Obituaries Archive

James P. Link

James P. “Boinger” Link, 55, of Dyersville passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, while doing what he loved, trucking, in Lafayette County, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held 2 – 8 pm Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday from 9 – 10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Monday, April 23, 2018, St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Jim was born August 1, 1962, in Dubuque the son of John and Mary Susan “Susie” (Danz) Link. Jim attended Beckman Catholic High School. He married Judy Lueck on May 10, 1986, in Dyersville. With his brothers, he co-owned & operated Jack Link Truck Line. Jim enjoyed boating, camping, car cruises, but most of all he enjoyed the loves of his life, Judy and his children. Everywhere Jim went he was sure to have everyone laughing.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Judy, 3 children: Ryan (Dina) Link of Farley, Lindsey Link (fiancé Jeff Eschbach) of California, Rachel Link (friend Nick Fallon) of Dyersville; siblings: Mike (Ann) Link, Bill (Connie) Link, Chris (Nicole) Link and John (Emily) Link, all of Dyersville; parents-in-law, Don and Cecilia Lueck of Dyersville,

in-laws: Kathy (Carl) Wessels, Dan (Lynne) Lueck, Jim (Mary Kay) Lueck, Chuck (Lynn) Lueck, Tim (Amy) Lueck and Kevin Lueck all of Dyersville, Tom (Gerrie) Lueck and Ken (Lynn) Lueck, both of Cedar Rapids, and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas Link in 2007.

Memorials are preferred.

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

Georgia Jean Olds

Georgia Jean Olds, at the age of 65, lost her long battle with cancer on Monday, April 16th, 2018 at home in Dubuque, Iowa with her beloved Husband, Paul, by her side.

According to Georgia’s wishes, no public visitation or service will be held. A private burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Georgia was born on July 27, 1952, the daughter of Floyd and Violet (Baker) Bennett, in Dubuque, Iowa. Georgia met the love of her life, Paul S. Olds, at Dubuque Senior High School when she was 15. They married at Sacred Heart Church, Dubuque, Iowa, on September 5, 1970. They would go on to share and celebrate over 47 devoted years of marriage together.

Georgia graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1970. Over the next 21 years she would live with her loving husband in Patuxent River, Maryland; Guantanamo Bay Navel Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; and Rantoul, Illinois; and eventually moved back to Dubuque after her husband retired from the Navy in 1991.

Above all else Georgia loved to make people smile, she was a caring giving person who never said ‘no’. Her, husband Paul fondly says, “She was the toughest women I know, she was the center piece that held everything together and was the driving force that always got things done. She was the type of woman that gave everything and would always sacrifice her own needs for others. She is deeply loved and will be missed by her loved ones and all that knew her.”

She is survived by her husband Paul, two sons, Anthony “Tony” (Kristina) Bohr, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jonathan “Jonny” Olds of Ingleside, IL. Three grandchildren, Jacob Bohr currently serving in the Air Force, Brandon Olds currently serving with the United States Marine Corps and Avija Olds. Her siblings, Irene (Bill) Jackson, Floyd Bennett, and Nancy Funk all of Dubuque, Phillip Bennett and Elisabeth Bennett of Iowa City, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Violet Bennett, and her sister, Patricia Bennett.

Online condolences may be left at www.leonardfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers a Georgia Olds memorial fund will be established.

A very special thank you to Melissa, Amy C. and Julie of Hospice of Dubuque.

Harold L. Durkop

Harold L. Durkop, 89, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Crestridge Care Center.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 25, 2018. A private burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery, Delmar, Iowa, at a later date.

Harold Leon Durkop was born January 23, 1929 in Clinton County, Iowa, to Fred A. and Vivian B. (Brown) Durkop. He attended elementary school at Elwood, Iowa and then country school near Iron Hill through the 8th grade. He enrolled in the Adult Education Program at Maquoketa High School and earned his high school diploma in 1973 .

