Obituaries Archive

Ricky F. Caspersen

Ricky Francis Caspersen, 62, of Dubuque died Saturday November 24, 2018 from complications following heart surgery. He fought till the end, but his body could not recover. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory at 2659 JFK Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Rick was born on July 25, 1956 the son of Irvin and Leola Caspersen. Rick graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1974, after high school he enlisted in the US Navy, following in his dad and brothers’ footsteps, serving from 1975-1981. He served four years in the reserves and served the last two years in the Vietnam War as a Boatswain’s Mate. He was so proud of being a Vietnam Veteran.

Rick moved to South Carolina where he picked up an accent that never really went away. He became a police officer in various cities and worked in a maximum-security prison before moving to Dubuque where he met and married Linda (Hedrick) Caspersen in 1986 for a wonderful 32 years. Rick worked at Eagle Window & Door for 27 years until he retired. Rick loved the Oakland Raiders, the Chicago Cubs, riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Linda Caspersen of Dubuque; a daughter Kelsey Caspersen, who was daddy’s little Princess, of Dubuque; and a son Christopher Caspersen of New York; brothers Gary (Nancy) Caspersen of Lenore, Idaho, and Ron (Linda) Caspersen of Garnavillo, IA; sister Charlene Schrodt of Dubuque; sister in law Connie (Byrne) Chapman of Madison, WI; and brother in law Tim (Alysia) Hedrick of Dubuque; five Grandchildren; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews who all loved their fun uncle Rick; also surviving Rick is his dog Kimo who was his constant companion.

He was preceded in death by his parents Irvin Caspersen and Leola Brady; stepdad Patrick Brady; and his father and mother in law Frank and Helen Hedrick.

He will be missed by many; may you rest in peace. Rick, we love you. Hope you are now riding free like the free bird you always were.

In lieu of flowers a Ricky F. Caspersen Memorial fund has been established.

Delores G. Gielissen

Delores G. Gielissen, 87, formerly of N. Algona Street, passed away on November 26, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center with her children by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church. Family and friends may gather from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Delores was born on August 29, 1931 in Rockford, IL the daughter of George and Hilda (Hoffmann) Theodore. She moved to Dubuque with her family when she was 13. After high school she worked at the telephone company and the Dubuque Packing Company.

She married Robert “Bob” Gielissen on May 14, 1955 and he preceded her in death on October 15, 1983.

Dee was a stay at home mom and homemaker. She enjoyed taking care of her family, her home and loved working outside. Until last year she spent time every day she could working in her yard.

She was a member of St. Joseph The Worker Parish for more than 60 years and spent a lot of time praying for the people she cared about.

Dee is survived by her son Bob (Judy) Gielissen; grandchildren, Jim (Glenys Buckingham) Gielissen, Katie (Matt Putz) Gielissen, and Theresa Gielissen. Her daughter Sandy (Galen) Mathis; grandchildren Julie (Andy Powers) Arensdorf, and Tony Arensdorf; step grandchildren Amberly (Mike) Ferguson and Austin Mathis. Her siblings Charlie (Jane) Theodore ad Marge (Jack) McCarthy; brother-in-law Jim (Betsy) Gielissen and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Lorraine, Dorothy (Don) Kuhl, Helen, John and Vern.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their kind and compassionate care.

Dennis V. Hoag

Dennis V. “Denny” Hoag, age 70, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:07 a.m., on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Denny’s life, funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating. To celebrate Denny’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m., until the time of services at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Denny was born on June 6, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Virgil Hoag and Lorraine (Hillary) Hoag-O’Neill.

Denny was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ann Schmitt, on October 20, 1978, in Asbury, Iowa, and the two were excited to celebrate their 40th anniversary earlier this year. Denny was a hard worker who was employed with the Dubuque Packing Company for many years, until they closed in 1983. After the Pack closed, Denny became a proud stay at home Dad, caring for the children until they were older, and then entering back into the workforce as a truck driver for The Metrix Company, until health issues forced him into retirement. He loved spending time behind the wheel, and after his retirement he happily became a volunteer driver for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. In his free time, Denny enjoyed any activity that involved time spent in the great outdoors, whether he was fishing and boating out on the river, hitting the open road on one of his beloved Harleys, or just a day trip in the car, occasionally stopping to try his luck at one of the casinos along the way. Family was beyond a doubt the most important aspect of Denny’s life, he was extremely protective of them, and proud of the close bond all of his children share. He loved to tease everyone and considered it a compliment that he was given the title, “King of Giving Hard Times”, which in turn also earned him the, “Favorite Uncle Denny”, title from his many nieces and nephews. Denny was a Hoag, through and through, and everyone learned to appreciate his stubborn streak, as they knew deep down it always came from a place of love. We are deeply saddened at losing such a wonderful role model, as well as the Patriarch of our family, but feel absolutely blessed to have had Denny in our lives, loving us, caring for us and teaching us many life lessons along the way.

