Obituaries Archive

Ronald D. Drish

Ronald Dean Drish, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7th, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Rev. Msgr. James Miller officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Ronald was born on July 6, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa the son of Marion and Audrey (Harvey) Drish. He married Janice Roddick on November 27, 1958, she preceded him in death on April 8, 2006. He served in the US Army in the 82nd Airborne.

Ronald farmed in the Zwingle area and later worked at Dubuque John Deere retiring in 1992. After retirement he worked for Norton News. He was a member of the American Legion Post #6 and was an active member Dubuque Eagles Club where he served as past president.

He enjoyed sports and golf, and in his earlier years he played baseball, and coached his five boys in independent league ball. He was a founding member of “The dirty dozen golf League” and will be remembered for his Karaoke singing.

He is survived by his five sons, Dennis (Esther) Drish, of Texas, David (Barb) Drish, of Mississippi, Danny (Carolyn) Drish, of Anamosa, Duane Drish, and Douglas Drish both of Dubuque; 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; a brother Fred (Ann) Drish and a sister Punky (Bowdy) Stecklein.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janice and a sister Darlene.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Schoppe and the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital especially Diane for all the care they gave to Dad.

Violet Mae Mescher

Violet “Vi” Mae Mescher, age 95, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Bethany Home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Violet’s life, funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, April 6, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street, with her son, Rev. Michael Mescher, and Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. To celebrate Violet’s life, family and friends may visit from 11:30 a.m., until 12:30 p.m., on Friday, April 6, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, New Vienna, Iowa.

Violet was born on February 23, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Joseph and Mabel (Rentzsch) Holl.

Vi was fortunate to have spent the majority of her earthly journey right here in the Dubuque area. After completing her education, Vi eventually met the love of her life, Allen Mescher, heading north on a train in Texas during WWII, and the pre-destined loving couple were finally united in marriage on November 13, 1948, in Dubuque. They were blessed with 69 wonderful years together, as well as 4 truly adored children, before Allen was sadly called home ahead of her on November 29, 2017. Vi was the proud owner of Vi’s Nutrition Store for over 22 years and found great joy in promoting healthy living through many family, friends and clients over her career. Vi was also steadfast in her devotion to her faith, Lord and Savior and not only prayed daily, but also a long-time member of her beloved St. Anthony’s Church and the Catholic Mother’s Study Club. But, let it be known that when Vi wasn’t working at the store, writing her latest “Quotable Quotes” Column for the T.H., or spending her time with church activities, she was continually discovering her true purpose in this life; loving her family. Vi’s commitment to those she cared for was never going to be doubted by anyone who truly knew and loved her. Some of her favorite family times involved the many cherished camping adventures the family would endeavor upon throughout the years. Every trip was a new experience for all involved and the memories which still remain will continue to provide comfort for those whose hearts are aching today. We search for heavenly peace within our pain of loss today, but we accept that our beautiful Vi’s time with us, here upon this earth, was to cease when God would inevitably decide to call her home. We are grateful that our loving soul-mates, Vi and Allen, did not have to endure too much time separated from one another and that now their eternal union in the perfection of true agape love awaits. We sadly shed tears as our hearts and minds begin the necessary healing process for those of us left behind, but in time we will surely accept the truth, and find the comfort, in the fact that Vi is resting comfortably from her labors, safely in her Heavenly Father’s arms, and only awaits patiently for our eventual arrival to one of the most glorious of family reunions one day.

Those left to cherish Violet’s memory include

her 4 loving children,
Rev. Michael Mescher, Tama, IA,
Dr. Scott (Claudia) Mescher, Hibbing, MN,
Sally (David) Mescher Allen, Littleton, CO
and Alice (Fred) Altmix, Nashville, TN;

her 7 grandchildren,
Meredith (Colin) McCowan, Emily (Nathan) Wirkkula, Craig (Sara) Mescher, MD, John Allen, Tatyana Allen, Caitlyn (Andrew) Boza and Evan Altmix;

her great-granddaughter,
Cora Boza;

her brother,
Joseph (Connie) Hall, Jr., Sun City Center, FL;

her sisters-in-law,
Rose Johanningmeier, Dubuque, IA,
and Marion Mescher, Melbourne, Australia;

her brothers-in-law,
Eddie Maiers, Dubuque, IA
and Bill Pauling, Escandido, CA.

and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Alice Pauling; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Alma (James) Healy, Laura Maiers, Arlene (Dick) Southwell, Herbert (Irene) Mescher, Vincent (Lucille) Mescher, Edwin (Anna Jane) Mescher, Raymond (Fran) Mescher, Robert (Peggy) Mescher, Elmer Mescher and Donald (Betty) Mescher and Elmer “Moe” Johanningmeier.