He married Donna Merlene Clark, September 28, 1952, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bellevue, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Dennis, Debora and Cheryl.

Harold and Donna first farmed south of Baldwin, then for Frank Hansen near Elwood. He later worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa before moving to Delmar where he ran the corn sheller for Delmar Grain & Feed until 1966, followed by 2 years with Welton Elevator. From 1968 until retirement in 1988 he was employed with Caterpillar Tractor at Mt. Joy, Iowa. In retirement, he manned Bowman’s Car Wash, helped out at Everett Mattox Auctions, and lent a hand at harvest time for brother-in-law Kelly Keeney.

He enjoyed home carpentry, tinkering with lawnmowers, and gardening. Harold and Donna visited many states during their travels. They were Dade City, Florida snowbirds from 1991 to 2010.

Those left to honor Harold’s memory include his children, Dennis, Debora (Dan) Holm, and Cheryl; 4 grandchildren, Amy Hayward, Troy (Kit) Hayward, Maria (David) Hong, and Myling Durkop; 2 step-grandchildren, Marty (Jennifer) Holm, and Eric (Ashley) Stoltz; 2 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Luella (Kelly) Keeney of Delmar, Iowa; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Norma and Glen Bormann of Andrew, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna on November 15, 2013, and a sister and brother-in-law Lola and Bill Felderman.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Harold L. Durkop memorial fund has been established.

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

Vida Shireman

Vida Shireman, 90, of Dubuque, IA died on Tuesday, April 17, at Mercy Medical Center of Dubuque.

Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21st, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will follow in Asbury Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 20th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory.

Vida Jean Lewis was born on February 18, 1928 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Roy and Blanche (Whitehead) Lewis. She grew up in Durango and Dubuque, IA and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. In 1943 she married Bernard John Shireman. They were together 48 years when he preceded her in death on September 24, 1991.

Vida was always an outdoors person until her health prevented her from pursuing her favorite activities: horseback riding, fishing, camping in their motor home, morel hunting in the spring, berry picking in the summer, and walnut gathering and bittersweet hunting in the fall. Vida especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they returned that love. She was “Grandma Vida” not only to them but also to many other children in her life. Her banana bread was especially loved by these kids (as well as many friends and family).

Vida is survived by her three children: Jean (Tom) Schwartz of Dubuque; Gayle (Don) Clasen of
Bernard, IA; and Dan (Joan) Shireman of Bernard, IA. Seven grandchildren: Joe (Amy) Clasen of LaMotte, IA; Christina (Dwight) Nyquist of Rock Island, IL; Scott (Jacki) Clasen of LaMotte, IA; Jaime (Lance) DeClue of Steelville, MO; Chris (Nancy) Germain of Buffalo, IA; Jessica (Jake) Kendall of Marion, IA; and Brittney Shireman of Cedar Rapids, IA. Eight great grandchildren: Michael Germain of Davenport, IA; Corey Clasen of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mercedes Nyquist of Rock Island, IL; Dakota DeClue of Steelville, MO; Dalton and Carter Clasen of LaMotte, IA; and Hayden and Harper Kendall of Marion, IA. Her siblings James (Anna Mae) Lewis of Dubuque, and Marla Nelson of Sun City, AZ.

Vida was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Loreen Digmann, brothers Bill and Charlie Lewis, her great grandson Nicholas Germain.

The family would like to express their thanks to Stonehill Care Center, her friends at Alverno Apartments and her longtime friend, Lulu Hohmann.

James M. Rohl

James M. “Grizz” Rohl, 51, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 15, 2018, at his home in rural Maquoketa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of “Grizz” on Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 2 to 4 P.M. in “The Bistro” at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded.

James Michael Rohl was born on July 18, 1966 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ronald Ray and Irene Grace (Goldammer) Rohl. He grew up in Illinois where he proudly earned the Eagle Scout rank and graduated from Downers Grove South High School. Following graduation, “Grizz” had worked in the printing industry as a service manager for many years. He moved with the love of his life, Janice, to Iowa in 2007 and found that this was the place where he belonged.

