Obituaries Archive

Carol Ferguson

Carol Ferguson passed away in the arms of her family on July 10, 2024, at her home after a fierce battle with breast cancer.  She was born February 5, 1942, in Oshkosh, WI to Edward Grote and Catherine Pasker Grote.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 16, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1425 Iowa St, Dubuque, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Carol spent her childhood in Monticello, IA.  She received her Diploma R.N. at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque, IA in 1964, where she worked as a Surgical nurse and met her husband.

On May 6, 1966, she married Richard Noren Ferguson M.D. of Carbondale, CO.  They moved to Karlsruhe, Germany where he served as a Major in the U.S. Army for three years.  They returned to the States in 1969 for the completion of his Ophthalmology residency at the University of MN, and to start their family.

In 1971, Carol and Dick moved to Casper, WY where Carol was both a homemaker and assisted with her husband’s Ophthalmology practice.   Dick passed away in 1990 and Carol resumed her nursing career as a full-time rehabilitation nurse.

Her nursing career brought her to Joplin, MO until she moved back to Dubuque, IA in 1994 to be near her family.  During this time she also lost her son, Dan Ferguson.  After her retirement Carol moved to Otsego, MN to enjoy the company of her daughter Nicole and family.

Carol participated in auxiliaries and organizations in Casper, WY including Evansville Elementary PTA President, volunteer school nurse and librarian, and home room mother. Her giving nature continued in Dubuque, IA where she was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter IK, and the Mercy Service Club/Gift Shop. She was a perpetual volunteer and constant advocate for her children, her grandchildren, and her beliefs. 

Survivors include her daughter, Nicole Ferguson-Kohout (Dan), grandchildren Anna Grace, Abigail Carolyn, and Mark Daniel Kohout, all of Elk River, MN; three sisters: Mimi (Ev) Buckhardt of Cedar Rapids, IA, Connie (Steve) Hardie of Dubuque, IA and Pam Wallace of Lewisburg, PA; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Noren Ferguson M.D.; son, Daniel Patrick Ferguson; parents Edward Grote & Catherine (Pasker) Grote; and brother-in-law Steve Wallace.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and a beloved Nana.  She was the constant and inspiring breath that provided the wind beneath the wings to launch the dreams of many souls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a memorial to Cottey College, in Nevada, MO.

Joan M. Streets

Joan M. (Parker) Streets, 63, of Andrew, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 surrounded by her children.  No Public Services will be conducted per her request.

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

Joan was born May 30, 1961, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Louise (Malone) Parker.  She graduated from Bellevue Public High School.  Joan married David J. Streets on October 30, 1980, he passed on December 2, 1989.  She worked in quality assurance at the Feather Factory in Maquoketa and later in sewing and training at Rite Hite in Dubuque for many years.  Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, playing card games & especially the Christmas season.

She will be remembered as someone who was a selfless, caring, loving, friend and family member to many.

Survivors include her children, Joshua (Jaquel) Streets of Cedar Rapids, and Jessica Streets of Andrew; 4 grandchildren, Delaney, Parker, Jorja and Ava. Siblings, Rose (Steve) Husemann, Jane (Ron) Francois, and David Parker; a brother in-law, L.R. Gnade; and a sister in-law, Donna Parker.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David; siblings and in-laws, Robert Parker, William Parker, Betty Parker, Theresa Adams, Aggie Gnade, Marcella Perry; and nephews, Jacob Adams, Jim Parker, and Cory Parker.

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

Gladys I. Scheppele

Our beloved Gladys Ivanelle (Kregel) Scheppele went to be with Jesus on July 10, 2024. She was born September 3, 1927, to Arno and Hattie Kregel in Garnavillo, IA.

At age 12, she found salvation when she humbly received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She then lived the rest of her life loving Jesus and the Word of God.

While attending college at the University of Dubuque IA, she met Wayne Milton Scheppele. The two fell in love and married August 14, 1948 and Wayne gave her the nick-name “Gladdy”. They soon settled on the Kregel family farm in Garnavillo, IA and had a total of 8 children: James (Shelby), Bonnie (Jeff), Jerry (Mindy), Dan (Mary), Mark (Julie), Diane (Jim), Steven (Natalie), and Michael (DeAnn). Earl Hansen (Diane) and Ingrid Simm (Paulo), were considered part of the family too.

