Obituaries Archive
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Mary Jane Moss
Mary Jane Moss, 80, of Dyersville, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2019, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Pending the recovery of her husband, Kenneth, funeral arrangements will be scheduled through Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.
Mary Jane was born November 1, 1938, in Rockwell, Iowa the daughter of Bernard Joseph and Mary Catherine (McCarthy) Fitzgerald. She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in 1956. She married Kenneth L. Moss on September 6, 1958 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. She moved to Dyersville with her husband in June of 1961, from Iowa City where her husband graduated from the University of Iowa Law School. She was family oriented and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a volunteer worker for the Mercy Health Center, St. Mary’s Unit (now MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center) Auxiliary Gift Shop and the Dyersville Area Historical Society.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; four children: Diane Marie Moss of Dyersville, Patricia Lynn Moss (Jeff Johnson) of Crystal MN, Susan Michelle (William) Sharp of Des Moines, Brian Kenneth (Heather) Moss of Apple Valley, MN, a son-in-law, Patrick Lenane of Fort Dodge, IA; grandchildren: Briana Marie Moss, Jesse Tyler Sharp, Jade Alexandra Sharp, Nickolas Kenneth Lenane, Andrew Patrick Lenane, Soren Lee Moss-Johnson, Sophia Grace Moss and Isabella Rose Moss; a sister, Alice (Gary) Ebeling of Clear Lake, brothers-in-law: John (Wanda) Moss and Jerry (Mary) Moss, and sisters-in-law: Dixie Shimak, Marilyn Moss-Taylor, Patricia Moss-Farnan, and Kathy (Dan) Moorhead, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Colleen Kay Lenane, a brother, Bernard (Doris) Fitzgerald, sisters, Marguerite (William) Maxwell and Genevieve M (Harold) Witt, a brother-in-law, Ray Shimak, and one great nephew, Robert Francis Tenney.
Wayne M. Pregler
Wayne M. Pregler, age 71, of Dubuque, Elkader and Texas, was called home suddenly at 8:37 p.m., on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Wayne’s life, funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Wayne’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Wayne was born on August 25, 1947, in Dubuque, son of Clifford and Janet (Kalloway) Pregler.
Wayne was a proud life-long Dubuquer, who worked for Flexsteel Industries as an upholsterer, devoting 37 years to the company before retiring. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judith Mess, on February 24, 1968, and they were blessed with 2 children and 29 wonderful years together, before Judith preceded him in death on April 24, 1997. After a couple years had passed, Wayne was fortunate to once again find true love, and was united in marriage to Charlene Hanson on May 29, 1999, the two became inseparable, spending almost 20 fun filled years together. In his free time, Wayne enjoyed anything that allowed him to spend time in the great outdoors, but camping and playing golf were his favorite activities. He even joined the maintenance department at the Elkader Golf and Country Club, not only so he could make sure the course was always in tip top shape, but to give him extra time to perfect his golfing skills. Wayne was quite proud of the fact that he had made not only 1, but 3 holes-in-one throughout the years. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, and was very active on the local dirt track racing scene for 30 years, being involved with several championship winning teams. Wayne was also an avid bowler with the Flexsteel bowling team for 30 years. When Wayne finally officially retired from all of his jobs, he and Char became full time RVers, splitting their time between Iowa and Texas, loving every minute of it. Beyond a doubt, Wayne’s family was his pride and joy, and he took advantage of every opportunity that came along for them to spend time together. We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, but are thankful for all of the wonderful memories we have made throughout the years and will treasure forever.
Those left to cherish Wayne’s memory include
his loving wife, best friend and soulmate,
Charlene Pregler, Dubuque, IA;
his children,
Tracy (Terry) Gavin, Bernard, IA,
Brian (Debbie) Pregler, Mechanicsville, IA,
Angie (Brian) Miller, Dubuque, IA,
Vicki (Adam) Dolan, East Dubuque, IL
and Tony (Angie) Cross, Dubuque, IA;
his 15 grandchildren;
and his great-granddaughter.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Judith Pregler.
Marjorie M. Montelius
Marjorie M. “Marge” Montelius, 74, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Cristina Montelius, in East Dubuque, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.
