Obituaries Archive

Doris A. Hayward

Doris Ann Hayward, 76, of Preston, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, May 31, 2019, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Doris on Friday, June 7, 2019, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the gathering, and a private burial will be held at the Preston, Iowa Cemetery, at a later date.

Doris Ann Johnson was born on January 29, 1943 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to William Theodore and Venieta Louise (Peoples) Johnson. She was a 1961 graduate of Andrew High School. She married Ronald Allen Hayward on June 2, 1963 at the Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.

Doris had first worked at the Green Mill Café in Maquoketa. She then worked for Meinerz Creamery in Preston for 21 years, Beatrice Cheese in Preston, and lastly for Web Printing in Maquoketa.

Doris had attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preston but through the years also had ties to the Episcopal Church. She was an avid collector of both, Isabel Blooms with 273 of them, and cookbooks with 4,053 of them.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband Ronald Hayward of Preston, IA; children, Douglas Hayward of Rock Island, IL, Beth Ann Hayward of Preston, IA, and Crystal (Shawn) Gaskins of Rock Island, IL; and 2 grandchildren, Nicole Gaskins and Christian Gaskins. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Allan William Hayward, a brother Ronald Johnson, and a grandchild Avery Gaskins.

“The family would like to especially thank Steve and Donna Simmons of Preston, Randy Moore of Preston and Betty and Tom Streets of Scotch Grove.”

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Doris Ann Hayward memorial fund has been established.

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

Marjorie A. Blitgen

Marjorie Ann (Bierman) Blitgen, 86, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, May 30, 2019. She was surrounded by family and held in love. A funeral Service for Marjorie will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 – 11:00, also at the church, and burial of cremains will take place in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

Marjorie was born September 6, 1932 in rural Cassville, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Cecilia (Bruer) Bierman. On April 30, 1955, She married her sweetheart, Richard Laverne Blitgen, at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Rich and Marge remained happily married for 63 years. Marge loved to show her affection through food, and many Bellevue residents will remember Marge fondly from her time serving children in the Public School cafeteria. Marge worked for Bellevue Community Schools for nearly 40 years. Marge loved seeing the children every day, and even after immobility forced her to retire, she still enjoyed watching from her home as the children played on the playground.

Marjorie will be deeply missed by her children; two sons, Michael (Elaine), and Jim (Theresa) Blitgen; their daughter Kathy (Jace) Ohlert; seven grandchildren, Daniel, Alisha, Jacob, Melissa, David, Isaac, and Joshua; four great-grandchildren, Addyson, Aliyah, Thomas, and Mabel; siblings, Carol Michels, Pat Koppes, Clarence (Carolyn) Bierman, Sharon (Thomas) Richter, Karen Sommers, and Beverly (Thomas) Pitz. Marjorie is also survived by her father’s sister, Agatha Breuer (107) of Prarie Du Chien.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, and will be put to rest by his side.

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

Mark A. Hermsen

Mark A. Hermsen, 61, of Dubuque and formerly of Dyersville passed away Friday, May 31, 2019, at his home in Dubuque after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa where a parish vigil service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Mark was born October 30, 1957, in Dubuque, the son of Donald and Grace (Olberding) Hermsen. He married Lois D. Prier on April 30, 1983, in New Vienna. She preceded him in death in 2002. He later married Cindy Dolphin Hightower on April 26, 2008 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Together they made their home in Dubuque where they were members of St. Anthony Catholic Church.

