Fangman, Richard Joseph

Richard Joseph Fangman was born August 5, 1929, at Dyersville, Iowa, the son of William and Rita Milbert Fangman. The family moved to the home farm in the Monti area when Dick was seven. He attended the local country school and graduated with the Winthrop High School class of 1946. He was proud to have served his country in the Korean conflict, attaining the rank of Sargent in the United States Army.

On Oct. 9, 1954, Richard was united in marriage to Phyllis Ryan at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Winthrop, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Michael, Gerald, Pam and David. As well as farming on the family farm, Dick ran a backhoe for 44 years with his farm drainage business, Neighbor-Fangman Tiling, retiring this spring. Phyllis entered into her eternal rest on March 3, 2004.

On August 25, 2007, Dick was united in marriage to Mary Ann Heiring Ward at St. Patrick's Church in Monti, and lived there just north of the church.

Being a sincere, hardworking, progressive farmer and tiller, Dick was a faithful Catholic, an avid NASCAR fan, a staunch Democrat and preferred John Deere equipment. He was a very gentle and kind family man who was affectionately called Papa by his beloved three grandchildren.

At the age of 81 years, Dick entered into his eternal rest on Monday, June 20, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following a sudden illness.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Phyllis; his two brothers: William and Daniel Fangman; and his two sisters: Ruth Hearn and Rosemary Offerman.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; his three sons, Michael (Daniella) Fangman of Walker, Gerald (Janet) of Winthrop, and David of Marion; his daughter, Pam (Mike) Ratchford of Independence; three grandchildren, Nicole (Kris) Gruber, Chelsea Ratchford and Michael Ratchford; his brother, Dr. John Fangman of Edina, Minn.; his sister, Eunice Mahoney of Independence; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monti with Father Donald J. Plamondon officiating, and Teresa Horak and the St. Patrick Choir providing the music. Casketbearers will be Dean Bovenmyer, Dave Flexenhar, Scott Bradley, Don Fangman, Eldon Baragary, Pat Mahoney, Charlie Ward, and Matt Ward. Honorary bearers will be: Kent and Kay Neighbor, Andy Monaghan and Leo and Lois Francois. Interment will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery at Monti.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop, where there will be a rosary at 2 p.m. and a Scripture service at 8 p.m.

The Fawcett Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of Winthrop assisted the family with arrangements.

A message may be sent to the family at under obituaries.