Obituaries Archive

Doris M. (Upmann) Rubel

It is to our deep regret that Mrs. Doris Margaret (Upmann) Rubel passed away at 11:30 p.m. on July 21st, 2020 due to a brief illness.

We will remember Doris as an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all she knew.

Doris was a generous and kind person who loved to meet people and genuinely make them feel welcome. Doris had a very strong faith in God and welcomed her place into heaven. Doris enjoyed travel playing euchre and above all being with family and friends, especially her lifelong friends, the Little Rascals.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa Doris attended a one-room schoolhouse in Sandridge, Illinois and eventually graduated from Dubuque Wahlert high school. In 1961 Doris married the love of her life James Lee Rubel. While raising a family of three children in Springbrook, Iowa, Doris was a community volunteer, involved in farming and real estate ventures, and eventually owning and operating Crystal Lake cave in Dubuque Iowa for 40 years.
Having met Doris, people from all over the world were left with the indelible impression that Iowa is an incredible place to visit and live and that Iowans are kind, reliable, resilient and hardworking people.

Doris is preceded in death by her beloved husband James Lee Rubel, son Robert and daughter Angela Rubel, parents Leroy and Agnes (Averkamp) Upmann, brothers Ron, John and Richard Upmann, sisters-in-law Carol and Maryann Upmann, father and mother-in-law Edward and Carmen (Eganhouse) Rubel.

Doris is survived by sons Jeff (Gina) (Coralville, IA), Doug (Araceli) (Las Vegas, NV), daughter Julie (Dubuque), sisters Darlene (John) Skarda, Carol (Ed) Poock, and Deb Marcov, beloved nieces and nephews and her dearest grandchildren Travis Rubel, Lexi and Kelsey Ramirez.

Doris would often refer to as her sisters, are sisters-in-law Joan (Bob) Flick, Mary (Les) Lenstra, Bette (Ron) Juergens, Barb (Steve) O’Rourke, Ann (Vinnie) Lemkuhl.

Private mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook, Iowa with Rev. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. A live stream of the funeral mass will be posted to the funeral home Facebook page on Saturday.

Daniel R. Hermsen

Daniel R. Hermsen, 85, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:45 pm and the American Legion will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, July 27, from 9 – 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial at St. Boniface cemetery in New Vienna where Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Dan was born March 13, 1935, in Dyersville, Iowa the son of John “Jack” and Sylvia (Thillen) Hermsen. He married Jean Ann Krapfl on August 13, 1957, in New Vienna, Iowa. Together they lived on the family century farm until retiring and moving to Dyersville in 2010. He also drove a school bus for Western Dubuque Schools for 13 years.

Throughout his life Dan enjoyed farming, golfing, fishing (especially their trips up north), and spending time with his grandchildren & great grandchildren.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 136 and an avid Chicago Bears, Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Survivors include his wife of almost 63 years this August, Jean, children: Steven (Laurie) Hermsen of Monticello, Bill (June) Hermsen of Dyersville, Sandy (Kevin) Gravel of New Vienna, Janet (Jeff) Smith of Peosta, Julie (Chris) Hoeger of Eldridge, and Tom (Angie) Hermsen of Fennimore, WI; grandchildren: Amy Hermsen, Melissa (Jake) Hyde, Kelly (Matt) Hertzfeld, Tracy (Vince) Ramos, Chad (Angi) Hillers, Tia (Ryan) Ferrara, Cindy (Wes) Ritt, Kristie (Joe) Boll, Peter (Caitlin) Kramer, Matt (Val) Kramer, Rob Kramer, Craig (Audra) Smith, Kayla Hoeger (friend Trevor Rottinghaus), Heather Hoeger; great grandchildren: Kade, Keaton & Kennedy Hermsen, Lexi & Tanner Hertzfeld, Dawson and baby Hyde due in October, Brayden, Jackson, Dominic, Anthony & Giovani Ferrara, Phoenix & Serenity Ritt, Ella & Logan Boll, Ben, Ellie and Ian Smith and Ayda Kramer; siblings: Virgil Hermsen, Fred (Barb) Hermsen and Doris Lake; in-laws: MaryLou Krapfl, Ellen “Nellie” Krapfl and Don (Jean) Krapfl.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Elmer & Eleanor Krapfl, in-laws: Mary Hermsen, “Doc” Lake, Roger Krapfl and Bob Krapfl.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

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

Ronald G. Buxton Sr.

