. “Tim” Horsfield, 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Reverend Dr. Lillian Daniels officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. John’s Cemetery, Placid. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 8th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.
Tim was born on February 26, 1954, at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque the son of Walter M. and Cecelia E. (McDermott) Horsfield.

He attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and Western Dubuque High School both in Epworth, and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, in Johnston.

He married Kevin S. Firnstahl on April 1, 2011 in Dubuque.

Tim was the City of Dubuque Parking System Supervisor from 2001-2017; he also was the Loras College Director of Campus Security from 1993-2001; City of Minneapolis, MN, Communications (911) Specialist 1991-1993; Hennepin County, MN Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff 1989-1991; St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center Director of Parking & Grounds Maintenance 1986-1989; FDL Foods, Inc., Corporate Director of Security 1983-1986; Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff 1975-1984.

Tim’s first love was law enforcement. His snarky sense of humor made us laugh and laugh at ourselves. He loved his dogs, camping in the RV, and rooting for any team playing against the Packers. Our gratitude goes to the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Epworth Fire Department, and the doctors and staff of the UIHC Holden Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Center for their valiant efforts.

Tim is survived by his husband Kevin S. Firnstahl, of Dubuque; his sister Janann (Ken) Krapfl, of Monticello; brother’s, Pat (Verla) Horsfield, of Epworth; Erwin “Red” (Joyce) Horsfield, of Epworth; Ronald (Judith) Horsfield, of Epworth; Dale (Jolene) Horsfield, of Ft. Meyers, FL; his sister-in-Law Elizabeth (Michael) McCann, of Vergas, MN; brother-in-Law David (Julie) Firnstahl, of Amery, WI; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Tim was precededin death by his parents; his sister Lois Kluesnser; two brothers in infancy Leo and Phillip Horsfield; his father-in-Law Ramon Firnstahl and mother-in-Law Marilyn Firnstahl; brothers-in-Law Donald Kluesner, Stephen Firnstahl, and Corey Firnstahl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Holden Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244.

Sharon A. Dunne

Sharon A. Dunne, 67, of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away on Thursday, April 5th, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Garryowen with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 9th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Sharon was born on July 9, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of James and Maxine (Henneberry) O’Connell and grew up on the family farm in rural Otter Creek. She attended rural school in Jackson county and graduated from Aquin Catholic High School in 1968.

She worked at Xavier Hospital from 1968 to 1969 as a nurse’s aide in the nursery. She then worked for Flexsteel Ind. for 37 years until retirement. After retirement she worked at Hy-Vee Grocery on Locust Street where she was awarded Employee of the year.
She was united in marriage to David P. Dunne on October 25th, 1969 in Garryowen, Iowa. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, member of the Catholic Daughters and also the Steelworkers Union.

Sharon enjoyed the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs; but she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband David P. Dunne; two children, Shane (Kris) Dunne and Jodi (Dan Feller) Dunne. Her grandson Tyson Dunne and granddaughters Rylie Dunne and Emma Feller. Her siblings, Suzanne (Tom) Stecher, Mary Vince, David O’Connell, Loras (Shelly) O’Connell, Sara (Loras) Huilman, and Colleen Kafar.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law Thomas Joseph Dunne Jr., and sister-in-law Karla O’Connell.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, and a special thank you to her sister Mary O’Connell for all the loving care they all gave.

Donald J. Rock

Donald J. “Rocky” Rock, 88, of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at his daughter’s residence in Orange Beach, Alabama. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2018, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City with Rev. Bill Vasey officiating. Burial will be in Shawnee Cemetery in New Diggings. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home before the service.

Donald was born on January 8, 1930, in Darlington, Wisconsin, the son of Abner and Florence (Alderson) Rock. Donald was raised in New Diggings where he and his twin sister, Dolores, started school at the age of four. He later graduated from New Diggings High School in 1948. He was an outstanding basketball player in his day and was a member of the New Diggings Midgets Basketball Team that went undefeated three years in a row. Donald served in the United States Army Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion with an honorable discharge in 1952.

