Obituaries Archive

Harley H. Willenborg

Harley H. Willenborg, 96, of Petersburg, was born into eternal life on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

Visitation will be held at the Kramer-Morris Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 a.m. on Friday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery.

Harley Willenborg was born May 25, 1929, in Petersburg, the son of Edward and Mary Willenborg. He married Rose Ann Rubly on August 29, 1950, in Petersburg and together they farmed east of Petersburg. He was a lifelong member of SS Peter and Paul Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a Fourth Degree Knight.

In addition to farming, Harley sold feed, livestock feeders, and built numerous corn bins in the area. He spent over 20 years as a Pioneer seed salesman before retiring. Known for his kindness, ingenuity, and gentle nature, he could solve almost any problem. He most loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed cards, golf, and fishing.

He is survived by his 3 children: Neil (Marie) of Petersburg, Lynn (Mark) Vining of Iowa City, and Tammy (Scott) Auderer of Ankeny; 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Ann Willenborg; a son, Keith Willenborg; and siblings: Anselm Willenborg, Delbert Willenborg, Ernestine Krapfl and Modesta Loecke.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Neighbor Home and Regional Medical Center Wound Clinic in Manchester for their compassionate care over the past several months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg.

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

Gary J. Lewis

Gary J. Lewis, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 29, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Gary’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born on May 30, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Merlin and Catherine (Vogel) Lewis.  He was a good and decent man who loved his family, appreciated his friends, and always made sure to make time for the joys in life which sometimes are taken for granted.  Gary was a proud graduate of Dubuque Senior High School, Class of ’67.  He went on to honorably served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Upon returning home, he was united in marriage to his high-school sweetheart, Carol A. Reittinger on August 22, 1970.  They were blessed with many wonderful years together and a family of their own to love and nurture.  Gary invested over 30 years of his time and talents with John Deere Dubuque Works, finally moving into retirement in 2002.  He was a longtime member of the U.A.W. Local #94 and made countless friends throughout his career.

Gary always had an affinity for cars and motorcycles.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends at the car shows showing off his latest acquisitions, which were always kept in pristine condition, and never passed up an opportunity to burn up a few miles on his Harley when time and weather allowed.  Gary was also an avid train enthusiast.  His collection was vast and each model had a specific story to tell for those who would listen.  Gary also enjoyed target shooting and spending an afternoon walking through the table at the gun shows looking for a new item to add to his collection.  He understood quite well that the responsibility of work was undeniable being the patriarch of his family, but he also embraced the concept of being able to enjoy moments in life when the work was done.

Gary led by example and continually attempted to be the best husband, father, grandfather and friend that those around him could not only look up to, but also enjoy being around.  We are beyond broken-hearted at the mere thought of moving forward without Gary at the helm, but we are forever grateful for the love, lessons and legacy he leaves behind and can only hope to find peace in time knowing that his earthly health battles are now behind him for all of eternity.  Thank you, Gary, for being the man the Lord made you to be and may we seek healing now within the abundance of memories you have left behind for us to treasure.

Those left to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his loving wife of 55 years,
Carol Lewis, Dubuque, IA;

his two children,
Robert “Bob” Lewis, Dubuque, IA,
and Angela (Doug) White, Asbury, IA;

his two adored grandchildren,
Adrian White and Shane White;

his sister,
Joan McEowen, Dyersville, IA;

his mother-in-law,
Marian Reittinger, Dubuque, IA;

his sisters-in-law,
Janice Lewis, Dubuque, IA,
Marilyn (Nicholas) Reiter, St. Catherine, IA,
and Becky (Craig) Jones, Key West, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his twins in infancy, Mary and Joseph Lewis; his brother, Wayne Lewis; his father-in-law, Robert Reittinger; and his brothers-in-law, Bob McEowen and Ronald Reittinger.

Gary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Herbert E. Steffen

It is with love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Herbert E. Steffen, 91, of Farley, Iowa. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Mercy One, in Dubuque, Iowa on August 30, 2025.