Those left to cherish Denny’s memory include

his loving wife,
Ann Hoag, Dubuque, IA;

his 7children,
Tressa (Bob) Miller, Benton, WI,
Tonya Hoag, Dubuque, IA,
Tara (Tony) Callan, Hazel Green, WI,
Trina (R.J.) Reittinger, Clearwater, FL,
Tanner Hoag, Asbury, IA,
Jennifer Edwards, Dubuque, IA
and Amy (Bruce) Kirkpatrick, Dubuque, IA;

his 18 grandchildren;

his 12 great-grandchildren;

his siblings,
Barbara (Gary Brillhart) Robey, East Dubuque, IL,
Duke (Vickie) Eppler, Cuba City, WI
and Tom Eppler, Dubuque, IA;

his 2 sisters-in-law,
Nancy Hoag, Dubuque, IA
and Barb (Brian) Digmann, Dubuque, IA;

and his 2 brothers-in-law,
Ronnie (Sherry) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA
and Richard “Rick” (Judy) Schmitt Sr., Dubuque, IA.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Steve Edwards; a sister, Sharon (George) Billmeyer; a brother, Frederick “Fred” Hoag; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Mary Jane Schmitt.

Denny’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Salas, the staff at Grand River Medical Group, Finley Home Healthcare and St. Croix Hospice, for the outstanding care they have all provided Denny and the entire family.

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

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

Judy Kay Rhomberg

Judy Kay Rhomberg, age 64, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 24th, 2018 at home.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 30th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory located at 2595 Rockdale Road in Dubuque, Iowa.

Judy was born on December 21st, 1953 to Raymond and Martha (Kremer) Rhomberg.

Those left to honor her memory are her sons Matthew Ellerman and Brian Ellerman; daughter Brandy Schmitt; her two daughter-in-law’s Jodi (Seymour) Ellerman and Abbie (Beitzel) Ellerman; her five siblings Ronnie Rhomberg, Jackie Hutek, Joyce Teal, Randy Rhomberg, and Rick Rhomberg. Judy also had eight grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Martha Rhomberg.

Roger L. Emerson

Roger L. Emerson, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 22, 2018 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Friends and relatives of Roger may call from 9 to 11 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Cascade, Iowa. Services for Roger will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Peach presiding. Full military honors will be afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528. Inurnment will be held at a later date. The Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Roger was born October 8, 1937 in West Farmington, Ohio. He is the son of Eugene and Dorothy (McElrath) Emerson. He attended school in Cascade before moving to Cedar Rapids, IA. He worked for Wes Brokeoff Painters and later owned the ERV Tap on E Avenue. He moved to California in 1956 and received his medical training at Pacific State Hospital. He enlisted in the Army Medical Corp in 1960 and served until 1964. During that time he was stationed at Karlsruhe, Germany. Roger returned to Milwaukee, WI where he owned and operated the Emerson Resturant for several years. He later returned to Dubuque and worked for the Telegraph Herald.

Roger was a gifted piano player and great cook.

He is survived by his two sisters, Doris Reddin of Dubuque, IA, Mary Slauson of Marysville, WA; brothers Everett “Tony” (Martha) Emerson of Peosta, IA, James (Cheryl) Emerson of Newhall, IA; special friends, Richard Horn, Father Loras Otting both of Dubuque, IA, Maureen Gavin-Hays of California and Betty Emerson of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Clifford “Dale” (Margaret) Emerson, Galen (Leota) Emerson and Charles (Dorothy) Emerson.

This kind and gentle man will be sadly missed.

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

Betty L. Leon

Betty L. Leon, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of Davenport, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, November 26, 2018, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, December 1, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service and a private burial will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery at a later date.

Betty Louise Jones was born on February 24, 1929 in Davis County, Iowa, to Ernie E. and Susie Lee (Bennett) Jones. She graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1947. She married Frank Van Leon Jr. on December 18, 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa. To this union two sons were born, Douglas and Bradley.

