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Kramer-Morris Funeral Home, 207 S 1st Street, Guttenberg, IA (2026)

03/26/2026

James M Kann

GARNAVILLO, IOWA

James Michael Kann, age 77, of Garnavillo, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo, Iowa. Visitation will continue prior to funeral services from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garnavillo, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo, Iowa, with burial to follow at the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #723. Rev. Paul Kwaku Ameyaw will officiate.

Full obituary pending.

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03/25/2026

Daniel "Dan" A. Osterhaus

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA

Daniel A. Osterhaus, 73, of Mounds View, Minnesota and formerly of Petersburg, Iowa, passed away March 23, 2026, at his home.

Private service to be held in beloved memory of Dan.

Dan was born on April 24, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Ambrose and Emily (Goedken) Osterhaus. He attended S.S. Peter & Paul School in Petersburg, Beckman Catholic School in Dyersville, University of Iowa and graduated from Drake University with a master’s degree. He worked for Catholic Charities and Lutheran Services as a counselor.

Dan was always an Iowa Hawkeye fan, he enjoyed the outdoors, walking around the lake in his neighborhood and reading.

Survivors include his siblings: Joan Lahr, Doris Wessels and Rita (Paul) Wilhelm of Dyersville, Roger (Darlene) Osterhaus of New Vienna, Ruth (John) Ries of Hopkinton, Marian (Bob) Philipp of Edgewood, Shirley Osterhaus of Bellingham, WA, Dave (Marilyn) Osterhaus of Earlville, Loras (Penny) Osterhaus of Clinton and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws: Jim Lahr and Bob Wessels and four nephews.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/24/2026

Vicki J. Recker

EARLVILLE, IOWA

Vicki J. Recker, 53, of Earlville, Iowa, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a four-year courageous battle with ALS.

Visitation will be held from 2 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa, with burial following in the church cemetery. Rev. David Schatz will officiate.

Vicki was born on November 6, 1972, in Dyersville, Iowa, daughter of Von and Jean (Bockenstedt) Denlinger. She married Andrew Recker on July 19, 1997, in Dyersville, Iowa. They moved to the farm in 1998 where they farmed and raised their four children.

Vicki graduated from Western Dubuque and achieved her bachelor’s degree at Loras College. She taught in the Western Dubuque School District for 25 years as an art and photography teacher. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the kitchen shenanigans of dancing and karaoke. She enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Lake Delhi making memories by the water. She loved creating beautiful spaces outdoors in her garden, flowerbeds, and around the farm.

She had a deep passion for art and shared that with her family and students. Outside of school, she continued painting, drawing, and photography in her free time. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Family was the foundation of her life; she cherished the family vacations to Hawaii, Florida, and Jamaica. Her eyes lit up when she saw her new grandson, Lane.

Survivors include her husband of 28 years, Andrew; children: Madeline (Colin Heeren) Recker of Marion, Josephine (Avery) Tauke of Worthington, Isabella (Kyle Schirmer) Recker of Earlville, Vincent Recker of Earlville; parents, Von and Jean Denlinger of Cascade; grandson, Lane Tauke; siblings: Amy (Todd) Miller of Sioux Falls, SD, Martin (Jamie) Denlinger of DeForest, WI; mother-in-law, Virginia Recker of Dyersville; in-laws: Molly (Jeff) Juergens of Manchester, Sally (Bill) Schumann of Garber, Kathy (Bret) Platten of Marion, Keith Recker of Dyersville, Judy (Ted) Jackson of Dyersville, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Philip Recker, and now reunited with the children she never had the chance to hold.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care; especially, Ann, Reece, Olivia, Emily, and Jackie. Also, a thank you to Jean Denlinger, Cookie Schermann, Shelley Deutmeyer for all their love and support they provided to Vicki. Thank you to the special friends who provided compassion, friendship, and meals to Vicki and the family over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for a memorial fund will be established in Vicki’s honor.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home of Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Holy Cross and Monticello is assisting the family. Information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneral.com.

