Joseph E. Bechen, 87, of Dubuque, was reunited with his loving wife, Ellyn, Friday, June 7, 2024.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM Monday, June 10, 2024 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be 10:30 am Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Father Brian Dellaert as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

He was born on September 16, 1936, son of Emil and Edna (Franz) Bechen. He married the love of his life, Ellyn J. Genz on December 27, 1954. After 63 wonderful years together, Mom passed away on December 19, 2017.

Dad was a family man. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family. He enjoyed going for ice cream and he put on one hell of a fireworks show! Sunday nights were reserved for Old Time Radio, comedies were his favorite. Dad was a kid at heart and loved to decorate for the holidays. He has a Snow Village that was a work of art and a labor of love. He enjoyed dressing as Santa and going out into the community and brought joy to many people. He was also a familiar face at the Village Inn as their “unofficial” morning coffee maker and supervisor.

Dad had a very long and successful career; often working multiple jobs at once. Starting at age 14 at a grocery store where he hid in the rafters to avoid the truant officers. One of his favorite jobs was being a security officer. The job he is most known for is being a produce manager at Randall Foods where he was recognized for his expertise.

Surviving are five children: Connie (Art) Leuschner, Susan Wahlert, Melissa (John Sr.) Jensen, Joseph (Tammy) Bechen Jr. and Jennifer (Roger) Bahl; grandchildren: Victoria Maas, Sarah Dress, Christopher Wahlert, James A. Wahlert, Daniel Wahlert, Nicholas Wahlert, John Jensen Jr., Kristin Beermann, Erica Jensen, Brian Jensen, Jesse Bahl, Rebecca Vasquez and Josephine Bahl; 27 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one brother: Edward Bechen.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, James R. Wahlert; and four brothers: Eugene, Donald, Robert and Raymond.

A memorial has been established for Dubuque Regional Humane Society.

The family wishes to thank Hawkeye Care Center for taking care of our Dad during his time there.

“And God Will Call You Home”

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.