Richard was born on June 13, 1930 in West Union, Iowa the son of Joseph L. and Josephine “Josie” (Blockhus) Schmelzer, Sr. He attended country school. Richard then served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He was united in marriage with Dorothy Van Sickle on June 6, 1955 in West Union, Iowa. Richard farmed with his family and later on his own, and was a supervisor at Iowa Ham, Retiring in 1992. When he wasn’t busy working, Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting (both game and mushrooms), cards, gardening, making jerky, visiting with his friends and family and trips to Branson, Missouri. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Oelwein; two sons: Gene (Joan) Schmelzer and Mark (Ann) Schmelzer both of Vinton, Iowa; a daughter, Sherry (Dennis) Zimpfer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren: Brian, Beth, Zachary, Ashley, Alexandra and Brock; three great grandchildren: Natalie, Riley and Henry; a sister, Janice (Allan) Leonard of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, Larry Riley of Fayette, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine; two brothers, Thomas Schmelzer and Joseph L. Schmelzer, Jr.; and a sister, Georgie Ann Riley.
Richard was born on June 13, 1930 in West Union, Iowa the son of Joseph L. and Josephine “Josie” (Blockhus) Schmelzer, Sr. He attended country school. Richard then served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. He was united in marriage with Dorothy Van Sickle on June 6, 1955 in West Union, Iowa. Richard farmed with his family and later on his own, and was a supervisor at Iowa Ham, Retiring in 1992. When he wasn’t busy working, Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting (both game and mushrooms), cards, gardening, making jerky, visiting with his friends and family and trips to Branson, Missouri. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Oelwein; two sons: Gene (Joan) Schmelzer and Mark (Ann) Schmelzer both of Vinton, Iowa; a daughter, Sherry (Dennis) Zimpfer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren: Brian, Beth, Zachary, Ashley, Alexandra and Brock; three great grandchildren: Natalie, Riley and Henry; a sister, Janice (Allan) Leonard of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, Larry Riley of Fayette, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine; two brothers, Thomas Schmelzer and Joseph L. Schmelzer, Jr.; and a sister, Georgie Ann Riley.
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