While living in Maquoketa Betty was employed at the JC Penney Store and the Maquoketa Sentinel Press.

Betty was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, had taught Sunday school, and was a den mother while her sons were involved in Cub Scouts. She and Frank were also members of the Joinerville Boat Club and enjoyed camping and traveling for many years.

They moved to Davenport in 1973 and Betty was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church while living there.

Those left to honor Betty’s memory include her sons, Dr. Douglas (Deborah) Leon of Maquoketa, IA, and Bradley Leon of NC; 9 grandchildren, Dr. Brent (Dawn) Leon, Phillip (April) Leon, Dr. Stephanie Leon, Michael (Melinda) Leon, Eric (Dr. Sarah Watson-Leon) Leon, Samantha (Jesse) Leon-Roling, Christian (Kendra) Leon, Michelle (Jeff) Cobb, and Justin Leon; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank Van Leon Jr. on March 18, 2004, sisters Viola and Estalene, and a brother Francis.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Hospice of Jackson County.

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

Dorrance Ray Gerhard

Dorrance Ray Gerhard, 60, of East Dubuque, IL passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Manor Care in Dubuque.

Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road. Military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery Chapel, burial will follow in the cemetery.

Dorrance was born on May 29, 1958 in Dubuque the son of Marvin and Geraldine (Cooper) Gerhard Sr. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and served in the United States Marine Corps from August of 1976 until August of 1980. He worked for Vanguard Countertop & Cabinet Co, and later at O’Meara Custom Products.

He loved his family and friends, enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy, the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife Jodie (Stecklein) Gerhard; two sons Ben and Brandon; his mother Geraldine; and a brother Marvin (Deb) Gerhard, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his father and a sister Deb Reed.

The family request no flowers, a Dorrance R. Gerhard memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the Wendt Center, Manor Care and h#mce_temp_url# for all the care they gave to Dorrance.

Sister Jeanne (Joachim) Wickham, OSF

Sister Jeanne (Joachim) Wickham, OSF, 91, of Clare House, Dubuque, Iowa passed away at 1:50 PM Sunday, November 25, 2018 at the Clare House

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2018 with Funeral Vigil at 7:00 p.m. in Francis Chapel.

She was born on September 18, 1927 in Dubuque, IA the daughter of James and Roseline (Delaney) Wickham.

Sister entered the Sisters of St. Francis August 25, 1944 and made final profession of vows August 12, 1950. Sister received her master’s degree in education administration at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. She ministered as an educator in Iowa at Templeton, Holy Cross, Sioux City-Riverside, Monticello, Dubuque-Holy Trinity, and Worthington. She served in community leadership as Coordinator of the North Central Region. She later ministered in Pastoral Care in Des Moines and Dubuque at Mercy Hospital and Holy Family Hall.

Sister is survived by her sisters Sister Rosemary Wickham, OSF and Helen McClain; her brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Brenda Wickham; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared over 73 years of her life.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, James William Jr. and Genevieve and a brother-in-law, Francis McClain.

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

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.

Leonard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vanida Suthiwan Tompkins

Vanida Suthiwan Tompkins, 83, passed away on Wednesday, November 21 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hoffmann, Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home at 3860 Asbury Road in Dubuque, IA.

Vanida was born in 1935 in Suphan Buri, Thailand to Sub-Lieutenant Manob (father) and Chanthes (mother). She worked agricultural and service positions until she earned a beautician certificate and was employed in a beauty salon in Thailand.

In 1966, one year before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all state laws banning interracial marriage, she married U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jerry M. Tompkins of Traverse City, Michigan in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1998, Vanida was naturalized as a U.S. Citizen in Charlotte, NC.

Vanida enjoyed gardening, growing mostly vegetables and hot peppers for her Thai recipes. She also enjoyed cooking, taking walks, and caring for her family.

Survivors include a son, George (Lisa Garoutte) Tompkins; 2 grandchildren, Lucille and Gwendolyn; sister-in-law Denise (Steve) Fasbinder; brother-in-laws Budd (Gretchen) Tompkins, and Joe (Judy) Tompkins; and several nieces and nephews.

Vanida was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Jerry M. Tompkins, and her parents.

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

Thomas V. Langel

Thomas V. Langel, 76, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday November 28, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Ralph Davis will officiate.

Tom, was born on April 23, 1942, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Sylvester and Dolores (Jasper) Langel. He married Amelia “Millie” Klostermann on September 26, 1970, at St. Clements Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa. He enjoyed farming for many years in New Vienna and took great pride in raising his livestock.

