Richard Pelzer

RICHARD JOHN PELZER

Tipton

Richard John Pelzer, 89, of Tipton, left this life Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home, Tipton. Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Fry Funeral Home for a time of visitation, with a public rosary preceding at 3:45 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tipton. Interment with full military honors will conclude at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Tipton. A memorial in Richard's honor has been established. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Richard "Dick" was born March 23, 1928, in Sharon Township, Johnson County, Iowa, to Ralph and Pauline (Knebel) Pelzer. He attended country school near Atalissa through the eighth grade and then proceeded to West Liberty High School, where he graduated in 1945, at the age of 17. He skipped the sixth grade in country school because he was so smart, at least that is what he told his children. Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, Dick returned home to farm.

He was united in marriage to his wife of 66 years, Theresa Clements, on Jan. 27, 1951. They loved dancing, playing cards with friends and going to local high school sporting events. Dick also enjoyed bowling and was a longtime member of the St. Mary's team. Dick also spent many years working for the Cedar County ASC office and was a 4-H club leader for the Center Ring Leaders. He was a member of the Bennett American Legion, past board member of the Cedar County Coop and served as an usher at St. Mary's.

Dick was known for his boisterous laugh and one-liners. He was a connoisseur of ice cream and various cuts of meat. Give him a hammer and he could fix anything. His family had many nicknames for him, but the ones who describe him best were dad and grandpa. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving Dick is his wife, Theresa Pelzer; his children, Dennis (Dixie) Pelzer, Diane (Rick) Moon, Jean (Jerry) Keller, Joanne (Rick) Gritton and Mike (Kim) Pelzer; brother, Donald (Kathleen) Pelzer; grandchildren, Adelena Waldon, Tony Pelzer, Drew Pelzer, Kellie Jeffries, Brian Moon, Andrea Idowu, Ryan Keller, Angie Keller, Audie Puck and Noah Pelzer; and great-grandchildren, Nick, Alex, Jordan, Greyson, Jena Jean, Simon, Lucy, Vincent, Averi, Mason, Harvey, Teddy and Baby Waldon.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Paul and Hubert Pelzer; sisters, Eleanor McLachlan, Loretta Ruess and Mary Catherine Murphy; and grandson, David Behrle.