Obituaries Archive

Darwin E. Bucher

Darwin E. “Butch” Bucher, 83, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. No public services will be conducted. Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Darwin was born October 10, 1935 in Northville Township, Illinois, the son of Ward and Dorothy (DeShazo) Bucher. He served in the US Marine Corp. Darwin married Patricia Shotwell on May 7, 1986. Darwin sold gun parts at many gun shows over the years. He could get along with anyone and always gave them time. Darwin had a heart of gold and was very generous. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life, he loved to tease and joke with them all the time. Darwin enjoyed having 4th of July parties and always had “Bucher Boxes” for his grandchildren every Christmas filled with rememberable gifts.

Survivors include his wife, Pat; children, Ward (Shiho) Bucher of Bellevue, Michael Bucher of Japan, Emmett (Donna) Bucher of Bellevue, and Linda (Larry) Ambrosy of Bellevue; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dawn (Roland) Gillette.

Darwin was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Leona C. Niehaus

Leona C. Niehaus, 100, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at MercyOne, Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 3-7 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue from 9-10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Leona was born November 9, 1918 in Dyersville, Iowa the daughter of Vitus and Josephine (Meyer) Langel. She married Eldrew B. Niehaus on May 1, 1941 in Dyersville, Iowa.

Leona worked at The Ertl Company for 21 years. Leona cared for her husband for many years as he suffered with Parkinson’s disease. For years she went to Oak Crest Manor almost every day and fed him lunch and dinner.

She enjoyed playing BINGO and cards. She was an avid Cubs fan.

Survivors include her two sons: Dave “Moose” (Judy) Niehaus of Dyersville and Jim (Jane) Niehaus of Allen, TX; grandchildren: Bruce Niehaus, Brad (Susan) Niehaus, Brenda (Bryan) Gray, Teddy (Deanna) Glover, Travis Niehaus, Shelli Niehaus (partner, Steve Rudderham), Tony Niehaus, Shawn (Sairung) Niehaus, 15 great grandchildren: 13 great great grandchildren; siblings: Helen Krogman of Dubuque, Alma Loesche of Dyersville and sister-in-law, Arlene Langel of Manchester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Eldrew who passed in 2008, siblings: Marcella Weber Steger (Alphonse Weber & Edmund Steger), Sylvester (Deloras) Langel, Ambrose Langel, Ray (Sally) Langel, Lucille Langel, Esther Klein Sullivan (Clete Klein & Roger Sullivan), Evey (John) Gaul, Mary (Lyle) Neuhaus; in-laws: Red Loesche, Roy Krogman, Valeria (Paul) Beckman; Jackie Niehaus, wife of grandson, Travis Niehaus.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Senior Care for their compassionate care.

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

Helen E. Oster

Helen E. Oster, 90, of East Dubuque, IL, was called home to Eternal Peace and Love on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation is from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Helen was born on January 30, 1929 in Bellevue, Iowa, the daughter of John and Eleanor (Davis) Hingtgen. She married Oswald “Ozzie” Oster on June 4, 1949 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2012.

She graduated from the former Immaculate Conception Academy in 1947.

Helen was a member of the Academy Alumni, a member of St. Mary’s Parish and its Altar & Rosary Society in East Dubuque.

She worked at the former General Dry Battery Factory, and the former Warehouse Market both in Dubuque.

Helen loved her travels to Mexico, England, Las Vegas, Texas, New England, and many trips to cabins on the lakes in Northern Wisconsin. She also enjoyed luncheons with life-long friends from I. C. Academy and the Mother’s Club.

Family was of the utmost importance to Mom. She raised and was instrumental in her grandchildren’s upbringing. Mom was always looking forward to the next family gathering, including the annual fall trips to the apple orchards at Gays Mills, WI.

Surviving are her children, Tom (Doris Quinlan) Oster of Shawano, WI, Terri (Oster) Hanson and Lee Weiss of Roanoke, IN, and John (Tracy Holdridge) Oster of East Dubuque; her daughter-in-law, Deb (Mihalakis) Oster of Hazel Green, WI; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren whom she cherished and enjoyed being with.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Eleanor, her husband Ozzie, a son Jim and her siblings, Mick, Vern, and Roger Hingtgen.

