Obituaries Archive

Bonnie M. Classon

Bonnie M. Classon, age 69, of Asbury, formerly of Spencer, Iowa, was welcomed home through Heaven’s gates on January 3, 2019 with her loving family by her side while she was finally experiencing God’s forgiving and loving embrace.

To celebrate Bonnie’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at the Tri-State Community Church, 12937 Derby Grange Road, Dubuque, Iowa, with Pastor Jack Redmond officiating. Another memorial service will be held later this year in Massachusetts for her family there to attend. Bonnie’s journey will end as a living tribute as a tree in The Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee so that she may continue to stand tall, ever reaching upward toward the light and warmth of the skies above. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bonnie’s family.

Bonnie was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on January 14, 1949, a beautiful daughter to Gordon and Joan (Hosegood) Bruce. Bonnie proudly graduated with honors in 2011 from Iowa Lakes Community College with a diploma in Medical Office Technology Coding. For over 40 years, Bonnie had devoted her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She fulfilled this role in both hospitals and nursing homes and no matter where she found herself serving her fellow man, she could always be seen completing her mission with an attitude of love. At the age of 62, Bonnie began her new role as a full-time caregiver for her husband Larry.

Bonnie will be fondly remembered by all for her tender heart and contagious sense of humor, which continued to be ever present even as her earthly journey was coming to an end. She easily gained the immediate love of those she met with her constant chatter and unwavering appreciation for the little moments in life. Her kindness was endless and she only ever desired good for those she cherished. In passing, she undeniably had the love and support of many in her community, along with her family, both near and far.

Those left behind to treasure Bonnie’s memory include

her husband,

Larry Classon, Spencer, Iowa;

her children,

Tina (Randy) Laine-Rhomberg, Dubuque, Iowa,

Ted (Pamela) Classon, Knoxville, Tennessee,

and Chad (Lottie) Classon, Spencer, Iowa;

her grandchildren,

Ariel, Faith, Damien, Madison, Dylan, Raina and Gage;

her sisters,

Sandra (Fredrick) Laflash, Cherry Valley, Massachusetts,

Linda Patterson, Leicester, Massachusetts,

and Karen Andros, Fitchburg, Massachusetts;

and her brother,

Robert (Donna) Bruce, Spencer, Massachusetts.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Bruce.

Bonnie’s family would like to thank Dr. Engleman at Medical Associates, as well as the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their loving care and support.

Online condolences may be left for Bonnie’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Joseph W. Conlan

Joseph W. “Joe” Conlan, 77, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and formerly of Bernard, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church in Hiawatha, Iowa, with Very Rev Mark Ressler officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque with full military honors accorded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Joe was born on March 4, 1941 in Dubuque, the son of Orville and Lucille (Kress) Conlan. He graduated high school from Saint Patrick School, North Garryowen, and attended Loras College in Dubuque. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966 and was stationed in Vietnam for one year. He was a proud participant in an Honor Flight to Washington DC in May 2018.

Joe owned and operated the Twelve Mile House Supper Club in Bernard for many years. He also worked as an insurance adjuster and a realtor for Goodman Insurance and Reality in Dubuque before moving to Cedar Rapids. In Cedar Rapids, he continued his passion for real estate and land development, working for Iowa Realty until his retirement.

He married Gail Alt on April 26, 2003, and they were happily married for 15 years. They took many trips around the United States and twice to Europe. Gail was the love of his life.

Joe enjoyed bowling, going to stock car races, and golf, especially in his later years. He also looked forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since he was proud of his Irish roots.

He was an advocate for the underprivileged, and he supported Camp Courageous and Albrecht Acres for many years. Joe was a faithful Catholic and a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; step-children, Ed (Sandi) Alt and Mark (Kristen) Alt; three step grandchildren, Mikaela (Michael) Henson, Ashley Alt and Kelly Alt; siblings: Sister Mary Patricia Conlan, RSM, of Dubuque, Frank (Darlene) Conlan, of Bernard, Ed Conlan, of Dubuque, Mary (Roger) Konrardy, of Dubuque, Doris (Allan) Sauser, of Cascade, Dan (Barb) Conlan, of Key West. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins especially Jean Church, Cheryl Valenta and Barb Dye.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Grace (Conlan) Gassman and his in-laws, Bertil and Helen Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Camp Courageous or the Joseph Conlan Memorial Fund.

