Obituaries Archive

Karen J. Nevins

Karen J. Nevins, 66, of Cuba City, Wisconsin, died Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Southwest Health Center Hospital in Platteville. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at the United Methodist Church in Cuba City with Pastor Hee Kwon Jung officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City. Friends may also call from 9:00-10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service.

Karen was born on April 3, 1952, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Walter and Helen L. (Dudley) Carson. She married Calvin K. “Cal” Nevins on June 7, 1986, in Silvis, Illinois, and they lived in Carbon Cliff, Illinois. In 2005 they moved to Cuba City.

Karen graduated from Moline High School in Moline, Illinois, in 1970. She worked as office manager at Serv-a-Lite Products in East Moline, Illinois, and was currently working as secretary for the Cuba City United Methodist Church. Church and faith were significant to her. Karen was a member of the church choir and enjoyed getting together with her Dorcas Circle members. Family was very important to her and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and spending time at the cabin in Barnes, Wisconsin.

Survivors include three daughters, Candi (Brandon) Buffington, of Seymour, TN, Mindi (Kyle) Smith, of Cuba City, WI, and Cori Anne (Warren Head) Nevins, of Dubuque, IA; a son, Jamie (Stephanie) Hudson, of Colona, IL; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Joyce Nevins, of East Moline, IL; a brother-in-law, Larry (Cathy) Nevins, of Rock Island, IL; and twelve grandchildren, Courtney, Alex, Jarred, Caitlin, Lindsay, Ty, Jordin, Xavier, Jeremy, Kodie, Cooper and Canon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin, on September 29, 2018; her parents, Walter and Helen Carson; and her stepfather, Bill Eckhardt.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in Cuba City.

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

Kim Urban Donnan

Kim Urban Donnan, 60, of Dubuque, died Friday, January 11, 2019 at Sunnycrest Manor, surrounded by her family. Kim lived her life valiantly with Huntington’s Disease.
Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Sharing of memories will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mass will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Raphael Cathedral. Fr. Greg Bahl will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Kim was born July 15, 1958 in Dubuque, the daughter of Gary and Shelia (Johnston) Urban. She attended Wahlert High School, went on to attend Briar Cliff College, and finished her nursing degree at Kirkwood Community College. Kim was employed at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Kim enjoyed playing games, swimming, and watching soap operas. Music was a passion of Kim’s, and she loved listening to her favorite artists and attending concerts. She loved children, and was a second mother to her nieces and nephews.

Kim is survived by two children, Lucas (Sadie) Donnan and Andie Donnan; her mother, Shelia Urban; her sisters, Elizabeth Urban, Wendy (Jim) McLaughlin, and Pearl Shaffer, all of Dubuque; her brothers, Gary (Sheri) Urban of La Porte City, IA, Jim (Jan) Urban of Kennewick, WA, and Clark Urban of Dubuque; and many very special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Urban.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chad Nachtman, the staff at Hospice of Dubuque; and all the staff at Sunnycrest Manor for their outstanding care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kim Donnan Memorial Fund.

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

Mary M. Root

Mary M. (Wernke) Root, age 82, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 5:54 p.m., on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Bethany Home, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Mary’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, with Rev. Dwayne J. Thoman officiating. To celebrate Mary’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born on September 29, 1936, in Luxemberg, Iowa, daughter of Henry and Ida (Digman) Wernke.

