Richard D. “Rich” Enfield

ENFIELD, MATTISON, RATHMEL, NISSLEY, DEFOSSE, CHAPMAN, BOWERS, FLEMING, KOBUS

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 1/6/2010 at 16:17:31

Richard D. “Rich” Enfield, 74, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Mercy Hospital Hospice in Iowa City.

Rich was born August 21, 1935 in West Chester, Iowa, the son of Ivan and Maude (Mattison) Enfield. Growing up in Wellman, he graduated from Wellman High School in 1954, of which he was class vice-president. He served in the Army National Guard from 1954 – 1958. He married Freida Rathmel November 20, 1955 in Wellman, Iowa. (Freda died in 1992). Rich worked at Amana Refrigeration and also farmed near Wellman. He then received his mechanics diploma from a technical school in St. Louis, specializing in diesel engines. He worked as a mechanic at the Texaco Station in Wellman and the Case Implement Dealership in Kalona. On August 2, 1997, Rich married Nancy Nissley in Wellman (Nancy died in 2004). In the mid 1980’s, he went to work for Pyramid Services in Iowa City until his retirement in 2005. Rich then married Elaine DeFosse September 15, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas.

After retirement, he worked part-time at Iowa City Tire as a courtesy shuttle driver. He also operated Enfield Repair, (small engine repair) for many years. He was a member of Asbury Methodist Church, First Mennonite Church in Iowa City and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mediapolis. Rich enjoyed bowling, golfing, stock car racing, traveling and enjoyed fishing with his grandson Rob. Above all, he enjoyed time visiting with family and friends.

Rich is survived by his wife Elaine; son, Rick Enfield (Brenda) of Cedar Rapids and daughter, Tina (Terry) Chapman of North Liberty; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; step-son, Gene Nissley (Pat) of Iowa City, John Nissley (Sandy) of Iowa City, Terry Nissley (Denise) of Lacy, Washington, Randy Nissley (Deb) and Mervin Nissley, all of Hills;
sister, Gerrie Enfield of Burlington, Iowa; brothers and sisters in law, Sam Rathmel (Cora Marie) of Knoxville, Iowa, Rita Rathmel of Gravois Mills, Missouri and Paul Bowers (Mary Lou) of Iowa City, Don DeFosse (Barb) of Mediapolis, Marlene Fleming of Morning Sun, Jean Kobus (Dean) of San Antonio, Texas; a magnitude of nieces & nephews and his beloved dog Domino.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Freida, his wife Nancy, a brother Charles and a step-son Kevin.