Obituaries Archive

Lisa L. Seymour

Lisa L. Seymour, 54, of Bankston, Iowa, passed away, Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at her home in rural Bankston, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Friends and relatives of Lisa may call from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa where a wake service will be held at 4 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2019 at the Funeral Home.

Services for Lisa will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2019 at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa, with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Burial will be held in St. Clements Cemetery in Bankston.

Lisa was born November 6, 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa. She was a 1983 graduate of Western Dubuque High School. She then attended NICC where she received her Dental Assistant degree. In June 28, 1986 she was united in marriage to James Seymour at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa. She was employed at the Rockdale Dental Center in Dubuque for 13 years before becoming a stay at home mom. In 1990 they had a daughter Samantha and in 1996 they had a 2nd daughter, McKayla. In 2014 Lisa finally got her boy in the form of a son-in-law, Pat Ryan. The joy of her life were her two grandchildren Scarlett and James.

In 2012 Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer, she has fought a very long and courageous battle.

She is survived by her husband, James Seymour of Bankston, IA; two daughters, Samantha (Pat) Ryan of Bernard, IA and McKayla of Des Moines, IA; two grandchildren, Scarlett and James Ryan; a sister Beth (Brian) Bries of Farley, IA and a brother Bryan (Cheryl) Thurm of Platteville, WI; and the whole Seymour Family.

The family would like to thank anyone that helped them in any way through this journey in Lisa’s life-God grant her serenity now.

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

Gerald L.G. Wirth

Gerald Leon Galloway Wirth, 85, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at WestWing Place in DeWitt, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, August 15, 2019, at Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery, with military honors.

Gerald was born on December 4, 1933 in Elwood, Iowa, to Harold and Wava (Hamilton) Galloway. At the age of 16 he was adopted by Raymond and Florence (Galloway) Wirth. He was a 1952 graduate of Elwood High School and then served his country in the U.S. Navy earning an honorable discharge.

He married Barbara L. Margeson on November 11, 1956 in Elwood, Iowa and to this union five children were born, Brenda, Jill, Joy, Teresa and Timothy.

Upon returning home from serving his country, Gerald farmed the family farm for 39 years, and worked as a truck driver for Stanton, Amhof, Grant and Hainstock Long Haul Trucking companies receiving three safe driving awards for driving two plus million miles.

Gerald was a 60-year member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Lost Nation/Elwood Telephone Board member for over 35 years, Lost Nation School Board member serving two terms and a Farm Bureau Board member.

Gerald enjoyed bowling, camping, fishing, gardening, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, baking chocolate chip cookies, and all kinds of music. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, and liked watching birds especially Cardinals. Most importantly, he loved spending time at family gatherings and with the grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Barbara Wirth of Lost Nation, IA; children, Brenda Smith of Lost Nation, IA, Jill (Brian) Bonney of Lost Nation, IA, Joy (Bob) Beuthien of Hartsburg, MO, Teresa (Tom) Hovar of Belton, MO, and Timothy Wirth of DeWitt, IA; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson; and siblings, Earl “Dude” (Joan) Galloway, Larry (Pat) Galloway, Al (Pam) Galloway, and Jim (Bev) Galloway; and sisters, Barb (Ken) Schroeder, Marcia (Ron) Barten, Linda Miller, Phyllis Goldensoph, and Gladyce (Ken) Butt.

He was preceded in death by his biological and adopted parents, six brothers Floyd Wirth, Roger, Don, Dwain, Jeff and Russell Galloway, four sisters Maxine Kolb, Rhea Hasenmiller, Darlene Simmons and one in infancy, a grandchild Bridgette Beuthien, and a son-in-law Robert Lynn Smith on July 29, 2019.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Gerald Leon Galloway Wirth memorial fund has been established.

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

Lee R. Feltes

Lee Ray Feltes, 50, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 9, 2019 at his home.

A funeral mass celebrating Lee’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, August 16, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, August 15, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Preston, Iowa.

Lee Ray Feltes was born on October 17, 1968 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Raymond and Karen Mae (Nieland) Feltes, Jr. He was a 1987 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School, and a 1991 graduate of Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. He never married.

Lee had worked for the Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Mukwonago first as a camp counselor and later as the Activity Director for several years. He then began a long career with Kohl’s Department Store as a sales associate.

Lee was of the Catholic faith. He enjoyed reading books, cooking, playing board games and traveling with friends.