“Grizz” loved everything outdoors, country living, motorcycle riding, his tractor, flying his drone, and model airplanes. He had an incredible love for animals and was a phenomenal cook who enjoyed eating as much as cooking.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Janice Caine of Maquoketa, IA; step-children, Josh (Julie) Caine of Oswego, IL, and Jessica (Nick) Caine of Maquoketa, IA; 2 grandchildren, Jacob and Jonathan Caine; his parents, Ronald and Irene Rohl of Downers Grove, IL; a sister, Carol (Amy Coe-Rohl) Rohl of Boston, MA; and 2 nieces, Abigail and Caroline. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association Inc., P.O. Box 55071 #15530, Boston, MA 02205-5071. You may also donate by calling them at (800) 601.0613 or online at www.ecaware.org.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Elmer L. Olsem

Elmer L. Olsem, 89, of Manchester, Iowa, formerly of Colesburg, passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on September 21, 1928, in Garnavillo, the son of August and Anna (Harter) Olsem.

Elmer attended school through eighth grade in Garnavillo. On April 14, 1953, he married Wilma Reth at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Masonville. Three children were born to this union. Elmer farmed with his wife in rural Colesburg and drove truck for several years for New Vienna Feeds.

Elmer enjoyed playing cards and fishing. He also spent a great deal of time in his shop on the farm. However, he most cherished being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Wilma of Manchester; his children, Jerry (Mac) Olsem of Greeley, Jim (Liz) Olsem of Lisbon, and Linda (Ken) Nixon of Boise, Idaho; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Irene Hoeger of Holy Cross; and many nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anna; and four siblings, Laurita Oldfather, Mildred Petsche, Arnold Olsem, and Marvin Olsem.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg, with Reverend John Haugen officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood, with a Scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call one hour before Mass on Saturday at the church.

Interment: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Berniece M. Kieler-Kaiser

Berniece M. Kieler-Kaiser, 88, of Kieler, Wisconsin, died Monday, April 16, 2018, at Southwest Health Center Hospital in Platteville. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler with Rev. Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 2:45 p.m. Friends may call from 9-10:15 a.m. Friday at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center before the funeral service.

Berniece was born on November 29, 1929, in Potosi, Wisconsin, the daughter of Charles and Martha (Schmitz) Abing. She married Edward “Eddie” Kieler on September 13, 1949, at St. Andrew’s Church in Tennyson. Eddie died on February 9, 1981. She married Eldon Kaiser on February 23, 1990. Eldon died on June 23, 1995. Berniece worked at the Dugout Supper Club from 1965-1969, at Country Heights Supper Club from 1970-1991, and at Roshek’s Bridal Alterations Department for six years.

Survivors include her children, Dwaine Kieler, of Oregon, WI, Mary Jo Kieler, of Brookfield, WI, Sharon Kaiser, of Dubuque, and Lori (Dave) Freese, of East Dubuque; her stepdaughters, Joan (Matt) Kieler, of Sinsinawa, and Mary Jo (Dave) Brant, of Kieler; her sisters, Marie Herrig, of St. Donatus, IA, Irene Seng, of Potosi, Luella Brandt, of Kieler, Betty (Jim) Jungk, of Dubuque, Doris (Bernard) Hentrich, of Hazel Green, and Margaret (Joe) Hentrich, of Belmont; a brother, Irvin (Katie) Abing, of Potosi; eleven grandchildren, Eddie Kieler, Rachel & Ben Kieler, Austin Kieler, Kari Niedermaier, Kristin Kaiser, Kayla Strei, and Travis, Cole, Lance and Kelsey Freese; ten step-grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law, Paulette Abing, of Potosi, Bernadette (Don) Williams, of Lancaster, Sr. Angeline Kieler, of Milwaukee, Louise Kieler, of Dubuque, Sue Wedig, of Belmont, and Ruth Kieler, of Platteville; and a brother in-law, Dan Joyce, of Lancaster.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Kevin Kieler on October 21, 1999; and three brothers, Cyril (Florentine), Leo and Richard Abing.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.caseyfuneralhome.net.

