Obituaries Archive

Charles L. Wilson

Charles L. “Chuck” Wilson, 73, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 30, 2019, surrounded by family at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, August 5, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 P.M. on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors.

Charles Leslie Wilson was born on June 7, 1946 in Fulton, Iowa, to Harlen and H. Pauline (Fenton) Wilson. He was a 1964 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years before being drafted to the Army. He served his country during the Vietnam War earning an honorable discharge. He married Patricia L. “Pati” Luskey on June 12, 1970 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Chuck had worked for Swiss Valley Farms/Land O’Lakes/Farmland Foods in Maquoketa for over 40 years and retired as the plant manager.

He was a member of the Maquoketa Country Club. He loved golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening and caring for his lawn. A wrestler himself, he loved the sport and founded the Maquoketa Little Cards Wrestling Club. More than anything, he especially enjoyed spending time with his family and all eight of his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Pati Wilson of Maquoketa, IA; children, Chad (Corie) Wilson of North Richland Hills, TX, Jennifer (Troy McNabb) Wilson of Maquoketa, IA, Wade (Melissa) Wilson of Maquoketa, IA, and Cale (Trisha) Wilson of Olathe, KS; 8 grandchildren, Bryanna, Braiden, Logan, Skyler, Levi, Brady, Paityn and Mason; sisters, Paula (Tom) Marcus of Andrew, IA, and Carolyn (Jack) Remke of Vero Beach, FL: a brother Richard Wilson of Stanfield, AZ; and an uncle Max “Pod” Wilson of Bettendorf, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Charles L. “Chuck” Wilson memorial fund has been established.

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

Robert L. Smith

Robert Lynn Smith, 67, of Lost Nation, Iowa, passed away on Monday evening, July 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M. on Friday, August 2, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery, with military honors.

Robert Lynn Smith was born on July 20, 1952 in Fort Worth, Texas to Henry and Dorothy (Autry) Smith Sr. He grew up in Texas where he met his future wife, Brenda Wirth. They were married on September 5, 1979 in Springtown, Texas. They moved to Iowa shortly thereafter and he drove truck for Hoffman Eggs and worked for Stickley Electric for a short time. He then became a mailman working for the Maquoketa Post Office for over 31 years, retiring on May 2, 2008. In retirement, he worked for River Valley Co-Op in Lost Nation as a truck driver.

He was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation where he had served as a Deacon, Trustee and was on the session, Menzo Widle American Legion Post #381 of Lost Nation, and a current Lost Nation City Councilman. He had been a longtime member of the Lost Nation Volunteer Fire Department, retiring in 2018. He enjoyed camping, the outdoors and spending time with children and grandchildren. He was known by many throughout eastern Iowa as the “VW” guy as he collected and worked on Volkswagen’s for many years.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Brenda Smith of Lost Nation, IA; children, Holly (Doug) Johanson of Martinsdale, IA, Adam (Stephanie) Weirup of Dubuque, IA, and Stephanie Westercamp of Lost Nation, IA; 8 grandchildren; a brother Norman (Billie) Smith of Azle, TX; sisters, Janet (Jimmy) Eisenman of Saginaw, TX, Wanda (Woody) Woods of Saginaw, TX, and Elaine (Rusty) Watts of Burleson, TX; and a sister-in-law, Cindy Smith of Alvarado, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Henry Smith Sr. and a sister Jane Smith.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Robert Lynn Smith memorial fund has been established.

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

Elizabeth J. Shifflett

Elizabeth “Betsey” Jane Shifflett, 92, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2019 in Tucson, Arizona.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on August 3 at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Burial will be in  Linwood Cemetery.

Betsey was born in Dubuque, Iowa on July 15, 1926, the daughter of Sidney and Bertha (Witchall) Creswick. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Dubuque in 1947. On October 28, 1951 she married John Sterling Shifflett at the University of Dubuque chapel. They spent 42 happy years together and were blessed with four children before John passed on January 27, 1993. Betsey was a social worker for four years before getting married. She obtained a teaching certificate in 1972 and taught mostly third grade for 18 years, including one year at Hoover Elementary School and 17 years at Lincoln Elementary School, the same place that she went to grade school.

