Obituaries

Jodie A. Manning, 52, of Waukon passed unexpectedly Monday, August 10, 2026, at University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison, WI, with her loved ones by her side. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Zion United Church of Christ fellowship hall in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Jodie Ann Manning was born January 28, 1974, in Waukon to James and Julie Halverson. Jodie grew up on the farm, where she was always by her dad’s side, helping out and soaking up everything he taught her. She carried those lessons with her into adulthood, always finding a house project to take on with the skills she learned from him.

Jodie dedicated her entire career to nursing, working hard throughout her life to care for others while at Good Sam and Northgate in Waukon, treating every resident and coworker as if they were her own family.

Gary L. Gelo, 84, of Waukon passed away Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13, at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Tom Hollmann officiating. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Gary Lee Gelo was born November 3, 1941, in Waukon to Arthur and Eunice (Krousie) Gelo. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1959, and married Gloria Heins November 19, 1962, in Luana. Together, they farmed in Jefferson Township, rural Waukon, raising beef cattle, crops, and dairy cows. Farming was Gary’s lifelong passion; a gifted tradesman and steward of the land, he took immense pride in his farm and meticulously cared for his equipment.

Gary and Gloria enjoyed motorcycle trips across the country and riding with the Wednesday Night Riders. He also cherished his classic 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback.

Vivian F. Andregg, 95, of Waukon died Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. Funeral services were held Thursday, August 13 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kim Gates officiating, and burial followed at Oakland Cemetery, both in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.

Vivian Florine Andregg was born February 7, 1931, in Forest City, the daughter of Leland and Florine (Medin) Leach. She graduated from Orchard High School and then graduated from La James Beauty School in 1960, in Mason City. October 9, 1949, she married Kenny Hoisington and their marriage was dissolved in 1957.

In August of 1960, she and her children moved to Waukon, and Vivian bought a beauty shop. January 19, 1963, she married Otto Andregg; the marriage dissolved in 1983. Vivian owned and operated her beauty salon well into her 80s, and she worked at Kwik Trip and Hubba Hubba as well over the years.

Matthew “Matt” W. Howe, 39, of New Albin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, August 7, 2026, at Emplify Health in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Fr. Ben Valentine officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery-Hanover, rural Waukon, with a celebration of Matt’s life to follow at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds.

Friends may greet the family from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 11 at the church, where there will be a 3:30 p.m. scripture service. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ellene Rita Smith, 86, of West Union passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday, August 4, 2026. A private graveside service will be held.

Ellene Rita Troendle was born June 9, 1940, in Lansing to Carl and Rita (Schulze) Troendle. She graduated from high school and later worked as a dietary cook in a hospital.

April 29, 1961, Ellene married Virgil Duane Smith at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. To this union, three children were born: Lisa, Leslie, and Kelly. Ellene was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved baking and faithfully made Christmas treats every year for her family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening.

Frances “Franny” L. Byrnes, 91, of Waukon passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the Good Samaritan Society in Waukon Monday, July 27, 2026, with family around her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Ben Valentine officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery Hanover, rural Waukon.

Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church Saturday. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.

Frances Lois Peterson Kelly Byrnes was born the youngest of six children August 6, 1934, in Decorah, the daughter of Albert and Hattie (Dinger) Peterson. Franny graduated from Decorah High School. In school, Franny was quite the roller-skater, spending hours at the rink, and even made homemade root beer at the drive-in where she worked.

Monica Monserud, 78, of Waterville passed away peacefully Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 7 from 2-5 p.m. at the Waterville Community Center with a meal served throughout. A prayer service will follow at 5:30 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. A private family graveside service will be at Waterville Cemetery. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Monica Mary Rose Monserud was born September 24, 1947, to Joe and Alberta (Hammell) Troendle. She was the sixth of 12 children, growing up in a large, close-knit family, where she learned the importance of hard work, loyalty, resilience, and always looking out for one another. She attended country school before graduating from St. George High School in Lansing, carrying those small-town values with her throughout her life.

Jay A. Schneider, 71, of Waukon died Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his home in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 6 at 1 p.m. at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Inurnment will be at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 12 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home Thursday.

Jay Allen Schneider was born December 27, 1954, in Iowa to parents Lloyd and Helen (Hartong) Schneider. He was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. Jay graduated from Waukon High School in 1973, and attended NIACC in Mason City for a degree in auto mechanics.

Gary LaVern Johnson, age 79, of Dubuque passed away July 21, 2026, at 12:47 p.m., at MercyOne Dubuque after a brief illness. Family and friends will gather Sunday, August 16 from 12-3 p.m. at the Waterville Church for a celebration of life.

He was born a twin October 18, 1946 in Waukon to Melva Adeline (Grangaard) Johnson and Donald Milton Johnson. His twin brother James Alan died shortly after birth. His mother and younger brother David passed in a car accident in December of 1958. His father Don then passed in June of 1970, “just when he was getting interesting”.

He graduated from Dubuque Senior High, Class of 1964. Gary then entered the Navy at age 17 and proudly served aboard the USS Bristol (DD-857), returning home and marrying his high school sweetheart, Sandra K. Good, in November of 1967. Their son James was born in 1972. Sandra and Gary later divorced in 1977.

Rose Ella (Egan) Valley, 89, of Waukon passed away peacefully Monday, July 27, 2026, surrounded by family members at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services were held Saturday, August 1 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Ben Valentine and Fr. Donald Hawes officiating. Burial was in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.

Rose Ella Valley was born Monday, December 7, 1936, to Timothy B. and Mary M. (Donahue) Egan on her parents’ farm in Linton Township, rural Harpers Ferry. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Pius the V Catholic Church, Cherry Mound. Rose Ella attended Linton No. 1 School and after her dad died, she farmed the family farm in Linton Township, raising dairy cows and crops before she met the man of her dreams, Harold Valley. They were married at St. Pius the V, Cherry Mound June 5, 1956. Harold and Rose Ella were married for 45 years, and four children were born to this union: Tim, Rita, Karen, and Kevin.