He worked at Schmitt Implement in Holy Cross as a Field Diesel Technician for 35 years.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy, 3 children: Scott of Dubuque, Adam and Cynthia (Philip) Ungs, both of Luxemburg; his parents, Donald and Grace Hermsen of Luxemburg; step-children: Lee (Courtney) and Ashly (Kirby Carpenter) Hightower, both of Dubuque; six grandchildren: Madison Anderson, Adalynn, Gracie and Peter Ungs, Ellamae and Rayland Hightower; his father-in-law, Eugene Prier of Dyersville and mother-in-law, Gayle Dolphin of Cascade; siblings: Joseph (Lynn) Hermsen of Farley, Gary Hermsen of Luxemburg, Alan (Debra) Hermsen of Manchester, Mary (Howard) Zuckerman of Livonia, MI, Ann (Pat) Dunkel of Dyersville, Lisa (David) Sweeney of Tipton, Jane (Brian) Bockenstedt of Center Point, Jenny Dolphin of Des Moines, Jeff (Jodi) Dolphin of Cascade and Linda (Brian) Mosher of Davenport, and Randy (Lisa) Dolphin of Cedar Rapids; in-laws: David Prier of Marina, CA, Carl (Julie) Prier, Wayne (Beverly) Prier and Donald (Christine) Prier of Dyersville, Dale (Sandy) Prier of Hopkinton, Allen (Joyce) Prier of Elkader, Mark (Annette) Prier of Dubuque, Daniel (Kim) Prier of New Vienna, Elaine (Cletus) Urbain of Dyersville, and Janice (Wayne L.) Steffen of Luxemburg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his mother-in-law, Lucille Prier, his father-in-law, Donald Dolphin, and a sister-in-law, Patricia (Dale) Demmer.

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

Penny J. Carter

Penny J. Carter, 44, of Bellevue, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, family will greet friends 12:00 pm until service time also Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Bellevue.

Penny was born February 19, 1975 in Maquoketa, the daughter of John Carter and Kathryn Rieckens. She graduated from Bellevue Community High School. Penny worked as a bartender at a variety of places, and most recently at Wal-Mart in Maquoketa.

She loved animals and her Lab dogs, spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Penny enjoyed spending time with her fiancé, Lonnie Feltes, and riding 4-wheelers with him.

Survivors include her fiancé, Lonnie Feltes; her mother, Kathy Johnson; siblings, Dave (Heather) Carter, Steve (Mandy) Carter, and Sara Johnson; also surviving, many special nieces and nephews; and other relatives.

Penny was preceded in death by her father, John Carter; her stepfather, Ron Johnson; and her maternal grandparents, John and Wilhelmena Rieckens.

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

Tyler A. Hallahan

Tyler Andrew Hallahan, 25, of Dubuque, IA passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019.

A visitation and celebration of his life will be offered at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2155 University Avenue, Dubuque Iowa on Friday, May 31st from 3 to 8 PM and also on Saturday, June 1 from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM. Service to begin at 11 AM.

Tyler was born on July 25, 1993 to his parents, Bruce Hallahan and Suzan Martin-Hallahan. He was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School and attended Loras College for a short time. Tyler was a caring and compassionate person almost to a fault who will be missed greatly by all that ever knew him. He possessed the largest smile that would warm your heart.

Tyler loved the outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking in the mountains of Glacier National Park. When Tyler lived in Gunnison, Colorado he enjoyed snowboarding in the mountains. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop #11 completing his service project at Mines of Spain. He loved playing the piano, skateboarding and could solve a Rubix cube with amazing skill.

Tyler leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents, brother Casey, sister Sarah, and half-brother Kris (Jessie) Koeneke; his grandparents, Sandy (Charles) Nauman, John B. Martin (Joanne Georgulis); Uncle Chris Martin (Melissa Murphy); his niece and nephews, Adrian, Elijah, Kai, and Evelyn Koeneke; his great-uncles, Tom (Rhonda Hudgins) Martin and George (Charlotte) Martin; his great-aunts Kathy Kurt, Mary Martin (Mitchell Eyres)and Tara Beau. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Bertha Hallahan, great grandparents, Mary E. Pins, Mary Margaret Martin & Ralph Martin, great-uncle Peter Beau, and cousin Nick Martin.

A Tyler A. Hallahan Memorial Fund has been established at Dupaco Credit Union.

Margaret A. Nelson

Margaret A. “Maggie” Nelson, 92, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Galena, IL, passed away Wednesday morning, May 29, 2019 at Mercy One Dubuque Medical Center, with her family by her side.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at St. Michael’s Church in Galena, with Fr. Thomas Srenn officiating. Burial will be in Rock Island Arsenal Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Margaret was born on June 8, 1926 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Peter and Theresa (Gansemer) Kiebel. She was united in marriage to Roland F. Nelson on February 25, 1947. He preceded her in death on February 12, 1998.

She and Roland purchased and operated a bakery in Tama, IA, later moving to Galena where they operated Nelson Bakery until Margaret’s retirement in 2003. Prior to operating Nelson Bakery, they worked in various bakery departments in the area.