A Violet Mae Mescher memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed to her favorite charity.

Vi’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for all of the kind, caring and professional care they have provided to Vi, and her entire family throughout the years.

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

Donald Allen Freese

Donald Allen Freese, 50, of Dubuque passed away Saturday, March 31, 2018 in an auto accident in Wisconsin.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Home, 1640 Main Street where friends may call from 10 a.m. to1 p.m. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.

Donald was born April 9, 1967 in Dubuque, son of Allen B. and Janice J. (Clough) Freese.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1985. After high school he worked alongside his parents at their family business, Nu-Way Cleaners, and more recently as a union carpenter.

Don was a free spirit person who loved being with his family and friends and making the party last. He had a way about him that you would be immediately drawn to him. That contagious grin and his ways with words he could charm his way out of most things. He was kind-hearted, generous, easy to talk to, and a loyal friend. He was an avid Viking and Chicago Cub fan and enjoyed setting off fireworks whenever and where ever he could.

Surviving are three children Nicole (Shane) Clemens, Kamber Freese, and Dawson Freese, all of Dubuque; a grandson, Prestyn; two granddaughters, Serenity and Temperance; his mother Janice Freese, of Bellevue, IA; three brothers, Tom Freese, of Las Vegas, NV, Jim Freese, of Dubuque and Bob (Patty) Freese, of Marion, IA; a sister, Julie (Craig) Weiner, of Dubuque; an aunt, LaVonne “Bonnie” Thurston, of California; an uncle, Duane (Donna) Clough, of Dubuque; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Freese, and his aunt Sharon (David) Jaeger.

In lieu of flowers, a Don Freese Memorial has been established.

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

Gale D. Hixenbaugh

Gale D. Hixenbaugh, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:30 am at Hoffman Schneider Funeral Home & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Services located at 3860 Asbury Rd. Military honors will be conducted by the Dubuque Marine Corps League at 11:30 am.

Gale was born on April 28, 1930 in Centerville, Iowa, the son of Henry Clyde and Jessie (Steele) Hixenbaugh. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1948. Gale married Susan Bruckshaw, his wife of over 40 years, in 1951, and served in the US Army from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean War.

After receiving a degree from Iowa State University in Aeronautical Engineering, Gale worked for Convair in San Diego, CA before moving to St. Louis, MO, where he worked for McDonnell Douglas until he retired in 1995.

Gale moved to Dubuque, Iowa, shortly after retiring to be closer to his family. Most of his days were spent with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending the Dubuque Symphony, listening to classical music, and challenging his mind with both crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Survivors include his children, Lisa (Brad) Brissey of Dubuque, Iowa, and John Eric (Susan) Hixenbaugh of Bettendorf, Iowa and three grandchildren, Ashlyn, Amanda and Ariella.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings (Leon, Harold and Joe Hixenbaugh, Ruth Clark, Eloise Dobbs, and Clydene “Peg” Hindley, and Susan Bruckshaw (Hixenbaugh, Aldrich).

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

Evelyn L. Arensdorf

Evelyn L. Arensdorf, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 3, 2018, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, April 6, 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.

Evelyn Leona Kinyon was born on June 1, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Vernon and Mabel (Clark) Kinyon. She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School. She married James Sylvester Arensdorf on August 31, 1957 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Renee, Dawn and James.

Evelyn first worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for a short time, then Maquoketa Care Center, and lastly as a childcare provider at Sunshine Daycare in Maquoketa for over 20 years.

