Richard Mardesen

   Richard Mardesen, son of Vernon and Grace Mardesen, was born December 24, 1946, in Atlantic, Iowa. He grew up in Elk Horn and graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton High School in 1965.

   On November 30, 1968, Richard was united in marriage with  Sara Jane Sander in Elk Horn. Three children were born to this union. They made their home on the family farm west of Elk Horn. Besides farming, Richard also sold feed and made multiple trips to South Dakota to custom buy cattle and contracted hay. During this time Richard was active with the saddle club and a 4H leader.

   Richard was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and served on the board at Concerned Inc. for a number of years.  He and Sara enjoyed traveling the western United States and made many trips to Las Vegas to watch Professional Bull Riding. Richard was a very selfless and generous man. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.

   Even though Richard experienced a period of declining health, he passed away rather unexpectedly on Friday, June 14, 2019, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa. He was 72 years, 5 months and 21 days of age.

   Richard is survived by three children: Heath Mardesen and wife Michelle of Oxford; Adam Mardesen of Elk Horn and Katie Schmelzer and husband Tony of Tiffin; four grandchildren: Mary Kate and Timothy Mardesen of Oxford and Hunter and Sam Schmelzer of Tiffin; a sister Sharon Nelson and husband Richard of Omaha, Nebraska, and a sister-in-law Sue Mardesen of Elk Horn; a brother-in-law Terry Sander and wife Neta of Elk Horn; a sister-in-law Carol Bartlett and husband David of Chandler, Arizona; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sara in 2018 and a brother Darrell Mardesen. 

  Memorial donations will be directed to Elk Horn Fire and Rescue.

Officiating

Reverend Keith Menter

Message In Music

“Someday I Will Lead The Parade”   “Softly And Tenderly”

Darla Hansen, Vocalist

Janell Hansen, Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Mary Kate Mardesen    Tim Mardesen   

Hunter Schmelzer    Sam Schmelzer   

Tony Schmelzer     Jason Schulz

Honorary Casket Bearers

Terry Sander     David Bartlett     Richard Nelson