Those left to honor Lee’s memory include his mother, Karen Feltes of Maquoketa, IA; siblings, Tim Feltes of Maquoketa, IA, Brian Feltes of Maquoketa, IA, and Jennifer (Damon) Mesecher of Tuscaloosa, AL; and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Feltes Jr., on June 16, 2016.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Lee R. Feltes memorial fund has been established.

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

James P. Rice

James P. Rice, Age 93, of Dubuque, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 14, 2019 until the service time at 12 noon at the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3860 Asbury Road. Pastor Kristian Kincaid will be officiating. Interment will be held at the Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Post, #6.

James was born on March 22, 1926 in Platteville, WI to his parents, Harry and Ina Rice. He married the love of his life, Margaret E. (Avenarius) on April 8, 1944, she preceded him in death on June 8, 2016. James worked as a repairman for John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years until his retirement in 1980. James was a US Army veteran who served in WWII.

James is survived by his daughter Bonnie R. (Lyle) Connolly of Davenport, IA; her daughter-in-law, Nancy Rice, of Epworth, IA; 5 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, James is preceded by his parents, one son, James P. Rice, Jr., and a grandson Scott T. Slattery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Dubuque or to the American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital for all of their care and support shown to James.

Rita Mae Leifker

Rita Mae (Weber) Leifker, 64, of Cuba City, WI passed away peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m.Wednesday, August 14, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Hazel Green, WI, with Fr. Kenneth Frisch officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  on Tuesday, August 13, at the church, where the parish wake service will be at 3:30 p.m.  Burial will be in the Nativity B.V.M. Cemetery, Menominee, IL. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Rita was born October 1, 1954 in Hazel Green,WI, to Herman and Leonetta (Pfohl) Weber. She was the youngest of 10 children. She married Bob Leifker on December 8, 1973 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, IL.

Rita grew up in Galena and graduated from Galena High School in 1972. Soon after, she started working at John Deere Dubuque Works. After marrying Bob, she moved to Cuba City where they raised their 4 sons and continued to work at John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 2014 after 42 years of service.

Rita loved to travel. Shortly after retirement, she traveled to Italy with her sisters and cousins. She had so much fun there, that she followed with a trip to San Francisco, Seattle and a Caribbean Cruise. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She loved her grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed their visits. She enjoyed cooking and was best known for her caramels at Christmas time which she shared with many. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Danny (Shelby), Bobby (Denise), Jeremy (Erin) and Jamie; grandchildren, Emersyn, Ellisyn Mae, Lily Mae, Miles, Will, Maggie, Jack, Jonah and Max; siblings, Rose (Ira) Kunkel, Jim (Carol) Weber, Jean Redman, Joe (Cindy) Weber, Mary (John) Trannel, Nancy Miller (Jim Imbus) and her in-laws, Wendell Comer, Merle (Pat) Leifker, Carol Leifker, Jeanne (John) Frantzen, Mary Kay Leifker & Marlene Derby, and very close family friends Scott (Nila) Derby and Brenda McKinney.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Irene (Don) Budden & Janis Comer; her brother, John; her in-laws, Andy Redman, Mike Miller, and Jim Leifker.

The following are Rita’s words: “Special thanks to Bob for all the kind and loving care; to Danny & Shelby for being there when I needed them and for the many trips to bring the girls to brighten my day; to my siblings, Jim & Carol Weber, John & Mary Trannel, Nancy Miller, Merle & Pat Leifker for the many trips to Iowa City. Also, many thanks to my sons, Jeremy, Bobby & Danny for their constant care during the last few weeks.”

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice of Platteville, WI for their loving and compassionate care over her last two weeks.

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

Randall F. Brehm

Randall Francis Brehm, 40, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 7, 2019 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Deacon Robert Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

Randy was born on April 30th, 1979 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Joseph and Shirley (Schreiber) Brehm. He worked at Haynes Kennels and Dubuque Greyhound Park.

Randy was an avid Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packer and Iowa Hawkeye Fan. He followed his favorite teams to all major events including bowl games.

He is survived by his father Joseph Brehm; brother Wayne (Vanessa) Brehm; sister Karen (Maurice) Dunne; nephews Ian and Ethan Brehm and his niece Anna Brehm.

He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley and a brother William “Billy” Brehm.

In lieu of flowers a Randall F. Brehm memorial fund will be established.

Timothy G. Thrailkill

Timothy Glen Thrailkill, 50, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 4th, 2019.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 16th at the funeral home.

Tim was born on January 5th, 1969 in Georgia the son of Bruce Thrailkill and Judy Keene. He met Tammy Beversdorf on March 28, 1995 and they married on October 11, 2003 in Dubuque, together they shared 24 years.

