Obituaries Archive

Scott A. Tuthill

Scott A. Tuthill, 53, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on December 1, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center.

According to Scott’s wishes no public visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Scott was born on January 9, 1965 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of Carl and Marjorie (Goetzinger) Tuthill. He graduated from Hempstead High School in 1983.

Scott enjoyed fishing and carpentry, but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter Jessica (Nathan) Steffen; two sons Robert (fiance Kaitlynn Robinson) Tuthill, and Jason Tuthill. Grandchildren Harper, Emersyn and Cameron. His parents Carl and Marjorie Tuthill and his siblings Becky (Paul) Shappell, Margie (Lance) Thompson, Tim (Carol) Tuthill and Rod (Sharon) Tuthill.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Leo and Maggie Goetzinger, paternal grandparents John and Naomi Tuthill and his identical twin brother Darran Tuthill.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Medical Center especially the CVU and Intensive Care Unit for all their care and kindness.

Sister Eliza Kenney, BVM

Sister Eliza Kenney, BVM, 86, of 1150 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center.

Visitation will be from 9-10:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, in the Marian Hall Chapel. Sharing of Memories will be at 10:15 a.m., followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Eliza currently served as curator at Mount Carmel, Dubuque. She was a music instructor at Mundelein College and Loyola University, both in Chicago, and Our Lady of Peace HS in Saint Paul, Minn.

She was born on Sept. 23, 1932, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Robert and Jean Lobingier Kenney. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1951, from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Phoenix. She professed first vows on March 19, 1954, and final vows on July 16, 1959.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by a cousin; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 67 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.

Behr’s Funeral Home, 1491 Main St., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 is in charge of arrangements.

Tonya L. (Fishnick) Duffy

Tonya L. (Fishnick) Duffy, 44, of Dubuque, passed through Heaven’s Gates on Tuesday, December 4, at Finley Hospital, Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque.

Tonya was born April 15, 1974 in Dubuque, daughter of Michael and Betty (Smith) Fishnick Sr. She was employed for the last 14 years at Molo Companies, and the Galena Brewing Company for the last four years. She was a devoted and loving mom.

Tonya was an outstanding woman with an outgoing, lively personality and brought love and happiness to all she met. She will be dearly missed by many.

Tonya will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Alan (friend Susan Whittington), Nathan, and Morgan Duffy; her parents; her siblings, Michael Fishnick Jr. and Jamie (Toby) Ryan; her nephews, Levi and Trent Ryan; her niece, Aunna Ryan; her longtime friend Dave Hammel; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mae and Clarence Smith and Bernard and Edna Fishnick; and her former father in law, Ken Duffy.

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

Robert L. Thomas

Robert L. “Bob” Thomas, 77, of Monticello, Iowa and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Thursday morning, December 6, 2018, at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Monticello, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of “Bob” from 5 to 7 P.M. on Friday, December 14, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Immediately following the gathering, the family invites all friends and relatives to share in One Last Party® for “Bob” beginning at 7 P.M. in “The Bistro” at Carson’s. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial will be held from the Union Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

Robert Lee Thomas was born on April 6, 1941 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Edward and Melva (Quelle) Thomas. He grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1959. He married Karen Schulze on August 4, 1962 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

After high school, “Bob” worked as stock boy for Woolworth’s Department Store and after a short time worked his way up in the company. He would become part of a team that would set up branch locations. Eventually, he became a store manager, first in Clinton, then Fort Madison and lastly in Davenport. In 1971, he moved to Maquoketa and began working for Vern Beatty at the Ben Franklin Store. He later became the store owner until 1985. He then worked as the branch manager for Midland Financial for a couple years, and later as the business manager at Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa for a year. Lastly, he sold Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance for many years until retiring in 2013. He moved to Arizona in May of 2015 and in November of this year returned to Iowa.

