Obituaries

Our beautiful Mom, Lori Jean Kirschbaum (Ficken), 65, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 3:05 a.m. at Dubuque Specialty Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

John R. “Jack” Tegeler, age 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully into the arms of his beloved Jesus Christ on August 22, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center with his loving wife, Nancy and step-daughter, Sharlyn Waterman by his side.  To honor Jack’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating.  Family and friends of Jack’s are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jack’s family.

Raymond T. “Ray” Wunder, age 58, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on August 9, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Ray’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Ray’s family.

Roberta Lou Valentine, 81, of Bernard, IA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, August 2, 2025.  To honor Roberta’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Roberta’s family.

Dian G. Bradbery, age 92, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on August 3, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Dian’s life, a private family burial will be held at the Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dian’s family.

David R. Abbott, age 69, of Bellevue,  IA, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, at his home while surrounded by his loving brothers and sister after a long illness. To honor David’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving David’s family.

Marvin Lee “Marv” Pearson, age 87, of Asbury, IA, and formerly of Renwick, IA, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury surrounded by his loving family. Per Marv’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. His burial will be in the Vernon Township Cemetery in Renwick, IA.  Tri-State Cremation Center is assisting the family.

Bruce R. Brillhart, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 29, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Bruce’s life, family visitation will be held  at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church, on Thursday, August 7th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held immediately after visitation with Rev. Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monticello, IA, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bruce’s family.

Michael J. “Mike” Pregler, II., age 48, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 26, 2025, at UnityPoint Finley Hospital while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Mike’s life, his Celebration of Life will begin at noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Eagle Point Park in the Riverfront Pavilion, 2601 Shiras Avenue in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

James A. Stecklein, age 71, of Belmont, WI, completed his earthly journey on July 21, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Jim’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Belmont Mound State Park, 18650 County Road G in Belmont, WI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Gertrude Florence Meyer, age 86, of Dubuque, IA, passed away on July 4, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place at the Tri-State Cremation Center and a private burial will be held at a later date, at Our Lady of Lake Huron Cemetery in Harbor Beach, Michigan.

Margaret F. Sedgwick, age 78, of East Dubuque, IL, completed her earthly journey on July 11, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Margaret’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 10th, from 1pm – 5pm at Culbie’s Event Center, 90 Sinsinawa Ave, East Dubuque, IL.  Burial will be in the Van Buren Cemetery in Potosi, WI. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Margaret’s family.

Nielia M. Ball, age 81, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on July 6, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque. To honor Nielia’s life, burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Peosta, IA at 10:00 a.m. on July 21, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 31, 2025, at Eagle Point Park’s Shiras Pavilion from 10:00-1:00. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Nielia’s family.

Joe W. Hudspeth (a.k.a. Joe Arkansas) of East Dubuque, IL, a true original and a man who lived life entirely on his own terms, passed away peacefully on July 8, at the age of 86.  Born a soul tuned to nature and a heart full of music, he leaves behind a legacy of grit, laughter and love that won’t be forgotten.  To honor Joe’s life, a private Celebration of Life service will be held.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.  The Tri State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joe’s family.

Stanley Keith Ward, 74, of Asbury, Iowa, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at home after a life threatening illness. A Celebration of Life will be held at Eagle Point Park (Open Air C Pavilion) in Dubuque, Iowa on Sunday, July 20, 2025,  from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.

Lois E. Ronek, age 95, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on June 30, 2025, at Luther Manor while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Lois’ life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lois’ family.

Gary L. Koeller, age 82, of Potosi, WI, completed his earthly journey suddenly on June 30, 2025, at the Lancaster Nursing Home.  Per Gary’s request, there will be no public services.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Donald P. “Don” Schmitt, age 80, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 9,  2025, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 1199 Main Street in Dubuque, IA, with Pastor Stephanie Schlimm officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  

Daniel (Dan) J. Frommelt, age 77, of Dickeyville Wi, originally of Dubuque, Ia completed his earthly journey after a long-fought, courageous battle with cancer on June 28, 2025. Daniel passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Daniel’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Daniel’s family.

James J. “Jim” Barnes, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 20, 2025, at Dubuque Specialty Care.  Per Jim’s request, there will be no services held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.