Kurt Eric Plachetta age 82 of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 3, 2026.

Kurt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Kurt Otto and Esther Plachetta.  He grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from Oconomowoc High School and later completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northern Illinois University.  He had a variety of jobs as a psychologist including working at a community mental health center, serving as an assessment psychologist for the federal government and teaching psychology courses at several colleges.

Kurt loved to travel and visited places all over the globe.  He enjoyed hiking/camping, life on the lake, folk music and any chance to be with family.  Kurt loved animals who needed a second chance so Kurt and Linda adopted five homeless animals through the years, whose playful presence brought happiness to him.

Kurt and Linda Plachetta have one daughter, Nicole Mariko Plachetta Grommes, who has been the pride and joy of their lives.

He is survived by Linda Plachetta, their daughter Nicole (Jonathan) Grommes, grandchildren Elleanor and Elijah, his brother Konrad (Corinne) Plachetta, his sister Debbie (Brian) Gleason, nephew Konrad K. (Joy) Plachetta, his great-niece Sara, and his great-nephew Nicholas.

A private celebration of life will be held with immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the American Stroke Association.