Richard Havercamp

RICHARD HAVERCAMP

2/27/1931 – 5/30/2014

Richard "Dick" Paul Havercamp was born Feb. 27, 1931, in Muscatine, Iowa, to his parents Vivian and Paul. He had an older sister, Doris; and a twin

sister, Virginia, "Ginny." Upon graduating high school, he attended the University of Iowa, where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1955, majoring in engineering. He was employed at Rockwell Collins for two years before returning to the University of Iowa to receive his Master's Degree in electrical engineering in 1957. Dick would go on to have a most impressive and accomplished engineering career that spanned the next 40 years, until his retirement in 1997.

After receiving his master's, Dick was first employed at Turners in Cedar Rapids and it was there he met his beautiful and loving wife, Shirley. They would marry in 1961. Richard went on to work at Rockwell Collins for the next 15 years. Unfortunately, layoffs and cutbacks forced Dick to seek other employment, which he found at Oaktron Industries located, inconveniently, in Monroe, Wis. Despite the incredibly long commute, Richard was employed there for 17 years, for many of which he was chief engineer.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Oaktron went bankrupt and thus Richard sought new employment. He found said employment at Xetron, which was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. While this represented a significant commuting distance of 1,050 miles per week, the employment was quite lucrative. In addition to that, Dick had excellent companions for the trip. Of course, Shirley was at his side most of the time, but his dogs went with him always. His Chihuahuas were awesome companions and truly loved the journey. It was a hard trip for sure and being away from his home and family was challenging, but nevertheless, Dick persevered for 11 years, always to come home again.

Richard married Shirley Belle Marti on June 25, 1961. They were never parted, nor shall they ever be. Richard was a loving and devoted husband and

a wonderful

father. He instilled in all of us, his children, a love of learning, a passion for knowledge and a love and respect for animals, especially dogs. He had a passion for boating and being on the water. Many wonderful family weekends were spent exploring and adoring the beautiful Mississippi from our home away from home, our cabin cruiser, the Dixie Belle.

Richard was also an avid golfer, having won

several Pro-Am tournaments throughout his distinguished career. The memories and experiences my father gave us are precious and priceless. The life lessons that he taught us are invaluable. He taught us the value of honesty and integrity. He showed us the importance of hard work and devotion to family. A better husband or father could never be asked for, nor found.

Dick is survived by his wife, Shirley; his five children, Michael, Amy, Molly, Heidi and David; his grandson, Alain; and great-grandson, Aaron.

We shall love and cherish you always, Daddy!

Visitation for Richard will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, at Morgan Funeral & Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon, services immediately following the visitation. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine, Iowa.