Visitation is from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday at the Miller Funeral Home.
Marge was born on September 13, 1944 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Al and Rita (Fleege) Petitgout.
She was a 1962 graduate of East Dubuque High School. She later attended NITI College in Peosta and graduated in 1989. On July 9, 1972 she was united in marriage to Bill Montelius, Sr. in Galena, IL.
Marge was a former member of the Jo Daviess County Board. She was a Master Gardener who enjoyed nature and the Mississippi River. She and Bill have had a houseboat at Massey Marina since 1984. Marge loved to travel. Her family and grandchildren were the most important part of her life.
Surviving is her husband Bill; two children, Cristina (David) Small of East Dubuque and Daniel Montelius of Dubuque; eight step-children, Bill (Cathy) Montelius, Jr. of Violet, LA, Janet (Paul) Adams and Darryl (Kathy) Montelius both of Lake Whales, FL, Randy (Liz) Montelius of Cedar Rapids, IA, Alan Montelius of Marion, IA, Laurie (Dave) Von Ah and Karen Weber of Dubuque, and Barb (Aaron) Baltz of Brookfield, WI; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a niece, Jessica (Lynn) Carter of Stoddard, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Rita; her brother, Dale, sister-in-law Ginny Lou Petitgout, and son-in-law Patrick Weber.
A Marge Montelius memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.
Raymond F. Dean
Raymond “Ray” F. Dean, 92 of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away Monday, March 18, 2019, at his home.
Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., March 21, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home in Holy Cross where a parish vigil service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Hall prior to funeral services.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., March 22, 2019, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Buena Vista, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate.
Raymond was born February 9, 1927 in North Buena Vista, Iowa the son of William and Elizabeth (Freiburger) Dean. He married Nettie Harry on September 28, 1946 in North Buena Vista, Iowa.
Ray was employed by Dubuque Packing House for many years. He enjoyed spending time in the woods, hunting and trapping, or on the river, setting trout lines and turtle traps. Ray and family raised and butchered countless chickens each year. He most enjoyed visits with his grandkids and great grandkids.
Survivors include his son: Rick (Heidi) Dean of Holy Cross, grandchildren: Sarah (Steve) Schirmer of Dyersville, Nick (Catie) Dean of Guttenberg, and Stefanie Dean (special friend, Tony Ayers) of Dubuque, great grandchildren: Colin and Kyle Schirmer, Avery and Mallory Dean, siblings: Ann Gurioli and Betty Capone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nettie in 1996, siblings: Harriet, Marie, William, Florence, Rose, Loretta, Catherine, and Harry, in-laws: Dorothy Brandenberg, Mahala Dean, Geraldine Laufenberg, Carol Molitor, Merville, Lloyd and Russell Harry, John Harry, Betty Schumacher.
The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. Also, a special thank you to Mary Schmidt and Angel Coyle for their time spent caring for Raymond.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.
Joseph W. Jacobsmeier
Joseph W. Jacobsmeier, 75, of Dubuque, Ia. passed away peacefully at 8:00 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2019, at home with his loving family by his side.
To honor Joe’s life, visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, where a wake service will be held at 6:45p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Family and friends may visit after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of service. Burial will be held at Linwood Cemetery.
Joe was born on July 12, 1943, in Amboy, Ill, the son of Greg and Mary (Eardman) Jacobsmeier. He grew up in Dyersville, IA and attended Dyersville Xavier Schools.
On August 28, 1965 Joe married the love of his life, Donna Brooks, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA. They had 53 wonderful years together.
He worked at Ray’s Amoco as a mechanic for 30 yrs. as well as Big A Auto and Thermo-King until retirement in 2003.
He had a passion for Dubuque History and belonged to the Dubuque postcard club as well as the Panera Bread Breakfast Club where he enjoyed his daily coffee with friends. He also enjoyed his time at home with his beloved dog Bindy.
Joe loved watching Nascar and was a fan of #4 Kevin Harvick. He was a Chevy man and very much enjoyed watching Toyota getting beat. Sometimes he would wager a cup of coffee on the race with friends! In his earlier years he enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing with family and friends.