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03/20/2026

Anita M. Swisher

GARBER, IOWA

Anita M. Swisher, 94, of Garber, Iowa passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital.

A private burial will be held at Hansel Cemetery in Garber, with a celebration of life on April 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Anchor Inn.

Anita was born on April 12, 1931, daughter of William and Luella (Krieg) Ball on the family farm near Elkport, Iowa. She graduated from Elkport High School in 1948. She was married to Gerald “Fuzzy” Swisher on September 12, 1951, at St. John’s Congregational Church in Garber, Iowa. They were married for nearly 51 years, until his death in 2002. Fuzzy and Anita bought their home in Garber in 1958, and she lived there until her passing. Together they raised two sons, Scott and Bruce, and she became a second mother to many others along the way.

Anita was independent, hardworking, and always on the go. She always had more work to do than time in the day. Over her years, she enjoyed camping with family and friends, throwing a good party and cooking a good meal for anyone who stopped by. If you needed to know anything, Anita was the one to call. If there was one thing you could bet on, it was that she would find a garage sale in any town she was passing through. She loved doing her own garage sales a couple times a year and was always trying to find something at a garage sale for her own garage sale.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fuzzy; sons, Scott and Bruce; parents, William and Luella; brother, Merlin; and sister, Lois.

Those left to remember her include her grandson, Nathan of Garber; granddaughter, Sarah of Ankeny; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Elkport-Garber EMS/Fire Department or Family Resource Center in Guttenberg.

Anita’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Croix Hospice, Guttenberg Memorial Hospital and the Guttenberg Care Center for their kindness and loving care they gave Anita over the past year.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg and Garnavillo is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/11/2026

Brayden J. Bagge

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Our "Little Giant”, Brayden James Bagge, was born sleeping on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

He was and will forever be loved by so many.

While we never will see Brayden grow up, show cattle or sheep at the fair, play sports, or get the opportunity to play with his big sister, he has made an impact on our hearts forever. From the moment we found out we were pregnant with Brayden, we knew he would be the best brother for Alivia to grow up with and the perfect addition to our growing family. Brayden was born to parents, Brian and Allison Bagge of Worthington. As heartbreaking as this loss is, we know that it is not “goodbye,” but “see you again later buddy”.

He is survived by his parents & big sister, Alivia; grandparents: Loras & Jolene Bagge, and Dennis & Kristina Purvis; great-grandparents: Bill & Carol Kast and Betty Purvis; aunts and uncles: Krystal (Eric) Callanan, Tim (Megan) Bagge, Nick Bagge, and Robbie Purvis. He is also survived by so many more friends and family who were ecstatic for another little one to join the family.

Waiting at the doors of heaven were Brayden’s great-grandpa, James Purvis; great-grandparents: Fred & Irene Hoeger and Jerome & Imogene Bagge.

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” — Luke 18:16

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dubuque OBGYN, UnityPoint Labor & Delivery, and other various UnityPoint staff for the quick, special, kind and loving care during the rough week.

At this time, a small, private service is planned.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/09/2026

Linda Kay Lewis

MONTICELLO, IOWA

Linda Kay Lewis, 76, of Monticello, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Monticello Nursing & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her family.

Celebration of Life will be held at Monticello VFW from 12 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Linda was born on August 3, 1949, in Marion, Iowa, daughter of John and Goldie (Ross) McKenna. She married Terry Lewis on August 21, 1976, in Monticello, Iowa.

Linda had a love for animals and cared for them. She kept the home tidy and organized for her family and friends. She enjoyed playing card games in her free time. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 50 years, Terry; children: Dennis Lewis, Terra (Joe) Denemark; stepdaughter, Shannon (Chad) Kirschner; sons-in-law, Kevin Lange, Jerame Foster; 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; brothers: Mike McKenna, Pat McKenna, John McKenna; and sister-in-law: Madonna (Steve) Koob.