Wayne and Gladdy have 30 Grandchildren, 62 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great Grandchildren…and a few more almost here.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Bonnie; and son, James.

She is survived by her sisters: Janice Stickfort, and Grace Elliott; as well as her sisters-in-law: Janet Avenarius and Judy Trent.

Along with her daily Bible readings, she prayed for every family member and friend, by name, asking God to help them know Jesus, keep them safe, and to bless them. Her legacy of faith was, and always will be, an inspiration.

She was known for her beautiful flower gardens, exquisite china paintings, and hand-written letters to everyone in her life. She treasured the Monroe Bible Church’s Pastor, Dan Krahenbuhl and his wife Jennifer, as well as the Primetimers/Bible study group. She greatly appreciated her nurse practitioner, Brooke Hosely, for her compassion and care over the years.

Gladdy will be lovingly remembered and terribly missed by all family and friends.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday November 2, 2024, at Koning Maple Lane Event Center (N3051 State Hwy 81) in Monroe, WI. There will be a light lunch from 12-1:30 p.m. with a program honoring Gladdy from 2-4 p.m.

Thank you to Brock at the Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo, Iowa, for taking care of our cherished Gladdy.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.

Dennis M. O’Meara

Dennis M. “Mike” O’Meara, 79, of Mount Prospect, IL, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on June 27, 2024 suddenly at home.

Friends and family may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday July 13, 2024 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Mike was born on February 12, 1945, in Dubuque the son of Leonard and Frances (Rolling) O’Meara. He served in the U.S. Army and worked for many years with the Internal Revenue Service in Chicago.  After retiring he worked as an agent helping many with federal tax returns.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Callaway, two brothers Kenny (Jeannie) O’Meara and Jim (Charlie) O’Meara, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leonard “Lenny” Donald “Duck”, Jerry and sisters Delores Muntz, Violet Boge, Donna Bregmann, Carole Strachan and Pat Klauer.

Daniel R. Atkinson

Daniel R. Atkinson, 70, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at home on July 8, 2024.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday July 12, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Sharing Time will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Funeral Home.

Dan was born on April 26, 1954, in Strawberry Point, Iowa, son of Roy T. and Lavon B. (Thomas) Atkinson. He graduated from North Linn High School in 1972. Dan was united in marriage to Donna M. (Straka) Dolan on April 18, 2003. Dan worked for over 20 years at Cascade Lumber Company, he enjoyed meeting new people and making sure all of his clients were happy.

Dan loved fishing, bowling and golfing with friends and family, poker and Texas Hold ‘Em. He also liked cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. His family was his number one priority – especially his wife Donna whom he loved dearly. Dan would begin to grow his beard out starting in August so he’d be ready for his volunteer role of Santa. He enjoyed bringing smiles to all of the kids and nursing home residents who anticipated his visit every holiday season.

Dan is survived by his wife Donna, children Jason (Courtney) Dolan and Kayla (Derek) Haskin, grandchildren Isabelle, Allie, and Landon Dolan and Calvin, Carson, and Collin Haskin, siblings Sandy Merritt, Denny Atkinson, Mary (Steve) Ohl, and Mark (Kathy) Atkinson, siblings-in-law Debbie (Paul) Frank, Jerry Straka, and Karla Straka, extended family Marsha Dolan, Paul (Evie) Dolan, Colleen (Tony) Montag, Jim (Judi) Dolan, Peggy Schultz, JoAnn Ridenour, and Terry (Susie) Dolan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to the blood relatives Dan leaves behind, there is also the Westhoff family who have become more than just friends, they are his honorary family.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Bill Merritt and James Straka, and extended family Larry Dolan and Dave Ridenour.

In lieu of flowers, a Daniel R. Atkinson Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sasha, Dr. Engelman and his nurses and staff for their amazing care of Dan, and to all their friends and family for their support during this time.

Eugene A. Motsch

Eugene “Gene” A. Motsch, 95, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 4, 2024, at 3:35 a.m., surrounded by family.

Friends and family may visit from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday July 15, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

A Funeral Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday with Deacon David Roth officiating along with military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Inurnment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery with his daughter Deb at a later date.