Helen’s family would like to express our deep appreciation and sincere thank you to all of the people who cared for our Mom with patience and compassion. Thank you to Mom’s neighbors, doctors, nurses and CNA’s at Mercy One Dubuque, to all the people on the Skilled Nursing Floor at Stonehill Care Center, everyone at Assisi Village, nurses and CNA’s and staff on the Hospice and Palliative Care Floor at Stonehill, to all those special people from Hospice of Dubuque. To our family of cousins for their support, thank you. To Fr. Peter of St. Mary’s, East Dubuque for his help and compassion.

Our mom’s everlasting words to us are: “Remember, material things don’t mean much, the most important thing is to be kind and good to each other.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

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

Jeffrey J. Hinzmann

Jeffrey was an over-the-road trucker until his health started to decline. He enjoyed taking care of his home and yard and sitting on his porch and visiting with family and friends.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by one brother, Kenny Hinzmann and one sister, Kimberly Babin.

Survivors include: his parents, Ronald and Clara Hinzmann of Kimberling City, MO; two daughters, Amy Hinzmann of Kansas and Emily Hinzmann of Kansas; two brothers, Jimmy Hinzmann and friend, Kari of Cuba City, WI and Jerry Hinzmann of Kimberling City, MO; three grandsons and one granddaughter and a host of other family and friends.

No service is planned at this time. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City, MO.

Richard P. Schuster

Richard P. “Dick” Schuster, 82, of Darlington, Wisconsin, died Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Lafayette Manor in Darlington.

Friends may call from 3-6 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2019, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Cuba City.

Dick was born on April 23, 1937, in Bernard, Iowa, the son of William and Clara (Schneider) Schuster. He married Geraldine Butlett on October 5, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, Dubuque, IA. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2011.

Dick farmed in the Cuba City area for years. He enjoyed gambling, playing cards and going for rides.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandy (Denny) Ritter, Darlington, and Barbara (Tom Ferrin) Schuster, Hazel Green; four sons, Richard Schuster, Timothy (Lisa) Schuster, and Kenneth Schuster, all of Cuba City, and James (Ronda) Schuster, Bloomington; three brothers, Joseph Schuster, Kansas City, MO, and Loras Schuster and Bill (Lorraine) Schuster, both of Dubuque, IA; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren with one on the way.

He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Tommy Ferrin; three sisters, Veronica Wickman, Carol Lynch and Mary Scheckel; and three brothers, Henry, Gerald and Ray Schuster.

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

Daisy A. Stabenow

Daisy Ann Stabenow, age 101, of Luther Manor, formerly of Largo, Florida, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, September 2, 2019.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 9th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Frank Dunn officiating.

She was born September 8, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Russell Wright and Mary (Svejcar) Wright. Daisy married Lee Delmar Stabenow of McConnell, Illinois on May 31, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri.

She was employed in various positions prior to attending college. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1968 and taught sixth grade math in the Kansas public schools for many years thereafter.

She was a world traveler having visited many countries and every continent first with her husband and, after his death, with her daughter. Her favorite destination was the game parks of East Africa. She had one special trip to Ireland with her daughter and son and daughter-in-law which was a wonderful family vacation.

Daisy is survived by a son, Dr. David (Eva) Stabenow, of Dubuque, Iowa and a daughter, Patricia Cone, of Dacula, Georgia. She is also survived by four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Lee, her husband; a brother Russell Wright, Jr.; and two sisters Mary Jane Blank and Annabell Goldstone.

In lieu of flowers memorials should be given to Luther Manor or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wants to thank Luther Manor for the wonderful care they gave to our mother over the years she was with them and to thank Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate care they gave at the end of her life.

Donald K. Brooks

Donald K. Brooks, 60, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A natural journey farewell with cremation has taken place. A Donnie Brooks Benefit is planned for Saturday, September 14th, 2019 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at Bill’s Place in Maquoketa. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Donald Keith Brooks was born on March 1, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Donald A. Brooks and Rosemary (Clark) Feltes. He was educated in Maquoketa schools and was part of the first MAC program class taught by Deb Carson. Following high school, he worked various construction and carpenter jobs. He then worked for Clinton Engines as a machinist, Generac as a machinist, Precision Metal Works as a painter and lastly for Hollander in Maquoketa.

He met Mary Wallroff on March 1, 1980 and they were married on April 15, 1995 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Don was an avid football fan of the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. He also enjoyed playing pool and talking about the weather. He was a family-oriented man who loved spending time with his grandson Kairyn. He enjoyed telling stories of his family and friends growing up.

