Obituaries Archive

Dean G. Heacock

Dean G. Heacock, age 71, of Durango, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 19, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dean’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Meadows Golf Club, 15766 Clover Lane in Asbury.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Ed McCarthy officiating.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dean’s family.

Dean was born on May 1, 1954, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Louis and Anna (McCarthy) Heacock.  He grew up on the family farm in Asbury, where he first learned the values of hard work, family, and grit that shaped the rest of his life.  Dean found the love of his life, Marcella “Sally” Jecklin, and the couple was united in marriage on May 8, 1976.  They were blessed with 49 wonderful years together and a family of their own to raise, love and nurture together.

Before starting his own business, Heacock and Sons Construction, Dean worked with Kluck Construction and co-owned Temperley-Heacock Construction.  Building a business with his sons was one of his greatest sources of pride. He taught his three boys a strong work ethic, and he took great satisfaction in knowing they all went into the construction field, carrying on the trade he loved.  He was a proud member of the Dubuque Homebuilders and Associates and always took great pride not only in his work, but also in the life he had made, the family he built, and the joy he found along the way.

When Dean worked, he worked hard; when he played, he played hard; and when he loved, he loved immensely. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and was always ready for a road trip or a ride in the side by side. He looked forward to outings with friends in their Once A Month Club.  He had a quick wit and a smirk that always hinted at the punchline to come—he could make anyone laugh.

Dean cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness. To them, he wasn’t just a grandfather—he was a teacher, a jokester, and a hero.  His positive impact on the world around him is undeniable and every intentional effort Dean made throughout his life to lead those he loved and cared for has surely paid immeasurable dividends now that his legacy remains behind.

Those who knew him best will remember a man who could be a real bad boy, but also a real good man.  We will miss every part of the man we called husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend until we meet again and are forever grateful for each and every memory we possess to strengthen us until that day arrives.  Thank you, Dean, for reminding us all that success in life is not a secret only a few can discover, but rather that life will be exactly what you put into it, how you react to the large and small moments throughout, and most importantly, who you choose to share it with.  May we retain and incorporate this wisdom into our own lives and carry your love and lesson forward without fail.

Those left to cherish the memory of Dean include,

his loving wife,
Marcella “Sally” Heacock, Durango, IA;

his three sons,
Justin (Meggan) Heacock, Peosta, IA,
and their children, Jackson, Brody and Logan Heacock,
Luke (Jolene) Heacock, Asbury, IA,

and their children, Ellie, Owen and Leah Heacock,
and Clint (Abbey) Heacock, Holy Cross, IA,
and their children, Easton, Sawyer, and Maeve Heacock;

his two brothers,
Ken (Helen) Heacock, Dubuque, IA,
and Duane (Mary) Heacock, Peosta, IA;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,
Ronald Winter, Asbury, IA,
Dave (Rita) Ruden, Dubuque, IA,
Donald (Julie VanZile) Jecklin, Jr., Peosta, IA,
Robert (Rose) Mueller, Epworth, IA,
Dennis (Lois) Schmidt, Key West, IA,
and Jane Jecklin, Peosta, IA;

along with countless nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Arvel “Red” Heacock, Gloria (Ed) Herbst, and Carol Winter; his mother and father-in-law, Donald (Mary) Jecklin, Sr.; his sister-in-law, Vivian Strom; and his nephew, Gene Herbst.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dean’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

Dean’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli, Kristin and Angelia, along with everyone at No Place Like Home, and the doctors and nurses on 3rd floor medical at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care. Also, a very heartfelt thank you to his special niece, Janet Smith.

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

Mary Ann Lex

Mary Ann Lex, 89, of Dubuque, departed this life on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary Ann will be 10:30 am Friday, September 26, 2025, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Mary Ann was born March 10, 1936, in Balltown, IA, the daughter of Louis and Edwina (Klein) Steger. On September 17, 1957, she married Allen Lex at St. Francis Catholic Church in Balltown.

Mary Ann was a loving, resilient woman of deep faith. She dedicated herself to caring for her home and family, taking great pride in her marriage and raising their four children-her proudest accomplishments. She went on to work at Kinder Care in Asbury where she nurtured babies and toddlers. A devoted member of the Church of the Resurrection, Mary Ann was active in both the Altar and Rosary Society and the Mother’s Club. She found joy in her faith community and in the traditions that brought people together. She loved hosting family holidays, playing Euchre with friends, boating on the Mississippi and bowling. She took great pride in her vegetable and flower garden.