Gene was born on January 17, 1929, near Sherrill, son of Martin and Frances (Kriescher) Motsch. He was united in marriage to Ruth Dieters on May 1, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They shared 70 wonderful years together and were blessed with four children: Vern, Dave, Deb, and Virge.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from September 1951 to September 1953 during the Korean Conflict as a Tank Driver. He was especially honored to be a part of the Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. on September 24, 2012.

He retired from the Dubuque Packing Company after 38 years. Gene had a quiet nature and was a hard worker who could fix almost anything. He was so proud of the ’66 Toronado he restored and roll top desk he made, along with building our home in his “spare” time.

Gene was a long-time member of Holy Ghost Church, All Star Country Dance Club, Tri State Boot Scooter Dance Club, and Local 150 (Pack Union). He was also on the Salvation Army Senior Center Board of Directors where he spent a lot of time teaching country dancing, playing dominos, attending parties and potlucks, and making many friends.

Some of his favorite things were country dancing until he was 86 years “young”, country music, dominos, gardening, flowers, feeding the birds, woodworking, reading his woodworking magazines, reading the newspaper front to finish, and gathering and cracking walnuts. He loved traveling and visited all 50 states.

Gene is survived by his wife Ruth, children Vern Motsch of Dubuque, Dave Motsch of Sagle, Idaho, and Virge (Mike) Engling of Dubuque, grandchildren Sheila, Andy, Emily, and Carissa, step-grandchildren Trevor and Will, great grandchildren Haley, Trystin, Taiya, Rowan, Myla, Sophia, and Maximus, brother Ernie Motsch, brothers-in-law Dale (Carol) Dieters and Gene Weidenbacher, sister-in-law Mary Dieters, Trudy (Deb’s beloved kitty we “adopted”), as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Deb on February 10, 2022, twin grandsons Jason and Josh in September of 1994, brother Herman (Ginny) Motsch, sister Mary (Arky) Hanson (’14), brothers-in-law Ken (’05), Cliff (’06), Maynard (’18), and Merle (’48), and sisters-in-law Eilene Weidenbacher (’06) and Edith Dieters.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Chris, Amy, Jessica, and Connie, Stonehill Communities staff, and Dr. Sara Loetscher for all the compassionate care and help given on Gene’s journey to the Lord. Also thank you to his granddaughter Sheila for the special care and attention shown to her grandpa and giving him three rides in his Toronado while at Stonehill.

In lieu of flowers, a Eugene “Gene” A. Motsch Memorial Fund has been established.

Mary R. Davis

Mary Rose Davis, 62, of Galena, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena.

She was born on February 23, 1962, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Charles and Kathleen (Marsden) Manz. Mary graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1980. She was united in marriage to her husband of thirty-five years, Norman Davis, on October 24, 1981, in Galena. Mary worked at Dairy Dream and Kentucky Fried Chicken both in Galena. In 1983, she went to work for the Galena Police Department and retired in 2021 after 38 years of service. She enjoyed going for walks, puzzles, crocheting, and spending time with family and grandchildren whom they fondly called “their Memaw.”

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Katie Davis (Aaron Brokaw), Susan (Dale) Weber, and Sara (Andrew) Schuler, all of Galena; her grandchildren, Shawn Davis and Mila Schuler, Xela and Kaiya Weber, Eiler and William Brokaw, her siblings, Mike (Sheila) Manz, of Bright’s Grove, Ontario, and Lisa Wullweber (David Hoffmann),  of Cascade, IA, and a sister-in-law, Lenore Manz of Salem, OR, and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Thomas “Tom” Manz. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Dubuque.

Her family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their excellent care and compassion over the last few months. To Mary’s colleagues and friends, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your unwavering support, camaraderie, and kindness meant the world to her.

Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

Gary J. Boffeli

Richard J. Berthel

Richard J. Berthel, 67, of Chicago IL, formerly of Bellevue IA, passed away on July 2, 2024 at his home.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 9:00 am – 10:30 am prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Private Family burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

Richard was born on January 24th, 1957 and lovingly adopted by John and Phyllis Berthel.  He was raised on the family farm outside of Springbrook, Iowa and graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1975.  Following high school, he completed electrical schooling and apprenticeship in Minnesota and returned home to work with several local electricians, including K&K Electric in Bellevue and with his cousins at Berthel Electric in Maquoketa.  Rich eventually moved to Chicago to work as a union electrician and became a longstanding member of the I.B.E.W. Local #134.  Chicago became Rich’s new home for almost 40 years…where he became an official “foodie”, an avid Bears and Cubs fan, and most importantly – where he met the love of his life, Sue Hart.  Rich and Sue spent over 35 years together, and his heart was broken when she passed away in September 2021.  Richard was also blessed with great friends in Chicago through the years, many of whom became a second family to him.

A gentle giant, a big teddy bear, and a kind soul are just a few of the phrases used to describe Rich.  He also loved to read, had a remarkable memory, and enjoyed his trips back to Iowa to spend time with family.  Richard will be buried in his final resting place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery with his sweetheart, Sue.

Richard is survived by his 6 siblings, who will forever miss their big brother:  Mary Kay (Terry) Mueller, Paula (Bill) Lampe, Brian (Christina) Berthel, Angie (Shawn) Jackson, Keith (Angie) Berthel, Sue (Dan) Jacobs, and many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Phyllis Berthel, his beloved Sue Hart, and his nephew Colin Jackson.

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

Bobby F. Tennant

Bobby F. Tennant, 41, of Springbrook, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 surrounded by his family and loved ones following a long illness.  Visitation will be 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.

Bobby was born April 12, 1983, the son of Floyd Tennant and Edith McIntyre.  He graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 2002.  Bobbys passion was hunting and fishing, watching all sports especially, WWE, NASCAR, Wisconsin Badger Football, Milwaukee Brewers Baseball, and Los Angeles Rams football.  He loved life and spending time with his family and friends.  He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his mother, Edith (Kerry) Beasley; his father, Floyd (Twila) Tennant; his grandmother, Gayle Pullen; his siblings, Amy (Josh) Edwards, Corey Christianson, Tia (Tim Curry) Tennant, Kaleb Bee, Hannah (Troy) Hayward, Junior (Paige Carpenter) Tennant, Lucus (Belle Johnson) Tennant, Taylor (Trevor) Fitzpatrick, and Jordan Beasley; nieces and nephews, Breanna, Mit “Josh, Jr.”, Savannah, Eli, Jerrick, Ella, Kayrene, and Elliot; and numerous extended relatives.

Bobby was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don Pullen, Bobby Floyd Tennant, Ramona Tennant, Ruth Fry, and Dot Tennant.

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

Mary F. Jasper

Mary Frances Jasper, 92 of Hopkinton, Iowa passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at her home.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Hopkinton, Iowa.  Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am at church prior to funeral mass.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Hopkinton with burial in Hopkinton cemetery.  Rev. Paul Baldwin will officiate.

Mary Frances was born on March 14, 1932, in Hopkinton, Iowa, the 2nd of 10 children born to Francis and Mary (Sherlock) Turnis.  She graduated from St. Paul School in Worthington, the class of 1955.  Mary Frances married Larry J. Jasper on June 9, 1955, in Worthington, Iowa.  She was employed at Citizens State Bank in Hopkinton from 1950 – 1957 and served as Hopkinton City Clerk from 1972 – 1997, secretary of Hopkinton Meal Service and Secretary-Treasurer of St. Luke’s Rosary Guild for many years.  During her 25 years as city clerk, the first computer was installed at city hall.  She also wrote grants that provided much of the funding for the municipal pool, fire station, new water tower, street improvements and improvements at wastewater plant.

Survivors include her children: Jan Jasper of Marion, Scott (Susan) Jasper of Sherman, TX, Jamie (Kathy) Jasper of Central City; daughter-in-law, Laurie Jasper, a sister, Rosie (Lee) Heid of Hopkinton; grandchildren: Jonathan (Alyssa) Jasper, Matthew Jasper, David Jasper; great grandchildren: Adalyn and Sawyer Jasper, Braxton Davis, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Larry in 2012, sons: Jeff in 2024 and Eric Jasper in 2019, siblings: Norma McDonell, Betty Turnis, Ruth Turnis, Janet Digmann, Richard, Mark, Bill and Phil Turnis; in-laws: Steve McDonell, Emil (Betty) Leibold, John (Mary Ann) Turnis, Ray (Bernadette) Trenkamp  and Sylvia Orth Turnis.

