Obituaries Archive

Donald Leo Schmit

Donald Leo “Don” Schmit, 86, was called home on December 26, 2018 surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Dubuque, IL with Rev. Dean Smith. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. Monday at the church until time of service. Burial with military honors will be at a later date in Wisconsin. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa is assisting the family.

Don was born to the late Leo and Adeline (Krautkramer) Schmit on January 16, 1932 in Athens, Wisconsin. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Schauer in Sauk City, Wisconsin and they married in California on December 28, 1954. They proceeded to raise a family of 15 children that consisted of 9 boys and 6 girls. Along with his large family, Don was also very proud of his service in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Don was a jack of all trades having many careers during his lifetime and there were few things he couldn’t fix. He spent his retirement helping his kids with home improvements and finding the perfect fishing spots. Don was the quintessential storyteller. He reminisced about flying his plane, being in the Navy, driving truck, how he met Betty, and his childhood shenanigans were some of his favorite stories to tell.

Don is survived by his children: Randy (Donna) Schmit, Susan Hyatt, Mary Servia, Ronald (Terri) Schmit, Larry Schmit, Jeanne (Alex) Jones, Theresa (Curt Gerhard) Budde, Joseph Schmit, Jeffrey Schmit, Ann (Scott) Berry, Stephen (Tammy) Schmit, Donald (Shannon) Schmit, Brian (Josi) Schmit, brothers: Jerry (Emmita) Schmit, and John (Mary) Schmit, along with 35 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, son Stephen, daughter Nancy Meinholz, daughter-in-law Kathleen Schmit, sons-in-law; Walter Meinholz, Joseph Hyatt, Luke Buettell, and brothers Tom and Jim Schmit.

Sylveria M. Ruden

Sylveria M. “Sylvia” Ruden, 95, passed away Tuesday morning, December 25, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 30th at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, where there will be a wake service at 4:45 p.m.

Sylveria was born on March 30, 1923, in New Vienna, Iowa, on the farm of her parents Arthur & Elizabeth (Ploessl) Sabers. Sylveria was the Matriarch of the Sabers Family helping to raise her siblings after the death of her Mother at an early age and taking special care of her brother, Roger.

She married Clarence J. Ruden in 1940 in New Vienna, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2006.
Sylveria worked at The Dubuque Pack and later FDL for over thirty years.

Over the years, Sylveria had many interests and hobbies including compiling genealogy for the Sabers Family Tree book, bowling in the Aces League at Creslanes for many years, and monthly “Let’s Do Lunch” card games at St. Columbkille’s. She and her husband, Clarence, attended many of their Grandchildren’s’ sporting events and in recent years Sylveria attended many Wahlert, Clarke University, Waterloo Bucks, and Key West Ramblers baseball games with her Sons cheering on her youngest Grandson, Anthony.

Sylveria was a great homemaker known for wonderful roasts, potato salad, and homemade strawberry-rhubarb jelly. She loved her sweets and her white chocolate Chips-A-Hoy cookies and little Debbie’s. Bishop’s Buffet held special memories for her.

Surviving are her children, Ron (Mary Kay) Ruden of Dubuque, Ruthie Burrows of Urbandale, IA; Linda (Bob) Schneider of Menominee, IL, and Gary (Pat Kiernan) Ruden; and daughter-in-law, Sheri Ruden of Dubuque, Iowa. Also 14 grandchildren, Cindy (Steve) Westhoff, Jana (Kevin) Wangard, & Amy (Jason) Farrey; Tim (Deb) Ruden, Christine (Mark) Richman, Mike (Sue) Ruden, Michelle Colby, Pat (Kelly) Ruden, Brian (Ann) Ruden & Mark (Jodi) Ruden; Doug (Carol King), Matt (Libby) & Paul Schneider; and Anthony Ruden and one step-grandchild, Jamie Smith. 23 special great-grandchildren and one special step great-grandchild and two special great great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat Klostermann; sisters-in-law Darlean Sabers, Mary Ann Sabers, many special nieces and nephews and special friend Sally Kessmann.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence; her son, Don, on August 3, 2018; brothers, Floyd (Cecilia), Roger, Marv (Irene), Jack, and Gene Sabers; and a sister, Ruth (Edgar) Holl; brothers-in-law Jerry Klostermann, Nick (Clara), Elmer (Marie), Jack (Bernice), Larry (Maggie), Louie (Delores), Ruden, and; sisters-in-law, Sr. Lorena Ruden, OSF and Edith Sabers. Also David Colby and various nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, a Sylveria M. Ruden Memorial fund has been established.