She is survived by Al, her dedicated husband of 68 years; three daughters, Kathy (Kevin) Thielen of Peosta, IA, Karen (Jim) Buri of Kansas City, MO, and Lisa (Shane) Berrett of Omaha, NE; daughter-in-law, Kim Lex of Charlotte, NC; 11 grandchildren, Andrew (Lindsey) Murphy of Dubuque, Patrick (Holly) Murphy of Grimes, IA, Staci (Howie) Lincoln of Bellevue, IA, Jennifer (Tim) Jelinek of Dubuque, Kristen Bullington of Seattle, WA, Megan (Kyle) Buri of Kansas City, MO, Allison (Brendan) Kelly of Charlotte, NC, Nathan (Heather) Lex of Uniontown, OH, Daniel (Liz) Lex of Dayton, OH, Lauren Berrett of Scottsdale, AZ, and Cole Berrett of Omaha, NE; fifteen great-grandchildren, Conner and Cooper Schreiber, Paxton and Spencer Murphy, Whitman and Barron Bullington, Ashlyn, Holden and Calvin Kelly, Lucy, Lily, and Livi Lincoln, Chloe and Leah Jelinek, and Evelynn Lex; and two brothers, Bill (Donna) Steger and Gerry (Connie) Steger, both of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael, along with her brothers, Arnold and Clete.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Church of the Resurrection Mobile Food Pantry.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the Luther Manor staff who genuinely cared for Mary Ann. She always responded to their kindness with a warm smile and a thank you. They would also like to extend their gratitude to Hospice of Dubuque.

To honor Mary Ann’s memory and the love that she had for family, let us show kindness to create a ripple effect within our family and community where everyone feels loved and supported.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Mary Ann’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Sharon H. Accola

Sharon Helen Accola, age 85, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Ahva Living in East Dubuque, IL, with her family by her side.

Family and friends may call from 9:00 – 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, with Rev. Tom Ascheman, SVD officiating. Burial will be in East Dubuque Cemetery.

Sharon was born in St. Catherine, IA, the daughter of Milton and Clara (Berendes) Welbes. She attended St. Mary’s School in Dubuque, IA, and went on to receive her GED.

Sharon was united in marriage to Gerald F. Accola on December 23, 1960. She was formerly employed in housekeeping with Regency Thermographers, Medical Associates Clinics, and several residential clients in her lifetime.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque and the Gramercy Park Foundation where she volunteered for many years.

Sharon was a very devoted wife and cherished mother. She was the heart of the family and the center of our holiday celebrations. Mom was always there to lend a helping hand.

Surviving are her children, Pam (Jim) Finn, Jay (Laura) Accola, Randy (Kathy) Accola, Lynn (Mike) McNeil, and Christopher (Mendy) Accola; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nakia (Rodney) Martin, Elijah, Zain, and Zayva Martin; Chad (Mallory) Finn, Cael, Kellen, Reagan Finn; Elijah Accola, Josiah (Ryan) Accola-House, Isaac Accola; Andrew (Brianna) Accola, Nicholas Accola; Michael (Rachel) McNeil, Connor McNeil; sister, Marian Welbes and brothers, John (Kathy) Welbes, Jerry (Margaret) Welbes, Dave (Teresa) Welbes and Roger Welbes.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Clara, her husband, Gerald (Jerry), sisters, Joyce O’Toole and Ruth (Luke) Chevalier.

REST IN PEACE MOM, TIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN.

The Accola family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Maria Hernandez, Dr. Peroski with Medical Associates, Ahva Living and Hospice of Dubuque for the amazing comfort and care provided to their mother.

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

Ardel W. Keil

Phyllis K. Lang

Phyllis Kay Lang, 69, of Bernard Iowa passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Hollie on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with family by her side.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.  A Sharing Time will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Committal Prayers and burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 10556 Military Road.

Phyllis was born on March 4, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth “Betty Jane” (Fox) Cornwell.  She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.  She was united in Marriage to her former husband Sydney Hines (deceased) on September 28, 1974, and welcomed their two daughters, Hollie Rae and Nicole Robin.  Phyllis married Richard “Dick” Lang on March 16, 2001.  He preceded her in death on April 27, 2014.  In her younger years Phyllis waitressed at Monte Carlo Restaurant before retiring from Aladdin Dry Cleaners.

