Obituaries Archive

Michael J. Pluemer

Michael J. “Mike” Pluemer, age 66 of Asbury, Iowa completed his earthly journey on January 8, 2020 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

To honor Mike’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2020, from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m., in the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom, 450 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mike was born on June 18, 1953 in Dubuque, Iowa, a son to Lloyd and Mildred (Schiel) Pluemer. Thankfully, the values of family, friends, fellowship and hard work were immediately instilled within him. After graduating from Dubuque Senior High School in 1972, he would go on to devote over 30 years of his working career with John Deere Dubuque Works, before eventually retiring in 2008. He was united in marriage to his soul-mate, Linda Tindell, on May 18, 1991, and their union was blessed with 2 children. Mike and Linda are a shining example of what a loving couple can accomplish when they face the world together hand in hand. They both enjoyed traveling together and their honeymoon destination of Bermuda always remained Mike’s #1 choice, with Florida residing at a close 2^nd.

In his free-time, Mike found plenty of outlets to keep his mind and body occupied. Maintaining the most meticulous lawn in the neighborhood was continually a quest he strived to achieve. Golfing and softball also always found their way into his days; but an afternoon of fishing with the grandkids, or watching his Bears and Cardinals play could also suffice. And in line with being the true gentleman he was, Mike never relinquished his spirited sense of humor, even during his courageous battle with cancer. It’s impossible to imagine moving forward into a future without Mike’s daily physical presence bringing a little peace and stability into our world. We know that he is at peace from his earthly struggles now, but our broken hearts would give absolutely anything to have just one more day with the man who so naturally made everything ok. We miss him deeply, love him dearly and will forever treasure every memory he leaves behind until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mike include,

his loving wife and companion of 38 years,
Linda Pluemer, Asbury, Iowa;

his 2 daughters,
Jennifer (Todd) Clothier, Salem Lake, Wisconsin, and Kelly Heiderschiet, Fort Dodge, Iowa,

his 4 grandchildren,
Brandon, Andrew, Carter and Jack;

his sister,
Lynn Pape, Rickardsville, Iowa;

his sisters and brothers-in-law,
Sharon Pluemer, Dubuque, Iowa,
Sandra Feehn, Dubuque, Iowa,
Diane (Don) Pettengill, Denver, Colorado,
Susan (Jim) Cheek, Denver, Colorado,
Tanya (Dave) Wilson, Dubuque, Iowa,
Laura Fischer, Dubuque, Iowa,
Sheila Pluemer, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Nancy Dolce, Stevens Point, Wisconsin;

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

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister, Patricia Pluemer in infancy; his brothers, Greg Pluemer, Gary Pluemer and Daniel Pluemer; his in-law’s, Harold and Marinette Tindell; and his brothers-in-law, Loren Fischer, Jim Feehn, Howard Dolce and Garry Pape.

In lieu of flowers, a Michael J. Pluemer memorial fund has been established which will be donated to cancer research in Mike’s name.

Mike’s family would like to thank Dr. Hermann, his nurse and staff, everyone at the Wendt Center and the Asbury Fire Department, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque (aka, the Green Team) for all of their wonderful care and compassionate support over the past few months. And a very special thank you to all of our family and friends, especially the Dream Team, for giving more than we could ask for and always trying to fulfill the difficult tasks of bringing a little peace and serenity into some very uncomfortable days!

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

Rita M. McCann

Rita M. McCann, 88, of Dubuque, died Thursday, January 9, 2020, at the Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, January 17, 2019, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, a prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM to conclude the visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. McCann will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 18, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Rita was born June 7, 1931, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of James and Bertha (Simon) Hochberger. On November 6, 1954 she married John E. McCann in Dubuque.

Rita never met a stranger, she made friends everywhere she went. She enjoyed walking with Dolores, singing, dancing, and her Sunday afternoon movies with her life long friend, Babe. Rita loved her time volunteering at Finley Hospital, she was a volunteer at the hospital for 20+ years. Most importantly, Rita adored time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish Rita’s memory, her son James (Donna) McCann of Dubuque, her daughter Joan ( Mike Hoskins) Vasquez also of Dubuque; 4 grandchildren Ryan (Krista) McCann, Katie McCann, Linnea (Jeff) Donovan and Christopher Rains; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews

She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, John; brother, Butch Hochberger; sister, Rosemary Hoffman; and every friend she has already made in heaven.

Rita’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital and Stonehill Care Center for their loving care of Rita

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

John T. Peacock

John T. “Jack” Peacock, 86, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Wednesday morning, January 8, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2020 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the East Dubuque Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, where members of the East Dubuque Fire Dept. will meet in a body at 6:00 p.m.