Lawrence C. Smith

Lawrence C. (Larry) Smith, 78, of Asbury, Iowa, crossed the final bar on Saturday, December 29, 2018. Friends may pay their respects on Thursday, January 3, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA. A brief funeral service will follow visitation.

Larry was born with adventure in his soul on August 18, 1940, in Eustis, FL, son of Joseph M. and Mildred Bearmore Smith. He grew up in Mount Dora, FL, where he received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools. He attended the University of Florida and Lake Sumter State College, and was a graduate of the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies. In 1976, he married Carmen Rosales of Biscol, Philippines.

As a youth, Larry enjoyed bicycling and canoeing-activities that foreshadowed his career as a world traveler, first as a seaman in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1961, and then as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1963 to 1998. His work as a mariner took him to over 70 countries, and he developed a world view unmatched in breadth and depth. He maintained friendships with several of his fellow mariners even after his retirement, corresponding with them in longhand, and held dear to his heart many mementos from his days on the high seas and his time in ports of call.

Larry was a history enthusiast and often turned the most casual conversation into a history lesson. He had a prodigious memory for historical events and dates, and could expound at length on historical figures, both notorious and obscure. He was knowledgeable not only about his homeland, but also about countries and cultures unfamiliar to most of us. Larry was an avid reader, avoided television, and referred to the computer as “the magic box.” During his later years, he spent Sunday evenings listening to the Big Broadcast on KDTH, clearly relishing the memories old-time radio programs evoked.

Larry lived simply and well. He appreciated sunsets, moonrises, and cloudscapes, and he delighted in the activity of birds at the feeders in his backyard and the endearing antics of the chipmunks he provided with generous helpings of peanuts. He was especially fond of the broiled cod and salad bar at Neumann’s Bar and Grill in Holy Cross, IA, a destination to which he made a pilgrimage every Friday evening for the past 12 years.

Those who will honor Larry’s memory include his three children, Christine (Kerry) Madalinski of Escanaba, MI, Christopher Smith, of Long Island, NY, and Elizabeth Kelley, of Fruitland, FL; his two stepdaughters, Carmen (David) Brennan of Pleasant Grove, UT, and Kathleen (Jason) Cavalier of Thousand Oaks, CA; seven grandchildren: Lindsey, Michael , Lola, Sydney, Riley, Calvin, and Claire; and three great-grandchildren, Milo, Max, and Mason Sage. The years she shared with Larry will be cherished by his lady friend, Susan M. Dolter, with whom he resided.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Frances E. Glasgow.

Raymond D. Bechen

Raymond D. “Ray” Bechen, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home by the Lord on December 30th, 2018 at Hallmark Care in Mount Vernon.

Funeral service will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday January 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon Jim Schmitt officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until time of service Monday at the funeral home. Entombment will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Ray was born on June 22, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Emil and Edna (Franz) Bechen. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Casey on July 4th, 1953 and they were happily married for 57 years. They owned and operated Ray and Betty’s Bakeshop in Galena, IL for many years.

During that time Ray served as a Fireman and later worked for a private detective agency in Dubuque. He then worked many years with St. Dominic Villa as a maintenance engineer until retirement.

Ray was a strong faith filled man who served as a eucharistic minister. He enjoyed serving the community and volunteering. Raymond was known for his humorous side, who always played practical jokes on everyone he met. He was very passionate about music until the very end.

He is survived by his son Frederick; two daughters Margaret Dawn and Victoria (Brian); five grandchildren, Ryan (Lili), Caleb (Kerry), Jeshua (Kevin), Nicholas and Abagale (Brandon), along with 7 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his two brothers Joseph and Eddie (Clara).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Elizabeth; a son John; three brothers Robert, Eugene and Donald; and a granddaughter Elishyah.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

Marie C. Herrig

Marie C. (Kalmes) Herrig, 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 after a 3 1/2 year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 7th, 2019 at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:45 p.m.

Marie was born on January 29, 1927 in Potosi, WI, daughter of Charles and Martha (Schmitz) Abing. She married Harold Kalmes on November 4, 1947. He preceded her in death on December 14, 1968. She married Julian “Jukes” Herrig on October 17, 1981. He preceded her in death on April 23, 1996.

