Richard Paul Cochran, 23 Dec 1937 - 15 May 2024

COCHRAN, MARTIN, HOLLOPETER, MERTENS, STOGDILL

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 5/24/2024 at 09:21:12

Richard Paul Cochran, 86, of Ladora, IA passed from this earth to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on May 15, 2024 doing what he loved, tilling the soil.

Richard was born on December 23, 1937 in Redfield, IA to Ralph and Florence (Martin) Cochran. He was the youngest of 5 children, with 3 brothers and 1 sister. He grew up in Redfield and graduated with the Redfield High School class of 1955. He then attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa, IA.

While in college he worked at the skating rink where he met his future wife, Joyce. They were married on September 12, 1956 at the Lacey Methodist Church.

Richard worked as a hired man in rural Oskaloosa until January 1966. At that time, he moved his family to Ladora and began his farming career. He and Joyce maintained the farm and in 1974 they built the cattle confinement that is still in operation today, I-80 Custom Feed Lot. He was passionate about feeding cattle and that led him to become president of the Iowa County Cattlemen Association and was also the Director of the State Cattlemen’s Board.

The 4th of July parades were the highlight of his year with his 3 antique tractors, often convincing his grandchildren to ride with him and throw candy.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce of 68 years; his children, RaeJean (Tim) Hollopeter of Ladora, IA Connie (Doug) Mertens of Hartwick, IA and Michael Cochran of Joliet, IL; his sister, Beverly Stogdill of Des Moines; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous friends, fellow farmers, and his right-hand man, Jim Patterson of Belle Plaine, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Dick’s greatest passion in life was talking about cattle and farming.

His family would like to thank Iowa County EMS, Victor Frist Responders and neighbors for completing the spring planting.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Victor First Responders, mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, 808 4th St., Victor, IA 52347.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home in Victor, IA.

A private family burial will be held at Ohio Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 pm, with the family present from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home in Victor, IA.

Published in The Gazette on May 19, 2024 and in The Hometown Current on May 22, 2024.