On February 14, 2026, the world became less funny and entertaining with the passing of Dubuque native Gene Steichen. Though residing in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years it was Iowa that he called home and it is Dubuque where he will rest.

There are no words to describe the brilliance of Gene. Adjectives such as eccentric, quirky, and unique fall woefully short of capturing the essence of Gene. He leaves us with a legacy of laughter, creativity, and strength. He pursued a life full of travel and adventure. He had a passion for the arts from Blues to Broadway, a love of all sports, including his lifelong affair with the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Gene’s bucket list was empty at the end of each year. One such item was a more difficult box to check than most. He entered and completed the Los Angeles Marathon. His only pre-race training was abstaining from Corn Flakes for 2 weeks. He announced his retirement from competitive racing while crossing the finish line.

His journeys resulted in witnessing many epic Packer games, nearly every Broadway show, 4 Hawkeye Rose Bowls and game 7 of the historic Cubs 2016 World Series victory. He possessed a true zest for life.

His travel companion and side kick for many of life’s adventures was Mother Juanita. It was not uncommon to see the pair at a play on Friday, an Iowa Football game on Saturday and a concert on Sunday. Later in life it was rare to see one without the other as together they consumed their interests and love of family, arts and sports.

At a very young age Gene dove headfirst into being a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps where he marched for most of his adolescence. He was a member until his age out at 21. Decades later he was voted into the Colts Hall of Fame.

Gene’s Dubuque education included graduating from St Anthony’s Elementary School in 1975 and Hempstead High School in 1979. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1984. At Iowa he was a member of the Marching Band for one year during the 1981/1982 season. As fate and good fortune would have it the band played in the 1982 Rose Bowl after Hayden Fry and the Iowa Hawkeyes won the Big 10 Championship, breaking a 23-year drought. Next, he graduated from the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. After graduation he pursued an acting career. He performed in numerous sitcoms and television productions. He became prolific in national television commercials such as Snickers and E-Trade, including an E-Trade commercial that he starred in during Super Bowl 35. His professional break came when he was cast as the Leaf for Fruit of the Loom. This award-winning franchise lasted nearly 10 years resulting in some epic and memorable commercials. He was a proud and active member of the Screen Actors Guild of America for 35 years.

Gene was a friend of Bill, recently celebrating 18 years of being sober at the Doghouse Bill Team. He gave back to his gift of sobriety by being involved in many volunteer endeavors including being a life counselor at LA County Jail where he taught the benefits of living a sober and spiritual life.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Glen, a 42-year teacher with the Dubuque Community School District and his mother Juanita, a combined 37-year nursing career with Xavier and Mercy. Also preceded by grandparents Donald and Juanita Connor of Galena and Nicholas and Margaret Steichen of Dubuque. Gene and his siblings are exceptionally close friends.

The survivors are Cindy Steichen of Denver, John Steichen of Omaha and Dawn Buscher of Dallas. Also included on this sibling list is Dawn’s husband Richard Buscher. Nieces and nephews include Kayla Kenyon of Denver, Casey Buscher and soon to be husband Daniel Goldberg of Dallas, Connor Buscher and his partner Katelyn Kennedy of Dallas, and Connor Steichen of Omaha. Also survived by Juanita’s sister Kathleen “Cassie” Hollatz (Tom). Cassie is Gene’s aunt, godmother, and close friend. Cassie remains a regular participant in the Steichen Family Traveling Road Show. Gene was also survived by numerous aunts and cousins.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that any donation be made in Gene’s honor at Colt’s Youth Organization 2300 Twin Valley Drive Dubuque IA 52003.

A Celebration of Gene is scheduled for Saturday July 11, 2026, at Culbie’s Event Center 90 Sinsinawa Ave East Dubuque from Noon to 3 pm. Details to follow.

The family prays that their broken hearts will mend by all the adoration and support showered upon Gene from the people who knew and loved him. God bless Gene Steichen.

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque, IL is serving the family.