Dennis A. Gottschalk, age 72, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque surrounded by his family.  To celebrate his life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Msgr. James L. Miller officiating.  Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Dennis was born on January 26, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Earl Henry and Dorothy (Becker) Gottschalk. 

Dennis attended Dubuque Senior High School, and was part of the 1st graduating class from Hempstead High School, Class of 1971.  He then served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves from 1973 until 1983.  Dennis was employed with Eagle Window and Door and at the Theisen’s warehouse for several years.  He was a former member of the 5513 Knights of Columbus.  In his free time, Dennis could be found enjoying the great outdoors.  He was an avid hunter of deer and pheasant.  He enjoyed attending stock car races with family and friends, and he liked to watch sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.  Dennis was also known to try his luck with lottery tickets, always hoping to “win the big one”.

Those left to cherish his memory include

his siblings,
Cindy Gottschalk, Freeport, IL,
Timothy “Fuzzy” (Kelli) Gottschalk, Dubuque, IA,
Jane Connolly, Dubuque, IA,
Don (Kelly Becker) Gottschalk, Dubuque, IA,
Dorothy “Dottie” (Dennis) Anderley, Austin, MN,
Sarah (Dan) Zenner, Dubuque, IA,
Greg (Debbie) Gottschalk, Dubuque, IA,
Tammy (Max) Osman, St. Louis Park, MN
and Marty (Teresa) Gottschalk, Peosta, IA;

his goddaughter,
Hillary Gottschalk;

and his aunts, nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank the outstanding staff at Bethany Home for their wonderful care of Dennis.  A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mercy Medical Center for their professional and compassionate care.

Cards and memorials in his memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dennis Gottschalk Family.

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