Obituaries Archive

Luann J. Bowling

Luann J. Bowling, 58, of Iowa City, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Luann’s life will be held at 2 P.M., Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at East Iron Hill Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa. A private family visitation will be held. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Luann Jean Bowling was born on June 1, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Richard Alan Sr. and Janet Jean (Dutton) Bowling. She was a graduate of Iowa City West High. She never married.

Following high school, she did some housekeeping. She then began a 28-year career with WALMART in Iowa City working as the Department Manager in the Ladies Department retiring in mid-July of this year due to health reasons.

Luann loved traveling. She especially enjoyed yearly trips to Branson and had taken several cruises with her favorites being to Alaska and Aruba.

Those left to honor her memory include her father, Richard Bowling Sr. of Iowa City, IA; a son Joseph (Cassie) Bowling of North Liberty, IA; and brothers, Richard Bowling Jr. of Iowa City, IA, Neal Bowling of Iowa City, IA, Darren Bowling of Iowa City, IA, Curtis Bowling of West Branch, IA, and Brent Bowling of Iowa City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her mother Janet Bowling on February 24, 1993.

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

Vernon R. Millhouse

Vernon R. Millhouse, 95, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 12, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Andrew, IA Cemetery.

Vernon Russell Millhouse was born on August 24, 1924 in Gary, South Dakota, to Luther and Elfreida (Beste) Millhouse. He was raised in Davenport and Oklahoma and then went into the U.S. Navy serving during World War II where he received an honorable discharge.

He married Irma Jeane Dalton on March 30, 1946 in Davenport, Iowa. She preceded him death on March 10, 2001 after 55 years of marriage. He married Kathryn Leckington on November 10, 2001 in Davenport, Iowa.

Vernon moved to Maquoketa in March of 1955 to farm on Sand Prairie. He was a well-known carpenter in the area and had built many houses throughout his lifetime.
He was an active member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Maquoketa where he served as an elder in the congregation. He loved to travel to see new places and enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing its message with others. He could fix anything and was known as a jack-of-all trades and a master of none. He was loved by everyone that knew him, always had good advice to give, and he always had a story to tell (and everyone had a story to tell about him!) about his many adventures.

Those left to honor his memory include a daughter, Koreen (Tony) Schork of Maquoketa, IA; his wife Kathryn Millhouse of Maquoketa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Heath (Melissa) Schork and Kayla (Peter) Carlson; 6 great-grandchildren, Evelyn Schork, Shelby Blaney, Axel Carlson, Olivia Schork, Zelma Carlson, and Ela Schork; and a sister Loretta Dumerauf of NM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Irma Jeane, and a brother Raymond.

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

William A. Byrd

William Allan “Bill” Byrd, 67, of Asbury, Iowa, died on Saturday, October 5, 2019 surrounded by family following a short illness.

Bill was born on July 23, 1952, the oldest of five children, to Ivan and Katherine Schmuecker Byrd in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He was attending Regis High School when he met his future wife, then Sherry Ewen, of nearby John F. Kennedy High School. Bill and Sherry got married in 1974 after graduating from Iowa State University (Sherry’s father having stubbornly withheld his blessing until her graduation). Bill received a degree in psychology and pursued a PhD in developmental psychology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, but would eventually change fields, graduating from Michigan State University in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Together, Bill and Sherry (and, along the way, son Michael) lived in Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and again in Iowa where Bill worked for a number of engineering firms and was awarded five patents. Bill taught at Northern Iowa Community College in Peosta before retiring in 2015.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry, and son, Michael, as well as his brother, Joseph (Deborah) Byrd, and sisters, Barbara (Gary) Klawiter and Janice (Justin) See.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Katherine, his sister, Mary Kay, and his brother, John.

