Obituaries Archive

Louise E. Welch

Louise E. Welch, 91, of DeWitt, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018, at the Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt, Iowa.

A memorial service celebrating Louise’s life will be held at 5 P.M., Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A reception will follow in “The Bistro” at Carson’s. A private graveside service and burial will be held from the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

Louise Elizabeth Wieters was born on March 24, 1926 in Galena, Illinois, to Raymond and Lenice (Maahs) Wieters. She was a 1944 graduate of Galena High School. She married Clinton Brownell in 1946 in Galena, Illinios, and they had two children, Janice and Lyn. She and Clinton later divorced and on June 22, 1962 she married Richard L. Welch in Dubuque, Iowa.

Louise had first worked at the Galena Kraft Cheese Factory for several years. She then worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa and lastly at Briggs Elementary School in Maquoketa as a custodian.

Louise was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and spending time with her family.

Those left to honor Louise’s memory include her children, Janice Culbertson of DeWitt, IA, and Lyn (Neil) Latimer of Spring Branch, TX; a step-son, Richard Welch of Iowa City, IA; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Clarence, sisters Helen and Frieda, and her husband Richard on June 6, 2012.

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.

Charles C. Polkinghorn, Sr.

Charles Curtis Polkinghorn, Sr., 63, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 27, 2018, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital in Dubuque. He was born on October 3, 1954, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to John “Tony” William Knapp and Marcella Davenport and raised by Kurt Polkinghorn and his mother, Marcella. He attended school in Dubuque through the tenth grade.

In 1972, Charles was united in marriage to Sandra Murray in Dubuque. Three children were born to this union. The couple later divorced.

Charles worked as a custodian for Area Residential Care (ARC) in Dubuque. He loved listening to classic country music and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his three children, Charles Polkinghorn, Jr., and Zach Polkinghorn, both of Cedar Rapids, and Stephanie (Jason) Meck, of Platteville, Wisconsin; and two grandchildren, Brianna and Tyler Meck.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Polkinghorn, and his sister, Margaret Trautwein.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home of Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Patrick A. Lansing

Patrick A. Lansing 79 of Dubuque passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family after a short-but courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, January 29, 2018 at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd. with a 5:30 pm Scripture Service. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Patrick was born December 27, 1938 in Guttenberg, Iowa the son of Leo and Ida (Wernke) Lansing. He served in the US Navy and on October 10, 1959 he married Mary Ann Pfohl at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. Patrick enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events, playing cards, fishing, home projects and taking pride in his yard. He loved spending time with his family. Patrick worked for Miller Electric Supply Company for over 35 years.

Pat received a heart transplant in 2001 at UW-Madison Hospital and wanted to thank Tracy and Cathy and their families that Pat was given an additional 17 years of life.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; children, Cindy (Jim) Breiner of Sherrill and children, Mike, Matt, Kristy, Kim, and Keri; Steve Lansing of McHenry, IL and children, Jim, Cameron, Daniel, Cassie, and Julia; Dan (Chris) Lansing of Dubuque and children, Corey, Chloe, Cole, and Claire; 18 great-grandchildren; twin sister, Patricia (Richard) Theisen; sister, Betty (Vince) VanDenheuvel; sister, Jana Lammer; in-laws, Donald (Joan) Pfohl, LaVonne (Samuel) Sullivan, and Karen (Dave) Murphy; a very special niece, Becky Burks; and his special companion, Zoey.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jerome, Robert, Roger, Eugene, and Mary Ann LeBee.

The family would like to thank UW-Madison Transplant Team for all your care over the last 20 years. They would like to especially thank Jen, Pat’s transplant coordinator for all her support and care throughout the years. The family would all like to thank Dr. Steffen, Dr. Whalen and Dr. Engelman for all your care and concern, also Hospice of Dubuque for their wonderful care.

Memorials may be directed to UW-Madison Transplant Center or Hospice of Dubuque in Patrick’s memory.