“Bob” was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and had previously served on the Jackson County Public Hospital Board of Trustees. He enjoyed fishing, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and was known as a “hands-on do-it-yourself fit-it kind of guy”.

Those left to honor “Bob’s” memory include his children, Dawn Roe of Monticello, IA, and Bradley Thomas of Cedar Rapids, IA; a foster-daughter, Rosalee (Tom) Pollard of Lyndon, IL; 4 grandchildren, Ben, Valerie, Janessa and Miranda; and a brother Edward (Karen) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Karen on October 22, 2010.

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

Joseph L. Koch

Joseph L. Koch, 57, of Dubuque, and formerly of Dyersville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 3, 2018, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Joe’s strong faith was evident with his graceful and calm acceptance of his diagnosis of inoperable liver cancer two months earlier and he was ready to meet his Lord.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa with burial at a later date. Fr. Rod Allers will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Additionally, an hour-long visitation will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at St. Joseph Church.

Joe was born June 29, 1961, in Dubuque, the son of Jerry and Jeanine (Gassmann) Koch. He graduated from Beckman High School, Class of 1979. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Iowa State University. After graduation, Joe worked for Interstate Power, Alliant Energy and ITC. He thoroughly loved his career in electrical engineering. Joe married Teresa Schmelzer on June 17, 1991 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Basilica and together they had three children.

Joe was passionate about the pro-life movement, recycling and sustainable energy. He was very kind-hearted with a beautiful soul. Joe received the Boy Scout Eagle ranking by refinishing the exterior doors of the Basilica and was a member of the Dubuque Lions Club. It always made his day when one of his Letters to the Editor was published in the TH. Joe enjoyed traveling with his family across the U.S. and abroad to sightsee and unwind. He valued the St. Joseph Parish community and the volunteering and ministry opportunities it provided.

Joe is survived by his children, Christa of Chicago, IL, Danny of New Orleans, LA, and Benjamin of Iowa City; his parents; his sisters, Jolyn Hannan of Dubuque, Tina (Steve) Gulick of Dyersville and Jerilyn (Bruce) Kraft of Chanhassen, MN; aunts and uncles, Janet Westhoff, Kenny (Diane) Koch, Steve (Kathy) Koch, Carol (Jim) Cole, Loras (Carolyn Pasquier) Gassmann, Marilyn Errthum, Karolyn Rose Taylor, Stan (Jane) Gassmann and Marchelle Kluesner; many nieces and nephews; two great-nephews; and the mother of his children, Teresa Koch.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cyril and Alvina Gassmann and Lawrence and Julanda Koch; and his uncles, Joe Taylor, Fritz Errthum, Phil Kluesner, Bob Koch and Walter Westhoff.

Memorials may be given (in Joe’s name) to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West, Dubuque County Right to Life, Beckman Catholic High School and Wahlert Catholic High School.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kassas, and Dr. Johlin and his nurse Mary of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics for their compassionate care of Joe. A heartfelt thank you to Joe’s loving high school friends, Mike and Nancy Pins, who made Joe’s last day special.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Mary Lou Pierrie

Mary Lou Pierrie, 86, of Dubuque died Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Luther Manor.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 7, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral, where a visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of services. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Lou was born on January 21, 1931 in Dubuque, the daughter of Milo and Katherine “Kate” (Barrett) Pierrie.
She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1949 and from St. Ambrose College as a Registered Nurse in 1952.

She worked at Medical Associates for over 40 years and retired as a nurse supervisor.

Mary Lou enjoyed golfing and bowling and participated in many leagues and tournaments. She also enjoyed bingo, crossword puzzles, playing cards with family and friends, crocheting, and knitting.

Her warm smile will be missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia “Pat” (Bill) Sweeney, of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews; and long-time best friend, Ruth McEnany.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Judy (Bob) McElmeel; and special uncle, Louis Barrett.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Raphael Cathedral.

Special thank you to the nurses and staff at Luther Manor, Dr. Mark Runde and Hospice of Dubuque.