Ronald G. “Bucky” Buxton Sr., age 71, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Ron’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a prayer service held at 7:00 p.m. Due to Covid19 concerns, the family asks that anyone attending please wear a mask. To honor Ron’s life, funeral services will be held at Behr Funeral Home, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Bart Timmerman officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Linwood Cemetery following cremation.

Ron was born on January 11, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Harry and Marie (Story) Buxton.

Ron went to school at Prescott Elementary and Washington Junior High, before moving to California with his sister for a year. After returning to Dubuque, he attended Dubuque Senior High School and went on to honorably serve his country with the National Guard. Ron married Joann Kelly on December 5, 1970, at St. Anthony’s Church, and they were blessed with 3 children. Ron was later united in marriage to the love of his life, Cheryl “Sherry” Burr, on September 4, 1982, at 1st Congregational United Church of Christ in Dubuque, and they were blessed with 2 more children. He was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for 37 years, until his well earned retirement in 2009. In his free time, Ron could often be found playing cards, shooting pool, golfing or fishing. He was a die hard Green Bay Packer fan his whole life. Ron also enjoyed going to the dog track and taking the entire family with him to watch the races. Spending time with his family and friends was no doubt his favorite activity, and any time the grandkids were involved he was especially happy. Ron’s furry four legged friends also held a special place in his heart. We are heartbroken at the sudden and unexpected loss of Ron in our daily lives, we will miss you more than words can ever express.

Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include

his loving wife,
Sherry Buxton, Dubuque, IA;

his 5 children,
Kim (Tomilyn) Buxton, Madison, WI,
Ronald “Ron” (Tricia) Buxton Jr., Kieler, WI,
Heather (Mike) White, Potosi, WI,
Erin (Quinton “Cornell” Trask) Buxton, Dubuque, IA
and Jeff (Lacey) Buxton, Dubuque, IA;

his 11 grandchildren;

his siblings,
Sharon (Ronald) Nickolas, Dubuque, IA,
Gary (Suzie) Buxton, New Mexico
and Mark Buxton, Livermore, CA;

a sister-in-law,
Joyce (Ron) Digmann, Dyersville, IA;

a brother-in-law,
Bill (Jeanette) Digmann, Dyersville, IA;

several nieces and nephews;

and Joann Kelly.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sydney (William) Weichel; a sister-in-law, Dena Digmann; and his in-laws, Verdus and Virgil Burr.

Ron’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Finley Hospital, especially the ICU, for all of their wonderful and attentive care of Ron, and their compassion for his family during this trying time.

Memorials will be accepted by the family and can be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Ronald Buxton Sr. Family.

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

Allen A. Dryer

Allen A. “Bugsy” Dryer, 76, of Otter Creek, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2020, at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Otter Creek, Iowa. It is recommended that you practice social distancing guidelines due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Allen Alvin Dryer was born on September 8, 1943 in Otter Creek, Iowa, to Alvin G. and Florence E. (Lippstock) Dryer. He grew up in Dubuque. He married Donna Mae Blosch at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque, Iowa on April 24, 1965. To this union three children were born, Ronald, Terry and Kevin.

“Bugsy” as he was affectionately known farmed and had worked as a construction laborer for many years for Laborers’ Union Local 659 in Dubuque. He retired on February 1, 2000. While semi-retired and until present he worked for Gansen Excavating.

“Bugsy” was passionate about truck and tractor pulling and had built three trucks for pulling with his son Kevin. They enjoyed entering contests and would travel to area tractor and truck pulls together.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Donna Dryer of Otter Creek, IA; children, Ronald (Krisceda) Dryer of Kewanee, IL, and Terry (Stephanie) Dryer of Kearney, MO; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Helen Roth of Dubuque, IA; a brother, Robert Dryer of Hopeville, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Bill Blum of Dubuque, IA, Marilyn and Ronnie Pierce of Potosi, WI, and Don Daehler of Dubuque, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kevin on March 5, 2012, and sisters Betty Shellhause, Janice Daehler and Judy Dryer.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Allen A. “Bugsy” Dryer memorial fund has been established.

