John J. “Whitey” Steckel III, age 85, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.  To celebrate Whitey’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 11:00 a.m., on Monday at Behr Funeral Home, with his son Mark officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Columbarium, where full military honors will be accorded by American Legion Dubuque Post 6.

Whitey was born on March 28, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Vincent and Irene (Plein) Steckel.

Whitey graduated from Senior High School in 1957, and went on to serve his country with the U.S. Army from 1957-1963.  He was always a hard worker and was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for 34 years until his retirement in 1992.  Whitey was very active in his community.  He was a member of the John Deere Retirees, C.O.R.D. (Corp of Retirees Deere), the Tri-State Garden Club, American Legion Dubuque Post 6, and also served as a Boy Scout and 4H leader.  He devoted countless hours volunteering at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and helping plant the flower beds along Grandview Avenue.  Whitey loved being outside working in his gardens and went fishing as often as he could.  He was also an accomplished woodworker and carpenter.  In his younger days, Whitey traveled the country bowling in several tournaments.  Whitey loved his family.  His grandkids called him “Papa”, and they truly were his pride and joy.  He was a good man and we will miss him tremendously.

Those left to cherish Whitey’s memory include

his children,
Maria Steckel, Polk City, IA,
Bryan (Heather) Steckel, Dubuque, IA,
Kristina (Jaime) Habel, Dubuque, IA,
Lisa (Ben) Vogt, Hazel Green, WI
and Mark Steckel, Iowa City, IA;

11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren;

2 sisters,
Diana (Steve) Pins, Dubuque, IA
and Donna Cox, Peoria, IL;

and 3 sisters-in-law,
Ann Steckel, Dubuque, IA
Ruby Steckel, Aurora, CO
and Claudia Steckel, ND.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother and godmother (who spoiled him rotten), Josephine Plein; a grandson, Andrew Habel; 5 brothers, Donald Steckel, Richard (Jorie) Steckel, David Steckel, Bruce Steckel and Vincent “Buddy” (Laure) Steckel; a brother-in-law, Richard Cox; and his mother-in-law, Winifred Luke.

Whitey’s family would like to thank the staff of Luther Manor Independent Living, Dr. Kumor, Dr. Martin, Dr. Viner and Dr. Whalen, for the outstanding care they have provided for Whitey throughout the years.

Cards and memorials in Whitey’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. John Steckel III Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com