The family wishes to thank the “Wonderful Staff,” Volunteers, and Secret Santa (Krystin), at Stonehill; Hospice of Dubuque; and Dr. Caceres and his nurse, Jackie, for all the care and kindnesses they gave to Sylveria and her family.

James A. Knipper

James A. Knipper, 71, of Earlville passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held 1 – 8 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday, December 31 from 9-10 a.m. prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earlville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Jim was born March 30, 1947, in Delaware County, Iowa, the son of Laverne and Alice (Lammers) Knipper. He married Bonnie Helle on November 30, 1968, in Earlville, Iowa, and five children were born to this union. He was a humble father and grandfather who was quiet and kind at heart.

He was a lifelong farmer in the Earlville area on the Helle family farm who loved to play cards and socialize with people, but his true passion was farming.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie, children: Mike (Becky) Knipper of Earlville, Angie (Al) Hoeger of Delhi, Peggy (Joe) Hildebrand of Manchester, Peter (Amanda) Knipper and Luke (Dawn) Knipper, all of Earlville; grandchildren: Allison, Erin and Dylan Knipper, Shawnae, Macy and Olivia Hoeger, Madison and Maleigha Hildebrand, Jada, Ava and Kyra Knipper, Blake and Trent Knipper; siblings: Dennis (Janice) Knipper of Greeley, Gene (Mary Pat) Knipper of Dyersville, Dianne (David) Kluesner of Luxemburg, Ken (Shirley) Knipper of Earlville, Marilyn (Dan) Friedmann of New Vienna, Steve (Vickie) Knipper of Dyersville, Bob (Patty) Knipper of Thousand Oaks, CA, and Ruth (Pete) Bockenstedt of New Vienna; in-laws: Linda (Roger) Recker of Manchester, Karla (Dick) Jasper of Dyersville, Nancy (Ken) Dunkel of Dyersville, Mary (Al) Hoeger of Delhi, Lyle (Marsha) Helle of Earlville, Dale (Heidi) Helle of Lago Vista, TX, and Carl (Karen) Helle of Verona, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Alice Knipper, two grandchildren: Karli Rose Hoeger and Reece James Knipper, and parents-in-law: Marvin and Olga Helle,

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

Sister Rita Rae (Raffaello) Burger, OP

Sister Rita Rae (Raffaello) Burger, OP, died Dec. 24, 2018. The funeral Mass will be Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sinsinawa motherhouse. A wake service will be Sunday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m.

After religious profession in 1956, she taught in Chicago at St. Sabina; Epiphany; and St. Thomas the Apostle. She also taught at St. Peter, Anaconda, Mont.; St. Mary, Cheyenne; All Saints, Los Angeles; Consolidated Catholic Schools, Faribault, Minn.; and St. John Vianney, Spokane. She ministered at St. Basil, Chicago; as support staff at Risen Christ School, Minneapolis; and St. Bartholomew, Wayzata, Minn. She returned to Sinsinawa in 2017.

Sister Rita Rae was born April 28, 1933, in Madison, Wis., to Raphael and Elizabeth (Ryan) Burger.

She is survived by nieces, nephews, and her Dominican Sisters.

Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

Verdus L. Patzner

Verdus L. Patzner, 92, of Dubuque died Monday, December 24, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steve Rosonke officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum.

Verdus was born November 15, 1926 in Guttenberg, Iowa, son of Martin and Mabel (Schiffman) Patzner. After graduating from Guttenberg High School he served in the US Navy during WW II.

On August 5, 1947, he married Fern Moser at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2000.

Verdus worked as a truck driver, first for Dubuque Packing Co., then for Standard Forwarding, retiring in 1991. He loved spending time with his family and also enjoyed doing projects around the house.