Betsey was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of the choir. She also served as a Deacon and a Stephen Minister. She served on the board at Mt. Pleasant Home, volunteered at Finley Hospital, and was an active member of the National T.T.T. Society and P.E.O. International.

Betsey was the recipient of the Governor’s Award for teaching English to students from other countries at N.I.C.C. She and her husband sponsored a family from Vietnam following the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Betsey was an avid Cubs fan. She played piano and was a talented artist. All of her children have her art hanging on their walls, and one of her paintings was used for the cover of the book “Homespun Iowa.” She always enjoyed socializing with her many friends, particularly her “potluck group”.

She loved going on vacation with her family, whether it was a road trip to Maryland, Nebraska, Texas or California to visit relatives, going to museums in Chicago, camping at Yellowstone, or traveling to the family cottage at Moose Lake, Wisconsin.

Betsey lived in Dubuque IA for 87 years altogether, including 20 years after the death of her beloved husband. In 2013 she moved to Missouri to live near son James and daughter-in-law Rose, and in 2016 she moved to Arizona to live in the home of son Peter and daughter-in-law Diane. She  will be greatly missed by her family, friends, relatives, co-workers and students, in all the places she has lived.

Betsey is preceded in death by her parents; her husband John; her son John; brothers Robert and Kenneth Creswick. She is survived by three sons: Peter (Diane) of Tucson, AZ; James (Rose) of St. Peters, MO; Andrew (Audrey) of Columbia, SC; and daughter-in-law Bethany Shifflett of San Jose, CA; granddaughters Elizabeth and Victoria; grandsons John and James; sisters-in-law Gayle Creswick and Esther Johnson.

Memorials may be given to the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir. Arrangements are entrusted to Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd., Dubuque.

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

Dee Skyles Elmer

Dee Skyles Elmer, 49, passed away in Grundy Center Iowa July 2019.

No services will be held. Surviving are four children…Bradlee (Destiny), Tayler, Tanner, Angelina. Both parents, Jack (Eleanor), Sharyn. One sister, Shawn. Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Jodie Elmer and her daughter, Bryonna Elmer.

She was born Dawn Dee Skyles in LaGrande Oregon, February 5, 1970. She weighed Two lbs 13 oz.

Later changed her name to Dee Skyles. She went on to have five children whom she dearly loved and talked about all the time. One of her children, Bryonna, didn’t make it in this world, and she never forgot to tell those she trusted, about ALL of her children. Dee was immensely proud of her children and all they are to this world. There was never a doubt, if you saw them together, that she was loved right back.

Dee was kindhearted, thoughtful and compassionate. She also had the best laugh that could be heard from far away. Dee required ice to be in every drink she had in her hand. She was hospitable and would take in any stray animal that needed a home. Animals were part of her soul, they connected with her like nothing you have ever seen. Dee had many pets over the years and always stuck by them until the end of their years. She was known for her amazing Snickerdoodles, her cheesecake and her peanut butter cookies, and her famous Filipino Adobo, among other dishes she was great at. We will miss you Dee, until we see you again…..

Glen F. Bormann

Glen F. Bormann, 83, of LaMotte, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa, after a short illness.

A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be in the Andrew, IA Cemetery.

Glen was born on August 17, 1935 to Viola and William J. Bormann in Spragueville, Iowa. He attended Richland Township School in LaMotte, IA and then Andrew High School in Andrew, IA.

On May 4, 1957 Glen married the Love of his Life, Norma J. Clark at St. John’s Lutheran church in Bellevue, Iowa. Together they built their life on their dairy farm in LaMotte, Iowa. Glen and Norma were named Farmer’s Home Administration Farm Family of the Year in 1973 for Jackson and Dubuque Counties.

Glen was a member of Salem Lutheran church of Andrew, Iowa. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved the farm and he worked hard every day. Family gatherings and family sports were always a priority.