Adele M. Wetter

Adele M. Wetter, 92, formerly of St. Donatus died Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Hawkeye Care Center, Dubuque.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm Saturday, December 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Donatus, where visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Adele was born March 10, 1926, daughter of August and Norma (Felderman) Siemers. She married John Wetter on July 11, 1978. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1990.

She is survived by the entire congregation of St. John Lutheran, St. Donatus, with whom Adele lived and worshiped her entire life.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Harold.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, St. Donatus, or a charity of your choice. Help extend Adele’s generosity.

The family would like to thank all for their care and concern; especially those from Hawkeye Care Center, Finley Hospital and Great River Medical.

Jerome J. Forkenbrock

Jerome J. “Forky” Forkenbrock, 66, of Epworth, Iowa passed away peacfully Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 6:15 a.m. at his home in Epworth, Iowa surrounded by his family.

The family will greet friends and relatives of Jerome from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.

He was born July 21, 1952 in Alton, Iowa, son of Bernard and Esther (Bergfeld) Forkenbrock. He is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. On March 2, 1974 and March 31, 2018 he was united in marriage to Debbie McDermott. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque works for 40 years.

He was an avid Harley Davidson rider. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandson, Ean.

He is a veteran, having served in the Air Force as an Airman and K-9 Patrol.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Forkenbrock of Epworth, IA; A daughter, Hilary (James) Muir of Farley, IA; a grandson, Ean J. Muir of Farley, IA; two brothers, Fred Forkenbrock of Egan, MN and David (Sue) Forkenbrock of Sarasota, FL; his mother-in-law, Coletta McDermott of Cascade, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patrick (Marva) McDermott, Donna (Patrick) Smith, Sharon (Dave) Reardon, Bernard (Mary) McDermott, Mary (Gerry) McDermott-Weydert all of Dubuque, John Gansen of Epworth, Bonnie (Neal) Gotto of New Vienna, IA, Terry (Connie) McDermott of Dubuque, and Rhonda (Tom) Gotto of Epworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Donald “Bennie” McDermott; his brother, James Forkenbrock; sisters and brother-in-law, Peggy Gansen, James McDermott and Mary Forkenbrock.

The family would like to thank Special Friends Ron McKiernan and Earl Pfab, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Hermann, Tony and Sandy at Grandriver Oncology and Dr. Johlin at the University of Iowa Hospital and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Edna and Nicole for all the care and support they gave to Forky.

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

Charles W. Schneckloth

Charles W. Schneckloth, 87, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday, December 10, 2018, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt, Iowa.

Charles William Schneckloth was born on July 9, 1931 in Scott County, Iowa, to Rudy and Betty (Schaff) Schneckloth. He married Lola Hodson on October 8, 1950 in DeWitt, Iowa. He worked six years in Wyoming and Colorado as a ranch cowboy and then moved back to Iowa and farmed in the Preston and Maquoketa areas until retiring in 2016 and moving to Maquoketa.

He was active in many organizations but wanted to be remembered as a cowboy, rancher, farmer, good husband, father, neighbor and friend. In keeping with his giving spirit of helping others throughout his life, Charles gave the gift of organ/tissue donation at his passing.

He is survived by his wife Lola Schneckloth of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Jan (Mike) Holdaway of New Zealand, Dawn (Keith) Brix of Laramie, WY, and Jodi (Luke) Johnson of Dixon, IL; 7 grandchildren, Jessica and Brad of New Zealand, Becky and Meghan of WY, Kate, Jake and Emma of IL; 2 great-grandsons, Charlie and Asher of New Zealand; a niece, Sharon McClimon of AZ; and sisters-in-law, Jean Schneckloth, Jackie Schneckloth, and Lila Stewart of Scotty County, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Allen and LeRoy, a sister LaVonne “Sis” McClimon, a niece Mary Ann McClimon, and nephews Michael and Mark McClimon.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Charles W. Schneckloth memorial fund has been established.