Visitation for Herb will be held at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m., and the Farley American Legion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Friday, September 5, 2025 after 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Herb will be held at noon on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Steven Garner.   Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Farley with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Herb was born on July 1, 1934, on the family farm in Luxemburg, Iowa, son of Charles J. and Gunilda M. (Lake) Steffen. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Luxemburg, Iowa.

On October 21, 1958, Herb married the love of his life, Norma J. Niehaus, at St. Patrick’s Church in Colesburg, Iowa. Together, they raised eight children.   He enjoyed playing cards in their card club for over 50 years.  He was an avid golfer and bowler, and he tried to attended all of his families’ sporting events.

He was a farmer, plus he worked at Simon’s Fertilizer, Cropmate Production Services and was a bus driver for Western Dubuque Schools.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish.  He was an Army Veteran and a member of the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Herb is survived by his seven children Randy (Julie) Steffen of Epworth, Terry (Carla) Steffen of Onalaska, WI, Dean Steffen of Farley, Lynn (Bill) Pitz of Farley, Tom (Maria) Steffen of Polk City, Dale (Becky) Steffen of Asbury, and Kathy (Matt) Goerdt of Dyersville; as well as his cherished fifteen grandchildren: Bethany (Nate) Trumm, Meredith (Adam) Young, Olivia (Daniel) Ervin, Myra Steffen, Kristen (Bryce) Leggins, Brittany Pitz, Amber (Brad) Gravel, Logan (Emma) Pitz, Morgan (Cole) Perrenoud, Carolyn Steffen, Hailey, and Will Steffen, Rebecca, Steffen, and Kate Goerdt, two step-grandchildren Ryan and Julia Gasper; eleven great-grandchildren: Braden Bickford, Kinley and Drew Leggins, Nora, Cecily and Greta Young, Loretta, Judd and Tillie Gravel, Izzy Pitz, Frankie Trumm and Ty Perrenoud; two step-great-grandchildren Vivian and Grant Trumm; and a sister-in-law, Katie (Maiers) Steffen; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Norma Steffen; a beloved daughter, Carol Myrna Steffen; a granddaughter, Joni Carol Steffen; three brothers, Vincent (Betty) Steffen, Harry (Marcella) Steffen, and Roger Steffen; and sister, Mary Ann (Donald) Feltes; his father and mother-in-law, Clem and Tillie Niehaus; brother-in-law, Fred Niehaus.

An online video may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Thomas W. Hartman

Thomas William Hartman, 87, of Dubuque, gained his wings on Friday, August 29, 2025.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Dubuque American Legion Post 6. Burial will be at Dubuque Memorial Gardens at a later date.

He is the son of  Joseph James and Mildred Catherine (Heri) Hartman, born September 27, 1937 in Dubuque.

Tom entered the Air Force on January 31, 1955.  Tom retired April 1, 1978 with 20 years and one day. He was stationed in Bitburg, Germany twice, Vietnam, Guam, Alexandria, Louisiana, Minot, N.D., Morocco, and K.I. Sawyer Air Base, Michigan. Tom was honored to be able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on May 19, 2025.

He married Darlene Cheryl (Fiedorowicz) Hartman, July 31, 1971. They raised one son John Thomas Hartman born March 14, 1972. Tom also had three children from a previous marriage: Patrick Michael Hartman born 1959, of Junction City, KS, Katherine Marie Hartman born 1960, of Pappillion, NE, and Diane Mary Hostler in 1962 of Broomfield, CO.

He received a degree in Computer Science from Loras College in 1988. He worked for 13 years at Loras College in Safety and Security. He then worked for Diamond Jo Casino, as a slot technician until his retirement in 2008.

He enjoyed playing pool in a league at the American Legion Post #6, he also enjoyed playing golf with the fellas’ from the Legion, his family, and his friends. Tom was also a member of the American Legion Post #6. He was also a talented woodworker and enjoyed making items for family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife Darlene; four children; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Barbara Lee Delaney of Dubuque; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael; sister, Joan Ehlers; his grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Clara Ernst

Clara (Brehm) Ernst, 89, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Grand Meadows in Asbury.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Bellevue. 