He and his wife Donna were instrumental in fundraising efforts for the Veterans memorial Plaza located on Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Survivors include his son Ron Jacobsmeier, Daughter Dawn (Mark) Knockel; 5 grandchildren, Alyssa (Andrew) Schmidt, Emily (Christian) Jacobs, Linzy Knockel, Natalie Jacobsmeier & Amanda Knockel; 5 Great grandchildren, Hayden Jacobsmeier, Parker Schmidt, Remington Jacobs, Riley Schmidt & Eli Jacobs. Sister Agnes Nadermann, Dubuque; Brother John (Judy) Jacobsmeier, Cedar Falls; Sister Bernice Williamson, Dubuque & sister-in-law Janice Jacobsmeier, Monticello; Aunts, Uncles, Nieces & Nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Greg and Mary (Eardman) Jacobsmeier and brother Bernard Jacobsmeier.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Joe’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.leonardfuneralhome.com
Amy M. Mehlhorn
Amy Marie Mehlhorn, 35, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on March 17th, 2019 surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation will be open to family and friends from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday March 23rd, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Funeral services will then proceed at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Suits officiating at the funeral home.
Amy was born on October 31st, 1983 in Derby, Connecticut. Amy graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 2002 as valedictorian. She then attended the University of Sothern California and graduated in 2006 with a BA in Cinema-Television Production.
For over 8 years, Amy was a loyal worker of AY McDonald in Dubuque. She enjoyed playing scattergories and working on her ancestry tree. Amy was also an active member of Dubuque’s local film club. From a very young age, she was an amazing and talented visual artist.
She is survived by her mother Carol Cook, step-father Steven Cook, sister Brenda Mehlhorn, brother Timothy Mehlhorn, and her grandmother Sharon Mehlhorn, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Amy was preceded in death by her father Daniel Mehlhorn, and grandmother June Thompson, along with many other family members.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their great care and compassion, all of their supportive friends and family, and a special thank you to Amy’s new friend, Anna.
Elmeretta Koon
Elmeretta “Etta” Koon, 96, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday morning, March 18, 2019, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, Iowa.
A celebration of Etta’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 23, 2019, Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the services from 9:30 A.M. until 11 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Elmeretta Bowman was born on April 27, 1922 on a farm west of Maquoketa to Elmer and Nora (Edson) Bowman. She attended Maquoketa schools graduating in 1940. She attended Bussell’s Beauty School of Cosmetology in Davenport and returned to Maquoketa where she worked in her sister Lola Goodall’s beauty shop.
She married Dale L. Koon on February 3, 1943 at the Methodist Church in Davenport, Iowa. When Dale went to the Army, she followed him and worked in several beauty shops in Texas and Kentucky. After the war, she returned to Maquoketa and opened her own beauty shop until 1956. She later worked at the Sears Catalog Store in Maquoketa.
Etta had been a member of the Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school and then became a member of the United Church of Christ where she served on several boards. She had also volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels in Maquoketa for over 20 years.
Etta loved traveling. She and Dale went on trips to numerous states and spent many years going camping with a group of special friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family for every holiday, especially Christmas. She also enjoyed sending cards to church members, family and friends.
Those left to honor her memory include her two sons, Michael D. Koon and his wife, Diana of Sarasota, FL, and David L. Koon and his wife, Judy of Maquoketa, IA; two grandsons, David Jr. of Des Moines, and Jeffery and his wife, Annmarie and their two daughters, Julia and Marissa of Livonia, MI; and two step grandsons, Shawn Payment and his wife Susan of Johns Island, SC, and Stephen Payment and his wife Brandi and her son Christan of Orlando, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale on July 9, 2010, a grandson Jeremy Koon on January 17, 2013, sisters Beaulah Bowman Schenk and husband Edwin and Lola Bowman Goodall and husband Ray, brothers Kenneth and wife Laura and Edelman and wife Zelda.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.
Online Condolences may be left at www.carsonandson.com.
