Obituaries Archive

Agnese Leticia (Connolly) Jaeger

Agnese Leticia Jaeger (Connolly), 83, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 8th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Agnese was born on March 10, 1936 in La Motte, Iowa, daughter of Sylvester and Bernadette (Dunn) Connolly. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa. On March 7, 1953 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Jaeger, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa.

Agnese enjoyed many jobs over the years from waitressing, to teaching at the local Head Start, to working the lunch line at St. Mary’s Catholic School; but above all things she loved spending time with her family more than anything.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 66 years, Ted; 5 children, Debra (Steve) Jaeger-Viertel, of Dubuque, IA, Anne (John) Fagan, of Onslow, IA, Donald Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA, John Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA and Julie Jaeger, of Dubuque, IA; 9 grandchildren, Sunshine (Matt) Hafner, Dawn (Chris) Norris, Michael Coyle, Katie Flores, Sarah Jaeger, Dustin (Nicole NanAcker) Jaeger, Amanda (Chris) Miller, Patrick (Abby) Fagan and Molly Fagan; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; her sister; Margaret Fromknecht; two brothers; Bill Connolly and Sylvester Connolly; one brother-in-law; Edward (Joan) Grant and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Bernadette; children, Theodore Jr. “TJ” Jaeger and Mark Jaeger; mother-in-law Katherine Fettgather; sisters, Mary Ann (Lee) Holland and Jan (Lyle) Bainbridge; brother Gary Hutter and her in-laws; John Fromknecht, Judy Connolly, Mary Connolly and Donna Stackis Wooldridge.

Thank You to Cascade Ambulance Service, the staff at MercyOne Dubuque and Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care.

Gerald J. Ellerbach

Gerald “Jerry” J. Ellerbach, 81, of Holy Cross passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 6, 2019, at home.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 11, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross. The Farley Scherrman-Peterson American Legion Post # 656 will conduct a veteran salute at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Holy Cross with burial in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #656. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Jerry was born on July 23, 1937, the youngest child of five sons and two daughters born to George and Regina (Hullerman) Ellerbach on a farm near Holy Cross, Iowa. He obtained his education in the Catholic school system in Holy Cross and assisted his father on the family farm.

Jerry joined the Army Reserve in March of 1958. He received basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was transferred to Fort Ord, CA until September of that year. On November 1, 1961, during the Berlin Crisis, Jerry was recalled to active duty and stationed at Fort Lewis, WA until August 31, 1962. He was honorably discharged as PFC in December, 1963.

Jerry returned to farm with his father at Holy Cross. On August 27, 1966 he married Joan Diers at St. Boniface Catholic Church, New Vienna. They farmed together for more than 34 years until Joan became ill and moved on to heaven on March 21, 2001. Later that year Jerry became reacquainted with a friend from his youth, Darleen J. (Wolf) VanDenBerg from Bankston, who was living out west in the Rocky Mountains where she worked as a teacher. Through correspondence and visits back and forth, they decided to wed on August 3, 2002 in Durango, CO. Jerry became an instant step-father and grandfather. He built a new home in Holy Cross where he and Darleen reside. He still enjoyed farm life, and he and Darleen traveled around the United States, especially to the West where many of their family resides.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Darleen, 4 step-children: Randy (Kristi) VanDenBerg of Durango, Co, Colleen (Gary) Foust of Zwingle, Darwin VanDenBerg of LaPlata, NM, Troy (Kim) VanDenBerg of Dyersville, 9 step-grand-children, 9 step-great-grandchildren, a sister, Kay Daly of Bankston, and many other extended relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Joan, siblings: Lawrence (Rose) Ellerbach, William (Gladys) Ellerbach, Ernest (Dorothy) Ellerbach, Bernard (Margaret) Ellerbach, and Bernice (Leander Steffen, Gib Honkomp) Steffen-Honkomp; brothers-in-law: Jim Daly, Daniel Wolf and Paul Wolf.

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

Dale Allen Scott

Dale Allen Scott, Sr., 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019, at his home.

A private family service will be held at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. There is no public visitation. Burial will be at the Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.

