Obituaries Archive

Joyce J. Parker

Joyce Jayne Parker, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 25, 2019 at home. Funeral service will be at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Joyce was born on May 4th, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Lawrence and Marie (Sullivan) Allen. She attended Marshall Elementary School, Jefferson Jr. High and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married William Roger Parker Sr. On May 22, 1948 in Maquoketa. She worked for Flexsteel and the Battery Factory; and was a member of AKC Kennel Club. She loved and adored her animals.

She is survived by her husband William; children, Tammy Parker, Larry Parker, William Parker Jr., Kristine Beckman, Ronald Parker Sr. and Ronald Parker Jr.; nineteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to her husband William Parker. The family would like to thank her lifelong friends Bernice and Rita for all their care, kindness and friendship.

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel)

Sister Jeanne F. Fielding, BVM (Chabanel), 97, of 1130 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at Caritas Center.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne was an elementary teacher in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Chicago; Maywood, Ill.; and Hempstead, N.Y. She worked as a salesperson and an office clerk in Hempstead, N.Y., and as a secretary in Chicago.

She was born on Sept. 5, 1921, in Milwaukee to Frank and Estelle Fielding Sheeran. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1948, from St. Clare Parish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She professed first vows on Aug. 15, 1951, and final vows on Aug. 15, 1956.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by cousins; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 70 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury, Rd, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert F. Pfeiler

Robert F. “Bob” Pfeiler, age 80, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 7:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 24, 2019, after living with Parkinson’s Disease for many years. There will be a celebration to honor Bob’s life at a date to be determined in the future. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Bob was born on May 29, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Leonard and Salome (Meyer) Pfeiler.

Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janice K. Hartman, on August 26th, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church. They were an extremely close and loving couple, who were just two days shy of celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary. Bob was a welder at the John Deere Dubuque works from 1960 to 1996, with the exception of his 2-year Duty with the US Army from 1962 to 1964. Bob loved fishing and hunting and cherished the time spent with his family and friends. After his retirement, he spent most of his free time working on odd jobs and projects at Lake Hancock Resort, Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Bob had several Hobbies. He was an avid stock car racing fan and attended races whenever possible. He loved woodworking, racing his greyhounds, and coached the Copper Kettle girls softball team for many years. His greatest joy was truly found in spending time with his family and Bob always made sure that every celebration included a game of Euchre. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and brother, and our lives will never be the same without him. We are however very grateful for the 80 years that Bob was here with us, and will cherish the countless memories we have made throughout the years.

Those left to cherish Bob’s memory include

his loving wife,
Janice Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Randy (Patty Trowbridge) Pfeiler,
Cindie Zeromski,
Tina (Dan Pfeiffer)Pfeiler,
Dan (Jean) Pfeiler
and Kim (Jason) Meyer, all of Dubuque, IA;

his 8 grandchildren,
Robert and Jesse Zeromski, Nathan and Nicole Pfeiffer, Meggan and Amanda Pfeiler and Hanna and Ellie Meyer;

his siblings,
Marlene (Jim) Robertson, Camanche, IA,
Tom (Marlene) Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA,
Renee (Chuck) Fletcher, San Antonio, TX
and Steve (Sandy Evans) Pfeiler, Sun Prairie, WI;

his sister-in-law,
Peggy Pfeiler, Dubuque, IA;

and his brother-in-law,
Eddy Richard, Oak Harbor, WA.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Ronnie Pfeiler and Sandy Richard.

Bob’s family would like thank the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care, especially the physical therapy department, for all of their kind and professional care. Also a special thanks to all of the family members, especially Bob’s grandson Jesse, for all of the care they provided allowing Bob to stay in his home and remain comfortable. Also a heartfelt thanks to Bob’s long time friend and partner in crime, Tom Wunder, for all of his friendship and camaraderie throughout the years.