Sherry is grateful for 45 loving years of marriage to Bill and their many adventures and misadventures (including sailing the butterfly at Rock Cut Lake near their home in Rockford, Illinois). Michael treasures memories fishing with his father in Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet and misses his joyous, roaring laughter.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

Charlene M. Herrig

Charlene M. Herrig, 93, of Bethany Home, formally of St. Donatus, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2019 at St. Donatus Catholic Church with Rev. David Ambrosy officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church.

Charlene was born on July 21, 1926, in Bernard, Iowa, the daughter of Michael and Ruth (Johnson) Curtis. She married Florian Herrig on May 5, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in N. Garryowen. He preceded her in death on May 19, 2003.

Charlene was a homemaker who loved family gatherings and would make cinnamon rolls for every occasion. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in their various sporting events.

Charlene was a member of the St. Donatus Church and its Rosary Society, the Luxemburg Society and the LaMotte Senior Citizens.

Surviving are her children, Thomas and Richard (Kim) Herrig both of Dubuque, IA, Dennis Herrig of Tulsa, OK, Kevin (JoAnn) Herrig of St. Catherine, IA, Ann (John) Hallock of Sunset, S.C. and Todd Herrig of Mesa, AZ.; her grandchildren, Amy (Richard )Tanny, Scott (Meghan) Herrig, Aubrey Herrig, Chad Herrig, Jayden (Kassy) Herrig, Abbey (Casey) Skrivseth and Ashley, Garrett and Luke Hart; 16 great grandchildren; her sister, Marie Ambrosy of Bellevue, IA and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; 6 brothers and 3 sisters.

Memorials may be given to St. Donatus Church.

Charlene’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their unending care and support.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas J. Hilby

Thomas J. Hilby, 58, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died of a heart attack Sunday, October 6, 2019, at Southwest Health Center Hospital in Platteville.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2019, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cuba City with Rev. David Flanagan officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service and time of sharing will be at 2:30 p.m.  Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Thursday at the church before the service.

Tom was born on August 22, 1961, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Mildred “Millie” (Leifker) Hilby.  He graduated from Benton High School in 1980, where he competed on both the football and track & field teams. He married Cheryl J. Kiefer on April 9, 1983, at Resurrection Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Tom and Cheryl were dairy farmers in Hixton, WI in their early years of marriage. They eventually moved to Cuba City in 1992 and raised their three children there. Tom worked at Jeld-Wen in Dubuque, IA for several years, and continued working there as he built his family their new home on the outskirts of Cuba City in 2003. His first completed home project inspired the founding of his dream construction business – Home Creations.

Tom was known for his generosity, cheerfulness, and storytelling. He had a contagious smile, a belly laugh, and a booming voice. Tom had a competitive spirit that he brought with him everywhere he went.

He loved socializing and spending time with friends and family. Through fishing, card playing, boating, camping, snowmobiling and hunting, Tom enjoyed a busy life well spent with others. He was always talking about his upcoming hunting trip to Wyoming, the annual fishing trip to Nekoosa, and all the deer and fish that got away.

Tom loved spoiling his kids and cheering them on in all aspects of life. Whether it was a sporting event, school play, or graduation, he was the loudest and proudest person in the room. He prioritized his family above all else.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Cheryl; his children, Adam (fiancée, Elaine) Hilby, Cuba City, WI; Katie Hilby, Tampa, FL, and Emily Hilby, La Crosse, WI; his mother, Millie Hilby, Benton, WI; a sister, Lori Hilby, Cuba City, WI; a brother, David (Debora) Hilby, Cuba City, WI; and his father-in-law, Edward Kiefer, Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Hilby; an infant sister, Sharon; and his mother-in-law, Kathleen Kiefer.

In lieu of flowers, a Tom Hilby Memorial Fund has been established.

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

Irene B. Zewen

Irene B. Zewen, 82, of Luxemburg, Iowa passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019, at the Good Neighbor Society, Manchester, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue at the funeral home, Wednesday from 8:30 -9:30 a.m. prior to funeral services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Luxemburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Irene was born June 9, 1937, in Farley, Iowa , the daughter of August and Olga (Klaus) Heiring. She married Duane Zewen on October 14, 1959, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Farley. Together they farmed and raised their family on the Zewen home farm West of Luxemburg. She was an active member of her parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church and was a member of the Rosary Society.