She was preceded in death by her parents; children: Shelley and Stephanie; sisters: Lana Homewood, LaVonne Fraser; in-laws: Mary (Carl) Gudenkauf, Gerri (Chuck) Pierce, Peg (Carl) Merfeld, JoAnn (Ron) Egger, Maynard Lewis, and Kenneth Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/07/2026

Barbara "Barb" J. Gaul

NEW VIENNA, IOWA

Barbara J. Gaul, 85, of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be held 2 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Tyler Raymond will officiate.

Barb was born on October 11, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Fred and Thelma (Bahl) Ehrlich. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Dubuque. Barb married Daniel C. Gaul on November 9, 1959, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. They farmed side by side their entire lives west of Luxemburg. She enjoyed cutting and baling hay, hauling corn and tending livestock.

Barb was dedicated to her faith and community by raising her children in a faith filled environment and was a member of the Holy Trinity Parish. She found joy in life’s simple traditions and the people she loved most. A proud breast cancer survivor, she carried strength and gratitude into every day, embracing life with resilience and warmth. During the holidays, her kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baked and beautifully decorated Christmas cookies, a tradition that delighted family and friends alike. She lovingly sewed Christmas stockings for her family, ensuring each one was as unique as the person who hung it by the fireplace. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren, whose laughter filled her heart. She also held a deep appreciation for the American flag, proudly provided the flag with extra stitching at Platt Cemetery. Her resilience, independence, creativity, and devotion to family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children: Cheryl (Al) Keltner of Manchester, Dan Jr. (Jean) Gaul of Rickardsville, Carrie (Charlie) Deutmeyer of New Vienna, Kristine (Randy) Nefzger of Petersburg, Keith (Fiancé Angie Rinnels) Gaul of New Vienna, Cindy (Tom) Roling of Dyersville; and Jason (Rebecca) Gaul of New Vienna; grandchildren: Raechel (Brian) Krogmann, Whitney (Dr. Jacob) Wessels, Tony (Amanda) Gaul, Luke Gaul, Melissa (Collin) Dolphin, Jared (Caitlyn) Deutmeyer, Nicole (Joe) Ament, Kathy (Mike) Wendt, Jacob Nefzger, Megan (Myles) Laven, Jamie (Mariah) Nefzger, Kody Gaul, Becca (Dillon) Mills, Emily (Hannah) Hilgenkamp, Carter (Libby DeMoss) Gaul, Ethan (Macy Deutmeyer) Gaul, Michael (Fiancé Ella Harter), Sarah, Steven and Andrew Roling, Kael, Clay and Kadee Gaul and 15 great grandchildren with 2 on the way; siblings: Dolores (Cletus) Ambrosy, Norbert (Nancy) Ehrlich and Marilyn (Richard) Borgerding; in-laws: Bernice Ehrlich, Lois Ehrlich, Linda Ehrlich, Richard Thoma, John J (Kay) Gaul, Judy Gaul, Phyllis Hildebrand and Karla (Robert) Kluesner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel, parents, parents-in-law, George and Alice Gaul; siblings: Tom (Rosie) Ehrlich, Ina (Robert) Hohmann, Frances (Carl) Pfeiler, Paul Ehrlich, Charles (Mark) Ehrlich, Frederick Ehrlich, Ethel Thoma, Ernest Ehrlich and Vince (Diane) Ehrlich; in-laws: Patrick Gaul, Jerome Hildebrand, Leonard Hildebrand and Elaine (Dave) Shaw.

The family would like to thank all of her doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/05/2026

Dennis J. Felton

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Dennis James Felton, 75, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away on March 4, 2026, at Mercy, Dubuque.