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

Doris M. Murray

Doris M. Murray, 95, of Dubuque died Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 3 pm Friday at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church where visitation will be held Friday from 1:30 pm until time of service. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Doris was born September 22, 1923 in Eldorado, Illinois, daughter of Sylvester and Margaret Muenstermann.

She married Francis A. “Frank” Murray on June 16, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Church, Kankakee, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2004.

Her faith and family were very important to Doris. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

She is survived by three children, Francis A. “Chip” (Julie) Murray of Dubuque, Kevin P. (Patti) Murray and Shaun (Jim) Kleitsch of Stoughton, Wisconsin; 17 grandchildren, Michael (Debbie) Murray, Maggie (Nate) Kiewiet, Matt (Angie) Murray, McKenzie (Jim) Murray-Chen, Whitney Murray, Quinn (Alec) Murray-Sundelius, Jace Murray, Kara (Tim) Rysavy, Anna (Cole) Taggart, Abby (Pat) McInerney, Ali Schultz, Meghan (Frank) Kleitsch Raff, Daniel (Lindsey) Kleitsch, Jenna Kleitsch, Jacob Kleitsch, Molly Kleitsch, and Noah Kleitsch, and 20 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Kathleen Murray Schultz; and six siblings, Zerita, Eleanor, Larry, Don, Bernard and Jim.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stonehill Care Center or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center for their wonderful care.

Iris M. Jensen

Julie Eileen Unsen, 57, of Dubuque lost her battle with Cancer on December 4, 2018 in her home while surrounded by family and loved ones.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 7th,2 018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of services.

Julie was born on November 2, 1961 in Dubuque to parents, John “Peach” and Rita (Splinter) Cavanaugh.

Julie is survived by her children, Mandy (Zachary) Krapfl and Clay Unsen, with whom she shared with ex-husband, Robert M. Unsen; grandchildren, Killian and Cavin Krapfl; and her boyfriend, Rick Weland.

She is survived by seven sisters and two brothers: Nancy Hess; Mary Jane (Rod) Krapfl; Gary (Suzie) Cavanaugh; Diane Cavanaugh, all of Dubuque. Darlene (Lor) Krapfl and Dan (Jana) Cavanaugh, all of Peosta. Laurie (Mike) Foster of Walkerton, Indiana. Amy (Tim) Stierman of Zwingle, and Janet “Charlie” Balk (Denny Huber) of Delaware, Iowa. She is also survived by her maternal and paternal aunts and uncles, and the many, many, MANY nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that the family has been blessed with over the years.

Julie is proceeded in death by her parents, John and Rita Cavanaugh; brother, Dale Cavanaugh; a brother in infancy; and her brother-in-law, Ronnie Hess.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David P. Bender, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Dr. Mark E. Hermann, Hospice Physician at Grand River Medical Group. To the dedicated staff at Hospice of Dubuque, thank you all for your kindness and care, especially to her nurse Cindy.

In lieu of flowers, a Julie Unsen Memorial Fund has been established.

Iris M. Jensen

Iris M. Jensen, 94, of Dubuque, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 at Luther Manor Grand Meadows.

Iris was born December 25, 1923 in Carlisle, IA, the daughter of Thomas and Mamie (Huff) Davis.

She married Louis F. Jensen on July 18, 1945 in Des Moines. He preceded her in death on June 24, 2008.

Iris graduated from Moody Bible Institute, and alongside her husband served as a missionary in Tokyo, Japan for 15 years. Iris was known for her generous hospitality; she excelled in baking, sewing, and quilting. She enjoyed being very active, even riding her bicycle and downhill skiing into her 70’s.

Iris is survived by five children, Patricia (Dave) Fogle of Hemet, CA; Paul (Sharon) Jensen of Dubuque, IA; Ruth (Dale) Zschoche of Colorado Springs, CO; Rebecca Jensen of Newtown Square, PA; and Philip Jensen of Dubuque, IA; 14 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and her sister, Bonnie Urban.

