Obituaries Archive

John L. Frutig

John L. Frutig, age 94, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at Midwest Galena Stauss Senior Care. The family will honor his life with a private celebration.

John was born on June 17, 1930, in Monroe, WI, a son to Hans and Lina (Weibel) Frutig. He proudly served in the U.S. Army.  John owned the Elizabeth Recreation Center, worked for the US Postal Service, the Rural Electric Association, and did painting. The majority of his career was spent with the Savanna Army Depot, serving as a firefighter and the Fire Chief, retiring in 1988 with 30 years of service. He was a dedicated volunteer fireman and Fire Chief with the Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department. Following retirement, he worked part-time at the Elizabeth Food Center.

He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved to go fishing with family and friends. 

John is survived by his wife Ruth Frutig, Elizabeth, IL; his two children, Marsha Huttenlocher, Galena, IL, and Mark Frutig, Roscoe, IL; his two grandsons, Bryan (Brooke) Huttenlocher, Galena, IL, and Brandon Huttenlocher, Basalt, CO; and his two great-grandsons, Bryce and Brady Huttenlocher.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Jerry Huttenlocher. 

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Midwest Galena Stauss Senior Care for their professional and compassionate care.

Memorials will be donated in John’s name to the Elizabeth Fire Department.

The Tri-State Cremation Center is assisting John’s family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Connie Rohr

Connie Rohr, 85, of Cascade, formerly of Clermont, FL, died Monday, August 26, 2024, at her home in Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Friday, August 30, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Connie will be at 10:30 am on Friday, August 30, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant and Father Mark Osterhaus as the homilist. Entombment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Connie was born on December 25, 1938, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Roland and Mary (Klecker) Rutledge. On June 22, 1957, she married Earl Louis Rohr Jr. in Dubuque.

Connie attended The Visitation followed by Dubuque Senior High School  for her senior year, graduating in 1957. She worked as a cosmetologist from 1967-1971 and later within the Dubuque Community Schools for 25 years as a Nursing Assistant then as Activities Secretary at Hempstead High School.

Connie was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. As a young girl, she achieved highest honor in Girl Scouts, The Curved Bar and later in life, she was the treasurer for the Women’s Recreation Association.

Connie and Earl loved traveling together, in particular to the Caribbean Islands. She also enjoyed square dancing, reading, playing the slot machines, and spending time with friends dining and taking cruises. Most of all, Connie was happiest when spending time with family.

Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Earl of Cascade; three children, Rick Rohr of Little Suamico, WI; Randy (Amy) Rohr of Iowa Falls, IA; and Debra (Bill Trumm) Rohr of Cascade; six grandchildren, Brian Droullard, Jake Spiegelhalter, Rita (Dylan) Rieber, Sarah Rohr, Forest (Alicia) Rohr, and Colton Rohr; two great-grandsons, Jackson and Rory Rieber; two brothers, Gary (Lori) Rutledge of Seattle, WA; and Paul (Lynn) Rutledge of St. Louis, MO.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, David Rutledge.

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

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque and Fr. Mark Osterhaus for their care and compassion.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

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

Sonja S. Arensdorf

Sonja Sue Arensdorf, 80 of Key West passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, at Saint Joseph Key West with Fr. Martin Obeng officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The visitation will be from 3:00 p.m.  to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service at 2:45.

She was born in Colorado on January 25, 1944, the daughter of Robert and Evelyn (Maus) Schweikert. Her family later moved back to Dubuque. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1963 and later from the University of Dubuque. On April 18, 1964, she married Martin Arensdorf at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.  She worked for several Dubuque businesses including Sears, Pusateri Restaurant, Finley Hospital, Carlisle Communication, and Shepherd Inc.

Sonja was an avid Dubuque Saints Hockey supporter and was a former housing mom. She also enjoyed watching golf and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. Reading, crossword puzzles, bingo, music and playing euchre were also among her favorite things to do, and she was known to skip a doctor appointment if “Happy Hour” got in the way.