A wake service for Dennis will be held at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, from 3-7 pm on Monday March 9, 2026. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 -10 am on Tuesday, prior to funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Dyersville, Iowa at 10:30 am on Tuesday March 10, 2026, with burial in the church cemetery where Delaware County Honor Guard will have fire department service. Rev. David Schatz will officiate

He was born on May 31, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Mary Jane (Lahr) Felton of Cascade. He was raised and educated in the Cascade area and graduated from Aquin High School in 1968. On July 24, 1971, Dennis was united in marriage to Gladys Ries from Greeley, Iowa and together they moved to Dyersville.

Dennis worked many places during his career including Cascade Lumber as a carpenter, Gene Evers Building and Remodeling, Meyer Construction, both of Dyersville. Dennis worked 22 years as the head of maintenance for the St. Francis Xavier Parish. He ended his career at Trappist Caskets in Peosta making caskets.

As a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish for many years, Dennis helped as a communion minister, CCD teacher, marriage prep and Marriage Encounter weekends. He was a member of the Dyersville Fire Department for 25 years and a member of the Delaware County Honor Guard for 19 years. He loved showing his grandkids how to do things in his woodworking shop at home when they came to visit.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Glady, of 54 years; his children: Douglas (Alisa) Felton of Center Point, IA, their children: Rylan (Hanna), Dylan & Cadan; Dawn (Jim) Klostermann of Holy Cross, IA, their children Cameron (Donna) (Caroline, Rita & Katherine), Clarissa, Sophia & Mason; Daniel (Amanda) Felton of Marion, IA, their children Evan & Nora; Dale (Suzanne) Felton of Cedar Rapids, IA, and their daughter McKenna. His siblings: Patty Volk of Cascade, IA, his twin Donald (Jenni) Felton of Hopkinton, IA, Sharon Spear (Ed Groth) of North Liberty, IA, Lester (Susan) Felton of Monticello, IA, Jean (Vic) Thier of Bernard, IA, Jim (Sue) Felton of Cascade, IA, and many nieces and nephews. His in-laws: Gerald (Betty) Ries of Earlville, Harold Ries of Manchester, IA, Sharon (Bruce) Besler and Karon DeMar of Dyersville, IA and Jane (Kevin) Linebaugh of Mountain Home, AR.

Dennis was preceded in death by his grandson, Ian Joseph Felton, his parents and infant brother Leroy, parents-in-law, Herbert and Alvina (Sabers) Ries, his in-laws: Larry Volk, Ethel Tholander, Lou Ann & Rodney Hutchinson, Dianna Ries, Joseph DeMar, a nephew, David Felton and a niece, Lois (Hutchinson) Johnson.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

View Dennis J. Felton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/04/2026

Doris A. Langel

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Doris A. Langel, 87, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Grand Meadows in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation will be held 2-7 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 a.m. at the funeral home prior to funeral services.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Georges Midiangu will officiate.

Doris was born on a farm northwest of New Vienna, Iowa on June 14, 1938, daughter of Lawrence and Laurine (Deutmeyer) Krapfl. She was a graduate of St. Boniface High School. She married Melvin Langel on June 29, 1957, at St. Boniface Church in New Vienna, Iowa.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Doris was a member and served as a tour guide at the Dyer House, the Heritage House in New Vienna and a charter member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 137 for 24 years, serving as unit and county president and unit treasurer. Doris was employed by Western Dubuque Schools for over 30 years as interpreter for the deaf and hearing impaired until her retirement. She loved large family gatherings and was very proud of all her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Survivors include her children: Ann Langel, Sharon Langel and Susie (Len) Uhal all of Dubuque, Laurie Hughes of Bettendorf, Mary Campbell of Dyersville and Joseph (Cheryl) Langel of Lakeville, MN; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; siblings: Dave (LuAnn) Krapfl, Alice Langel, Donna (Jim) Kluesner and Inez (Bernie) Kluesner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mel, parents, parents-in-law, Clem and Leocadia Langel and son-in-law, Jim Hughes; siblings: Joyce (Irv) Borgerding, Marian Hermsen, Gene (Betty) Krapfl; in-laws: Elmer (Mary) Langel, Germaine (Art) Ungs, Sally ( Alvin) Wegmann, Virgie (Les) Dingbaum, Lavern (Dorothy) Langel and Ed Hermsen.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ellen Kennedy and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care of Mom.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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03/04/2026

Roger D. Butz

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Roger Dean Butz, age 89, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.

