Obituaries Archive

Dolores M. Apel

Dolores M. Apel, 99, of Dubuque, Iowa was called home peacefully on March 15, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 19th, 2018 at St. Joseph The Worker with Rev. Gabriel Anderson officiating. Entombment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where there will be a wake service time at 4:00 p.m.

Dolores was born on June 27, 1918 in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Peter and Mary (Hillard) Herber. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated High School from Immaculate Conception Academy.

She married John Apel on May 23, 1940 at Sacred Heart Church. He preceded her in death on January 8, 1987.
Dolores worked at her father-in-law’s grocery store, Apel’s Market and then Grandview Drug for 20 years. She also volunteered in Pastoral Care at Mercy Hospital for 25 years retiring at the age of 95.

She was very proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very excited for her first great great granddaughter to be born in June and another great grandson to be born in August. She was also a very special Aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Dolores was vibrant, kind and caring; she will be missed dearly. Love you so much Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma!

She is survived by her daughter Kathie (Jerry) Westhoff, of Asbury, Iowa; her son Tom (Diane) Apel, of Lisbon, Iowa; grandchildren, Steve (Cindy) Westhoff, of Dubuque, Kris (Jeff) Ward, of Marion, Iowa, Joli (Tom) Smith, of Spring Hill, FL, Paula (Jeff) Sears, of Solon, Iowa, and Rebecca Apel, of Atlanta, GA.; great grandchildren Zach (McKenzie Bries) Westhoff, Madison (Levi Jasper) Westhoff, Tanner (Kelly) Sprague, Brayden (Cara Reilly) Sprague, Elyse Ward, Courtney Smith, Ryan Sears, and Braydon Sears.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband John; her siblings and their spouses Peter (Dorothy) Herber, Art (Theresa) Herber, Viola (Raymond) Nicks, Fred (Ann) Herber, Arnold (Eunice) Herber, Mildred (Fergus) Gallagher, Herb (Ruth) Herber, Mary Rita (Robert) Zehentner, two sisters in infancy Evelyn and Eleanor; her in-laws, Arthur and Hazel Apel, and sister-in-law Juanita (Elmer) Nadermann.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Angela Ries and her staff for the wonderful care they provided our mother, along with the medical staff at Mercy Medical Center.

Gerald A. Singsank

Gerald A. Singsank, 89, of Dubuque and formerly of Luxemburg passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2-7 pm Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 6 pm. Visitation will continue Monday 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. Monday, March19, 2018, Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Gerry was born July 16, 1928, in Luxemburg the son of Clement and Grace (Thillen) Singsank. He married Helen “Maizie” Klein on Oct. 15, 1952, in Rickardsville, Iowa. Together they farmed on the Singsank home farm near Luxemburg until moving to town. After that he began working at John Deere Dubuque Works until he and Helen opened Singsank Upholstery in Luxemburg. He also worked other various jobs such as a farm hand among road construction flagging and Fuller Brush sales.

He was a devoted husband for 65 years, a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather who also enjoyed playing cards; however he didn’t enjoy losing to Helen at Cribbage. He also enjoyed visiting with anyone, gardening and being on his lawn tractor. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1734 and the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly.

Survivors include his wife, Helen, 3 shildren: Janet Singsank of New Vienna, Lori Connolly of Marion and Pat Singsank of Burlington; grandchildren: Rachel Besch, Melissa Kauder, Matt (Kristi), Logan (Courtney) and Quinton Hoefler, and Carrie (Doug) Jackson; 6 great grandchildren: Lauren, Ava and Erica Jackson, Declan Kauder, Liam and Emma Hoefler, Aden, Blake and Waylon Besch, a sister, Eileen Dingbaum of Dyersville and a sister-in-law, Jane Singsank of Dubuque.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Joe Singsank, a grandson, Eric Connolly, siblings: Delores (Ray) Hirtz, Dr. Clarence Singsank, Gilbert (Mercedes) Singsank, Marce (Harry) Steffen, Irvin (Virgie) Singsank, and Mae (Alphonse) Pasker; and a brother-in-law, Alver Dingbaum.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Luther Manor, especially Tom and Ashley for their compassionate care till the very end, and Betsy and Nicole with Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion.

