Obituaries Archive

Margaret B. Kretschmer Schmitz

Margaret Bennett Kretschmer Schmitz, daughter, wife, sister, mother, nana, nana-great, and friend, led a life filled with gratitude. The daughter of Charles G. and Mary Agnes (Lavery) Kretschmer, she was born in Dubuque, Iowa on March 9, 1930 and died peacefully on August 20, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 31st, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Josef Voller-Konig officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 30th, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church where a rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret was a graduate of Visitation Academy in 1948 and Clarke College in 1952. Margaret met James Peter Schmitz at morning mass at the Church of the Nativity in 1948. They married on June 14, 1952 and together they raised eleven children. They were blessed with forty-four years of marriage.

Margaret’s legacy of grace and love lives through her children Ann (Kevin) O’Connor, Marc (Joyce) Schmitz, Peter James (Maria) Schmitz, Thomas (Deirdre Egan) Schmitz, Laura (Bruce) Anderson, John (Deb) Schmitz, Mary Margaret (Steve) Wraneschetz, Sara (Mark) Burns, Kathleen (Eric) Schmitz Lynn, and Martha (Chris) Schmitz Paar; twenty-five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and dear friends whom she treasured.

Margaret believed she was greatly blessed from the moment she was born until the day she died. She was preceded in death by her husband James Peter, her son Peter Charles, grandson Kevin Charles O’Connor, daughter-in-law Joyce Pollack Schmitz, and brothers Charles G. and Frederick L. Kretschmer.

She is also survived by her sister Mary Agnes Meyer; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Kretschmer and Jean Schmitz Moore, and a brother-in-law Phil Schmitz.

Memorials may be sent to Our Lady of Mississippi Abbey, 8400 Abbey Hill Lane, Dubuque, Iowa 52003; the chapel at Carondelet Village, 525 Fairview Avenue South, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116; or St. Therese at St. Odilia Hospice, 3500 Vivian Avenue, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.

Gwen E. Healey

Gwen E. Healey, age 80, of Dubuque, died peacefully in the company of family on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Internment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Proceeding the rosary at 2:30 pm, a visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29t?h ?from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Joseph the Worker church.

Gwen was born on February 10, 1939 in Luxemburg, Iowa, the daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Naber) Gaul. She grew up in Dyersville, Iowa, where she met and married her beloved husband of 57 years, Carl Healey, on November 26, 1959.

The couple moved to Dubuque that same year and Gwen began her career as a Nurse. She was employed with Xavier Hospital until its closing and then with Mercy Health Center, retiring in 2001, when her new favorite phrase became, “I can do that, I’m off tomorrow.”

Gwen was a charter member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and involved in virtually every aspect of the parish. She was a member of Mother’s Club, Birthright and many other organizations, as well as Catholic Daughters, where she was serving as President. She loved attending her grandchildren’s programs and activities, shopping, golf cart rides, going out to lunch, and fussing over her two cats Silky and Chrissy.

Gwen is survived by her children, Cathy (Steve) Schlueter, Steve (Rhonda) Healey both of Dubuque, IA and Mike (Penny) Healey of Tampa, FL; her grandchildren Jessica Healey, Lindsy (Marty) Hurm, Jenny (Jack) Flanigan, Katie (Tyler) Thomas and Christy Healey; 4 great grandsons; her siblings Les (Debbie) Gaul of Ethel, MO, Karl Gaul of Worthington, IA, and his close friend Joan, Cyril (Paula) Gaul of Schaumburg, IA, Mark (Mary) Gaul of Worthington, IA, Mary Lou (Ivan) Meyers of Bellevue, IA, Ruth (Darel) Hilkin of Dubuque, IA and Julie (Clark) Bradley of Marion, IA; her sister-in-law Cheryl Gaul of Worthington, IA and her dear friend Rita Reicher of Dubuque, IA.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Carl on February, 6, 2017; her parents; two brothers Bernard and Leon and two sisters Rose and Peggy; and five in-laws.

A Gwen Healey memorial fund has been established.

The Healey family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the first responders and the ER personnel at Mercy Health Center and to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. who are taking care of arrangements.

