Eugene P. "Gene" Key Sr.

Eugene P. "Gene" Key Sr., age 76, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at 5:40 p.m., on Monday, December 11, 2023, at home with his loving family. To honor Gene's life full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6 at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, followed by funeral services led by Pastor Dennis Schmitt. Visitation will follow the funeral service from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Friday, December 15, 2023.
Gene was born on June 3, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Loran and Mildred (Pickle) Key.
Gene graduated from Dubuque Senior High School before honorably serving his country with the U.S. Army from 1965 until 1968 in Vietnam. After he returned from Vietnam he led a gypsy lifestyle with his dog Lobo for many years. Gene later graduated from the University of Hartford in Connecticut with his paralegal degree in his 40's and put that to good use in Connecticut for 16 years. Gene eventually returned to Dubuque where he worked for Weldon Tires and Airways. He met the love of his life, Lorie Harkey O'Hara, in 1997 and the couple married soon afterwards on July 11, 1998, at the gazebo in Washington Park. They complimented each other perfectly and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary earlier this year. In his spare time Gene enjoyed shooting pool, going bowling and singing Karaoke. He also liked working security for Donna Ginter. Gene loved all of his family and friends and spending time with them brought him great joy. He especially enjoyed spending time with all of the grandbabies. Gene also cherished his alone time when he could watch whatever he wanted to on TV. Gene was a wonderful husband, dad and granddad to his family and he will be missed tremendously.
Those left to cherish Gene's memory include
his wife of 25 years,
Lorie Key, Dubuque, IA;
his children,
Eugene Key Jr., Florida,
Catherine Key, Key West, IA,
Eric Key, Marion, IA,
Marie Key, Connecticut,
Kyle Key, Connecticut,
Victor (Chrissy Schmitt) O'Hara Jr., Calmar, IA,
Victoria (John) Abrams, Potosi, WI,
Vance (Ahnna) O'Hara, Dubuque, IA
and Vanessa (Joshua) Vosberg, Bernard, IA;
17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren;
his siblings,
Lon (Rachel) Key, Rhode Island,
Ronald (Tammy) Key Sr., Dubuque, IA,
Melvin (Jean) Key, Dubuque, IA,
Kelvin Key Sr., Dubuque, IA,
Donnie Key, Dubuque, IA,
Terry (Shirley) Key, Dubuque, IA,
Melody (Mike Kramer) Key, Peosta, IA,
Timmy (Carly) Key, Dubuque, IA,
Richard (Robin) Weland, Dubuque, IA,
Michele (Jim) Rang, Dubuque, IA
and Janelle (Pat) McCrabb, Burlington, IA;
countless nieces and nephews;
and his former wife,
Kim Harvey, Dubuque, IA.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, Loran (Albertina) Key and Mildred (Richard) Weland; a daughter, Loreli Key in infancy; grandson, Caleb Key; a sister, Barbara Ties; a niece, Tonya Key; a sister-in-law, Laverne Key; and his former wives, Cindy Key and Linda Key.
Gene's family would like to thank Christine Benz from 24 Hour Care, Dr. Carr and the medical staff at the VA, Dr. Janes at Medical Associates and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all of the wonderful care they have provided for Gene.
The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Gene's memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Eugene Key Family.