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

Joseph H. Graves

Joseph H. Graves, 81, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, IA.

Per Joe’s wishes there will be no public visitation or formal funeral service. Cremation rites have been accorded. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.

He was born on August 18, 1936 in Guilford, Missouri, the son of Doyle R. and Catherine (Seifert) Graves. Joe was united in marriage to Loretta J. Cavanaugh on February 11, 1956 at St. John the Baptist Church at Peosta, IA.

He was a self-employed logger and truck driver. Joe was an avid card player, enjoyed camping, traveling and was a born instigator. He would always ask about the weather and the current gas prices.

Surviving is his wife, Loretta; five children, Linda Graves of Dubuque, IA, Debbie (Tom) Splinter of East Dubuque, Kathy (Kevin) Kammerude of Hazel Green, WI, Jake (Patty) Graves of Mt. Ayr, IA, and Shirley (Don) Kearney of Murray, IA; 17-grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; five siblings, Mary Westemeier of Dickeyville, WI, Betty Schneider of East Dubuque, Jerry (Carol) Graves of Monroe, WI, Jeanne Dura of Dickeyville, and Harold (Carla) Staudenrous of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jerry Graves, a brother, Jake Graves and sister-in-law, Irene Graves.

Loretta and family wish to thank Mercy Medical Center and Dr. Joseph Fuller for the wonderful care given to their husband, father and grandfather.

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

Robert J. Curnan

Robert J. “Bob” Curnan, 79, of Peosta died Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31st at Hope Church, located at 11893 Kennedy Road. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Hope Church, with visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

Bob was born on December 5th, 1938 in Davenport, Iowa. He was the son Clem and Vera (Thode) Curnan.

He graduated from Davenport High School in 1957, Coe College in 1961 and Minnesota University School of Law in 1964.

On August 19th, 1961 he married Judy Meyer in Macomb, Ill.

Bob, with his wife, Judy, came to Dubuque in 1965 to commence employment in the O’Connor, Thomas Law Firm. Over the years he also worked in the Fursete and Carew law firm, had his own private practice, and commencing in 1972, served eight years as Dubuque County Attorney, believed to be the longest ever to serve in that office at the time. In 1980 he was appointed to the District Court bench by Governor Ray, where he served for 30 years, the longest serving Dubuque District Court Judge to date.

Bob was blessed with good friends. He loved jokes, golf, the Minnesota Vikings, a friendly wager, his profession, the law, and his community. Most of all, he loved his wife, Judy, his children, Debby and Linda, their families, and his God.

He was a member of the Dubuque County Bar Association, Iowa Judges Association, Hope Church and was a former president of the Dubuque Noon Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Curnan, of Peosta; two daughters, Debra Lynn (Scott) Engleman of Dubuque, Linda Meyer (Corey) Carlson of East Bethel, Minn., grandchildren, Rachael, Jessica, Joanna, Chase, Kieler, Hayden and Mack. He is also survived by a brother, Bill Curnan; a brother in law, John (Jeanne) Meyer and several nieces and nephews.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to Hope Church or Coe College.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Hermann, all the wonderful nurses working on the 5th floor of Finley Hospital, and to the Hospice Care team. Your caring dedication and support was a blessing to Bob and his family.

Joseph L. Hickson

Joseph L. Hickson, 85, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly on Thursday January 25, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by family.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 29th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bill Hickson officiating.

Joseph was born March 19, 1932 the son of Frank and Edna (Martin) Hickson. He attended St. Lawrence Catholic Grade School in Otter Creek and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1949.

He married Ruth Cunningham on September 17th, 1955 and together shared 62 loving years.

Joe worked at Celotex Corporation as a maintenance supervisor for over 30 years.

