Steven E. "Steve" Schmitt, 65, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 31, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center, in Dubuque, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, Thursday, June 5, 2014, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 P/M to 8 P/M, on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish scripture service will be held at 3:45 P/M, on Wednesday.

Steve was born on January 16, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Vincent and Mabel (Ames) Schmitt. He married Annette Schueller (Winchell) on April 19, 1975, in Dubuque.

He was formerly employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for seventeen (17) years; later operated a bulk milk transport company serving southwest Wisconsin farmers; was an owner/operator for North American Van Lines with his wife for ten (10) years; then started Steve Schmitt Trucking Company, specializing in the transport and installation of fitness equipment in high-end health and fitness facilities located throughout the United States; and lastly was employed by J & R Trucking, of Dickeyville, WI.

Steve loved fishing, taking annual fishing trips to Cygnet Lake, in Ontario, Canada. He took pride in helping his mother; loved his family, especially his grandchildren; enjoyed meeting with his buddies for coffee and morning "bull sessions"; and playing cards with family and friends. He also had a special love for animals.

Surviving are his wife, Annette; his four (4) children, Julie Winchell, of Decorah, IA, Steve (Lou Ann) Winchell, of Lakeville, MN, Robert (Kris) Winchell, of Epworth, IA, and James (Jody) Winchell, of East Dubuque, IL; six (6) grandchildren, Nicole, Paulina, Kayla, Andrea, Ryan and Andrew; his mother, Mabel Schmitt, of Galena, IL; his siblings, Darlene (Terry) Leifker, of Galena, IL, Dave (Roxie) Schmitt, of DeWitt, IA, Donnie (Doris) Schmitt, of Galena, IL, Jerry (Rita) Schmitt, of Coon Rapids, MN, Mary (Mike) Drapeau, of Bellevue, IA, and Dawn (Dean) DeVauk, of Princeton, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent; a nephew, Ryan Vincent Schmitt; and his aunt, Marge Beadle.

The family wishes to "thank" the Menominee-Dunleith and East Dubuque Fire Departments and EMS units and the East Dubuque Police Department for their quick response, expert care and assistance.

Online condolences may be left at www.millerfhed.com.