Bobby Lee Hattula, 65, of Dubuque, IA, passed away January 24, 2025.

A visitation will be held Friday January 31, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dubuque, IA, a Funeral Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Jonathan Crawford officiating. Burial and Military Honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6 to follow at Linwood Cemetery.

He was born on March 25, 1959, in Chicago, IL, to Carl and Margaret (Kramer) Hattula. He married Diana Witt on October 12, 1979, in Freeport, IL.

Bobby worked for the Packing House Sanitation until it’s closure. He owned and operated TRUFORM Construction and Hauling. He served many residents of Dubuque County until his retirement. He served in the US Navy- Great Lakes.

Bobby was a master of music, he wrote over 200 songs, recorded many, and played the guitar like no other. He played with great emotion. He taught guitar lessons and played the banjo, mandolin, bass and piano. He was a recording artist with great hits like “Mayfly”, “Thinking and Drinking”, “Tell Me Lady” and numerous others. Bobby played in such bands as Maximum Volume, Rock and Roar, and The OL’Folkies as a lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. He played at various events, bars, and open jams in the tri-state area. He loved a campfire and music. He also had a gift of woodworking, he could make anything out of wood, including many of the guitars he played. Bobby enjoyed gardening, working in the soil, fishing and anything relaxing that included the outdoors. He was an avid kayaker who enjoyed the atmosphere of nature, peace, and internal self-reflection. He worked hard and put his all into everything he did. He was a people person who always looked to help those in need.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years Diana; his children, Amanda Trotman, Heidi (TJ) Pickering, William (Jennifer Sheldon) Hattula; his grandchildren, Nickolas, Jackson, Maxwell, Alyssa, Bridget, and Abigail; his siblings, Mary, Pat, Karl, and John; his brother and sisters-in-law Rick and Sue Witt, Robert and Teri Elmer, David and Cathy Price, Chad and Barb Lessman, Willie and Tammy Love, Mike Witt, Randy and Sarah Witt, Nate and Stephanie Swalve; along with his many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents and stepdad Robert Hancock; his brothers, Charles and Bill; sisters, Sharon and Joy; in-laws, Richard and Darlene Witt; siblings-in-law Dwayne Paul, Carl Paterson, David Myer and Cynthia Witt; niece Deb Perkins; nephew Russell Paul, Larry and Tony Price, and Devon Lessman.

He leaves behind many musicians who kept a song in his heart.

In lieu of flowers a memorial for Bobby Hattula has been established.

The family would like to express a thank you to the Dubuque Fire Department, the Dubuque Police Department, Donna Kluesner and Leonard Funeral Home for their compassionate service.