In addition to her husband, Iris was preceded in death by her parents, and most of her siblings.

Memorials may be made to the Pastor Louis F. Jensen Scholarship Fund at Emmaus Bible College.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice of Dubuque; the staff at Luther Manor and Oak Park Place (especially CNA Colleen); Dr. Kristen Nelson; Chris and Nancy Lange; and her dear friend at Luther Manor, Alice Miller.

Friends may greet the family for Visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at HoffmannSchneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd., Dubuque. A Graveside Ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 10, Rock Island National Cemetery. Attendees will gather at 1:30 p.m. in the Ducky’s Formal Wear parking lot: 1721 5th Ave, Moline, IL for procession onto the Arsenal island. There will also be a large Celebration of Life & Memorial Ceremony for Iris at Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel at 1pm on Saturday, February 16th, 2019, at 2843 John F Kennedy Rd., Dubuque.

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

Alice Snodgrass

Alice Patricia “Pat” Snodgrass, 84, of Davenport, Iowa, and formerly of Maquoketa, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018, at her home.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held 3:30 P.M., Friday, December 7, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private family visitation will be held, and burial will be at a later date at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois.

Alice Patricia Thompsen was born on April 29, 1934 in Jackson County, Iowa, to Peter and Mathilda (Beeks) Thompsen. At a young age her parents divorced, and her mom remarried Clifford Ralston who helped raise her. She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School and later received her nurses training and degree from Trinity School of Nursing in 1966. She married Merlin Elwood Snodgrass on June 2, 1956 in Brookville, Indiana. He preceded her in death in 1985.

Alice “Pat” worked as an LPN and then as RN for over 20 years at the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa, 7 years at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, 10 years at Trinity Osteopathic Hospital in Davenport, and lastly as a traveling nurse.

Alice “Pat” was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Emeline Schoolhouse Restoration Committee, Master Gardner’s, and formerly the American Kennel Club. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and dogs. She had raised and shown German Shepherds for many years. Additionally, she was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives and spent a great deal of time at horse shows, rodeos, trap shooting and baseball. She loved that they were involved and encouraged them, sometimes loudly from the sidelines.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Patrick Snodgrass of Oxford Junction, IA, Tommy Snodgrass of Davenport, IA, Lori Snodgrass of Davenport, IA, and Mary Rauch of Baldwin, IA; and 2 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-father, husband Merlin, and a sister Mary Brady.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Alice Patricia “Pat” Snodgrass memorial fund has been established.

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

Joseph R. Schlarman, Sr.

Joseph R. “Joe” Schlarman Sr., age 85, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 11:58 a.m., on Sunday, December 2, 2018, at home. To honor Joe’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, December 10, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Joe’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.

Joe was born on December 11, 1932, in rural Dyersville, Iowa, son of Joseph and Josephine (Jaeger) Schlarmann.

Joe was born in Dyersville, and sadly found himself parentless at age 11, he was however fortunate enough to be raised by several relatives throughout the years. He was raised with an exemplary work ethic, and at age 16, became a loyal employee of the Dubuque Packing Company, even walking to work in the winter time when the roads were too icy, for 35 years until they closed in 1982. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Madeline Miller, September 14, 1957, at St. John the Baptist Church in Peosta, Iowa, and the two were blessed with 61 years together and 3 adored children. After the packing house closed up shop, Joe and Madi turned their passion for restoring and saving some of Dubuque’s Architectural Treasures into Joe’s new career, no job was too hard or too dirty for Joe to tackle, and they were extremely proud of giving new life to the Captain Merry House, 1599 Bluff Street and 1020 Bluff Street. Joe was a family man, through and through, and he and Madi wanted to make sure that the children grew up with an appreciation of the beautiful world they lived in. It was through their love of camping that they were able to instill a love of nature in all of the children. Joe was always very active with the Boy Scouts for over 35 years with Troop 45. In his younger years, Joe enjoyed outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing, but also was a phenomenal roller skater, at one point even being recruited by the Bay City Bombers. We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, but are grateful for all of the memories and the life lessons he has taught us during his 85 years here with us.

