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Dubuque Obituaries, Dubuque, IA (2025)

09/13/2025

RICHARD THOMPSON | 1952-2025

After a lifetime of faithful service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a church leader and devoted husband and father, Dr. Rick Thompson passed away of aggressive pancreatic cancer suddenly on September 9, 2025. Rick was born in Landstuhl, Germany but grew up in Ohio. His story of faith began as a college student in 1972 when he trusted Christ during a Billy Graham Crusade at Cleveland Stadium. He went on to get a Masters at Wheaton College where he met his beloved wife, Jan. After graduating from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1979, they began 35 years of ministry in the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). He first pastored Hope Evangelical Free Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

In 1992, Hope EFC and 30 other churches and individuals sent Rick, Jan, and their children as missionaries to Moscow, Russia. There, Rick served as Eurasia Director for the Evangelical Free Church Mission, overseeing nearly 20 missionary units across multiple nations, while also pastoring Moscow Bible Church, a congregation that grew to 500 members and continues today. Rick maintained lifelong partnerships with Russian leaders, faithfully returning to encourage them, most recently in 2019.

Upon returning to the U.S., Rick served as EFCA District Superintendent in Texas from 1997 to 2004, then led the Great Lakes District from 2004 to 2024. A highly relational and strategic leader, he guided the district with humility and vision.

Rick’s ministry extended globally through his work with Samaritan’s Purse, serving on the Spiritual Care Team in places like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South Sudan, Haiti, Mozambique, Kenya, Niger, and Mongolia. He carried the heart of a shepherd wherever he went, listening well, asking wise questions, and pointing others to Christ.

At the center of Rick’s life was the gospel. He often said, “The gospel in a word is not love, it is Jesus.” Rick’s legacy is also marked by his deep love for his family. He and Jan raised three children who follow Christ, a testimony he considered his greatest joy and recommendation as a leader. To them, and to all who knew him, he modeled servant leadership and Christ-centered humility.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, sons, David and Derick, daughter, Tiffany, and six grandchildren as well as his brother Jeff and sister Lynda. He is laid to rest in Boone, North Carolina where he and Jan recently retired near his son David, who works for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.

Given the sudden nature of Rick's 10 days from diagnosis to death, the family will be hosting a private graveside funeral service and intends to host a celebration of life later this fall. Details regarding the date and location in the Boone, NC area will be forthcoming. To receive information about this, please contact Tiffany Thompson at [email protected].

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Rick’s wife, Jan, invites everyone to honor Rick’s life by giving to some ministries he loved: The Greatest Journey, our son David’s ministry at Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child. This is the 12 Lesson Discipleship Course of Operation Christmas Child that multiplies disciples around the world. This year over 6 million children are enrolled and learning God’s Word and how to share the Gospel with their friends and family. Found Love musical ministry engagements by our daughter, Tiffany. Rick believed Tiffany’s music was a reflection of Christ’s love and faithfully promoted her releases. Financial support will fund Found Love outreach engagements at churches. Moscow Bible Church where Rick served as missionary pastor in the 90s and ongoing mentor to the current pastor, Costia Lysakov.

For more information about Dr. Rick Thompson’s life, books, and ministry, please visit https://www.churchlearningcurves.com/

05/22/2025

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF

05/11/2025

MATTHEW NEBEL | 1981-2025

Matthew Francis Nebel, 43, of Englewood, CO (formerly Dubuque, IA) passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home (2659 John F. Kennedy Rd) from 10 – 11:30am, with a memorial service to follow at 11:30am.

Matt was born on November 21, 1981 in Dubuque, the son of Al “Everybody’s Pal” and Deborah “it’s pronounced De-BORE-uh” (Jirak) Nebel. After graduating from Dubuque Hempstead High School in 2000, Matt worked as a machinist for the BNSF Railroad for over 20 years.

In 2012, he married the love of his life, Colleen (Anderson) of Dubuque, and began their life together traveling the world, exploring the outdoors, and raising three outstanding dogs: Lilacs, Orion, and Lola.

