David T. Becwar

David T. Becwar, 85, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 8th, 2019 at his home, due to a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2019, at St. Joseph The Worker with Rev. Thomas McDermott officiating. Burial will follow in Rockdale United Methodist Church with full military honors by the Iowa Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a wake service will be at 4:00 p.m.

Dave was born on June 6th, 1934 in the family farm in Glen Haven, WI the son of Thomas and Lucille (Ryan) Becwar. In 1953 he graduated from Bloomington High School. As a young man, David had different jobs, but he always talked about working at the Blue Haven Night Club in Prairie de Chien. In 1956 he moved to Dubuque and began working at Montgomery Wards and eventually managed their first camera department where his love of photography started. He later managed the camera department at Sears.

David served with the Iowa Army National Guard Company A 1st Battalion 133rd Infantry from 1956 to 1962. In 1970 David began working fulltime with the Iowa National Guard Company A and retired in 1994. He also ran Becwar Photography for 34 years out of his home.

On September 5th, 1960 David married Sharon “Judy” Waller at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and together they had three children, Scott, Lori and Shawn.

David loved life and enjoyed everything, especially a good meal. He loved cars and working on them; he enjoyed going to the flea market and antiquing with Judy and they loved traveling to see relatives and friends.

David is survived by his wife Sharon “Judy”; his children, Scott (Michelle) Becwar, Lori (Kevin) McNaney, both of Dubuque, and Shawn Becwar, of Lake Mary, Florida. Four grandchildren, Rachael (Erik) Dukeman, Brandon (Jackie) Pape, Morgan Becwar, and Paige Becwar. Two great granddaughters Lorelai and Mila. Two brothers Gary (Sandy) Becwar, Michael (Joyce) Becwar; two sisters Barbara Everly and Mary Louise Brunkhorst; sister-in-law Gail Dame along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Karen (Benny) Tigges; his mother and father-in-law Walter and Daisy Waller; daughter-in-law Lydia Becwar, sister-in-law Patricia (Bill) Kohler; brothers-in-law Jim (Kay) Waller and Robert Dame.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chis Stille and all the nurses and staff along with Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sara for all their wonderful care and kindness they gave.

The family request no flowers, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Joseph The Worker, The Veteran’s Freedom Center, Hospice of Dubuque, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

“You were right Marge, He was a great guy.”

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