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

Phyllis W. Cooper

Phyllis W. Cooper, 101, of 2295 Coventry Square, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away July 22, 2020 at Luther Manor Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be 11am, Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road with Pastor Derek Rosenstiel officiating. Friends may call from 10-11 am, Monday at the funeral home. The family recommends utilizing masks and practicing proper social distancing. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Sumner, Iowa.

Phyllis was born on August 31, 1918 in Sumner, Iowa, the daughter of George and Lorriane Wittenburg. She graduated from Sumner High School and subsequently moved to Dubuque, where she worked for Attorney Martin Cooney. On November 15, 1952 Phyllis married the love of her life, Arthur E. Cooper, in Sumner, Iowa. In 1953 she and Art purchased C.B. Trewin Inc., renaming it Dubuque County Abstract and Title Company. Phyllis remained owner of the business until her passing.

Phyllis and Art joined the Dubuque Golf and Country Club in 1948 and spent many happy years on the golf course. She accompanied Art for many years throughout the Midwest while he competed in golf tournaments. Favorite pastimes for Phyllis were golf and bridge.

Phyllis is survived by nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Art Cooper; her sister, Darleth Raftis; and her parents.

Memorials may be given to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Our most sincere appreciation and gratitude is extended to Luther Manor Nursing Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their care of Phyllis.

Mary C. Krambeck

Mary Catherine Krambeck, 75, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Unity Point Health, Finley Hospital, Dubuque, IA.

 Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Church of the Nativity. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family. Please visit www.leonardfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.

Mary was born on August 1, 1944 in Buena Vista, IA, the daughter of Everett Herman & Ida Mae (Tinkey) Cornwell. She graduated from Wahlert High School and was a lifelong Catholic and prayed the Rosary every day.

She married the love of her life – Jay Krambeck, on February 14th, 1992 at Jay’s Grandmothers House in Dubuque, IA.

She is survived by her husband Jay Krambeck of Dubuque, IA; her son & Daughter-in-law: Darin & Kelly Wernke of Davenport, IA; brother & sister in Law: Jack & Benny Cornwell of Fort Worth, TX; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death her mother and father, Everett and Ida Mae Cornwell as well as seven brothers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Above & Beyond Home Healthcare and Grand River Dialysis Center for your kindness and care.

Dona M. Klug

Dona Marie Klug, age 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on July 18, 2020, at home in the loving arms of her husband.

To honor Dona’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dona’s family.

Dona was born on June 19, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. In time, she would make her way to the San Antonio area where she finally met her soul-mate, Edward Klug, and the two of them have been inseparable ever since. They were united in marriage on December 24, 1997, and eventually made their way to the Dubuque area to work and settle down for their remaining years.

Dona was an amazing wife and homemaker and never let her hands grow idle over her lifetime. She indulged her natural artistic abilities in both painting and sculpting, but was also content to sit down at her sewing machine and create a little magic there as well. Dona was also quite talented in the kitchen and even her left-overs were as delicious as the original serving. She was gifted with a very green thumb too, and there’s not a free space in the home, or yard, where you can’t observe her tender attention to all things living. Which brings us to her love of horses, dogs, and cats. Dona had raised quarter-horses in her earlier years, but has recently brought that same affection inside her home with her beloved Chow Chow, and his 3 feline compadres. Dona’s heart was always open to all that was good, but stir up her Irish vigor and you would often find more than you were looking for. Life was not easy for Dona, many heart-breaks and aches have found their way into her days, but Dona was relentless on focusing on the good and didn’t allow the negative to control her way of life. We will miss our beautiful Dona more than she could ever imagine and we pray that she is resting safely in God’s arms until we meet her again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dona includes,

her adoring husband of 23 years,
Edward Klug, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with her four, favorite fur-babies.

Dona was preceded in death by her 2 children.

Dona’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

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

Darrel L. Mohr

Darrel L. Mohr, age 55, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on July 18, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

To honor Darrel’s life, a private family service is being held. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Darrel’s family.

Darrel was born on November 20, 1964 in Dubuque, Iowa, 1 of 10 children to Wesley and Colleen (McCoy) Mohr.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Darrel include,

his mother,
Colleen Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois;

his one and only grandson,
Vincent “Vinny” Walsh;

his daughter,
Emily (Kendall) Hill, Dubuque, Iowa;

his siblings,
DeEtta (Tom) Jackoniski, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Dianne (Tom) Berning, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Denny (Cathy) Mohr, Kieler, Wisconsin,
Dawn (Slim) Stelpflug, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Donita (Ronnie) Shireman, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Deb (Mike McGovern) Redmon, East Dubuque, Illinois,
David Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Douglas Mohr, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Darrel’s twin sister, Darlene “Dolly” (Jamie) Kuhle, Venice, Florida;

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

Darrel was preceded in death by his father; his niece, Courtney Burcham; and many aunts and uncles.