Matt worked hard to establish a reputation of humorous mischief, before eventually moving on to a simpler life of responsible silliness: one filled with laughter, occasional hijinks, and an overabundance of kindness. His smile and infectious laugh lit up every room he entered, and “Everybody loves Matt!” became a longstanding family motto. He made friends quickly, anywhere and everywhere he went, with a gregarious spirit that was unmatched.

From demolition derby cars to diesel engines and custom golf clubs: Matt could build, fix, re-engineer, and improve almost anything he got his hands on. His mind was brilliant, and his handiwork was the expression of that brilliance.

Matt loved riding his Harley, snowboarding, scuba-diving, adventuring through the Rocky Mountains, and bicycling around the world with his wife Colleen; playing Xbox with his sister; Goodwill hunting with his mom; and having daily conversations with his dad using only the words “potato-head” and “fathead”.

There are not enough words to express the love felt for Matt, but there are three words (his own) that might come close: “Matt Nebel Rules”.

He is survived by his loving wife Colleen, father Al, mother Debbie, sister Erin, mother-in-law Laurie Anderson, father-in-law Dick Anderson, brothers-in-law Kirk Anderson and Rich Rosario, sister-in-law Adela Anderson, and an untold number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by mother-in-law Jeanette Anderson, paternal grandparents Francis and LouAnn Nebel, maternal grandparents Arnold and Rita Jirak, uncles Dennis Nebel, Keith Jirak, and Kevin Jirak, aunt Shelly Jirak, and beloved fur-baby Lilacs.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Aspen Camp for the Deaf or The Listen Foundation.

05/11/2025

JANET RHOMBERG | 1931-2025

Janet Rhomberg, 94, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025 at Stonehill Care Center.

Visitation will be 4-8 pm on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. A link of the funeral mass livestream can be found at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com. A Christian burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery will follow.

If laughter is the best medicine, Janet was our lifelong pharmacist. She was a legendary “joy-spreader” who always smiled, said something witty, or pulled something funny out of her pocket. She thrived on turning any gathering into a memorable celebration and her sunny disposition was epitomized by her trademark balloons and clowns. She made every person she met feel important because they were, to her.

When COVID curtailed social outings, she became a crossword puzzle enthusiast and a passionate Scrabble player. She enjoyed playing up to three Scrabble games per day and her competitiveness shone through her playful banter during games. In earlier years, she enjoyed golf, tennis, baking, singing, gardening, playing cards, and watching her children compete in sports. Her deep love of music, was the heartbeat of her soul and her piano playing soulmate, Roger. They enjoyed many a sing-a-longs with family and friends!

Of utmost importance to Janet was her Catholic faith from which she drew strength to give of herself immensely, for the wellbeing of others. She was an active volunteer around Dubuque and she generously supported local and international organizations that served the most vulnerable. “Leave the world a better place than you found it” was clearly her legacy.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband Roger Rhomberg, her parents Josephine and Titus Schmid, and her six siblings, Tom, Mary, John, Jim, Bill, and Jeanne. She is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Schmid, and seven children, Mark (Marian Buzga) Rhomberg, Sue Rhomberg, Jim (Nancy) Rhomberg, Ann Rhomberg, Peter (Cid) Rhomberg, Roger (Cathy) Rhomberg, Ellen (Michael) Griffin, thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Crescent Community Health Center, St Joseph the Worker Parish, and the Stonehill Communities.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

04/06/2025

If you know this "Friend," this Jesus, be encouraged.

Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." / John 14:6

03/22/2025

"In Case I Die Unexpectedly" by Rachel Welcher | for Hildegaard

Always salt your pasta water.
Watch how he treats his mother.
Ask people how you can pray for them,
then stop and pray for them
right then and there,
in a crowded restaurant,
in the grocery aisle,
during donuts before or after church.
Embrace awkwardness, or else
you will miss out on so much.
Don’t chew your nails (like I do).
Don’t open everything with your teeth (like I do).
Don’t always fill the silence. It can be a gift.
Carry the pocket knife your dad will give you,
but don’t forget to take it out of your backpack
before you go to the airport.
Wash your darks and lights separately.
If you find a good peach, give thanks to God.
If you find a good mango, get down on your knees and worship.
Give things away as often as possible. Hold everything
with open hands. Nothing is our own.
Don’t fall for fad diets. Try to eat healthy, but
don’t feel guilty for going to McDonald’s.
There is no such thing as “get rich quick,”
there is only hard work. Go to bed tired.
Put your feet in the water as often as possible:
touch, taste, and see that God is good.
Wake up with hope. Jesus is the same
yesterday, today, and forever.

