Bushnell, Richard M.

Richard M. Bushnell, 86, of Manchester, died peacefully on June 2 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, surrounded by his family. A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa on Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 1 p.m. As per his wishes, Dick has donated his body to the University of Iowa for medical research. Cremation will follow at a later date.

Dick is survived and lovingly remembered by his son, Miles Bushnell, of Sunnyvale, Calif.; daughter, Joanna Roland (George) of Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren, Erik and Elizabeth Roland, also of Bettendorf; sister-in-law, Freda Brandt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria; and sister, Lorraine Young.

Dick was born to Lilace and Miles Bushnell in Manchester, Iowa on May 24, 1926. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Frank Knox when she entered Tokyo Bay for the surrender and occupation of Japan. He graduated from Iowa State University where he was a member of the TKE fraternity and sang on the radio with his YMCA quartet.

Dick married Gloria Miller, the love of his life, on August 29, 1948. They were married for 62 years. Together they owned and operated Bushnell Plumbing and Heating in Manchester. Dick was a fair and honest businessman, who was well respected in his community. He knew no stranger and was a friend to everyone he met. His quick wit and storytelling delighted many.

Dick was a member of First Lutheran Church in Manchester, Lions Club, City of Manchester Airport Commission and Manchester Country Club. His musical talent was evidenced in his beautiful tenor voice and his ability to play by ear both the piano and organ. His favorite hobbies were golf, flying his Cessna 150 airplane, and attending the Cedar Rapids Symphony concerts. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island, IL is caring for Dick and his family.

Special thanks to Dr. Mikka Appel, Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House and The Meadows of Manchester for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center for sarcoma research or to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Dick will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

Published June 5, 2012 in The Gazette