George Erwin White

George Erwin White, 81, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester. Friends may also call one hour before services on Saturday at the church. The Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Manchester, with Reverend Phil Rogers officiating. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester, Iowa.

He was born on June 9, 1936, in Manchester, the son of George T. and Louiemaude (Harmen) White. He was raised and educated in the area. Following his graduation from Manchester High School in 1955, George worked at the city service station and drove semi.

George married Virginia Morley on his twenty-first birthday, June 9, 1957, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Three children were born to this union. In 1960, George began his career at Bennett Explosives as an explosives expert. He retired in the late 1990s.

George was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church in Manchester. He and Virginia were members of the Mountain Doers Camping Club, traveling to many states over the years. George had also served on the Delaware County Conservation Board and the Fish and Game Club Board.

George loved spending time with his friends, being outdoors, and gardening. He also enjoyed doing word finds and playing cards and dominos. He cherished time with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Virginia White of Manchester; his children, Deb (Gary) Gibbs of Manchester and Scott (Crystal) White of Williamsburg; five grandchildren, Kayla (Corey) Hood of Manchester, Becca Gibbs of Marion, Morgan Gibbs of Manchester, and Abigail White and Caroline White, both of Williamsburg; three great-grandchildren, Millie Jones and Aubree and Grayson Hood; three sisters, Eleanor Williamson of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Florence Parrott and Helen (Cliff) Cole, all of Manchester; and many sisters- and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Doug White; his brothers, Bill White, Ted Williams, Walter White, and David White; three sisters, Etta Ballard, Mary Porter, and one in infancy; and many sisters- and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Floyd W. Feldmann

Floyd W. Feldmann, 84, of Edgewood, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, at Edgewood Convalescent Home, Edgewood.

Visitation will be held 2 – 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. Friday at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2018, St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Hopkinton, with burial in the Hopkinton cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Rev. John Kramer will officiate with Rev Paul Baldwin concelebrating.

Floyd was born March 30, 1934 in Hopkinton the son of Anton and Isabella (Jaeger) Feldmann. He married Rita (Thole) Feldmann on May 23, 1998 in Sand Springs. Floyd served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He was a life member of the Edward E. Lake VFW Post 7736 of New Vienna.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Rita, step children: Margie (LeRoy) Helle, Marilyn (Joe) Willenbring, Lois (Gene) White, Arnold (Carmen) Feldmann, Linda (Mark) Opat, Joyce (Tom) Nefzger, Connie (Rodney) Nefzger, Mae (Kelly) Salow, 29 step grandchildren, 46 step great grandchildren, 2 step great great grandchildren, siblings: Jerome Feldmann, Lavonne (Leander) Burkle, Les (Joan) Feldmann, Elmer (Dorothy) Feldmann, Dave (Sandy) Feldmann, Irvin Feldmann and Tony (Joyce) Feldmann, Loras (Mary) Feldmann, Jerry (Barb) Feldmann, Dan (Barb) Feldmann, sister-in-law, Leanna Feldmann.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Paul Feldmann, Theresa (Leon) Burkle, in-laws: Mary Jane Feldmann, step son, Dale Feldmann,

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

Lois Irene Jensen

After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Lois Irene Jensen, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, IA with her two eldest children by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 21 at Grand View United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Shinkle officiating. A visitation will be held from 9-10:45 a.m., Saturday at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Lois was born on September 25th, 1930 in LaCrosse, WI to Kenneth and Marguerite (Dikeman) Kemper. In 1946 she stole the heart of James “Jim” Jensen with her charms and upon his return from the Marine Corp they were wed on July 16th, 1948 in the University Chapel at The Wesley Foundation in Madison, WI.

