Obituaries

Dorothy J. Theis, 85, of Macomb, IL passed away Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Lamoine Retirement Living in Macomb, IL. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Dorothy Janice Theis was born November 23, 1937, in Plover to Francis and Veronica (Miller) Forey. She married John Everett Theis June 30, 1973, in West Bend.

Jan graduated from Buena Vista College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She taught in West Bend, Twin Cities, MN, the country of Venezuela, and in Macomb, IL. She owned and operated Kids Korner Preschool in Macomb, IL for 19 Years. Jan was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church where she had served as an usher and as a Eucharistic Minister. She was also active in St. Paul Women’s Guild.

Mary Jo Wolcott, 72, of Harpers Ferry passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the home she and Jim built themselves in rural Harpers Ferry, which she dearly loved along with being surrounded by wildlife. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 30 at St. Ann’s - St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial was at Wexford Cemetery in rural Lansing.

Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Ann’s-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Wexford Catholic Church, or the Harpers Ferry Rescue Squad.

Mary Jo (Valley) Wolcott was born December 26, 1951, to Joseph and Marian (Davies) Valley. She attended grade school in Harpers Ferry, 7th-8th grade in Waterville, and graduated from St. George High School in Lansing. During her senior year, she met Jim Wolcott and they began dating.

Captain Walter Allen Verdon, Ph.D., age 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, February 21, 2024, at Hospice of Dayton, Inc. in Dayton, OH. A memorial service to celebrate Walter’s life will be held at Lansing United Methodist Church, 490 Center Street, Lansing May 11, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. CT. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the veterans’ charity of your choice.

Walter was born Saturday, May 14, 1938, to Harold Edward and Grace Estell (née Larson) Verdon in Stevens Point, WI. He lived a life characterized by dedication, intellect, and service. He will be remembered for his distinguished career as a Professor of Economics and his service as an officer in the United States Navy and United States Navy Reserves. Walter’s courage and commitment were exemplified during his service aboard the U.S.S. Nobel during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Dianne M. Wolfe, 84, of Waukon died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at her daughter’s house in North Liberty. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 27 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Burial was at St. Joseph’s Paint Rock Cemetery, Harpers Ferry.

Dianne Marie Wolfe was born in Minnesota October 4, 1939, the daughter of Firmin and Margaret (Heim) Erding. The family later moved to rural Harpers Ferry. Dianne was very proud of having grown up in Ion, attending Linton 2 and 4 Country School. She liked to mention she was the top student in her class through the 7th grade (sometimes failing to include she was the only student in her class through the 7th grade).

Rebecca “Beckie” Fink, 52 of Waterloo died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, April 27 at Locke at Tower Park, located at 4140 Kimball Avenue in Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to Haley Garner, 2501 Lafayette Street, Waterloo, IA 50703. Condolences may be sent to www.lockefuneralservices.com.

She was born August 28, 1971, in Shawano, WI, the daughter of John W. and Judith A. Kearney Fink. Beckie graduated from Kee High School. Continuing her education, she earned her diploma for a medical office specialist from AIC in August of 1990 and was earning a degree in medical billing and coding from Herzing.

She married Glenn Bearbower, and they later divorced. Beckie worked at Country View until she moved to New Albin in 2005. Afterwards she held different positions in Wisconsin and the Cedar Valley after returning to Waterloo.

Craig A. Stange, 64, of Waukon lost his battle with cancer Friday, April 19, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Cody Stange at 501 Floyd Street, Sanborn, IA, 51248 for a memorial that will be set up at a later date to benefit an outdoor enthusiast. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Craig “Gravy” Alan Stange was born August 3, 1959, in Marion, the son of Marlin and Rita (Ethridge) Stange. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1978. May 9, 1986, he married Debra Blair in Walcott. The couple moved to Georgia and to this marriage, they were blessed with a son, Cody. The two later divorced.

Craig found his home in northeast Iowa. He spent his life working in the construction industry and worked in maintenance at Cabela’s in Prairie du Chien, WI, for 19 years. Craig was hardworking with an unmatched work ethic.

Chris "Digger" J. Ahles, 47, of New Albin, IA, died Friday, April 19, 2024, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Memorial services will be held Friday, April 26th, at 11:00 AM at Christ Community Evangelical Free Church in New Albin with Pastor Tommy Case officiating. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of services on Friday at the church. Lunch will follow at the New Albin Community Center. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Lisa Everson made the world’s best mashed potatoes.

Yes, she accomplished many other things but the quality of her potatoes (fondly known as “he he” potatoes) cannot be overstated - seriously. Unfortunately, if you’ve never had “he he” potatoes, you’ve sadly missed out because April 6, 2024 Lisa Joan Everson passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

A private family ceremony was held for Lisa Saturday, April 13. A Celebration of Life for all family and friends to attend will be held on her birthday, July 7, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Blackhawk Park near De Soto, WI.

Kathy Ann Cox, age 74, of Waukon passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. According to Kathy’s wishes, a cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held in the summer of 2024 at Postville Cemetery, Postville.

Kathy was born April 30, 1949 in Postville to Allard and Jacqueline (Lane) Nyberg. She graduated from Postville High School. Kathy married Robert Hartman and they had two sons, Dustin and Troy. They later divorced. She loved to laugh, spend time with family and socialize. Kathy also loved animals, playing bingo and cards, reading, and having her nails and hair done weekly.

Kathy is survived by her children, Dustin (Diane) Hartman and Troy (Lucy) Hartman; a grandson, Chad Seiberling; and a great-grandson, Chase Seiberling; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandra “Sandi” Lou Reinke, 74, of New Albin died Friday evening, April 12, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held to honor Sandi’s life at St. John’s UCC Church (Wheatland Church) in rural New Albin Thursday, April 18 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Allen Hanson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, April 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the church.