Memorials are preferred to the Hopkinton Fire and EMS, the Hopkinton Meals on Wheels Service and/or St. Luke Catholic Church.

Special thanks to Tara Mescher, ARNP, the Above and Beyond staff, especially Mary, Meaghan, McKenzie and Linda, and also Mike and Rosemary Feldmann for all the little extras in Mom’s care.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 700 East Oak St., PO Box 791, Monticello, IA 52310-0791.

Alice R. Cassaday-Davis

Alice R. (Kilburg) Cassaday-Davis, 95, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024.  Funeral Services will be 11:30am, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue.  Family will greet friends 10:00am – 11:30am prior to services at the funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. 

Alice was born August 4, 1928, in rural Bellevue, the daughter of Frank and Frances (Medinger) Kilburg.  She attended Jackson County Rural School and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Bellevue in 1945.  Alice was a certified nurse’s aide at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque until 1949.  She married Lavern Cassaday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Green Island, where they lived until moving to Miles in 1966.  Later they moved to Clinton in 1981 and retired to Bellevue in 1986.  Lavern passed away in 1989.  Alice married Richard Davis in 1993, he had two children, Debbie and Tom, and a grandchild, Matthew.  They lived in Maquoketa and spent winters in Mesa, Arizona.  Richard passed in 2005.  Alice moved back to Bellevue following his passing.

Alice was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Ex-Prisoners of War, Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary, retired Railroad and retired Federal Employees, and the Red Hat Society.

Alice loved her family most of all, often traveling by Amtrak on her visits.  She loved watching sports, watching her grandchildren, and relatives play whenever she could.  Alice had spirited conversations about politics with her children, loved Boston Bulldogs, and riding her 3-wheeled bicycle along the Riverfront until just recently.

Survivors include her children, Dr. Michael (Diane) Cassaday of Stone Lake, WI, Patrick (Deb) Cassaday of Shorewood, WI, Margaret “Peg” (Dennis) Jensen of Modesto, CA, Daniel (Franki) Cassaday of Foxfield, CO, Timothy (Dawn) Cassaday of Aurora, CO, and Christopher (Heidi) Cassaday of Overland Park, KS; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a brother, David (Betty) Kilburg of Bellevue.

Alice was preceded in death by her husbands, siblings, Allen, Edward, Gerald, Marvin, Marcelene, Carolyn, and Mary Jane.

Memorials will be used for the Rotary Riverfront Park Project.

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

Julia A. Benson

Julia A. Benson, age 77, of Dubuque, passed away at 12:35 a.m., on Tuesday, July 10, 2024, at her home with her loving family after a courageous battle with congenital heart failure.  To honor Julia’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m., on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday at Behr Funeral Home, with Deacon Jim Luksetich officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Julia was born on August 3, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest and Martha (Hoosier) Wilson.

Julia graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1964.  She was united in marriage to Allen Benson on April 8, 1967.  They had 3 children together and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.  Julia was always a hard worker.  She was employed with William C. Brown Publishing, John Deere Dubuque Works, Golden Corral and with Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino until her well earned retirement.  When she had some free time she enjoyed going bowling and was an avid Bingo player.  Julia also loved spending time with her family and friends.  We are deeply saddened at losing Julia in our daily lives, but know that she is now at peace, free from the health issues she has faced so bravely these past months.

Those left to cherish Julia’s memory include

her husband,
Allen Benson, Dubuque, IA;

2 sons,
David (Vickie) Benson, Longmont, CO
and Doug (Stephanie) Benson, Spokane, WA;

6 grandchildren,
Selena, Devon, Kayla, James, Tristan and Ashton;

7 great-grandchildren;

her siblings,
Steven Wilson, California,
Mike (Lou Ann) Wilson, Dubuque, IA
and Christine (Andy) Bartolotta, Dubuque, IA;

and 2 sisters-in-law,
Suzanne Wilson, Texas
and Diane Wilson, West Virginia.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Lisa Benson; and 2 brothers, Ricky Wilson and Carl John Wilson.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for the kind, compassionate and professional care they provided Julia and her entire family.