He was a longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Joe was an avid fan of the
Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Iowa Hawkeyes and loved attending games over the years.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and his dog Smokey.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth; children, Rick (Regina) Hickson of Bumpus Mills TN, Pat (Kathy) Hickson of Dubuque, Karen (Steve) Conrad of Epworth, Ellen (Bob) Sarazin of Dubuque, and Jolene (Fiancé Rich Reinhardt) Arensdorf of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; Brothers, Robert (Rosie) Hickson of Bellevue IA, Raymond Hickson of Otter Creek IA; Brother-in-law David (Linda) Cunningham of Windsor Oregon, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna Hickson; Father-in-law Francis Cunningham,; Mother-in-law Cora Kratz; and Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Naomi (Ray) Polsean.

A special thank you to Dubuque Fire Department, Dubuque Police Department and Mercy Emergency room staff for their kindness during this difficult time.

A memorial fund will be established at later date.

Lorraine E. Makeever

Lorraine E. Makeever, 86, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and formerly of the Quad Cities and Bellevue, Iowa, passed away on Thursday evening, January 25, 2018, at the Clarence Nursing Home in Clarence, Iowa.

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, February 19, 2018, from the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. There is no visitation and a private burial will be held at a later date from the Monmouth, Iowa Cemetery. Lorraine has donated her body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. The Carson Celebration of Life Center is caring for the family.

Lorraine Elizabeth Morehead was born on October 6, 1931 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Theodore Walter and Myrl Marie (Miller) Morehead. She was a 1949 graduate of Maquoketa High School and then worked in Dubuque for a couple of years prior to her marriage. She married Robert Finck in 1952 in Maquoketa, Iowa and to this union two children were born: Steven and Lori. She and Robert later divorced and on June 10, 1972 she married Russell Makeever.

Lorraine had worked as a secretary for an insurance company in Moline, Illinois for several years and upon her marriage to Russell they moved to the Chicago area where she worked for Herman Smith and Associates as a secretary for over 20 years.

Lorraine had been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, and formerly the MG Car club. She loved to travel and take cruises, and spend time with her kids and grandchildren.

Those left to honor Lorraine’s memory include her children, Steven Finck of Arlington, TX, and Lori (Darrell) Thordsen of Monmouth, IA; step-children, Phil (Christal) Finck of Truro, IA, Kip (Cathie) Makeever of Saugus, CA, Shelly (Dan) Kruse of Davenport, IA, and June (John) Schuh of Burnett, TX; sisters, Mildred Wilcox of Maquoketa, IA, and Joyce Clark of Dubuque, IA; a brother, Ronald (Linda) Miller of Moline, IL; a brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Dorsey of Apache Junction, AZ; 5 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell in 1998, 1 step-grandchild Julie, and a sister Marcella Dorsey.

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

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

Larry E. McDermott

Larry E. McDermott, 69, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home in Mesa, Arizona.

Friends and relatives of Larry may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2018 at St. Joseph’s the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m., Monday at the Church.
Services for Larry will held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 29, 2018 at St. Joseph’s the Worker Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa with Rev. Gabriel Anderson presiding. Burial will be held in Holy Family Cemetery in New Melleray (rural Peosta), Iowa, with full military honors afforded by the Epworth John White American Legion Post #650.

Larry was born November 10, 1948 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Emmett and Dorothy (Potts) McDermott. He is a 1966 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, IA. Larry founded McDermott Excavating in 1978 and ran it successfully until his retirement in 2015.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Donovan on October 25, 1974 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, IA. Sharon preceded him in death on October 14, 2017.

Larry loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of the Epworth American Legion-John White Post #650.
A strong supporter of emergency services in Dubuque County, Larry served for 30 years on the Epworth Community Fire Department Board of Directors. He was also a member of St. Joseph’s the Worker Parish in Dubuque, Iowa.

Larry shared with his dad and brothers a passion for Allis-Chalmers farm tractors. He enjoyed spending winters golfing with his friends in Mesa, AZ.

