He attended school in Galena and Robinsdale, MN and graduated from Galena High School in 1954. Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. He was stationed in Okinawa, Kume Jima and Texas. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force he began his studies at Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology -Platteville, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962. In 1972 he completed his MA degree from Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa.
He married Donna Pope on June 6, 1970 at the United Methodist Church in Galena,
Bill was a teacher in the Galena School System for 34 years, retiring in 1996. Prior to retirement he worked as a grounds keeper at Le Fevre Inn in Galena and after retiring Bill worked part time at Veterinary Associates in Galena.
Surviving is his wife Donna; his son, David (Heidi) Wilmarth of Galena and his beloved grandson, Benjamin Wilmarth. He is also survived by two sisters Duane "Daney" Fitzpatrick, Freeport, Phyllis Lininger of Hot Springs National Park, AK, a sister in law JoAnn (Keith) Hesselbacher, 7 nieces and nephews, 16 great nieces and nephews and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Joseph and Marieta Pope, 2 brother in laws, Franklin "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, and Tom Lininger, a great niece Carrie Clark, and a great-great nephew, Cline Becker.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Autism Speaks, Galena School Foundation, The Galena Foundation or the Galena United Methodist Church.
The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is serving the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at .
Ethel Jean Kuchel
Ethel Jean Kuchel, 87, of Oxford Junction, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 5, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
A graveside service and burial will be held from the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery at a later date. A natural journey farewell with cremation has taken place.
Ethel Jean Flenker was born on March 26, 1931 in Scott County, Iowa, to John and Katherina (Schmidt) Flenker. She was a graduate of Bennett High School. She married Virgil L. Kuchel on November 20, 1954 in Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 4, 2004.
Ethel Jean had worked as a bank teller for many years.
She was a member of the Community of Christ Church in Toronto and the Oxford Junction American Legion Post#473 Ladies Auxiliary. She had previously served on the Oxford Junction Board of Housing and had volunteered at the Oxford Junction Senior Center.
She enjoyed birdwatching and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Those left to honor Ethel Jean's memory include her children, Sheryl Kuchel of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ann Hootman of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Keith (Kim) Kuchel of Lost Nation, IA; a brother, Harlan Flenker of Davenport, IA; 6 grandchildren, Jack who is part of the Honor Guard in VA, Jake who is serving his country in the U.S. Army in Korea, Sadie, Shane, Kelvin and Nova; and 4 great-grandchildren, Bryer, Macale, Emersyn and Rhianna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Melvin and Glen, sisters Janice Flenker, Elaine Kolwey and LaVerne Fogg, and a son Kevin.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at .
Darlene K. Ahlers
Darlene K. Ahlers, 73, of Worthington, Iowa, passed away at her home Tuesday morning, February 5, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She made a valiant attempt at fighting her cancer.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. The Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa is assisting the family.
Darlene Kay (Tobin) Ahlers was born on June 7, 1945 in Worthington, Iowa, daughter of Alfred and Alma (Klein) Tobin. On April 4, 1964 she was united in marriage to Carey Ahlers of Farley, they were married at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Worthington, Iowa.
She had a great love for euchre and would say "I'm here to play." Darlene enjoyed the casino's, scratch offs and bingo, but most of all her family. Her personality was greater than life and her smile would light up a room. She worked at Ertl's most of her life and created a special group of friends that played cards and dice. She also enjoyed spending time "junking" with her son Carey Ahlers Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Carey Ahlers of Worthington, IA, five children, Carey (Deana) Ahlers Jr. of Worthington, Curt (Angie) Ahlers and Crystal (Rick) Thompson both of Marion, Carmen (& friend, Rod Friedlein) of Dyersville and Cher (Craig) Brimeyer of Farley; 12 grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney, Dean, Josh, Jesse, Nicole, Tiffany, Tyler, Alivia, Brandon, Brooke and Ellie; 10 great grandchildren, Ariah, Bentley, Oliver, Selena, Mia, Jackson, Kennedy, Jaylinn, Rayne, and Ivy Rose. There are 2 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving sister, Margie Althoff of Manchester and her special friend and step sister, Jayne Ostwinkle, and many nieces and nephews.
