Guy S. “Steve” Otterbeck

Guy S. “Steve” Otterbeck, age 74, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 2, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Steve’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Steve’s family.

Steve was born on September 21, 1950, in Fort Dodge, IA, a son to Wilber and Carol (Warner) Otterbeck, Sr.  He honorably served his county with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Steve trained to be a diesel mechanic while in the Army and proudly shared those skills with John Deere Dubuque Works upon returning home.  He later earned his X-13 Mechanic Certification and faithfully invested for over 43 years at Deere’s while working primarily in the Experimental Department in the ADV Lab.  Steve didn’t leave his skills at work though as his talents were immeasurable and he was well known as the “Master Fixer of Everything” to those who knew him well.  He enjoyed everything about hot rods and if he wasn’t working on his own 1932 Model A truck, you could surely find him helping a friend bring his project up to the next level anytime he was asked.

Steve enjoyed the outdoors almost as much as he did wrenching in the garage with his favorite music playing in the background.  A little 4-wheeling was always an acceptable way to spend an afternoon, but if the request came in to spending a little time with his fishing pole in hand, or some hunting on a crisp fall day, you could be sure Steve would be right here to play his part perfectly.  But, for those who knew and loved Steve the most, it was undeniable that spending time with his family and friends was always his greatest joy and having his most prized possession, his dog, Lou by his side was a very close second (and some might even say it was an even tie).  We are deeply saddened by the loss of Steve in our physical lives and can only hope that the love and legacy he leaves behind will now help to ease the pain of this loss in time.  Thank you, Steve, for being true to yourself, making sure that those whom you adored and appreciated knew it to be so, and for never allowing the trials of life to overcomplicate the simple fact that each day is a gift and how we handle that gift is entirely up to us.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we see your heart-melting grin once again.    

Those left to cherish the memory of Steve include,

his three children,

Holly (David) Field, Dubuque, IA,

Hope (Nick) Hess, Dubuque, IA,

and Troy Otterbeck, Dubuque, IA;

his adored grandchildren,

Courtney (Cody) Uppena, Carter Fens, Landon (fiancé Karly Cerda) Hess, Caleb Hess, August Hess, Emmett Hess, Emma Hess, Angelina Otterbeck, Alexis Otterbeck, Isabelle Otterbeck, and Riley Fens-Field;

his great-grandchildren,

Remington Uppena, Rigley Uppena, Kayleigh Uppena, and Ryker Stierman;

his special friend,

Lucia Sriram, Miami, FL;

Lucia’s daughters,

Anjanie Sriram and Nandini Sriram Mehdi;

his ex-wife,

Linda Wilson, Dubuque, IA;

his brother-in-law,

Dennis Zielski, McGregor, IA;

along with  numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his infant twins, Lisa and Jamie Otterbeck; and his siblings, Melody (George) Frommelt, Wilber (Nancy) Otterbeck, Jr., David (Deb) Otterbeck, and Deb Otterbeck-Zielski.

Steve’s family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Schreiber, his staff, along with the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Steve’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com