Survivors include her children: Daniel (Julie) Zewen of Luxemburg, Carol (Ron) Iske of Des Moines, John (Nicole) Zewen of Luxemburg, grandchildren: Caitlyn (Jared) Deutmeyer, Dana (Russ) Wolf, Amy (Sean Specht) Zewen, Eric (Jordyn) Zewen, Serena Iske, Mylee, Jared, Mariah Zewen, great grandchildren: Preston and Keeley Deutmeyer, siblings: Eddie (Lois) Heiring, Mary Ann Fangman, in-laws: Pat (Jerry) Mulert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Duane in 1986, siblings: Germaine (Daryl) March, Dorothy (Gordon) Lee, Agnes (Robert) Vorwald, Ralph (Rose) Heiring, in-laws: Joe Ward, Richard Fangman.

A sincere thank you to the staff at the Good Neighbor Society for their compassionate care over the last 2 1/2 years.

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

James Fields

James “Baldy’ Fields, 86, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019.

A private family gathering will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Monticello, Iowa.

Jim was born December 19, 1932 in Maquoketa, Iowa, son of Melvin and Grace (Dague) Copus. He married Lavonnie “Bonnie” Appleby on November 23, 1950 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade,Iowa. Bonnie preceded him in death on January 9, 2005.

Surviving are his children, Gail (John) Koppes of Onslow, IA, Dennis (Georgia) Fields of Mills, IA, Joyce (Bob) Stoffel of Bernard, IA, Judy (Don) Supple of Cascade, IA, Michael Fields of Anamosa, IA, Jerry Fields (& Juan Vega) of Coggan, IA, Mark (Julie) Fields of Cedar Rapids, IA, Sandra Fields (& Jeff Heins of Lamont, IA; 17 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren; and one sister, Shirley Nash of Cherry Valley, IA.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Derek Arensdorf on August 24, 2008.

Rosalie Ploessl

Rosalie (Ries) Ploessl, 70, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2019. Visitation will be 4:00 pm-7:00 pm, Monday October 7, 2019 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue with a 7:00 pm Prayer Services. Private Family burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Rosalie was born February 4, 1949, the daughter of Melvin “Doc” and Kathleen “Katie” (Rubel) Ries. She married Arthur “Art” Ploessl on November 30, 1963, he passed on February 24, 2015. Rosalie worked in the sewing room at Flexsteel for over 30 years. She was a member and the treasurer of St. Donatus Community Club for many decades, loved bowling, golf, and playing softball. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her children, Rick (Laurie) Ploessl and Lori (Mark) Heiar; six grandchildren, Amber Ploessl, Dustin Ploessl, Colton Ploessl, and Jakob Ploessl, Miranda Heiar and Travis Heiar; 2 great-grandchildren, Selena and Arianna; siblings, Ron (Patricia) Ries, Rita Putman, Becky (Kevin) Hurlburt, Roxey (Doug) Kueter, Randy (Linda) Ries, and a sister in-law, Barb Ries.

Rosalie was preceded in death; her husband, Art; her parents; grandchildren, Justin and Ann Heiar, and Lindsay Ploessl; siblings, Bob Ries, Ruth Weimerskirk; brothers in-law, Steve Putman and Larry Weimerskirk.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful nurses, CNA’s, and therapist of Stonehill, Mill Valley, and hospice. You all are truly angels walking amongst us.

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

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

Brandon P. Drazkowski

Brandon Paul Drazkowski, 47, of Dubuque, IA passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 7th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will be held at 12:00 p.m.

Brandon was born in Winona, MN on July 15, 1972 to Kathy (Filipenko) Pershell and Gary Drazkowski. Brandon married Tracey McGinnis in Las Vegas on January 27, 1998.

