William Richard Summerwill

William Richard Summerwill

Iowa City

William Richard Summerwill, 89, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hancher Auditorium’s Stanley Cafe. A time of remembrance will be held at 11 am.

He was born on December 5, 1935, in Sioux City, IA to Maurine (Jacobsen) and William W. Summerwill. The family moved to Iowa City in 1936, where Dick attended Lincoln, Central, and City High schools, graduating in 1954.

Dick attended the University of Michigan on an NROTC scholarship. He was a member of the varsity wrestling team and graduated with a BA in Economics in 1958. During his time at Michigan, he met his wife, Joyce Phaneuf, on a blind date and they were married on February 7, 1959. Following graduation, he served three years on active duty as an executive officer on the USS Hunting stationed in Norfolk, VA.

After leaving the Navy, he joined the commercial lending group of Northern Trust in Chicago. In 1963, he and his family moved to Iowa City, where he joined the Iowa State Bank & Trust Company, which was founded in 1934 by his grandfather, Ben S. Summerwill. He served as President and CEO from 1978 to 2000 and continued as Chairman of the Board until 2011. Often called “the people’s banker,” he preferred to help organizations and individuals who needed it most. He also held leadership positions in several state and federal banking organizations.

Dick’s community was important to him. He gave generously of his time and energy to numerous causes and organizations. He was an early champion of women’s athletics, serving as the past president of the Iowa Plus Women’s Athletics Advisory Board. He was also a key board member of the Ronald McDonald House, Englert Theatre, Riverside Theatre, the Iowa City Development Group, and the Foreign Relations Committee, among many others.

He and Joyce shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and cherishing time at their Michigan cottage with family and friends. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting at his beloved “Wild Kingdom.” He enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, biking, bocce and anything that could be turned into a competition. He was well-known for his sense of humor and distinct laugh, his outgoing and inclusive personality, and his loyal friendships.

Above all, family was most important to Dick. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and their three children: Tracy McCormick (Kenneth), Pasadena, CA; Kelly Summerwill, Hinsdale, IL; and Jeffrey Summerwill, St. Charles, IL. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren - Tracy’s daughters Katie Hampton (Jack) and Amy Vokey (Nick); and sons Charlie McCormick and Jon McCormick (Erica); Kelly’s daughter Annie Schulz; and Jeffrey’s sons, Thomas and Ryan Summerwill – as well as four great-grandchildren; his sister, Ann Swaney of Cedar Rapids, and the many beloved Summerwill cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law, Bridget, and his brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Swaney.

The Summerwill family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful care Dick received from Lexie and her exceptional team at Oaknoll’s memory care unit, The Loft.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Englert Theatre, Oaknoll Memory Care (The Loft), or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com under Obituaries.