Evelyn enjoyed flowers, Sunday drives, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and playing “Words With Friends” on the computer with family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband James Arensdorf of Maquoketa, IA; children, Renee (Gordon) Waite of Chandler, AZ, Dawn (Tom) Christiansen of Copperas Cove, TX, and James (Suzanne) Arensdorf of Cypress, TX; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Derek Arensdorf, and a brother Lloyd Kinyon.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Evelyn L. Arensdorf memorial fund has been established.

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

Alan Von Ah

Alan Von Ah, 57, of Shawnee, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Kansas University Medical Center. A visitation to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, April 7 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

Alan was born October 12, 1960 to William and Dorothy (Schmitt) Von Ah in Dubuque, Iowa. Alan was an Iowa state chess champion in high school. He excelled at video games and was the 1990 Nintendo World Championships Kansas City 18 & Over Champion. He was an amateur magician and loved performing magic tricks for children and adults. He was a professional poker dealer at Harrah’s North Kansas City and was an avid poker player. He had a great love of NFL football, in particular the Minnesota Vikings, and he was The Prognosticator. He loved listening to music, reading books and watching movies. He was interested in politics, was a great patriot, and he loved his country.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents. Alan was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Farley) Von Ah, children, Holly Von Ah and Christopher Von Ah, sisters, Connie (John) Patrick, Tammy Von Ah, and Tracy Doyle, brothers Lance (Diane) Von Ah and Bruce Von Ah.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.amosfamily.com.

Mackenzie K. McArthur

Mackenzie K. McArthur 16 of Asbury passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018 as a result of a car accident. Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, April 6, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home 3860 Asbury Rd. with a 7:00 pm Funeral Service.

Mackenzie was born June 16, 2001 in Ames, Iowa the daughter of Michael and Sheila (Adair) McArthur. She was a junior at Dubuque Hempstead High School and worked at Best Western in Dubuque. Mackenzie enjoyed being around friends, hiking, outdoors, animals, and feared nothing.

Survivors include her father, Michael McArthur; her mother Sheila (Robb Harter) McArthur; siblings, Mitchel and Madi McArthur, Mackenzie, Brock, and Brayden Harter; paternal grandfather, Darrell McArthur; maternal grandmother, Peggy Spore; aunts and uncles, Steve, Al (Michelle), Annette, Darren (Becky), Aric (Heather), Tina, Niki (Terry), and Gabe (Anne); numerous cousins, and other relatives.

Mackenzie was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Irene McArthur and her maternal grandfather, Jerry Adair.

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

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

Mathilda M. Kloser

Mathilda M. Kloser, age 78, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:38 p.m., on Monday, April 2, 2018, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Mathilda’s life, funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To celebrate Mathilda’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m., until the time of services at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Mathilda was born on April 9, 1939, in Guttenberg Iowa, daughter of John and Mathilda (Meyer) Juran.

Mathilda was united in marriage to the love of her life, Herman Kloser, on August 2, 1958, at the Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista, IA. The two have been blessed with 59 wonderful years together, and 4 adored children. She was a devoted full-time wife and mother, who took great pride in caring for her home and family. Mathilda was also a very faith filled woman who was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church. She always appreciated the simple pleasures in life such as tending to her bountiful flower gardens and plants, or even just enjoying a little serene time watching the birds and woodland creatures outside her window. Her greatest joy in life however, came from all the precious time she was able to spend with her beloved family. We are deeply saddened today by the loss of our wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend, but discover peace in knowing that we will all one day be reunited with of our loved ones who have been called home ahead of us. We thank you Mathilda, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the love, lessons and memories you leave behind.

Those left to cherish Mathilda’s memory include

her husband,
Herman Kloser, Dubuque, IA;

her children,
Edward (Bette) Kloser, Darlington, WI,
Paul Kloser, Dubuque, IA,
Roger Kloser, Dubuque, IA
and Patricia (Curt) Kirschbaum, Hazel Green, WI;

a granddaughter,
Rachel (Daniel) Schmitt, Platteville, WI;

a sister-in-law,
Virginia Juran, Holy Cross, IA;

and a brother-in-law,
Donny (Dorothy) Wolf, Dubuque, IA.

Mathilda was preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Madonna (Fritz) Roling, Rosemary (Bud) Gibbs, Anthony Juran, Robert (Donna) Juran, Bill Juran, Delores Wolf and Joseph Juran.