Darrel’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the University of Iowa for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Herman C. Gorton

Our dear dad, Herman C. Gorton, 88, of Dubuque, IA, died peacefully, Monday, July 13, 2020, at University of Iowa Medical Center, Iowa City, IA. He was surrounded by his five children.

Dad was born July 23, 1931, the seventh of eight sons, in Moffat County, CO, where his father had homesteaded before moving to Wilson County, KS. Dad grew up living a farming life, an integral part of his identity, and we often heard tales from his youth about raising cattle and harvesting crops. In those days nearly everything they needed was produced on the farm so Dad said they never felt the shortages often associated with the Great Depression and WWII years.

After graduating from high school in 1949, Dad served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and later graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He was recruited immediately by John Deere, initially working at the East Moline, IL, plant, before moving to the Dubuque Works. While still living in the Quad Cities he met Florence Hintermeister on a blind date and the two were married on July 15, 1961. They were long-time members of Grandview Avenue United Methodist Church, later named Grand View United Methodist Church, both in Dubuque.

Dad loved to tinker and fix things. He enjoyed going to auctions and would often return home with ‘repairable’ treasures that he obtained for a really good price. Some things would get fixed and put into service or provide repair components for other projects or for one of his custom-engineered labor-saving inventions. Among his continuously evolving projects was his quest to defend his bird feeders from squirrels. Sometimes this took on an American Ninja Warrior-like quality where the feeders were protected by obstacle courses of various spinners, sliders and baffles so that any squirrel determined to get to the seeds would really have to earn it.

Dad is preceded in death by his wife, Flo, who passed away in 2003. Of his five siblings who survived to adulthood, Archie, the oldest, was killed in action during WWII, while, sadly, his brothers John, Ray and Lloyd also recently passed away in August, 2019, May, 2020, and June, 2020, respectively.

Dad is survived by his five children and their spouses: Bill and Beth Gorton, Dean and Tami Gorton, Ken and Ligia Gorton, Mark Gorton, Ann (Gorton) and Miguel Eversley, former daughter-in-law Mandy (Currie) Gorton, 14 grandchildren, one great-grandson, his older brother Carl Gorton, 93, of Fredonia, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, July 24, from 4-7 pm at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002 and from 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Saturday at Grand View United Methodist Church, 3342 John Wesley Dr., Dubuque, IA 52002.  Funeral services will be at 10:30 Saturday at the church with Rev. Tom Shinkle officiating.  Burial will be in Asbury Cemetery, Asbury, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials a Herman C. Gorton memorial fund has been established.

Patricia T. Folger

Patricia Therese (Brown) Folger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020.

Trish was born on September 29, 1950, in Chicago, IL, to her parents, Thomas and Anne (O’Rourke) Brown and she grew up in Chicago. After graduating from Mother McAuley High School in 1968, she attended Clarke College in Dubuque. She graduated in 1972 and earned her Masters Degree in 1983. She married William (Bill) Folger May 27, 1972.  Trish loved to garden, travel, research ancestry and be with all of her family.  She was always there for anyone that needed her help and loved time catching up with longtime friends and colleagues.

Trish taught art for a short time and then while working on her Masters, was the assistant to the Dean of Students at Clarke College. She later worked as a public servant for the City of Dubuque, first as a dispatcher (1985-1987) and then she followed in her father’s footsteps and became a police officer from 1987 to 2006.  She was known as a compassionate, honest and dedicated officer. Trish would often spontaneously venture off to spent time with her grandchildren after her retirement, taking them on adventures only a crazy grandma would. Her love of genealogy gave her hours of enjoyment and made her the keeper of family memories and history.

