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Northam, Richard H.
Richard H. Northam, 63, of Iowa City, died suddenly Feb. 28, 2011, at his home. Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City (Sunday parking ordinance will be in effect for the streets around the church). Burial, with military honors, will be at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, where a parish vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.
Richard Henry Northam was born Feb. 7, 1948, in Marshalltown, the son of George and Ida (Dankbar) Northam. Richard attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated from Catholic School in Marshalltown. On April 20, 1968, he married Emily Rowe of Grundy County, Iowa. The couple began a family with two sons they raised. In November 1971, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Medic stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Returning to the states, Richard served out his enlistment in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before being honorably discharged in 1975. He then moved his family to Iowa City, where he went on to attend and graduate from the University of Iowa, with a degree in chemistry.
After schooling he began a career with the City of Iowa City in the wastewater treatment plant, working for over 28 years, retiring in 2007. Dick's favorite pastimes included hunting and fishing with his two sons.
He was a diligent member and contributor to the state and national levels of the Department of Nature Resourses. Richard donated much energy, passion and annuals to the fish and wildlife foundation, clean air act, and as an active member of the local DNR and a member of the NRA. Richard was also involved in his local community.
Richard's surviving family includes his two sons, Chadwick M. Northam (Lee Ann) and Jason L. Northam (Amanda), and two granddaughters, Ainsley and Chelsey Northam, all of Iowa City; and his sister, Marie Franzenburg (Stephen) of Clive, Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ida Northam of Marshalltown.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at
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