Richard Staples

RICHARD STAPLES

McGregor

Richard Staples, 89, McGregor, passed way Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at his home in McGregor, following a long illness.

He was born June 26, 1924, to Howard and Alvina (Borcherding) Staples. The family moved to McGregor, where he grew up and

graduated from McGregor High School.

Richard was a World War II veteran, entering the U.S. Navy Air Force V5 program in 1943. While in the Navy, he attended the University of Iowa and St. Mary's College. After his honorable discharge, Richard attended college on the GI Bill and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State Teachers College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. After graduating, he taught and coached for four years at Lost Nation, where he twice led the girls' team to the Iowa High School State Basketball Tournament.

Richard was united in marriage to Alice Troester at First Congregational Church in McGregor on Sept. 22, 1956. Three children were born to this union. Richard returned to McGregor and began a 30 year career as a United States postmaster, retiring in 1985.

Richard had many talents and used each to the fullest. He was very passionate about many things including his faith, family, community and country. He was happiest in McGregor and at home.

He was most proud of his family and will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Alice of McGregor; his daughter, Lynn (Jim) O'Connor of

Cedar Rapids; sons, Dan (Kim) Staples of Cross Plains, Wis., and David (Tonya) Staples of Ventura, Calif.; his grandchildren, Mackenzie and Callie O'Connor,

Camille Terranova,

Madeline,

Natalie and Claire Staples and Nathan, Daniel and

Allison

Staples; nephews, Robert (Donna) Staples and Steve Staples; nieces, Mary Staples, Sharon Lynch, Sonna (Ed) Ryan and Susan (Bob) Stielow; sisters-in-law and brothers in law, Ruth (Larry) Weigle, Eldon (Lorna) Troester, Ray Troester, Lyle (Bonnie) Troester and Lois Troester; along with many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Alvina Staples; sister and brother-in-law, Helen (John) Beving; brother and sister-in-law, Virgil (Donna) Staples; nephew, William Lynch; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Alta Troester; brothers-in-law, Carl Troester and Robert Troester; sister-in-law, Janis Troester; and nephew, Paul Weigle.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Thornburg - Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, and also one hour before services Saturday at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the First Congregational Church in McGregor. The Rev. William Gentry will

officiate. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, with

military rites.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneral

homes.com.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, is in charge of arrangements.