Obituaries

Robert J. “Rob” Heiar, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on June 29, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Rob’s life, a private family burial with military honors will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rob’s family.

Eugene (Gene) Henry Cliff, age 89, of Dubuque, IA completed his earthly journey on June 21, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Grand View Methodist Church, 3342 John Wesley Dr in Dubuque, IA, with a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. The service will also be live-streamed at www.grandviewdubuque.org. Private interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster, WI at a later date. Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gene’s family.

Elizabeth Anne Atkins, age 72, of Cedar Rapids, IA, completed her earthly journey on June 13, 2026, at Dubuque Specialty Care, with her daughter, Dori, by her side. To honor Elizabeth’s life, a private family committal is being held under the care of the Tri-State Cremation Center.

James “Gunner” “Jim” John Clark, Sr., Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate, U.S. Navy (Ret) 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Buffalo, New York, Zion, Illinois, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away on June 9, 2026, after a night of being surrounded by family and friends. Gunner’s brief battle with advanced aggressive mucinous rectal adenocarcinoma took a devastating & brutal toll on him.  A Burial at Sea ceremony will be conducted at a later date during an active naval deployment departing from the Port of San Diego, honoring Jim’s faithful service to the nation he loved.

Joan Joyce Amundson, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Join the family for a memorial service on July 13, 2026,  at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi Street in Dubuque. 

Phyllis A. Bensen, age 85, of Galena, IL, completed her earthly journey on May 24, 2026, at home peacefully with loved ones near and holding her son’s hand.  To honor Phyllis’ life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Phyllis’ family.

Shirley Wang, age 90, died on May 23, 2026, in the comfort of her home surrounded by family.  Visitation will begin at 2:30PM on Saturday May 30th, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 3650 Asbury Rd. Dubuque. Service will follow at 3:30. 

Susan Jane (Pierce) Herron, formerly of Eagle Pointe Place, died peacefully surrounded by family at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque on May 20, 2026, at the age of 88.  Susan requested no formal service, but the family will hold a private celebration at a later date. Donations may be made in her memory to the Dubuque Humane Society or Hospice of Dubuque. 

Mary L. Gerlach, age 59, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey suddenly on May 14, 2026, at home.  To honor Mary’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2025 Jackson Street, with Rev. Jonathan Crawford officiating.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship from 8:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mary’s family.

Melvin A. Ward, age 95, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly Mission, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. In honor of Mel’s life, his immediate family will have a private Celebration of Life. Mel was deeply loved by his family and he found such joy in being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. We are sad at the loss of Mel, but take comfort in the knowledge that he is in heaven and free of all his health issues, and reunited with his beloved wife, Jane. Online condolences for Mel’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Lori K. Johnson, age 57, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey suddenly at home on May 13, 2026.  To honor Lori’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Lori’s family.

Donna L. Sindahl, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 12, 2026, at UnityPoint-Finley Hospital while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Donna’s life, a private family burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Donna’s family.

Gary John Borgstahl, age 65, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on May 12, 2026, at MercyOne in Dubuque after a lengthy illness.   To honor Gary’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Michael J. “Mike” Woolf, age 76, of Platteville, WI, completed his earthly journey on April 16, 2026, at the Edenbrook Care Center while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Mike’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 12:30-3:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Platteville Mound City Motor Branch Bank, 90 South 2nd Street, Platteville, WI, 53818.  Burial will be in the Cornelia Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Mickey George Dole, age 58, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 29, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  Per Mickey’s request, there will be no public services.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mickey’s family.

Janine D. “Jan” Zane, age 86, of Galena, IL, formerly of Orlando, FL, completed her earthly journey on April 27, 2026, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, IA. A celebration of life will be held at Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 219 Summit St, Galena, on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Friends may visit beginning at 1:00 p.m. and following the service. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Janine’s family.

Michael “Mike” Ryan, age 70, of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at home while surrounded by his loving family. A private Celebration of Life to honor Mike’s memory will be held for family and friends. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mike’s family.

Ruth A. (Fischer) James of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Guttenberg, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with loving family at her side. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Lt. Col. Robert W. “Bob” Burton, a proud Vietnam Veteran, age 96, of Galena, IL, and Panama City Beach, FL, completed his earthly journey on December 2, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Bob’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Grace Episcopal Church, 107 South Prospect Street in Galena, with the Very Rev. Dr. Paula Harris officiating.  Burial will be in the Resurrection Garden Cemetery. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

John G. Wells, age 82, of Boone, IA, completed his earthly journey on April 15, 2026, at UnityPoint-Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.  To honor John’s life, private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.