Phyllis loved any excuse to get together with family and friends to have a night out or a friendly competition of darts, shooting pool or bowling.  She enjoyed traveling, country music, sitting at the campfire enjoying her cold Busch Light and a little “knock the momma”.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Hollie (Dan Ludwig) Thomas and Nicole Hines; grandchildren Brent (Randi Bennet) Otting, Sydnie (Rell) Wardell, Colin Thomas and Matthew Brimmer; two great granddaughters; sister, Mary Lou Flanagan; sister in-law, Shirley Cornwell of Bellevue, IA and stepchildren Rick Lang, Brian Lang, Dan (Cathy) Lang, Lisa (Bart Wieden) Fritz, and Anne (Dennis) Kotz; step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, her parents Alfred and Betty; brothers, Don (Cathy), Ron “Red” and Carl “Butch”; sisters “Margaret “Peggy” in infancy, Patricia “Pat” McAtee, brothers in-law Ray McAtee and George Flanagan and our favorite Aunt and Betty and Uncle Denny Ansel.

A Phyllis Lang Memorial Fund has been established.  The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, with special thanks to Amy and Mandi, for their amazing care of mom.  A big thank you to our Life Savers, the Ansel girls, for everything they have done.

Julia E. Scheckel

Darrell R. Vrchoticky

Darrell Ray Vrchoticky, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque.

No services will be held at this time. Burial will take place at a later date in Virginia. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Darrell was born August 8,1945, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Robert J. and Hazel M. (Maxie) Vrchoticky. He married Carol L. Brown on March 23, 1967, in Norfolk, Virginia. He served in the United States Navy and was a General Manager for Swiss Valley Farms for 32 years.

He loved fishing and was an avid sports enthusiast but will be remembered most for being a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a loyal protector and leader, always thoughtful, a great listener and giver of wisdom and advice, with a larger-than-life personality.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife Carol; he was the proud and loving father of Jeffrey R. Vrchoticky of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jeremy (Teri) Vrchoticky of Tampa, Florida and Tiffany (Tim) McCoy of Bernard, Iowa; loving grandfather of Thomas, Taylor and Jordan Vrchoticky, Olivia and Jake Vrchoticky, Mikaela (Sean) McFadden, Tim McCoy and Emily (Cole Ludvik) McCoy; loving great-grandfather of Sophia, Tirion and Freya McFadden, and James Davis. He was also a beloved brother in a family of 13.

He is preceded in death by his son Trevor John Vrchoticky, his parents Robert and Hazel Vrchoticky; sisters, Marilyn, Darlene and Melva; brothers, Bob, Alan and Jerry.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Darrell’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers at T2T.org

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at MercyOne Dubuque for their caring support for Darrell and helping our family through this difficult time.

Darrell (Dad), thank you for giving us a wonderful life! You will be in our hearts forever, Carol, Jeff, Jeremy and Tiffany.

Thomas P. Cloos

Thomas Peter Cloos, 76, of Bellevue, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Grand Meadows in Asbury of Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Visitation will be 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Monday, September 22, 2025 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Additional visitation will be from 9:00 am – 10:00 am prior to Mass on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Thomas Peter Cloos was born on December 23, 1948, the eldest child of James and Kathleen (Gonner) Cloos, and the first grandchild of Peter and Viola Cloos and George and Alverda Gonner. As the eldest child and grandchild, Tom learned the value of hard work and the fun of playful mischief. He attended Sts. Peter & Paul grade school in Springbrook and graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Bellevue in 1966.

In May of 1969, at a wedding dance in Preston, Tom met Lois Reuter—the love of his life. True to his quiet nature, it wasn’t until the final song of the evening that he summoned the courage to ask her to dance. That moment sparked an immediate and lasting connection. They were married on June 13, 1970, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span more than five decades.

Tom worked for nearly 40 years as Safety Director for Art Paper Transfer.   After retiring, he worked for many years cleaning at Marquette Catholic Schools.  Tom enjoyed golfing until sidelined by back injuries.  He sang in the church choir and served as a eucharistic minister and lector for many years.  Always willing to assist, it was not uncommon for a priest to ask him what committee he wanted to serve on when help was needed, because they knew he would say yes.   Tom served on the Springbrook City Council, the Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Council, the Marquette Catholic School Board, and was an officer of the Marquette Booster Club. Together with Lois, he served as a sponsor couple for marriage preparation, assisted with First Communion and Confirmation preparation and was involved in Life Skills formation at the Dubuque Community Schools.  His boundless energy earned him the nickname “Energizer Bunny”.