James C. Miller
James C. Miller, 81, of Delhi, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 17th, 2019 at MercyOne Medical.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22nd, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League and the presentation of the Four Fives by the Dubuque Fire Department. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 21st. 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 2:30 p.m.
Jim was born on June 26, 1937 the son of Theodore and Genevieve (Carroll) Miller. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958. He married Laura Welter. Together they shared 56 years of a loving marriage.
Jim worked for the Dubuque Fire Department from 1962 to 1999 retiring as Assistant Chief; and was a member of the Retired Dubuque Firefighters Association.
He was a devoted family man, who loved spending time with his family and friends at Lake Delhi. He enjoyed playing cards, dominos, hunting and fishing. He was an avid Green Bay Packer Fan.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was proud of his entire family.
He is survived by his wife Laura; children Dan (Jill) Miller, Mark (Patti) Miller, Chris (Amy) Miller, Michele (Kevin Lynn) Pitts, all of Dubuque. Grandchildren Codi (Brian) Putman, Tye (Kristen) Miller, Sam Miller; Mitchell and Maddie Miller; Joshua (Carrie) Pitts, Tom Pitts, Genavieve Pitts; 9 great grandchildren. Brother William (Charlyn) Miller, of Dubuque. Sisters and Brother-in-law, Jean (Mike) Vance, David (Dawn) Welter, and Rita Osterberger, all of Dubuque; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law Tom Pitts; two sisters Joyce and Pat.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.
The family wishes to thank all the health care professionals especially MercyOne in Dubuque and the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave to Jim and his family.
Robert T. Baker
Robert T. “Bob” Baker 81, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019 at the Church of The Nativity with Rev. Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corp League. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd. where a scripture wake service will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Bob was born on July 16, 1937 in Dubuque, the son of Milton and Margaret (Higgins) Baker.
He married Colleen Donovan on May 2, 1959 at St. Raphael’s Cathedral. She preceded him in death on December 13, 2003.
Bob lived in Dubuque all his life. He attended Nativity and St. Joseph grade schools and graduated from Loras Academy, Class of 1955. He was a member of Nativity Parish and Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 355.
He worked at Dubuque Packing Co., Bob Biedler Mobil and John Deere Dubuque Works for 33 years. He was a member of the UAW Local 94, served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1956 to 1958 and was a member of the Dubuque Marine Corp League.
Bob enjoyed playing golf and pool, the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, New York Yankees, NASCAR and spending time with family, friends and grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Ann (Dan) Flynn of Newburgh, IN, Cathy (Roy) Snyder of Rochelle, IL, Mike (Connie) Baker of Dubuque, IA, Susan (Tom) Crimmins of North Liberty, IA, Patti (Tom) Finnegan of Eldridge, IA and John Baker of Dubuque, IA; 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Bill and Donald Baker and his sister-in-law Gwen Baker.
A Robert J. Baker memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Medical Associates, Dr. Christopher Stille, Dr. Eltibi Rami, Dr. Dolehide, Dr. Janes, Julie Ehlinger ARNP, Dr. Boyle, his heart nurses at Mercy Medical Center (Kelly and Lacee) and the nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center.
D. Kent Wielage
D. Kent Wielage, 73, of Dubuque died Sunday, March 17, 2019 surrounded by his family.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.
Kent was born June 29, 1945 in Lincoln, Nebraska, son of Donald R. and Esther J. (Manion) Wielage. He graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1967 and on December 23, 1967, he married Laura Menard at St. Joseph Church, Bellevue, Iowa.
Kent served his country in the Viet Nam War as a member of the US Army.
He worked at John Deere Dubuque Works as a supply management specialist, retiring in 2001.
Kent was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved traveling and taking his kids and grandkids on vacation. He was also an avid reader and fan of NASCAR.
He is survived his wife, Laura Wielage, a son, Chad Wielage, two daughters, Karen (William Jr.) Freiburger and Susan (Drew) Waller and five grandchildren, Alex and Emma Freiburger and Samuel, Maxwell and Vivian Waller, all of Dubuque.
He is also survived by three siblings, Michael Wielage of Goshen, Virginia, Jill Dinnes of Davenport, Iowa and Paul (Therese) Wielage of Des Moines, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother in law, Ralph Dinnes.