Roger was born on February 4, 1937, in Ridgeway, Iowa, to Morris and Edith Butz (Ellingson). Raised in the community where he was born, he carried with him the strong values of hard work, humility and devotion to family throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years.

Roger shared a lifetime of love (over 66 years) with his wife, Betty Butz (Elizabeth Vorseth). Together, they built a family that was his greatest pride and joy. He was a devoted father to his children: Robert Butz (Bonnie), Becky Shirk (Dave), Brian Butz (Kim), and Bridgette Wagner (Greg).

He was a proud and loving grandpa/papa Roger to Megan Trettin (Jacob), Shelby Wagner (Nick), Phillip Shirk (Callie), Jordan Wagner, Wesley Butz, Ben Shirk, Ian Butz (Kyndal), Daniel Butz, and Bailey Butz (Dillon). His joy only grew with the arrival of his great-grandchildren: Ellie Wagner, Kyna Butz, Remy Wagner, Xander Butz, Sophie Trettin, Callum Trettin, Scottie Shirk, and Finley Butz, each of whom brought him immense joy and happiness.

Roger retired after a long and dedicated 37-year career at Sears, Roebuck and Company. He also had an enjoyable second career of well over 15 years at Smitty's in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and the pride he took in providing for his family.

Roger’s greatest love was his family, but he was also a man of deep and abiding faith in God that guided his life each day. He was an avid golfer who truly loved the game and took special joy in giving lessons to others, patiently sharing his knowledge and encouragement. He treasured the time he spent boating and fishing on the Mississippi River, where many cherished memories were made. There wasn’t much Roger couldn’t fix, and he took humble pride in being the one others could depend on. In quieter moments, if he wasn’t fixing something for others, Roger also enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles, always keeping his mind active and engaged.

He is survived by his sisters, Karen Thomas and Marsha Potter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Edith Butz, and his brother, DuWayne Butz.

Roger will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady presence, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family. His life was a testament to commitment, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of family. The legacy he leaves behind lives on through the generations who carry his values and his love.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m., on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg.

Funeral Services will commence at 11:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Burial will follow at Ceres Cemetery with military honors accorded. Rev. Neil Hofer will officiate. A Luncheon will follow services at United Methodist Church basement.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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02/27/2026

Gene R. Kruse

COLESBURG, IOWA

Gene R. Kruse, 79, of Colesburg, passed away peacefully at his home on February 26, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Plus.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Petersburg, with Rev. Anthony Kruse as celebrant and Rev. Phillip Kruse as concelebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The son of Emil and Hyacinth (Bruggemann) Kruse, Gene was born on February 24, 1947. He grew up on the family farm near Petersburg. Gene attended SS. Peter and Paul School in Petersburg; St. Boniface High School in New Vienna; and Loras College in Dubuque, graduating with degrees in history and education.

Gene married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Nachtman, on August 9, 1969, at St. Joseph Church in Earlville. The couple had four children.

Farming was an important part of the life that Gene and Betty built together. Early in their marriage, the couple bought a dairy farm north of Colesburg, where they raised their children and spent more than 50 years farming. Gene enjoyed caring for his animals and working in the fields, as well as helping tend the couple’s large garden.

In addition to being a farmer, Gene was also an educator. After he graduated from college, he spent four years teaching junior high social studies. He went back to college later in life to renew his teaching license and briefly returned to the classroom as a teacher once again.