Dale was born on May 4, 1932 in Buckhorn, Iowa the seventh of nine children to Lewis Charles and Ida Mae (Houle) Scott. He graduated in 1949 from Baldwin High School.

He worked as a lineman for the Baldwin/Nashville Telephone Company at the same time working for his dad on the farm for five years. On June 8, 1951, he married LouJean Kleinsmith in Elwood, Iowa. They rented a farm north of Nashville until 1963 when they purchased a farm on Esgate Road. For the next 56 years they lived and farmed the same place.

Dale was a good athlete. He enjoyed square dancing, roller skating, fishing, and bowling. He was an avid mushroom hunter and berry picker. He was the driver of many hayrack rides, delivered sweet corn and would help anyone in need.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, LouJean Scott of Maquoketa, IA; children, Kathy (Dave) Borcherding of Bettendorf, IA, John Charles (Cheryl) Scott of Fort Collins, CO, and Glenda Jo (Kipp) Smallwood of Littleton, CO; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; a brother and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dale A. Scott, Jr., a brother and five sisters.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of the family’s choice.

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

Helen T. Putman

Helen L. Putman, age 70 of Bellevue, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Friday, April 5, 2019. To celebrate Helen’s life, a private family service is being held. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois, where full military honors will be accorded. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Helen’s family.

Helen was born on November 17, 1948, in Bellevue, Iowa, the oldest daughter of George Louis and Elizabeth Ann (Fuller) Williams. Helen completed her high school education and went on to complete some college credits before she began her lifelong mission as a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother. She spent her entire adult life taking care of her family and reassuring them on a daily basis that they were her pride and joy. She did work outside of the home a little as a waitress at the Julien, but even when she was serving others her heart was always at home. Helen was a quiet and simple lady who never wanted to make a fuss about anything, especially herself. Always putting others first was her goal, and we can honestly say that she succeeded without fail. We will miss our dearly sweet mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but we know that she is now reunited with her loving husband, Terry and her parents once again, and we will remain forever grateful for the abundance of wonderful memories she leaves behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Helen include,

her children,
Troy Williams, Bellevue, Iowa,
Dorie (Scott) Putman, Bellevue, Iowa,
and Shelly (Jesse) Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa;

her grandchildren,
Lindsey Williams, Dubuque, Iowa,
Hunter Williams, Bellevue, Iowa,
Colton Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Nathan Schmitt, Dubuque, Iowa;

her siblings,
Tommy Williams, Tyler, Texas,
Suzie (Louie) Dobbs, Savanna, Illinois,
Tina Williams, Mount Morris, Illinois,
Peggy Theilen, Reedsburg, Wisconsin,
Ivy Roy (Kathy) Williams, Monona, Iowa,
and John Williams, Bellevue, Iowa;

along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Terry Putman.

Helen’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Jackson Country, along with the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional care, love and compassion over these past few weeks.

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

Mary Ann Kern

Mary Ann Kern, 88, of Dyersville passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12thAve SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 3:30 pm and a Catholic Daughters Rosary will be recited at 4 pm. Visitation will continue Wednesday from 9 – 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Ralph Davis will officiate.

Mary Ann was born February 22, 1931, in Kelly, Kansas the daughter ofHenry S. and Veronica E. (Lahr) Russ. After her mother’s death in 1936, she and her brothers came to Hopkinton to be raised by their grandparents. She worked as a hired girl for area families until she graduated from the Hopkinton High School in 1948, when she took a job at Al Danz’s Ben Franklin Store in Dyersville. She married LeRoy C. Kern on February 13, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sand Springs and helped LeRoy at the Kern Locker until 1980, when the business was sold. They then owned the Montgomery Ward franchise in Dyersville for 5 years when she went back to work at Westlinden Locker until finally retiring in 2004.

Survivors include her children, Bernie and Carol Kern, both of Dyersville, a brother, Anthony (Alice) Russ of Hopkinton, a sister-in-law, Rita Russ of Monticello, an aunt, Mary Jane Felton, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, LeRoy, in February, a brother, Nicholas Russ, an infant sister, Anna, and several aunts and uncles from the Lahr family, with whom she was raised.