Glen is survived by his wife, Norma and their children Lisa (Tom) Harmon of Zwingle, IA, Steve (Donna) Bormann of LaMotte, IA, and Jan (Brian) Gill of Dubuque, IA. They were blessed with 7 grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Busch, Nathan (Tricia) Busch, Alyssa Busch & Josh, Andrea (Jon) Koos, Lucas (Ashley) Bormann, Mitch Gill & Clare, and Josh Gill. Seven great-grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and 6 step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Lois Ann (Jim) Bradley of LaMotte, IA, Donna (Eldon) Busch of Dubuque, IA, and Verla Beck of Maquoketa, IA; and his sisters-in-law, Norla Bormann of Zwingle, IA, and Wanda Bormann of LaMotte, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers William Bormann and Vernon Bormann, and son-in-law, Allen Busch.

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

Robert C. Lehnhardt

Robert C. “Chuck” Lehnhardt, Sr., age 76 of Dubuque, Iowa completed his earthly journey on July 25, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Bob’s life, family and friends are invited to “Bob’s party” to be held on August 11th.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

Bob was born on February 24, 1943 in Seattle, Washington, a son to Kenneth and Iola (Stuart) Lehnhardt.  He was blessed to meet and marry his true love, Carol Willcox, in 1963 and the loving couple has spent the last 55 wonderful years together, along with their 2 sons. Bob was an honest man of integrity who strived to lead, nurture and provide for his family through each passing day.  He invested over 35 years working as a Graphic Designer with Crescent Electric before eventually retiring in 2005.  Bob was also a very strong advocate for the handicapped and worked tirelessly with Access Dubuque for decades in order to achieve greater accessibility in countless locations in the area.  His efforts have had a lasting and positive impact on the daily lives of so many in our community and his devotion was continually evident to everyone he worked with.  Bob was an inspiration to all and a hero to many!

In his free-time, Bob always enjoyed any time he would get to spend woodworking or tuning up and testing his remote-control cars and airplanes.  He fully embraced each day as an opportunity to make the world a little better place, and we can honestly say that mission has been completed successfully. We will miss Bob, his smile and wit, but most of all his kind and gentle soul.  Our hearts and minds cannot even bear the thought of having to move forward without him by our sides, but we trust that he is now at peace and that we will once again get to see his joyful face enjoying life in eternal perfection. Thank you, Bob, for all of the love you’ve left us to embrace and may you finally find peace from all of the earthly struggles you have faced so bravely.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Bob include,
his loving wife,
Carol Lehnhardt, Dubuque, Iowa;

his sons,
Robert Lehnhardt II, Hazel Green, Wisconsin,
and Steven Lehnhardt, Hazel Green, Wisconsin;

his 3 grandchildren,
Shannon Lehnhardt, Dubuque, Iowa,
Robert Lehnhardt III, Colorado Springs, Colorado,
and Brittany (James) Gaylord, Dubuque, Iowa;

his 4 great-grandchildren,
AudRihanna Thomas, Tripp, Charles and Murdoc Gaylord;

his siblings,
Barb (Barney) Bishop, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Richard Lehnhardt, Dubuque, Iowa;

his sisters-in-laws,
Sissy (Smitty) Schmitt, Bad Axe, Michigan,
and Tammy (Dan) Felderman, Dubuque, Iowa;

and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, friends and neighbors.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Mina and Charlie Willcox, his step-father, Judd Slattery and his brother-in-law, Louis Willcox.

Robert’s family would like to thank his family and friends, along with Dr. Viner and his nurse, Ann, Dr. Cao, the Finley Homecare nurses, Sammi and Erica and the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for all of their love, support and kindness.

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

Jerome J. Steffen

Jerome J. Steffen Sr., 95, of Peosta, IA died Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Luther Manor Communities – Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2019 at Holy Family Church, Peosta. Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Peosta. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 1st, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, where there will be a wake service at 2:45 p.m.