She is survived by her husband Marty; children Tami Hill, Amy (Jerry) Turner, Brett Arensdorf, and Drew Arensdorf. Her grandchildren Ryan (Megan Kunnert) Hill, Tyler (Nick) Jones and Holly (Doug Clancy) Hill, and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Tom (Jan) Schweikert, along with her in-laws Mary Jo (Jim) Gothard, Alice (Jon) Davis, Ruth (Steve) Arlen, Dan (LouAnn) Arensdorf, Nancy (Dean) Herbst, Neil (Tammy Prescott) Arensdorf and many nieces and nephews.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Cindy Eudaley, a daughter-in-law Pam Arensdorf, her mother and father-in-law Leo and Joan Arensdorf, and brother and sister-in-law Leonard (Donna) Arensdorf along with Larry, Sam and Jimmy Arensdorf.

In lieu of flowers a Sonja Arensdorf memorial fund has been established.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Hawkeye Care along with Medical Associates and Dr. Amy Winsky and Hospice of Dubuque especially Kelly for all the wonderful care and kindness they gave to Sonja.

Alexis M. Johll

Alexis Marie Johll, 19, of Dubuque passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque. A time of remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Alexis was born on December 7, 2004, the daughter of Steven M. Johll and Amber L. Wentz. She Graduated from Dubuque Hempstead High School, Class of 2024.

Alexis enjoyed spending time with family, friends and all of her animals. She was an animal lover at heart and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her parents, her sister; Katie Oswald of Lake Pleasant, Arizona, her brother; Silas of Dubuque, IA, her maternal grandparents; Kenneth (Renae) Wentz of Platteville, WI, and Michelle (Rick) Doles of Dubuque, IA, her maternal great-grandmother, Carol Wentz, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alexis was preceded in death by her sister Annayah, her cousin Kelsey, paternal grandparents and her aunt Amy.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established along with a GoFundMe in Alexis’ name.

Jose Perez

Jose “Joe” Perez, 83, of Victorville, CA died Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Celebration of Life Service for Jose will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Dubuque.

Jose was born July 16, 1941, in Havana, Cuba, the son of Jose Perez and Elina Francisco. On August 29, 1987, he married Patricia “Pat” Wernimont in Dubuque.

He had a thirst for knowledge.   Joe held many degrees, including a PHD in Metaphysical Counseling, and was a certified hypnotherapist.  In addition, he held technical degrees and spent the majority of his life working in Computer Technology and Consulting.

Joe enjoyed trap shooting, traveling and road trips.  He held a private pilot’s license and loved flying.  One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandchildren in the hot tub, as they listened to “Papa” stories. Joe was also a hospice volunteer for over 25 years, providing comfort and compassion to so many.  One of his favorite quotes: “I cannot give all the help the world needs, but the world needs all the help I can give.”

He is survived by a loving family: his wife, Pat of Victorville, CA, two daughters, Monica (Steve) Barron of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Marisa (Mike) Dritlein of Peoria, AZ, five grandchildren, Logan, Hudson, and Grayson Barron, Solana Royston and Reid Dritlein.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Eduardo.

Joe will be remembered and acknowledged as a hardworking, loving husband, father, grandfather, unselfish friend, and an esteemed colleague.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude’s or the local Hospice.

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

Richard D. Walker Sr.

Richard D. “Dick” Walker Sr., 85, of Bettendorf, and formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa¸ passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, August 24, 2024, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Friday, August 30, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the church.Cremation rites have been accorded.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Richard David Walker Sr. was born on April 26, 1939 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to David Calvin and Eulane Lillian (Flagel) Walker.  He grew up in Maquoketa and was a proud graduate of Maquoketa High School, class of 1957. His early life set the stage for a journey filled with love, laughter, and music. He first married Judy Whitmore, and they were blessed with two children, Richard Jr. and Lori. After their divorce, he married Nancy Henton, with whom he had his son, Matthew. The chapters of his life brought him to February 4, 1994, when he married Denyse Louise Dodds in Moline, Illinois. Dick and Denyse shared over three decades of marriage and made their home in Bettendorf since 1995.