Lois was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandma who would do anything for her family and friends. She enjoyed reading and houseplants. Lois was known by many for her excellent cooking skills. She made a mean Southern fried chicken and her pies were outstanding. She spent hours each year making gift boxes filled with her homemade cookies and candies. She was an accomplished seamstress making clothes and costumes for family members. Lois was extremely talented with a crochet hook. She made exquisite baby blankets for all her grandchildren and her nieces and nephews children.

In addition to raising her four children, she went to Fennimore Vocational College and then worked as a secretary at LCC, Inc and Wisconsin Job Service in Lancaster, WI and also at Mutual of Omaha in Omaha, NE.

Lois is survived by her husband, Jim; her children: Dean (Lori), Barb (Dwayne) Holliday, Donald (Josefa), and Laura (Larry) Salopek; her grandchildren: Javier, Alex (Lily), Dean, Adam, Mitchel, and Katie; and great grandson, Felix.

Lois was preceded in death by her siblings: Phyllis Garthwaite, Joyce (Gerald) Pluemer, and Wendell “Butch” Pien.

Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at alzfdn.org.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy Hospital and Oak Park Place in Dubuque for the tremendous care and compassion shown to Lois and her family.

LeAnn D. McCallister

LeAnn D. McCallister, 61, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died suddenly on Saturday evening, April 14, 2018, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of LeAnn’s life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, April 20, 2018 at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction, Iowa.

LeAnn Dawn Meade was born on December 16, 1956 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ronald and Anita (Powelka) Meade. She was a 1975 graduate of Maquoketa High School and later AIC in Davenport for Accounting. She married Richard “Dick” McCallister on November 18, 2000 in Maquoketa, Iowa.

LeAnn was always busy and had worked various accounting and bookkeeping jobs throughout the years, sometimes for multiple companies at the same time. Some of these jobs included working for RonAnn’s Floral Shoppe in Maquoketa, Alter Trading in Davenport, Dairy Queen, PMW in Maquoketa, River Service Co. in Maquoketa, Lemke Electric in Park View, and serving as the city clerk for Delmar and Welton, and as the Welton Township Clerk. She recently had started her own bookkeeping business, McCallister Bookkeeping and Payroll Services, and also continued as the bookkeeper for Advantage Electric in Moline, McCallister HVAC in Maquoketa and the City of Welton.

LeAnn loved her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She had a willing heart and was always ready to help whoever needed it. Additionally, she enjoyed collecting hummingbirds and she and Dick were caregivers to Helen Hute for many years.

Those left to honor LeAnn’s memory include her husband, Richard “Dick” McCallister of Maquoketa, IA; children, Eric (Sarah) McAvan of Eldridge, IA, and Brandon (Lacey) McAvan of Elwood, IA; a daughter-in-law, Jenny (Randy) Schulz of Park View, IA; 6 grandchildren, Jackson, Lily, Hailey, Logan, Emma and Kinsley; siblings, Wendy (Dennis) Scott of Maquoketa, IA, Daylyn (Kris Heinemann) Meade of Sebastopal, CA, Diane (Vic) Rathje of Amana, IA, and Ramona (Wayne) Moon of Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and infant twin brothers.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a LeAnn D. McCallister memorial fund has been established.

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

Michael Strowmatt

Michael Strowmatt, 70, of Edgewood, Iowa passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, at his home of natural causes.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday April 20, 2018, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. and military honors to follow.

Mike was born October 25, 1947 in Carlinville, IL, the son of Charles and Fannie “Bonnie” (Kilgore) Strowmatt. Mike was a United States Marine and served his country honorably. He married Tonia Little on July 5, 1967 in Carlinville, IL, and later divorced. Together they had four children.