Jerome worked at Farley & Loescher Co, Caradco, and lastly Flexsteel Industries retiring after 20+ years of service. He was a proud member of Local 1861 Steel Works Union.

He was born on June 11, 1924, in Luxemburg, IA, the son of Clem and Catherine (Greiner) Steffen. He married Lorraine Brummer on June 16, 1948 at Holy Family Church, Peosta. They celebrated 56 years of marriage. She preceded him in death. He was a member of Holy Family Church, Peosta.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who to pride in his family members. He enjoyed traveling, cheering for the Hawkeye’s and watching the Cubs. His hobbies were fishing and playing euchre with his brothers and friends.

Surviving are his daughters, Kay Oberhoffer, Sharon Frommelt, both of Dubuque, and Nancy (Mike) Felton, of Monticello; sons, Jerry (Marge) Steffen Jr. and Charles (Nancy) Steffen, both of Dubuque; grandchildren, Matthew (Beth) Oberhoffer, Michelle (Paul) Munya, David (Ashley) Frommelt, Robin Uzel, Mike (Samantha) Felton, Erica (Anthony) Reiss, Dawson and Ellyn Felton, Dan, Nick and Tony Steffen, David (Jessica) Steffen and Michael (Jessica) Steffen; and 20 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine Steffen; sons-in-law Kent Frommelt and Michael Oberhoffer; sister Lorraine and Marce Heisler; brothers and sisters-in-law Edward, Sylvester and Marie, Reynold and Frances, Francis, Gerald and Viola, and Andrew and Eileen Steffen.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to the staff of Luther Manor Community and Hospice of Dubuque for all their tender loving care of Jerome.

George F. Willging

George F. Willging, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 5:55 a.m., on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at home, with his loving wife by his side. To honor George’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Steven M. Garner officiating. To celebrate George’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

George was born on May 20, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Henry and Anna (Kregle) Willging.

George was a proud graduate of Loras Academy and went on to school at Loras College, where he earned his teaching degree. He would devote his time and talents teaching math at Loras Academy and Wahlert High School, before going to work with United Electric Company and eventually settling into his role at the John Deere Dubuque Works, until his well earned retirement at age 59. George was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Frances “Fran” Savary, on January 29, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. The two were blessed with 64 wonderful years and 8 adored children together. In his free time George was a master fisherman. His happiest place was on the Mississippi River with his former fishing partner, Jimmy O, or his sons and grandchildren, Zach and Brian. He knew the entire landscape of the river from Guttenberg to Bellevue, and tracked daily river stages for over 60 years. George was also an accomplished musician, having sung and traveled with the Dubuque Chorale for 25 years. He was extremely proud of the fact that he sang with them at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. He played the violin in the Dubuque Community String Orchestra and continued to practice for 30 minutes, twice a day, up to his current age of 86. When he moved to Oak Park Place, he and his wife, Fran, started the Oak Park Singers. We are deeply saddened at the sudden and unexpected loss of our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and will miss George more than words can ever truly express.

Those left to cherish George’s memory include

his loving wife,
Frances “Fran” Willging, Dubuque, IA;

his 7 children,
Steve (Kathy) Willging, Minneapolis, MN,
Cathy (Fred) Peters, Atlanta, GA,
Susan Troy, Dubuque, IA,
Andy (Linda) Willging, Sherrill, IA,
Joan Willging, Minneapolis, MN,
Joe (Dawn) Willging, Iowa City, IA
and Paul (Dianne) Willging, Camanche, IA;

his grandchildren,
Kurt, Ryan, Allyson, Eric, Anna, Justin, Zach, Brian, Alexandria, James, Jeff, Jake and Abby;

his great-grandchildren,
Naomi, Ella and Parker;

a brother,
Tom (Pat) Willging, Freeport, IL;

and a sister-in-law,
Joy Willging, St. Joe, MI.