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

Donald J. Hesselman

Donald J. Hesselman Sr., 96, of Dubuque passed away on March 13, 2018 at his home.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at the Church of the Nativity with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. No public visitation will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born July 3rd, 1921 the son of Gus and Pauline (Permantier) Hesselman. He graduated as part of the Class of 1939 from Loras Academy and married Mary Anderson 5 years later on September 26, 1944. During his life he was employed through Anthony Auto Sales, Wilson Bros., and Turpin Dodge.

Don served as a member of the United States Army during WWII, during this time he was awarded a Bronze Star and served in European Theater.

Don was a great husband of 73 years, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He always put his family above all else.

He is survived by his wife Mary; children, Don (Gwen), Hesselman, Steve (Becky), Hesselman, Mary Gereau, Mark Hesselman, Mike (Terri) Hesselman, Elizabeth Hesselman, Tony (Jill) Hesselman, Jane Scarlino, Ann (Dave Heller) Volkert, and Julie (Dave) Naumann,; 27 grandchildren, and 42 great grandchildren.

He was met in heaven by his parents, as well as his sisters, Margaret Koester and Jean Day.

In lieu of flowers a Donald Hesselman Memorial has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque.

Connie L. Krause

Connie L. Krause, 67, of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at her home in Holy Cross, Iowa.

Friends and relatives of Connie may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Services for Connie will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rickardsville, Iowa with Rev. Noah Diehm presiding. Burial will be held in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

She was born October 6, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Glen and Lucille (Cummer) Stoffel. She is a graduate from Western Dubuque High School in Epworth and Capri College in Dubuque. On September 4, 1971, she was united in marriage to Gary Krause at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rickardsville, Iowa. She worked as a Cosmetologist and in the beauty supply industry until her retirement.

Connie loved spending time going to her grandchildren’s sporting events. She enjoyed reading and country line dancing.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Rickardsville, Iowa.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Krause; two children, Lori (Mike) Pfeiler and Tim (Kelly) Krause all of Holy Cross, IA; four grandchildren, Riley and Regann Pfeiler and Jadyn and Max Krause; her mother, Lucille Brimeyer of Dubuque, IA; two brothers, Dave (Kay) Stoffel of Sherrill, IA and Joe Stoffel of Rickardsville, IA; three sisters, Pat (Tom) Ellwanger of Dubuque, IA, Deb (Ken) Kipper of Dubuque, IA and Jodee (Jack) Theisen of Holy Cross, IA; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Phyllis) Krause of New Hampton, IA and Tom (Mary) Krause of Dubuque, IA; and her granddog, Myla.

She is preceded in death by her father, Glen Stoffel; her step-father, Robert Brimeyer, mother and father -in-law, Walt and Bertie Krause.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Whalen, Dr. Schope and the Hospice of Dubuque Staff for all the wonderful care they gave to Connie, also thank you to Brother Stephen Markham for all the prayers and visits he had with Connie.

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

Sr. Joan Newhart, BVM

Sister Joan Newhart, BVM (Joan Michael), 89, of 1050 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away March 13, 2018, at Marian Hall.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in the Marian Hall Chapel, followed immediately by a Sharing of Memories and funeral liturgy. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Joan taught at Columbus HS in Waterloo, Iowa. She taught secondary school in Chicago and Mundelein, Ill.; Lead, S.D.; St. Louis Mo.; and Bogotá, Colombia. She served as Mundelein College director of academic computing and coordinator for Loyola University Chicago Computer Center. She volunteered for many years as a congregational and high school computer consultant in the Chicago area and Dubuque.

