Obituaries Archive

Ronald J. Winter

Ronald J. Winter, 76, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on April 6, 2019 at MercyOne Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 12th, 2019 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church with Rev. Dwayne Thoman officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church until time of service. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Ron was born on November 10, 1942 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Charles and Jeannette (Drumm) Winter. He married Barbara Behnke on September 9, 1967 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2017.

Ron attended Loras Academy, graduating from Wahlert High School 1962. He attended Loras College before starting his career with Eagle Food Stores working at all three locations in various positions and management areas until the stores closed.

Ron was an avid Green Packer fan sticking with them thru the good and the bad years. He also enjoyed the Hawkeyes and the White Sox games. He most enjoyed the summer months finding the fishing holes with his brothers-in-law Robert and Irv, bringing home the stories of the big ones lost and who caught the most fish.

Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years Barbara; his siblings Allan (Sue) Winter, Mary Jo (Boyd) Card and Dale (fiance Dana) Winter; nieces and nephews Shannon Sitzmann, Dawn (Peter) Ruiz, Jennifer (Gregg) Winters, Lindsey (Chris) Borelli, Dallas (Michelle) and Dustin (Nicky) Winter along with 12 great nieces and nephews. In-laws Irv Kathy Behnke, Pete and Linda Behnke and Linda and Robert Stoll, 10 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step dad Bruce Wilcox.

In lieu of flowers a Ronald J. Winter memorial fund will be established.

Callista M. Decker

Callista M. Decker, 83, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away suddenly on April 7, 2019 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11th, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic 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. Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:00 p.m.

Callista was born on April 24th, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Marcella (Maro) Tigges. She attended St. Catherine’s School and on May 25, 1954 she married Albert Decker at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Albert preceded her in death on January 8th, 2019.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of St. Joseph Key West Rosary Society and also belonged to the Mother Cabrini C.M.S.C.

Callista enjoyed her life on the farm and being a homemaker. She was known as the egg lady. She was a wonderful baker and cook, she would never let you leave hungry. Callista made many birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. Albert would offer cooking advice and she would remind him that she didn’t tell him how to farm.

Callista also loved to sew, making many stuffed animals and crafts that her grandchildren and great grandchildren are still enjoying. She enjoyed reading and her flowers along with spending time with her family during the holidays, especially Christmas, leaving many wonderful memories. She will be deeply missed.

Callista is survived by her 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. Granddaughter-in-law Stephani Decker. Great grandchildren, Evan, Holli, Jacob, Alexis, Morgan, Peyton, DJ, Calli, Cate, Parker, Oli, Eben, Avery, Maddy, Gwen, Gus, Cooper, and Camille, and her 19th great grandchild is expected to arrive in June. She is also survived by her brother Ray Tigges; brothers and sisters-in-law, , Vincent (Evelyn) Decker, of Zwingle, Hubert (Elizabeth) Decker, of Cascade, Monica (Cletus) Thielen, of Zwingle, Darlene Collins, of Dubuque, 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, Kenneth Decker, of Dubuque, and Charlene Decker of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert; father and mother-in-law John and Frances Decker; her sister Mary in infancy; a son David J. Decker; grandson Timothy R. Decker; sister-in-law Rosie Tigges; brothers and sisters-in-law William “Willie” (Mary) Decker, Raymond (Phyllis) Decker, Harvey Decker and James Collins.

In lieu of flowers a Callista Decker memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Key West Fire and EMS; Dubuque County Sherriff Dept.; and Fr. Rod Allers for all their help and compassion that was given to them. Also, to Dr. Brian Sullivan, Dr. David Ringold, Dr. Scott Brock and Julie Ehlinger for all their care and compassion that was given to mom over the years.

Alice M. Skinner

Alice M. Skinner, Age 91, passed away at Luther Manor on Saturday, April 6, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 10 at 10 AM. Father Paul Attah-Nsiah will be presiding. A visitation will be held at the Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3860 Asbury Road on Tuesday, April 9 from 3 PM to 7 PM, where a Prayer service will be given at 2:30 PM.

Alice was born on August 26, 1927 to her parents, Ralph and Corrine (Rapp) Howe. She was a graduate of Dubuque Senior High School in 1945. She married the love of her life Eugene Skinner on October 5, 1946 at Nativity Catholic Church in Dubuque. She was employed by the J. J. Hohnecker Company as a secretary and was also a loving mother to her eight children. She was a member of the Dubuqueland Women’s Bowling Association for 24 years in which she served as the Vice President and was the secretary for 4 years as well as a member of their Hall of Fame. She was also involved in the Iowa State Young American Bowling Alliance and served as the secretary-treasurer for 5 years. Alice was Past President and secretary of the Women’s Local 94 Auxiliary.

Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband of 72 years Eugene Skinner; her children, Connie (Don) Riedl, of Dubuque, IA, Barbara (Jerry) Hawbaker, of Cherokee Village, AR, Marsha (Pat) Corken, of Dubuque, Marla (Ken) Cruise, Dubuque, William Skinner, Dubuque, Gail (Dennis) Hayes, Dubuque, Paul Skinner, Dubuque, and Stacy (Tim) Vath, of Greer, SC; 24 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, 19 step-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary Pauley, of Burton, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, eight sisters, Dorothy Finch, Myra Becke, Elaine Dade, Regina Flick, June Welter, Virginia Hillary, Janet Burd, Joan Gordon; one brother, Ralph Howe; brothers-in-law, Chuck Finch, Chris Becke, Russell Dade, Merv Flick, LeRoy Welter, Jim Burd, Matthew Gordon, Dale Hillary; and two sisters-in-law, Muriel Howe and Ruth Blindert.

An Alice M. Skinner memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to give thank-you to the staffs at the Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor.

Patrick F. Anglin

Patrick F. Anglin, 54, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Dubuque, passed away April 4, 2019 at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday April 9, 2019 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Lawrence Cemetery in Otter Creek. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Patrick was born in Dubuque on October 19, 1964 the son of John “Jack” and Laverne (Mahoney) Anglin. He graduated from Western Dubuque High School in 1983 and the University of Iowa in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration.

He worked in publishing for many years in Dubuque and Columbia, MO.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes and also enjoyed coaching his daughter’s teams.

He is survived by his daughter, Josie Anglin, his former wife and dear friend, Tricia Anglin, both of Columbia, MO, his parents, John “Jack” and Laverne Anglin of Dubuque, 3 siblings, Robert (Diane Kaderavek) Anglin, Diane (Ruben) Forner and Sr. Lou Anglin, BVM, an uncle, Carl Anglin, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and many uncles and aunts.

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.