Joseph Stecher, 86, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque.

A private family service will be held to celebrate Joe’s life in the near future. No formal services will be held. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is assisting the family.

Joe was foremost a family man; a man dedicated to the love and care of his children. He was a man who was proud of his parents, and his brothers and sisters. Joe adopted the strong sense of responsibility displayed by his parents, Leona and Anton Stecher. He was born on June 12, 1939, in Sherrill, Iowa. His family included Lorraine (Clem) Aird, Victor (Lou Ann), Mary (Alfred) Hirsch, Ilene (Larry) Fischer, Loretta (Fritz) Behnke, Noel (Pearl), Loras ((Susan (deceased), and second marriage, (Jeannie)), and Joyce (Gerald) Schmitt.

Joseph married Carol Dougherty on May 7th, 1960. They had six children: Steven (Lidia), Gregory (Therese), Donna, Connie (Greg) Dahl, Brett (Traci) and Mark. He was delighted with his ten grandchildren: Brandon Stecher (Erikia), Katie Stecher (Steve Bradley), Jesse Stecher, Danielle Stecher (Chris Conroy), Chye Stecher (Ally), Ayla Stecher (Karter Janssen), Jolie Stecher, and Raina Stecher, Ryan Gaul (Nicole), and Stephanie Dahl (Josh Fiedler), five great grandchildren: Maya Marie Gaul., James Joseph Conroy, (Hank Conroy, died in infancy), Marie Juliet Conroy, and Emma Jane Stecher
Joe retired from John Deere Dubuque Works in 1994. He volunteered as a driver for the Veterans Association until 1996. Joe worked at the Floor Show Companies taking pride in all aspects of his service.

The Colts Drum & Bugle Corps benefited from Joe’s service from 1970 until 1990. He served in a variety of positions, including acting as president of the parents’ booster club, and president of the board. Joe enjoyed using his skills in his volunteer work for the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Joe lived his life without complaint, with respect for others, and he valued both his family and his friends. It was well known that Joe would be available at the time of need. The world was a better place because of Joe Stecher; a man who valued work ethic, and his promises.