(originally published on Substack)

*published in the Winter 2025 edition of Mere Orthodoxy's print Journal.

03/16/2025

Tim Challies: "At times we all live burdened lives, weighed down by the cares and concerns, the trials and traumas that inevitably accompany life in this world. And while we sometimes feel crushed by life’s heaviest burdens—the death of a loved one, the rebellion of a child, the onset of a chronic illness—we can also sometimes stagger under the weight of the relentless accumulation of many smaller burdens."

Be encouraged. Remember what Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

02/25/2025

THANKS BE TO GOD ... for victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

“Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:

Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

02/24/2025

REUNITING: in this life and the life to come.

By TIM CHALLIES: "Only Ever Better"

I’m sure you’ve had the same kind of experience I’ve had—the experience of bumping into someone you haven’t seen for many years. Maybe it is at a conference, maybe at a wedding, or maybe through pure serendipity. Yet now you’re face to face and you realize that even while you’re enjoying a conversation with that other person you’re also having a separate conversation within yourself.

In the first conversation, you’re recounting what has happened in the intervening years, telling of trials and triumphs and everything in between. Meanwhile, in the second and silent conversation you’re thinking to yourself, “Wow, he looks old! He has a lot less hair than I remember and a lot more of it is gray.” And it isn’t long before you find yourself wondering, “Wait, is he thinking the same about me? Do I look as old as he does?” And frankly, he probably is and you probably do.

When we part ways with friends and then encounter them again ten or twelve years on, we can’t help but think how different they look. And almost invariably the years and decades have not been particularly kind. Time changes our outward appearance and I hope you will not be offended when I say that it is rarely for the better. Beauty, like physical strength, peaks relatively early in life and then begins a long decline. Thankfully, beauty matters far less than wisdom and character which peak late and never go into decline. Hence it is far better to value inner beauty than outer, to value the “hidden person of the heart” and the kind of imperishable beauty that is precious to God and to those who love him (1 Peter 3:4).

When we pause to think about life on this earth it is no wonder that our physical appearance changes over time. We face illnesses that sap our strength and injuries that never fully heal. Mother’s bodies are scarred by bearing children and strained by nursing them while father’s bodies are stressed by putting in long hours to provide for their families. We suffer physical consequences related to mental disorders and spiritual attacks. We get worn down and worn out by failures, grief, and losses. The more we age, the more the inner workings of our bodies begin to fail and interrupt everything from communication to cognition to digestion. We all eventually realize that Ecclesiastes 12 is not just the Preacher’s biography, but ours as well. Vanity of vanities.

So what a joy it is, then, to consider that when our time here has come to an end and we go to be with the Lord, we will see our loved ones not as they were but as they are and as they forever will be. Despite a gap of time that may be decades, they will have improved instead of declined. The weight of cares will have been lifted from their shoulders, the hollow-eyed sorrow of loss will have been removed from their countenance. The one who limped will now stride with confidence, the one whose vision had faded will now look you straight in the eye, the one who could not hear will now listen gladly and attentively. Weakness of mind will have given way to strength, frailty of body will have been replaced by fortitude. All will be well. All will be better than we have ever known or even imagined.

If there are two tracks playing in our minds in the day we are reunited with old friends and beloved family, surely the first will be rejoicing aloud in God’s mighty acts of deliverance and rejoicing in the love of the Son. And surely the second, perhaps still unspoken, will be marveling that their new inner perfection has been matched by outer perfection. We will marvel at how escaping time and all its ravages has improved them and how it has changed them—changed into the people God meant for them to be all along.

For more insights from Tim Challies: https://www.challies.com/

01/24/2025

WYLIE BLEDSOE | 1943-2025

Wylie K. Bledsoe, age 81, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 19, 2025, at MercyOne Hospital in Dubuque surrounded by his loving family. To honor and celebrate Wylie’s life, a reception will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 3800 Arboretum Drive in Dubuque. There will also be a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 55 Prairie Road, Fond du Lac, WI, with Pastor David Haugly officiating. Family and friends are invited to join in the common areas for lunch and celebration of Wylie’s life from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Burial will be in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Newburg, WI, at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Wylie’s family.