Jack was born on August 13, 1933 in East Dubuque, the son of Clarence and Bertha (VanSchaik) Peacock. He was united in married to Norma L. Ford on April 16, 1955 in Dubuque, IA. She preceded him in death on June 18, 2017.

Jack served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1952 – 1956. He was formerly employed at the Dubuque Packing Company, a member of Local 150-A UFCW, and a retired member of the East Dubuque Volunteer Fire Dept.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, carving, westerns, but most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are six children, John (Cindy) Peacock, Jr., Anthony (Tony) Peacock, Lisa (Dealson) Sweet, Shawn Oglesby, Gina Peacock and Michelle “Shelli” (Christopher) Lonergan; 20 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and his sister, Judy Peacock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma, three brothers, a grandchild John III, and a great-grandchild Daylin.

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

Mark O. Burds

Mark O. “Red” Burds, age 84, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 9:24 a.m., on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at Stonehill Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Red’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m., until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. To honor Red’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Linda Frommelt officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army and the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Red was born on December 29, 1935, in Epworth, Iowa, son of James and Mary (Downey) Burds.

Red grew up on the family farm in Worthington and was home-schooled for many years before graduating from St. Paul’s in Worthington in 1953. He began working at John Deere Dubuque Works shortly after graduation. Red entered the U.S. Army in 1958 and served as a carpenter and a boxer at Ft. Carson in Colorado until 1960, when he returned to John Deere. His boxing career continued after his service for many years with great success. “Rockin’ Red” was a Golden Glove boxer who was well-known for both his boxing and his coaching successes. Red coached at the Dubuque YMCA and the Dubuque Boys’ Club for much of his life.

Red married Darlene Chatfield on December 30, 1961 at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, and together they were blessed with 4 daughters. Rockin’ Red was also a prolific writer of prose and poetry throughout his life even setting some of his writings to music and recording them. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his daughters and his grandchildren. Red could regularly be found dining with his “lady-friend”, Mary Ellen Quade, at the Moracco. We are saddened at the loss of such a loving, caring and creative man in our daily lives, but his legacy will be passed on for generations through his writings. Anyone who has enjoyed his works will have a smile on their face at the mere thought of his poems or his songs.

Those left to cherish Mark’s memory include

his children,
Becky (Guy) Hemenway, Peosta, IA,
Nancy Thomas, Dubuque, IA
and Kathy Allman, Peosta, IA;

his 4 grandchildren,
Lizzy & Bailey Hemenway, Miranda Thomas and Dan Allman;

his great-grandson, Theo;

his siblings,
Joan (Ed) Burds-Taylor, St. Genevieve, MO,
Jim Burds, Thornton, CO
and Donna Burds, St. Louis, MO;

a sister-in-law,
Suzanne Burds, Dubuque, IA;

his former wife,
Darlene Burds-Thiede, Peosta, IA.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sandy “Ding-a-ling” Burds; a son-in-law, Darrell Allman; 2 brothers, Mike and Denis Burds; a sister, Therese Roling; a sister-in-law, Nonie Burds and his “Special lady-friend”, Mary Ellen Quade.

Red’s family would like to thank the staff of Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their kind and caring support of Red and his family.

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

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

Judith J. (McVay) Herber

Judith Jeanne (McVay) Herber, 79, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, January 7, 2019.

Per her wishes there will be no services, but friends and family are encouraged to gather Sunday the 12th in the Community Room of the Diamond Senior Apartments, 1401 Wingate, Dubuque, IA. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is caring for Judy and her family.

Judy was born Valentine’s Day in 1940. She married Peter Herber on May 19, 1962, and they were able to spend 58 loving years with each other. Together they had six children, 21 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Family was the most important and special thing to her, and she had nothing but love for every member. She had several occupations throughout her life, but the ones she treasured most were of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. People who knew her will attest to her kindness, compassion, empathy, and love for everyone she met.

She leaves behind her loving husband Peter, her children, Timothy (Mitzi), Paula Hoftender (Steve), Terence (Jackie), Leanne, Daniel (Amber), and Peter (Dawn).

She is also survived by her siblings, Jim, Mike, John, Jeff, Kris, and Laure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Steve Hoftender, and two great-grandchildren who she lovingly called her “great-grandbaby angels”.

She touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Judy’s family would like to thank the staff at the Unity Point Wound Clinic for the care that they provided to her.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Judy’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Lester G. LaPage

Lester G. LaPage, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at home following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Saint Peters Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Road, with Pastor Matthew Agee officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2020 and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at Saint Peters Lutheran. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in Charge of arrangements.

Lester was born on October 10, 1952, in Dubuque, the son of Keith and Iva (Leubka) LaPage. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Diane Harry, on March 4, 1972 at Saint Matthews Church. He worked for Bodine Electric for 25 years until his retirement.

Lester was an avid bowler and a proud member of the 700 Club. He also had a passion for the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. The Chicago Cubs and Miami Dolphins were his teams and he was proud to watch the Superbowl and World Series wins by both.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane; three sons, Brian (Abbi) LaPage, of Dubuque, Christopher (Sara) LaPage, of Maquoketa, Jason (special friend Megan) LaPage, of Garnavillo IA; four grandchildren who he dearly loved: Chloe, Emelia, Anthony, Charlotte; two sisters Shirley (John) Adams, of Hobe Sound, FL, Candice (Robert) Hachmann, of Peosta; a brother Rick (Bernice) LaPage, of Huxley, IA, and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter Hope; a brother Randy; a sister Cindy and his mother and father-in-law John and Doris Harry.

In lieu of flowers a Lester LaPage memorial fund has been established.

Michael P. Kelly

Michael Patrick Kelly, 66, of Dubuque, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, January 9, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mike will be 10:30 AM Friday, January 10, 2020, at Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Mike was born March 17, 1953 in Dubuque, the son of William and Irene Schulte Kelly. He was united in marriage to Rita K. Green on September 14, 1974 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Mike graduated from and played baseball at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, IA. Mike worked at Kretschmer-Treadway, Republic Companies, and Portzen Construction until his recent retirement.

Mike was a wonderful and caring husband and father. He was also the proud grandfather to Kathryn, Deklyn, Elly, and Keegan. Mike’s greatest thrill was chasing his granddaughters around. He was the official scorekeeper and bench coach of the Asbury Pumas Softball Team and always had candy for his team when they came into the dugout.

Mike served on the NICC Building Trades Advisory Board and Asbury Building Commission.

Surviving are his wife Rita and their two children, Timothy (Elizabeth) Kelly and Christine (Jeff) Adams; one sister, Patricia (Michael) Lippert; four grandchildren, Kathryn, Deklyn, Elly, and Keegan; and three nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandfather, James Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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

Daniel Esser, Sr.

Daniel “Dan” Esser Sr., 45, of Dubuque, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, January 10, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Dan will be 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Holy Spirit Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Father Steven Garner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Daniel was born February 20, 1974, in Dubuque, the son of Donald J. and Ava L. (Chalder) Esser.

Dan started working at Flexsteel in the cutting department the day after he graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and continued to worked there for more than 27 years. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the San Francisco 49ers.  He enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races, Bobby Labonte was his favorite driver. Dan was the go to guy when his family needed help with electronics. He enjoyed tinkering with technology, fishing, and listening to Metallica. He also enjoyed bowling, even once bowling a perfect game.

Survivors include his parents Donald and Ava Esser of Dubuque; one son, Daniel “Dano” Esser, Jr.; two brothers, Andrew Esser and Matthew Esser of Dubuque, IA; one sister, Dawn (Chris) Cappetto of Hazel Green, WI; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends

He is preceded in death by his grandparents.

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

Kenneth A. Neuhaus

Kenneth A. Neuhaus, former Chief Deputy of the Dubuque County Sherriff’s office, passed away at age 91, on December 31, 2019 surrounded by family, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

A mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Military honors will immediately follow mass at the church by the American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. with honor guard provided by the Dubuque County Sherriff Department.

Kenneth was born on September 6, 1928, in Patch Grove, WI, to Edward and Leona (Oval) Neuhaus. Kenneth was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He trained at the National Academy of Law Enforcement in Quantico, VA and served more than 30 years with the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office in Dubuque, IA until his retirement as Chief Deputy.

On February 14, 1953 he married Mary Julia Dugan. They raised four sons, Ken Jr., Tom, Roger, and Gregory, and four daughters, Mary Lynn, Patricia, Catherine, and Paula.