He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Verdus is survived by three daughters, Judy (Gerald) Raymond of Salem, Mass., Margaret (Terry) Larson of Dubuque and Lisa (Ken) Carney of New Lenox, Ill.; a son, Bill (Lisa) Patzner of St. Charles, Ill.; nine grandchildren, Conan Grap, Mya (Kevin) Calaro, Traci (Jamie) Jorgenson, Sheena Gillen, Ryan (Hannah) Carney, Rebecca Carney and Shelby, Jenna and Brooke Patzner; six great grandchildren, Lane, Ethan, Brayden, Addalynn, Abby Sue, and Luella. He is also survived by two brothers, Joe (Jean) Patzner of Sigourney, Iowa and Delbert (Verna White) Patzner of Rochelle, Ill.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Jeanette Junk and two brothers, Danny and Mark Patzner.

A Verdus Patzner Memorial Fund has been established.

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

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place for their care.

Rita L. Wolter

Rita L. Wolter, age 55 of Dubuque, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, Iowa. To celebrate Rita’s life, private family services are being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rita’s family.

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

Shirley Ann Paulsen

Shirley Ann Paulsen, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, December 23, 2018, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A natural journey farewell with cremation has taken place. A private family burial will be held at the Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

Shirley Ann Eye was born on December 20, 1941 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Laverne and Wilma (Shirley) Eye. She attended Elwood schools. She married John Lee Paulsen Sr. on January 14, 1961 in Anamosa, Iowa. He preceded her in death on December 14, 2017.

In her early years, Shirley had worked as a waitress at area restaurants including Danny’s Lunch. She then worked as a housekeeper and desk clerk at Super 8 Motel in Maquoketa for eight years.

Shirley enjoyed crocheting, crosswords, word search, puzzles and attending softball games of her grandchild. She also loved listening to country music, especially Waylon Jennings.

Those left to honor Shirley’s memory include her children, John Lee (Jody) Paulsen Jr. of Winchester, TN, Ronald (Sheryl) Paulsen of Maquoketa, IA, and Christina (Don) Holdgrafer of Maquoketa, IA; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Eye of Maquoketa, IA.

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

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Shirley Ann Paulsen memorial fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Stephen Patrick O’Brien

Stephen Patrick O’Brien, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 24th, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 28th, 2018 at St. Joseph The Worker with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Entombment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 27th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 3:45p.m.

He was born on July 15, 1923 in Bluffton, Iowa the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Carolan) O’Brien. He attended St. Benedict Grade School in Decorah, 2 years at Immaculate Conception in Lansing, Iowa and 4 years at The Josephinum, in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated college from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

Stephen served his country with the US Army during WWII and the Korean War and was very happy to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington DC.

He married Mary Ellen Kroeger on August 1, 1953 at St. John’s in Independence. He was a member of St. Joseph The Worker.

Stephen worked for Collins Radio and Catholic Charities retiring in 1988.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen; five daughters Barbara (Keith) Cutkomp, Mary (Gary) Williams, Teresa (Bill) Brahm, Maureen (Bob) Leuenberger, and Leslie (Bill) Rhomberg. Nine grandchildren, Luke (Kate) Cutkomp, Neal (Carley) Cutkomp, Jacqueline (Steve) Biver, Erica (Zachary) Huk, Reece Leuenberger, Shane Williams, Alex, Joe and Abby Rhomberg. Eight great grandchildren, Grant, Isla, Miles, Charli, Lexi, Sophia, Walter and Eleanor. Two sisters Loretta (Donald) Orris and Rose Ellen Frana and a sister-in-law Roma Michel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Robert, Leonard and Eugene; two sisters Mary Theresa Fischer and Marcella Rooney.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Catholic Charities or the Veterans Freedom Center.

William T. Kenyon

William T. “Bill” Kenyon, age 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home peacefully at 3:00 a.m., on Sunday, December 23, 2018, at home. To celebrate Bill’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 until 6:00pm, on Friday, December 28, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery.

Bill was born on February 6, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of William Fred “Blackie” and Bertha Hanna (Peacock) Kenyon.

Bill was a proud life-long Dubuquer who was employed with the City of Dubuque as a water distribution supervisor for 47 years, until his retirement in 1996. He was united in marriage to Katherine Porter in September of 1951, and together they were blessed with 5 children. He later married Susan Schnee in August of 1982, in Dubuque, and Janet Winter on October 2, 2017, in Dubuque. Bill was a very social person who enjoyed getting together with his friends at the Moose Lodge, where he was a member for several years. He and Janet also enjoyed spending time with friends at the Grand Tap. Bill loved being in the great outdoors. Some of his favorite activities were spending time at the cottage with his family, fishing and traveling all over the great state of Wisconsin with his best friend, Larry Huff. We are deeply saddened at losing Bill so close to Christmas, but take some comfort in knowing that he is now resting in peace, free of the health challenges he has faced these past years.