Those left to honor Don’s memory include his wife, Mary L. Brooks of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter Chanel Brooks of Maquoketa, IA; a grandson Kairyn; sisters Sherri (Shawn) Hulke of Oxford Junction, IA, and Dawn Bodenhofer of MN; a brother John (Mary) Brooks of Oxford Junction, IA; and his step-dad John Feltes of Oxford Junction, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Lisa Snodgrass, and sons Damien Wallroff and Donald N. Brooks.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Dana F. Widel

Dana F. Widel, 81, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, September 6, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Dana Frank Widel was born on April 19, 1938 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Lyle Ford and Rebecca Emma (Bruns) Widel. He attended elementary and junior high school in Maquoketa, and was a 1958 graduate of Elwood High School. He later attended NIC in Peosta earning a Tax Accounting Degree.

Dana was well known for owning and operating Widel Tax and Accounting Services from 1987 to 2013. Prior to that, he had worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa from graduation until 1980, and General Thermo from 1980 to 1982. He was a handyman, and a landlord who owned several rental properties, as well as being actively involved in the Maquoketa softball program during the 1980’s.

Dana had been a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed watching sports, NASCAR, and spending time outside, especially walking.

Those left to honor his memory include a brother-in-law, Art Wheatley of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Menzo, Robert and Lyle, and sisters Nola Hinz, Glatha Wheatley, Waive Bailey, Neda Wagoner and 2 infants.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Dana F. Widel memorial fund has been established.

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

Eldon J. Budden

Eldon Joseph Budden, 94, of Menominee, IL, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 at Nativity BVM Church at Menominee, with Fr. Peter Snieg officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary/prayer service will be at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. There will also be a visitation from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the Church, where the Nativity BVM Holy Name Society will recite the rosary at 9:45 a.m.

Eldon was born on January 2, 1925 in Menominee Township of Jo Daviess County, the son of Joseph and Irene (Hilby) Budden. Eldon farmed for many years in Menominee Twp.

He was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus of Galena, Council # 696, a member of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau and a former member of the Menominee Village Board.

Eldon was an avid euchre player and played in many euchre tournaments. He was an avid Chicago Bears and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Eldon was also the first road commissioner for the Village of Menominee.

Eldon enjoyed his hunting trips to South Dakota, and his fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends.

Surviving is his sister, Wilma Budden of Menominee; a brother-in-law, Ed Handfelt of Waunakee, WI, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews, and great, great, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene, his siblings, Alverna (Leo) Ramaker, Evelyn Handfelt, Eloyse (Dick) Runde, Donald (Irene) Budden, and nephews, David Ramaker, Dave Girton, Mike Uthe, Andy Runde, and Joey Westhoff.

“Live like you’re going to die tomorrow, and farm like you’re going to live forever.”

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

Eldon’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the special kindness shown to Eldon.

Alfred A. Schmitt

Alfred August Schmitt, 93, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Friday, September 6, 2019, at the Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road, where there will be a Wake Service at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial for Al will be 10:30 AM Saturday, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum, Key West.

Al was born September 28, 1925 in Dubuque, the son of Alfred J. and Hilda (Koester) Schmitt. He grew up as a child of the Great Depression. He never complained about how difficult life was growing up but did what was needed to help his family survive day to day. He was strong willed, hard-working, loving and smart, both street and intellectually. As a young man he grew up quickly with a sense of responsibility to his mother and siblings.

He then met Virginia Hirsch, the love of his life, and they married November 8, 1947 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. and started a family. He approached family life as he did with his early life, with love, a fierce sense of responsibility and a need for a bit of adventure.

He was employed as a pattern maker at John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 years. He retired in 1983.

His family fondly remembers the many Western trips with his wife, children, and in-laws in tow, always ending in San Francisco to visit his mother and brothers. He also loved salmon fishing, playing cards with his friends, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered and terribly missed.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, the Pattern Makers League of NA, and the Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Janet (Patrick) Melloy, Thomas Schmitt, Susan (Mike Gruber) Lang, all of Dubuque, Christine (Richard) Schneider, of Lancaster, WI, and Amy (Mark) Hemmer, of Andrew, IA; grandchildren, Ryan (Irene) Melloy and Erin (Jeremiah) DeHeck, Karin Betsinger, Kevin (Sophia) Schmitt, Meggan (Josh Stowers) Gaines, Jessica, Melissa and Justen Lang, Jared, and Amanda Hemmer and Morgan Schneider; two step-grandchildren, Holly Schneider and Megan Almberg; 11 great-grandchildren, a brother, Carl (Kathleen) Schmitt, of Texas, and a sister, May Lou Kennedy of Epworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Georgia Betsinger, one brother, George Schmitt and a brother-in-law Jack Kennedy.

A memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque and the American Heart Association

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, St. Croix Hospice and the Hospice of Dubuque especially Paul his nurse, for their loving care and support of Al.

Evelyn Blosch-Poulsen

Evelyn Blosch-Poulsen, 90, died on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Longhouse Adult Living Center in Spencer, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7th at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Rev. Dianne Grace will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. Lunch will be served at noon for family and friends at the Moracco. Interment will be at 3 p.m.at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, St. Donatus, IA.

Evelyn was born on August 12th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa. She was the daughter of Conrad W. and Mary M. (Timmerman) Blosch.

She married Harvey Schroeder in 1948 and was divorced in 1957. After her divorce she worked at the Clinton Engines plant in Maquoketa, Iowa, and later worked for the John Deere plant as a pastry chef for many years.

She and her second husband, Curt Poulsen, moved to Fostoria, Iowa, where they owned and operated a locker plant and grocery store.

She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are her children, Roger (Lois) Schroeder, of Mechanicsville, VA, Kenneth (Dee) Schroeder of Spencer, IA, Jim Meyer, her longtime companion of Spencer, IA; her brothers Carmen (Anna Mae) Blosch of Cuba City, WI, and  Carvel Blosch of Dubuque, IA; and 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant sons, LaVerne and Verle Schroeder; and sisters Dorothy Bradley and Della Hoerner.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

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

Viola A. Roeder

Viola A. “Vi” (Hingtgen) Roeder, 100, of Bellevue, passed away on Tuesday, September 03, 2019 at Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 7, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 9:00 am until service time also on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Vi was born December 24, 1918 in Jackson County, the daughter of Nicholas and Katherine (Heiar) Hingtgen. She married Floyd P. Roeder on June 27, 1939 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Andrew, he passed on January 4, 2014. Vi was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Rosary Society. She was a hard worker, working sunup to sundown, she made her daughter’s clothing, always putting her family first and was well respected by all. Vi and Floyd enjoyed going to dances every weekend. Vi was devoted to the Rosary and said it many times each day.

Survivors include her children, Barb Roeder, Bob (Rose) Roeder, Diane Berlage, Cheri Griebel, Gary (Katy) Roeder, Rick (Donna) Roeder, and Mary (Aron) Thielen; 22 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; a sister, Delores Eggers; and a sister in-law, Janet Hingtgen.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Al (Elnora) Hingtgen, Vern Hingtgen, Loretta (Ray) Clasen, and Donna (Eldon) Oster; a brother in-law, Richard Eggers; and 3 sons in-law, Van Rolling, Glenn Griebel, and Dennis Berlage.

The family would like to thank Clover Ridge for their special care of our mother.

A memorial fund has been established in Vi’s memory.

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

George A. Sharkey

George A. Sharkey, Sr. 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 28, 2019 at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

George was born on February 22, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Charles and Margaret (Allen) Sharkey. He served in the United States Army from October of 1961 to August of 1962 in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He married Mary Faulhaber on November 26, 1960 at Sacred Heart in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on March 9, 2018. He worked for John Deere for 38 years until retirement. He also worked at Sharkey building and Wrecking with his brothers. He was a member of the UAW Local 94.

George loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren along with being outdoors and playing cards. He loved to work and take care of his family.

George is survived by his son George (Julie) Sharkey, Jr. of Casper, Wyoming, and daughter Michelle Tigges, of Dubuque. Five grandchildren Jessica, Shawn, Jamie, Cory and Candi. Four great grandchildren, Jaylinn, Jasmine, Brooklyn and Wiley. His brothers Dennis Sharkey, Gary Sharkey, and Greg Sharkey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, brothers Mick, Tom, Tim and Chuck.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

Mary Ann Hermsen

Mary Ann Hermsen, 86 of New Vienna passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at Shady Rest Care Center, Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 pm Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 4:00 pm and the NV/Luxemburg Fire Department will gather at 6:30 pm. Visitation will continue Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, with burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. Jim Goerend will officiate.

Mary Ann was born October 15, 1932, in Luxemburg, Iowa the daughter of Felix and Rose (Meyers) Oberbroeckling.  She attended Holy Trinity School in Luxemburg, however left school early after the death of her mother (which was the day after Mary Ann’s 16th Birthday) to help raise her younger siblings.

