Obituaries Archive

Robert M. McCarthy

Robert M. “Bob” McCarthy, 76, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at home with his wife by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. Ediberto Jarapa officiating.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2024 at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

Bob was born on August 14, 1948 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Robert F. and Charlene (Brady) McCarthy.  He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the class of 1966. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served three tours of duty in Vietnam.

Bob was united in marriage to Vicki L. Poe on October 9, 1971 at St. Latislas Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works and was a member of UAW Local # 94. A member of St. Mary’s Parish, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, researching dinosaurs, was an avid model train collector, and an avid book reader.

Surviving is his wife Vicki; aunts and uncle, Audrey Overhouse and Peggy Bardsley both of Waterloo, IA, John (Marjorie) McCarthy of East Dubuque, IL, Delores McCarthy of Dubuque, IA, and Kathleen Hollis of Reno, NV; a brother-in-law, Mike Sullivan of Peosta, IA; plus numerous cousins; his in-laws, Thomas (Mary Beth) Poe of Williamsport, OH, John Poe of Atlanta, GA, Joan (Chuck) Varnes of Columbus, OH,  Alice (Kevin) Mehling of Oregon, OH, and Pat (Ken) Loose of Landon, OH and numerous nieces and nephws.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Charlene, a sister, Susan Sullivan, in-laws, Jim, Steve and Valerie.

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

Todd J. Rellihan

Todd James Rellihan, 78, of Cascade, IA, formerly of East Dubuque and Galena, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Accura Healthcare of Cascade.

Family and friends may call from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, with Fr. Ediberto Jarapa officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is assisting the family.

Todd was born on July 11, 1946, in Dubuque, the son of Donald J. and Josephine A. “Jo” (Koester) Rellihan. At the age of one the family moved to East Dubuque.

Todd was an avid Chicago Bears fan, loved his Diet Pepsi and enjoyed his frequent trips to Culver’s. He loved magazines of cars, trucks and jeeps, and watching the food channel.

Because of his mental and physical disabilities, he spent most of his adult life in group homes.  His favorite group home was on West St., in Galena. Todd formerly worked at the Workshop in Galena.

Surviving are two sisters, Mary Jo (Tom) Yates, of Davenport, IA, and Paula (Mark) Zupancich of Grand Haven, MI, two brothers, Daniel J. (Joanne) Rellihan of Dubuque, and his twin, Timothy J. (Ann) Rellihan of Asbury, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Todd was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Jo, and a nephew, Mark Rellihan.

A Todd Rellihan memorial fund has been established, and will be distributed per the discretion of the family.

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

Barbara L. Robbins

Barbara Lynn (Bressler) Robbins, 62, Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully, August 16, 2024.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant and Rev. Michael Tess as the homilist. A graveside service will follow the same afternoon at 3:00 pm at Maple Ridge Cemetery adjoining the First Lutheran Church of Jordan on Hwy 40, north of Sterling IL, followed by a gathering of friends & family in the church.

Born August 2, 1962 to Mary Jo (Bickford) and Neal Bressler in Sterling, IL. Barbara married Thomas Robbins on July 11, 1998, in Whitewater, WI.

Barbara graduated from Sterling High School in 1980 and matriculated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1988. She served as a graphic designer for a variety of employers including Panoramic Inc. in Janesville WI, Getter Press in Whitewater WI, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Barbara’s marriage to Tom found their family relocating to various tri-state area locations from Whitewater WI to DeKalb IL to Hartford WI to Dubuque IA over a period of 25+ years.

Barbara was a consummate graphic artist, illustrator, and creative thinker. Her award-winning artwork has been featured in numerous art galleries and museums. Besides her two children, her life masterpieces were her Hearts Across America Children’s Memorial Art/Quilt Project commemorating the tragedy of 9/11 (permanently displayed at the U.S. Pentagon) as well as her 2022 published anthology entited, “Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness Revealed.”