A Mathilda M. Kloser memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among her favorite charities.

Mathilda’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital for all of the kind, compassionate and professional care they provided to Mathilda, and her family.

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

Marie K. Kunkel

Marie K. Kunkel, 91, of Davenport, formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Jersey Ridge Place in Davenport, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 5th, 2018 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Rev. Andrew Mensah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Marie was born on September 15, 1926, in the township of Jamestown, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Rose (Wiederholt) Placke and was raised on her parents’ farm in Wisconsin. She married Kenneth Kunkel on May 31, 1948 at St. Joseph’s Sinsinawa.

She worked as a seamstress for Roshek’s Department store for more than 30 years.

Marie was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church since 1954, and was a very religious woman.

Surviving are her daughter, Kathy Schroeder, of Davenport, IA; four grandchildren, Angela (Jared) Smith of Manhattan Beach, CA; Katie (Nick Seacord) Schroeder, of Kansas City, MO; Amy (Matt) Sweeney, of Davenport, IA; and Kenny (Stephanie) Schroeder, of Eldridge, IA; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Eileen Placke of Dickeyville, WI; Dorothy Kunkel of Kieler, WI; and Rose Ann Kunkel of Dubuque, IA; three brothers-in-law, Ralph Kunkel, John (Pat) Kunkel, and Floyd (Darlene) Kunkel, all of Kieler, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth Kunkel, in 2012; a daughter, Linda Lou, in 1982; a son-in-law, Michael Schroeder, in 2017; sister and brother-in-law, Doris (Merlyn) Wolter; sister, Rosaline Edwards; brother, Vernon Placke; mother and father-in-law, Kilian and Angeline Kunkel; brothers-in-law, Donald Kunkel, Gerald Kunkel, Eugene Hornbeck, and Gilbert Vaassen; and sisters-in-law, Darlene Kunkel, Rita Hornbeck, and Marian Vaassen.

In lieu of flowers, a Marie Kunkel Memorial Fund has been established.

Edwin O. Klaas

Edwin O. “Ed” Klaas, 91, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 1st, 2018 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.
Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 6th, at St. Raphael Cathedral with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 5th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where there will be a wake service at 7:00 p.m.

Ed was born on February 6, 1927 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Paul and Ida (Schroeder) Klaas. He married Patricia Thoma on October 20, 1956 at St. Donatus Catholic Church.

He is a United States Army Air Force Veteran. He farmed and worked at John Deere in Dubuque until his retirement.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #6, and the UAW Local 94. He was an active member in the parish and the choir of Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler, St. Mary’s Dubuque and lastly at the Cathedral.

He enjoyed square dancing and spending time with his family. He could be found checking up on the farm daily.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; two sons Joseph (Jodi) Klaas and Kenneth Klaas; his son-in-law Randy Smith; grandchildren, Jami (Dave), Josh (Loni), Victoria, Nate, Sawyer, and Savanna. His great grandchildren Justin, Ashlee, Skyler, Libbie, Bryson and Elise. One sister Ethel Schroeder and one brother Phil Klaas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Pam; brothers Oscar and Paul; sisters Dorothy, Mary and Edith.

The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals who cared for Ed.

Kenneth D. Davison Jr.

Kenneth D. Davison Jr., 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the Galesburg Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Kenneth on Thursday, April 5, 2018, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date.

Kenneth Dean Davison Jr. was born on February 10, 1933 in Lebanon, Missouri to Kenneth and Thelma (Beagle) Davison. He was a 1950 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then served his country in the U.S. Army receiving an honorable discharge. He married Margaret Kay Burmahl on September 16, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Daryl, Kathleen and Darby.

Kenneth was a lifetime farmer in the Maquoketa area and had worked as an inspector at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for over 25 years.

Kenneth enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and mushrooming.

Those left to honor his memory include his children, Daryl Davison of Maquoketa, IA, Kathleen (Bill Marousis) Stoll of Maquoketa, IA, and Darby (Teresa) Davison of Maquoketa, IA; 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Richard “Dick” (Karen) Davison of Maquoketa, IA, and William “Bill” Davison of Maquoketa, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret on January 28, 2004, a sister Mary Davison, and a brother John “Jack” Davison.