She was born in Oak Park, Ill., on March 21, 1928, to George and Pauline Burns Newhart. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1949, from St. Catherine of Siena, Oak Park. She professed first vows on March 19, 1952, and final vows on July 16, 1957.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a brother, George Robert (Bob) Newhart and his wife Virginia Quinn, Los Angeles; sisters Pauline (James) Quan, Hoffman Estates, Ill., and Virginia (William) Brittain, Naperville, Ill.; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 68 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmcong.org/support_donate.cfm.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy. 35 N, East Dubuque, IL is in charge of arrangements.

Richard C. Kirmse

Richard C. Kirmse, 84, of Dubuque died Monday, March 12, 2018 at home.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Church of the Nativity. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Richard was born December 26, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Milton and Rosella (Keller) Kirmse.

After graduating from Dubuque Senior High, Richard worked as a butcher until 1956, when he entered the US Navy. Upon returning from the Navy, he worked as a butcher, retiring from the Dubuque Packing Company.

He was an avid boater and was a charter member of the Mid-town Mariners Yacht and Boat Club. He also enjoyed traveling in his 1928 Mercedes with Motor Iowa, then in his convertible with Open Air Tours.

He is survived by a daughter, Kim Riley of Albany, NY; grandson, Parker (Katie) Riley of Charlton, MA, and granddaughter, Taylor Riley of Albany, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and step-dad, William Templer.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family would like to thank Cathy Sutter, Kevin Menning, Leonnard Panthier, and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for their care.

Mary Kay Schwind

Mary Kay Schwind, 78, of Dubuque died Monday, March 12, 2018 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Mary Kay was born January 28, 1940 in Dubuque, daughter of Francis “Frank” and Edith (Capesius) Schwind. She graduated from the Visitation Academy and attended Clarke College.

After working at American Trust and Savings Bank, she went to work for the American Red Cross where she was the director for 25 years. After her retirement from the Red Cross, she helped SASC set up a halfway house. She then worked at the Diamond Jo Casino.

She was a very active person who enjoyed cross country skiing.

She is survived by a sister, Ann (Tom) Kearney of Asbury; sister in law, Cheryl Schwind of Dubuque; 11 nieces and nephews, John (Lisa) Schwind, Terrence Schwind, Jeff (Christine) Schwind, Tim (Martha) Schwind, Beth (Ken) Kluesner, Mike (Kari) Schwind, Nancy (Dennis) Sabers, Pat (Mary) Kearney, John Kearney, Jim (Nancy) Kearney, and Susan (Jeff) Gourley; many great nieces and nephews and three great-great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, John Schwind.

For further information, please visit www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Genesis Hospital, Clarissa Cook Hospice House and Mercy Medical Center for their loving care.

LaVern A. Pfiffner

LaVern A. Pfiffner, age 91, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To honor LaVern’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 19, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street, with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

LaVern was born on May 2, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Phillip and Catherine (Wolter) Pfiffner.

LaVern was proud to have been born, raised and live in Dubuque his entire life. He honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy during WWII, as an electrician. Upon his return home, LaVern would diligently put those skills to good use at the Dubuque Packing Company, FDL Foods, and finally at the Dubuque Greyhound Park, until his well earned retirement. When LaVern wasn’t working, he could easily be found catching up with his favorite reading material of the week, listening to a little music while relaxing, or extensively traveling the globe in search of his next great memory. LaVern also had a fulfilling home life and was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Murphy, on July 12, 1947, in Dubuque. The couple was blessed with 40 years together, and 4 children, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on June 30, 1987. Thankfully, LaVern would find love again with Veronica Thill Steuer, and the 2 were united in marriage on May 12, 1990. Sadly, she was also called home ahead of him earlier this year on January 19, 2018. LaVern was a faith filled man who was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We are saddened today at the sudden departure of LaVern from our earthly lives, but we give thanks for the 91 wonderful years the Lord was kind enough to share LaVern with us and we will surely treasure all of the memories he leaves behind until we meet again.