Those left to cherish Bill’s memory include

his wife,
Janet Winter-Kenyon, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
William S. “Scot” (Karen) Kenyon, Bettendorf, IA,
Rebecca Jo “Becky” Kenyon, Grand Canyon City, AZ
and Jill JoAnn (Ray) Gassman, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Caleb (Kerry) Bechen, Nicolette Ann (Mitch) Petty, Darcie Lynn (Luke Gribble) Neofotist, Emily (Andy Kelly) Lindecker, Kayla Kenyon, Derek Gassman, Hannah Gassman and Douglas Spratt;

and his 8 great-grandchildren;

his step-children,
Becky Schenker, Boston, MA,
Tom Schenker, Jr, Dubuque, IA,
Connie Winter, Dubuque, IA
and Jason Winter, Loveland, CO;

his step-grandchildren,
Madison Timmerman, Liam Winter and Beck Winter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Katherine Kenyon; his second wife, Sue Kenyon; a daughter, Kimberly Ann Kenyon; a son, Douglas Jay Kenyon; a grandson, Steven Gassman; and 3 sisters, Lorraine (Bill) Franzen, Gloria (Jack) McCann and Sandra Kenyon.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and staffs of Hospice of Dubuque and Home Instead for all of their kind, compassionate and professional care of Bill.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

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

Sophie Marie Wubben

Sophie Marie Wubben, 34, of Scales Mound, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 24, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, with her parents at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday December 29, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, with Fr. Michael Morrissey and Fr. Thomas Srenn concelebrating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery at Scales Mound. Visitation will be from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Scales Mound High School in Scales Mound. There will be no public visitation prior to the Mass on Saturday. The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home of Scales Mound is in charge of arrangements.

Sophie was born on May 26, 1984 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the daughter of Bill and Terry (Fox) Wubben. She was a graduate of Scales Mound High School, class of 2003.

Sophie loved being with family and friends, and enjoyed a good glass of wine. She enjoyed using her computer and watching her cousins play sports. Sophie was a receptionist with Apple River State Bank for the past 17 years.

Surviving are her parents, Bill and Terry; a special brother, Hermann and Katharina Ruhe & family; aunts and uncles, Laurie (Pete) Pasteris, Brad (Colleen) Fox, Merla (Merlin) Bussan, Harry (Rosie) Wubben, Ann (Jerry) Heller, and Marge (Jeff) Biddick; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, Thomas and Sandra Fox and Urban and Veronica Wubben, her great-great-grandmother and namesake Sophie Leifker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Foundation of Jo Daviess County or the Scales Mound Community Foundation.

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

Kevin J. McDonough

Kevin J. McDonough, 56 of Plumas Lake, California formerly of Dubuque passed away on December 24th, 2018 at his mother’s home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29th, 2018 at St. Joseph Church, Key West with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by American Legions Post #6. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m.

Kevin was born on September 1, 1962, son of Francis “Mac” and Janice (Martin) McDonough. He was educated at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Key West, Wahlert High School (Class of ’80), and Iowa State.

After some unfulfilling jobs, Kevin found his home in the U.S. Air Force. He served for 22 years and was stationed in many locations: San Antonio, TX, Las Vegas, NV, Salt Lake City, UT, and the countries of Korea, Quatar, Equador, and then Germany for 6 years before returning to the States in 2003. He retired from Beale Air Force base in California with the rank of Master Sargent (E7) in 2011. He then worked as a civilian contractor at Beale until his illness made it impossible to work.

He married Pok Sun Cha, in Roy, UT on April 23, 1997.

He is survived by his wife Pok Sun and step-son Alex Enroth, both of Plumas Lake, CA, his mom Jan, his sister Colleen (Bill) Pasnik of Dubuque and Kelly (Dr. Phil) Davis of Chanhassen, MN and their children Jensina and Nathan Davis. Also surviving are uncles Lou McDonough, Bill McDonough, and aunts Mary Grant, Virgine (Dick) Johnson, and Connie McDonough, all of Dubuque, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Mac in 2014, grandparents C.J. & Anna McDonough and F.A. & Marcella Martin, aunts and uncles Jack & Frannie McDonough, Gerry McDonough, Loras Grant, Tom McDonough, Rita McDonough, and Jim & Judy Rettenmeier.