Marie worked at both National Tea grocery stores in Dubuque where she was in charge of the fruit and vegetable display as well as the customer checkout. She met her husband Harold Kalmes while working at National Tea. They married and lived in St. Donatus while raising 8 children. Harold and Marie managed the Kalmes Store from 1948 to 1953. After Harold was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1968, Marie continued to live in St. Donatus and successfully raised their children on her own.

After living in St. Donatus for more than 50 years, Marie moved to Dubuque in 2002. Marie volunteered her time sewing quilts for St. Luke’s Church. Marie loved to sew, crochet and quilt. She made many items over the years and provided each grandchild and great grandchild with a hand-made baby blanket.

Marie enjoyed games especially Scrabble and Canasta. In recent years she kept busy embroidering special items for friends and family. Marie is best known for her humor and the ability to make every person she encountered feel special. She was remarkably strong despite the tough challenges she faced in her life. She always made others laugh, even in her last days.

Those who will honor Marie’s memory include her children, Gary Kalmes, of Richmond, VA, Darrell (Diane) Kalmes, of Dubuque, Mary Jean (Steve) Sieverding, of St. Donatus, Doug (special friend Crystal) Kalmes, of Carbon Cliff, IL, Greg (Jeanie) Kalmes, of St. Donatus, Steve (Dee) Kalmes, of Springville, IA, Beth (Jeff) Kaiser, of Dubuque and Denise Kalmes, of Dubuque; 11 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; her sister’s Irene Seng, of Potosi, Luella Brandt, of Kieler, Bettty (Jim) Jungk, of Dubuque, Doris (Bernard) Hentrich, of Hazel Green and Margaret (Joe) Hentrich, of Belmont; a brother Irvin (Katie) Abing, of Potosi, brother-in-law Lawrence (Windy) Kalmes, of St. Donatus, sister’s-in-law Paulette Abing, of Potosi, Bernadette (Don) Williams, of Lancaster and Mariella Berthel, of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Martha Abing; her husband Harold Kalmes; her husband Jukes Herrig; daughter-in-law Rita Kalmes; grandson Scott Sieverding; great-grandson Brecken Woolsey; four brothers, Gerald Abing, Cyril Abing, Leo Abing and Richard Abing, and her sister Berniece Kieler.

The family would like to extend very special thanks and appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jenni, Amy and Julie who took very special care of Marie the last few months. They brightened each and every day and Marie was so thankful for their time and compassion. Words cannot describe how special you are to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Dubuque, 1670 John F. Kennedy Road.

Bette E. Fischer

Bette E. Fischer, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on January 1, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center with family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St. Raphael Cathedral with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. No public visitation will be held, private family visitation will be at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Bette was born on August 13, 1928 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of John and Mathilda (Welter) Leicht.
She married Louis Fischer Jr. on July 26, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2009.

She enjoyed a good game of Euchre, quilting, jigsaw puzzles, reading and playing games with the grandchildren.
Bette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be dearly missed by many.

She is survived by her five children, Lynn (Bob) Miller, Louis (Teresa) Fischer, John (Cess) Fischer, Caroline (Tim) Kieler, Mark (Leslie) Fischer. Grandchildren; David (Elena), Tom (Ellen) and Danny (Brittany) Miller, Louis (Carolyn), Ben and Gretchen Fischer, Emily (Dan) Kearney, Nick (Stacy), Lee (Miranda) and Will Kieler, Kate and Ally Fischer. Great grandchildren, Luke, Cole, Sophie, Grace, Gage, Violet, Freya, Joe, Viv, Sam, Bryn and Lou. Brother-in-law Bob (Betty) Fischer, sister-in-law Mary Sandmore along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Louis and Germaine Fischer; siblings, Lucille (Carter) Matthewson, Mary (Warner) Untersee, John (Sis) Leicht and Bernice (Bob) Wiezorek; one great grandson Wyatt Kieler.

Memorials in Bette’s name may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

The family wishes to thank Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care they gave to Bette.

Katherine J. Wilcox

Katherine J. Wilcox, 84, of Dubuque passed away peacefully Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, IA.

Family and Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 3rd at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Katherine was born on November 10, 1934, in Christopher, Illinois, daughter of Charles and Orsla Meyers.

Katherine married Douglas Wilcox on April 19, 1975 in Galena, IL where they lived for the first 19 years of their marriage. They then moved to Dubuque where they lived for many years. Katherine and Douglas spent 43 wonderful years together. Katherine worked as a bartender, housekeeper and as child caregiver for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reading, quilting, doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, drawing and coloring and most importantly spending time with her friends and family.

