Richard Dean Berstler

RICHARD DEAN BERSTLER

Fairfax

Richard Dean Berstler, 58, of Fairfax, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in his home from natural causes.

Celebration of Life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2018, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, 2121 Bowling St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Friends may visit with the family after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the chapel. As per Rich's wishes, please come casual and enjoy the good times.

Richard was born July 5, 1960, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Ralph and Kathryn (McDonald) Berstler. He graduated from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids in 1979, and worked for Hertz, Cedar Rapids for 22 years. He married Sheri Weidlein on July 20, 1979, promptly joined the Marine Corps and moved to California with his bride and daughter, Jennifer. In California, he had a son, Jeremy. Rich moved back to Cedar Rapids to become a mechanic and raise his family. He had lived in Fairfax since 1985. He enjoyed racing his vintage sprint car, fishing and telling jokes. His grandkids called him "Funny Papa." Rich, Richie or Dick, as his family lovingly called him, always was there to help anyone who needed him. He would help people by fixing their cars, lending advice, an ear, a meal, or even the shirt off his own back. He had his own ways, he never lived inside of the box. If there was a rule to be broken, he would break it.

Known for his giant toy box, aka the garage, and his big heart, he would spend countless hours preparing for the next race, and entertaining his friends and family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Sheri; daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Michael; son, Jeremy Berstler; brothers, Tom (Debbie) Berstler and Robert (Janan) Berstler; sister, Jill Berstler; and five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Max, Atreyu, Xylina and Gavin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Kathryn Berstler.