Steven F. Bettcher, age 62, of Dubuque, was called home suddenly at 2:02 a.m. on Sunday, September 23, 2018, at home. To honor Steve’s life, funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, on Thursday, September 27, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, with Deacon John Stierman officiating. To celebrate Steve’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m., until the time of services at 12:00 noon, on Thursday, at Behr Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Steve was born on October 25, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Clarence and Elsie (Hudson) Bettcher.

Steve was born and raised in Dubuque and quickly learned the value of hard work, the importance of personal convictions and the rewards of living an honorable life. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, Class of 1974, and next joined the U.S. Marines for 10 years before completing his service with another 11 years in the U.S. Army; where he served his final tour of duty in Desert Storm. Staff Sergeant Steve Bettcher always loved his country, the divine providence upon which our founders created the potential for true freedom and prosperity for all, and was consistently involved in local politics in order to keep a close eye on the world that was going to be left behind for his grandkids to thrive in. Steve was united in marriage to his true love, Beverly Hardy, on July 2, 1998, in Dubuque, and they have been blessed with 20 wonderful years together. In his free time, Steve loved to spend time out in the great outdoors enjoying a nice morning chasing after that ever elusive “hole in one”, or sometimes even a relaxing afternoon baiting his hook on the waters edge, or quietly walking around the countryside while on the hunt for a few pheasant or squirrels to keep his shooting skills sharp. But, at the end of the day there was no doubt that family, faith and freedom were the 3 largest priorities in Steve’s life. He knew and understood that this life is temporary and that at any moment the decisions we make would not only impact our eternity, but also the legacy and role-modeling we thankfully leave behind for those we love. Steve has been called home much too early, but we are forever grateful for the wonderful example he has set and we have no doubt that Heaven is celebrating as their newest soul has come walking through the gates with his “Don’t Tread On Me” flag firmly in hand while properly exhibiting a little wear and tear from their earthly journey. Thank you Steve for your service and devotion to all whom were placed along your path and may the Lord bless you until we meet again!

Those left to cherish Steve’s memory include

his wife,
Beverly Bettcher, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Jacob (Kayla) Bettcher, Dubuque, IA,
Troy (Kristi) Bettcher, Sun Prairie, WI
and Chrystall (Ryan) Schreiber, Dubuque, IA;

his 6 grandchildren,
James, Clairice and Lillian Bettcher, and Jacob, Gabriel and Erykah Schreiber;

his siblings,
Mike (Karen) Bettcher, DeWitt, IA,
Dawn (Terry) Smothers, Dubuque, IA
and Jeff (Tami) Bettcher, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

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