Ronald "Buddy" C. Koppes

Ronald “Buddy” C. Koppes, age 90, of Bellevue, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at UnityPoint Health–Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Graveside services will follow at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Bellevue American Legion Post #273. A Celebration of Life will follow the graveside service at the Bellevue American Legion.

Ron was born on January 19, 1936, the son of Clarence and Florence (Efferding) Koppes. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957.

Ron worked at John Deere Dubuque Works for 30 years, during those years he also did feed and fertilizer sales. In 1964, Ron began farming, raising cattle, hogs, and horses. His true passion was horses; raising, training, trading, and riding until the age of 88. He was the first President of the Bellevue Horseman’s Club. After retirement, he continued to farm and stayed active mowing grass for the city, driving for Hot Shot Freight from coast to coast, and driving school bus for 20 years. Reading was a passion of his, even as a young boy.

Ron was a member of the Bellevue American Legion Post #273 and the Bellevue Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed traveling in his camper, playing cards, meeting friends, and spending time with family. Ron especially loved cruising around town in his John Deere side-by-side with his faithful companion, Rosco.

Survivors include his daughters, Rhonda (Randy) Petesch, Renee (Doug) Bradley both of Bellevue, Terri (Mark) Kruse of Lebanon, IL, and Andrea (John) Davison of DeWitt; grandchildren, Nathan (Eileen McGuine) Petesch, Rachael (Cody) Terry, Katelyn (Conner Martin) Kruse, Ryan (Sabrina) Davison, and Jack (Hannah Adams) Davison; one great-grandson, Colton Terry; siblings, Russell (Ruby) Koppes, Joyce (Richard) Mahnke, Marilyn Kratz, Vera Patterson, and Carol (Carl) Heying; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ronald J. Koppes; and siblings and in-laws, Dolores “Dee” (Eugene “Tuffy”) Ernst, Dorrence (Mary Lou) Koppes, Joan (Carl) Dickerson, Wayne Kratz, John (Sue) Koppes, a niece Debbie, and a nephew, Curt.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com