Margaret always looked forward to their yearly trips to Hawaii. She was a 1944 graduate of the Academy of the Visitation in Dubuque, and was a collector of lunch boxes and cookie jars.

Surviving is her daughter, Susan (Eldon) Koerperich of Farley, IA; a grandson, James (Denise) Kruser of Dubuque; and two great-grandchildren, Leah and James Matthew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Theresa, her husband, Roland, and siblings, Mary Sweeney, Joseph, Melvin and John Kiebel.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.millerfhed.com. ©

Margaret M. Hingtgen

Margaret “Peg” M. Hingtgen, 86, of Dubuque passed away Monday, May 27, 2019 at The Blake in Pensacola, FL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity, with Msgr. James Miller as celebrant. Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2nd at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road. There will be a wake service at 6:30 p.m.

Peg was born June 3, 1932, in Lansing, Iowa, daughter of John and Ellen (Donahue) Manning. She married Lavern Hingtgen April 23, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. He preceded her in death on March 2, 2016.

Peg spent 40 years as a successful real estate broker/realtor retiring as an associate with Brissy Realty in 2015. She had many professional awards for having million dollar sales years. She was a member of several Real Estate Associations. She was known to assist clients by waiving her fees on occasion and going the extra mile, to help someone.

She was a long time member of Nativity Parish.

She is survived by a son Craig (Jan) Hingtgen, of Dubuque; a daughter, Lisa (Ron) Brownell, of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, Trevor and Nick Hingtgen and Alyssa and Craig Brownell; and two great grandchildren, Mikayla and Harley.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; siblings and in-laws.

Memorials may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice of Pensacola, FL.

The family wishes to thank their close friend Iggy for her support and companionship after Lavern’s death. Also, thanks to Jan for helping Peg with Dad in his last year.

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

Carol Ann Krapfl

Carol Ann (Sellner) Krapfl, 74, of Manchester, Iowa, formerly of Ryan, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was born on October 20, 1944, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Andrew and Dorothy (Kelchen) Sellner.

On August 28, 1965, Carol was united in marriage to Merlin Krapfl in Earlville. Four children were born to this union. In 1965, Carol and her husband purchased and moved onto their farm in Ryan where they resided until December 2018 when they retired to their home in Manchester.  On the farm, Carol enjoyed gardening, sewing and helping with farm duties. In 2011, Carol was fortunate to receive a lung transplant after being diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, which gave her additional years to enjoy with her family, friends, and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 53 years, Merlin; daughters Kim (John) Britt of Ryan; Karen (Gary) Eischen of Pella; Kathy Krapfl (friend Paul Anderson) of Cedar Rapids; and Karla (Corey) Thompson of Delhi; granddaughters, Macy and Madison Thompson; siblings, Germaine Goedken, Donna Sellner, Bonnie Steege, Ann Sellner, Delores Burkle, Carlyn Sellner, and David (Carol) Sellner; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy (Kelchen) and Andrew Sellner; a sister, Mildred and husband Ray Geistkemper; four brothers, Irvin, Don, John, and Jim; and brothers-in-law, Gib Goedken and Jim Burkle.

Memorials will be directed to health care facilities that have assisted Carol over the years.

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

Mass of Christian Burial:10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2019, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, Iowa, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. onSunday, June 2, 2019, atSt. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, Iowa, with a 3:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Friends may also call one hour before mass on Monday at the church.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery – rural Ryan, Iowa

Emil H. Herting

Emil H. Herting, age 90, of Dubuque, and formerly of Sherrill, was called home suddenly at 10:41 a.m., on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at home of natural causes, with his loving wife at his side. To honor Emil’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church, 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Emil’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, May 31, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 2:45 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Emil was born on May 22, 1929, in Delaware County, Iowa, son of Michael and Leona (Roling) Herting.