Mary was born and raised in Luxemberg, before eventually moving to Dubuque, and making it her life long home. She was a dedicated employee, who put her time and talents to good use with several places including, The University of Dubuque, as a prep cook, Otten-Bowers Printing and Mailing Company, St. Regis Paper Company, and later as a desk clerk at the Canfield Inn, until her well earned retirement. Mary would be fortunate enough to find love twice in her life, and was first united in marriage to Melvin “Red” Hennings Jr., in 1955, in Dubuque, and later to James Root, on June 28, 1968, in Galena, IL. She enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors, and in her younger days was quite the volleyball player, as well as a member of one of the 1st Women’s Fast-pitch softball teams in Dubuque. Mary also had a great appreciation of music, especially Elvis Presley, and enjoyed getting out on the dance floor, with her brother, Stretch, “cutting a rug” any chance that came their way. In later years, Mary remained active by meeting up with friends at the bowling alley and taking daily walks around town. She was playfully competitive, and always looked forward to playing Euchre and board games with family and friends, being quite proud to hold the title of Undeniable Scrabble Champion. Above all, family was the most important aspect of her life, and Mary had a way about her that always made everyone feel extremely comfortable and loved, and like they were the most important person in the room. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our sweet mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister and friend, but know that she is now free of all of the health challenges she has battled these past months and is reunited with all of her loved ones called home ahead of her.

Those left to cherish Mary’s memory include

her children,
Daniel (Laura) Hennings,
Tammy Durham,
Robert “Bob” Hennings
and Rhonda (Tim) Baule, all of Dubuque, IA;

her 6 grandchildren,
Matthew (Janae) Hennings, Michaela (Nate) Koch, Trace Durham, Ashley Hennings, T.J. (Sydney Tran) Baule and one additional granddaughter;

her 3 great-grandchildren,
Cassidy, Ayla and Grady Hennings;

her siblings,
Donald (Helen) Wernke, Dubuque, IA,
Fred “Fritz” (Barbara) Wernke, Solana Beach, CA
and Diane “DeeDee” Hasken, Dubuque, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Pat Wernke, Dubuque, IA.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a very special son-in-law, Joel Durham; 2 brothers John “Stretch” (Mary) Wernke and Hank Wernke; a sister-in-law, Barb Wernke; a brother-in-law, Dave Hasken; and her 2 former husbands, Melvin “Red” Hennings Jr., and James Root.

Mary’s family would like to thank Dr. Sara Loetscher, as well as the outstanding nurses and staff of Mercy Hospital, Bethany Home, and Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their kind, compassionate, and loving care of Mary and her entire family. Also a very special thanks to her son, Bob, for always being there and helping take care of mom allowing her to remain in her home.

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

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

Michael R. Acton

Michael R. Acton, age 78, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 4:00am, on Friday, January 11, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Mike’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:30am, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, 602 Hager St. E, Grand Junction, Iowa, with Rev. Jim Bruch officiating. To celebrate Mike’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:30 am, until 1:00pm, on Monday, January 14, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa.

Major Michael R. Acton, US Army (Retired), was born on September 9, 1940, in Rippey, Iowa, son of Robert J. and Helen F. (Aspenall) Acton, the oldest of the family’s seven children.
He graduated from Rippey (Iowa) High School in 1958 and joined the military the following year. Mike was commissioned through the Army’s Officer Candidate Program and subsequently served as an infantry platoon leader during the Vietnam War. During his second tour of duty in Vietnam he served as an infantry company commander. Among his many awards are the Bronze Star For Valor, 3 Bronze Stars for Achievement in Combat, 3 Meritorious Service medals, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in English Literature at the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1972, and his Master’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Kansas in 1981.

After his retirement from the Army, he was an Assistant Professor of Journalism and the Communication Department Chairman at Clarke College in Dubuque for 13 years. He followed his academic career as a project editor for Buckledown Publishing Company in Iowa City, from which he retired in 2011.

Mike is survived by

his sons,
Paul (Stephanie) Acton, of Gilbert, AZ,
Sean (Vikki) Acton, of Maquoketa, IA;

his six grandchildren,
Dalen, Todd, Raina, Anya, Maia and Eli.

His siblings,
Dan Acton, Rippey, IA,
Janice (Ken) Johnston, Chicago, IL,
Tim (Sandra) Acton, Phoenix, AZ,
Dave (Stephanie) Acton, Sun Prairie, WI,
Pat (April) Acton, Gladbrooke, IA;

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Acton; and a sister-in-law, Fereleen Acton.