We would like to thank the excellent staff at the Guttenberg Care Center for the wonderful care and kindness shown to our family these last several months.

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

Vincent L. Strong

Vincent “Vern” L. Strong, 88, of Dubuque passed away Tuesday April 2, 2019 at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corp League. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Vern was born on August 27, 1930 the son of Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong. He married Imelda (Goffinet) Strong in 1964. She preceded him in death. Vern attended St. Columbkille High School and went on to join the Marine Corp where he served proudly.

Vern was a member of the AMVETS as well as the Dubuque Marine Corp League. He was a dedicated plumber and a lifelong member of the UA Union.

In his free time Vern enjoyed woodworking; he would make birdhouses and other decorative items as well as building his own cabinets for his home. He also loved to travel around the country visiting family and seeing new destinations.

He is survived by his children; Michael Strong of Dubuque, IA, Julie (Mitch) Stermer of Campbell, CA, and Susan Harthun of Marion, IA; three grandchildren Calvin Stermer, Ethan Harthun and Robert (Elizabeth) Strong; two great grandchildren Josiah Strong and Gabrielle Strong; and a sister Delores Oliver of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Agnes (Sheehan) Strong and his wife Imelda Strong.

A Vincent L. Strong memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Runde, Dr. Ringold and Hospice of Dubuque and the Nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care.

Lois Mary Hilby

Lois Mary Hilby, 84, of Menominee, IL passed peacefully Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Nativity B.V.M. Church in Menominee, with Fr. Wayne Droessler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 1 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where St. Ann’s Society Rosary will be recited at 12:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Monday, April 8, at the funeral home.

Lois was born May 1, 1934 in Hazel Green, WI, daughter of Arthur and Clara (Placke) Budden. She was united in marriage to Cletus Hilby on October 6, 1954 at St. Joseph Church, in Sinsinawa, WI. Lois worked for many years as a waitress at the Safari Supper Club in East Dubuque. She also worked at Grant Hills Motel along with the many duties of being a farm wife.

Lois enjoyed playing Solo, Sequence and a good game of Euchre. She especially loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their sporting events and helping her children with painting, staining, and varnishing projects.

Lois is survived by her husband, Cletus; her six children, Diane (Glenn) Heller, Nancy (Paul) Fleege, Cathy (Mike) Brotzman, Bob (Polly) Hilby, Joyce (Randy) Wills, and Tom (Judy) Hilby; 13 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren with another baby due in July; 11 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Ellen Timmerman, one brother Richard Budden, brothers and sisters-in-law, Arlene Budden, Kay Budden, Judy Budden-Tigges, Wayne and Rosetta Arand, Eileen Hilby, Rita and Louis Berning, Kenneth Hilby, and Lorraine Wills.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 grandsons; Jared Fleege and Nick Hilby; her brothers, Jim and Roger Budden, her sister Joan Kieler; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Viola Scharpf, Merlin Hilby, Janice Hilby, and LaVerne Wills; along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Menominee Athletic Association Playground Equipment fund.

The family would like to thank Dr. Koenigs of Medical Associates and the staff at Midwest Medical Center for their wonderful care, and Lee Donar for his visits.

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

John W. Ryan

John W. Ryan, 80, of Asbury died Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Resurrection where visitation will also be held Monday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post #6.

John was born August 29, 1938 in Maquoketa, Iowa, son of Melvin and Muriel (Mandercheid) Ryan. He graduated from Loras Academy.

On September 5, 1959, he married JoAnn Engler in Dubuque.

John served in the US Army. He worked for John Deere Dubuque Works for 35 years, retiring on July 31, 1995.

