Steven “Steve” Smelcer passed away at Mercy Hospital on December 11, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on February 19, 1961, in La Grange, IL, to Jane & Glen Smelcer. He was an older brother to Michele and Suzanne. His family moved from Illinois to Dubuque, IA in the early 1970s. He most recently resided with his mom Jane and stepfather Jon McPhail. Nancy was the love of his life and best friend for many years.

Steve was a gentle soul with a kind heart. He was a caring and loving son, brother and friend who we made many happy memories with. He always watched out for us. His faith was very meaningful to him.

Steve was a talented artist who could draw anything. He enjoyed creating art in all mediums. In his younger years, he took pride in crafting elaborate card houses and radiant suncatchers that wow’d everyone. The artistic use of light and bold color fascinated him and informed his own projects.

Growing up, he was always a good sport with his younger sisters and their friends. He made magical childhood experiences for them often using just his imagination and creativity.

He loved waterfalls and finding beauty in nature. Parks across the country and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens were his happy places.

One of many cherished memories happened during a family vacation to Yosemite National Park. He and sister Suz rode together on a jet ski all around the most breathtaking pine-lined lake, laughing, reveling in adventure and soaking up the majesty of their surroundings.

Steve will be deeply missed and never forgotten. He is now our guardian angel and lives on in our hearts.

We find comfort that his mind will finally be at peace.

Through organ donation, Steve will be saving several lives in the Tri-State area.

Hebrews 13:5: For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.”