Tom cherished time with family, especially annual family vacations.  Throughout his 76 years, he remained a model of kindness and humility, rarely speaking an unkind word and always treating others with warmth and respect.

Survivors include his wife, Lois; daughters, Lisa (Steve) Schmidt, Julie (Mike) Muenster, Melissa (Mike) Harvey, and Emily Cloos; grandchildren Elizabeth, Benjamin, Issac and Sam Schmidt, Anna (Joe) Paffrath, Morgan, Lucas, and Molly Muenster, and Quinton, Cora, and Nolan Harvey; siblings, Steve (Colleen) Cloos, Mark (Marlene) Cloos, Patrick (Shirley) Cloos,  Fr. Robert Cloos, Barb (Kenny) Lundin, and Rick Cloos; in-laws, Darlene Reuter, Eleanor Casey, Gean Burken, Darlene (Dale) Ketelsen, Judy (Tim) Martin, Terry (Bonnie) Reuter, and Ed (Carol) Reuter.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a sister Margaret “Peg” Mueller; and brothers in-law, Donald Reuter and Leo Casey.

The family would like to thank the staff of Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for their tremendous care during this time.

Memorials may be directed to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Dubuque, and Marquette Catholic Schools in Tom’s memory.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com

Craig W. Pratt

Craig W. Pratt, age 64, of Galena, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, with Pastor Austin Caswell officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena, IL.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque.

Craig was born on September 13,1961 in Hazel Green, WI, the son of William J. and Joan A. (Kirchner) Pratt. He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1980.

Craig was employed for 41 years at the Galena Stauss Senior Care Community in the maintenance department as “THE HEAD OF IT”. Presently he was employed by RT&T Enterprises, East Dubuque, IL.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, being with family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving is his partner; Jean A. Petsche, Galena, IL, his two daughters, Angela (Ron) Greve and Jody Pratt both of East Dubuque, IL, three grandchildren, Emily, Kaleb, and Charlie; Jean’s children, Jade Wiegel (Fiancé Brooke), Jen (Greg) Griffin and Joseph Gratz; his father, Bill Pratt of Galena, IL; two siblings, Gary Pratt of East Dubuque, IL and Sheri (Gary) Schardt of Tiffin, IA;

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan, an infant brother, paternal grandparents, John and Mary Pratt and maternal grandparents, James and Abby Kirchner, his aunt, Rachel Brown, a special aunt, Grace Hoppe, cousin, Tina (Kirchner) Kurt and his “Baby” Otis.

The family wishes to give a sincere thank you to members of the Galena Area EMS, Galena Fire Dept, Galena Police Dept and Midwest Medical Center ER Dept for their quick response and compassion shown to Craig’s family.

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

Donald P. Wedig

Donald P. Wedig, age 94, of Mineral Point, WI, went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Donald was born on June 8, 1931, the son of Peter and Bertha (Belken) Wedig, and was the youngest of their 12 children.

On June 23, 1956, Donald married the love of his life, Cyrilla Loeffelholz. Together, they built a beautiful life on their family farm and were blessed with five wonderful children: Theresa (Wayne) Kennedy, Peter (Kim) Wedig, Deborah (Gary) King, Paul Wedig, and Donald Wedig Jr.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Wesley (Marie) Kennedy, Shekinah (Luke) King, Caleb Kennedy, Jacob (Kaia) Wedig, Jenna, Jared, and Jaxon Wedig; and by six great-grandchildren: Cayden, Amier, April Joy, Wynston, Edyn Kennedy, and Callen King.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Bertha Wedig; two children in infancy, Angela and Joseph Wedig; and his sisters and brothers: Hilda Dunn, Leone Udelhofen, Delvin Wedig, LaVern Wedig, Minerva Teasdale, Mercedes Murphy, Helen Schmit, Mary Emily Schmit, Gertrude Kilkelly, Norma Graber, and Ruth Carlson.

Donald’s greatest joys in life were spending time with his family around the kitchen table, playing euchre, riding his horses, and preparing them for the county fair. In his younger years, he loved demonstrating feats of strength—walking on his hands, tug-of-war, racing family and friends during the annual Father’s Day bridge run, and even bending 60-penny spikes. He deeply appreciated God’s creation and was a lifelong hunter and sportsman.

