Obituaries Archive

Darlene E. Wedewer

Darlene E. Wedewer, 83 of New Vienna, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, at home.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Tuesday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John O’Connor will officiate.

Darlene was born on July 14, 1934, to Edward and Mary (Fangmann) Kern in Dyersville. She married Howard “Bud” Wedewer on August 16, 1950. Together they raised 7 children on their farm Northwest of New Vienna. Darlene’s hobbies included gardening, playing cards, quilting, cooking, fishing and traveling. Her passion was taking care of her grandchildren and spending time with her children and friends. She was a member of the VFW Legion Auxiliary and St. Boniface Parish and its Altar Rosary Society.

Darlene is survived by her seven children: Diane (Larry) Kloser of New Vienna, Gary (Carol) Wedewer of New Vienna, Carl (Michelle) Wedewer of North Buena Vista, Lynn (Matt) Linder of West Des Moines, Ron (Tirzah) Wedewer of Manchester, Vickie (Bud) Feldmann of Dyersville, Kenny (Krystal) Wedewer of Key West, Dubuque, 17 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, special friend, Bob Fitzgerald of Dyersville, siblings: Dale (Donna) Kern of Des Moines, Bob Kern of Santa Theresa, Mexico, Dorie Ruppenkamp of Iowa City, Art (Lois) Kern of Dyersville, Leon (Marilyn) Kern of New Vienna, David (Jeanette) Kern of Cedar Rapids, Linda Kern Garbisch of Kailua, HI, and Rick (Terry) Kern of Minneapolis, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, a sister in infancy, Judith, and brother-in-law, Don Ruppenkamp.

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

Rosalinda M. Wubben

Rosalinda M. Wubben, 91, of Scales Mound, IL, formerly of Menominee, IL, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee, IL, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the Parish and St. Ann’s Society rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Rosalinda was born on May 28, 1926 in Menominee Twp. of Jo Daviess County, IL, the daughter of Joseph and Cecelia (Mensen) Middendorf. She was united in marriage to Leo G. Wubben on May 6, 1947 at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee. He preceded her in death on November 4, 1971.

She was a farm wife, who enjoyed quilting, the newborn animals, working in her garden, reading and playing cards. Rosalinda was a member of Nativity BVM Church and the St. Ann’s Society at Menominee and Holy Trinity Church and its Altar & Roary Society at Scales Mound.

Surviving are eight children, Marilyn (Bill) Reed of Scales Mound, Judy (Dan) Webster of Shullsburg, WI, David (Twila) Wubben of Mason, City, IA, Richard (Lois) Wubben of Menominee, Mary Carol (Reid) Batteram of Hazel Green, WI, Beverly (Jeff) Leahy of Shullsburg, Daniel (Betty) Wubben of Hazel Green, and Karen (John) Wienen of Scales Mound; 23 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two on the way, her brother, Walter (Marceline) Middendorf and sister-in-law, Jane Middendorf, both of Menominee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cecelia; her husband Leo; two grandchildren, Ryan Wubben and Lindsay Wubben-Simonini; her siblings, Barney, Oscar, Elmer, Henry, Rita and Tony.

A special thank you to the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community nurses and staff for the wonderful care given to our Mom.

A Rosalinda M. Wubben memorial fund has been established.

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

Ronald F. Bliss

Ronald F. “Ron” Bliss, 71, of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Thursday morning, March 29, 2018, in Bellevue, Iowa.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, April 2, 2018, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be in the Andrew, IA Cemetery.

Ronald Frederick Bliss was born on October 7, 1946 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Frederick and Arlene (Current) Bliss. He was a 1964 graduate of Andrew Community High School and then served six years in the Army Reserves. He married Carol Jean Graves on April 3, 1966 in Andrew, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Alan and Kim.

Ron first worked for McMurray Farms, then Clinton Engines in Maquoketa, and later for International Harvester. He lastly worked as a truck driver for Darling (formerly National By-Products) in Clinton for over 44 years, retiring in 2012.

Ron was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew. He loved the outdoors and would go fishing any chance he could. He also enjoyed racecar driving for 14 years, playing softball, and coon hunting. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago sports teams including the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, and Black Hawks.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Carol Bliss of Andrew, IA; children, Alan (Lisa) Bliss of Andrew, IA, and Kim (Troy) Hingtgen of Andrew, IA; 3 grandchildren, Ashlee (Keith) DeMoss, Ryan Hingtgen and Cale Hingtgen; 2 great-grandchildren, Jadyn DeMoss and Kamryn DeMoss; a brother, James (Cindy) Bliss of LaMotte, IA; a sister, Diane (Rick) Gerischer of Maquoketa, IA; and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one infant son, Chad Ronald Bliss.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Ronald F. “Ron” Bliss memorial fund has been established.

