Aldershof, Richard Dee

Richard Dee Aldershof, 75, of Cedar Rapids, died Jan. 8, 2011, following an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. A Masonic service will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Memories. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Surviving are his children, Dawn Janopoulos and husband Mike of Waterloo and Linc Aldershof of Marion; grandchildren, Abbey and Adam Thomas of Waterloo, Annie Thomas of Cedar Falls, Heath Aldershof and wife Jennifer of North Carolina, and Brock Aldershof of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Kamren and Jessica; and brothers, Kent Aldershof of New Jersey, John “Jack” Aldershof of Cedar Rapids and William “Bill” Aldershof and wife Carla of Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joyce.

Richard Dee Aldershof was born Mary 1, 1935, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Peter and Margaret (Nordstrom) Aldershof. He married Joyce E. Kennedy on March 6, 1954, in Annapolis, Md., and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Joyce preceded him in death in 2003. He was the president of Cedar Rapids Tent and Awning Co., a life long family business. He served as president of the Upper Midwest Canvas Products Association and served on various boards in the Industrial Fabrics Association International.

Richard was a member of several Masonic bodies and held positions of leadership in those organizations. Those memberships and accomplishments include member of Crescent Lodge No. 25 AF&AM, where he served as Master in 1970 and was a 50-year member and served as Senior Grand Deacon at the state level, a member of Cedar Rapids Consistory, where he received the Inspectors General Honorary 33rd degree and served for many years as the personal representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, a member of the El Kahir Shrine AAONMS, where he was Potentate in 1973, and a member of the York rite (Knights Templar), where he was a Knight of the York Cross of Honour.

In addition to his career and Masonic activities, Richard's enjoyments included fishing, golf and hunting. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard's honor may be made to the El Kahir Shrine Endowment Fund, 1400 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Richard's family on the website,  under obituaries.