He loved telling jokes and stories while spending time with his family and friends. He was proud of his grandkids and loved being a grandpa.

Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Millie, children: Joan (Pat) Deppe of Dyersville, Jan (Keith)Merfeld of Lancaster, WI, Brian Langel of Dyersville, Randy (Kinga) Langel of Cedar Rapids, 2 grandchildren: Paige and Peyton Deppe, siblings: Ruth (Melvin) Nickol of Dyersville, in-laws: Mary Langel of Dyersville, Jerry (Rita) Klostermann of Farley, Am (Dorothy) Klostermann of Farley, Vesse (Verna) Klostermann of Edgewood, Dave (Betty) Demmer of Dyersville, Bernie (Wendy) Klostermann of Wellman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, George and Clarinda Klostermann, siblings: Larry Langel, James Langel and in-laws, Mary and Arnie Jaeger.

We as a family would like to thank the people from Bi-County Ambulance, their First Responders, and the Dyersville Police Department for their prompt response , and for all of the help in this difficult time.

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

Reverend Robert J. Levenhagen

Reverend Robert J. Levenhagen, 89, passed away Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Stonehill Franciscan Care Center in Dubuque.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 30, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 405 S. East St., Monona, Iowa. Archbishop Michael Jackels will officiate, with Msgr. John McClean as homilist. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 to 11 before the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Friends may call in Dubuque at the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home, 3860 Asbury Rd., on Thursday November 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a service at 7 p.m.

Fr. Bob was born March 16, 1929, on the family farm near Monona, Iowa, the son of Paul and Julia (Scannell) Levenhagen. He received his early education in a country school; he graduated from Monona High School in 1948, and from Loras College in 1952, after which he went on to theological studies. He attended Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque, and was ordained on February 2, 1957. He also earned a Masters Degree from Catholic University.

His first assignment as a priest was to St. Martin’s in Cascade, Iowa, where from 1957 to 1962, he served as the associate pastor, taught high school classes, and coached basketball and baseball. He was the associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in New Albin, Iowa, and also a faculty member at St. George High School in Lansing, Iowa from 1962 to 1967. He was the associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales Parish, In Ossian, Iowa, where he was also the principal of De Sales Central High School from 1967 to 1969.

He was the pastor of St. Francis Parish in Balltown, Iowa, and a faculty member at Leo High School in Holy Cross from 1969 to 1971. While there he began a friendship with the Breitbach family that lasted for the rest of his life. Breitbach’s in Balltown was his favorite place to eat.

He served as chaplain to the Christian Brothers community at Beckman High School in Dyersville, Iowa, from 1971 to 1972, where he was also on the faculty. Next he returned to Leo High school in Holy Cross as the principal from 1972 to 1975. From 1975 to 1980 he was the pastor of St. Ann-St. Joseph Parish in Harpers Ferry, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Wexford. He was the pastor at St. Anthony Parish in Dubuque from 1980 to 1987; at St. John the Baptist Parish in Peosta, and Annunciation Parish in Lattnerville from 1987 to 1990; at Holy Family Parish in New Melleray from 1989 to 1990; at St. Pius Parish in Cherry Mound from 1990 to 1999; and at St. Mary Parish in McGregor, Iowa, from 1990 until his retirement in 2000.

Fr. Bob loved the Mississippi River. After his retirement he lived for several years on the riverfront in Brownsville, Minnesota, before moving back to Dubuque. As a young man, he borrowed a little money and built himself a cabin in Lansing. Later, he sold it and pooled his resources with two friends, so they could purchase a piece of riverfront property at Lansing, where they built a cabin. A few years later they were able to sell the cabin at a profit, which enabled Fr. Bob to move on over the years into a series other riverfront cabins, which he improved or built, and sold as his assignments changed. He had many friends, who he loved to entertain and take out on the river in his pontoon boat. His last and best “cabin” was his home in Brownsville, where his friends would gather to see the Tundra Swans annual migration, and enjoy the beauty of the river. Fr. Bob took many glorious sunrise and riverscape photos from his home in Brownsville, sharing the photos with friends and family by e-mail. He especially enjoyed seeing the paddlewheel riverboats, like the Julia Belle Swain.