Barbara M. Bray McFarlane Kruse

Barbara M. Bray McFarlane Kruse, 91, passed away on August 23, 2019, and was blessed with a remarkable and long life.

Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2019, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

She wanted all to know that her parents and all four grandparents were born in Dubuque. That progeny, plus her birthdate of April 29, 1928, make her an “Olde Dubuquer!” Although her passing is a terrible loss to the Dubuque community, she was truly an inspiration to her dear friends and generations of family members. Her memory continues in those she interacted with through her nursing, teaching, volunteering, and social activities.

Barb’s six children were born to her and her first husband, Dr Donald J McFarlane: Kevin (Connie) McFarlane of Dubuque, formerly of Anchorage Alaska, Kathleen (Edward) Zwirko of Tucson, Arizona, Stephen (Sheila) McFarlane of Scottsdale, Arizona, Peter (Jane) McFarlane of Fredericksburg, Texas, Molly (Dr. Michael) Dalton of Dubuque and their children, Dr. Stephanie, Jenny, and Sarah; and Dr. Jeffrey (Beth) McFarlane of Shawano, Wisconsin and their children, Erin, Lindsey, and Colleen. She is also survived by her sister Marianne (Carl) Haupert; two sisters-in-law, Gwenn Bray of Waukon, Iowa; and Elizabeth Bray of Dubuque.

In 1981 she was joined in marriage to William G. “Bill” Kruse. He preceded her in death in 2012.

She also joins in Heaven those family members who have patiently awaited their reunion; her infant son Michael; her parents Louis and Dorothy Bray; and two brothers, Louis and John Bray.

Barb attended grade school at Nativity and high school at the Visitation Academy, Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 1946. After one year at Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois, she entered nurse’s training at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, graduating with an RN degree in 1950. She furthered her education by graduating from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois with a BSN degree in 1951.

Professionally, she worked as an RN at Mercy Hospital from 1950 to 1951; in OR at Huron Road Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio from 1951 to 1952; and then returned to the OR at Mercy from 1974 to 1984.

Her personal interests included lifelong sports-related activities: swimming, snow skiing, tennis, boating, water skiing, biking, and hiking. She also enjoyed sewing, crafts, playing bridge, and she was a ferocious euchre player.

She devoted her time to many area professional and charity organizations. She was a past member of the American Operating Room Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and the Iowa Nurses Association. She was a member of the St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Dubuque and its Alter & Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Arch Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. For her civic activities she was a member of the Dubuque Chapter of the American Red Cross and its Volunteer Program, teaching swimming classes for special needs people for 45 years. She was a past president of the American Red Cross Water Safety committee. She held offices in the Visitation Alumnae Association and the Rosary College Alumnae Association. She served on the Heritage Trail Executive Committee, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra Senior Board, the Visiting Nurse Association Board of directors, and the Key Home Care Board of Directors. She is a lifelong member of the Dubuque Golf and Country Club and the Sunshine Circle of Finley Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, a Barbara M. Kruse Memorial Fund has been established.

For further information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, and the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy One for their loving care.

“A life that touches others goes on forever.”

Francis J. Bechen

Francis J. Bechen, 84, of Dubuque passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Church of the Nativity with burial at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery immediately following.

Francis was born March 9, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Frank and Crescentia (Wathier) Bechen.

He was a beloved school teacher for the DCSD for 30 years, teaching Spanish at both Dubuque Senior and Hempstead High Schools and then retiring in 1998.

Francis was a six-time Iowa Golden Gloves boxing champion and six-time Ringside World Masters Champion. He was also a boxing judge and referee for over 40 years. He was recently inducted into the National Golden Gloves Officials Hall of Fame and received the Outstanding Judge Award.

Outside of the boxing world, he enjoyed watching football, bowling, skydiving, fitness and traveled extensively.

He was also a loving and supportive father and grandfather, pilot and member of the EAA, former member of Optimist Club and devoted member of the Church of the Nativity.

Francis is survived by five children, Dan Bechen of Aurora, Illinois, Darci (Austin) Bechen Terry of Missouri City, Texas, Scott (Stephanie) Bechen of Dubuque, Jeremy (Kate) Bechen of Dubuque and Todd (Leslie) Bechen of Des Moines; and nine grandchildren.