George was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, David Willging; a great-grandson in infancy, Carson Willging; a sister, Pat Hebert; 2 brothers, Clarence Willging and Ronald Willging; a son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Troy; and his best friend, Jimmy “Jimmy O” Oberfoell.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Henry A. Ollendick

Henry A. “Hank” Ollendick, age 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on July 25, 2019 at the Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Holy Ghost Church, 305 West Main Street, Dickeyville, Wisconsin with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will follow in the Holy Ghost Church Cemetery.

Hank was born on May 20, 1930 in Elgin, Nebraska to Bernard and Elizabeth (Baechler) Ollendick. He grew up farming in Elgin, Nebraska and Cresco, Iowa Hank proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked on the family’s various farms and was later a carpenter and handyman for several companies.

Hank was an avid pheasant and deer hunter but loved hunting morels most of all. He enjoyed fishing and liked to spend his free time tending to his flowers but was always willing to lend anyone a helping hand whenever he could. Hank enjoyed spending time with his family, sharing family history with his nieces and nephews, and talking about his time in the military.

Hank is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Salber of Marathon, Wisconsin, Francie Salber of Browerville, Minnesota, and Bernadine (Dave) Sloan of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister-in-law, Kay Ollendick of Dickeyville, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Marie (Lawrence) Hayes, Clara (Walter) Dorn, Theresa (August) Moser, Alfred “Fritz” (Ivy) Ollendick, Theodore “Ted” (Hilda) Ollendick, Louise “Butch” (Tom) Smith, Wilhelmina “Minnie” (Al) Kalvelage, Charles “Chuck” (Jean) Ollendick and Don Ollendick; and brothers-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Salber and Jerome “Shorty” Salber.

Hank’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their care and support over the last few weeks.

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

Louis E. Kartman

Louis E. “Louie” Kartman, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019, at Manor Care.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury with Pastor Paul Amlin officiating. Following the service there will be a procession to the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and other Dubuque Veterans Groups. Private family burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury and also after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of service. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Louie was born on November 14, 1931 in Grant county Wisconsin the son of Gerald and Lela (Rech) Kartman. He served with the United State Marine Corps during the Korean War and on October 10th, 1953 he married Ramona J. Meredith in Dubuque, Iowa.

He worked as a truck driver for various Dubuque Companies and was an independent operator-owner for 40 years. He was a member of the VFW, Marine Corps League, American Legion and Men’s Breakfast at Lord of Life.

Louie was the founder of the Veterans Memorial Plaza; founding member with his wife Ramona of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Asbury, IA; on behalf of their church they did mission trips to Texas and Mexico. Louie also enjoyed fishing and telling stories.

He is survived by his wife Ramona Kartman; children, Scott Kartman, Lori (David) Burrows, both of Dubuque, LouAnn DeMoske, of Jacksonville, FL, and Kari (Jim) Hamilton, of Madison, WI. Grandchildren Curt (Pam), Kalee (Trown), Matthew, Ryan (Kara), Christopher (Holly), Natalie and Emily; along with 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including his new nephew Dale, who spent the last year listening to Louie’s stories of family and the Korean war.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents; two sons-in-law; two brothers Bob and Howard; two sisters Eunice Brooks and Erma Jean Jobe.

The family would like to thank Pastor Paul, Manor Care nurses and staff and Edna from Hospice of Dubuque for all their care, kindness and compassion.

Michael H. Hess

Michael H. Hess, 65, of Worthington passed away Friday, July 26, 2019, at Ennoble Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Dubuque after a brave battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Mike was born on September 21, 1953 to Henry and Clara (Weber) Hess. He grew up on a farm in Worthington with his three siblings. He continued farming in Worthington with his brother Pat while raising his family.

Mike enjoyed watching sports and getting together with friends and family playing card games. Later in life he enjoyed playing golf and looked forward to playing the many courses in the area. Being a grandpa was a big highlight in his life. Mike had an infectious smile and laid back attitude. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Survivors include his children; David Hess of Chandler, AZ, Casey (Becky) Hess of Earlville, Jennifer (Brian) Akerberg of Ely, grandchildren; Amber, Austin, Lexis, Easton, and Emmett, siblings; LuAnn (Pat) Putz of Dyersville, Kenneth Hess of Prairie du Chien, WI, sister-in-law; Dianne Hess of Dyersville, half-sister, Jane Pettinger and half-brother, Dick (Nancy) Hess.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clara Mae and Henry, step-father Richard Tobin, brother, Patrick, sister-in-law, Wendy Hess.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Nursing Home and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their support and kindness toward Mike through his illness. He always had good things to say about both places during his stay.