She is survived by her husband, Bill, of 48 years; her children, Benjamin (Julie) Folger of Naperville, IL and Laura (Chad) Homewood of Cedar Falls, IA; and her grandchildren, Sydney and Carter Homewood, and Alanna Folger.  Her loved extended to her surviving sisters, Bernadette (Mike) Fallaw of  Wilmette, IL, Virginia (Richard) Linting of Laguna Beach, CA and many nieces and nephews.  She loved all of her family deeply.  Trish is now smiling down on us with her parents, her in-laws, her sister, Anne, her brother, Thomas and niece, Tara.

The family would like to thank the incredible team of doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, the U.W. Hospital in Madison, WI, Stonehill and the Hospice of Dubuque for their dedicated care and support during the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to Opening Doors or to Hospice of Dubuque. Save many lives and become an organ donor today!

Due to COVID-19, the family will offer a public drive through visitation where visitors can extend condolences to the family from their car at Flora Park in Dubuque from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, in Alsip, IL.  The graveside service will be live streamed at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 25, 2020 on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

John C. Finzel

John C. Finzel, 51, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Dubuque.

The Funeral Service for John will be 1:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2020, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Please respect our current social distancing requirements. If you are not feeling well or are unable to attend, we encourage you to visit www.hskfhcares.com to send a message to John’s family. The service will be live streamed on Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home’s Facebook page and will also be available to view later at www.hskfhcares.com.

John was born October 11, 1968, in Dubuque, the son of Leo Frank Finzel Sr. and Leora Jane (Becker) Finzel.

He worked as a Tire Technician on semi-tractor trailers at Thompson Tire and Retread for 27 years.

John was a U.S. Army Veteran. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, playing computer games, most recently taught himself to play the piano, and speak Spanish.

Survivors include two brothers, Harold Finzel of Columbia, TN and Leo Finzel Jr. of Corpus Christi, TX; one sister, Lorri (John) Jackson of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Gerald Baguss of Maquoketa; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Colleen Vogt and Rose Baguss; and one brother, Fred Finzel.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences sent to the family by visiting John’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Tamara R. Puccio

Tamara R. Puccio, 75, of Dubuque, died Monday, July 20, 2020, at her home.

The Funeral Service for Tamara will be 10:00 AM Friday, July 24, 2020, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Tamara was born March 10, 1945, in Dubuque, the daughter of Timothy B. and Lulu Comstock Sargent. On October 21, 1972, she married Joseph W. Puccio in Dubuque. He passed away on May 9, 2006.

Tamara loved playing cards, bowling, fishing, and camping.

Survivors include her brother, Timothy Sargent of Olin, IA; her step son, Joseph Puccio; and 14 nieces and nephews, including her caregiver Robert A. Sargent.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Carl Sargent and Charles Sargent.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

Francis P. Goedken

Francis P. Goedken, 87, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Zwingle, IA, passed away at Oak Park Place on July 16, 2020 surrounded by the love of family.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at St Joseph Church, Key West with Father Paul Attah-Nsiah officiating. Family and friends may gather after 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church until time of mass. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page. Private family burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, La Motte with military honors accorded by the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Francis was born on November 30, 1932 in Peosta, IA the son of Ludwig and Reinilda (Lehmann) Goedken. He attended Loras Academy and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He served in the US Army from 1953-1955. Francis was the only American survivor on the Toya Maru Japanese Train Ferry, which sunk during a typhoon off the coast of Japan in 1954. The ferry disaster claimed over 1,100 lives.

He married Esther Frommelt on May 2, 1959 at St Mary’s Church in Guttenberg. He was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works for 54 ½ years. At the time of his retirement he had the most service time and was the oldest employee in the history of the Dubuque Plant. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, Holy Rosary Church and many other volunteer efforts where he generously gave his time and talents.

Francis lived simply, gave generously and loved deeply. He enjoyed nature and being outdoors and loved spending time with family and friends playing cards, bowling or gathering for meals. One of his biggest joys was the time he spent with his grandsons, Ayden and Emerson, walking trails, telling stories and sharing everyday experiences. He was a dedicated husband of 60 years and a wonderful father, grandfather and friend.