Barbara was a warrior and fighter, tenacious to the end battling various illnesses and health setbacks with grace and determination. Nothing stopped her especially when her mind was set on helping others stating, “if I could help one person in one way…then life was worth living.” Faith, country, family, nature, and the arts were her life passions.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Thomas Robbins; her sons Andrew Marnocha (fiancée Hannah Madrzak) of New Bern, NC, and Alexander Robbins (fiancée Lyric Strickland) of Dubuque, IA; her father Neal Bressler of Palm Harbor, FL; her twin sister Beth (John) Metzler of DeKalb, IL; her brother Scott Bressler of Clearwater, FL; her sister-in-law Crysty (Matt) Schultz of Dubuque, IA; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Jo Bressler, her brothers-in-law Jerome Jr., Charles, and William Robbins, and her grandparents.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque for their gentle care of Barbara.

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

Melba E. Freebolin

Melba E. Freebolin, age 91, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Chicago, IL, completed her earthly journey on July 31, 2024, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Melba’s life, her Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 225 West 10^th Street in Dubuque, with Pastor Kaity Kemp officiating.  Family and friends of Melba are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Entombment will be in the First Congregational United Church of Christ Mausoleum.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Melba’s family.

Melba was born on May 19, 1933, in Oak Park, IL, a daughter to Oscar and Elizabeth (Edwards) Frick. She was raised to possess a strong devotion to family which she continued to carry proudly throughout her entire life.  Melba also had a natural ability to teach others and meet them right where they were in all circumstances.  She was an elementary school teacher for many years, but eventually Melba found her greatest joy was to be found in devoting her time and talents with the blind society.  She made many wonderful friends and built long-lasting relationships along the way and always understood that her impact on the world around her was all so real and very tangible.

Melba enjoyed her time away from work as well and over the years always found time to fit traveling and camping with her loved ones into her busy schedule. Whether it was touring out west, or simply settling into a more local campground for the weekend, Melba treasured the downtime while surrounded by those who were dear to her heart.  She was also blessed with a little time to spend with her cross stitch needle in hand and a few of her beautiful creations remain today to help those left behind to remember the quiet and simple moments when Melba found both contentment and joy. She will also be fondly remembered for her love of music playing in the background whenever possible.  Too much Johnny Cash was never going to be an issue and any chance to relax and refresh the day was always a welcomed event.  Melba was always fun to be with. She was humorous and was always there for a good laugh. We are going to miss our dear sweet Melba’s physical presence in our daily lives moving forward, but we know that she fought the good fight and her eternal rewards were merely awaiting her earthly body to surrender her brilliant soul over to the Lord’s hands.  Thank you, Melba, for leading by example, leaving behind a legacy of love, and for always reminding us that family and friends are truly a gift in this life and to be appreciated and honored at every opportunity.  May the Lord bless you and keep you in His grace-filled arms until we meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Melba include,

her loving son,
Fredrick “Fred” (Jill) Freebolin, Dubuque, IA;

her adored granddaughter,
McKenna (fiancé Anthony “Tony” Griebel) Freebolin, Bellevue, IA;

her nieces,
Marcia and Maureen Wilsey;

her nephew,
Marcus (Kathy Ocher) Wilsey;

her grandnieces,
Jenna Brown and Dana (Chris) Bokhari;

her grandnephew, Zachary Brewer;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Frick; and her sister, Elizabeth (Jack) Wilsey.

Melba’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ennoble Manor and Care Initiatives Hospice for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

Bonny D. Brandenburg

Bonny Done Brandenburg, 67, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Tuesday August 13, 2024, at Dubuque Specialty Care.

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date with burial in Linwood Cemetery Dubuque, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque IA, is assisting the family.

She was born June 14, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Richard and Mollie (Hines) Brandenburg. Bonny was a loving, caring, kind, and giving person. She was loved and will be missed dearly by many.

She is survived by siblings Buddy (Becky) Brandenburg, Randy (Deb) Brandenburg, Rosie Zirtzman, O’Brien Brandenburg, Bob (Becky) Brandenburg, Lori (Wes) Gentz, Tonda (Dicky) Nieyemeyer, Clint (Cheryl) Brandenburg; her grandkids; and many nieces and nephews.

Bonny is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister Carrie, brother Richard, sister-in-law Becky Brandenburg, and nephews Randy and Richie.

The family would like thank Dubuque Specialty Care of Dubuque, Hospice of Dubuque, and her niece Amy Kirkpatrick for their loving care of Bonny.