Clara was born on March 11, 1936, in Peosta, Iowa, the daughter of John and Theresa (Schiessl) Brehm. She married Lawrence J. Ernst on February 19, 1955, at Holy Family Catholic Church New Melleray in Peosta, Iowa. They shared 40 years of marriage before his passing on October 11, 1995. 

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Clara centered her life around faith, family, and service. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she was active in the Rosary Society and Parish Council and attended daily Mass. Clara gave generously of her time to her community—serving on the Library Board, working at the local voting precinct, and visiting the homebound. She also held several jobs through the years, including managing the Bellevue Senior Center, cooking for the hot lunch program at Marquette Catholic Schools, and delivering papers for the Telegraph Herald. 

Clara found joy in gathering with friends for games of euchre, sewing, cooking, and most especially spending time with her family. While she loved her home, she was also up for adventures – she and Lawrence traveled together in the early days, and later she found traveling partners in her sister, Helen, as well as her children. With those companions, she visited places as far away as Italy, Canada, France and New York City, and places closer to home like Fireside Theater in Wisconsin and trips to Spillville and Algona, Iowa to see churches and other sacred sites. Always one to appreciate her heritage and ancestors, she also made a “trip-of-a-lifetime” to Germany to meet and visit her family still living there.

She will be remembered for too many things to list here, but especially for her unwavering faith, kind heart, wisdom, sense of humor, and the love she shared with all who knew her.

 Those left to honor her memory include her children: Sue (Terry) Steil, Cathy (Terry) Ostert, Jean (Jeff) Lange, Pat (Ed) Lehmann, Beth (Fred) Heim, Marilyn Gaber, Barb (Eric) Tupper, Rose (Jim) Koos and Carol (Joe) Kettmann; 31 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rita Ernst and Kay (John) Gaul; a brother-in-law, Tom Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Sara; siblings and in-laws, Earl (Esther) Brehm, Marion (Bert) Connolly, Helen (Leo) Steffen, Bill (Ivy) Brehm, Paul Brehm, Theresa Smith, and Margaret Brehm; brothers- and sister-in-law, Anthony Ernst, Richard (Dorothy) Ernst, Victor Ernst, and Arthur Ernst.

 A memorial fund has been established in Clara’s memory.

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

Aria Kay Asbell

Aria Kay Asbell, infant daughter of Nick Asbell and Katelyn McIntyre, of Dubuque was born on August 7, 2025, at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and gained her angel wings on August 26, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.

Friends and family may visit on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. where a funeral service will begin at 4:30 p.m. with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, is assisting the family.

Aria was so beautiful, brave and such a strong little girl. She was a night owl just like her daddy, mommy, sissy and brother. We enjoyed the time we had with her at home.

She is survived by her daddy and mommy, Nick and Katelyn; her siblings, Reagan Kipper and Elijah Asbell; her grandparents, Tim and Elissa Murphy, Richard and Christina Asbell, Sherry Cervantes, Randy McIntyre; her great-grandma Glenda Miller; her aunts and uncles, Natalie Murphy, Peyton Bastian, Ben Bastian, Christin (Chris Bossmann) Cervantes, Megan Cervantes, Shuree (Brian) Behr, Tyler Asbell, Michael Wooldridge, Patrick Asbell; her 3 pup pups at home Chase, Ella and Koda; along with several cousins.

Aria was preceded in death by her great-grandma Karol “Kay” Pline, great-grandpa Bruce Miller and aunt Sara Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Leonard Funeral Home in c/o Aria Asbell.

The family would like to give special thanks to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, especially Dr. Lee. Also to Hospice of Dubuque and nurses Buffy and Megan.

Joyce Mezzano

Joyce Mezzano passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by love at the Ennoble Nursing Home.

She was born on February 12, 1928, and raised in Helena, Montana, eventually traveling to Chicago, Illinois. She married and lived in several different suburbs of Chicago. Following the death of her husband, she settled into Galena, IL, and Dubuque, IA, with her daughter, Elaine.

