October 15, 1948 – June 2, 2025
Clear Lake – Frederick “Rick” Charles Brush Jr., 76, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.
Rick was born October 15,1948, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Dr. Frederick Charles Sr. and Florence Alliene (Fillenwarth) Brush. The family moved to Mason City when he was 4. He spent 2 of his high school years at the Institute of Montana in Switzerland and traveled throughout Europe then graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1967. His college years took him to Western State College in Colorado, and The University of Montana in Missoula, earning his B.A. from the University of Iowa.
Rick enjoyed careers in real estate and as a commercial pilot-then onto commodities trading. He also spent time farming alongside his brother in Lourdes, Iowa and Mitchell, South Dakota. He was always ready to talk crops and rain!
An adventurous soul, Rick loved sailing and was an active member of the Clear Lake Yacht Club, where he participated in sailboat races from his childhood at The Outing Club into his adult years. He also enjoyed skiing, a love of folk music, and poetry. He collected memories of the past in history projects and postcards that he shared with family and friends.
Following a tragic flying accident that left him a paraplegic in 1987, Rick met life’s challenges with courage and resilience. Rick’s circle of friends was broad and deep. He was fiercely independent in his wheelchair and loved to share a good story or recite some poetry or quote from a book! He will be missed.
Rick is survived by his siblings, Mary Brush Young of Truckee, CA, Jim (Cate) Brush of Pagosa Springs, CO, Margaret (Brad) Osmundson, Eden Prairie, MN; along with nieces and nephews.
Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frederick and Florence Brush.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date in August, 2025.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.
colonialchapels.com