SCHMIDTKE, Richard Dale 1947-2013

SCHMIDTKE, MEYERS, CASTER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/29/2013 at 01:59:46

Richard Dale Schmidtke

Charles City, Iowa — Richard Dale Schmidtke, 65, of Charles City, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2013, peacefully at home with his wife, Deborah by his side.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 30, at 10:30 a.m., at the Bethany Alliance Church in Charles City.

Richard Schmidtke was born June 5, 1947, the son of Vernon and Hazel (Meyers) Schmidtke. He was united in marriage to Deborah Caster on April 24, 1993. Throughout the years, Rich was employed with Home Services, Mason City, from 1968-73; James Refrigeration, Charles City, from 1974-77; and Mechanical Air Systems, Mason City, from 1978 until retiring from there in 2009.

Rich was a man of many talents. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t do or anything he couldn’t fix. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who ever needed him. He worked hard and played hard. He loved living in the country and turned their home into a show place. Rich enjoyed trout fishing, camping, playing games and gambling trips with all his friends. He will truly be missed by all who loved him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the hospice staff, especially Nurse Amy and Pastor Janet. Also, the radiation oncology department at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Rich is survived by his wife, Debbie; children: Rachelle Mineck, Cory Schmidtke and Andrew Schmidtke (special friend Michelle Maggard); step-children Todd Caster and Wendy (Craig) Bonzer; grandchildren: Makhenna, Riley, Emily, Spencer, Ben and Sam; his brother, Ray; and nephews Brian and Tony.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law, Judy Schmidtke; and his very special companion, Shelby, the family pet.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Jan. 29, 2013