He worked for Tschiggfrie Excavating in Dubuque and was a member of the Bird Dog Club.

Not a day goes by that we are not thinking of you. We know how you enjoyed talking to your family on the phone. Your brought so much love to everyone who came into passing. You were such a fun-loving husband, father and son. Until we meet again, we all love you and miss you so much. My love for you will never die, you are in my heart and soul till the day I walk by your side again, love you wife.

Tim is survived by his wife Tammy; Children, Timothy G. Thrailkill Jr., Brittni (Will) Crusa, Michael Thrailkill, and Daisy Thrailkill; step-children, John (Elizabeth) Whitney, Jesse Whitney, Amanda Whitney, and Shawn (Kayla) Whitney. His mother Judy Vaughan; siblings Shane (April) Thrailkill, Brian (Crystal) Thrailkill, Angel Trailkill, and Tanya Yearwood; his father-in-law Paul Beversdorf, his surrogate father Don Key; seventeen grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and his faithful companions “Koda” & “Dolly”.

He was preceded in death by his father Bruce; Nannie Doris, Papa Thrailkill, Papa Keene, Mama Thrailkill and Nana Keever.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Timothy’s name and directed to his wife Tammy.

Isabelle A. Stillmunkes

Isabelle A. “Isy” Stillmunkes, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 8th, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 12th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may gather from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Bellevue. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Isy was born on July 8th, 1932 in Bellevue, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Steichen) Roling. She graduated from Bellevue High School and on July 11, 1951, she married Raymond “Ray” Stillmunkes. She and Ray farmed in Bellevue, IA and together raised seven children, Linda, Carol, Sharon, Lois, Mark, Leta and Randy.

A loving wife for twenty-three years until Ray’s passing, Isy spent the next forty-five years dedicated to her family. Isy had a busy life; while working hard on the farm, she always made time for others, spreading love and joy.

Her hobbies include baking, playing euchre, sewing, quilting, and sharing time with others. She was a housewife, homemaker, and self-employed seamstress.

Isy is survived by her children Linda (Merl) Heitkamp, Carol (Bill) Ihrig, Sharon (Gary) Hoffmann, Lois Stillmunkes, Mark Stillmunkes (significant other, Karla), Leta (Phil) Wallace and daughter-in-law Renee Stillmunkes, twenty-one grandchildren, and twenty-eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ray, son Randy, and twelve siblings.

In lieu of flowers, an Isabelle Stillmunkes memorial fund will be established.

Thank you to Mercy Hospital, Luther Manor (Grand Meadows), and Hospice of Dubuque staff who provided loving care in her final days.

Charles J. Althoff

Charles J. Althoff, 86, of Cascade, died Thursday, August 8, 2019, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at St. Raphael Cathedral with Fr Greg Bahl officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with full military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 12 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where there will be a prayer service at 4 pm.

He was born on May 10, 1933, in Cascade, the son of Frank and Vivian (Laban) Althoff. He married Geraldine (Casel) on August 24, 1957 at St Lawrence Church, Otter Creek, Iowa.

Charles worked at John Deere in Dubuque repairing tractors and also farmed. He was an Army veteran, serving our country during the Korean Conflict. Charles was a member of the American Legion 528, and the Farm Bureau.

Charles enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren He enjoyed traveling with his wife Geri, watching westerns on TV, antique tractors, going to the Amana’s for lunch, and Christmas with his family (he was always the first one ready to open presents). Charles was a kind, considerate, and generous man who maintained a positive attitude throughout his life. His smile and his strength will continue to be an influence on all of us.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Geraldine; three children: Steve Althoff, Theresa (Dennis) Balk, and Mike (Kathy) Althoff; five grandchildren: Matthew (Morgan) Balk, Courtney Althoff, Rachel Balk, Caitlyn (Nick) Miller, and Abigail Balk; two great-grandchildren: Forrest Charles Balk and Charlie Marie Miller; his two sisters Geraldine (Frank) Kintzle and Kathy (Jack) Graham; brother-in laws Robert Kirsch and Ronald Dzaboff; and sister-in-law Marge Althoff.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Julie Ann Althoff (1959); his siblings Virginia Dzaboff, Elaine Kirsch, Edwin Althoff, Clarence Althoff; sister-in-law MaryAnn Althoff; and nephew Ted Althoff.