John was very active. He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, playing cards and was a sports fan. He was a former Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus 5513 where he was a 4th degree knight. He has been a member of the Dubuque Men’s Association, Toastmasters, American Legion Dubuque Post #6, UAW local 94 and John Deere Retirees.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Ryan of Asbury; five children, Mike (Mary) Ryan of Independence, Iowa, Michelle (Steve) McCarron and Beth Ryan, both of Dubuque, Todd (Gina) Ryan of Papillion, Nebraska and Cory (Traci) Ryan of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, Zachary (Claire), Daniel and Elliott Ryan; Jessica (Rod) Schumacher, Brennan, Riley and Maddie McCarron; Abby (Clint) Benson, Logan and Alexia Ball; and Lydia (Brian) Cassata and Mackenzie Ryan; six great grandchildren, Brody and Charlie Schumacher; Violet Ryan, Evalynn Benson; Nora and Mila Cassata, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses, Marce and Vince Welsh, Phyllis Ryan and Joan and Dale Fritch; parents in law, Albert and Orlena Engler and Brothers in law, John and Joe Engler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the John Ryan Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the first responders with the Asbury Fire Department the doctors, nurses and staff at Unity Point Health-Finely Hospital ICU for their care.

Fredrick E. Willenborg

Fredrick E. Willenborg, 85, of Bella Vista, Arkansas and previously Petersburg, Iowa, passed away Monday April 1, 2019, at Circle of Life Legacy Village, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held 3-8 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where American Legion Post 137 will conduct a service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2019, St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Petersburg, Iowa where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Fred was born September 12, 1933 in Petersburg, Iowa the son of George and Frances (Noethe) Willenborg. Fred served in the United States Army. He married Ruth Lueck on October 20. 1956 in Dyersville, Iowa. Together they farmed in the Petersburg area until retiring & moving to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1995. He and Ruth then started Fred’s Lawn Service.

Fred was a lifetime member of the VFW, the American Legion Post 341 and the Knights of Columbus.

He was a proud veteran, stationed in Germany, who served as a SP3 of the 287th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. He was a 15 year member of Farm Bureau, holding several positions. He enjoyed bowling, visiting casinos, and especially playing blackjack.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ruth, 8 children: Karen Sadlon, of Earlville, Ken (Lynne) Willenborg of Garber, Kathleen (Ted) Bahl of Anamosa, Karol (Mark) Klaren of Worthington, Kimberly (Daniel) Rubner of Worthington, Kevin (Donna) Willenborg of Cedar Rapids, Karl Willenborg of Dyersville, Kurt (fiancé, Erin Detterbeck) Willenborg of Ely. 19 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. brother, Gilbert Willenborg of Dyersville; in-laws: Grace Putz of Manchester, Don (Verna Mae) Lueck of Dyersville, and Paul Schaul of Manchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Al and Emma Lueck. brother: Lavern Willenborg, grandson, Augustus Willenborg, and a son-in-law, Tony Sadlon Sr. and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Memorials can be made to Circle of Life Hospice Home, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR, 72712.

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

Ruth K. Merges

Ruth K. Merges, 96, of Dubuque, formerly of Sherrill, died Monday, April 1, 2019.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a parish wake service at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Nativity. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ruth was born August 10, 1922 in Dubuque County, daughter of Eli and Emilie (Pautz) Longueville. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and Bayless Business College.

On February 12, 1946 she married Frank J. Merges Sr. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on February 25, 1993.

She was a 48 year breast cancer survivor.

She is survived by three children, Frank J. (Eileen) Merges Jr., Rosemary Schreiber and Ed (Nancy) Merges; seven grandchildren, Joe Schreiber, Steve (Christina) Schreiber, Jennifer (Ottis) Bunning, Diane (Doug) Brehm, Emily (Kenny Arnold) Merges, Amanda (Adam Cook) Merges, and Mike Merges; eight great grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Al Merges and nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, John D. Schreiber; sisters-in-law, Catherine, Barbara, Florence, and Agatha Merges; and brothers- in-law, John (Veronica), Peter, Bernard and Henry Merges.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Ruth Merges Memorial Fund.

Florence A. Kuhl Henkels

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother and Step-Mother, Florence Kuhl Henkels, on March 10, 2019 in Preston, MN.

Mom would have been 99 on June 25, 2019. Mom cherished her Faith, Family and Friends and she made sure that they were a part of her daily life.

Mom was born in Imogene, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard Maher and Mabel Foutch. She married Leonard Kuhl on August 21, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Leonard and Florence moved to Dyersville in 1947, when Leonard took a position with First National Bank. Leonard died on June 22, 1969, of a sudden heart attack. Florence married Robert Henkels on June 29, 1987 in Dyersville; Dr. Henkels died March 29, 2000.