Fr. Bob also loved animals, and after his dogs, Queenie and Lady, had passed away, he took in a feral kitten. He named Miss Kitty after Amanda Blake’s character in his favorite TV show, Gunsmoke. Fr. Bob loved poetry and classical music, and he was a prodigious reader. He will be remembered for his fun loving spirit, his wicked wit, his fine intellect, and his generosity to his friends.

He is survived by his sister Mary Lou Thompson, in Monona; by his brother-in-law, William Petermeier; and by several nieces, nephews, and friends, and by Miss Kitty. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his sisterAnna Mae Petermeier; and by his sisters and their spouses: Frances and Billy Apfel, and Betty Jean and Alan Lawson; by his brother James Levenhagen, and by his brother-in-law, Virgil Thompson.

His family and friends would like to thank the staff at Stonehill, who took wonderful care of Fr. Bob; and at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Shirley, Cindy, Amy, Tracy, Melanie, and Megan for their kindness and care. His family would also like to thank his friends Joe, Paula, and Joan.

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

Jane G. Ross

Jane Gertrude Ross, 90, formerly of Dyersville, was called home to her Lord on November 25, 2018, in North Liberty, IA.

Jane was born on July 31, 1928, the daughter of Leo Bernard Schlueter and Helen (Ott) Schlueter of Dubuque, IA. She married Merle “Bud” Ross on June 5, 1951, and settled in Dyersville, where they raised 10 children. After Bud died in 2013, Jane moved to Iowa City to be closer to family.

Jane enjoyed music, tennis, swimming, golf, and a good game of Euchre with family or their circle of cherished friends. She will be remembered as a caring, generous woman of faith and devoted mother and grandmother.

Jane is survived by her ten children: Susan Goodner (Emil Rinderspacher) of Iowa City, IA, Michael (Sandra) Ross of Arlington, IA, Amy (Ken) Florian of Hoffman Estates, IL, Katie (Mark) Gavin of Williamsburg, IA, John (Jere Murray) Ross of Marengo, IA, Janet (Kevin) Keating of Iowa City, IA, Dan (Melissa) Ross of Iowa City, IA, Joe (Mary) Ross of Erie, CO, Jim (Susan) Ross of Excelsior, MN, Dave (Anne) Ross of Litchfield, MN, 28 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Bernie (Judy) Schlueter of Cleveland, OH, a sister, Helen (Ed) Hood of Cedar Falls, IA, and a sister-in-law, Rose (Joe) Schlueter of Mason City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle “Bud” Ross, her parents, five brothers and four sisters-in-law – Robert and Mary “Ellen” Schlueter, John and Pat Schlueter, Thomas and Dorothy Schlueter, Leo J. and Judy Schlueter, and Joseph Schlueter, as well as her son-in-law, John Willenborg, and her great-granddaughter, Chelsea Peterson.

Visitation will be held at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville on Thursday November 29 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with a Parish Vigil Service at 5:15. Her funeral will be held at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, IA on Friday November 30, at 10:30 a.m. Catholic Burial service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dubuque County Right to Life or St. Francis Xavier Basilica in her name.

Information available and condolences may be left at www.kramerfuneral.com.

James P. Callahan

James P. “Kites” Callahan. The angels came on November 24, 2018 to take Kites home. He’s with his parents, Ray and Flo and fishing friend, Jerry Lahey, enjoying the rewards of heaven.

Friends and relatives of Jim may call from 10 to 1 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Bill Shea Presiding. Burial will follow at Highview Cemetery.

Jim was born on the northwest corner of the bed in Dubuque, Iowa to Ray and Florence (Rauen) Callahan on May 10, 1955. He graduated from Western Dubuque High School and Calmar. On June 6, 1994 he was united in marriage to Judy (Baty) King in Dubuque, Iowa. Jim was the head of Maintenance for Divine Word College until he retired. His plumbing, electrical, heating, and carpentry skills transformed many projects on paper to reality. Jim enjoyed playing baseball, which was evident in his fast throws and strong bat. When he wasn’t playing baseball, Jim was fishing and playing with his backhoe down at the farm or at the shop making oak furniture.