Dick’s professional life was as diverse as it was fulfilling. He spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver, a job that took him across the country and back. He then shifted gears and worked as a car salesman for Lujack’s Auto in Davenport for five years.  During his marriage to Nancy, he co-owned and operated the Lakehurst Supper Club in Maquoketa with Glen “Red” and Bernice Henton.  There, he showcased his talents as a drummer and lead singer in the family band.  Dick eventually found his calling as the CDL Truck Driving Program Coordinator at Scott Community College in Davenport, from which he retired in 2013.

Margaret C. Hosier

Margaret C. Hosier, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church. Her Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Jeff Friden officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

She was born on January 21, 1929, the daughter of James and Mildred (Berryman) Horan. She grew up in Scales Mound, IL on the family farm and attended grade school there. She later graduated from Saint Clara Academy in Sinsinawa, WI, and finally attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque for two years.

She married John Hosier on February 5, 1948, and together they shared almost 70 years together until his passing on July 2, 2017. She began her working career at the former Dubuque Packing Co., later working in sales at Montgomery Ward and Sears until her retirement in 1986. After retiring she helped with tax preparation at One Stop Tax Service into her 90’s.

She was a great caregiver and was devoted to her family and friends. She also loved gardening and being around horses.

Margaret is survived by six children, Jim (Donna) Hosier, Mike (Paula) Hosier, Tim Hosier, Kathy (Mark) Corcoran, Mary (Paul) Meus, and Diane (Aaron) Lincoln. Nineteen grandchildren, three step grandchildren, and twenty-four great grandchildren; her three sisters Mary Green, Barb (Fritz) Haag, and Kate (Terry) Lowe, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband a son Patrick, two grandchildren Hailey Lincoln and Nathan Corcoran, and a sister Lois McIntosh

The family wishes to thank her caregivers Thelma & Ray Breitsprecker and Shiloh Bennett along with the staff of Eagle Point Place and Hospice of Dubuque, for all the wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Dubuque.

Merlin T. Steffen

Merlin T. Steffen, 77, of Peosta, Iowa, formerly of Holy Cross, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on August 23, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27th, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28th, at Holy Family New Melleray, with Msgr. Thomas Toale officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Born on February 6, 1947, in Dyersville, Iowa, Merlin was the son of Arnold and Catherine (Brunkan) Steffen. He married Karen Mueller on September 24, 1971. Merlin was a proud member of the Iowa National Guard. Following his service, he took over the family farm with his wife, Karen, and together they raised four wonderful children.  He farmed the land for 47 years then continued to work in construction for 20 years until retirement.

Merlin was known for his hard work and dedication, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He loved playing cards, dominoes, and side-by-side outings, and enjoyed gathering for family dinners. Merlin cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often taking them fishing and spending time in his garden.  One of his greatest passions were his dairy cows, from finding him in the show barns to being an active member of various organizations. He enjoyed going to auctions, tinkering in his shed, building and fixing things, and he took great pleasure in putting up Christmas lights. Merlin loved his sweet treats and was always sharing mints with his family.

He was deeply devoted to his wife, Karen, with whom he would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this September. Merlin is survived by his wife, Karen; their children Sheila, Tony (Heather), Nicole (Joe), and Valene (Shane); six grandchildren—Tyler (Rachel), Brittany, Casey, Riley, Gavin, and Olivia; two great-grandchildren, Lydia and Cora; and bonus family Katelyn (Matt, Allie, Cassie, Bradley) and neighbor Vince. He is also survived by his sister, JoAnn; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Jeanette, Nick, Dave (Dawn), and Elly, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roger; his father and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Dorothy; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Judy, Jim, Joan, Don, Artie, and Eugene.

Merlin will be remembered for his unwavering love and dedication for his family and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed.

Barbara A. Culbertson

Barbara Ann Culbertson, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 15, 2024.

Visitation for Barb will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Her funeral service will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Diane Eddy officiating. Following the service a celebration of Barb’s life will be held at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Road. The Burial will be at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Barb was born on December 15, 1945, in Chicago IL, the only daughter of Kenneth and Hazel (Stock) Schmidt. Barb graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964. After a career in administrative support, Barb retired from John Deere.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Thomas, Robert, and Jerry.