Alejandro Rojas

Alejandro Rojas, 22, of Dubuque, Iowa, departed this life on Monday August 12, 2024.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday August 23, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 24, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Steve Rosonke officiating.

Alejandro was born on September 25, 2001, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Luis and Dora (Serna) Rojas. He graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School in 2020, and from the University of Iowa with a BA in Journalism and Political Science in 2024. He most recently worked at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids and as a news editor for The Daily Iowan in Iowa City.

Alejandro was a great reader and writer. He was an old soul that would enjoy Pink Floyd and the Beatles and then jump to electronic dance music. He was an avid reader whether it was the classics or contemporary horror. He was a devoted fan of FC Barcelona and enjoyed video games. He also loved family night games, food or just hanging out together as a family and his furry friend Thalia. Alejandro always looked forward to his two favorite days of the year: his birthday and Christmas. He was an empathetic friend that would always go above and beyond to help anyone. He would always dive deep into anything that would interest him whether it was work related, fun but always putting all his reporting skills to bare.

He is survived by his parents Luis and Dora, his beloved sister Daniela, his furry friend Thalia, his extended family in Colombia including paternal grandmother Lucia Medina, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his dear godmother Sr. Corine Murray

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Olga Bedoya, grandfather Juan Enrique Serna, paternal grandfather Luis Eduardo Rojas, uncles Carlos Serna and Humberto Serna, and aunt Carolina Rojas.

The Rojas Serna family wants to thank the first responders, Mercy ER staff, and the Sisters of the Presentation, especially Sr. Corine Murray and Sr. Jessi Beck, and close friend Lori McDonnell for their efforts, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Mary Ann Young

Mary Ann Young, 74, of Dubuque passed away on Thursday August 15, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center. Visitation will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a service will held at 2 p.m. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Mary Ann was born on June 7, 1950, in Dubuque the daughter of William and Romualda (Bleile) Hansen. She married Dennis Young, and he preceded her in death. She worked at Mount Carmel for the Sisters of Charity for 44 years from 1969 until her retirement in 2014.

Mary Ann enjoyed traveling with her mother in her younger days, babysitting her nieces and nephews and shopping.

She is survived by her three sisters Evelyn Decker of Dubuque, Darla (Louie) Decker of Zwingle, and Pamela LaPrell of Dubuque; her two brothers Virgil (Melita) Hansen and William Hansen both of Maquoketa; two sisters-in-law Veronica and Rita Hansen and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Celestine, Glenn and Kenneth in infancy, a sister Linda Andrews, a sister-in-law Betty Hansen and three brothers-in-law Vincent Decker, John LaPrell, and Bernie Fallis Andrews.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and the nurses and staff at Stonehill Care Center for all the care they gave to our sister and aunt.

Ellen Butler

Ellen Butler, 84, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

In lieu of services, the family will gather at a later date for a celebration of Ellen’s life.

Ellen was born on February 11, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. A proud Irish North-ender, Ellen was one of seven children born to Dwight Dominy and Margery (Phillips) Dominy.

Ellen and her siblings roamed the North-end and attended Sacred Heart school. Ellen graduated in 1958 from St. Joseph’s Academy where she met many lifelong friends, who would always be “the girls”. After graduation, Ellen was employed as a telephone operator at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. While there, she met Burton Butler, whom she married in 1961.

Ellen and Burt’s first adventure together started when Burt was drafted into the Army and they moved to Edgewood, Maryland. While there, they had their first son, Brett (Laura) Butler (Bernard, IA). They returned to Dubuque and had two more children, Beth (Terry) Schaul (the best one, Oconomowoc, WI) and Bart (Elizabeth) Butler (Celebration, FL).

Ellen and Burt were a great team. Ellen spent much of her adult life raising her children and caring for aging parents in both families. Ellen loved fiercely and would do anything for those she loved. She volunteered her time as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader for many years when her kids were young, and later as a puppeteer for Kids On The Block for ten years. She worked at Stonehill Care Center’s Development Office for many years and donated countless hours to volunteering there.