Memorials made be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Key West, or Mary’s Inn Maternity Home.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice nurses, Sara & Stephanie, for their great care and concern for Kevin and his family at this difficult time. Also, many thanks to our relatives and friends for their prayers and other acts of kindness. We could not have gotten through this situation without you.

Mary Anna Hammerand

Mary Anna Hammerand, age 84, of Charleston, WV formerly of Dubuque, Iowa passed away at 12:40 am on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at Valley Center nursing home in Charleston, WV.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Sherrill United Methodist Church in Sherrill, Iowa. Family and friends may gather after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church until time of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mary Anna was born on July 3, 1934 in Iowa City, IA the daughter of Carl and Amy (Lewis) Roloff. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and married Glenn Hammerand on December 7, 1954 in Dubuque IA.

She worked as a technician at Foot Levelers in Dubuque and Roanoke, VA before retiring.

Mary Anna enjoyed crafts such as crocheting, embroidery and knitting. She liked going for rides, playing cards and bingo.

She is survived by her children, Paula Hammerand, Dubuque IA, Carla (Richard) Moore, Sioux Falls, SD, Fay (Richard) Delmolino, Charleston, WV, Linda Hingtgen, Platteville, WI, Gary Hammerand, McHenry, IL, Elaine (Bob) Selgren, Hubert, NC, Glenda (Sam) Akompong, Hampton, VA, and Daniel (Ramona) Hammerand, Montclair, CA. Sixteen grandchildren and twenty five great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Norma (Lawrence) Roloff, Dubuque, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Glenn Hammerand; a grandson Thomas McNamer; one brother Lawrence Roloff; sisters-in-law Virginia (Gordon) Hartbecke, and Vivian (Melvin) Fettkether.

Thanks to the staff at Valley Center nursing home and to hospice for all of their caring and hard work.

Mary C. Lowe

Mary Charlotte Lowe, 79, of Peosta, Iowa, formerly of East Dubuque, IL, passed away at 3:10 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2018 at Unity Point-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at the East Dubuque Cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is in charge of arrangements.

Charlotte was born on April 20, 1939 in Dubuque, the daughter of Millard and Helen (LaMour) Meister. She married Jerry Lowe, he preceded her in death in 1983.

She was employed for over 30 years at Frommelt Industries, later known as Rite Hite until her retirement. Charlotte enjoyed working with ceramics, feeding the birds and time spent with family.

Surviving are four children, Kenneth (Pat) Lowe of Hinesville, GA, Terry (Danette) Lowe of Green Valley, IL, Cindy (Marv) Wagner of Welcome, MD, and Keith (Anita) Lowe of Mt. Vernon, IA; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry and a sister, Marlene (Merlin) Soat.

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

Marvin A. Petsche

Marvin A. Petsche, 94, of Scales Mound, Illinois, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018 at home.

Private family services and visitation will be held on Thursday at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Scales Mound. Military honors will be accorded at the grave by members of American Post # 464 of Warren.

Mr. Petsche was born December 21, 1924 near Guttenberg, Iowa, the son of Andrew J. & Gertrude M. (Miller) Petsche. He was united in marriage to Erma Bauer on August 27, 1946 at Immaculate Conception Church, North Buena Vista, Iowa. She preceded him in death on April 12, 2008.

Marvin’s passion was farming, which he did his entire adult life. He enjoyed fishing, picking morels, hunting, and playing a good game of cards, especially euchre, 500, pinochle, and solitaire. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish, Apple River, IL and American Legion Post # 464 of Warren, IL, and a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during World War II, with the 3rd. Infantry Division.

Surviving are nine children, Charles (Lois) Petsche, Stockton, IL, Pat (Wanda) Petsche and Steve (Nancy) Petsche both of Lena, IL, Mike (Bonnie) Petsche and Donnie Petsche both of Scales Mound, Ron (Carolyn) Petsche of Warren, IL, Susan Petsche of Chino Valley, Arizona, Jean (Craig Pratt) Petsche of Galena, IL, and Dave Petsche of Winslow, IL; 23 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; his siblings, Angela “Babe” Farnum, Harlan, Verdis “Bud”, and Bob Petsche, Donna Steger, Judy Kramer and David Petsche; and his sister-in-law, Arlene Petsche.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Erma, son John, granddaughter Shelby Lynn, grandson Neil, two step-granddaughters, Chelsea Toot and Myrsa Scace, and siblings, Leon Petsche, Althea Freiburger, Wilbur “Huntz” Petsche and Elroy “Tub” Petsche.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Hospice of Dubuque.