Those left to cherish LaVern’s memory include

his children,
Robert (Ann) Pfiffner, Long Grove, IA,
Linda Krabacher-Bennett, East Dubuque, IL,
Kathy (Alan) Ernzen, Dubuque, IA
and James (Michelle) Pfiffner, Davenport, IA;

8 grandchildren,
Lisa (Russ) Hoerner, John (Ressie) Krabacher, Amy Soppe, J.C. (Nellie) Pfiffner, Zach (Megan) Pfiffner, Katie (Justin) Pfiffner, Rachel (Joey) Moeller and Anna (John) Pfiffner;

12 great-grandchildren,
Bryce, Alex (Dana), Kayla, John Carlos, Lexi, Alexandria, Addy, Judy, Iris, Wyatt, Mason and Adler;

his nephews and niece;
Patrick Glynn,
Michael (Laura) Glynn,
and Susan Erickson;

his step-children,
Donna VonFumetti, San Diego, CA
and Terrance (Linda) Steuer, Dubuque;

10 step-grandchildren;

12 step-great-grandchildren;

and a step-son-in-law,
Homer Weber, Cuba City, WI.

LaVern was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife, Kathleen Murphy; his 2nd wife, Veronica Pfiffner; a son-in-law, Jack Bennett; a grandson-in-law, Todd Soppe; a step-daughter, Janice Weber; and a step-son-in-law, Gary VonFumetti.

A LaVern A. Pfiffner memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

LaVern’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care for all of the kind, compassionate and professional care of Lavern, and his family.

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

Vincent G. Remakel

Vincent G. “Vince” Remakel, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on March 11th, 2018 at home.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Rosonke officiating. Burial will follow in Sherrill United Methodist Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road.

Vince was born on October 13, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Michael and Adella (Zimmer) Remakel. He married Phyllis Hammerand on December 2, 1961 at the Church of the Nativity.

He was a loving and caring man who always loved a project. He selflessly helped his children and neighbors with their homes and their cars, oftentimes without even being asked. Vince was a blood donor for over 40 years.
Vince was a proud Engineman E7 Chief Petty Officer in the United States Naval Reserves and served for 32 years.
He worked for the American Red Cross Blood Bank of Dubuque for 20 years. Prior to the Red Cross he worked for Dubuque John Deere and the City of Dubuque at the Water Plant. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the Dubuque Land Lords Association.

Vince is survived by his wife Phyllis; six daughters, Becky (Joe) Richardson, Penny (Joe) Bughman, Kathy (Richard) Buhman, Kelly (fiancé, Kenneth Olsen) Kirkpatrick, Debby (Rusty) Behnke, and Laura (Gary) Michael. Twelve grandchildren, Joe Jr., Amanda, Tim, Erin, Abbey, Kailey, Zachary, Hunter, Turner, Ryan, Matt and Brianna. Two sisters, Maryann Miller, of Omaha and Suzanne (Lance) Hurst, of Sun City, AZ; one brother Thomas (Rosemary) Remakel, of Dubuque. Sister-in-law Joan Remakel, of Dubuque and brother-in-law Bill Lawler, of Peosta; Brothers-in-law Virgil (Luella) Hammerand; Prosper Hammerand of Sherrill; and sister-in-law Delight (Delbert) Brimeyer of Dubuque; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Robert and Ronald Remakel; a sister Patricia Lawler; brother-in-law Wayne Miller and a sister-in-law, Karen Hammerand.

Memorials may be given to the American Red Cross.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Herman and staff, and to Hospice of Dubuque for all their wonderful care they gave to Vince. The family also wishes to thank daughter Becky Richardson and granddaughter Kailey Buhman who are nurses and cared for Vince in his final days.

