Allen J. “Al” Birch Jr., age 69, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital.  To celebrate Al’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.Al was born on June 27, 1955, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Allen and Margaret (Scharff) Birch Sr.

Al attended Dubuque Senior High School before entering the work force.  He worked for Rite-Hite for 27 years, before retiring in 2008.  Al met his future wife, Tina Hanson, while they were still in high school.  It took some time for them to find their way to each other, but once they did, they were inseparable for 20 years.  The couple finally officially married on October 4, 2020, in Dubuque.  His faith in God was very strong.  Al always said he didn’t need a formal church or service, he spoke with God in his own personal own way.  He enjoyed working on and driving his classic cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles.  Al liked being outside surrounded by the beauty of nature, and he and Tina often went out walking together.  He loved jumping in the car and going for a ride, which often took him down by the Mississippi River.  Al looked forward to going fishing with his family and friends.  Al also enjoyed watching old time television shows and movies.  He was loving, loyal, kind-hearted and extremely caring.  Al was well liked by everyone he came in contact with, and always helped people when they needed him.  His family was always his main priority, and time spent with them brought him great joy.  It didn’t matter what they were doing, but if a cookout or bonfire was part of the planned activities for the day, Al was thrilled.  He truly made the world around him a better place.

Those left to cherish Al’s memory include

his loving wife,
Tina Birch, Dubuque, IA;

his daughter,
Heather (Daniel) Stoner, Portland, OR;

3 step-children,
Maria (Eric) Burdick, Battle Ground, WA,
Elisha Bennett, Battle Ground, WA
and Melissa Bennett, Portland, OR;

7 grandchildren;

his siblings,
Karen Wilson,
Tim Birch
and Molly Bradfield, all of Platteville, WI;

2 brothers-in-law,
Dan Bechen
and Kevin (Ellen) Hanson;

2 sisters-in-law,
Sharon Hanson
and Pam (Harold) Polivka;

several nieces and nephews;

and his beloved fur babies,
Snowflake and Chloe.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Shelley Bechen and Janet Genthe; and 2 brothers-in-law, Bruce Wilson and Keith Hanson.

Al’s family would like to thank the entire staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital for the outstanding care they provided for Al.  Also a special thanks to his step-daughter, Maria, and Al’s family, for their support and all of the time they have spent with him.

Cards and memorials in Al’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Allen Birch Jr. Family.

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