He is also survived by four siblings, Richard Bechen of Dubuque, Robert Bechen of Dubuque, Zita (Larry) Elgin of Dubuque and Pauline (Harlow) Meyer of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Olin Bechen, a sister, Ruth Becker and a nephew, Greg Becker.

The family would like to send their special thanks to the boxing community, all his former students and dear friends who have brightened his life.

Mary V. Hesselman

Mary Virginia Hesselman, 96, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 24th, 2019 at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 29th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Rev. Andrew Upah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary was born on June 28, 1923 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Dewell and Mildred (Brennan) Anderson. In 1941 Mary graduated from the Visitation Academy. She married Donald J. Hesselman Sr. on September 26, 1944 and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2018.

Mary was a lifelong member of Nativity Parish; was a loving mother to 10 children, 27 grandchildren, and 46 great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Don (Gwen) Hesselman, Steve (Becky) Hesselman, Mary Gereau, Mark Hesselman, Mike (Terri) Hesselman, Elizabeth Hesselman, Tony (Jill) Hesselman, Ann (Dave Heller) Volkert, Julie (Dave) Naumann, and Jane Scarlino; 27 grandchildren, and 46 great grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Don; a brother Robert D. “Hunk” Anderson, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Anderson.

In lieu of flowers a Mary Virginia Hesselman memorial fund will be established. The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque.

Joyce J. Parker

Joyce Jayne Parker, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 25, 2019 at home. Funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Joyce was born on May 4th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Marie (Sullivan) Allen. She attended Marshall Elementary School, Jefferson Jr. High and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married William Roger Parker Sr. On May 22, 1948 in Maquoketa. She worked for Flexsteel and the Battery Factory; and was a member of AKC Kennel Club. She loved and adored her animals.

She is survived by her husband William; children, Tammy Parker, Larry Parker, William Parker Jr., Kristine Beckman, Ronald Parker Sr. and Ronald Parker Jr.; nineteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to her husband William Parker. The family would like to thank her lifelong friends Bernice and Rita for all their care, kindness and friendship.

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel)

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel), 97, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Caritas Center.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 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 Jeanne was an elementary teacher in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Chicago; Maywood, Ill.; and Hempstead, N.Y. She worked as a salesperson and an office clerk in Hempstead, N.Y., and as a secretary in Chicago.

She was born on Sept. 5, 1921, in Milwaukee to Frank and Estelle Fielding Sheeran. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. Clare Parish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 70 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.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury, Rd, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert F. Pfeiler

Robert F. “Bob” Pfeiler, age 80, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 7:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 24, 2019, after living with Parkinson’s Disease for many years. There will be a celebration to honor Bob’s life at a date to be determined in the future. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Bob was born on May 29, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Leonard and Salome (Meyer) Pfeiler.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice K. Hartman, on August 26th, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church. They were an extremely close and loving couple, who were just two days shy of celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary. Bob was a welder at the John Deere Dubuque works from 1960 to 1996, with the exception of his 2-year Duty with the US Army from 1962 to 1964. Bob loved fishing and hunting and cherished the time spent with his family and friends. After his retirement, he spent most of his free time working on odd jobs and projects at Lake Hancock Resort, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Bob had several Hobbies. He was an avid stock car racing fan and attended races whenever possible. He loved woodworking, racing his greyhounds, and coached the Copper Kettle girls softball team for many years. His greatest joy was truly found in spending time with his family and Bob always made sure that every celebration included a game of Euchre. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and brother, and our lives will never be the same without him. We are however very grateful for the 80 years that Bob was here with us, and will cherish the countless memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include

his loving wife,
Janice Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Randy (Patty Trowbridge) Pfeiler,
Cindie Zeromski,
Tina (Dan Pfeiffer)Pfeiler,
Dan (Jean) Pfeiler
and Kim (Jason) Meyer, all of Dubuque, IA;

his 8 grandchildren,
Robert and Jesse Zeromski, Nathan and Nicole Pfeiffer, Meggan and Amanda Pfeiler and Hanna and Ellie Meyer;

his siblings,
Marlene (Jim) Robertson, Camanche, IA,
Tom (Marlene) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA,
Renee (Chuck) Fletcher, San Antonio, TX
and Steve (Sandy Evans) Pfeiler, Sun Prairie, WI;

his sister-in-law,
Peggy Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

and his brother-in-law,
Eddy Richard, Oak Harbor, WA.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Ronnie Pfeiler and Sandy Richard.