Emil was raised in Delaware County before moving to Dubuque when he was 9 years old, then to Sherrill in 1965, eventually returning to Dubuque. He honorably served his country with the National Guard for 10 years during the Korean Conflict. Emil was raised with a strong work ethic, and would put his talents to good use with the Dubuque Packing Company, until his well earned retirement in 1981. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene Cole, on January 4, 1961, in Stockton, Illinois, and they have been blessed with 58 years and 8 wonderful children between the two of them. His faith was an integral part of Emil’s daily life, as evidenced by his long time membership with Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, and was also an active member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. When he wasn’t working and found some free time in his days, Emil could be found doing odd jobs around the house, and with his Home Handyman Service, tending to his garden, or spending some time at the campground with Darlene and the children. There was no doubt that family meant the world to Emil, and he was very pleased to have just gotten together with the entire family to celebrate his 90th birthday. Our hearts are broken at the sudden and unexpected loss of Emil in our daily lives, but we know that he is now happily reunited with all of his family members called home ahead of him and awaiting our eventual arrival for the biggest family reunion imaginable.

Those left to cherish Emil’s memory include

his loving wife of 58 years,
Darlene Herting, Dubuque, IA;

his 8 children,
Mary (Guy Kennicker) Miller, Key West, IA,
Michael (Karen) Herting, Cary, IL,
Lisa (Don) Howes, Dubuque, IA,
Tammy (Ron) Seay, Grimes, IA,
Lee (Michelle) Herting, Nevada, IA,
Lori (Jeff) Davis, Dubuque, IA,
Kendy (Bob) Fauska, Des Moines, IA
and Eric Herting, Nevada, IA;

his 14 grandchildren;

his 10 great-grandchildren;

a great great-granddaughter;

his siblings,
Nancy Steffens, Dubuque, IA,
Mary Duschen, Dubuque, IA,
Judy Herting, Dubuque, IA
and Linda (David) Mizaur, Sherrad, IL;

a brother-in-law,
John “Jack” Neyens, Marion, IA;

and 2 sisters-in-law,
Carol Herting, Florida
and Clare Herting, Maquoketa, IA.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Carl Miller; his siblings, Luetta Herting, James Herting, Earl Herting, Norma (Walter) Krug, Anita (John) Gills, Janet Neyens, Vernon Herting and Loras Herting; and his brothers-in-law, Ken Steffens, Buzz Duschen.

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

Sister Joan Stoffel

Sister Joan (Alexander) Stoffel, OSF, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at 7:10 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Clare House. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 31, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel, 3390 Windsor Avenue. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019, with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Sister was born on June 29, 1933 in LeMars, IA, daughter of Alexander and Mary (Neubrand) Stoffel.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1951, and made final profession of vows August 10, 1957. Sister received master’s degrees from Loras and Clarke College, both in Dubuque. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Dubuque-Sacred Heart, Ionia, Meyer, Webster City, Garnavillo, Jesup, Wesley, Cherokee, Arcadia, and Sioux City-Briar Cliff College; in Illinois at Niles; and in Minnesota at St. Mary’s College, Winona. She also served as Superintendent of schools and Director of Curriculum for the Sioux City Diocese.

Sister is survived by her sisters: Mary (Richard) Roder and Margaret (George) Landgraf; her brothers: Earl (Lucy) Stoffel and Robert (Sharon) Stoffel; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared over 66 years of her life.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Lois Stoffel; and her brother-in-law Lloyd Roeder.

The Sisters of St. Francis express their thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and concern.

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

William L. Rippon

William LeRoy Rippon, 69, of Manchester, Iowa,passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Regional Medical Center in Manchester. He was born on August 25, 1949, in Manchester, the son of John and Margaret (Schutt) Rippon. Bill graduated from West Delaware High School in 1968.

Bill enjoyed boxing in his younger years and won the Iowa Golden Gloves championship in 1967 at the 119-lb weight class. Following graduation, he detailed cars for Baxter/Dvorak in Manchester. Bill joined the United States Marines in 1969 and was medically discharged after a few months. He then worked as a surveying laborer for Tri-State Engineering in Manchester and later as a power pole digger for Osmose Utilities Services and for Ameri-Pole.

Bill enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He loved a cold Old Milwaukee beer and, once in a while, a stiff shot of Seagram’s 7.

Survivors include Bill’s half-brother, John Hansel of Parkersburg; two nephews; and his good friends, JoAnn Besler of Manchester; Mandy, Shannon, Macy, Alden, and Easton Davis of Hopkinton; and Nick, Neveah, Selena, Dominick, and Brielle Besler of Cedar Rapids.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret, in 2003; his father, John; a brother, Ronald Rippon in 2001; and a half-brother, Doug Hansel.

