Obituaries Archive

Florence M. (Rauch) Kafar

Florence M. (Rauch) Kafar, age 89, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at her home surrounded by her family. There will be no services or visitation according to Florence’s wishes. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Florence’s family would like to express our love and admiration to her son, David, for the love and selfless care that he gave to mom 24 hours a day in her time of need. Also a heartfelt thanks to everyone at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their outstanding care of Florence.

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

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

James J. Mueller

James J. “Jim” Mueller, 69, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends may call from 4-7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City. Private family burial will take place at a later date.

Jim was born on September 15, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Leroy and Dorthy (Lynch) Mueller. He married Joan M. Vosberg on October 16, 1976, at St. Joseph’s Church, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2011.

Jim enjoyed tractor pulls, working in the fields, driving his Bobcat, fixing equipment and doing anything that needed to be done on the farm along with sharing stories. He loved playing euchre at the kitchen table with his family and “extended family.” Jim also loved racing cars or racing his family members home. His grandpa nicknamed Jim “Jimmy Cricket.” To many more he was “Uncle Jim” or “Dad.”

Survivors include his children, Tami Mueller and Brian Mueller, both of Cuba City; his sisters, Elly (Artie) Mentz, Dubuque, and Karen (Merlin) Steffen, Peosta; and his brothers, Nick Mueller, and Dave (Dawn) Mueller, both of Dubuque.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Don and Eugene.

In lieu of flowers, a Jim Mueller Memorial Fund has been established.

A special thank you to the staff at UW-Hospital, MercyOne Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center .

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

Daniel P. Molony

Daniel P. “Pat” Molony, 88, of Peosta, Iowa, died on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Eagle Point Place, Dubuque, Iowa.

To celebrate Pat’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Church Garryowen, Bernard, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Michael Hutchins, SVD officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Cascade American Legion Post 28. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Daniel Patrick Molony was born in Bernard, Iowa on January 24, 1932 to Michael and Grace (Cannon) Molony.  He was the youngest of ten children and grew up farming with the family.  After graduation from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, he worked as a skilled tradesman with his brother Michael in Madison, Wisconsin until 1970.  He returned to family farming near Otter Creek, Iowa in 1970.

On November 22, 1958, Pat married Elaine M. Beauchamp at Naivety Church in Dubuque.  Pat is survived by his wife, Elaine, and his children Patrick, Erin, Timothy (Laura), and Luke (Victoria), as well as his brother, Richard Molony of Bernard.  Pat was blessed with five grandchildren; Liam, Brighid, Keelin, Katie, and Gracie.  Pat was predeceased by his parents, his other siblings, his son Shawn and daughter Mary.

Pat was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, and a lifelong Democrat.  He enjoyed his years of farming and time spent socializing with friends and family.

Pat’s final months were spent at Ennoble Rehabilitation Center and Eagle Point Place under the care of Hospice of Dubuque.  His care providers treated him with dignity and grace, as well as, compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Mary Kathryn Lassance

Mary Kathryn Lassance, 92, Epworth, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, January 28, 2020 at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Mary Kathryn will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayers service will be held at 2 p.m. Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Kathryn will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating. Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

Mary Kathryn was born May 30, 1927 in Placid, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and Irene (Casey) Urbain. She received his education in the rural country schools in Placid, St. Joseph’s High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA and finished her teaching degree at University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA. Mary Kathryn was a teacher for 43 years until her retirement in 1989. On April 14, 1951 she was united in marriage to David J. Lassance. Together the couple farmed in the rural Epworth area. He preceded her in death on February 12, 2012.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish and St. Patrick’s Altar and Rosary Society in Epworth, Iowa. Mary Kathryn was also a life member of the Retired Teachers Association and a former member of the Farley Catholic Daughters of Americas Presentation Court #1460.

She is survived by four children, Paul Lassance of Dubuque, IA, Ray (Jeannie) Lassance of San Bernadino, CA, Peggy (John Becker) Becker of Dubuque, IA, and Patty (Pat) Veneziano of Dubuque, IA; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Conner of Dubuque, IA; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; one brother, Jerome Urbain of Epworth, IA; five sisters, Donna Flynn of Dubuque, IA, Elaine Decker of Fountain Hills, AZ, Jane Sweeney of Epworth, IA, Ellen Lindauer of Cascade, IA and Nora (Bruce) Cottrell of Dubuque, IA; two brothers-in-law, Bill Adams of Dyersville, IA and Joe O’Brien of Cascade, IA; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Doyle of Dubuque, IA and Ann Kiss of Montreal, Canada.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Tim Lassance on October 7, 2000; one great grandson, Samuel Rysavy; her sisters, Joanne Adams and Monica O’Brien; sister-in-law, Mary Parthun.