Mike’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy and Nichole, for all of the care and support given to Mike and his family.

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

Leighton Hepker

Leighton Hepker, 65, of Maquoketa, Iowa died on Friday, January 11, 2019 at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Leighton was born on January 4, 1954 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Oliver and Dawn (Mills) Hepker. He was raised in Linn County and graduated from Springville High School in 1972 and Kirkwood Community College in 1974. He then earned a degree from the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Los Angeles in 1975. He began his long career at KMAQ Radio in Maquoketa in June of 1975 and became well-known in his early years for the many play-by-play sporting events he broadcast on KMAQ. It was also in Maquoketa that he met his future wife, Cindy Kudart. They were married on June 23, 1979 in Iowa City, Iowa and to this union two children were born, Justin and Adam. In 1995, he received a news media award from the Iowa High School Athletic Association. He also was an active high school basketball official for 25 years. He was inducted into the Maquoketa High School Hall of Fame in the fall of 2017 as a “Friend of the Maquoketa Schools”.

Leighton was involved in the Maquoketa community serving as past President of the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Maquoketa for five years, board member of the Community Foundation of Jackson County and the Jackson County Regional Health Center Board of Trustees. He was a charter member of the Maquoketa Kiwanis Club joining the organization when it was formed in 1989. He also was a member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa serving on various committees.

He had many passions in life. Among them were the St. Louis Cardinals and the Maquoketa Cardinals.

He has deeded his body to the Anatomy and Cell Biology Department at the University of Iowa for medical research and education.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 2 P.M., Thursday, January 17, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, January 16, 2019, in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Cindy Hepker of Maquoketa, IA; two sons, Dr. Justin Hepker and his wife Dr. Lauren Coyne of Iowa City, IA, and Adam Hepker and his wife Amy of Surprise, AZ; 2 granddaughters; 1 grandson; a sister Melody (Bob) Allen in TX; a half-sister, Sherryl (Doug) Hahl in OK; and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Dawn Hepker.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be given to First Lutheran Church, Hospice of Jackson County or the Community Foundation of Jackson County.

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

Harry C. Dighton

Harriet M. Burbach, 94, of Cuba City, formerly of Platteville, died on Thursday, January 10, 2018 at Epione Pavilion, Cuba City. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Rev. Brenda Whitford will officiate. Burial will be at Big Patch Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville.

Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

She is survived by her four children, Karen Niehaus, Janice (Bernard) Rupp, James (Terry) Burbach and Tom (Mona) Burbach; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Grace Lorscheter, Jim and Mary Hore, Josephine Faherty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, Doug Niehaus, great-granddaughter, Mildred Niehaus, brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt Lorscheter, Gene and Lureen Hore, Jim Faherty.

Harriet M. Burbach

Harriet M. Burbach, 94, of Cuba City, formerly of Platteville, died on Thursday, January 10, 2018 at Epione Pavilion, Cuba City. Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Rev. Brenda Whitford will officiate. Burial will be at Big Patch Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville.

Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

She is survived by her four children, Karen Niehaus, Janice (Bernard) Rupp, James (Terry) Burbach and Tom (Mona) Burbach; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Grace Lorscheter, Jim and Mary Hore, Josephine Faherty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, Doug Niehaus, great-granddaughter, Mildred Niehaus, brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt Lorscheter, Gene and Lureen Hore, Jim Faherty.

Albert J. Decker

Albert J. Decker, 90, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly at home on January 8th, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 12th, 2019 at St. Joseph Church, Key West with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 11th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Albert was born on May 18, 1928 in Bernard, Iowa the son of John and Frances (Pfab) Decker. He attended Feeney School and St. Joseph’s School in Key West. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Church, Key West.

He married Callista Tigges on May 25, 1954 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.