He attended schools in Winona & Minneapolis and was a certified chef in a variety of restaurants in Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and Iowa. He was most recently working at Timmerman’s Super Club in East Dubuque and Tavern on the Main in Dubuque.

Brandon enjoyed cooking, canoeing and playing guitar with his band Zero2Sixty. He especially loved spending time with family and friends and was known for his strange obsession with rubbing people’s ears.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey; their children, Bradley (Brittany Davis) McGinnis, Jessica McGinnis, Kaylee (Matt Heacock) Drazkowski and Luke Drazkowski; and his favorite girl, Grayce, his granddaughter, all of Dubuque. He is also survived by his sister, Bridget (Brad) Morgan, of Dubuque; step-sister Alicia (Anand) Kameswaran, of Lutz, FL; his mother, Kathy (Rich) Pershell, of Mansfield, AR; his father, Gary Drazkowski, of Winona, MN; his in-laws Wayne (Cindy) McGinnis, of Dubuque and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for all their care, kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at Midwest One.

Rest in peace ya big Schweetie

Joseph E. Doyle

Joseph E. “Buddy” Doyle, 77, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on, Thursday, October 3, 2019 at his home in Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation for Buddy will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2019, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. and the Dyersville American Legion Post #137 will meet in a body at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the funeral home in Dyersville, IA.

A Mass of Christian burial for Buddy will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Jim Goerend officiating. Burial will be held in St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Buddy was born March 18, 1942, in Washington D.C., son of Joseph and Maureen (O’Connell) Doyle. He graduated from Washington and Lee High School in Arlington, VA. On June 26, 1965 he was united in marriage to Barbara Westemeier at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville, IA. Buddy worked for Coca-Cola and the City of Dyersville in the Street Department where he retired in 2004. He loved spending time at his cabin and sitting underneath his apple tree in North Buena Vista, IA and boating on the Mississippi River.

He was a member of St. Francis Parish in Dyersville, Iowa. Buddy was a veteran, having served in the in the United States Army, serving from 1960-1963. He is also a member of the Dyersville American Legion Post #137.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Barbara Doyle of Dyersville, IA; daughter, Tammy (Mike) Then of Dyersville, IA; 2 grandchildren, Jessica and Bryan Then of Dyersville, IA; sisters, Joanne Daft of Oxnard, CA and Kathleen Kane of Arlington, TX; brother-in-law, Roger (Judy) Westemeier of Dyersville, IA.

He was welcomed in to heaven by his parents; grandson, Matt Then; brother, James (Shirley) Doyle; Father and Mother-in-law, Benny and Janie Westemeier; brother-in-law, Joe Kane; along with many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers a Joseph Doyle memorial fund has been established.

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

Sr. Carol Hoverman

Sister Carol (Angela Merici) Hoverman, OSF, of Dubuque passed away, Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Clare House.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel.

Sister Carol was born November 22, 1938 in Alta Vista, IA, daughter of Gerhard (Gary) and Amanda (Pins) Hoverman.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1956 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1962. Sister received her bachelor’s degree in music education at Briar Cliff College, Sioux City, IA. She ministered as an educator in Illinois at Melrose Park and in Iowa at St. Mary’s, Dubuque. In 1980, she began her ministry at the Archdiocese of Dubuque – first as the Communications Director and later as editor of The Witness.

Sister is survived by her brother Jim Hoverman (Mary Pat Cole); nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA or to Steeple Square, Dubuque, for the organ fund.

Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the Sisters.

Geraldine M. Engler

Geraldine M. Engler, 93, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), Dyersville, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica with burial in St. Paul Cemetery, Worthington, IA. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Geraldine was born February 25, 1926 in Worthington, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Mary (Baum) Hess. She married David A. Engler on January 27, 1948 in Worthington. Geraldine ran the office at the Dyersville Sale Barn and worked as the bookkeeper at the Worthington Creamery Company. In 1973 she and her twin brother Gerald, purchased the Dyersville Sale Barn and continued as the co-owner and office manager until she retired at age 72.