Katherine was a kind, loving and caring person. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She will always be loved and never ever forgotten.

Katherine is survived by her children Donald Salser, Sarah (Robert) Foley, Cathy Salser, George (Thess) Salser, and Marla (Mike) Lange. Douglas Jr. Wilcox, Thomas (Bonnie) Wilcox, Velma Burton, Joseph (Lisa) Wilcox and 25 grand-children, and 43 great-grandchildren. Her siblings Donald Roberts, Fred Silkwood and Marla Graham and many nieces and nephews.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Orsla Meyers. Her Husband Douglas Wilcox. Her brother James Meyers.

The family would like to thank the Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and Staff at Ennoble Manor who were so wonderful in caring for Katherine.

Louis Weber

Louis “Louie” Robert William Weber, 16, of Farley, Iowa, son of Barb and Ron Weber, went home to be with his angels on Saturday, December 29, 2018 following complications from surgery at the Missouri State University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Friends and relatives of Louis may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Saturday, January 5th at the funeral home.

Services for Louis will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. John’s Cemetery in Placid, IA.

He was born September 18, 2002 in Dubuque, Iowa, completing the Weber tribe. Louis could generally be found in the kitchen where he was a food enthusiast, cook, creator of new taste and a friend to talk too. He was 4ft and 1/4 inches tall, engineer, geologist, techie, philosopher and astronomer all rolled into one. His room is a museum of his collections, geodes, rocks, Legos, dream catchers, space and anything science and much more.

Louis was blessed with an amazingly beautiful heart, an adaptive spiritual soul and devoted selfless personality. He adored all of his nieces and nephews. However, Louis was a hero to so many. He fought his whole life trying to keep up and not be left behind. Louis always was there for a hug or two or three. Louis was and will always be a WD BOBCAT. He loved belonging and being with his classmates and friends. Louis was always thinking and planning his next move. He was a smart cookie with a knack to make you smile. Louis found his way into every heart that knew him and every set of eyes that was blessed to see his smile.

He was a member of St. John’s Parish in Placid, Iowa.

Those left to cherish his memories are his biggest fans his superheros (his parents), Ron and Barb Weber of Farley, IA; his babies, Joey and Winston (Puppies); nine siblings, Amanda (Ben) Flessner of Cedar Falls, Theresa Weber of Farley, Jenny Koos of Peosta, Abigail (Kyle) Gibson of Florida, Katie Weber (Jonna Berry) of Ankeny, Mike Weber, Ben Weber both of Dubuque, Anna Weber of Farley and Becca Weber (Josh Wanzek) of Dyersville; His Minions in crime (nieces and nephews), Hannah, Samantha, Sarah, Naomi and Lillian Flessner, Maximus and Armina Jones, Jayeden and Justin Koos, and Jossalyn and Kamden Gibson; his prayer warrior maternal grandfather, Arthur Feldmann of Hopkinton, IA; paternal grandparents, Emil and Darlene Weber of Epworth, IA; many faithful aunts and uncles; and many many cousins and friends.

Louis joins all the angels and saints including his brother, Jarad Joseph Weber on February 2003; maternal grandmother, Laura A. Feldmann on December 2018; brother-in-law, Dale Koos on September 2017; one uncle, Gerald Weber; one cousin, William Feldmann Jr and other angels that never had a chance to be held.

Memorials for Louis maybe given to the Louis Weber Scholarship fund, which has been established at American Trust and Savings Bank.

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

Stephen J. Gunther

Stephen John Gunther, 74, of Dubuque passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018 at home.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. Friends can greet the family at 10:00 until time of service.

Steve was born September 16, 1944 in LeMars, Plymouth County, Iowa, son of Clem and Arlyne (Koerner) Gunther. He married Susan Ann LeRette, July 11, 1987 at the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. In 2011, Steve and Susan moved back to the Midwest, to Dubuque, Iowa to be close to Susan’s family.