Wylie was born on October 14, 1943, in Mena, AK, a son to William Burl and Nellie Lee (McCravens) Bledsoe. He was a kind and genuine man who loved his family and valued his friends. He was united in marriage to his first wife, Phyllis J. Noster, and the two were blessed with many wonderful years together and four children of their own to love and nurture until she was sadly called home ahead of him in 1997. Thankfully, Wylie found love again and was joined in marriage to Martha “Jean” Laubach. They were truly grateful to spend the last 23 years together facing the world hand in hand and enjoying the benefits of their hard work and efforts while surrounding themselves with loved ones whenever possible.

Wylie possessed a strong work ethic and faithfully invested over 43 years with the Mercury Marine Company in Fond du Lac until he eventually retired in 2005. He had begun in the earliest years of the company and made it to a supervisory position before he retired. Wylie made sure to make the most of his free-time throughout his entire life and when he wasn’t focused on his family, a relaxing afternoon on the golf course was always a good option. He also enjoyed deer hunting, boating, fishing, and watching Nascar and various sports. Before retirement, truth be told, if the season was nice and the roads were ready, he and his best friend, Pete, would pack up their Goldwing’s and hit the open road for their next adventure. It was no small accomplishment to have reached all 50 states over the years, but with smiles on their faces and unrelenting determination in their hearts, the task was earnestly completed and stored securely in their memory banks for the rest of their lives.

Wylie also found real joy volunteering with fellow members of the Dubuque Noon Lions Club and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. He was honored to sit on the Board of Directors at the Arboretum and served as Vice President over the years. Wylie spent countless hours at the Arboretum tending to the facilities and assisting in more ways than we could even begin to name. He made many friends along the way, shared his tinkering skills more often than not, and absolutely found his second wind when this chapter opened in his later years. It’s difficult to imagine moving forward without Wylie’s fun and loving spirit walking among us. The world has sadly lost one of the good one’s today along with an excellent role model of how a loving husband, father and grandfather should operate in an almost effortless manner. Thank you, Wylie, for all of the love, life and wisdom you have so generously shared throughout your 81 years among us and may the Lord now hold you safe in His loving and grace-filled arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Wylie include: his loving wife, Martha “Jean” Bledsoe, Dubuque, IA; his adored children, Sam (Rosy) Bledsoe, Fond du Lac, WI, Nelda (Stan) Bartlett, Glenbeulah, WI, Joel Bledsoe, Sun Prairie, WI, Cory Bledsoe, North Fond du Lac, WI, and Andrew (Amy) Lubben, Fond du Lac, WI; his grandchildren, Joshua (Hope) Bledsoe, Stephanie Bledsoe, Samuel (Ivy) Bledsoe, Kassandra Nitschke, Phillip Bledsoe, Lucy Bledsoe, Lincoln Bledsoe, Kaitlyn Rost, Anna Bledsoe, Jenna (Damien) Bledsoe, and Maxwell Lubben; his seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Linda Miller, Wiggins, CO, and Chuck (Linda) Bledsoe, West Bend, WI; his sisters-in-law, Mary (Wayne) Skartvedt, Redcliffe, IA, and Sue (Mike) VanMaaren, Ames, IA; along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Wylie was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis J. Bledsoe; his siblings, Ruby Lee Arendt, Jewel Flores, Brenda Barnekow, James Bledsoe, Willie Bledsoe, Billie Jean McGinnis; his sister-in-law, Sandra Anzia; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Laubach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wylie’s name to the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, or the Dubuque Noon Lions Club.

Wylie’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital and Ennoble Manor in Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

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

11/28/2024

LEE TUCKER | 1938-2024

Lee E. Tucker died on November 15, 2024, in Dubuque. He was born on May 8, 1938, in Weaver, Iowa to Bernerd and Rebecca Tucker.

Lee received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa, and his master’s degree in theoretical applied mechanics from the University of Illinois. He was a licensed professional engineer. He was an engineer and engineering manager for John Deere for 34 years.

Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He was a member of Hope Evangelical Free Church. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leah, his sons Lee and Jonathan (wife Jane), his daughter Rebecca Purvis (husband Brian), six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Services will take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Hope Evangelical Free Church, 11893 John F. Kennedy Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52001. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am, with the service starting at 11:00.

Online condolences for Lee’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

11/14/2024

RITA BAKER | 1935-2024

Rita A. Baker, age 89, of Asbury, IA, completed her earthly journey on November 10, 2024, at Luther Manor Grand Meadows, while surrounded by her loving family. To honor Rita’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Asbury Rd, with Rev. Matthew Agee Officiating. Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Linwood Mausoleum. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rita’s family.

Rita was born on March 18, 1935, in Nordholz, Germany, a daughter to Paul and Erna (Struhs) Neugebauer. As a young woman who spoke no English, she crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the MS Italia in August of 1955 to pursue the American dream. She eventually met her soulmate, John F. Baker, and the two were united in marriage and blessed with many wonderful years together and a blended family of their very own to love and nurture together.

Rita possessed an amazing work ethic and faithfully utilized it until she was 84 years old. She found great joy in the knowledge that she was able to pass this trait along to her 5 children as well. Rita was our fiercest champion and always provided unconditional love to her family and friends.

Her Euchre skills were unmatched, although her sons-in-law often accused her of cheating. Rita never lost a game of Yahtzee to her grandchildren, although her math tabulations often drew close scrutiny. No family gathering was complete without Rita’s homemade German Potato Salad, which affectionally became known as “Heaven in a Pot.”

She enjoyed her work at Ring’s Restaurant and eventually made her way to Fashion Touch Dry Cleaners where she spent over 42 years and made many lifelong friends along the way.

Even though she never had a driver’s license, Rita taught all her children to drive and was lovingly referred to as a human Garmin as she could navigate her way across the U.S. without any issues. Her son-in-law even took the approach to nickname his Garmin, Rita, in her honor.

Rita’s grandchildren absolutely loved and adored her without hesitation. They cherished being part of “The Clan” and all the love she bestowed upon them each and every day of her life. We will miss Rita more than words could depict, but we can be sure that Heaven has gained a very bright light today while our world appears just a little dimmer without her among us.

Those left to cherish the memory of Rita include,
/ her five children... Deborah (Michael) Clemens, Barbara (Jeffry) Potts, Steve (Jerry) Koeller-Hamel, Donna (Rodney) Clemen, and Kevin (Tracy) Koeller, ..all of Dubuque, IA.

/ her grandchildren...
Tracy (Dan) Gurdak, Tammy (Eric) Dupont, Austin (Tracy) Clemens, Kathryn (Jason) Clarke, Abigail (Blaine) Bertsch, Alexander Potts, Kelly (Brian) White, Kyle (Lindsey) Clemen and Alexis Koeller.

/ her great-grandchildren...
Rylan Mours, Riley Dupont, Landon Dupont, Monroe Clarke, Ledger Clarke, Clara White, Charlie White, Annie White, Penelope Bertsch, Gwendolyn Bertsch, Wren Clemen, Grady Clemen, Crosby Clemen, Maeve Clemens, and one more arriving soon in Jan. of 2025.

/ her sister, Paula Rettinghaus, Nordholz, Germany;
..along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John F Baker in 2018; and her brother-in-law, Horst Rettinghaus.

Rita’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care.

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

------

Posted on Fashion Touch Cleaners' page:

To all of those who knew and loved her...
Rita Baker passed peacefully Sunday morning. Rita was an integral part of Fashion Touch Cleaners where she was employed by my family for over 42 years. Rita was like a sister to my father and a second mother to me. Back in the day, she taught me how to press and run a shirt laundry. She was an expert in her field and bent over backward for her beloved customers. Truly a dying breed, Rita would outwork most 20-year-olds at 80 years herself.
We are saddened by her loss, but grateful for having had her in our lives, both work and personal… 😌. (Please no condolences here, just happy memories if you wish…🙂)

~MJH

Dubuque Obituaries

09/13/2025

05/22/2025

05/11/2025

05/11/2025

04/06/2025

03/22/2025

03/16/2025

02/25/2025

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11/28/2024

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