Barb is survived by her son Jay (Karen) Churchill, of Thurmont, MD., daughters Darcy (Jon) VanOstrand and Laurie Biggs, both of Dubuque, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Ennoble Manor for their dedication and compassion shown to Barb while she was in their care also to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and kindness given to Barb in her final days.

Loras W. Schuster

Loras Shekleton William Schuster was born to Aloysius and Veronica (Shekleton) Schuster on October 11th, 1939. He departed this life on August 24th, 2024.

Loras grew up in Dubuque, Iowa where he attended St. Columbkille Catholic School and graduated in 1958. After high school, Loras studied Computer Science before joining the Army, also working with computers.

Loras met Therese Brady of East Dubuque, Illinois in 1969 and got married on October 24th, 1970. They leave five children to cherish their memories: Charles of Des Moines, IA, Mark (Dana) of Blue Spring, MO, Ted (Kelly) of North Aurora, IL, Tara (Jared) Flesch of Princeton, IA, and Sara of Wellman, IA; along with six beloved grandchildren: Alexis, Joy, Landon, Nicole, Michelle, and Aden. Loras is also survived by his sister, Imelda Hoffmann; and brother, Vince; and multiple generations of nieces, nephews, cousins; and brother-in-law, Ben (Evie) Brady.

Loras was a devout Catholic and loved to sing. For several years, he shared his talent and love of singing as a member of The Aurora Lamplighters Barbershop Chorus. When Loras wasn’t singing, reminiscing at his high school reunions, or attending his grandkids’ extracurricular activities, he was on his computer working on his highly extensive family tree.

Loras was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Veronica; his wife, Therese; sisters, Virginia Frommelt, Jeannette Fitzpatrick, and Joan Grove; and nephews, Dick Frommelt, Mike Grove, David Grove; and brother-in-law, Jim Brady.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, August 30th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church (1240 Rush St, Dubuque, IA 52003).

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 30th, 2024, at 1:00 PM in Dubuque, IA with an additional Celebration of Life in North Aurora IL on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 at 1 pm.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.

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

John W. Lattner

John W. Lattner, 72, of Peosta, Iowa passed away on August 20,2024 at Mercy One Hospital in Dubuque after a short illness.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Road, where there will be a prayer service held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10 a.m. with Father Dave Schatz, Thursday, Aug. 29, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Key West. Military Honors will be accorded by the Air Force Honor Guard.

The son of Loras and Helen Ann Lattner, John was born October 28,1951 and grew up in Dubuque, Iowa as the oldest of five siblings. John was educated primarily by the superb Presentation Sister teachers at St Columbkilles Grade school. He graduated with the Wahlert Catholic High School class of  1969 followed by the United States Air Force Academy class of 1973. After serving his country at several bases in America and Japan, he returned to Iowa and worked in the banking industry, retiring as an Iowa State Bank Examiner in 2014.

On May 23, 1992 John married Mary Elizabeth (Arnold) Lattner “Beth” and they had two sons Tyler and Drew.

John Lattner was generally a soft-spoken, low-profile gentleman whose life was centered on his immediate and extended family.  He was a talented person with many accomplishments but he modestly never dwelt on the past. As a toddler, John had his picture taken at the Saint Columbkilles Holy Name Society breakfast posing with the 1953 Heisman Trophy winner from Notre Dame, Johnny Lattner. His life in the limelight peaked at age two when that photo was plastered in newspapers across the Midwest. Later in life, our Johnny held his high school’s record for the longest football touchdown pass of 96 yards, but in his unassuming manner he always pointed out that he only threw it five yards and Bob Boleyn ran the other 91 yards.

John preferred to live a faith-based life of service to family, friends, and country. Ultimately, his greatest enjoyment came from his sons and his grandchildren.  He faced his faults and hardships. Then he died a happy and fulfilled man.

John is survived by his son Drew (Deidre) Lattner, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Genevieve, Anna and an unborn baby (due Nov 2024), his step sons Brian (Laurie) and Jonathan Arnold, his brothers Mike (Claire) and Tom (Tammy) Lattner of Dubuque, his sister Mary Ann (Harlan) Roth of Cainesville, MO, his Aunt Esther Fagan as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Tyler and his sister Lynne Lattner Prendergast.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dubuque Dream Center.