Kenneth was a die-hard Cubs fan, a grass-roots go-getter, and a civic-minded leader. Active in his community, he served as an usher at Nativity Church in Dubuque for more than a decade, volunteered for the Dubuque County Democratic Party, was a member of the American Legion Post 6, and the Knights of Columbus Council 510. He was known for his generous spirit, dogged determination, and laughing before the punchline of his own jokes.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary; eight children, Ken (Karen) Neuhaus, Mary Lynn (James Jarrard) Neuhaus, Patricia Harrison, Catherine (Dean “Moe”) Dolphin, Tom (Laurie) Neuhaus, Roger (Theresa) Neuhaus, Gregory (Chris Nardone) Neuhaus, and Paula Neuhaus. His brothers Donald (Eunice) and Gerald; and sister Nelda (Dennis) Bennett; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his father Edward, his mother, Leona and brothers Lloyd, Edward Jr. “Bud,” and Roger, sisters Jeannette, Inez, Virginia, Audrey, Florence, and his four grandsons, Ryan, Taylor, Christopher, and Tyler Neuhaus, daughter-in-law Crystal (Henkes) Neuhaus, and son-in-law James Jenkins.

A Kenneth Neuhaus memorial fund has been established.

The Neuhaus family extends their gratitude to the nursing staff at Bethany Home, Dr. Matthew Kirkendall, and Hospice of Dubuque.

Clara Hinzmann

Clara Hinzmann, Kimberling City, MO, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Podnar, was born September 21, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa and departed this life on January 4, 2020 at the age of 80.

Clara and her husband, Ron Hinzmann, lived in the area twenty-three years, moving here from Dubuque, Iowa.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Jeffrey Hinzmann and Kenny Hinzmann; daughter, Kimberly Babbin; two brothers, Robert Podnar and Alex Podnar; two sisters, Teresa McAvoy and Sandi Podnar and one grandson, Ronald Kinsell.

Survivors include: her husband Ronald (Ron) Hinzmann of sixty-three years of Kimberling City, MO; two sons, James Hinzmann and friend, Kari and Jerry Hinzmann; two brothers, Steve Podnar and wife, Jeannette and Adam Podnar Jr.; two sisters, Rosemary and Linda; nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

No service is planned at this time.  Arrangements are under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City, MO.

Donald E. Current

Donald E. Current, 86, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 P.M., Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  A memorial visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.

Donald Eugene Current was born on July 9, 1933 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to James Sr. and Daisy (Wray) Current.  He was a 1951 graduate of Maquoketa High School and served his country in the U.S. Army receiving an honorable discharge.  He married Evelyn Dorrean Bickford on April 17, 1955 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Prior to serving his country, Don worked as a draftsman at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa.  Upon returning home from the service to his country, he worked for Nissen Company as a draftsman from 1959 to 1963, and then Cherry-Burrell as a draftsman from 1963 until retiring in 1999.

Don loved his family and friends. His greatest passions were fishing, woodworking, traveling, and National Geographic. He was an active member of the Trinity-St. James United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Evelyn Current of Cedar Rapids, IA; children, Debra Holl of Phoenix, AZ, Doug and his wife Chris Current of Melbourne, FL, and Greg and his wife Jennifer Jones-Current of Eureka, CA; 4 grandchildren, Megan and Emily Holl, and Corrina and Annika Jones-Current; brothers, James Current Jr. of Maquoketa, IA, and Richard (Shirley) Current of Maquoketa, IA; and a sister, Donna May Said of Maquoketa, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Mark, brothers Robert and George Current, and a sister Beverly Durkop.

In lieu of other expressions, a Donald E. Current memorial fund has been established.

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

Cathy J. Miller

Cathy J. Miller, 65, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2020, at her home.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Cathy from 5 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A private burial will be at Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery at a later date.

Cathy Jo Carr was born on May 2, 1954 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Harold Wellington and Mary Lois (Ralston) Carr.  She was educated in Dubuque schools.  She married Jesse V. Miller on August 30, 1991 in Maquoketa, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on November 9, 2009.

Cathy had worked in area factories most of her life.  She most notably had worked as a welder at WADY Industries in Maquoketa for 16 years as a welder until retirement.

Cathy enjoyed going to casinos, playing cards and singing/listening to music.

Those left to honor Cathy’s memory include a son, Travis (Tracy Manning) Bickford of Maquoketa, IA; step-children, Kirk (Erin) Miller of Maquoketa, IA, and Chad (Kristina) Miller of Maquoketa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Britney (Jordan) Carr and Bailey Bickford; several step-grandchildren; brothers, Edward (Nancy) Carr of Kaloa, HI, and Allan (Carol) Carr of Monmouth, IA; and sisters, Sharon Foulks of Onslow, IA, Dixie Bruns of Monmouth, IA, and Carla (Donald) Clark of Monmouth, IA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jesse, brothers Doug, Dale, Ronnie, Thomas, Jim and Jack, sisters Jane, Marilee, Karen, Lois, and Linda, and a step-son Kyle Miller.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Cathy Jo Miller memorial fund.

