Obituaries

Margaret “Marge” Christianson, 81, of Preston, MN, passed away March 4, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital with her family by her side. Memorial Service will be held this Friday, March 14 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston, MN.

Born April 27, 1943, Marge was the definition of hard work and heart. A dedicated farmer and homemaker, she poured her energy into her cattle, the land and the people she loved. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, always willing to lend a hand and brightening the room with her unmatched positive energy. To know her was to love her.

Leland Jay Moose, 67, of Monona died Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon. Funeral Services were held Tuesday, March 11 at United Methodist Church, Monona with Rev. Kim Gates as the Officiant. Interment followed at Smithfield Cemetery, Rossville.

Leland was born June 7, 1957 to Albert and Marilyn (Timmerman) Moose in Waukon. He was baptized and confirmed. He graduated from MFL High School in 1976.

Leland was united in marriage with Cindy Jones. Four children were born to this union, Don, Jennifer, Terry and Bill. They were later divorced. Leland took pride as a cream cheese maker for Swiss Valley/Prairie Farms for 30-plus years, receiving several awards for his cheese making. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and going to nut fries.

Janet B. Miller, 90, of Waukon died Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Sixteen Cemetery, rural Harpers Ferry. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday, April 26 at the funeral home.

Janet Berniece Miller was born June 16, 1934, the daughter of Andrew and Floy (Clausen) Jones. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Waukon. Janet attended school through the eighth grade at Ion School in rural Harpers Ferry. January 20, 1953, Janet married Stanley Miller, and the two later divorced.

Throughout her life, Janet was a hard worker and was employed at Shelly Globe Factory, Procter and Gamble, and spent a good portion of her life farming. After living in Iowa City, she moved to Waukon in 2009.

Melvin “Mel” K. Breeser, 82, of La Crescent, MN, formerly of New Albin, went to Heaven in Jesus’ arms February 22, 2025, after his courageous battle with cancer. He passed in the warmth of his home with his loving daughters by his side.

An intimate gathering of family will be held at Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church in rural New Albin. Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to Mel’s family at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters, Dawn and Lisa (Todd); and son, Jamie; six grandsons, Eric (Peyton), Drew, Blake (Kate), Austin (Raynee), Cody and Wyatt; five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Berkeley, Oliver, Addy and Blair. Mel is also survived by his brother, Randy (Diane); his sister, Lila (Larry); and his sister-in-law, Luise.

Lawrence “Larry” Ewing, age 69, of Elma died Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home. A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Rossville Cemetery in Rossville.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with all of Lawrence’s funeral arrangements.

Lawrence Joseph Ewing was born December 7, 1955 in Waukon, the son of William and Anna Marie (Billmyer) Ewing. He graduated from Waukon Senior High School in 1974.

Lawrence worked in the autobody and auto mechanics field during high school and after graduation. He made his home in Des Moines for many years where he worked for Anderson Erickson Dairy, the Marriott Hotel, Aamco Transmission and Dee - Zee. In 2012 he returned to northeast Iowa, where he made his home in Elma. He was employed by Sparboe Farms and held a few other odd jobs until his retirement.

Raymond George Riek, 79, of Waukon died Monday, February 24, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services with military honors were held Friday, February 28 at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon. Burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery.

Raymond George Riek was born March 4, 1945, the son of George and Alida (Aure) Riek. He was baptized and confirmed at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church and graduated from Waukon High School in 1963. Raymond served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967, serving three years in France and one year in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.

Marjorie Grace Swanson passed away peacefully February 9, 2025 at the Cortland Healthcare Center in Cortland, OH. Funeral Service was held Saturday, February 15 at United Church of Christ in Chamberlain, SD with Rev. Jim Oleson officiating. Interment was in Pukwana Cemetery, Pukwana, SD.

Marjorie Grace Swanson was born March 1, 1934 to Russell Sr. and Myrtle (Caylor) Moline. Marjorie was the second of eight children and the oldest girl. She grew up as a farm girl, helping with the gardening, canning, cooking and other chores involved in taking care of a large family. She loved style and was a very talented seamstress, designing and sewing her clothes. She was also a talented artist with pencil and watercolors.

Deborah “Deb” Sickles, 76, of Dorchester passed away February 24, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Deborah Sue Johnson was born to Harlan and Elinor Kannenberg-Johnson June 30, 1948 in Waukon. Deb graduated from Waukon High School in 1966. She worked at the Lansing Button Factory while going to school at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) to become a beautician,  graduating in 1969. She then pursued her career at Althea’s beauty shop in Waukon for 30-plus years, later owning and operating the salon until she retired in 2004.

Raymond G. Riek, 79, of Waukon died Monday, February 24, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 28 at 11 a.m. at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Friends may greet the family Thursday, February 27 from 4-7 p.m. at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.
 

William Robert “Bill” Smith, 80, of rural Postville passed peacefully in his home Monday, February 17, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Bill was born July 13, 1944 in Waukon, the son of Ivan C. and Esther (May) Smith. He grew up in the Forest Mills area and attended both the Forest Mills and Red School. April 18, 1975 Bill married his forever love, Marlene Parker, and instantly became a father of four children.

Bill’s working years took him to a saw mill in Oregon, working for farmers and doing custom work in Iowa, and building condos in Virginia. He was always employed, and in his last days stated, “I love working!”

His favorite topic of conversation was who bought, sold or traded cars, tractors and guns. After retiring, he enjoyed scrapping metal, knapping arrowheads, porch sitting, cars, puzzles, and following “Gold Rush” Friday evenings.