Ellen was known for her spark for life. Whether it was shouts of “what’s trump” during monthly card club gatherings, placing Happy Birthday signs around Dubuque for Burt’s 40th or “decorating” a friend’s house after the Packers beat the Bears, Ellen had fun and made everyone around her smile. Ellen and Burt loved to travel, spending lots of time on the road visiting their kids and many trips to visit Ellen’s sister in Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Ellen loved being a wife and mom, and beloved “Auntie El” to many nieces and nephews. But she absolutely adored being a grandma to her five grandchildren, Morgan and Benjamin Butler; Calvin and Olivia Schaul; and Fiona Butler. Grandma, Meme, Nonnie… she answered to these names with more love and joy than imaginable. Those grandkids adore her in return.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Burt, her three children, five grandchildren, sister Mary (Dick) Haupert, brother David (Ruth) Dominy, sister-in-law Janice (Bob) Miller and brother-in-law Dean (Patti) Butler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Dominy, sister Jane (Ken) Dalsing, brother Phillip Dominy, brothers-in-law Dick Haupert and Bob Miller, and sisters-in-law Patti Butler and Jeanette Butler. She looks forward to roaming with them again in heaven.

Ellen’s family is very thankful to the wonderful staff at Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

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

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

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Mary E. Francis

Mary E. (Nugent) Francis, 97, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday August 20, 2024 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church with Fr. David Schatz officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Mary was born on May 28, 1927, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of George Nugent and Loretta Waldbillig.  Mary graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and worked for the phone company in Dubuque for several years.  She married Lee Francis on June 6, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Key West and began raising a family of eight children.

Mary loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and spent countless hours driving them to and attending various school events and sports activities.  She especially enjoyed hosting family get togethers at her home, serving great meals for everyone and playing euchre after dinner. In her spare time, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles, feeding and watching the birds and squirrels in her backyard and the occasional deer, as well as gardening and canning. For decades, Mary stayed in touch with several of her classmates from high school, and they enjoyed meeting monthly for what they called their “lunch bunch”.  Mary also enjoyed working as a teacher’s aide at St. Columbkille’s.

Surviving are seven children, Gary (Elizabeth) Francis of Palatine, IL, Steve Francis of Huntley, Il, Roger (Julie) Francis of Davenport, IA, Kathy (Dennis) Bruck of Dubuque, Kimberly (Dennis) Tully of Dubuque, Rob (Natalie) Francis of Ankeny, IA, and Laura (Jeff) Shaffer of Dubuque; and daughter-in-law Connie (Kevin) Francis of Dubuque; twelve grandchildren Scott (Katherine) Francis, Carrie Francis, Nick Francis, Samantha (Matt) Dworak, Alex Bruck, Emily (Andrew) Konichek, Michael Francis, Christopher Francis, Lauren Tully, Jacob Tully, Taylor (Grant) Laverty and Marcus Francis; and three great grandchildren Jacob Francis, Olivia Francis and Jackson Konichek.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lee in 2012, son Kevin, grandsons Eric and Jeff Francis, son-in-law Dennis Tully, and brothers Dan and John Nugent.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful health care professionals at Stonehill Communities and Hospice of Dubuque for their many hours of devoted care for Mary.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s name to these fine organizations.

Doris L. O’Brien

Doris L. O’Brien, 100, of Dubuque, died Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Bethany Home in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Monday, August 19, 2024 at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.

The Funeral Service for Doris will be at 10:30 am on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery in Dubuque.

Doris was born May 11, 1924, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Herman and Amelia (Batteram) Wirzbach. On June 25, 1948, she married Thomas L. O’Brien at Immanuel Congregational UCC in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on August 19, 2009.

Doris was a very active and faithful member of Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ. She loved going camping, gardening, sewing clothes, crafting, crocheting, and knitting. Doris was proud to have accomplished Sagbrai. She also was a great joke teller and loved hosting family Christmas gatherings.

Survivors include her two children, Timothy (Carol) O’Brien of Guttenberg, IA; Kathleen (Ronald) Jepsen of Clinton, IA; seven grandchildren, Cedar (Tim) Schneider, William “Willie” (Becky Jenkins) O’Brien, Molly (Justin Burke) O’Brien, Seamus (Whitney Hansel) O’Brien, Alexis (Brian) Peters, Ian (Josie) Jepsen, and Robin (Bobby ) Ballard; 15 great-grandchildren, Ronan, Alexandra, Haley, Finn, Lochlan, Brynn, Murphy, Magnus, William, Gemma, Arlo, Sloan, Noelle, Hannah, and Ryne.