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

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

LeRoy J. Pancratz

LeRoy J. Pancratz, 92, of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Zwingle passed away on August 24th, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity, with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

LeRoy was born on December 12th, 1926 in Zwingle, Iowa the son of Leo and Elizabeth (Boyer) Pancratz. He married Inez Donahue on September 28, 1949 at Assumption Church, Sylvia Switch in Zwingle. He was very devoted to Inez for over 70 years as a husband and caregiver. LeRoy started farming at the age of 16 when his father died. He was very proud of his registered Golden Guernsey milking cows and he continued farming until his retirement. LeRoy was a humble and extremely hard-working man and had a great work ethic that he instilled in his family along with a strong faith. He also worked as an independent milk hauler, and at the foundry’s of A.Y. McDonald and East Dubuque. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus La Motte/Key West Council. He was also the leader and long-time member of the 4-H Washington Senators and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Inez; six children: Mary Jo (Wayne Beecher) Pancratz, Joyce (Richard) Veach, Tim (Mary Kay) Pancratz, Judy (Craig) Wurdinger, and Peggy (Dennis) Denlinger. Seventeen grandchildren: Amberai, Luke, Tyler, Melanie, Wes, Danny, Elizabeth, Molly, Arianne, Brett, Anna, Kelly, Ben, Jenna, Becca, Rachel, and Sam. Thirteen great grandchildren; and his sister Lillian Kies along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Leo; two brothers, Kenneth (Monica) Pancratz, and Charles (Dorothy) Pancratz; four sisters, Bernice (Henry) Schuster, Elizabeth (Sylvester) Ambrosy, Vivian (John) Hingtgen, Theresa (Clarence) Thole and a brother-in-law Karl Kies.

A LeRoy Pancratz memorial fund will be established. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home for all their wonderful care and kindness.

Rosemary Cahill

Rosemary “Rosie” Cahill 81 of Dubuque passed away Friday August 23, 2019 at The University of Iowa Hospital’s and Clinics. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. David Schatz officiating, burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation for Rosie will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale where a parish wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Rosie was born in Potosi, Wisconsin on February 2, 1938 the daughter of Edward and Ina (Reed) Stohlmeyer. She married Gene Cahill on April 8th, 1961 at the Church of the Nativity, and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2008.

She worked at the Tasty Cafe in Dubuque as a waitress. She enjoyed playing cards especially Poker and taking trips to the casino; Rosie always loved a good time.

She is survived by her in-laws, Barbara & Dick Molony, of Bernard, Maurice & Margo Cahill of Traverse City, MI, Lyle & Geri Cahill of Phoenix, AZ, Rita Cahill, of LA, and Thelma Schlueter, of Dubuque, along with many nieces and nephews.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gene, four sisters Charlotte Jotham, Patricia McCartney, Dolores Vosberg, and Catherine “Topsy” Arling. Sister-in-law Mary Cahill Kells, and nephews Paul Fetzek, Craig Hoskins and Mike Jothan.

Memorials may be given to St. Columbkille Catholic Church or Divine Word.

Paul F. Holz

Paul F. Holz, 71, of Dubuque passed away Friday, August 23, 2019, after a brief illness.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, August 27 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 6:30 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday August 28 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Paul was born February 25, 1948 in Dubuque, son of Louis M. and Kathryn M. (Zahina) Holz.  He attended St. Columbkille’s grade school and Dubuque Senior High School.  He was employed at the Hoffmann Industrial Development Center for over 30 years.

Paul enjoyed watching old black and white movies & shows; his favorites being the Charlie Chan, Lone Ranger and “The Shadow” mysteries.  He also liked taking the Jule bus to Hy-Vee and the Kennedy mall, and walking to Eagle Point and AY McDonald Park.  He loved the fireworks shows on the Fourth of July making it to 3 or 4 of them each year as well as taking vacations to Tennessee to visit nieces & nephews. In his spare time, he also liked to read paperback novels and had a large collection of them, some of which he re-read a number of times. He listened to music from his record collection which included Lawrence Welk & the Oak Ridge Boys.