Geraldine was a true caregiver as evidenced by how she tended to and loved her family and friends. She was a terrific cook and was always ready to set an extra plate for anyone who dropped in. Of course, if you ate you also would stay and play cards. A good Solo or Euchre game could easily last until it was time to go to 6:00 a.m. mass on Sunday. She loved winning, even if it was a nickel or dime, especially from her grandson, David, or grandson-in-law, Dan. Geraldine could always be found cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs.

She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the Rosary. As a member of her family or as one of her countless friends, you have been on the receiving end of her countless Rosary Novena petitions.

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly (Vincent) Folkedahl of Iowa City, IA, 2 grandchildren: David (fiancé Jodi Flynn) Folkedahl, their children; Vincent and Gabriel Folkedahl and Morgan Flynn, Elizabeth (Daniel) Guza and their children; David, Matthew and Katelyn Guza, her twin brother, Gerald Hess of Dyersville. She is also survived by her “honorary daughters”, Laura Phearman of Iowa City, Lois Forkenbrock of Dyersville and Dorothy Kramer of Worthington.

She was preceded in death by her husband David in 2003, brothers: A. Michael, Ambrose, Donald Hess, sister, Florabelle Heiser and two brothers in infancy: Harold and Ronald Hess.

Geraldine spent the past 4-1/2 years living at Mercy One Senior Care (Oakcrest), where she was treated with dignity and love by an amazing group of caring staff. For this, her family will be forever grateful.

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

Barbara Ann Johnson

Barbara Ann Johnson, 68, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on October 1st, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 7th, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Church with Rev. Steven Garner officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Monday, until time of mass at the church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Barb was born on December 3, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Aloysius and Eleanor (Chase) Pfiffner along with her stepmother Dolores Pfiffner. She attended Nativity Grade School, graduated from Wahlert High School in 1969 and from Indian Hills Community College.

She met the love of her life, Stephen Johnson, at a New Year’s Eve party. They were married February 4th, 1978 at the Church of the Nativity.

Barb worked as a cashier for the A & P and then for the Post Office. When becoming a mother, she left the Post Office to raise her beautiful daughters. She later worked for Target and Nordstrom’s.

She enjoyed being able to take an early retirement and being able to care for her grandchildren. She loved road trips to Tama, IA for Bingo at the Meskwaki Casino and enjoyed playing euchre at Holy Ghost.

Spending time with family was important to Barb along with carrying on holiday traditions that her parents passed on to her. Biologically, Barb may have only had two daughters, but all of their friends were considered a son or daughter to Barb.

She is survived by her husband Stephen; two daughters Jennifer Johnson and Patricia Bender (significant other, Alex Swart); grandchildren, Izzy, Orion, Chloe, Ethan and Eli; her fur grand-puppy Belle; siblings Ted (Pam) Pfiffner, Sharon Pfiffner, Cathy Haislet and Terry (Terri) Pfiffner; her brother-in-law Richard (Lynne) Johnson and sister-in-law Mary (Chuck) Steinbrook; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother.

The family would like to thank the staff of Tri-State Dialysis, Dr. Ringold, the emergency room staff at MercyOne especially Paige for all their care, kindness and compassion.

Alice M. (O’Brien) Egan

Alice M. (O’Brien) Egan, age 86, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:32 a.m., on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Luther Manor, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Alice’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Church, with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. To celebrate Alice’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Alice was born on August 16, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of James and Della (Heer) O’Brien.