Bob’s family would like thank the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care, especially the physical therapy department, for all of their kind and professional care. Also a special thanks to all of the family members, especially Bob’s grandson Jesse, for all of the care they provided allowing Bob to stay in his home and remain comfortable. Also a heartfelt thanks to Bob’s long time friend and partner in crime, Tom Wunder, for all of his friendship and camaraderie throughout the years.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Bob’s favorite charities.

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

LeRoy J. Pancratz

LeRoy J. Pancratz, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Zwingle passed away on August 24th, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity, with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

LeRoy was born on December 12th, 1926 in Zwingle, Iowa the son of Leo and Elizabeth (Boyer) Pancratz. He married Inez Donahue on September 28, 1949 at Assumption Church, Sylvia Switch in Zwingle. He was very devoted to Inez for over 70 years as a husband and caregiver. LeRoy started farming at the age of 16 when his father died. He was very proud of his registered Golden Guernsey milking cows and he continued farming until his retirement. LeRoy was a humble and extremely hard-working man and had a great work ethic that he instilled in his family along with a strong faith. He also worked as an independent milk hauler, and at the foundry’s of A.Y. McDonald and East Dubuque. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus La Motte/Key West Council. He was also the leader and long-time member of the 4-H Washington Senators and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Inez; six children: Mary Jo (Wayne Beecher) Pancratz, Joyce (Richard) Veach, Tim (Mary Kay) Pancratz, Judy (Craig) Wurdinger, and Peggy (Dennis) Denlinger. Seventeen grandchildren: Amberai, Luke, Tyler, Melanie, Wes, Danny, Elizabeth, Molly, Arianne, Brett, Anna, Kelly, Ben, Jenna, Becca, Rachel, and Sam. Thirteen great grandchildren; and his sister Lillian Kies along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Leo; two brothers, Kenneth (Monica) Pancratz, and Charles (Dorothy) Pancratz; four sisters, Bernice (Henry) Schuster, Elizabeth (Sylvester) Ambrosy, Vivian (John) Hingtgen, Theresa (Clarence) Thole and a brother-in-law Karl Kies.

A LeRoy Pancratz memorial fund will be established. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for all their wonderful care and kindness.

Rosemary Cahill

Rosemary “Rosie” Cahill 81 of Dubuque passed away Friday August 23, 2019 at The University of Iowa Hospital’s and Clinics. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. David Schatz officiating, burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation for Rosie will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale where a parish wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Rosie was born in Potosi, Wisconsin on February 2, 1938 the daughter of Edward and Ina (Reed) Stohlmeyer. She married Gene Cahill on April 8th, 1961 at the Church of the Nativity, and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2008.

She worked at the Tasty Cafe in Dubuque as a waitress. She enjoyed playing cards especially Poker and taking trips to the casino; Rosie always loved a good time.

She is survived by her in-laws, Barbara & Dick Molony, of Bernard, Maurice & Margo Cahill of Traverse City, MI, Lyle & Geri Cahill of Phoenix, AZ, Rita Cahill, of LA, and Thelma Schlueter, of Dubuque, along with many nieces and nephews.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gene, four sisters Charlotte Jotham, Patricia McCartney, Dolores Vosberg, and Catherine “Topsy” Arling. Sister-in-law Mary Cahill Kells, and nephews Paul Fetzek, Craig Hoskins and Mike Jothan.

Memorials may be given to St. Columbkille Catholic Church or Divine Word.

Paul F. Holz

Paul F. Holz, 71, of Dubuque passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, after a brief illness.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, August 27 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday August 28 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Paul was born February 25, 1948 in Dubuque, son of Louis M. and Kathryn M. (Zahina) Holz.  He attended St. Columbkille’s grade school and Dubuque Senior High School.  He was employed at the Hoffmann Industrial Development Center for over 30 years.

