Obituaries

John Thomas “Tom” Hottenstein, age 81, of Davenport, IA, formerly of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at Ennoble Manor in Dubuque, IA.  To honor John’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Big Bill’s Sandwich Shop, 301 North Main Street in Galena.  Burial will be in the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

Carolyn C. “Cay” Zwicki, age 75, of Coralville, IA, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the University of Iowa Downtown Medical Center while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Cay’s life, a private family burial will be held at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield, IA, at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Cay’s family.

Robert Cregg Johnson (Bob), 89, of Galena, set off for distant shores on December 31, 2025. To honor Bob’s life a private family service is being held.

Bruce T. Henning, age 56, of Peosta, IA, was called home to the loving arms of Jesus on December 27, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family. To honor Bruce’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, 14569 Old Highway Road in Dubuque. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bruce’s family.

Kathleen G. “Kay” Jackoniski, age 99, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 23, 2025, at Eagle Pointe Place in Dubuque.  Per Kay’s request, there will be no public services.  Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kay’s family.

Rita Mary Eversoll (Pink) has returned home to our heavenly father having lived 93 wonderful years as a servant leader and humble follower of Christ. She passed away peacefully, doing what she was lovingly known for, “chatting” and watching the happenings around the nurse’s station. God called her home gently, in a manner fitting for one of the most kind and gentle souls this side of heaven. Rita is remembered fondly and will be deeply missed though we celebrate and REJOICE in knowing that she is eternally with our savior. Services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at St Mary’s Church in Platteville with a visitation from 9-10:30am and funeral mass at 11am with the luncheon immediately following the service.

James Arthur “Jim” Webster, 80, of Galena, IL, died on December 21, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque after battling Alzheimer’s Disease for several years.  To honor Jim’s life, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 107 S. Prospect St., in Galena, with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family. 

Just after midnight on December 18th, 2025, Kevin Charles Neylan of Guttenberg, Iowa completed his final trip around the sun. He was 10 days shy of his 79th birthday. He passed away while sleeping peacefully in his home. He spent his final hours surrounded by friends and family and had listened to the Cubs win the World Series (2016 replay) the night before while his daughter held his hand. A Celebration of Life party will be forthcoming when the weather warms up. In the meantime, online condolences may be shared with Kevin’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com or by sending a card to his house.

Donald J. “Donnie” Schoenberger, age 76, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 13, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Don’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  A private family gathering will be held on Thursday, December 18th and Friday, December 19, 2025.  A private family burial will be held at Linwood Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Don’s family.

Leo C. Kerling was born on May 5th, 1927, in Austin, Minnesota. He passed from this life on December 10th, 2025. He was 98 years old. Leo lived in Austin all of his life until moving to Dubuque, IA to live with his daughter Pam after his beloved wife Ramona died. Leo’s funeral will be scheduled at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota in the spring.

Wilfred J. “Willie” Lueken, age 85, of Durango, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 11, 2025, at home.  To honor Willie’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, December 19, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 2100 St. Joseph Street in Dubuque, with the Very Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating.  Family and friends of Willie’s are invited to join in fellowship from 1:00-2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Willie’s family.

Darlene (Gugisburg) Pearson, age 90, of Asbury, IA, and formerly of Renwick, IA, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury. A private family celebration of life will be held later as was Darlene’s wish. Her burial will be in the Vernon Township Cemetery in Renwick. Tri-State Cremation Center is assisting the family. 

Joseph F. “Jr.” Huber, age 90, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 4, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Joe’s life, a visitation will be held from 12:15-1:15 p.m., with a memorial service from 1:15-1:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3650 Asbury Road in Dubuque.

Bernard (Bernie) Costa, of Dubuque, IA, (by way of Clinton, NJ and Charleston, SC) passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 80.

Betty J. Griffin, age 92, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on December 3, 2025, at UnityPoint-Finley Hospital while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Betty’s life, a visitation will be held from 12:00-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Church, 1425 Iowa Street in Dubuque.  A parish scripture wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the church with Rev. Dennis Quint officiating.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Family and friends of Betty are invited to join in food and fellowship at her Celebration of Life following her services from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at P.J.’s Pub & Hall, 3670 County HHH in Kieler, WI.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Betty’s family.

Daniel Joseph “Steeley” Bastian, age 73, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 2, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dan’s life, a Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Eagle’s Club, 1175 Century Drive in Dubuque.  A private family service will be held at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dan’s family.

Robert J. “Bob” Vandermeulen, Jr., age 81, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on November 26, 2025, at home.  To honor Bob’s life, a memorial mass will be held at a later date.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Bob’s family.

James E. “Jim” Lorence, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on November 20, 2025, at the Midwest Medical Center in Galena, IL. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Harlow L. Meyer, age 93, Dubuque IA, completed his earthly journey on November 21, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center.   To honor Harlow’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Harlow’s family.

Audrey K. Cunningham, age 77, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on November 8, 2025, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Audrey’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Audrey’s family.