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

Sister Mary Francesca Presseller

Sister Mary Francesca Presseller, PBVM, 98, died on Friday, January 3, 2020, at Mount Loretto Motherhouse, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque IA.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation, with a dinner at 11:00 am and burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2020, at Sacred Heart Chapel, where there will be a vigil service at 7:00 pm.

Sister Mary Francesca, daughter of Paul and Anna (Weiss) Presseller, was born Elizabeth Theresa on July 26, 1921, in Robbinsdale MN. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation on September 13, 1948, and professed her perpetual vows on May 3, 1954. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Loras College, Dubuque IA.

Sister’s ministries took her to Mason City, Clare, Monona, Algona, Epworth, and Elkader, all in Iowa, St. Paul, MN, Oregon and Chicago, IL, where she spent her teaching career with the elementary grades. She retired to Mount Loretto in 1999 and celebrated her 60th Jubilee in 2008. Sister Francesca enjoyed her hobbies of reading, crocheting, card playing, enjoying nature, and she valued prayer and community service. She was a volunteer tutor from the very first day of the Presentation Lantern Center opening in 2002. Throughout her entire life one constant for her has been her love for her community of Presentation Sisters. “To me community is everything,” said Sister Francesca. “Community is life-giving.”

Surviving are her sisters, Mary Presseller and Joanne Homan, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 71 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Anna Misch, Esther Hall, Margaret Watry, Dorothy Palmiter, Sister Elizabeth (Helen) Presseller, her brothers, Paul, Bill, Lawrence, Ralph and Joseph.

The Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen 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.dbqpbvms.org.

Dan Schmitt

Some called him “Hooks”; some called him “Beard”; and to many he was the “mailman.”  Dan Schmitt was a loving husband and his kids would say he was the best Dad in the world.  But of all the nicknames and titles he held, his favorite name of all was “Grandpa.”   He will be missed dearly.

On January 3, 2020, Dan passed away in his home at age 70.  He joined his parents, Henrietta M. (Hufnagel), Aloysius P. Schmitt, and step-mother, Germaine (Schrobilgen) in heaven.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jim Schmitt, and his sister, Pat (Schmitt) Steger.

Dan grew up on his parent’s farm in Rickardsville, where he and Kathy later raised their four children. When Dan wasn’t milking cows, doing chores, and spending time with his kids, he was hitting home runs at the town baseball field, cheering on the NY Yankees, or downloading the latest hit music on his Ipod.

Surviving are his wife of forty-eight years, Kathy (Ruden), and their four children; Jenny (Dave) Kettering; Sarah Sherman (and special friend, Mark Gigous); Josh (Jayna) Schmitt; and Callie (Ryan) Anglese: His fourteen grandchildren, Stephen (Paula), Hailey, Gabrielle, Ben, Hunter, Collin, Aleece, Casey, Leah, Boen, Hazel, Aubrey, Brecken, and Dawson. Dan is also survived by eight other siblings.

Friends and family are invited to visit Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 7th from 2p.m. to 7p.m.  A special prayer service will be held at 4p.m.  There will be a private burial service on Wednesday, January 8th for the immediate family.  In lieu of flowers, Dan has requested donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. Hermann, and the medical staff at Grandriver Medical Group.

Mary Ann Gansen

Mary Ann Gansen, 77, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Friday, January 3, 2020, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Church in Benton with Rev. David Flanagan officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 7 at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where there will be a parish wake service at 3:45 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service.

Mary Ann was born on October 2, 1942 in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Bernard and Romona (Bertjens) Hoppenjan.  She married Leo Gansen Sr., on May 3, 2003 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on January 31, 2009.

Mary Ann graduated from Cuba City High School in 1960. She was employed at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, in the Nutrition Department. Family was very important to Mary Ann, and she especially cherished her grandchildren, Tyler and Devon. She loved spending time with family and friends, was always ready to lend a helping hand, and had a special love for cats. Mary Ann also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and embroidery.

Survivors include her son, Timothy (Effie) Voels, Wantagh, NY; two sisters, Nancy Hoppenjan, Cuba City, WI, and Norma (­­­­­Dick) Pedley, Leadmine, WI; two brothers, Chuck (Darlene) Hoppenjan, Cuba City, WI, and Dave (June) Hoppenjan, Darlington, WI; and two grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Romona Hoppenjan; a nephew, Steve Hoppenjan; and a niece, Julie Haldemann.

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