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

Geraldine A. Behrend

Geraldine A. Behrend, 93, of Monmouth, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Anamosa Care Center in Anamosa, Iowa.

A celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held at 2 P.M., Monday, April 2, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 P.M. Burial will be at the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery.

Geraldine Ann Clapp was born on December 11, 1924 in Toronto, Iowa, to Daniel and Magdelina (Kent) Clapp Sr. She grew up in the Toronto area and married Leonard L. Behrend on February 28, 1942 in Trenton, New Jersey. To this union five children were born, Charlotte, Bill, Lou, Rollie and Betty.

Geraldine raised a family and worked various jobs throughout her life, most notably as the “famous pie maker” at WAKA Restaurant in Maquoketa.

Geraldine was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa. She enjoyed feeding the birds, especially cardinals, and cooking, sewing, embroidering quilts, and playing the organ. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Charlotte (Allen) McCloy of Monmouth, IA, Bill (Ann) Behrend of Sioux Falls, SD, Lou (Carla) Behrend of DeWitt, IA, Rollie (Kay) Behrend of Calamus, IA, and Betty (Rich) Priester of Cedar Rapids, IA; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and her husband Leonard on February 23, 1994.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to the Activities Department at the Anamosa Care Center.

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

Craig Taylor

Craig C. Taylor, 66, of Dubuque, passed away on March 28, 2018. There will be no services. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is entrusted with arrangements.

Neil Thomas Anderson

Neil Thomas Anderson, 46, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the Medical Associates Clinic in Galena, IL.

A private celebration of Neil’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Shepherd of Hills Lutheran Cemetery, Schapville, IL.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Schapville, IL. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is in charge of arrangements.

Neil was born on December 20, 1971 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of George and Carol (North) Anderson. He was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, class of 1990.

Neil was united in marriage on October 5, 2002 to Lori Stoewer-Phillips. He was a farmer and was a partner in Anderson Acres since day one.

Neil’s passion was his family, farm, and friends. Everyone knew Neil by the signature black cowboy hat and cowboy boots. He loved to spend time fishing, being with his cattle, and four wheeling.

Surviving is his wife Lori and children, Derian, Jalen, and Maddison, whom he loved spending time with; his father, George; brother, Carl Anderson, and daughter Taylor; and two nephews he loved like his own, Cyleand Clint Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol J. Anderson; grandparents, Bob & Marie North and Marvin and Elaine Anderson, a brother,

Dennis and aunts, Peggy, Diane and Marian.

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

Peggy S. Hanniford

Peggy S. Hanniford would like to let you know that her work here on earth is done. She has retired this place! More on her retirement and relocation in a moment, first here are some important details.

To celebrate Peggy’s life (that important dash between the dates), friends may greet the family from 1 – 3 p.m. Saturday March 31, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. There will be a service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. The Rev. Ms. Karen Candee of Summitt UCC in Dubuque will officiate. Burial of cremains will occur in a private ceremony later.

And now, the rest of the story…

On March 27, 2018 Peggy took mortal leave of her residence in Dubuque, Iowa. Born on November 22, 1945, she was with us an impactful 72 years when she received a call from the angels. It seems The King wanted her to come home and join His Easter celebration. Fitting, as spring and Easter were two of her favorite times of the year.

It’s an appointment from which she will not be returning. And she apologizes for that inconvenience. Not really. Would you? This opportunity comes with some BIG PERKS like being in the blessed presence of Jesus and a reunion with family (her dad and mom!) and friends. Laughter, love, reading to her hearts content, and her favorite MUSIC are guaranteed. Although she will miss her son Chef Patrick’s cooking, the food in Heaven is tasty and a soul never gains an ounce!

If you didn’t know Peggy, you missed someone special. She was blessed with copious amounts of love; genuine to a fault; a gentle Christian soul; a deeply devoted daughter; a loving, giving, and comforting mother; a sassy but tender big sister; a dedicated teacher and Head Start Director at Operation: New View Community Action Agency (38 years!); a true and loyal friend; and a beautiful grandmother. Peggy would tell you always say please and thank you….be kind and people will like you better. And never stop smiling.