Mike later met Carol Driscoll and together they shared 26 memorable years. He worked at Lynch Livestock and Dyersville Sales Company for many years. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR. In his younger years he enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting and fishing. Mike spent his spare time socializing with friends in the local bars. His daily routine included cross word puzzles. Above all Mike was proud of his children and loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include fiancé, Carol Driscoll of Dyersville, children: Natalie Hand of Oglala, SD, David (Kandy) Strowmatt of Cedar Rapids, Todd Strowmatt of Shawnee, OK, Nathan (Jennifer) Strowmatt of Bryan, TX, step-children: Melissa (Daniel) Gamboa of Mesa, AZ, Tara (Gino) DeBernado of San Jose, CA, Chad (Melissa) Driscoll of Dubuque, Vanessa (Brad Staner) Driscoll of Cascade, Sara (Steve Allen) Driscoll of Peosta, 16 grandchildren:
sister: Pam Park of TN, in-laws: Joan (Russ) Pettinger, Tom Wilgenbusch both of Dyersville and Dennis Wilgenbusch (Kimberly Gonner) of New Vienna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Samuel Strowmatt.

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

Robert C. Sheehan

Robert “Rob” Curtis Sheehan of Dubuque IA, born June 23 1983, gracefully concluded a journey of heroic proportions on April 14, 2018, having battled cardiac angiosarcoma for the past three years. Cardiac angiosarcoma, an exceedingly rare and aggressive malignancy, occurs in only 0.0001% of the population and leaves those affected with an average survival time of a mere six months. Rob’s incredible feat of survival was, to those fortunate to have known him, clearly the result of his insatiable hunger for life and the immense love he shared with his family and friends. Beginning in childhood, Rob’s precocious sense of humor attracted admirers and forged friendships from all walks of life. The grandson of Dubuque historian Gordon Kilgore, Rob inherited a love of Dubuque and an appreciation for the people of the Tri-State area. Professionally, Rob found great joy in serving the customers of Richardson Motors and previously Runde Chevrolet. Above all, Rob’s true passion in life was his role as father and husband. Rob cherished nothing more in life than the ability to spend time with his loving wife and daughters, to cause a smile to grace their faces and occasionally vex them. Exceedingly passionate for every holiday, Rob cherished the opportunity to connect with family and friends while expressing his love of life and all the wonder it provided. As is typical of the hero’s journey, Rob came into his own during his battle with the most ultimate of foes. Despite being informed by the foremost experts and the latest statistics that he faced certain and imminent death, Rob gratefully rose each morning for three years radiating unfathomable positivity, courage, endurance and strength that will forever serve as humbling examples for all who had the privilege of bearing witness. Characteristic of his generous nature, in passing Rob provides us all a final precious gift…the next time you feel that you cannot possibly go on, that a challenge it is too tough or your goal is unrealistic, remember Rob and know that you will go on, that no challenge is too great nor goal unachievable. Rob attended St. Mary’s Elementary School East Dubuque IL, Washington Jr High and Hempstead High School.

Surviving is his wife, Amy, two daughters, Stella and Sophia Sheehan; his father David Sheehan; his mother, Joyce (Brian) Kilgore-Carlin; brother, Dr. James (Carolyn) Sheehan; sister, Kelly (Nick) Stubbe; his paternal grandfather Thomas Sheehan; mother and father-in-law, Jeff and Linda Schadl; a brother-in-law, Tim Schadl; and numerous other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandmother, Mary Sheehan; his maternal grandparents, Marilyn Kilgore and Gordon Kilgore; and a maternal uncle, Curtis Kilgore.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3680 Asbury Road where the service will be at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery at a future time

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Rob’s memory.

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

Jeanette Emma Miller Gibson

Jeanette Emma Miller Gibson, 93, of Edgewood, Iowa, died on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood.

Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood. Friends may also call at Trinity United Methodist Church one hour before the funeral service which starts at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, with Pastor Mike Jackson officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Cass Township Cemetery – Strawberry Point, Iowa.