Greeting cards and memorials in Julia’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Julia Benson Family.

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

Michael J. Lorento

Michael J. Lorento, age 67, of Galena, IL, completed his earthly journey on July 7, 2024, at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. To honor Michael’s life, a memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit Street in Galena, with Pastor Robin Luckey officiating. Family and friends of Michael’s are invited to join in fellowship from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Michael’s family.

Michael was born on April 14, 1957, in Utica, New York, son of Michael A. and Patricia A. (Bates) Lorento. He grew up with a love for life, family, and friends. Michael graduated from Utica Free Academy and went on to begin his career with the New York State Highway Department and the Clark County Nevada Highway Department for over 25 years. He eventually made his way to Galena and invested another nine years with his father-in-law at Grant Hills Motel, and finally worked in Final Inspection at SignCraft Screenprint until retiring in 2021. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dianne Zane, on April 9, 1999, in Galena, IL. They were blessed with 25 wonderful years together and one adored son, “Mickey.”

In his free time, Michael was a member of Lord of Love Lutheran Church and the Galena Elks Lodge 882. He was a lifelong New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but watching his son play football, basketball and baseball was where his great joy was always to be found. Michael possessed a kind, generous and selfless soul whose actions continually spoke louder than words. His love for others was always on display and the legacy he leaves behind will surely live on vividly in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. They will miss him more than words can say but know with certainty that the abundance of memories he leaves will bring them peace in time.

Those left behind to cherish Michael’s memory include his wife, Dianne Zane Lorento, Galena, IL; his son, Michael “Mickey” (Anna Jenewein) Zane Lorento, Ames, IA; his siblings: Donna (Andy) Manley, Utica, N.Y.,Barb (Doug) Ellis, Utica, N.Y., Terrie (Chuck) Haddad, Utica, N.Y., Mary (Rene) Bruyere, Denver, N.C., Patty (Tom) Gogola, The Villages, FL, Kathy Lorento, Utica, N.Y., Brian Lorento, Utica, N.Y., and Crissy Lorento Labarbera, Boliva, N.C. Also surviving are his mother and father-in-law, Janine and Jack Zane, Orlando, FL; his brothers-in-law, Scott and Alex Zane, Orlando, FL, his Goddaughter, Sarah (Josh) Jodlowski, Utica, N.Y., an aunt, Mary (Ed) McDermott, Rochester, N.Y. and many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved nephew, Bobby Lorento.

Michael’s family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne Cancer Center, Dr. Cheryl Morgan-Ihrig, the doctors and staff at Midwest Medical Center, and Dr. Greg Vandigo for all of their professional and compassionate care. We would also like to sincerely thank our many friends and family members who have provided such unending love and support during this most difficult time.

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

Sister Marcelia Maglinte, BVM

Sister Marcelia Maglinte, BVM, 85, of 1160 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Visitation will be from 1-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in the Mary Frances Clarke Chapel at Mount Carmel Bluffs. Sharing of Memories will be at 1:30 p.m. followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Sister Marcelia ministered as an elementary teacher in Chicago; Round Lake, Ill.; Missoula, Mont.; Los Angeles, Stockton, and Carlsbad, Calif.; and Kappa and Kahului, Hawaii. She also served as a secondary teacher and director of religious education in Kappa, Hawaii.

She was born on March 2, 1939, in Kealia, Hawaii, to Demetrio and Marcela (Boca) Maglinte. She entered the BVM congregation Aug. 2, 1957, from St. Catherine parish, Kappa, Hawaii. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1960, and final vows on July 16, 1965.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Isidra “Manang” (Simeon) Aqui, Adela (Silverio “Fred”) Galvez, Segunda “Sally” (Kenneth “Mano”) Pia, Jovita “Bita” (Quirino “Cas”) Domingo, Plecita “Boy” (Adriano) Mendoza, and Beatrice “Atey” (Justiniano) Tactay; and brother-in-law Delpidio “Sonny” Labuguen. She is survived by sisters Cresencia “Cres” Labuguen, Hawaii, and Gloria “Toneng” (Angel) Madrid, Lihue, Hawaii; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 66 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.

Miller Funeral Home, 1185 Hwy 35 N, East Dubuque, IL is in charge of arrangements.