Francis is survived by his daughter Staci (Joe) Hahn and two grandsons, Ayden and Emerson of Gilbertville, IA; his sister Janaan Vogt of Dubuque and four sisters-in-law, Marlene Goedken, Carolyn Goedken, Bonnie Goedken Ready, Edith Goedken and a brother-in-law, Robert Schreiber of Dubuque and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Esther, son, Reed Goedken; his sister, Delores (Melvin) Miller; his brothers, Duane (Marion) Goedken, Vernon Goedken, Herbert (Regina) Goedken, Melvin (Ann) Goedken, John Goedken and Richard Goedken; his brother-in-law, Jim Vogt; his parents-in-law, Amelia and Raymond Frommelt and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Amy (Louis) Matt, Jeanette Schreiber, Rosemary (Fritz) Matt and Ruth (Cyril) Vonfumetti; nephew, Jay Matt and niece, Michaele Matt.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kourtney; and the very caring assisted living staff at Oak Park Place for their wonderful care, kindness and compassion to Francis and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Francis Goedken Memorial Fund.

Robert L. Skahill

Robert L. “Bob” Skahill, 98, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.

Private family visitation and mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. A live stream of the funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 22, 2020 on Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory’s Facebook page. Private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, with full military honors accorded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

Bob was born on February 24, 1922 in Cascade, Iowa, son of Leo and Florence (McQuillen) Skahill. He was a graduate of the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade in 1940 and attended Loras College. He married his beloved wife of 61 years, Anita L. (Hingtgen) Skahill, on May 30, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on February 16th, 2017.

Bob worked at Allstate Insurance Company for 31 years. He was a World War II US Navy veteran serving as a Navy Pharmacist’s Mate and participated in Honor Flight #8604 in 2011 to Washington D.C. Bob was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528 for 75 years, a member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus – Council #930 for 64 years, and a member of the Dubuque Noon Lions Clubs for 46 years. He received the Chevron Award in October 2018 from Lions Clubs International. Bob was a long-time member of Holy Ghost Parish and most recently St. Anthony’s Parish.

He was an avid golfer and St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Bob enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially when the family gathered for special occasions.

Bob is survived by his four children: Michael (Sandra) Skahill of Asbury, IA and their children Shaun (Amber) Skahill of Omaha, NE and Erin (Brent) Gasway of Indianapolis, IN; Susanne (Tom) Henson of Marion, IA and their children Lauren (Jeff) Aleshire of Mission Woods, KS and Luke Henson of Marion, IA; Mark (Rebecca) Skahill of Dubuque, IA and their children Wesley Skahill of Bristol, WI, Madalyn (Ben) James of West Des Moines, IA, Owen and Cathryn Skahill of Dubuque, IA; Sara (Denis) Schaefer of Grimes, IA and their children Corey (Mallie) Schaefer of Chicago, IL and Joseph Schaefer of Grimes, IA; and, three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Raymond Skahill; Madelyn (Frank) Kasper; Irene (Wilfred) Neyens; Kathryn (John) Supple; and Sgt. Bernard Skahill, who was killed in action on April 8, 1945, near the end of World War II in Achen, Germany.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be sent to Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road Dubuque, IA 52003.

Bob’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Assisi Village at Stonehill for the wonderful care given to him.

Germaine C. Skoff Lawrence

Germaine C. “Geri” Skoff Lawrence, 90, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Friday morning, July 17, 2020 at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A private family graveside service celebrating her life will be held at St. Joseph’s at Sugar Creek Cemetery, rural Preston, Iowa. There is no public visitation. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Germaine C. Goettsch was born on September 17, 1929 in Clinton, Iowa, to Anton and Mary (Maurin) Goettsch. She attended school in Clinton and later received her GED from Maquoketa High School. She married Francis Skoff on April 9, 1947 at Sugar Creek, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1963. She then married Melvin Wathier in 1983 and he preceded in death on October 20, 1993. On November 29, 2003, she married John Lawrence in Maquoketa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 20, 2015.

“Geri” was a homemaker and had worked various jobs throughout the years including Bennet Box and General Thermal as well as working as a cook and bartender for area restaurants.

She was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa and had been a member of the Town and Country Quilters and the Cable Car Quilters in Dubuque.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Eunice O’Meara of Maquoketa, IA, Joseph (Sue) Skoff of Mt. Vernon, IA, John (Ann) Skoff of Bellevue, IA, and Nin (Doug) Flagel of Maquoketa, IA; a daughter-in-law, Linda Skoff of Preston, IA; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Francis, her husband Melvin, and her husband John, a brother LeRoy, children Anthony “Tony”, Martin “Marty” and Victoria, and a grandson Francis “Frankie” O’Meara.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Hospice of Jackson County.

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