Albert farmed all his life to the point of doing chores on the day he passed. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved spending time with family and friends making many great memories to cherish. He was able to live a long, fulfilled life by following his strict diet of meat, potatoes, peanut butter and mostly chocolate. He will be deeply missed.

Albert is survived by his wife of 64 years Callista; children, Dale (Ann) Decker, of Key West, Ron (Bitzie) Decker and Jean Decker of Dubuque, and Gary (Lisa) Decker, of Robins, IA. Grandchildren, Tammi (Bob) Schroeder, Matt (Teeney) Decker, McKenzie (Tim Davis) Decker, Dena (Travis) Voss, Laura (Zach) Hodge, Brian (Amy) Decker, Jason Decker, Katie (Drew) Simpson, Elana (Coby Clapp) Decker, Sirena (Sam) Stark. Great grandchildren, Evan, Holli, Jacob, Alexis, Morgan, Peyton, DJ, Calli, Cate, Parker, Oli, Avery, Maddy, Gwen, Gus, Cooper, Camille and Eben Albert who was just born on January 9th; his 19th great grandchildren is expected to arrive in June.
Albert is also survived by his siblings, Vincent (Evelyn) Decker, of Zwingle, Hubert (Elizabeth) Decker, of Cascade, Monica (Cletus) Thielen, of Zwingle, Darlene Collins, of Peosta, John “JJ” (Erma) Decker of Dubuque, Louis (Darla) Decker, of Dubuque, Melita (Virgil) Hansen, of Maquoketa, Agnes “Fran” Decker, of Dubuque, Bernadine (Mark) Giese, of Dubuque, and Kenneth Decker, of Dubuque. Granddaughter-in-law Stephani Decker; sister-in-law Charlene Decker and brother-in-law Ray Tigges.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law Arthur and Marcella Tigges; his son David J. Decker; grandson Timothy R. Decker; twin siblings in infancy William and Margaret in 1925; brothers William “Willie” (Mary) Decker, Raymond (Phyllis) Decker and Harvey Decker; brother-in-law James Collins and sister-in-law Rosie Tigges.

In lieu of flowers an Albert Decker memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Key West Fire & EMS, Dubuque County Sherriff Department, Fr. and Rod Allers for all their help and compassion that was given to us on Tuesday.

Rita A. Dura

Rita A. Dura, 89, of Dubuque died Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Rita was born October 10, 1929, in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph C. and Matilda (Weber) Becker. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School; and on July 13, 1961, she married Elmer J. Dura in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2006.

Rita worked for the Dubuque Packing Co. for 31 years, retiring in 1982.

She was an avid sewer, and enjoyed cross stitching, crossword puzzles, Jumble puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, and collecting gnomes and elephants. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Michael (Jane) Becker and Gary (Mary) Dura, both of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Michelle (Charles) Tucker of Dubuque, Lisa (Kristopher) Mercer of Kings Bay, Ga., Jason Dura of Dubuque, Justin (Jennifer) Dura of Dubuque and Jarrod Dura (and friend, Rachel Woodward) of Dubuque; and six great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Elaina Tucker; Collin Mercer, Tyler Dura, Samantha Lange and Johnathin Tucker. She is also survived by a sister, Bernice Rickey, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by four sisters, Esther Huntington, Helen Maas, Rosemary Riley and Florence Lange; and a brother, Joseph Becker.

Memorials may be made to the Rita Dura Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque and Oak Park Place, as well as Lindsay O’Connell-Arensdorf for all of their loving care.

Mark J. Hilby

Mark J. Hilby, 73, of Menominee, IL, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at home.

Per Mark’s request there will be no public services or visitation. Private family burial will be at a later date. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

Mark was born May 30, 1945 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Emil and Florence (Welp) Hilby.

He was a graduate of Wahlert High School, class of 1963. Mark was employed in construction with his brother-in-law, Bill Burroughs and also did maintenance work for Menominee Township. Residents will remember Mark for being in the township snowplow as soon as it started snowing.