Steve graduated from LeMars Community High School in 1963. Following graduation, he attended the following schools on a football scholarship, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Trinidad State Junior College-Colorado and Wayne State College-Nebraska. Steve received his Associate of Arts Degree in Education from Trinidad State University, his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Wayne State and his Master’s Degree in Education from Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, Missouri. Steve was a teacher/football coach from 1968-2011, a total of 43 years. He was a longtime head football coach in Iowa. He coached at Northeast Community High School-Goose Lake, Emmetsburg High School and Sioux City North High School. He also had coaching stints at Colorado State University and Independence Community College, Independence, Kansas. He finished his last 25 years coaching high school football in and around the Houston, Texas area at Aldine Eisenhower, Galena Park, Spring Westfield, Smithville, Spring and Magnolia. Steve was very proud of being a teacher/coach. Coaching football was truly his passion and he felt so fortunate to be able to do what he loved. A diehard sports fan, Steve especially enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Surviving are his wife, Susan; a daughter, Erin (Matt) McLaughlin, of Fort Collins, CO; two sons, Rick (Toni) Gunther, of Palisade, CO and Scott (Melissa) Gunther, of Fort Collins, CO; a brother, Dave (Jane) Gunther, of Grand Forks, ND; and eight grandchildren, Jordan, Kane, Allison, Jack, Haley, Gaige, Brock and Sawyer; his mother-in-law, Idalou LeRette; sister and brother-in-law Patricia (Dale) Metcalf, all of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Judy (Gunther) Mauer and Katy (Gunther) Hummel.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann, ARNP Tony Heiar, and nurses, Sandy, Bobye, Sarah Jo and Laura of the Grand River Medical Group-Oncology Department for all the exceptional care and amazing support. Our wonderful hospice team – nurse, Melissa and social worker, Nicole. We are so very grateful and will never forget how comfortable you made Steve feel. Memorials may be made to Jackson County Humane Society or Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Donna Bandy

Donna (Daughetee) Bandy, 79, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, December 30, 2018 at home.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 3, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury, Rd., Dubuque, and from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Friday, January 4, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, January 4, at St. Peter Lutheran Church with burial following at Linwood Cemetery.

Donna was born April 1, 1939 in Dubuque, the daughter of Lyle and Ruth (Sear) Daughetee. She married Oakley Bandy on June 22, 1957.

Donna worked at Galena Glove, Holy Ghost School Day Care, and Coca-Cola, but she would say her most important moments were as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved babysitting her grandchildren and cooking her famous dishes and baking her cookies and banana bread. Donna’s home was always warm and welcoming greeting everyone with open arms and she was always overflowing with love for her family and friends. She was always there with an open kitchen and open heart and welcomed calls or visits late into the night. Donna treasured her time traveling to different destinations especially Florida with her devoted husband Oakie, family, and friends and creating memories. Donna loved Friday nights gatherings with family and Sunday drives. Her family, siblings, and friends is one of the biggest blessings she was so grateful for and the memories they made she cherished. She was the biggest fan in the crowd at the grandchildren’s school events and always had a proud smile and treat ready for all their hard work. Family was everything to her and her love, kindness and compassion were a large part of who they have become today.

Donna is survived by her husband of 61 years, Oakley “Oakie” Bandy Sr.; three children, Oakley (Cindy) Bandy Jr., Kevin (Brenda) Bandy, and Kelly (Eugene) Hingtgen; 13 grandchildren, Shelley, Carrie, Alisha, Betsy, Abbey, Justin, Brittany, Oakley, Tyler, Cassie, Emily, Alaytra, and Evan; 21 great grandchildren; her siblings Larry Daughetee, Ruthie (Dave) Jarrard, in-laws – Dan and Sue Bandy, and Grace Daughetee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Ruth (Sear) Daughetee, father and mother in law Donald and Iona Bandy, siblings and their spouses, Luella (LaVern) Pickle; Mickey (Vince) Troy; Joey (Elmer) Pickle, brother Lyle Daughetee and sister in law Jane Daughetee; in-laws; Sue (Larry) Hurst, Don Bandy; and great grandchildren, Jeffrey and Angel.

Memorials may be made to the Donna Bandy Memorial Fund. The family would like to thank all the caregivers and friends over the years.

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

Tom J. Wirth

Tom J. Wirth, 80, of Elwood, Iowa, passed away on Sunday evening, December 30, 2018, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, January 4, 2019, at the Elwood United Methodist Church in Elwood, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. A private family burial will be held at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.

Tomme Joe “Tom” Wirth was born on May 29, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Alexander and Clara (Peet) Wirth. He was a 1956 graduate of Elwood High School and then attended one year of college in Fairfield, Iowa. He married Janet Kaszinski on June 20, 1959 in Welton, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Pam and Jane. Janet preceded him in death on October 11, 1998. He later married Carol Wolter Benton on November 10, 2000 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Tom farmed in the Elwood area his whole life. In retirement, he worked seasonally for River Valley Coop until becoming ill in October of 2018.