Joyce loved to sew, crochet, golf, and play scrabble. She was a homemaker and also worked outside of the home, There were no rivals to her homemade meatballs and ravioli. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia; her husband, John; and her grandson, Robert.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Ken) Hoving and Elaine Kray; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

The family would like to thank Care Initiatives Hospice for the tender care they gave her in the last few months.

Very special gratitude to every staff member, volunteer and resident at Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate, professional care, support, and friendships they have shared with Joyce and her family for the last 2+ years. They have walked us through Joyce’s last journey with so much love that it made the bumps in the road easier to bear.

A private burial service will take place at a later date.

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

Gail Bullock

Gail (Ankrum) Bullock, 73, of Branson, MO, formerly of Maquoketa and Dubuque, IA, passed away on July 28, 2025 surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer.

She was born in Des Moines, IA, on March 16, 1952, the daughter of Bill and Regina “Jean” (Deluhery) Ankrum. Gail and her family spent most of her childhood in Maquoketa, IA, where she graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1971.

Gail moved to Dubuque, IA in 1975 where she was employed first by The Shot Tower Inn and later by Mario’s Italian Restauant.

In 1993 she met J. C. Bullock a musician from Branson, MO. They were married a year later and just celebrated their 30th anniversary. In the years she lived in Branson she was employed by Tony Z’s Italian Restaurant where she became the go to person for may of the Stars. After the closure of the restaurant, she enjoyed the last 15 years with Spinnaker’s Resort in the sales department.

Surviving are her husband, J. C. Bullock of Branson, MO; a sister, Donna Ankrum of Hazel Green, WI, and many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL. She will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Maquoketa, IA, on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. close to her parents, Bill and Regina who preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cancer Society.

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

Robert Potter

Robert (Bob) Potter 79, of Mission Viejo, California and formerly of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on August 22 in Mission Viejo, California after a valiant battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday. September 11, 2025 at St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo, California. To view the livestream please click the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5342094

He was born on March 6, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Thelma and Arthur Potter.

He grew up in Dubuque and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Heitz, November 30th 1968. In 1966 he joined the U.S. Air Force serving proudly in Korea and the Philippines. After his discharge in 1971 Bob and Joyce moved to Iowa City where Bob attended the University of Iowa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1972 and began his career with Osco Drug. They eventually moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts where they raised their three children: Jeff, Stephanie and Kristen. In 1991 Bob accepted a position in California with Osco/ Save-On Drugs, where he later became Vice President of Operations for Southern California. After retiring in 2006 Bob embraced his favorite pastimes, playing golf, enjoying his morning coffee while reading the newspaper cover to cover, and traveling with Joyce and various friends.

His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially on the many trips they took together.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Joyce; his children: Jeff (Christine) Potter and their sons Drew and Danny; Stephanie Shaffer and her son Brian and Kristen (Ben) Gordon and their children Jake and Sophie. His siblings Gary (Ann) Potter; Joyce Potter; Carol (Jim) Voelker and Ralph (Ann) Potter. Also surviving are many in-laws and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Duane, in October of last year and looked forward to reuniting with him in heaven.

He will be remembered for his integrity, positive attitude, great sense of humor, and iconic full head of hair.

Memorials can be given to Veteran Emergency Assistance Fund, 215 15th St., Newport Beach, CA 92663

Phyllis Barton

Phyllis Barton, 92, of Dubuque, died Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, August 29, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Phyllis will be 10:00 am Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery – Rickardsville.

Phyllis was born August 1, 1933, in Kieler, WI, the daughter of Clarence and Harriet (Gau) Lenstra. On June 30, 1951, she married Louis Barton in Dubuque, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2015.

Phyllis worked in retail for twenty years.

She found joy in playing volleyball, square dancing, crocheting, country dancing, and spending time around a card table, especially when playing Euchre. A devoted and family-oriented woman, she was known by her children as “the best mother in the world.” She loved baking, with her apple and rhubarb pies becoming family favorites and a cherished part of many gatherings.