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

Memorial Service:10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, with Rev. Tony D. Ede officiating.

Visitation:Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to service time on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester.

Inurnment:Fairview Cemetery – Earlville, Iowa

Margaret E. Walker McCarthy

Margaret Ellen Walker McCarthy, 77, a devoted wife, sister, aunt and dear friend to all, passed away on May 26.

Visitation is planned for Thursday, May 30, from 3 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, and again after 12:30 P.M. on Friday at the church. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 31 at 1:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Margaret had a great zest for life and did not let the pancreatic cancer diagnosis slow her down. She fought a courageous battle with great support from her family and so many friends each and every day.

Born in a farm house North of Iron Hill, she was the youngest child of Eulaine (Flagel) and David Walker. Her siblings are Joyce Berggren of Maquoketa; Mary Rote of Dickeyville, WI and Dick (Denise) Walker of Bettendorf, IA.

Margaret attended Maquoketa High School and was Homecoming Queen 1959. She began working at Jackson State Bank in 1963. She was always the friendliest person in the bank greeting everyone by name. A loyal employee, Margaret worked for “the bank” through its many name changes for 42 years, retiring in 2005.

She married the love of her life, Joe McCarthy, 53 years ago, on Aug. 28, 1965. As an avid hunter and fisher herself, Margaret and Joe, together with their close friends, enjoyed many outdoor adventures. She also found time for her vegetable and flower gardens and was a member of the Maquoketa Garden Club.

Generous with her time and support of Maquoketa, Margaret also served on the Jackson County Fair Board and Executive Board of the Maquoketa Country Club for several years. She volunteered at the Hurstville Interpretive Center and she thoroughly enjoyed the “Y” and all her friends and the activities they shared in while there. Margaret was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish serving in many volunteer roles there, and as the volunteer school librarian for several years after she retired from the bank.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, Florence and Gerald McCarthy, and her brother-in-law, Tommy Berggren.

Margaret is survived by her loving husband Joe McCarthy and her cherished siblings.

Margaret, aka Spook, was the favorite Aunt of her MANY nieces and nephews, to include great, great–nieces and nephews! She was fun-loving, humorous, and compassionate. She loved hosting and entertaining family and friends. The best stories were shared at Margaret and Joe’s home. Her countless number of friends with whom she enjoyed hunting, fishing, card playing, tap dancing, bicycling and so much more will remember her spirit and carry it with them for years to come.

We would like to thank Dr. Daniel Berg, Diane Van Ersvelde, PA, Sharon Baumler and the healthcare team who assisted Margaret at the University of Iowa Hospitals, as well as the staff at Family Clinic in Maquoketa. Additionally, heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nurturing staff of Jackson County Hospice for their excellent care and support for Margaret in her last days.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Margaret E. McCarthy memorial fund has been established.

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

Patricia A. Koehler

Patricia A. “Patty” Koehler, age 80 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Patty’s life, a Celebration of Life for her and Dave is being scheduled for a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Patty’s family.

Patty was born on January 5, 1939 in Dubuque, the only daughter of Joseph and Imelda (Pelzer) Shannon. Patty was always proud to be able to say that she spent her entire 80 years of life right here in Dubuque. She made many friends along the way, eagerly participated in the creation of countless wonderful memories for others to treasure and was most importantly blessed with her own family to love and adore. She met her soul-mate, Dave Koehler at the spry age of 13 and the two were eventually united in marriage on April 27, 1957. Sadly, Dave was called home in 2015, but we know and trust that they have now begun their 62nd Anniversary together once again in their Heavenly Home.

Patty always enjoyed working behind the bar, most notably at the Golden Pheasant, the Double J and the Copper Kettle over her working years. Her work ethic was second to none, and thankfully her outgoing nature, big kind heart and delightfully witty sense of humor came right along with the package. She could brighten any day, change the outlook of any situation and even tackle the impossible by simply listening with sincerity. When the workday was over, you could quite often find this River Rat right where she felt at home, or if the weather wasn’t cooperating, a few good hands of Euchre and Pinochle with friends would just as easily fill the day.