Mom was a member of St Francis Xavier Basilica, Catholic Daughters, Friends of the Library, Dyersville Historical Society and a Charter member of Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. In her younger years she was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, and very active in church and school activities. Mom enjoyed golf, reading, crossword puzzles and cards, of which Bridge was her favorite, having been a member of the same club for over 70 years.

Mom was employed at various times with McKesson & Robbins in Omaha. Internal Revenue in Des Moines, and in Dyersville at Mercy Hospital, Ertl Company and Ross Insurance Agency.

Mom enjoyed her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have been enriched by her gentleness and wisdom. Her joy in spending time with them was matched by their delight in spending time with her. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother as well as a loving and caring Step-mother, Step-grandmother and Step-great-grandmother.

Mom will be missed by her children: Wayne (Judy) Kuhl of Paradise Valley, AZ, David Kuhl of Perrysburg, OH, Joyce (Gary) Hellickson of Preston MN, Janet (John) Jamison of Westerville, OH; Step-children: James (Carla) Henkels of Dubuque, IA, Mary Rhiner of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Annie Henkels of Nashville, TN, as well as her 9 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 17 great and step great grand-children and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was preceeded in death by her parents, her sisters (Margaret, Betty, Delores, Mary Bridget), her brother (Bernard), and two infant brothers.

Mom was a true friend and will be missed and cherished forever by those who were fortunate to have known her.
The family would like to acknowledge the dedication and care provided by the staff at the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville, and in her final years by the staff at Traditions in Preston MN.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica at 11 A.M. with visitation preceding at the Kramer Funeral Home at 9 A.M.

Memorials are preferred to St Francis Xavier Basilica, Beckman High School and/or St. Francis Xavier Grade School.

Marcella J. McCullouch

Marcella J. McCullouch, 83, of Clinton, and formerly of Andrew, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of Marcella’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, April 5, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Thursday, April 4, 2019, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

Marcella Jean Considine was born on September 12, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas J. and Rose M. (Kwilosz) Considine. She was a graduate of Kelly High School in Chicago, Illinois. She married Billy Gene McCullouch in Chicago, Illinois. Three children were born to this union, Deborah, Billy Jr. and Thomas.

Marcella was a housewife and had also worked for Brodies and Calamar Mailing Houses in Chicago. She loved sewing, working on puzzles, planting plants, flower gardening, bird watching, picnics, shopping and most recently coloring in coloring books. She loved spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to honor Marcella’s memory include her son and daughter-in-law, Billy Jr. and Cheryl McCullouch of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren, Rosella, Charles, Krystle, Billy III, Roxanne and Marcella; 4 great-grandchildren, Willow, Piper, Vanessa and Jamie Jr.; and one aunt, Marie Shoaf of Midlothian, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Billy on February 14, 1995, a son Tommy, and a daughter Deborah Fairbanks.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Marcella J. McCullouch memorial fund has been established.

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

Leon L. Kurt

Leon L. Kurt, 82, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 1, 2019 at his home after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Friends and relatives of Leon may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m., and a KC Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Services for Leon will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born August 25, 1936 in Cascade, Iowa, son of John P. and Lena (Hosch) Kurt. While at a dance in Worthington, he met the love of his life, Mary Gertrude (Trudy) Meyer. They were united in marriage on September 9, 1961, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Leon grew up on the family farm where he learned to feed livestock and grow crops. He spent his lifetime farming in the Cascade area. Leon served in the Navy, 1957-58, at the Norfolk Naval Base and spent time on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy (DD-850).

Leon is a member of St. Matthias Parish, a 50 plus year member of the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930, American Legion Post #528, and the Dubuque County Cattlemen’s Association (Hall of Fame).