He is survived by his children, Troy (Kate Conlon) McDermott of Dubuque, IA and their children Natalie and Clara, Tara (Bo) Duggan of Pewaukee, WI and their children Cooper and Maverick and Tina (Jon) Humston of Iowa City, IA and their children, Levi and Dallas; his mother; Dorothy McDermott of Cascade, IA; six siblings, Cherie McDermott of Epworth, IA, Terry (Kathy) McDermott of Peosta, IA and Tim (Lori) McDermott of Bernard, IA, Tom (Stephanie) McDermott of Cascade, IA, Todd (Dana) McDermott of Bernard, IA and Trace (Karen) McDermott of Marion, IA; one-brother-in-law , Patrick (Catherine) Donovan of Bernard, IA; two sisters-in-law, Janet (Jim) Hanks of West Des Moines, IA and Phyllis (Fred) Urbain of Epworth, IA; along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his father, Emmett McDermott; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford J. and Lucille Donovan.

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

A Larry McDermott memorial fund has been established at Fidelity Bank in lieu of flowers.

Frances A. (Dolan) Mescher

Frances A. (Dolan) Mescher, 98, passed away January 25th at Stonehill Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 29th, 2018 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, with Rev. Ralph Davis officiating. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church until time of mass. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Frances was born on March 26, 1919 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of James Edward and Mary (Murray) Dolan. She married Ray Mescher on July 22, 1942 and he preceded her in death.

Frances was a lifelong Dubuque resident, living all but 5 years of her life on State Street. She was also a lifelong member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Frances was an avid golfer and card player, and she had many friends and a zest for life.

Those left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Karen; her granddaughters, Sarah (David), Meg (Matt) and great grandchildren, Ava, Jacob, Charlotte and Sadelle.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; infant daughter, Kathleen; parents, J. Edward and Mary Murray Dolan; sisters, Ann Marie Beckius and Sister Mary Edward, PBVM; and her brother Joseph.

The family wishes to thank MaryLou Johanningmeier, the staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque for the care the last 7 months.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Presentation Lantern Center of Dubuque.

Mary P. Gabriel

Mary P. Gabriel passed away January 25, 2018. She was born on April 20, 1959 in Dubuque, IA.

She was meant to be a mother and wife; she always took care of her family and put their needs before hers. Nothing made her happier than becoming a grandmother.

She married the love of her life, James Gabriel, on March 21, 1987 and had four daughters: Cassie (Jon) Lowe, Belinda (Chris) Petsche, Paige (Jesse Carner) Gabriel, and Allison Gabriel, as well as 4 grandchildren: Rylee Gabriel, Jayce and Izabella Carner, and Zelda Lowe.

When her children were older, she worked several jobs. Most recently as a homemaker for Luther Manor Care at Home, where she met many friends that she enjoyed the company of.

Mary’s family would like to thank Elizabeth and Tim with Hospice of Dubuque for helping them keep mom comfortable, as well Dr. Engelman and Dr. Nachtman and their nurses Sarah, and Caitlin for the excellent care they provided.

Per Mary’s request, no public visitation or service will be held. Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

Darlene M. Christ

Darlene M. Christ, 85, of Dubuque died peacefully at home Tuesday, January 23, 2018 with family by her side.

Visitation will be held Friday from 4 to 8 pm at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Steve Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Darlene was born July 8, 1932 in Dubuque, daughter of Carl and Margaret (Barrett) Casey. She was a graduate of the Visitation Academy. On June 23, 1951, she married Donald J. Christ at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2012.

Darlene was a loving wife and mother who took pride in her cooking and how she kept her home. She was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Darlene always had a quick smile and great saying for any situation. She was adored by her children’s friends and neighbors and will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by six children, Carla (Roger Bertsch) Christ of Viroqua, Wisc., Mike Christ of Alta Loma, Calif., Tim (Wendy) Christ of Ocala, Fla., and Carri (Tracy) Anderson, John (Debbie) Christ and David Christ, all of Dubuque. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters in law, Marilyn Callahan, Dianne Oppelt, Pat Casey and Mary Casey and a brother in law, Lester Entringer.

She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Molly Ann Christ.

The family would like to thank their brother and sister who cared for mom until her passing.