Donald had a playful spirit. He always enjoyed a good joke, often showed off his “dog jaw,” and was usually the instigator of a water fight.

Above all, serving the Lord was paramount in Donald’s life. “The Lord delivered me from alcohol many years ago.” Donald stated, “The first thing I am going to tell the Lord when I see Him face-to-face is, ‘Thank you, Lord, for taking alcohol away from me!'” Donald cherished the moments when his family gathered together in prayer and also found great pride and joy in knowing that the Cowboy Church/Cedar Rock was built on his former property.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Cedar Rock Cowboy Church, 1200 Betty Lane, Mineral Point, WI. Memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of life fellowship after the service.

Online condolences for Donald’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Teressa A. Anderson

Teressa “Terry” A. Anderson, 67, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Genesis Medical Center – East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

At Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  There will be no public visitation or services.

Terry was born August 1, 1958, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Earl and Barbara (Watson) Wilcox.  Terry was united in marriage to James Anderson on April 14, 2000, in Maquoketa.  She worked for Jackson Manufacturing for 18 years.

Terry was a loving wife and mother and always took great care of her family.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband James Anderson of Maquoketa; her children, Vincent “Vinny” Anderson of Maquoketa, and Jennifer Holland of Montana; and her siblings, Elisa Winkey, Jeralin Ehrlinger, and Earl Wilcox.  She was preceded in death by parents.

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

Sonia S. Simons

Sonia Sue Simons, 85, of Dubuque, died Monday, September 1, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:15 am until 9:45 am on Monday, September 22, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Sonia will be at 10:00 am on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Jim Schmidt officiating. Burial will be at Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery in Bellevue.

Sonia was born May 29, 1940, in Oelwein, IA, the daughter of Milton and Berneice (Stone) Bowman. On June 23, 1962, she married John Dixon Simons in Hanover, Illinois, on the hottest day of the year. He preceded her in death on August 11, 2025.

She graduated from Hanover Community High School in 1959.

Sonia found joy in antiquing, creating miniature models with her husband, and caring for her garden and flowers. She had a deep bond with her cats, and found strength and comfort in her faith. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include her three children, Rebecca Simons, Pamela  Evans, and John “JB” Simons; three grandchildren, Chanel “Nellie” Simons, Zakkary Wasmund, and Thomas Freisinger; and one sister, Kathy (Dick) Flies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, John, and one brother, Howard Bowman.

Sonia’s family would like to extend a Thank You to Care Initiatives Hospice and Dubuque Specialty Care for their care.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Sonia’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.

Jean M. Hesseling

Jean M. Hesseling, age 77, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  To celebrate Jean’s life, family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held on Monday at 12:00 noon at the funeral home, with Martin Hesseling officiating.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Jean was born on July 5, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Waldschmidt) Fecker.

Jean married Richard “Dick” Hesseling on August 27, 1966, at the Church of the Nativity.  They celebrated 56 years together before he sadly preceded her in death on December 12, 2022.  Jean was a devoted wife and mom who also worked as a nurses aide with the Sisters of the Presentation, the Sisters of the Visitation, the Sisters at Mt. Carmel, Luther Manor, Manorcare, and lastly with Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place.  Jean always said working with the Sisters was more like going home than to work, and she really enjoyed her co-workers.  Her faith was important to her, and she was a long time member of Nativity Church.  In her free time, Jean liked making latch hook rugs and going target shooting with Dick and the family.  She made time for watching TV crime shows, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Let’s Make a Deal and Westerns.  She loved spending time with the family and especially enjoyed watching and playing with the grandchildren.  Jean was a caring person who always put the needs of others first.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Jean’s memory include

her children,
Cindy (Kevin) Kruse, Dubuque, IA,
Richard (Carolyn) Hesseling Jr., Dubuque, IA,
Donald (Betty) Hesseling, Waterloo, IA
and Martin (Sarah) Hesseling, Davenport, IA;

11 grandchildren;

14 great-grandchildren;

her bonus “sons”,
Dr. Douglas Isaacson, Dubuque, IA
and Michael Stratford, Davenport, IA;

and her sister-in-law,
Barb Fecker, Dubuque, IA.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Hesseling Sr.; a grandson, Brandon; a sister, Pat (Jim) Weiner; and a brother, Joseph Fecker.