Someone once told Vince… “There is a special place in Heaven for a man who lived with seven women!” We couldn’t agree more!

Ruth C. Smith

Ruth C. Smith, 97, of Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA, formerly of Fairplay, WI, passed away Sunday evening, March 11, 2018 at Stonehill.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends is after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

She was born on July 30, 1920, in White Oak Springs Township of Lafayette County, WI, the daughter of Clarence and Marie (Swanson) McCoy. She lived on the family farm until the age of 18. Ruth graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1938. She then attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque, graduating in 1940 and worked for Federal Discount Corporation for a number of years.

Ruth met the love of her life, Eugene Joseph Smith and they were united in marriage on May 16, 1944 while he was home on furlough. They had three wonderful children: Sandra, Richard and Bruce Smith.

She liked to read books, watch her birds outside, go fishing, and working in her garden, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Bob) Baumel of Albany, WI, her son Richard “Dick” (Alice) Smith of Newnan, GA; grandchildren, Brett (Ann) Cox, Chad Cox, Amy (Steve) Koeller, Scott (April) Smith, Jamie Smith, and Rick (Elizabeth) Smith; great grandchildren, Whitnee Hale, Macie and Maddie Cox, Lindsey, Alyssa, and Ryan Koeller, Ella and Harlee Cox, and Aubree Smith; several nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law, Kate McCoy of Cottage Grove, WI.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marie; her husband Eugene J. “Gene” Smith; her son Bruce J. Smith; her siblings, Florence (Norman) Kittoe, Alberta (John) Leitzinger, June McCoy, Vivian (Charles) Herbst, Gordon (Cleone) McCoy, Robert McCoy, Delbert (Margaret) McCoy, and Leonard McCoy.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Dubuque and the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center for the excellent care given to Ruth.

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

Phyllis M. McNett

Phyllis M. McNett, 81, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on March 8, 2018.

Funeral services will be noon, Saturday, March 17 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where a visitation will be held after 10a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Cuba City.

Phyllis was born on December 23, 1936 in Cuba City, Wisconsin the daughter of Guerdon and Virginia (Pearce) McNett. Phyllis graduated from Benton, WI High School.

She worked 2 months shy of 45 years at the Dubuque Packing Company.

Phyllis enjoyed traveling, playing cards, going out to eat with her friends and family, getting her hair done and going to the coffee shop. She had many dear friends, especially, Joyce.

Phyllis was fond of and generous towards her 19 nieces and nephews.

Phyllis is survived by her siblings, Keith (Helen), of Platteville, WI, Stanley (Dorothy), of Mountain View, AR, and Janet McNett of Evansville, WI; and sisters-in-law, Elsie McNett of Freeport, IL, LouAnn Scholl of Westminster, CO and Judy McNett of Fruitland, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Howard “Skeets” Phoenix; and brothers, Jerry, Royce, Roger and David.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.

Special thank you to Dr. Sara Loetscher and Hospice of Dubuque.

Frances M. (Casanova) Wittstock

Frances M. (Casanova) Wittstock, 99, of Dubuque passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center.

Memorial Mass will be 10:00 am, Friday, April 6th, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church conducted by Rev. Steven Rosonke. Family will greet friends 9:00 am – 9:45 am prior to Mass at the Church. Internment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Local arrangements are entrusted at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service 3860 Asbury Rd.

Frances was born September 21, 1918 in Trempleau, Wisconsin the daughter of John and Isabelle (Stoffel) Casanova. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1936.

Frances married John “Joe” Wittstock on November 11, 1940 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Joe passed on June 20, 1988.

She owned and operated Leiser’s Super Club with her husband in Dubuque from 1957-1978.