Sharon M. Fischer

Sharon M. Fischer, 73, of Earlville passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 am Saturday, January 27, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earlville where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11 am. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Sharon was born June 8, 1944, in Dundee, Iowa the daughter of Louis and Frances (Bergfeld) Hildebrand. She graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School. She married Francis Fischer on May 31, 1965, in Earlville. She worked as a clerk at various area businesses.

Survivors include her life-long friend, Walter Heisler of Bankston, a sister-in-law, Wilma Hildebrand, of Cedar Rapids; nieces and nephews: Deanna Hanson and Jayne Hildebrand both of Cedar Rapids, Christopher (Joelle) McCallum of Yankton, South Dakota, Judy (Tom) Kramer of Freeport, IL and Barbara (DuWayne) Grutt of Marquette, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Francis in 2016, siblings, Robert Hildebrand and Imogene (Christopher) McCallum, a niece, Denise Glubka, and in-laws, Arnold (Anita) Fischer.

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

Lulumay Tate

Lulumay Tate, 82, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Monday, January 29, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Burial will be at the Elwood, Iowa Cemetery.

Lulumay Soenksen was born on February 14, 1935 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Eugene and Berniece (Hamilton) Soenksen. She was a 1954 graduate of Elwood High School. She married Elnord “Al” Isacson. He preceded her in death. On November 9, 1995, she married Charles “Frank” Tate in Mesa, Arizona. He also preceded her in death.

Lulumay grew up in Elwood and moved to Mesa, Arizona for 46-1/2 years where she worked for the Mesa Lutheran Hospital in the kitchen department for 30 years. She moved back to Maquoketa in 2001.

Lulumay had been a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club. She enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives, playing cards, dancing, and traveling.

Those left to honor her memory include a daughter, Elnora Egbert of Mesa, AZ; brothers, Harvey Soenksen of Maquoketa, IA, and Wally Soenksen of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren, Kristina, Tiffany, Steve, and Ryan; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces, Jean (Randy) Springer of Maquoketa, IA, and Kimberly Blake of Dubuque, IA; and 5 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Al, and her husband Frank, 1 sister Beulah, 1 infant brother, and 6 sisters-in-law, Thelma, Laurel, Ruby, Virginia, Opal and Betty Sue.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Lulumay Tate memorial fund has been established.

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

Roger Harold Tigges

Roger Harold Tigges, 82, was called to his heavenly home on January 23, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27th, 2018 at the Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Andrew Marr officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding just prior to the start of mass. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting with arrangements.

Born in Dubuque, IA on June 28, 1935, Roger was the ninth of ten children born to Oscar and Josephine (Linden) Tigges. Roger married Stella Kamm on June 18, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church and they lived in Dubuque for the last 63 years, where they raised a family of ten children. Roger was dedicated to his wife and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Through his younger days he had paper routes, worked at Diamonds Cafeteria in his high school days, Sears Roebuck for about a year, and General Dry Batteries. Roger spent a semester at Bayless Business College. He established a 35-year career at Universal Electric Supply where he achieved his dream of becoming an owner. He also served the community as a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters 330 Club and as a Lector and Commentator at Holy Ghost.

Roger’s big personality with a witty pull-my-finger sense of humor will be surely missed. He loved playing cards (especially dominating family euchre tournaments), bowling, Bingo, “barber shopping” with SPEBSQSA, his daily walks, and attending morning mass. He loved being with his wife and grandchildren; especially their trips to Chicago Cubs games, going to the park, and “our ride to the airport”. Two of their most memorable trips were when Stella and Roger went to Alaska and Niagara Falls with some members of their family.

