Richard “Dick” Deist, 69, of Charles City, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021 at his home after a long and courageous battle against cancer.
A private family funeral Mass for Dick Deist will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City with Reverend Tom Heathershaw officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.
Visitation will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Richard William Deist was the son of Kenneth and Eleanor (Morrison) Deist. He was born on March 4, 1952 in Charles City. He graduated from Charles City High School and then went on to North Iowa Area Community College to pursue his career in law enforcement. On March 3, 1979, Dick was united in marriage to Catherine Ann Kraus Thoman at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City and later Dick joined Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where they renewed their vows on January 13, 1989. He worked for the Charles City Police Department for 33 years before retiring in 2007. During his 33 year career as a dispatcher for the Police Department, Dick also worked weekends as a police officer in Nora Springs for many years. After retirement, Dick continued to do lawn care and snow removal until present as well as took on a custodial position for Immaculate Conception Catholic School. He also maintained the Memorial Park Fountain for the Women’s Association. Dick’s work ethic started at a very young age, he was always told, “if you have time to play…you should be working.”
The highlight of Dick’s life in his retirement years was being able to go on several cruises. Dick and Kay cruised the waters many times as well as enjoyed taking his family on top notch vacations including three cruises and a trip to the Dominican Republic. He always said how much joy it brought to him to take the entire family on vacation and just sit back and watch how much fun they were having. Although Dick never had any biological children, he treated his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids as if they were his own. Whenever you needed something, he was the first one there, eager to help in any way. Dick was also never one to miss out on his morning coffee groups. He could be found out and about before the coffee was even brewed. Besides sharing his courageous personality with the community, Dick was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Dick is survived by his wife, Kay, of 42 years; his daughters: Deanna Morris (Mark Meyer) and Darlene Nierling; his grandchildren: Katie (Ryley) Layden, Courtney Nierling, and Makayla Nierling; great-grandchildren: Morris, Mylo, and Monroe Layden; brother-in-law, Barrie Swinbank; niece, Amy (Chris) Beem; nephew, Bryan (Kathryn) Swinbank; and great-nephew, Farris.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Deist; mother, Eleanor (Morrison) Deist; sister, Katherine Swinbank; granddaughter, Makinzey Nierling; and son-in-law, Clint Nierling; along with grandparents and many cousins.
Memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Charles City in honor of Dick.
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