Mary Ann married Virgil Hermsen on September 22, 1954, in Luxemburg.  After marriage she worked at Roshek’s Cafeteria in Dubuque and The National Tea Grocery Store in Dyersville.  But for most of her life Mary was a stay at home mother until the early 1960’s when Virgil purchased The New Vienna Feed Mill where she helped when needed.  They also owned and operated Virgil’s Woodshop after the sale of the Feed Mill.  For many years they attended auctions and set up Flea Markets in Illinois and Minnesota. You could also find her helping out at Breitbach’s Country Dining in the kitchen or bar area until her health started to fail.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil, (they would have been married 65 years this September 22); children: Robert (Teresa) Hermsen of Belle Plaine, Debra (Gary) Osterhaus of Petersburg, Patrick (Kim) Hermsen and Susan (Joe) Kluesner, both of New Vienna, Mike (Tiffany) Hermsen of Kansas City, MO, and Sara (Gary) Goedken of Worthington; 20 grandchildren: Anne (Graham Critch) Hermsen, Katie (Kyle) Grosz, Andrew Hermsen, Chris (Rochelle Hunter) Hermsen, Chad (Kris) Osterhaus, Kurt (Christy) Osterhaus, Lara (Shawn) Summer, Luke Hermsen, Lindsey Hermsen, Kevin Kluesner, Molly Kluesner, Mary (Kirby Kendrick) Kluesner, Daniel (Holly Offerman) Kluesner, Mariah (Jacob Ross) Hermsen, Hannah Hermsen, Sierra Hermsen, Tyler (Megan) Goedken, Elizabeth (Mario) Ibarra; 10 great grandchildren: Ellyn, Kinnick, Garrett, Kilee, Dalton, Josalyn, Valen, Elyse, Myles and Emilio; 2 step great grandchildren: Daniel and Adam; siblings: Dennis (Barb) Oberbroeckling of Cedar Rapids and Patricia (Joe) Wulfekuhle of Petersburg; in-laws: Doris Lake of Dyersville, Fred (Barb) Hermsen of Peosta, Daniel (Jean) Hermsen of Dyersville and Jean (Marvin) Kramer of Farley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, John and Sylvia (Thillen) Hermsen; grandchildren: Greg and Abby Osterhaus; siblings: Gregor (in infancy), Henry (Jeanne), Albert (Gladys), Leonard Oberbroeckling, Elizabeth (Louis) Loeffelholz, Lucille (LeRoy) Loeffelholz and Theresa (Herman) Mueller; a brother-in-law, Lavern “Doc” Lake.

A Mary Ann Hermsen Memorial Fund has been established and memorials are preferred.

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

Ralph Kunkel

Ralph Kunkel, 86, of Kieler, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019, at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 104, Cuba City. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 2, 2019, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center in Kieler where the parish wake service will be at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at the parish center before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is assisting the family.

Ralph was born on April 17, 1933, in Kieler, Wisconsin, the son of Kilian and Angeline (Roth) Kunkel. Ralph graduated with distinction in 1951 from Loras Academy, Dubuque, Iowa. While at the Academy, Ralph participated in their Reserve Officer Training Corps and was promoted to the rank of Cadet Master/Sergeant. Following graduation, he entered the military. After completing six months of Signal School, Ralph served as section sergeant for the 3rd Signal Battalion.

He married Darlene Brant of Dickeyville, WI, on October 30, 1956. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2016. Ralph worked at John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works and sold insurance.

Ralph loved to hunt deer and bear in Northern Wisconsin and took many extended fishing trips to Canada. He enjoyed bowling and traveling. Ralph was a member of American Legion Post 104 and Wings over Wisconsin.

Ralph and Darlene were blessed with two children, Terry Kunkel, Warner Robins, GA, and Vicki Kunkel, Aurora, IL. Ralph is also survived by two grandchildren, Kim and Monique; seven great-grandchildren, Kali, Emma, Nicoles, Kyley, Michael, James, and Amelia Rose; two brothers, John (Patricia) Kunkel and Floyd (Darlene) Kunkel; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Kunkel and Rose Ann Kunkel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; twin infant children in gestation; three brothers, Kenneth (Marie), Donald and Gerald; and two sisters, Rita (Eugene) Hornbeck and Marian (Gilbert) Vaassen.

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