Donald J. Stecher

Donald J. Stecher, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on May 15th, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 20th, 2019 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McDermott officiating and brother Rev. John Stecher concelebrating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with full military honors accorded by American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19th, 2019 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road where a parish wake service and rosary will be held at 2:00 p.m.

Don was born on June 9th, 1938 in Dubuque, Iowa the son of John and Servina (Pfohl) Stecher. He served in the United States Army as Sergeant First Class and was a member of the American Legion Post #6. He was active in the Army Reserves where he taught classes in terrain analysis.

Don worked for Dubuque Insulation and Siding Co. and was a lifelong farmer. He started at the age of seven helping on the family farm.  Don loved what he did and worked until he was forced to retire due to illness at the age of 74.

Don married Marilyn Brune on October 14, 1978 at St. Joseph The Worker.  They have five children and eleven grandchildren. Don’s grandchildren will miss Papa’s hugs when they come in the door and playing Old Maid with him.  He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn; three sons John (Lindsay) Stecher, of Jersey City, NJ, Jim (Beth) Stecher, of Dubuque, IA and Mike (Anna) Stecher, of Bettendorf, IA; two daughters Michelle (John) Hamilton, of Dubuque, IA, and Jenny Stecher, of Chicago, IL. Eleven grandchildren, Jack and Gemma Stecher, Olivia, Hannah, AJ and Henry Stecher, Isla and Marin Stecher, Tyler, Isabel and Tanner Hamilton. Sisters Jeanette Hohmann, of Dubuque, IA, and Carol Wagner, of Washington, MO and his brother Fr. John Stecher, of Davenport, IA.

Don was preceded in death by his parents John and Servina Stecher.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Eric Engelman and the oncology nurses, Hospice of Dubuque, especially Amy, Scott, Ryan and Suzanne; and to all the health care professionals, family and friends who helped care for Don.

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