Joan M. Neuses

Joan Mary Neuses, 95, of Dubuque, died Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be 10:00 am Friday, August 30, 2024, at Church of the Nativity with Father Stephen Audu as the Celebrant. Entombment will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Joan was born December 21, 1928, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Edward Martin and Viola Ellen McPoland Cupps. On April 30, 1949, she married Leo Francis Neuses at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. He passed away on August 17, 2003.

She was a 1946 graduate of St. Joseph Academy.

She worked at Clarke University and the Dubuque Community School District, retiring in 1989.

She was a member of the Church of Nativity and the Rosary Society, as well as the Catholic Daughters of America – Court #1287, Birthright of Dubuque, Key City Genealogy Association, and St. Jude Quilters Club. She enjoyed reading, and traveling and was a talented quilter.

Survivors include one daughter, Janet Lammer of Troy, IL; two sons, David (Rhonda Kirch) Neuses of Temple, TX, and Larry Neuses of Dubuque; six grandchildren, Jessica (Bill) Sifford, James (Sarah Lowman) Hrabak, Michael (Alyssa Jennings) Lammer, Rebekah (Dan) Carter, Aaron (Rachael) Lammer, Angela (Craig) Caddell; seven great-grandchildren, Adam and Katelee Caddell, Henry “Hank” and Owen Hrabak, and Chloe, Leo, and Addison Carter; and three sisters-in-law, Jean Cupps, Margaret Neuses, and Louanne Greene.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Hrabak, one son-in-law, David Lammer, her parents, three brothers, Gerald (Virginia) Cupps, Robert Cupps, and Kenneth Cupps; three sisters, Mary Ellen Cupps, Virginia Cupps, and Barbara (Richard) Freund, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Joseph Neuses, Irvin (Marveen) Neuses, Cyril Neuses, Marian (Stanley) Chapman, Ken Konzen, and Helen Kollman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Birthright of Dubuque and Church of the Nativity.

The family would like to thank Margie and Al Freund, Donna Breitbach, Shirley Lanners, the DuRide drivers, Hospice of Dubuque, and all of her friends and caregivers for the continuous love, support and friendship throughout the years.

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

Verenna E. Dagitz-Stein

Verrena E. (Giesemann) Dagitz-Stein, 94, of Dubuque, formerly of Bellevue, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 9:30 am until services at the church.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Bellevue.

Local arrangements entrusted with Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Verrena was born November 10, 1929, in Bellevue, Iowa, daughter of John & Amanda (Wiese) Giesemann.  She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Donatus, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married.  She married Melvin Dagitz on September 3, 1950.   Together they had three children.  Melvin passed away on November 4, 1984.  She later married Kenneth Stein in 1999.  He passed away on June 25, 2005.

After marriage Melvin and Verrena lived in Bellevue and were members of St. John Lutheran Church there.  She enjoyed the friendships she made in Elizabeth Circle and Chapter FL PEO.

Prior to marriage, Verrena worked at Roshek’s Grille in Dubuque.  Verrena was a homemaker while her children were growing up. She was a Den Mother and used her sewing skills to alter band uniforms, play costumes, and cheerleading uniforms.   After Melvin’s passing, she worked at Mill Valley Care Center for 15 years, most of that being in the activity department, which she loved.  She volunteered at Mill Valley Care Center and the Bellevue Butterfly Garden, receiving a volunteer award from Governor Ray.

Verrena enjoyed living in the Luther Manor Communities since 2013.

Her family was most important and always came first.  She loved being with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to honor her memory are two children, Betty (Ron) Cavanagh of Dubuque, Mark (Amy) Dagitz of Des Moines, and a step-daughter, Sandra Stein of Lawrenceville,  New Jersey.  Also her seven grand-children:  Amy (John) Welter, Brad (Jen) Cavanagh, David Yeager, Matt (Karen) Cavanagh, Christopher Yeager, all of Dubuque, and Wilhelm and Anneliese Dagitz of Des Moines, as well as her great-grandchildren:  Daniel, Sophie, Thomas Welter and Sam, Andrew, Ryan, Collin Cavanagh, all of Dubuque, and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, a daughter Judy (Neill) Yeager, and by her three brothers and their spouses, Kenneth (Thelma) Gieseman, George (Adela) Giesemann, and Virgil (Mary) Giesemann; also her in-laws Dorothy Dagitz, Donald (Lois) Dagitz, and Ella King, and two nephews, Tommy Giesemann and Gary Giesemann.

