Obituaries Archive

Carolyn A. Visser

Carolyn A. Visser, age 74 of Dubuque, Iowa completed her earthly journey suddenly on August 1, 2019 at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital Dubuque, with her dear friend, Linda, by her side.  To celebrate Carolyn’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. in the Hadley Chapel, Hillcrest Family Services Campus, 2005 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa with Rev. Diane Christopher officiating. Family and friends of Carolyn may gather to visit prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. in Hadley Chapel. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, Iowa at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Carolyn’s family.

Carolyn was born on November 21, 1944 in Albia, Iowa, a daughter to Reanus and Opal (Hartness) Visser. Carolyn was raised to appreciate the gift of giving of herself for the good of others.  This positive character trait developed quickly at a very early age and she soon became committed to spending her life in the classroom as one of the teachers her students would remember long into their adult lives. She had worked diligently towards her goal and in 1966 she finally earned her degree and headed full steam ahead into the Dubuque Community School District.  She lovingly invested over 40 years of her time and talents at Franklin School, Lincoln School, Table Mound School and eventually completed her career at Sageville School before retiring in 2007.  Carolyn enjoyed every opportunity she had to work with her children and thankfully there have been many 1st and 2nd graders throughout the years who were truly blessed to be as cared for in their classroom during the day, as they were at home in the evening, when Ms. Visser was at the desk.

Carolyn was a kind and gentle soul who continually put others before herself.  Her creative spirit was always on display and her zest for life came in 2nd only to her love and respect for family and friends. We will miss Carolyn more than mere words could accurately depict, but we also accept that we are absolutely blessed to have been given so many wonderful years to build lasting memories with her during Carolyn’s time with us.  We thank you, Carolyn, for all of the generosity and love you gave so freely, and may the Lord keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Carolyn include,

her friend and caretaker,
Linda Schneider, Dubuque, Iowa,
and their 3 fur babies, Snickers, Muffin and Lulu;

her sister,
Sally Hanson, Seattle, Washington;

her sister-in-law,
Sharon Visser, Traer, Iowa;

along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Phyllis (Larry) Smith; her brother, Lee Visser; and her brother-in-law, Dr. Don Hanson.

Carolyn’s family and friends would like to thank the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital ICU for all of their professional care and compassionate support; above all Dr. Whalen, Carolyn’s faithful doctor for 36 years.  In addition, we would like to acknowledge the mini-bus drivers who treated Carolyn with such kindness when transporting her to dialysis, along with all of the nurses and staff at Tri-State Dialysis who gave her such loving support.

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

Elizabeth L. Donahue

Elizabeth L. “Betty” (Arthofer) Donahue, age 82, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at home, with her loving husband and son by her side. To celebrate Betty’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, August 5, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Betty was born on February 7, 1937, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Peter and Charlotte (Finzel) Arthofer.

Betty was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joseph Donahue, on January 28, 1956, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. She was always a hard worker, and was employed with Brown Publishing for 28 years, until health issues led to her retirement in 1996. Betty was a homemaker at heart and loved caring for her family and keeping her home neat and orderly. Talking to her sister-in-law, Joyce, on the phone was something she looked forward to daily. Betty also enjoyed spending her Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR, rooting on her favorite drivers, Jeff Gordon and after his retirement Joey Logano. Beyond a doubt, Betty’s greatest joy was found in time spent with Joe, the boys and especially the grandchildren. We are deeply saddened at losing Betty so suddenly, but take some comfort in the knowledge that she is now resting peacefully, free of the health challenges she has faced so bravely these past years.

Those left to cherish Betty’s memory include

her husband of 63 years,
Joseph “Joe” Donahue, Dubuque, IA;

her son,
Roger Donahue, Dubuque, IA;

her daughter-in-law,
Debbie Freking, Dyersville, IA;

her grandchildren,
Trevor Donahue, Tanner Donahue, Mike McDonald and Jennifer Donahue;

her great-grandchildren,
Jordan Donahue and Jayden Donahue;

her siblings,
Chuck Arthofer,
Jim (Judy) Arthofer
and Mike (Maize) Arthofer, all of Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Richard Burns, Des Moines, IA;

and a goddaughter,
Tina Burns, Des Moines, IA.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons, Jim Donahue and Mike Donahue; her siblings, Rosie (Ben) Greenwood, Elsie Burns and Boniface “Bunny” Arthofer; and her sister-in-law, Joyce Arthofer.

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

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

Celestine A. Sigwarth

Celestine A. “Cele” Sigwarth, age 91, of Holy Cross, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 2:00 a.m. on July 30, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Cele’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Balltown, Iowa, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating. To celebrate Cele’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 468 Balltown Road, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 2:30 p.m., and a prayer service by the Farley American Legion Post 656 at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the Farley American Legion Post 656. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Cele was born on October 16, 1927, near Balltown, Iowa, on the farm of his parents, John and Anna (Leick) Sigwarth.

Cele married Eleanor E. Heiberger on May 4, 1954, in Bankston. On the farm where Cele spent his childhood, he and Eleanor would farm for 59 years. Cele was also an Insurance Agent with Farley/Grinnell Mutual. He was a veteran who served from 1951-1953, as a PFC (Private First Class) – Acting Corporal with the U.S. Army at the 112th Infantry Regiment Headquarters – Intelligence Section in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Cele was a proud member of the Farley American Legion Post 656 for 60+ years and was recognized for the same.