Just when she thought she was too old to fall in love again, she became a grandmother, and her five grand-angels (Claire, Bella, Will, Olivia and Kate) stole not only her heart but enriched her life more than words can say. She always maintained that her greatest treasures called her Mema.

To the ones she loved the most: her beloved sons; her daughters-in-law (the daughters she always wanted and finally got); her grand-angels; The Brothers; and her many nieces and nephews, and friends – don’t cry because she’s gone. instead, celebrate her life, warmth, wit and wisdom, her laugh and that infectious smile (she loved to draw smiley faces) that she shared while she was with you.

Although she is gone, she’s never far away. Look for her when the sun rises over the mountains in Montana, or a beautiful evening sunset over a northern Minnesota lake, see her beauty in the earliest spring tulips and daisies to the fall mums. And if you’re lucky (or special) she’ll be that beautiful cardinal outside your window.

Love you forever; from here to infinity, mom, sister, grandma (Mema) and friend!

She is survived by her beloved sons Michael and daughter-in-law Cheryl (Hoffman) Hanniford of Altoona, Iowa, Patrick and daughter-in-law Jennifer (Juergens) Hanniford of Dubuque. She was the proud grandmother of Claire, Isabella, Will, Olivia, and Kate Hanniford. In addition, she is survived by her brothers Donald (Laurie) Potter II of Cook, Minnesota, Gregg Potter of Florence, Montana, Mark (Robin Steinkraus) of Polson, Montana, and Cort (Lynn Bradley) Potter of St. Ignatius, Montana; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Donald and Dorothy Potter.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Victoria O. Famuyide, DO and her staff for the wonderful pulmonary care they provided as Peggy learned to live with COPD. The family would also like to thank the medical staff at Grand River Medical Group, Finley UnityPoint, the ICU staff at Mercy Medical Center, and Manor Care in Dubuque. Your skilled and tender care gave us the gift of time.

Miranda Fredericksen

Miranda “Mandy” Fredericksen, 43, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1640 Main St., Dubuque. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Clinton Lawn Cemetery, Clinton, IA.

Loras A. Soppe

Loras A. Soppe, 76, of Cascade Iowa, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Loras may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friends and relatives of Loras may also call after 9 a.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Services for Loras will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke Presiding,with Flag Presentation afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528. Burial will be held at a later date.

He was born September 8, 1941 in Placid, Iowa, son of Reynold Henry and Albertha K. (Kelchen) Soppe. He received his education in the rural Placid area country schools. On January 15, 1966 he was united in marriage to Erma Theisen at Holy Family Catholic Church in Peosta, IA. He was employed with Steger Construction and also owned and operated Sups Repairs.

He was a member of St, Matthias Parish in Cascade, IA. He is an Air Force Veteran, having served from 1959-1962.

He is survived by his wife, Erma Soppe of Cascade, IA; four children, Christina Soppe of West Union, IA, Michael Soppe (& Merill Guarneri) of Calmar, IA, Jacqueline Goedken of Two Harbor, MN, and Jeremy Soppe of Cedar Rapids, IA ; and a daughter-in-law, Carina Soppe of Lamars, IA; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; seven siblings, Louis (Jeri) Soppe of Monticello, IA, Leo (Donna) Soppe of Cascade, IA, Connie (George) Helle of Anamosa, IA, Diane (Al) Nerney of Oxford Junction, IA, Carol Oberbroeckling of Farley, IA, Beverly (Dave) Holz of Dubuque, IA and Deborah (John) Steger of Dyersville, IA; and a sister-in-law, Doris Soppe of Dyersville, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Chris Soppe on June 18, 2016; one brother, Andrew Soppe in 1988; one brother-in-law, Bill Oberbroeckling in 1996.

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

Roger H. Kunde

Roger H. Kunde, 63, of Bernard, IA passed away March 26th, 2018 at Unity Point Finley Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 31st, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will take place at St. Theresa’s Cemetery in La Motte, IA. Visitation will be on Friday, March 30th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, and after 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until time of service.

Roger was born on January 3rd, 1955, the son of Harry and Anna (Miller) Kunde in Maquoketa, IA.

Roger was the rock of our family. He did everything he could for all of us. Family meant everything to him. He started Roger’s Auto Salvage in 1981, from there he bought North End Wrecking Inc. in 2001. In 2005 he rekindled his love of farming, and built over 1000 acres. He bought Wenzel Towing in 2012 to keep the Legacy of Jules Wenzel Sr. going, the same year he started Watershed Cafe. He was also a member of the Hawkeye Vintage Machinery Association. He love to work, when one project was done, it wasn’t time to rest, it was time to start another.