Jim was a trooper, dealing with Type 1 diabetes since he was 17 years old. He never let it prevent him from doing things and being with the people he loved and respected. “Jimmy Boy” a name given to him by his grandkids, was present at home, at the hospital and helped him through many difficult times. Laughter was a powerful medicine for Jim and his humor helped him endure the bad times.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Judy of Epworth, his children, Karen (Mike) Schieltz of New Vienna, Matt (Melissa) King of Bernard, Jackie (Robby) Gutierrez of Woodbury, MN, Jon (Jennifer) King of Bernard, Melissa Callahan of Bloomington, MN, and Mick Callahan of Chicago, IL. His grandchildren, Austin, Lilly, and Ryan Schieltz, Chase and Gavin King, Alicia, Lydia, and Luca Gutierrez, William and Jillian King and Jim’s great granddaughter, Quinn Schieltz, the gift from God that kept him going on a daily basis. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary (Dick) Bries of Farley, IA, Terry (Dianne) Callahan of Epworth, IA, Julie (Bo) Northup of Packwood, IA and a special uncle, Bill Rauen of Dubuque, IA.

Remember Jim’s memory by being positive in your everyday life. Enjoy today for what it is, not what we want it to be, most things in life are just an inconvenience. Just don’t quit!

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s memory. Donations can be made to Epworth Fire Department, Epworth American Legion and Divine Word.

Special thanks to Emma, the Epworth Fire Department, Finley Home Care, all the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital and Medical Associates, Dr. Whalen and all of Jim’s family and friends that helped make Jim’s journey a happy and pleasant one. God Bless you all.

Online condolences may be sent to www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Wilma Rafferty

Wilma Rafferty 96, returned to God’s loving arms on November 23, 2018 at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, Iowa, surrounded by her family, friends, and caregivers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Wilma was the sixth of seven children, born August 26, 1922 in Des Moines Iowa to Robert M and Bessie Phillips. She attended Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines and John Brown University in Siloam Springs Arkansas where she graduated with a double major in Business and Biblical Greek. She also met her life partner Carl Rafferty. They were married November 25, 1948 and moved to Columbus Nebraska where they both worked at a local religious radio station. They had four children and a full life. Together, they traveled in the USA as well as England and Germany. After Carl’s death in 1999, Wilma moved to Dubuque to live with her daughter’s family and added extended visits to California and Ireland to her itinerary. Wilma spent her life caring for her family. Outside the home, she worked as a bookkeeper. During WWII she saved her brother Walter’s job while he was in the Navy. She taught her son Bill to ride a bike and catch a ball, she sewed doll clothes and sweet dresses for three generations of little girls, she provided unconditional love every day. Even as a young mother of four, she found time to volunteer in leadership and service positions at church, school, and ARC.

As her health weakened and she moved into skilled care, she again showed her children what grace and acceptance look like. She was in her quiet way a true woman of valor.

She will be remembered with love by her four children Phyllis (Rafferty) Garfield, William Rafferty, Carolyn Rafferty, and Claudia Rafferty, as well as son-in-law Alan Garfield and daughter-in-law Karen Sloth Rafferty. Her grandchildren Anna, Eliot, Eric, Meg, Carly, Peter, and Jenee, all were blessed to know her well and will always hold her memory as a light in their lives. Her great-grandchildren William, Jensen, Elena, and Jonathan also received the gift of her strong and loving presence.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed in her memory to People In Need, Hope Partnership Nepal, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship or the University of Dubuque Scholarship Fund.

The family extend their heartfelt thanks to the loving and compassionate care of the nurses and caregivers at Ennoble Skilled Nursing & Rehab.

Thomas A. Lindecker

Thomas A. Lindecker, 72, of Durango, Iowa passed away on November 23, 2018 at home after a long battle with lung cancer.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. Tuesday. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Tom was born on October 17, 1946 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Arthur and Lillian (Klauer) Lindecker. As a young man he served in the Iowa National Guard. A jack of all trades, over the years, Tom owned and ran a service/gas station, a towing company, a bar and was even a truck driver for a time. But he was most known for his many years serving as a Deputy with the Dubuque County Sherriff Department until retirement. Never one to stop working, after retirement he spent many years as a skilled crane operator for Walsers and A1 Crain Services.

His little fainting goats, deer, koi pond, various dogs, and dozens of bird feeders and beautifully tended yard made his home a favorite place for his children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors to visit. Tom was known being a hard worker and for always being willing to help a friend in need.

He is survived by two sons, David (Colleen) Lindecker, of Key West, IA and Rich Lindecker of Dubuque. Five grandchildren, Marissa, Tryston, Katelin, Will and Josh. His significant other Sue Kelly and sister-in-law Sue Lindecker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert “Bob” Lindecker.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Mercy Medical Center, Dr. Eric Engelman and Dr. Mark Janes for all their wonderful care they gave to Tom.