In lieu of flowers a Mary Kathryn Lassance memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Place, Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all the wonderful care and kindness they gave to Mary Kathryn.

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

Tracy L. Holland

Tracy L. Holland, 63, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Tracy from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, January 31, 2020, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private burial will be at Canton, Iowa at a later date.

Tracy Lynn Holland was born on October 18, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Clyde Carson and Jane Carol (Yarolem) Holland. She attended Midland of Wyoming Community Schools. She grew up in Monmouth and lived in Maquoketa for the past four years.

She had worked odd jobs throughout the years most notably at Hoof Products in Maquoketa and lastly for Gib Marcucci Stables in Monmouth.

Tracy enjoyed fishing, playing Yahtzee and Bingo with friends.

Those left to honor Tracy’s memory include her six siblings, Ronnie (Alice) Holland of Rockwell, IA, Cindy Holland of Maquoketa, IA, Mary Jo (Dave) Fuller of Monmouth, IA, Richard Holland of Marion, IA, Ed (Joleen) Holland of Wyoming, IA, and Gary (Tammy) Holland of Monmouth, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Tracy Lynn Holland memorial fund.

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

Shirley E. Barker

Shirley E. Barker, 75, of Davenport, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A Natural Journey Farewell with cremation has taken place. A private burial will be held in the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.

Shirley Elizabeth Jorgensen was born on October 22, 1944 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Glenn and Lois (Siegel) Jorgensen. She was a 1962 graduate of Andrew High School. She married Alvin Barker on August 25, 1963 at Salem Lutheran Church in Andrew, Iowa.

Shirley had worked for Wenger Truck Line in Davenport as a payroll manager for over 24 years. She and Alvin had lived in Maquoketa from 1963 to 1985 and from 1985 until present in Davenport.

She enjoyed gardening, camping, crosswords and spending winters in Texas. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Alvin Barker of Davenport, IA; children, Todd (Fiancé Billee Brinkman) of Andover, MN, Brian (Amy) Barker of Grand Rapids, MI, Janelle Barker of Davenport, IA, and Scott (Christy) Barker of Long Grove, IA; 7 grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, Kyle, Emily, Taylor, Mason, and Abigail; and 3 great-grandchildren, Nolan, Roman and Isaac.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Carol, and infant twins Donna and Johnna.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

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

James J. Pasker

James “Jim” Joseph Pasker, 85, of Edgewood, Iowa, formerly of Colesburg, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on September 30, 1934, in New Vienna, the son of Albert and Alvina (Wiskus) Pasker, and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in New Vienna in 1952.

Following graduation, Jim farmed, in the Colesburg area. On September 29, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Marie Maiers at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg. The couple continued to farm, and six children were born to this union. In 1972, Jim began working for John Deere. He quit farming in 1986 and retired from John Deere in 1994.

Jim was a long-time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg. He enjoyed Polka music and dancing as well as fishing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeye basketball team. Jim and Marie wintered in Panama Beach, Florida, for several years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marie Pasker of Edgewood; five children, Kevin (Susan) Pasker of Bicknell, Indiana, Mike (Sue) Pasker of Manchester, Julie (Scott) Thompson of Cedar Rapids, Jeff (Carolyn) Pasker of Lake Crystal, Minnesota, and Bob (Penny Powers) Pasker of Garber; 15 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Grace Pasker of New Vienna.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles in 1978; two brothers, Urban Pasker and Leon Pasker; and a sister, Verna (John) Westmark.

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

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, Iowa, with Reverend John Haugen officiating. Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020, at St. Patrick Parish Center in Colesburg, where there will be a private family Scripture service at 2:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. before Mass on Saturday at the center. Interment: St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery – Colesburg, Iowa

Carvel W. Blosch

Carvel W. Blosch, 78, of Dubuque died Friday, January 24, 2020.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where visitation will be held Thursday from 9 :30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery, Zwingle.

Carvel was born June 18, 1941 in Dubuque, son of Conrad and Mary (Timmerman) Blosch.

He is survived by a brother, Carmen (Anna Mae) Blosch of Cuba City, WI and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and two brothers in law, Della and Eldon Hoerner, Dorothy and Gordon Bradley and Evelyn Paulson; a niece, Twila Hoerner and a newphew, Ronald Blosch.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Sunnycrest Manor for their loving care and Tom Jack for all he did for Carvel.

