Richard Dean Herlein
April 16, 2013
Richard Dean Herlein, 76, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 following a battle with cancer. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, with visitation on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m.
Richard was born on February 5, 1937 in Muscatine, Iowa to Dale and Dorothy (Bierman) Herlein. He graduated from Muscatine High School and then from the University of Iowa. He was a Special Education Teacher and consultant for over 40 years including AEA 16 and Muscatine College. Richard received the Richard Herlein Award for Outstanding Teaching by an Adjunct Faculty Member, after receiving the award he was quoted as saying “I couldn’t have stayed in the classroom where my heart was without the support of my family.” Richard was a member of St. Boniface Church, NEA, and ISEA.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Arlene Herlein of Urbandale, IA; son, Michael (Deb) Herlein of Kentucky; daughters, Cristina (Sam) Falbo of Chicago, Dori (Ron) Webb of Kansas City, son, Troy Herlein of South Carolina, and daughter, Amy (Mike) Duder of West Des Moines, IA; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and brother, Jim (Judy) Herlein of Columbia, MO; and many other loving relatives and special friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Camp REECE, P.O. Box 83, Washington, IA 52353 or Muscatine Community College. 152 Colorado St., Muscatine, IA 52761. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kara Birch
09/03/2013
I had Mr. Herlein for an instructor at Muscatine Communtiy College. It was his last semester, and on his last day he announced his cancer. I remeber he went around the room and told everyone what he saw in them. He was a great man and I am so thankful and honored for being one of his students. I am so sorry to his family and friends for the loss of him. He truly had a heart of gold. I wish I could have learned about this sooner to be there. In closing I would like to say thank you to him for what he said to me and I will always remember you.
Barbara Donkersloot
04/24/2013
Dear Herlein Family , Bob and I were sorry to learn of Dick's death. We want to send our sympathy. He always worked with friendliness and caring. (Washington Com. Schools) God be with you as you adjust to life without him.
Cindy Starr
04/22/2013
I worked with Dick on the AEA team serving Wapello. He was a great person and always full of great ideas and inspiration. I missed working with him after he retired.
Beverly Bailey
04/20/2013
Arlene and family. I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a wonderful educator and role model for me. It was a pleasure and honor to know him. May he rest now. Peace to you and the family.
Janet Martin WAgg
04/19/2013
Arlene sorry to hear about Dick. Was great knowing him.Had lost track of you and family after Mom passed. Barb died in Feb. so will have service soon in Granview for her. Will keep you and family in my prayers. know he will be missed with all the good things he has done for education. Take care Janet
Jeral Sexton
04/19/2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. You have my deepest sympathy. I know Gloria would tell you the same if she were able but she is watching over you from Heaven right now and wanting you to know he is with all your loved ones who are up there as well as her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Judy.
I am looking forward to many more Rummy Royal card games with you and Judy in the near future. Need to win more pennys from you. lol
Take care will see you soon when you get back home.
Your next door neighbor, Jeral
Janet Lower Caldwell
04/19/2013
Dick was a wonderful man and educator. I enjoyed teaching with him and running Camp Reece together a couple of summers. Such talent and creativity! The world was a better place because of him.
Kaylene Miller
04/18/2013
Thinking of you, Arlene. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Shannon Carlson
04/18/2013
Keeping Mr. Herlein's loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. I feel truly blessed to have taken a course at MCC with this wonderful man. He made learning fun, and shared so much wisdom with us. He will be greatly missed.
Sandy Hall
04/18/2013
Arlene, I am so sorry for your loss of a great man! I worked with Dick in physical therapy after his teaching career. He had some great advice and a great sense of humor! I will remember him as a humble loving man! ((((hugs to you)))))
Barbara Kelly
04/18/2013
Arlene, I was so sorry to hear about Dick. He was a wonderful, classy gentleman who was dedicated to you, his children, his friends, and his students! Dick will be deeply missed, but he will be remembered in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely yours,
Barbara Kelly, retied AEA consultant
Jill Reed Hoben
04/18/2013
My memories of Dick begin 50 years ago when he lived across the gravel road from my parents(Wayne and Jenny Reed) near Grandview. One of our sons were privileged to have him for college speech. A gifted teacher. Our sympathies and prayers to your family.
Acuren Inspection Corporate (Dayton Ohio)
04/18/2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Brenda McAvoy
04/18/2013
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Dick. May your memories of good times help see you through in the days to come. I'm sure he's yard sailing somewhere in heaven.Our prayers are with you.
Danielle Woepking
04/17/2013
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. I had the pleasure of taking a course with him at MCC and he was an amazing teacher. I loved the class and he made it very enjoyable. I enjoyed the stories he would share with the class. My deepest sympathies.