Charles’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Dr. Matthew Kirkendall and his nurse Kate, Dr. Jennifer Schope, and the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their loving, compassionate and professional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

Evelyn D. Mathews

Evelyn D. Mathews, 83, of Bernard, Iowa passed away on August 5, 2019 at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade with family at her side.

Per Evelyn’s request there will be no public visitation or service. Private family burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Leonard Funeral home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. The family request no flowers.

Evelyn was born on August 14, 1935 in Kansas City, Kansas the daughter of Bernice and Harold Parkinson. She married Philip Mathews in September of 1972. This September they would have been married 47 years. Evelyn sold Avon for 30 years and enjoyed visiting with her customers. She bowled in a league well into her 70s and never could pass up a word search puzzle. Her favorite thing was to go somewhere with Phil.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Phil; five children: Beverlie (Mark) Ernzen, Gwendolyn (Mark) Griswold, Dennis (Julie) Enloe, Theresa (Cary) Brock and Johanna (Dan) Creger. Her grandchildren left to cherish her memory are: Candice (Scott) Chaloupka, Tracie (Ken) Fonck, Phillip (April) Kelley, Tabitha (Larry) Scott, Tiffani (Trevor) McArthur, Brittany Kress, Cody (Hannah) Whardle, Nissa Enloe, Karissa (Nick) Enloe, and Tala, Angie (Aaron) Schwenker, Andrina (Chris) Timmons, Chuck (Alicia) Brock, and Carl (Sara) Brock. Evelyn was also blessed with many wonderful great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Shady Rest Care Center for the love and care they gave to the “Sassy One”. The stories they shared at the end will never be forgotten. Thank you, as well, to Hospice of Dubuque. They helped Evelyn die with dignity and comfort.

Marcella I. Hannig

Marcella I. “Peg” Hannig, 85, of Peosta, Iowa passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2019.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 12th at Holy Family Catholic Church New Melleray with Fr. Rodney Allers presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may visit from 3 to 6 PM on Sunday, August 11th at Leonard Funeral Home 2595 Rockdale Road, Key West where there will be a wake service at 3:00 PM. Friends may also gather Monday August 12th at the church stating at 9:00 AM until the funeral service.

Peg the daughter of Cornelius and Emma (Bergfeld) Koch was born on December 13th, 1933 in their farm home near Bernard Iowa.

In May of 1955 Peg married Robert Hannig of Dubuque, Iowa. Together they built their house, a family with three sons and close lifelong friends over their marriage of 57 years.

Peg became a full-time homemaker and the matriarch of an otherwise all-guy household. She could often be found working with her hands creating craft items or working in their flower or vegetable gardens. She enjoyed spending time outdoors picnicking, camping and fishing with the family.

Woven through all these activities was her devotion to faith, family and friends.

She is survived by her sister Elaine Forest, of Clearwater FL; her three sons: Richard Hannig, of Dubuque, Ronald Hannig, of Stillwater, MN and Robert (Sandi) Hannig, of Garland TX; three grandchildren: Colin, Ryan and Sophia Hannig all of Stillwater, MN, along with many nieces and nephews.

Peg was preceded in death her parents Cornelius and Emma, husband Robert sisters: Ardella (Stainer), Ann (Lampe), Kaye (Kane) and Helen (McClain).

The family wishes to thank the staff of Finley Hospital, Grand River Medical, Dubuque Orthopedic Surgeons, Luther Manner – Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care and kindness.

Sister Patricia Robinson

Sister Patricia Robinson, BVM, (Danella), 87, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, at Marian Hall.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Pat was an elementary teacher in Des Moines, Iowa; Chicago; and Butte, Mont.; a secondary teacher in Mundelein, Ill; and Lincoln, Nebr.; and a substitute teacher in South Bend, Ind.

She was a teaching and research assistant at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.; and a sociology professor at St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind.

She was born on April 5, 1932, in Chicago, to Daniel and Mary A. Burg Robinson. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1950, from Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Chicago. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary Ellen Quinn and Jean (Richard) Payne; sisters-in-law Barbara Robinson and Glenda Robinson; and brother-in-law Roland Schuck. She is survived by sisters Elizabeth Schuck and Grace (Joseph) Barney, all of Illinois; a brother Daniel Robinson of Indiana, a brother-in-law Robert Quinn; nieces; nephew(s) and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas E. Devaney

Thomas E. Devaney, 64, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Dubuque, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo.

Private family services will be held on Sunday, August 11th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Tom was born January 31, 1955 in Dubuque. He was the son of Richard and Patricia (Manahl) Devaney.