Donald was united in marriage to Carolyn Ethel Solem on July 6, 1957, at the Masonic Temple in Evanston, Illinois. He worked at Willowa Engineering Company in Galena, AY McDonald in Dubuque, and then worked at John Deere Tractor Works in Dubuque where he retired in 1987. Donald also helped on the Coulthard family farm for over 50 years.

Donald was a member of the Benton Fire Department, the Galena Elks Club, the Masonic Olive Branch Lodge #6 and a charter member of Cole Acres Country Club. He was the longtime coach of the Womens Benton Merchants Fast Pitch Softball Team, played on the Old Timers Mens Slow Pitch Softball Team and was a longtime member of Rocky’s Bar Bowling Team. Donald was also a member of the Old Timers Basketball Team where he was known for his hook shot and free throw shooting. He was a long time White Sox fan, a Detroit Lions fan and a lifetime fan and supporter of the University of Kentucky. On November 17, 2010, Donald was commissioned a KENTUCKY COLONEL by the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Donald spent 32 years as a winter resident (snowbird) of Gulf Shores and later Orange Beach, Alabama, where he enjoyed the warmer winters and met many new friends.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Linda (Paul) Ponder, of Orange Beach, AL; grandchildren, Travis (Robyn) Ponder and Kinsey (PJ) McInerney; great-grandchildren, Lydia and Lucy McInerney and Dylan and Ethan Ponder; a twin sister, Dolores Hutchinson, of Platteville; a nephew, Joe (Julie) Thompson and a niece, Carolyn (Harold) Ensch, both of Shullsburg; and some dear cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents, Abner and Florence (Alderson) Rock, his father and mother-in-law, Lavern and Julia (Johnson) Solem; a sister, Betty (Rock) Thompson; and a nephew, Jerry Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Shawnee Cemetery Association, 2311 Shawnee Road, Shullsburg, WI 53586.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

Charles J. Wichmann

Charles J. “Chuck” Wichmann 86 of Dubuque passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospital Clinics with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at his side. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Monday, April 9, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church conducted by Rev. Steven Rosonke. Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home 3860 Asbury Rd with a 5:30 pm Scripture Service. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Charles was born on June 24, 1931 in Homestead, Iowa the son of John and Helen (Vogt) Wichmann. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years during the Korean War. Charles married Marguerite Dusterhoft in 1954 and they celebrated 63 beautiful years of marriage. He attended Cedar Rapids Business College and after moving to Dubuque attended Loras College.

Charles worked for Goodyear Tire Company and Bridgestone Tire, retiring at 71. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish, Knights of Columbus, and was an usher at church for many years. Charles was a member of the American Legion, volunteered at the Dubuque Arboretum, member of Speak Easy Toastmasters where he won several trophies. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loved golfing, bowling, boating, and wood working.

Survivors include his wife, Marguerite; children, Judy (Rick) David , Kathy Meyer, John (Sue) Wichmann, and Dennis (Colleen) Wichmann; 6 grandchildren, Chris David, Melissa (Tracey) Johnson, Derek (Cheri) Wichmann, Stephanie Wichmann, Crystal Chew, and Kaysha (Tyler) Schmidt; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bob and Larry (Kay Beth) Wichmann; and a sister-law, Mary Aliene (Dick) Sadler.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Chad Meyer; sister in-law, Wynona Wichmann; and his mother and father in-law, Louise and Clarence Dusterhoft.
Memorials may be directed to St. Anthony’s Parish or Dubuque Arboretum in Charles’s memory.