Paul enjoyed watching old black and white movies & shows; his favorites being the Charlie Chan, Lone Ranger and “The Shadow” mysteries.  He also liked taking the Jule bus to Hy-Vee and the Kennedy mall, and walking to Eagle Point and AY McDonald Park.  He loved the fireworks shows on the Fourth of July making it to 3 or 4 of them each year as well as taking vacations to Tennessee to visit nieces & nephews. In his spare time, he also liked to read paperback novels and had a large collection of them, some of which he re-read a number of times. He listened to music from his record collection which included Lawrence Welk & the Oak Ridge Boys.

He is survived by two brothers, Donald L. (Dianne) Holz and James V. Holz, both of Dubuque; six nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, four great-great nieces and nephews and a large number of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Frank and Josephine Zahina & Louis F. and Edna Holz.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Medical Associates and Mercy Hospital, Dubuque Specialty Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for Paul’s care during his illness.

John H. Besler

John H. “Jake” Besler, 91, of Dubuque passed away at 10:30 PM at Stonehill Nursing Center Friday, August 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 11 AM until service time at 1 PM, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road with Reverend Jack Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by Dubuque Marine Corps League.

John was born on January 31, 1928 in Dubuque to his parents, Ignatius and Frances Hoffmann Besler. He married the love of his life, Geraldine V. “Geri” Pfeiffer on August 25, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works as an assembler and a machinist for 28 years.

Survivors include three sons, Dale Besler of Dubuque, Steven (Vicki) Besler of Cortland, NY, and Craig (Karla) Besler of Dubuque; two daughters, Lois (Dan) Schultz of Robins, IA, and Vicki Besler of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren; Shawn, Nicole, Josie and Mitchel Besler, Dan “DJ” Schultz, Keri Christensen, Jessica Rosato, Justin Besler, Cory Besler, and Shannon Schoenberger; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ricky, five brothers, William “Bill”, Joe, Louie, Frank, and Leo Besler; six sisters, Gladys Bemis, Lucy Warsek, Katherine “Kay” Polis, Mary Vaske, Matilda McEmeel, and Jean Besler.

A John H. “Jake” Besler memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to give a big thank-you to the entire staff at Stonehill Care Center for their love and support of Jake and also the wonderful staff at the Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com.

Thomas L. Davis

Thomas L. Davis 77, of Dubuque passed away Friday, August 23, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, August 26th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road. Military honors rendered by the American Legion Post 8 will be at 3:30 PM. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Chaplain Jim Mehltretter officiating.

Thomas was born September 16, 1941, in Dubuque, son of Thomas R. and Gertrude Davis. He married NGOC “Ann” Thi Chau September 5, 1965 in Vietnam.

He was employed as a machine operator at John Deere Dubuque Works. He retired in 2000.

Tom served in the U.S. Army for nine years of which five were in Vietnam.

He was a member of UAW Local 94 and the American Legion Post 6.

He is survived by his wife, NGOC “Ann” Thi Chau Davis, of Dubuque; children, Thomas “T.J.” (Renee) Davis, of Dubuque, Mathew (Eglael) Davis, of Chandler, AZ, Travis Davis, of Waterloo, IA, Audrey (Kenny) Lang, of Dubuque, and Eric Davis of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Nathan, Nick, Ben, Brian, Andrew, Krystal, Christopher, Erika, Brianna, Melyssa, Stephanie and Emily; five great-grandchildren, brothers, Larry (Karen) Davis, of Florida, Robert “Bob” (Connie) Davis, of Dubuque, Steven (Marilyn) Davis, of Dubuque and Gary (Amy) Davis, of Dubuque; and a sister, Karen Maury, of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Catherine Davis, brothers-in-law, Dan Maury, Ha Chau, Tai Chau, and Cuong Ta, and one sister-in-law, Luong Chau.

The family would like to thank the Tri-State Dialysis staff, Dr. Ringold, Dr. Whalen, and Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital and staff.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com.