Those left to cherish Cele’s memory include

his 3 children,
Joanie (Ron) Heitzman, Dubuque, IA,
Jeanie Sigwarth, Holy Cross, IA
and Jerry (Angie) Sigwarth Sr., Holy Cross, IA;

a daughter-in-law,
Dr. Nicky Fox, Columbia, MD;

8 grandchildren,
Justin (fiancé Nicole Trompeter) Heitzman, Seattle, WA,
Karl (Erica) Sigwarth, North Liberty, IA,
Valerie (fiancé Jesse Pullen) Heitzman, Dubuque, IA,
Jerry “J.P.” (Meggan) Sigwarth Jr., Holy Cross, IA,
Stacey (friend Mitch Bryson) Sigwarth, Dubuque, IA,
James Sigwarth, Columbia MD,
Darcy Sigwarth, Columbia, MD
and Tim Ruden Jr., Holy Cross, IA;

3 great-grandsons;

and his siblings,
Alice Link,
Marina Klein
and Lucilla Link, all of Dubuque, IA
and Louis Sigwarth, Balltown, IA.

Cele was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Eleanor; a son, John Sigwarth; and his siblings, Fr. Reynold Sigwarth, Armella Banwarth, Dorothy Klein and Werner Sigwarth.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to the staff of Dr. Jared Freiburger’s Medical Associates Office and of the Dubuque VA Office. Special gratitude and shout out to Hospice of Dubuque and staff, especially Tim, Tammie, Nichole and Ryan. With your support, Cele’s dream to remain at home was easily achieved.

Mary Anne Weidemann

Mary Anne (Erhart) Weidemann, age 77, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 9:25 p.m., on Monday, July 29, 2019, at home, surrounded by her loving family, after a 12 year battle with cancer. To honor Mary Anne’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Mary Anne’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Holy Ghost Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Anne was born on June 25, 1942, in San Diego, California, daughter of Vincent Leroy and Lela Winifred (Ledbetter) Erhart.

Mary Anne was a member of the first graduating class of Wahlert High School in 1960. After school, Mary Anne was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for 5 years before meeting and marrying the love of her life. She was united in marriage to Wilfred J. “Bill” Weidemann on August 14, 1965, at St. Anthony’s Church in Dubuque, and would happily embrace her new role as a wife, mother and homemaker. When the children were grown, Mary Anne would reenter the workforce with the Church of the Nativity, until health issues led to her retirement. When she found some free time in her days, Mary Anne loved reading, listening to classical music or her beloved Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, or playing Scrabble and Canasta with family and friends. She also enjoyed attending plays and going to Music in the Park at Eagle Point Park and the Dubuque Arboretum. Mary Anne loved to sing and was an active member of the choirs at both the Church of the Nativity and Holy Ghost Church. Mary Anne’s faith was very important to her and she was an active participant of the prayer group with the Franciscan Associates. Family was above all the most important aspect of Mary Anne’s life, she loved taking family trips every year and especially looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with the grandchildren. We will miss our sweet wife, mom, grandma and sister more than words can say, and are extremely grateful for all of the wonderful memories we have created and will cherish forever.

Those left to cherish Mary Anne’s memory include

her loving husband of 53 years,
Wilfred “Bill” Weidemann, Dubuque, IA;

her 3 children,
Joe (Sarah Jane) Weidemann, Dubuque, IA,
Beth (Marty) Nay, Kansas City, MO
and Sarah Lela (Mason) Walton, Cedar Rapids, IA;

her 8 grandchildren,
Erica and Michael Weidemann,
Nicholas Springer and Zachary, Samantha and Abby Nay
and Stephanie and Andrew Walton;

her 8 siblings,
Jack (Pat) Erhart, Kirksville, MO,
Jim (Maureen) Erhart, Hawaii,
Ging (Ron) Hoefer, Dubuque, IA,
Bob (Toni) Erhart, Keokuk, IA,
Terry (Rick) Kern, Minneapolis, MN,
Peg (Tom) Klun, Lakeland, MN,
Carol (Zulkiffili) Erhart-Abu, Chicago, IL
and Donna Erhart, Minneapolis, MN;

and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, William “Bill” Erhart.

Mary Anne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melanie and Julie, for all of their loving care and support of Mary Anne and her entire family.

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

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

Raymond C. DeNeve

Raymond Charles DeNeve, 84, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Regional Medical Center in Manchester after a 7-month-long battle with lung cancer. He was born on June 14, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest child of Rene and Helen (Yesalis) DeNeve. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he excelled as a varsity basketball player.  Ray went on to graduate from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, and taught in Missoula before accepting a fellowship at the University of Iowa where he earned a Masters in Special Education Administration. He then taught at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, before joining the Keystone Area Education Agency where he supervised the delivery of support services to special needs children.

On July 14, 1973, Ray was united in marriage to Jane Phillips at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. Ray was an active participant in life. In his younger days he skied, was a certified PADI scuba diver, kayaker, practiced Taekwondo, did RAGBRAI fourteen times, hunted in Montana, and ran marathons. He enjoyed spending winters with Jane and family on South Padre Island, Texas. Ray was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Masonic Lodge 165, and the American Legion Post 45, where he had served as commander.

Ray is survived by Jane, his wife of 46 years; his sister, Irene Grams of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; a half-brother, Joseph (Dawn) DeNeve; a nephew, Donal Armstrong and wife, Patricia, and their sons, Joseph (Alexandra) and Samuel (Grace); nieces and nephew, Linda (Mike Siekierski) Grams, Carol Walker, Cathy Robinson, Debi (John) Goggins, Joseph Sausman, and Lori Brown; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Madge and William Meese, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Catherine (Joe) Sausman and Helen (Joe) Armstrong; a brother-in-law, John Grams; nieces, Irene Grams Maag and Melanie Meese Sims; and great-nephew, Kyle William Stewart.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial with Military Rites: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2019, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, with a Masonic service at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

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.