Mark was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers and made many trips to Chicago in his van with family and friends.

Surviving are his four siblings, Ione (Ralph) Turman of Seattle, WA, Mary (Paul) Burbach of Cuba City, WI, Joan Hilby of Dubuque, and Jack (Rose) Hilby of Menominee, IL; plus many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Florence, siblings, Robert Hilby, Doris and LaVerne Kuhle, Sister Carol Hilby, OSF, and Marge and Bill Burroughs.

The family wishes to thank the Menominee-Dunleith First Responders, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the Galena Area Ambulance for their quick response.

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

James J. Brown

James J. “Jim” Brown, 75, of Peosta, Iowa passed away suddenly on January 8, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 14th, 2019 at Holy Family Church, New Melleray with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 6:45 p.m.

Jim was born on November 24, 1943 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Bernard and Violet (Burkart) Brown.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1962 and married Patricia “Pat” Welu on November 8, 1969 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Jim served in the US Army from April 1965 until March of 1967. He earned rank of Specialist 4th Class; he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where he conducted test on ammunition.

In 1971 he completed his apprenticeship training in the trade of plumbing. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked as a plumber for 35 years with MMC Mechanical. While working as a plumber he also crop farmed and milked dairy cattle for 40 years on the family farm outside of Dubuque.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed fishing, going for motorcycle rides, winning at the casino and working outside especially in his yard. He volunteered his talents at the National Mississippi river Museum and the Dubuque County Fair Association. Jim was awarded Volunteer of the Year and Friend of the Fair from the Dubuque County Fair Association. Jim was a family man that was supportive in every way possible. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia; his daughters Ann (Steve) Schuster and Beth (Matthew) Oberhoffer; his sister Mary Kay (Bill) Abbott; brother-in-law John “Jack” Welu; and sister-in-law Betty Welu. Jim is also survived by his seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren with one arriving in March along with many nieces, nephews and three Godchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Violet; father and mother-in-law Edward and Loras Welu; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

The family would like to thank Epworth Fire and EMS, Dubuque County Sherriff Department and the excellent caring medical staff at Mercy Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers a James Brown memorial fund will be established in his memory.

Joseph N. Thurston

Joseph Norman Thurston, age 91, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 11:35 p.m. on January 8, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Joe’s life, funeral services will be held at 11:30am, on Saturday, January, 12, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Joe’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30am until the time of services at 11:30am, on Saturday at Behr Funeral Home. Military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at a later date.

Joe was born on November 19, 1927, in Dubuque, IA, son of Joseph E. And Florence C. (Cherrier) Thurston.

Joe served with the US Army during World War II on a Hospital Ship in the European Theater of Operations. He married Elizabeth J. Hennig on Sept. 2, 1950 at St. Mary’s Church. She proceeded him in death on Sept. 16, 1994. He later married Elaine M. (Baker) Meyer on Nov. 6, 2005 at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque. Joe was formerly employed at the Battery Factory, at Carr, Adams and Collier Mfg. and lastly at the John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 1987. He had been a union member since he was 15 years old and was a member of UAW Local #94. Joe was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish and was an usher at church since 1949. He was Past Chief Ranger of the Holy Ghost Catholic Order of Foresters, Past Secretary of the Holy Name Society and was the Institutional Representative for the Boy Scouts in Dubuque. Joe was also a member of the Holy Cross Order of Foresters and a past Vice President of the Dubuque County Conservation Society. He was very active in sports and was a softball player for many years, but because of his height, he was often recruited to play basketball. While playing for the Army team Joe was fortunate enough to have played once against the Harlem Globetrotters. He and Elaine enjoyed traveling to Alaska, going to see the Panama Canal and exploring the Northeastern states and New England. Joe loved being outdoors and enjoyed pheasant hunting and was an avid trout fisherman. He was very proud of the fact that he helped to re-stock the wild turkey population in Iowa for the first time.