Survivors include her children, Michelle (Mike) Gentili of Stillman Valley, IL, JoEllen Hovind of Dubuque, Doug (Erin) Barton of Dubuque, Dan (Stacey) Barton of Dubuque, Dale Barton of Sherrill, David (Annette) Barton of Dubuque; one daughter-in-law, Diane (Bill) Lawler of Peosta; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Tene Rodriquez of Long Island, NY.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Steven, one daughter-in-law, Rhonda Barton, her parents, a great grandson, Collin Barton, and three siblings, Virginia Kieffer, Marvin Lenstra, and Robert Lenstra.

Phyllis’ family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Stonehill for their care.

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

Charles J. Kluesner

Charles J. “Chuck” Kluesner, 72, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away August 26, 2025.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with a Wake Service starting at 2:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. G. Robert Gross officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Rickardsville, Iowa.

Chuck was born on November 1, 1952, to Bernard and Dorothy (Engling) Kluesner. He graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross in 1970.  He married Cathy Klein, on September 15, 1973, in Rickardsville. Together, they raised their son, Chris. She preceded him in death in September 1990.  In August 2007, Chuck married Donna and welcomed three bonus children into his life.

Chuck loved to garden and to share the fruits of his labor with his loved ones. Tending to the garden gave him a welcome excuse to give tractor rides to his grandchildren.  He watched the Iowa Hawkeyes whenever he had a chance and filled the gaps in with television westerns.  He also enjoyed providing for the birds, bunnies, and squirrels that graced their yard – always making sure they were well fed.  Chuck retired from Mi-T-M corporation after 27 years as a shipping supervisor.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Chris Kluesner, Kayla (Ben) Schmidt Osborn, Mike (Samantha) Schmidt, and Tim (Aimee) Schmidt; his grandchildren, Theodore and Margaret Osborn, Brynnlee and Haylee Schmidt, and Henry and Hudson Schmidt; his siblings, Al (Jeanne) Kluesner, Peter (Karen) Kluesner, Duane (Mae) Kluesner, and Sherri (Ron) Hogan; and his siblings-in-law, Deb (Dan) Hogan, Joe (Lisa) Klein, Bob Klein, Lois (Darin) Berning, and Andy (Sharon) Klein. He is also survived by his step-siblings, Judy Vonderhaar, Mark (Jen Stansberry) Lucas, Jon (Bev) Lucas, Joe (Michelle) Lucas, Dan (Angie Phillips) Lucas, Carrie Schmitt, Connie (Leon) Jaeger, and Barb Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy; his parents Bernard and Dorothy; his step-father, Lawrence Lucas; his sister, Jean Kluesner; his mother- and father-in-law, Emmet and Elaine Klein; his sister-in-law, Lori (Klein) Garner; and his beloved dog, Bella.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund. Memorials can be sent to Leonard Funeral Home c/o Chuck Kluesner.

John L. Werner

John L. Werner, 67, of Galena, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may gather after 9 AM until the time of the service. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Galena, where military honors will be accorded at the graveside by the Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193.

He was born on September 9, 1957, in Hazel Green, WI, the son of John J. and Carolyn (Wilkinson) Werner. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Galena High School in 1976. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 29, 1976, and served until his honorable discharge on December 13, 1979. John married Rose Coulthard on June 12, 1980, in Darlington, WI, and she preceded him in death on March 25, 2021. John worked at Country Cast in Galena for over 30 years, followed by a stint at Andersen Window and Door in Dubuque, IA. He enjoyed fishing, gambling, football, wrestling, and spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his father, John J. Werner; three daughters, Amy (Joe) Kibling, Bobby (Donny) Werner, and Nicole Budde; and seven grandchildren: Madison, Summer, Zander, Wyatt, Jay, Stephen, and Aubrey.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his wife, and his favorite dog, “Tubby.”

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Finley and Mercy therapy floors, doctors Matthews and Gullone, and UW-Madison for their care and support during this difficult time.

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

Kelly J. Jones

Kelly J. Jones, 69, of Apple River, IL, passed away on August 13, 2025, at UW-Madison Hospital in Madison, WI. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Apple River Event Center from 1 to 4 PM. The Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting with arrangements.

