Whiteaker, Richard G.

Richard G. Whiteaker, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at his home, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with Pastor Sheryll Ann Untiedt officiating. A private family burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 1 until 3 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel.

Richard "Dick” is survived by his loving wife, Betty; children, Doug (Randi) Whiteaker of Scottsdale, Ariz., Wendy (Emil Vezarov) Whiteaker of Boston, Mass., Rick (Amy Belice) Whiteaker of Cedar Rapids and Stacy (Kevin) Hillegas of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Alyssa and Ellie Whiteaker, Ashley Sparks, Berkley Swartzendruber, Schaefer Whiteaker and Sydney Hillegas; and great-grandchildren, Payton and Ryder Sparks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Abner and Clare Whiteaker.

Dick was born Nov. 19, 1925, in Chicago, the son of Abner and Clare (Conrad) Whiteaker. He married Betty Laurer on May 16, 1953, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dick graduated from Purdue University, with a degree in mechanical engineering and had P.E. licenses in many states.

Dick and Betty founded Pool Tech Inc. in Cedar Rapids, starting the company in 1973. Dick brought a unique perspective to the aquatics industry with his engineering background and was a pioneer in establishing professional standards and processes to aquatics design and state health codes, including safe environments for water and air quality.

Dick was an early member of the International Master Pools Guild. Dick belonged to Westminister Church and enjoyed being with people, hearing their stories, and sharing smiles.

The Whiteaker family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Cottage Grove Place, Home Choice, Comfort Care, the Mercy emergency and hospital staff, Hospice of Mercy and COTS (Cord of Three Strands) for their ever present kindness and care of Dick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Monticello ().

Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Dec. 29, 2013 in The Gazette