Tracy C. Green

Tracy C. Green, 45, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, surrounded by her family.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the services, and burial will be at Sutton Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, at a later date.

Tracy Christine Bowen was born on February 26, 1974 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dennis and Carol (Rockwell) Bowen. She was a 1992 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School. She married Todd Alan Green on May 18, 1996 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.

Tracy had worked as a Direct Service Person at DAC, Inc. in Maquoketa for over ten years.

She was a member of the Epilepsy Foundation and the “One Shake Is All It Takes” Shaken Baby Syndrome Foundation. She also was actively involved with the Dance Marathon benefitting the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital at both Loras College and Maquoketa.

Tracy enjoyed watching movies especially Titanic and any movie with her favorite actor Patrick Swayze in it.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Todd Green of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter Morryah Green of Maquoketa, IA; her mother, Carol Bowen of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Stacie (Andy) Riley of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Kelly Bowen of Andrew, IA; her mother-in-law, Susan Green of Maquoketa, IA; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Rick Green of Maquoketa, IA, Penny and Corey Roeder of Rochester, MN, and Loren and Lisa Green of State Center, IA; and 5 nieces and nephews, Clayton, Courtney, Madde, Abby, and Jimmy.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her father Dennis Bowen, and her father-in-law Richard Green.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Tracy C. Green memorial fund has been established.

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

Glenn C. Hansen

Glenn Clarence Hansen, 84 of Bellevue, passed away on, Sunday, January 26, 2020.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Private Family Graveside Services will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Bellevue.

Glenn was born on July 5, 1935 in Balltown, Iowa, son of William and Romualda “Mollie” (Bleile) Hansen. He began farming at a very young age when his father passed away and he was called to take over the family farm and help raise his siblings.

He married Rita Kirchberg of Kieler, Wisconsin on June 14, 1957 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler. They started their married life dairy farming in Sabula, Iowa and then moved to Bellevue, Iowa where he continued dairy farming until his retirement in 1995. He was an award-winning dairy farmer in Jackson County winning numerous awards for herd management and also for farm management/crop rotation. Upon his retirement, he worked in maintenance for Mill Valley Care Center for many years.

His greatest accomplishments though, were his strong love for his family and for honesty and integrity. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Glenn is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rita; children, Kevin (Julie) Hansen and Karen (Daniel) Ploessl, all of Bellevue, Kelly (Scott) Siegel and Kurt (Lori) Hansen, both of DeWitt, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Mike, Megan, Samuel, Jessica, Matthew, Katelyn, Colin, Jacob, and Cory; six great grandchildren, Stacy, Wyatt, Connor, Micah, Emmitt, and Paisley, two brothers, Virgil (Melita) Hansen and William Hansen of Maquoketa; four sisters, Evelyn (Vince) Decker, Darla Kay (Louis) Decker of Zwingle, Mary Young and Pam LaPrell of Dubuque; and sister in-law, Veronica Hansen and brother in-law Ray Owens; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother in-law, Michael and Barbara Kirchberg; siblings, Celestine “Pete” Hansen, Linda (Bernie) Andrews; in-laws, Bob (Vivian) Vondran, Orin (Edna) Lenstra, Barbara June Owens, John LaPrell, and Dennis Young

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Mill Valley Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Amy and Peggy.

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

Sister Jan Brynda, OP 

Sister Jan Brynda, OP, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, in Oak Lawn, Ill.

Her funeral Mass will be at the Sinsinawa Motherhouse at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, with a wake service there at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1.

Sister Jan ‘s ministry included teaching in Wisconsin parish schools, serving as principal at St. Rose, Cuba City, and diocesan associate superintendent in Fort Wayne, Ind. She was pastoral associate at Champaign and Burbank, Ill., and director of adult faith formation at St. Benedict, Blue Island. She was an advisor and instructor in the School of Education, Dominican University, and volunteered at the McGreal Center.

Named Adrenne by her parents, John and Irene (Pianowski) Brynda, she was born in Chicago, and is survived by her sister, Sister Eileen Brynda, OP., and her Dominican Sisters.

Miller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Allan P. Hosch

Allan Peter Hosch, 86, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Initiative Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Allan may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Services for Allan will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Aloysius Vorwald Presiding. 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 May 7, 1933 in Monticello, Iowa, son of Alois and Margaret (Weber) Hosch. On June 4, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joan Brady at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Garryowen, Iowa. The couple farmed in the rural Cascade Area, he also did carpenter work. Allan always enjoyed playing cards.

