Memorial

Richard L. Pike Jr., 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed peacefully Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at his home from lymphoma and leukemia complications.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 Sunday, Aug. 20 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.  Funeral service at 2:00.  Burial with family will follow service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rick was born January 30, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Shirley (Methven) and Richard Pike.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1965.  Rick honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, where he was stationed in Germany.  He worked at Wilson and Co., Colonial Bread, and retired from the US Postal Service.  For over 30 years Rick was a pitcher for many area fastpitch softball teams, with membership in the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame.  Rick was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and helped win many 1st place trophies in the church fastpitch league for Asbury.  

Rick enjoyed coaching all of his children in softball and baseball through the Cedar Hills Booster Club, and wrestling and basketball through the YMCA.  Rick was a 30 year member of the Jefferson High School Athletic Booster Club running concession stands at Kingston Stadium and Jefferson High School, earning the Crystal J-hawk and lifetime membership.  Later in life, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren participating in sports, band, orchestra, choir, theater, and show choir.  He looked forward to visits from grandchildren, trips to get ice cream, and attending Hawkeye wrestling meets.  Rick will be remembered for sharing Tootsie Rolls, rubber band balls, newspaper clippings, and his vast collection of sport memorabilia.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years Jane (Netolicky) Pike; Children Theresa (Douglas) Hill, Bradley (Luciana) Pike, Scott (Alicia) Wall, Travis (Valerie Anderson) Pike, Kimberly (Trent) Pilkington; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Robert (Ginger) Pike, sisters Roxanne (Kevin) Waggoner, Rayanne (John) Northrup; brothers-in-law John (Kimberly) Netolicky, Joe (Linda) Netolicky, sister-in-law Mary Jo (David) Meggers; and many nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Richard Pike.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice and the Grace Episcopal Medical Lending Closet.

In Rick’s honor, memorial donations may be directed to the family who will gift to area organizations.