He is survived by two brothers, Donald L. (Dianne) Holz and James V. Holz, both of Dubuque; six nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, four great-great nieces and nephews and a large number of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Frank and Josephine Zahina & Louis F. and Edna Holz.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Medical Associates and Mercy Hospital, Dubuque Specialty Care, and Hospice of Dubuque for Paul’s care during his illness.

John H. Besler

John H. “Jake” Besler, 91, of Dubuque passed away at 10:30 PM at Stonehill Nursing Center Friday, August 23, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 11 AM until service time at 1 PM, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road with Reverend Jack Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by Dubuque Marine Corps League.

John was born on January 31, 1928 in Dubuque to his parents, Ignatius and Frances Hoffmann Besler. He married the love of his life, Geraldine V. “Geri” Pfeiffer on August 25, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works as an assembler and a machinist for 28 years.

Survivors include three sons, Dale Besler of Dubuque, Steven (Vicki) Besler of Cortland, NY, and Craig (Karla) Besler of Dubuque; two daughters, Lois (Dan) Schultz of Robins, IA, and Vicki Besler of Dubuque; 10 grandchildren; Shawn, Nicole, Josie and Mitchel Besler, Dan “DJ” Schultz, Keri Christensen, Jessica Rosato, Justin Besler, Cory Besler, and Shannon Schoenberger; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his son Ricky, five brothers, William “Bill”, Joe, Louie, Frank, and Leo Besler; six sisters, Gladys Bemis, Lucy Warsek, Katherine “Kay” Polis, Mary Vaske, Matilda McEmeel, and Jean Besler.

A John H. “Jake” Besler memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to give a big thank-you to the entire staff at Stonehill Care Center for their love and support of Jake and also the wonderful staff at the Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com.

Thomas L. Davis

Thomas L. Davis 77, of Dubuque passed away Friday, August 23, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Friends may call from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, August 26th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road. Military honors rendered by the American Legion Post 8 will be at 3:30 PM. Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service with Chaplain Jim Mehltretter officiating.

Thomas was born September 16, 1941, in Dubuque, son of Thomas R. and Gertrude Davis. He married NGOC “Ann” Thi Chau September 5, 1965 in Vietnam.

He was employed as a machine operator at John Deere Dubuque Works. He retired in 2000.

Tom served in the U.S. Army for nine years of which five were in Vietnam.

He was a member of UAW Local 94 and the American Legion Post 6.

He is survived by his wife, NGOC “Ann” Thi Chau Davis, of Dubuque; children, Thomas “T.J.” (Renee) Davis, of Dubuque, Mathew (Eglael) Davis, of Chandler, AZ, Travis Davis, of Waterloo, IA, Audrey (Kenny) Lang, of Dubuque, and Eric Davis of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Nathan, Nick, Ben, Brian, Andrew, Krystal, Christopher, Erika, Brianna, Melyssa, Stephanie and Emily; five great-grandchildren, brothers, Larry (Karen) Davis, of Florida, Robert “Bob” (Connie) Davis, of Dubuque, Steven (Marilyn) Davis, of Dubuque and Gary (Amy) Davis, of Dubuque; and a sister, Karen Maury, of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Catherine Davis, brothers-in-law, Dan Maury, Ha Chau, Tai Chau, and Cuong Ta, and one sister-in-law, Luong Chau.

The family would like to thank the Tri-State Dialysis staff, Dr. Ringold, Dr. Whalen, and Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital and staff.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfhcares.com.

Anthony L. Blatnik

Anthony L. “Tony” Blatnik, age 89, of Dubuque, IA, was called home peacefully at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Anthony’s life, private family services are being held. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony was born on July 27, 1930, in Cleveland, OH, son of Anton and Frances (Slak) Blatnik.

Anthony’s honorably served his country with the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, and was stationed in Germany. After he returned home, Anthony would meet the love of his life, Anna Ozbolt, and they would be united in marriage on July 3, 1954, in Cleveland. The two would be blessed with 3 adored children, and 61 wonderful years together, before Anna was sadly called home before him on May 6, 2016. Anthony was a dedicated employee who worked as a supervisor at Georgia Pacific for 35 years until his well earned retirement. When he wasn’t working, Anthony enjoyed getting out on the golf course chasing after a coveted hole in one, or simply sitting in his favorite chair reading a good book. His faith was an important aspect of Anthony’s life and he was a long time member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. We are deeply saddened at the loss of such a wonderful man and role model in our daily lives, but take some comfort in the knowledge that he is now free of all of the health challenges he faced here on Earth and is happily reunited for Eternity with his beloved wife, Anna.