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

Nora R. Gierens

Nora R. Gierens, age 77, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 3:05 a.m., on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Nora’s life, funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday, April 9, 2018, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1780 White Street, with Pastor Pamela Starr officiating. To celebrate Nora’s life, family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m., until the time of services at 12:00 noon, on Monday, April 9, 2018, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Nora was born on August 9, 1940, in Paris, Illinois, daughter of Archie and Carrie Elizabeth (Blodgett) Hickel.

Nora was born and raised in Paris, Illinois, before eventually moving to Dubuque and putting down roots of her own and raising her family. She was a very hard worker who put her natural talents and abilities to use first, as a waitress and housekeeper at the Chateau, and lastly with the housekeeping team at the Diamond Jo Casino; where she would invest over 20 years of her time until her well earned retirement had finally arrived. In her free-time, Nora enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; such as taking a leisurely walk on a beautiful day, or curling up comfortably on the sofa to watch one of her favorite tv programs. She also had a great love and affinity for angels and dolls and was continually on the lookout for another piece to add to her ever-growing collection. Nora’s faith was very important to her also as she was a devoted and long-time member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Most of all though, she loved to spend quality time with her family and friends and any chance to congregate with them brought Nora great joy within the confines of her heart and mind. We are deeply saddened today at the loss of our dearly sweet mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, but gratefully discover some comfort in the fact that her loving memories will carry us through the sorrowful days ahead, and the knowledge that we will all eventually be reunited again, one day, in our eternal home in heaven.

Those left to cherish Nora’s memory include

her children,
Robert Bradley (Taci) Phillips, Chesapeake, VA,
Cindy Jo (Tim) Hansen, Plainfield, IL,
Marshall (Denise) Gierens, Elgin, IL
and Tammy (Chad) Olson, Stockton, IL;

10 grandchildren,
Eric (Sarah) Gierens, Vincent (Danielle) Gierens, Alek Hayes, Austyn Hayes, Andrew Hayes, Avery Hayes, Arianna Hayes, Madison Olson, Chelsea Olson and Walker Olson;

5 great-grandchildren,
Raelynn Gierens, Toby Gierens, Chance Gierens, Noah Gierens and Levi Gierens;

and her sisters,
Judy (Ronald) Smith, Paris, IL
and Emma (Steve) Franklin, Japan.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 sisters, Rosalie Bennett and Patricia Copsy.

A Nora R. Gierens memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Nora’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital for all of their kind and professional care of Nora and her family.

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

Everett M. Mattox

Everett M. Mattox, 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at his home in rural Maquoketa.

A celebration of Everett’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Everett Monte Mattox was born on June 11, 1931 in Merna, Nebraska, to Everett Monte and Viola Pearl (Sells) Mattox Sr. He grew up in Broken Bow, Nebraska and served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, earning an honorable discharge.

He married LoVanna Schoenherr in 1954 in Broken Bow, Nebraska. To this union two children were born, Julie and Victor. Lovanna preceded him in death in 1961. He later married Wilma Drake in 1964 in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and they divorced after 25 years of marriage. To this union one child was born, Shawn.

Everett was a farmer and had managed Wyoming Ready Mix for several years. He most notably was known for operating Mattox Auction Service from 1956 until 2012, and feeding people through his “Sand Prairie Farms” business for many years.

Everett was a member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, the Jackson County Pork Producers Association, and in 2014, he was chosen to go on the Quad Cities Honor Flight. He was an accomplished carpenter, enjoyed coon hunting, and was a collector of crocks and coffee pots. He truly loved what he did and believed that work was his hobby. He thoroughly enjoyed feeding people through his produce business.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Julie (Don) Davis of Eldridge, IA, and Shawn (Chantelle) Mattox of Bozeman, MT; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; a brother Steve Mattox of Callaway, NE; and sisters, Hazel Close of Boise, ID, and Judy (Ray) Lunkowitz of N. Platte, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lovanna, a son Victor, brothers Jack, Cecil and Lyle Mattox, and sisters Mabel Ellingson and Ruby Plambeck.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Everett M. Mattox memorial fund has been established.

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