He was an Army Veteran. He was a member of St. Matthias Parish, the Cascade American Legion Post #528, for which he served as Past Commander, a member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Hosch of Cascade, IA; three children, Margie (Marv) McLees of Cascade, IA, Mark (Ellen) Hosch of Parkview, IA and Kathleen (John) Boelter of Sunny Vale, CA; 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; three sisters, Sr. Joan Hosch, O.S.F. of Dubuque, IA, Sr. Marjorie Hosch, O.S.F. of Greenville, SC, and Ann (Sal) Salamone of Greenlawn, NY; a brother, Steve (JoAnn) Hosch of Epworth, IA; two sisters-in-law, Mitzie Hosch and Grace Cigrand both of Cascade, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Schell and Marilyn Mangino; one brother, David Hosch; one sister-in-law, Ann (Pat) Quinn and four brothers-in-law, Pat Brady, Roy Mangino, Louis Schell and Bob Cigrand.

An Allan P. Hosch memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.

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

Gary W. Mauritzson

Gary W. Mauritzson, 73, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 24, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, January 27, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Funeral Service for Gary will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, with Rev. Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will be in Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery in Rock Island.

Gary was born May 3, 1946, in Moline, IL, the son of Anders and Eleanor (Bixler) Mauritzson. On April 25, 1970, he married Ann Marie Wennerholm in Chicago.

He was a 1964 graduate of Moline High School and attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. He received his Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1969 and his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Iowa in 1977.

Gary was an engineer with John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 years, retiring in 2001.

He was a very active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was a member of Sundown Mountain Ski Patrol, Dubuque Bike Club, and an AARP Tax Preparer. He loved traveling, biking, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Marie; two sons, Matthew (Kirsten) Mauritzson of Peoria, IL, and Scott (Katie) Mauritzson of Kansas City, MO; and three grandchildren, Paige, Isabelle, and Lily.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bruce Mauritzson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Mauritzson Memorial Scholarship at Augustana College, which was established in his grandfather’s name.

The family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Bill Silverman and Dr. Dave Kemp for their care and guidance through this journey.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Gary’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Walter W. Graumann Jr.

With Karen by his side, and two close family friends, Walter W. Graumann Jr., after a long 18-year sustained battle with dementia, which he unwillingly participated in, went to be with the Lord.

He was born October 8, 1941, in Sheboygan, WI, the firstborn son of, deceased, Walter and Enola Graumann. He attended Sheboygan schools and graduated from Stout State College in Menomonie, WI. He received a Master’s degree from U of W – Platteville in Industrial Technology and the University of Dubuque.

Wally married Karen Sauer, his high school sweetheart, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage together.

Wally was employed by the Manitowoc, WI, public school system for two years teaching Jr. & Sr. High Industrial Arts. He moved to the Kohler Co., of Kohler, WI, working in their engine division and later to John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 2001 as an advanced engineering analyst.

Wally was a member of Hope E. Free Church and served various churches as elder and deacon. He had a passion for coin collecting, fishing, woodworking, teaching boys auto mechanics, and working as a leader in Junior Achievement. He served others and showed the love of Jesus with his wisdom and kindness. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit.

In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by son Timothy Graumann, daughter, Terry (John) Lyon, and son Thomas (Lori) Graumann. Grandchildren Dalton, Abby, Logan, Maddie and Garrett, sisters LouJean (Ed) Greger and Maggie (Bill) Schink. Also, Karen’s brothers Mark (Karen), Jonathan and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 31, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd. from 9 AM until 11 AM with the funeral immediately following.

Special love goes to all the CNA’s, nurses and staff of Hawkeye Care Center who so lovingly cared for both Wally and I through the good times and the bad. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words, missed beyond measure.

Arlene A. Birch

Arlene A. Birch, 87, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

In keeping with Arlene’s wishes, there will be no visitation and a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 11AM at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

She was born on July 6, 1932, in East Dubuque, IL, the youngest daughter of Laura and Leander Fleege.  She married Milo S. Birch on June 25, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque.  Milo preceded her in death in 1991.

Arlene was a long-time hostess in the area and worked for many years at Timmerman’s Supper Club in East Dubuque.

Surviving are her daughters Betsy (Curt) Hanson of Rochester, MN and Carolyn Birch of Iowa City, IA; two granddaughters Lisa Hanson of Minneapolis, MN and Andrea (Liam) Zakko of Farmington, CT; and two great-grandsons Nathaniel and William Zakko.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband; her sister Mary Runde; and brothers Dorrance Fleege, Harold Fleege, and Ralph Fleege.

Memorials are preferred to Hospice of Dubuque.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.