The Petsche family wishes to thank 24 Hour Home Care, especially Teresa, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially, Paul, Ryan, Stephanie and Diane for the excellent care given to our father.

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

Peter H. Ament

Peter H. Ament, 64, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Sunday, December 23, 2018 from natural causes at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Friends and relatives of Pete may call from 1 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 12:15 p.m. Friends may also call after 9 a.m. on Friday, December 28th at the funeral home. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 10 a.m. prior to services at the Basilica St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa.

Services for Peter Ament will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 28, 2018 at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Dyersville, Iowa, with Rev. Phil Kruse officiating and Rev. Richard Ament and Rev. Dennis Quint concelebrating. Burial will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville, Iowa.

He was born on February 26, 1954, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Paul F. and Alice (Then) Ament. He graduated from Beckman Catholic High School. On August 26, 1978, he married his soulmate Janie Beringer. Pete & Janie met and fell in love 42 years ago on December 23rd, the date of his death.

The building tradition began with his father, Paul, who he followed lead and mastered his fine skills of carpentry as a young man. Following in his father’s footsteps, he learned the intricate trade of carpentry. He and his wife, Janie, started Ament Building & Supply in 1984. Together they built a successful business where he transferred his passion for the building industry to his son, business partner and third generation carpenter, Jeff. His legacy will continue on through Ament Building and their dedicated employees, especially Tim & Adam, who he considered his sons. He enjoyed work and spent his last day of his life with son, Jeff, working side by side.

Although successful in business, his greatest success was his family. He thrived to watch high school and college sports where he spent many weekends traveling to watch his daughter, Mary Jo, play volleyball and son, Jeff, play football. He loved riding his motorcycle and convertible with his wife, Janie. Pete was also an avid hunter and his last great adventure was an African safari hunt. He came home with two big game trophies.

Being a farm boy at heart and animal lover, he enjoyed spending time with Mark & Mary Jo, on McClain Lane, 4-wheeling, building bonfires and just being together. When he wasn’t there he’d be helping Jeff and Maple with their livestock and building goat huts. He was a natural helper and problem solver for most any project or person. He proudly built his son and daughter’s homes.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and the men’s choir in Dyersville, Iowa. He is also a member and past Grand Knight of the Dyersville Knights of Columbus Council #1734 and the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly #1573. Pete is also a member of the Dyersville Golf & Country Club and past Chairman of the Dyersville Planning and Zoning Commission. Together with his wife they served as a sponsor couple through the parish for many years.

He is survived by the love of his life Janie Ament of Dyersville, Iowa; a son Jeff (Maple) Ament of Dyersville, IA and a daughter, Mary Jo (Mark) McClain of Peosta, IA; granddaughter, Morgan McClain; 10 siblings, William Ament of Epworth, IA, Dan (Debra) Ament of Dyersville,IA, Colleen (Norb) Janning of LeMars, IA, Ron (Donna) Ament of Farley, IA, Gretta Ament of Bellevue, IA, Janelle (Terry) Deutmeyer of Petersburg, IA, Luetta Bockenstedt of Dyersville, IA, Mary Alice Weinhold of Nicholasville, KY, Lloyd (Lea) Ament of New Vienna, IA and Paula Ament of Odenton, MD; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Carol) Beringer of Farley, IA and Judy (Dave) Gogel of Dyersville, IA; and many nieces and nephews who he was very fond of.

He is preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Carl & Alvina Beringer, a sister-in-law, Julie Ament; brothers-in-law, Trevor Wienhold and Larry Bockenstedt; a niece Abbie Ament.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Terry & Lynn Kluesner and family, Don & Diane Overman, Dyersville Police, EMT and Fire departments, Rev. Dennis Quint, Mercy Hospital in Dyersville and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for all the care and support they gave to Pete and his family.

Memorials are preferred to be used towards a future community project built in Pete’s honor.

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