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

Delores H. Fleege

Delores H. “Lorie” (Gatena) Fleege, age 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 4:48 p.m., on August 5, 2019, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Lorie’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, August 12, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue. To celebrate Lorie’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Lorie was born on June 30, 1932, in Dubuque, daughter of Alfred and Eleanor (Hense) Gatena.

Lorie was always a dedicated worker and was employed with several places before settling in at the Dubuque Packing Company, where she would meet a handsome young man named Donald Fleege. They fell in love immediately, and eventually married, on August 23, 1952, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. The two would be blessed with 56 years and 8 children together, before he was sadly called home ahead of her on July 11, 2009. After they married, Lorie happily settled into her role as a devoted full time wife, mother and homemaker. She was a kind hearted person whose faith was extremely important to her, as evidenced by her long time memberships with St. Mary’s Church and then with Holy Trinity Church, as well as her mission volunteer work. She enjoyed making rosaries that would be sent out on the mission trips to churches all over the country and world. Beyond a doubt, Lorie’s family was always her main priority and pride and joy. She enjoyed playing games with the kids and grandkids, or spending the day outside fishing. She had a great love of wild birds and was affectionately, known as a “bird whisperer” to her family. Throughout the years Lorie helped rescue countless baby birds, caring for them and feeding them until they were strong enough to go off on their own. She also had a great appreciation of all kinds of music, from Hawaiian music to Patsy Cline, and had the stacks of LPs to prove it. We are deeply saddened at losing Lorie from our daily lives, we will miss her more than words can say and cherish all of the memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Lorie’s memory include

her 6 children,
Donald (Sue) Fleege, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Darlene (Mike) Rogers, Waxahachie, TX,
Dennis (Diane) Fleege, Cedar Rapids, IA,
Dan (Vicki) Fleege, Dubuque, IA,
Debbie (Gene) Gillies, Dubuque, IA
and Dawn (Todd) Herring, Dubuque, IA;

her 16 grandchildren;

her 40 great-grandchildren;

and her 3 siblings,
Bud (Judy) Gatena,
Bob Gatena
and Jim (Jeanie) Gatena, all of Dubuque, IA.

Lorie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Donald; 2 children in infancy, Diane and Donna Fleege; and a granddaughter in infancy, Trisha Rogers.

Lorie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, especially the 5th floor, for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Lorie and her family.

Memorials will be accepted in Lorie’s honor to be distributed at the family’s discretion.

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

Barbara K. (Davison) Bruse

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Kay (Davison) Bruse announces her passing on Monday morning, July 29, 2019, at the age of 78 years. Barbara passed peacefully with her family by her side and with the loving care of her Bickford family in Iowa City, Iowa. She bravely and courageously battled, laughed and danced in the face of her diagnosis – Corticobasal Syndrome. Her humor and class never wavered.

Interment services where Barbara will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Mt Hope cemetery will be private. A gathering of family and friends celebrating Barbara’s life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the Palmer House Stable, 200 East Main Street, Solon, Iowa 52333. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Barbara Kay Davison was born on November 17, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dale Matthews and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Davison. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, starting early because she refused to leave her older sisters’ sides. She then attended Maquoketa schools where she sang in the Glee Club, participated in the Drama Club, tooted her french horn in Concert Band and was a member of the Future Homemakers of America. She graduated MHS class of ‘57 at the age of 16. She later attended and graduated from the University of Iowa.

Barbara worked at the University of Iowa for 25 years. She retired in 2012 as an Account Specialist with the Tippie College of Business.

Barbara lived a full life. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories. She grew up on a farm and fondly recalled following her dad around when he walked the fences and shared his love of horses. She liked to travel. The highlights of her travels were a cruise on the transatlantic ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth 2, vacations to Europe, the Bahamas and Belize. She also traveled to Santa Clara, CA and Seattle, WA to help care for her new grandbabies. She enjoyed reading, quilting, calligraphy, tap dancing, piano lessons, gardening, antiquing, and spending time walking with her beloved dog Maxx.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Christine Kay Bruse of Iowa City, IA and her daughters Erin and Megan, Telly Renea Bruse Presho and her husband Scott of Seattle, WA and their children Russell and Zoe, and Larry Corey Bruse and his wife Yoko Noguchi of Solon, IA; and a sister, Janean Cook of Maquoketa, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Bonnie McDonald.

The family extends special thanks to Bickford Cottage and Care Initiatives Hospice for their loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local animal shelter or charity of choice in Barbara’s memory is requested.

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