Dubuque loses one of its best citizens

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Dirk Voetberg, who in my opinion was one of Dubuque's best citizens and all around good guy died Tuesday at the age of 62.

Civic leader, businessman, academician, world traveler and a bit of a wise guy. Dubuque City Councilman Dirk Voetberg died at 11:38 p.m. Tuesday in Iowa City, where he was being treated for acute leukemia. He was 62.

Colleagues and friends remember his dedication to his constituents and his city, his love of travel and the world of food. Voetberg traveled widely, often sharing and attempting to apply those experiences locally. Subtle, sometimes biting humor, often accompanied his insights.

"He had a sarcastic wit and the intelligence to back it up that I really came to enjoy," said City Councilman Ric Jones, who sat next to Voetberg at the council table since 2008. "He always put the needs of his constituents and the needs of the city ahead of the needs of Dirk. We're all going to miss him for a long, long time, and his fingerprints are going to be on this city for a long, long time."

Voetberg was diagnosed with leukemia in July and underwent a bone marrow transplant in December. In the interim, he attended council meetings as his health allowed and took part by phone on several occasions.

I remember him from school, he was an old school Democrat who put the needs of his fellow human beings first.