She was born on March 11, 1925, near Elkport in Clayton County to Mike and Alta May (Smock) Miller. She attended country school in Cass Township and graduated from Strawberry Point High School.

Jeanette married Emory Christensen in 1945, and together they had four children. The couple later divorced. In 1956, she married Melvin Miller. Three children were born to this union.

Jeanette was a group leader and dealer for Stanley Home Products for many years. She also worked at Operation New View as an outreach representative for 13 years. She retired from that position and relocated to Ledyard. She helped to establish and then worked for Iowa Lakes Community College’s Kossuth County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.) for three years. Jeanette received the Female Outstanding Senior Citizen Award in 1989 for her efforts on behalf of R.S.V.P.

Jeanette was a former member of the Pythian Sister’s Lodge in Manchester, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Modernettes Club in Ledyard. She was also named Senior Advocate for Kossuth County for several years and was elected to the Older Iowan Legislature, serving four years during the early 1990s. She chose to retire in 1991 after marrying Russell Gibson.

Later, Jeanette left retirement behind and went on to work at the Blue Earth Landscape & Greenhouse and Elmore Nursery making Christmas Wreaths, at Seneca Foods as a cook at their canteen in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and as a cook for Dan’s Ledyard Café. She retired for the last time at age 83 and lived in her own home until 2013 when she moved to Lincolnwood Assisted Living in Edgewood and to the Edgewood Convalescent Home in October 2017.

Jeanette enjoyed baking cookies for her children and grandchildren. She also stayed busy vegetable gardening and camping, and she loved to care for her flowers and plants and created a butterfly garden. In 2006, Jeanette published a family cookbook. All copies quickly made their way into the homes of friends, family, and neighbors.

Jeanette copyrighted “Grandma’s Lullaby” in 2006 – a song she wrote when one of her children was a baby. During her winters spent in Arizona, Jeanette realized a couple of her life’s ambitions by learning to paint on canvas and to play the organ. She won numerous ribbons at the Fairbault County Fair, including Grand Champion for her painting entitled “Mom’s Roses.” Copies of her paintings have been made and shared with her children and grandchildren. She also made “Violet,” a porcelain doll, to add to her existing doll collection. In 2015, she wrote a book entitled Things I Remember for her family, which highlights her memories from childhood. Even with so many accomplishments in life, she still felt that her greatest accomplishment was her family.

Jeanette is survived by her seven children, Connie Hilsenbeck of Davenport, Nancy (Jim) Vavricka of Cedar Rapids, Jimmy (Joyce) Christensen of Elk Run Heights, Karen Lee of Perry, and Merri Bohnenkamp, Mike Miller, and Jeff Miller, all of Manchester; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and one sister, Verla Schultz of Edgewood.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell Gibson; three sisters, Shirley Ann “Pat” Galloway, Helen Downey, and LaVaune Feulner; two brothers, Homer Miller and Mike Miller, Jr.

The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Naoko Crippes

Naoko Crippes, 83 of Dubuque passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 16, 2018. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1640 Main Street where there will be a wake service at 6:30 p.m.

Naoko was born April 20, 1934 in Karafato, Japan. She married Robert ‘Bob’ Crippes, November 19, 1968 in Japan.

Naoko grew up in Japan. She enjoyed going to the casinos and play the slots. Also, traveling to South Dakota with her husband. In her younger years she enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

Surviving are her husband Robert ‘Bob’ Crippes; a sister-in-law, Rita (David) Birch, of Dubuque; a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Connie) Crippes, of Kieler, WI; five nieces, Laura Crippes, Jill Crippes, Kim (Joe) Schmelz, and Theresa Birch, and Cheryl (Matt) Schromen; one nephew, Tony Birch; and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one infant child.

A special thank you to the staff in the ICU Department at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital for the care of Naoko.

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