Richard Wiskus

   Richard Lee, son of John J. and Regina (Bauer) Wiskus, was born September 9, 1947, at home in Dedham, Iowa. He attended St. Joseph’s school in Dedham and high school at Kuemper graduating in 1965.  Rich was drafted in to the U.S. Army and attended training at Fort Bliss and Fort Huachuca before being stationed in Korea for 18 months. After being honorably discharged, he returned to the family farm.

    In April of 1971, Rich was united in marriage with Barbara Stuhr. Five children were born to this union.  They made their home south of Dedham on the family farm.  On June 11, 1993, Rich was united in marriage to Joan Paulsen. They had one son together. Rich loved all his children and grandchildren very much, and enjoyed attending their basketball and softball games, orchestra concerts, horse shows, Carroll County Fairs, Boy Scouts, 4-H and FFA events, and the many hours spent helping the boys with their Figure 8 cars and watching them race. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids.  Rich’s first love was the farm. He grew up milking cows and was a member of the Dedham Rough Riders 4-H Club. He farmed with his Dad for several years. He then worked several jobs off the farm, including Halbur Feed & Grain, Venteicher Electric and Rose Acres. He enjoyed working with livestock and had raised a menagerie of animals throughout the years including: cows, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, geese, and other exotic birds. Springtime and calving season were a favorite as new life started to bloom and grow. He loved to watch the new baby animals kick up their heels and play. Another favorite activity was going to the sale barn on Saturdays.

   After a lengthy period of health problems, Rich entered the nursing home in July of 2016, and enjoyed Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids where he passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the age of 71 years, 6 months & 6 days. During his time at Thomas Rest Haven, Rich enjoyed the many activities, making new friends, and especially picking on the staff.

   Richard is survived by his wife Joan Wiskus of Dedham; children: Kathy (Jim) Long of Coon Rapids; Richard Jr. (Amy) Wiskus of Coon Rapids; Daniel (Brandi) Wiskus of Breda; Amy (Tom) Campbell of Lake City; Mary Wiskus of Harlan; and Jon (Marissa) Wiskus of Dedham; 22 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sisters: Florine Nielsen of Dedham; Dee (Dave) Kerkhoff of Templeton; Mary Ann (Larry) Brincks of Carroll; Janice Kracht of Coon Rapids; father-in-law Lyle Paulsen of Coon Rapids; sisters-in-law: Cleo Wiskus of Exira; Gloria (Joe) Risius of Ankeny; Michelle (AJ) Sterns of Johnston; Sue (Rich) Risius of Grimes; brothers-in-law: Larry (Diane) Paulsen of Coon Rapids; and Norm (Luann) Paulsen of Coon Rapids; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Charles Wiskus; mother-in-law Juanita Paulsen; and three brothers-in-law: Harold Nielsen, Eugene Brincks and Jim Kracht.

Funeral Service

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM

First United Methodist Church

Coon Rapids, Iowa

Officiating

Reverend Joyce Webb

Congregational Hymn

“I’ll Fly Away”

Lula Garnes, Organist

Recorded Selections

“Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn

“Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill

“If I Had Only Known” by Reba McEntire

Casket Bearers

Chad Nielsen     Craig Wiskus     Russ Burdette    

Jeff Kracht     Justin Kracht    Jeremy Kracht  

David James     Jeremy Tate

Honorary Casket Bearers

Lyle Paulsen     Norm Cretsinger     Dave Kerkhoff

Larry Gute     Larry Paulsen     Norman Paulsen

Interment with Military Honors

American Legion DeWitt-Loustaunau Post 20

U.S. Army Honor Guard

St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dedham, Iowa