In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was preceded in death by her two brothers, Robert and Karl.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Immanuel Congregational UCC family and Bethany Home for their loving care.

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

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

Anna M. Semrau

Anna M. Semrau, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 89 in DeWitt, Iowa. Born Anna Mae Sellnau on August 5, 1935, in Clinton, Iowa, she was the youngest daughter of Herbert Adolph and Melinda Brodina (Soenksen) Sellnau. Anna’s early years were spent on a farm near Goose Lake, where she developed a love for the simple joys of rural life.

Anna’s education began at Plugtown Country School and continued at DeWitt High School, where she proudly served as a Drum Major. Her leadership and spirit were evident even in those early days. In 1955, she married Raymond Pennock in DeWitt, Iowa, and together they welcomed four children into the world: Jeff, Jodie, Janelle, and Jillane. They were married for 18 years before separating.  Anna found love again and married James “Jim” Cunningham on August 3, 1985, in DeWitt. Jim preceded her in death in 2001. Years later, Anna married Donald Semrau on October 11, 2008, in Canada. Though they later separated, they maintained a lasting friendship.

Throughout her life, Anna was known for her strong work ethic and friendly demeanor. She held various positions, most notably with DeWitt Cleaners, WalMart in Maquoketa, and Jack-N-Jill Grocery Store in Maquoketa.

Anna had a passion for board games and dice, drawing, playing the piano, and was a Green Bay Packers fan.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Jeff Pennock of DeWitt, IA, Jodie (Todd) Reid of Oak Grove, MO, Janelle (Donnie) Bousselot of Calamus, IA, and Jillane (Jerry) Renner of Elwood, IA; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Raena) Reisdorph, Kelsey (Jordan) Kesler, Amanda (Jason) Langel, Elliott (Kristine) Pennock, Jesse (Karolyn) Pennock, Brodina (Isaac Schober) Bousselot, Kendra (Devin Daniels) Renner, and Luke Renner; and 9 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children Raymond Pennock, her husband James Cunningham, brothers Walter and Edwin Sellnau, sisters Helma Pitts and Darleen Tralau, and a daughter-in-law Loretta Pennock.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 12:00 P.M to 1:30 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Elwood, IA Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Anna Mae Semrau memorial fund has been established.

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

Mary L. Spoden

Mary L. Spoden, 78, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at her home surrounded by love.   

Visitation will be held from 1:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a Celebration of Life service will follow at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Council 1734 Hall.

Mary was born September 2, 1945, daughter of Ambrose and Kay (Wolfe) Hess.  She married James Spoden on February 27, 1965, in Worthington, Iowa.  Together they enjoyed traveling to watch grandchildren’s activities, camping, traveling to Las Vegas and generally having a great time.

Survivors include her sons: Steve (Ann) Spoden and Scott (Lisa) Spoden, both of Crystal Lake, IL; five grandchildren: Tanner, Maxwell, Haley, Maddie and Carter Spoden;  siblings: Ed (Vanetta) Hess of Worthington and Judy (Virgil) Johnson of Avondale, Arizona; in-laws: Diane (Jerry) Ball of Florida and Sally Reardon of Dubuque; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jim in 2018; an infant son; and a brother-in-law, Peter (Suzanne Pomerantz) Spoden.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.

Mary E. Thompson

Mary Elizabeth Thompson, age 93, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Platteville, WI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, August 9,2024, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, IA.

Mary, born on October 28,1930 in Houston, MO, was the fifth child of ten to Jay and Matoe (Lilly) Gibson. Mary spent her childhood on the family farm and graduated from high school in 1948.  As a young adult, she worked as a salesclerk in Fort Leonard Wood.  On New Years Eve 1950 she met Bruce Thompson, of Platteville, WI on a blind date, while he was in Missouri on a survey crew.  The were married on September 15,1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville. They welcomed their only child Cheree Rose in 1955.  Sadly, their union was cut short when Bruce passed away August 7,1962 after a long battle with stomach cancer.

Always a hard worker, Mary went on as a single working mother, employed for several years at Kreb’s Drug Store until it was sold.  She then worked as manager of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Bookstore.  It was here she met Scott Jameson, with whom she shared a brief second marriage until they parted ways.  Mary then enjoyed many years in sales and bookkeeping at K&K Floors in Platteville until she retired.