After leaving the restaurant business Fran enjoyed volunteering and traveling. Traveling through Alaska was one of her favorite trips. She volunteered at Mercy Hospital, volunteering more than 10,000 hours. She especially liked knitting little stocking caps for the new babies. She also volunteered at the Dubuque Arboretum. She loved spending time visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Keith (Cheryl) Wittstock of Laramie, WY and Sandra “Sandi” Wittstock of Davenport; grandchildren, Andrea (Alex) Salvo, Christine (Michael) Gray, Mark (Jennifer) Wittstock, James (Jodi) McCauley, Jennifer (Ed) Kuyper, Colleen (Mike) Skolrood, and Joseph (Brandy) McCauley and 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Terry; a great-grandchild, William J. Gray; siblings, Clarence Casanova, Laura Breuer, Lucy Connor, Delphine Casanova, Joseph Casanova, and Eunice Dolter.

A memorial fund has been established in Frances’ memory for Stonehill Nursing Home.

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

Evelyn R. Strohmeyer

Evelyn R. “Evie” Strohmeyer, 87, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Finley Hospital, with her children at her side.

Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Deacon Bill Maus will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Evelyn was born June 22, 1930 in Turkey River, IA, the daughter of Patrick and Lucille (Ferris) Barry. Evelyn married Anthony “Knute” Strohmeyer. He preceded her in death on July 22, 1971.

Evie was a devoted and loving mother and homemaker. She had a passion for music, especially Country & Western. In her younger years she sang with her brother Jim at Melody Mill, and she was excellent at yodeling and square dancing. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, and taking walks. Evie was a fan of Lawrence Welk, Hee-Haw, and The Big Bang Theory.

Evie is survived by five children, Tom Conlan of Dubuque, Jeff (Norina) Strohmeyer of Boulder, CO, Sue (Mike) McCarron of Dubuque, Shelly (Moe) Lowlaki of Centennial, CO, and Scott (Terra) Strohmeyer of Dubuque; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jim (Pat) Barry; and her sister, Virginia Link, both of Dubuque.

Evie was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Bob McCarron; three brothers, Al (Rita), Lyle (Mary), and Jack Barry; and a brother-in-law, Roger Link; and her first husband, Vince Conlan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evelyn Strohmeyer Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Finley; and the staff at Stonehill who were so kind and compassionate to Evie.

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

Mary K. Sharkey

Mary K. Sharkey, 77, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where a wake service will be held at 4:30 p.m. with Deacon John Stierman officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born on May 30th, 1940, the daughter of Henry & Melita (Krier) Faulhaber. She married George Sharkey on November 27,1960.

Mary enjoyed planting her flower garden every year, playing cards with special friends, going shopping and to the Casino, and sewing for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed bus trips and family trips, as well as going out to eat with family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband George; her son George Jr. (Julie), and her daughter Michelle. Five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her brothers John (Rose) Faulhaber & Jim (Jill) Faulhaber; her sister-in-law Carole Faulhaber, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Tony.

The family requests no flowers.

Buena Ruth Ryan

Buena Ruth “Bunny” Ryan, 100, of Eagle Point Place, Dubuque passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

At her request, she donated her body to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department. There will be no public services. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, is assisting the family.

She was born on February 17, 1918, in Topeka, Kansas to Ray and Violetta (Huffine) Irwin. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and attended the University of Dubuque.

Bunny had two wonderful husbands. Her first was Kenneth Murwin, whom she married in 1939. They raised two children before he died in 1971. In 1976 she and Edmund Ryan were married. They lived in Florida for several years before moving back to Dubuque. Ed died in 2001.

Bunny led an active, full life, as a member of Dubuque Golf and Country Club, where she developed many lasting friendships. She was a member of First Congregational Church, serving as a Deaconess and President of Women’s Fellowship. For several years she directed a variety of fashion shows for J.F. Stampfer Department Store, giving many young women their first taste of modeling. She enjoyed family, cooking, reading and shopping.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynda (Tony) Klostermann, of Dubuque and her son, Michael (Carol) Murwin, of West Des Moines, IA; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Ava McFarlin of Bettendorf, IA.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque.