Obituaries Archive

Vincent L. Strong

Vincent “Vern” L. Strong, 88, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday April 2, 2019 at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corp League. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Vern was born on August 27, 1930 the son of Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong. He married Imelda (Goffinet) Strong in 1964. She preceded him in death. Vern attended St. Columbkille High School and went on to join the Marine Corp where he served proudly.

Vern was a member of the AMVETS as well as the Dubuque Marine Corp League. He was a dedicated plumber and a lifelong member of the UA Union.

In his free time Vern enjoyed woodworking; he would make birdhouses and other decorative items as well as building his own cabinets for his home. He also loved to travel around the country visiting family and seeing new destinations.

He is survived by his children; Michael Strong of Dubuque, IA, Julie (Mitch) Stermer of Campbell, CA, and Susan Harthun of Marion, IA; three grandchildren Calvin Stermer, Ethan Harthun and Robert (Elizabeth) Strong; two great grandchildren Josiah Strong and Gabrielle Strong; and a sister Delores Oliver of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong and his wife Imelda Strong.

A Vincent L. Strong memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Ringold and Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care.

Lois Mary Hilby

Lois Mary Hilby, 84, of Menominee, IL passed peacefully Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Nativity B.V.M. Church in Menominee, with Fr. Wayne Droessler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 1 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where St. Ann’s Society Rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Monday, April 8, at the funeral home.

Lois was born May 1, 1934 in Hazel Green, WI, daughter of Arthur and Clara (Placke) Budden. She was united in marriage to Cletus Hilby on October 6, 1954 at St. Joseph Church, in Sinsinawa, WI. Lois worked for many years as a waitress at the Safari Supper Club in East Dubuque. She also worked at Grant Hills Motel along with the many duties of being a farm wife.

Lois enjoyed playing Solo, Sequence and a good game of Euchre. She especially loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their sporting events and helping her children with painting, staining, and varnishing projects.

Lois is survived by her husband, Cletus; her six children, Diane (Glenn) Heller, Nancy (Paul) Fleege, Cathy (Mike) Brotzman, Bob (Polly) Hilby, Joyce (Randy) Wills, and Tom (Judy) Hilby; 13 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren with another baby due in July; 11 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ellen Timmerman, one brother Richard Budden, brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Budden, Kay Budden, Judy Budden-Tigges, Wayne and Rosetta Arand, Eileen Hilby, Rita and Louis Berning, Kenneth Hilby, and Lorraine Wills.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 grandsons; Jared Fleege and Nick Hilby; her brothers, Jim and Roger Budden, her sister Joan Kieler; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Viola Scharpf, Merlin Hilby, Janice Hilby, and LaVerne Wills; along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Menominee Athletic Association Playground Equipment fund.

The family would like to thank Dr. Koenigs of Medical Associates and the staff at Midwest Medical Center for their wonderful care, and Lee Donar for his visits.

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

John W. Ryan

John W. Ryan, 80, of Asbury died Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Resurrection where visitation will also be held Monday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6.

John was born August 29, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, son of Melvin and Muriel (Mandercheid) Ryan. He graduated from Loras Academy.

On September 5, 1959, he married JoAnn Engler in Dubuque.

John served in the US Army. He worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 35 years, retiring on July 31, 1995.

John was very active. He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, playing cards and was a sports fan. He was a former Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus 5513 where he was a 4th degree knight. He has been a member of the Dubuque Men’s Association, Toastmasters, American Legion Dubuque Post #6, UAW local 94 and John Deere Retirees.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Ryan of Asbury; five children, Mike (Mary) Ryan of Independence, Iowa, Michelle (Steve) McCarron and Beth Ryan, both of Dubuque, Todd (Gina) Ryan of Papillion, Nebraska and Cory (Traci) Ryan of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Claire), Daniel and Elliott Ryan; Jessica (Rod) Schumacher, Brennan, Riley and Maddie McCarron; Abby (Clint) Benson, Logan and Alexia Ball; and Lydia (Brian) Cassata and Mackenzie Ryan; six great grandchildren, Brody and Charlie Schumacher; Violet Ryan, Evalynn Benson; Nora and Mila Cassata, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses, Marce and Vince Welsh, Phyllis Ryan and Joan and Dale Fritch; parents in law, Albert and Orlena Engler and Brothers in law, John and Joe Engler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the John Ryan Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the first responders with the Asbury Fire Department the doctors, nurses and staff at Unity Point Health-Finely Hospital ICU for their care.

Fredrick E. Willenborg

Fredrick E. Willenborg, 85, of Bella Vista, Arkansas and previously Petersburg, Iowa, passed away Monday April 1, 2019, at Circle of Life Legacy Village, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held 3-8 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where American Legion Post 137 will conduct a service at 7 p.m. 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, April 8, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Petersburg, Iowa where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Fred was born September 12, 1933 in Petersburg, Iowa the son of George and Frances (Noethe) Willenborg. Fred served in the United States Army. He married Ruth Lueck on October 20. 1956 in Dyersville, Iowa. Together they farmed in the Petersburg area until retiring & moving to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1995. He and Ruth then started Fred’s Lawn Service.

Fred was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion Post 341 and the Knights of Columbus.

He was a proud veteran, stationed in Germany, who served as a SP3 of the 287th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. He was a 15 year member of Farm Bureau, holding several positions. He enjoyed bowling, visiting casinos, and especially playing blackjack.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ruth, 8 children: Karen Sadlon, of Earlville, Ken (Lynne) Willenborg of Garber, Kathleen (Ted) Bahl of Anamosa, Karol (Mark) Klaren of Worthington, Kimberly (Daniel) Rubner of Worthington, Kevin (Donna) Willenborg of Cedar Rapids, Karl Willenborg of Dyersville, Kurt (fiancé, Erin Detterbeck) Willenborg of Ely. 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. brother, Gilbert Willenborg of Dyersville; in-laws: Grace Putz of Manchester, Don (Verna Mae) Lueck of Dyersville, and Paul Schaul of Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Al and Emma Lueck. brother: Lavern Willenborg, grandson, Augustus Willenborg, and a son-in-law, Tony Sadlon Sr. and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials can be made to Circle of Life Hospice Home, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR, 72712.

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

Ruth K. Merges

Ruth K. Merges, 96, of Dubuque, formerly of Sherrill, died Monday, April 1, 2019.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Nativity. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ruth was born August 10, 1922 in Dubuque County, daughter of Eli and Emilie (Pautz) Longueville. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and Bayless Business College.

On February 12, 1946 she married Frank J. Merges Sr. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on February 25, 1993.

She was a 48 year breast cancer survivor.

She is survived by three children, Frank J. (Eileen) Merges Jr., Rosemary Schreiber and Ed (Nancy) Merges; seven grandchildren, Joe Schreiber, Steve (Christina) Schreiber, Jennifer (Ottis) Bunning, Diane (Doug) Brehm, Emily (Kenny Arnold) Merges, Amanda (Adam Cook) Merges, and Mike Merges; eight great grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Al Merges and nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, John D. Schreiber; sisters-in-law, Catherine, Barbara, Florence, and Agatha Merges; and brothers- in-law, John (Veronica), Peter, Bernard and Henry Merges.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Ruth Merges Memorial Fund.

Florence A. Kuhl Henkels

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother and Step-Mother, Florence Kuhl Henkels, on March 10, 2019 in Preston, MN.

Mom would have been 99 on June 25, 2019. Mom cherished her Faith, Family and Friends and she made sure that they were a part of her daily life.

Mom was born in Imogene, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard Maher and Mabel Foutch. She married Leonard Kuhl on August 21, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Leonard and Florence moved to Dyersville in 1947, when Leonard took a position with First National Bank. Leonard died on June 22, 1969, of a sudden heart attack. Florence married Robert Henkels on June 29, 1987 in Dyersville; Dr. Henkels died March 29, 2000.

Mom was a member of St Francis Xavier Basilica, Catholic Daughters, Friends of the Library, Dyersville Historical Society and a Charter member of Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. In her younger years she was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, and very active in church and school activities. Mom enjoyed golf, reading, crossword puzzles and cards, of which Bridge was her favorite, having been a member of the same club for over 70 years.

Mom was employed at various times with McKesson & Robbins in Omaha. Internal Revenue in Des Moines, and in Dyersville at Mercy Hospital, Ertl Company and Ross Insurance Agency.

Mom enjoyed her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have been enriched by her gentleness and wisdom. Her joy in spending time with them was matched by their delight in spending time with her. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother as well as a loving and caring Step-mother, Step-grandmother and Step-great-grandmother.

Mom will be missed by her children: Wayne (Judy) Kuhl of Paradise Valley, AZ, David Kuhl of Perrysburg, OH, Joyce (Gary) Hellickson of Preston MN, Janet (John) Jamison of Westerville, OH; Step-children: James (Carla) Henkels of Dubuque, IA, Mary Rhiner of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Annie Henkels of Nashville, TN, as well as her 9 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 17 great and step great grand-children and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was preceeded in death by her parents, her sisters (Margaret, Betty, Delores, Mary Bridget), her brother (Bernard), and two infant brothers.

Mom was a true friend and will be missed and cherished forever by those who were fortunate to have known her.
The family would like to acknowledge the dedication and care provided by the staff at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville, and in her final years by the staff at Traditions in Preston MN.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica at 11 A.M. with visitation preceding at the Kramer Funeral Home at 9 A.M.

Memorials are preferred to St Francis Xavier Basilica, Beckman High School and/or St. Francis Xavier Grade School.

Marcella J. McCullouch

Marcella J. McCullouch, 83, of Clinton, and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Marcella’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, April 5, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

Marcella Jean Considine was born on September 12, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas J. and Rose M. (Kwilosz) Considine. She was a graduate of Kelly High School in Chicago, Illinois. She married Billy Gene McCullouch in Chicago, Illinois. Three children were born to this union, Deborah, Billy Jr. and Thomas.

Marcella was a housewife and had also worked for Brodies and Calamar Mailing Houses in Chicago. She loved sewing, working on puzzles, planting plants, flower gardening, bird watching, picnics, shopping and most recently coloring in coloring books. She loved spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor Marcella’s memory include her son and daughter-in-law, Billy Jr. and Cheryl McCullouch of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren, Rosella, Charles, Krystle, Billy III, Roxanne and Marcella; 4 great-grandchildren, Willow, Piper, Vanessa and Jamie Jr.; and one aunt, Marie Shoaf of Midlothian, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Billy on February 14, 1995, a son Tommy, and a daughter Deborah Fairbanks.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marcella J. McCullouch memorial fund has been established.

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

Leon L. Kurt

Leon L. Kurt, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at his home after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Friends and relatives of Leon may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m., and a KC Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Services for Leon will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born August 25, 1936 in Cascade, Iowa, son of John P. and Lena (Hosch) Kurt. While at a dance in Worthington, he met the love of his life, Mary Gertrude (Trudy) Meyer. They were united in marriage on September 9, 1961, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Leon grew up on the family farm where he learned to feed livestock and grow crops. He spent his lifetime farming in the Cascade area. Leon served in the Navy, 1957-58, at the Norfolk Naval Base and spent time on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy (DD-850).

Leon is a member of St. Matthias Parish, a 50 plus year member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930, American Legion Post #528, and the Dubuque County Cattlemen’s Association (Hall of Fame).

In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a blackjack dealer at the first floating casino in Dubuque. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, playing blackjack, watching Gunsmoke and college and professional sports. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, attending their activities, and teaching a number of them how to play golf.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Trudy; five children, Kris (Jim) Messerschmidt of Lake Zurich, IL, Kathleen (Dr. David) Prentice of Elgin, IA, Kerri (Bill) Reed of Newton, IA, Kim (Dr. Doug) Wong of Golden, CO, and Kevin (Stacey) Kurt of Cedar Rapids, IA; 13 grandchildren; David and Laura Messerschmidt; J.D., Kailee and J.K. Prentice; Trae Reed, Abby (Travis) Ewing, and Paige Reed; Kai and Koa Wong; Carter Kurt, Anthony Bartlett and Alyssa Grant; and two brothers, Carl Kurt and Melvin (Lavonne) Kurt both of Cascade; and in-laws, Wayne (Liz) Zumhof, Jean Meyer, Rita (Jerry) Hubbard, Clete Meyer, Herman (Sandy) Meyer, Kathy (Doug) Schlickman, JoAnn Lehman and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Fred (Alvina) Kurt, Mary (Wilfred) Dolphin, Joe (Jane) Kurt, Sam (Tess) Kurt, Andrew Kurt, Herb (Dottie) Kurt, Margaret Ann (Ralph) Otting, Eleanor (Pat) Burke, Anna Mae (Bill) Lehman, Mary Lou Kurt, Mary Zumhof, Don (Eileen) Meyer, Willie Meyer and Ann Meyer.

The family wishes to thank Father Loecke and the parish staff/volunteers for their comforting visits. We also thank Hospice of Dubuque (Tammi, Heather, Amy and on-call staff) and Helping Hands for all of their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to St. Matthias Parish in Cascade or to Hospice of Dubuque.

Milo D. Schoenthaler

Milo D. Schoenthaler, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Milo’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Milo David Schoenthaler was born on March 4, 1930 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Ed and Osta (Hamilton) Schoenthaler. He was a 1948 graduate of Elwood High School and then served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He married Fern D. Schnoor on June 14, 1954 in Nebraska. To this union four children were born, Mark, Boyd, Leon and Todd.

Upon returning home from the military, Milo worked for a Railroad Station near Elwood, Iowa. He then worked for the Buckhorn Creamery until its closing and after that at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for ten years. For a short time thereafter, he worked at John Deere Harvester Works in Moline, Illinois. He then worked for the Maquoketa Community School District as a custodian for over 25 years, retiring in 1992.

Milo was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed going for coffee each day and having breakfast every Thursday morning with friends. He was an avid sports fan with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes being a few of his favorites.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Fern Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA; sons, Mark (Kathy) Schoenthaler of Colorado Springs, CO, Boyd (Pam) Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA, and Todd (Chris) Schoenthaler of Edmond, OK; 7 grandchildren, Ian, Chad, Megan, Mindy, Curtis, April and Shaun; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother George “Stu” Schoenthaler, and a son Leon Schoenthaler in 2010.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Kathleen J. Dittmar

Kathleen J. “Katie” Dittmar, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 31, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Katie was born on March 29, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Ervin and Marguerite (Miller) Berger and graduated from St. Columbkille High School. She married Philipp Dittmar Jr. on November 21, 1953 in Dubuque.

She was manager of Casey’s General Store for 30 years and change attendant at the Dubuque Greyhound Park. She was an avid bowler and an enthusiastic gambler.

Katie is survived by her children, Thomas (Brenda Mohr) Dittmar, Diane (Kenneth) Smith, Cynthia (Douglas) Fitzpatrick, Laura (Bradley) Richard and Patricia (Mark Becker) Delaney. Grandchildren, Steven (Susan) Swift, Daniel (Maiko) Dittmar, Andrew (Dawn) Fitzpatrick, Amanda (Don Rury) Fitzpatrick, Amber (Codie) Jacobsen, Keegan Delaney along with many great grandchildren. Her sisters Lenore Kubesheski, Delores McCarthy and Linda Greenwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Philipp Dittmar, Jr.; her parents Ervin and Marguerite Berger; a brothers Ervin and Robert and a sister Susan.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill Care Center especially Felicia for all their wonderful care.

Sister Mary Pierre Kollasch, PBVM

Sister Mary Pierre Kollasch, PBVM, 94, died on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 pm.

Sister Mary Pierre, daughter of Peter and Gertrude (Koehn) Kollasch, was born Loretta Anne Kollasch on April 29, 1924 in Whittemore, IA. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 15, 1945 and professed her perpetual vows on May 3, 1951. She received a BA degree in Education from Loras College, Dubuque in 1957.

Sister Pierre’s ministries took her to Humboldt, Waukon, Clare, Charles City, Mason City, Lawler, Epworth, Bankston, and Dubuque Resurrection (1981-1984), all in Iowa where she taught grades K-3. In addition to teaching, she served as the coordinator of personal care at Dubuque’s Villa Raphael, retirement home for priests, where she ministered for 15 years. Following that position she came to Mount Loretto as head baker at the motherhouse. This new ministry brought her full circle to her earliest ministry dream to help sisters who served in domestic roles to become more connected to their community. With her box full of delicious recipes, her dedicated service and loving care over 70-plus years of religious life, the result is hospitality in the spirit of Nano Nagle that was embodied in Sister Pierre.

She retired to Mount Loretto in 2000 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2006. Sister Pierre enjoyed baking her treats, playing cards, visiting, reading, a good movie, and community service. In quiet moments she enjoyed her extended prayer time.

Surviving is her brother, Arthur, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 73 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bernard, and her sisters Alvina Elgersma, and Mary Thompson.

The Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at: www.dubuquepresentations.org.

Robert James Foddrill

Robert James Foddrill, 76, of 2390 Chaney Road in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at his home on March 29, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at noon at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 255 W. 10th Street in Dubuque. There will be a time to gather with friends and family starting at 11:30 AM. A funeral dinner will follow the service in the church social rooms.

Bob was born on January 13, 1943, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Clyde and Betty (Griggs) Foddrill. He grew up on the East side of Des Moines. He graduated from Tech High School and Drake University. He worked at the John Deere Des Moines Works where he met his wife, Judy. They were married on May 4, 1963. Bob was transferred to the John Deere Dubuque Works in 1978 and worked a total of 40 years for Deere & Company. He retired in 2001.

Left to cherish Bob’s memory are his wife of 56 years, Judy; daughter, Barbara (Eric) Weisenberger; granddaughters, Kaystin and Clare Weisenberger; brother, Michael (Marilyn) Foddrill; sister-in-law, Sharon Foddrill; nieces and nephews, Mark (Kristen) Sydness, Jodi Reinhart, Paul (Angela) Sydness, Brian (Kristian) Foddrill, John (Angela) Foddrill and Shelly (David) McElligott.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William Foddrill and a granddaughter Lauren Weisenberger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Hospice of Dubuque.

Special thanks to Doctor Hillard Salas, and to Paul, Stacy, Amy and Allison from the Hospice of Dubuque for all the care and compassion shown to both Bob and Judy.

Sandra M. Gassman

Sandra MaryLee (Pline) Gassman, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 28th, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Andrew Awotwe Mensah officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 1st, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church where a wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church until time of mass. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Sandy was born on August 26, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Reuben and Alberta (McCartney) Pline. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy, an all-girls school, in 1957. On November 29th, 1958 she married William H. “Bill” Gassman at St. Joseph The Worker.

Sandy worked as a secretary for CPA Pink & Fehey for 3 years; was a stay-at-home mom for 40 years and then as a cashier at Walmart for 8 years. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Rosary Society; and became a Girl Scout leader for several years so both her daughters could enjoy being a scout.

Sandy met the love of her life at a Christmas party where Bill swept her off her feet and kissed her under the mistletoe, which she happened to be wearing in her hair! Their story spanned more than 60 years.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Gassman; five children, Mike (MaryBeth) Gassman, of Rock Island, IL, Dee (Dave) Hohmann, of Dubuque, IA, Suzie Stroud, of Dubuque, IA, Albert (Teresa) Gassman, of Sherrill, IA, and Jake (Lori) Gassman, of Charles City, IA; her sister Cindy Breithaupt;12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers Ronald, Dale and Harlow; and a sister Elizabeth.

In lieu of flowers a Sandra Gassman memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Stonehill Franciscan Care Facility, Hospice of Dubuque and MercyOne Medical Center for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Sandy.

Michael J. Strief

Michael J. Strief, 49, of Cascade, Iowa died Friday, March 29, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Mike may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayers service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Services for Mike will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Concelebrating will be Rev. Thomas McDermott. Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, IA.

Michael was born February 17, 1970 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William “Bill” and Donna (Simon) Strief. He was a 1988 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, IA. On September 24, 1994 he was united in marriage to Shawn Kennedy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa. He was employed with UPS for 30 years.

Mike was famous on his UPS routes for his brown shorts and chicken legs. No one was a stranger to Mike, he was able to shoot the breeze with everyone. All other days you would find him putzing on the farm with his right hand man, Adam. At family events Mike was a boisterous Euchre player who could play his hand along with everyone else’s. He passed his love for riding horses on to Madison and Grace and was proud of their many accomplishments. Even though his ability to “ride” found him on the ground more often than not. Horse riding is a fabric of their family and those memories will be forever cherished.

He was a member of the Eastern Iowa Horse and Pony Camp, Dubuque County Saddle Club, Tri-State Saddle Club, Teamsters Local #120, the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Assoc., American Angus Assoc., the Dubuque County 4-H, IA – MN Chuckwagon Association and Friends of the West Dubuque FFA.

He was also a member of St. John’s Parish in Placid, Iowa and he was involved with the Farley-Epworth Christian Experience Weekend (CEW).

He is survived by his wife, Shawn Strief of Cascade, IA; three children, Madison, Grace and Adam Strief at home; his mother, Donna Strief of Farley, IA; six siblings, Julie Strief of Fenton, MI, Jolene Strief of California, Mark (Lydia) Strief of Bernard, IA, Janda Waters of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jodi (Russell) Kronlage of Epworth, IA and Matt (Kristi) Strief of Farley, IA; a sister-in-law, Christine (Dean) Schrader of Monticello, IA; his father and mother-in-law, Mike and Sue Kennedy of Farley, IA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dana (Jason) Wegmann and Shelley (Brad) Wilken both of Marion, IA, and Kari (Chris) Smuck of Waterloo, IA; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, William K. “Bill” Strief on September 26, 2010; a brother, Martin Strief on August 23, 1996.

“Just one more, you know what I’m Sayin.”

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

Patricia J. Ott

Patricia J. “Pat” (McDermott) Ott, age 75, of rural Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:56 p.m., on Friday, March 29, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by her family and friends. To honor Pat’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 2, 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.

Pat was born on June 22, 1943, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, daughter of John J. and Virginia (Morris) McDermott.

Pat married Lyle M. Ott on November 3, 1962, at Holy Ghost Church, in Dubuque. She grew up in the New Diggings, Benton and Shullsburg, Wisconsin vicinity. Pat always had a great sense of humor, she could always make you laugh with her wit. She said she must have gotten it from her father, he was a true 100% Irishman. Once she knew your birthday or special occasion, you got a card, she kept Hallmark in business. Pat worked in customer service for over 43 years, first with Tegelers Dairy, managing three Milk Houses in Dubuque from 1972-1982, City of Dubuque Five Flags Center Ticket Office from 1982-2004, and most recently at the Dubuque Greyhound Park as a Pari-Mutuel from 2005-2018. She went on oxygen 24/7 just after starting at the dog track. She always said that going to work gave her an incentive to “go till I drop”. She credits all the help she received from her coworkers, Greyhound Association staff, Q Casino, Valet and Security for all their help in enabling her to continue working as a Pari-Mutuel. Pat enjoyed traveling, concerts, plays, shopping and especially time spent with her daughter and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Pat’s memory include

her husband,
Lyle Ott, Dubuque, IA;

her daughter,
Tammy (Charlie) Hunt, Dubuque, IA;

her grandson,
Lyle (girlfriend Amy Bowden) Hunt, West Des Moines, IA;

her granddaughter,
Lianna Hunt, San Diego, CA;

her brothers,
John “Jack” McDermott, Dubuque, IA,
Dan (Carol) McDermott, Cuba City, WI
and Michael (Jan) McDermott-Morton, Rockford, IL;

her sisters,
Rose Mary (Paul) Rupp, Dubuque, IA
and Susan (Dwayne) Murphy, Dubuque, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Manuel Echeagaray, San Lorenzo, CA;

and her sisters-in-law,
Shirley McDermott, Dubuque, IA
and Lois Ott-Tarnutzer, Peosta, IA.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Jesse and Loretta (Percival) Morris and Catherine and Dan McDermott; her mother and father-in-law, Milton and Bernita (Freiburger) Ott; her sisters, Dorothy Echeagaray and Joann Kegler; her brother, Jim McDermott; her nieces, Corena McDermott-Shaffer and Claudia McDermott; her nephews, David McDermott and Dan Rupp; her sister-in-law, Delores McDermott; her brothers-in-law, John Kegler and Donald Tarnutzer; and a special friend, Shirley Wasmund.

The family would like to give a very special thank you for all the GREAT doctors and staff who took such great care of her over the years: Dr. Mark Janes, who always went the extra mile for Miss Pat, Dr. Bruce Obbink, Dr. Christine Sinsky, Dr. Tom Sinsky, Medical Associates Oncology Department, Finley’s Wendt Center and the retired Dr. John Patrick.

A special thanks also to her co-workers past and present who watched over her. Mom always said she had the best.

Thanks, Sue, for always looking out for mom.

Mom’s favorite quote: “Always think positively, nothing is impossible. Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.” Mom had 75 years of tomorrows with no regrets.

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