Richard Dean Hupfeld

Richard Dean Hupfeld

Iowa City

Richard Dean Hupfeld, 84, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026. Dick was born in Vinton, Iowa, and grew up in Keystone, Iowa, which he often referred to as “God’s country.” He married the love of his life, Judith Reardon, in 1965, and together they raised their two children in Iowa City.

Dick had fond memories of his childhood in Keystone, including serving as the town’s paper boy, trick-or-treating at Halloween, going to Saturday afternoon movies, swimming in the “crick,” and building model cars. He was a talented athlete and played on his high school’s basketball and baseball teams. His teenage accomplishments culminated in the purchase and restoration of a 1951 Mercury, cementing a reputation that preceded him among the towns and teenagers of Benton County. He always had a special place in his heart for his classmates from the KHS class of 1959. Dick’s love of sports carried over into competitive tennis and golf in his adult years (including two hole-in-ones) as well as cheering on University of Iowa sports.

Dick’s logical, analytical mind led him to an early fascination with the brand-new computer industry. He became a computer operator with Measurement Research Center in 1962 and was promoted regularly in the following years, playing an important role in the development of educational data systems. He attended the University of Iowa while working, earning a degree in Mathematical Sciences. Eventually, he became Chief Planner, Computer Center with Westinghouse Learning Corporation.

However, Dick had always longed to work for himself. He had started buying and managing properties for himself in the 1970s. In the 1980s, he decided to pivot and reinvent himself as a Realtor. After a successful career in real estate, he retired from Coldwell Banker as a partner and spent much of his retirement traveling with his wife Judy to countries around the world.

His family will miss his integrity, his sense of humor, and his deep commitment to the value of hard work. They will continue to roll their eyes at stories about his legendary penny-pinching, while hearing his voice in the back of their heads any time they want to live a little, for crying out loud.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Gladys Hupfeld; brother Gerald Hupfeld; and sister Maylene Burrows. He is survived by his wife, Judy Hupfeld; daughter Kelly Hupfeld (Kirk MInckler) and son Christopher Hupfeld (Amy Matayoshi); and four beloved grandchildren: Matthew, Liane, Jonathan, and Midori.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Oaknoll Foundation (Health Center) or to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com.