Noel C. Stecher, 89, of Dubuque, passed away suddenly at home on Friday, May 15, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:30–11:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., with Rev. Brian Dellaert officiating. A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5941327

Noel was born at home on a blustery Christmas Day to Anton and Leona (Schueller) Stecher. The sixth of nine children, he grew up working hard on the family farm—a foundation that shaped the rest of his life. His siblings affectionately called him Bruddy, and many others knew him simply as Bud. No matter the name, everyone knew him as a man whose humility and steady work ethic defined him.

In 1958, he married Pearl Schmitt, and together they built a family of six children. Noel worked tirelessly his entire life and took great pride in never missing a day of work—something he maintained until his family finally convinced him to slow down. Even then, he never considered himself retired. As a young man, he became a small business owner and spent the next 62 years growing Key City Moving and Storage. Through his work, he met countless customers who became lifelong friends. Noel had a gift for offering a warm smile, a quick joke, or a bit of friendly conversation to anyone he met—stranger or not.

Outside of work, Noel enjoyed golfing, playing Euchre, and traveling to visit his children and friends across the country. For many years, he was a proud member of the “Know It All” Club at one of his favorite spots, the Moracco, where his humor and easygoing nature fit right in.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; his children, Pam of Denver, CO, Barb (Dan) Holmgren of Kansas City, MO, Shelly (Jerry) Rose of Prescott, AZ, Mike (Lori) of Dubuque, David (Kari) of Des Moines, IA, and Rick of Dubuque; his grandchildren, David (Michele) Holmgren, Melanie Holmgren, Natalie Holmgren, Jason Waligorski, Sara (Jonathan) Chavez, Shane Still, Dillon (Shayna) Stecher, Audrey (Ben) Pregler, Dallas (Logan) Stecher, Valerie Stecher, Will Stecher, and Noel Stecher, Michael (Nancy) Rose and Dan (Tassia) Rose; his great‑grandchildren, Madeline Waligorski, Ella Mau, Elle Holmgren, Pearl Stecher, Nikolas Chavez, and Teddy Pregler; and his sisters, Loretta Behnke and Joyce Schmitt, and sisters-in-laws, Carol Stecher and Jeannie Stecher.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents; his in‑laws, Carl and Magdeline (Tigges) Schmitt; his brothers and sisters, Lorraine (Clem) Aird, Mary (Alfred) Hirsch, Victor (Lou Ann) Stecher, Eileen (Larry) Fischer, Alfred (Fritz) Behnke, Joseph Stecher, Loras (Sue) Stecher, and Gerald Schmitt.

Noel will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, his humble and generous heart, and the kindness he shared so freely. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he made, and the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.