He will be forever remembered by his partners Lois and Joan; his children, Scott (Karrie Thole) Kunde, Jodi (Chad Knight) Kunde, Deven Kunde, Nathan (Rachel Miller) Kunde, and Jerad (Liz Theisen) Kunde; grandchildren, Hailey, Lexi Jo, and Parker, who will continue to build his dream. He is also survived by his brothers David (Donna) Kunde, Gary (MaryAnn) Kunde, Steven (Joan) Kunde, Randy (Samantha) Kunde; his sisters MaryAnn (Russ) Wenger, Kathy (Roy) Snook, Alice Jean Kunde, and Amylou (Dale) Barglof.

Preceded in death by his brother Timothy and his parents Harry and Anna Kunde.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in his name.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Bernard Fire and Rescue Department for their care.

Stephanie C. Deutsch

Stephanie C. Deutsch, 49, of Dubuque passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 at Dubuque Specialty Care.

Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1640 Main St., Dubuque, where there will be a service at 11 a.m. Deacon Jim Schmidt will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Stephanie was born September 14, 1968, daughter of Wayne and Ileane (Baumgartner) Deutsch Sr. She received her Master’s Degree in Community Health Counseling from Drake University in Des Moines, and her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Religious Studies from Clarke University, Dubuque. Stephanie was devoted to her career as a counselor, and she enjoyed the opportunity to help others. She loved the great outdoors, and especially loved riding her bike and kayaking. Stephanie enjoyed adventures with her family, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was deeply loved and will be missed.

She is survived by her daughters Heather (Timothy) Ricklefs, of Titonka, IA and Megan (Dennis) Tarasi, of Terre Haute, IN; two grandchildren, Tyson Ricklefs and Michaela Tarasi; her mother Ileane Deutsch, of Dubuque; brothers, Wayne A. (Nadine) Deutsch Jr. and Erich (Jessica) Deutsch, both of Dubuque; and her nieces and nephew, Madelyn, Gwen, and Korbin Deutsch.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father Wayne Sr.; and a brother, Michael Deutsch.

Memorials may be made to the National Parks Foundation.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dubuque Specialty Care and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Paul A. Stevens

Paul A. Stevens, of Dubuque, and formerly of Maquoketa and Cameron, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque.

A Natural Journey Farewell with Cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Among survivors include his wife, Donna Ward Stevens of Dubuque, IA.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Paul A. Stevens memorial fund has been established.

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

Steven P. Breuer

Steven P. Breuer, 53, of Baldwin, Iowa, passed away on Saturday morning, March 24, 2018, at his home in rural Baldwin, Iowa.

A funeral mass celebrating Steven’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, where a 6:45 P.M. Scripture Service will be held. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, from 9:30 A.M. until service time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Steven Patrick Breuer was born on August 14, 1964 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Wilfred Paul and Marcella (Weber) Breuer. He was a 1983 graduate of Waterloo Columbus High School and then attended Hawkeye Tech and later Sheldon Lineman School in Sheldon, Iowa. He married Debbie Faye Chipman on September 24, 2005 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Steven, who was affectionately known as “Steve”, “Jinx” or “Brew” was a Journeyman Lineman for over 30 years, currently working for M.J. Electric.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed Trout fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, watching old western movies on television and reading old western books. Additionally, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Debbie Breuer of Baldwin, IA; step-children, Tom (Sarah) Spleas of Hales Corners, WI, Christina (Joseph) Holthaus of Greendale, WI, and Nicholas (Mallory) Chipman of Wauwatosa, WI; 5 step-grandchildren, Emily, Ben, Alex, Nicholas and Zach; five brothers, John Breuer of Jesup, IA, Rick (Angie) Breuer of Waterloo, IA, Jim (Lucy) Breuer of Waterloo, IA, Joe (Carolyn) Breuer of West Union, IA, and Pat (Starla) Breuer of Fredonia, KY; nine sisters, Barb (Steve) Schmit of Elkhorn, NE, Bonnie (John) Gorman of San Diego, CA, Nancy Kreger of Raymond, IA, Teresa (Charles) Lauterbach of Pleasant Hill, IA, Frances (Mike) Miller of Robins, IA, Joan (Rick) Budde of Waterloo, IA, Donna Timmer of Waterloo, IA, Carol (Steve) Gleaves of Houston, TX, and Martha Breuer of Poway, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew Dan Breuer.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Steven P. Breuer memorial fund has been established.