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

Harlan J. Knuth

Harlan J. Knuth, 91, of Dubuque, formerly of Rockford, died Sunday, April 1, 2018 at Luther Manor.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church where visitation will also be held Thursday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Military Rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Entombment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Rockford.

Harlan was born August 9, 1926 in Luana, Iowa, son of Werner and Elsie (Lenth) Knuth. After graduating from High School, he served in the US Navy. He worked at Carter Craft Inc, retiring in 1991.

He married Arletta Torrey on July 2, 1955. She preceded him in death in 1995. He married Georgia (Kaufman) Derby in 1997.

Harlan was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia of Dubuque; three sons, Harlan (Susan) Knuth of Rockford, Ill, Mark (Carla) Knuth of Madison, Wisc., and Bruce (Kasie) Knuth of Oconomowoc, Wisc., Three step children, Steve (Cindy) Derby of Dubuque, Laura Derby of Dubuque and Kim Moorhead of Pensacola, Fla.; 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, a brother, Werner (Jacki) Knuth of Owatonna, Minn.; a sister, Marie Rommel of North Ridgeville, Ohio; and a sister in law, Kathy Knuth of Glencoe, Minn.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Delbert Knuth.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque (hospiceofdubuque.org).

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for their loving care.

Charles H. Burkart

Charles H. Burkart, age 75, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:30 a.m., on Friday, March 30, 2017, at home. To honor Charles’ life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 Saint Joseph Street, with Rev. Gabriel C. Anderson officiating. To celebrate Charles’ life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6.

Charles was born on May 8, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Elmer N. and Helen D. (Paar) Burkart.

Charles grew up in Dubuque and attended Loras Academy before finally becoming a proud graduate of the 1st class at Wahlert High School. Charles went on to next honorably serve his country with the U.S. Air Force, during the Vietnam War. He was eventually united in marriage to his soul-mate, Frances Schmitt Paisley, on June 14, 1975, in Dubuque. The two were graciously blessed with 40 wonderful years together, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on September 9, 2015. Charles had a strong work ethic, which he put to good use with Eagle Window and Door for 7 years, Inland Molasses for 12 years, and finally another 9 years with Regis Paper Company, before he finally retired. He was always very proud of his service to our country and was a long-time member of the American Legion Dubuque Post #6. He was also honored to be involved with the Republican Party for many years, and was even fortunate enough to be voted Treasurer during his service. In his free time, Charles thoroughly enjoyed listening to music, traveling the world in search of a new experience, and sitting down to read a good book, always eager to expand his wealth of knowledge about world history and the railroad. Our hearts ache today with the loss of Charles from our daily lives, but we know he is once again spending time with Fran and that all of his earthly struggles have ceased, only to be replace by absolute joy, perfection and love. Thank you Charles for all the memories you leave behind; we’ll absolutely cherish them until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Charles’ memory include

his sister,
Karen Schwendinger, Epworth, IA;

his sister-in-law,
Rosemary Burkart, Morris Plains, NJ;

his 5 step-children,
Thomas J. Paisley, Dubuque, IA,
Karen S. Potter, Dubuque, IA,
Daniel J. Paisley Sr., Lexington, KY,
Pamela M. McDaniel, Madison, WI
and Gregory G. (Mary) Paisley, Dubuque, IA;

12 step-grandchildren,
Lee (Mari) Potter,
Shelby (Tony) Bellomio,
Stephanie (Billy) Dean,
Stacy (Tim) Welu,
Daniel (Ann) Paisley Jr.,
Robert Paisley,
Edward Flattery,
Brittany McDaniel,
William Paisley,
Samuel Paisley,
Sara (Tim) Biang
and Lynn (Jonathan) Anderson;

many step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren;

and several nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances “Fran” Burkart; a brother, Raymond Burkart; a brother-in-law, Thomas Schwendinger; a step-grandson, Rob Potter and a nephew, Thomas Burkart.

Charles’ family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Above and Beyond Hospice, Home Instead, and his wonderful neighbors, Jason, Beth, Anna and Evelyn, for all of their loving care and support.