Gene was a sports enthusiast his entire life. He played basketball in high school and intramural basketball in college. He later coached as well. He enjoyed watching sports on television and following along to games on AM radio. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Gene was a deeply religious man who loved God and his Catholic faith. Through the years, Gene was an active member in two parish communities. During his time at St. Patrick in Colesburg, Gene served as a lector, a eucharistic minister, and as a religious education teacher and a coordinator of the program. While at SS. Peter and Paul in Petersburg, Gene sang in the church choir.

After his faith in God, the most important thing in Gene's life was his family. He treasured time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was loving and devoted to them and always a strong, steady presence in their lives.

Gene was known for his good work ethic. He had a quiet nature but also a wonderful sense of humor and an easy-going personality. He was kind and generous to everyone he knew. He was loved deeply and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty; children: Kimberly (James) Sueppel of Cashton, Wisc.; Lynn (Scott) Schilling of Colesburg; Jill (Brian) Kruse-Domeyer of Dyersville; and John (Talia) Kruse of Petersburg; grandchildren: Anna (Huston) Anderson; Matthew, Jonathan, Michael, Jacob, and Luke Sueppel; Nicole (Alex) Elgin; Maria (Matt) Rave; Michael (Gillian), Gabriella, and Daniel Schilling; Alexander and Elizabeth Domeyer; and Mary, Peter, Joseph, Katherine, Thomas, and Margaret Kruse; great-grandchildren: Lillian Schilling, Adam Elgin, and one more on the way; brothers: Rev. Phillip Kruse of Dyersville and Al (Wendy) Kruse of Greeley; in-laws: Joann Kruse, Angela Kruse, Frank Nachtman, Rita Nachtman, Julie Wessel, Charlotte Nachtman, and Leo Roling.

He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law: Cletus and Elizabeth Nachtman; siblings: Sr. Bertha Kruse, OSF; Martin Kruse; Patrick Kruse; and a sister who died in infancy; in-laws: Mary (Robert) Murray, John Nachtman, Dorothy Roling, and Robert Wessel.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice, especially Keshia, Amanda, Jackie, and Emily, for their compassionate care, as well as the priests of the Spires of Faith Cluster for their spiritual support.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

View Gene R. Kruse's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/24/2026

Esther L. Werges

MONONA, IOWA

Esther Louise Werges, 90, of Monona, formerly of Garnavillo, Iowa passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, surrounded by her loving family.

Esther was born on April 15, 1935, in Osterdock, Iowa, to Henry and Hilda (Borcherding) Brase. She had a loving childhood, growing up learning life skills and hard work. After graduating, she met the love of her life, Allen Werges, after he returned from the service. She married Allen Edward Werges on February 10, 1955.

Esther was a faithful child of God and a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo, Iowa. She attended the Messiah Lutheran Church in Panama City, Florida, and attended St. Paul’s and Faith Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa. She spent many years volunteering with her local churches. She taught Sunday School and assisted with the women’s church group. She worked for Avon and Farm Bureau.

Esther enjoyed her animals, lovely flowers, and traveling to Canada and around the United States. From 1988 to 2014, they would spend their winters in Florida. They left the family farm on May 15, 2014, and moved to Garden View Place. She would later live at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon.

Esther is survived by her two children: David Werges, and Pamela (Delvin Glover) Johanningmeier; son-in-law, Sheryl Zittergruen; grandchildren: Lesa (Jason) Reimer, Steven (Lisa) Zittergruen, Tessa (Steve) Shea, Kristopher (Becky) Werges, Kevin (Rachel) Werges, Marcus (Caterin) Werges, Matthew (Carrie) Johanningmeier, Nathan (Missy) Trappe, and Ashlee Johanningmeier; twenty beloved great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Allen in 2025, her parents, Henry and Hilda Brase; daughter, Mary Zittergruen; siblings: Harold Brase, Ruth Noack; in-laws: Raymond Werges Jr. Ila Eye; and a daughter-in-law, Elayne Werges.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be disbursed to various charities by the family.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Garnavillo Community Cemetery in Garnavillo. Rev. Tyler Hoey will officiate. Funeral Luncheon to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.

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