She was born on June 28, 1956, in Hazel Green, WI, the daughter of Leo J. and Donna J. (Radabaugh) Marsden. Kelly graduated from Warren High School in 1974. She married Paul Jones on July 6, 1985, in Schapville, IL. Kelly worked at Apple River Bank as a teller for 20 years before becoming a teacher’s aide and cook at Warren High School. She loved attending auctions and garage sales and collecting a variety of items.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; three sons, Cory (Chris) Blair, Brandon (Ashley Warner) Blair, and Robbie Jones; her grandchildren, Cassie (Colton Jansen) Blair, Matt Smith, Jer Mueller, Braysen, and Brielle Blair; a sister, Jan (Ed) Bussan; three sisters-in-law, Karen “Missy” Marsden, Peggy (Charles) Dannels, and Ann Marie (Bob) Heinkel, two brothers-in-law, Tom (Marge) Jones and Greg (Barb) Jones, an aunt, Janice Radabaugh; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Kevin and Kyle, and two nephews, Jaime and Jacob Marsden, and her aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, the family will make a donation to Kelly’s favorite charities.

Online condolences can be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Allen D. Steinke

Allen D. Steinke, age 86, of Galena, Illinois, passed away on August 26, 2025, at Midwest Senior Living Community in Galena.

Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Monday, September 1, 2025 at the Miller and Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, IL. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena, IL

Allen was born on March 16, 1939, in Belvidere, IL, the son of Alvin and Virginia Steinke. He graduated from Harlem High School with the Class of 1957, and attended Rockford College, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. On April 22, 1961, he married Jeannine (Dahlberg) Steinke. Together they raised four children: Todd, Mark, Joellen, and Jill.

Allen began his career as a Deputy Coroner in Winnebago County and worked as a funeral director in Rockford and Loves Park, IL. In July 1970, he purchased Nash-Schmadeke Funeral Home in Galena, and opened a second funeral home in Scales Mound in 1980.  He owned and operated Steinke Funeral Home in Galena and Scales Mound until his retirement in 2002.

In addition to his work as a funeral director, Allen served as Jo Daviess County Coroner, for 20 years, from 1972-1992. Early in his career, he also operated an ambulance service in Galena.

His professional affiliations included membership in the National Funeral Director’s Association, the Illinois Funeral Director’s Association, the Illinois Coroner’s Association, and was past President of the Northern Illinois Funeral Director’s Association.

He was active in his community, serving as past President of both the Galena Chamber of Commerce and the Lion’s Club. He was also a member of the Elks, Eagles, Masons, and Oddfellows organizations. He belonged to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, IL. He loved music and sang in many choirs and at many events throughout his lifetime.

Allen was a kind and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and cruising, spending time with his friends, and meeting with his coffee group at Apple Canyon Lake, where he lived for many years. Above all, Allen enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeannine; his children: Todd (Ann) Steinke, Mark Steinke, Joellen (Joel) Holland, and Jill (Damon) Muehleip; nine grandchildren: Lyndsi (Kevin) Scharpf, Sam Steinke, Luke Steinke, Ryan, Julia, and Reid Holland, and Mackenzie, Kaleb, and Chloe Muehleip; two great-grandchildren, Lola and Lloyd Scharpf; and his sister, Sharon Burns.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Midwest Senior Living Community and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and compassion.

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

Douglas S. McClaflin

Douglas S. “Doug” McClaflin, 64, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Douglas Scott McClaflin was born on March 26, 1961 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to John Wayne and Zelma Dolly (Sagers) McClaflin.  He was a 1979 graduate of Andrew Community High School.  He married Jacqueline “Jackie” Eggers in 1984 in Jackson County, Iowa.

Doug had worked as a carpenter all his life.  In 2008 he founded Northfork Construction, until he retired in January of 2023.

Doug was a member of Faith Community Church in Maquoketa.  He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, camping, fishing and trapping.  He was a master carpenter who could fix anything.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jackie McClaflin of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Brenda (Lowell) Carlson of Maquoketa, IA, and Denise Felderman of MO; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Faith Community Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Tuesday at the church.  Burial will be at Streets Cemetery, rural Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Douglas S. “Doug” McClaflin memorial fund has been established.

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