Tom was a member of the Elwood United Methodist Church. He enjoyed having coffee with friends, reading, playing cards, and traveling. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. He especially loved his job with the Coop and visiting with the farmers.

Those left to honor Tom’s memory include his wife, Carol Wirth of Elwood, IA; daughters, Pam (Joe) Loschiavo of Port Jefferson, NY, and Jane (Chris) Samec of Bettendorf, IA; step-children, Bill Benton of Durant, IA, Brett (Jackie) Benton of Phoenix, AZ, and Darcie (Paul) Sly of St. Louis, MO; 4 grandchildren, Christine (Ryan) Sammy, Shannon (Frank) Siegel, TJ Wold and Ellie Samec; 5 step-grandchildren, Alex Benton, Cami Benton, Katie Benton, Lydia Sheehan and Harlan Sheehan; and 4 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Clara, Callum and Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Janet.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Elwood United Methodist Church or the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

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

Betty M. Andis

Betty M. Andis, 86, of Dubuque passed away quietly at home, Sunday, December 30, 2018, with her son by her side. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Betty was born March 18, 1932 in Waldren, Indiana, daughter of Carl and Reba (Rush) Hammond. She loved sewing and growing vegetables in her back yard.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Sandra and son, Michael.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Andis.

Lloyd A. Gronner

Lloyd A. Gronner, age 75 of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey on Sunday, December 30, 2018 at home, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Lloyd’s life, private family services are being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lloyd’s family.

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

Timothy W. Wilson

Timothy Wayne Wilson, 60, of Volga, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was born on November 3, 1958, in Macomb, Illinois, the son of John and Carol (Buchen) Wilson. Tim was raised in the Canton, Illinois, area and graduated from Canton High School. He then served honorably in the United States Army.

In 1988 Tim was united in marriage to Bobbi Sue Folwkes. Four children were born to this union. The couple later divorced. Tim worked as a farm hand for many years. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with his dogs.

Survivors include his mother, Carol (Gene) Markley of Adairsville, Georgia; two daughters, Echo (Anthony) Richardson of Guttenberg and Melissa (Travis) Myers of Lamont; two sons, Garett Wilson and Zane Wilson, both of Guttenberg; four grandchildren, Mason Baker, Marcus Myers, Corbin Wilson, and Gracelyn Wilson; two brothers, Christopher (Denise) Wilson and Bart (Heather) Markley; and his fiancée, Connie Slater-Wilson.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, John Wilson; and one sister, Kimberly Wilson.

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

Celebration of Life: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Richard F. Nunez

Richard F. Nunez, 93, of Dubuque died Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center with his wife and son by his side. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Entombment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post 6.

Rick was born July 29, 1925, son of Rafael and Soledad Nunez. After graduating from Colorado Springs High School, Rick enlisted in the US Navy on June 23, 1942 at the age of 17. He saw action in the South Pacific during WW II. Following six years of active duty, Rick served in the Naval Reserve for the next 44 years, retiring at Chief Boatswain’s Mate.

He was pleased when a group of navy personnel took him out for brunch and presented him with a big cake designed like a ship for his 93rd birthday. He felt badly he didn’t have their addresses to send notes to let them know how proud it made him feel.

He married Eleanor Kohn at St. Francis De Sales Church in Hazel Green, Wisc. in 1955. Together they had two sons, Randy and Robert.

Rick was employed at DDDKG Architects for 20 years, and later retired from the plant engineering department at John Deere Dubuque Works.

He was a member of St. Columbkille’s parish where he was an usher and member of the buildings and grounds committee. After retirement, he put in many hours working on repairing windows and rooms at St. Columbkille’s school & church.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor Nunez of Dubuque; and two sons, Randy Nunez of Bettendorf, Iowa and Robert Nunez of Bridgewater, New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Robert, Joe, Ralph and Rafael; three sisters, Linda, Carmy and Marie, and their spouses; his father and mother-in-law, Cooper & Adaline Kohn; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul & Dorie Kohn.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to distribute among veterans’ organizations.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Sullivan, his nurses and staff, especially nurse Lorilee; as well as the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center ICU and 3rd floor for their wonderful care.