Steve Michael Bemis
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" - Richard Puz
Thank you for your service
Steve served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Steve was born on October 13, 1951, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Harry and Rita (Wagner) Bemis. On November 27, 1976, he married Mary Backes at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque.
Steve graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1969. He served as Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. Upon returning home, Steve worked a number of jobs, but spent many years as Head Chef at the Hoffman House prior to working for Reinhart Foods, retiring as Regional Sales Manager after 26 years.
Most of all, Steve loved spending time with his family and loved being "Pa" to his grandchildren. He loved hearing about the many adventures and pursuits of his children and grandchildren. He bragged on them endlessly and was always ready with a joke or a game when they came to visit. Whether it was introducing the boys to his favorite Westerns or challenging them to beat him at Jeopardy he put a smile on everyone’s face.
Being the oldest of ten siblings, just being around family made Steve the happiest. Playing on numerous basketball and softball teams with his brothers was a weekly highlight for years. Watching the Bears, Cubs, and the Fighting Irish win or lose was a favorite pastime with family. Cooking and planning the Marine Corps breakfast at Eagle Point was an annual family event.
Some of Steve’s best friends over the years were the neighbors who shared a backyard beverage or two over the last 40 years.
To say that Steve was well known in Dubuque would be an understatement. Be it through his work with many local restaurants, participation in sports, or love of family and neighbors, Steve was a friend to all. His infectious charm and humor naturally drew people to him. His family will all remember countless friends and acquaintances seemingly popping up everywhere they went.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Bemis of Dubuque; four children, Erin (Bill) Plencner of Woodridge, IL; Carrie (Andy) Heinen of Plainfield, IL; Seth (Whitney DeVilbiss) Bemis of Cedar Falls, IA; and Lauren (Adam) Klein of Dubuque; nine grandchildren, Harrison, Ella, Carter, Quinn, Nora, Hal, Jace, Leo, and Lucy; nine siblings, Mary Eigenberger of Dubuque; Pam Baal of Dubuque; Terry (Justine) Bemis of Dubuque; Christine (Tom) Rogers of Dubuque; Tim (Amy) Bemis of Des Moines, IA; Theresa Erschen of Apache Junction, AZ; Linda (Tyler) Dugan of Madison, WI; Harry (Jenny) Bemis, III of Davenport, IA; and Dan Bemis of Davenport, IA; siblings-in-law, Sharon Pierson of Dubuque; Joanie Backes of Dubuque; Ron Backes of Guttenberg, IA; Carol Brylski of Dubuque; Gary Backes of Dubuque; and Laura Backes of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.
Steve’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Steve’s 101 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Steve.
The world Steve knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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