Alice was born and raised in Dubuque where she attended Catholic school and then went to work as a teller with DB&T. She would take a leap of faith and agree to accompany a handsome young man named Edward Egan on a blind date, which would turn out to be one of the best decisions she ever made. That young man quickly became the love of her life, and they were united in marriage on October 22, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dubuque. They were blessed with 62 years and 6 children together, before Ed was sadly called home ahead of her on July 29, 2018. After the children were a little older, Alice would begin working in the daycare at the YMCA and then become a paraprofessional with the Dubuque Community School District for 20 years. She was always a very active woman, playing tennis in her younger days, bike riding, bowling and spending time in the great outdoors hiking and walking with Ed and their faithful Chihuahua companions. Alice was an avid reader who also enjoyed attending plays and theater productions. She had a great appreciation of music of any kind, even singing with the “Sweet Adelines” for a time. Alice was very personable and enjoyed spending time with her friends and volunteering to help those less fortunate than her in her community. Her Catholic faith was also an extremely important aspect of her life, as evidenced by her long time membership with St. Anthony’s Church. She was a kind and gentle soul, who possessed a “wee bit” of an Irish sense of humor. Alice was never one to draw attention to herself or put on airs, a true lady through and through. She truly cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our dear, sweet, beautiful mom, grandma, great-grandma and great great-grandma in our daily lives, but find some comfort in knowing that she is now happily reunited with her beloved husband, walking hand in hand for all Eternity.

Those left to cherish Alice’s memory include

her children,
Anne Powell, Dubuque, IA,
Joseph (Karin) Egan, Park Ridge, IL,
Karen Egan, Dubuque, IA
and Brian Egan, Dubuque, IA;

4 grandchildren,
Shanna Powell, Matthew Egan, Bradford Egan and Gregory Egan;

5 great-grandchildren,
Madeleine, Oliver, Sage, Niya and Willow Powell;

and 3 great great-grandchildren,
Alyza and Lilyanna Powell and Mekhi Finley.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; and twin girls in infancy.

Alice’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mercy Hospital, Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor, for all of their kind, professional and compassionate care of Alice and her entire family. Also a special thanks to the staff of Home Instead whose assistance allowed Alice to stay in the home she loved so much.

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

Nina M. Collins

Nina M. Collins, age 73, of Princeton, IL, and formerly of New York City and Cassville and Lancaster, WI, died peacefully at her home of ALS at 12:15 a.m., on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. To honor Nina’s life, funeral services will be held at 6:45 p.m., on Friday, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Bill Biver officiating. To celebrate Nina’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2019.

Nina was born on August 28, 1946, in Mt. Pleasant, MI, daughter of Harold Emile and Nathalie Margaret (Fluke) Collins.

Nina was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and grew up in Clare, MI and Brookfield, IL. Her parents were Harold and Nathalie (Fluke) Collins. She attended Riverside-Brookfield High School, and was active in drama and music, playing violin in her father’s orchestra, and volunteering at the Veterans’ Hospital.

Nina attended Drake University and later moved to New York to pursue an acting career. A student of Uta Hagen, Nina appeared in many off-Broadway plays while continuing her education at Marymount College. She subsequently worked in New York law offices and advertising agencies, organizing national conferences for the Society of Plastics Industry, and serving as executive assistant to the Vice-President of Nordeman Grimm, Inc., an international executive search firm, and to the President of Sacks & Rosen, Inc., an international advertising agency.

Nina continued her commitment to volunteer work, spending many weekends and vacations distributing meals for the underprivileged in New York churches.

Nina moved to Cassville, WI in 1992 to care for her father, who was in failing health. She remained in the Midwest after his death, living in Dubuque, IA and Lancaster, WI and working as Human Resource Manager in area firms, and also caring for disabled clients through Homeward Bound.

Nina loved attending the opera, the symphony and plays in New York and Massachusetts with her sister, and later continued this with many trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony, and travels to Greece, Vieques, St. Croix and Puerto Rico, and family vacations in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California.

She moved to Princeton in 2018, to be closer to her sister as her health declined.

She was devoted to her family and brought untold hours of happiness to them and to her friends. She is survived by her sister, Dana Collins of Princeton, and her niece Jen Collins (Ouellette) and family of Oakland, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Caitlyn Dane.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Nina’s favorite charities.

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