Roger is survived by his wife Stella; his daughters: Nancy (Dale) Manders, of Bernard, IA., Theresa Biermann, of Dubuque, and Wendy (Neil) Aitchison, of Dubuque; his sons: David (Rose) Tigges, of Orland Park, IL, Terence (Elizabeth) Tigges, of Davenport, IA, Timothy (Poon) Tigges, of Johnston, IA, Gregory (Diane) Tigges, of Manor, TX, Kevin (Judy) Tigges, of Dubuque, and Wayne (Hiroko) Tigges, of Milwaukee, WI; his grandchildren: Stephanie (Andy) Huber, Matthew Edwards, Christina (Nathan) Edwards, Joshua (Jennie) Tigges, Nicholas (Renee) Tigges, Sarah (Brian) Goodwin, Terence Tigges, Jr., Harmony (Lopez) Tigges, Ryan Tigges, Troy Tigges, Melissa (Corey) Schulz, Ashley (John) Garde, Corinne (Nick) Huber, Daniel Perry, Benjamin (Laine) Tigges, Megan Tigges, Nichole Aitchison, Mark Aitchison, Elizabeth Tigges, Emily Tigges, and Rebecca Tigges; his step-grandchildren: Christopher Johnson Sr., Shawna Colvin, and Michael Aitchison; his great-grandchildren: Kayden Tigges, Maxim Huber, Jacob Tigges, Katherina Tigges, Bryson Goodwin, Jaxen Tigges, Sean Tigges, and Henry Utt; his step-great-grandchildren: Caleb Goodwin, Seth Goodwin, Chris Johnson Jr., Jack Colvin, Riley Colvin, Adrian Colvin, Caleb Gingerich, Ian Johnson, and Jace Aitchison; and his sister, Joan Klaas.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jeannine Perry; his parents, Oscar and Josephine; his brothers: Oscar Jr., Wilfred, Gerald, and Arthur; his sisters: Martha, Elaine, Marlene, and Catherine; and great-grandson Adam Lopez.

The family would like to thank all our friends and relatives for their support and prayers at our time of loss.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Bernard F. Loecke

Bernard F. “Ben” Loecke, 93, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away at 10:50 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Klein Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Ben may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Services for Ben will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 22, 2018 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Worthington, with Rev. Dennis Conway Presiding. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

He was born January 14, 1925 in Dyersville, Iowa, son of Frank and Mary (Noethe) Loecke. He received his education in the St. Paul’s schools in Worthington. On May 30, 1949 he was united in marriage to Joan Wolfe. She preceded him in death on March 2, 2014. He was an electrician and owned the Loecke Feed store. He also farmed in the rural Worthington area.

In retirement he resided at River Bend Assisted Living in Cascade from July 2014 to March 2017. He resided at the Great River Klein Center in West Burlington from May 2017 until his passing.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially deer hunting for 62 years. He truly had a passion for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is a World War II veteran, having served in the Marine Corps in the Pacific front and was part of the occupation force in Japan.

He was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #528, the Worthington Sportsman’s Club, the Catholic Order of Foresters. He served on the St. Paul School Board as a member and President. He was a member of the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department, for which he served as Chief for many years. He was also a member of St. Paul’s Parish in Worthington and its Altar and Rosary Society, where he also served as usher.

He is survived by three children, LuAnn (Bob) Glaser of Burlington, Robert Loecke of Cedar Rapids, and William (Kim) Loecke of Mt. Vernon; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer Glaser-Koehler of Des Moines, Nick Loecke and Vanessa Loecke Naber both of Cedar Rapids, Tony Loecke of Mt. Vernon, Ben Glaser of Chicago, IL, Allie Loecke Pearson of Farmington Hills, MI, Cassandra Loecke Pudenz of Waukee, and Melissa Loecke Rose of Petaluma, CA; 12 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way; his seven siblings, Doris Tucker of Manchester, Ruth Heims-Welch of Pahrump, NV, Walter Loecke and Rose Ann Krogman both of Manchester, Marian Peters of Delaware, David Loecke of Manchester, and Angela Harris of MN.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Verna Mae Roling; and a brother, Ralph Loecke.

Ben enjoyed the staff and his friends at River Bend Assisted Living. The family is sincerely grateful for the loving care Ben received while living at Great River Klein Center.

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