Patty would readily admit that work and play were continually in her top 3 priorities in life, but that nothing could ever compare to her #1 goal in life; Her Family. She loved her husband and daughters dearly, but once her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, her heart blossomed even more. She never missed an opportunity to spend quality time with any of them and always savored any interaction where she could truly get caught up on their lives. Patty was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who has steadfastly built a legacy which will be carried forward in the minds of all who knew and loved her. We will miss Patty more than words could ever truly depict, but we are also beyond grateful for all of the time the Lord gave us with her and we will always remember to do our best to actively live out in our personal lives all of the positive traits she leaves behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Patty include,

her daughters,
Kim (John) Rogers,
Kelley (Mike) Vondal,
and Kerry Koehler, all of Dubuque, Iowa;

her 8 grandchildren,
Harley (Brandy) Harry, Joseph (Stacy) Harry, Alicia Vondal, Lyndsey (Seth Steinlage) Vondal, Alex (Tasha Scheffert) Vondal, Layla (Sam Houselog) Vondal, Alea (fiancé Kyle Cashman) Vondal, Katelin Wright and Craig (Dwight) Wright;

her 9 great-grandchildren,
Jacob, Hailey, Thomas III, Wyatt, Gavin, Korra, Logan, Brycen, Nevaeh and Kiley Jo;

her brother,
Terry (Doris) Shannon, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert (June) Shannon.

Patty’s family would like to thank Dr. Gordon, along with the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of the professional, compassionate and gentle care they provided to Patty, and her family.

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

“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready in Heaven far above and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But, when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down and smiled and said, “Welcome Home Patty”. So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”

Jim A. Parker

Jim A. Parker, 50, of Bellevue, formerly of Dubuque, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at U of I Hospital & Clinics from the results of an automobile accident.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. A visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Jim was born December 1, 1968 in Dubuque, the son of James Bauer and Elizabeth Parker. He married Misty Mathisen on December 23, 2000 in Dubuque. Jim was a self-made man, who loved spending time with family and friends. He was in the insurance industry, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and telling stories. Jim was a passionate Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers fan. He was an amazing husband, father, funny and the life of the party. Jim will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Misty; their children, Walter (Shalene Hagerty) Link, Austin Riedl, Matthew Parker, Lizzy Parker, and Ty Parker; his father, James Bauer; a brother, Blake Bauer; aunt and uncle, Rose and Steve Husemann; and his extended siblings, Kristie (Travis) Pfiffner, Louie (Pauline) Husemann, Jody (Ron) Kenneally, and Lindsey Schreiber; and his mother and father in-law, Barb (Eli) Dicklich and Tom (Judi) Mathisen.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Parker.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Bellevue State Bank in Jim’s memory.

Local arrangements entrusted to Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

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

Paulette M. Taylor

Paulette M. “Paula” Taylor, age 72 of Asbury, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury with her husband by her side after a 5 year battle with dementia. To celebrate Paula’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Paula’s family.

Paula was born on July 22, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter to Paul and Norma Dedick. She was united in marriage on October 5, 1968 in Chicago to Rick Taylor and the two would go on to be blessed with one deeply adored son, Paul and 50 years together. Paula spent over 25 years working at NDX Oral Arts Iowa Dental Laboratory with Rick. When they weren’t at work, the couple enjoyed hunting and fishing together and even working on crafts in their woodshop when time allowed. Paula was a wonderful cook in the kitchen and also enjoyed a little personal time with her sewing machine. Paula was a spunky little lady with a huge heart and not a day went by that wasn’t brighter because of her inner beauty. We will miss Paula more than words can say, but we know she’s at peace now and her battle with dementia is finally over. Thank you Paula for all of the love and light you shared with the world and those around you!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Paula include,

her loving husband,
Rick Taylor, Asbury, Iowa;

her son,
Paul (Sue Sandahl) Taylor, Johnston, Iowa;

her grandson,
Edward Taylor, Johnston, Iowa;

her sister-in-law,
Karen (John) Coffey, Inglewood, Florida;

and her dear friend,
Cynthia Leslein, Asbury, Iowa.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, and her in-law’s, Clarence and Dorothy (McLaughlin) Taylor.

Paula’s family would like to thank Dr. Cao, and the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care Center for all of the professional and compassionate care they provided to Paula.

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