Jean’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for keeping Jean comfortable.

Cards and memorials in Jean’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jean Hesseling Family.

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

Catherine M. Novak

Catherine M. “Cathy” Novak, age 69, of Dyersville, IA, completed her earthly journey on September 17, 2025, at the Dyersville Senior Care Center.  To honor Cathy’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Cathy’s family.

Cathy was born on December 9, 1955, in Bancroft, NE, a daughter to Raymond and Norma (Witt) Novak.  She was truly blessed with a strong spirit and a joyful heart which she would carry faithfully throughout her life.  She spent her primary years in Nebraska, before making her way to Sioux City, and eventually to Dubuque after a few other stops along the way.  She worked primarily in clerical departments and as a blackjack dealer before she finally opened her own bookstore, Catherine’s Used Books in downtown Dubuque.  She was an avid reader and to find herself surrounded by one of her passions each day was like never having to work another day in her life.  Sadly, health issues had plagued Cathy much of her adult life and in time, they caught up to her and being able to fulfill a daily work schedule just became a challenge she wasn’t going to be able to continue conquering.

Cathy enjoyed jigsaw puzzles in her free-time, but ultimately, being a Mom and Grandma was where her greatest joy was to be found.  Her generous and kind heart, coupled with her brazen sense of humor carried her through many days which most of us would have surrendered long ago.  Cathy loved life, her family, and always made the most of her time with those around her.  It is a sad day to have to accept that her journey among us is now complete and only the abundance of beautiful memories she leaves behind will remain to comfort our broken hearts.  Thank you, Cathy, for never allowing the trials and tribulations you faced to ever come between you and those you loved.  May the lessons you taught us be seen vividly within our lives as we wait patiently now to see your contagious smile once again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Cathy include,

her two adored daughters,
Suzanne (William) Hartwig, Dyersville, IA,
and Shannon (Rick) Johnston, Dyersville, IA;

her three grandchildren,
Christopher Riley, Kansas City, MO,
Bianca Johnston, Dyersville, IA,
and Oliver Johnston, Dyersville, IA;

her great-grandson,
Christopher Riley, Jr., Kansas City, MO;

her mother,
Norma Novak, Randolph, NE;

her brother,
Clifford (Nancy) Novak, Bancroft, NE;

her sisters-in-law,
Patty Novak, Umatilla, FL,
and Dawn Fillipi, NE;

her nieces and nephews,
Frieda Novak, Maryanne Novak, Kellie Fillipi, Jody Fillipi, Russ Novak, Steven Novak, Martin Novak, Nicholas Novak, David Novak, Matt Novak and Grant Fillipi;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father; and three brothers, Steven Novak, Stanley Novak, and Russell Novak.

Cathy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dyersville Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Paul D. Heiderscheit

Paul D. Heiderscheit,72, of Holy Cross, Iowa passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa due to complications following a fall.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Holy Cross, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 10 – 11 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Holy Cross, Iowa. Burial will be held in Holy Cross cemetery.

Paul was born on September 24, 1952, son of Mathew and Frances (Pfeiler) Heiderscheit. He was a 1971 graduate of Leo High School in Holy Cross. Paul worked various jobs throughout his life and then farmed with his brother Leon for several years on the family farm. He was a quiet, spiritual man and enjoyed spending time reading books.

Survivors include his siblings: Mary Berning of Sinsinawa, WI, Clarence Heiderscheit of Dyersville, IA, Sr. Dorothy Heiderscheit OSF of Dubuque, IA, Leon (Sandy) Heiderscheit of Holy Cross, IA, Charles (Sara) Heiderscheit of Osage, IA, Jeanne (Gary) Schmidt of Marion, IA, Joan (Kevin) Althaus of Dubuque, IA, a sister-in-law, Marlene Heiderscheit of Dubuque, IA and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Allan and George Heiderscheit, a brother-in-law, Richard Berning, sisters-in-law, Rose and Edel Heiderscheit and a nephew, Alex Heiderscheit.

Thank you to the Holy Cross Volunteer Fire Department, the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics doctors and nurses, especially his nurse, Kate Noonan for their excellent care and Kindness.

A special thanks to Leon and Sandy Heiderscheit for their loving care for Paul all these years.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Holy Cross is assisting the family.  Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.