Those left to cherish Joe’s memory include

his wife,
Elaine Thurston, of Dubuque;

his daughter and step-children,
Joyanne (John) Oberhausen, Dubuque, IA,
Kathy (Rod) Miller, Hampshire, IL,
Jim “Congo” (Sharla) Meyer, Dubuque, IA,
Barb (Steve) Jaeger, Dubuque, IA,
Joe (Vicki) Meyer, Dubuque, IA,
Julie (Dave) Hillery, Dubuque, IA,
Jill Meyer, Sun Prairie, WI,
and Amy (Bob) Buss, Arlington, WI;

his 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elizabeth; his brother, Eugene; and his sister-in-law, Marian Zaruba.

Joe’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Hawkeye Care Center for their kind, compassionate and professional care of Joe.

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

Bernice E. Mescher

Bernice E. Mescher, 95, of Farley, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:07 a.m. at Manor Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by loved ones.

Friends and relatives of Bernice may call from 2 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a Parish Rosary will be held at 1:30 p.m., a CDA Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m.and the Farley American Legion will meet in a body at 6:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa.

Bernice was born April 5, 1923 in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Sylvester B. and Josephine (Burkle) White. She received her education in the former St. Joseph’s school in Farley, Iowa. Bernice was united in marriage to Gilbert Mescher on February 12, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa.

She enjoyed cooking, especially baking pies, gardening, crocheting and traveling. She especially loved spending time with her family. She was a cook at Western Dubuque schools for 23 years.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley a member of its Altar Society and the Farley Catholic Daughters of the America’s-Presentation Court #1460.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Gilbert Mescher of Farley, IA; five children, Janet (Clifford) Splinter of East Dubuque, IL, Bonnie (Tom) Weidemann of Dubuque, IA, Doris (Marty) LaPage of East Dubuque, IL, Larry (Vickie) Mescher of Peosta, IA and Vicky (Ron) Neumann of Independence, IA; 20 grandchildren, Chris (Jamie) Splinter, Eric Splinter, Abbi (Brian) LaPage, Dan (fiance, Christina) Weidemann, Ginger Weidemann, Valli (fiance, Robert) Weidemann, Peggy (friend, Mitch) Weidemann, T.J. Weidemann, Marty J. (Amanda) LaPage, Brandon LaPage, Trevor (fiance, Sara) LaPage, Nick (Lisa) Mescher, Kelli (Ted) Bergfeld, Kari Mescher, Alexis Mescher, Landon (Rebecca) Klostermann, Logan Klostermann, Emily (Todd) Ostwinkle, Lily Neumann, and Joseph Neumann; 16 great grandchildren and one on the way; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ralph (Mildred) White; and one great granddaughter, Hope LaPage; and numerous brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

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

The family of Bernice would like to thank the staff at Mercy Medical Center, 3rd floor, Manor Care and Hospice of Dubuque and the Farley Ambulance members for all the care and support they have given Bernice and her family.

Lester J. VonHandorf

Lester J. “Les” VonHandorf, age 86 of Dubuque, formerly of Colesburg, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, 3 years to the day that his beautiful bride, Nancy was also called home, at Stonehill Care Center surrounded by his loving family. To celebrate Lester’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lester’s family.

Lester was born on September 17. 1932, in Greeley, Iowa, a son to Joe and Leona (Rolfes) VonHandorf. After school he joined the U.S. Air Force and went onto honorably serve his country during the Korean War. While still in the service on leave, Lester was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Walters on May 11, 1954 at St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. They began their new family together while he was stationed in Alaska, where their daughter, Jody was born. They were blessed with 62 years together before Nancy was sadly called to her eternal home on January 8, 2016.