Those left to cherish Anthony’s memory include

his 3 children,
Thomas Blatnik,
Larry (Paula) Blatnik
and Mary Lou Blatnik, all of Dubuque;

his granddaughter,
Vanessa Blatnik, Dubuque, Iowa;

his sister,
Elaine (Richard) Krych, Sagamore Hills, Ohio;

2 sisters-in-law,
Mary Ann Blatnik, Maple Heights, Ohio
and Eve Kisley, Macedonia, Ohio;

and several nieces and nephews.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Anna Blatnik; and his brother, Ronald Blatnik.

Anthony’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for their outstanding care of Anthony and his family.

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

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

Harold E. Schuster

Harold Edward Schuster, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home peacefully at 7:55 AM on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Finley Hospital surrounded by his family. There will be a celebration to honor his life at a date to be determined in mid-September.

Harold was born in Saint Catherine’s, Iowa on August 13, 1929 and lived to celebrate his 90th birthday before passing one day shy of that milestone. He was the son of Edmund Schuster and Leona (Markus) Schuster who preceded him in death in 1935 and 1949, respectively.

Harry spent most of his youth farming near Saint Catherine’s and serving as a tour guide at Crystal Lake Cave in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The Cave – still in existence today, was a family discovery and business on the property of his grandfather Bernard Markus.

On September 10th, 1955 Harry married the love of his life Regina “Jean” (Duffy) Schuster, and together they spent the next 48 years raising their family. Sadly, Jean preceded him in death in July, 2003.

Harry spent 39 years at John Deere Dubuque works beginning in 1948 and finished his career as an Inspector. In 1953 his work at Deere’s was interrupted by a two year tour of duty in the US Army. He took early retirement in 1987 and spent his remaining years enjoying time with his family and friends.

Harry was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music types, especially country and was a frequent visitor to the local music scene in Dubuque. He enjoyed cookouts, working in his backyard with his granddaughter Emma, dueling with the local wildlife over supremacy of his backyard and shoveling snow.  Many were the times when he “extolled” the virtues of having to rise early to clear a path to his morning paper. And of course, playing euchre. There were not many gatherings or family celebrations that didn’t include Harry being sought out as a euchre partner. He was also an accomplished musician, having taken up the guitar at age 12. Throughout his life he frequently entertained his family with his guitar and harmonica playing.

Those left to cherish his memory include his four children, Thomas Schuster of Dubuque, Rose (Craig) Hartzell of Dubuque, David Schuster of Dubuque, and John (Melanie) Schuster of Yorkville, Illinois, grandchildren Elizabeth Baker, Emma Ruff, Sarah (Brad) Mohwinkle, Sophia Schuster, Lucas Schuster, and Bridget Schuster, great-grandchildren Liliana Mohwinkle, Kyanna Mohwinkle, and Alana Mohwinkle, his brother Allan Schuster of Platteville, Wisconsin, brother in law Fritz Stelpflug of Dickeyville, Wisconsin, his loving girlfriend Jeanette Hochberger, and many nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, and his sister Madonna Stelpflug.

Harry’s family would like to thank the staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for his care during the past year, and the incredibly gifted and caring ER and fifth floor staff at Finley Hospital during his final days of life.

Thomas J. Kramer

Thomas J. “Tom” Kramer, age 67, of Dubuque, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, and Silvis, Illinois, was called home peacefully at 2:42 p.m., on Monday, August 19, 2019, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Tom’s life, funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 1, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Donnie Key officiating. To celebrate Tom’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Tom was born on June 19, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Roy and Emogene (Fear) Kramer.

