Memorial
Dick passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 22, 2026.
Dick was born at home on February 13, 1936, in Blairstown in the midst of the “worse Iowa winter on record”. He grew up on a farm near Keystone and graduated from Keystone High School in 1954. Dick proudly served with honor and dignity with 101st Airborne stationed in Fort Cambell, Kentucky and the 508th stationed in Japan in 1955 - 1956. After serving his country, he was employed as a pipeline welder for 36 years at Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric until his retirement in 1995.
He and Karen were married on September 3, 1960, in Cedar Rapids. They vacationed in Arizona during the winters for 30 years. He and Karen, together with 4 other couples were co-founding members Cedar Rapids Area Practical Shooters, Inc in 1980 where they shot competitively and served on the board for more than 30 years.
Whether you knew him as Dick, Richard, RKB, uncle, dad, or grandpa, he was admired and respectful role model to all who knew him. His sense of strong work ethic, responsibility, integrity, and punctuality were evident in his everyday life. His skill as a gunsmith and passion of the sport of shooting were widely recognized and appreciated; he was known as the “1911 guy”. His greatest pleasure was competitive shooting and the relationships built with fellow shooters in matches all over the U.S. and with many local clubs and organizations. After retirement, you could find him in his shop building or repairing a 1911 race gun! He was a member /volunteer at Isaac Walton for many years and an ardent supporter of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center where he was a frequent and faithful donor. He was a member of United States Practical Shooting Association, Isaac Walton League-Linn County Chapter, American Legion Post- 170 - Blairstown, Iowa, National Rifle Association and Cedar Rapids Area Practical Shooters
In addition to the thousands of hours he spent in his workshop, he took great pleasure in having dinner with good friends or family over a succulent filet mignon, watching the Military & History channels, or old western movies. He was so proud of his children and grandson whose accomplishments brought him great joy!
He was a loving and thoughtful husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen, 3 sons, Chris (Molly), Todd, Kimm (Heidi), and grandson, Dalton. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.
“Thank you Dick, my buddy and soulmate, for taking such good care of me. I will always hold dear the unconditional love, kindness and mutual respect we shared” Karen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with Military Honors.