Memorial

Richard Lee Grodt, 80, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, following an extended illness.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the First Lutheran Church: 1000 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM, at the church. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Richard was born July 11, 1943, in Paducah, Kentucky, the son of John and Margery (Simon) Grodt.  At the age of 16, Dick achieved his private pilot’s license.  Flying was his second love; his first love was Mary Kay Hinkle.  They were united in marriage on August 22, 1965, in Des Moines, Iowa.  Dick was employed for 25 years at CMFNZ, where he was the Senior Art Director in the advertising department.  He designed the original State of Iowa symbol.  Dick enjoyed being a watercolor artist.  He was nationally recognized and a signature member of IWS (Iowa Watercolor Society).  Dick’s artwork was displayed at many locations, including The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis, MN.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Kay of Cedar Rapids, IA; son, Eric Grodt of Cedar Rapids, IA; a daughter, Stephanie (Kris) Peck of Roseville, MN; four grandchildren, Sam Grodt and Elena Grodt both of Virginia; Lydia Peck of Tucson, AZ; and Madeleine Peck of Roseville, MN; three siblings, Don (Delia) Grodt of Brooklyn, NY; David (Vicki) Grodt of Des Moines, IA; and Linda (John) Berg of Minneapolis, MN; and loving extended family members and friends.  Dick was preceded by his parents, and brother-in-law, Tom Hinkle.

Even with the challenges Dick faced in his life; he was always smiling, good natured, and easy going.  His motto was “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it is about learning how to dance in the rain!”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation: https://sp-foundation.org/get-involved/donate-here/