Anthony L. Blatnik

Anthony L. “Tony” Blatnik, age 89, of Dubuque, IA, was called home peacefully at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Anthony’s life, private family services are being held. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony was born on July 27, 1930, in Cleveland, OH, son of Anton and Frances (Slak) Blatnik.

Anthony’s honorably served his country with the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, and was stationed in Germany. After he returned home, Anthony would meet the love of his life, Anna Ozbolt, and they would be united in marriage on July 3, 1954, in Cleveland. The two would be blessed with 3 adored children, and 61 wonderful years together, before Anna was sadly called home before him on May 6, 2016. Anthony was a dedicated employee who worked as a supervisor at Georgia Pacific for 35 years until his well earned retirement. When he wasn’t working, Anthony enjoyed getting out on the golf course chasing after a coveted hole in one, or simply sitting in his favorite chair reading a good book. His faith was an important aspect of Anthony’s life and he was a long time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. We are deeply saddened at the loss of such a wonderful man and role model in our daily lives, but take some comfort in the knowledge that he is now free of all of the health challenges he faced here on Earth and is happily reunited for Eternity with his beloved wife, Anna.

Those left to cherish Anthony’s memory include

his 3 children,
Thomas Blatnik,
Larry (Paula) Blatnik
and Mary Lou Blatnik, all of Dubuque;

his granddaughter,
Vanessa Blatnik, Dubuque, Iowa;

his sister,
Elaine (Richard) Krych, Sagamore Hills, Ohio;

2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Ann Blatnik, Maple Heights, Ohio
and Eve Kisley, Macedonia, Ohio;

and several nieces and nephews.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Anna Blatnik; and his brother, Ronald Blatnik.

Anthony’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their outstanding care of Anthony and his family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Anthony’s favorite charities.

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

Harold E. Schuster

Harold Edward Schuster, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home peacefully at 7:55 AM on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Finley Hospital surrounded by his family. There will be a celebration to honor his life at a date to be determined in mid-September.

Harold was born in Saint Catherine’s, Iowa on August 13, 1929 and lived to celebrate his 90th birthday before passing one day shy of that milestone. He was the son of Edmund Schuster and Leona (Markus) Schuster who preceded him in death in 1935 and 1949, respectively.

Harry spent most of his youth farming near Saint Catherine’s and serving as a tour guide at Crystal Lake Cave in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The Cave – still in existence today, was a family discovery and business on the property of his grandfather Bernard Markus.

On September 10th, 1955 Harry married the love of his life Regina “Jean” (Duffy) Schuster, and together they spent the next 48 years raising their family. Sadly, Jean preceded him in death in July, 2003.

Harry spent 39 years at John Deere Dubuque works beginning in 1948 and finished his career as an Inspector. In 1953 his work at Deere’s was interrupted by a two year tour of duty in the US Army. He took early retirement in 1987 and spent his remaining years enjoying time with his family and friends.

Harry was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music types, especially country and was a frequent visitor to the local music scene in Dubuque. He enjoyed cookouts, working in his backyard with his granddaughter Emma, dueling with the local wildlife over supremacy of his backyard and shoveling snow.  Many were the times when he “extolled” the virtues of having to rise early to clear a path to his morning paper. And of course, playing euchre. There were not many gatherings or family celebrations that didn’t include Harry being sought out as a euchre partner. He was also an accomplished musician, having taken up the guitar at age 12. Throughout his life he frequently entertained his family with his guitar and harmonica playing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four children, Thomas Schuster of Dubuque, Rose (Craig) Hartzell of Dubuque, David Schuster of Dubuque, and John (Melanie) Schuster of Yorkville, Illinois, grandchildren Elizabeth Baker, Emma Ruff, Sarah (Brad) Mohwinkle, Sophia Schuster, Lucas Schuster, and Bridget Schuster, great-grandchildren Liliana Mohwinkle, Kyanna Mohwinkle, and Alana Mohwinkle, his brother Allan Schuster of Platteville, Wisconsin, brother in law Fritz Stelpflug of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, his loving girlfriend Jeanette Hochberger, and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, and his sister Madonna Stelpflug.

Harry’s family would like to thank the staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for his care during the past year, and the incredibly gifted and caring ER and fifth floor staff at Finley Hospital during his final days of life.