Those left to cherish Joe’s memory include

his loving wife,
Madeline “Madi” Schlarman, Dubuque, IA;

his 3 children,
Julie Schlarman, Albuquerque, NM,
Joseph R. “Guy” (Ruth) Schlarman Jr., Eureka, MT
and Douglas (Michelle) Schlarman, Allen, TX;

his 4 grandchildren,
Stephen Douglas Schlarman, Ian Joseph Schlarman, Joseph Schlarman and Madeline Schlarman;

and a sister,
Anna Mae (Loras) Kieffer, Dubuque, IA.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Rose Schlarmann in infancy, Delores Duetmeyer, Louis Schlarmann, Clarence Schlarmann, Jerome Schlarmann, Cletus Schlarmann and Robert Schlarmann.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Joe’s favorite charities.

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

Shirley A. Heitzman

Shirley A. Heitzman, 82, of Dubuque, died Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 6 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Road is in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley was born on September 8, 1936 in Hampton, Iowa the daughter of Robert and Ethel (Keapproth) O’Connor. She spent most of her childhood in Fort Dodge, Iowa and graduated from Corpus Christi High School. Shirley graduated from Iowa State University in 1958 where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She completed her dietetic internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Shirley moved to Dubuque and was a Dietician at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital. She was introduced to Al Heitzman by mutual friends and they were married on November 4, 1961 at Corpus Christi Church in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Shirley and Al were parents of five children. She became a stay at home mom and was dedicated to raising her children. Naturally, because of her dietician background she was a great cook. She also took a great interest in flower gardening, especially her roses.

In her later years, Shirley and Al loved golfing together weekday mornings at Fillmore Golf Course. They were also avid walkers at Heritage Trail, Bergfeld Pond or the Mall. Shirley also liked playing Bridge with her group at Mt. Carmel and Lifetime Center. Shirley and Al enjoyed taking bus trips throughout the United States and an annual Caribbean Cruise. Until recent years they also enjoyed spending the winter months in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

After living on Westridge Drive for 52 years, Shirley and Al moved to the Woodlands Senior Apartments in September 2016. Each morning, she looked forward to having a cup of coffee with the ladies. She loved coffee, drinking it from the minute she woke until early evening. She also took great care in watching over Al, making sure he got enough protein each day. Always the Dietician! In the last few years she also took great interest in college basketball and couldn’t wait to watch Iowa State and Big East basketball.

Shirley took great joy in the accomplishments of her grown children. But even more, treasured time with her grandchildren and took great pride in seeing them grow up and develop their unique personalities. We are blessed that mom was able to spend this past Thanksgiving Holiday with all her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Al; children, David Heitzman, of Dubuque, James Heitzman, of Dubuque, Mary (Paul) Prososki (Shellenberger), of Parkville, MO, Ann (Tim) Gillispie, of Urbandale, IA, and Joseph (Shelly) Heitzman, of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, William Shellenberger and Jake and Josh Prososki, Kendall and Jordan Gillispie, Anna and Emily Heitzman; and her sister, Debra (Jeff) Gustafson of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Barb (Jerry) Sweiger; grandson, Charlie Shellenberger; son-in-law, Timothy Shellenberger;

Shirley was a longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. A Shirley A. Heitzman Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank mom’s sister Debra and her husband Jeff for their love and support over the years. We also appreciate the efforts of the doctors and nurses at Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque and the doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Especially the nurses in the UIHC Neuroscience ICU and Palliative Care units who provided compassionate care to both Shirley and her family during her final days.