Ellrich, Richard A. (1929-2013)

ELLRICH, ROUSH, FRANZMEIER, SMITH, ELLIS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/15/2013 at 10:52:36

Richard A. Ellrich
December 7, 1929 - November 10, 2013

Richard Allen Ellrich, age 83, of Albert City, Iowa, died on November 10, 2013, at the Pleasant View Home in Albert City.

Richard Allen Ellrich, a son of Homer and Velma (Roush) Ellrich, was born at home in rural Newell, Iowa, on December 7, 1929. Richard, better known to many as Dick, lived his youth and received his education at the Newell Consolidated School, graduating in 1947. After completing high school, he worked for Sievers Implement and Knolls Plumbing and Heating before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951, serving during the Korean Conflict. He received an Honorable discharge in 1954 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

While in the service, Dick married the love of his life, Colleen Franzmeier, of Albert City, on December 29, 1951, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

After his discharge from the service, the family moved back to Newell where Dick was employed with his brother in the tiling business. In 1958, he began working for Sears Roebuck Co. out of the Storm Lake and Cherokee stores. There, he worked as the service repair manager until 1966 when the family moved to a farm near Albert City. While engaged in farming, he also began working for the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for Albert City, Laurens, and Marathon. He retired from the USPS in 1992.

An avid bowler, Dick also liked a good game of horseshoes. Indeed, he participated in both bowling and horseshoe leagues in the area. In addition, he joined the American Legion and National Rural Letter Carriers Association. He liked playing cards and was a Chiefs football fan. In his later years, he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing. Moreover, he had a perpetual interest in all of nature. Nonetheless, woodworking became his main passion. He would take on almost any project from remodeling the inside of a house to making a doll cradle. He strove for perfection in all he did.

Known to his family and friends as a quiet family man with a gentle soul, Dick took great pride in his family and country. He will always be missed by those who loved him best.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Kellie (Randy) Smith; Mary Ellen (Gary) Ellis; and Kathleen, Michael (Mary), and Alan Ellrich; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nola Ellrich; as well as extended family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Colleen (1999); and his brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Franzmeier (1992).

“A man’s most lasting influence on the world is seen in the faces of his family… in the light in their eyes when they talk about him… in the love they will hold onto forever.”

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Laurens, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home where the family will be present the entire time. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2013, Sliefert Funeral Homes

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