DeWayne “Wayne” W. Beecher, 77, of Bernard, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday evening, July 15, 2026, at home with his family by his side.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

DeWayne was born on August 25, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Albert Emsley Jr. “Buck” and Evelyn Marie “Evie” (Steil) Beecher. DeWayne graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1966.

DeWayne worked in the auto body collision industry and sales over the years. This included Rodas Auto Body in Hazel Green, Wisconsin; Auto Refinishers Warehouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Bondo Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia; and Harris Golf Cars in Dubuque, Iowa. In addition to his other pursuits, DeWayne was the proud Proprietor of Golf Car Salvage in Bernard, Iowa.

DeWayne was known for his love of NASCAR racing and water skiing, boating, and camping with friends and family on the Mississippi River. His hobbies included motor biking, go-cart racing, and bicycling. He enjoyed his involvement in a local camera club to enhance his photography later in life. He was happiest when his hands were busy tinkering in his body shop or telling stories of times growing up in the north-end of Dubuque. Early in life, DeWayne took pride in his ’68 Mustang and the opportunity to rebuild and create cars; such as a hot rod out of a Plymouth and Coop as well as a Doom Buggy were just a couple of his prized accomplishments. Transporting RAGBRAI friends in his motor home and cheering them on was often talked about. DeWayne embraced life’s opportunities with enthusiasm and adventure.

DeWayne appreciated time with his children and regularly felt compelled to tell them about life lessons (even if it wasn’t what they wanted to hear). He took the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with his son by going to an Indianapolis Race in Indiana as well, as taking his daughter on a week-long business trip to learn more about his work traveling in Minnesota.

DeWayne is survived by his children, Anthony (Brandi) Beecher and Abigail (William) Erner; his grandchildren, Dalton (Skyler Taylor) Beecher, Brody and Avery Beecher, and Joshua and Nathan Erner; his great-grandson, Henry Beecher; the mother of his children, Maryann (Lochner) Beecher; his sister, Paula (Richard) Behr; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also survived by his “special friend”, Mary Jo Pancratz and her daughter, Amberai, as well as her children, Ayla, Emmett and Leo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Evelyn; his brother, Robert “Doc” Beecher DVM; several uncles, aunts, and friends.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque (especially Shelby and Ashley) for the wonderful care that allowed him to continue to reside at home during these past two months.