James E. Metz

James E. “Jim” Metz, age 71, Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on August 24, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on November 20, 1952, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Ralph “Pete” and Delores (Leppert) Metz. He was a kind and generous man and always gave more of himself than he would ever hope to receive.  Jim spent his working career with Rite Hite, but those who knew him well were quite aware that his happy place was truly getting comfortable in his favorite recliner after he arrived home when the workday was done. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life, but if the opportunity arose to do a little traveling around the world with his beautiful bride in hand, Jim was going to rise to the occasion and allow the next adventure to begin.  He was also a faithful volunteer within our community and when Resources Unite, or a food giveaway was in need of some assistance, you could be sure that Jim was going to be present and accounted for.  His easy-going nature was continually on display and getting in a relaxing walk in with a little sunlight and some fresh air around him was all Jim required to assess the day as a perfect one. We will miss Jim more than words could possibly depict accurately, but we know that his earthly health battles were taking a toll that Jim was simply finished paying.  Thank you, Jim, for reminding us that life can be as humble and rewarding as we choose to make it and we hope that you are resting peacefully today in the loving arms of our Savior as we wait patiently to see your sincere and joy filled smile once again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his loving wife of 52 years,
Vickie Metz, Dubuque, IA;

his son,
Aaron (Tara) Metz, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Olivia Metz, Brady Metz, Carter Fisher, Haley Dressler, and Hunter Dressler;

his sibling,
Kenny (June) Metz, Dubuque, IA,
Danny (Mary) Metz, Dubuque, IA,
LuAnn Metz, Dubuque, IA,
Linda (Chuck) Kleiner, Dubuque, IA,
and Lori (John) Dunwoody, Dubuque, IA;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,
Tom (Becky) Weidenbacher, Dubuque, IA,
Albert (Amy) Weidenbacher, Dubuque, IA,
David (Dana) Weidenbacher, Grundy Center, IA,
Ron Weidenbacher, Leisure Lake, IA,
Linda (Tong) Chong, East Dubuque, IL,
Rhonda (Kenny) Norpel, Dubuque, IA,
and Pam Reding, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Eric J. Metz; his daughter, Alicia Metz; and his mother and father-in-law, Al (Joyce) Weidenbacher.

Jim’s family would like to thank Dr. Freiburger, his staff, and the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Robert Bradshaw III

Robert “Derrick” Bradshaw III, 55, of Asbury, died Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

The Funeral Service for Derrick will be 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.

Derrick was born February 6, 1969, in Tulsa, OK, the son of Robert Donald and Jan (Bass) Bradshaw. On October 28, 2000, he married Lori Blosch in Dubuque.

He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from NICC.  Derrick dedicated the last 17 years to working as a respiratory therapist. His selflessness was evident in his commitment to his patients, and he was honored to assist in saving numerous lives.

Derrick cherished spending time with his family and pets, finding joy in cooking, camping, golfing, and fishing with his boys. His love for music was reflected in his talent as a fantastic drummer. He will always be remembered for his warm heart and sense of humor and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Lori; two sons, Andrew (Molly Myers) Bradshaw of Dubuque, and Michael Bradshaw of Asbury; his mother, Jan Bradshaw of Tulsa, OK; two brothers, Michael Bradshaw and Rick (Brittany) Bradshaw, both of Tulsa, OK; three sisters, Tina (Richard) Koziol of Mauston, WI, Alison (Berry) Beal of Houston, and Tara Brighton of Dallas; his mother-in-law, Victoria Putman of Bellevue; three sisters-in-laws, Lisa Blosch Eaton, Catherine (Tony) Furlin, and Elizabeth (Tyler) Weimerskirch, all of Bellevue; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; his father-in-law, Rick Blosch; grandparents, Roy and Lola Bass, and Bob and Leta Bradshaw.

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