She was a long-time member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, and in her later years frequented the Platteville Senior Center for meals and activities.

In 2014 she moved to Dubuque to be closer to her daughter when she started showing signs of memory loss.  She was later diagnosed with dementia and spent the remainder of her years at Hawkeye Care Center.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Cheree (Bob) Morey of Dubuque, IA; three stepchildren, including Rob (Lori) Jameson, of Plato, TX; granddaughter, Sarah (Mike) Woodward of Council Bluffs, IA; grandsons: Matt Morey and Jamie Morey of Dubuque; five great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; many nieces and nephews; and one sister, Sue Effie of Kansas City, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bruce; five brothers: Walter, Gene, Robert, Kenneth and Keith, and three sisters: Lucille, Dorothy, and Mildred.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville with Father Gregory Ihm officiating.  The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Family and friends may call on Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church, where a 10:45 a.m. parish rosary will be prayed. In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials can be made in Mary’s memory to the Platteville Senior Center, 75 N. Bonson St, Platteville, WI 53818.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is serving the family.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com

Sr. Patricia L. Fitzgerald

Sister Patricia L. Fitzgerald, BVM, (Chrysostom), 90, of Mount Carmel Bluffs, 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Visitation and the Rite of Committal for Natural Burial were celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Burial was in the Mount Carmel Cemetery. Sharing of Memories will be Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs, followed immediately by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Sister Patricia ministered as an elementary teacher in Chicago; Kansas City, Mo.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Tujunga, Calif. She was an artist and art teacher in Chicago, Maywood, and Oak Park, Ill., where she worked as an office manager and a massage therapist.

She was born Dec. 29, 1933, in South Bend, Ind., to Lawrence and Lorine (Rivard) Fitzgerald. She entered the BVM congregation on Sept 8, 1952, from St. Francis Xavier Parish, Phoenix. She professed first vows on March 19, 1955, and final vows on July 16, 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Jeanne Marie Price, and a brother Kenneth Fitzgerald. She is survived by a sister-in-law Margaret Fitzgerald, nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 71 years.

Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online at https://www.bvmsisters.org/support_donate.cfm.

Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52003 is in charge of arrangements.

Janelle Donahue

Janelle Donahue, born on February 5, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at the age of 91 on August 9th, 2024

Janelle’s life will be celebrated at Resurrection Church, 4300 Asbury Road in Dubuque, Iowa, on Monday, August 19th, 2024. Visitation will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., all at Resurrection Church. Rev. Phil Gibbs will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Forever remembered by her children Mary Ellen, Pat (Mary Lynn), Dennis, Paul (Becky) and Kelly.

Janelle treasured her 6 grandchildren Mike, Margot, Kenny, Kevin, Connor and Ciaran

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Donahue and sister-in-law Mary Carol Guerdette, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and lifelong friend, Marjorie Kurt.

Janelle was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 1976; parents Dennis and Mary Guerdette; mother and father-in-law TJ and Mary Donahue; her siblings, James (Jimmy), Eugene (Koosy), Richard (Dick).

Janelle and Joe were united in marriage at St Theresa Parish, LaMotte, Iowa on November 25th 1954. The parish where she received her holy sacraments and frequented until its closure. She and Joe became members of Resurrection in 1958.

She grew up on a farm in Jackson County and attended a one room school house on Skyline Road.  She attended St Joseph Academy (Class of 1950) and Clarke College.  She left Clarke College after earning a two-year teaching certificate and later returned to complete her bachelors in education in 1980 and a masters in education in 1987.

Janelle’s first teaching position was in St Donatus in a one room school house. She later taught at various schools in the archdiocese of Dubuque, spending the majority of her time at Resurrection teaching 3rd and 4th grade. After completing her masters she accepted her final teaching position at Kennedy Elementary teaching behavioral disorder students. For several years after she left the classroom, she consulted for the Dubuque Community School District and finally settled into a well-earned retirement at age 70

In retirement she gardened, traveled and spent time with her children, grandchildren and friends.  She was a lifelong advocate for children and education.

Janelle was also known for her strength and resilience. She was a woman of deep faith with an unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.