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

John T. Burlage

John T. Burlage, 82, of Monticello, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Good Neighbor Society in Manchester.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 700 East Oak St in Monticello where a parish vigil service will be recited at 3 pm and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday from 9:15 – 10:15 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 4700 Valley Farm Rd, in Central City prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Central City with burial in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Castle Grove. Rev. Wayne Droessler will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Monticello Drill Team.

John was born on January 8, 1936, to Lawrence and Frances (Kurt) Burlage in Monticello, Iowa. He graduated from St Mary High School in Cascade with the class of ’54 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent four years. On June 3, 1961, he married Doris Domeyer at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa.

John, with his wife by his side, raised their family on their farm in Castle Grove west of Monticello. Later in life he enjoyed driving truck and talking about his adventures. He had a special passion for his beloved pygmy goats and could watch and talk about them for hours. They brought him nearly as much joy as his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 57 years, Doris. His children: Cheryl (Rodger) Sill of Stanley, IA, and their children: Tom, Will, Sam and Aly; Peter (Holly) Burlage of Plano, TX and their children: Sydney and Addisyn; Daniel Burlage of Marion, IA; Carla Burlage of Ankeny, IA and Dawn Burlage and special friend, Brett Swift, of Cedar Rapids, IA; siblings: Grace Tallman of Davenport, IA, Robert Burlage of Monticello, IA, Richard Burlage of Brooklyn, NY, Helen Hignite of Oklahoma City, OK and Don (Marcia) Burlage of Tipton, IN. In-Laws: LaVerne “Bud” Domeyer of Petersburg, MaryLou Gravel of Dyersville, John (Shirley) Domeyer of Holy Cross, Peter (Clairce) Domeyer of Dubuque and Rita Domeyer of Dyersville as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick, his parents and his brother, William “Bill” Burlage, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

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

Joel M. Dexter

Joel M. Dexter, 61, of rural Schapville, IL, passed away suddenly on Friday, March 30, 2018 of an apparent heart attack due to possible inhalation of smoke from a controlled burn in rural Scales Mound, IL.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, with Rev. Mark Oehlert officiating. Burial will be in the Shepherd of the Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday at the Church. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is in charge of arrangements.

Joel was born on March 28, 1957 at Watertown, WI, the son of Pastor John Paul and Shirley (Capper) Dexter. He was united in marriage to Deborah J. Zander on December 11, 1994.

Joel was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, class of 1975. He then graduated from Wartburg College. Joel lived the past 20 years at Urbana, IL, before recently moving to Schapville and purchasing his childhood home.

Joel was a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at Schapville. He retired from the Illinois State Geological Survey. From 1974-1980 Joel worked in Jo Daviess County as a hired farm and township road employee. He was a freelance photographer 1976-present; a volunteer at Camp New Hope for campers 8 years old and above with developmental physical disabilities, Mattoon, IL; a Principle News and Feature photographer for the Journal Gazette, Mattoon, IL, 1980-1988; a published author of photographic journal books: Galena and the Land that Time Forgot, 1993, Bob McElwee and Joel Dexter; For Everything There is a Season: The Land and People of Rural Illinois, 1994, Joel Dexter; scientific photographer at the ISGS, 1988-2008; Prairie Research Institute (home to five scientific surveys of the state of Illinois including IL Natural History, IL State Archaeological, IL State Geological, IL State Water, IL Sustainable Technology) photographer and assistant under Director and Founder, 2012-2016.

Joel was a “social butterfly,” who loved taking pictures, talking and visiting with people. His mentor in photography was Archie Lieberman. He loved music and shared his musical ability on his guitar, playing and singing at church.

Surviving are his wife, Deborah “Debbie,” his mother, Shirley (Gary) Lane, three brothers, Jeff Dexter, Josh (Jane) Dexter, and Jay (Linda) Dexter; three nieces, Carlie (Zach) Dexter, Casey (James) McCartney, and Jessica (Jared) Grant; grand nephews, Coy and Hunter and another on the way; sister-in-law, Victoria (Edward) Zander and their son, Robert (Kelsey) Zander; and several aunts and uncles; and a very close friend, Esther Lieberman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Pastor John Paul Dexter, infant daughter, Elizabeth Anne Dexter, and his in-laws, Robert L. and Betty P. Zander.

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