Rose Mary Heinze-Haskell
Rose Mary Heinze-Haskell, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 16th, 2019 at home.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.
Rose was born on November 1, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Alfred and Adeline (Waters) Birch. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. In 1952 she married Frank C. Heinze and he preceded her in death. She later married Richard C. Haskell in 1978 and he preceded her in death.
She worked for Dubuque Stamping Company, John Deere and Answer Iowa. She was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Youth Bowling League, United States Bowling Congress and was inducted into the DWBA Hall of Fame in 2007.
Rose enjoyed travelling, spending time on the river and singing karaoke with her friends. She was also on many bowling leagues throughout her life.
Rose is survived by her children, Frank (Annie) Heinze, of Dubuque, Deborah (Richard) Smith, of Cedar Falls, John (Jeannie) Heinze, of Dubuque, Trish Julson, of Dubuque, Rick (Sharon) Haskell, of Dubuque, Patti (Joe Weber) Sarazin, of Dubuque and her sister Shirley Stecklein, of Platteville, WI. Rose has 18 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren and also leaves behind her beloved dog “Eddie Haskell”
She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter in infancy, and a brother Tom Birch.
Carol Anna Averkamp
Carol Anna Averkamp, 86, of Benton, WI passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.
A funeral mass will be 11 AM, Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Benton. A family visitation will be held prior from 9 AM until 10:15 AM at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was born March 13, 1933, in Buncombe the daughter of Thomas Earl and Lorena Ann (Leglar) Furlong. Carol graduated from Hazel Green High School. She was united in marriage to Bernard A. Averkamp on August 1, 1953, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Hazel Green, WI and he preceded her in death on August 2, 1999.
Carol was a homemaker along with helping her husband on their farm. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and going on car rides. Carol was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Benton.
She is survived by three sons, Kevin (Kathy) Averkamp of Dubuque, Tony Averkamp of Benton, Roger Averkamp of Leadmine, WI, a daughter, Vicki (Mark) Richardson of Benton, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, three brothers, Carl (Dolly) Furlong, Claire (Sandy) Furlong and David (Diane) Furlong, one sister, Inez Piquette and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter-in-law, Sherry Averkamp, two granddaughters, Melinda Mae Averkamp and Diana Carol Richardson, six brothers, Robert, John “Percy”, Gerald, Daryl, James “Digger” and Earl “Nick”, five sisters, Mary in infancy, Elaine, Helen, Twila and Lila.
“We will never forget how our Mother’s positive attitude, kindness, and smile has gotten her through some good times and some bad times. Her strength has taught us all how to make the toughest times easier and for that, we will be forever grateful.”
Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Carol Anna Averkamp
Carol Anna Averkamp, 86, of Benton, WI passed away Saturday, March 16, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.
A funeral mass will be 11 AM, Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Benton. A family visitation will be held prior from 9 AM until 10:15 AM at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, IL. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
She was born March 13, 1933, in Buncombe the daughter of Thomas Earl and Lorena Ann (Leglar) Furlong. Carol graduated from Hazel Green High School. She was united in marriage to Bernard A. Averkamp on August 1, 1953, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Hazel Green, WI and he preceded her in death on August 2, 1999.
Carol was a homemaker along with helping her husband on their farm. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and going on car rides. Carol was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Benton.
She is survived by three sons, Kevin (Kathy) Averkamp of Dubuque, Tony Averkamp of Benton, Roger Averkamp of Leadmine, WI, a daughter, Vicki (Mark) Richardson of Benton, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, three brothers, Carl (Dolly) Furlong, Claire (Sandy) Furlong and David (Diane) Furlong, one sister, Inez Piquette and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter-in-law, Sherry Averkamp, two granddaughters, Melinda Mae Averkamp and Diana Carol Richardson, six brothers, Robert, John “Percy”, Gerald, Daryl, James “Digger” and Earl “Nick”, five sisters, Mary in infancy, Elaine, Helen, Twila and Lila.
“We will never forget how our Mother’s positive attitude, kindness, and smile has gotten her through some good times and some bad times. Her strength has taught us all how to make the toughest times easier and for that, we will be forever grateful.”
Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Charles J. Edmonds
Charles “Chuck” J. Edmonds, 58, of Galena, IL passed away unexpectedly March 13, 2019 in Rockford, IL from a sudden illness.
Funeral service will be 11 AM, Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, rural Galena. Friends may call from 1 to 4 PM, Sunday, March 17, 2019 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel.
He was born July 8, 1960 in Hazel Green, WI the son of Charles C. and Anna Mae (Kieffer) Edmonds. He graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1978. Chuck was united in marriage to Diane Bussan on September 30, 1989 in Galena and she survives. He was currently employed at East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant.
Chuck loved spending time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed watching westerns, hunting, fishing and farming. He is survived by his wife, Diane, two step-sons, Jeremy and Brian Einsweiler, his mother, Anna Mae Edmonds, his siblings, Dave Edmonds, Dennis (Joyce) Edmonds, Dick Edmonds, Greg (Clarene) Edmonds, Mark Edmonds, Tim Edmonds, Becky (Tom) Ruchti, Scott (Laura) Edmonds and Jeff Edmonds, his mother in-law, Nadane Bussan, four brothers in-law, Jim (Nancy), Mark, Roy and Todd (special friend Tracy Houston) Bussan, a sister in-law, Julie (Mark) Fryer, and his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father and his father in law, LeRoy Bussan. The family requests no flowers.
Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com
Julie A. Pickel
Julie A. Pickel, 58, of Pahrump, Nevada, formerly of Kieler, Wisconsin, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Wm. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott, Rev. Randy Timmerman and Deacon Larry Tranel officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center where the parish wake service will be at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Friday at the church before the service.
Julie was born on June 25, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth J. “Kenny” and Berneice (Langmeier) Pickel.
Once she graduated high school, Julie expressed an interest in joining the U.S. Military and serving in the Army. She retired from the Army in June of 1998 after receiving full retirement benefits. During her military tenure she spent a significant amount of time in Germany where she was able to experience the chaos and excitement that came with the infamous, “Fall of the Berlin Wall”. She then returned to Madison to work at UW Hospital and Clinics as an operating room technician where she aided surgeons by giving them the necessary operating tools during procedures. In her time in Madison she always made a point to make the hour and a half drive to Kieler, Wisconsin, to visit her parents and her family. While her youngest brother was not based in the Wisconsin area, she always would contact him and his family at least once a week as well as her adopted army family. Julie’s immediate kin consisted of several pairs of dogs throughout the years, some of the most notable being Fluff and Rambo, and the current Tucker and Buddy. Besides her love for her K-9 pets, which she called “The Boys”, she had a fierce and undying love for her four nieces and two nephews. At least once a year she would gather all six of them together and host the long anticipated “Niece and Nephew Night”. “Niece and Nephew Night” entailed a wide variety of activities with all the kids and Julie together that ranged from going bowling, skating, seeing movies, and playing long hours of cards, and other party games. She hosted a very similar event with her cousins on Christmas Eve where all of them would get together and have dinner. After her time in Madison she fled the cold weather, calling herself a snowbird (one who retires away from snow), and moved to Pahrump Nevada, a place less than an hour away from Las Vegas. During retirement Julie made many friends with neighbors and engaged in activities such as water aerobics and annual card meetings. In January she sadly learned that she had pancreatic cancer. She swiftly made the journey back home to Wisconsin and began treatment. After moves from the U.S.A. to Germany and back, then from Wisconsin to Nevada, and back as well, Julie’s final move, occurred on March 16, where she entered the gates of Heaven.
Survivors include her parents, Kenny and Berneice Pickel, of Kieler; her siblings, Jim (Jane) Pickel, of Kieler, Joe (Lori) Pickel, of Arlington, Virginia, and Jenny (John) Brosius, of Kieler; her nieces and nephews, Jessica, Blake, Erica, Gabrielle, Lexi, Gage, and her one and only godson, Joey; a good friend, Alice Lubers, of Pahrump, Nevada; and her dogs, also known as the boys, Tucker and Buddy.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.


