Memorial

Richard G. Whiteaker, 88, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at his home with his family by his side.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memoires and will be officiated by Pastor Sheryll Ann Untiedt. A private family burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.         

Richard (Dick) is survived by his loving wife Betty; children Doug (Randi) Whiteaker of Scottsdale, AZ, Wendy (Emil Vezarov) Whiteaker of Boston, MA, Rick (Amy Belice) Whiteaker of Cedar Rapids, and Stacy (Kevin) Hillegas of Austin, TX; seven grandchildren Andrew, Alyssa and Ellie Whiteaker, Ashley Sparks, Berkley Swartzendruber, Schaefer Whiteaker, and Sydney Hillegas; and great grandchildren Payton and Ryder Sparks.   

He was preceded in death by his parents Abner and Clare Whiteaker.        

Dick was born on November 19, 1925 in Chicago, IL, the son of Abner and Clare (Conrad) Whiteaker.  He married Betty Laurer on May 16, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Dick graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical engineering and had P.E. licenses in many states.  Dick and Betty founded Pool Tech Inc. in Cedar Rapids starting the company in 1973.  Dick brought a unique perspective to the Aquatics industry with his engineering background and was a pioneer in establishing professional standards and processes to Aquatics design and state health codes, including safe environments for water and air quality.  Dick was an early member of the international Master Pools Guild. Dick belonged to Westminister Church and enjoyed being with people, hearing their stories, and sharing smiles.   

The Whiteaker family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Cottage Grove Place, Home Choice, Comfort Care, the Mercy Emergency and Hospital staff, Mercy Hospice, and COTS (Cord of Three Strands) for their ever present kindness and care of Dick. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA (www.campcourageous.org).