Betty L. Kuepers

Betty L. Kuepers, 91, of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, died Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Holy Ghost Church in Dickeyville with Rev. Bernie Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Monday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the church before the service.

Betty was born on April 16, 1928, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Oscar and Florence (Bode) Slaats. She married Jerome Kuepers on June 1, 1949, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1999. Jerry and she ran Kuepers Bar for 50 years.

Betty was a devoted wife and mother. There was nothing more important than her family and she spent many hours babysitting her grandchildren. Betty was a member of Holy Ghost Parish for 70 years, Holy Ghost Council of Catholic Women and Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed Chicago Cubs games and traveling.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Gary) Leibfried and Laura (Mick) Meyer, both of Dickeyville; her sons, Luke (Kay) Kuepers, Dickeyville, Mark (Kathy) Kuepers, Hazel Green, and Matthew (Kim) Kuepers, Green Bay; her daughter-in-law, Chris (George) Kuepers, Dickeyville; a sister, Julitta Rokusek, Dubuque; two brothers, Merlin (Doris) Slaats and Roger (Mary) Slaats, both of Cuba City; 21 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her son, John; her brother, Guerdon (Donna) Slaats; and a brother-in-law, Jack Rokusek.

Thank you to the staff at Epione Pavilion and Hospice of Dubuque for their special and loving care of Betty.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

John W. Goffinet

John William Goffinet, age 74, Asbury, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Tom Heathershaw officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2019, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a wake service will be at 3:30 p.m. Private family burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
John was born April 12, 1945 in Shullsburg WI, the son of John Wilson and Margaret Hannah (McAuliffe) Goffinet. He graduated from Cuba City High School in 1963 and attended vocational school in Madison, WI.

He married Joyce Lucas July 22, 1994, in Dubuque, IA.

John worked as a Quality Engineer at John Deere in Dubuque and worked from 1964 until his retirement in 2000.

He was active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles for over 37 years in both Dubuque and Monticello IA. In Dubuque he was club secretary for 16 years. In Monticello he was Chaplain 2006, President 2007, and has been the Auditor from 2009-present. He also was the State President in 2008-2009.

John was an avid golfer even after being struck by lightning, until MSA (Parkinson’s disease) set in. He loved the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, ISU Cyclones and NASCAR. He enjoyed vacations and wintering in TX, AZ & FL. He had a soft spot for casinos and there is a certain slot machine that will get a lot less action.

He is survived by his children; Kelly (Mike) Dickson, Marco Island, FL, Mark (Marcia) Goffinet, Ankeny, IA, Master Sergeant David Goffinet USAF, Retired, Surprise, AZ, Tom (Sara) Goffinet, Dubuqu,e IA, Korrinna (Scott) Glass, Cherry Valley, IL. Special friends; Pat (Paul) Luna, Canton IL, honorary daughter Donna (Mihalakis) Moore, Dubuque. Step-daughters; Lisa (Robert) McGhee, and Dawn Clemens. Grandchildren; Allison (Mike) McGuire, Collin (Siobhan) Dickson, Mason and McKenna Goffinet, Janelle (Jake) Diehl, Jackson (Katelyn Fraley) Goffinet, William and Cole Glass. Great Grandchildren; Bradley and Alena Diehl, Finn and Graham McGuire. Step Grandchildren; Amanda and Emily Fudge, Robbie McGhee, Michael Tigges, and Tanner Clemens.

He is also survived by his siblings; a sister Patricia Fitzpatrick, brothers Ron (Jane) Goffinet, Mike (Sandy) Goffinet and Bob (Jill) Goffinet.