In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a blackjack dealer at the first floating casino in Dubuque. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, gardening, playing blackjack, watching Gunsmoke and college and professional sports. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, attending their activities, and teaching a number of them how to play golf.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Trudy; five children, Kris (Jim) Messerschmidt of Lake Zurich, IL, Kathleen (Dr. David) Prentice of Elgin, IA, Kerri (Bill) Reed of Newton, IA, Kim (Dr. Doug) Wong of Golden, CO, and Kevin (Stacey) Kurt of Cedar Rapids, IA; 13 grandchildren; David and Laura Messerschmidt; J.D., Kailee and J.K. Prentice; Trae Reed, Abby (Travis) Ewing, and Paige Reed; Kai and Koa Wong; Carter Kurt, Anthony Bartlett and Alyssa Grant; and two brothers, Carl Kurt and Melvin (Lavonne) Kurt both of Cascade; and in-laws, Wayne (Liz) Zumhof, Jean Meyer, Rita (Jerry) Hubbard, Clete Meyer, Herman (Sandy) Meyer, Kathy (Doug) Schlickman, JoAnn Lehman and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Fred (Alvina) Kurt, Mary (Wilfred) Dolphin, Joe (Jane) Kurt, Sam (Tess) Kurt, Andrew Kurt, Herb (Dottie) Kurt, Margaret Ann (Ralph) Otting, Eleanor (Pat) Burke, Anna Mae (Bill) Lehman, Mary Lou Kurt, Mary Zumhof, Don (Eileen) Meyer, Willie Meyer and Ann Meyer.

The family wishes to thank Father Loecke and the parish staff/volunteers for their comforting visits. We also thank Hospice of Dubuque (Tammi, Heather, Amy and on-call staff) and Helping Hands for all of their compassionate care.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to St. Matthias Parish in Cascade or to Hospice of Dubuque.

Milo D. Schoenthaler

Milo D. Schoenthaler, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A graveside service and burial celebrating Milo’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 5, 2019, from 4 to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Milo David Schoenthaler was born on March 4, 1930 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Ed and Osta (Hamilton) Schoenthaler. He was a 1948 graduate of Elwood High School and then served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He married Fern D. Schnoor on June 14, 1954 in Nebraska. To this union four children were born, Mark, Boyd, Leon and Todd.

Upon returning home from the military, Milo worked for a Railroad Station near Elwood, Iowa. He then worked for the Buckhorn Creamery until its closing and after that at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa for ten years. For a short time thereafter, he worked at John Deere Harvester Works in Moline, Illinois. He then worked for the Maquoketa Community School District as a custodian for over 25 years, retiring in 1992.

Milo was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. He enjoyed going for coffee each day and having breakfast every Thursday morning with friends. He was an avid sports fan with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes being a few of his favorites.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Fern Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA; sons, Mark (Kathy) Schoenthaler of Colorado Springs, CO, Boyd (Pam) Schoenthaler of Maquoketa, IA, and Todd (Chris) Schoenthaler of Edmond, OK; 7 grandchildren, Ian, Chad, Megan, Mindy, Curtis, April and Shaun; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother George “Stu” Schoenthaler, and a son Leon Schoenthaler in 2010.

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.

Kathleen J. Dittmar

Kathleen J. “Katie” Dittmar, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 31, 2019 at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church until time of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Katie was born on March 29, 1934 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Ervin and Marguerite (Miller) Berger and graduated from St. Columbkille High School. She married Philipp Dittmar Jr. on November 21, 1953 in Dubuque.

She was manager of Casey’s General Store for 30 years and change attendant at the Dubuque Greyhound Park. She was an avid bowler and an enthusiastic gambler.

Katie is survived by her children, Thomas (Brenda Mohr) Dittmar, Diane (Kenneth) Smith, Cynthia (Douglas) Fitzpatrick, Laura (Bradley) Richard and Patricia (Mark Becker) Delaney. Grandchildren, Steven (Susan) Swift, Daniel (Maiko) Dittmar, Andrew (Dawn) Fitzpatrick, Amanda (Don Rury) Fitzpatrick, Amber (Codie) Jacobsen, Keegan Delaney along with many great grandchildren. Her sisters Lenore Kubesheski, Delores McCarthy and Linda Greenwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband Philipp Dittmar, Jr.; her parents Ervin and Marguerite Berger; a brothers Ervin and Robert and a sister Susan.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill Care Center especially Felicia for all their wonderful care.