Tom attended school in Dubuque at Prescott Elementary and Dubuque Senior High School. He was united in marriage to Peggy Churchill on August 20, 1977. He was employed with Brach’s Candy in Davenport until 1990, when he went to work for Tyson Foods in Joslin, Illinois until his well earned retirement in 2014. Tom warmed right up to being retired and embraced his new life as a full fledged homebody. He enjoyed watching movies and listening to classic rock, with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Stevie Ray Vaughn being some of his favorite artists. Tom was never seen without his trusty notepad and would constantly be writing things down so he wouldn’t forget them. While he cherished his privacy, Tom was also never one to turn down a friendly, but competitive, game of Euchre. However, more than anything else, Tom loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include

his daughter,
Melissa (Adam) Phillips, Maquoketa, IA;

his grandchildren,
Diane, Xoei and Logan Nusbaum and Chase and Ian Phillips;

his siblings,
Wanda Kramer-Schonhoff, Dubuque, IA
and Steven Kramer, Apple River, IL;

and his sisters-in-law,
Sandra Kramer, Dubuque, IA
and Mary Kramer, Davenport, IA.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Kramer; and his siblings, Delores (James) Christensen, Richard Kramer and Robert Kramer.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Ralph A. Walton

Ralph A. Walton, age 71, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 5:54 p.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Sunnycrest Manor. To honor Ralph’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Ralph’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m., until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Ralph was born on July 15, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Robert A. and Bessie Mae (White) Walton.

Ralph was a lifelong resident of Dubuque, who was employed in the workshops at ARC and Sunnycrest. He loved giving the staff at Sunnycrest a “hard time”, and they loved trying to win him over, they truly were his adopted family. The simple things in life made Ralph the happiest, he was always thrilled when he had a dollar bill given to him because it meant he could buy a Pepsi, his favorite drink. Ralph was definitely a unique individual who touched many lives, bringing joy, as well as playful frustration, to those around him, he will be deeply missed!

Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory include

his brothers,
his twin brother Ronald Walton,
Thomas Walton
and Richard Walton, all of Dubuque, IA;

and his niece and nephews,
Emily Patterson, Jim Brinsky, Todd Brinsky and Rob Walton.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Janet Walton and Anna Brinsky; a brother, Robert (Andrea) Walton, and a sister-in-law, Yvonne Walton.

Ralph’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Ralph’s long time care givers at Sunnycrest Manor, his guardian, Jane Wagner, as well as the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, for all of the kind, loving, patient and compassionate care they have provided to Ralph throughout years.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Msgr. Wayne A. Ressler

Monsignor Wayne A. Ressler, 80 of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque of heart related issues.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, August 26 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackels and priests of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. A Vigil Service will be held at the church on Sunday, August 25 at 6:45 pm. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-6:45 pm at the church. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Cascade following a luncheon at the Moracco Supper Club. Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Road is assisting the family.

Monsignor Ressler is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Ressler and his brother, Fr. Mark Ressler, along with three nephews, three great nephews and three great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Florence Ressler.

Monsignor Ressler was born in Cascade, Iowa on July 9, 1939. He graduated from St. Martin High School, Loras College and Fordham University (MA in Religious Education). He did his seminary training in Rome, Italy where he was ordained a priest on December 16, 1964 in St. Peter Basilica.

He was an outstanding athlete in baseball and basketball as a youth and young adult. He tells the story that when he was a senior in high school he was recruited to play baseball for the Cincinnati Reds but declined the offer because he believed God was calling him to the priesthood.

He spent the first half of his priesthood as a teacher and administrator at Wahlert High School in Dubuque and Newman High School in Mason City. The second half was spent as a pastor at Nativity parish and St. Raphael Cathedral, both in Dubuque. In early retirement he assisted at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Dubuque. His final ministry was that of “anointing priest” during his residency at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

He loved God, he loved his family, he loved all kinds of people. He loved to travel and play golf. He loved life! May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wahlert High School.