John was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, parents Wilson and Margaret, brothers Gerald and Don Goffinet, sister Emelda Strong, brother-in-laws Russ Fitzpatrick and Vern Strong and sister-in-law Ruth Goffinet.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the John W. Goffinet Memorial Fund and will be distributed to his favorite charities.

Thank you to Kim, Katherine and Amber for the excellent care given for his LSVTBIG therapy at Medical Associates. It gave him hope and he always looked forward to his sessions.

Jay A. Streinz

Jay A. Streinz, age 62, of Dubuque, was called home at 2:25 p.m., on Sunday, July 14, 2019, at home, following a long, hard-fought health battle that lasted many years. He fought a good battle and is now at peace. To honor Jay’s life, private family services will be held. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Jay was born on December 30, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Andrew J. and Jeannette “Jan” (Selle) Streinz.

He was the sixth born child of the 10 Streinz children. Jay grew up in a large family and always found a way to stand apart from his siblings. He enjoyed the company of his family (most of the time). Jay always enjoyed a good game of euchre, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears… when they didn’t stink.

Jay was a peaceful, private person who enjoyed his freedom and found happiness living a minimalist lifestyle. He lived life one day at a time with an easy-going attitude.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1975, and was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1975 until 1979. Jay received his Rifle Marksmanship Badge and a Good Conduct Medal (No really, he did). He later attended NICC and Loras College.

Those left to remember his spirit and miss his mischievous smile include all nine of his siblings,

Jim “Corky” (Corliss) Streinz, Sarasota, FL,
John (Bonnie) Streinz, North Liberty, IA,
JoAnne Schack, Chicago, IL,
Joel (Stacy) Streinz, Nokomis, FL,
Judy (Paul) Beck,
Jerry (Kathy) Streinz,
Julie (Don Jecklin) Van Zile,
Janet Streinz
and Jeff (Libby) Streinz, all of Dubuque;

and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Jeannette “Jan” Streinz on November 29, 1997, and Andrew J. Streinz on November 4, 2002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Albrecht Acres, 14837 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, Iowa 52073.

Jay’s family would like to give a special thank you to his wonderful neighbors, Dave and Suzie Carner, for all of the kindness, friendship and support they have given Jay over the years.

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

Cornelius L. Donovan

Cornelius (Neal) L Donovan, 90, formerly of rural Bernard died Saturday July 20, 2019, at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade, Iowa.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Garryowen, Bernard, Iowa with Fr. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 26th, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd where there will be a prayer service beginning at 2:00pm.

Neal was born in Jackson County, Iowa to Richard and LuLu “Blanche” (Johnson) Donovan on February 18, 1929. Neal attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Jackson County.

Neal married Ellen Dunne of Andrew, Iowa, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew on November 18, 1950. After several moves, they purchased and occupied the original homesteaded Donovan family farm where they raised their nine children, farmed and resided for over 50 years.

He is survived by his nine children: Richard (Mary Lou), of Bernard, Tom, of Zwingle, Connie, of Cedar Rapids, Pat (Marty) Ryan of Waterloo, Nora (Lee) of Ft. Worth, TX, Jim (Linda), of Austin, TX, Chris (Glen) Ehlinger, of Marion, Kathy (Chris) Frerichs, of Cedar Rapids and Susan of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Neal is also survived by one sister, Lois Houselog of Dubuque and a brother Frank Donovan of Santa Rosa, CA, brother-in law Bill (Mary Jean) Dunne of formerly of Bernard, sister’s-in-laws Jean Dunne of Bellevue and Donna (Maury) Sturm of Dubuque in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his wife Ellen in 2013, Sister Donna Brenke, Brother Gerald (Buzzy) and his wife Joan, and brother-in-law Joe Dunne.

While Neal would describe himself first as a farmer, he was an accomplished auctioneer and real estate agent involving agriculture. The stories he would weave will forever be etched in many family and area residents’ minds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neal Donovan memorial fund. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Riverbend Retirement Community, Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and kindness.