Lester was a hard-working man who faithfully gave over 30 years of his working life to John Deere Dubuque Works. He had moved through many departments over the years, but the final years spent testing engines were definitely some of his favorites out there. He was also very skilled with his hands outside of Deere’s and not only worked the wrenches continually in his garage, but he also remodeled many houses over the years and even felt quite comfortable behind the wheel of a tow truck. Lester made friends very easily and whether you were a co-worker, a neighbor, or a fellow veteran at the American Legion; Lester always had time for a good conversation, a hearty laugh and even a funny jab or two at the guy standing next to him.

But, at the end of the day, Lester was also a committed family man. He loved his wife, adored his daughter, spoiled his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always treasured his cat Buff. His devotion to those he cared for was continually on display through both his words and actions and his unwavering alliance and loyalty to his family and friends will forever be found in the countless memories he leaves behind. We will miss you Lester and thank you for the wonderful example you so unselfishly shared with the world around you throughout your 86 years among us.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Lester include,

his daughter,

Jody VonHandorf, Colesburg, IA;

his grandchildren,

Jaimy Hansel, Colesburg, IA,

and Rob (Jenn) Hansel, Scottsdale, AZ;

his great-grandchildren,

Keegan, Kiernan and Gregory Hansel, Colesburg, IA,

and Logan and Ryan Hansel, Scottsdale, AZ;

his siblings,

Donald (Jean) VonHandorf, Colesburg, IA,

Marilyn (Roger) Schrunk, Lake Forrest, CA,

and Lou Ann Brown, Colesburg, IA;

his brother-in-law,

Joe (Sharon) Walters, New Vienna, IA;

and his numerous nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Nancy; and his sister, Verna Mae (Jim) Diers.

Lester’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their wonderful care and support of Lester and his family.

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

Marcella A. Jewett

Marcella A. Jewett, 89, of Dubuque died Monday, January 7, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm Friday at the Egelhof, Siegert And Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Marcella was born October 8, 1929 in Asbury, IA, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Schilling) Wernimont.

On November 29, 1947, she married Donald Jewett at St. Philomena’s Church, Asbury, Iowa. They spent 70 years together and traveled the world. He preceded her in death on August 13, 2018.

Growing up after the depression Mom was not a stranger to hard work and instilled that work ethic in her kids. She worked at JC Penny’s for many years, retiring for the last time at the age of 70.

She loved sports and in her early years played softball for the Philomena Peaches. She also enjoyed bowling, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards, especially cribbage and euchre, and playing slot machines. She had a special love of music and enjoyed dancing and playing the piano. She passed this love of music down to her children.

Although she lived in the city, she grew up on a farm in Asbury and never strayed too far from her roots. In summer you might find her picking strawberries at the local strawberry farms and she loved to go to the apple orchards in the fall.

She lived for many years on Hoyt Street in Dubuque where she and Dad raised our family. The Jewett house was the place where all the neighborhood kids would hang out, have bonfires, go to after sledding on Bunker Hill for hot chocolate and enjoy her homemade goodies. She was a fantastic baker and her pies and divinity candy were special treats for everyone.

We will miss her sense of humor, her phone calls to just “check in” on us and special kind of love only a mother can give.

She is survived by eight children, Shirley Hansberger of Memphis, TN, Dave (Sandy) Jewett of Asbury, IA, Steve (Linda Locher) Jewett of Asbury, IA, Gail Wilkinson of Davenport, IA, Helen (Bob) Gednalski of Asbury, IA, Bill (Julie Wilhelm) Jewett of Sun Prairie, WI, Dan (Susan) Jewett of Gloucester, VA, and Trish (Phil Brennan) Jewett of Dubuque; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and two brothers in law, Mel Lolwing and Jim (Joan) Jewett.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 11 siblings.

Memorials may be made to the Marcella Jewett Memorial Fund.

We wish to thank the staff members at Stonehill Care Center and Oak Park Place for the kindness and caring they showed to her during her time there.