A photo tribute video can be viewed and condolences may be left by visiting Monsignor Ressler’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Janet M. Staner

Janet M. Staner, 82 of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at her home in Cascade surrounded by her family. Friends and relatives of Janet may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Monday, August 26th at the funeral home. Services for Janet will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 26, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade with Rev. Douglas Loecke presiding. Assisting Deacon will be Raymond Noonan. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

Janet was born April 28, 1937 in Monticello, Iowa, daughter of John “Jack” and Irene (Takes) Gadient. She is a graduate of the former St. Mary’s High School in Cascade and later received her L.P.N. training at Mercedian School of Nursing in Marshalltown.

Upon answering “Yes” when asked to dance, Janet found the love of her life. She was united in marriage to Paul Nicholas Staner on July 13, 1957 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sand Springs, Iowa.

Janet worked as a nurse for a brief time before her marriage. After her marriage, Paul and Janet moved to Bernard, Iowa. It was there, they established their roots in their love and the farm. Janet was a masterful gardener and cook. Her talents of her hands were secondary to the talents of her heart. Janet was often known to make food for funerals, help neighbors in need and volunteered at Finley Hospital and Shady Rest Care Center. Janet also shared her compassion as a Be-Friender through her parish, St. Matthias Catholic church in Cascade. Janet treasured the friends she made in her bowling league, square dancing, garden club and card clubs. Janet was a genuine soul and lived her life in the way of values. She cherished her upbringing and instilled the importance of these values to her family. As her family grew, Janet relished the family holidays, fall trips to the woods, celebrations, new grandchildren and events. To Janet, family was everything and to her family, Janet was the “buttons that held the family together”. Janet’s smile, kind heart, and nurturing ways will be missed. The traditions she created will live through the generations of her family.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul Staner of Cascade; six children, Melvin (Julie) Staner, Loras (Connie) Staner, and Donnie (Kathy) Staner all of Cascade, Sharon (Mike) Smith of Eldridge, Margie (Tony) Hentges of Peosta, and Linda (Jon) Nedelcoff of Oregan, WI; 23 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lavonne (John) Strang and Sharon (Gary) Aitchison both of Cascade; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Aschtgen of Cascade, IA; a brother and sister-in-law, Joe (Rosie) Staner of Cascade, IA.

She is reunited with her two infant angels, Greg Staner and Susan Staner. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Wilfred and Martha Staner; a brother, Allen Gadient; sisters-in-law, Marie (Frank) Orr and Janice (Victor) Kraus.

Memorials may be given to Above and Beyond Hospice in Monticello or to Divine Word Seminary in Epworth, Iowa in lieu of flowers. The family would like to thank Above and Beyond Hospice, especially Jennifer and Meghan, the University of Wisconsin Hospital, and Dr Weber and Mary Beth Henry.

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

Richard L. Westhoff

Richard L. “Dick” Westhoff, 85 of Dubuque passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 24, 2019, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Rev. Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM Saturday, August 24, 2019, St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

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

Dick was born January 26, 1934, in New Vienna, IA, the son of Lawrence and Ceil (Kramer) Westhoff. He married Ann M. Gansemer on April 25, 1953 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Holy Cross, IA. She preceded him in death on August 7, 2011.

He was employed as a supervisor at the former Dubuque Packing Company and at FDL Foods, both in Dubuque.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Dick was a member of St. Anthony parish and the National Air Disaster Alliance.

Surviving are two sons, Michael (Linda) Westhoff, of Prattville, Alabama and Richard “Rick” Westhoff, of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Stephanie, Brooke, Trista, Brianne, Jillian, Chris and Parker; four brothers, Dan (Mona) Westhoff, Fred Westhoff, Larry (Mary) Westhoff, all of New Vienna, IA, and Bob (Debbie) Westhoff, of Crete, IL; two sisters, LouAnn Wieneke, of Dubuque and Linda (Dennis) Vavricek, of Peosta.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Susan, a son-in-law, Dr. Ron Carpenter, a brother-in-law, Bob Wienke, and one brother, Bill Westhoff, one sister-in-law, Helen Westhoff.

The family would like to thank the Hawkeye Care Center for all of their kindness to Dad.

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