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

Cecilia T. Collins

Cecilia T. Collins, 80, of Walford, Iowa, formerly of Dubuque entered eternal life Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Colonial Manor of Amana.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Raphael Cathedral. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Cecilia was born February 18, 1938 in Dickeyville, Wisconsin, daughter of Vincent and Catherine (Kieler) Loeffelholz. In 1964 she married James W. Collins in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death in October of 2003.

She worked as a cook at Lady of Lourdes for 17 years. She was a Girl Scout leader for four years and loved to quilt and crochet. She only had one daughter; however, she raised several. She helped raise her brothers and sisters at a young age and she babysat for several years. She was loved, and will be missed by, many. She was a member of St. Raphael Cathedral.

She is survived by a daughter, Kelly (Jeffrey) Pottebaum of Walford, Iowa; three granddaughters, Carolyn, Colleen and Catherine Pottebaum; three brothers, Tom (Connie) Loeffelholz and Fidelis (Nancy) Loeffelholz, both of Platteville and Vincent (Sally) Loeffelholz of Cuba City; seven sisters, Bernadette (Don) Williams of Lancaster, Agnes (Norb) Fritz of Lancaster, Felicia Schmitt of Platteville, Imelda (Bob) Hying of Potosi, Madonna (Mick) Whitaker of Potosi, Mary Lou (Harvey) Kruser of Potosi, and Ruth (LaVern) Wiederholt of Cuba City; a brother in law, Don Novotney; sister in law, Mary O’Hara and brother in law, Michael Collins and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Jane Novotney; brother in law, Leo Abing; brother in law, Jack O’Hara and sister in law, Maureen Collins.

In lieu of flowers a Cecilia T. Collins Memorial Fund has been established.

For Further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com

Richard W. Yerke Jr.

Richard W. “Rich” Yerke Jr., age 58, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 8:20 a.m., on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at ManorCare Health Services, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Rich’s life, family and friends may visit from 12:00 noon, until 5:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Rich was born on June 19, 1959, in Boscobel, WI, son of Richard W. and Betty L. (Zwolanek) Yerke Sr.

Rich was born and raised in Wisconsin and traveled the country before finally settling in the Dubuque area. Rich would happily find love with Marjorie Engling, and the two would blend their families together, becoming united in marriage on August 6, 1983, at Eagle Point Park, going on to enjoy 34 wonderful years together. To say that Rich was a, “Jack of all Trades”, would be an understatement. Throughout the years he would devote his time and talents as a lifeguard, a clam diver, a car salesman and an auto mechanic; there wasn’t anything he was afraid to try. In his free time, Rich could be found playing a relaxing game of cribbage, trout fishing on the river, or simply relaxing in his favorite easy chair watching Matlock, Walker Texas Ranger, or just about any Classic Western known to exist. Sometimes the tv watching would become quite spirited if he was watching his beloved Green Bay Packers take on a worthy opponent. Without a doubt though, the activity Rich looked forward to most was the time he spent camping with his family and friends, surely enjoying the great outdoors while getting to savor a little quality time with his grandchildren. We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, but thankfully we discover some comfort in the fact that he is now free of all of his health issues that have plagued him these past few years. We are forever grateful for the abundance of memories Rich leaves behind and we will definitely treasure them all until we meet again.

Those left to cherish Rich’s memory include

his loving wife,
Marjorie Yerke, Dubuque, IA;

his 4 children,
Jeremy (Shannon) Engling, Dubuque, IA,
Chad Engling, Asbury, IA,
Tanya Yerke, Dubuque, IA
and Dana (Joe Kress) Yerke, Dubuque, IA;

his 12 grandchildren,
Kelsey Engling, Kaitlyn Engling, Brandon Engling, Amelia Engling, Natalie Engling, Ashlyn Engling, Trevor Boyd, Isaiah Boyd, Elijah Boyd, Ciara Boyd, Leyla Kress, and Ella Kress;

2 great-grandchildren;

and his 6 siblings,
Crystal (Skip) Peters, Ripley, OH,
Tina Yerke, Mineral Point, WI,
Vicky Yerke, Cuba City, WI,
Tana (Al Atkinson) Schallenberger, Beloit, WI,
Lisa Loeffelholz, Shullsburg, WI
and Brian Loeffelholz, Shullsburg, WI.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and an uncle, Kenneth Yerke.

In lieu of flowers, a Richard W. “Rich” Yerke Jr. memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

Rich’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of ManorCare for all of the wonderful care they have provided to Rich, and his family.

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